Indiana Jones…
Wow! What an energetic start to our new series “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of God” The energy level was off the chart. The Holy Spirit was definitely in attendance, even in my sleep deprived state I could feel Him there. (late nights from stage set up) We had lots of jaw dropping and compliments about the stage design. It took a lot of time and hard work but it’s all worth it if it helps 1) people feel more comfortable and less intimidated about coming to church to check it out and 2) our members and attenders excited about inviting friends, family and neighbors to explore the Word and learn about Christ. Another plus was the opportunity to teach some of our youth about serving Christ if a fun and unique way. They saved our behinds by helping out with the set and final clean up. (It would have never gotten done or turned out as cool without them.) THANK YOU all! Well, I have recovered some after my Sunday afternoon nap but I think it’s time to start my Sunday evening nap. See ya.
The real church… part 2
Wow, another great message from the WHY> series today. Again, the room was full of the Spirit of God. But I want to talk more about the people. They make up the church and I couldn’t serve with a better bunch of people. It’s exciting to see God working in their lives… and you can see it. It’s all around them… in their attitudes, their eyes, their willingness to serve others. Last night we had a volunteer banquet Involved 2008, to say thanks for all that they do. Now it’s not a braggy show or anything. We all understand it’s not about us, but it never hurts to tell those that serve thanks every once in a while. It’s really cool to see the way they all lay it down for Christ and everyone who comes through the doors on Sunday I mean one guy Joe, he cleans… and loves it… he’s told me how he just loves to be their on Friday or Saturday nights just him, the vacuum cleaner and the Lord. That is so cool but hey Joe the only reason He’s in that building is because you’re there. What I mean by that is He is in you… He is wherever you are Joe whether it’s in that church building, at work, in the car, anywhere, anytime. He is always with us. I love Joe he’s great to be around and a great father and loving husband and I don’t mean to pick on him. All I’m trying to say is don’t forget He is wherever you are if you let Him be. I think we forget that now and then I know I do. I’ll think “man I can’t wait to get to church” or ” oh I need to include that in my prayers later.” Why not right now, right here… well I’d better go for now, my coffee has worn off and I’m about to crash.
The real church… part 1
I love my church… I’m standing here as the worship team sings and you can just feel the Holy Spirit everywhere. Normally, I would be belting out the songs with them but I just felt led to get this down… It’s just so exciting here each and every Sunday… actually anytime you get near this building but more than that it’s the true church that projects this feeling and channels the Holy Spirit. It’s the people and that is what God meant by the “church”. It’s not a bunch of wood, brick or concrete. It’s the people in or out of that building. I think we, as believers, forget that sometimes and in forgetting that we can’t show that to the non-believers, seekers, unchurched or what ever you want to call them. We need to not just tell it… we need to live it… and in living it, the way Christ intended us to, those around us will see and learn more than we could ever hope to verbally explain to them. Well, more on that later, Pastor Rollie is starting his message now…
Burn, Baby, Burn…
I sat in a dinner meeting this evening for our local school board, of which I am a member, and the administration staff of our local schools, of which my wife is a member. It was a wonderful meal prepared by our own school cafeteria (no wing-ding sandwiches, sloppy joes or tater tots). It was also a very informative meeting afterward about the decline and/or lagging behind of our country, as a whole, in the education of our children in the more technologically advanced fields. Basically, we are behind and getting further behind every minute. Not just as a local school but as a country. There were several good points about how we seem to view it as a competition rather than an opportunity to work and learn with and from others on a more global scale. Now, I agree with this and many other fine points and concerns raised during this session but, afterward I had a thought… In this room, listening to this presentation, were the people who generally care, are on board and are at least attempting to do what they can when they can. But, how do we communicate this information to the outside? I’m sure there are many others out there that share our concerns, grief and frustrations in most cases (I hope so anyway) but how do we get this information to them or, more to the point, how do we get them to listen and hear this information and take action? It seems that typically in all service organizations, businesses, churches and the like you have a large amount of people who genuinely care about the “cause” whatever it may be. But, only a limited few who are passionate enough to show up, stand up, speak up, step up, give and live for that cause. Have we lost our care… our drive… our passion? I’m not saying we all have to be AS passionate about everything as some but if we all had even a little fire burning for a cause imagine the inferno that could ignite. For those who know me you may know I have a fire burning deep in my soul for Christ. This is a fire that at times I feel gets beyond my control and that just fuels it more… It excites me and scares me all at the same time. I would challenge everyone out there to find a healthy cause… light a fire for it inside you… fuel it… fan the flames… and watch out… I don’t mean simply being supportive of or standing behind something. Really get in there and get dirty for it. Claim or re-claim your passion. I promise you won’t be disappointed in the results for the cause or yourself.
