Books I'm Reading
Following Christ
January 22, 2010
January 19, 2010
Commended in every way...
"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." 2 Cor 6:3-10
After reading the above passage reagrding the hardships of Paul it became a clear goal for me. This is what it looks like to follow Christ. Lord, help me to be a servant unto you.
January 16, 2010
January 12, 2010
December 31, 2009
Onwards onto 2010
December 29, 2009
Betta Next Year...
So, this week we're all pondering how to do better next year. I started my concept yesterday and wonder how long it will take before I fold...
With the understanding that Jesus is more than enough for us and our works are filthy rags, this is a great opportunity and time of year to acknowledge that we are less than perfect and we're sorry for our sin. Because we are compelled by Jesus and His example, we seek to gain a more God-ward trajection & grow in our relationship with Christ. Hopefully our response can be like that of a tax collecting sinner, Zacchaeus, who after hearing Jesus say, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today," said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." (Read here for the full story.)
We'll be taking some next steps with the launch team & reaching new mileposts, so we appreciate your prayer. Also, our real estate company is gearing up for a productive 2010. We want to be ready to hear from the Lord and I know you do too.
December 22, 2009
December 13, 2009
Our New Adventure - An Update
As yall probably know, my family is a part of a recently formed ministry in town following God's call to launch a new church in our community. For the last three months we've been meeting on Sunday afternoons together to connect, pray, learn from God's word, serve, & share a meal. It's been an exhilarating experience.
Today our launch team prayed and talked about Matthew 9:35-38...
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
We had great round-table discussion marveling at the pure & true compassion Jesus has for those who are harassed and helpless. Those without the good shepherd. A shepherd that knows us by name. We talked about the incredible need to pray. We asked, "How we might be further compelled to authentically love God, people, and our community?"
Then we saw how God was working in our community through 2 real life examples...Lee Bean who initiated & leads the effort for the newly established men's homeless shelter and Fred Moffat who is the interim pastor of a downtown church that feeds and helps folks 5 days a week. All of us are emboldened by the willingness of these men & their organizations.
Each Sunday our team has shown a growing heart for Jesus and a desire to follow His teachings more deeply. Rachel and me remain extremely honored and challenged to be on this journey with such cooperative people that truly want to see our city transformed. I'm very proud that we've also finished our first service project this weekend (see here) and look forward to many more. Our special thanks to those who are praying and cheering us forward. Be encouraged as we are in Christ.
December 06, 2009
November 03, 2009
Morning Sunrise
Had a meeting this morning for coffee around sunrise. Was in line & a lady turned and said, "That's beautiful...How can that be scientifically explained?...We have a Creator." Hard to get a grasp on the view, but I tried my best to get a quick phone camera shot.
