Podcast Highlight-Catalyst

There are some resources that are just worth passing on...one of those is this new podcast that I've found called Catalyst. It is actually an extention of a conference that takes place every year in Atlanta. Anyway, this is only their 2nd episode so you can get in on the front end of things here. Their first episode featured Andy Stanley...this one features Erwin McManus.

In it they talk about the Church, the problems with the term "Christianity", and the future beyond cynicism. His insights as a futurist fuel dialogue about where the church is going, what Jesus Christ has called us to be, and what leaders in the church could learn from non-Christians. And you won't want to miss his response when asked, "What is your favorite band?"

Anyway, great resources in podcasting...don't miss out :)

To check it out...click here!

The Three Hardest Words to Get Right

I always like to hear what is swirling around in Leondard Sweet's head...I found this article that kinda unpacks his new book...take a look:


The Three Hardest Words to Get Right
By Leonard Sweet

The relationship between those two words "I" and "you" is arguably the central question of human life. In a "What about ME?" generation, Len Sweet asserts that the good news of the Gospel is victory over the love of self. PLUS - check out a sample chapter from Len's new book, The Three Hardest Words.

click here to read the full article

Wikiletics
Also, check out Sweet's newest preaching resourch project...Wikiletics

"Maximizing the Arts"

Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to go to Granger Community Church with some friends. It was a great experience getting to rub shoulders with people who are beyond us in ministry & glean insights from them. Following you will find some things that really jumped out at me (some of them are on a personal note, but others of them apply to everyone:

• It should be our goal to improve our E.R.A. (Excellence, Relevance, Authenticity)
• Draw a Sermon Series Planning Process (layout the goal)
• Create a culture of care. (it is so important for all of us to know how much we appreciate each other...I want to create this culture)
• Develop a "Not to do List"
• Seek ability over availability

Some quotes from the conference:

• "So David shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, & guided them with his skillful hands." -Ps. 78:72
• "The emphasis isn't on the service that needs to be performed; it's on the people whose lives are affected by the servant." --Tony Morgan
• "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, but working together is success." -Henry Ford
• "The character of who you are will determine what you do." --Max Lucado
• "Which way are their feet pointed--Your steps will change your heart or your heart will change your steps." -Mark Beeson
• "Great vision preceeds great acheivement." "Vision without stradegy is little more than a daydream." --John Maxwell

Some Resources they suggested:

• Book:"On Being a Servant of God" --Warren Wiersbe
• www.722.org
• www.desiringgod.org
• www.h2ochurch.org
• www.passionforyourname.com
• www.letssingit.com
• www.lyrics-universe.net

Well, there you have it. Lots to learn...lots to grow :)

Staples=More than Office Supplies!

Well, yesterday was a crazy day. I woke up just like any other day & got ready to get in the shower. On my way I gave my dog a little needed attention...kissed my wife as she was getting ready for the day ahead. Well, this is where things get really interesting. I was in the shower & just as I was wrapping things up I suddenly got really dizzy...light-heady...pukey...not a good feeling to say the least. At that moment, I turned the water off...leaned up against the shower wall & thought to myself, "Whoa, I need to go lay down!" The story goes on from there, but the next number of minutes I couldn't tell you because the next thing I know my wife is yelling frantically at me & all I could think was, "What are you yelling about?" After a few minutes of pure confusion...I realized that I wasn't standing anymore, there was blood on the floor & I was the one with the rag on my head. I had passed out cold...this is a new experience for me. Well, the rest of the day consisted of us running around trying to get my head patched up & figure out why in the world I bit it in the shower. I went to a great doctor who fixed things up in a matter of minutes...he put 8 staples in my head...this is a new experience for me as well. The good thing is you get to check it out...here is a picture :)

I know this is kinda a different blog post, but hey, this is a major event in my life & I have to keep people updated on what is happening inside this head of mine...this one just happens to be something happening on the outside :)

Granger's Take on the Code!

Hey everyone...

Great weekend here at Crossroads. Easter is always so fun! Some major successes for the greatest cause of all. We just kicked off our new series called "The DaVinci Deception." There are many other churches that are taking this opportunity as well; one of those is a church in northern Indiana called Granger Community Church. We follow a lot of their leadership here at Crossroads. Anyway, they have been working on getting their services online & they launched it this past weekend. It is great because you don't only get to see the message, but their entire service. As someone who doesn't get to see a lot of other service & how they do things...this is super exciting for me. Anyway, if you want to check out their Easter service last weekend & the launch of their DaVinci series...click here!

Note a Quote...

Here's a great quote that reminds us to not let ourselves get too busy doing too much.

"Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing!"

-Andy Stanley

DaVinci Dilemma

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that "The Da Vinci Code" is soon to be released in the theaters. As people in the Church this bringsus to a dilemma. You don't have to look too closely at the content of this movie to realize that it is very contradictory to Christian belief & will bring up many questions in people's minds.

It is easy to jump to a conclusion & start saying, "Oh poor Church, why is everyone always picking on you?" I think this is the wrong perspective.The way I see it, this is another prime opportunity in our culture that will raise questions about spiritual things. Not only about spiritual things,but about Jesus Himself. In some ways this isn't a good thing, but it all depends on how the Church responds. If we succeed...truth will be revealed& the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be explained to people who weren't asking the questions before.

So, it is my belief that we have a challenge before us... Here is your challenge:

1. Know the "Code"
It is vital that we can talk intelligently about what in the world the Da Vinci Code is all about. Our culture knows it well...millions have read the book & waves of people will see the movie. We must know it in order to combat it.

2. Know the Truth!
Once we know what the code says...we must be able to tell what is true & what is false. If we aren't able to help people distinguish the two...who will? We MUST know the Truth!

3. Use Your Resources
There are resources all around us that are talking about this issue. Numbers of books have been written for the strict purpose of debunking this viewpoint. A number of website have been developed with this as it's sole topic. I know that my church is doing a whole series on this starting this weekend. Soak it up...bring a friend, but most importantly, don't ignore the resources around you. Here are some other resources as well:

• DaVinci Dialogue
• Christianity Today Newsletter Resources
• LifeWay Article
• Apologetic Index
  

4. Talk it Up
Pardon the cliche, but "Seize the Day!" This is an incredible opportunity for us to talk about Jesus with those around us. No excuses for...how can I bring it up? It is right in front of you...on the forefront of our culture. Talk it up...bring it up! Seek out conversations that will lead you inevitably to Jesus.

5. Lead the Way
It would all be in vain if we weren't leading people to the right answer. We must lead them to Jesus & the Truth in light of all the lies that the "code" professes. Lead the way & the truth will be known.


Well, there is your challenge. I believe strongly that our community is primed & asking the questions...do you know the answers? Church...we must seize this opportunity! Join me in the challenge & let's point them to the Truth about Jesus...The Christ!!!

The Spirit of God...in you!!!

Last night I was reading 1 Corinthians 2 & ran across a passage that struck me in a new way. In this passage, Paul discusses with the Corinthians that he didn't speak to them with any human wisdom or persuasion; however, they were drawn by something different.

From there he unpacks the work of the Spirit... It is so striking to me how simple he puts it,

"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words."

What a thought...we have the Spirit that thinks the thoughts of God! We have the Spirit that has access to the power of an omnipotent God! We have the Spirit that sees the will of God! We have the Spirit that draws His Presence into ourselves.

How often I look to books & others for wisdom when the author of wisdom resides within me...waiting for me to ask.

If only I could grasp a fragment of the power of the Holy Spirit...if only I would rely...lean...rest...if only I would allow Him to have complete control............GREAT THINGS!!!

So I challenge you....stop right now & ask...what are the gaps in you that the Spirit is waiting to fill? Ask...

I've Found Jesus!

I was doing some searching online today & found something incredible. Here is how the story goes, I guess this guy was at a restaurant & ordered some pasta & while he was eating, he had an encounter with Jesus. Jesus didn't speak to him through a vision or through the Bible...Jesus showed up in his pasta. Here is a picture...

Do you see Him? Look closer...

I don't know...maybe I just need more faith.

Incredible...Jesus pasta :) Can I have a side order of Holy Spirit with that?

His Love Endures Forever

I found this article on a website that I go to on occastion...I thought I would share it with you:

His Love Endures Forever
by Karen Holland

Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever."

This is a powerful song/ praise chorus used many times in the Psalms and throughout the bible. In fact a search on biblegateway.com reveals the phrase "His love endures forever" appears 41 times. Psalms 136 ends each verse with His love endures forever. Why is this chorus repeated so many times throughout scripture?

Let's look more closely at Psalm 136. Without this repeated chorus, Psalm 136 presents a straightforward account of God's history with His people, including his creative acts (verses 1-9) and his powerful protection against the enemies of his people (verses 10-26). Doesn't this repetition magnify the Lord's love? This seems to be especially true in the light of God's history with His people. This repetition really brings God's enduring love into focus.

Enduring love that does not change, that is faithful and strong through all generations (Psalm 100:5). Enduring unyielding love that stands firm inspire of circumstances (Psalm 89:2). Enduring love whose compassions never fail and are new every morning (Lam 3:22-23).
It is through this love that God gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16-17). This great love is demonstrated in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9). This great enduring love of God that is in the Lord Jesus Christ, NOTHING, can separate us from it (Romans 8:38-39)!

To read the rest of this article click here!

A Worship Thought - "Hungry"

It has been years now since this song was first introduced, but it continues to be one of those refreshingly simple worship songs that I often go back to in my times of worship. Here are the lyrics:

Hungry
Hungry, I come to you for I know you satisfy
I am empty, but I know Your love does not run dry
And so I wait for You so I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

Broken, I run to You for Your arms are open wide
I am weary, but I know Your touch restores my life
And so I wait for You so I wait for You

There are a number of things that run through my mind as I worship with this song:

Hungry
The title of this song speaks a lot about what this song is all about. It expresses what we need our heart to be all about in worship, this desperate need for more of Him. I go back to times when I have gone without food for periods & how my body begins to ache & long for nourishment. It is a reminder to me that our spiritual body needs that nourishment from Him as well...we NEED Him!

Declarations
You don't have to spend too much time with me talking about worship to realize that I love songs that declare something to be true in faith. Through each of the verses of this song...it is declaring "...for I know..." I know that He satisfies, that His love doesn't ever run out, He is waiting with open arms, His touch restores my life!

Wait...
"So I wait for You." One of the disciplines in worship is to find the peace to shut your own mouth so that He can move & speak. Too often I feel like I need to be singing or speaking something...playing something cool on my guitar. It is a lost art to wait...listen. I love just hanging on that pre-chorus & waiting...

Falling
The natural expression of these things is to fall in front of Him & worship Him...to tell Him that I want so much to give Him all that I am & all I have, to express to Him outwardly what is happening on the inside, to lower myself in order to exalt Him!


So the question begs to be asked..."are you hungry?" What are your thoughts when you worship with this song? What are the things that you think about as you sing these lyrics to Him in worship? Please, share your thoughts we all can benefit.

Note a Quote...

One of my life goals is to never grow content or complacent with where I am. I fail at this on a regular basis...missing whole days & not learning a single thing. It is a good reminder to me to hear the wisdom of some men who strived to do the same:

"I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday."

--Abraham Lincoln


"By improving yourself, the world is made better. Be not afraid of growing too slowly. Be afraid only of standing still. Forget your mistakes, but remember what they taught you."

--Ben Franklin

Galatians 5

Freedom...
I was reading in Galatians 5 tonight & a number of things jumped out at me. First of all, it starts off with an intriguing verse that simply says..."It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!" I love the simple-complexity in this verse. But it brings me back to the fact that God wants me to be free because it is best for me, but also for me to experience freedom...it is an expression of love towards me. It is mine, but throughout this chapter He goes back to the fact that I must choose it...I must stand firm in freedom...or I am choosing bondage. Are you standing firm?

The only thing that counts...
The next big thing that jumps out at me is one of my favorite verses that states..."The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love!" Wow! What a verse. The ONLY thing that counts...the only thing that has value is faith...that comes out in love! The other thing that I love about this verse is how clearly it shows that a life of love is the only natural expression of living in freedom. To claim what Christ has done for us can only come out of us in an overwhelming rush of love. What is coming out of you?

Keep in Step...
Lastly, it struck me as it has many times before where Paul tells us to, "...keep in step with the Spirit..." I immediately picture a dance. Pardon the cliche, we've heard 1oo times that life is like a dance, but this was the image that I got. God...leading me each step of the way. Even though I don't know the steps...I don't know this dance...but He does! As a matter of fact, He was the one that made the whole thing up. What I love is that when you are dancing, you don't have to know all the steps...you just have to learn how to follow the lead. How is your dance?