Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Letting Go

Following Christ means giving up control. The more I exercise faith in my life the more I realize that I have to trust God for EVERYTHING! The longer I live on this earth I've also come to the point that I don't always see things the same way He does... nor do I understand everything thats going on around me. God's sight is much better than mine. He sees well past the horizon my eyes are limited to. Looking backwards to reflect intentionally on my past helps me to also note that during my lifetime I've made some poor choices and had more than my fair share of faulty decisions. But God has never EVER made a mistake. Even when I can't sense His presence... He has been at work upstream in my life. Once you and I make the decision to get out of the way and give up control of our lives.... God gets busy in our life situations. Let me encourage you today to "Let Go And Let God Be In Control!"

Monday, August 15, 2011

Being Rich!

I am an avid reader of books. One that I have been devouring in recent days is "Leading on Empty" by Wayne Cordeiro. His books have always offered substantial information and help to me as a minister. This particular book is a must read for everyone involved in full time ministry. As he reevaluated his life following a season of burnout he candidly shares that experience so that others can be encouraged who find themselves traveling down that same path.

Reading this morning I came across these words he penned..."You see, my goal in life is not necessarily to get rich. It is to BE RICH---in my faith, my marriage, my family and my ministry. It is a choice that I made when I defined what rich would mean. It is an attitude, a value, a decision, an intention. Choose to live life on purpose, to love intentionally, and to plan accordingly." This is great advice!

I feel very blessed this morning to know that God has supplied everything that I need. Yet I realize that in order for me to remain rich I need to make every effort to ensure that I stay actively involved this intentional growth process. Each day God reveals areas in my life that I need development in. As I follow His guidance I know that I am taking healthy steps forward and avoiding a debilitating season of burnout! May God's presence in your life today sustain you and cause you to live your life with balance.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sunday Splash!

Today was another great day in the rebuilding of Sunset Chapel! We are beginning to hit our stride and run the race that God has prepared for us as a church! I love the preferred future He is revealing to all of us! For a number of weeks I've been sharing about God's desire to build a spiritual habitation in our lives and church. As we submit ourselves to Him as the Wise Master Builder, we are seeing Him construct a new direction and blueprint for our church. As "living stones" the Lord is chiseling and chipping away at us so that we will be perfectly fitted together! Don't forget ... you and I are "Human Habitat's" for His Spirit!

I had so many encouraging conversations with people before and after today's service who are being impacted by God's touch and presence in their lives! Our worship team continues to amaze me as they diligently prepare themselves each weekend to connect us all to God! Without a doubt they are reaching deeper within themselves to use their talents for the glory and honor of Him! I love their heart and passion! Seeing several new faces up on the stage is a welcome sight too! All of this reminds me that God is doing a new work in our midst! I hope that many others are sensing the Lord preparing us for a greater outpouring of His Spirit in the coming weeks!!

We highlighted the return to school days as we focused today's message on returning students and teachers. I was delighted to see so many of our outstanding SCA students and teachers present in the service. It's such a blast to see us all come together during special event's and services like today! We welcome our teachers back to their classrooms this coming week as they get prepared and organized for the start of a new school year! Soon the chatter and footsteps of several hundred children will fill the air and hallways of our campus! There is nothing like the excitement and energy that all these children possess!

Today was extra special for my wife, Shari and I, as we had not only our son Randall home visiting this past week, but he also brought home a very special someone named "Claire" who has danced into his heart and life. She hails from Denmark and attends a school in the NYC area! We also celebrated Shari's parents, Rillon and Shirley Anderson's, 49th wedding anniversary!! They are outstanding examples of devotion and faithfulness to us! It has been a very full and fulfilling weekend for us! I am looking forward to all that God has in store in the coming days!