New Beginnings Christian Center

New Beginnings New Pastor has asked me to communicate this New Link to avoid confusion...

2011-02-16T17:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.newbeginningsrr.org/

update on Pastor Paul and Holly

2010-01-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

To Catch up on what God is doing at New Beginnings Christian Center call the church at 541.582.0563 or email Pastor Lorin at rraglorin@uci.net...

To keep following Pastor Paul's blog go to http://www.cornerstonefellowshipag.blogspot.com/...
This is a picture of Pastor Paul and Holly's new church in Nebraska:

Pastor Lorin & Jan Short: Interim Pastors

2009-11-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

There is so much comfort in knowing that my home church is in good hands during the transition! I deeply love and appreciate these two angels!

Our Final Sunday

2009-11-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

What a special momento! Thank you all for signing this amazing quilt!

Whoever thought of this gift truly blessed us!

We know how to POTLUCK!

Auntie Sue shared her glasses with my son, so cute!

He loves to grab glasses off of unsuspecting faces...

Here's the notes from today's Sermon:

I like to start with something funny: A pastor decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a jar of alcohol. The second worm was put into a jar of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a jar of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a jar of good clean soil. At the conclusion of the Sermon, the Minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol - Dead. The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead. Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead. Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive. So the Minister asked the congregation, "What can you learn from this demonstration?"
A little old woman in the back quickly raised her hand and said, "As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms…

Oops, that backfired!

I pray the sermons I’ve preached over the last almost 6 years haven’t all backfired!

Please have patience with me as I struggle through my final sermon as your pastor….Because Rogue River is home, every decision, every activity, good or bad has been rather emotional…I truly believe this change is under the Lord’s clear direction. It’s the right timing for my family and for our church.It is time for me to step out of the way… the Lord is preparing a new pastor to take you further in your new beginning…

When the Lord led me to pastor my home church I preached a sermon series based on my mission verse:1 Timothy 4:12…Let no one despise thy youth, but be an example for the believers in word, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (it applies to old people too)

Today I conclude my final sermon series based on my life verse: Proverbs 3:5&6…Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps.

We already looked closely at the first two steps that allow God to truly direct your steps: trusting with all your heart and leaning not on your own understanding…Today we focus in on In all your ways acknowledge Him…
Let’s turn again to Proverbs 3 in our Bibles…

I could preach for months out of this chapter!

SO MUCH FOOD FOR THE SOUL

He will direct our steps when: 1. we trust in the Lord with all our heart 2. we lean not on our own understanding and 3. in all our ways acknowledge Him…

I’ve really enjoyed what we have learned with our Hebrew word studies…

(if you need to catch up visit my blog)

Today’s Hebrew word here in Prov 3 verse 6 for acknowledge is:

OH THIS IS SO GOOD

yada: the root meaning is TO KNOW

aware, care, chosen, clearly understand, cohabit, comprehend, concern, consider, declare, discern, disciplined, discovered, distinguish, experienced, familiar friend, find, gain, have, knowledge, informed, instruct, intimate friends, investigate, know for certain, notice, observe, perceive, realize, recognize, predict, provide, take notice, teach…

my blood is starting to boil

wake up church

in all your ways acknowledge Him

KNOW HIM

Let’s go back to Prov 3 verse 19

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew…

Did you hear what I just heard?

Knowing Him gives access to things beyond measure!

We have membership to God’s premiere country club, we’re talking about the Creator of the Universe!

AN ALL ACCESS PASS

Helen Parks writes…My Declaration of Dependence

I am free from failure, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus' strengthening me, enabling me to do all things. Phil. 4:13

I am free from want, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus to supply all my need according to his riches in glory. Phil. 4:19

I am free from fear, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus for the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind that He has given me. 2 Tim. 1:7
I am free from bitterness, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus' forgiveness, who said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive your trespasses." Matt. 6:14

I am free from weakness, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus' strength which He daily gives me (Psa. 27:1), and His joy, which is my strength. Neh. 8:10

I am free from the power of Satan, because I am DEPENDENT upon the One who lives within me, who is greater than he that is in the world. 1John 4:4

I am free from defeat, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus, who always causes me to triumph. 2 Cor. 2:14

I am free from ignorance, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus, who has been made wisdom to me from God. 1 Cor. 1:30

I am free from sin, because I am totally DEPENDENT upon Jesus' Blood, which continually cleanses me from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7

I am free from worry, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus, who tells me to cast ALL my care upon Him. 1 Peter 5:7

I am free from all evil, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus, who gives His angels charge over me, to keep me in all my ways. Psa. 91:11

I am free from ever being alone, because I am DEPENDENT upon Jesus, who says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Heb. 13:5

Conclusion:All these things AND MUCH MORE being true, I hereby make my DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCEON JESUS and thereby declare myself FREE! Because Jesus said, "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36 GLORY

Ok back to Prov 3 this time verse 21

My son, let them not depart from your eyes – keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. (lets keep going)

verse 23Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet
Knowing Him helps you sleep at night

even when you feel like your stumblingdon’t be afraid…

lets keep going, verse 25

Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught
Listen to the Prince of Peace

in all your ways acknowledge Him

He will keep your foot from being caught

What does that really look like in a Christians life?

I think this author found out

Joseph Mazzella writes…GOOD FRUITS OR SOUR GRAPES

I have noticed something recently. I am not as angry as I used to be. I am not as grouchy either. I don’t complain nearly as much as I used to. I am not as worried or afraid as I once was. I can’t think of anyone or anything that I really hate either. Now I don’t think it is because I have mellowed with age. Quite frankly, I am not that old yet. Besides I know people a lot older than me who are a lot grouchier. I also know people a lot younger than me who are already way more mellow than I will ever be. Maybe it is that I just don’t have as much room for those things inside me anymore.
When life squeezes you, what is on the inside comes out. If you are full of sour grapes then you will give the world vinegar. If you are full of good fruits then you will give the world orange juice. Maybe my good fruits are finally ripening while my sour grapes are dying on the vine. Maybe I am finally gardening my soul the way that God wants me to.
One thing I do know, however, is that the more you fill your heart, soul, and mind with love and thankfulness the less room there is for anything else. The more you love God, yourself, and others the less room there is for anger and hate. The more you thank God for your life and every good thing in it the less room there is for fear and worry. The more good fruits you plant and care for the less room there is for sour grapes in the garden of your life.
May you always fill your heart, soul, and mind with wonderful love and glorious gratitude then. May you always feel God’s perfect love hugging your heart and uplifting your soul. May you always be so full of the good fruits of love, joy, and thankfulness that not a single sour grape can be squeezed out of you. Remember, you are the gardener and your life is the harvest. Plant well, water often, and always invite others to the feast.
That sounds like acknowledging Him in all your ways…

One more look at Prov 3 verse 27

Do not withhold good from those whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so
Knowing Him makes you generous

For once you’ve experienced His amazing grace you cannot help but share the wealth!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps…

My favorite part of last night...

2009-11-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of hanging out with the kids yesterday before the amazing concert.
My favorite part was devotions just before the service.
You should have heard these children pray...LIFE CHANGING!
I've decided I want to join the african childrens choir when I grow up!

What an AMAZING Evening! The African Children's Choir filled our church with energy, heart, harmony, and so much more!

2009-11-06T23:17:00.000-08:00

visit: http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com/

Lean not on your own understanding...He will direct your steps (sermon notes)

2009-11-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Like to start with something funny:
This hasn’t much to do with today’s sermon but I couldn’t pass it up…
Top 10 reasons God Created Eve:
10. God worried that Adam would always be lost in the garden because He knew men would never ask for directions.
9. God knew that Adam would one day need someone to hand him the TV remote because men don't want to see what is on TV; they want to see WHAT ELSE is on TV.
8. God knew that Adam would never buy a new fig leaf when the seat wore out and therefore would need Eve to get one for him.
7. God knew that Adam would never make a doctor's appt for himself.
6. God knew that Adam would never remember which night was garbage night.
5. God knew that if the world was to be populated there would have to be someone to bear children because men would never be able to handle it.
4. As Keeper of the Garden Adam would never remember where he put his tools.
3. According to Scripture, Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the garden.
2. As the Bible says, "It is not good for man to be alone", he only ends up getting himself in trouble.
And the NUMBER ONE reason...
1. When God finished the creation of Adam he stepped back, scratched his head and said, "I can do better than that."

Please have patience with me as I struggle through my final sermon series as your pastor…
Because Rogue River is home, every decision, every activity, good or bad has been rather emotional these past almost 6 years…
I truly believe this change is under the Lord’s direction.
It’s the right timing for my family and for our church.
It is time for me to get out of the way, the Lord is preparing a new pastor to take you further in your new beginning…

When the Lord led me to pastor my home church I preached a sermon series based on my mission verse:
1 Timothy 4:12…Let no one despise thy youth, but be an example for the believers in word, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (it applies to old people too)
Today I continue my final sermon series based on my life verse: Proverbs 3:5&6…Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps.

Today we focus in on: Lean not on your own understanding…He will direct your steps!
Let’s go ahead and turn together to Proverbs 3 in our Bibles…

I could preach for months out of this chapter!
SO MUCH FOOD FOR THE SOUL
He will direct our steps when: 1. we trust in the Lord with all our heart 2. we lean not on our own understanding and 3. in all our ways acknowledge Him…

2 weeks ago when I did the word study on trust, batach, we learned so much (by the way it’s on my blog if you missed it) …
I decided to look into the Hebrew word for lean:

sha’an:
…lean oneself upon, rest against, pertaining to being in a resting position, because one is in a stance or position of reclining, lying or standing often against an object for support, pertaining to being in a certain place, rely on, rest in, depend, have trust and belief in an object to the point of being in jeopardy if the object of trust fails…
Man, does that preach or what!?
I have so much security in knowing that my Jesus never fails! I can lean on Him unreservedly!

this Hebrew word is also linked to sha’ah:
(this is very interesting)
immediately, suddenly, in the blink of an eye, a point of time immediately after a prior point of time, implying a virtually simultaneous action…
If that doesn’t crank your tractor, your feelers broke…

Think about it,
Leaning not on your own understanding when following the Lord Jesus should be something natural or virtually instaneous, a trust so secure that in the worst of situations, you only know how to lean on Jesus…

Look again with me at prov 3 verse 9 &10
Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; SO your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine

Anybody need some overflow?
I’m ready LORD
But, what was the first step to overflow?
Honoring the Lord with your stuff, with His stuff, remember we’re just stewards, it all belongs to Him, Has He been receiving your firstfruits?
Don’t complain about your lack... if your not obeying his clear direction with your checkbook and calendar…

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious: Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."

Leaning Not on your own understanding is Letting the Lord make a Giver out of you…this world doesn’t need anymore takers, this American ideal of entitlement is killing our country…

Back to Prov 3, vs 11 & 12… My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights…
I’m thinking this needs to be preached from every street corner! What’s going to happen to the next generation if parents don’t discipline? We have already seen some effects of such "enlightenment."

Leaning Not on your own understanding is Letting the Lord Discipline you and making a good parent out of you…

Nathaniel, bless his heart, is learning how to drive his Daddy crazy! Whoever named it the terrible 2’s forgot about the terrible 1’s…
I wonder if we drive our Father in Heaven crazy by ignoring his pleas for better behavior! No, seems to come out of my mouth constantly… I understand a little better why my heavenly father says thou shalt not so much!
I just love the words in verse 12…for whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights…
Setting boundaries is the greatest expression of love and delight! Wow, I should tour the states with that sentence, glory to God!
(Nathaniel's pumpkin story, Holly's Gparents 60th)

Calder Hendrickson writes: There was once a little boy who lived in a little town in Kansas. It was soon to be Halloween and this little boy was very anxious to go with his parents to get pumpkins. He loved carving different faces in them. So one cold Saturday morning in October his parents took their son to a pumpkin patch near their home. They arrived, and the boy jumped out of the car and went on his search for his perfect pumpkins. There were so many to chose from. The boy finally found three perfect pumpkins and he brought them into his arms and he gave them to his mother so she could buy them and he could take them home. He was so excited to go and carve these pumpkins.When he arrived at home, he asked his mother if they could start on these pumpkins. His mother replied sure.The little boy had the biggest smile on his face. He and is mother started on the first pumpkin, they took out all the seeds out of the middle and then they started to make a face. They did the same thing for the next one. But while they were starting on the last pumpkin the little boy stopped what he was doing, and he looked at his mother and said something his mother would never forget. He said mommy, these pumpkins are like us before we were Christians. His mother was very interested in what her boy had said. So she asked him to explain what he meant. The boy replied, well you see we are like these pumpkins, we are all dirty and we have all this sin inside before we accept Jesus into our lives. You see, God goes out like we did and picks us out of the whole patch and brings us into his arms and cleans us off and takes out all the junk and he puts a smile on our face and he shines through us, like when we put a candle in these pumpkins were making. God does the same thing. After all this his mother was amazed with what her son had said. She just held her son in her harms and wept. The mother never looked at pumpkins the same way again.
I’ve never been a fan of Halloween, not into celebrating evil, but God specializes in turning what was meant for evil into good, so maybe we can shine Jesus with a Halloween pumpkin…

Let’s look one more time at prov 3, this time verses 13 & 14:
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold…
Leaning not on your own understanding is how you find REAL wisdom and happiness…

Our society teaches that degrees hanging on your wall or money in the bank brings wisdom and happiness, but the truth is found in our God, leaning not on your own understanding, leaning on Jesus, that’s wisdom, that’s happiness…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps…

#Highlights-of-GC09

2009-10-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

#Highlights-of-GC09

I was so blessed by these special highlights from the speakers during the 53rd General Council of the Assemblies of God in Orlando, FL...
Check out: http://www.agtv.ag.org
There's a lot of great videos at AG TV!

African Childrens Choir: Friday, November 6th, 7pm

2009-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned yet how EXCITED I am?! Visit: http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com/
And this link takes you right to the page our tour date is on: http://africanchildrenschoir.com/see_the_choir_tour_dates.php?tid=1

Trust in the Lord with all your heart...He will direct your steps! (sermon notes)

2009-10-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

I Like to start with something funny:
Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, 'My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50.' The second boy says, 'That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100..' The third boy says, 'I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!'

Please have patience with me as I struggle through my final sermon series as your pastor….
Because Rogue River is home, every decision, every activity, good and bad has been rather emotional these past 6 years…
I love you all very deeply…you’ll always be in my heart!
I truly believe this change is under the Lord’s direction…It’s the right timing for my family and for our church…
Time for me to get out of the way as a new pastor takes you further in your new beginning...
Almost 6 years ago when the Lord led me to pastor my home church I preached a sermon series based on my mission verse:
1 Timothy 4:12…Let no one despise thy youth, but be an example for the believers in word, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (it applies to old people too)
Today I begin my final sermon series based on my life verse: Proverbs 3:5&6…Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps.
Today we focus in on: Trust in the Lord with all your heart…He will direct your steps!

Let’s go ahead and turn together to Proverbs 3 in our Bibles…
I could preach for months out of this chapter!
SO MUCH FOOD FOR THE SOUL
Trust in the Lord with all your heart...
How?
Especially when you’ve been hurt by placing your trust in something or someone that led to failure…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart…
HOW?
If you have allowed bitterness in your heart, trust is impossible…
Trust in the LORD with all your heart…
How?
let go of the failure…learn from it…grow thru it
forgive…I’d rather love and lose than not love at all
Please remember what real success is in Jesus name!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart…
It can’t be a half-hearted thing
God wants every part of you or nothing at all
You want God to direct your path?
You want favor, wisdom, blessing, hope, peace?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart…
That one area you’re holding back from Him has got to be loosed now in Jesus name, or you will stay stuck…

Look at Proverbs 3 again
verse 1
my son, do not forget my law,
but let your heart keep my commands
There it is
The #1 way to Trust in the Lord with all your heart
FEED ON THE WORD CONSTANTLY
why?
verse 2 answers
for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will direct your paths…
HOW?
#1 Feed on the Word Constantly
daily devotions isn’t enough
find ways to keep your mind stayed on His word all day!
resist the temptation to drift in your thoughts
Let Jesus into every moment

I looked into the Hebrew word used here in Proverb 3:4 for trust…forgive me if I pronounce it wrong, batach
(sounds clingon if you’re a trekky)
Some of the definition surrounding this Hebrew word surprised me…
bold, careless, complacent, confident, fall down, felt secure, have, rely…
Did you hear the word complacent or careless?
Christians aren’t supposed to be complacent…
But, those words suddenly brought new light!
When you walk His path, the world will think you careless…
When He’s directing Your path, you may sometimes look complacent…but your simply falling down securely in His steps…It’s a resting in Him
Batach is also linked to citadel or fortress or spending the night!
That really cranked my tractor!
Next time you can’t sleep, Next time the night seems long, Next time you don’t know where to go, who to trust, Next time you find yourself in transition, in between
Spend the night with JESUS
Batach
Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will direct your steps…Feed on His word

Have you heard the Bible in 50 words?
God made, Adam bit, Noah arked, Abraham split, Joseph ruled, Jacob fooled, Bush talked, Moses balked, Pharaoh plagued, People walked, Sea divided, Tablets guided, Promise landed, Saul freaked, David peeked, Prophets warned, Jesus born, God walked, Love talked, Anger crucified, Hope died, Love rose, Spirit flamed, Word spread, God remained.

Let’s go back to prov 3, verse 3
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will direct your steps…
1. Feed on His word constantly
2. AND ask the Lord to help you in every situation to find the balance between mercy and truth…
This is the bottom line to all of life…None of us are very good at finding the perfect balance of mercy and truth
But God is really good at it, so ask Him to direct you to it…Every decision, every word, every action must be tempered with mercy and truth!
This is THEE great test of life…Am I erring on the side of mercy and being a push over? Am I erring on the side of truth and being judgmental? Ask yourself in every situation, where is the middle between truth and mercy, that’s where God lives…

There is a beautiful story about a child playing with a vase his mother had left on the table for a few moments. When the mother turned at the sound of her son crying she saw that his hand was in the vase and was apparently stuck. She tried to help him and pulled and pulled until the child cried out in pain. But the hand was stuck fast. How would they get it out? The father suggested breaking the vase but it was quite valuable and the child's hand might be cut in the process. Yet he knew that if all else failed there would be no other alternative. So he said to the boy, "Now, let's make one more try. Open your hand and stretch your fingers out straight, like I'm doing, and then pull!" "But Dad," said the boy, "if I do that I'll lose my penny!" The boy had had a coin in his hand all the time and was holding it securely in his tight little fist. And he wasn't prepared to open his hand and lose the penny. But once he opened his hand it came out of the vase easily.
What are you holding onto so tightly as to hinder your walk with Jesus?
That vase can be likened to the entrance to the Kingdom of God. It is narrow but quite easy to pass in, but first you must "open" your hand to God and allow earthly things to fall. If we keep our fists closed and hold fast to what we have and keep it for ourselves, we will be unable to take hold of the "Hand of God"! Open your hand to the hand of God…It’s the only way to find mercy and truth for favor with God and man…
Think about it, That little boy had to deal with the truth of holding to the penny in order to gain the mercy needed to escape the vase...boy, does that speak to today’s focus on Trust…
batach…let go

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and he will direct your steps…today’s 3 point sermon…
1. feed on His word
2. balance truth and mercy
3. choose a healthy lifestyle
look at verse 7 & 8 of prov 3…Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil, It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones…
God cares about every little thing…even what we eat or what we say or where we go or what we think, especially who we are when nobody’s looking…Fearing the LORD applies to every piece of our lifestyle!
I can’t even begin to tell you all that this strict diet and exercise has done for me (lost 40 pounds so far)…
I’m not pushing my breakthrough down your throat, I’m encouraging you to Trust in the Lord with all your heart, every little thing, and HE WILL direct every little thing…
You haven’t even begun to live until you pray(really,truly pray) YOUR KINGDOM COME YOUR WILL BE DONE!

37-year-old Barry Bonds joined Hall of Famer Eddie Matthews as the only players in history to open a season with a pair of homers. Yet Bonds knows there is something even more important than getting a baseball season off to a great start.
"It's not how you start; it's how you finish," he said. "We want to be in the race until it's over. It's early, one game doesn't make a season." What Bonds said about his baseball season could just as well be said about life in general -- and certainly about spiritual life in particular.
Think of the sad history of Judas Iscariot. He was one of those privileged people who saw Jesus in the flesh, heard him teach, and saw the signs he did among mankind. He decided to follow the Son of God and was numbered among the earliest disciples. He was even chosen to be one of The Twelve. He went out two by two with them, healed sick people, and announced the coming of the kingdom of God. But nobody remembers him for any of those things. Judasis remembered for how his relationship with Jesus ended -- as the traitor-betrayer.
How anyone's life, career, or relationship with God ends is more critical than its beginning. Remember Jesus' Parable of the Soils? The shallow ground received seed that sprouted and grew quickly, only to wilt and die in the heat of the day.
AND the Apostle Paul used the imagery of athletic competition to say this about himself: "I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself" (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, The Message). If you stumbled out of the blocks, don't worry! It's how you finish the race that counts. If you had all the breaks and got off to a great start, don't be arrogant! In sports, career, family, and spiritual life, it's not how you start. It's how you finish.

Missionary and Harvest House

2009-10-13T12:20:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday we were so blessed by our missionaries to China...

(Can't go into detail on our special guest missionaries for confidentiality on the web)

And the Harvest Team had a special dedication in their new space on campus...

(imsorry I forgot my camera so I don't have picts from all the fun)

George Hunt did such a great job on the sign...We may have to get him to make one for every building...

Trusting Him in Times of Transition

2009-10-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

This is my final mailer as pastor of my home church.

I believe the Lord is clearly leading...in order for our church to make its next step in a NEW BEGINNING it needs a new pastor.

We have some great last hoorays: Jesus Culture and AFRICAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR!

Our final Sunday will be Nov. 8th.

The greatest gift I give my home church (besides almost 6 years of leading with integrity) is doing my best to leave well.

Please pray for my family and our church during this time of transition.

"I don't know what God is up to, but I know He's up to something...and it's gonna be good!"

Practicing The Presence Of God, Part 3 (sermon notes)

2009-09-27T19:02:00.001-07:00

I Like to start with something funny…
A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Kid’s Church. As she ran she prayed, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!' While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again! As she ran she once again began to pray, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!'

Today I’m continuing a new sermon series entitled PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD!
This little girl was definitely especially aware of God’s presence, although God isn't pushy...
Brother Lawrence, author of a classic Christian devotional, has inspired me…He shares spiritual secrets of a humble brother who enjoyed closeness with God…

1 day a week we gather together as Christians…Some of us show up 2x and week…and then there are special times when we get together even more in Jesus name…
But what about the rest of the week?
Are we Practicing the Presence of God everyday?
I don’t believe in religion…I believe in a relationship with Jesus, and that’s a 24/7 commitment… So in this sermon series I plan to give some practical advice in Living everyday with Jesus, Practicing the Presence of God…

We’ve already covered the first 6 practices
1. for the Love of God
2. Without Being Discouraged
3. To receive equally from His Hand the sweet and bitter
4. the examined life
5. the most excellent method
6. perfect resignation to God
Detailed notes are on my blog or Cd’s are available…

Practicing the Presence of God…
7. not weary of doing the little things

Ecclesiastes 3 proclaims, Everything Has Its Time
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
There’s a right time for everything!

Don’t despise the small things… I’m convinced it’s the little things in life that truly matter, that truly make a difference, little things can make big things happen…

I found this inspiration on my favorite website this wk…
1. Take time to Work - It is the price of success.2. Take time to Think - It is the source of power.3. Take time to Play - It is the secret of youth.4. Take time to Read your Bible- It is the foundation of knowledge and feeds the soul.5. Take time to Worship - It is the highway of reverence and washes the dust of earth from our eyes.6. Take time to Help and Enjoy Friends - It is the source of happiness.7. Take time to Love - It is the one sacrament of life.8. Take time to Dream - It hitches the soul to the stars.9. Take time to Laugh - It is the singing that helps with life's loads.10. Take time to Pray: It rids us of our excess baggage.11. Take time to Plan - It is the secret of being able to have time to take time for the first ten things.
If that isn’t Practicing the Presence of God, I don’t know what is?!

7. the little things
8. persevere in these three virtues

I shared this Brother Lawrence quote recently on facebook…All things are possible to him who believes, they are less difficult to him who hopes, they are easier to him who loves, and still more easy to him who practices and perseveres in these three virtues…AMEN

I never miss the opportunity to go back to 1 Corinthians 13,
Ya’ll probably know by now, that my favorite version is from the message, paraphrase:
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Oh I never get tired of it…
It’s all about LOVE!

Persevere in faith, hope and love
Examine everyday by faith, hope and love
Use every word for faith, hope and love
Don’t waste any moment without faith, hope and love
Even in those dark times, when you have trouble making sense of life’s hurts…persevere in faith, hope and love!

A Missionary was captured by cannibals. "I suppose you intend to eat me?" said the Missionary, and the chief grunted his affirmation. "Try a sample first, and see if you like me." said the Missionary as he took his knife and cut a slab from the calf of his leg and handed it to him. "Try this and see!" The chief took one bite and choked. The Missionary had a cork leg. The chief wanted no more of it and the Missionary was spared. Years before, he had thought it a "great misfortune" to lose his left leg and to wear an artificial leg, but afterwards it saved his life. It also preserved a great ministry that would have other wise been terminated immediately by the cannibals. "Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything!"

Practicing the Presence of God
7. the little things
8. the three virtues
and our final practice for today…
9. must come naturally from purity and simplicity of heart

This practice almost does away with every other practice…
For if practicing the Presence of God is something laborious or hard than something is wrong…
It should come naturally as a result of placing your trust in Jesus…
I hope you don’t take these practices and try and try with all your might…
These pieces of advice for living everyday with Jesus are the practice of simplicity, are simple ideas for drawing you into His Presence…
The only thing that separates the Creator from His children is SIN…He created us for communion, for relationship, for worship…
Jesus took care of the sin...
Now we simply admit our NEED and try!
…ask for His help to remain pure, from the washing of His blood…
That’s why I put the purity pledge in the bulletin again…
Let’s take a look (in your bulletin)…

1 Cor. 6:19,20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
…With God’s help, I pledge myself to purity. I submit myself to the Holy Spirit’s leading in all of my relationships. I ask that my conscience would be awakened in the name of Jesus. By the grace of God, I will keep my mind clean. I will avoid compromising situations. I will avoid inappropriate physical contact. I will be honest with myself regarding the impact media has on my and will begin setting higher standards. Putting the past behind me, I will invest in my future, by honoring God with my heart, my mind and my body…

SIGNIFICANT…lies from the media, “oh it doesn’t affect me…”
Part of the problem is the fact that Christians and nonChristians spend alot of time trashing their souls with the TV...
This is not for you to sign and hand into someone…
This is for you to keep (maybe stick in your Bible) to remind you of your pledge to God…

Psalm 24
clean hands and a pure heart
YES LORD

New Family Group...Thank You Glenda!

2009-09-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Our Wednesday Evening Family Groups are growing!

Glenda started a new women's group...Look at all those pretty ladies!

(the picture is with my cell phone, so it's not the best quality)

Remember! Wednesdays at 6:30pm: Adult Bible Study with Pastor Lorin, Women's Group with Glenda M., Kids Club with Mrs. Shelli and Youth Group with me, Pastor Paul...

Isn't Kathy doing a good job on the church bulletin?

2009-09-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Remember, you can click on the image to make it easier to read.

Practicing the Presence of God, Part 2 (sermon notes)

2009-09-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

I Like to start with something funny…
Negotiations between union members and their employer were at an impasse. The union denied that their workers were flagrantly abusing their contract's sick-leave provisions. One morning at the bargaining table, the company's chief negotiator held aloft the morning edition of the newspaper, "This man," he announced, "called in sick yesterday!" There on the sports page, was a photo of the supposedly ill employee, who had just won a local golf tournament with an excellent score. The silence in the room was broken by a union negotiator. "Wow," he said. "Just think of what kind of score he could have had if he hadn't been sick!"

Today I’m continuing a new sermon series entitled PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Have you ever heard of Brother Lawrence?
He is the author of a classic book on Practical Christian Devotion…In it he shared the spiritual secrets of a humble brother who enjoyed closeness with God…
He is probably most known for his pilgrim’s prayer…LORD of all pots and pans and things…Make me a saint by getting meals And washing up the plates!
Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God!
No conceited scholar was Brother Lawrence; theological and doctrinal debates bored him, if he noticed them at all. His one desire was for communion with God…You would find him worshipping more in his kitchen than in his cathedral…

1 day a week we gather together as Christians…Some of us show up 2x and week…and then there are special times when we get together even more in Jesus name…
But what about the rest of the week?
Are we Practicing the Presence of God everyday?
I don’t believe in religion…I believe in a relationship with Jesus, and that’s a 24/7 commitment…
So in this sermon series I plan to give some practical advice in Living everyday with Jesus, Practicing the Presence of God…

2 Sundays ago we covered the first three practices
1. for the Love of God
This is not a earning of God’s love…
Jesus already took care of that on the cross…
This is a matter of motivation…
Obviously when we are reading the word of God or having a time of focused prayer it is practicing His presence, it is for the love of God…but, don’t leave Him there and go do your living…Let Him be with you in the ordinary…
Luke 10:27, Jesus summed up all of scripture: Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself
...Everything…for the love of God

Still reviewing…
2. Without Being Discouraged
Proverbs 24:16 says for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again
...you fall down then you get up again
Every day is a new beginning
Never Give Up

3. To receive equally from His Hand the sweet and bitter
Everyday carries some sweetness and some bitterness
To Practice His Presence requires such a surrender that you thank Him for both…
Remember what James said?
chapter 1 verse 2
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds
There are many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand.

Practicing the Presence of God
1. For the Love of God
2. without being discouraged
3. receiving equally from His hand the sweet and bitter
And today we tackle 3 more practices
4. the examined life

James 3
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

You’ve heard it said…the unexamined life is not worth living
I agree with this sentiment…and James obviously does too!
We live in a world where 2 Wisdoms exist... (I personally wouldn’t call worldly wisdom, wisdom at all) but James is making a point, submit to God’s ways, wisdom from heaven!
James gives us a blueprint here for examining our days, our lives, our moments…
Wisdom from heaven is pure
Practicing the Presence of God demands that I examine my life to see that it is pure before my God…
Wisdom from heaven is peace-loving
What have I done recently to promote peace?
Wisdom from heaven is considerate
Examining my words reveals that a lot of what comes out of my face could be a lot more considerate
Wisdom from heaven is submissive
How have I pushed my own agenda instead of living His Kingdom and Purposes…
Wisdom from heaven is full of mercy
Wow, are you challenged as much as I am by this list?
Wisdom from heaven is impartial, sincere, righteous…
Father, teach us to examine our lives with your WORD!

Practicing the Presence of God
4. the examined life
5. the most excellent method
Philippians 4:8…Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Titus 3
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

I still believe in right and wrong, that which is birthed out of heaven, and that which is from the pit of hell…
Everything is not relative, Integrity still works! Excellence can still be the goal!
As the book of Titus, points out, sometimes excellence requires a parting of ways with those who refuse to practice His Presence. (That's really hard for me...I really have a hard time letting people go)
But that is never an excuse to not live mercy and grace in every circumstance…Titus began with reminding his readers of our justification by grace and then called them to a high standard of excellence! We need to keep things in order. God’s Grace triumphs over judgment!

Practicing the Presence of God
4. the examined life
5. the most excellent method
and finally 6. perfect resignation to God

2 Corinthians 13:11… Finally, brothers, Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Yes, Scripture demands perfection, but offers strength for it’s aim…
2 Corinthians 12:9… But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

The truth is, I am not calling anybody to perfection with this practice of His Presence…
This practice says perfect resignation to God…
True Surrender
Resign from being the master of the universe, He’s better at it anyway…

Deuteronomy 32:4… He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
2 Samuel 22:31… As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

I always hear people using the scripture…God doesn’t give you more than you can handle…
I think we’re taking it out of context…God certainly does allow more than you can handle…
It’s about letting Him handle it…Letting His strength be perfect in our weakness...
Perfect Resignation to God is the only way for a Christian to truly enjoy His Presence to truly live in Peace and Joy, Practicing the Presence of God…

A teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. The father believed in encouragement. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.This young man was the smallest of the class when he entered highschool. His father continued to encourage him but also made it veryclear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to.But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior.All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, butremained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for thefootball team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games.This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his fouryears at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big play off game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear.As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful team-mate back so soon."Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in."Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before, was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His team-mates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard!Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic!Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?" He looked at the coach with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"
That’s like Practicing the Presence of God…It’s living your life only for the Father’s Eyes in heaven…

Thank You Christle!

2009-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Last night at our monthly board meeting, Christle Brooks accepted a church board appointment.

Because of two vacant board positions, we felt it necessary to appoint a new member.

I usually like to wait for an all church vote, but we felt confident in her appointment because the church membership almost voted her into office at our last annual family business meeting.

I am so thankful for her willingness to serve her church.

I borrowed this beautiful picture of her and Les off of her facebook profile.

Thank You Kathy!

2009-09-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

KQ is my new office manager! (this is she and Al's old church directory photo)

With my wifey working so much at Providence Hospital, Holly is now just helping us out as office consultant once in awhile...

Kathy is really doing a good job...I am so thankful for her willingness to serve her church!

Also, I don't know if I've already mentioned it but, Robin Stone is our Office Help Coordinator. If you have some time to donate to the church give Robin or Kathy a holler...

Thank you Jesus for all the wonderful help you send me!

I believe in T.E.A.M...Together...Everyone...Accomplishes...More...

Tamara Henkes / Annual Missions Dinner

2009-09-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed Tamara's message today: GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME!
For more information on today's special missionary guest visit:
http://www.henkes.ministryhome.org/ OR www.xanga.com/henkelberry

A BIG THANK YOU to Kathy & Linda & Doris & all the HOSPITALITY TEAM who worked so hard to make our missions dinner PERFECT!

I promised several of our church members today that I would post the recipe for Tamara's Romanian Stew:
Ciorbă de Perişoare (pronounced Chee yorba day Pear ee shworay)
Sour Meatball Soup

5 small carrots diced
2 small onions diced (one for meatball mixture other for soup)
Celery root(ginger root) diced (peeled) Ţelină
1 green pepper diced (or ½ red, yellow, green)
½ kilo of ground meat
1 egg
1 ½ tablespoon of salt
1 cup of rice
1 tsp of pepper
2-3 liter of water
Parsley
Pinch of oregano
½ cup of tomato pastes (sauce)
Sour Cream

1. Mix meat, egg, salt and pepper together
2. mix in one onion and rice into the meat mixture
3. Make meatballs (use water on hand so it won’t stick)
4. When water comes to a boil add meatballs to water. Cook for 40 minutes
5. add, carrots, root, green pepper, parsley, onion to water and let cook for about 20 more minutes
6. add salt, pepper tomato paste to taste.
7. when serving add a teaspoon of sour cream on top of soup in bowl
(I believe Linda Accardo purchased 10x the recipe for our dinner today...)

Happy Birthday Elijah!

2009-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Cindy Dara's AMAZING 7-layer dip made me disobey my new diet and exercise program...

Back to School Kids Fair

2009-09-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

A BIG THANK YOU TO MRS. SHELLI AND ALL THE WONDEROUS VOLUNTEERS!

Nathaniel had a good time, I promise!

The adults had a fun night too!

What a sweetheart!

Even God decided to join the fun, His artwork is Amazing!

Miss Nelda, Megan and Presley are quite crafty!

Miss Glenda was our GOOD NEWS lady!

We make 'em cute at New Beginnings!

Sawyer is quite the bowler, that rhymed!

See, I told you Nathaniel had fun!

Practicing the Presence of God, Part 1 (sermon notes)

2009-09-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

WOW, what a wonderful service we had on Sunday!
The best attendance for Labor Day weekend I've ever seen!
I wish I would have got some photos from the Water Baptisms.
We had the privilege of celebrating with Debbie Nosik and Joel Mesman.
And the Veterans prayed over Josh Spencer as he leaves for boot camp...AND...

Today I’m beginning a new sermon series entitled PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Have you ever heard of Brother Lawrence?
He is the author of a classic book on Practical Christian Devotion…In it he shared the spiritual secrets of a humble brother who enjoyed closeness with God…
He is probably most known for his pilgrim’s prayer…LORD of all pots and pans and things…Make me a saint by getting meals And washing up the plates!
Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God!
No conceited scholar was Brother Lawrence; theological and doctrinal debates bored him, if he noticed them at all. His one desire was for communion with God…You would find him worshipping more in his kitchen than in his cathedral…

1 day a week we gather together as Christians…Some of us show up 2x and week…and then there are special times when we get together even more in Jesus name…
But what about the rest of the week?
Are we Practicing the Presence of God everyday?
I don’t believe in religion…I believe in a relationship with Jesus, and that’s a 24/7 commitment…

So in this sermon series I plan to give some practical advice in Living everyday with Jesus, Practicing the Presence of God…
Beginning with,
1. for the Love of God

Whatever happens with your days, your moments, your words, actions, priorities…the everyday commitments…
going to your job, mowing your lawn, caring for the kids, etc.
Is it for the Love of God?
Now, I’m not talking about, earning God’s love
Jesus already took care of that on the cross
I’m talking about your motivation?

If I were to tap you on the shoulder, while your standing over that sink of dishes or cleaning that house or filing those papers or playing with your family or visiting the doctor…
If I were to ask you, right now in this activity what is your motivation…those who practice the Presence of God would answer…FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

Obviously when we are reading the word of God or having a time of focused prayer it is practicing His presence, it is for the love of God…but, don’t leave Him there and go do your living…Let Him be with you in the ordinary…

Deuteronomy 6:5 says Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength…
Everything…For the love of God

Deuteronomy 30:20 says and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to Him…For the LORD is your life
Everything…For the love of God

Joshua 23:11 says so be very careful to love the Lord your God
Everything…For the Love of God

Psalm 42:8 says by day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life
Everything…For the Love of God

Hosea 12:6 says But you must return to God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God Always
Everything…for the love of God

Micah 6:8 says what does the Lord require of you? to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God
Everything…for the love of God

Luke 10:27, Jesus summed up all of scripture: Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself
Everything…for the love of God

I’ve been on a special diet and exercise program working toward a truly healthy lifestyle…God has always whispered for me to make better choices in this area…
Marion Smith, penned these words entitled Special Diet
Our daughter's boyfriend, Trey had been diagnosed with diabetes when he was just 25 years old. After having eaten any way he wanted for his entire life, conforming to a special diet for diabetics was a difficult transition. His carbohydrate and sugar intakes had to be measured and monitored, and food needed to be eaten every so many hours. What he put into his body would make the difference between living healthy and possibly not living at all! I believe our thoughts are our soul's food. The things we think about are the things we feed upon. Are our thoughts self centered, self promoting, self gratifying, self righteous, self-indulgent and self-absorbed? If so, we will live a very shallow and obviously self centered life. God calls us to feed our souls with thoughts of Him. How? By taking the words in the Bible and reading them not only silently, but out loud. We can internalize them much more efficiently when we use both methods of reading. His call to love others and His marvelous promises arein the Word for us to eat and internalize into the depths of our beings so let's hurry to the feast table, and dine on His Special Diet waiting for us.

Can you say amen?
If you said amen, then with God’s help you may need to start making better choices this week…Everything…For the Love of God…

Practicing The Presence of God
1. For the Love of God
2. Without Being Discouraged

Proverbs 24:16 says for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again

I don’t believe you have to count to seven and then give up!
The point is…
Never Give up!
I can guarantee you, that if you make the commitment to Practice the Presence of God…you will drift daily…You will never become perfect…
SO, this is a lifetime achievement
this is preparation for all eternity in His presence!

Practice the Presence of God: Without being discouraged...it's a choice!
you fall down then you get up again
you fall down then you get up again
Every day is a new beginning
Every moment is a new beginning
No matter where you’ve been
No matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
IN JESUS NAME

Look at the front of your bulletin
Lamentations 3:21-25…
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him;”

I received an email this week regarding AG news and info, as I often do, it contained this short article…
At 95, Ellen Blackwell is still involved in full-time ministry. She is senior pastor of Way of Faith Assembly of God in Fairfax, Virginia. She also travels 90 minutes one way every Sunday afternoon to preach at Mount Zion Assembly of God in Charles Town, West Virginia. Blackwell planted Way of Faith AG in 1970. "I went through the school of hard knocks and experience," she says.She says her main focus is training young people for the ministry. Gokul Raaj, 28, has attended Way of Faith AG for two years and considers Blackwell a spiritual role model. "When I see her at this age able to speak up and stand for God, I think how much I can do for God when I am so young," Raaj says. "She has enabled me to see a greater depth and truth in the Word of God." She also has compiled verse-by-verse study manuals for books of the New Testament and is nearing completion on books of the Old Testament. This year the Potomac District recognized Blackwell for 50 years of ministry as an ordained minister. "She is one of the people that I esteem the highest in our district," says Potomac District Superintendent Larry Hickey. Way of Faith AG church has developed a prayer center in Israel in Galilee. Blackwell goes at least annually to lead tour groups. She plans to go in September and December this year. Blackwell, who is single, doesn't have plans to stop working. "I would be miserable to retire," she says.

After reading this article, now I know Pastor and Mrs. Short might just outlast me in full-time ministry…

Practicing the Presence of God
1. For the Love of God
2. Without being Discouraged
3…this one is much easier said than done…To receive equally from His Hand the sweet and bitter

Everyday carries some sweetness and some bitterness...
To Practice His Presence requires such a surrender that you thank Him for both…
Remember what James said?
chapter 1 verse 2
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day.And I don't borrow from the sunshine, 'Cause the skies might turn to gray. And I don't worry about the future, 'Cause I know what Jesus said, And today I'm gonna walk right beside him,'Cause he's the one who knows what is ahead. There are things about tomorrow, That I don't seem to understand, But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand. And each step is getting brighter, As the golden stairs I climb. And every burden is getting lighter, And all the clouds, their silver line. And, I'll bet the sun it's always shining, And no tears will ever dim the eye, And the ending of the rainbow, Where the mountains, they touch the sky. There are many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand. Yes I know who holds my hand.

Congratulations Kat and Dan!

2009-09-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of you, Josh!

2009-09-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Josh Spencer, is going to boot camp next week!
Please Pray for his safety, and also comfort for his wife and son (Cami and Aiden) as he is away for several months.
Because he will be missing the holidays with the family, we had a big turkey dinner last night in his honor.

Dr. Kindell

2009-08-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

What an AMAZING celebration service this morning!

Dr. Kindell is the greatest apologetic I've ever had the privilege of working with!

This former evolutionist is now THE greatest Creationist!

Thank the LORD for the Truth that was spoken this morning, confronting the lies of Evolution!

I encourage you to visit his website: http://kindell.nwcreation.net/

I was so glad to see so many of our church members purchasing his seminar dvds to show their families...

I couldn't even try to scratch the surface of ALL that Dr. Kindell proclaimed this morning in his seminar: Evolution and the UFO Connection...SO PROFOUND, INSIGHTFUL, LIFE-CHANGING...and oh how he makes those brain gears work hard...If I had the intellect found in his little pinky, I'd be happy...

Honor thy father and mother

2009-08-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

This command isn't hard for me...My parents are angels!
If I were to sum up all the lessons I've learned from Brian and Vicki West in one word... FAITHFULNESS!

U R Invited

2009-08-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

So, I had a bunch of these buttons made...
You can have one to wear everywhere you go...
When somebody says, "What's UR?"
You say, "U R invited to New Beginnings Christian Center!"

See ya Saturday

2009-08-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

I sent another postcard today, making sure everybody remembers NOW!
If you don't receive one, that means we need your mailing info.
Just fill out the tear-off on a Sunday AM or shoot me an email...

God is Bigger than your Worry (sermon notes)

2009-08-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today we are continuing a sermon series entitled: God is Bigger
This is where we have been so far:
God is bigger than your disappointment
Psalm 77
God is bigger than your fear
Psalm 46
God is Bigger than your hurt
Psalm 55
God is Bigger than your confusion
Psalm 71
God is Bigger than your need
Psalm 34

When you are experiencing emotions, go to the Psalms. The Psalms give Christians permission to be human. They are poems that tell about life as it really is…
and today’s emphasis: God is bigger than your Worry
Psalm 91

This Psalm delivers us from worry…for there are amazing promises for the person who Abides in the Presence of God!
1. Safety in His Presence
2. Deliverance in His Presence
3. Love in His Presence
I chose three words from this psalm…But man’s vocabulary cannot contain all to be found In His Presence!

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6…verses 25 thru 34
If only we could truly LIVE Christ words found here…
What a difference it would make in our everday lives!

Worry is truly linked to our own feelings of safety, of security…Until a person truly makes Christ His all in all, puts God First…Self worth, safety, security, peace: will always be out of reach…
No matter the circumstances of our lives…True Safety comes from Christ, from within…
Whether it be a jew in a nazi camp, someone on their death bed, or an American upset because of a dry bank account…

Listen to what God says…
This is God. Today, as with every day, I will be handling all your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the Devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it all in the SFJTD box (Something for Jesus to do). It will be addressed in MY time. . .not yours. . .please be patient.Once the matter is placed in the box, do not hold onto it. Do not become impatient and take it back out to see if you can find a solution. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem.
You must surrender the problem to me for proper resolution. If a situation that you think you can handle arises, please consult me in prayer. Together we will come up with the proper resolution. If you do not receive what you anticipate as proper response from Me, Remember. . .some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.Because I do not sleep, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest My Child. . .if you need me, I am but a prayer away.

Jacob says in Genesis 49:18 while blessing His sons…
I look for your deliverance OH LORD
While he is blessing not cursing, speaking life not death, choosing faith not fear, hoping not despairing…he simply looks for the Lord’s deliverance!
Everyday faithfully blessing and not just wishing for the Lord’s deliverance in my circumstances, but expecting, looking, living as if he’s already delivered!
I think too often we treat prayer as throwing a penny into a wishing well…stop wishing and start practicing faith, expecting Miracles!

I’ve said it before…if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate…Change that worry into a confident meditation looking for the Lord’s deliverance!

1Corinthians 13 (the Message)
If you spent your days trying to practice 1 Cor. 13, that’s living In His Presence…and you would have no time to worry…
This scripture says we don’t see clearly now, but one day soon we will…that worry that’s plaguing you, is definitely contributing to that foggy mist…
Turn that worry, that fog into prayer…And remember THIS TOO SHALL PASS
What happens to fog? it eventually dissipates, you can count on it...the sun will shine again!

You know, we never have to leave holy ground...that day when the veil was ripped allowing access to the holy of holies...that day is today, everday!
Don’t waste so many moments ignoring His presence...You’re not always gonna feel the googlies
But don’t live according to your feeling...practice your faith!
For we are always In His Presence: Christians never escape safety, deliverance, love!

Joni Ames : Do not fear...
I've cried to God as I've beheld, The world wrapped up in fear
Of lack and death and war that looms, To snatch lives held so dear.
I said, "My God! - Have you not heard, The newsmen on TV?
Do you not know the shape we're in? Do you not care for me?"
"I'm scared, Dear Jesus! - Help us! - Please! There's news of fear and war
And I'm afraid, Lord - I admit! - Of what might be in store."
"Peace, be still, My child," He said, "And hear now what I say
For I have seen and heard the cries, Of those who, to Me, pray."
Keep your eyes upon ME now, Not what you hear or see
And, as you do, you'll keep My peace - IF your mind stays on ME!"
"It matters not what one man says, Or even many more
For I am God, and I decide, Each day what lies in store."
"I've told you there would be such times, When, of these things, You'd hear
I told you so you'd be PREPARED, And FULL OF PEACE, not fear."
"For all these things MUST be fulfilled, Yet MY WORD fails not
For I AM still your Hiding Place, As all the fires rage hot."
"You're hid beneath MY shadow now, And you can rest in Me
Yes you can trust My Words of LOVE, To last eternally."
"For I'm your Father, Counselor, Friend, Your Alpha and your End
And if this was the world's last day, Be sure, for you, I'd send."
"I've promised I'd save you a place, If you would stay in Me
Stay pure and faithful, eyes on Me, And, victory, you'll see."
"I can't tell you if it's 'the end' - NO human man can know
But I CAN tell you, it IS close, So be prepared to go."
"Each day I give you, reach in love, To save another soul
For snatching them from Me for Hell, Is truly Satan's goal."
"Occupy until I come, Live each day FULL in ME
Just keep your eyes upon MY face, And know that I DO see."
"I see the world, I see YOUR LIFE, And I DO care for YOU
And know, no matter WHAT occurs, My love for you stands TRUE."
"I'm Alpha and Omega - God - I'm King and Lord of ALL
I'll be right near to care for you, As, on My name, you call."
"For I can change the hearts of Kings, And I, their hearts, do try
And I'M the one who formed this world, And says when it shall die."
"So, USE this time to SEEK THE LOST, And tell them of My Love
That they, too, may be saved and live, With Me, again, above."
"Don't listen to fear's voice - hear MINE! Then STAND on what you've heard
Don't fear yours or the world's fate - It's destined by MY WORD."
"Keep your eyes on ME, My Child, And let Me wipe each tear
For I am God and IN CONTROL - So live in peace, not fear."

I'm getting old

2009-08-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks Luv (my wifey) for making me feel special on my birthday!

Holly stuffed some friends and family in our little house and made me my favorite: chocolate chip cookies...her cookies are WAY better than cake...(Rusty agrees)

(I only ate 2 though, cause my healthy lifestyle quest is going very well: already lost 11pds!)

And many more thanks to ALL who showed kindness to their pastor!

I've been rotating with this planet now for 32 years!

Does this mean I need to graduate from using 1 Timothy 4:12 as my Mission Statement to using Proverbs 16:31 instead?!

(well I don't have many gray hairs yet, so I guess I can wait a few more years)

God is bigger than your need

2009-08-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

We dismiss the kids to children's church every Sunday morning as part of our celebration service. This Sunday I followed them into their new big room with my camera.

This was their first kids church in their new space! Mrs. Shelli worked so hard creating it!

They have a new puppet ministry that truly captured the kids attention!

Wish I could have stuck around and captured that on film.

BUT, I had to go back to the sanctuary to preach this sermon.

Here's some notes:

PSALM 34

Amazing Promises!

Wouldn't you agree that if you're facing need Psalm 34 would be a good visit?

Philippians 4:19 doesn't hurt either!

Americans have lots of challenges. It's been said, "we buy things we don't need with money we don't have in order to impress people we don't like."

Godly steps in addressing financial need:

1. Listen to what God says

2. Lean on Biblical Principles that still work

3. Pray for a financial miracle

Dueteronomy 5:32-33

Proverbs 3:5&6 (the message)

Matthew 6:19-24

Return to God His Tithe

Proverbs 11:24

Malachi 3:10-11

The only antidote to materialism is GIVING, because it is the exact opposite of GREED!

Kenneth Keyes - "Do your giving while you're living, then you're knowing where it's going."

Establish a Christian Budget

1Timothy 6:8

List NEEDS then desires.

Zig Ziglar - "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time."

Christians should make friends with delayed gratification.

Proverbs 21:5, 22:7, 28:13

A local pastor recently said, "if you're going to preach like Jesus, every other sermon will be on stewardship...if you're going to preach like the apostle Paul, every 6 sermons..."

God knows how stubborn we are with our wallets...SO, I have to talk about the checkbook and the calendar! Is God first in your life?

Regular Giving and Regular church attendance can never become passe'

Christian Stewarship still works!

I just made up these invite cards for the youth...

2009-08-12T14:56:00.001-07:00

The teens wanted something to help invite their friends to youth group.
I hope they like it...I guess I'll find out tonight!

Some EXCITING things coming up on the calendar...

2009-08-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

NOW, Dr. Kindell, Kid's Fair, New Women's Group and Missions Cultural Dinner...SO EXCITED!

Oh, and I don't think I've mentioned yet on my blog: the African Children's Choir is coming to our church November 6th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did some obsessing over the bulletin...hope it looks ok...

(Remember, you can click on the image to make it easier to read)

God is bigger than your confusion (sermon notes)

2009-08-09T21:29:00.001-07:00

(Tarascos is a popular place to visit after church for alot of our church members)

Continuing a new sermon series: God is Bigger
God is bigger than your disappointment
Psalm 77
God is bigger than your fear
Psalm 46
God is bigger than your hurt
Psalm 55

My pastor, Brent Sorlien, gave me some advice: when experiencing emotions, go to the Psalms. The Psalms are the favorite of many (for 3,000 years) simply because they express emotions. They give permission to be human.
Today's emphasis: God is bigger than your confusion
Psalm 71

The experienced saint in this psalm looks up and finds a "north star" - 4 things he can count on, 4 things that will help chart the course...
1. In confusion...remember what is true!
What do you know to be true about God?
2. In confusion...speak what is true!
Who can you tell what God has done for you?
3. In confusion...remember God's faithfulness to you!
How has God been faithful over the years?
4. In confusion...remember your hope!
How sure is your hope?

According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, "DECLARE" is a word that emphasizes three different things...A person who has witnessed something and tells others about it...A person reports about a matter of life-and-death importance...A person explains something to someone who lacks knowledge of it...

John 9:24-25
Psalm 139:13-16
Titus 2:11-14

One of my rabbit trails while passionately preaching this morning: Most of my piers separate the generations. I'm still fighting to keep them together (whether or not I win this battle I pledge to not give up). I had the privilege of sitting at my grandparents feet while they were in their 90s. Today's young and old almost seem segregated. I desperately want to do something about this. If you're younger, seek out the wisdom of the older. If you're older, seek out the younger. Moses taught Joshua, Elijah impacted Elisha, Naomi taught Ruth about God, Elizabeth mentored Mary, Barnabas believed in Mark, Paul poured into Timothy and Titus...The young have alot to learn from the old AND the old can learn from the young! If you are still here, God isn't finished with you yet! He has something important for you to do! Everyone is a minister! Everyone needs a ministry!

Today's TEAM mtg. was again well attended and full of great discussion, planning, and blessing! I have been encouraged almost daily by our members willingness to jump in and volunteer! (1st Sunday of every month, 3pm...unless circumstances again make it the 2nd Sunday...study your bulletin)

I think we have a new tradition

2009-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's outside service and potluck picnic was a Success!

We'll have to make it a regular part of the church calendar!

We also had the privilege of dedicating Sawyer William Badley to Jesus in yesterday's outdoor service.

Here's a few thoughts from yesterday's sermon:

Continuing sermon series: GOD IS BIGGER...than your hurt!

Psalm 55

How can I handle my hurt? 2 things to do:

1. Bring your hurt to God

2. Forgive the person that hurt you

The main reason we get so hurt is because we expect other people to meet needs only God can meet!

We can cooperate with God for our healing through...Prayer, Worship, Relationships, and Ministry!

Why should we forgive?

1. We've been forgiven by God

2. Resentment makes us miserable

3. We're going to need forgiveness in the future

Forgiveness does not mean...

...that what they did to hurt you was ok.

...that the relationship goes back to how it was.

...that they won't pay any consequences for what they did.

Even after forgiveness and healing, you're going to have scars.

You have a choice: every time you look at the scar you can either remember the hurt or remember your Healer...

Jeanne Robertson "Don't send a man to the grocery store!"

2009-08-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

The Vallos emailed this to me...
SO FUNNY
I could see myself making that mistake...

Concerts in the Park

2009-07-31T23:45:00.000-07:00

The city of Grants Pass sponsors summer concerts at Riverside Park on Tuesday Evenings.

This week they promoted local Christian artists for an inspirational night.
(What do you think of Bo's hat? I have put so many funny picts of Bo on my blog!)

How Not To Get Caught / youth group

2009-07-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for our team of volunteers leading our youth ministry!

Melisma Ramos took over the leadership several months ago. I so APPRECIATE her willingness to simply try. I want our church to be a place of FREEDOM where members can volunteer in different ministries, finding how God has shaped them for ministry. Everyone is a minister! Everyone needs a ministry. Because she is called to "helps" and because of her work schedule, I am once again at the healm for the youth ministry team...

I am not overwhelmed by the many hats I wear as lead pastor, because I believe in TEAM ministry. Most every task I do at New Beginnings...I am surrounded by a TEAM of volunteers...THANK YOU JESUS!

The last few Wednesday Evenings, I have been teaching the youth group:

HOW NOT TO GET CAUGHT...

Part 1: when temptation wins

Part 2: sexual temptation

Part 3: how not to give-in to fit-in

Part 4: saying NO to temptation

Remember, Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm there are Family Groups for all ages...

Pastor Lorin is leading Adult Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall (Kirkwood Hall), Mrs. Shelli is leading Kids Club in their new big space (the Lerma Center), and Youth Group has their own space in a newly painted room behind the sanctuary (BUT, we are working on a plan to turn the "old house" on the back of our property into a Youth Center)

Maybe the Lord is putting it on your heart to begin a new family group?

Or you are welcome to join us in one of the 3 existing groups!

(by the way, we aren't picky on age groups...there's alot of us "old people" in youth group)

Oh and, you may be wondering about the Homebuilders ministry... If there is a couple that would like to try to lead it, I have plenty of material to help? Or, I may be planning to do a Homebuilders workshop once in awhile...

postcard mailer crazy

2009-07-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing I've been getting so many volunteers in the office...
This is the 3rd week in a row I've sent out a postcard mailer...
Just wanted to be sure people remember our special outside service and potluck picnic...
And especially, REMEMBER the potluck part...Christians can't survive without FOOD!

"Waiting on the Lord"

2009-07-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

I took this picture this morning during our 9am Prayer and Communion. This is the most important thing that happens at our church... (every Sunday)
Jesus said His House was to be a "house of prayer." It's the MAIN THING!
I think the biggest problem with "the church" today is Christian's being too busy to "wait on the Lord." It seems that the best way to empty the sanctuary is to call a prayer mtg.
(Imsorry if that sounded cynical...I want to speak faith and blessing)

Last night was our first N.O.W. (Night of Worship). It was so good simply, prayerfully seeking the Lord in song... (last Saturday of every month, 6:30pm)
I pray many more will make the time to attend these special times of "waiting on the Lord." Because that is when we will truly begin seeing New Beginnings Christian Center make a difference in Rogue River! When God's people pray anything's possible!

God is Bigger than your fear (sermon notes)

2009-07-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Psalm 46

My pastor, Brent Sorlien said...The way I respond in a crisis reveals what I really believe about God!
Is God more than just your "fire insurance." (just enough to avoid hell)

3 questions inspired of Psalm 46...
1. How big is God?
2. Who is in charge of this crazy world?
3. What can I do in crisis?

"There are no athiests in foxholes," wrote william T. Cummings in 1942. "While crouched in a trench with bullets zinging overhead, even the most reluctant heart begins to bargain with God - just in case He might exist...
God if you only get me out of this alive, I'll...
But foxhole faith rarely lasts. The crisis passes and thoughts of God recede into the background. To the 'foxhole Christian' God is there mostly for emergencies."
He wants more than that from us!

Psalm 139:7-10 & 24:1-2 & 34:4 & 23:4
5x in Psalm 46 the word: "earth" appears (2,6,8,9,10)

We live in a world where God has the last word!
Alpha/Omega...Genesis/Revelation
"Be still and Know that I am God; I will be exalted..."
Corrie Ten Boom: Don't wrestle, Just nestle...
No more hurrying, worrying, scurring...Child-like faith...
Don't press the panic button...

Pastor Andrew Murray:
1. I am here by God's appointment; in that fact I will rest.
2. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to behave as His child.
3. He will teach me the lessons He intends me to learn.
4. In His good time He can bring me out again.

3 important things about shadows:
1. Shadows are always bigger than reality.
2. Shadows cannot hurt you.
3. There is no shadow without a light somewhere.
When we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, death is only a shadow...

Sawyer's 1st Birthday

2009-07-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Badleys really know how to throw a barn party!

I tried 3x to get a video to download of Zach dressed up like a crazy cowboy and singing a crazy song but me and the computer aren't getting along...

I asked "Cody" to sing a special at church...

I'm so enjoying the wonderful help and blessing Zach and Tabitha are to our worship team!

Another postcard so soon?

2009-07-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me to send another postcard this week communicating openly regarding our recent struggles. Choosing Faith instead of Fear!

God is Bigger than your disappointment (sermon notes)

2009-07-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Have to start my sermons with something funny:
A small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial--a grandmotherly, elderly woman. He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?" She responded, "Why, yes, I do know you Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a rising big shot when you haven't the brains to realise you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you."
The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Williams, do you know the defence attorney?"
She again replied, "Why, yes I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He's lazy, bigoted, he has a drinking problem. The man can't build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the shoddiest in the entire state. Yes, I know him."
At this point, the judge rapped the courtroom to silence and called both counsellors to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, you'll be in jail for contempt within 5 minutes!"

Life is filled with disappointment
Today I’m beginning a sermon series entitled: God is Bigger
We’ll start with…God is Bigger than your disappointment!

Turn to Psalm 77,
People disappoint us. Our parents, children, boss, pastor, friends disappoint us.
We disappoint ourselves.
When you are experiencing emotions, go to the Psalms. The Psalms are the favorite of many Christians simply because they express emotions.
They give permission to be human. They are poems that tell about life as it really is.

Psalm 77:1-9 (Can you hear the disappointment?)

My Pastor, Brent Sorlien, teaches: Disappointment lives in the gap.
The gap between our expectations and reality.
We all face it; life isn't perfect for any of us.

6 terrorizing questions in verses 7-9.
Sometimes the best thing to say is "I don't know."
If I could figure out everything about God, what would that say about God?

It is OK to ask questions. God never condemns us for asking questions! But, be open to the answer! Wait around long enough for him to speak the answer to you.

Sometimes, bad things happen to "good" people. Good things happen to "bad" people.
Disappointment doesn’t need to be a poison in my life.
Let God turn the lemon to lemonade...ashes to beauty...

1. My Disappointment can bring trust in God!

Psalm 77:10-15

“Selah”...pause, rest. Catch your breath, take a break.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is take a nap; take a walk around the block, get a cup of coffee and just sit still – whatever works for you. Deep breath. Selah.

Think. Remember. Meditate. (Underline!)

Joshua 1:6-9

“Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." Phillip Yancey
Book: Disappointment with God

Trust is:
· An action
Trust is something you DO. It is not just sitting there, you actively trust God.

· A process
Trust isn’t automatic, isn’t once and for all – it’s a process, a journey! Each day, each step!

· Not easy
To see a purpose beyond my pain.

2. My Disappointment can bring growth!

James 1:2-4

We tend to think...if only God would show up and fix this...weild miraculous power...But...
Despite many signs and interventions, God's Old Testament followers routinely blew Him off in favor of idolatry and debauchery.
In addition, Christ Himself was abandoned by those He healed or knew Him best.
God, like any lover, wants to be loved for who He is, and not for what He can do for us.

Trouble + Trust = a Testimony!
When we add trust to our trials, we can come out on the other side with a testimony of how God helped us – and we can continue the circle of encouragement!

3. My Disappointment can bring hope!

Psalm 77:16-20

Disappointment should remind me that there is more to life than this life!
He wants us to live our lives on our tip-toes – looking forward to the future that he has for us.

Did you receive your postcard?

2009-07-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

At the TEAM mtg. last Sunday (1st Sunday of every month, 3pm) Crystal Brooks said she sticks the postcard mailer on her fridge for a constant reminder of what's happening at her church!

THAT BLESSED MY SOCKS OFF!

Culture of Encouragement (sermon notes)

2009-07-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have to start my sermons with something funny:
Two men crashed in their private plane on a South Pacific Island . Both survived. One of the men brushed himself off and then proceeded to run all over the island to see if they had any chance of survival. When he returned, he rushed up to the other man and screamed, 'This island is uninhabited, there is no food, there is no water. We are going to die!' The other man leaned back against the fuselage of the wrecked plane, folded his arms and responded, 'No we're not. I make over $250,000 a week.' The first man grabbed his friend and shook him. 'Listen, we are on an uninhabited island. There is no food, no water . We are going to die!' The other man, unruffled, again responded. 'No, I make over $250,000 a week.' Mystified, the first man, taken aback with such an answer again repeated, 'For the last time, I'm telling you we ARE doomed. There is NO one else on this island. There is NO food. There is NO water. We are, I repeat, we are going to die a slow death.' Still unfazed, the first man looked the other in the eyes and said, 'Do not make me say this again. I make over $250,000 per week. I am a Christian: I tithe. MY PASTOR WILL FIND US!'

Today we conclude my new vision sermon series…I’ve been asking the church to dream again!
What is God calling you to do at NBCC?
Everybody is a minister, Everybody needs a ministry
I hope you’ll show up to today’s team mtg. and find a way to contribute…
I pray we are truly creating a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, Team, Celebration, Kindness, Family and finally let’s focus on creating a culture of Encouragement…

You may have noticed that our world is full of discouragement…
If you get any dose of what the tv evening news has to offer, it’s a wonder we’re not all jumping off a bridge…
Because of all the stress, pressure, pain, trouble surrounding us, I think it even more important that the church be a culture of encouragement…
People get “gooed” enough in their daily lives, there needs to be a place they can come to find hope, peace…to be built up not torn down…
If church isn’t that place, than what is?

Romans 15:1-6
Let me read verses 4&5 from the NIV:
Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

This is the first time I’ve noticed the word comfort and encouragement used interchangeably in scripture…
That better be point #1
How can we be a culture of encouragement?
1. Comfort one another

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (you may want to turn there)Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
If that doesn’t crank your tractor
your feelers broke

How can we be a culture of encouragement?
Comfort one another…
And the greatest way to comfort one another is found back at Romans 15 verse 4…that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope…
There it is!
The only way to truly build a culture of encouragement is with the Word of God.
Scripture breathes encouragement!

Remember what Romans 10:17 says
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God
Encouragement is speaking faith into someone
Encouragement is choosing faith instead of fear
What is faith?
This is what one unknown author wrote…
Faith isn't anything you can see;it isn't anything you can touch.But you can feel it in your heart.Faith is what keeps you tryingwhen others would have given up.It keeps you believing inthe goodness of othersand helps you find it.Faith is trusting in a powergreater than yourselfand knowing that whatever happens,this power will carry you through anything.It is believing in yourself and having courage to stand up for what you believe in.Faith is peace in the midst of a storm,determination in the midst of adversity,and safety in the midst of trouble.For nothing can touch a soulthat is protected by faith.

Again, how can we be a culture of encouragement?
Comfort one another
and
2. Speak Faith over one another

Every word off your tongue is either faith or fear…
I challenge you this week to measure your words!
stop and think
Did I just speak faith or fear?
We don’t need anymore talking heads telling us how terrible everything is…
I don’t know about you, but I want to come to the end of my life knowing I’ve made some kind of difference…
Even when you have to make the hard decisions…
Even if you can’t please anybody and that’s ok cause you’re a God pleaser anyway…
Even when faith is truly the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things definitely not seen…
Even when the checkbook’s empty, the cupboards are bare, work is hard to find…
I hear Jesus comforting words in John 14:1…Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart…

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.A subjective person came along and said, "I feel for you down there."An objective person walked by and said, "It's logical that someone would fall down there."A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits."A mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit.A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit.An IRS agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.A self-pitying person said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."A Christian Scientist observed, "The pit is just in your mind."A psychologist noted, "Your mother and father are to blame for your being in the pit."A self-esteem therapist said, "Believe in yourself and you can get out of the pit."An optimist said, "Things could be worse."A pessimist said, "Things will get worse."Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.
Faith is being His hand extended…
Reaching to others in their pits and lifting them out with encouraging words…

How can we be a culture of encouragement?
Comfort one another
Speak faith over one another
AND
I think in order to truly pull this off we need to…
3. Get a little radical with one another…

Stick with me here
Let’s go back to where we started at Romans 15
verse 6 says…that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…
To have this kind of unity…
To have this kind of culture that truly glorifies Jesus…
We have to get a little radical about our encouragement!
If we hear one of our members picking, gossiping, whining or complaining…distributing a bad attitude… we call them on it!

We get a little radical, a little bold enough to say…hey, this is a church of encouragement, this is a place of edification, of faith hope and love…
What are you doing with your words right now?
Attitude check!
Some people, even in the church think it’s ok to dump garbage everywhere…
But we can’t allow it if we are truly creating a culture of encouragement…
I’m not talking about being fake or putting on masks or not being able to be real with one another when we’re dealing with the stuff of life…
But we must be aware of the tight rope we’re walking between encouraging and discouraging…
Our words, our actions have power for life or death!
Prov. 18:21

(sing) So be careful little eyes what you see…
ears what you hear…
mouth what you speak…
feet where you go…
hands what you do…
For the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little…

Can New Beginnings Christian Center truly be a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, TEAM, Celebration, Kindness, Family, Unity and Encouragement?
I’m daring to believe in the VISION!

Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus

AG Kids Camp is coming very soon!

2009-07-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Registration forms will be available in the bulletin the next few weeks...or talk to Mrs. Shelli...or stop by the church office...

Rusty West Concert

2009-07-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

My cousin is touring.

Visit http://www.rustywest.com/

Don't miss this great concert: Thursday 7pm, August 13th!

this week's bulletin

2009-07-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

My amazing wife just got a new job at Providence Hospital as an On Call ER receptionist.

So, I will be doing more of the church "office managering" myself...

Hey, if you ever have some free time come give me a hand at the church?!

This is the first week I had to do some of the bulletin myself...I hope it still looks good!?

I'm really EXCITED about these two up-coming special events...there's nothing better than a night of worship or an outside service and picnic!

Church of the Valley Park Service

2009-07-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

We witnessed another miracle today as many churches closed their doors on a Sunday morning to practice unity, gathering across denominational lines at Riverside park. SO MANY CHRISTIANS! It gets bigger every year...PRAISE THE LORD!

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

MaMa made 4th of July pancakes...

We went to the fireworks show in Medford and had to be rescued by a towtruck cause your silly pastor locked his keys in the van...

Silly Pastor

2009-06-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

So, sometimes I get in trouble for all the pictures I put on my blog...

I have caught some of my congregation in some crazy pictures and then put it on my blog for all to see... I had some "sweet" members send me some pictures over email and tell me it's my turn...they caught me in some sillyness...

(you might notice, I'm a Pepsi fan)

PS...I promise I do more than just stuff my face...for instance, I just painted the lines in the parking lot and worked hard at beautifying the library, conference room, and fellowship hall...

Culture of Family (sermon notes)

2009-06-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

I have to start my sermons with something funny:
My cousin Jean sent me this email:
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip. After a good dinner, they retire for the night, and go to sleep.
Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”
“I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes” replies Watson.
“And what do you deduce from that?”
Watson ponders for a minute. “Well,
Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.
Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three.
Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.
Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe.
But what does it tell you, Holmes?”
Holmes is silent for a moment.
“Someone has stolen our tent!”

Today I’m continuing a new VISION sermon series…
Let’s Dream Again church, we even have some extra space to dream about!
Everybody needs a ministry, Everybody is a minister
What is God calling you to do at NBCC?
I pray we are truly creating a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, Team, Celebration, Kindness and today we get to talk about creating a culture of Family…

I believe the church is much more than a social club, business, or organization…
It is set up by God for God…
We are the family of God, the church of Jesus Christ!

What does it mean to be the family of God?
OH SO MANY THINGS, but I have a couple thoughts to share today…

1. The family of God is not a casual commitment.

My parents taught me by example to be radically committed to the church of Jesus Christ no matter what!
It is not just a job for me to pastor, but my calling from God!
It is not just a volunteer position for you to minister in the body of Christ…it is your calling, your mission, your purpose!

We don’t make it difficult to join in membership of our church because the only prerequisite is belonging to the family of God… accepting Christ as Savior… a working relationship with Jesus … But that is no casual commitment.

Our society is casual with its commitments.
Marriage vows are thrown away casually.
Family relationships are tossed aside casually.
Casual Friends, Church hopping…you name it…

2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

Psalm 86:2Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.

Matthew 6:24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

Acts 2:42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 18:5Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

OH to see the family of God truly DEVOTED!
God doesn’t stand for half-hearted Christianity.
He spits out the lukewarm. Rev. 3

The Family of God is not a casual committment
and
2. The family of God overcomes adversity.

John Maxwell wrote an article entitled Leading thru adversity
He says
Overcoming Adversity Creates Resilience
Overcoming Adversity Creates Maturity
Overcoming Adversity Creates Greater Opportunities
Overcoming Adversity Wins Respect

As an African proverb says…Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors…

Early in his career, Walt Disney’s Laugh-O-Gram studio went broke, leaving the talented man out of work…
Abraham Lincoln plummeted into financial ruin as a young shopkeeper…
Milton Hershey failed dismally in his initial attempts to open a candy store…
Henry Ford’s Detroit Automobile Company went bankrupt before reorganizing as Ford Motor Company…
(don’t know if this is the best time to use this illustration)
H.J. Heinz’s venture to sell horseradish flopped before his recipe for ketchup met with commercial success…

Going through adversity, though not pleasant at the moment, opens the door to new levels of influence. By staying poised and keeping a positive attitude under pressure, the family of God can pass through adversity having grown in stature more than we ever could have in comfortable times.
We can do all things thru Christ who strengthens us! Phil 4:13

The Family of God can even look at a poor economy as a time for Benefit!
Willmer and Howe wrote Ten Benefits of difficult economic times…
A time for counting our blessings
An opportunity for trusting God
A time to rejoice
A time for renewal of prayer
An opportunity for ministry collaboration and hospitality
A time for the renewal of the work ethic
A time for the renewal of simplicity and common wisdom
A time for the flowering of spiritual gifts
A time for revival in the church
A time for generosity

Tommy Barnet wrote
Success doesn’t come by never failing; it comes by repetition. You try and fail, and try and fail, and try and try until you succeed. In fact, failure is one of the primary tools God uses to develop your dream and your character.
God uses failure to educate us
God uses failure to motivate us
God uses failure to cultivate our character and refine our dreams

Psalm 119:71…It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes…

Romans 5:3-4…We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character…

Galatians 6:9…Let us not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!

I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry;I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why...I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme;I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team.He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name;Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same.My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end,His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend.When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go.When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace;He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease.And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul.The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand,The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand.I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God;He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod.I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God,I'm resting in His love.I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face;The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

The family of God is not a casual commitment
The family of God overcomes adversity
and…
3. The family of God is filled with wounded healers.
Let’s go to Mark 5
A business executive became depressed. Things were not going well at work, and he was bringing his problems home with him every night. Every evening he would eat his dinner in silence, shutting out his wife and five-year-old daughter. Then he would go into the den and read the paper using the newspaper to wall his family out of his life. After several nights of this, one evening his daughter took her little hand and pushed the newspaper down. She then jumped into her father’s lap, wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him strongly. The father said abruptly, “Honey, you are hugging me to death!” “No, Daddy,” the little girl said, “I’m hugging you to life!” This was the greatness of Jesus. He took people where they were and hugged them to life. That is precisely what we see Jesus doing here in this dramatic passage in Mark 5. He is loving needy and hurting people, hugging them to life. This passage is a fascinating one because here we have a story within a story, or two healing stories rolled into one and the people involved could not be more different. On the one hand, the family of Jairus represented the “upper crust” of society. Jairus was the ruler of the synagogue. He was a man of substance, rich and powerful and religiously prominent. In the synagogue, he called the shots. He decided who would preach, what scripture would be read, and what hymns would be sung. He represented the Elite of Society, especially the religious world, but this day Jairus was troubled. His 12-year-old daughter was dying. On the other hand, the hemorrhaging woman in the crowd was a social outcast. She was considered unclean as one who was under the judgment of God and therefore not allowed to set foot in the synagogue. In this magnificent passage, these two vastly different people, the down and out hemorrhaging woman and the upper-crust daughter of Jairus, are loved into life by our Lord…
Love Has the Power to Heal.
Love Has the Power to Reconcile.
Love Has the Power to Redeem.

With all its imperfections, sins, blemishes, and warts, the Church of Jesus Christ is the intended healer of the world’s wounds. Christians are called to be compassionate, wounded healers.Perhaps, Henri Nouwen, the Roman Catholic theologian, has said this better than anyone else. The author of many books, Nouwen speaks of Christians as "wounded healers" who have compassion. Compassion is not pity. Pity lets us stay at a distance. It is condescending. Compassion is not sympathy. Sympathy is for superiors over inferiors. Compassion is not charity. Charity is for the rich to continue in their status over the poor. Compassion is born of God. It means entering into the other person’s problems. It means taking on the burdens of the other. It means standing in the other person’s shoes. It is the opposite of professionalism. It is the humanizing way to deal with people. "Just as bread without love can bring war instead of peace, professionalism without compassion will turn forgiveness into a gimmick."

Can New Beginnings Christian Center truly be a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, TEAM, Celebration, Kindness and Family?
I’m daring to believe…

Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus

Acts of Kindness: Rooster Crow

2009-06-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

This is just some of the crew of volunteers that showed up to pass out water bottles and invite cards at Rogue River's Rooster Crow Parade...

Tis the Season for Weddings

2009-06-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day evening at our church Amber and Tony exchanged their wedding vows...

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T16:06:00.001-07:00

My amazing wife surprised me this morning in church with this beautiful video! She is so talented and sweet!

Culture of Kindness (sermon notes)

2009-06-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to Jerry Peyton (Cindy Dara's Dad) for sharing his Father's Day monologue in today's service!

Always have to start my sermons with something funny:
In honor of Daddys Day...
Four expectant fathers were in Minneapolis hospital waiting room, while their wives were in labor. The nurse arrived and announced to the first man, "Congratulations sir, You're the father of twins."
"What a coincidence" the man said with some obvious pride. "I work for the Minnesota Twins baseball team."
The nurse returned in a little while and turned to the second man, "You sir, are the father of triplets."
"Wow, That's really an incredible coincidence " he answered.
"I work for the 3M Corporation." My buddies at work will never let me live this one down.
An hour later, while the other two men were passing cigars around, the nurse came back, this time she turn to the 3rd man - who had been quiet in the corner. She announced that his wife had just given birth to quadruplets.
Stunned, he barely could reply. "Don't tell me another coincidence?" asked the nurse. After finally regaining his composure, he said "I don't believe it, I work for the Four Seasons Hotel."
After hearing this, everybody's attention turned to the 4th guy, who had just fainted, flat out on the floor. The nurse rushed to his side and after some time, he slowly gained back his consiousness.
When he was finally able to speak, you could hear him whispering repeatedly the same phrase over and over again.
"I should have never taken that job at 7-Up "I should have never taken that job at 7-Up "I should have never taken that job at 7-Up...

Some of you may have noticed that Pastor Short is in a sling…
Dr. says he has to stay that way for 6 wks.
So, I’m taking this opportunity to cast more vision on Wednesday evenings regarding our denomination, AG…
So for a short time Adult Bible Study and Homebuilders will be combined…
We started last Wed and will continue for 6 weeks…
Also, another fun thing in the works is an outside service and BBQ here on campus the end of July…if it goes well we may start doing it once in awhile.

Today I’m continuing a new VISION sermon series…
Let’s Dream Again church, we even have some extra space to dream about!
Again regarding the change, change is hard but the hear the Holy Spirit whisper: Don't be sad it's ending, Be happy it happened...
Everybody needs a ministry, Everybody is a minister
What is God calling you to do at NBCC?
I pray we are truly creating a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, Team, Celebration…and today we get to talk about Creating a Culture of KINDNESS

How fitting, the Lord always works it out...
On Moms day we were discussing a new name…something mother’s agonize over for their children…
And on Dads day, Kindness...
Is there any greater calling for a father than to be kind?
Some may say: no, providing for the family is more important…
I say, an unkind father who is good at providing, makes a messy home…
Kindness must be a top priority for the home!

The word kindness shows up in the NIV 59x
Let me share some thoughts from another Bible word search, so FUN!
Genesis 32:10...
I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups...
Jacob is about to be reunited with the brother he cheated…
This is the same passage of scripture the Lord took me to on Moms day, This is where Jacob wrestles with God…
Ok let me share today’s first lesson on kindness before I explode…
1. We are all unworthy of Kindness…

Whether it’s Jacob being confronted with his cheating self…
Or You and I confronted with our own sin…
If you wait to accept God’s kindness until you deserve it?
If you wait to show kindness until they deserve it?
We are all unworthy of kindness…
None of us are entitled to anything…
Listen American, that STUFF you’re holding so tightly to is fleeting and empty…
The only thing worth fighting for is my Jesus and His Amazing Grace!
KINDNESS by Chris Tomlin!

Ruth 1:8Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the LORD show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me.Ruth 2:20"The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers."Ruth 3:10"The LORD bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.
The book of Ruth has the word kindness 3x
I encourage you to familiarize yourself with Ruth again
The Lesson the Holy Spirit would have us learn today is
2. Kindness shown creates hope from despair…

You never know just how far a simple, random act of kindness can be carried by the Holy Spirit!
This Saturday we are passing out free water bottles at Rooster Crow…
Please Pray that this simple act of kindness will build spiritual bridges, will even change some minds about what church is all about…
Many sinners have not experienced kindness from the church…
God help us change that!
The invite cards I’ve created this week say…
Just wanted to show you God’s love in a practical way…
and have some info about our church…
I hope you will show up Saturday and help out!
The details are in your bulletin!
(thanks to rusty for being Boaz for the church, providing the water bottles…if you didn’t “get” what I just said check out ruth this week in your personal bible study)

One more scriptural proof of kindness turning despair into hope…We all know that out of all of scripture JOB has the biggest excuse to whine and complain…
But check out
Job 10:12You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.
Those are not always the kinds of words I use when things don’t go my way…

1. We are all unworthy of Kindness
2. Kindness shown creates hope from despair
3. Please don’t take God’s kindness for granted

Romans 2:4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
Romans 11:22Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
2Corinthians 6:6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Ephesians 2:7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

I dreamed I was in heaven, Where an angel kept God's book. He was writing so intently I just had to take a look. It was not, at first, his writing That made me stop and think But the fluid in the bottle That was marked eternal ink. This ink was most amazing, Dark black upon his blotter But as it touched the parchment It became as clear as water. The angel kept on writing, But as quickly as a wink The words were disappearing With that strange eternal ink. The angel took no notice, But kept writing on and on. He turned each page and filled it Till all its space was gone. I thought he wrote to no avail, His efforts were so vain For he wrote a thousand pages That he'd never read again. And as I watched and wondered that This awesome sight was mine, I actually saw a word stay black As it dried upon the line. The angel wrote and I thought I sawA look of satisfaction. At last he had some print to show For all his earnest action. A line or two dried dark and stayed As black as black can be, But strangely the next paragraph Became invisible to see. The book was getting fuller, The angel's records true, But most of it was blank, with Just a few words coming through. I knew there was some reason, But as hard as I could think, I couldn't grasp the significance Of that eternal ink. The mystery burned within me, And I finally dared to ask The angel to explain to me Of his amazing task. And what I heard was frightful As the angel turned his head. He looked directly at me, And this is what he said... I know you stand and wonder At what my writing's worth But God has told me to record The lives of those on earth. The book that I am filling Is an accurate account Of every word and action And to what they do amount. And since you have been watching I must tell you what is true; The details of my journal Are the strict accounts of YOU. The Lord asked me to watch you As each day you worked and played. I saw you as you went to church, I saw you as you prayed. But I was told to document Your life through all the week. I wrote when you were proud and bold, I wrote when you were meek. I recorded all your attitudes Whether they were good or bad. I was sorry that I had to write The things that make God sad. So now I'll tell the wonder Of this eternal ink, For the reason for its mystery Should make you stop and think. This ink that God created To help me keep my journal Will only keep a record of Things that are eternal. So much of life is wasted On things that matter not So instead of my erasing, Smudging ink and ugly blot. I just keep writing faithfully and Let the ink do all the rest For it is able to decide What's useless and what's best. And God ordained that as I write Of all you do and say Your deeds that count for nothing Will just disappear away.When books are opened someday,As sure as heaven is true;The Lord's eternal ink will tell What mattered most to you. If you just lived to please yourself The pages will be bare, And God will issue no reward For you when you get there. In fact, you'll be embarrassed, You will hang your head in shame Because you did not give yourself In love to Jesus' Name. Yet maybe there will be a few Recorded lines that stayed That showed the times you truly cared, Sincerely loved and prayed. But you will always wonder As you enter heaven's door How much more glad you would have been If only you'd done more. For I record as God sees, I don't stop to even think Because the truth is written With God's eternal ink. When I heard the angel's storyI fell down and wept and cried For as yet I still was dreaming I hadn't really died. And I said: O angel tell the Lord That soon as I awake I'll live my life for Jesus--I'll do all for His dear sake. I'll give in full surrender; I'll do all He wants me to; I'll turn my back on self and sin And whatever isn't true. And though the way seems long and rough I promise to endure. I'm determined to pursue the things That are holy, clean and pure. With Jesus as my helper, I will win lost souls to Thee, For I know that they will live with Christ For all eternity. And that's what really matters When my life on earth is gone That I will stand before the Lord And hear Him say, well done. For is it really worth it As my life lies at the brink? And I realize that God keeps books With His eternal ink. Should all my life be focused On things that turn to dust? From this point on I'll serve the Lord; I can, I will, I must! I will NOT send blank pages Up to God's majestic throne For where that record's going now Is my eternal home. I'm giving all to Jesus I now have seen the link For I saw an angel write my life With God's Eternal Ink.
(the actual account of a dream) by Craig F. Pitts

Can New Beginnings Christian Center truly be a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, TEAM, Celebration and Kindness?
I’m daring to believe…

Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus

A Wedding Shower

2009-06-19T11:56:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the growing Brooks/Barella family! We're all so proud of Andrew (he grew up in our church)...he's now pastoring in Montana! Christle (Andrew's Mama) really knows how to throw a party! Ask her for her dip recipe...SO GOOD! The bride and groom (Andrew and Shaina) will be exchanging vows next weekend in Corvallis.

sneak peak

2009-06-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

I thought I would scan in this week's bulletin. My wife works hard to keep us well-informed with her sharp-looking weekly church bulletins...

(you can click on the image to make it large enough to read)

As you can see, some of my favorite annual events are on the horizon: I love getting together with our extended family of God at the COV church in the park 4th of July weekend! And our Acts of Kindness event is next week. What an opportunity for God to bless! And Fathers Day is already here! Is it just me or is the world spinning faster!?

Culture of Celebration (sermon notes)

2009-06-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have to start my sermons with something funny:
a young couple once said
When we brought our new-born son to the pediatrician for his first checkup, the doctor said, "You have a cute baby." Smiling, we said, "I'll bet you say that to all the new parents." "No," he replied, "just to those whose babies are really cute." "So what do you say to the others?" we asked. "He looks just like you."
Today I’m continuing a new VISION sermon series…
Let’s Dream Again church!
Please visit the Vision Bulletin Board in the foyer…

No matter Where You’ve been
No Matter What You’ve done
You can begin again
We are sending a clear msg to our community and within these walls that the Assembly of God in Rogue River is a place of NEW BEGINNINGS in Jesus…
Really all we’re doing is giving ourselves an identity…
Before the name change we were simply identified by our denomination…
We are also communicating that we are Christian 1st and Assembly of God 2nd…
Methods change But the Message remains the same
Ministries Begin and End But The Church will Never die
Matthew 16:18…Jesus said… I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
I know change is hard! Remember there really is only one thing you can depend on in life…change, it’s inevitable, it’s necessary.
We must remain pliable in the Potter's Hand!

Our first TEAM mtg. last week was well attended and I feel we had good communication…
I realized that I get together with the board and staff, but the annual family business mtg. is not enough communication…so ALL are welcome to the TEAM mtg., the first Sunday of every month, it’s an informal time with leadership lessons, discussion, and prayer…
One of the things that came up in our discussion is our love for some programs that are no longer happening, like Sunday school or home groups and ofcourse our beloved CLS…
I want to remind you that we need to do a few things well and not stretch ourselves too thin, especially in today’s economy and culture, we need to remember that acronym…busy (being under satan’s yoke)…we are in the last days, Jesus is coming soon…we musn’t be too busy in the church that we’re not being salt and light outside the church…
Family groups fulfill the basic model of Sunday school or a home group…God’s people getting together for bible study, prayer and fellowship (three legged stool).
I’m believing God is going to make new family groups, they don’t just have to be on campus on Wed. eve….family groups can happen anytime and they do… Linda, Phyllis, medford, grants pass (back of the bulletin)…
The focus needs to be: everybody is a minister, everybody needs a ministry…what is God calling you to do? Is God calling you to start a new family group?
I would have a hard time believing God is calling any of us to revive an old program, I believe He wants to do something new!
But, don’t misunderstand your pastor, if your heart aches to revive a former ministry, come talk to me, and I will back you up if the HS has led you to do so…I want our church to be a place where we are all free to fly or flop, to try and try again!
Addressing CLS again, the reason we were forced to close the doors was the economy…Regarding the secondary issues of division from the last 30 years of ministry I will be transparent with anyone who wishes to sit down and discuss it…
Please use the right bucket (water, gasoline) on the gossip and practice Matthew 18, go to the source...
(2nd Offering to help cover CLS large deficit)
Dream with me about what God wants to happen with our extra space…youth center, kids center, amphitheatre, harvest ladies, nursery, war room, library, food bank, etc...

OK back to my sermon series…We’ve already talked about creating a culture of Mission, Love, Passion, and TEAM at NBCC
Today we get to continue creating a culture of CELEBRATION
I had so much fun with the bible word search last week…
I did it again…
The word celebration only shows up in the NIV 8 times,
versus the 383x “together” showed up last week…
Let me share a few thoughts from what I learned from my bible word search…
1 Samuel 11:15 says
So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration.
So, #1 Celebration requires SACRIFICE…

Saul gets to be King…
The Israelites are excited about their new leader…
But, the animals sacrificed probably weren’t feeling very celebratory…
We call it a CELEBRATION service every Sunday morning…
But we don’t all feel like celebrating every Sunday…
Praise sometimes takes sacrifice…
Being faithful to church takes sacrifice…
Scripture says come into his presence with singing, with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving…
Shout unto God, Zach sang this morning!
Hebrews 3:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
This really doesn’t sound very spiritual, but sometimes you gotta fake it until you feel it…
step out in faith
choose to celebrate
God will bless a sacrifice of celebration!

Continuuing our CELEBRATION bible word search…
Esther 8:15
(two weeks in a row, hitting Esther, that may just be a sign)
Mordecai left the king’s presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration…
#2 Celebration requires Honor

If you are familiar with the book of Esther you know that Mordecai only knew scorn because his entire race was being shown disrespect and hate…
But what the enemy meant for evil…GOD made good!
Our God specializes in turning ashes to beauty!
No matter where You’ve been
No matter what You’ve done
You can begin Again
God has reversed man’s idea of who deserves honor…
Jesus said the last shall be first…
Those who are humble will be exalted…
Honor is not just for those who have accomplished much here on earth…
Christ has honored every sinner by taking their cross for them…

The king of kings, the Lord of lords, the prince of peace, the eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit deserve all Honor!!!!!!!
So of course church is a celebration!
We’re honoring our God, we’re honoring one another…
God inhabits the praises of His people!
God really knows how to party!

and the final scripture I’m going to share from my bible word search is…
Acts 7:41…That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made…
#3 Celebration requires GOD
Stick w/ me here
I did a tidy little 3 point sermon
but now I’m getting a little feisty
We get together all the time to celebrate people…
Thats really good...
birthdays, anniversaries, graduations…you name it…
But if God’s not in it…it’s not a real Celebration
You see, you don’t know real Celebration until you know my JESUS…
If God’s not glorified, if it’s simply man’s stuff…
It’s empty, It’s unsatisfying, It’s hollow…

I think it’s time for the Christian to take back the Party!
There are some that think it’s not a party till somebody’s drunk or acting stupid…That’s not a party, that really is foolishness…
You know that song we sing…I could sing of your love forever…
The second verse says…Oh I feel like dancing, It’s foolishness I know…
I have a problem with that verse…
It aint foolish to celebrate and dance for Jesus!
It aint foolish to get excited about Amazing Grace!

The world may look at our road sign and say, Celebration Service what? Church is boring…
Christian it’s time to change the world’s definition of boring!
I know what’s boring…the hangover the next morning…
Ok so I’m picking on the drunk…that’s not fair, there’s a lot of other sins I should pick on, like overeating…
Maybe we should even take back the wild party too!
Pentecostals are supposed to be known for getting a little wild…

I’ll tell you the greatest reason for CELEBRATION!
We have Access to the Riches of God!
My God will supply all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus…
Philippians 4:19
Some of us need a radical mind-set transformation…move our thoughts from worry to celebration…
I found this inspiration this week on line…
The positive side of life…
Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.
How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
Birthdays are good for you; the more you have,the longer you live.
Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.
Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?
You may be only one person in the world,but you may also be the world to one person.
Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.
We could learn a lot from crayons:some are sharp, some are pretty,some are dull, some have weird names,and all are different colors...but they all exist very nicely in the same box.
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

(replacement theology)
Open your bible and quote the word back to that devil!
If you know how to worry, you know how to memorize, how to meditate, how to think God thoughts…
Stop rehearsing your hurt and start rehearsing the word!
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse" (Philippians 4:8 MSG).
Come on and Celebrate!

Can NBCC truly be a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, TEAM and Celebration?
I’m daring to believe…
Choosing Faith instead of Fear...
Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus

Gotcha Day

2009-06-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Then & Now

Happy Gotcha Day! On this very day last year we held our baby boy for the very first time! Nathaniel means "gift of God" and how true it is! I wish everyone knew the joy of adoption!

Oh what am I saying? We're all God's adopted kids!

Romans 8:15...For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

Family Groups Faces

2009-06-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

Where's your face wednesdays at 6:30pm? Your face is welcome at a family group!

FYI

2009-06-09T11:10:00.001-07:00

Last week I sent another postcard mailing. If you didn't receive one that means we need your info for our church master list. Just shoot me an email or fill out the tear off in the weekly church bulletin. I also made up some invite cards to aid you in spreading the word about New Beginnings Christian Center!

TEAM Meeting

2009-06-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

I want to always be growing in the area of communication...

I realized that I get together with the staff and the board, but the annual family business mtg. is not enough...

So, we're having a TEAM mtg. the first Sunday of every Month, 3pm...(open to ALL)

Our first TEAM mtg. was well attended...I think some good communication happened...

Here's a taste of some of the leadership lessons we discussed...

Leading Through Adversity, Maxwell

Overcoming Adversity Creates Resilience...

Overcoming Adversity Develops Maturity...

Overcoming Acversity Creates Greater Opportunities...

Overcoming Adversity Wins Respect...

Ten Benefits of Difficult Economic Times, Wilmer and Howe

1. A time for counting our blessings.

2. An opportunity for trusting God.

3. A time to rejoice.

4. A time for renewal of prayer.

5. An opportunity for ministry collaboration and hospitality.

6. A time for the renewal of the work ethic.

7. A time for the renewal of simplicity and common wisdom.

8. A time for the flowring of spiritual gifts.

9. A time for revival in the church.

10. A time for generosity.

The Law of Empowerment, Maxwell

Three Obstacles to Empowerment

1. Desire for Job Security

2. Resistance to Change

3. Lack of Self-Worth

Ten 'CAN'-mandments, Warren

1. Instead of thinking, "It will never fly," think, "Through God's strength, it's worth a try!"

2. Replace the thought, "It won't work," with faith that, with God's strength, it will work!

3. When someone says, "It's never been done before," respond by saying "That means God's giving us the opporutinity to be the first."

4. "What if we fail?" What if we fail to try, knowing God says we can do everything through Him who gives us strength?

5. "We don't have the money." Where God guides, he provides so that we can do everything He has called us to do.

6. "We don't have the time!" Perhaps God is telling us to re-evaluate our priorities as we rely upon his direction and strength.

7. "We don't have the expertise." Mabye not, but we can learn as God directs our path.

8. "It's been tried before." But we're wiser now because we know we can do everything when we rely on God's strength instead os our own.

9. If someone says, "there are so many problems with it," respond by saying, "Yet, there are so many possibilities when we're trusting God instead of ourselves."

10. Instead of saying, "It's not working out," say instead, "Lets try it one more time, but this time focused on God and the truth that we can do this through Him who gives us strength."

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse" (Philippians 4:8 MSG).

Culture of TEAM (sermon notes)

2009-06-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

I always have to start my sermons with something funny: Two boys were arguing when the teacher entered the room. The teacher says, "Why are you arguing?" One boy answers, "We found a ten dollar bill and decided to give it to whoever tells the biggest lie." "You should be ashamed of yourselves," said the teacher, "When I was your age I didn't even know what a lie was." The boys gave the ten dollars to the teacher.

Today I’m continuing a new VISION sermon series…
Let’s Dream Again church!
Please visit the Vision Bulletin Board in the foyer…
The LORD stopped whispering and MEGAPHONED me some clear marching orders…
I truly believe God is giving us A NEW NAME!
Scripture is full of God changing names because of the power in a name…or the importance of reputation...
No matter Where You’ve been
No Matter What You’ve done
You can begin again...that's the gospel of Jesus Christ!
NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN CENTER of the Assemblies of God is now our legal name on file with the sec. of state’s office…
I feel it is important to send a clear msg to our community and within these walls that the Assembly of God in Rogue River is a place of NEW BEGINNINGS in Jesus…
Why would we want to staye stuck in the past...His mercies are new every morning...
Really all we’re doing is giving ourselves an identity…
Before the name change we were simply identified by our denomination…
Also I hope you understand why We’re choosing Christian Center… because we want to communicate that we are Christian 1st and AG 2nd…
Methods change But the Message remains the same
Ministries Begin and End But The Church will Never die
Matthew 16:18…Jesus said… I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
We’ve already talked about creating a culture of Mission, Love and Passion at NBCC

Today we get to continue creating a culture of TEAM
My favorite acronymn for TEAM is
Together Everyone Accomplishes More
There’s my four point sermon today…
1. T is for Together

I did a Bible word search on the word TOGETHER!
It only shows up in the NIV 383 times…
One of the verses that showed up gave me a good laugh…
Deuteronomy 22:10…Do not plow with an ox and donkey yoked together…
Without abusing scriptures context too much…I wonder how many times we go thru life frustrated because we are yoked to that which God has not ordained!?
just a thought…

In Esther chapter 4 verse 16
Esther sends this msg to Mordecai
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
If you are familiar with the book of Esther, you know that Esther was raised up as scripture declares “for such a time as this”…her actions ultimately saved all of Israel!
We all have “such a time as this” moments…where God’s divine purpose and will, cannot be accomplished unless some TOGETHERNESS happens!

Psalm 34:3
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
Something special happens when we gather TOGETHER to lift up Jesus!
Ecclesiastes 4:11 says
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
We desperately need one another!
The Lone Ranger appeal is a false reality!
It’s anything but appealing…it’s empty, it’s lonely…
The person who has chosen to allow their hurt to draw them into seclusion…who says to themselves and others…I don’t need anyone else, I’m fine by myself…will lead a bitter, hopeless life…
TOGETHERNESS brings warmth, brings hope
Especially if that Togetherness is revolving around Jesus

Even if it looks like I’m alone I’m not
I always have togetherness with my Jesus
The Lord reminded me of scripture this week that helped me to breathe…
Isaiah 26:3 amp
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
That’s TOGETHERNESS
That’s the summation of life
Everyday is a very good day when you discipline your mind to be stayed on the LORD JESUS

Amos 3:3 was a little interesting
Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?
I think this is why church membership is important…
Commitment, Covenant is in sorry shape in today’s culture…
Again let me explain the simple logo for NBCC, an open circle of love, open for people to come, open for people to go…
But not a flippancy or indifference…
Togetherness means it hurts to have to let people go…

Ofcourse when you do a bible word search on “Together” Matthew 18:20 has to be the center
Jesus said…
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Mark 10:9 says
Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
AND
Acts 2:1 says
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
I wonder what would happen if we actually all came TOGETHER in one place at the same time?
Mabye we would get a little more Pentecostal!
Well that was 9 of the 383 times God’s word uses the word TOGETHER…

SO we’re creating a culture of TEAM
T stands for together
and #2 E stands for EVERYONE

Everyone is a minister
Everyone needs a ministry
Mabye one of these days I’ll phone thru the church master list and simply ask every member or attender…what is your ministry?
If you don’t have an answer, that means we are one person short of making an eternal difference!
This church stuff is life and death, heaven and hell, hope or despair…I still believe in the church of Jesus Christ…I LOVE the church, the hope of the world!
Don’t wait for me to call you…the Holy Spirit is calling you right now…show up to the TEAM mtg. today and tell me what God is call you to do!?

T stands for Together
E stands for Everyone
and #3 A stands for Accomplishes

Let’s go to the parable of the sower again…
Matthew 13
I think this story Jesus told is a wonderful perspective on life. We are but seed sowers…the condition of the soil of our own hearts we can do something about…but must leave other people’s soil up to the Holy Spirit…even leave the fruit production up to Him…
Remember we love em he fixes em…
We catch em the Holy Spirit cleans em…
I don’t think we will know our true accomplishments until we reach eternity…True treasure, true accomplishment cannot be measured by human wisdom…
Remember Matthew 6:20
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

I think accomplishment is also wrapped up in our words…
Our words create our way…
I’m not trying to be cooky…
But what you think about creates your environment…
What would happen if you truly kept your mind stayed on Him?
Here’s something I’ve shared before that may just be a timely word today…(bulletin insert)
Susan Maycini gives 12 Times to Hold Your Tongue
It’s nearly always best to remain silent in the following situations:
1. When you have a criticism about a church service or ministry leader. It will only be destructive to call someone else’s attention to the flaw you’ve noticed.
2. When you’re tempted to say, “I told you so.”
3. When you want to complain about the weather, the traffic, the policy, the president, your spouse, your kids…anything. Think about how grumbling affects others, and choose to focus on the positive.
4. When you’re criticized. A response may be called for, but it is usually best not to give it in the heat of the moment.
5. When you have information that makes someone look bad.
6. When someone is upset about a problem or something that’s happened, and you’ve had a similar experience. Relate what you went through only if your objective is to pass on something you learned –be sure you’re not shifting the focus of the conversation to yourself.
7. When you’re tempted to judge or criticize someone.
8. When a friend’s situation would make a great point in the conversation, but you don’t have her permission to share her story with others. For example, You’re discussing a problem in marriage and you want to say, “I have a friend whose husband…” Even if you don’t use her name, you’re treading on dangerous ground.
9. When you‘re tempted to correct someone on a minor point as they relate a story or experience.
10.When you think someone has made a poor decision, but it’s too late for them to change their mind. And, in most cases, be silent when people haven’t asked for your opinion about what they should do.
11.When you’re tempted to tell something about yourself for the purpose of impressing someone.
12.When you have information that might discourage others. Don’t tell labor horror stories to a woman who’s pregnant for the first time, and don’t mention that someone you know of died from the disease that your friend’s family member just contracted.
You might say…many of these are just common sense…I am constantly surprised by people’s ability to have no sense…and that includes me…

T stands for together
E stands for Everyone
A stands for Accomplishes
and #4 M stands for MORE

we need to be people of contentment
but there’s also something called a holy dissatisfaction
always wanting More of Jesus
I shared some inspiring words on the "Beauty of the Church" by Bill Hybels in his book, Courageous Leadership...

Can NBCC truly be a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, TEAM?
I’m daring to believe…

Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus

New Road Sign

2009-06-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

This week Rachel Reber worked her magic again for me!

Rachel of redline engraving promotions helps me with so many projects around the church.

(visit RedlineEngraving.com for more info)

Look at our beautiful, professional road sign! YEAH!

I've had good input over the years...people have wanted, desired more info out at the road...so our new sign is a little more detailed...

Baccalaureate

2009-06-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

I wish I would have remembered to bring my camera to last night's Baccalaureate Service! (instead of some great picts of grads you only get to see the program on my blog)

When I think about all the activity that happens at our church every year, Baccalaureate really is my favorite event of the year...the graduate's testimonies, the church coming together across denominational lines, the special music...AND Dave Erharhdt, the special speaker, truly blessed us with a TIMELY WORD!!!

Thanks to the many members of our church who brought cookies for the reception! I'm seriously already looking forward to next year!

I pray Rogue River High School will continue to keep the door open to this special Christian service for the graduates! I remember when I graduated RRHS in 1996 (Go Chieftains) my Baccalaureate service was one of those "life-changing moments you never forget"!

That's why I volunteered to lead Baccalaureate several years ago. As long as the Lord keeps me in Rogue River, I will do everything in my power to keep Baccalaureate alive!

Culture of Passion (sermon notes from last Sunday)

2009-06-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Queen Mary sent me this funny recently…
An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. "Where would you like to sit?" he asked politely. "The front row please," she answered. "You really don't want to do that," the usher said. "The pastor is really boring." "Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired. "No," he said. "I'm the pastor's mother," she replied indignantly. "Do you know who I am?" he asked. "No," she said. "Good," he answered, "Let me show you to the front pew."

Today I’m continuing a new VISION sermon series…
Let’s Dream Again church!
Please visit the Vision Bulletin Board in the foyer…
The LORD stopped whispering and MEGAPHONED me some clear marching orders…

I truly believe God is giving us A NEW NAME!
Scripture is full of God changing names because of the power in a name…
No matter Where You’ve been
No Matter What You’ve done
You can begin again
NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN CENTER of the Assemblies of God is now our legal name on file with the sec. of state’s office…
I feel it is important to send a clear msg to our community and within these walls that the Assembly of God in Rogue River is a place of NEW BEGINNINGS in Jesus…
Really all we’re doing is giving ourselves an identity…
Before the name change we were simply identified by our denomination…
We’re choosing Christian Center because we want to communicate that we are Christian 1st and AG 2nd…
Methods change But the Message remains the same
Ministries Begin and End But The Church will Never die
Matthew 16:18…Jesus said… I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
Philippians 3… 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
We’ve already talked about creating a culture of Mission and Love at NBCC

Today we get to continue creating a culture of PASSION
Proverbs 29:18 declares
Without a vision, People perish
The people of God must be focused, purposed and even a little passionate about Christ’s Church!

David says in Psalm 69:9…for the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up
I had to get a little “king James ey”
maybe even a little Pentecostal
for the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up
You may not know it…but today is Pentecost Sunday
It kinda snuck up on us
Do you still believe the Spirit of God is alive and active today in the Body of Christ?
Does God still baptize in the Holy Spirit?
Can the book of Acts become reality in 2009?
wake up church
are we his bride passionately seeking His Return or not?

It doesn’t matter how young you are
or how old you are
I remember George Hill grabbing a microphone and shedding tears over the gospel
It doesn’t matter how healthy or how sick you are
I remember Don Luker grabbing a microphone and shedding tears over His Jesus
Romans 12:11 says Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
If your feeler is broke
If your tractor never gets cranked
If your passion is dull
do something about it Christian!
Ask for a fresh infilling of the Spirit of God TODAY!

I never ever want my head to get bigger than my Heart
I never want the troubles of this world to steal my passion for Jesus
I think it was Swindoll that said…Life is 90% attitude and 10% circumstance…
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life

There are 4 main passions at NBCC…
1. Powerful Word

Hebrews 4:12...For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
When you open the Bible do you feel anything?
Don’t misunderstand me,
You can’t always trust feelings, sometimes you don’t feel anything and you have to act in faith…
But that’s sometimes, not ALL the time…
I still believe in the Power of the Bible
the Power of the Gospel
I believe that when you open and read the Word of God you can be changed
2Cor3 17&18
where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Romans 14:17
righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Let me share an unknown author’s love for God’s Word. The Bible is like a magnificent palace constructed of precious oriental stone, comprising 66 stately chambers. Each one of these chambers is different from the others, and is perfect in its individual beauty, while together they form an edifice incomparably majestic, glorious, and sublime. In the book of Genesis we enter the grand Vestibule where we’re immediately introduced to the records of the mighty work of God in creation. This Vestibule gives access to the Law Courts, passing through which we come to the Picture Gallery of the historical books. Here we find hung upon the walls scenes of battles, heroic deeds and portraits of valiant men of God. Beyond the Picture Gallery we find the Philosophers Chamber – the Book of Job – passing through which we enter the Music Room – the Book of Psalms – and here we linger, thrilled by the grandest harmonies that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the Business Office – the book of Proverbs – in the very center of which stands the motto, “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Leaving the Business Office, we pass into the Research Department – the Book of Ecclesiastes – and thence into the Conservatory – the Song of Solomon – where greet us the fragrant aromas of choicest flowers, fruits, and the sweet singing of birds. We then reach the Observatory where the Prophets with their powerful telescopes are looking for the appearing of the “bright and morning star,” prior to the dawning of the “sun of righteousness.” Crossing the courtyard, we come to the Audience Chamber of the King – the gospels – where we find four life-like portraits of the King Himself, revealing the perfections of His infinite beauty. Next we enter the Workroom of the Holy Spirit – the Acts of the Apostles – and beyond that the Correspondence Room – the epistles – where we see Paul and Peter, James, John and Jude busy at their tables under the direction of the Spirit of Truth. Finally we enter the Throne Room – the Book of Revelation – where we are enrapt by the mighty volume of adoration and praise which is ever addressed to the enthroned King, and which fills the vast Chamber; while in the adjacent Galleries and Judgment Hall there are portrayed solemn scenes of judgment and wondrous scenes of glory associated with the coming and manifestation of the Son of God as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The #2 passion of NBCC is...Prayer

J.C. Ryle once preached a sermon on Christian Zeal…
He said if we make the Bible our rule of faith and practice, we cannot turn away from the subject of Zeal.
Titus 2:14 – Christ gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are His very own, eager, zealous to do what is good.
Revelation 3:19 – The Lord Jesus said to the Church – Be earnest, be zealous, and repent!
To be zealous is to be wise, it is not some cooky experience, it is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire that is not natural to man; it is the result of the Spirit placing such burning in the heart of the believer!

Do not fear the reproach of men. Do not faint because you are sometimes abused. Don’t let it bother you if you are sometimes called a bigot, a zealot, a fanatic, a crazy person, and a fool. There is nothing disgraceful in these titles. They have often been given to the best and wisest of men. If you are only zealous when you receive praise for it – if the wheels of your zeal must be oiled by the world’s commendation, your zeal will be short-lived. Do not care for the praise or the frown of man. There is only one thing worth caring for, and that is the praise of God. There is only one question worth asking about our actions: “How will they appear in the day of judgment?”

A zealous person in Christianity is preeminently a person of one thing. It is not enough to say that they are earnest, strong, uncompromising, meticulous, wholehearted, and fervent in spirit. They only see one thing, they care for one thing, they live for one thing, they are swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God. Whether they live, or whether they die – whether they are healthy, or whether they are sick – whether they are rich, or whether they are poor – whether they please man, or whether they give offense – whether they are thought wise, or whether they are thought foolish – whether they are accused, or whether they are praised – whether they get honor, or whether they get shame – for all this the zealous person cares nothing at all. They have a passion for one thing, and that one thing is to please God and to advance God’s glory. If they are consumed in the very burning of their passion for God, they don’t care – they are content. They feel that, like a candle, they were made to burn; and if they are consumed in the burning, then they have only done the work for which God has appointed them. Such a person will always find a sphere for their zeal. If they cannot work, or give money, or a man cannot preach, then they will cry out and sigh, and pray. Yes: if they are extremely poor, on a perpetual bed of sickness, they will make the activity of sin around him slow to a standstill, by continually interceding against it. If they cannot fight in the valley with Joshua, they will do the work of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, on the hill. (Exodus 17) If they are cut off from working themselves, they will give the Lord no rest until help is raised up from another quarter, and the work is done.

Church we gotta keep on Pushin! Remember P.U.S.H – Pray Until Something Happens! Prayer is more than a formula or a quaint chat with the big guy upstairs! It is Our Passion! It is our bread and water! It is our life!

The 3rd Passion of NBCC is…Ardent Worship

Miscommunication, Misunderstanding: what a plight!
Yet, this seems to be a reality when we talk about worship. Worship is not just singing songs on Sunday; worship is a lifestyle. When someone says “I didn’t get anything out of the worship service today” it is obvious that they do not understand that worship is unto God. Well, the worship service wasn’t for your entertainment, it’s not supposed to be about your taste/style/likes or dislikes! We’re getting together to perpetuate God’s design: loving Him and loving others.
I love what A.W. Tozer said….To really know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is to love and worship Him! As God’s people, we are so often confused that we could be know as God’s poor, stumbling, bumbling people, for we are most prone to think of worship as something we do when we go to church on Sunday! We call it God’s house. We have dedicated it to Him. So, we continue with the confused idea that it must be the only place where we can worship Him. We come to the Lord’s house, made of brick and stone and wood. We are used to hearing the call to worship: “The Lord is in His holy temple – let us kneel before Him!” This is on Sunday and in church-very nice! But on Monday, as we go about our different duties, are we aware of the continuing Presence of God? The Lord desires still to be in His holy temple, wherever we are; for each of us is a temple in whom dwells the Holy Spirit of God!

C. S. Lewis believed worship to be the cornerstone of a believer’s spiritual life. The fundamental command of scripture is that we are to love God with our whole being and to worship and serve only Him. The bedrock of the local church’s ministry is its worship service. The manner of worship reflects the depth of our relationship with God-both individually and corporately.
But what is the proper way to worship? Many changes in worship services have occurred in recent times. Synthesizers, guitars, and drum sets have often replaced pianos and organs. Upbeat repetitive praise choruses are replacing the traditional hymns and gospel songs. Drama, choreography, hand raising, and clapping are practices commonly associated with the more informal-contemporary “celebrations.” Changes and practices such as these can be very disturbing to many older Christians, who have been spiritually nurtured on a more meditative type of service. Yet according to Scripture (John 4:24), there are just two basic requirements for true worship: (1) in spirit and (2) in truth. Differences based on cultural change and age preferences alone should never divide the family of faith. Each of us must learn to differentiate between unchanging biblical principles and variable cultural practices.
Regardless of our preferred styles of music and forms of worship, let us reaffirm our purpose each time we gather in our Lord’s name to claim and to bask in His promised presence: Mathew 18:20 “for where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them”
To truly glorify and adore the Lord our God
To offer praise and gratitude for all of our spiritual provisions and material blessings
To hear, learn and respond to the inspired Scriptures
To petition for our own needs as well as the concerns of others
To ask and receive divine forgiveness for our sins
To gain a greater desire to represent our Lord worthily in this needy world
It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to people.
again I declare that your pastor is committed to fighting to keep the generations together which means every service is designed to be somewhat of a smorgasbord, the old and the new

So NBCC’s Passions are
the Word, Prayer, Worship, and finally Relationships
Let me close with an acronymn I’ve shared before developed by Doug Fields
Relationships… R.E.L.A.T.I.O.N.S.H.I.P.S.

R stands for Relational Approach!
1 Thessalonians 2:8, the apostle Paul says we loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
This doesn’t sound like the half-hearted approach many of us give to the church. This is a full-commitment, total resolve, even a reckless abandon!

E stands for Encouragement!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Paul says don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your face, but only what will build others up…
I want NBCC to be filled with Christians who are the very essence of exhortation, bubbly, sappy Jesus freaks.
Proverbs 18 our tongues have the power for life or death

L stands for Laughter and celebration!
John 10:10 Jesus said - the thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full or more abundantly!
Proverbs 17:22 – laughter does good like a medicine
Nobody wants to be in relationship with people who take themselves too seriously. My God has a wonderful sense of humor! You want a know how I know? He made skunks! Cmon why? Are they good for anything, and even if they do serve some purpose couldn’t there be another way? Truthfully, one of the best things you can do is laugh at your problems! He’s bigger and better than any situation, put it in his hands. I want this to be a church of laughter!

A is for Acceptance
James 2:1 – My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.
This is the basic need of all humanity.
To belong, To be accepted, To be loved unconditionally!
Get your nose out of the air; a bug might fly up there!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again if we’re nothing more than a social club with a cross on our building, I want out!

T is for Transparency
1 Corinthians 2:3&4 – I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.
Transparency is the road to freedom!
Integrity…I am who I am not matter where I am and no matter who I am with…

I is for Involvement
1 Corinthians 12:14 – Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.
If your not engaged in God’s kingdom work, then we are one too many short of making a difference. What is God calling you to do?
Everyone is a minister…Everyone needs a ministry

O is Outreach Orientation
Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
What would happen if every one of us made the commitment to atleast offer an invitation to church every week!? …some are just waiting to be asked.

N is Numerical Growth
Acts 9:31 – Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
YES LORD
I still believe and LOVE the church, the hope of the world!
Love believes in all things!
Let’s Dream Again Church
we serve a God who specializes in the impossible!

S is Spiritual Growth
Hebrews 6:1 – Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity!
Family of God please don’t just rely on the preacher to feed you week to week! You’re responsible for your own spiritual growth, Real growth happens in your prayer closet!

H is Home-like
Ephesians 2:21 – in Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
When we think of a holy temple many of us have visions of grandiose stone-chiseled cathedrals! But, we are the temple! Wherever there is a Christian, that is a temple! I desire the church to feel comfortable, not stuffy! I want to walk into NBCC and feel like I’m home, kick of my shoes and relax with God’s homies! One of the ways we could be better at this is when a member returns from being absent say “welcome back” rather than “where have you been?” Let’s go out of our way to let people know there missed, not try to shame them in the door! Guilt is not God’s tool; that’s the wiles of the enemy!

I is Intimate
James 5:16 – Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
This is what I’m talking about when I say “one-anothering.” There is an intimacy in the church that can even surpass your natural family, because the blood of Jesus binds us together for all eternity!
If we can’t keep confidences; we can’t keep calling ourselves the church of Jesus! Intimacy is only fostered thru the utmost trust. Miracles happen when we begin to trust one another that’s what James 5 promises!

P is Professional
Proverbs 22:1 – a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Why do it unless you do it with excellence?
Why do it unless you do your best?

And the last letter of our ever so long acronymn
S is Strategic Follow-up
Proverbs 27:23 – Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.
I truly have no idea how many people call us their church and almost every Sunday brings different people. I need your help keeping better track of people especially as we grow! And many of these honory southern Oregonians want to hide, but let’s get em!
If we all decide to be good greeters than no one will be missed… it’s not just up to the bozemans…
You never know how far a simple note in the mail will go or a phone call or any little thing God may use you to help people feel welcome…
It’s up to all of us…as a matter of fact, it means more coming from a member of the church than from the pastor…cause people tend to think… oh that’s his job…

Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus

A Festive Week

2009-05-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Shelli (our Children's Ministry Director) and her husband Jonathon celebrated their wedding anniversary May 23rd!

On Memorial Day we honored and prayed for all military families (past and present) who have sacrificed so much for our country!

Mr. John Shelton (our Volunteer janitor) is celebrating his Birthday today!

AND
This Friday marks 10 years I've been married to the most BEAUTIFUL woman in the world!

Culture of LOVE (Sermon Notes from last Sunday Morning)

2009-05-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

This came to me by email this week, by Steve Goodier
WEALTH OF WISDOM
One man said, “I had a brain scan and was told not worry --there was nothing there!” Which is all right because some of my best ideas over the years have come from others, anyway. And I have discovered that wisdom can be found in most any place and from most any person -- even the youngest of us.
It was a child who passed on this morsel: “If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.” It is wisdom borne of hard experience.
Yet another child teaches us that “the best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma's lap.”
Adults, too, have wisdom to share. One parent observed that “the best way to keep kids at home is to make the home a pleasant place to be...and let the air out of their car tires.”
Wisdom can also be found among the youngest of us. And the most elderly will share it too, if we listen. I am related by marriage to a woman who is 103 years old. During her 100th year, “Aunt Pearl” was asked to speak to a group of high school students. She offered a century of wisdom in a few short sentences: “Enrich your life by becoming a better person, a better student and an individual worthy of trust and faithful in your commitments. Aspire to help and not hinder in all your good and worthy undertakings. Use these words often: 'thank you,' 'please,' 'I'm sorry.' After living 100 years, I admonish you to think deeply, speak gently, work hard, give freely, pay promptly, pray earnestly and be kind.”Wisdom doesn't come much better than that.

Today I’m continuing a new VISION sermon series…Let's DREAM AGAIN Church!
Please visit the Vision Bulletin Board in the foyer…
The LORD stopped whispering and MEGAPHONED me some clear marching orders…

I truly believe God is giving us A NEW NAME!
No matter Where You’ve been
No Matter What You’ve done
You can begin again
NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN CENTER of the Assemblies of God is now our legal name on file with the sec. of state’s office…
I feel it is important to send a clear msg to our community and within these walls that the Assembly of God in Rogue River is a place of NEW BEGINNINGS in Jesus…
And we chose Christian Center because we wish People to understand that we are Christians before we are a denomination...
Methods change But the Message remains the same
Ministries Begin and End But The Church will Never die
Matthew 16:18…Jesus said… I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.
Philippians 3… 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Last week Missionary Ryan Thomas was used of the Lord to cast the vision of NBCC being a culture of Mission...
The very heartbeat of our God is Missions!
go into all the world baptizing in the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit
Across the street and around the world
acts 1:8...but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth…

Today we get to talk about creating a culture of LOVE...
I have opened many of our services with reading 1 Cor. 13
without love we are nothing...
It’s all about Love, loving God, loving people
Let’s go to Matthew 22 again…
Your Bible can be summed up with one word: LOVE!

This week I felt a little nostalgic and went thru my computer sermon files…
I have obviously preached many times on the subject of LOVE…
I found some pieces of past sermons I'm dying to share again...

This excerpt is from a sermon I preached on love in a series on the fruit of the Spirit back in July 2004…
There is an old poem that tells the story of a woman who was walking through a meadow. As she strolled along meditating on nature, she came upon a field of golden pumpkins. In the corner of the field stood a majestic oak tree. The woman, weary, sat down under the oak and began to muse about the strange twists in nature. Tiny acorns hung in huge branches and huge pumpkins sat on tiny vines. She though, “God blundered with creation! He should have put the small acorns on the tiny vines and the large pumpkins on the huge branches.” Resting beneath the tree, she drifted off to sleep. She was awakened by a tiny acorn bouncing off her nose. Chuckling to herself, she amended her previous thought, “Just goes to show that God knew best all along!”
Rest in the wisdom of God my friends...
He knows exactly what to do, how to do it, and when it should be done!
We sometimes drive ourselves crazy thinking about the fruit around us…
I know I’ve been doing that ever since I came back to RR…
But, God knows what He’s doing among us!
I trust him to save souls, to baptize with His Precious Spirit, to deliver and heal!
(to work with all things, even failures: present and past, to create good)
So many times we look at a ministry or any activity and see things in black and white or tunnel vision! (scales on our eyes)
I’ve noticed this among us.
We cannot measure what God is doing!
We cannot just go back to what is familiar or rely upon what has always been done.
We need to be able to say I don’t Know, I don’t have it all figured out…
(for this is the very heartbeat of the gospel, letting go of pride)
Especially if we’re going to make a difference in today’s world; people don’t go for fake or surface things anymore…
I feel like the unsaved are just waiting for someone to give a rip and then not give up…
Until the world sees the fruit of the Spirit vibrating from the church they are going to continue to believe it’s all irrelevant stuff…
(These words were spoken several years ago, yet apply so much to today.)

Here’s another excerpt from a sermon I did on love in a series entitled Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness back in September of 2006…
Thomas Kempis said blessed is he who appreciates what it is to love Jesus and who despises himself for the sake of Jesus. Give up all other love for His, since He wishes to be loved alone above all things. Affection for creatures is deceitful and inconsistent, but the love of Jesus is true and enduring. He who clings to a creature will fall with its frailty, but he who gives himself to Jesus will ever be strengthened. Love Him, then; keep Him as a friend. He will not leave you as others do, or let you suffer lasting death. Sometime, whether you will or not, you will have to part with everything. Cling, therefore, to Jesus in life and death; trust yourself to the glory of Him who alone can help you when all others fail. Your Beloved is such that He will not accept what belongs to another – He wants your heart for Himself alone, to be enthroned therein as King in His own right. If you but knew how to free yourself entirely from all creatures, Jesus would gladly dwell within you. You will find, apart from Him, that nearly all the trust you place in men is a total loss. You will quickly be deceived if you look only to the outward appearance of men, and you will often be disappointed if you seek comfort and gain in them. If, however, you seek Jesus in all things, you will surely find Him. Likewise, if you seek yourself, you will find yourself – to your ruin. For the man who does not seek Jesus does himself much greater harm than the whole world and all his enemies could ever do.
Do you love Jesus above all things?

I hope you don’t mind my traveling thru memory lane a little…this excerpt is from the very first sermon series I preached as your pastor entitled: Our Mission, back in March 2004…
Indulge me one more time to share a little more life-altering truth: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often! We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life; we’ve added years, but not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet our new neighbor. We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space; we’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice. We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we’ve become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when you can choose to make a difference or just exist!
Can you believe that that was written by a teenager who survived the Columbine shooting?
It makes me wanna jump up and do something for God…
(Isn't it interesting, how many of these issues have been addressed with our poor economy...I read an article this week that pointed out all the good that comes from a bad economy...)

this excerpt is from a sermon I preached not long ago entitled LOVE GENEROUSLY it was last June the month we traveled to Ethiopia and got our angel…
I could preach on love every Sunday until Jesus comes back and never scratch the surface...
But today I want to focus on the ABC’s of loving generously…
Beginning with A...you are Adopted...
I know you may be surprised by this…But ADOPTION has been ringing in my ears lately…
God has such amazing generous love for all of mankind that he has made a way for us to no longer wander this earth as orphans
You belong in the family of God
John 14:18…Jesus Promised…I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you…
James 1:27…Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world…
Romans 8:15…For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “ABBA, FATHER.”
(I'm crying out to Daddy Jesus)
GLORY
Romans 8:23…Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body…
wow I don’t want to take to much license on the application of this scripture… But I also know the groaning of adoption here on earth
Ofcourse this is speaking of when God signs our final adoption papers and we enter eternity in heaven...
Blessed be the Redeemer!
No more orphans, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb…purchased for salvation!

Let me close with one last excerpt from my sermon series entitled Live Simply Love Generously Care Deeply Speak Kindly and Leave the rest to God…
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE. THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE. THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM. AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE:
'TODAY MY BEST FRIENDSAVED MY LIFE.' THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?' THE FRIEND REPLIED 'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.'
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
in LOVE
Come to Jesus

Everyone is a Minister...Everyone needs a Ministry

2009-05-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Today Marilyn Evensizer reminded me of a very important piece of the VISION for our church that must continuously be proclaimed!

Everyone is a Minister! Everyone needs a Ministry!

Marilyn is part of a team of precious souls at our church who meet weekly to sow, knit, crochet, quilt...all kinds of creative projects...

The Harvest Team takes these beautiful hand-made treasures to the homeless...

They have sent their treasures overseas to troops in Iraq...

They have joined the community bazaar raising funds to help them continue their projects...

and the list goes on...

Anyway, Today Marilyn was working on creating a care package for a family in our community that just lost their home to a fire...

Marilyn kept saying to me how the Lord has put it on her heart to "build bridges to the community and beyond"...

The Evensizers are HEROES sitting in our pews! (this picture is from our last church directory)

Culture of Mission

2009-05-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today I encouraged, reminded the church to put on the armor of God during this time of change (Ephesians 6)...Also, I encouraged the church to practice Matthew 18 and talk to me (or Pastor Short and the board) AND point others to us, regarding the changes...

The vision was cast regarding New Beginnings Christian Center developing a true Culture of Mission! Our special guest, Missionary Ryan Thomas truly blessed our church with his important words from heaven!

To find out more about today's AMAZING missionary visit this link: http://www.thomasmexico.org/

Church is FUN

2009-05-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Today I've been to a Luau, a wedding reception, and played volleyball...all at our church!

(Join us in the gym for volleyball every other Saturday, 6pm)

These are our newest volleyball players...

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom!

2009-05-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Grosse Family added a Son-in-law to their big household today!

Vision Bulletin Board

2009-05-16T14:45:00.001-07:00

Visit the new Vision bulletin board in the foyer...

(you may be able to read it by clicking on the image?)

Young At Heart Luau

2009-05-16T14:39:00.001-07:00

Today our "retired" crowd got together for some ribs and laughs...

New Vision Sermon Series

2009-05-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

If you didn't receive this postcard in the mail, that means we need your address. Fill out the tear-off attached to the weekly bulletin or shoot me an email: pastorpaulandholly@yahoo.com