Do You Have Vision?

Dwight Smith had this to say about people with crystal clear vision:

"There is an itch about something that must be done that animates their lives. They cannot let it go! It is important to emphasize that such a vision does not come from trying to have one. In all of these people, it simply comes! God has so demonstrated Himself that they are filled with a picture of something that must be done." (www.scpi.org/index.php?page=peopleofvision)

Is the vision for your life self-centered or is it God-breathed?

Cell Phone

My phone is broken and I will be without a cell phone for a few days. I guess I will be able to enjoy some quiet evenings. I'm just glad I'm not the pastor on-call this week! ;)

HIllsong London

On Tuesday night, the band from the gathering went to Hillsong London at Granger Community Church. Needless to say, the concert was incredible and many people trusted Christ.

I heard this quote that night from the lead singer of the band and I have heard my father say this before: "Stop asking God to bless what you are doing. Find out what He is doing because it is already blessed."

There is some major truth to this quote! What do you think about it?

Leadership Proverb

I read this proverb from a Chinese philosopher some time ago and have been pondering it ever since. What do you think about it?

A leader is best when people are hardly aware of his existence, not so good when people praise his government, less good when people stand in fear, worst when people are contemptuous. Fail to honor people, and they will fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who speaks little, when his task is accomplished, his work done, the people say, "We did it ourselves!"

Out-of-balance

Many of us are out-of-balance. We do not recognize who God is, and we don't recognize the critical balance between fear and love.

If we focus our attention on the fear side, we become legalistic. Christianity becomes nothing but rituals and regulations. "I must jump through this hoop, I must do this and do that, or else God might punish me."

On the other hand, we can go in the opposite direction when we take too many liberties with God. We think that since God loves us unconditionally, it does not matter how we live our life. Yes, God does love us unconditionally; but His judgment is connected to our love for Him. We should obey Him because we love Him, but a part of that love is a fearful realization that God is an awesome and powerful judge who will hold us accountable for our actions.

If we fall too far on the side of love and liberty, we can become lazy about our Christian commitment. Achieving this perfect balance between fear and love is one of the greatest goals of spiritual maturity.

White Paint

My wife and I bought a house two weeks ago. This is our first home and we are incredibly thankful to manage this home that God has given to us! Unfortunately or fortunately (however you look at it), this home is a foreclosure.

If you know anything about foreclosures, most of them have been trashed by the previous residents, and our house is no exception. The carpet was molded to the basement floor and the walls and ceilings have been stained by years and years of smoke. To say the least it has been an interesting experience for the both of us
.
The last few days, I have been spraying white paint over the ceilings and trim to give our house a fresh new look and make it attractive to live in.

Last night I couldn't help but think that what Amanda and I are doing to the nasty walls and stained ceilings is exactly what Christ has done in our lives. He has taken all of our mess ups, our junk, our mold and our screw ups and He has washed them clean and made them white never to be seen again.

I don't know about you, but I am thankful that I don't have to look at all of my stains and mold. I can look at my life and see that I have been made clean by the blood of Christ.

Monday Morning Thoughts

Last night we held the gathering at Davenport University. I am grateful to Davenport and the many volunteers that helped make last night incredible. We saw many many people walk into the room and most importantly we saw four college/young adults give their lives to Christ!

God is doing some amazing things in this ministry and I humbled that he has allowed me to be a part of it. I can't wait to see where God is going to take us in the next few months, and we want you to join us on this incredible journey!