*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...
Monday, September 29, 2008
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.
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