Burkina Faso

Tonight we are having our last big meeting to prep for our Burkina Faso mission trip starting September 30 thru October 9. I would ask you to pray for God to move own our behalf. There is a ton of work to do in West Africa. It is the second poorest country in the world with a deep lostness from Christ.

We are going to be building a church -- yeah pray for me because I don't know how to lay bricks, etc. I am going to be the best gofer there. At night, we are going to do tons of training like marriage and leadership seminars. I have often had the thought that if I can influence there leaders then the leaders will touch people we will never be able to touch. It will not just be a one time thing but the fruit will remain. Pray God will use us mightily.

Waiting on the Doctor

Well, today was the last day of a long series of doctor's appointments for Britt and baby Riley. I thought I would share some of the waiting room humor. Do not be alarmed but don't try this at home. Britt obviously is afraid that I will teach Riley bad tricks.

Please pray for us as we are winding down the days until the baby is born. We are going in late Sunday night for the induction. I have been amazed through this whole process of watching a baby grow in Britt's stomach and asking the questions that will help once the baby is born. God has been so good to us and we are grateful for this next step in our lives.

The Real You

We spend a ton of time trying to imitate something or someone. God didn't make a mistake when he made us.

1. God has a plan for your life even before you were born. Jeremiah 1:4 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart..

2. God is working his plan out in your life before the foundations of the world. Ephesians 1:4 “just as He chose us in Him before the foundations of the world. He hand selected you before time begin.

3. We are a work in progress. Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

So, if God knew the plans for our life before we are born and is steady working it for His Glory then why are we trying to be something we are not designed to be. We all struggle with this SIN especially in the church.

Today, BE YOURSELF!! God wants to use the real you!!

Start Up

I'm admitting that I have been slack concerning blogging. I have realized through Facebook that any social networking can truly be a great blessing for the people that know you. The reason I want to start back blogging is simply one word -- INFLUENCE. If I can encourage and help people know what's going on in my life or church life then it is worth taking 15 minutes a day.

So hold me accountable!! :)

Easter in the Park

Yeah I know..... this post is a week old but I want to take the time to talk about our Easter in the Park Service last Sunday.  I want to list several reason we did it in the park.

1.  Space -- You don't have to worry about running out of that.

2.  People -- We had all types of religions (including a Muslim that would never step foot in a church actually heard the gospel probably for the very first time).

3.  Community -- Our vision is to connect our community to Christ.  Many times we are good church people asking the communities to come to our churches but it is very difficult to take the church to the community.  

4.  Baptism -- we have a portable baptismal pool so it pretty sweet dunking outside. 

5.  Weather -- it's Vegas :) and we can because the weather was 75 degrees.

We had over 320 people there -- the band rock it -- the egg hunt was insane -- the food was delicious -- the message was the jam (my sermon :)) -- LIFESONGers are the greatest church with such servant hearts to do things with excellence.  I am proud of you and deeply love all of you.  

A CHURCH OF MISPLACED PRIORITIES

Ephesians is a great book of the bible that teaches incredible truth.  The church at Ephesus is known for their actions:

Revelation 2:2-3 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.  And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary."

They are also known for lack of devotion:

Revelation 2:4 "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

I can't wait to preach this Sunday!! May God help us be the church that is known for the actions of deeds that come out of our love and devotion to Christ.

Where are you guys at on this??

24

I posted a statement on twitter the other day and I can't seem to get it off of my mind.

The show 24 make you wanting more and more after every episode which makes me wonder if people are saying the same about our churches.   Let me know your thoughts. 

Integrity

Proverbs 10:9 "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."  

I am blown away that many refuse to protect integrity and live as if they are not controlled by the Holy Spirit.  I have often said when you lose your integrity, then you lose your influence. Once a person's influence is gone then you will be fortunate to ever gain it back.  The issue for Christians and Jesus followers is simple: keep your integrity because as long as you have that you will have influence.  

Joy Prom

Luke 14:12-14  Jesus said also to the man who had invited him, when you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they also invite you in return and you be repaid.  But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you.  For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

At LifeSong Church, we truly believe that every life matters.  Joy Prom is a full-scale prom for people with special needs.  The purpose of Joy Prom is to demonstrate God's love to those who are frequently marginalized by modern society.  Our goal is to honor our guests with a first class event that gives them an evening to remember.  We want each guest to feel special and let them know that they are loved and valued by God and this community.

A FRESH START

I'm looking forward to 2009 of fresh starts and new beginnings.  I'm blown away that God gives us another year for Him.  This year my goal and church's is to pursue Christ in a greater. 

Goal is to read the Gospels and Proverbs three time this year and write down observations that you have noticed to help you pursue Him this year.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John -- 89 chapters

Proverbs -- 31 chapters

Total is 120 x 3 = 360 days of reading.  My prayer is that one will not read of sheer habit but they would read with a journey mindset.  It has already blessed my heart to hear stories; we are only 5 day in.