We should be signing the lease contract on the building within the next week. We are currently having drawings made up, according to our vision, of how we can utilize the 6,000 sq. ft. to the max. We will select which design we want and have official architectural drawings drawn up. I will then go with the buildings owner to get city approval beginning of September. Once we have approval from the city, we will be assembling several MAPS teams to come and volunteer their time and services to assist in renovations.
If you are skilled in landscaping, painting, drywall, plumbing or electrical please contact us so we can get you connected with a team.
We are also excited as the team continues to expand. God has been building this in His way and on His time table. I'm sure glad He has everything under control and in His hands.
Psalm 127:1 says Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labor in vain.
God, continue to take control of the launch team, building, and city of Wyandotte. Through Your grace and Your power we will follow Your lead.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Battery Operated
Life is battery operated (well, not really but bare with me for a moment) Just like a battery, life always has a positive and a negative side. We don't have to work hard or look long to find the negative side of life. In every situation we are in, that seems to be the side that wants to rise to the top. However, there is also a positive side to every situation as well. Those who have been in pretty traumatic situations may disagree yet if we pause long enough we can see a positive that comes out of all situations.
For instance, at the beginning of the month we had a booth at the Wyandotte Street Fair. We were placed in the Jimmy John's parking lot off the beaten' path, being blocked by other tents. However, because of our location we really got a chance to talk and spend quality time with families. In the end we had built better connections then if we would have been on the main drag. I also remember the million and one thoughts that raced through our heads as our lead pastor left within 6 months of our family moving to ROC church in Northville to be the youth pastors. Were we going to have to move again? Could we stay and continue to serve this amazing church and community? Yet, God gave me a great friendship and a mentor in Mike Morche and an encourager and mentor in Michael Norman. We grew so much in this time of transition. I can see now God was preparing us for this church plant in Wyandotte.
Philippians 1:12 Paul talks about the positive that came out of his imprisonment. He could have griped, complained, got bitter, angry and took it out on others. However, he knew that life is "battery operated" (even though there weren't batteries yet) and that there is a positive in every situation. Listen to the positives he states that came out of his imprisonment.
#1--Advancement of the Gospel
#2--the whole imperial guard heard about Christ
#3--Most of the Christians gained confidence
#4--Most of the Christians were encouraged to speak more boldly
Challenge of the day: What situation are you facing right now that is frustrating, draining, or causing you problems? Write down 2 positive elements that either are in the midst of it or that can come as a result of it?
For instance, at the beginning of the month we had a booth at the Wyandotte Street Fair. We were placed in the Jimmy John's parking lot off the beaten' path, being blocked by other tents. However, because of our location we really got a chance to talk and spend quality time with families. In the end we had built better connections then if we would have been on the main drag. I also remember the million and one thoughts that raced through our heads as our lead pastor left within 6 months of our family moving to ROC church in Northville to be the youth pastors. Were we going to have to move again? Could we stay and continue to serve this amazing church and community? Yet, God gave me a great friendship and a mentor in Mike Morche and an encourager and mentor in Michael Norman. We grew so much in this time of transition. I can see now God was preparing us for this church plant in Wyandotte.
Philippians 1:12 Paul talks about the positive that came out of his imprisonment. He could have griped, complained, got bitter, angry and took it out on others. However, he knew that life is "battery operated" (even though there weren't batteries yet) and that there is a positive in every situation. Listen to the positives he states that came out of his imprisonment.
#1--Advancement of the Gospel
#2--the whole imperial guard heard about Christ
#3--Most of the Christians gained confidence
#4--Most of the Christians were encouraged to speak more boldly
Challenge of the day: What situation are you facing right now that is frustrating, draining, or causing you problems? Write down 2 positive elements that either are in the midst of it or that can come as a result of it?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Imitation
Imitation is typically a bad word. I remember growing up and for the first time buying tennis shoes at K-mart (Voit). They looked cool but they weren't Nike or Reebok. One can also think of the people on the corners of New York selling watches and jewelry for $10.
However, just like God He flips things upside down and right side up.
Ephesians 5:1-2--Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Wow, we are called to imitate the creator of the universe. How in the world are we supposed to do that? I love what comes after that statement. It shows us to things.
1. In order to imitate God we must first receive His love (as dearly loved children). God is love
and in order to know Him and follow Him we must receive from Him.
2. Live a life of love. Once we receive love from God we can give that love to others.
Question of the day: #1--Have you experienced God's love? If so, is it stale, old or dusty? Why not carve out some time to be still before Him or spend some time in His Word and be refreshed and renewed at how much he loves you. #2--Now that you have received and experienced God's love its time to be an IMITATOR. Let's live a life of love and give up our lives for others. When we do that it is a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
However, just like God He flips things upside down and right side up.
Ephesians 5:1-2--Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Wow, we are called to imitate the creator of the universe. How in the world are we supposed to do that? I love what comes after that statement. It shows us to things.
1. In order to imitate God we must first receive His love (as dearly loved children). God is love
and in order to know Him and follow Him we must receive from Him.
2. Live a life of love. Once we receive love from God we can give that love to others.
Question of the day: #1--Have you experienced God's love? If so, is it stale, old or dusty? Why not carve out some time to be still before Him or spend some time in His Word and be refreshed and renewed at how much he loves you. #2--Now that you have received and experienced God's love its time to be an IMITATOR. Let's live a life of love and give up our lives for others. When we do that it is a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Isolation
Isolation. What comes to your mind when you hear that word? What do you picture? The first image that comes to my mind is solitary confinement. A prisoner being isolated in the darkness with no human contact. This is the worse form of punishment or torture. Why? Because we were created by God in His image. We were created for relationship and interaction.
Question of the Day: Is there an area of your life that is isolated from God or from those closest to you?
Satan's #1 weapon is isolation. If He can get us alone we are a sitting duck. The more authentic relationships we have where we can be real and yet encourage each other spiritually the stronger we become. (just read Ecclesiastes 4). He also tries to isolate us from God through shame, condemnation and lies.
Challenge of the day: Take the one area of your life that is most isolated from God and others and spend time today talking to God about it. Open up and Let Him shine His light and grace on that area of your life. Also take time to share it with someone you trust. If you don't think you can trust anyone, give it a try and start today.
Question of the Day: Is there an area of your life that is isolated from God or from those closest to you?
Satan's #1 weapon is isolation. If He can get us alone we are a sitting duck. The more authentic relationships we have where we can be real and yet encourage each other spiritually the stronger we become. (just read Ecclesiastes 4). He also tries to isolate us from God through shame, condemnation and lies.
Challenge of the day: Take the one area of your life that is most isolated from God and others and spend time today talking to God about it. Open up and Let Him shine His light and grace on that area of your life. Also take time to share it with someone you trust. If you don't think you can trust anyone, give it a try and start today.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Nightmares
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and swore you saw someone or something in your room? You jump up or sit up quickly, stunned and confused, only to realize it was your shirt hanging on the door or your pants on the floor. (I hope its not just me :)
All growing up I had nightmares thinking I saw things that weren't really there. They were so real to me that my parents couldn't convince me other wise. I remember one time I swear I saw a demon/ghost in my room so I ran downstairs as fast as I could (all in my sleep) and hid under the pool table. My parents couldn't believe how fast I ran downstairs, it must have been a Guinness's World Record.
Our walks with God are very similar. Our enemy, Satan, puts illusions of roadblocks in front of us, making us think we can't get to God. We look around and can't seem to find God anywhere. We look straight ahead and only see what resembles a giant roadblock.
Romans 8:28-30 says...For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Be encouraged today and remember that no mater how you feel right now, no matter how many days you haven't connected or spent time with God, no matter how empty and lonely you feel, no matter if you have turned your back on Him, HIS LOVE IS STILL THERE.
Turn your eyes upon God, and run to Him. As you run to Him you will realize that roadblock was a shadow and not really there. You will find yourself wrapped in God's loving arms excited that you are pursuing Him.
Question of the Day: Do you feel there is a roadblock between you and God? Once you run toward Him and find yourself in His arms, what is He saying to you?
All growing up I had nightmares thinking I saw things that weren't really there. They were so real to me that my parents couldn't convince me other wise. I remember one time I swear I saw a demon/ghost in my room so I ran downstairs as fast as I could (all in my sleep) and hid under the pool table. My parents couldn't believe how fast I ran downstairs, it must have been a Guinness's World Record.
Our walks with God are very similar. Our enemy, Satan, puts illusions of roadblocks in front of us, making us think we can't get to God. We look around and can't seem to find God anywhere. We look straight ahead and only see what resembles a giant roadblock.
Romans 8:28-30 says...For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Be encouraged today and remember that no mater how you feel right now, no matter how many days you haven't connected or spent time with God, no matter how empty and lonely you feel, no matter if you have turned your back on Him, HIS LOVE IS STILL THERE.
Turn your eyes upon God, and run to Him. As you run to Him you will realize that roadblock was a shadow and not really there. You will find yourself wrapped in God's loving arms excited that you are pursuing Him.
Question of the Day: Do you feel there is a roadblock between you and God? Once you run toward Him and find yourself in His arms, what is He saying to you?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Brown Paper Bag
If I put a $100,000 diamond in an old, crumpled paper bag and threw it on the pavement, most people would walk right over it. There would be a valuable treasure right before their eyes yet most people would walk right pass it and never discover whats really inside.
Galatians 2:6, John 7:24, & 1 Samuel 16:7 all talk about not looking at the outward appearance.
Just like the brown paper bag with a $100,000 diamond, there are people all around us that have an amazing value, and destiny in Christ that needs to be unwrapped.
We look at what we are, while God looks at what we can be. Take a few moments today and spend some extra time unwrapping peoples lives through quality time, being present, eye contact and genuine interest.
Question of the day: Who can you spend a little extra time with today unwrapping their true value and potential?
lesson concept from Dream Releasers by Wayne Cordeiro
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Wyandotte Street Fair #3
I can't believe that its over already; what a great week!! The past two days the Belding family came up from Ohio and did balloon creations. Children had so much fun getting Elmo balloons, light sabers, princess hats, giraffe hats etc. It's amazing how long children will wait and how excited they get to receive their favorite balloon. Seeing children smiling and having fun is so rewarding. The Belding's did an awesome job.
We also had more families come back for the third day in a row to jump on the trampolines and play the games. We had many comments that our booth was one of the most welcoming and loving booths they have ever seen. It's cool to see the presence and love of God shining through everyone. We also had over 200 people take a survey for our Chuck E Cheese and Little Ceaser gift card drawing.
We are so thankful for Woodland Church, Bethel A/G, Pastor Quran from Faith Christian, The Deberte's & Yoder's, Beldings, Iverson's, the team from Ohio, friends and family for helping make this week a success.
God has given us a passion to serve and love families in Wyandotte and this was the first step toward our vision. Our next step is to secure a building and continue to build the team. This is an exciting adventure and we wouldn't change it one bit.
We also had more families come back for the third day in a row to jump on the trampolines and play the games. We had many comments that our booth was one of the most welcoming and loving booths they have ever seen. It's cool to see the presence and love of God shining through everyone. We also had over 200 people take a survey for our Chuck E Cheese and Little Ceaser gift card drawing.
We are so thankful for Woodland Church, Bethel A/G, Pastor Quran from Faith Christian, The Deberte's & Yoder's, Beldings, Iverson's, the team from Ohio, friends and family for helping make this week a success.
God has given us a passion to serve and love families in Wyandotte and this was the first step toward our vision. Our next step is to secure a building and continue to build the team. This is an exciting adventure and we wouldn't change it one bit.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wyandotte Street Fair #2
Today was another great day at the street fair. There were several families that had such a good time at our booth yesterday (the kids trampoline) that they came back again today. We also had the Deberte/Yoder family come up from Ohio with their snow cone machine. We had such a fun time watching children come back to the booth with blue lips acting like they hadn't had one yet. We probably had around 400 people at our booth today. The team of students that our helping us out this week have done an amazing job. We also appreciate the city of Wyandotte and their flexibility. If you still haven't seen us yet come check us out. We are in the parking lot of Jimmy Johns next to the giant bungee trampoline.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wyan. Street Fair #1
The first day at the street fair is now done. We had lots of fun meeting and talking to families. The areo ball jr. trampoline was a success. Kids didn't want to stop jumping or get off. The carnival games were also a huge hit. We passed out probably 250-350 stickers and probably had 50 entries into our Chuck E Cheese/Ceaserland drawing. Tomorrow we are going to give out 1,000 free snow cones in the afternoon. Wyandotte has so many amazing people. We are looking forward to more smiles on children's faces, more conversations with parents and more opportunities to serve the city.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wyandotte Street Fair Update
We are so excited about the Wyandotte Street Fair. We will be in the Jimmy Johns Parking lot one block North of Eureka on Biddle Ave. Come see us. We will be there from 10Am to 9PM Wednesday through Saturday!!
If you aren't familiar with the street fair check out http://www.wyandottestreetartfair.org/
If you aren't familiar with the street fair check out http://www.wyandottestreetartfair.org/
Instant
Instant Oatmeal. Instant breakfast sandwiches. Instant coffee. Instant french fries. Instant waffles. Instant hot pockets (not sure what they really are...they're supposed to be pizza).
We all love instant. Why? We live in a fast paced world with high demands and a lot of pressure. We need things quick and now. As I was praying the other day I felt God challenge me in this area. I sensed Him saying to me that nothing of lasting value comes in an instant. So often we want God to do a miracle in our finances, job hunting, house selling, relationships etc. God does choose to do some miracles instantaneous (check out Matthew 9). However, there are also times God chooses the process or the journey over instantaneous. Why? During the journey God grows our character and commitment to Him. He teaches us deeper levels of His faithfulness, power, love and grace.
Thought of the day: Nothing of lasting value comes in an instant
Question of the day: What are you facing right now that you wish there was an instant solution? What can God be developing in you of lasting value? Thank Him for His faithfulness.
We all love instant. Why? We live in a fast paced world with high demands and a lot of pressure. We need things quick and now. As I was praying the other day I felt God challenge me in this area. I sensed Him saying to me that nothing of lasting value comes in an instant. So often we want God to do a miracle in our finances, job hunting, house selling, relationships etc. God does choose to do some miracles instantaneous (check out Matthew 9). However, there are also times God chooses the process or the journey over instantaneous. Why? During the journey God grows our character and commitment to Him. He teaches us deeper levels of His faithfulness, power, love and grace.
Thought of the day: Nothing of lasting value comes in an instant
Question of the day: What are you facing right now that you wish there was an instant solution? What can God be developing in you of lasting value? Thank Him for His faithfulness.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Discipline
When you read the word discipline what comes to your mind? Is it your Mom or Dad beating you one inch of your life? (maybe a little exaggerated :) Is it having your car keys taken away as a teenager? Is it a dirty word that causes pain and disappointment.
Thought of the Day: Discipline is not punishment. It is doing whats right even if you don't feel like it. I just started running again after a 8 month break. Tonight I didn't want to run before I went into work. However, I knew the benefit would far exceed the 15 minutes of struggle and possible pain.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
What are you disciplining yourself to do everyday? Are you disciplined to watch 4 hours of TV a day? Are you discipline to work 70 hours a week? Are you a disciplined season ticket holder?
Challenge of the Day: What area of your physical or spiritual life can you create a specific measurable plan to discipline yourself toward growth & health?
What is the eternal prize and purpose Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians? It is the awesome joy and fulfillment in seeing Jesus face to face and being with Him in heaven. It is seeing the countless lives in heaven that we talked to, served, loved and sacrificed for on this earth. It is finally seeing the effects of the countless hours of prayer we spent asking God to touch our friends and families. It is seeing the effects of the countless hours we sacrificed to reach other people with the love of God.
Don't quit! You are making a difference. Let's live disciplined!!
Thought of the Day: Discipline is not punishment. It is doing whats right even if you don't feel like it. I just started running again after a 8 month break. Tonight I didn't want to run before I went into work. However, I knew the benefit would far exceed the 15 minutes of struggle and possible pain.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
What are you disciplining yourself to do everyday? Are you disciplined to watch 4 hours of TV a day? Are you discipline to work 70 hours a week? Are you a disciplined season ticket holder?
Challenge of the Day: What area of your physical or spiritual life can you create a specific measurable plan to discipline yourself toward growth & health?
What is the eternal prize and purpose Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians? It is the awesome joy and fulfillment in seeing Jesus face to face and being with Him in heaven. It is seeing the countless lives in heaven that we talked to, served, loved and sacrificed for on this earth. It is finally seeing the effects of the countless hours of prayer we spent asking God to touch our friends and families. It is seeing the effects of the countless hours we sacrificed to reach other people with the love of God.
Don't quit! You are making a difference. Let's live disciplined!!
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