I picked up a Max Lucado book off of m shelves the other day that I thought I never read. I enjoy the way Lucado pens a sentence. He has a way of making a profound statement to sound like a poem.
In his book entitled "It's Not About Me" he said this that I challenge you to chew on for a little bit:
"When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God Himself, we cross a threshold. Less self-focus, more God-focus. Less about me, more about Him."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday Lesson Recap...
Ecclessia-What it means to be the church
"A Thankful Church"
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
--A Thankful Church, is filled with Thankful People, who have Thankful Hearts.
--Take some time this week and identify 10 things you are thankful for (here is a a great way to tell God you are)... "Father, for ______________, I thank You."
--I Thank Thee by Jane Crewdson (1860)
O Thou whose bounty fills my cup,
With every blessing meet!
I give Thee thanks for every drop---
The bitter and the sweet.
I praise Thee for the desert road,
And for the riverside;
For all Thy goodness hath bestowed,
And all Thy grace denied.
I thank Thee for both smile and frown,
And for the gain and loss;
I praise Thee for the future crown
And for the present cross.
I thank Thee for both wings of love
Which stirred my worldly nest;
And for the stormy clouds which drove Me,
trembling, to Thy breast.
I bless Thee for the glad increase,
And for the waning joy;
And for this strange, this settled peace
Which nothing can destroy.
"A Thankful Church"
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
--A Thankful Church, is filled with Thankful People, who have Thankful Hearts.
--Take some time this week and identify 10 things you are thankful for (here is a a great way to tell God you are)... "Father, for ______________, I thank You."
--I Thank Thee by Jane Crewdson (1860)
O Thou whose bounty fills my cup,
With every blessing meet!
I give Thee thanks for every drop---
The bitter and the sweet.
I praise Thee for the desert road,
And for the riverside;
For all Thy goodness hath bestowed,
And all Thy grace denied.
I thank Thee for both smile and frown,
And for the gain and loss;
I praise Thee for the future crown
And for the present cross.
I thank Thee for both wings of love
Which stirred my worldly nest;
And for the stormy clouds which drove Me,
trembling, to Thy breast.
I bless Thee for the glad increase,
And for the waning joy;
And for this strange, this settled peace
Which nothing can destroy.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday Scripture Spotlight...
Everyday I try to read a Psalm (for intimacy with God), a Proverb (for wisdom from God), and a verse in a book of the Bible I am journeying through (this week I finished Judges and have started 2 Kings). I believe that the word of God is powerful and effective. It gives me insight into the uncertainties that arise in my life.
Here is a verse that stuck out to me today (have fun wrestling with this one):
"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too will cry out and not be answered."
---Proverbs 21:13
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Here is a verse that stuck out to me today (have fun wrestling with this one):
"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he too will cry out and not be answered."
---Proverbs 21:13
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, November 20, 2008
He Is Only Three, Maybe We Can Cut Him Some Slack
Over the past few months Barak has shown great interest in sitting along side of me while I play video games on my XBOX 360. It's pretty cool, he will sit with a controller in his hand and tell me what he thinks I should do. Every once in a while he will instruct me to let the bad guys win and I have to explain to him that if that happens we would lose. He hates losing so he quickly changes gears.
Last night we went to Blockbuster and he picked out a game we could play together. It came down between Lego Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider Man. He emphatically chose the Spider Man game. We got home, fired it up and in a flash of an eye, the little boy who use to be so dependent on me feeding him a bottle was now playing co-op with me on a video game.
Now, don't have visions of a gamer genius because he is everything but. His main goal is to just follow my character around. He can only handle one function at a time. Either he punches or he walks. Never at the same time. I found myself at times a little frustrated that he couldn't keep up. Then the thought occurred to me:
"BAG, HE IS A THREE YEAR OLD BOY. CUT HIM SOME SLACK."
The truth is he is not mature enough to understand the complexity of the games. (Just like some of the people who can frustrate you so much. Maybe they are like a three year old emotionally and can't comprehend what you are wanting them to do.)
As I was going to bed thinking about this experience with Barak, the thought occurred to me. This isn't about the work, it's about the time. The time we get to spend with each other. Battling with each other. High five-ing in the victories and restarting the battles together. This moment is much deeper than playing video games. It is teaching us how to enjoy each other in very special ways. So instead of me cutting him some slack, I hope that he will cut me some.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Last night we went to Blockbuster and he picked out a game we could play together. It came down between Lego Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider Man. He emphatically chose the Spider Man game. We got home, fired it up and in a flash of an eye, the little boy who use to be so dependent on me feeding him a bottle was now playing co-op with me on a video game.
Now, don't have visions of a gamer genius because he is everything but. His main goal is to just follow my character around. He can only handle one function at a time. Either he punches or he walks. Never at the same time. I found myself at times a little frustrated that he couldn't keep up. Then the thought occurred to me:
"BAG, HE IS A THREE YEAR OLD BOY. CUT HIM SOME SLACK."
The truth is he is not mature enough to understand the complexity of the games. (Just like some of the people who can frustrate you so much. Maybe they are like a three year old emotionally and can't comprehend what you are wanting them to do.)
As I was going to bed thinking about this experience with Barak, the thought occurred to me. This isn't about the work, it's about the time. The time we get to spend with each other. Battling with each other. High five-ing in the victories and restarting the battles together. This moment is much deeper than playing video games. It is teaching us how to enjoy each other in very special ways. So instead of me cutting him some slack, I hope that he will cut me some.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Random Thought...
One of the common misconceptions about leaders are that they are people who have all the answers before then questions are even asked. This is not true in my experiences in observing leaders and being one myself. In fact, the leaders I respect most have countless times spoke about the need to have a team to help tackle tough leadership issues with. The one man team will rarely have staying power because eventually that man will run out of ideas, desires or credit.
A major lesson I am learning currently when it comes to making decisions as the chief decision maker for Merge is that there are times when you will be making decisions based on a set of circumstances and those circumstances can change dramatically ultimately effecting the decision. When that happens a leader would be foolish not to pay attention to the new set of circumstances because they can dramatically reflect a wise or a poor decision being made.
One question I have been asking myself and my God lately is: "Based on what I know now, what is the wise thing for me to do?" There is uncertainty, fear, worry, confusion and possibly frustration wrapped inside the decision process. In fact, one of the most difficult things to figure out is if you are a strong enough leader to walk away from a deal that took a lot of time and energy to construct based on the information that is staring you right in the face.
However, I have never heard any one say that leadership is a walk in the park. What you can do is learn from your past experiences, recognize your current situations and strive for your vision. Jim Collins in his book, "Good to Great" has a principle that says sometimes we just have to face the brutal facts. A major factor in doing this is making decisions based on reality and dreams at the same time. A good leader has a sense in balancing the two wisely and not recklessly.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
A major lesson I am learning currently when it comes to making decisions as the chief decision maker for Merge is that there are times when you will be making decisions based on a set of circumstances and those circumstances can change dramatically ultimately effecting the decision. When that happens a leader would be foolish not to pay attention to the new set of circumstances because they can dramatically reflect a wise or a poor decision being made.
One question I have been asking myself and my God lately is: "Based on what I know now, what is the wise thing for me to do?" There is uncertainty, fear, worry, confusion and possibly frustration wrapped inside the decision process. In fact, one of the most difficult things to figure out is if you are a strong enough leader to walk away from a deal that took a lot of time and energy to construct based on the information that is staring you right in the face.
However, I have never heard any one say that leadership is a walk in the park. What you can do is learn from your past experiences, recognize your current situations and strive for your vision. Jim Collins in his book, "Good to Great" has a principle that says sometimes we just have to face the brutal facts. A major factor in doing this is making decisions based on reality and dreams at the same time. A good leader has a sense in balancing the two wisely and not recklessly.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sunday Lesson Recap...
Worry: Devotion Emotion
Matthew 6:24-30
-It is undeniable that we as a nation are experiencing great challenges in regards to the economy. What is happening on Wall Street has now most definitely effected Main Street and the result is an emotion that is very powerful and damaging...WORRY.
-We are a nation of Worriers. Don't think so? Go to a bookstore and look in the self help section and see just how many books focus on stress and worry management.
-We don't have a money issue, we have a worry issue (our worry is attached to our money), which lead to a faith issue.
-This lesson was taught to me through the words of Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church.
3 Questions to ask:
1. Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to your life?
2. Who of you have worried so much think you have actually shortened your life?
3. Is there anything more important to you than staying alive; will worrying contribute to the thing that you value more than your life?
Matthew 6:
Overall thought--- The things that you are most devoted to, fuel the things you worry about the most.
-There is a connection between your devotion and your emotion of worry.
v.25
-Jesus is telling us that there is a way to face the uncertainty of tomorrow but not worry about it today. When it comes to your life---stop worrying.
v.25-30
listen to the lesson at www.mergecommunitychurch.com
really good stuff in there.
3 take away's:
1. Worry is not just a waste of time, it's a waste of life. Refuse to waste your life.
2. We are to do what we can do, then trust God to do the rest.
3. What I am most devoted to, will be the object of my worry.
-When was the last time your worry had to do with the things of God?
-When was the last time you worried about someone's salvation, God breaking through you so you can break through your city, that God would move mightily on your behalf?
-Our goal this week is to love God by loving People.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Matthew 6:24-30
-It is undeniable that we as a nation are experiencing great challenges in regards to the economy. What is happening on Wall Street has now most definitely effected Main Street and the result is an emotion that is very powerful and damaging...WORRY.
-We are a nation of Worriers. Don't think so? Go to a bookstore and look in the self help section and see just how many books focus on stress and worry management.
-We don't have a money issue, we have a worry issue (our worry is attached to our money), which lead to a faith issue.
-This lesson was taught to me through the words of Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church.
3 Questions to ask:
1. Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to your life?
2. Who of you have worried so much think you have actually shortened your life?
3. Is there anything more important to you than staying alive; will worrying contribute to the thing that you value more than your life?
Matthew 6:
Overall thought--- The things that you are most devoted to, fuel the things you worry about the most.
-There is a connection between your devotion and your emotion of worry.
v.25
-Jesus is telling us that there is a way to face the uncertainty of tomorrow but not worry about it today. When it comes to your life---stop worrying.
v.25-30
listen to the lesson at www.mergecommunitychurch.com
really good stuff in there.
3 take away's:
1. Worry is not just a waste of time, it's a waste of life. Refuse to waste your life.
2. We are to do what we can do, then trust God to do the rest.
3. What I am most devoted to, will be the object of my worry.
-When was the last time your worry had to do with the things of God?
-When was the last time you worried about someone's salvation, God breaking through you so you can break through your city, that God would move mightily on your behalf?
-Our goal this week is to love God by loving People.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday, Verse Of The Day...
I try to make it a practice to read three chapters a day in my Bible. I read a Psalm, a Proverb and a book in the Bible (today I read the flannel board story of Samson and Delilah in the book of Judges).
Today I wanted to spotlight a verse that really caught my attention:
Proverbs 14:23
"All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty."
The Word of God is truly enriching, challenging, life-changing and power supplying. We would be fools to think that we can survive without it's nutrition.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Today I wanted to spotlight a verse that really caught my attention:
Proverbs 14:23
"All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty."
The Word of God is truly enriching, challenging, life-changing and power supplying. We would be fools to think that we can survive without it's nutrition.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Main Thing About Uncertainty Is That It Is Certain...
It's true. If you really want to go a little crazy settle in with the truth that you and I have had absolutely no certainty when I comes to our outcomes. We have seasons when we are more aware of it, but there is nothing about your present or your future that is certain. I believe that our current economic situation as a nation speaks to that testament.
What can we do to manage uncertainty and survive.
Here are a few suggestions off the top of my head:
1. Be responsible with your today. (Give, Save, Spend--not the other way around)
2. Seek a clearer perspective. (there are things that happen in your life that are outside of your control. We spend so much time fighting for control that we tend to get ourselves even more wrapped up in even more uncertainty. It's like running in the forest in the pitch black, just because you are running doesn't mean you are making progress.)
3. Realize that uncertainty is a reality of living. (The sooner you embrace that life is uncertain, the sooner you can prepare for it's uncertainty.)
4. Stop fooling yourself in believing that can control everything.
5. Rely more on God and trust that there is nothing uncertain about Him. (His affection for you is incredible. Though the economy is uncertain, relationships are uncertain, your job is uncertain, the next few chapters of your life is uncertain; God has been and always will be constant and unchanging.
So say it out loud today... "The only thing about uncertainty is that it is certain that we will be uncertain."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
What can we do to manage uncertainty and survive.
Here are a few suggestions off the top of my head:
1. Be responsible with your today. (Give, Save, Spend--not the other way around)
2. Seek a clearer perspective. (there are things that happen in your life that are outside of your control. We spend so much time fighting for control that we tend to get ourselves even more wrapped up in even more uncertainty. It's like running in the forest in the pitch black, just because you are running doesn't mean you are making progress.)
3. Realize that uncertainty is a reality of living. (The sooner you embrace that life is uncertain, the sooner you can prepare for it's uncertainty.)
4. Stop fooling yourself in believing that can control everything.
5. Rely more on God and trust that there is nothing uncertain about Him. (His affection for you is incredible. Though the economy is uncertain, relationships are uncertain, your job is uncertain, the next few chapters of your life is uncertain; God has been and always will be constant and unchanging.
So say it out loud today... "The only thing about uncertainty is that it is certain that we will be uncertain."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Focus, Dark vs. Light...
Last night in our Bible Study we were going through a section of Ephesians 5 when the question was asked, "In what ways do you struggle with living as a child of light?" My answer was that my biggest struggle is in dieng to the things that are dark, when Daniel (maybe the most interesting life story I have ever heard) said this:
"We get so focused to dieing to the things that are dark, that we stop looking to the things that are light."
It was an incredibly eye opening moment for me. He continued to show us through the passage we were reading that instead of focusing on avoiding the things that are dark, we should replace them with things that are light. In fact, Paul says lists many different things that our produced when we allow our mouths to run rampant and says the ticket to overcoming them is replacing those words with thankful ones.
It is such a simple and yet profound thought. It's like what we do with little kids, if you can divert their attention then what they were determined to do gets lost in their current activity.
Whatever that dark thing you are flirting with is, if you stare at it enough you will inevitably fall into it's arms. It's enticement will be so strong that you will eventually decide to stop fighting. But if you choose to replace your focus on the things of light then you will experience freedom in the truest sense of the word.
I thank Daniel for speaking truth into my heart last night. It was definitely a moment of iron sharpening iron.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
"We get so focused to dieing to the things that are dark, that we stop looking to the things that are light."
It was an incredibly eye opening moment for me. He continued to show us through the passage we were reading that instead of focusing on avoiding the things that are dark, we should replace them with things that are light. In fact, Paul says lists many different things that our produced when we allow our mouths to run rampant and says the ticket to overcoming them is replacing those words with thankful ones.
It is such a simple and yet profound thought. It's like what we do with little kids, if you can divert their attention then what they were determined to do gets lost in their current activity.
Whatever that dark thing you are flirting with is, if you stare at it enough you will inevitably fall into it's arms. It's enticement will be so strong that you will eventually decide to stop fighting. But if you choose to replace your focus on the things of light then you will experience freedom in the truest sense of the word.
I thank Daniel for speaking truth into my heart last night. It was definitely a moment of iron sharpening iron.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday Lesson Recap...
Ecclesia-what it means to be the church
Part Four- A prayer for each other
*Phillipians 1:3-11
*Paul opens with talking directly about people and how he is choosing to relate to them. Because we know this: if our relationships are bad, life stinks. If our relationships are strained, life is difficult. If you have challenges with people it zaps the joy in your life.
*To appreciate verse three you need to read Acts 16:12-39 to experience Paul's first experience with Philippi.
Growing in your relationships (inspired by a Rick Warren lesson)
1) Be grateful for the good in people. (v.3)
2) Practice positive praying. (v. 4)
3) Be patient with their progress. (v.6)
4) Love people from the heart. (v.7,8)
Lesson's to learn
1) Remember the best, forget the rest.
2) A joyful prayer, make a joyful heart.
3) God isn't finished with people.
4) God has put love in our hearts, don't hide it!
Lesson to learn 1) Remember the best, forget the rest.
4 things to pray for the church
That we the church would...
1) grow in our love (v.9)
2) make wise choices (v.10a)
3) do the right things (v.10b)
4) live for God's glory (v.11)
Philippians 1:9-11 (NCV)
This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; that you will do many good things with the help of Christ to bring glory and praise to God.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Part Four- A prayer for each other
*Phillipians 1:3-11
*Paul opens with talking directly about people and how he is choosing to relate to them. Because we know this: if our relationships are bad, life stinks. If our relationships are strained, life is difficult. If you have challenges with people it zaps the joy in your life.
*To appreciate verse three you need to read Acts 16:12-39 to experience Paul's first experience with Philippi.
Growing in your relationships (inspired by a Rick Warren lesson)
1) Be grateful for the good in people. (v.3)
2) Practice positive praying. (v. 4)
3) Be patient with their progress. (v.6)
4) Love people from the heart. (v.7,8)
Lesson's to learn
1) Remember the best, forget the rest.
2) A joyful prayer, make a joyful heart.
3) God isn't finished with people.
4) God has put love in our hearts, don't hide it!
Lesson to learn 1) Remember the best, forget the rest.
4 things to pray for the church
That we the church would...
1) grow in our love (v.9)
2) make wise choices (v.10a)
3) do the right things (v.10b)
4) live for God's glory (v.11)
Philippians 1:9-11 (NCV)
This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; that you will do many good things with the help of Christ to bring glory and praise to God.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, November 7, 2008
My Favorite 3 Hours Of The Week
I was driving home last night thinking about where I find joy and satisfaction and it occured to me that there are three hours in my week when I feel most fulfilled and on mission.
Hour One (Sunday's, 10:30-11:30)
When we meet on Sunday's for Merge and gather together as a body of believer's I am encouraged and challenged to pursue my Heavenly Father with more passion. As I have the opportunity to teach the Word of God I strive to help people see how relevant Jesus is in their lives and how the Bible isn't just a book to have on you coffee table. As I interact with fellow Merger's and guest I am energized because I know that together we can do greater things than we can apart. I am so thankful for being part of a body of believers who are determined to see the unleashed love of God in Lake Worth.
Hours Two and Three (Thursday's, 5:00-7:00)
I get to do two major things on Thursdays that make a great difference in our community. The first is taking part in the backpack program. Every kid that gets a backpack with needed food to take home is prayed for and hopefully one day we will get the chance to talk to them about Jesus. And even if we don't it is still a win because my motivation in making a change has little to do with human results. I simply know that it brings a smile to the face of my Heavenly Father.
The other thing I get to be a part of is playing with some kids while their parents are in an ESL class. Last night, Misty and I had a great time with about 18 kids while we played dodgeball and sharks and minnows. We smiled, the kids smiled and we were able to show them that there are people in this world who care about them. Every high five is a reward and every time they spend time asking me questions fills my heart with joy.
I believe greatly in identifying the things that drain you and more importantly energize you. Take some time today and take and inventory and ask yourself, "What are my favorite 3 hours of the week?" (if it is three television shows then you may need to get off your couch and get active in living:)).
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Hour One (Sunday's, 10:30-11:30)
When we meet on Sunday's for Merge and gather together as a body of believer's I am encouraged and challenged to pursue my Heavenly Father with more passion. As I have the opportunity to teach the Word of God I strive to help people see how relevant Jesus is in their lives and how the Bible isn't just a book to have on you coffee table. As I interact with fellow Merger's and guest I am energized because I know that together we can do greater things than we can apart. I am so thankful for being part of a body of believers who are determined to see the unleashed love of God in Lake Worth.
Hours Two and Three (Thursday's, 5:00-7:00)
I get to do two major things on Thursdays that make a great difference in our community. The first is taking part in the backpack program. Every kid that gets a backpack with needed food to take home is prayed for and hopefully one day we will get the chance to talk to them about Jesus. And even if we don't it is still a win because my motivation in making a change has little to do with human results. I simply know that it brings a smile to the face of my Heavenly Father.
The other thing I get to be a part of is playing with some kids while their parents are in an ESL class. Last night, Misty and I had a great time with about 18 kids while we played dodgeball and sharks and minnows. We smiled, the kids smiled and we were able to show them that there are people in this world who care about them. Every high five is a reward and every time they spend time asking me questions fills my heart with joy.
I believe greatly in identifying the things that drain you and more importantly energize you. Take some time today and take and inventory and ask yourself, "What are my favorite 3 hours of the week?" (if it is three television shows then you may need to get off your couch and get active in living:)).
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Generosity Matters...
It is undeniable that the nation's economy is in freak out mode. This morning, I was reading a pastor's blog about the letter he sent out to his congregation reminding them to continue to give sacrifically because the past few months offerings have dropped but attendance has stayed the same.
This morning coming into the office I was listening to a podcasted lesson from Andy Stanley. So far he is talking about our need to continue to be generous regardless of our 401k's, instability of the economy and the uncertainty of a breakthrough (which I believe will happen, this isn't the end of the world....I think).
We are in the last stages of securing a lease on a property that I believe whole heartedly will be our new church home. But it goes without saying, THIS IS AN UPHILL CLIMB. At this point the funds we were raising for renovation have needed to be diverted to securing the lease. At times this seems to be a confusing mess. However, I have a few thoughts that guide me as a light in these uncertain waters.
1. God is good and it is impossible to thwart His plans.
2. The deadlines of man are sometimes motivators for action other times ways for God to work miracles on our behalf.
3. I have an opportunity to show love to people and that doesn't usually cost any money.
4. When I give sacrificially and joyfully, God has a way taking care of me abundantly.
5. I give, not out of obligation, but out of a heart longing to see the unleashed love of God in Lake Worth.
6. Life is a journey, adventure, battle. God stretches us to grow us. He is still God in the challenging days and the easy ones.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
This morning coming into the office I was listening to a podcasted lesson from Andy Stanley. So far he is talking about our need to continue to be generous regardless of our 401k's, instability of the economy and the uncertainty of a breakthrough (which I believe will happen, this isn't the end of the world....I think).
We are in the last stages of securing a lease on a property that I believe whole heartedly will be our new church home. But it goes without saying, THIS IS AN UPHILL CLIMB. At this point the funds we were raising for renovation have needed to be diverted to securing the lease. At times this seems to be a confusing mess. However, I have a few thoughts that guide me as a light in these uncertain waters.
1. God is good and it is impossible to thwart His plans.
2. The deadlines of man are sometimes motivators for action other times ways for God to work miracles on our behalf.
3. I have an opportunity to show love to people and that doesn't usually cost any money.
4. When I give sacrificially and joyfully, God has a way taking care of me abundantly.
5. I give, not out of obligation, but out of a heart longing to see the unleashed love of God in Lake Worth.
6. Life is a journey, adventure, battle. God stretches us to grow us. He is still God in the challenging days and the easy ones.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
My Post-Election Post....
Last night we experienced a moment in history that will be (in my opinion) one of the most significant ones we have in this nations life. Going into yesterday I knew that regardless of the outcome there would be ten's of millions of people dissapointed. Some will even think that the world is coming to an end because their candidate or their party did not win the election.
And though I am not writing to say who I supported I will say that "What is done is done." Like it or lump it we have a new president starting the transition period. Over the next few months President-Elect Obama will be making difficult decisions in regards to his cabinet, White House Staffers, Policy and Change.
If you want to make this nation a better one, I can give you one thing you can do that will cost you no more than a little time and energy. PRAY. Pray for our new President. He will be leading us into some very uncertain waters both domestically and globally. Pray that he would have wisdom and would surround himself with people who likewise have wisdom.
I believe the church is the hope of the world. Not Obama or McCain. Not Democrats or Republicans. If we want to desperately see change in this nation, it has little to do with the White House, or Wall Street and everything to do with our households and churches. We posses inside us the keys to making this a great nation. What we must do is wake up from our slumber and be determined that what we do matters.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
p.s. In case you were trying to figure out who I was endorsing, I had the same speech prepared for either candidate winning:)
And though I am not writing to say who I supported I will say that "What is done is done." Like it or lump it we have a new president starting the transition period. Over the next few months President-Elect Obama will be making difficult decisions in regards to his cabinet, White House Staffers, Policy and Change.
If you want to make this nation a better one, I can give you one thing you can do that will cost you no more than a little time and energy. PRAY. Pray for our new President. He will be leading us into some very uncertain waters both domestically and globally. Pray that he would have wisdom and would surround himself with people who likewise have wisdom.
I believe the church is the hope of the world. Not Obama or McCain. Not Democrats or Republicans. If we want to desperately see change in this nation, it has little to do with the White House, or Wall Street and everything to do with our households and churches. We posses inside us the keys to making this a great nation. What we must do is wake up from our slumber and be determined that what we do matters.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
p.s. In case you were trying to figure out who I was endorsing, I had the same speech prepared for either candidate winning:)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday Lesson Recap...
Ecclesia (what it means to be the church)
Part Three (a love for each other)
--A church can be helpful or hurtful and the reason has very little to do with their denomination affiliation, the size of the church, whether they allow dancing, regardless on their views on drinking, or how they vote in politics.
--A church is helpful or hurtful based on the sole action of the people that are a part of that body of believers.
--You can go to a conference, a camp, listen to a guy on t.v. and start a relationship with God. But the local church is where we GROW that relationship.
--It is my belief that we, as a church, can either be a powerful agent of change or just a group of people who spend a little time together on a weekly basis. And if Merge Community Church ends up being the latter then we are all wasting our time.
--The environment we create here at Merge is so important in how people will eventually relate to their Heavenly Father. I can't stress this enough, HOW WE TREAT EACH OTHER WILL EITHER OPEN UP OR SHUT DOWN AVENUES FOR PEOPLE'S SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
****Ecclesiastes 4:7-12******
--It is a tragedy when people go through life in isolation.
****BUILDING COMMUNITY****
Accept each other "as-is" (Rom. 15:7)
--we like the idea of acceptance when it is on our terms. The challenge is that our terms are to petty and immature.
--you are not the finished product of who you will eventually become....and neither are they.
Build unity with each other (Ps. 133:1)
--Our purpose is singular, but our methods are multiple.
Create a safe place to get real. (James 5:16)
--It's so easy to come to church and play the role. Some of us walked in here this morning thinking, "If these guys knew what I was going through, or it they knew what I have been thinking about, or if they only knew what I was doing when no one else is around... they would run me out of here like a mob.
--We exist to be a place where we can be real, honest and transparent with each other. It's the beauty of the church...you shouldn't have to fake it.
Don't bail during conflict. (Pro. 17:17)
--How many of life's relationships ended prematurely because people bail unecessarily because of conflict.
--Relationships require maintenance and sometimes the result is a fierce battle just to keep the friendship alive. Jumping overboard only results in one outcome, DISTANCE OR WORSE...DEATH.
Encourage and assist growth in each other. (1 Thes. 5:11, Pro. 27:17)
Forgive frequently and restore gently (Gal. 6:1)
--Forgiveness is of little use if you still are using it as a weapon to control that relationship.
Give love to each other unapologetically. (1 Cor. 16:14, Rom. 13:8 nlt)
--Love responds to love.
--When in doubt choose the most loving action available to you.
--Anytime we act out in love, we reflect Jesus. Anytime we reflect Jesus, we draw closer to God. Which makes us an even more loving person.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Part Three (a love for each other)
--A church can be helpful or hurtful and the reason has very little to do with their denomination affiliation, the size of the church, whether they allow dancing, regardless on their views on drinking, or how they vote in politics.
--A church is helpful or hurtful based on the sole action of the people that are a part of that body of believers.
--You can go to a conference, a camp, listen to a guy on t.v. and start a relationship with God. But the local church is where we GROW that relationship.
--It is my belief that we, as a church, can either be a powerful agent of change or just a group of people who spend a little time together on a weekly basis. And if Merge Community Church ends up being the latter then we are all wasting our time.
--The environment we create here at Merge is so important in how people will eventually relate to their Heavenly Father. I can't stress this enough, HOW WE TREAT EACH OTHER WILL EITHER OPEN UP OR SHUT DOWN AVENUES FOR PEOPLE'S SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
****Ecclesiastes 4:7-12******
--It is a tragedy when people go through life in isolation.
****BUILDING COMMUNITY****
Accept each other "as-is" (Rom. 15:7)
--we like the idea of acceptance when it is on our terms. The challenge is that our terms are to petty and immature.
--you are not the finished product of who you will eventually become....and neither are they.
Build unity with each other (Ps. 133:1)
--Our purpose is singular, but our methods are multiple.
Create a safe place to get real. (James 5:16)
--It's so easy to come to church and play the role. Some of us walked in here this morning thinking, "If these guys knew what I was going through, or it they knew what I have been thinking about, or if they only knew what I was doing when no one else is around... they would run me out of here like a mob.
--We exist to be a place where we can be real, honest and transparent with each other. It's the beauty of the church...you shouldn't have to fake it.
Don't bail during conflict. (Pro. 17:17)
--How many of life's relationships ended prematurely because people bail unecessarily because of conflict.
--Relationships require maintenance and sometimes the result is a fierce battle just to keep the friendship alive. Jumping overboard only results in one outcome, DISTANCE OR WORSE...DEATH.
Encourage and assist growth in each other. (1 Thes. 5:11, Pro. 27:17)
Forgive frequently and restore gently (Gal. 6:1)
--Forgiveness is of little use if you still are using it as a weapon to control that relationship.
Give love to each other unapologetically. (1 Cor. 16:14, Rom. 13:8 nlt)
--Love responds to love.
--When in doubt choose the most loving action available to you.
--Anytime we act out in love, we reflect Jesus. Anytime we reflect Jesus, we draw closer to God. Which makes us an even more loving person.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
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