Unpacking Life's Gift

Correction

2011-04-12T14:08:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I wrote that to date Rob Bell's latest book has not made a best seller list. Well - I stand corrected. It actually debuted on the NY Times Bestseller list at #2.

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=6155

My thoughts on Love Wins

2011-04-11T12:33:00.003-04:00

The time has finally come - Rob Bell's newest book, "Love Wins," has hit the shelves and is being sold and read. To date, it has not graced the rankings of the New York Times bestseller list, but one can't help believe that with all the pre-release conversation surrounding the book that it is being read by many.

I have finally finished my reading and now it is time to join the masses in cyber world and write my opinion. Who knows if anyone other then my mother and maybe my wife will read my opinion - actually my wife will probably not since she has had to endure countless hours of my ongoing ramblings in the midst of reading!

So here goes.

My opinions on the theology that is represented in this book will be kept to myself only to see the light of day in private conversations with trusted individuals. Unfortunately, opinions on theology and politics have ascended the ranks of the list of topics that divide. Needless to say, here are a few thoughts.

1) Rob Bell and the people of Harbor One or excellent marketers. Everything from the pre-release video to the book cover were very well done. I wanted to read the book before seeing the video, but only wanted to read it more after seeing the video.

2) Rob Bell is a very gifted communicator. I have read most of his books and had the privilege of seeing him 'in person' twice. There is much to learn from his very creative, genuine, and engaging form of communication; both in print and in person.

3) There is a vital place in the Body of Christ for people like Rob Bell. People who will 'stir up the waters of conversation' and 'poke us in the ribs.' My entire life has been spent in Christendom. The pitfalls of becoming lazy and comfortable are very real and need to be faced 'head-on.'

4) The conversation needs to continue. Conversations between fellow followers of Christ that wrestle with the truths of Scripture are vitally important. Conversations that unite, not divide. Conversations that draw us closer to Christ. Conversations that require us to embrace the beauty of our differences. Conversations between followers of Christ and those who do not know Him are of equal if not greater importance. Conversations that will introduce people to this wonderful Savior that we know named Jesus. Conversations that will let us into the pain of people's lives. Conversations that will give us permission to tell the story of Jesus.

5) Finally, regardless of where Rob falls on the theological scale of heaven and hell, 2 things were abundantly clear in this book: 1) we have A choice in life - choose a relationship with Jesus or don't, 2) Jesus is the best and only choice that will lead us to life, both in this life and the next.

So get the book and read it. My book budget is very limited so thank you to the Akron Summit County Library for letting me borrow yours. Wrestle with the conversation that Mr. Bell starts. Don't base your understanding of Christ on this book or any other book - only let these books point you to the Greater Book (God's Word), where you can 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling.'

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years

2011-03-07T11:17:00.003-05:00

Check out the following video of one of my favorite author's, Don Miller.

What story are you telling? from Rhetorik Creative on Vimeo.

wow

2011-02-28T12:59:00.003-05:00

Wow - it has been some time now since I have posted something - this is getting terrible. Anyway, I'm working on another book review that I should post in the next day or so.

I am at a place in life right now where the realization that dependence on God is an everyday thing has once again struck. It is amazing what car troubles, sickness, not having enough of, etc. can remind you of your need for Christ's power everyday!

Reflections from Panera

2010-11-01T11:16:00.002-04:00

Of late, I have been setting up my office in Panera on Monday mornings. I have 'unofficially' claimed a table for my desk. This particular table and I have become rather good friends. The view is actually rather nice. I have a wall to my left, the newspaper basket immediately behind me, and a nice warm fireplace just over my right shoulder. Needless to say, you did not sign up to read about a description of my Panera office.

Here is the point!!!!

I am discovering that deep down inside of all of us, there is a strong pull for us to be connected to one another. Each week, as I have set up my mobile office, I am treated to a variety of views. There are people just like me sipping on a cup of coffee, returning emails. There are girlfriends who find a cozy spot in a booth and catch up over a cup of coffee. There are business people that gather around the large table immediately in front of me and to my right (I couldn't resist the description). They all open their laptops, spread out papers all around the table, put on their serious face, and conduct business.

This morning I was treated to a mother having breakfast with her daughter (no description of their location forth coming).

And then there are the guys behind me. One of them is in his 40's, the other, his 60's. They chat up every girl that walks by. The conversation quickly descends to their inquisitions on whether she is married or not and how the man she is with is too poor or not good enough for her.

Regardless of the scenario and the conversation, I have discovered on a deeper level that we all want to connect to others. We all want someone else to listen to the story of us, and we want to hear the story of them. When we sit alone in the restaurant, our focus is not always on what we are doing - because we want to connect. So we eaves drop on the stories being told, and try to find our place in those stories. Or we secretly wish that we could tell our story so we find a place to interject in someone else's conversation.

How do I know this?

I watch the person that sits alone who's eyes are perpetually looking around the room.

Oh - and it is what I do when I'm not answering emails or balancing church budgets!

So find that someone this week and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at Panera. Who knows, we may see each other there, and I will probably listen to your conversation if you are sitting close to my office!

Intentionality

2010-10-25T11:24:00.003-04:00

What are you doing today that is intentional? One thing that I have discovered of late is this: if you don't intentionally pursue your destination, the odds of chaos increase exponentially.

Think about it.

*If you are driving your car somewhere, and you don't drive towards your destination on purpose, you are more than likely going to get lost.

*If you don't tackle the house project that is before you with intention, than you are more than likely going to end up with multi colored walls, crooked lines, mismatched furniture, and a headache from arguing with your spouse.

*If you don't raise your children on purpose, then they are more than likely going to take their own path, which is not always the best path.

*If you don't live your marriage with intention, then you take the chance that you will drift in your love.

The examples could continue, but let's look at the driving example for a minute. If you are lucky enough to own a GPS then you will understand this analogy very well.

To go somewhere that you have never been you first have to enter the address into the GPS, give it a couple of moments to compute the best possible route, and then you must follow the directions turn by turn so that you will safely reach your destination. If for some reason your GPS has directed you on a route that has a road block, then with the simple click of a button, you can find the best detour so that you remain on track to reach your desired location.

Life must be lived this way. If you and I pursue our destination on accident we will either never reach that destination or we will make it, but we will make it later than we should.

All of us have dreams and hopes that we would like to reach in our life. We have stories to write, conversations to have, lives to impact, children to raise, love stories to engage in, and differences to make.

If we leave that to chance, we may or may not get there, and we will probably spend the majority of our time fighting fires on rabbit trails.

Whatever area of life you are needing to focus on with more intentionality take into consideration the following thoughts:

*Identify where you would like to go

*Program life's GPS

*Pray for God's direction

*Ask other people who have been down the same road to help give you directions

*Read a book about the lives of other people and how they reached their destinations

*If life throws you a roadblock, hit the detour button

*Pray (Where does God want you to detour)

*Ask others who have hit the same roadblocks to give you directions

Don't live life accidentally.

Live life intentionally!

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years

2010-10-18T09:56:00.003-04:00

I have recently finished reading Donald Miller's newest book; "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years." Let me just get it out of the way and state - this is a must read. This is the third writing of Miller's that I have read, and I have yet to be disappointed. Donald Miller writes with a level a candidness that few others do. The main take away for me from this book is; we are all living a story, which is a part of a grander story, let's make the stories of our lives worth reading. Don weaves the stories of his own life and the life of others through the truths of this book. In the end, I realized that I had laughed out loud, cried, and finished the book wanting to take a hike, feed a starving child, climb a mountain, or mentor a boy without a father. Today, I am committed more than ever before to writing the story of my life so that others will want to read it!

The wonder of it all . . .

2010-08-15T22:01:00.000-04:00

I am currently on vacation in Eureka, KS. Usually I am up for trying something new, especially on vacation. So last night, I loaded up the sail boat with my cousin Bryce and headed out across the lake. Let me reassure you from the start that we managed to stay upright and not capsize the boat. In the midst of 'tacking,' 'steering the rudder,' 'adding tension to the sail,' and 'making turnabouts,' the realization hit me once again, everyone of us needs that quiet space that we can spend time in to pray, meditate, reflect, and in general to relax and be still. Maybe for you it's the sail boat. For someone else it may be the mountains or a hiking trail. Wherever and whenever is not important. The important thing is that you go there. Turn off the sounds of this world and tune into the voice of Jesus and the wonder of His creation.

yup . . .

2010-08-10T16:11:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have had the desire to write more. I have an idea for a small book that has been churning for some time now. It goes to reason though that before I dive into some form of a book project that there should be a fair amount of practice, right? With this new desire though, I am coming to some realizations. The realization that writers have blocks when they don't know what to say (write) is becoming very apparent! Frankly, I struggle too on what to write. Let's you and I be honest, you don't want to read all of the thoughts and feelings that I have. Honestly, I don't want to read about all the thoughts and feelings that I have - and I live those thoughts and feelings every moment of every day! So here is my thought, feeling or question for today -

"When is it apparent that someone is spending too much money?"

Feel like a random question?

It is not - it is a thought that I have had today as I have looked at the news!

The Power of a Whisper

2010-08-08T21:25:00.002-04:00

"Had saul not obeyed His whisper from God, Ananias could not have obeyed the one he himself received."

For me, this is one of the lessons that I am taking from Bill Hybels new book, "The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God. Having the Guts to Respond."

I live about 2 miles from the home of the Goodyear blimp. Rarely does a day go by when I do not have the privilege to see this rather gracious vehicle glide through the stunning blue skies of Northeast Ohio. Frequently, the pilots are projecting some sort of message on the massive display screen that is located on the sides of the blimp. Usually, there is some form of an advertisment or congratulatory message. When we have the rare honor of seeing the blimp at night, the messages that are displayed are particularly bright and easy to read. I'm not sure about you, but this is often how I want God to speak to me about the matters of life - send the blimp over my backyard in the middle of the day with a bright message that gives me specific instructions. So often though this is not how God speaks to us. Rather, God chooses to speak to us in the slightest of whispers.

Pastor Hybels spells out the importance of listening to God's voice for us in his newest book. One of the reasons that it is important for us to keep our ears in tune to that 'still small voice?' Our obedience to the whisper creates opportunities for others to obey the whisper that they hear.

Thank you Pastor Hybels for sharing with us the lessons that you have learned from your many years of listening to the whisper.

Blink

2010-07-29T22:32:00.003-04:00

I have recently finished reading another fascinating book by Malcolm Gladwell entitled, "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking." Once again, in true Gladwell form, I was taken on a fascinating journey into realms that I have never visited. This time it was the realm of thinking.

Everyday, multiple times a day, in all aspects of life, we all make snap decisions or judgments. Whether we realize it or not, we make a fair amount of those snap decisions based on our prejudices. We make those quick judgments based on things that lie behind a 'locked door' in our mind. The truths that I took away from this book were many, but one bears sharing here.

It is imperative that each one of us intentionally work to train our minds to slow down, if ever so slightly, when it comes to making important decisions. It is important that we work intentionally to slow our thought processes down when we are talking with people so that we can better read the non-verbal cues that they are giving us.

To paraphrase Gladwell at the end of the book; "when we are able to take charge of the first two minutes of a conversation, a decision, an audition, an interview, etc.; we will be able to see people and circumstances for what they truely are."

Thank you Mr. Gladwell for writing another thought provoking book!

Exponential: How you and your friends can start a missional church movement

2010-07-13T10:11:00.003-04:00

As part of Zondervan's blog tours, I have had the privilege to review books that are new. This has been a wonderful opportunity that I hope will continue.

The lastest tour has taken reviewers to the book, "Exponential: How you and your friends can start a missional church movement," written by brothers Dave and Jon Ferguson. This book was my first exposure to the Ferguson brothers, and I am sad that it has taken me this long to become acquainted with them.

My heart is that God's Kingdom will be advanced in this world through the ongoing salvation of people who are not currently connected to a life giving relationship in Christ. I believe that I have found kindred hearts in the Ferguson brothers. Through this book, they are challenging the rest of us to think about ways to build God's Kingdom on this earth. They are challenging us to think about ways that may be foreign to us, but ways that are essential for us to consider if we are going to be serious about reaching those who are outside of a relationship with Christ.

The entirety of the book was summed up in the early pages with this quote; "reproducing isn't about our kingdom; it's about God's Kingdom."

This is a must read for any church leader. As a matter of fact, go here; "Exponential: How you and your friends can start a missional church movment," and buy a copy now!

Outliers

2010-06-21T09:53:00.003-04:00

I just finished reading a rather fascinating book - "Outliers." In it, Malcolm Gladwell takes an intriguing look at how people achieve success. In short, I would highly recommend it to anyone. If you would like to have your typical views of 'summer vacations,' birth date deadlines for sports leagues, and Bill Gates, then I would encourage you to pick it up at the local library and enjoy. He explores why Koren Airlines had such a deplorable safety record. He looks at how rice paddies in China are connected to exceptional math scores, and why feuds like the "Hatfields and McCoys" are very common in Appalachian America!

Thank you Mr. Gladwell for challenging our thinking!

Ukraine Day 6

2010-05-03T15:26:00.000-04:00

Today was a bit of a slower day. The team went in different directions and made contact with people around the city. Pastor Tom and I met with an outreach team from a local church and fellowship with them and prayed for and blessed them. Then we had lunch with a local pastor. Dan, Gary, and Bob enjoyed some time with a man that runs an orphanage in the city.

When I sit back and try and picture what I think Jesus may look like today, I can't help but picture Ivan and Tanya Benedyk. These two people are incredible at working to build God's Kingdom. Pray for them as they are in a time of transition.

Tomorrow will be our last day in Ukraine and it will be very full. Please pray for us!

Ukraine Day 5

2010-05-02T16:14:00.001-04:00

Today was a very full day. The team split up this morning and preached in different locations. Tonight we went to the gypsy church and held one last service with them. The room was absolutely packed with people. Pastor Tom spoke and we prayed and ministered to just about everyone in the church. We were able to do a wonderful Skype conversation with the church back home!

A quick story about this picture.

The church that I had the opportunity to preach in this morning is getting ready to plant another church in a nearby city. Earlier this week we were able to negotiate the use of this room with another room for children's ministry in an old bread factory. When it was all said and done, the first six months rent was paid at a total cost of $100 US dollars per month. God is so good and His gospel is going forth throughout the earth.

Get on the train or get out of the way!

Ukraine day 4

2010-05-01T15:52:00.000-04:00

Wow - what a day today. We attended the ordination service of this pastor, Pastor Victor. He pastors a gypsy church in Uzghorod that one year ago was on life support. Today it is a thriving congregation approaching 100 people. Pastor Victor was the worship leader in the church before when the former pastor decided to walk away from the faith and his ministry. Victor has accepted the call of God upon his life to pastor this church. It was a powerful service as about 300 gyspies from various camps, villages, and churches came together for this celebration. God is using the gypsies in Ukraine to shake this nation. Once again I am reminded that He takes the 'least of these & makes the most of that!" Their faith is very simple - they love Jesus & they are very passionate about that relationship with Him! Oh, so much to learn!

2010-04-30T15:35:00.000-04:00

Today was another phenomenal day of ministry and watching God move in dynamic ways. We prayer walked again in the morning. We visited the gypsy camp where Ivan Benedyk is the pastor. We saw the progress on the shower house project that was started last spring. We talked about the condition of the village and the church and such. We ministered once again at the gypsy church in Uzgherod. God is moving in that church in powerful ways. With the help of the people here and the mighty grace of God, we were able to secure a place for the new church plant. God is so good. We were able to secure it for half the asking price. Please pray for the woman in this picture. She is a mother of 6. Her husband is currently serving a 7 year prison sentence. She is raising the six children in a house that is about 12 ft. x 14 ft. The house is at the bottom of the hill so the dirt floor is beginning to wash out and erode away. It looks like we are going to be able to secure her and her children a new house in the village that is 2 to 3 times the size of her current house. It is at the top of the hill right next to the shower house and a water supply. She will also have a stove to heat the house in the winter. God is so good. He is teaching me to be His most grateful child.

Ukraine day 2

2010-04-29T17:01:00.000-04:00

Today we prayer walked in a city that is being considered for a church plant. There is a small group of people that meet there right now. We also looked at a possible location that the gypsy church could move to since they are exploding at the seams. The spiritual atmosphere here is unreal. The church services are powerful times in God's presence. After the preaching when the altars are opened, everyone in the church comes forward to be prayed for. God is moving in powerful ways in people's lives in the services that we have been a part of. God is using everyone on our team in a deep prophetic ministry. God is confirming the words that are going forth! God is so good.

It is so refreshing to see people that have nothing have such a deep love for Jesus.

It is so refreshing to see people that have so little in this world have so much appreciation for what they do have.

I am learning so much.

Traveling

2010-04-28T04:59:00.000-04:00

Well our travels have finally brought us to our final destination - Ukraine. In talking with people in the states, I get the sense that this is somewhat of a forgotten country. As I told people that I was coming to Ukraine, the question was usually raised, "why are you going to Ukraine?" That is a good question. I am not sure that most people could point out the location of Ukraine on a map - I'm not sure that I could 6 months ago. But it is amazing how God can take forgotten unknown people and change the world. The country of Ukraine is very depressed. It is economically depressed. For so long it lived under the crushing communist regimes and you can quickly look around and see the affects of that time. But it is not a spiritually depressed nation. I keep hearing that God is on the move in Ukraine. I'm not sure what God is doing in this country or in me, but as we crossed the border late last night I was impressed with two things.

1) This feels really far away from home.

2) The spiritual atmosphere here is very 'light.'

I am convinced that God takes the 'least of these' and does the 'most of this!'

In Christ!

2010-04-27T05:44:00.000-04:00

The following is a blog post of a testimony that we recieved immediately after leaving France. Carlos is a man that we prayed for on Sunday afternoon at the retreat. God dramatically set him free. This is his story.

The day I was born again
by Carlos H. Figueroa

There was nothing particularly special about that Sunday morning. Except for the fact that the church service would be held at a little place up in the Alsatian mountainside. So, without any expectations my wife and I hit the road. After an hour-drive, we had finally arrived and the setting was beautiful. Plus, the weather was especially nice that day.My friend John had mentioned that a group of American pastors (who were on their way to the Ukraine) would be sharing that day. I did not know what God had in store for me that day.The service took place: people shared, prayed, worshipped. You know the usual Sunday morning service that you would have on weekly basis. We even had communion, and to be honest, I was not even there. Physically I was but, my mind was elsewhere. So, after the service was over and once we were done with formalities, we sort of spaced out for a while, and waited for lunch-time. And it was then that John introduced me to his friends (some of whom I was supposed to have met a couple of days before but, had not), and after getting acquainted, they said that they wanted to pray for Violette and I. And then, BOOM!Ever since I was a kid, I had seen people being touched by the Holy Spirit in various ways: people speaking in different tongues, laughing, falling flat on the floor, prophesying, having visions and so on and so forth (Acts 2:2-4). But nothing I knew, nothing I had already seen, could have prepared me for what I was about to experience. As soon as the group of pastors laid hands on me (2 Timothy: 6), something surreal happened. I had never experienced God like that. I knew that I had a relationship with him but, I had never fully enabled His Holy Spirit to fill me up, shake me and turn me upside down. I had never experienced the power, strength and authority with which God's Holy Spirit pours down His grace upon us, and cleanses us from the inside. It came and it blew inside me, a new and refreshing wind of hope and peace. A power that knows no flaw. A power that comes with authority and takes no prisoners. A power that comes and wipes out everything which stands between Jesus and us. A mighty power which strikes so precisely that today, the armies of the enemy tremble in fear for they know that their time is near (Revelation 12:10).I could go on and on about what I went through, and what I experienced. And I am truly grateful for what God has shown me, and also, done in me. But I am not different from anybody else on this planet. I am a regular guy who pays taxes and has just realized that God has caught up with him. I do not deserve any more than you, or anybody else. I just choose to believe that God is real, that His relationship with us is real, and most of all: I believe that He can live in us and live through us.I feel that God is calling us to believe and get ready to see people being empowered by His Holy Spirit and become vessels of His will. We will see wonders and miracles being accomplished everywhere. And we can choose to just believe it, and that is fine. But, I believe that Jesus is compelling us to believe and live our relationship with Him.Let His Holy Spirit into your life, your heart, your soul and your mind. Let us become one with Him. Let us stop just being believers, and let us become living vessels of His love, power and authority on this earth.I want in, do you?In Jesus.

France pt. 2

2010-04-26T07:48:00.000-04:00

Today is an off day after ministering at the retreat for Jon and Gloria Tressel's church. We went to the mountains in the French countryside. It was absolutely beautiful. There were 3 sessions with the adults where Pastor Tom preached on unity. On Saturday, we had 2 sessions with the teenagers where I preached on what being a disciple of Christ means. On Saturday night, there was ministry in both the adult and teenage services. These were both powerful times in God's presence. After the session on Sunday morning, we took communion together with the church. You could see the church becoming unified as all the women and all the men sat at tables at lunch and sang songs together. One women in particular remarked to me later that she has never been a part of anything like that. We hung out and fellowshipped with the church in the afternoon. I tried my hand at bocci ball and to the dismay of our wonderful hosts - I tore it up!!!! Please don't tell them that this was the first time that I had ever played! This picture is in the center town of Mulhouse. It is the old city hall. What you cannot see is that off to the right is a massive cathedral that is still in use today. Centuries ago, the church leaders would lead the church services and then go across to the city hall to conduct the business of the city.

France pt. 1

2010-04-25T13:28:00.002-04:00

We have been in France since early Thursday morning. Things have been somewhat of a whirlwind, but they have been very good none the less. On Friday night we ministered at a wonderful French speaking African church. I had the opportunity to preach for the first time through an interpreter. God is so good. After the preaching of the Word we prayed for and ministered to everyone in the church. At the end we gathered the entire church around and prayed for the pastor and his wife. The Holy Spirit really moved during that time and did some fabulous things in their lives. Personally, I am learning to trust God and His voice in new areas of ministry. I am learning a new level of tuning in to God's voice while I am here.

Choices

2010-04-12T08:04:00.003-04:00

I'm standing in line at Taco Bell last night.

There is a man leaning against the wall waiting for his order to come up.

Two gentlemen walk in who have obviously just been on the golf course. Honestly, I took a second look because one of the guys bore an uncanny resemblance to Tiger.

It wasn't long before conversation starts between, man leaning against the wall and hungry golfers. What follows is the part of the conversation that I overhead.

Man leaning against the wall - "Well you never know the whole story."

Hungry golfers - head nodding.

Man leaning against the wall - "Maybe she was not taking care of things at home."

Hungry golfers - shrugs of the shoulders.

My reaction?
What is this guy talking about?
Somehow a man's infidelity is his wife's fault?

FAST FORWARD - Monday morning

Fox News Channel - conversation about Jim Carrey's recent tweet regarding Tiger.
The paraphrase of the tweet - you never know the whole story, maybe she was not taking care of things at home.

My reaction again?
What is this guy talking about?
Somehow a man's infidelity is his wife's fault?

Since when did our choices become someone else's responsibility?
Isn't a husband or wife responsible for their own marital fidelity?

Every morning in the Moraghan house we have a simple prayer; "Lord help us make good decisions today."

Thoughts on Easter

2010-04-03T18:34:00.002-04:00

Maybe I haven't paid attention in the past.
Maybe something has really changed.

Whatever the case - I am noticing something about Easter this year.

It seems to me that 'the church' has really ramped up its efforts to draw the crowd this Easter. I have seen numerous ads and gimmicks that invite people to spend Easter at a particular church this Easter.

Easter bunny.
Easter egg hunts.
Pancake breakfast.
Newspaper ads.

It appears that we are sending a clear message - you are welcome in our building this Easter.

But the question arises for me - are 'they' - the non-followers of Christ and unchurched - welcome in our buildings the other 51 Sundays of the year?

Do we have a broken heart for those that don't know Jesus 365 days a year?

May the point of Easter - Christ died for us when we were the most undeserving - drive our efforts throughout the entire year.

May the point of Easter - Christ died for them just as much as He died for us - drive our efforts to make a felt impact in our communities.

Steering through Chaos review

2010-03-20T11:08:00.002-04:00

If you or your church is experiencing the chaos of change or the chaos of change is on the horizon - you must read this. Scott speaks from a very personal place on how to handle the chaos of change. There are some people that know about a subject because they have studied it or researched it or had a conversation with someone about it. Scott doesn't know about this subject (chaos of change) - he gets it because he has been there. There are some very helpful insights that anyone can take away from this book. Get a copy, read it, mark it up and talk about it with your team. Building God's Kingdom is fun but it can get crazy!

One of the key points that I have taken away from this book is the necessity for us as church leaders to anticipate change. Don't wait for change to come to you - seek it out. Build on the momentum that you are currently experiencing and seek God to see what the next step may be.

It is easy to get into 'ruts' in building God's Kingdom. Don't - continue to seek God for a new fresh vision - the people in your community depend on it.

Buy Scott's book Here

Visit the Oak's Here

Unity

2010-02-19T16:09:00.003-05:00

What would you do for unity in the Body of Christ?

- Would you help another ministry/church out with an event that you would not benefit from at all?

- Would you make a hospital call for another pastor?

- Would you help another pastor perform a funeral?

- Would you help clean another church?

- Would you help another pastor who has caused pain for you?

- Would you take an offering for another church? Would you give an entire Sunday morning offering to another church?

The list could go on. True unity comes not from attending a conference together. Not from talking about it together. True unity comes when we will help another pastor or ministry out on our time and our dime when we don't get credit for it.

Devotional Start

2010-02-11T18:04:00.002-05:00

I have started a family friendly devotional for Renewal 2010 which begins on Feb. 23rd. It will be based out of the Sermon on the Mount. It will be in print at the church and also available here as well.

Safe but Dead

2009-07-12T12:08:00.002-04:00

When the Holy Spirit is not involved in our lives, our churches, our work, our families, our . . . - it will be real safe. But it will be real dead.

I would rather live on the edge with the Holy Spirit working in my life than to live a safe sheltered life begging for more.

What about you?

Christ's Body

2009-06-25T22:49:00.002-04:00

"Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but
yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion
looks out on the world, yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing
good and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now." - St. Teresa of Avila

Hold on

2009-06-07T23:09:00.002-04:00

I am not sure what you will face this week whether good or bad. But don't give up, hold on, and don't let go. Not only is perserverance the trait of a highly effective Christian, but it is also a trait of a highly effective leader.

As leaders, we face opposition because not everyone wants to go where we are leading, and that is okay because maybe not everyone is supposed to go to the place that we are leading to. But there are people that are following us that need to go where we are leading but for some reason do not want to go there and they are going to blame you.

Hold on. God has called you to lead and lead you will - even if they are kicking and screaming behind you.

Flying Airplanes

2009-06-01T08:58:00.003-04:00

From what I understand two of the most important things about flying an airplane are taking off and landing. The thought I guess is that if you can get the airplane off the ground properly and get it back on the ground properly, that everything in between is relatively simple. Life is a bit like this.

We are constantly going from one destination to another in life. Birth - Start of School. Start of School - Graduation. Graduation - Starting a career. Starting a career - Creating a family. Creating a new family - . . . .

We must strive to get the 'airplane' that we are flying off the ground properly. And when it is time, put it back on the ground again.

Many sermons and writings have been done about 'the dash,' what you do with your life in between when you are born and when you die.

But today, think about starting well and finishing well.

Pursuit

2009-05-15T13:03:00.001-04:00

Thomas a Kempis the great 14th-15th century writer said this: 'nothing will ever bring you rest, except being closely united to Jesus.'

We live in a time when people are applauded for their pursuits. Men and women alike are applauded for pursuing a sports championships. There is great applause when someone pursues the goal of running a marathon or climbing a mountian, or paying off all their debt or ....

Let us as parents and leaders applaud those who 110% pursue Christ and find their rest in Him and in Him alone.

Chick-fil-a

2009-04-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

I was in Chick-fil-a the other day. And here follows a free advertisement for them.

I was once again blown away be the incredibly positive attitude that was exhibited in all the employees. As I was being served, I felt like I was the only person in the restaurant, even though it was teeming with people at the time. That environment, combined with great food, made me want to come back, and in fact, I did just two days later.

This made me think:

What is the environment that people walk in to when they walk in to our churches?

What kind of 'food' are they getting while they are in our churches?

Does the environment, combined with the great 'food' that is in our churches make people (Followers of Christ and Non-Followers of Christ alike) want to come back?

As leaders we can answer that question through self-evaluation and observation.

SELF OBSERVATION: Would I want to go to the church that I serve at if I were not a paid staff person?

OBSERVATION: Are people that visit coming back? Are people that have been regular attenders or even members excited to be there or are they leaving?

Static on the phone line

2009-03-23T13:53:00.001-04:00

Just a thought that I would like to share. Recently we have been having phone issues at our home. Our calls have been really hard to hear and there has been static and buzzing in the line. I have called our phone company two times to come and repair the line. The first time it did not work. I am happy to report though that it at least appears that it is working the second time.

I talked with the repair guy about what the issue was with the line. He said that it was the 'root line' that was coming into our house. To remedy the problem, he unconnected the bad line and reconnected our line to a different line.

Here is the thought, how many times are we experiencing 'static' and 'buzz' on our 'life lines?' We search and search only to not find the problem.

Maybe the problem is the 'root line' that we are connected to. Maybe we are connected to Christ, but we are experiencing interference because we are connected to other bad lines as well.

Maybe we need to unhook from the interference and be completely connected to Christ.

2009-03-20T08:25:00.001-04:00

is listening to a story on npr that says that some toxic assets are not as toxic as some think. Hum?

2009-03-19T08:33:00.001-04:00

is enjoying reading time at pre-school!

2009-03-14T14:33:00.001-04:00

just put ping on my cell. Now you can know my every going on! Lucky for you!

2009-03-14T13:54:00.001-04:00

is home from the Y. Miscellaneous for the rest of the day!

2009-03-14T00:12:00.001-04:00

is going to call it a day.

2009-03-13T17:31:00.001-04:00

officially headed to the "king of all fast food" - McDonalds! Then off to 'the music man' - jr. high version.

2009-03-13T17:26:00.001-04:00

is done setting up a www.ping.fm account. Let's see if it works!

The Road

2009-03-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

Today I had a great conversation with my pastor about what the life of a follower of Christ should look like. He gave a great analogy that hopefully I can relate to you.

Following Christ is like driving down a road with a ditch on either side of the road. On one side you can label the ditch "all grace - live as you want." On the other side you can label the ditch "legalism."

Here is the reality, when we follow Christ we want to stay on the road in between "all grace - live as you want" and "legalism."

"The challenge of following Christ is staying balanced in an out of balance
world."

We can't fall in the ditch of "all grace - live as you want" because Paul said in the book of Romans; "should I go on sinning that grace may abound? Absolutely not!"

On the other hand, we can't fall in the ditch of "legalism" because Jesus said; "he who is without sin cast the first stone."

The truth is that our goal is to be like Christ.

I think that striving to be like Christ is staying on the road not in the ditch.

New Beginnings

2009-03-08T23:22:00.000-04:00

Today, we engaged in a newcomer's lunch at COB, and what a wonderful time that it was. It was nice for a few reasons:

1) It is refreshing to once again talk about the vision.
2) It is refreshing to see 'that look.' ('That look' is the look in the eyes of someone that 'buys into' your vision.)
3) It is refreshing to begin new relationships.
4) Beginnings are just refreshing because you get to 'start anew' and see what God does.

Lord, help COB as we bring into our family a new group of people. Give us fresh energy to follow the vision that you have given us to worship you, preach the word, engage in community, and share our witness.

Wow

2009-02-08T18:27:00.000-05:00

I was in Taco Bell today when some friends whom we have know for a long time came in the restuarant. As I saw them, it was like this breath of fresh air. I was happy to see them! I hugged her - then hugged him - then had a flitter in my heart! It is good to have people like that in life. People that when you see them, you are genuinly happy! People that make you feel good to know. People that bring a smile to your face and a flitter to your heart when you see them. People that even if you don't see them for some time, it is like they were never gone. People who you wish were family, but are glad that they are not because your family would probably run them off. I have such people.

I hope that you can have a Cris and Polly in your life as well!

Finishing the race

2008-09-03T18:50:00.000-04:00

I was thinking recently about the Olympics. If you were like me, you spent more then your fair share of time watching Olympic coverage into the late hours of the night. Much time was spent on the "under achieving" USA track team. There was much commentary about how sprinters were not winning races that should have been theirs and how individuals and relay teams were not even making it past their qualifying races.

BUT

I was taken back by the woman's 4 x 100 relay team. Like the men's team, they dropped their baton and were disqualified. Actually, let me rephrase that - the men were disqualified, the woman finished in last.

Here is the difference. When the men dropped the baton - they left it on the track.

The woman dropped the baton, but instead of letting it lie there standing around in dismay, they picked it up and ran to the finish.

Although they did not finish first, as a matter of fact, they did not even qualify for the finals, they still finished.

The truth is, the batons in our lives are dropped a lot. We yell at the kids. We fight unfairly with are spouse. We cheat. We lie. We think about what we shouldn't. We look at what we shouldn't.

We drop the baton.

Don't stand there and be dismayed that you dropped it.

Pick it up and keep running.

DON'T QUIT!

Loose Ends

2008-08-30T23:06:00.001-04:00

The older that I get in life the more that I am finding importance in not having loose ends. If you are anything like me, you start a lot but don't complete. I am in a season of wrapping up "loose ends." Finishing house projects - getting things looking neat - etc. What are your loose ends? What are the things that you have started that are not complete? House projects? Education? Relationships? Jobs? Dreams?

Tie them up. Finish the race. Don't let the words come out of your mouth; "i will finish it someday."

Home Improvement

2008-08-28T16:32:00.000-04:00

Someone once gave some good advice when it comes to handling paperwork. He/She/Whomever said that you should only ever handle paperwork one time. In other words, when the mail comes in, get it out of the mail box, open it, file what needs to be filed and throw away what needs thrown away. That way there is not a mess lying around, and you have dealt with it.

Okay, so here is the point. This adage is good for home improvement projects as well. Start the project and finish it. Don't let grass grow under your feet (another good adage)!! Get it done. I am currently trying to get some projects done that have been lingering for quite some time now.

Let's just say that the kudos that I so desire from my wife for getting these projects done would have come 2 years ago. Now she is just glad that they are getting finished.

In other words - DON'T BE LAZY!!!!

Ring the Bell

2008-08-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

Ate at Arby's the other day! There was a new feature - at least I think that it was new - I had never seen it before; it was a bell. It was located by the exit, and had it not been for some over zealous college students, I may not have even noticed it on my way out. It was a small bell with a simple saying on it; "if we have done a good job, then let us know by ringing the bell." So I rung the bell!

When people do a good job - let them know!!!!

Random Musings

2008-06-29T22:13:00.000-04:00

spent the afternoon printing off cover letters for my job search, and watching my wife puke! now that is fun! never knew that those two activities could be so fun.

Actually it is pretty miserable when your wife is sick. In this particular instance she had a terrible migraine which made her sick. She is doing better now.

It has been a long time since I have had to "search" for a job. I am learning a few lessons about "job searching."

1) It is difficult when there are more layoffs then hirings.
2) It is difficult when you are potentially leaving one career and looking into something else.

I truly am learning the art of "walking by faith and not by sight."

I would conclude by saying that I will "see" you along the journey, but honestly my eyes are closed and my ears are open to God's voice.

Blessings

Good Book

2008-06-13T22:35:00.000-04:00

Currently reading:

"The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith & Politics in a Post-Religious Right America" - by Jim Wallis

Only a chapter into it, but so far so good!

fun thought

2008-05-05T21:39:00.000-04:00

just a fun thought since it has been exactly two months since my last post:

2 fun shows to watch

1) john and kate + 8 (TLC - Monday 9:00pm est) - if you think that your life is crazy?!!)

2) deadliest catch (Discovery Channel - Tuesday 9:00pm est) - for the more adventursome!!!)

enjoy!

Politics

2008-02-05T19:19:00.000-05:00

TOUGH QUESTION TUESDAY?

Who should i vote for?

That is a really good question. I have really felt the desire lately to start conversations with people. Get people talking about things that they are already talking about, or hopefully, raise questions that they are not talking about.

Inevitably, people are asking this question, especially since it is super tuesday. Although we here in Ohio are not voting today (1 more month), we will with out a doubt be swamped with news coverage today (and beyond) as election results pour in, and don't pour in.

We will continue to get 50 different opinions on 50 different topics covering 50 different states in 50 different languages stated in 50 different forms of communication. So back to the question; 'who should i vote for?'

The Bible does not give a specific party to vote for or a specific candidate. Only if it were that easy. What the Bible does talk about is; praying for those in authority, obeying the laws of the land, giving to Ceasar what is Ceasars. The Bible speaks specifically about being good stewards of our money, valueing all life since it comes God, and also about justice and honesty.

On this subject, among others, I would go with two things. First of all, pray. Seek God's face. Talk to him about the candidates. Talk to him about the issues. Search His Word for answers. Secondly, do your research. There are lots of websites out there , for example, here are a couple that i found. **Please note that i in no way endorse anything from these sites. I only suggest them for research purposes.

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/issues/index.html#/context=index/issue=health

http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm

Third, have open, honest, fair conversations with other people.

blessings & see you at the polls.

Christians

2008-01-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

I was reading once again in Acts 2 the other day the account of the Day of Pentecost, and somthing jumped off the page that I either had never seen before, or had forgotten about. Look at the reactions of these "God-fearing Jews" throughout the chapter:

1) "Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, 'What does this mean?'" (v. 12)

2) "Some, however, made fun of them and said, 'They have had too much wine.'" (v. 13)

3) "...and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross." (v. 23)

4) "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" (v. 37)

5) "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day." (v. 41)

Very interesting that during the course of this event that there were multiple responses to the same situation.

So i ask myself today, 'how am i responding?'

blessings!

racism

2008-01-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

given the major celebration that will take place this week (the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), i have decided to reflect on the subject that he dedicated his life to, and that is popping up in the news quite frequently these days - racism.

last monday i had the wonderful opportunity to here a civil rights legend, Dr. John Perkins, speak in person. it is not easy to make a definitive statement of my reaction to his talk, other than to say - overwhelming.

dr. perkins has experienced a lot of negative in his life because of one simple fact - the color of his skin.

as i sat there, i realized that i have no clue what it means to experience shallow hatred. hatred that comes from the dark recesses of man's depraved soul. i have sat and observed the past couple of weeks, the continued stirring of this atrocity. whether it be political candidates discussing it, television reporters and editors be scolded and reprimanded for comments; this issue is still alive.

dr. perkins made a wonderful point when he said; "we apologize enough to keep the economy running." and i wondered; have i confessed my weaknesses in this area? have i truly forgiven? or have i apologized enough to keep the economy running? apologized just enough to feel better?

one thing that i do know, i can't do enough when it comes to this issue. i must continue to search my heart. continue to apologize and confess when i am at fault. i must continue to accept the apologies of others. continue to pray for peace and unity (especially in the body of Christ).

i must do more.

Try Again!

2008-01-02T22:52:00.000-05:00

I read an interesting article today that suggested that blogs could be used for discipleship. Sounds like a really good idea, I think that I will try it. - Stay posted!!!

Campus Missionaries

2007-08-11T01:40:00.000-04:00

Well tonight all of the students that we brought with us to Indianapolis committed to being campus missionaries. I am honored and humbled to be the leader of such an incredible bunch of students. It is amazing to think what will happen in our community as these missionaries begin to "build God's Kingdom." Within the 25 students that are with us is the power to literally change the world from Springfield Township in Akron, OH. Look out world!

Fine Arts Day 2 and 3

2007-08-10T16:01:00.000-04:00

So if you have not heard by now, we are doing awesome here in Indy. Forgive me if you have checked and haven't seen anything new. It has been real crazy. I will try and upload some new photos tonight. Our students have done unbelievable. All of our groups have recieved the highest rating that they possibly could. That rating is called "Superior with Honors." There are different point levels in this category. Recieving this rating puts us into the possibility of being in the top ten in the nation in the category. I am so proud of our students. As you are well aware, we have a young group, but they have worked incredibly hard and it has shown. Not only have we had a great time at fine arts, but our nightly meetings have been phenomenal. It is apparent that God is doing something really awesome in each of our lives. The future of exodus youth ministry looks bright.

2007-08-07T21:56:00.000-04:00

so we have officially arrived in indy. today has been a wonderful day of travel. we made it safely with no problems. we hit about a half hour delay in dayton with some construction, but other than that everything has been wonderful. we checked in and got all of our times. we have just finished meeting and discussing details, etc. as you can see, several of the students enjoyed a nice relaxing time in the pool for a few moments tonight. tomorrow starts bright and early. we leave at 8am. bethany huff sings at 9.40 and stephanie merchant plays her flute solo at 10.12. the rest of the day we will watch other groups and attend a few workshops. tomorrow night we will go to the national youth convention service with about 10,000 other teenagers.

so here we are, jumping in together!!!!!

2007-08-04T09:49:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I have really dropped the ball when it comes to recording my thoughts here. we are at the end of the summer and here i go again. i am hoping that this next week will bring some momentum. we are headed to national fine arts festival/general council with a group of teenagers. I intend to blog on here, and maybe even throw up a few photos for everyone to see what is going on. so until then, i have to go prepare for the parent's meeting that we have tomorrow.

First Time

2007-06-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

I love starting new things. There is this sense of a new beginning. A sense that everything else that I have failed at in life is okay because now I am starting something new. Even if that something new is . . . . . . a blog. Starting something new doesn't solve all the ills of my life, but in the end, it sure does feel good. It feels good even though the reality looms that in a few days, weeks, months, or if I'm really lucky, years I will probably have ended this adventure only to start another one in hopes of correcting the error of my ways. But than again, maybe I am just over thinking this whole thing. It will probably be a minor miracle, not that I kept this up but that people actually read it and . . . . enjoyed. But until the day comes when I let this adventure go or better yet lighting strikes and people enjoy . . .