Today was an awesome day of worhsip. We finished a series called, "The Missional Church." We preached through our core values and ended the series coming forward to sign over-sized mounted copies of our core values. The repsonse was awesome! We are now going to take the mounted copies of the core values and hang them around the church. If you were not there today and would like to sign one, there will be one outside the worship center over the next few weeks.
Tonight I went up with a group of people to 707. 707 is an emerging worship at Cuyahoga Valley Church. One of our goals for the next year is to launch a emerging worship service to connect college age students from Kent and Akron. Please be in prayer as we begin to build a luanch team to make this goal become a reality.If you would like to be a part of the launch team let me know in the comment box - don't forget to leave your name.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Great Article: "Can We Talk?"
I read a great article today by Robert Hull Jr. in the Christian Standard. The Christian Standard is a weekly publication put out by the Independent Christian Church/Church of Christ. The article was called "Can We Talk?" Read
I liked it because it was right. We have a habit of labeling people and groups of people that create an immediate barrier. When we do we dismiss them without learning more about their position. Face it, we like people who are just like us. It is easy and very seldom uncomfortable.
When we live like this I see two consequences:
1. We eliminate opportunities to learn more about God and people. We see our
positions as being 100% right, 100% of the time. Personally, I have learned
more about God and people when I hang out with others who are not like me. It
is not easy most of the time, but it is rewarding. (I have a habit of being
argumenative with people who have the same background as me. I am not saying
it is right. I am saying it is something I need to work on).
2. We become arrogant. I believe arrogance stems from a persons unwillingness
to listen to the other side. Liberal or conservative, it doesn't matter.
When we always have to win. When we always think we have all the answers. We
become self-centered and arrogant.
The challenge is to expand our horizon. Hang out with people who are not like you. Listen to why they think the way they do without being argumentative. You might just learn something about God, other people and yourself. Ask then, "Can We Talk?"
I liked it because it was right. We have a habit of labeling people and groups of people that create an immediate barrier. When we do we dismiss them without learning more about their position. Face it, we like people who are just like us. It is easy and very seldom uncomfortable.
When we live like this I see two consequences:
1. We eliminate opportunities to learn more about God and people. We see our
positions as being 100% right, 100% of the time. Personally, I have learned
more about God and people when I hang out with others who are not like me. It
is not easy most of the time, but it is rewarding. (I have a habit of being
argumenative with people who have the same background as me. I am not saying
it is right. I am saying it is something I need to work on).
2. We become arrogant. I believe arrogance stems from a persons unwillingness
to listen to the other side. Liberal or conservative, it doesn't matter.
When we always have to win. When we always think we have all the answers. We
become self-centered and arrogant.
The challenge is to expand our horizon. Hang out with people who are not like you. Listen to why they think the way they do without being argumentative. You might just learn something about God, other people and yourself. Ask then, "Can We Talk?"
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Parable: The Lions and the Buffalo
Sometimes God speaks to us from His creation in story form. Sometimes these stories can teach us how kingdom people should live. This amazing video can teach us some very valuable lessons about being people of the kingdom. Watch the whole thing it is amazing.
Lesson 1: 1 Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
The enemy is going to look for any chance he can to take down those who are the weakest in their faith. He is ruthless. He will attack us at our weakest moment and at our weakest point. So we need to be aware of this so that we can be alert and ready to resist (fight back).
Lesson 2: Remember the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15? Jesus said that we should leave the 99 to go out and find the one. But what happens when the 99 go after the one who is lost? What kind of world impact could be made if the church would respond to those who are far from God like the herd of Cape Buffalo responded to the calf?
Many times we see it as the responsibility of a few to go out after those who are far from God, when it is the church (all Christ followers) who should be in line with the same mission.
If our response would be like this in pursuing those the enemy is trying to devour, then what Jesus said will become a relality: "on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18).
Let's be the church! Let's be the aggresser and overcome the gates of hell!
What lessons did you learn from this video?
Lesson 1: 1 Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
The enemy is going to look for any chance he can to take down those who are the weakest in their faith. He is ruthless. He will attack us at our weakest moment and at our weakest point. So we need to be aware of this so that we can be alert and ready to resist (fight back).
Lesson 2: Remember the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15? Jesus said that we should leave the 99 to go out and find the one. But what happens when the 99 go after the one who is lost? What kind of world impact could be made if the church would respond to those who are far from God like the herd of Cape Buffalo responded to the calf?
Many times we see it as the responsibility of a few to go out after those who are far from God, when it is the church (all Christ followers) who should be in line with the same mission.
If our response would be like this in pursuing those the enemy is trying to devour, then what Jesus said will become a relality: "on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18).
Let's be the church! Let's be the aggresser and overcome the gates of hell!
What lessons did you learn from this video?
Monday, May 12, 2008
If it doesn't grow . . .
When we first moved to Tallmadge we bought a red maple tree to plant in the back yard. So for six years this tree has produced the same ammount of leaves with absolutley no growth. It is literally the same it was when I planted it.
The first thing on my honey-do list was to stake this tree so it would grow. It has been on my list for the last several years. It was never a priority to me because I could not see how staking a tree would make it grow. If that was the case every tree I see in the woods would be staked to give it a good start.
Anway we planted the tree to make a difference in the backyard. Someday there would be some shade in the heat of the day. It would help make our backyard not look so empty. The color of a red maple, one of my favorite trees, would be a great look for the backyard.
Since the tree never grew, I hoped it would just die on its own and I could get rid of it. It did not.
Saturday, our Life Group had a cook-out at our house. Everyone brought their children and they played while we sat on the deck. At some point we look over and the tree was down. The kindergarten children took it down. They broke it. I was not upset at all. Finally this tree that made no difference in my backyard was done. I could scratch it off my honey-do list and did not have to lift a finger.
There are time in life we do things that do not produce. Companies go through it. Churches go through it. Families go through it. We get in the habit of hanging on to it in hopes that it will die on its own. The reality is we just need to cut it down. If it does not grow or does not produce -- cut it down.
But remember this, when you cut it down you may have to plant something new that will produce. It may just need to be a different tree. I learned this the hard way.
Now Rhonda has added another item to my list. Plant a new tree. That means I have to did a hole. I wished I had staked the tree.
The first thing on my honey-do list was to stake this tree so it would grow. It has been on my list for the last several years. It was never a priority to me because I could not see how staking a tree would make it grow. If that was the case every tree I see in the woods would be staked to give it a good start.
Anway we planted the tree to make a difference in the backyard. Someday there would be some shade in the heat of the day. It would help make our backyard not look so empty. The color of a red maple, one of my favorite trees, would be a great look for the backyard.
Since the tree never grew, I hoped it would just die on its own and I could get rid of it. It did not.
Saturday, our Life Group had a cook-out at our house. Everyone brought their children and they played while we sat on the deck. At some point we look over and the tree was down. The kindergarten children took it down. They broke it. I was not upset at all. Finally this tree that made no difference in my backyard was done. I could scratch it off my honey-do list and did not have to lift a finger.
There are time in life we do things that do not produce. Companies go through it. Churches go through it. Families go through it. We get in the habit of hanging on to it in hopes that it will die on its own. The reality is we just need to cut it down. If it does not grow or does not produce -- cut it down.
But remember this, when you cut it down you may have to plant something new that will produce. It may just need to be a different tree. I learned this the hard way.
Now Rhonda has added another item to my list. Plant a new tree. That means I have to did a hole. I wished I had staked the tree.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Brag about your Mom
Last week I stood at the gravesite of my mother in Salem, Va. I do not get there often, but every time I stand there I think of so many different things. I think of how she would love my kids. I think about how much she would love Rhonda. But I also think about what type of woman she was:
She was fun to be around, a great cook, a great wife. She knew how to make you feel good when you were down. She knew how to discipline for things that mattered. She was a hard worker, always there and always thought about others. She loved God and loved people. She loved Fresca, pasta and going to the beach. She liked pottery, antiques and the Blue Ridge Parkway. She liked to play cards, working puzzles and driving fast. She loved her friends, family and church. She was the life of the party.
But most of all she was my mother!
What about you? What do you love about your mother!
She was fun to be around, a great cook, a great wife. She knew how to make you feel good when you were down. She knew how to discipline for things that mattered. She was a hard worker, always there and always thought about others. She loved God and loved people. She loved Fresca, pasta and going to the beach. She liked pottery, antiques and the Blue Ridge Parkway. She liked to play cards, working puzzles and driving fast. She loved her friends, family and church. She was the life of the party.
But most of all she was my mother!
What about you? What do you love about your mother!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Witness (Part 3)
Marc approaches the counter and the barista is waiting on Sally. He over hears the conversation between the two of them. “This will be the last time I am able to come in for a while,” Sally said. “I am strapped for funds right now. School fees are due and I’m having to work overtime to pay for them.”
The barista just looks at her and says, “That will be $3.25.” She does not even acknowledge the statement Sally just made. The barista sees Sally as just another customer that comes in periodically to get a caffeine fix. Sally sees the barista as a friend that fixes her something very special every week. Sally sits down at her normal seat. She begins to stare out the window as usual. She is slowly sipping her latte, knowing this will be the last one for a while.
Marc gets his coffee and walks over to the table where he laid down his stuff. He takes out his Bible and his notebook. He opens his notebook revealing what he had written last week. Focus #2: Become the salt of the earth and light of the world. He prays, “Father help me be the salt and light in this place, in this world. Amen”
Marc opens his Bible and continues to read the Sermon on the Mount. He reads how Jesus followers should live their life. How living a moral life is a heart issue. How adultery begins at lust and murder begins with anger. He reads how Jesus says that we are to “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.”
About that time Toby walks by, snickering and shaking his head. He quietly mumbles, “Idiot,” as he walks by Marc. Marc looks up to see Toby sit down at a table in the corner. He sees him pick up Christopher Hitchen’s book, “God is not Great.”
Marc gets to the beginning of Matthew 6 where Jesus begins to talk about doing acts of righteousness. He begins to focus on the beginning of verse two and three. They both have a similar phrase, “when you give to the needy.” It is said as if being a Jesus follower means that giving to the needy is a regular practice. He writes in his note book under his last entry so it looks like this:
Focus #2: Become the salt of the earth and light of the world
- give to the needy
Marc looks at Sally. He remembers the one sided conversation she had with the barista. He walks up to the counter and Henry steps in line behind him. Marc says to the barista, “I would like to get a $25 gift card.” The barista gets the card. As she hands it to Marc, he says, “No, give it to the lady by the window, but don’t let her know where it came from.”
Henry sees this transaction take place. He wonders why this guy would give such a gift to a woman with Sally’s reputation. He watches Marc walk over to his table, pick up his note book and Bible. He sees him put them in his backpack and walk out.
About that time, Sally gets up to leave. As she walks by the barista, the barista stops her and gives her the gift card. “What’s this,” Sally asked?
“Someone wanted you to have it,” the barista said.
Sally looked around to see if she had an admirer. Everyone she looked at seemed to be focused on their own business. Sally slowly walked out of the café, glancing back to see if she could find the person who passed on such a thoughtful gift. Henry sat down on a couch and picked up the paper but could not concentrate because he was curious as to what he had just witnessed.
The barista just looks at her and says, “That will be $3.25.” She does not even acknowledge the statement Sally just made. The barista sees Sally as just another customer that comes in periodically to get a caffeine fix. Sally sees the barista as a friend that fixes her something very special every week. Sally sits down at her normal seat. She begins to stare out the window as usual. She is slowly sipping her latte, knowing this will be the last one for a while.
Marc gets his coffee and walks over to the table where he laid down his stuff. He takes out his Bible and his notebook. He opens his notebook revealing what he had written last week. Focus #2: Become the salt of the earth and light of the world. He prays, “Father help me be the salt and light in this place, in this world. Amen”
Marc opens his Bible and continues to read the Sermon on the Mount. He reads how Jesus followers should live their life. How living a moral life is a heart issue. How adultery begins at lust and murder begins with anger. He reads how Jesus says that we are to “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.”
About that time Toby walks by, snickering and shaking his head. He quietly mumbles, “Idiot,” as he walks by Marc. Marc looks up to see Toby sit down at a table in the corner. He sees him pick up Christopher Hitchen’s book, “God is not Great.”
Marc gets to the beginning of Matthew 6 where Jesus begins to talk about doing acts of righteousness. He begins to focus on the beginning of verse two and three. They both have a similar phrase, “when you give to the needy.” It is said as if being a Jesus follower means that giving to the needy is a regular practice. He writes in his note book under his last entry so it looks like this:
Focus #2: Become the salt of the earth and light of the world
- give to the needy
Marc looks at Sally. He remembers the one sided conversation she had with the barista. He walks up to the counter and Henry steps in line behind him. Marc says to the barista, “I would like to get a $25 gift card.” The barista gets the card. As she hands it to Marc, he says, “No, give it to the lady by the window, but don’t let her know where it came from.”
Henry sees this transaction take place. He wonders why this guy would give such a gift to a woman with Sally’s reputation. He watches Marc walk over to his table, pick up his note book and Bible. He sees him put them in his backpack and walk out.
About that time, Sally gets up to leave. As she walks by the barista, the barista stops her and gives her the gift card. “What’s this,” Sally asked?
“Someone wanted you to have it,” the barista said.
Sally looked around to see if she had an admirer. Everyone she looked at seemed to be focused on their own business. Sally slowly walked out of the café, glancing back to see if she could find the person who passed on such a thoughtful gift. Henry sat down on a couch and picked up the paper but could not concentrate because he was curious as to what he had just witnessed.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Consider it Pure Joy
This week I went to Salem, Virginia to attend and do my aunts funeral. I had planned on going turkey hunting this week anyway, so on the way down we stopped at the farm. I got to hunt Monday morning on the way down and Wednesday morning on the way back.
It was a very interesting trip to say the least. When we left Sunday on our way down we hit a hawk with the van or a hawk hit our van depending how you want to look at it. I saw it coming, but there was nothing I could do. We were listening to the Cavs game and Eli thought I had hit the windshield in frustration. Rhonda was asleep and woke up immediately, thinking I had hit the windshield in frustration over the game. It it right in front of her, so that would have been a long reach. I kind of wish she had been awake to see her reaction.
We got to the farm and I started to open up the house after being closed down for the winter. The pipes had froze and broken. We had no water for our stay that evening. We had to use a bucket, if you know what I mean. The kids thought it was cool, but Rhonda- not so cool. I fixed the pipes after hunting Monday morning- I mean there are priorities.
We went to Salem that afternoon. We went to the calling hours that evening. We went to the funeral the next day. It was just a graveside. I said a few words about my aunt who was never married, never learned how to drive and very outspoken. But she did love her family. She never forgot a birthday or Christmas. She let me live with her for a summer. She fixed meals for my family after my mother passed away. She really was a blessing to our family, despite being so outspoken. But she was outspoken because she had our best interest in mind.
We left that evening to go back to the farm. It was going to be a cold night, upper 30's. I went to turn on the heat and learned that I did not know where the switch was to turn on the heat. The house got down to 52 degrees that night, so I built a fire in the wood burning stove about 3:30 am.
And on top of all this- it cost $161 in gas to go to Salem and back.
It was not a perfect trip by any means. But I often thought of what James wrote: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
Oh yeah - I didn't kill a trukey either!
It was a very interesting trip to say the least. When we left Sunday on our way down we hit a hawk with the van or a hawk hit our van depending how you want to look at it. I saw it coming, but there was nothing I could do. We were listening to the Cavs game and Eli thought I had hit the windshield in frustration. Rhonda was asleep and woke up immediately, thinking I had hit the windshield in frustration over the game. It it right in front of her, so that would have been a long reach. I kind of wish she had been awake to see her reaction.
We got to the farm and I started to open up the house after being closed down for the winter. The pipes had froze and broken. We had no water for our stay that evening. We had to use a bucket, if you know what I mean. The kids thought it was cool, but Rhonda- not so cool. I fixed the pipes after hunting Monday morning- I mean there are priorities.
We went to Salem that afternoon. We went to the calling hours that evening. We went to the funeral the next day. It was just a graveside. I said a few words about my aunt who was never married, never learned how to drive and very outspoken. But she did love her family. She never forgot a birthday or Christmas. She let me live with her for a summer. She fixed meals for my family after my mother passed away. She really was a blessing to our family, despite being so outspoken. But she was outspoken because she had our best interest in mind.
We left that evening to go back to the farm. It was going to be a cold night, upper 30's. I went to turn on the heat and learned that I did not know where the switch was to turn on the heat. The house got down to 52 degrees that night, so I built a fire in the wood burning stove about 3:30 am.
And on top of all this- it cost $161 in gas to go to Salem and back.
It was not a perfect trip by any means. But I often thought of what James wrote: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
Oh yeah - I didn't kill a trukey either!
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