Alright, so I heard good things from the L2YL video I put out earlier this week. I ran across this one tonight from Perry Noble's church in South Carolina. They're doing a series on marriage right now and worked up the following video. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Show Yourself a Man
This last week, I taught on how Solomon started his reign as king with an emphasis on prayer and surrendering to God. As I was studying for the message, I read the charge that David, Solomon's father, gave him, right before David dies.
Here is the start of the challenge David gives him...
1 Kings 2:1-3: 1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go,
I thought that was an incredible charge for us as guys. I believe at Crosspoint, God has great things in store for us, and I encourage you guys that as we face new challenges and opportunities as a church, that you join me in coming at them with prayer.
And I believe God has a hope and purpose for your family (no matter where you go to church), and I encourage you to put prayer at the front of your lives as you face those new challenges. You know the manliest thing you can do, is surrender the control of your life to God. That is what David is charging Solomon to do.
Allow God to lead you. Put the Word of God at the center of your families and lives. Walk in obedience to Him this week, because according to God’s Word, that is how we’ll succeed in this life. So be strong, show yourself a man!
Here is the start of the challenge David gives him...
1 Kings 2:1-3: 1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go,
I thought that was an incredible charge for us as guys. I believe at Crosspoint, God has great things in store for us, and I encourage you guys that as we face new challenges and opportunities as a church, that you join me in coming at them with prayer.
And I believe God has a hope and purpose for your family (no matter where you go to church), and I encourage you to put prayer at the front of your lives as you face those new challenges. You know the manliest thing you can do, is surrender the control of your life to God. That is what David is charging Solomon to do.
Allow God to lead you. Put the Word of God at the center of your families and lives. Walk in obedience to Him this week, because according to God’s Word, that is how we’ll succeed in this life. So be strong, show yourself a man!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Gaining Perspective
We have this routine we've formed over the years with our kids. After they are fast asleep, often right before we go to bed, we'll go back in and retuck them into their covers, kiss them, and whisper to them that we love them. Maddy will sometimes wake up and ask for a drink. Eli will once in awhile start talking in his sleep, which is always fun to play with to see if he'll have a conversation with you.
I absolutely love this part of my day. When I'm away from them for a night, I miss it. Here is what it does for me...it helps me gain perspective on what really matters in this life. I don't know about you, but my head can spin sometimes with the stress from the day, the work yet to be done, the critics on the sidelines, and a host of other things. You and I, no matter what our vocation is, can carry a lot of stuff around from our days.
But for me, when I kiss the kids, and sometimes just sit and watch them for a minute, I suddenly gain perspective on what matters. On the blessings that God has give me. That my family is my priority. As I sit and watch them, I am amazed by God's creation, and humbled at the role of parenting that He's called Heather and I too. It is as if, the worries and the stress of the day wash away, and I am left to simply thank God for what He has given me. From my marriage, to my children, to my friends, to all that is right in my life.
It is one way that I gain perspective amidst the journey of life.
I absolutely love this part of my day. When I'm away from them for a night, I miss it. Here is what it does for me...it helps me gain perspective on what really matters in this life. I don't know about you, but my head can spin sometimes with the stress from the day, the work yet to be done, the critics on the sidelines, and a host of other things. You and I, no matter what our vocation is, can carry a lot of stuff around from our days.
But for me, when I kiss the kids, and sometimes just sit and watch them for a minute, I suddenly gain perspective on what matters. On the blessings that God has give me. That my family is my priority. As I sit and watch them, I am amazed by God's creation, and humbled at the role of parenting that He's called Heather and I too. It is as if, the worries and the stress of the day wash away, and I am left to simply thank God for what He has given me. From my marriage, to my children, to my friends, to all that is right in my life.
It is one way that I gain perspective amidst the journey of life.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Free Throws and Life
If you're a regular blog reader, you know that I love to see how sports intersect with life. I got the following story from my friend Erik. Worth a read, especially because its basketball! Below is a video put together by ESPN.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday download
A quick download from the weekend...
- It was a weekend full of church work and activities, but incredible at the same time. Some great experiences together with the church fam.
- Bill Allison nailed his talk at Together 2009 Saturday night. Great, challenging stuff. Time to CLEAN-UP!
- I love having Krista Swanson on staff at Crosspoint. She rocks and is a great teammate on this adventure. Next time you see her, thank her.
- Looking forward to talking at HYPE on Wednesday night. Talk is called the 'Decision of a Lifetime.' Can't wait to speak in that type of environment. Please pray for me and the whole ministry if you think about it.
- Was totally blessed by the Eureka Nazarene worship team leading us at Together. Kingdom mindset... :) We can accomplish so much more together vs. separate.
- Thanks for the chili and lunch after church today Wiegand's.
- I prayed with and talked to somebody after the service who is struggling with seeking destructive behavior in the midst of a challenge. The message totally hit home with them. Their prayer is that God would restore their life and bring healing. This is what the church is about folks. God is moving in lives. Expect it!
- Great update on missions today Rohn. Let's go beyond the 4 walls this year church! Look out Eureka. :)
- I miss seeing the boys on my basketball team. That is the hard part about being a coach, but not working in the building.
- I am blown away by the volunteers we have at Crosspoint. They are F.A.T. Faithful. Available. Teachable.
- I got smoked in Wii tennis by Eli today.
- If you need a good laugh...check out the elder dance video over on the Crosspoint blog. It went with the theme of 'Together.' Plus reinforced the fact that we can't take ourselves too seriously. :)
- I love my church family. I'm not sure where you go to church or if you do, but I pray you find an imperfect, loving, authentic family like I've found at Crosspoint.
- It was a weekend full of church work and activities, but incredible at the same time. Some great experiences together with the church fam.
- Bill Allison nailed his talk at Together 2009 Saturday night. Great, challenging stuff. Time to CLEAN-UP!
- I love having Krista Swanson on staff at Crosspoint. She rocks and is a great teammate on this adventure. Next time you see her, thank her.
- Looking forward to talking at HYPE on Wednesday night. Talk is called the 'Decision of a Lifetime.' Can't wait to speak in that type of environment. Please pray for me and the whole ministry if you think about it.
- Was totally blessed by the Eureka Nazarene worship team leading us at Together. Kingdom mindset... :) We can accomplish so much more together vs. separate.
- Thanks for the chili and lunch after church today Wiegand's.
- I prayed with and talked to somebody after the service who is struggling with seeking destructive behavior in the midst of a challenge. The message totally hit home with them. Their prayer is that God would restore their life and bring healing. This is what the church is about folks. God is moving in lives. Expect it!
- Great update on missions today Rohn. Let's go beyond the 4 walls this year church! Look out Eureka. :)
- I miss seeing the boys on my basketball team. That is the hard part about being a coach, but not working in the building.
- I am blown away by the volunteers we have at Crosspoint. They are F.A.T. Faithful. Available. Teachable.
- I got smoked in Wii tennis by Eli today.
- If you need a good laugh...check out the elder dance video over on the Crosspoint blog. It went with the theme of 'Together.' Plus reinforced the fact that we can't take ourselves too seriously. :)
- I love my church family. I'm not sure where you go to church or if you do, but I pray you find an imperfect, loving, authentic family like I've found at Crosspoint.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Taking 'Self' to the Woodshed
As I follow Jesus, and attempt to live my life in a God honoring way, I experience days that it feels like God is taking me to the woodshed. In the most loving way possible of course. :) But there are times in my life, that I become fully aware of the ugliness of my selfish nature. That I have not arrived, and never will this side of heaven.
One prayer that Jesus prayed in His life, and that holds so much truth, is this...Yet, not my will, but yours be done.
God is regularly teaching me that in my life. That it is His will that prevails and withstands in this life. It forces me to trust in Him (good thing), depend less on my own strength (good thing), and shapes my character and attitude to be more like Christ (good thing).
I also found this verse today, which speaks truth and encouragement to me. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16
In order to lay our lives down for one another, we've got to lay down ourselves for God. It starts there. Jesus modeled that for us on the cross. We've got to regularly take ourselves to the 'woodshed' to have some character makeover time. To allow God to adjust our attitudes, correct our actions, and steer our motives.
One prayer that Jesus prayed in His life, and that holds so much truth, is this...Yet, not my will, but yours be done.
God is regularly teaching me that in my life. That it is His will that prevails and withstands in this life. It forces me to trust in Him (good thing), depend less on my own strength (good thing), and shapes my character and attitude to be more like Christ (good thing).
I also found this verse today, which speaks truth and encouragement to me. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16
In order to lay our lives down for one another, we've got to lay down ourselves for God. It starts there. Jesus modeled that for us on the cross. We've got to regularly take ourselves to the 'woodshed' to have some character makeover time. To allow God to adjust our attitudes, correct our actions, and steer our motives.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Weekend to Remember
This is a quick plug for the upcoming Weekend to Remember conference in Peoria. It is March 6-8. More details on the weekend are HERE. Whether your marriage is strong or is on the brink of divorce, this conference is a great one. It is well worth the 'cost' (AKA: investment) of the conference.
Heather and I went last fall for the first time and had a great time. It causes you to take a step back and focus on the marriage relationship that can so often fall to the bottom of the priority pile in the midst of life. So, if you haven't gone before, or you have gone before and need to go again, I encourage you to make it happen and get signed up.
Heather and I went last fall for the first time and had a great time. It causes you to take a step back and focus on the marriage relationship that can so often fall to the bottom of the priority pile in the midst of life. So, if you haven't gone before, or you have gone before and need to go again, I encourage you to make it happen and get signed up.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Finishing on a win
My basketball team got 3rd place in State last night. It was a great game to be a part of, and I'm thankful we came out on the winning side. Nice to finish the season on a high note, and with some hardware to show for it. Here are some pictures from the game that Heather took.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Humbled
If there is one character quality God has grown me in over the course of planting a church it is humility. In the midst of the current transition and change in my life, humility continues to be a dominant thing that God is teaching me. I believe any leader, if honest about it, would agree that if left unchecked, pride can rear its head so easily. I know it is the case for me.
Think about it for a minute. We are naturally self-serving and want to make sure self is taken care of. But following Jesus is the exact opposite. It is about laying ourselves down so that He might increase in our lives.
It is funny to me that the closer you get to the 'top' of your trade, organization, or school, the more humbled you become. The basketball team I coach, made it to the final four in the state over the weekend, and is playing for 3rd place on Thursday night. The more we won, the more humbled I was to be a part of that team. I was blown away that God would put me into such a position.
I've thought the same thing over and over as I consider being the lead pastor at Crosspoint. Seriously, who am I? Humility drives us to depend on God though. When we remain humble, we stay teachable. When we're humble, we actually learn from our mistakes rather than blame them on someone else.
If there is one thing I have learned to treasure in other people, it is their humility. Pride never attracts. Humility does. How can you pursue humility in your life this week?
Think about it for a minute. We are naturally self-serving and want to make sure self is taken care of. But following Jesus is the exact opposite. It is about laying ourselves down so that He might increase in our lives.
It is funny to me that the closer you get to the 'top' of your trade, organization, or school, the more humbled you become. The basketball team I coach, made it to the final four in the state over the weekend, and is playing for 3rd place on Thursday night. The more we won, the more humbled I was to be a part of that team. I was blown away that God would put me into such a position.
I've thought the same thing over and over as I consider being the lead pastor at Crosspoint. Seriously, who am I? Humility drives us to depend on God though. When we remain humble, we stay teachable. When we're humble, we actually learn from our mistakes rather than blame them on someone else.
If there is one thing I have learned to treasure in other people, it is their humility. Pride never attracts. Humility does. How can you pursue humility in your life this week?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday download
- I've been a horrible blogger lately. Sorry about that. I've got all sorts of ideas floating through my head, but haven't taken the time to type them out.
- A big past week of basketball. Won the Sectional on Wednesday. Then won our first game at State on Saturday. Then lost by four in the semi-final game on Saturday night. Playing for 3rd place this coming Thursday @ 6pm in Clinton.
- Our 3rd place game will be a tough one. I love being the underdog!
- Maddy has been running fever the last couple days. As a parent, don't you hate to see your kids sick. We're praying it doesn't go anywhere else in the family.
- I'm so proud of my boys on the basketball team. They never give up, and play with everything they've got.
- I hate losing. I love winning. And all that in a matter of a day. Lots of adrenaline ups and downs in one day.
- Glad the men's ski trip went so well on Saturday! Can't wait to go next year with you guys.
- I'm so thankful for the volunteers I serve with at Crosspoint. They amaze me with their faithfulness and love for God and one another!
- I love the atmosphere at the state basketball games. It is so different for me to be coaching in that atmosphere vs. playing in it. It is such a different perspective.
- I'm thankful for Coach Roth and our friendship.
- It is funny with each win we get, our expectations go up. Funny how that works.
- Correction: 4 kids at HYPE got saved last week! Praise God. Woohoo.
- A big week ahead of planning for the future...can't wait!
Alright...time to call it a night. It has been a big day of ministry at church this morning and a missions meeting tonight at our place. Looking forward to hanging out with my wife.
Have a great week everyone! Until next time...grasp hold of Jeremiah 29:11-13.
- A big past week of basketball. Won the Sectional on Wednesday. Then won our first game at State on Saturday. Then lost by four in the semi-final game on Saturday night. Playing for 3rd place this coming Thursday @ 6pm in Clinton.
- Our 3rd place game will be a tough one. I love being the underdog!
- Maddy has been running fever the last couple days. As a parent, don't you hate to see your kids sick. We're praying it doesn't go anywhere else in the family.
- I'm so proud of my boys on the basketball team. They never give up, and play with everything they've got.
- I hate losing. I love winning. And all that in a matter of a day. Lots of adrenaline ups and downs in one day.
- Glad the men's ski trip went so well on Saturday! Can't wait to go next year with you guys.
- I'm so thankful for the volunteers I serve with at Crosspoint. They amaze me with their faithfulness and love for God and one another!
- I love the atmosphere at the state basketball games. It is so different for me to be coaching in that atmosphere vs. playing in it. It is such a different perspective.
- I'm thankful for Coach Roth and our friendship.
- It is funny with each win we get, our expectations go up. Funny how that works.
- Correction: 4 kids at HYPE got saved last week! Praise God. Woohoo.
- A big week ahead of planning for the future...can't wait!
Alright...time to call it a night. It has been a big day of ministry at church this morning and a missions meeting tonight at our place. Looking forward to hanging out with my wife.
Have a great week everyone! Until next time...grasp hold of Jeremiah 29:11-13.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sectional Champs!
My basketball team won our Sectional tonight, and so we are onto play in the State Tournament on Saturday @ 1pm in Clinton. We're down to the Elite Eight! It was a tough game tonight, but we came out on top. Here are a few pics that Heather took: :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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