We have had a great month going through the series Gifts! (By the way you can listen to the messages on iTunes (subscribe to our podcasts) or at our website http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html )

Week one we talked about God has created you to be unique. We are supposed to be different. 

Week two we looked at the various natural gifts that God has given us. You can read
Exodus 26-31. I would encourage you to read those 6 chapter and write down how many different natural gifts & skills it took to build the Tabernacle. You can also read Romans 12:6-8.

God has given you a natural gift. 

Week 3 we looked at supernatural (Spiritual) gifts. You can read about them in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. We talked about how we want to be a church that is supernatural but not strange. (Thank you Pastor Hubbard for that quote. That helped encapsulate my entire sermon in one phrase)

If you haven't taken advantage of the "Let us Help You Open Your Gifts This Christmas" campaign, I encourage you to so. This weekend is the last chance to turn in a gift certificate and get a free Strength Finders 2.0 book. 

Let us help you open your GIFTS this Christmas

We kicked off our NEW series GIfts this past Sunday. (By the way you can listen to the message on iTunes or at our website http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html )


We looked at God's Word and how He has created every single one of us to be unique. 


Tired of feeling insecure? Tired of comparing yourself to others and battle pride or insecurity? Tired of feeling like you were given the short end of the stick when God created you. Open God's Word and follow us on this journey as we discover that God has given us the gift of uniqueness!! We all have been give natural gifts and have the potential to operate in supernatural gifts. It's going to be a fun month as we open up our GIFTS. 


(BTW: if you come this month we have a special GIFT for you)


Further Reading & Study:


Psalm 139
Genesis 1
1 Corinthians 12:12-18 

Spiritual HUB

Last month series "Family Ties" was a series that we can revisit and listen to time and time again (By the way you can on iTunes or at our website http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html )

God designed the family to be the main environment where spiritual growth happens. From learning how to pray, worship and developing a missional heart, the family is the spiritual hub for growth. 


We tried to give practical resources and support all month to empower parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles to be empowered to lead their families. You can be a spiritual leader in your family. You can show your family who God is and be His hands and feet! Keep growing and learning and don't give up!  


PS. The family adventure is something you can do often with your own family. Better yet get together with another family and do your own family adventure :) 

Love loses itself

Julie & I just had our 3rd child almost 4 months ago. There is something powerful, mystical and amazing when it comes to babies. We love babies with all of our hearts. We get up in the middle of the night and lose sleep to feed them and change their diapers. We protect them and keep them warm. We do everything we can to love and take care of them.


Did you ever think of why? What have babies ever done to deserve that kind of love? Nothing! (except be adorable). 


That kind of love is the kind of love our heavenly Father gives us. A love that is sacrificial and a love that is unconditional. 


We are great at giving that kind of love to babies however we are not so good at giving that kind of love to others that have grown up. We get hurt, offended, betrayed, used, neglected and abandoned. Our heart grows cold and we build walls. 


I pray that we return back to the kind of love that God calls us to live and give. A love that is unconditional and a love that is sacrificial. When we begin to love others this way we will see much fruit!

Love is Paitent

This Past Sunday we looked at a 3rd aspect of love...patience. We shared two practical things we can all do in our daily lives to grow in this aspect of love. You can listen to the message at www.wyandottefamily.com Click on the media tab on the bottom right and select listen to messages.

To me this is a HUGE topic because patience is running thin in our culture. People are too stressed, busy, and worried to be patient. As followers of Christ we have another opportunity to shine the light of Christ as we live lives full of patience!

One of the interesting things I found in my studies was the correlation between patience and the Holy Spirit. Many times patience is mentioned in the same verse the Holy Spirit. It is also described as one of the fruits (evidence) of the Spirit.

Usually when I find myself losing patience and being short with those around me, I find myself running on empty. The reality is that we often leak. We experience God and His Holy Spirit in a prayer time or on a Sunday morning which is great. 

However, just like a car we need to constantly be filled. The more we are filled with His Spirit the more we will see patience in our lives.

Over the next 4 days why not pause and spend some time in prayer asking God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Think about what your days ahead hold and allow God's fruit to be manifested in your life.

Love sees past the present into potential

Love sees past the present into potential. Love has this amazing ability to see someone for what they could be instead of only what they currently are. I am so thankful God loves me this way.


This past Sunday we asked the question, "How did we love this way in our daily lives." I believe the secret sauce is found in Luke 19:10--For the Son of Man came to seek & save those who are lost. Because He had a singular mission and focus. He was able to see opportunities for miracles everywhere. He was able to see what people could become because that was His mission. 


Because Jesus lived missionally he always SAW things that most people missed. Look at how many times it said, "Jesus Saw." When you read this phrase it's normally followed by a miracle. 


Matthew 4:18--As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers...


Matthew 4:21--Going on form there he saw two brothers...


Matthew 5:1--Now when he saw the crowds...


Matthew 8:18--When Jesus saw the crowd around him...


Matthew 9:2--When Jesus saw their faith...


Matthew 9:9--As Jesus went form there he saw a man...


Matthew 9:22--Jesus turned and saw her...


Matthew 9:36--When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them...


Because Jesus knew his mission and was focused, he was able to see what others didn't. 


What would happen if we embraced Jesus' mission for our lives? What would happen if we lived our entire lives for His glory and His cause? 


I wonder what things we would be able to see?

Love sees past the present into potential!

LOVE part 1 "Undeserved"

This past Sunday we kicked off our new series "Love." 
The main verse for this month is John 13:35-- Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.


Somewhere along the line we began to equate spiritual maturity and sharing our faith with simply head knowledge. I think we came to make knowledge of Scripture, busy Christian activity and Christian apparel a sign of being a follower of Christ because it is simply easier. 


Loving others and working at become better at loving like Jesus is hard work. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart. However, Jesus said that love is the proof or evidence that we are his followers. So according to Jesus' definition, can others tell we are His followers?


#1--How much love is currently flowing in your life?
#2--Does your knowledge of scripture match the amount of love?
#3--Grow in love this week. Read & pray 1 John 7-11 this week. 

ACT 4: Be A Trader

We ended our series on the book of Acts this past Sunday with the message "Be a Trader." 


We all make trades every single day. Some trades are great and some are not so good. We can trade in our own agenda to connect with our children or spouse. There are also times we trade in those times for hobbies, facebook or overtime. 


The question that we have to answer is "how is our current trading and investment going?" Are we accomplishing what we want or what God has called us to do? Is what we are trading for really valuable for eternity? What would happen if we traded the American Dream for a life devoted to serving others. What if we traded in moving up the ladder at work for supporting our kids and being there at their events & games. What if we traded in our fear of failure & rejection and took steps of faith in trying new ministries, or building new relationships in our neighborhood. 


Let's become traders! Let's continue the book of Acts and right our own chapter as we follow Jesus on this wild journey!

Act 3: Persecution of the Church

Cornell Jordan came and talked about Acts 5-8 and how the church began to scatter all over because of persecution.

I have the privilege to have 3 daughters and a beautiful loving wife. I am the only guy in a house of 4 girls. Needless to say I've become very aware of how dramatic it can be to comb hair.

Sometimes the girls hair is so tangled they cry when Julie is combing their hair. They want their hair to look good and have all the tangles out but don't like the process.

As we follow Jesus on our faith journey, its very similar. We want the end result of knowing God better, experiencing his presence, love & power yet we often don't like the process.

I'm not sure what you are going through right now and I won't pretend I understand how hard or difficult the pain is. However the one thing I do know is that God is in the amazing business of taking hard times and even pain and making something beautiful out of it if we let him.

Take away: what is one difficult thing in your life right now? How can you surrender it to God and let him make something beautiful out of it? Who can you takl to about what you are going through? How does this change your perspective on the situation?

Acts "A faith that doesn't play around"

It's been a while since my last blog. Been adapting to having 3 girls and a whole new phase of life :) 


The past 2 weeks we have been going through our series ACTS "A faith that doesn't play around." We gave this series this title for two reasons: #1 the early church didn't play games. They were bold and changing the spiritual climate of their day. Also, we meet in a drama theater that has plays (I know...I'm cheesy) 


Week #1 Pastor Evan spoke from Acts chapter 1-3. He looked at the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit brings Power, Fire, & Rest to our lives. I pray for all us to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit. 


Week #2 I got to speak from Acts 3-4. We talked about how the church was created to prevail not fail. We took an honest look at the church in America and honestly evaluated if it was prevailing or failing. 


We also talked about the 2nd part of our vision Family and unveiled 4 new small groups launching in a few weeks. 
   #1--The Alpha Course (for new believers or for those who
         have a lot of questions about God & faith)
   #2--The Marriage Course (for couples married 1 month
         or 50 years. Will deal with a lot of great topics & 
         issues)
   #3--Tangible Kingdom (how to develop & organize your
         life so you will be more missional & less consumer)
   #4--Understanding Community (the importance & 
          significance of being connected deeper)


There are many ways to achieve the vision of FAMILY. Our plan is not the only way to accomplish the vision. However, we are asking you to come on board and be a part of small groups. Take the next step from faith to family and be a part of the exciting church that God said the gates of hell would not prevail against.

Simple Part 1: Follow

This Past Sunday we kicked off our NEW series titled "Simple." I've been waiting for this series because it is so close to my heart and the vision of Wyandotte Family.

We talked about in week one how Jesus asked people to follow him even before they fully believed in him or obeyed him. The church many times expect people to conform before they belong. We long at Wyandotte Family to be a place where people can belong and follow even before they believe. WHY? I am confident in the love and power of God and the Holy Spirit's ability to reveal truth. If people come they will encounter Jesus.

Why is it so hard for us to allow the Holy Spirit to do his job? Why is it so hard for us to get out of the way? Why is it hard for us to not judge?

May we be a church that has many people who feel comfortable to follow even if they don't' believe or even obey yet.

Hot Topics: Inside Look

This has been a fun & challenging month as we have covered the hot topics of...

1. Depression

2. Pornography

3. Gambling

4. Drinking

Each of the topics have been tough to tackle but I have enjoyed the challenge and have enjoyed creating an authentic environment.

Today we talked about drinking. I know this is a touchy subject for a lot of people. I tried to navigate thorough this topic Biblically but not religiously. I encourage you to pause for 25 minutes and listen to the message online at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html

The whole reason we have gone through this series is not to point fingers, not to make feel people feel ostracized but to deal with issues that people are facing and to create an authentic environment where people can get help.

I mentioned in my message that we support a ministry called Life Challenge in Detroit. They help people get free from life controlling problems. If you need help or know someone who does, I encourage you to check them out. http://lifechallengesemi.org

Porn Sunday Follow UP

This past Sunday was part 2 of our series "Hot Topics" as we tackled the issue of Porn.

I shared many stats to bring awareness to how prevalent this problem is. (you can listen to the message on-line by clicking this link http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html

I believe the best way to begin the process of healing and freedom is to tell several people you trust. Don't let the addiction stay in darkness because what is brought out in the light is easier to fight. Go ahead and tell a few people today and ask for their help, wisdom, prayers & encouragement.

Also, set up some boundaries. We are human and often give in when we are tired and alone. Accountability can protect us in our weak moments. Here is a link to 2 software's you can download. One is free and the other has a yearly subscription.

Safe Eyes Link (Internet filter & accountability...#1 software available)

X3 Watch Accountability Software (free version at very bottom, Pro is $7)

By telling a few people and implementing boundaries, you are taking 2 huge steps toward freedom. You may still be tempted and even stumble, but you are moving forward!!!

What does a pastor do?

One of the best ways we can lead ourselves and be most effective in life is to manage our time well. As a follower of Christ this is one area of my life that I constantly focus on, pray about and examine. I juggle time for my marriage, children, the ministry, family, God, friends, chores etc. etc.

Many people often ask, "What does a pastor do during the week?" All you work is on Sunday's right?

Below is a general overview of a typical week on how I invest my time. I am in no way perfect and am constantly striving to grow and become better. The one thing I do strive for is for Jesus to be the center that everything flows out of.

Sunday's--The day starts between 5-5:45am to pray and read my Bible. 6:45am go to the "box" to help the Grunt Team B set up. After church (1:00pm) I'll often go out to eat with my family or with someone from the church. . I'll work on administrative stuff for the following week until 5 or 5:30pm.

Monday's--My Sabbath Day (Gift Day)--I won't answer my phone all day or look at emails. My wife will check it in case of emergencies. I'll spend extra time with Jesus and with my family. We try to do a family fun activity and act out a Bible play as a family. Will return calls & emails on Tuesday.

Tuesday--Get up around 5:15am to read my Bible & pray. Attend the Men's Coffee Group at Tim Horntons. Work on administration until 11am. During the summer I get to take Brianna to violin lessons at 10:30am twice a month). Noon is Rotary every week. After Rotary I spend a few hours downtown Wyandotte going from business to business meeting people, talking and building relationships. Will work on my sermon until 5-5:30pm

Wednesday--I spend half the day doing chores, cutting the grass etc. The other half is devoted to working on my sermon and emails. I often will set up appointments in the evening (marriage counseling, bible studies etc.)

Thursday--Try to get up at 6am to spend time in prayer & read my Bible. I will spend the early morning in prayer & finishing up my sermon for Sunday. I will make many phone calls to the leadership team to touch base and catch up. Twice a month I meet someone early in the morning at Tim Hortons to mentor another gentleman.

Friday's--Spend time in prayer & reading my bible at 7am. Twice a month I go to the Wyandotte Business Association meetings at city hall. I will often try to spend the a few hours after as well meeting people and building relationship int the city. I will finish the day until 5pm on administration, phone calls & final prep.

Saturdays--Will spend the day finishing up on any lose ends from the week and getting together with people. I spend the evening going over my message and praying.

**Not included in list: Weekly call to my prayer partner, daddy dates with my girls, dates with Julie, leadership meetings once a month, meeting with people in the church as needed, city council meetings, connection groups, Third Friday's, monthly sectional Assemblies of God meetings, creative planning meetings, or running

The important thing for a pastor is to be flexible as needs arrive. However there are some things that stay consistent.

I've tried my best to be authentic. I constantly work on my schedule and ask God to guide me. I want to lead myself so I can lead others!

Iron Man

What a great Father's Day Gathering. We continued our series "Heroes" and looked at the super hero "Iron Man." He conquered many villains and saved many lives but had a hard time leading himself personally.

We looked how a true iron man leads others by leading himself first. So how does a man lead himself...by allowing God to lead him.

We looked at 1 Kings 19 and how Elijah stood in the presence of God. When he stood in the presence of God he...

#1--Heard this still small voice of God

#2--He was able to unload his frustrations & stress on God
#3--God gave him a new perspective of his current situation

#4--God sent him back & re-called him to the very place he was running from

When we get into the presence of God the same amazing things happen to us as well. I know you want to be a great father, husband and follower of Christ. I know you want to be a leader. A real iron man leads others by leading himself first.

Let's make it a priority this week to spend time with God every day on our own. If you don't know how, just ask someone you know to help. You can journal, worship, read your Bible, go for a prayer walk or drive or just sit and talk to God in your living room. Let's pursue God and hear his voice, pour out our hearts to him and allow His voice, perspective & calling to lead us every day!

Thor: Humility

Today for Heroes part 7 we looked at the comic super-hero "Thor." His Father Odin wanted to teach him humility so he striped him of his powers and sent him to earth as a human.

We talked about true greatness and God's definition of humility...HUMILITY + SERVING = TRUE GREATNESS.

Think of someone in the past who took time to genuinely serve you. What kind of impact did it have on your life then? Does it still have an impact?

Why do you think it was so important for Jesus to have that special moment where he washed the disciples feet?

Even though we don't wash feet like that anymore in our culture, what are some things that we could do that would be very similar?

How can you remind yourself this week of God's definition of true greatness?

With Great Power Comes Great Responsiblity

This past Sunday we continue our "Heroes" series as we looked at Spider-Man. The famous quote, "With great power comes great responsibility" came from Peter Parker's Uncle Ben. How ironic, that the same thief that he could have stopped and captured but let go because of apathy, was the same thief that robbed and killed his Uncle Ben.

Apathy may not always kill things that visually however don't be deceived, apathy kills. Apathy always kills something in our lives that is beautiful.

The story found in the book of Nehemiah is amazing at how we often settle to live in ruins when God has intended so much more. I pray that we authentically seek God and consistently ask Him to reveal areas in our lives where we have grown complacent. Let's wake up and rebuild the walls in our lives! Let's take action and not settle for anything less that what God has created us and called us for!

Captain America: You Can Change the World

This past Sunday we talked about changing the world. Sound like a cliche? Seem like it's too big of a task? Make you feel small?

There are so many needs and so many problems (not including our own), that we often become overwhelmed or apathetic and end up doing nothing.

I used a quote from Andy Stanley, "Do for one, what you wish you could do for everyone."

Who is one person that you could pray for, call, facebook, email or text? Who is one person you could go out for a cup of coffee with? Who is one person you could focus on and serve.

To the world you may only be one person but to one person you could be the world!

Faith or Fear

This past Sunday was part 4 of our Heroes series. We looked at the hero "DareDevil" and talked about the reality of fear. We looked at how faith & fear are actually cousins that are connected with the common denominator of belief. What we dwell on determines our daily destiny.

At every moment in our lives we can choose one or the other. They both require belief and they are both readily available. Here are some verses you can focus on this week to help build your faith.

Ephesians 6:19--Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

1 John 4:18--There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear

2 Timothy 1:7--For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Joshua 1:9--Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Let's feed our faith this week! What we dwell on determines our daily destiny!

Doing Life God's Way

Doing Life God's Way helps ordinary people live extraordinary lives. Being a hero is more often developed in small every day unoticed right decisions.

What is one area in your life that you feel like you have taken matters into your own hands?

What does the Bible say about that area? Take some time and find it.

How can you begin to do life God's way.

Heroes do life God's way. Ordinary people living extraordinary lives.

Heroes part 2 "Wonder Woman"

What a fun "Mothers Day" as Pastor Julie spoke on Heroes Part 2 "Wonder Woman."

She talked about how Mom's can get so consumed with taking care of kids, cleaning the house, paying the bills, etc. etc. that life can be overwhelming, challenging and even disappointing.

She talked about how God's Wonder Woman (or Super Man) pursues God with their dreams! She talked about Hannah from 1 Samuel 1 and how Hannah cried out to God. She defined "crying out to God" as P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens).

We can spend a lot of time complaining, yelling, stewing, venting in the natural but the supernatural begins to happen when we take our authentic feelings, thoughts, hurts & pains to God in prayer.

Challenge: Plan a strategic time this week to pray and talk to God about your dreams, thoughts and feelings. Remember, prayer is connecting finite people to an infinite God!

Heroes Part 1 "Incredible Hulk"

We kicked off our NEW series "Heroes" with talking about the Incredible Hulk and the relevant and reality of anger!

We looked at what the Bible has to say about anger and saw that anger by itself is not a sin (Ephesians 4:26-27). We looked at the reality of how are anger can either be a CANCER or a CATALYST!

We talked about the power of the Holy Spirit and how cancerous anger cannot grow where the Holy Spirit is allowed to flow. If you love gardening or planting flowers than you understand the the have the right soil is necessary for flowers or crop. The same principle is true spiritually, the condition of our hearts is important to what will be allowed to grow and flourish in our lives.

Challenge: This week spend time everyday asking God to fill you with His Holy Spirit a fresh anew. Take time to wait and listen. Take time to receive and believe. Watch the fruit of the Spirit began to form in your live one day at a time!

Impossible is Nothing

This past Sunday we looked at the Resurrection of Jesus and how "Impossible is Nothing."

He is risen! He has defeated death, hell and the grave. He has conquered our sin and brought us new life. Nothing is too hard for Him.

No matter we face this week, we can stand on God's Word and remember impossible is nothing.

Remember...God loves impossible because He gets all of the glory and it gives us a story!

Death often paves the way to new life

This past Sunday we looked at part 3 "His Death." We looked at the reality of how death often paves the way to new life. We looked at the history of the Tabernacle, the holy place, most holy place and curtain that separated the two. It was exciting to talk about how when Jesus died on the cross and became the ultimate sacrifice that curtain hat separated us from God's presence was torn from top to bottom. We now have access into His presence!!!

I want to have more of a dialogue this week...


#1--Have you experienced a tough transition or loss in your life?


#2--How did you handle it?


#3--What new life came out of it after the fact?

Purpose Has Power

This past Sunday was part 2 in our Journey with Jesus series. We looked at the "Life of Jesus." We talked about how Jesus lived His live with amazing purpose and He never wavered. We looked at the reality...Purpose has power!

We were all challenged with this question, "What purpose is driving our life?" Are we living on purpose or just surviving? What controls how we invest our time, energy & money?

Below are five God-ordained purposes for our lives. I pray that one of these grips your heart this week and that you focus on living on purpose with purpose. Hey, if we focused on one purpose at a time, we will be suprised at the growth & change!

Purpose #1--To worship God with our lives ** I will focus on honoring God with my life at home, work, alone etc. I will write myself little reminders this week at the most frequented spots to help me remember my purpose

Purpose #2--To genuinely connect with others who have a relationship with Jesus (community) **I will intentionally pray for everyday for someone else this week *I will contact someone else from Wyandotte Family & connect with them outside of the gathering

Purpose #3--To grow closer to God **I will spend at least 5 minutes a day in prayer this week talking and listening to Him *I will continue to read the Bible everyday even though the 29 challenge is over

Purpose #4--To live Missionally & serve others **I will prayerfully look to serve 1 person a day as the opportunity arises *If I am not currently involved in a ministry at Wyandotte Family I will pray about what area to get involved in this week and fill out a communication card on Sunday

Purpose #5--Giving **I will read a Bible verse on giving/generosity every day this week & ask God how I can grow in giving

Text Message Part 3 "Help! How Do I Understand?"

Reading the Bible can be a challenge at times! However, the Bible is important to our relationship with God! It's it's truth or his reality. It shows us the way He designed life to operate. It deals with tough issues and guides us to His heart.

SO HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND?

A unique way to read the Bible is the "One Word Bible Study." Taking time and thinking through every word and writing other words that have similar meaning in the column." For example...

John 3:16-For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.

ONE WORD BIBLE STUDY...

John 3:16--For God so loved (valued) the world (all people), that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever (everyone) believes (trusts) in Him will not die but have eternal life (on-going life).

I challenge you to continue to read God's text message every day. The one word Bible study forces us to slow down, meditate and think. It helps us digest the truth of what God is saying and makes it easier to apply to our lives.

HAVE FUN!

Text Message: Divine Love Letter

This past Sunday was part 2 in our series "Text Message." We talked about the Divine Love Letter. The Bible (God's text message to us) is not a book of rules or strictly a code of conduct.
It's a divine love story about God getting back (redeeming) what is rightfully His.

The Bible is a story of how our sin (missing the mark) broke our relationship with God and how God was willing to send His only Son to live, die and rise again so that relationship could be restored. We talked about how reading God's text message through the lens of relationship changes everything. As you read it through the filter of relationship you see that everything God does and asks of us is because He has our best interest in mind!

Let's practice reading God's text message through the lens of relationship. Insert your name whenever there is a blank in the Bible verse.

2 Corinthians 5:21--God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for _______, so that in Him _______ might become the righteousness of God.

Isaiah 53:5-6--But He (Jesus) was pierced for _________ transgressions. He was crushed for ________ iniquities; the punishment that brought _________ peace was upon Him, and by His wounds ________ is healed.

When we understand that's is Love not law and that it's a Divine Love Letter to us of how God has provided a way for relationship with Him to be restored...it changes everything.

MAY YOU NEVER READ THE BIBLE THE SAME AGAIN!!!

Text Message: Truth Brings Freedom

This Past Sunday we kicked off our NEW SERIES "Text Message: God's Simple Message in a Complicated World." We are going to spend the entire month talking about the importance the Bible (God's Text Message) and how to understand it!

For part #1 we talked about how "Truth Brings Freedom." Jesus said in the book of John chapter 8...you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Jesus also said, I am the way, the truth and the life.

It also says in Galatians that it was for freedom Christ has set us free. God wants us to experience true freedom. He also shows us in His text message that true freedom is found in Jesus Christ!

Questions to wrestle with this week...

#1--Is there an area of my life where I need freedom? (Addictions, shame, past etc.)

#2--If so, what Bible verses from God's text message address those areas? (remember truth brings freedom)

#3--Who can I share the answer to #1 with? Our relationship with God and our spiritual growth was never intended to happen in isolation. The more you bring the truth out (even to others you trust) the more freedom you will find.

PS. We launched the "29 Day challenge" as well. Committing to reading once chapter in the Bible every day for 29 days starting in John 1. Join us!!

God is For-Giving

This past Sunday we were in between series so I shared the message "God is For-Giving"

We all are at different generosity stages and we all have a generosity point at which we pause and struggle to give.

We focused on the truth...learn to truly live by learning to truly give. As we cross the line into a relationship with Jesus, we become more like him. The more like him we become, the more we become for-giving!

We used the cheesy but fun acronym of (F.O.R.D-Frustrated over regular distractions) to talk about being generous with our time and (G.M.-Generous with our money) to talk about being faithful in giving in the church & outside as well.

#1-On a scale 1-10 (10 being the highest) how would you rate yourself on the generous scale?

#2-Why did you rate yourself the way you did?
#3-Where is your generosity limit?
#4-Why does it stop there? What is holding you back from growing in generosity?
#5--What can you do this week to grow in generosity?

Learn to truly live by learning to truly give!

"Big But's" Part 3 Blaming our Circumstances

I can't believe we wrapped up "Big Buts" this past Sunday with blaming our circumstances.

We talked about "When circumstances go wrong, remember to whom you belong"

We looked at John 5 and how Jesus asked a crazy question to a man who was paralyzed for 38 years..."Do you want to be made well?" Read John 5 and you will be shocked at his response.

We talked about learning the art of giving our circumstances to God

Psalm 55:22-Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken

We all will face tough, challenging or unexpected circumstances. When they happen we can either blame them for our ungodly attitudes & actions or we can take them to God in prayer.

Challenge for the week: Carve out 5-10 minutes each day to "Cast your cares on the Lord"
#1--Be authentic--share with God your true thoughts & feelings
#2--Spend time in prayer both talking to God but listening
#3--Spend time reading a chapter from The Bible (The book of John is a great place to start) be reminded that your identity is not in your circumstances but in GOD!

BIG BUT #2--Blaming Others

This Past Sunday we looked at "Big But" #2 Blaming Others. We talked about the reality that the moment we begin blaming other people we stop growing. "In Order to Grow we must let go."

#1--Who is one person you have been blaming for an attitude or action in your life?

#2--How has that been working for you?

#3--What will be the consequences for you if you don't let go?

#4--How different would your life be, if you do "let go?"

#5--What is one thing you can do today to begin the process today?

Here is a simple prayer..."Father God, I thank you that you love me and have my best interest in mind. I thank you that you have good things in store for me and that Your Word is truth regardless of how I feel. _______ has hurt me deeply and offended me greatly. I want to forgive and let go. Forgive me for my attitude and bitterness. Wash over me with your forgiveness and love so it can flow through me to others. Thank you for Your power and for helping me let go. I choose to let go today. In Jesus name...AMEN!

Does Anything Happen?

Yesterday, we finished our series "Starting Point: Going Deeper" with special guest speaker Pastor Cornell Jordan. He spoke on the topic of prayer....not how to pray but why we pray!

He asked tough questions like...

*When you pray does something miraculous, powerful or positive happen?

*If not then why?

James 5:16 says the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (NLT)

The level of our prayer life will reveal the level of depth in our relationship with God. Why not begin to plan for prayer just like you plan to eat, take a shower and brush your teeth. The Creator of the Universe wants to have such a close relationship with you and be involved in your daily life. Will you let Him?

Fun

This past Sunday was part 3 in our series "Starting Point: Going Deeper." We talked about the third part of our vision; FUN!

The way we have been trained to do fun is often temporary and never enough. Many who live their lives for fun are just waiting for the next best thing. It reminds me of kids at Christmas time who get bored with their toys after 3 weeks.

We define fun as living your purpose to worship God by serving others. We believe that when you truly put others first and use your talents to serve others you will experience overwhelming joy and a fun filled life. (Read Acts 5 & 16 for people who were truly having fun)

The way to develop that kind of life is to train our minds with this reality, "Fun is not an activity but an attitude--Jeanne Mayo."

With this new definition of fun...

#1--How can you have "fun" at work this week?

#2--How can you have "fun" with your family?

#3--How can you have "fun" with your neighbors?

#4--How can you have "fun" with total strangers?

Let's life our lives to worship God by serving others and truly experience "FUN"

We Are Family (can you hear the song?)

This past Sunday we talked about what it truly means to be a family. When we cross the line into a relationship with Jesus, we become a part of something bigger than ourselves. We get to be a part of the family of God and to do life together. Yet, if we are honoest, most of us jus settle for showing up once a week for an hour to church so we can go our own way the rest of the week.

How do we do life together in this day and age? How do we get connected with others to the point where we can be authentic? How do we stop the crazy schedule of life that seems to control us and dictate how we spend our time?

Here are a few practical suggestions to help build family...

*Call another person or family this week and invite them to join you at your house for a meal

*The next time you go shopping, call someone and invite them to go with you.

*The next time you go out to a movie, McDonald's or somewhere else, invite others to join you

*When you hear someone else have a need, ask if you could come and help

As followers of Christ become a true family; giving, loving, praying and doing life together, we will see God's presence and love draw others to Him in an exponential way.

Gotta have faith

In the famous words of George Michael from the late 80's, "Gotta have faith, faith, faith..."

This Sunday we kicked of our NEW series, "Starting Point: Going Deeper." We focused on clarify what it means to have faith.

When you hear the word faith, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? On a scale of 1-10 how much faith in God would you say you have?

We defined faith as believing God is who he says he is and that he will always do what he says he will do. No matter what circumstances may be like, God's word is truth and we can take it to the bank.

According to that definition of faith, is there an area of your life that you have a hard time trusting God? If so, why do you think you struggle in that area but not in others? What does God say about that area? If you don't know, this would be a great time to check out what the Bible says.

God, I pray that in 2011, you teach me to trust you more than ever before. May I truly have faith and give you control. May I live my life believing you are who you say you are and that you will always do what you say you will do. In Jesus Name! Amen.