Friday, December 14, 2007
Trust
Instead of being able to "manufacture" peace, I have been thwarted on all sides. It seems that my efforts seem to dry up. I am left to wonder if God is there at all. Does He hear me? Does He even care?
When I take a step back and try to gain perspective, I begin to blush. It seems that I am refusing to act on advice I freely give to others.
God is in control. I still believe that (even though sometimes my actions deny it). In times like these I have the wonderful/awful chance to put my faith into full view of others. What will they do when they see a man and his family keep believing in spite of the circumstances? I hope it strengthens people's faith, and possibly introduces some to experience what real faith is all about.
At any rate, God has my attention. It hurts honestly. I have cried. I have felt abandoned. I have felt hopeless.
God is beginning to end the silence, His whispering voice is still there. I know He loves me, and He will provide. I simply must begin to trust Him anew. He is the Good Shepherd after all, I have nothing to fear. He brings me comfort (something that is in short supply in this world).
If you find yourself in a place like I do, I want you to know that I do not pity you. In fact, it might prove to be the best place...a place of desperation. In that place God can show Himself strong. Let Him.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Great book...
It proposes that the best way to develop small groups is to simply allow them to be organic. In other words, people are already gathered into groups, simply harness what's already occurring naturally. People will be more likely to "stick" and relate to these groups.
It sounds so simple, yet it is so often overlooked. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Dealing with hurt
Have you ever been hurt by other followers of Christ? How did you respond? Did you fight back, look to get even? This simple read really helps one put the situation(s) in perspective.
I encourage you to get this book, you will find it to be great help.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Great Memory
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Our condition...
Isaiah 6
Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
We will never be able to see ourselves as we truly are until we see God for who He is. If we fail to see God in His ultimate state, we will only have other people around us as the measuring tool. No wonder most of us (myself included) often think that we have it together. We look at those around us and start to see ourselves as better than we should.
When we see God as holy, we begin to see the desperateness of our situation. We need Him to intervene or we are doomed. That dire situation will foster the best in us, an opportunity to be refreshed, restored and revived by God Himself.
Take some time to see what God is really like. Read His Word, talk to Him, worship Him. Then when you start to get a glimpse of Him, take an honest look at yourself. He'll be right there to help you start again.
Peace.
Todd
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Finding joy when others experience joy...
Their faces expressed that the words they sang were true. It was truly refreshing. All morning long I had been sort of "just there" (you ever feel that way?). After their song, God truly did change my attitude. I became filled with joy as I saw their joy spill out. It was contagious.
Sometimes when we experience joy, it is not only there to be experienced by us as an individual, but to be shared with others.
Find someone to share your joy with...they might be living in a "just there" moment and in dire need of what you possess.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Making each day count...
Open your eyes to the opportunities that exist all around you. You have a great gift from God to make a HUGE difference- You have today!
(eph. 5:15-17)
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Obedience
I think it is more complex than that...
If all we do is follow directions, is that true obedience? What about the attitude and heart? Does God just want us to "do" what He said, or does He want us to "become" what He said.
I am discovering as I know Him more, the more I love Him. The more I love Him, the more I want to embrace what He instructs; not to simply "do" something, but to "become" someone.
Obedience is more than following instructions...it's part of the process of becoming more like Him.
May we do what He instructs, so that we will resemble Him more and more each day.
-Todd
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Great book...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Christmas is coming!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Working Together
Instead we should be taking the opportunity to not allow "islands" to exist in the church. This way we will embrace the idea of an Integrated Strategy. Each area still works with a focus, but they learn to "play together". Resources, ideas, and goals are shared. Those that are being ministered to are now seen as "ours". It seems simple, yet churches all across America (and the world) operate with the "island" mentality.
In the coming weeks and months, First West will begin implementing an integrated strategy...it will look different, it will require change, but it will be worth it!
Helping parents disciple kids!
Todd