Acts 1:8 Church Part 3

The second strand of DNA a church should possess is in being Evangelistic.

He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

Yesterday, we talked about how a church must first be Holy Spirit led. Today let's quickly talk about being Evangelistic. This encompasses two areas:

1) The people who are "members" should evangelize those around them. That doesn't mean that they have to be in your face "get saved" vocal people. What it does mean is that every one should realize that God has divinely placed you in a realm of influence that intersects with people who might only see Christ through your life.

2) Since Sunday morning is the prime time for people who are visiting, that Sunday morning "service" should be designed around speaking the language of Christ to a non-Christian or unchurched person in a relevant way. It is a place where every Christian should invite the unchurched people God has placed in their lives.

What are your thoughts?

Acts 1:8 Church Part 2

This week we are looking at the DNA of an Acts 1:8 church. One of the first strands of church DNA a church should possess is in being Holy Spirit Led.

He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

I have to say there is so much that could be packed into being Holy Spirit Led. In fact, we could take a week or two to really flesh that out.

One of the things that I believe is that the second two don't come without the first. By that I mean you are not going to be evangelistic or reproduce unless you are Holy Spirit Led.

Listening to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit as He helps us to build the Lord's church is so vital to a pastor. In fact, is is probably the single thing that will help you be successful as you pastor or lead a ministry.

How are you being led by the Holy Spirit?

Acts 1:8 Church Part 1

As I am delving through Acts on what a church should be.

I can't help but begin with Acts 1:8 which says:

He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business.
What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you
will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even
to the ends of the world."

Within this I see three things that should embody the DNA of a church.

1) Holy Spirit Led
2) Evangelistic
3) Reproducing

Over the course of this week we will jump in to each of these points and bring out a little on each. Remember, I'm not looking at everything just this particular verse and the principles we can find in it.

What else might you see through this verse?

Free Taco

Between 2pm and 5pm tomorrow, October 30th you can go to Taco Bell and get a free taco. For a every stolen base in the World Series...Taco Bell is giving a free taco to everyone in America.

Thanks Brandon for letting us know.

Employed

Thanks for all the prayers out there from you guys and gals...

After four months of looking, I was offered a job today...I'm pumped and will explain more about it this week.

Internet Ministry 2.0

The internet has made a small world especially when it comes to ministry opportunities.

This weekend I talked to a buddy of mine in Nebraska and in Iowa about doing some ministry round tables. Tyler and I brainstormed how we thought we could get it done and...bamm...inspiration came in the form of the internet.

We are going to start with a book study and then work our way into some possible round tables where we bounce ideas off each other.

To start with we are going to utilize Google Docs which is a great tool where we can create a document where we can all link in and add our major take-aways.

We have looked into oovoo to be able to do some face to face video conferencing with up to six people at once. Hopefully we will be able to add other tools as we go along in the project.

If you are interested feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email. We are starting with only six people of which we already have four in.

Mississippi Miracle

Unbelievable football play. They are calling it the Mississippi Miracles

Trinity University vs. Milsaps College

14 laterals for the winning touchdown.

Interview

Sent in resume last night and got an interview for today (Friday, Oct. 26, 2007 @ 3:30 p.m.)...with a school...be praying for me.

Save Those Seconds

There are 24 hours or 1,440 minutes or 86,400 seconds in one day.

If any of you out there are like me you spend time on the internet surfing and reading. One of the main things I use the internet for is as a research and growth building tool.

There are so many blogs out there from pastors and other industry leaders that you can almost instantaneously get access to the top minds in your field.

You can do this my clicking on each site individually or you can save time with the following tips.

Several of you are running around the Internet visiting this site and then that site and then that site and so on. That process takes time. Lots of your precious time. You deserve to have that time back to do more important things...

Right now, I'm tracking about 70+ different blogs, but it only takes me a handful of minutes each day. Rather than visiting each of those sites individually, I take advantage of Really Simple Syndication (RSS) to let the fun come to me in one location where I can scan only the new posts and ignore the sites where I know nothing has been updated. You can do this as well. It's really simple.

With that in mind, here's how you can easily subscribe to my blog:

1. Sign up for a "newsreader." I use Google Reader which is a great place to start, not to mention being able to use all the other great tools google provides.

2. Once signed up for Google Reader you will then add my blog to your subscription by coping the link below into your newsreader using the Add Subscription Function to subscribe to my feed:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/MakingDifferenceMakers

If you want more options, just click the Feedburner icon on right column on my site, or you can go here.

If that sounds too complicated, you can also receive my posts directly in your email inbox. Just complete the email subscription form on the right sidebar of my blog.

There you have it. It's that simple.

Now, what are you going to do with all the extra seconds in your day?

Walking on Water

Don't know if any of you are like me out there...it's like you got a lot crammed up in your mind and you don't know how to sort and sift it...where to start...or just go into mind shutdown.

For years I have had so much vision and passion shut up inside of me. For many, many years I have submitted myself to help others achieve the dreams God had called them to.

I almost think that part of my sabotage is part due to a passion of wanting to do more for God but having a fear of stepping out. Honestly, do you ever feel like you want to step all the way out there with God....no parachute or ship to get you home...but the moment you step out there, it kind of overwhelms you? I think I know how Peter felt out there on the water.

It's funny...I often thought that I would have strolled all the way over to Jesus. But being out on the water is a territory we are not used. It is an arena we are not physically capable of being in.

It's easy to "say" just keep your eyes on God and not on the waves. But truth is...the waves of life sometimes get to us, right???

How are you walking on water today?

Destiny Mindset Thought

I've had this thought for a week and wanted some input from everyone.

I think that a Christians destiny when it comes to their spiritual life is uniquely tied into glorifing God, winning the lost and partnering with their Church.

That is, no matter what you do as far as career or family, it is your destiny to glorify God through your life...and partner with your church in the ever reaching purpose of the fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Church is called a body for a reason...the bodies job is not to sit back and watch one member try to do it all (the pastor). The bodies job is to work together to accomplish the Great Commission. It is utiliizing your gifts, experiences, talents, and passions as you partner together in this calling.

Any thoughts or additions to this???

No More Sabotage

I have been trying to figure out if what I've been going through lately is a product of my choices, others choices, or maybe even God taking me through it. No matter what though, I don't want to spend the rest of my life blaming anyone.

Blame will only keep me trapped in the past and not propelled towards the future.

Today's obstacles are opportunities to higher levels in my life.

I remember seeing the title of a book..."The Best Thing You Ever Did For Me Was...FIRE ME." Seeing how I have had two major life changing events happen in our lives over the past four months that have left us in a situation of fear and doubt and other emotions all wrapped up in one, it is hard to look from the daily obstacles and turn them into opportunities. Especially when actions hurt you to the core.

BUT...I am choosing to not sabotage myself. I am choosing to be an overcomer and accept that these actions are propelling me towards the bright future God has. Doesn't mean their actions were right...it just means I choose the higher road.

Which road are you choosing?

Pastors Are People Too

Perry Noble, Sr. Pastor of Newspring Church, shared this on his blog. I normally don't post other blogs in entirety but this one demands it. Make sure you check out Perry's blog sometime it is inspiring to say the least. I can so relate to this as I can relate somewhat to what happened to this pastor.

My good friend, Clayton King, who is the teaching pastor here at NewSping (and is now blogging) shared this when he spoke two
Sunday’s ago–it is one of the most heartbreaking stories I have ever read and it
serves as a warning to pastors–and an eye opener to the churches they serve. I
will have to admit that I am incredibly blessed to pastor this church…but many
are not as fortunate to be a part of a church that takes care of the leaders who
serve Christ there…here is an example…

One of my great joys over the past 20 years as an itinerant preacher
has been the opportunity to meet pastors. These men are my heroes. I have grown
to love and respect not only what they do, but the ability God gives them to do
it year after year for His glory. And it does not matter if they are pastors of
mega-churches or small rural congregations that cannot afford to pay them a
salary.

Pastors are front and center in the life and death battle between light
and darkness. Because of the difficulties and pressures of the pastoral calling,
I have tried over the past few years to give them the benefit of the doubt, pray
for them in all circumstances, stand up for them when they are mentioned in a
negative fashion, and be less critical of them when I preach. After all, I may
preach in 200 different places in a year. A pastor usually preaches in one.
Bottom line: I love and respect pastors and they live under a scrutiny that most
of us can never understand.
That is why this story is such a hard one to
tell. But it must be told. And I pray that this never happens to your pastor,
and that your church never allows this sort of destruction to take place in the
life of the person God calls to shepherd your congregation.

Several years ago I ran into a pastor at a store while shopping. I had
preached for him a decade earlier and asked how his church was doing. Here is
the conversation that followed.
“Well Clayton, I really can’t say how the
church is doing because they fired me 2 years ago and I have not been back, or
even heard from anyone since I left. I was there for 13 years. Attendance
doubled, we built a new sanctuary and added 4 new staff positions. But what I
did not realize is that I let church work become my life. It came before time
with my family and it even became more important to me than Jesus.”

“I figured out who the power players were in the church, and a deacon
told me to make sure I did not make any of them mad because they had the 2
things that mattered most; family and money. So I made every decision based on
them. I preached for them, made sure I did not offend them, and made special
efforts to cater to them and their families. This brought short-term success,
but I was burning out. I had no passion left. I was just working for a paycheck
and health insurance for my family.”

“I did not realize how much I had negelcted my kids until one became a
drug addict and the other one slipped into deep physical sin. I did not even
know my own children, and it was my fault. Then one day I came home from a
deacon’s meeting, and my wife had taken all of her stuff and left a note on the
table that said she was tired of it. She hated me for ignoring my family and she
blamed me for everything, for putting the church before them.”

You can imagine the lump in my throat as I stood there and listened to
this grown man choke back tears over the family he lost. He was broken; a ghost
of the leader, pastor, and shepherd I had met 10 years earlier. Then the saddest
words to ever leave his lips landed on my ears.
“So what did my church do
when all of this happened? The people I had served and pastored called a
business meeting and they fired me. They said they could not have a divorced
pastor with rebellious kids leading their congregation. They gave me 2 months
salary and wished me luck.”

No grace. No counseling. No support. Maybe they felt he was unable to
lead them any further. Fine. But not even a reception with cupcakes and coffee
to say thanks for 13 years? This is way too common. I see it more than most
anyone else because my calling carries me so many places, and when I hear these
stories, I cry out to God to protect pastors, and the churches they serve, from
shooting our own wounded. Of course not every church is like this and not every
pastor suffers such a fate, but this man did. God help him, his wife, and his
kids. And God help the Body of Christ to offer mercy and compassion to our own
wounded who lay on the side of the road, in a ditch, waiting on anyone, even a
Samaritan, to come to our aid.

Get Down

Shake Your Funky Feathers

My Self Sabotage

So this thought of sabotage has been on my mind as I have was writing last week on having a Destiny Mind-set. I have been scouring my mind and viewing the past several years in an effort to figure out how we have come to our current situation.

Don't know if I've got it all figured out just yet. I do want to add that I don't put the full blame on others. I can think of three specific situations that I now have the choice of allowing to form a mind-set. These are three very specific situations that deal with church leaders and their actions.

The last two are really challenging a fundamental belief I have in trust. I really believe that trust is a foundation of relationships. I have often heard, "don't put your trust in man...put your trust in God." Well that is true to a degree expect for the fact that healthy relationships are built on trust. I don't want to allow that to come in and mar me and sabotage any future relationships.

This will keep me from achieving what it is that God has called me too as there will always be a hesitation or even a deep seeding thinking that if I allow myself to get too close I will only get hurt as I did by these two people.

This is probably one of the challenges we must go through and why God challenges us to walk in forgiveness.

Tomorrow, I'm going to try and post on how I feel I self-sabotaged myself and allowed these two major events to happen.

Busy Day

Hope to continue posting on a Destiny Mindset tomorrow.

Today I had a busy day. Subbed this morning and then we had to quickly go out of town because our niece was in the hospital. We still don't know what happened but her heart was shutting down briefly in the hospital. Even tonight she is still in I.C.U. and not doing well...

please pray for her...her name is Ashley and has a newborn son Aundrey.

Tim Schmoyer

Tim Schmoyer writes a blog called Life In Student Ministry. Every Friday he does a post called Freebie Friday where he gives out free church resources.

He recently featured a series we created this year while in youth ministry. It was called Heroes - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Power. Check it out and download it here.

If you are in youth ministry I encourage you to read Tim's blog it is always helpful, inspiring and encouraging.

Thanks Tim for all you do and for putting our stuff out.

You can also see the full series synopsis for the Heroes series here on my blog in my post Heroes Series Synopsis.

Shelby Volleyball Highlight Video

This weekend my daughter Shelby finished up her volleyball season. We put together a video of highlights. As a freshman she started on the Calallen JV volleyball squad and had a great season.

I put this on here because I am so proud of her. She has been a great witness to those around and works so hard at being the best she can.

The player below has the short version. You can see the longer version here.

Sunday Remix

Here are my remixed thoughts from today:

• It felt weird not having to get ready to do anything for today. Don't know if I like that.
• We chose to go to Bayarea Fellowship today with some great friends of ours Scott and Dawn.
• I really love what and how they approach church over at Bayarea. It is totally geared to reach the unchurched. That is probably why I like it so much. Not because I'm unchurched...because that is my approach to ministry.
• Got to see John Atkinson over there at Bayarea. I've had a little interaction through blogging and email with John and would really like to build a friendship with him since we live in the same town. Check out his blog.
  
• Why have we taken the most awesome message and made it so boring in most churches.
• The message of the Good News deserves the most creative and exciting approach their can be.
• Most Christians need to learn to feed their selves and quit relying on Sunday Morning to do it.
• Ever felt like Sunday was a divine appointment just for you. That is how I felt over there. God used Bil to speak totally to me all throughout the message. It was crazy. It has been a while since that has happened to me. I am going to try and do a separate post just on that.
• Pray for us this week. I don't like to spend a lot of time using my blog for this but it is going to be hard financially. Pray.
• Since being away from Journey Church and Church of Hope I have been at so much peace internally. I'm not going to elaborate much but in the long run it is going to be the best thing that ever happened to us.
• It would be so easy to just get up on Sunday's and attend church, but I'm not looking for easy.
• I know that God has a destiny and we are going to fulfill it. It is already ordained and I'm no quitter.
• Feel like David in the cave of Adullam right now. I'll probably elaborate this week.
• I have gotten two calls that have really encouraged me this weekend and have me realizing that God is so for us. They were out of the blue and I had absolutely nothing to do with them. I really feel it is because I have thrown this whole situation to God.
• This week I want to really get concise as to the vision God has for our lives. I wish I didn't have to sub and could really lay it out so I'm going to do it the best I can with the time I have.
• I wish this was the ______ ______ Church remix but it's not....SOON!!!!
• I have had over 19,000 views of all my videos on youtube. That's crazy. Visit http://youtube.com/user/jaycurl44 to check them out.
• I think I want to do a post called "Pride In The Pulpit". I'll pray about that...it could be hott to handle!
  

Going To Bayarea

Late or early readers...tomorrow or today I'll be at Bayarea Fellowship. This is my second time and I really love and respect what they do over there.

One Year Of Stats

Today marks one year I feel I have been seriously blogging. It was when I decided to post more seriously and it is when I began tracking my blog stats with Google Analytics.

After one year I have to say that I am presently pleased. Here are a couple of stats from the year:

6,675 Visits
10,191 Page Views
3,484 Visitors

Viewed in 63 Countries
Top three: 1) USA, 2) Canada, 3) United Kingdom

Viewed in 49 States plus DC (missing Alaska if you know anyone there)
Top three: 1) Texas, 2) California, 3) Nebraska

Top four posts:

1) Evolution For Dance
2) Drinking On Lifechurch.tv Stage
3) Elevate Podcast 2 (sorry...the audio is no longer there)
4) Clothe The Naked

Top Three Blogger Sites That Sent Hits My Way: (there were others like goolgle, blogger, technorati, etc...but these are sites of other bloggers)

1) Serial Youth Pastor
2) Flowerdust.net
3) Everyone Else But Joel

Some of my favorite keyword searches that lead people here:

"my wife excites me"
5-2 blitz package
corpus christi cancer blog
seven reasons why jesus could not have been a pastor in many churches
salt flavor children's moment
pastor caught cheating
blogs bashing newspring (definitely not this one)
most pastors i know do not have satisfying, free, sexual conversations and liberties
how much do schwann drivers make


Who are you???

62% use Internet Explorer, 82% use Windows, 55% use 1024x768 as your screen resolution, around 30% of you use DSL

ALSO...most live within 15 minutes of your job, have a fence, and drive a _____ nah just kidding...I don't know that much info.

Thanks a lot to all you who read...and send traffic my way...much love.

Destiny Mind-Set

The major controller of us reaching our destiny is our mind-set. The thought patterns we have created through our experiences are "set in stone".

That is why only you can stop you from reaching your destiny. If you have created a mind-set that is wrong, then when it is time to break out of the old and into a new pattern of thinking you will self-sabatoge yourself.

Our mind will either allow or not allow us to reach our destiny due to our mind-sets. That is why Romans 12:1-4 is so true. Let me put it here from the NIV translation.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

You can also read Romans 12: 1-2 Message as well.

God doesn't want us to conform to patterns of thinking that will hold us from our God destiny. That is why we must renew those patterns to break through to a new level. You can read about more of that in my blog series The Next Level.

You must break into a new way of thinking with a destiny mind-set. A pattern of thinking that is fixed on fulfilling the destiny God has ordered for your life.

What mind-sets are keeping you back?

Good News

The good news is that God always has a way of encouraging you when you really do commit to Him.

I had a great call from a friend that was unexpected tonight. My hope is in the next week or two I can possibly let you in on some good news.

Either way...God really encouraged me tonight and let me know that He does have His hand on our lives and that is right where I want them.

New Blogs

I'm looking for some new blogs to read for a while. Seems like most of the people that I'm reading are all reading from the same group. I don't expressly want to get trapped into the same line of thinking with this inclusion so I am looking for some fresh blogs to read.

If you look at my links on the right of my page you will see some of the favorite blogs I follow. Feel free to send me in the direction of someone you like or if you have a blog yourself give me your link.

Past Graphical Work

I don't profess to be the greatest graphic artist...I think I know how to get the most out of some really cheap programs. Here is a slide show of most of my graphical ministry work over the past 2 years. Man how I wish I had photoshop.

Patterns Of Thinking

When it comes to us reaching our destiny our greatest interference will come from our own patterns of thinking.

Up to this time in your life, your mind has stored everything you have experienced. It has taken them and stored them within your mind and has created a pattern of thinking that all of our beliefs are founded on.

Everything you go through right now is filtered through these experiences. And it is this filtering process and our current beliefs that will keep us from fulfilling our destiny. How we think, how we act, and what we do is all dictated by our current belief system.

Think about that as you go through rest of this day and week. How are you filtering your daily interactions? Your current job? Boss? Employees? Family home life? Spouse? Children? Money situation? Even your relationship with God?

No Sabbatical

I guess the blogging sabbatical was short lived!!!

Destiny seems to be the theme of the week, but I'm leading up to talking about how we sabotage ourselves from reaching our destiny. I might even get real transparent and personal with y'all about the past few months.

Stay Tuned

Take Charge

Never again blaming someone is the reality of taking charge of your destiny.

God already has planned, equipped and destined you. You are the only one potentially holding that back.

Giving up your right to blame is the only way of taking charge of your destiny.

Go choose to live a life of destiny.

Lion Chaser Manifesto

I really needed to read this again. It has been some time since I have and during this week it hits me just right.

As taken from the book, “In a Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day”, by Mark Batterson, here is the Lion Chaser Manifesto.

FYI...If you really want to be challenged by a book to overcome obstacles...click the picture and order this one from Amazon...It will rock your world. In fact I think I'm going to add it to my reads this week.

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion.

Destiny

You are designed and destined to fullfil your destiny.

Neither persons nor circumstances have the right to stop you from reaching your destiny.

Sabbatical Maybe

I feel a blog sabbatical coming on. If you are a new reader or a reader who has been on board for awhile...I want to thank you.

Thanks also to those that left me words of encourage in the comments of my last post. I am going to do some major reflecting in the next few days. I have many questions to ask myself and get some tough answers. Sometimes it's easy to lie to yourself.

I will tell you this...I feel an awakening warrior rousing inside. One that I haven't felt in awhile.

Don't know if it took the events of the last 4 months to do it. But I really get ticked off when the devil starts messing with me. And for awhile now I have allowed my emotions, people, and maybe even a little fear of failing get in the way of what God wants to do through our lives.

Our first youth ministry name was Warriors For Christ. Reason was I felt my life kind of related to David's. I think there was even a time where he went and licked his wounds for a time.

Well the time is for this warrior to arise. God has great plans for our lives and I am not going to quit on our destiny. I am tired of "man" trying to back me in a corner and the enemy to try and bash me emotionally.

God has made us to be overcomers, more than conquerors...and Christ dwells in us.

Maybe there isn't a sabbatical coming on...maybe I'll use this to write...keep up the prayers and above all..."you" keep the faith.

Moving Forward

Well, I've thought long and hard about this post today. Truth is I wrote one and decided to rewrite it.

Short story: The current Journey Church plant, as it was originally set up, did not work out. No need to go into details.

I need your prayers.

1. Financially: It is going to be an extremely tough month or two. Pray for God to provide for us financially as we regroup.

2. Employment: Pray for God to provide me with employment. Subbing is not going to just it. It is a temporary means right now but it doesn't supply all our needs. If you're in Corpus and know of anything please let me know.

3. Healing: How it all went down was very rough. In fact it took the wind out of our sails but only momentarily. But we are not down. And we are not out of this by a long shot.

4. Team: The right team to make it happen. Failure is not final and is not forever. Pray God begins to attract the right team to begin laying the ground work for what He wants to do through us.

Well

WELL

I really felt like I needed to say something deep today. As of late this blog has been more like a keep up with what I'm doing blog. Hopefully next week I'll get on track.

FYI - A WELL is a "deep" hole.

Our Missing Podcast

Well I have to say that I'm a little disappointed this afternoon.

All week our host site for our podcast had been going through maintenance. Today I log in and everything was gone. Yep...every episode deleted.

I have no idea what happened.

So I have two choices...try and figure out or just begin uploading again.

I'm going for option two and uploading the last three plus our first three.

AAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Birthday

One year older today...but not yet to the 4.0. mark...

Thanks to everyone how has been sending me messages.

Kingdom Minded

Tomorrow I'll put a full link out to posts by Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv. If you are a pastor/ministry leader, all week he has talked about being Kingdom-minded and brought up some points.

Go over to Swerve and get caught up in the conversation. Make sure you read through the comments as well.

Again tomorrow I'll put up links to every post. Great thread Craig.

Daily Thoughts

My three week assignment as a temporary teacher comes to a close this Friday. Beginning again next week I'll be on a day to day rotation.

I've been brainstorming and thinking about a lot of things this week and have some great ideas I may share here.

I've also been contemplating a new video series on some leadership laws (not the 21) that every pastor/department head should embody.

I'm also up in the teaching rotation in two weeks and have been thinking on two different lines of thoughts...

Which one would you like to hear about?

1. Finding Your Passion
2. Stopping Sabotage in your Life

Possible Interview

The other day I told everyone here I had a possible interview. How that worked out was interesting.

I have been subbing as most of you know if you read here consistently. The person I have been subbing for had quit two weeks ago and they were looking for a replacement.

My thought...since I was going to sub all year I would throw my name in the hat. It was at the Middle School for an Outdoor Education class. The guy who quit was also a football and basketball coach at the middle school.

Last week they called and said to come interview today. Well about 15 minutes before the interview they called to tell me they had found someone to fill the position.

Again...it's all good because it was just something that crossed my path. I don't actually have my teaching certificate so that was why I wasn't considered...I was just a last choice if they couldn't find someone.

Again all good...the coaching schedule part of it might have been much. Tyler...I really don't know how you do it.

Innovate 07 Videos

I love many of the churches today that are making resources available at no cost. One such church is Granger Community Church in Indiana.

If you are a church leader I would suggest investing some time in these videos.

The sessions from Innovate available to watch FOR FREE!

Use the following links...my suggestion if you are a speaker is listen to Rob Wegner session on Making Our Message Stick...AWESOME!!!

• Session 1 by Guy Kawasaki
• Session 2 by Mark Beeson
• Session 4 by Tim Stevens
• Session 5 by Rob Wegner
• Session 8 by Mark Beeson
• Directory of all sessions here.

Remember The 80's

Saw these guys in Houston while I was in High School.

Sad thing at that time was that this song was just how I felt.


DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Parent's Just Don't Understand

Journey Church Graphics

Two More Graphics

Random Pie

Don't know why but I've been thinking about pie for two days. My favorite...cheese cake.

What's Your Favorite?

New Journey Graphic

New Graphic

Bi-Vocational

Found out today that I am interviewing on Monday. Interested???

You'll have to wait 'til Monday for the scoop.

I Want To Fly

OK, OK...so I saw it and had to give in. Thanks Kem for the lead.

Heroes is one of my fav shows out right now. I broke down and took the quiz.

Which Hero am I???

Jason you are Suresh.

"Your power is in your leadership and your ability to organize those around you. You may not be able to fly or have super-strength, but your great knowledge makes you a real superhero."


Who would have thought...

P.S. I really wanted to fly.....

Open Doors

It is interesting how God uses all your experiences and talents to provide for you. Many times you just have to be willing to go through the open door.

Thought I would give you my view...the short version.

The bible says in Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) that the steps of a righteous man (or woman) are ordered by God.

I have the type of faith that believcs that God is ordering my path. So when opportunities arise I step through the door "unless" I hear a huge NO.

This may or may not work for you. It is a faith and trust that I have developed during my walk with Christ. So in my life I am walking and going through doors and opportunties that I feel God has put before me...UNTIL...I hear that subtle or loud no. Again for me as long as it lines up with God's principles and the convictions I have through His Word, I have a green light and don't have to commit to a lot of prayer. (By this again it is a trust and relationship I have developed in my walk and have seen God work through it.)

When there is a no I almost immediately know it and when it lines up with my convictions. (I once had an opportunity to manage a store that sold soft porn on its shelves. That for me was a no and "I" heard a no as well.)

Have I missed it sometimes??? Not if I'm taking that Scripture literally. I have seen God get me to some unique places and now have some unique connections that I never would have gotten without Him ordering my path, i.e. working at Faith Family, pastoring Journey Church...

You Post

That's it...something different...if you read this...leave a comment and you write this post.

What are your thoughts? Fears? Encouragement? Hang-ups or hic-ups?

Bible thought...leadership...ministry help?

If you are reading this...do me a favor....HIT THE "COMMENTS" below...and you write this post for me...oh and list your name...

PLEASE!!!!!