Yes, Peter, Paul and Mary sang this one to #1 in 1969 and it is my itinerary tomorrow. Austin and I will get up, shower, wake up the roosters and head to the airport at 4:15 a.m. to depart from Phoenix to head to Illinois to spend some time with friends and family and be reunited with Sheri and Abbie. I miss them a lot! Abbie left in late May, so it has been quite a few weeks since I have seen her. Sheri left last Friday and has been really enjoying her time.
I am ready for vacation. I love Arizona to the core of my being and Connection Church is literally a dream come true. However, I also know that everyone (including Jesus) needs time to get away and refresh and relax. The great news is, I am not worried about the church at all. It will be the first Saturday I have missed since launching the pre-view services in October of 2008. God has given us some truly quality people who are just as called to be a part of Connection Church as me and my family. See, we are all called to Connection Church, but we have different functions. We are all individual pieces of the puzzle, but when we come together we find that we fit together perfectly and form a beautiful picture of what God has designed for Marana. So, as we depart tomorrow, I am content that everyone will do well Saturday. I am believing something great will happen Saturday!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The First Drive
Tonight was one of those times you never forget. Austin got his driver's permit today and took his maiden voyage in the Aurora by driving me to the pizza joint. It was only about 2 miles round trip, but I don't think I will ever forget it! I am just not old enough to have a child who drives.
I still remember my first trip alone in my car. We were leaving the DMV to go to my uncle Ron's house and my dad told me to stay close behind him and my mom so I wouldn't get lost. In a valiant attempt to obey, I made two black marks about 30 feet long on the pavement peeling out because a car was coming and I didn't want to get separated from them. The poor guy who had just given me my driver's test was probably wondering why on earth he gave the maniac (who drove like an nursing home resident during the test) in the red 1969 Chevelle his license.
Tonight was about realizing I don't have a little boy in my house anymore; I have a young man. Kind of weird, but I am thankful I can spend time with Austin and truly appreciate every second with him while there is still time. After all, we raise our kids to leave, not to stay. We put in them the things that will lead to their successful journey as productive adults with whom we can enjoy a healthy relationship. All that we do with them and for them is for that purpose. I pray I have done well.
I still remember my first trip alone in my car. We were leaving the DMV to go to my uncle Ron's house and my dad told me to stay close behind him and my mom so I wouldn't get lost. In a valiant attempt to obey, I made two black marks about 30 feet long on the pavement peeling out because a car was coming and I didn't want to get separated from them. The poor guy who had just given me my driver's test was probably wondering why on earth he gave the maniac (who drove like an nursing home resident during the test) in the red 1969 Chevelle his license.
Tonight was about realizing I don't have a little boy in my house anymore; I have a young man. Kind of weird, but I am thankful I can spend time with Austin and truly appreciate every second with him while there is still time. After all, we raise our kids to leave, not to stay. We put in them the things that will lead to their successful journey as productive adults with whom we can enjoy a healthy relationship. All that we do with them and for them is for that purpose. I pray I have done well.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Discouragement
Tonight's Connection Group was about discouragement and depression. We unpacked I Kings 19 where Elijah became dreadfully discouraged; to the point where asked God to just let him die. He had just come from one of the greatest and most powerful displays of God's power ever witnessed by humans. He literally saw fire come down from heaven and consume a sacrifice, the altar, the stones, the wood, etc. How on earth can someone become so discouraged after seeing such an incredible display of God's power?
There are a lot of guesses, but we discussed the process of discouragement and the scriptural remedies. All of us can get discouraged or feel sad, depressed, burnt out, etc. The question is not if, but when will we experience this? So many great spiritual warriors have faced such feelings and circumstances. I am greatly comforted by Elijah's apparent "weakness". For me, it tells me that Elijah was a normal man who loved God deeply, attempted to do awesome things for Him, saw some indescribable miracles and yet still suffered every so often. The key is, he NEVER gave up totally. He refused to stop. Think of it this way: if you take a sledge hammer and swing with all your might, you will not break the concrete sidewalk. If you keep swinging it, eventually you will see a crack or two starting to form, then a lot of cracks and before you know it, it is in a thousand pieces. In Matthew 11, Jesus told us to come to Him when we are laboring and burdened down. He promised He would give us rest from what we were carrying and give us a new, lighter, more comfortable weight that fits us perfectly. His yoke fits precisely, His burden is LIGHT! Anything that is too heavy or drags us down needs to be given to Him. Only Jesus can encourage us and keep us from staying in the pit of discouragement. When we are discouraged for too long, we are inwardly focused and ineffective for the Kingdom. Jesus can change all of that. So, if you are facing discouragement, know that you are in good company. Some of God's finest experienced it. Just never, ever give up. God will secure your victory and you will be a blessing to others when they are discouraged.
There are a lot of guesses, but we discussed the process of discouragement and the scriptural remedies. All of us can get discouraged or feel sad, depressed, burnt out, etc. The question is not if, but when will we experience this? So many great spiritual warriors have faced such feelings and circumstances. I am greatly comforted by Elijah's apparent "weakness". For me, it tells me that Elijah was a normal man who loved God deeply, attempted to do awesome things for Him, saw some indescribable miracles and yet still suffered every so often. The key is, he NEVER gave up totally. He refused to stop. Think of it this way: if you take a sledge hammer and swing with all your might, you will not break the concrete sidewalk. If you keep swinging it, eventually you will see a crack or two starting to form, then a lot of cracks and before you know it, it is in a thousand pieces. In Matthew 11, Jesus told us to come to Him when we are laboring and burdened down. He promised He would give us rest from what we were carrying and give us a new, lighter, more comfortable weight that fits us perfectly. His yoke fits precisely, His burden is LIGHT! Anything that is too heavy or drags us down needs to be given to Him. Only Jesus can encourage us and keep us from staying in the pit of discouragement. When we are discouraged for too long, we are inwardly focused and ineffective for the Kingdom. Jesus can change all of that. So, if you are facing discouragement, know that you are in good company. Some of God's finest experienced it. Just never, ever give up. God will secure your victory and you will be a blessing to others when they are discouraged.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Freedom
I have always been intrigued by the stories of people who were willing to sacrifice themselves in war in order to fight for our freedom as Americans. I am nearly brought to tears when I see the opening scene of "Saving Private Ryan". The men who were willing to land on those beaches and fight their way into the German defenses are men who are perfect examples of the spirit and attitude that founded and have sustained this great nation. Unfortunately, there seems to be a disturbing trend in our country today to diminish or criticize how unique and special America really is. America is great because of its people and their insistence on personal freedom and the ability to pursue their dreams. The beauty of America is that you can literally be whoever and whatever you want to be. You get to shape your own destiny, under God.
When I believed God was calling us to plant a church in Marana, I didn't have to get a permit from the government or ask them if I could preach the gospel. I was totally free to move my family here, purchase a home, gather people and start a church. FREEDOM! While I am always thankful for my freedom, which was purchased on the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam and the sands of Middle Eastern deserts, I am eternally grateful for the ultimate freedom, which was purchased on a hill over 2000 years ago by the man named Jesus. His sacrifice brought me freedom from sin and gave me a new life. His death purchased for every human being total freedom from sin. All you have to do is ask.
When I believed God was calling us to plant a church in Marana, I didn't have to get a permit from the government or ask them if I could preach the gospel. I was totally free to move my family here, purchase a home, gather people and start a church. FREEDOM! While I am always thankful for my freedom, which was purchased on the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam and the sands of Middle Eastern deserts, I am eternally grateful for the ultimate freedom, which was purchased on a hill over 2000 years ago by the man named Jesus. His sacrifice brought me freedom from sin and gave me a new life. His death purchased for every human being total freedom from sin. All you have to do is ask.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Message of the Cross
Connection Church was great last night. I preached from I Corinthians 1:18 about "The Message of the Cross". There is nothing better than preaching the central truth of the gospel. One of my professors in college, Dr. Charles Greenaway, once told us that when we run out of things to preach, preach the cross; it's always fresh. How true that is. The thing that strikes me is how God always honors the preaching of the cross. I believe the reason He does that is because that is God's method of bringing people to Jesus. It may appear as foolishness, but it is really the power of God. The Holy Spirit works on people, convicting them of sin when you preach the cross. The cross is not a piece of jewelry or just a symbol, like Starbucks' mermaid or McDonald's golden arches. It represents the central point of history and God's plan for mankind. In the cross is the ability to totally change a person's life forever. The cross opened a door that had never been opened. It freed people who had been held captive for years. The cross is a person (Jesus), a plan (salvation) and the power (changed lives) of God.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Goodbye Basketball
Austin played his last game of the summer league tonight. Kind of a relief because it is one less thing, but I am glad he did it. I think he is glad he did it too. He played well tonight, but it was a tough team we played. He shot a beautiful three-pointer that snapped the net. I love those! He was also really tired because he played catcher for both games of last night's double-header and it was over 100 degrees. I used to be a catcher and I can still remember how sweaty and miserable I was when we played in the summer. Lots of fun, but HOT with all that gear on.
So, goodbye basketball. We will see you again this Fall.
So, goodbye basketball. We will see you again this Fall.
Thanks!
Just wanted to thank everyone for the input on our new website! We have gotten a lot of positive feedback and some great suggestions that will improve it even more. We are looking forward to it expanding and offering lots of useful content as Connection Church grows.
Online communities are becoming more prevalent all the time. There was a study done recently that revealed there are a lot of people who check out a church online before they ever walk in to the door. One pastor said that the front door of the church used to have a handle, now it has a mouse. Very true! A website will never save anyone, but I honestly believe we need to remove every roadblock that would prevent someone from entering our church. The bible tells us that man DOES look on the outward appearance. That is just a hard fact. We should have a desire to make the effort to draw people in however possible. If a cruddy, poorly done website keeps someone from coming to our church, that is an issue for me. I never believe someone will come to church because of the website or advertising, etc. But, it can keep them away. That is what I want to avoid.
Online communities are becoming more prevalent all the time. There was a study done recently that revealed there are a lot of people who check out a church online before they ever walk in to the door. One pastor said that the front door of the church used to have a handle, now it has a mouse. Very true! A website will never save anyone, but I honestly believe we need to remove every roadblock that would prevent someone from entering our church. The bible tells us that man DOES look on the outward appearance. That is just a hard fact. We should have a desire to make the effort to draw people in however possible. If a cruddy, poorly done website keeps someone from coming to our church, that is an issue for me. I never believe someone will come to church because of the website or advertising, etc. But, it can keep them away. That is what I want to avoid.
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