Call to Prayer

“In drastic days, pray great things.”
- Steve Hawthorne, WayMakers

Prayer Tip

Here's a prayer tip from the folks at the National Day of Prayer:

He does not have "one size fits all" answers. God's agenda is always bigger that the immediate circumstances. The immediate circumstances are going to merge with an eternal agenda. (Live A Praying Life)

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than you thoughts" (Isa. 55:8-9).

Wedding

I haven't posted for a while. Been busy.

As a pastor, I've done lots of weddings. Once I called the bride a groom. Oops. You should have seen the look on her face. I knew I had said something incorrectly, but didn't know what until later. But, I've never seen anything as bad as this.



Wish we could have seen what happened after this. Can't imagine things just picked up and carried on.

Next Gen

Check out the next generation of singers in the Webb family. As a proud grandpa, I can't resist this!

Next Gen Singers

Mortgage Fix

Check out Dave Ramsey's fix for the mortgage mess. What great ideas!

Dave's Article

Global Warming Update

I wonder if we will see this reported on TV News?

Global Warming Update: Sea Ice Increasing

Contrary to major media reports, data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center finds a dramatic increase in sea ice extent in the Arctic regions. The growth over the past year covers an area of 700,000 square kilometers, an amount twice the size of Germany. With the Arctic melting season over for 2008, ice cover will continue to increase until melting begins anew next spring. August ’08 data indicates a total sea ice area of five million square kilometers, up 13% from a year ago.

Daily Tech 9/3/08

Hugs From Mom

You've got to read this! It was written by a Church of God pastor from Indiana. Let it make you think about the beauty of life and God's grace.

Hugs From Mom

from Jim's Blog by Jim Lyon

Last year I received a “free ticket” voucher from United Airlines, after a flight schedule was changed. I learned that I couldn’t actually convert the voucher into a ticket unless I personally visited a United ticket counter—which, of course, means a trip to the Indianapolis airport, standing in line, etc. A hassle. I forgot about the “free ticket.”

In July I flew home from Charlotte on Northwest. While waiting in the airport security line, I found myself in front of the United counter. No passengers were there—none—but two agents were standing behind the counter. I fumbled in my briefcase and, yep, the voucher was there. I looked at my watch, I decided to take a chance.

I handed over the voucher. “Can you give me a free ticket?” The agent replied, “Sure; the voucher expires tomorrow.” She pointed out the “Expires July 14, 2008” in block print on the bottom. Whew. Just made it.

“Where do you want to go?” the agent asked. Uh, oh yeah. Where do I want to go? Something inside of me said, “Go to San Francisco and see your birthmother.”

I’m adopted; my birthmother has not seen me since my birth, 56 years ago. Like my wife, she is named Maureen. She called me once in 1991. And, then again in 2003 (I think). A few times after that. I cannot call her. I am her only child. She’s been married 50 years. She lives in San Francisco. She was born and raised in Ireland. She’s never told anyone about me; she was unmarried when I was born. Flying to San Francisco to see someone I’ve never met, who didn’t know I was coming, whose occasional phone calls are few and far between, seemed preposterous. But, “the still small voice” repeated, “Go to San Francisco.”

“San Francisco,” I said after a pause. “Fine,” the agent replied, “when do you want to go?” Hmmm. “The voice” said, “the week following Labor Day.”

“The week following Labor Day—but I have to be back by Saturday. I have a Sunday job, you know.” The lady behind the counter looked at me curiously, “Uh huh.”

I walked away with a $727.00 ticket, for free. I ran to the gate, boarded my plane, got home at midnight. I looked at the ticket to SFO. “What was I thinking? This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.”

Monday morning, July 14: I noticed there was a message on my cell phone. I picked it up and listened.

“Hello, Jim,” said the voice with the pronounced Irish accent, “it’s Maureen in San Francisco. I am sorry I missed you. I will try and reach you another time. God bless.” Incredibly, it was “the other Maureen,” my birthmother. Astonishing. I had no way to call her back, but I knew God was “the voice,” that He was at work.

She called again on September 2; I picked up the phone and told her I was going to be in San Francisco the next day. She wasn’t sure if she could see me. She just didn’t know. I got on the plane September 3. On September 4, while jogging along the Bay, I prayed earnestly for something to happen—a crumb, a call. “Maybe this was the stupidest thing I have ever done,” I thought. At 11:30am, she called again. “Can you meet me tomorrow at 11:40am?” asked the soft Irish voice. “Of course,” I answered, “I promise.”

I stood in the parking lot. What does she look like? I wasn’t looking for the diminutive little 76-year old woman standing nearby. At last, I noticed her: slender, short, dressed liked she’d walked out of a Talbot’s store. I walked over, “My name is Jim Lyon.” She immediately gasped and gave me a hug. We walked across the way and sat down, talking for an hour.

She was lovely. Bright. Engaging. Genuine. She described her journey, as I prompted her with questions. She repeatedly interrupted with a gentle, “I can’t believe it has taken 56 years …” “I have prayed for you so long …”

But, of all the things she said, one thing will never be forgotten. “When I discovered I was pregnant, my doctor encouraged me to have an abortion. I was terrified. I had nowhere to go, nowhere to turn. I did not know what I would do.” She took a breath, as if reliving those troubled days. “But I knew what I would not do. I would not end your life.” I stared back, my eyes tearing up. “It’s so good to see you,” she said, again, “after 56 years.”

She looked at her watch. Her husband would be waiting—she had to be on her way. He does not know. “It would kill him if he knew,” she told me. “Can you understand?” “Yes, of course, I understand. Thanks so much for seeing me today.”

“I will be in touch,” she said as she stood up and gave me another hug. “And, please give your mother my love. Tell her I thank God for her every day, for the way she has loved and cared for you. She must be a lovely woman to have raised a man like you.” She looked up and stared at my face again. “Thank you,” she said quietly. One more hug. And she was gone. I turned and began to cry. I didn’t mean to. I just did.

I flew home and gave my mom a hug.

Hurricane Ike

I've been talking to my friend Jim in Houston. We need to pray!

Here's a report from the Presidential Prayer Team that may help you pray.

Houston Has an Ike Problem and Needs Your Prayers!

Hurricane Ike threatens "certain death" as it slams the Texas shore, according to officials.

September 12, 2008

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
--Psalm 50:15

The situation in the Gulf Coast is dire according to breaking news reports.

People in coastal areas axzre being warned to “get out now” or face certain death. Hurricane Ike is huge and is packing winds with speeds over 100 mph that threaten to tear into Galveston, Houston and other coastal areas. The after-surge of flooding could destroy what the winds don’t.

This is a time to pray!

Houston is home to more than 4 million people, hundreds of thousands have evacuated; its surrounding area has a large concentration of oil refineries, resorts and the Johnson Space Center.

Please, join me in praying for coastal Texas and Louisiana:

• For the storm to lose energy and move away from the coast
  
• For citizens in need—particularly the marginalized, the ill and the homeless—to have assistance and guidance as they evacuate
  
• For churches to step up and provide shelter, supplies and support when and where possible
  
• For the protection of all involved—for police, fire and emergency medical workers, for those responsible for utilities and transportation and everyday citizens seeking refuge
• For deaths, injuries and damage to be minimal
  
  

Please be certain you forward this to as many people as possible, asking them to join this important prayer effort. And I thank you, in advance, for your faithful prayers. I know they will make a difference to the people of the Gulf and to our country.

Prayerfully yours,

John Lind
President/CEO

Quote

“The devil doesn’t care how big your church is - he cares how influential it is.”

- Brian Houston, Pastor, Hillsong Church, Sydney, Australia

Our Purpose

Here's a really good post from Lloyd Moritz. Lloyd is the Area Administrator of the Pacific Northwest Association of the Church of God.


For Whom Do We Exist?

One of the biggest challenges churches face today is balancing the needs of the congregation with our Great Commission ministry within the world. This can create internal tension, and ultimately raises the question: For whom do we exist?

The church’s purpose, as the Body of Christ, is to represent Jesus in the world. That is, to be the agent of the Kingdom of God, reaching out to the lost. Biblically, we exist for the sake of the world to draw people to God.

The church, however, is also a close community where we find our unity in Christ and are drawn together and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We encourage each other along to become better disciples, and care for each other within this new family.

Unfortunately, the internal needs and activities of a church can become so great that they overshadow the bigger ministry to which we are called. The focus of the church becomes people inside the church (and the associated programs, facilities, etc.) instead of people outside of it. A common response to this tension is: Why do we have to choose which is most important? Why not consider both ministries as equal?

While this is the safe response, in reality it is impossible to simply balance an inward focus within an outward one. This is because often there can be conflict between these competing priorities. Sadly, the needs of the congregation members themselves usually take precedence when tough decisions have to be made. This is one of the reasons why churches struggle with worship styles, budget planning, building usage, staffing, program development, etc.

Recapturing the church’s mission demands a deliberate commitment to obedience to Jesus’ mission and our part in it. It means intentionality and a prioritization of resources. It also requires a complete realignment of focus that will resist the gravitational pull of being self-centered as a congregation.

So, consider your church: For whom do you exist?

(From PNA Connection, September 2008)

31st Anniversary

September 3, 1977 was the day my best friend became my wife. Where have the years gone? This morning Linda asked me if we would make it 31 more years. My response: "I hope so!"

Happy Anniversary Linda!

Quote

“There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into sun.”


— Pablo Picasso: was a Spanish Artist and Painter.

Quote

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created
them." - Albert Einstein

Olympics

I love the Olympics. Thanks to all of the athletes who teach us about failure and perseverance.

Click Here.

Sin Strips Confidence

This post from Steven Furtick is too good not to share:

Sin Strips Confidence

One of the most devastating effects of sin is the way it strips away our confidence.

I think it’s impossible for a pastor to confidently lead his congregation to trust God for the unknown while he’s nursing known sin in his own life.

Many fathers are unable to fully lead their families to seek and worship God because they’re aware of their own hypocrisy…and it strips their confidence away layer by layer.

Unconfessed sin will chip away at your confidence until you find yourself backing down from Christ centered challenges, and settling into survival mode. Walking in purity activates a boldness that enables you to follow Jesus with a holy swagger.

Be pure…and be bold.

1 John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

Great New Hymn

I love this new hymn by Chris Tomlin.

Love, Outreach & Gas Prices

Take a look at what my friend Johnny and the First Church of God in Bossier City, Louisiana are up to these days.

How fun it must have been to help people and share the love of Christ at the same time.

Click Here for the story.

CHOGnews

The July issue of CHOGnews is out. It has some great articles reporting events from the recent North American Convention of the Church of God.

Read it here.

Were Not Even in the Game

We are in the process of spending many thousands of dollars and lots of volunteer hours remodeling out sanctuary. The goal is to make it more appealing and inviting to visitors. No more 70's stylings!

I just watched the video clip below from LifeChurch.tv Tulsa. They "decorated" for their current sermon series. It appears we have far, far to go in our remodeling efforts. They try to go over the top. Based on what they are doing, I am not sure we even can see the top yet.

Healer

Here are 2 video clips from Hillsong Church in Austrailia. Listen and pray with thanksgiving for the Lord we serve.

North American Convention

The North American Convention of the Church of God begins tonight. This annual meeting has been a Webb family tradition for a quarter of a century. Linda and I will be heading to Anderson Sunday afternoon to enjoy the meetings.

Of course, it also means we get to see our grandsons for a week. What a wonderful added bonus.

The Anderson Herald-Bulletin has an interesting article about the convention. Check it out here.

You can watch the services at chog.org

Perry Noble

Perry has an excellent post over on his blog. All church leaders should read it.

Check it out here.

One Prayer Fasting Day

I hope you will join us today in our One Prayer Emphasis by fasting and praying for the church. I am copying this week's prayer theme below. You can find it at www.oneprayer.com

"When was the last time you witnessed a miracle in action? There’s an unbeatable thrill that comes when we know, beyond a doubt, that God has just shown up in a big way.

But when it feels like it’s been a while since we’ve seen God at work, could it be that we’re not asking for enough? Are our prayers confined to what we think is realistic or probable? Are we presenting multiple choice prayers to God when He wants to blow us away with answers beyond our comprehension?

As we fast this Tuesday, the focus of our prayers will be on miracles. Dream big. Think of areas in life that you consider hopeless. Be bold and ask for the impossible…because we know nothing is out of reach for our mighty God.

What miracle are you praying for today as you fast?"

Flights are More Expensive These Days

One Prayer

I am really excited about the upcoming One Prayer series. You can find out more at www.oneprayer.com.

Here is out speaking schedule:

• June 8 - Make Us One, Craig Groeschel, LifeChurch.tv, Edmund, OK
• June 15 - Make Us Holy, Jerry Webb, Dodge Park Church
• June 22 - Make Us Wise, Wayne Cordeiro, New Hope Christian Fellowship, Honolulu, HI
• June 25 (Wednesday Bonus Session) - Make Us Obedient, Greg Surratt, Seacoast Church, N Charleston, SC
• June 29 - Make Us Extremely Generous - Dino Rizzo, Healing Place Church, Baton Rouge, LA
  

Nancy St. Amand

Nancy is in surgery today. Please keep her in your prayers.

Quotable

"If you have no friends who are sinners, if you have no friends who are disreputable, you are not Christlike." - Rick Warren

The Blessed Storm

It seems that Christianity shines best in adversity. Here is a report from the Church of God in Myanmar:

"Thursday, May 15, The Philippines – Representatives of the Church in Myanmar met with Dr. Paul Maxfield, Executive Director of Children of Promise, in Manila. One of the pastors said, “More than 100,000 people lost their lives in the cyclone. Myanmar has never experienced a cyclone like this in the last 40 years.”

“Late in the day of May 2, 2008, we were informed that the cyclone would reach the coast of Myanmar that night, so we had no time to prepare,” explained the church representative. “The wind and rain were so heavy we could not sleep. When the storm had passed, we discovered that all the trees were down, roofs were gone, and many homes were destroyed.”

“Some local aid is being distributed in out-lying areas. Not a lot of foreign aid is getting to the people,” shared one of the leaders. With the price of oil so high, people cannot go to work because they cannot afford to buy gasoline. And because gasoline is so expensive, the church is unable to bus people in for church, so the workers are going out to the people and conducting services in homes.

Food staples have doubled in price; this includes rice which is eaten three times a day. Cooking oil is now $20 US per 2-liter bottle.

Despite daily persecution, the Church is growing in Myanmar. The cyclone has served as an impetus to strengthen their resolve to preach the gospel and make disciples. Church members are referring to Cyclone Nargis as “The Blessed Storm” because unexpected blessings emerged from the aftermath of the storm. Because the pastors, congregations members, and Bible School Training students helped clear streets of debris and assisted families with their needs, the Christians were able to befriend their Buddhist neighbors,. From that point on, non-Christian people have been willing to go to the Church for assistance.

The Church leaders asked for prayer for God to open the hearts of people to the Christ of Christianity, to rebuild the church, and that people will be released to live in freedom. The people are also bracing for another cyclone that may make landfall by Thursday or Friday of this week.

The Church leaders have confirmed receipt of the funds for the Church and her people. $70,000 US is being provided from Church of God Ministries, Children of Promise and Women of the Church of God. Fifty-thousand dollars is ear-marked to make repairs to the church buildings and provide food, water, and shelter for church families and others in their communities. The remaining $20,000 is specifically for families of the Children of Promise program to assist them in rebuilding their homes and obtaining any type of aid they need.

The Church in Myanmar is eager to begin distributing assistance and rebuilding as soon as possible, utilizing the help provided by the Church in North America. Church leaders express deep, heart-felt thanks to the Christians in North America for their support, care, and assistance. “There are no words to describe the depth of thanks we have. Thank you so much for caring for us. We are so comforted by your love and actions, “stated one leader."

He's Here!

The newest member of the Webb Family is here! Hunter Scott was born May 15th at 2:21 pm today and weighs 7'13". Congratulations to Mom and Dad!

The Life of a Mother

This is too fun not to share.

The Next Chapter Wrap-Up

This is the week! Sunday we will receive commitments for our remodeling project. I am spending the week in prayer and fasting asking God's hand to be upon us.

Will you join me?

Would you fast one week, or one day, or one meal?

What an incredible time of worship this week has the potential to be as we focus our hearts on the One who has called us.

You might enjoy beginning your week of worship watching this clip from Granger Community Church. Thank God for His Word.

Parental Pride

My son just completed his last class of his second year of seminary. He received an A- in both Ethics and Old Testament. Interestingly, he didn't tell me his other grades.

Way to go, Jerry!

One Prayer

We will be participating in "One Prayer" this June. Check out these sites to learn more about it.

One Prayer Web Site

Craig Groeschel's Blog about One Prayer.

Wildlife Report

I heard a White-Throated Sparrow this morning singing “Old Sam, Peabody, Peabody.” A sure sign of spring!

Sanctity of Life

I am continually amazed by society's view regarding sanctity of life issues. Below is a quote from "The Pastor's Weekly Briefing." It is an email newsletter published by H. B. London of Focus on the Family.

Swiss Government Grants Rights to Animals and Plants
"Under a new law passed by the Swiss parliament last week, dog owners will be required to complete a canine treatment course, anglers must take classes on humane fishing and goldfish may no longer be flushed down the toilet. The government's ethics committee is also considering "plant dignity" rights to protect plant life — all of this from the same country that violates human dignity with legalized physician-assisted suicide and abortion, according to CitizenLink.org."

Genesis 1:27 through Genesis 1:31 (NIV)

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

National Day of Prayer

The first Thursday in May is always the National Day of Prayer. I hope you will take some time today to pray for the needs of our nation.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Ohhhh.... I'm So Guilty

The Next Chapter

One of the church's goals for 2008 is to remodel the sanctuary. There are several reasons for doing so - from updating the decor to replacing windows that are causing problems. Here is a partial list of what we hope to accomplish:

• Install new windows (they are already ordered and paid for with early donations to the campaign.)
• Move the media booth to the main floor (sound board and video controls.)
• Enlarge the platform.
• New lighting.
• New carpet.
• Recover the pews.
• Paint

According to the estimates gathered by the building committee, the project will cost approximately $40,000. We hope to raise this over and above our regular budget by asking families to consider a three-year financial commitment.

Would you pray this prayer with us each day until our campaign celebration?

“Lord, your generous nature has infected us. We give because you modeled giving. Giving with large measures has brought us blessing after blessing. Glory be to God!”

Luke 6:38 (NLT)

³⁸If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.”

What's Holding You Together

Check this out from Louie Giglio. Wow!



Colossians 1:15 through Colossians 1:23 (NLT)

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation. Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.

Christ is the head of the church, which is his body. He is the first of all who will rise from the dead, so he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and by him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of his blood on the cross. This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand in it firmly. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed by God to proclaim it.

Morning Devoitions

From A Diary of Private Prayer, by John Baillie:

"... Yet let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of Thee. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day;

Keep me chaste in thought;

Keep me temperate and truthful in speech;

Keep me humble in my estimation of myself;

Keep me honourable and generous in my dealings with others;

Keep me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past;

Keep me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of Thine."

Quote

"Did you accept Jesus into your life, or did you give your life to Jesus?" - Mark Beeson

Mentors

Here is some good stuff from Perry Noble. Put his ideas to use and grow!

My Five Rules For Meeting With A Mentor

I have had the privilege of being mentored by some incredible leaders, some you would know, others you might not–but nonetheless, God has used them to teach me SO MUCH about life and ministry.

Over the years I have developed five rules for meeting with a mentor that I would love to share here today…you may agree or disagree, all Iknow is that they have worked for me.

#1 - I Always Adjust To Their Schedule–ALWAYS!

When I am attempting to set up an appointment with someone I want tomeet with–I always ask them (or their assistant) to throw two or threedates at me that is most convenient for them…and then I adjust myschedule to make the meeting happen.

I NEVER send them the times I want and then ask them to adjust their schedules. I am the one who wants the meeting…and if they are available to me I will bend over backwards to hang out with them.

#2 - I Am Always Early For The Appointment

If I am driving from out of town I always make sure I arrive around 30 minutes early. If I get their TOO early then I will find a coffee shop–OR break out a book (ALWAYS have a book with you.)

Usually I will arrive at the person’s office to meet them about 15minutes early…and quite a few times the person I am meeting with hasbeen ready, thus giving me “bonus time!”

#3 - I Have A List Of At Least Five Questions That I Want To Ask.

I remember John Maxwell saying to me once, “I will mentor you, butyou have to ask the questions. I am not preparing a lesson for you…YOU guide this meeting. If you want to know something–ASK. If you don’t askanything then we don’t really have anything to talk about.”

SO…anytime I meet with a mentor (especially JOHN) I am LOADED with questions. Sometimes I get them all answered…sometimes I don’t…but I NEVER walk into a meeting without having a list of what I would like to know.

#4 - I Don’t Talk About Myself Unless They Ask.

When I meet with a mentor I don’t spend 30 minutes telling themabout myself, my daily routine and how good I think I am. I ask questions and then SHUT UP! If I disagree I do not argue. If they askme a question then I will answer…if not then I will keep on asking themmy questions. They didn’t ask to meet with me…I wanted to meet withthem–TO LEARN from them, not debate them.

#5 - I Always Send A Note/Gift Saying Thanks.

I haven’t done this until recently…but anytime someone gives me timeI will send them a Starbucks gift card or a restaurant gift card–justto thank them for the time. (And I jot them about a four sentence note–NOT A BOOK, but a note.)

Those are my rules…hope they help!

New Again

Holy Week is fast approaching. It is a great time to do some extra praying and reflecting about our relationship with Jesus and his sacrifice for us.

You can use the video clip below as a prayer starter.

Quotable

Phineas Taylor “P.T.” Barnum:

“You must exercise your caution in laying your plans, but be bold in carrying them out.”

Financial Peace University

Our new personal finance ministry begins March 25th. We already have 4 families signed up who do not attend our church. I think we have found a need.

You can go to Dave Ramsey's Web site to sign up. Just search for us in the class listing by area code (48312).

Below is Craig Groeschel's blog post for today. It's good reading.

_______________________________

Financial Margin

from LifeChurch.tv : swerve by Craig Groeschel

Many people live with little or no financial margin. God says this is foolish.

Proverbs 21: 20 says, “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”

• The wise have margin.
• The foolish have no margin.

Whenever God gives more, most people and ministries tend to consume the margin. We tend to believe more is for us!

If you get a raise, a bonus, or an inheritance, you might think,
“Now I can get a house cleaner, or help with the yard, or an Apple
iPhone, or a new car, or take a vacation, or buy new shoes to go with
the outfit I don’t yet own.”

Very few people say, “God, how do you want to use this?” They generally absorb and consume all margin.

How do we create financial margin?

1) We can earn more. (Or in ministry, we can raise more money.)

2) We can spend less.

Most people and ministries could be way more effective if they created margin and asked God to use it.

Guatemala 2008 Pictures

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the Mission Trip to Guatemala.

Logo 5

Logo 4

Logo 3

Logo 2

Logo 1

Logos

Since it's primary season I thought I would give you a chance to vote. Here are five logos we are considering. Please vote for your preference in the poll at the right.

Note: None of the final logos will include the phrase "Where the Son shines."

Dodge Park Church Website

I've been working a little bit on the church's web site this week. Check it out.

We have a new calendar page. We created a Church calendar at Google Calendar. You can link it to your personal Google calendar if you wish. I love technology! Please note that Heidi Lynn will be updating the calendar next week. It does not yet have all of our events listed.

The "About Us" page is also up and running. It's not quite what I want it to be, but it's a start. Notice the sidebar at the right. There are links to some doctrinal pieces written by Arlo Newell that will help people who are interested get a grip on our beliefs.

And one of these days we'll have a new church logo to spice everything up.

Quote

“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what he gets for it but what he becomes by it.” - John Ruskin

Country Music and Fishing

It almost seems like cheating to post a youtube video to my blog. There is no expended mental energy, no writing skills required, and no critical evaluation of how the message impacts DPC.

But, since I do it often anyway, here's one for all you Carrie Underwood fans.

For All Bird Lovers

This is reportedly from the Detroit ABC affiliate. I don't really know as I rarely watch local news.

Truth is that I think this is a hoax. There is no Canadian Brown Finch. There is a Brown-capped Rosy Finch that lives in the high peaks of Colorado. And where is the green grass and leafy trees in the Detroit area right now?

What do you think? Hoax or real?

12Stone Church

12Stone Church is doing some creative things with video in worship. Check this one out:



I pray for the day ....

Powered by ScribeFire.

Computer Repaired

My computer is back from repairs! I feel like I have both hands again. Isn't it amazing how much we've grown to depend on technology? I felt like I couldn't do anything without my computer. Of course, my feelings aren't true. I can do almost all of my work without a computer. It just takes longer.

Key learning .... it's time to start saving for a new computer at home. Ours is so old I can't run many of my applications with it. We've had it about 9 years. In computer age that's geriatric.

Fun stuff is happening at DPC. We have two new small groups starting up - one for men another for women. About a half dozen people will be baptized February 3rd. Awesome!

I plan to get my other blog going again today. For some reason I couldn't post to it from the old office laptop. I never figured out why.

Click here for Deeper

Enough rambling .... I've work to do!

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Computers!

My office computer died yesterday. Ugh!! It has to go to the factory for repairs. I have spent much of today getting an old computer going.

It hasn't gone well. :-(

Blogs, email response, etc. from me may be very slow for a few weeks.

Walking Man

Yesterday's mail brought a new book I ordered. Walking Man is the autobiography of Narciso Zamora. Narciso is one of our Church of God leaders in South America. He has started many churches in Chile and Peru.

There is a line in the prologue that really captured me: "You can't expect a crown if you don't enter the race."

I've been "racing" now for a little over 40 years. (I became a Christian somewhere around 10 years old.) But, I still feel like there is so much more. I realize most of my course is behind me, but there are pit stops that I still see ahead. There is so much to do yet for Jesus!

I hope you are in the race. Don't get lost on a detour or stuck in the pit for repairs. Get out there and race!

Acts 20:24 (NIV)
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 9:24 through 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

2 Timothy 4:7 through 2 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Hebrews 12:1 through Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Podcasting Sermons

Our leadership at DPC has talked about the possibility of providing my sermons via podcasting. It looks like I might have found a free - at least for 12 months - way to do it.

It's going to take a bit of time to set it up, so I don't know if we will begin before I get back from the mission trip next month. But, here's what it will look like. (There is nothing to listen to yet! Just for looks.)

A Modern Translation of Romans 12:1-2

Tim's Pop Culture Paraphrase of Romans 12:1-2

"Take your everyday, ordinary life—going to the movies, watching TV, listening to your XM radio, flipping through the pages of People Magazine—and place it before God as an offering. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, always be looking for God in the culture. You’ll be changed from the inside out. While sitting on the couch surfing channels or listening to the Top 20 on the radio, always be looking for what God wants you to do, who He wants you to be, and quickly respond to it. Don’t let the culture drag you down to its level, but maintain an awareness of God in the culture and keep watching for the next step you can take toward Christ.”

from http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2008/01/i-re-wrote-part.html

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Self-Creating Factors

I don't know where I found this, but it's good:

"Never build a case against yourself. No longer are you going to tell yourself that you:

• Can't do _________________________.
• Are inferior.
• Lack ability.
• Incapable of overcoming problems.

Turn your former limiting factors into self-creating factors."


Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

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Frucall

Wow! The numbers say that many are visiting this blog. I guess that means I better use it! So ...

Josephsangl.com has become one of my favorite blog/websites. Here's today's post. I tested Frucall and it works. Amazing

FRUCALL - A Tool You NEED to know!

Another great tool to share with www.JosephSangl.com readers!

Ever been in the middle of a store about to purchase something and wonder, "I wonder if I am getting this for the best price?"

Now you can KNOW!

Let me set up how this service can be used with a real-life story this last weekend!

One of Jenn's Christmas presents was a new piece of luggage. I
wanted her to pick it out - so we went to the store and picked it out.
It was a wonderful piece of luggage - expensive - but this brand has
lasted for me. I really like this brand, but I wanted to make sure I
was getting the absolute best deal possible on it.

How am I able to know? By dialing 1-888-363-7822! It is a toll-free number offered by FRUCALL.

After you dial the number, it asks you to type in the bar code
number. When you type in the bar code number, it will tell you the
LOWEST PRICE this item is currently offered for and WHERE you can
purchase it for that price!

It comparison shops for you!

When I entered the bar code number, it told me the name of the
product and the current lowest price for the luggage. It was $3
cheaper on Amazon. I went ahead and purchased the item in the store.
It was worth it to me to pay $3 extra and have it now than wait a
couple of days.

Go ahead - try it out! Pick up a book next to you and call the
number. Find out the cheapest price it is currently available for!

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Just Read Your Bible

When are these people just going to read there Bibles? Click the link below to see yet another apology for incorrectly predicting the end. I won't even start my discourse on debunking the whole rapture idea.

Matthew 24:36 through Matthew 24:39 (NIV)
36“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,£ but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

2007rapture

Plans for the New Year

I've been on vacation from writing! Nevertheless, Happy New Year!

Today's post at Deeper is about God's destiny for you. Dave Ferguson's blog article develops the idea further:

6 Questions for Discovering Your God-Given Possibilities

For the last several years I have used the last week of the year and the first week of the new year to evaluate who I am; who does God want me to be and how I am doing. The process has continued to evolve over the years, but much of it revolves around prayerfully working through six questions. These six questions help me discern the God-given possibilities for my life.

There is just something powerful about writing down (or typing on your computer) your goals and having an intention about who you want to become! I can now look back and remember writing down that I wanted to plant a church; write a book and start a church planting network. Would those things have happened if I had not written them down? I don't know for sure. I do know that writing these down and reviewing them periodically keeps me moving in the direction that I feel God is calling me. I personally think everyone should do it. So, I would encourage you to get some time alone and prayerfully work through these six questions:

1. What is my PURPOSE? It starts with a purpose statement. Just write something down. Don't let this question intimidate you. You can always edit your answer later. Here is how I answer that question now: "To be a Spirit-led leader at home, church, and in new ventures resulting in a movement of people finding their way back to God." It has taken me a few years of revisions to get that down. It's a little long, but it includes everything that it is important to me. So take a shot and write down a purpose statement for your life.
2. What is my PASSION? Next you should list the things about which you are passionate. There are four things about which I'm passionate: Jesus, family, church and new ventures. So, what are you passionate about? List them.
3. What are the POSITIONS I hold? Next I list all the positions I hold in relationship to the things about which I'm passionate. For example, in relationship to my family I have two positions: husband and father. Another example, in relationship to to my church I have at least four positions: visionary, Lead Pastor, teacher/motivator and intercessor. List all the positions you hold in relationship to the things about which you are passionate. You get the idea.
4. What are the POSSIBILITIES for my future? This is my favorite part - dreaming with God about who He wants me to be in the positions He has put me in. This is where I begin to dream about all the possibilities for my life. This is the long view and it answers the question of who I will have been after I have lived on this planet for 75 years. (I'm planning on living to 75 and if I get more time that will be bonus!)
5. What is the PATH for making that future possible? Now that you have a list of all the possibilities for your life you need to figure out the path to get you there. I have a path that I break into 5 years chunks of time. There are markers that I need to meet every five years if I am going to see those possibilities for my life ever happen. So take a look at your list of God-given possibilities and create a path with markers along the way that show you are progressing towards those possibilities.
6. What is my PLAN for this coming year? The last question you will want to answer has to do with 2008. This year is the next step on the path to your future. So, write down your plan for this year and make sure that it is taking you towards the next markers on your path to your God-given possibilities.