Monday, November 10, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Brandy's View Of Life...At 6pm
From Jason: What follows is a weekly post from Brandy Malachowsky. Brandy and her husband Tim have been around for years at Tree of Life and they have been with us for the Sunday night service since we started back in July. Brandy asked me if I was going to write something about the election and I responded, "I don't know..maybe". My enthusiasm level wasn't high enough for Brandy, so here is her election day post.
All day long, I have had the Christmas song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" stuck in my head. That's because it is election day in America, and I truly think this is one of the most wonderful times of the year. This is the day when people from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, get out to vote for who they think will best run our country. Or whoever did the best skit on SNL. Either one.
I am one of those strange people who look forward to election day. Election day is game time for me. My friends actually avoid me in the months of October and November. My 6 year old knows who is running for President & Senate, and who we are voting for, because that is what is discussed at the dinner table in our home this year. I spend months knocking on doors, sending emails, and calling voters. Why? Just to watch someone get sworn into office and think about who could run against them in 4 years. I love political campaigns. This is my passion. So I was a little disappointed this year when I got to choose between Candidate "Oh-Come-On-There-Must-Be-Someone-Better" and Candidate "I-Will-Seriously-Move-to-Canada". But this Presidential election, more than any other, has taught me something crucial: how important praying for our country is, and how wonderful it is that we have an all knowing, all powerful God.
So as you go out and vote today, and as you watch the election results come in over what will hopefully just be hours and not days, try not to get too discouraged.....God is still on the throne! And, hey, there's always 2012!
~~Brandy Malachowsky
All day long, I have had the Christmas song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" stuck in my head. That's because it is election day in America, and I truly think this is one of the most wonderful times of the year. This is the day when people from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, get out to vote for who they think will best run our country. Or whoever did the best skit on SNL. Either one.
I am one of those strange people who look forward to election day. Election day is game time for me. My friends actually avoid me in the months of October and November. My 6 year old knows who is running for President & Senate, and who we are voting for, because that is what is discussed at the dinner table in our home this year. I spend months knocking on doors, sending emails, and calling voters. Why? Just to watch someone get sworn into office and think about who could run against them in 4 years. I love political campaigns. This is my passion. So I was a little disappointed this year when I got to choose between Candidate "Oh-Come-On-There-Must-Be-Someone-Better" and Candidate "I-Will-Seriously-Move-to-Canada". But this Presidential election, more than any other, has taught me something crucial: how important praying for our country is, and how wonderful it is that we have an all knowing, all powerful God.
So as you go out and vote today, and as you watch the election results come in over what will hopefully just be hours and not days, try not to get too discouraged.....God is still on the throne! And, hey, there's always 2012!
~~Brandy Malachowsky
Monday Downloads [on tuesday...sorry...]
*Sunday night felt different from the moment I walked into the church at 4:30. It was hard to explain then and even harder now, but everything just felt gloomy. I probably should have found a room to pray in right up until 6:00 but instead, I pushed Jakie around in his stroller and tried to encourage people and pray as I walked. Donovan is always happy so he cut into the gloom factor a bit. Joe seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders and since he handles all of the tech and media and sound he was covering a lot of bases. Lindsey lost her grandfather earlier in the weekend, so she had a brave face on but she was hurting inside, and generally everyone seemed tired. The reason all of this is relevant and the reason I am being transparent about it is because I want everyone to know that even church leaders struggle. We get attacked. We get down. We worry. We carry burdens. We are real people with real life going on. This service is about real people journeying together and bringing each other along as we try to move from where we are in life to where God wants us to be. Sometimes we have tough times and Sunday night started out that way.
*The worship through music was wonderful. Things kept going wrong and Joe kept fixing them. The power on the stage went out during practice and Joe jumped right on it. The worship band, Face To Face, sat there through it all and took it as it came. They are wonderful and when the time came to lead us in worship they did. I still lose track of time when they lead us.
*I was able to talk to a lot more people Sunday night. People are hurting. I am overwhelmed by that, but it just pushes me closer to the Spirit and I know that I have to rely on Him for wisdom and discernment.
*The message came straight from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes things happen that we don't expect, but our responsibility is to make sure that anyone that the Lord trusts us with is able to worship with us through music and the sharing of God's Word.
*We had lots of people interested in reading through the Gospels with us during the month of November. If you haven't started, or if you've already fallen behind, don't let it get you down. Find some time to get away and read. Three chapters per night will take us through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John during the month of November. By tonight, we will be through Matthew 12. Please consider joining us. Its not too late. Right now, there are about 25 of us reading together that I know of.
*I will be posting several things this week about discipleship. I feel like I need to flesh out the message from Sunday, so tune in throughout the week.
*We are also posting this blog on WordPress and we will eventually switch completely to that site. Check us out at www.LifeAt6pm.wordpress.com.
*Can't wait until next week. Face To Face will be leading us in worship throughout the entire service. Donovan has been seeking the Spirit's guidance on this for quite a while now and I cannot wait...
*The worship through music was wonderful. Things kept going wrong and Joe kept fixing them. The power on the stage went out during practice and Joe jumped right on it. The worship band, Face To Face, sat there through it all and took it as it came. They are wonderful and when the time came to lead us in worship they did. I still lose track of time when they lead us.
*I was able to talk to a lot more people Sunday night. People are hurting. I am overwhelmed by that, but it just pushes me closer to the Spirit and I know that I have to rely on Him for wisdom and discernment.
*The message came straight from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes things happen that we don't expect, but our responsibility is to make sure that anyone that the Lord trusts us with is able to worship with us through music and the sharing of God's Word.
*We had lots of people interested in reading through the Gospels with us during the month of November. If you haven't started, or if you've already fallen behind, don't let it get you down. Find some time to get away and read. Three chapters per night will take us through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John during the month of November. By tonight, we will be through Matthew 12. Please consider joining us. Its not too late. Right now, there are about 25 of us reading together that I know of.
*I will be posting several things this week about discipleship. I feel like I need to flesh out the message from Sunday, so tune in throughout the week.
*We are also posting this blog on WordPress and we will eventually switch completely to that site. Check us out at www.LifeAt6pm.wordpress.com.
*Can't wait until next week. Face To Face will be leading us in worship throughout the entire service. Donovan has been seeking the Spirit's guidance on this for quite a while now and I cannot wait...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Reading Through The Gospels In November
I would like to invite you all to read along with me through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John during the month of November. If we read three chapters each day, we can travel through the Gospels by the end of the month. If you view this as a race or an obligation, then you will miss out on a sweet opportunity to spend time with Jesus in His Word. What a great time of year to learn more about our savior.
Please pray about this and join me, Misty, Joe and many others in this journey together through the Gospels.
Please pray about this and join me, Misty, Joe and many others in this journey together through the Gospels.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A Post From Last Year Regarding The 2007 Christmas Play
This is a post from last December. I am posting it again because I am once again determined not to be in the Christmas Play at TOL. This post described my feelings from last year. Will I be tougher this year???? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, enjoy this post from December 2007:
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Our church's Children's Pastor is also in charge of all of our dramas. He is responsbile for dinner theater, dessert theater, skits during our services, illusion shows and Tree of Life's Annual Christmas program. Year after year Don waits until the last minute to recruit actors and year after year I publicly proclaim that he will be unable to recruit me and year after year I find myself on stage as Joseph or a friend of Joseph's or someone in a crowd scene or someone leading someone to Jesus. I always say that I will never do it again, yet I always do it.
My resolve to never act for Don is not because Don is a jerk. He is not a jerk. He is a godly man. My wife loves him and acts in every single thing he does and she even helps lead worship in the children's ministry. My kids love Don. They think of him as their pastor. He is a good man. He is a kind man. He is a persistent man. He is a determined man. He is the human version of one of those raptors from Jurassic Park. He gets you in his sights and he approaches you with tunnel vision. When he talks to you his eyes begin to swirl like that hypnotic snake Kaa from The Jungle Book. He asks you to help in a way that you cannot deny and before you know it... you're backstage, tying on a headband and making sure you don't trip over your robe as you practice your lines.
I'm not a good actor. I worry about acting. I worry about performing. These plays traumatize me as I practice my lines throughout the day and as I picture in my mind where I am supposed to stand and when I am supposed to come out. I become obsessed with not messing up and I worry myself to the verge of ending up in the fetal position in a deserted choir room at the back of the church... And when its over I publicly proclaim that I will never act again.
Last night at church I began to breathe easy. We are three days away from the performance and I haven't been asked about being an actor. I'm safe. Aaaaahhhh...
I began to plan in my mind where I would sit in the audience. Who I would sit with. I even pictured myself relaxing in our church's comfortable chairs as I watched the performance. I might even smuggle in some eggnog and sugar cookies. It would be a peaceful Christmas without practices and costumes and...
My musings were interrupted by the intense feeling in my spine that someone was watching me. I looked around and saw no one. I began to breathe easy again but I suddenly noticed a movement in the crowd to my left. More movement. The crowd parted. And there he was. Pastor Don. Staring at me. Moving towards me. He was holding a clipboard and his eyes were burning into me like an infrared light.
I began to walk backwards. He walked faster. I counted the paces to the media booth. My friend Joe was in there and I was quite certain he would grant me sanctuary. I made a break for it but my legs felt like they were in quicksand. I was moving slower and slower and Don was moving faster and faster. He outweighs me by at least a hundred pounds but he is gaining on me. I stop and I face the inevitable. I am prepared to debate my way out of this. What follows is as accurate a transcript of my conversation with Don as possible.
Don: Hello Jason.
Jason: Hello Don. How are you?
Don: Not good Jason. Not good at all.
Jason: Oh? I'm sorry to hear that. Is there something I can do to help?
Don: Yes Jason. You can agree to be a shepherd in the Christmas play.
{Jason clears his throat and produces the following brilliant response to Don's plea}
Jason: Okay.
My first practice is tonight. I'll be standing with the sheep.
In the meantime, enjoy this post from December 2007:
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Our church's Children's Pastor is also in charge of all of our dramas. He is responsbile for dinner theater, dessert theater, skits during our services, illusion shows and Tree of Life's Annual Christmas program. Year after year Don waits until the last minute to recruit actors and year after year I publicly proclaim that he will be unable to recruit me and year after year I find myself on stage as Joseph or a friend of Joseph's or someone in a crowd scene or someone leading someone to Jesus. I always say that I will never do it again, yet I always do it.
My resolve to never act for Don is not because Don is a jerk. He is not a jerk. He is a godly man. My wife loves him and acts in every single thing he does and she even helps lead worship in the children's ministry. My kids love Don. They think of him as their pastor. He is a good man. He is a kind man. He is a persistent man. He is a determined man. He is the human version of one of those raptors from Jurassic Park. He gets you in his sights and he approaches you with tunnel vision. When he talks to you his eyes begin to swirl like that hypnotic snake Kaa from The Jungle Book. He asks you to help in a way that you cannot deny and before you know it... you're backstage, tying on a headband and making sure you don't trip over your robe as you practice your lines.
I'm not a good actor. I worry about acting. I worry about performing. These plays traumatize me as I practice my lines throughout the day and as I picture in my mind where I am supposed to stand and when I am supposed to come out. I become obsessed with not messing up and I worry myself to the verge of ending up in the fetal position in a deserted choir room at the back of the church... And when its over I publicly proclaim that I will never act again.
Last night at church I began to breathe easy. We are three days away from the performance and I haven't been asked about being an actor. I'm safe. Aaaaahhhh...
I began to plan in my mind where I would sit in the audience. Who I would sit with. I even pictured myself relaxing in our church's comfortable chairs as I watched the performance. I might even smuggle in some eggnog and sugar cookies. It would be a peaceful Christmas without practices and costumes and...
My musings were interrupted by the intense feeling in my spine that someone was watching me. I looked around and saw no one. I began to breathe easy again but I suddenly noticed a movement in the crowd to my left. More movement. The crowd parted. And there he was. Pastor Don. Staring at me. Moving towards me. He was holding a clipboard and his eyes were burning into me like an infrared light.
I began to walk backwards. He walked faster. I counted the paces to the media booth. My friend Joe was in there and I was quite certain he would grant me sanctuary. I made a break for it but my legs felt like they were in quicksand. I was moving slower and slower and Don was moving faster and faster. He outweighs me by at least a hundred pounds but he is gaining on me. I stop and I face the inevitable. I am prepared to debate my way out of this. What follows is as accurate a transcript of my conversation with Don as possible.
Don: Hello Jason.
Jason: Hello Don. How are you?
Don: Not good Jason. Not good at all.
Jason: Oh? I'm sorry to hear that. Is there something I can do to help?
Don: Yes Jason. You can agree to be a shepherd in the Christmas play.
{Jason clears his throat and produces the following brilliant response to Don's plea}
Jason: Okay.
My first practice is tonight. I'll be standing with the sheep.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Hope For The Worrier
Check out this passage from Habakkuk chapter 3. I'm a worrier and this passage speaks to me about where I need to be in relation to my reliance upon Jesus. My prayer is that I will get to the point where this is my testimony:
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.
Debating
This is a post from my old blog and it is even more true today:
I used to love to debate with people. My friend Joe calls it "battling". He loves to "battle" mormons. When I need a good laugh I picture Joe "battling" Donny Osmond.
I've grown tired of debating. I'm not talking about defending my faith. I have no problem doing that and I welcome the chance. I'm talking about the type of debating where two people waste their time going back and forth on some obscure issue like "can a pop-tart sin?"
Its kind of like taking your dog for a walk and using a bungee cord for the leash. It starts out well but ends badly for all involved parties.
I used to love to debate with people. My friend Joe calls it "battling". He loves to "battle" mormons. When I need a good laugh I picture Joe "battling" Donny Osmond.
I've grown tired of debating. I'm not talking about defending my faith. I have no problem doing that and I welcome the chance. I'm talking about the type of debating where two people waste their time going back and forth on some obscure issue like "can a pop-tart sin?"
Its kind of like taking your dog for a walk and using a bungee cord for the leash. It starts out well but ends badly for all involved parties.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A Quote From "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy
Check out this quote from "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy. Coach Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to win the Super Bowl after the 2006 season and I have to admit that I knew very little about him before reading his book. He really is a Godly man and his leadership style is Christ-like. So check out this quote from the end of his book:
"That's what this is all about. Touching lives. Building a legacy--not necessarily on the field but in those places that most people will never see. Trying to be faithful in the position God has given me. I love coaching football, and winning a Super Bowl was a goal I've had for a long time. But it has never been my purpose in life. My purpose in life is simply to glorify God. We have to be careful that we don't let the pursuit of our life's goals, no matter how important they seem, cause us to lose sight of our purpose."
"I coach football. But the good I can do to glorify God along the way is my real purpose. I want to help people see the path to eternal life through Christ, to enjoy an abundant life now, and to fulfill their God-given purposes here."
"That's what this is all about. Touching lives. Building a legacy--not necessarily on the field but in those places that most people will never see. Trying to be faithful in the position God has given me. I love coaching football, and winning a Super Bowl was a goal I've had for a long time. But it has never been my purpose in life. My purpose in life is simply to glorify God. We have to be careful that we don't let the pursuit of our life's goals, no matter how important they seem, cause us to lose sight of our purpose."
"I coach football. But the good I can do to glorify God along the way is my real purpose. I want to help people see the path to eternal life through Christ, to enjoy an abundant life now, and to fulfill their God-given purposes here."
Brandy's View of Life...At 6pm
Since this Sunday was Pastor Appreciation Day, I will go easy on Jason this week. I could make many, many jokes about how I'm not quite sure, after walking into Panera Bread and ordering a souffle, what kind of shirt you have on will make you more manly. And to show how much I really DO appreciate him, I won't even start to bring up what role his shoes could be playing in those insecurities. No, there will be none of that. I'm simply going to stick to the subject of communion.
Jason did a fantastic job showing the importance of communion in our Christian walk. He stressed a point that seems to be left out of a lot of churches: that communion should not be taken lightly or with the wrong heart. It is not a social event or something we do just to go through the motions. It is a representation of the body of Jesus Christ and should be treated as such. Jason presented that wonderfully, and it was good to see the congregation could still take him seriously even after he used the word "souffle". Not everyone could pull that off.
That reminds me that Joe is preaching next week, which should be fun. You never know what is going to happen when Joe gets up to speak, but I know I will be looking forward to it all week!
~~Brandy Malachowsky
Jason did a fantastic job showing the importance of communion in our Christian walk. He stressed a point that seems to be left out of a lot of churches: that communion should not be taken lightly or with the wrong heart. It is not a social event or something we do just to go through the motions. It is a representation of the body of Jesus Christ and should be treated as such. Jason presented that wonderfully, and it was good to see the congregation could still take him seriously even after he used the word "souffle". Not everyone could pull that off.
That reminds me that Joe is preaching next week, which should be fun. You never know what is going to happen when Joe gets up to speak, but I know I will be looking forward to it all week!
~~Brandy Malachowsky
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
*Pastor Mike opened the service by baptizing believers and it was a sweet time. One little boy was probably about seven years old and his sister wasn't much older. A husband and wife were baptized as well as some teens and a grandfather. Very cool.
*Joe helped Mike with the baptisms and I am laughing even now when I remember the look on Joe's face when Pastor Mike "re-dunked" the one guy's head that didn't go completely under. We don't sprinkle at Tree of Life baby!!!!!
*Donovan and his team were on the platform the whole service last night. They played for about 80% of the service and they didn't even look tired. That's good news because they will be leading the entire service in two weeks. I keep calling them "Donovan's band" or "Donovan's worship team" but they do have a name and I will try to start using it. Our worship band's name is "Face to Face". They took that name because their goal is to stay face to face with God and to help lead others to that place as well.
*I had a lady tell me at the end of the service that souffles were manly. I respectfully disagree, but I do love 'em.
*One of my old history professors was in the service last night. Very cool.
*My original plan was to teach for about 10 minutes on communion, but the Lord just kept talking so I jumped on board and went where He took me. I love communion and I hope people were moved even half as much as I was, because God rocked me last night.
*Erika did a great job of administering communion with me. And thanks to everyone that helped. Misty got everything set up and Joe, Terry, Scott and Misty helped with the elements. Matt showed his servant's heart by making himself available to anyone that needed prayer during communion.
*Thanks again to all of you for the "pastor appreciation" gifts and cards. It means a lot to me and I won't say much more because my eyes will start sweating...
*Next week's message will be brought by Joe. I can't wait to see yall then.
*Joe helped Mike with the baptisms and I am laughing even now when I remember the look on Joe's face when Pastor Mike "re-dunked" the one guy's head that didn't go completely under. We don't sprinkle at Tree of Life baby!!!!!
*Donovan and his team were on the platform the whole service last night. They played for about 80% of the service and they didn't even look tired. That's good news because they will be leading the entire service in two weeks. I keep calling them "Donovan's band" or "Donovan's worship team" but they do have a name and I will try to start using it. Our worship band's name is "Face to Face". They took that name because their goal is to stay face to face with God and to help lead others to that place as well.
*I had a lady tell me at the end of the service that souffles were manly. I respectfully disagree, but I do love 'em.
*One of my old history professors was in the service last night. Very cool.
*My original plan was to teach for about 10 minutes on communion, but the Lord just kept talking so I jumped on board and went where He took me. I love communion and I hope people were moved even half as much as I was, because God rocked me last night.
*Erika did a great job of administering communion with me. And thanks to everyone that helped. Misty got everything set up and Joe, Terry, Scott and Misty helped with the elements. Matt showed his servant's heart by making himself available to anyone that needed prayer during communion.
*Thanks again to all of you for the "pastor appreciation" gifts and cards. It means a lot to me and I won't say much more because my eyes will start sweating...
*Next week's message will be brought by Joe. I can't wait to see yall then.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Prayer Partners
The reports I'm hearing back from prayer partners are fantastic. Despite the fact that I really didn't lay out some long range plan with cool graphics and promos, many of you jumped at the opportunity to pray for each other.
Please keep it up!
If you haven't contacted your prayer partner, please do that! Even if its through a quick e-mail or text message, it means something when you hear that people are praying for you.
Please keep it up!
If you haven't contacted your prayer partner, please do that! Even if its through a quick e-mail or text message, it means something when you hear that people are praying for you.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 11
My jumping off point for the Communion message will be 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, but reading the entire chapter will be helpful because it will allow you to see the context of Paul's statements in verses 27-32 about who should take communion.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Brandy's View of Life....at 6pm
When Jason announced this new Sunday night series, I honestly wondered what I would get out of it, having grown up in church my whole life. However, Jason has once again proven to be an excellent teacher. When people used to ask me why Christians get baptized, my answer was a very short "Because we're told to in the Bible", and left it at that. Until last night I really didn't have a real answer to give. As Jason said, it is true, we are told to be baptized, but there's so much more to it, and now I know.
I'm really glad Jason started this new series because it's important to know why we believe what we believe, especially for our generation who questions everything. I also really like the new "prayer partners" idea. It's exciting to know that no matter what goes on during the week, someone is praying for me.
I can't wait until Jason talks about communion next week. I was raised in an old ways Holiness church, so it will be good to hear other views on the subject. Have a great week everybody!!!
~~Brandy Malachowsky
I'm really glad Jason started this new series because it's important to know why we believe what we believe, especially for our generation who questions everything. I also really like the new "prayer partners" idea. It's exciting to know that no matter what goes on during the week, someone is praying for me.
I can't wait until Jason talks about communion next week. I was raised in an old ways Holiness church, so it will be good to hear other views on the subject. Have a great week everybody!!!
~~Brandy Malachowsky
A Different Angle
It took me a while, but I have eventually realized that other people don't always see things the way I do. Shocking, I know.
In fact, the only person who sees things exactly the way I do is...me.
So, in order to keep this blog fresh, I am bringing in a guest blogger to present her view of the Sunday night services and messages from a different angle.
I would like to introduce you to Brandy Malachowsky. Brandy and her husband Tim have been here at Tree of Life for several years and they are familiar faces on Sunday nights. Tim is one of those people who is quietly hilarious and insightful. Brandy is not so quiet but still hilarious and insightful. As time goes by and Brandy finds her voice on this blog, I am confident that she will help us flesh out some of the messages during the week.
Remember, if a message stays in the sanctuary, then it probably didn't have the effect on us that it should.
So, later today we will publish Brandy's first post. I'm sure she will be quite nice to me at first. Stay tuned to see if she stays that way.
In fact, the only person who sees things exactly the way I do is...me.
So, in order to keep this blog fresh, I am bringing in a guest blogger to present her view of the Sunday night services and messages from a different angle.
I would like to introduce you to Brandy Malachowsky. Brandy and her husband Tim have been here at Tree of Life for several years and they are familiar faces on Sunday nights. Tim is one of those people who is quietly hilarious and insightful. Brandy is not so quiet but still hilarious and insightful. As time goes by and Brandy finds her voice on this blog, I am confident that she will help us flesh out some of the messages during the week.
Remember, if a message stays in the sanctuary, then it probably didn't have the effect on us that it should.
So, later today we will publish Brandy's first post. I'm sure she will be quite nice to me at first. Stay tuned to see if she stays that way.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
*We're right in the middle of our "After The Altar Call" Series.
*Last night had a different vibe to it, but it was a really good night. Everybody was a lot more serious than normal, but I think that has something to do with Fall and the fact that a lot of people are sick. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SICK at Tree of Life and across our city, so please remember to pray for each other!
*During sound check/practice for the praise team I just slowed down and enjoyed the music. Believe it or not, I actually worshiped during their practice. I say it every week, but what a Godly group. Most people may not know, but our praise team starts their Sunday very early because they lead worship for the middle school ministry during the 11:00 service and they have to set up before Sunday School starts. They never complain and they just show up ready to worship and serve. I am blessed to serve with Donovan and his group.
*Joe knew I was struggling yesterday with lack of sleep and worry about Misty so I leaned on him throughout the evening as he handled just about everything for me. I am thankful for Joe and his ministry here at Tree of Life.
*Linwood and his wife were there again last night. I think Linwood is about 117 years old and he hasn't lost his sarcasm or his wit. He asked when he would get his attendance certificate for being there on Sunday nights. "I only attend church for the certificates" he said. That actually made me laugh for quite a while...
*I love hearing Lindsey sing. Misty and I have her songs stuck in our heads all week.
*Joe and Misty and Matt and I prayed in the weeks leading up to our time on Sunday nights that the Lord would draw lonely people. I have something deep in my heart for lonely people and He is bringing them right to us.
*Our topic last night was baptism, specifically water baptism. You should've seen my notes earlier last week. I had papers piled everywhere and I spider-webbed in about 25 different directions. By Friday I felt like the Lord was trimming it down and by last night we looked at baptism as an act of obedience, symbolism, testimony and love. Our launchpad passage was Matthew 3. We then went into Acts 2, 4 and 8.
*We ended with partnering people up to pray for each other. I will put out a separate post later today about that. I really feel like the Lord will move through these prayer partnerships.
*Next week Pastor Mike will be baptizing believers at the beginning of our service and our topic will be communion. Baptism and Communion in the same service? We are kickin' it old school next week. I can't wait.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Baptism
This Sunday I will be looking at Baptism from three angles. Obedience. Symbolism. Testimony. Please be in prayer that the Lord will speak to all of us as we look at this important act in the lives of believers.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
This Sunday
This Sunday we will look very closely at baptism. What it is. What it isn't. The following Sunday, October 26th, Pastor Mike will be baptizing believers at the beginning of our 6:00 service. I hope we will see you at TOL Sunday at 6pm!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Books I Am Reading
Anyone who knows me well knows that I love to read. When I was growing up I read all the time and even when I was in college I always carried a book around with me. I can show you a sign on LU's campus (I think its still there to this day) that I walked right into because I was reading a book while walking to class.
Quite a few people have asked me lately about what I am currently reading, so here is my answer.
I am reading "The Shack". Lindsey loaned it to me and this book is well written, but also a little unsettling. The framing story of the book involves the abduction of a six year old girl and since Jasilyn is six it hits a little too close to home. Also, the book has stirred up some controversy about the author's presentation of the Trinity. I don't avoid books just because they make me uncomfortable or even because other people I know disagree with the contents. I've lost track of how many people have asked me what I thought about "The Shack" so I decided that I need to read it. I will say that it is well written and the narrative pulls you in immediately. I have found some portions of the author's theology that I disagree with, but I will not set those out until I have read the book completely. If anyone has questions about this book I will gladly talk to you in person or through e-mail.
I am also reading "Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting" by Derek Prince. Dawn Harter loaned me this book and I am using it along with Elmer Towns' books on fasting in preparation for my message on "Prayer and Fasting" at the end of the month.
In the Bible, I am reading Acts again.
I'd love to hear what you all are reading.
Quite a few people have asked me lately about what I am currently reading, so here is my answer.
I am reading "The Shack". Lindsey loaned it to me and this book is well written, but also a little unsettling. The framing story of the book involves the abduction of a six year old girl and since Jasilyn is six it hits a little too close to home. Also, the book has stirred up some controversy about the author's presentation of the Trinity. I don't avoid books just because they make me uncomfortable or even because other people I know disagree with the contents. I've lost track of how many people have asked me what I thought about "The Shack" so I decided that I need to read it. I will say that it is well written and the narrative pulls you in immediately. I have found some portions of the author's theology that I disagree with, but I will not set those out until I have read the book completely. If anyone has questions about this book I will gladly talk to you in person or through e-mail.
I am also reading "Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting" by Derek Prince. Dawn Harter loaned me this book and I am using it along with Elmer Towns' books on fasting in preparation for my message on "Prayer and Fasting" at the end of the month.
In the Bible, I am reading Acts again.
I'd love to hear what you all are reading.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
*Last night's service was fantastic. I love Tree of Life in the Fall because we get the chance to see so many new faces and meet new people. We had quite a few visitors last night and I actually had the chance to hang out with a few of them after the service. Lynchburg is indeed a small world. I'm shocked at some of the people I see out in the city that have come by to see what's going on at this church.
*I actually got lost in the worship music last night and I was caught off guard when Donovan passed the service to me because time just flew by while we worshiped. Donovan's band is incredible and I am just humbled to serve with them. They continue to amaze me week after week.
*Joe had me pumped up before the service because he was able to minister to a guy on Saturday that was lying on his face in front of our door. Joe took him to the altar and sat with him for way over an hour. That is ministry!!!!! Its incredible to see the Lord line us up to serve him.
*I saw a lot of friendly faces from the past last night and that was very cool.
*Donovan's new song Hosanna rocked! I have it in my head right now.
*We learned about the Great Commission last night and we looked deeper at what evangelism is and is not.
*Elisha is an awesome character in the Bible. He really does point us to Christ in several ways and I am going to try to study him even deeper during my personal study time.
*Lots of people left last night re-dedicated to carrying God's life giving words to the world, including me.
*Can't wait until next week! Baptism!
*I actually got lost in the worship music last night and I was caught off guard when Donovan passed the service to me because time just flew by while we worshiped. Donovan's band is incredible and I am just humbled to serve with them. They continue to amaze me week after week.
*Joe had me pumped up before the service because he was able to minister to a guy on Saturday that was lying on his face in front of our door. Joe took him to the altar and sat with him for way over an hour. That is ministry!!!!! Its incredible to see the Lord line us up to serve him.
*I saw a lot of friendly faces from the past last night and that was very cool.
*Donovan's new song Hosanna rocked! I have it in my head right now.
*We learned about the Great Commission last night and we looked deeper at what evangelism is and is not.
*Elisha is an awesome character in the Bible. He really does point us to Christ in several ways and I am going to try to study him even deeper during my personal study time.
*Lots of people left last night re-dedicated to carrying God's life giving words to the world, including me.
*Can't wait until next week! Baptism!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Great Commission
I can't wait until Sunday... We're going to be really focusing on the evangelism portion of the great commission because most people get hung up on that part. Either we never witness, or all we do is witness and we never disciple.
So, we're going to try to free us up to focus on the fulfillment of the entire commission by focusing this Sunday evening on what evangelism really is and what it is not. Be prepared to have some of your perceptions shattered. Or maybe you are right on track...
We're going to be looking at some experiences in the life of Elisha the prophet and see how the principles we learn there are "fleshed out" in the life of Jesus.
Like I said, I can't wait...
So, we're going to try to free us up to focus on the fulfillment of the entire commission by focusing this Sunday evening on what evangelism really is and what it is not. Be prepared to have some of your perceptions shattered. Or maybe you are right on track...
We're going to be looking at some experiences in the life of Elisha the prophet and see how the principles we learn there are "fleshed out" in the life of Jesus.
Like I said, I can't wait...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads [on wednesday]
*Sunday night was one of those nights where I knew in my heart that the Lord was going to teach me some big lessons and He did.
*I learned that people really do want to go deep into the scriptures and they are hungry for Bible teaching. I have had more encouragement about this new series than I have ever had during all of my years of teaching.
*I learned that when you let Godly people do what they are called to do, great things happen. Donovan, Lindsey, Ryan, Judy, Larry, Nathan, Erika and Joe all work so well together to make sure that the service flows and that everything we offer up is pleasing to Him.
*I learned that Christians love to laugh and I believe humor is pleasing to the Lord. Is there bad humor? Of course. Just like there can be bad talk and bad preaching. When James talked about taming the tongue he didn't mean that we should never laugh.
*I learned that the Lord WILL draw people to a gathering that honors Him and lifts Him up. That has been our prayer and we have seen it answered time and again. Sunday night, two different people told me that they felt "drawn" to our service. Neither one had attended the morning service, so they are in for a treat when they hear Pastor Mike!
*I learned that people want to grow in community with one another. Lots of people hung around well after the service "ended" and that made me happy.
*I was going to say that I learned that I have a beautiful and wonderful wife, but I've known that for a long time.
*A lot of people have been asking about our graphics. Joe Bivens does all of our graphics and tech stuff.
*Why didn't we put the scriptures up on the big screens? Because I wanted Erika up with us during the service and during the altar call. She has a servant's heart, but she is also a prayer warrior and I appreciated the prayer support.
*Lillian did a great job singing last night. A few people asked when they can hear her sing more, and for starters you can hear her during Tree of Life's morning services. Lillian is a teacher at Branches Academy and the kids love her.
*The Lord also blessed us with some time with Him at the altar. It has been humbling to hear some of your stories about your time in prayer at the end of the service.
*Thanks to everyone that joins us on Sunday night. Next week's message is gonna be on "The Great Commission". The Lord led me to some cool stuff to bring forth and I can't wait.
*I learned that people really do want to go deep into the scriptures and they are hungry for Bible teaching. I have had more encouragement about this new series than I have ever had during all of my years of teaching.
*I learned that when you let Godly people do what they are called to do, great things happen. Donovan, Lindsey, Ryan, Judy, Larry, Nathan, Erika and Joe all work so well together to make sure that the service flows and that everything we offer up is pleasing to Him.
*I learned that Christians love to laugh and I believe humor is pleasing to the Lord. Is there bad humor? Of course. Just like there can be bad talk and bad preaching. When James talked about taming the tongue he didn't mean that we should never laugh.
*I learned that the Lord WILL draw people to a gathering that honors Him and lifts Him up. That has been our prayer and we have seen it answered time and again. Sunday night, two different people told me that they felt "drawn" to our service. Neither one had attended the morning service, so they are in for a treat when they hear Pastor Mike!
*I learned that people want to grow in community with one another. Lots of people hung around well after the service "ended" and that made me happy.
*I was going to say that I learned that I have a beautiful and wonderful wife, but I've known that for a long time.
*A lot of people have been asking about our graphics. Joe Bivens does all of our graphics and tech stuff.
*Why didn't we put the scriptures up on the big screens? Because I wanted Erika up with us during the service and during the altar call. She has a servant's heart, but she is also a prayer warrior and I appreciated the prayer support.
*Lillian did a great job singing last night. A few people asked when they can hear her sing more, and for starters you can hear her during Tree of Life's morning services. Lillian is a teacher at Branches Academy and the kids love her.
*The Lord also blessed us with some time with Him at the altar. It has been humbling to hear some of your stories about your time in prayer at the end of the service.
*Thanks to everyone that joins us on Sunday night. Next week's message is gonna be on "The Great Commission". The Lord led me to some cool stuff to bring forth and I can't wait.
I'm Back
Sorry for not posting over the last couple of days. I'm back and ready to roll. I'll do my review of Sunday before today is over, and I've got lots of things in my mind that I'll be posting on here in the next few days, so thanks for your patience!
Friday, October 3, 2008
This Sunday
Our new Fall series starts this Sunday. Join us at 6pm in Tree of Life's main sanctuary for "After The Altar Call".
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday Downloads
*The weather was so wonderful last night that we could've had church outside. Matt claims he doesn't need a microphone anyways...
*Great service last night. Matt was our "guest preacher" and he did a great job. Feel free to e-mail Matt at viktorynlyfe@yahoo.com with any questions or comments you have.
*I was missing Nathan's guitar last night but there is something about the violin that just gives me goosebumps. Carroll is a good and Godly man and I enjoy it when Donovan brings him in with us.
*I'm thankful to have great volunteers in our media and sound booths. Erika does an excellent job on the screens and Joe has to be everywhere at once, yet maintain the sound. The tech jobs only seem to get noticed when something goes wrong and I am just so thankful for Joe and Erika.
*I am amazed every week at how God answers our prayers. Joe and Donovan and I have been praying that the Lord would draw people to His service and we keep getting story after story from people that say they weren't planning on coming, but the Holy Spirit just kept reminding them and pulling them out of their house and to the church. I love that!!!
*I'm excited about the future of this service. Joe and I met Friday night and had a great talk about what ministry really is and about loving people and trying to really focus on discipling others. We can't do any of that if our own relationships with Jesus are not strong, so that is where everything starts.
*Not preaching last night gave me some extra time to actually hang out and talk to people. We have a really diverse congregation. I found myself challenged and loved and taught by many people last night as I walked around and talked to everyone. I also love that we have a wide age range. We have just as many people that are over 50 as we do that are under 30. We have teenagers, singles, couples, grandparents, new parents and expecting parents. I've said it before and I want to lay it out there again: the church has a lot of ministries that focus on certain generations (youth ministries, young adult ministries, senior saints ministries, etc.)but there is nothing like having everyone together in worship. A young couple can look across the aisle and see Judy and Larry still in love after decades of marriage. Some of our older folks can look around and see the energy and zeal that some of our youth have for Jesus. New parents can find grandparents and older parents to talk to and vice versa. I see the need for generational ministries, but there is nothing like corporate gatherings.
*I can't wait until next Sunday...
*Great service last night. Matt was our "guest preacher" and he did a great job. Feel free to e-mail Matt at viktorynlyfe@yahoo.com with any questions or comments you have.
*I was missing Nathan's guitar last night but there is something about the violin that just gives me goosebumps. Carroll is a good and Godly man and I enjoy it when Donovan brings him in with us.
*I'm thankful to have great volunteers in our media and sound booths. Erika does an excellent job on the screens and Joe has to be everywhere at once, yet maintain the sound. The tech jobs only seem to get noticed when something goes wrong and I am just so thankful for Joe and Erika.
*I am amazed every week at how God answers our prayers. Joe and Donovan and I have been praying that the Lord would draw people to His service and we keep getting story after story from people that say they weren't planning on coming, but the Holy Spirit just kept reminding them and pulling them out of their house and to the church. I love that!!!
*I'm excited about the future of this service. Joe and I met Friday night and had a great talk about what ministry really is and about loving people and trying to really focus on discipling others. We can't do any of that if our own relationships with Jesus are not strong, so that is where everything starts.
*Not preaching last night gave me some extra time to actually hang out and talk to people. We have a really diverse congregation. I found myself challenged and loved and taught by many people last night as I walked around and talked to everyone. I also love that we have a wide age range. We have just as many people that are over 50 as we do that are under 30. We have teenagers, singles, couples, grandparents, new parents and expecting parents. I've said it before and I want to lay it out there again: the church has a lot of ministries that focus on certain generations (youth ministries, young adult ministries, senior saints ministries, etc.)but there is nothing like having everyone together in worship. A young couple can look across the aisle and see Judy and Larry still in love after decades of marriage. Some of our older folks can look around and see the energy and zeal that some of our youth have for Jesus. New parents can find grandparents and older parents to talk to and vice versa. I see the need for generational ministries, but there is nothing like corporate gatherings.
*I can't wait until next Sunday...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Fall Has Arrived
Fall has arrived. Misty hung Autumn wreaths on the doors weeks ago when the temperatures pushed 112 so I know she is ready for this new season. With new seasons come times to pause and reflect on recent months and that is exactly what I want to do right now.
Man, what a summer. We started the season with news that our family was expanding and that Misty would expand as well. Jacob turned 2 and Jasilyn turned 6. Noah spent the summer coloring pictures and throwing any ball that he could find. Jasilyn sang through the summer and lingered at mirrors. Jacob spent each day refining his demolition skills. I finally fully embraced God's call on my life and began the process of becoming a licensed minister through our denomination and accepted the blessings of the Sunday evening pulpit at Tree of Life. Misty defied logic and became even more beautiful this summer as she mothered all of us throughout the season, while practicing for Fall dinner theater.
To list all of the highlights of this summer would be impossible, but not mentioning the beach trip with the Bivens crew would be inconceivable. It was the best vacation we've ever had, despite the wet carpet and hamster smell.
Jasilyn ended the summer by being baptized. Noah ended it by starting school for the first time. Jacob welcomed Fall by falling, a lot.
This summer has been a season that our family will never forget and for those of you who had a part in it, we thank you!
Man, what a summer. We started the season with news that our family was expanding and that Misty would expand as well. Jacob turned 2 and Jasilyn turned 6. Noah spent the summer coloring pictures and throwing any ball that he could find. Jasilyn sang through the summer and lingered at mirrors. Jacob spent each day refining his demolition skills. I finally fully embraced God's call on my life and began the process of becoming a licensed minister through our denomination and accepted the blessings of the Sunday evening pulpit at Tree of Life. Misty defied logic and became even more beautiful this summer as she mothered all of us throughout the season, while practicing for Fall dinner theater.
To list all of the highlights of this summer would be impossible, but not mentioning the beach trip with the Bivens crew would be inconceivable. It was the best vacation we've ever had, despite the wet carpet and hamster smell.
Jasilyn ended the summer by being baptized. Noah ended it by starting school for the first time. Jacob welcomed Fall by falling, a lot.
This summer has been a season that our family will never forget and for those of you who had a part in it, we thank you!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads [on tuesday afternoon]
*Another great Sunday night at Tree of Life.
*The message was "Inked: Leaving A Lasting Mark On Our World". This was the last night of our summer series and I could not be happier about this summer. It truly is a summer I will never forget.
*We held our first Christian Book Swap and a few people participated and took some different books home. We learned that our more zealous readers treasure their books too much to trade them. I must admit that there are many books that I keep and read and re-read and stash away.
*Once again, Donovan and his team blessed us with some wonderful music. Each week I serve with these Godly men and women I feel more and more blessed. Their attitudes are great, their hearts are pure and they have servant mindsets.
*We had a lot of visitors, which had become a rarity on Sunday nights, so that is an answered prayer. We had one large family visit and they ended up spreading their family throughout the church. They had kids in the nursery, Soul Survivor and CrossWalk!
*The bulk of my message came from 2 Chronicles 10. We looked at how Rehoboam's bad decision led to the splitting of God's chosen nation. The Lord led me to speaking about intimacy with God, and that struck a chord because I have had more people asking about that topic than any other I have touched upon. I learned a lot about intimacy with God through a study that Erika Eades led several months ago, so she would be a great one to talk to if anyone has any more questions.
*We tried text messaging questions at the end of the service again and although I think it is a great thing and I know that Joe put a great deal of work and planning into it, I think we may be slightly ahead of our time with it, so we will park that feature for a while and crank her up again in the future. My biggest concern is that it prevents us from connecting with people after the service, because by the time the Q and A is over, a lot of the visitors have slipped out. We tried it, though, and I am glad we did. If you want results you have never seen before, you've got to be willing to do things you've never done before.
*Matt will be preaching next week! See ya then.
*The message was "Inked: Leaving A Lasting Mark On Our World". This was the last night of our summer series and I could not be happier about this summer. It truly is a summer I will never forget.
*We held our first Christian Book Swap and a few people participated and took some different books home. We learned that our more zealous readers treasure their books too much to trade them. I must admit that there are many books that I keep and read and re-read and stash away.
*Once again, Donovan and his team blessed us with some wonderful music. Each week I serve with these Godly men and women I feel more and more blessed. Their attitudes are great, their hearts are pure and they have servant mindsets.
*We had a lot of visitors, which had become a rarity on Sunday nights, so that is an answered prayer. We had one large family visit and they ended up spreading their family throughout the church. They had kids in the nursery, Soul Survivor and CrossWalk!
*The bulk of my message came from 2 Chronicles 10. We looked at how Rehoboam's bad decision led to the splitting of God's chosen nation. The Lord led me to speaking about intimacy with God, and that struck a chord because I have had more people asking about that topic than any other I have touched upon. I learned a lot about intimacy with God through a study that Erika Eades led several months ago, so she would be a great one to talk to if anyone has any more questions.
*We tried text messaging questions at the end of the service again and although I think it is a great thing and I know that Joe put a great deal of work and planning into it, I think we may be slightly ahead of our time with it, so we will park that feature for a while and crank her up again in the future. My biggest concern is that it prevents us from connecting with people after the service, because by the time the Q and A is over, a lot of the visitors have slipped out. We tried it, though, and I am glad we did. If you want results you have never seen before, you've got to be willing to do things you've never done before.
*Matt will be preaching next week! See ya then.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Tomorrow Night's Message: "Inked"
I'm sitting here reading through my passage for tomorrow night's message and I'm excited. The title of tomorrow's message is "Inked: Leaving A Lasting Mark On Our World".
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Copies Of "Life At 6pm" Messages
We have some extra copies of a few of our Sunday evening messages available on CD. Joe fixed them up and they are high quality. The messages are "Wipeout", "24" and "Prison Break".
If you want one for free, leave me a comment below or e-mail me at crossovertolife@yahoo.com and I will hand deliver it to you, unless you live more than 7 minutes away...
If you want one for free, leave me a comment below or e-mail me at crossovertolife@yahoo.com and I will hand deliver it to you, unless you live more than 7 minutes away...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
*Our Senior Pastor preached a great message yesterday morning and my head was spinning from it all day, trying to let it sink in. It was powerful. What a way to start the day.
*It was a hot afternoon and the Jason of the past would have been worried about how many people would come out on a hot evening so late in the summer, but the Lord has been working on me and I'm learning to let the Lord draw people as He promises to do when His Word is lifted up. We ended up with a great group last night.
*The worship was hotter than the temperature outside (corny I know, but I couldn't resist). Donovan and Lindsey and Nathan and Larry and Ryan have great hearts and they are doing this for all the right reasons. I'm blessed to serve with them.
*I could really hear Nathan's guitar last night and it was just rolling across the sanctuary. Powerful!!!
*I had a girl come up to me and ask if the girl sitting next to Ryan was his sister. Ryan is building up a little following I guess :) For the record: Mary is not Ryan's sister.
*Misty is a gift from God. I knew that before now of course, but I realize that more and more everyday.
*My message came from Ruth 1:1-7 and Matthew 22:1-14. Last night I was sweating this message until I started speaking and the Lord just blessed me beyond my words to describe it.
*Erika's prayer last night was powerful. Donovan and Erika are a match made in heaven.
*We had several people pray about God's plan for them when it comes to reaching the lost.
* I walked into my office to a bunch of e-mails and messages that were very encouraging. People wanting to get involved in God's redemption plan! Awesome!!!
*It was a hot afternoon and the Jason of the past would have been worried about how many people would come out on a hot evening so late in the summer, but the Lord has been working on me and I'm learning to let the Lord draw people as He promises to do when His Word is lifted up. We ended up with a great group last night.
*The worship was hotter than the temperature outside (corny I know, but I couldn't resist). Donovan and Lindsey and Nathan and Larry and Ryan have great hearts and they are doing this for all the right reasons. I'm blessed to serve with them.
*I could really hear Nathan's guitar last night and it was just rolling across the sanctuary. Powerful!!!
*I had a girl come up to me and ask if the girl sitting next to Ryan was his sister. Ryan is building up a little following I guess :) For the record: Mary is not Ryan's sister.
*Misty is a gift from God. I knew that before now of course, but I realize that more and more everyday.
*My message came from Ruth 1:1-7 and Matthew 22:1-14. Last night I was sweating this message until I started speaking and the Lord just blessed me beyond my words to describe it.
*Erika's prayer last night was powerful. Donovan and Erika are a match made in heaven.
*We had several people pray about God's plan for them when it comes to reaching the lost.
* I walked into my office to a bunch of e-mails and messages that were very encouraging. People wanting to get involved in God's redemption plan! Awesome!!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
This Sunday's Message
This Sunday's message will be "Lost: Finding Our Way Home". I will start in Ruth 1 and head on over to Matthew 22. We hope to see you at Tree of Life at 6pm.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Heading Over To LC
Joe and I are heading over to Lynchburg College's congregational fair tomorrow. Please pray for us. We are allowed to hand out information from the church and we will be giving away CDs of our Sunday night service.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads [on tuesday afternoon]
*I started my message Sunday night with an introduction about procrastination and that is the very thing that kept me from posting earlier. I kept procrastinating because I was searching for some other word to use besides "awesome". I failed in the attempt to find another word, so I will start this post the same way I planned to yesterday:
*Last night's service was awesome. The football season was in full swing, but it didn't seem to affect our people. I prayed that the Lord would draw people and he continues to do so.
*We had two mormons with us Sunday night. They sat right up near the front and took notes and we loved them and talked to them and by the time they left, I feel like they felt the Love of the Lord and heard the clearest Gospel presentation I have ever been able to give.
*Donovan was back and his team led us in some deep worship. I actually lost track of time and I rarely do that.
*A lot of our men were down at TOL Mid-Town with the Band of Brothers. Very cool ministry. Lots of great things happening down at that church.
*We launched the text-messaging feature Sunday night and it went well. We will continue to use that feature from time to time.
*We were blessed to have someone give their life to the Lord and several people re-dedicated their lives to the Lord. Awesome!
*We read a truck load of scripture during the message and it makes me happy to see how hungry our people are for scripture. Tree of Life rocks...
*Next week's message: Lost.
*Last night's service was awesome. The football season was in full swing, but it didn't seem to affect our people. I prayed that the Lord would draw people and he continues to do so.
*We had two mormons with us Sunday night. They sat right up near the front and took notes and we loved them and talked to them and by the time they left, I feel like they felt the Love of the Lord and heard the clearest Gospel presentation I have ever been able to give.
*Donovan was back and his team led us in some deep worship. I actually lost track of time and I rarely do that.
*A lot of our men were down at TOL Mid-Town with the Band of Brothers. Very cool ministry. Lots of great things happening down at that church.
*We launched the text-messaging feature Sunday night and it went well. We will continue to use that feature from time to time.
*We were blessed to have someone give their life to the Lord and several people re-dedicated their lives to the Lord. Awesome!
*We read a truck load of scripture during the message and it makes me happy to see how hungry our people are for scripture. Tree of Life rocks...
*Next week's message: Lost.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Jesus Is...
Here is the list I read last night. As I said last night, this started out as someone else's list and I changed a majority of them as I read this week. Try sitting down with this list and your Bible and changing some of them. It will take you through large chunks of the Bible and if you do it prayerfully it can be a great devotional time.
* In Genesis, He is the Creator
* In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb
* In Leviticus, He is the High Priest
* In Numbers, He is our guide through the wilderness
* In Deuteronomy, He is one who can do everything that the Law cannot
* In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror
* In Judges, He is the giver of second chances
* In Ruth, He is the kinsman redeemer
* In 1 and 2 Samuel he is the root of Jesse AND the Son of David
* In 1 2 Kings, He is the Sovereign King, the Holy King, the King of all Kings
* In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is the intercessor and the sustainer
* In Ezra, He is faithful and true
* In Nehemiah, He is our mighty wall of protection
* In Esther, He is our deliverer
* In Job, He is the mediator who not only understands our struggles, but has the power to do something about them
* In Psalms, He is our song--and our reason to sing
* In Proverbs, He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother
* In Ecclesiastes, He is our source of purpose and identity in a world that lacks both
* In the Song of Solomon, He is our lover
* In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father.
* In Jeremiah, He is our balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for our sin-sick soul
* In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one
* In Ezekiel, He is the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again
* In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time, who walks through fire and shuts the mouths of hungry lions
* In Hosea, He is our faithful lover, always calling us back to Him--even when we have been unfaithful and have abandoned Him
* In Joel, He is our refuge, keeping us safe in times of trouble
* In Amos, He is the One who roars from Zion
* In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom
* In Jonah, He is our salvation
* In Micah, He is judge of the nations
* In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
* In Habakkuk, He is the Holy God
* In Zephaniah, He is the one who casts out His enemies
* In Haggai, He is the one who overthrows His enemies
* In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts
* In Malachi He is the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings
* In Matthew, He is king of the Jews
* In Mark, He is the servant King
* In Luke, He is the Son of Man
* In John, He is the Son of God
* In Acts, He is fire from Heaven
* In Romans, He is the righteousness of God
* In I Corinthians, He is the very definition of Love
* In II Corinthians, He is the triumphant one
* In Galatians, He is the One who makes us free—the only one who can and the only One who will
* In Ephesians, He is head of the Church
* In Philippians, He is the one through which all things are possible
* In Colossians, He is one who holds all things together
* In I Thessalonians, He is our hope
* In II Thessalonians, He is our glory
* In I Timothy, He is our faith
* In II Timothy, He is our stability
* In Philemon, He is our benefactor
* In Hebrews, He is the everlasting covenant
* In James, He is our Lord of Glory
* In I Peter, He is the One who leaves an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away,
* In II Peter, He is our Lord and Our Savior
* In I John, He is the light of the world
* In II John, He is the Doctrine of the Father
* In III John, He is Truth itself
* In Jude, He is the one who is able to keep us from falling
* In the Revelation, He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and He is the Alpha and the Omega the beginning and the end the King of kings and Lord of lords.
* In Genesis, He is the Creator
* In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb
* In Leviticus, He is the High Priest
* In Numbers, He is our guide through the wilderness
* In Deuteronomy, He is one who can do everything that the Law cannot
* In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror
* In Judges, He is the giver of second chances
* In Ruth, He is the kinsman redeemer
* In 1 and 2 Samuel he is the root of Jesse AND the Son of David
* In 1 2 Kings, He is the Sovereign King, the Holy King, the King of all Kings
* In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is the intercessor and the sustainer
* In Ezra, He is faithful and true
* In Nehemiah, He is our mighty wall of protection
* In Esther, He is our deliverer
* In Job, He is the mediator who not only understands our struggles, but has the power to do something about them
* In Psalms, He is our song--and our reason to sing
* In Proverbs, He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother
* In Ecclesiastes, He is our source of purpose and identity in a world that lacks both
* In the Song of Solomon, He is our lover
* In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father.
* In Jeremiah, He is our balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for our sin-sick soul
* In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one
* In Ezekiel, He is the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again
* In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time, who walks through fire and shuts the mouths of hungry lions
* In Hosea, He is our faithful lover, always calling us back to Him--even when we have been unfaithful and have abandoned Him
* In Joel, He is our refuge, keeping us safe in times of trouble
* In Amos, He is the One who roars from Zion
* In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom
* In Jonah, He is our salvation
* In Micah, He is judge of the nations
* In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
* In Habakkuk, He is the Holy God
* In Zephaniah, He is the one who casts out His enemies
* In Haggai, He is the one who overthrows His enemies
* In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts
* In Malachi He is the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings
* In Matthew, He is king of the Jews
* In Mark, He is the servant King
* In Luke, He is the Son of Man
* In John, He is the Son of God
* In Acts, He is fire from Heaven
* In Romans, He is the righteousness of God
* In I Corinthians, He is the very definition of Love
* In II Corinthians, He is the triumphant one
* In Galatians, He is the One who makes us free—the only one who can and the only One who will
* In Ephesians, He is head of the Church
* In Philippians, He is the one through which all things are possible
* In Colossians, He is one who holds all things together
* In I Thessalonians, He is our hope
* In II Thessalonians, He is our glory
* In I Timothy, He is our faith
* In II Timothy, He is our stability
* In Philemon, He is our benefactor
* In Hebrews, He is the everlasting covenant
* In James, He is our Lord of Glory
* In I Peter, He is the One who leaves an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away,
* In II Peter, He is our Lord and Our Savior
* In I John, He is the light of the world
* In II John, He is the Doctrine of the Father
* In III John, He is Truth itself
* In Jude, He is the one who is able to keep us from falling
* In the Revelation, He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and He is the Alpha and the Omega the beginning and the end the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Requested Resources
Many of you have requested certain lists or resources that we have handed out or I have listed from the pulpit and that makes me very happy! I will post as many of them as I can by this afternoon and I will give each of you a hard copy the next time I see you. Thanks to each of you for showing interest!
Friday, September 5, 2008
I Struggle With Advertising
I struggle with advertising the Sunday evening service. Where is the balance between advertising, inviting individuals, and trusting the Holy Spirit to draw people? I usually try to work hard at the first two and trust God for the third, but I'm realizing that I need to be careful that I don't spend so much time drawing up ads and thinking about commercials that I don't interact with and invite people and I don't pray for the Holy Spirit's help.
So maybe it shouldn't be a balance. What would happen if I put most of my time and effort into seeking the Lord's help and guidance and let Him bring people across my path to invite? What would happen if I allowed the Lord to do what He does and draw people that I haven't even met before? And what about advertising? I think its important because we are blessed to live in a time when so much technology is available, but should it tie up so much of our time?
I'm going to start seeking the answers to these questions by seeking the one who has all the answers...
So maybe it shouldn't be a balance. What would happen if I put most of my time and effort into seeking the Lord's help and guidance and let Him bring people across my path to invite? What would happen if I allowed the Lord to do what He does and draw people that I haven't even met before? And what about advertising? I think its important because we are blessed to live in a time when so much technology is available, but should it tie up so much of our time?
I'm going to start seeking the answers to these questions by seeking the one who has all the answers...
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
This Sunday
This Sunday's message at 6pm will be "24". The Lord led me in a slightly different direction on this one. We will be looking at the last day of Jesus' life. Come check it out.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads [on tuesday morning]
*I knew Sunday night was going to be different and it was. Donovan was on vacation so Nathan Adams led worship. Joe Bivens brought the message. Pastor Mike led the service with baptisms.
*The baptisms were incredible. Two girls that came to hear Joe knew they needed to be baptized and they were proud to tell the world they were born again, so they jumped up there unplanned.
*My oldest child, Jasilyn was baptized and Pastor Mike let me do it. That was a defining moment in my ministry life and my eyes got pretty wet (probably just water splashing up from the baptistry).
*Nathan did a great job leading worship. Lindsey's voice was beautiful as always. David T. was strong on the acoustic (can you be strong on an acoustic?), Ryan banged the junk out of those drums and Kevin Wade stepped in on bass. It was good to have Kevin with us. I've missed him.
*And then there was Joe! Joe Bivens is called to be a pastor and I believe it. Sunday evening was his first time bringing a message from the Greenview Drive pulpit and he learned a lot about how the Lord will use him. Our mission during the 6pm service is to help and encourage people to move from where they are in life to where God wants them to be, and that applies to visitors, members, strangers and leaders.
*Next week we hit 24. I can't wait.
*The baptisms were incredible. Two girls that came to hear Joe knew they needed to be baptized and they were proud to tell the world they were born again, so they jumped up there unplanned.
*My oldest child, Jasilyn was baptized and Pastor Mike let me do it. That was a defining moment in my ministry life and my eyes got pretty wet (probably just water splashing up from the baptistry).
*Nathan did a great job leading worship. Lindsey's voice was beautiful as always. David T. was strong on the acoustic (can you be strong on an acoustic?), Ryan banged the junk out of those drums and Kevin Wade stepped in on bass. It was good to have Kevin with us. I've missed him.
*And then there was Joe! Joe Bivens is called to be a pastor and I believe it. Sunday evening was his first time bringing a message from the Greenview Drive pulpit and he learned a lot about how the Lord will use him. Our mission during the 6pm service is to help and encourage people to move from where they are in life to where God wants them to be, and that applies to visitors, members, strangers and leaders.
*Next week we hit 24. I can't wait.
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Apprentice
This Sunday's message will be brought to you by....the Holy Spirit of course.
Joe will be the vessel through which the Holy Spirit brings this message.
Hope to see you all this Sunday at 6pm!
Joe will be the vessel through which the Holy Spirit brings this message.
Hope to see you all this Sunday at 6pm!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
1st John
I'm going to start 1st John tonight. This book has always been a tough one for me and I am going to slowly read through it. Sometimes I feel like I'm running through deep snow while reading John's epistles.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Work Place Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I enter this work place,
Help me to remember that I bring Your presence with me.
I speak Your peace, Your grace, and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office.
I acknowledge Your Lordship over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and accomplished within these walls.
Help me to be a blessing to my boss and to my co-workers.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gifts You have deposited in me.
I do not take them lightly, but commit to using them responsibly and well.
Give me a fresh supply of truth and energy on which to draw as I do my job.
Anoint my creativity, my ideas and my time so that even my smallest task may bring You honor.
Lord when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me.
Lord, when I am burned out, infuse me with the light of Your Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it, bring hope, life, and encouragement to all that I come in contact with today.
And Oh Lord, even in this day's most stressful moment, may I rest in You.
In the mighty Name that is above all Names,
In the Matchless Name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus I Pray,
Amen
Help me to remember that I bring Your presence with me.
I speak Your peace, Your grace, and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office.
I acknowledge Your Lordship over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and accomplished within these walls.
Help me to be a blessing to my boss and to my co-workers.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gifts You have deposited in me.
I do not take them lightly, but commit to using them responsibly and well.
Give me a fresh supply of truth and energy on which to draw as I do my job.
Anoint my creativity, my ideas and my time so that even my smallest task may bring You honor.
Lord when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me.
Lord, when I am burned out, infuse me with the light of Your Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it, bring hope, life, and encouragement to all that I come in contact with today.
And Oh Lord, even in this day's most stressful moment, may I rest in You.
In the mighty Name that is above all Names,
In the Matchless Name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus I Pray,
Amen
Monday Morning Downloads
*Last night's message was "The Office: Christians in the Work Place".
*Our primary passage was Genesis 39 as we looked at how Joseph behaved as a slave, and used that as a jumping off point to how Christians should act at work.
*Main Point: God is our boss. We are successful only when we please our real boss.
*My other boss (besides God) was there last night, so that made for an interesting night. Do I practice what I preach? He would know.
*Donovan and the worship band/team really cut loose last night!
*Great little crowd last night. It really feels like a family on Sunday nights and I love that.
*Joe used the term "divvy up" during the prayer over the offering and that made me smile. Joe is doing a great job opening up the service and he does a lot of stuff to keep the service going that I don't even know about.
*Misty actually laughed at some of my jokes last night. Thats rare...she doesn't like to admit there is someone else in the family that might possibly be funny.
*I had a lot of requests for the work place prayer and for the description of a Christian worker, so I will try to post both of those today or tomorrow.
*We had visitors last night!!! Having to announce the fact that there are visitor packs at the information desk was cool, because we hadn't had to announce that this summer until last night.
*Aaron and Christina brought their newborn daughter to church last night and she created quite a buzz...
*Thanks to everyone for joining us each week.
*Our primary passage was Genesis 39 as we looked at how Joseph behaved as a slave, and used that as a jumping off point to how Christians should act at work.
*Main Point: God is our boss. We are successful only when we please our real boss.
*My other boss (besides God) was there last night, so that made for an interesting night. Do I practice what I preach? He would know.
*Donovan and the worship band/team really cut loose last night!
*Great little crowd last night. It really feels like a family on Sunday nights and I love that.
*Joe used the term "divvy up" during the prayer over the offering and that made me smile. Joe is doing a great job opening up the service and he does a lot of stuff to keep the service going that I don't even know about.
*Misty actually laughed at some of my jokes last night. Thats rare...she doesn't like to admit there is someone else in the family that might possibly be funny.
*I had a lot of requests for the work place prayer and for the description of a Christian worker, so I will try to post both of those today or tomorrow.
*We had visitors last night!!! Having to announce the fact that there are visitor packs at the information desk was cool, because we hadn't had to announce that this summer until last night.
*Aaron and Christina brought their newborn daughter to church last night and she created quite a buzz...
*Thanks to everyone for joining us each week.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
*Yesterday was a long day, but a great day. I was on stand-by with Pastor Mike in case his voice didn't hold up, so that made the morning exciting. When it was all said and done, his voice held up well and his plan to teach instead of preach lasted about fifteen minutes. He was shoutin' and bringing it hard!
*Last night was "Super Nanny". I was nervous about this message at first because I didn't want to present myself as an expert on child rearing. I also knew that the content might offend people, as the truth often does. And to top it all off, I felt like the Lord did not want me to write out as many notes, so my notes for this message included all of the scriptures we were using and a few scribbled notes to myself. By 6:15 I felt a peace that passed all understanding and I was ready to roll.
*I love my wife's laugh. When she laughs I feel like I could do some of those gymnastics jumps we've been watching from the Olympics.
*Donovan and the worship team were just soaked in the Spirit while they played and sang. We had a violinist with us last night and that was cool, because music from a violin can cut so deep into our hearts. I love that sound.
*I can't say enough how happy I am that the Lord has blessed us with Donovan and his team. Their focus is clearly on worshiping Jesus, and they will do whatever we ask of them with no ego problems or complaints.
*Joe led prayer over the parents last night and it was powerful. Scott Moon was with us again last night so he played piano while the worship team prayed over parents.
*I had a great conversation with Scott last night after the service and he opened his heart about his burden for Sunday night services. Sunday nights have a special place in his heart, because his dad accepted Christ (right next to Jerry Falwell) on a Sunday night in a church here in Lynchburg.
*What a great congregation we have been blessed with on Sunday nights. They come hungry, but not with a consumer mentality. They are encouraging and spirit filled and ready to worship!
*Last night was "Super Nanny". I was nervous about this message at first because I didn't want to present myself as an expert on child rearing. I also knew that the content might offend people, as the truth often does. And to top it all off, I felt like the Lord did not want me to write out as many notes, so my notes for this message included all of the scriptures we were using and a few scribbled notes to myself. By 6:15 I felt a peace that passed all understanding and I was ready to roll.
*I love my wife's laugh. When she laughs I feel like I could do some of those gymnastics jumps we've been watching from the Olympics.
*Donovan and the worship team were just soaked in the Spirit while they played and sang. We had a violinist with us last night and that was cool, because music from a violin can cut so deep into our hearts. I love that sound.
*I can't say enough how happy I am that the Lord has blessed us with Donovan and his team. Their focus is clearly on worshiping Jesus, and they will do whatever we ask of them with no ego problems or complaints.
*Joe led prayer over the parents last night and it was powerful. Scott Moon was with us again last night so he played piano while the worship team prayed over parents.
*I had a great conversation with Scott last night after the service and he opened his heart about his burden for Sunday night services. Sunday nights have a special place in his heart, because his dad accepted Christ (right next to Jerry Falwell) on a Sunday night in a church here in Lynchburg.
*What a great congregation we have been blessed with on Sunday nights. They come hungry, but not with a consumer mentality. They are encouraging and spirit filled and ready to worship!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Super Nanny Tomorrow!
Tomorrow night is going to be incredible. I can't wait. During my message I will mention two books: "Revolutionary Parenting" by George Barna AND "The Parent You Want To Be" by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.
Both books are challenging and I will tell you tomorrow how to get one of them.
Both books are challenging and I will tell you tomorrow how to get one of them.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Super Nanny
This week's message is a tough one because I've been completely burying myself in information about Biblical views of raising children.
I've come to the point now where I need to let everything simmer and focus on what the Holy Spirit wants brought forth.
I will probably start the message with a confession that my children are not angels. Shocking, I know...
I've come to the point now where I need to let everything simmer and focus on what the Holy Spirit wants brought forth.
I will probably start the message with a confession that my children are not angels. Shocking, I know...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Prison Break [in a nutshell]
Last night we read Acts 16 together and looked primarily at Paul and Silas in prison. By looking at all of the other characters we saw that everyone was captive to something. Those who appeared to be free were actually captive.
But what about Paul and Silas. Were they free?
It depends on how you define free!
If you define free by the world’s standards: being able to do whatever they want, whenever they want, NO. By the world's standards they aren't free.
BUT IS ANYBODY TRULY FREE BY THAT DEFINITION?
Think about it.
I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. If I can take what I want, go where I want and do what ever I want to do, I may be free, but you won’t be. Not if you have what I want.
Somebody bigger is going to come along and then they will be free, and I won’t be.
And people are fickle.
When we get what we want, we often don’t want what we get.
Why is this?
Because of two blessings that became problems for humans.
The first blessing was that we were created to serve God
The second blessing was that we were created to serve Him for Eternity.
When we sin we turn those blessings into problems.
The first problem is that we are created to serve and if we aren’t serving God, then
We are going to serve somebody or something. We will live our lives serving something or lots of somethings. Somebody or lots of somebodies.
The second blessing becomes a problem because we are going to live eternally and if we don’t serve God in this life, we face an eternity of serving His enemy.
So, how do we find true freedom in this world AND THE NEXT ONE?
The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 3: 12-18.
12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit
And
The access of Jesus Christ the Son
That we can boldly approach the Father.
Looking for freedom? You will find it only at the throne of the Father.
He is the source!
James 1:17 says
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
That means 2 things: He is our source and He doesn’t change!
Titus 1:2 says He CANNOT LIE
Hebrews 10:23 says He is FAITHFUL
1 Peter 1:13 says that because of all of this, we can put our hope fully in His grace.
AND BECAUSE OF ALL OF THIS, WE HAVE TO BUST LOOSE FROM EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE THAT WE SERVE BESIDES HIM
ONLY IN HIM WILL YOU FIND HAPPINESS
ONLY IN HIM WILL YOU FIND PEACE
ONLY IN HIM WILL YOU FIND FREEDOM
But what about Paul and Silas. Were they free?
It depends on how you define free!
If you define free by the world’s standards: being able to do whatever they want, whenever they want, NO. By the world's standards they aren't free.
BUT IS ANYBODY TRULY FREE BY THAT DEFINITION?
Think about it.
I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. If I can take what I want, go where I want and do what ever I want to do, I may be free, but you won’t be. Not if you have what I want.
Somebody bigger is going to come along and then they will be free, and I won’t be.
And people are fickle.
When we get what we want, we often don’t want what we get.
Why is this?
Because of two blessings that became problems for humans.
The first blessing was that we were created to serve God
The second blessing was that we were created to serve Him for Eternity.
When we sin we turn those blessings into problems.
The first problem is that we are created to serve and if we aren’t serving God, then
We are going to serve somebody or something. We will live our lives serving something or lots of somethings. Somebody or lots of somebodies.
The second blessing becomes a problem because we are going to live eternally and if we don’t serve God in this life, we face an eternity of serving His enemy.
So, how do we find true freedom in this world AND THE NEXT ONE?
The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 3: 12-18.
12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit
And
The access of Jesus Christ the Son
That we can boldly approach the Father.
Looking for freedom? You will find it only at the throne of the Father.
He is the source!
James 1:17 says
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
That means 2 things: He is our source and He doesn’t change!
Titus 1:2 says He CANNOT LIE
Hebrews 10:23 says He is FAITHFUL
1 Peter 1:13 says that because of all of this, we can put our hope fully in His grace.
AND BECAUSE OF ALL OF THIS, WE HAVE TO BUST LOOSE FROM EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE THAT WE SERVE BESIDES HIM
ONLY IN HIM WILL YOU FIND HAPPINESS
ONLY IN HIM WILL YOU FIND PEACE
ONLY IN HIM WILL YOU FIND FREEDOM
Monday Morning Downloads
*We are officially in the dog days of summer but you couldn't tell it last night. We all had a great time worshiping the Lord and getting into His Word together.
*Michelle D. tells me that I use the word "awesome" too much and that is an awesome point, so I will put forth an awesome effort to find other adjectives.
*Joe spent the last few days working on the 'texting questions' concept. This has been his baby and I am excited about it. For those of you with questions about it, I'll put together a post that details what it is and what it isn't. That should be up in the next couple of days and if you still have questions I will give you Joe's e-mail address and he will be happy to talk with you about it. In a nutshell: We are trying to find another way to communicate with people and break down a wall that will more fully bring people into communion with God's Word. People will not be texting during my message or during the altar call. That has worried a few of you and I understand your concerns. If that becomes a problem, we will fix it.
*Lindsey's voice is spectacular (and awesome, but I can't use that word any longer). She won't like the fact that I said that, but since she gives all credit to the Lord, than I am really complementing the Lord for using Lindsey.
*My disco confession could cause me some trouble. I will keep you posted.
*Donovan continues to be a blessing. He is a true leader. Too many times we see worship leaders that won't cultivate any of the other singers the Lord has blessed him with and that is definitely not true with Donovan. He really works to see the big picture and he encourages his singers and musicians to work as a team. They have led me into some sweet worship over the past several weeks.
*Ryan was working the shaved head last night. I like it.
*Someone asked if I could sum up my message in a post and I will do that later today.
*I want to take a moment to thank everyone who supports the 6:00 service. I love each of you and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve with you.
*Michelle D. tells me that I use the word "awesome" too much and that is an awesome point, so I will put forth an awesome effort to find other adjectives.
*Joe spent the last few days working on the 'texting questions' concept. This has been his baby and I am excited about it. For those of you with questions about it, I'll put together a post that details what it is and what it isn't. That should be up in the next couple of days and if you still have questions I will give you Joe's e-mail address and he will be happy to talk with you about it. In a nutshell: We are trying to find another way to communicate with people and break down a wall that will more fully bring people into communion with God's Word. People will not be texting during my message or during the altar call. That has worried a few of you and I understand your concerns. If that becomes a problem, we will fix it.
*Lindsey's voice is spectacular (and awesome, but I can't use that word any longer). She won't like the fact that I said that, but since she gives all credit to the Lord, than I am really complementing the Lord for using Lindsey.
*My disco confession could cause me some trouble. I will keep you posted.
*Donovan continues to be a blessing. He is a true leader. Too many times we see worship leaders that won't cultivate any of the other singers the Lord has blessed him with and that is definitely not true with Donovan. He really works to see the big picture and he encourages his singers and musicians to work as a team. They have led me into some sweet worship over the past several weeks.
*Ryan was working the shaved head last night. I like it.
*Someone asked if I could sum up my message in a post and I will do that later today.
*I want to take a moment to thank everyone who supports the 6:00 service. I love each of you and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve with you.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Prison Break
The main passage we will be learning from this week will be Acts 16. Try asking yourself the question "who is really being held captive?" while reading this chapter.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Joe's Flier
Joe just made a sweet flier for Sunday nights. One side has all of Tree of Life's information and the other side advertises our Sunday night service. It has a retro flavor to it and I like it. If I was more of a techie I would post it on here, but I'm not.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
*Last night it was so hot outside that I was tempted to bust out some of David Letterman's "Its so hot" jokes. Luckily, Joe opened with a joke about the weather, so I opted out of using Letterman during my message. Misty agreed that it was probably a wise move...
*Donovan and Erika are on vacation so Judy and Larry led the service with Lindsey, Ryan and David. Judy has a sweet spirit and I love her and the worship through music was as sweet as Judy.
*I prayed all week that the Lord would bring at least one person that needed to be called back to Jesus and we had several people feel that call. A man came up to me afterwards and affirmed that the message was for Him.
*Yesterday's message meant a lot to me because I was haunted by failure for a long time and when Jesus calls Peter back into ministry I get emotional every time I read it.
*Noah was suspicious about why I used his soccer ball during the message.
*I said last week that Joe bringing me water was a small act that meant a lot to me. Last night he brought me Mountain Dew and I was prepared to nominate him for Sainthood.
*I broke away from my notes last night and I felt vulnerable and dependent upon the Holy Spirit. Hmmmm...maybe I should try that more often...
*This is a summer I will never forget.
*Donovan and Erika are on vacation so Judy and Larry led the service with Lindsey, Ryan and David. Judy has a sweet spirit and I love her and the worship through music was as sweet as Judy.
*I prayed all week that the Lord would bring at least one person that needed to be called back to Jesus and we had several people feel that call. A man came up to me afterwards and affirmed that the message was for Him.
*Yesterday's message meant a lot to me because I was haunted by failure for a long time and when Jesus calls Peter back into ministry I get emotional every time I read it.
*Noah was suspicious about why I used his soccer ball during the message.
*I said last week that Joe bringing me water was a small act that meant a lot to me. Last night he brought me Mountain Dew and I was prepared to nominate him for Sainthood.
*I broke away from my notes last night and I felt vulnerable and dependent upon the Holy Spirit. Hmmmm...maybe I should try that more often...
*This is a summer I will never forget.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
*The Lord blessed us with another great gathering last night.
*Pastor Mike baptized a whole bunch of people and their ages ranged from 6 to 86!!!!
*Matt helped with the Baptisms and he was really good at making the people feel comfortable and loved. That is a gift for sure, and if someone wants to be a pastor and doesn't have the love for people, they might as well just keep on preaching to their pets.
*Joe was a lot more comfortable with opening the service. That makes me happy.
*People have been asking a lot of questions about Donovan and his crew and the reason I don't ever name them from the pulpit is mainly because Donovan likes to keep the focus off of them and on the Holy Spirit. I dig that and I respect it, but I do want to give you the names of the band so that you can pray for them by name.
Donovan leads, sings and plays keyboard. Lindsey sings and tambourines her heart out. Nathan plays electric guitar and does a lot of the grunt work. Larry plays bass and carries more wisdom than any of us probably will ever know. Judy sings and plays piano and whatever else is needed. Ryan is the drummer. I've known Ryan since he was in seventh grade. David just joined them on acoustic guitar. David was with me in our CrossOver days. I think every one of them sings except Ryan. I heard Ryan sing the other day and I realize now why they put that drum shield up in front of him. Erika does all of the media and behind the scenes stuff. She also plays bass and teaches and types out all of my stuff for the screens.
*Misty was back with us tonight and it makes a big difference to me. She tells me afterwards if I rambled too much and she said I visited Ramble Town a few times last night. I'll work on that.
*I got so jacked up and moving so fast at the end that I skipped my daisy demonstration. I'll bust that one out in the future I'm sure.
*God has been so good that I couldn't begin to list everything He has done to bring all of this to such a great place.
*I said last night that there have been a few times in my life that I knew I was in the right place at the right time with the right people, and last night was one of those times!
*After every service Joe brings me a cup of water. What a cool thing to do. Its a small thing but it means big stuff to me.
*Thanks to all of you that are coming out on Sunday nights to worship with us. I love seeing each of you and learning along side you all.
*Pastor Mike baptized a whole bunch of people and their ages ranged from 6 to 86!!!!
*Matt helped with the Baptisms and he was really good at making the people feel comfortable and loved. That is a gift for sure, and if someone wants to be a pastor and doesn't have the love for people, they might as well just keep on preaching to their pets.
*Joe was a lot more comfortable with opening the service. That makes me happy.
*People have been asking a lot of questions about Donovan and his crew and the reason I don't ever name them from the pulpit is mainly because Donovan likes to keep the focus off of them and on the Holy Spirit. I dig that and I respect it, but I do want to give you the names of the band so that you can pray for them by name.
Donovan leads, sings and plays keyboard. Lindsey sings and tambourines her heart out. Nathan plays electric guitar and does a lot of the grunt work. Larry plays bass and carries more wisdom than any of us probably will ever know. Judy sings and plays piano and whatever else is needed. Ryan is the drummer. I've known Ryan since he was in seventh grade. David just joined them on acoustic guitar. David was with me in our CrossOver days. I think every one of them sings except Ryan. I heard Ryan sing the other day and I realize now why they put that drum shield up in front of him. Erika does all of the media and behind the scenes stuff. She also plays bass and teaches and types out all of my stuff for the screens.
*Misty was back with us tonight and it makes a big difference to me. She tells me afterwards if I rambled too much and she said I visited Ramble Town a few times last night. I'll work on that.
*I got so jacked up and moving so fast at the end that I skipped my daisy demonstration. I'll bust that one out in the future I'm sure.
*God has been so good that I couldn't begin to list everything He has done to bring all of this to such a great place.
*I said last night that there have been a few times in my life that I knew I was in the right place at the right time with the right people, and last night was one of those times!
*After every service Joe brings me a cup of water. What a cool thing to do. Its a small thing but it means big stuff to me.
*Thanks to all of you that are coming out on Sunday nights to worship with us. I love seeing each of you and learning along side you all.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monday Morning Download for July 13th's Service
We left right after last Sunday's service and went to the beach for a week, so I wasn't able to post until now.
*The service was awesome.
*God answered our prayers in BIG ways.
*A lady told me that she felt drawn to church. Thats one of the main things we prayed--that God would draw His people to His service.
*Donovan and the worship team just opened up their hearts and the worship through music was amazing.
*I saw a lot of new faces and that blew me away.
*Joe should have been a zombie because he worked just about every hour of last week and slept a little bit here and there. Instead of being zombie-like he was all over the place. Thats a good thing!
*I left for the beach so jacked up that I felt like I drank two gallons of coffee.
*The service was awesome.
*God answered our prayers in BIG ways.
*A lady told me that she felt drawn to church. Thats one of the main things we prayed--that God would draw His people to His service.
*Donovan and the worship team just opened up their hearts and the worship through music was amazing.
*I saw a lot of new faces and that blew me away.
*Joe should have been a zombie because he worked just about every hour of last week and slept a little bit here and there. Instead of being zombie-like he was all over the place. Thats a good thing!
*I left for the beach so jacked up that I felt like I drank two gallons of coffee.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Amazing Race
This Sunday night we will look at many of the verses that describe the Christian life as a "race".
I'm excited about what the Lord has to say about what He really expects from us when we talk about "the Christian life".
I'm excited about what the Lord has to say about what He really expects from us when we talk about "the Christian life".
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday Morning Downloads
Each Monday morning I will download most of my thoughts about the Sunday evening service. This will be an exercise in transparency, but it will also be my attempt to flesh out the message from the night before and to quite simply count my blessings. So here goes:
*Great first night!
*I wasn't as nervous as I have been in the past. God gave me a peace and I found my confidence in Him. Its a learning process, but trusting Him is so much better than trusting ourselves.
*Having Misty in there with me is a blessing beyond my words to express it. My heart still beats faster when I see her.
*Last night reminded me about how much I love Tree of Life. Standing around afterwards and hanging out with people was very cool.
*Joe brought me a coffee from Starbucks. When he told me that cream and sugar was in the kitchen I replied, "I think I'm gonna drink this one black." Joe's response? "Yeah, that makes a huge difference when you're drinkin' decaf...." You are hilarious Joe. Hilarious.
*David was a blessing leading worship with us. He had a long day and I appreciate his faithfulness.
*Donovan and his worship team starts this Sunday and I am EXCITED!!!
*Matt used John 4 to teach on worship last year some time in CrossOver and it was really good. Its amazing how many messages the Lord can bring out of one passage.
*I mentioned snakes in my message so Lindsey told a story afterwards about Donovan pronouncing dominion over a snake before he killed it. The fact that he was serious makes the story even greater to me.
*I re-read John 4 last night and the Lord brought something else out of it. By inviting people to church, we allow them to hear the Word of God for themselves. Like the Samaritans who said, "Now that we have heard it for ourselves, we believe that Jesus is the savior of the world."
*I'm back to digging into the Amazing Race message.
*Great first night!
*I wasn't as nervous as I have been in the past. God gave me a peace and I found my confidence in Him. Its a learning process, but trusting Him is so much better than trusting ourselves.
*Having Misty in there with me is a blessing beyond my words to express it. My heart still beats faster when I see her.
*Last night reminded me about how much I love Tree of Life. Standing around afterwards and hanging out with people was very cool.
*Joe brought me a coffee from Starbucks. When he told me that cream and sugar was in the kitchen I replied, "I think I'm gonna drink this one black." Joe's response? "Yeah, that makes a huge difference when you're drinkin' decaf...." You are hilarious Joe. Hilarious.
*David was a blessing leading worship with us. He had a long day and I appreciate his faithfulness.
*Donovan and his worship team starts this Sunday and I am EXCITED!!!
*Matt used John 4 to teach on worship last year some time in CrossOver and it was really good. Its amazing how many messages the Lord can bring out of one passage.
*I mentioned snakes in my message so Lindsey told a story afterwards about Donovan pronouncing dominion over a snake before he killed it. The fact that he was serious makes the story even greater to me.
*I re-read John 4 last night and the Lord brought something else out of it. By inviting people to church, we allow them to hear the Word of God for themselves. Like the Samaritans who said, "Now that we have heard it for ourselves, we believe that Jesus is the savior of the world."
*I'm back to digging into the Amazing Race message.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Advertising
I always feel strange trying to advertise about services, or Bible studies, or classes at church. I don't ever want to commercialize the sharing of God's Word, but the flip side of that coin is the fact that you have to let people know about opportunities or they might miss the chance to hear God's Word.
Joe Bivens will be a tremendous help with me when it comes to letting people know about the Sunday evening service.
He is working on a Leaflet insert now and we should have a commercial cranking out soon. Thank the Lord for people that know what they are doing. I know what I don't know, and advertising and marketing and "tech" in general all fall in the "Jason don't know" category.
Joe Bivens will be a tremendous help with me when it comes to letting people know about the Sunday evening service.
He is working on a Leaflet insert now and we should have a commercial cranking out soon. Thank the Lord for people that know what they are doing. I know what I don't know, and advertising and marketing and "tech" in general all fall in the "Jason don't know" category.
Monday, June 30, 2008
We're Launching A Week Sooner Than We Expected
Our launch date has been changed to Sunday, July 6th! I will use that night to speak on Christ's love and how He interacted with the people around Him. This will serve as an introduction to my Summer Series and hopefully the Lord will use it to teach us about showing love to our community.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Music
The Lord is bringing things together in a great way. The worship through music on Sunday evenings will be led primarily by Donovan Eades and his team. I've been blessed to minister alongside Donovan, Erika, Lindsey, Ryan and Nathan in lots of different settings over the past few years and they are a Godly bunch. They have led music in other churches but as for Tree of Life, they have led at TOL Whiterock, TOL East and TOL Buchanan. On Greenview Drive they have led worship for the Tre Cafe service, the biker service and they have filled in and helped out at every service time in the main sanctuary. They are currently leading worship for the CrossTrain middle school service.
Most of you probably already know Donovan and his worship team. If not, you will soon if you join us on Sunday evenings.
Most of you probably already know Donovan and his worship team. If not, you will soon if you join us on Sunday evenings.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Preparing "The Amazing Race" Message
I'm working on my first message for the summer series and already Satan has been coming at me hard.
Jasilyn, who is very healthy, was sick Sunday night and went to bed with a high fever. Misty and I sat up half the night checking on her.
Monday we got unexpected financial burdens that we just had to go right to the Lord over. There was just no way we could handle it on our own and we know that God doesn't want us to handle it on our own.
Last night Noah was sick. Same high fever. Exhausted. So I sat up with him, checking on him.
It would be very easy to just focus on these bad things but mixed in with it all were some great things. Sunday was an awesome day at church and an amazing day with family.
Monday was a great day at work and we were able to rise above financial worries to enjoy some wonderful family time together that evening.
Yesterday the Lord allowed things to work out in such a way that we were blessed with a newer vehicle, which will allow more space for the best news of the week: our fourth child is on the way!
So, as I work on this first message about following the Lord, its not coincidental that I've been tested on just about every point that I am studying.
Instead of making we worry, its making me excited about what Jesus is doing!
Jasilyn, who is very healthy, was sick Sunday night and went to bed with a high fever. Misty and I sat up half the night checking on her.
Monday we got unexpected financial burdens that we just had to go right to the Lord over. There was just no way we could handle it on our own and we know that God doesn't want us to handle it on our own.
Last night Noah was sick. Same high fever. Exhausted. So I sat up with him, checking on him.
It would be very easy to just focus on these bad things but mixed in with it all were some great things. Sunday was an awesome day at church and an amazing day with family.
Monday was a great day at work and we were able to rise above financial worries to enjoy some wonderful family time together that evening.
Yesterday the Lord allowed things to work out in such a way that we were blessed with a newer vehicle, which will allow more space for the best news of the week: our fourth child is on the way!
So, as I work on this first message about following the Lord, its not coincidental that I've been tested on just about every point that I am studying.
Instead of making we worry, its making me excited about what Jesus is doing!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
New Blog For The New Service
On July 13th, Tree of Life Ministries will launch a new version of its Sunday evening service. As the pastor for that service I will be blogging about my preparation, prayers and hopes and dreams for the service. I will try to be as honest and transparent as possible. This will be what blogs were originally intended to be--an online journal.
Many blogs today are platforms for political party line ramblings or advertisements in disguise, but I want this blog to be my open heart about what Jesus is doing and will do. It will be something we can look to for things to pray about; something that documents mistakes we can learn from; and something that will serve as a reminder of how awesome God is.
On Monday mornings I will blog about the message from the evening before. I will share additional points, scriptures and thoughts that I did not share during the message. I will also include testimonies about God moving in our lives at Tree of Life.
Throughout the week I will blog about our plans for the next service and our prayers for what God will do.
Until the services start, I will be blogging about what we are doing to prepare for launch.
Many blogs today are platforms for political party line ramblings or advertisements in disguise, but I want this blog to be my open heart about what Jesus is doing and will do. It will be something we can look to for things to pray about; something that documents mistakes we can learn from; and something that will serve as a reminder of how awesome God is.
On Monday mornings I will blog about the message from the evening before. I will share additional points, scriptures and thoughts that I did not share during the message. I will also include testimonies about God moving in our lives at Tree of Life.
Throughout the week I will blog about our plans for the next service and our prayers for what God will do.
Until the services start, I will be blogging about what we are doing to prepare for launch.
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