This weekend was great in many ways.
First, we have a special guest, Dr. Mark Wootton share with us. He started Saturday night with a special session for our leadership team. He talked about leadership principals. Then he spoke on Sunday morning about the important themes of Pentecost, the harvest and meeting a holy God. Check out this great message on our audio page at www.firstagwasghington.org. Then on Sunday afternoon he did a two hour seminar on the understanding the four gospels. It was like gathering mana in the desert.
Second, having Mark and his wife Joy at church was literally having a fresh set of eyes to look at our church. I love getting input from people outside our church about the things that I might be taking for granted.
Third, Sunday was a new record attendance for a regular Sunday morning attendance. There were 173 of us there Sunday. That is only 16 less than Easter last year. Now, here is the scary thing. We are working on a new way to follow attendance, we have been keeping attendance on paper for years. You would think our church management software would do one of the most important tasks in church, take attendance. It will not. We are looking for new software this year. Now that we have changed our attendance tracking process, we have learned that 270 different people have attended our church since January. That means a lot of people who call our church their church home attend sporadically. We must connect better. It also means that we are going to have to get serious about what to do this Easter Sunday so that we have room for everyone.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Life is Hard, God is Good
In the last year I have come to redefine how and why bad things happen to good people. The bottom line is that life is hard and full of trouble. Even for believers, life can be full of trouble. However, God is good. He is the source of everything good in my life. Satan is the source of trouble. God allows some trouble, but it is always trouble that God can empower me to overcome.
This simple definition helps me a lot. First, I am ready to fight bad things in life and look for God's ways of overcoming. I have an overcoming attitude. Second, I feel a greater sense of God's protection, even when bad things are happening to me. I know that he is still in control and saving me from unbearable difficulties. Third, it removes from our minds the temptation of blaming God for things.
So, if you are having a rough time with something, just remember. Life is hard, God is good.
This simple definition helps me a lot. First, I am ready to fight bad things in life and look for God's ways of overcoming. I have an overcoming attitude. Second, I feel a greater sense of God's protection, even when bad things are happening to me. I know that he is still in control and saving me from unbearable difficulties. Third, it removes from our minds the temptation of blaming God for things.
So, if you are having a rough time with something, just remember. Life is hard, God is good.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Make God Look Good
Do you make God look good? That is a strange question, but it is a question that God asks himself.
Isaiah 48:9-11
9 For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath;
for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you,
so as not to destroy you completely.
10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this.
How can I let myself be defamed?
I will not yield my glory to another.
Did you realize that in God's perfection, he has self-respect? Because of his self-respect he may withhold his wrath against his people when they are blatantly disobedient. The idea is, "I will hold back from sending calamity because I love them and because those people bear my name, and my name should be associated with good things, not bad."
If you claim to follow Jesus Christ, then your life says something about Jesus.
So, what is your life saying?
Does your life make Jesus look good? Are you making Jesus look good at work, around your kids, in your marriage, with your neighbors or at school? Jesus is good! Even though life is full of trouble, we can make Jesus look good even as we go through trouble and very good when he brings us out of trouble.
Let's make God look good! Let's not make him push the limits of his mercy. Let's live such good lives that people can not help but say good things about the God we serve and love.
Isaiah 48:9-11
9 For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath;
for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you,
so as not to destroy you completely.
10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this.
How can I let myself be defamed?
I will not yield my glory to another.
Did you realize that in God's perfection, he has self-respect? Because of his self-respect he may withhold his wrath against his people when they are blatantly disobedient. The idea is, "I will hold back from sending calamity because I love them and because those people bear my name, and my name should be associated with good things, not bad."
If you claim to follow Jesus Christ, then your life says something about Jesus.
So, what is your life saying?
Does your life make Jesus look good? Are you making Jesus look good at work, around your kids, in your marriage, with your neighbors or at school? Jesus is good! Even though life is full of trouble, we can make Jesus look good even as we go through trouble and very good when he brings us out of trouble.
Let's make God look good! Let's not make him push the limits of his mercy. Let's live such good lives that people can not help but say good things about the God we serve and love.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Weekend Rewind
Sunday was an awesome day! Attendance was good, but the presence of the Lord was the best! For me, there seemed to be an extra special presence of the Lord at communion time this Sunday in both services. Let's make the most of communion. Don't let it become routine. Ask the Lord for his touch in a special way before Communion.
In second service three people responded to the gospel message and asked God for forgiveness and started a new walk with Jesus Christ! This is why I am a Pastor. The greatest work of ministry for me is leading people to Jesus. Paul told Timothy, a young pastor, "do the work of an evangelist." What if a Pastor is gifted at administration, teaching, or counseling? That's great! Be great at those things, but teach yourself, train yourself, pray for God's help, and do the work of an evangelist. As I prayed with the kids at bed time Sunday night, I thanked God for the three people who were saved and tanked God for the great privilege of leading people to Jesus.
In second service three people responded to the gospel message and asked God for forgiveness and started a new walk with Jesus Christ! This is why I am a Pastor. The greatest work of ministry for me is leading people to Jesus. Paul told Timothy, a young pastor, "do the work of an evangelist." What if a Pastor is gifted at administration, teaching, or counseling? That's great! Be great at those things, but teach yourself, train yourself, pray for God's help, and do the work of an evangelist. As I prayed with the kids at bed time Sunday night, I thanked God for the three people who were saved and tanked God for the great privilege of leading people to Jesus.
Love is In the Air!
Happy V-Day! Go do something beautiful for your spouse today. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ (Jesus) loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy..."
Husbands, take the lead. Take initiative to do great things for your wife (and family if you have kids). Love is great when there seems to be "chemistry." You might say that, "love is in the air." I say, and the Scriptures seem to concur, take initiative to love your wife, and you will be creating the chemistry and atmosphere that puts love in the air.
Husbands, take the lead. Take initiative to do great things for your wife (and family if you have kids). Love is great when there seems to be "chemistry." You might say that, "love is in the air." I say, and the Scriptures seem to concur, take initiative to love your wife, and you will be creating the chemistry and atmosphere that puts love in the air.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
First Fruits Offering
On Sunday, April 17th, we will have our celebration Sunday. We will be having one service and we have rented the Elk's Lodge on 5th street to house the crowd. Church will start at 10:00 a.m. We will worship, there will be a message, and we will be receiving our first fruits offering and making our faith-promise or capital campaign pledges that morning. Then we will receive a first fruits offering. Following worship we will be serving the entire church lunch.
What is a first fruits offering? It is the first offering that we will commit to the capital campaign. I believe that we may receive a large percentage of our total goal on that morning! What an exciting way to begin reaching four our goal.
I want to encourage you to be praying and preparing for celebration Sunday. Begin to ask God what he wants your faith promise to be. Second, ask God what he desires for you to do with the first fruits offering. You need to be praying about this because we are not going to tell you what you should give. You also need to pray because we are not going to harass you about turning in your faith promise pledge, that is between you and God. You need to obey the Lord's direction. I have already been saving money for my first fruits offering so that I will be able to give my very best to the Lord. I am praying that he will increase that amount!
What is a first fruits offering? It is the first offering that we will commit to the capital campaign. I believe that we may receive a large percentage of our total goal on that morning! What an exciting way to begin reaching four our goal.
I want to encourage you to be praying and preparing for celebration Sunday. Begin to ask God what he wants your faith promise to be. Second, ask God what he desires for you to do with the first fruits offering. You need to be praying about this because we are not going to tell you what you should give. You also need to pray because we are not going to harass you about turning in your faith promise pledge, that is between you and God. You need to obey the Lord's direction. I have already been saving money for my first fruits offering so that I will be able to give my very best to the Lord. I am praying that he will increase that amount!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Missions Giving Record
I received the report yesterday. It is official! Last year we gave over $50,000 to missions. Two years ago we missed 50K by about $280. Then the economy went bad and though our tithe has increased, our missionary giving has been very stable, but without increase.
In April of 2003 we supported 9 missionaries. This year we are supporting 31 and the amount that we support each of them is larger than the amount that we were sending when we started.
A Church that gives to missions will be blessed. We have been blessed. Now, I am trusting the Lord that our mission giving will continue to increase slowly while at the same time our church is able to invest heavily in our capital campaign to raise relocation funds. We serve a big God with all the resources we need.
In April of 2003 we supported 9 missionaries. This year we are supporting 31 and the amount that we support each of them is larger than the amount that we were sending when we started.
A Church that gives to missions will be blessed. We have been blessed. Now, I am trusting the Lord that our mission giving will continue to increase slowly while at the same time our church is able to invest heavily in our capital campaign to raise relocation funds. We serve a big God with all the resources we need.
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Ministry
In the next three weeks I am going to share a series of messages called "The Ministry." I am really curious about what God is doing here.
When I started the Wednesday night Exodus series in January, and the Matthew series in December, I did not realize that both would converge in February pointing us to look a Moses' call to service and the kick off of Jesus' call to service and ministry at the same time.
This is one of those times when I am reminded again that the Lord owns his church and manages things through me sometimes, even when I am unaware that he is using me, or how he is using me.
When I started the Wednesday night Exodus series in January, and the Matthew series in December, I did not realize that both would converge in February pointing us to look a Moses' call to service and the kick off of Jesus' call to service and ministry at the same time.
This is one of those times when I am reminded again that the Lord owns his church and manages things through me sometimes, even when I am unaware that he is using me, or how he is using me.
Tough January
This first month of 2011 has been a bear! But, it has also been fruitful in spite of trouble.
In one month I have trained the new part-time Pastor's Secretary and adjusted to the Church Secretary being part-time also. I have had seven days with the flu, missing one Sunday morning. I have been off my feet three days due to foot surgery and drastically slowed down for four more. Stephane had the flu for four day and Elizabeth for four days. We have canceled church for bad weather two times, not a big time saver for me by the way, it takes me considerable time to make the decision and then contact everyone.
We kicked off our capital campaign, published two church newsletters, edited and updated each page of the church website, created a 19 minute video on the vision of the church and scheduled 11 PIE meetings for February and the first week of March. I don't remember my hours the first week of January, but the other three were 68, 68, and 80 hours. I think it is safe to say that I worked 250 hours or more in January. The 80 hour week included me being sick on my day off and taking a sick day in bed.
I can't wait till vacation in June! Which by the way, looks like I have to reschedule for July because of snow days, Youth camp, Challenge Camp and MEGA Sports Camp.
God is doing and is going to do great things in 2011! I am thoroughly convinced that this MUST be a breakthrough year for the future of our church. But, that breakthrough will mean a ton of work and a heavy schedule.
In one month I have trained the new part-time Pastor's Secretary and adjusted to the Church Secretary being part-time also. I have had seven days with the flu, missing one Sunday morning. I have been off my feet three days due to foot surgery and drastically slowed down for four more. Stephane had the flu for four day and Elizabeth for four days. We have canceled church for bad weather two times, not a big time saver for me by the way, it takes me considerable time to make the decision and then contact everyone.
We kicked off our capital campaign, published two church newsletters, edited and updated each page of the church website, created a 19 minute video on the vision of the church and scheduled 11 PIE meetings for February and the first week of March. I don't remember my hours the first week of January, but the other three were 68, 68, and 80 hours. I think it is safe to say that I worked 250 hours or more in January. The 80 hour week included me being sick on my day off and taking a sick day in bed.
I can't wait till vacation in June! Which by the way, looks like I have to reschedule for July because of snow days, Youth camp, Challenge Camp and MEGA Sports Camp.
God is doing and is going to do great things in 2011! I am thoroughly convinced that this MUST be a breakthrough year for the future of our church. But, that breakthrough will mean a ton of work and a heavy schedule.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Cancelinations
Hi church. We are canceling services for tonight, Wednesday, February 2nd. The offices are also closed. Stephanie and I have worked about three hours today, but will attempt to leave as soon as possible. We are trusting that Thursday can be normal.
Stephanie and I are working on The Journey stewardship/capital campaign newsletter. Thanks to Tim Willard, Darin Gruber and Jonas Temple for their help with the newsletter!
Stephanie and I are working on The Journey stewardship/capital campaign newsletter. Thanks to Tim Willard, Darin Gruber and Jonas Temple for their help with the newsletter!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Weekend Rewind
Why did Pastor Paul preach sitting down?
Today I did something I have never done, I preached from a stool, seated on the platform. Some of you might wonder why.
It was not an attempt to be cool. Friday I had foot surgery and I have three large wounds on the bottoms of my feet. I can stand in one spot, but it is VERY difficult to walk. So, I made a plan for the day.
First, I had someone bring me a stool before 8:00 a.m. today. I wobbled up to the platform at 8:10 a.m. I stood still to play guitar, and then moved two steps to sit for the sermon. At the end of first service it took me 30 minutes to walk from the platform to the foyer and back. Only Chris noticed me limping because I would take about two steps and stop and talk and so on. Because of my feet I only greeted about 8 people all morning, that is very different!
Why did I function this way? Because, I had a real message for you today from the Lord. If I had mentioned my feet, people would have thought about my feet all service long. I wanted you to think about the message all day, not my feet! I must become less so that the message may become more. That is the goal of real preaching, for Jesus to be noticed. Nothing else should get in the way, not your tie, your jeans, your hair, your worship team, or even your temporary difficulty.
I was pleased! The focus today was on the message. It changed lives, two were saved and two re-dedications in the second service! Many others connected again with God out of their puffed up religious attitude. Some others connected with God out of their half hearted devotion to Jesus. When preaching in my home church, sister Osaga-Morgan always used to shout,
"A-Men. Stand up in em' Jesus!"
Today Jesus stood up, and I sat down.
Today I did something I have never done, I preached from a stool, seated on the platform. Some of you might wonder why.
It was not an attempt to be cool. Friday I had foot surgery and I have three large wounds on the bottoms of my feet. I can stand in one spot, but it is VERY difficult to walk. So, I made a plan for the day.
First, I had someone bring me a stool before 8:00 a.m. today. I wobbled up to the platform at 8:10 a.m. I stood still to play guitar, and then moved two steps to sit for the sermon. At the end of first service it took me 30 minutes to walk from the platform to the foyer and back. Only Chris noticed me limping because I would take about two steps and stop and talk and so on. Because of my feet I only greeted about 8 people all morning, that is very different!
Why did I function this way? Because, I had a real message for you today from the Lord. If I had mentioned my feet, people would have thought about my feet all service long. I wanted you to think about the message all day, not my feet! I must become less so that the message may become more. That is the goal of real preaching, for Jesus to be noticed. Nothing else should get in the way, not your tie, your jeans, your hair, your worship team, or even your temporary difficulty.
I was pleased! The focus today was on the message. It changed lives, two were saved and two re-dedications in the second service! Many others connected again with God out of their puffed up religious attitude. Some others connected with God out of their half hearted devotion to Jesus. When preaching in my home church, sister Osaga-Morgan always used to shout,
"A-Men. Stand up in em' Jesus!"
Today Jesus stood up, and I sat down.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
This Sunday
This Sunday is going to be a great day to experience God at Church.
Have you ever wondered why baptism suddenly appears in Matthew and the ministry of John the Baptist? Why did hundreds, maybe thousands, of Jews go out to see John and be baptized? Did John make up the concept of baptism? It is never mentioned as a ceremony or command in the Old Testament. Why would Jews feel compelled to be baptized when it is not commanded? Why would they do something that is not prescribed in the Law of Moses?
Second, what made the Jewish rulers so angry at John the Baptist? Why did they reject his message and he in turn reject them as a "brood of vipers."
The answer to both questions is related. I will give you the answer on Sunday morning. The implications of this answer display the powerful nature of John's preaching. The principals of this answer will shake you and make you evaluate your confession of faith and relationship with God.
If we hear the Spirit's voice in this message and heed the warning that John the Baptist gave us, we will be closer to God when we walk out of church Sunday morning than when we arrived.
Have you ever wondered why baptism suddenly appears in Matthew and the ministry of John the Baptist? Why did hundreds, maybe thousands, of Jews go out to see John and be baptized? Did John make up the concept of baptism? It is never mentioned as a ceremony or command in the Old Testament. Why would Jews feel compelled to be baptized when it is not commanded? Why would they do something that is not prescribed in the Law of Moses?
Second, what made the Jewish rulers so angry at John the Baptist? Why did they reject his message and he in turn reject them as a "brood of vipers."
The answer to both questions is related. I will give you the answer on Sunday morning. The implications of this answer display the powerful nature of John's preaching. The principals of this answer will shake you and make you evaluate your confession of faith and relationship with God.
If we hear the Spirit's voice in this message and heed the warning that John the Baptist gave us, we will be closer to God when we walk out of church Sunday morning than when we arrived.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Slugger!
It is amazing to watch baseball players like A.P. swing the bat. For a guy like me who apparently has no bat speed, it is like magic to see them hit a ball 400 feet. I can't conceive what that feels like.
Isaiah 10:15 asks, "Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it...?" Isaiah is speaking to an ancient Assyrian King who is proud of his accomplishments and has said to himself, "By the strength of my hand I have done this..." Obviously, God is saying, no, you did not do this, I did this through you. The king is the ax, God is the one who swings the ax.
When we think that we have accomplished something on our own strength, power or smarts, we become like a baseball bat that brags about what it has done, when it is really all about the one who swings the bat, not the lumber. If you give me the best bat in the world, I still can't do what others can do with it.
Success in life is about who you are. You need to strive for personal excellence. But ultimate success in life and eternity is about whose you are! Dose your entire life belong to Christ? Two bats, both from the same factory, one is in a dusty bag at the bating cages, the other in a major league dugout. Which one will accomplish more effectiveness in hitting baseballs? It all depends on whose had does the swinging.
Isaiah 10:15 asks, "Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it...?" Isaiah is speaking to an ancient Assyrian King who is proud of his accomplishments and has said to himself, "By the strength of my hand I have done this..." Obviously, God is saying, no, you did not do this, I did this through you. The king is the ax, God is the one who swings the ax.
When we think that we have accomplished something on our own strength, power or smarts, we become like a baseball bat that brags about what it has done, when it is really all about the one who swings the bat, not the lumber. If you give me the best bat in the world, I still can't do what others can do with it.
Success in life is about who you are. You need to strive for personal excellence. But ultimate success in life and eternity is about whose you are! Dose your entire life belong to Christ? Two bats, both from the same factory, one is in a dusty bag at the bating cages, the other in a major league dugout. Which one will accomplish more effectiveness in hitting baseballs? It all depends on whose had does the swinging.
Catch Up
I am playing catch up this week because last week as so bad. Included in this is catching up on the blog. I have read things in my devotional time that are worth blogging, and will be trying to get them out to you this week.
Weekend Rewind
I am glad that this last weekend is over! Stephanie, Elizabeth and I, were all very sick. Today I am finally feeling normal! Elizabeth had to stay home from school yesterday and I took time off to take care of her while Stephanie worked Monday.
Huge thanks to Pastor John for being ready to speak to the adults Sunday. I will listen to the message later today, looking forward to it. Also, thanks to the others who stepped in to help in the absence of our family.
Huge thanks to Pastor John for being ready to speak to the adults Sunday. I will listen to the message later today, looking forward to it. Also, thanks to the others who stepped in to help in the absence of our family.
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