I’m ready
Feb 5th
We had a great info meeting last weekend. There was a couple there who I am praying for them to join us.
Planting a church is going to take everything that I have, and then some.
There are some things that I will have to sacrifice (my family is not one of them!)
This is not going to be the easiest road to travel.
I can hardly wait!
Everyday my heart bleeds for people in my city who don’t know God.
They have no idea about being connected to Him and the change that can be produced from that relationship.
There is a huge mission field right in my back yard.
I’m ready!
let the Word speak!
Feb 4th
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth”
(3 John 2)
practice what you preach
Feb 4th
We live in a country that was founded on Christian principles, yet somehow Christianity is just tolerated in our society.
Some of our citizens only acknowledge God when there is some type of national crisis.
We, as a church, need to get beyond words and into action.
We live in a country where 10.2 churches close everyday.
195 million people are unchurched (they don’t go to church regularly).
We need to renew our passion for God and increase our compassion for souls.
There is a cry out in our land for a people who will act according to their words.
We must have the integrity to practice what we preach by following these guidelines:
1. see the invisible
We can sometimes limit ourselves by what we can see with our physical eyes.
By relying on our own abilities, we fall short of God’s plan for us.
What is impossible with man is possible with God. (Luke 18:27)
Our ability to see can sometimes be hindered by what we believe (faith).
If you don’t have the faith there is no way to see certain things.
Allow God to speak to you through His word and by His Spirit.
You will then have the vision to see His plan.
2. walk on your tongue
Our tongues can be used for good and evil.
It can be used to build up or tear down.
James 3:5-6 says that “…the tongue is like a fire…”
There have been words that have destroyed many long-standing friendships.
Wars that have led to thousands of lost lives, have started because of damaging words.
We should let the Holy Spirit guide us in controlling our tongues.
We can create a positive atmosphere just by what we say.
We have power in our tongues.
3. live out of your heart
There is no better way for an unbelieving so see God at work than having His church love people.
Our hearts can hold many things in it like anger, pain, jealousy and strife.
It can also hold peace, joy, compassion and love.
You don’t have to look very far to see an opportunity to share the love of God.
God Himself has chosen us to be vessels of His love.
We have not been given this role to sit ourselves on a shelf and look pretty (gathering dust).
It is our duty to spread His love wherever we go.
True community rehabilitation occurs when people’s lives are changed, not when new homes are built.
This can only happen by the power of God’s love.
If we can practice what we preach, we can change our world.
peace
afraid of the dark (re-post)
Feb 3rd
Up until I was 20 years old, I never had the opportunity to be in any church experience with someone of a different color.
Now let me tell you that I lived almost my entire life up to that point in church (choir, usher, youth leader, Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday).
I had been to school with other nationalities and races.
I participated in sports and other activities also, but I never went to church with anyone other than African-Americans.
This all changed with I went one year to our local Six Flags for their annual Christian concert weekend ( I forgot what they called it).
During this weekend they had the Black Christian artists perform on Saturday and the White artists perform on Sunday (huh??).
Since my friend and I had a 2-day pass we decided to go back Sunday and hear Carmen who was scheduled to appear.
During Carmens ministry time, there was a strong movement into worship.
The whole crowd was on their feet praising God.
I had my eyes closed and was immersing myself in the presence of God.
When I opened my eyes, everything changed.
Next to me was a young Caucasian guy.
He was worshiping God also.
Right then I realized that although we may not look the same or come from the same neighborhood.
Or like the same food, music, clothes, etc.
Despite that, this guy loves God.
And God loves him too.
In that moment all my fears and concerns about “how white people do church” were gone.
Never again could I be afraid of what I never really knew.
I’m not afraid of the dark.
Are you?
funky faith friday
Jan 29th
Here are a few things that I am crazy enough to believe God for:
1. Church info meeting is this Sunday. I am believing God for people to come out to receive the vision and also to run with it!
2. Speaking of the church, I am looking for a Soul-ed out crew to get this thing going. Is that you?
3. I am looking for God to open some doors of opportunity to share the gospel and change lives.
born for the impossible
Jan 27th
My guy, Minister Slugger, has a great post over on his blog.
Check it out here.
It’s amazing when God leads you down a path that looks like an impossible situation.
To the average person what you are about to do looks crazy.
Stupid.
Foolish.
I am so glad that I don’t serve an average God and even more glad that He didn’t create me to be average either.
We were made for the impossible because we are not let circumstances dictate how we are to live.
We are not to look at our provision and let it determine what our vision is.
I am looking to launch a church later on this year and some of the obstacles seem overwhelming.
So, what do I do?
I speak the Word of God and believe that I receive what I ask for.
I walk boldly into the future that God has prepared for me.
I give no attention to the haters and the doubters.
I press on.
soul vitamin
Jan 27th
We are approved by God, we don’t have to win the approval of others and look good in their eyes.
We are not perfect people.
Too many of us take ourselves too seriously and God not serious enough.
John Maxwell
this year is OUR year
Jan 26th
2010 is THE year.
It is the year that a new church will be launched in Joliet, Illinois.
A church that will be geared for this current generation.
A church that will attack relevant issues, head-on.
A church that will love people, no matter what their race or ethnicity is.
A church that will care for people, regardless of their religious background.
We will use the arts (music, video, dance, spoken word) to communicate the Gospel in a way that connects with the culture around us.
We will show the love of God in action.
We will show students that they are valuable to God and to us.
Please pray that God will continue to give us wisdom and bless each step we make!
jumpstart 1/25
Jan 25th
“They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
Psalm 145:7
Today is a day to celebrate.
It is a brand new occasion to feel good and to expect great things.
In spite of the challenges that you will face today, take some time out to celebrate.
You may celebrate by wearing that favorite outfit that you have in your closet.
You also may celebrate by playing that song that makes you want to dance whenever you hear it.
Whatever you need to do to enjoy this day, you need to do it.
God has created this moment in time for you not to be depressed and blue, but to rejoice at the fact that you were given another day on this earth.
Don’t take for granted this opportunity.
Don’t let situations and circumstances keep you from celebrating.
Don’t let people overwhelm you with their problems.
Choose to celebrate.
Choose to make yourself happy.
Choose to live.
Father, thank you for giving me many reasons to celebrate. Thank You for being able to look in the mirror and see the wonderful person that you have created. Help me to show others that they also have a reason to celebrate. As I go forward into my day, help me to remember that this and every day, should be celebrated. I rejoice in Your love and kindness toward me. Amen.
soul vitamin
Jan 20th
“Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.”
Mike Singletary
