Braden outfished his ol' dad at the church picnic on Sunday.
PS. Check out that preacher neck in the video.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Why?
Alot of times people wonder why we do church like we do at NewLife. I've explained our heart and our vision and the why's behind what we do on many occasions.
When I saw what Andy Stanely, senior pastor of North Point Community Church, wrote in the foreword for Killing Cockroaches, a book that's coming out by pastor/author Tony Morgan, I couldn't have agreed more.
Here’s an excerpt from the foreword:
“There’s a temptation to do church for those who are already going to heaven. You know what I’m talking about. If we’re not careful, we’ll begin to make decisions about programming and teaching to keep those who are already here at the expense of those who need to hear. That’s not God’s design. He wants us to communicate that people matter to him. He wants us to talk that way and act that way and worship that way. It’s counter to how we’ve always done church, though. It’s also not easy.”
People matter and they need to hear. That's why...
When I saw what Andy Stanely, senior pastor of North Point Community Church, wrote in the foreword for Killing Cockroaches, a book that's coming out by pastor/author Tony Morgan, I couldn't have agreed more.
Here’s an excerpt from the foreword:
“There’s a temptation to do church for those who are already going to heaven. You know what I’m talking about. If we’re not careful, we’ll begin to make decisions about programming and teaching to keep those who are already here at the expense of those who need to hear. That’s not God’s design. He wants us to communicate that people matter to him. He wants us to talk that way and act that way and worship that way. It’s counter to how we’ve always done church, though. It’s also not easy.”
People matter and they need to hear. That's why...
Friday, May 23, 2008
Greatness
Whatever you're dreaming, it is too small. Whatever you think of God, it isn't close to how great He is. Seek God. Dream bigger. Do something great for God.
Check out this moving baptism video that Mark Batterson, the pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C. did. Greatness!
Check out this moving baptism video that Mark Batterson, the pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C. did. Greatness!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Dinner
Braden and I had dinner together last night while Mom had a meeting and some time to herself. It's so fun to hang out with my son. Last night we were eating Chicken Wings and watching sports. I told Braden how much I loved hanging out with him and he told me I love hanging out with you too Dad. Buffalo Wild Wings is our spot. We go there on "MAN"(aka Dad/Son) nights. We have since he was able to eat meat off a bone. Last night he reminded me..."We haven't been here in a long time Dad."
So you can call me cheesy if you want, but man our dinner last night made my week. My son has always expressed his love for me easily. I don't know that a day has gone by that he hasn't told me he loves me. I learn a lot from my son. He teaches me about the stuff that matters.
Thanks for dinner last night Braden...I love you. Let's go eat some wings again soon!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Priorities
Here’s one of the stories Perry Noble and NewSpring Church shared on Mother’s Day. It’s worth 9 minutes of your day to watch this.
As a pastor I get to hear alot of excuses for why people can't be at church and why they missed this weekend or that weekend. I've learned though that we make time for what's important to us. Some things are a priority and some things aren't.
What do you need to stop making weak excuses for?
As a pastor I get to hear alot of excuses for why people can't be at church and why they missed this weekend or that weekend. I've learned though that we make time for what's important to us. Some things are a priority and some things aren't.
What do you need to stop making weak excuses for?
Monday, May 19, 2008
LifeTeams
At NewLife we have a few LifeTeams that meet twice a month. They are groups of 10 to 15 people who come together to study the Bible, pray, and just hang out and have fun.
This past Sunday night as I was hanging out with my amazing LifeTeam I began thinking about how thankful I was for this group of people who God has placed me into community with. We laughed and had such a good time. I am so thankful to know that when I'm down there are a group of people in my life that are going to be there for me when I need them.
The sad thing is many people aren't into one of these communities. And as I was thanking God for the people He's placed in my life I began to wonder what will happen to those who aren't in one of these communities. Who will be there for them? After all God created us to experience life in relationship with others. And sometimes, that means we need others to pick us up when we are down. That's why I love stories like this:
This past Sunday night as I was hanging out with my amazing LifeTeam I began thinking about how thankful I was for this group of people who God has placed me into community with. We laughed and had such a good time. I am so thankful to know that when I'm down there are a group of people in my life that are going to be there for me when I need them.
The sad thing is many people aren't into one of these communities. And as I was thanking God for the people He's placed in my life I began to wonder what will happen to those who aren't in one of these communities. Who will be there for them? After all God created us to experience life in relationship with others. And sometimes, that means we need others to pick us up when we are down. That's why I love stories like this:
Friday, May 16, 2008
God Of This City
This past Sunday NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC did some really cool stuff. I watched the entire service this week twice. Once by myself and once with my wife. Their worship team sang Chris Tomlin’s “God of This City.” Check out the video below that includes glimpses of the media they produced to visually share the impact of NewSpring’s ministry in their community. Huge vision! It was very moving. Very inspiring!
This song has been rolling over and over in my spirit the past few days. I have been praying that God would show me how we can impact our city. It's time for churches to move outside of the four walls that they meet inside. God is calling us to reach out to our communities.
You'll be hearing alot more real soon on how we're going to be doing this at NewLife in the weeks and months to come.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bible Readings
Continues…
Matthew 19:1-2, Large crowds meeting and being healed by Jesus just HAS TO BE a good thing!
Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus is SERIOUS about the covenant of marriage–we should be as well.
Matthew 21:6, This is what I want for my life–doing exactly as He says!
Matthew 21:10-11, If Jesus could stir up the city of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago then He can do the same in our community today!
Matthew 21:12-13, There are times when anger is both godly and necessary.
Matthew 22:1-10, Jesus is all about evangelism! (It WAS HIS IDEA!)
Matthew 22:15, Some things never change!!! If they did it then they will do it today!!!
Matthew 22:29, WOW–I wanted to KNOW both!!!
Matthew 22:36-40, I could try all of my life and never completely wrap my mind around these verses!
Matthew 23:5-12, Beware of people who do things just to get attention!
Matthew 23:27-28, Keep in mind He said this to the most religious people of the day! So much for the Jesus that just wanted to hug everyone!!!
Matthew 23:33, He also said this to them–Sic’Em!
Matthew 25:14, Everything I have is God’s–EVERYTHING, He is the owner, I am the manager!
Matthew 25:31-46, Generosity is expected! It’s not optional.
Matthew 26:39-42, I personally think THIS is where the battle was won!
Matthew 27:51, YES!! Thank YOU!! This verse rocks my world!!
Matthew 28:18-20, This was not a recommendation! We've got work to do people!
Matthew 19:1-2, Large crowds meeting and being healed by Jesus just HAS TO BE a good thing!
Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus is SERIOUS about the covenant of marriage–we should be as well.
Matthew 21:6, This is what I want for my life–doing exactly as He says!
Matthew 21:10-11, If Jesus could stir up the city of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago then He can do the same in our community today!
Matthew 21:12-13, There are times when anger is both godly and necessary.
Matthew 22:1-10, Jesus is all about evangelism! (It WAS HIS IDEA!)
Matthew 22:15, Some things never change!!! If they did it then they will do it today!!!
Matthew 22:29, WOW–I wanted to KNOW both!!!
Matthew 22:36-40, I could try all of my life and never completely wrap my mind around these verses!
Matthew 23:5-12, Beware of people who do things just to get attention!
Matthew 23:27-28, Keep in mind He said this to the most religious people of the day! So much for the Jesus that just wanted to hug everyone!!!
Matthew 23:33, He also said this to them–Sic’Em!
Matthew 25:14, Everything I have is God’s–EVERYTHING, He is the owner, I am the manager!
Matthew 25:31-46, Generosity is expected! It’s not optional.
Matthew 26:39-42, I personally think THIS is where the battle was won!
Matthew 27:51, YES!! Thank YOU!! This verse rocks my world!!
Matthew 28:18-20, This was not a recommendation! We've got work to do people!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Bible Readings
I’ve been stuck in Matthew for a while now. For some reason God won’t let me stop reading there. As I’ve been reading it, I’ve been jotting some things down as God has shown them to me. So here are some of the mutterings I’ve scribbled in my journal.
It really is amazing how personal God’s Word keeps on getting for me, especially when I take time to get into His Word.
· Matthew 5:11-12, I know you probably think this never happens to pastors…but it does y’all. And I can’t tell you how much I needed this the day I read it.
· Matthew 6:7-8, Prayer should not be used to impress people! And we don’t have to say Jesus like 8 times in a row to get his attention.
· Matthew 6:21, This one gets me every time! Money speaks truth. HNL people!
· Matthew 6:33, YES! Lord help me to make Your name famous!
· Matthew 8:21-22, Sometimes people just aren’t willing to pay the price of following Jesus! You can lead a horse to water…(you know the rest.)
· Matthew 9:9-12, Jesus was criticized for who He hung out with–BUT the people who criticized Him knew Him the least…and the people He was with needed Him the most!
· Matthew 9:37, The harvest matters to God; therefore, it should matter to His church! (A huge thank you to those of you who are involved at NewLife…and when it feels like you need more help remember what Jesus said…Pray for more workers! Our best days are still ahead of us!)
· Matthew 10:34, Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy.
· Matthew 11:18-19, Thanks Jesus for showing me someone will always dislike the way I do something. That is why I am asking Jesus that He would allow me to have a continual and intense focus on Him…pleasing everyone is just impossible…and it’s not my goal.
· Matthew 12:3, Jesus offended the Pharisees of the day by asking them, “Haven’t you read…” That was literally one of the most offensive things that anyone could have said to them–Jesus was not afraid to offend the religious!
· Matthew 15:10-14, This passage just made me smile. I love it when Jesus just tells it like it is.
· Matthew 16:13-17, Peter getting it SOOO right. =)
· Matthew 16:18, This verse fires me up every time I read it! Jesus said He will build HIS church and I am so excited to give my life to be a part of it!
· Matthew 16:21-23, Peter getting it SOOO wrong. =( Praying that God will help me see things from His point of view…not mine!
· Matthew 18:15-17, I’ve spent time on my knees praying this week that I would ALWAYS have the guts to do this.
That’s it for now! I’ll do Part II of Matthew later this week.
It really is amazing how personal God’s Word keeps on getting for me, especially when I take time to get into His Word.
· Matthew 5:11-12, I know you probably think this never happens to pastors…but it does y’all. And I can’t tell you how much I needed this the day I read it.
· Matthew 6:7-8, Prayer should not be used to impress people! And we don’t have to say Jesus like 8 times in a row to get his attention.
· Matthew 6:21, This one gets me every time! Money speaks truth. HNL people!
· Matthew 6:33, YES! Lord help me to make Your name famous!
· Matthew 8:21-22, Sometimes people just aren’t willing to pay the price of following Jesus! You can lead a horse to water…(you know the rest.)
· Matthew 9:9-12, Jesus was criticized for who He hung out with–BUT the people who criticized Him knew Him the least…and the people He was with needed Him the most!
· Matthew 9:37, The harvest matters to God; therefore, it should matter to His church! (A huge thank you to those of you who are involved at NewLife…and when it feels like you need more help remember what Jesus said…Pray for more workers! Our best days are still ahead of us!)
· Matthew 10:34, Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy.
· Matthew 11:18-19, Thanks Jesus for showing me someone will always dislike the way I do something. That is why I am asking Jesus that He would allow me to have a continual and intense focus on Him…pleasing everyone is just impossible…and it’s not my goal.
· Matthew 12:3, Jesus offended the Pharisees of the day by asking them, “Haven’t you read…” That was literally one of the most offensive things that anyone could have said to them–Jesus was not afraid to offend the religious!
· Matthew 15:10-14, This passage just made me smile. I love it when Jesus just tells it like it is.
· Matthew 16:13-17, Peter getting it SOOO right. =)
· Matthew 16:18, This verse fires me up every time I read it! Jesus said He will build HIS church and I am so excited to give my life to be a part of it!
· Matthew 16:21-23, Peter getting it SOOO wrong. =( Praying that God will help me see things from His point of view…not mine!
· Matthew 18:15-17, I’ve spent time on my knees praying this week that I would ALWAYS have the guts to do this.
That’s it for now! I’ll do Part II of Matthew later this week.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Video Blog
I got a new video camera and I was playing around with it Friday night. Here's my first video blog! I shot it during B'LoveD last Friday. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
One Prayer Fast
I can’t tell you how excited I am about our upcoming One Prayer series during the month of June. We get to stand together as ONE with 719 churches from 15 countries…and that number is growing daily.
Here is Jesus’ prayer from John 17:20-24
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
- We pray daily to Jesus asking Him to answer our prayers.
- WHAT IF we became the answer to His?
Stop for a moment… Think about Christ’s Church. (By Christ’s church, I mean every living believer.) Think about the resources God has made available to us. Consider the money we control. Consider the talent, gifts, and passion of perhaps 2 billion people. Now consider the needs around the world.
What do you think God could accomplish through a unified church? What if we stopped talking about Jesus and instead displayed His love through a unified and global biblical community?
On Monday I will begin fasting soft drinks and red meat for 4 weeks in preparation for the series. Then during One Prayer, I will be devoting several days of total food fasts, drinking water only.
Here’s my request:
For someone at NewLife to be fasting during every mealtime for the next 28 days. I am going to ask our staff to commit to one meal per week. My goal is that someone will be praying through every breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Will you fast and pray? Will you help? The future is grounded in prayer.
Starting Monday, May 12th thru June 8th simply pick one meal during this 4 week period and skip that meal. During the time you would have been eating read John 17 instead. After reading, consider this; if you could pray one prayer for the Church, what would you pray?
Pray for the Church. Pray for NewLife. Pray for me as I lead our church.
Thirty days of prayer. Pick one meal on one day...skip it and pray. Are you in?
When will you be praying?
Here is Jesus’ prayer from John 17:20-24
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
- We pray daily to Jesus asking Him to answer our prayers.
- WHAT IF we became the answer to His?
Stop for a moment… Think about Christ’s Church. (By Christ’s church, I mean every living believer.) Think about the resources God has made available to us. Consider the money we control. Consider the talent, gifts, and passion of perhaps 2 billion people. Now consider the needs around the world.
What do you think God could accomplish through a unified church? What if we stopped talking about Jesus and instead displayed His love through a unified and global biblical community?
On Monday I will begin fasting soft drinks and red meat for 4 weeks in preparation for the series. Then during One Prayer, I will be devoting several days of total food fasts, drinking water only.
Here’s my request:
For someone at NewLife to be fasting during every mealtime for the next 28 days. I am going to ask our staff to commit to one meal per week. My goal is that someone will be praying through every breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Will you fast and pray? Will you help? The future is grounded in prayer.
Starting Monday, May 12th thru June 8th simply pick one meal during this 4 week period and skip that meal. During the time you would have been eating read John 17 instead. After reading, consider this; if you could pray one prayer for the Church, what would you pray?
Pray for the Church. Pray for NewLife. Pray for me as I lead our church.
Thirty days of prayer. Pick one meal on one day...skip it and pray. Are you in?
When will you be praying?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Night Night
Last night when it came time for Braden to go to bed I had a thought. He hates going to bed. He cries every night. You'd think he'd get used to it. There has never been a night where he hasn't gone "night night."
But I guess he's a normal three year-old. So I had this thought today. Tonight I'm going to tell him that someday we won't go "night night." Revelation 22 says there is no night in heaven.
I'll try to let you know how it goes...but my guess is he's going to pack his bags and ask when we leave. =)
But I guess he's a normal three year-old. So I had this thought today. Tonight I'm going to tell him that someday we won't go "night night." Revelation 22 says there is no night in heaven.
I'll try to let you know how it goes...but my guess is he's going to pack his bags and ask when we leave. =)
Monday, May 5, 2008
Monday Morning Reflections
WOW!! NewLife is taking it to a HNL! The following are some of my highlights from this past weekend.
- Our worship team sounded great yesterday. They gave heart and passion to their worship. And it is contagious...when our worship team commits their art to the glory of God, it enriches the Church. So a great big thanks to our singers and musicians...No one can do for the Church what you can do, so bring it, and we'll gladly follow.
- Once again NewLife...you amaze me. I don't know why...but anytime I talk about money I guess I just expect it to be tense...but not yesterday...as we dealt with the subject of money and giving everyone locked in to find out out what the Bible had to say about this subject. You guys are awesome!
- I know that I am very passionate about the subject of money and giving. I know how BIG a topic it is and how hard it is to surrender our "treasures." My finances were one of the LAST things I fully surrendered to Christ. Having grown up in church and heard countless talks about "bringing it" I still chose to rob God.
- Proverbs 3:9-10 are two verses that have always stood out to me when I have wrestled with whether or not to give God my very best. And now today I can honestly say when I put Him to the test…He did what He said He would do!
- I LOVE NewLife! You guys model generosity in so many ways! BUT…here's the deal...from time to time (the last 2 weeks) challenges must be issued and reminders must be given–we ALL need them!
- When it comes to the issue of giving–either we fully trust Him or we don’t…and the evidence of that is shown by what we offer Him…love…or leftovers.
- Mother’s Day is going to be on a HML! I know I promised that after this last series I wouldn't say HNL (a promise you should go ahead and forigive me for breaking becuase I don't think I can live up to it) But be here next weekend!! Like I said it's going to be on a HML...'A Whole Mutha' Level'!! =)
- Last but not least I wanted to communicate one more thing. When it comes to giving and what God's given us...we should all understand one thing:
Life is short…live it to the fullest!!!
God has given all of us TIME…and we should do all that we can to HONOR Him, love our spouse and kids…offer forgiveness to those who have wounded us…and LIVE the life He has called us to!
- Our worship team sounded great yesterday. They gave heart and passion to their worship. And it is contagious...when our worship team commits their art to the glory of God, it enriches the Church. So a great big thanks to our singers and musicians...No one can do for the Church what you can do, so bring it, and we'll gladly follow.
- Once again NewLife...you amaze me. I don't know why...but anytime I talk about money I guess I just expect it to be tense...but not yesterday...as we dealt with the subject of money and giving everyone locked in to find out out what the Bible had to say about this subject. You guys are awesome!
- I know that I am very passionate about the subject of money and giving. I know how BIG a topic it is and how hard it is to surrender our "treasures." My finances were one of the LAST things I fully surrendered to Christ. Having grown up in church and heard countless talks about "bringing it" I still chose to rob God.
- Proverbs 3:9-10 are two verses that have always stood out to me when I have wrestled with whether or not to give God my very best. And now today I can honestly say when I put Him to the test…He did what He said He would do!
- I LOVE NewLife! You guys model generosity in so many ways! BUT…here's the deal...from time to time (the last 2 weeks) challenges must be issued and reminders must be given–we ALL need them!
- When it comes to the issue of giving–either we fully trust Him or we don’t…and the evidence of that is shown by what we offer Him…love…or leftovers.
- Mother’s Day is going to be on a HML! I know I promised that after this last series I wouldn't say HNL (a promise you should go ahead and forigive me for breaking becuase I don't think I can live up to it) But be here next weekend!! Like I said it's going to be on a HML...'A Whole Mutha' Level'!! =)
- Last but not least I wanted to communicate one more thing. When it comes to giving and what God's given us...we should all understand one thing:
Life is short…live it to the fullest!!!
God has given all of us TIME…and we should do all that we can to HONOR Him, love our spouse and kids…offer forgiveness to those who have wounded us…and LIVE the life He has called us to!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Thank You
I should say thank you to more people, more often. The investment is minimal, and the pay off is big. That being said...aren't we always into things that are going to give us a good return on our investment?
God told me today that I need to be more grateful. I am guilty of being careless. I tend to get grumpy too often. It’s a bad look. And when you're leading people, it creates serious inertia. (In this case in the wrong way.)
Somewhere there’s a fine line between “being real” (by the way...let me say that this is quite possibly the most abused phrase in modern Christianity. I am getting tired of hearing it used to excuse just about any ungodly behavior that you don’t want to fix: “I’m just being real…”) and faking it.
Let's be careful not to go over the top here...It’s not that I think I need to end every sentence with Praise God, Amen, or God is good. It’s just that I need to be more vocal about what I appreciate and value. Toward the people I love and toward the God I serve.
Who do you need to be more vocal toward?
God told me today that I need to be more grateful. I am guilty of being careless. I tend to get grumpy too often. It’s a bad look. And when you're leading people, it creates serious inertia. (In this case in the wrong way.)
Somewhere there’s a fine line between “being real” (by the way...let me say that this is quite possibly the most abused phrase in modern Christianity. I am getting tired of hearing it used to excuse just about any ungodly behavior that you don’t want to fix: “I’m just being real…”) and faking it.
Let's be careful not to go over the top here...It’s not that I think I need to end every sentence with Praise God, Amen, or God is good. It’s just that I need to be more vocal about what I appreciate and value. Toward the people I love and toward the God I serve.
Who do you need to be more vocal toward?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Twitter Saves Lives
Ok, maybe not really... but did any of you see this story about the American student who "Twittered" his way out of an Egyptian jail?
Apparently he was arrested and on the way to the jail sent a message to Twitter which informed his school, who then hired a lawyer, and then worked to get him out of jail!The translator who was with him is still in prison and there is a petition for his release.
Ok, isn't that crazy? The kid is in Egypt, sends a text message to Twitter, people in the USA get the message and then they work to get him out of prison.
So, Twitter.
People don't get it/understand it... so let me explain. It's a microblogging service which basically means users sign up and send a text message to update their status like, "grocery shopping", or "watching the Rangers lose again" or whatever, and it updates your status to people who are "following" you on Twitter (which means they get a text message or instant message) and it can connect to your blog, Facebook status, etc.
Yeah, it's kinda of stalkerish, but this shows one of the major benefits. Not that I see myself being thrown in prison in Egypt anytime soon. But still...
Follow me on Twitter.
Apparently he was arrested and on the way to the jail sent a message to Twitter which informed his school, who then hired a lawyer, and then worked to get him out of jail!The translator who was with him is still in prison and there is a petition for his release.
Ok, isn't that crazy? The kid is in Egypt, sends a text message to Twitter, people in the USA get the message and then they work to get him out of prison.
So, Twitter.
People don't get it/understand it... so let me explain. It's a microblogging service which basically means users sign up and send a text message to update their status like, "grocery shopping", or "watching the Rangers lose again" or whatever, and it updates your status to people who are "following" you on Twitter (which means they get a text message or instant message) and it can connect to your blog, Facebook status, etc.
Yeah, it's kinda of stalkerish, but this shows one of the major benefits. Not that I see myself being thrown in prison in Egypt anytime soon. But still...
Follow me on Twitter.
