Every church is driven by something. Tradition, finances, programs, personalities, events, and even buildings can each be the controlling force in a church. However, my prayer for you and CLC is for the following absolutes to be the driving force that influence us as individuals and as a church family:
1. God is big. He will be as big as we allow him to be.
2. God is good. He does not intentionally will that evil should befall us.
3. God is wise. The things that happen to us have been screened by Him.
4. God is love. His compassion is His supreme motivation.
5. God can do anything. Nothing is too difficult for him!
May it be so!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
What Am I Here To Do?
I believe that God has a purpose for everyone’s life and that there is great joy and fulfillment in discovering that purpose. At CLC it is part of our responsibility to help you find and discover YOUR purpose!
Personally, I’ve defined mine to be a positive influence in the lives of others, leading them closer to God. Based on that purpose, these six core values guide my life:
1. It's all about God.
2. It’s more about Marvina than any other person and my children are next.
3. It’s a lot about ministry.
4. It can't happen without character and integrity.
5. I will grow during the journey and enjoy the journey.
6. I will influence others for the sake of Gods Kingdom.
If, when my days on earth are through, people can say I had a positive impact on their lives and pointed them toward God I will have accomplished what I was put on this earth to do.
If you're wondering what God's purpose for your life might consist of, and you need clarity on why you're here, all you have to do is ask! He's waiting to reveal His purpose for YOUR life!
Personally, I’ve defined mine to be a positive influence in the lives of others, leading them closer to God. Based on that purpose, these six core values guide my life:
1. It's all about God.
2. It’s more about Marvina than any other person and my children are next.
3. It’s a lot about ministry.
4. It can't happen without character and integrity.
5. I will grow during the journey and enjoy the journey.
6. I will influence others for the sake of Gods Kingdom.
If, when my days on earth are through, people can say I had a positive impact on their lives and pointed them toward God I will have accomplished what I was put on this earth to do.
If you're wondering what God's purpose for your life might consist of, and you need clarity on why you're here, all you have to do is ask! He's waiting to reveal His purpose for YOUR life!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Hippos or Eagles...what are you?
Carl Sandburg said, "There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud."
He may not have known it, but he was describing the life of every believer in Jesus Christ. It's our dual nature, as Paul described in Romans 7:22-23. "I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another law at work in me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me."
Everyday you have to choose: Will you live according to the new nature or the old? Will you soar with the eagles or wallow in the mud? Your decision determines everything -- how you greet your day, what you think about, how you talk to (or talk about) your co-workers, how you spend your spare change, and how you spend your spare time.
Every day, and every moment of every day, you have the power to choose your environment: the clear blue sky or the local hippo hangout. You've got a key to both places, and access is unrestricted -- it just depends on where you prefer to be.
My prayer for you and everyone at CLC is for you to remember that God is calling you upward!
He may not have known it, but he was describing the life of every believer in Jesus Christ. It's our dual nature, as Paul described in Romans 7:22-23. "I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another law at work in me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me."
Everyday you have to choose: Will you live according to the new nature or the old? Will you soar with the eagles or wallow in the mud? Your decision determines everything -- how you greet your day, what you think about, how you talk to (or talk about) your co-workers, how you spend your spare change, and how you spend your spare time.
Every day, and every moment of every day, you have the power to choose your environment: the clear blue sky or the local hippo hangout. You've got a key to both places, and access is unrestricted -- it just depends on where you prefer to be.
My prayer for you and everyone at CLC is for you to remember that God is calling you upward!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
My New Job Description
Since my transition into the "corner office" I've been reevaluating the tasks my job requires. In the process I've redefined my job description. My job as senior pastor is to release others into ministry and facilitate their success. If I’m doing the task myself, I’m most likely off track. I need to give up doing everything...which can be difficult for me. However, I'm convinced that a team best accomplishes ministryand I am surrounded by a great team! Every team has a coach. I have now become the coach.
So how should I fill my time? The following items have become my new job description:
- Praying - priority #1
- Thinking
- Dreaming
- Studying
- Casting vision
- Problem solving
- Networking with key leaders
If I can focus on those priorities - the impact of my life and ministry will be greater than if I gave myself to trying to accomplish everything under the sun. As a leader I need to narrow my focus for the greater good of those I lead.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A Great Future!
As I have been praying and thinking about the future of Christian Life Center, the church I'm honored to serve as Sr. Pastor, the Holy Spirit keeps reminding me of a profound truth: "that which is ahead of me is greater than that which is behind me!" Sometimes it's easy to get lulled into thinking we've already experienced our best days; that somehow tomorrow won't be as good as yesterday. God, however, doesn't think that way. His promise in Jer. 29:11 carries as much impact as it ever has: "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you a hope and a future."
Perhaps you feel your best days are behind you and it's all "down hill" from here. On the contrary, God is looking beyond today and laying a foundation for great things in your life. We have a great future!
Perhaps you feel your best days are behind you and it's all "down hill" from here. On the contrary, God is looking beyond today and laying a foundation for great things in your life. We have a great future!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Presonal Retreat
It's 8:05 in the evening and I'm sitting in a house in Avalon, N.J. I'm here for a few days to spend some time alone thinking, praying, reading, studying, and in general to quiet my heart before God. This time of the year at the shore is a bit eerie. I went and stood on the shore with the Atlantic ocean nipping at my toes, and as far as I could see in either direction I was the only one. There's not too many people in Avalon this time of year, and it has that deserted feeling...as if everyone has left and won't be coming back!
Thankfully, Jesus said he would never leave us! I may be one of a few actually physical bodies in Avalon, but no matter...I'm not alone, nor will I ever be.
Thankfully, Jesus said he would never leave us! I may be one of a few actually physical bodies in Avalon, but no matter...I'm not alone, nor will I ever be.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
LIFE IS A DASH?
Recently one of our board members lost one of his parents. While attending the funeral a few weeks ago I was elaborating about how short life seems to be. My exhortation to those in attendance was “make it count.” Live every day with no regrets! It got me thinking about the illustration of the dash between the year of our birth and the year of our death. It is as if life is a mere dash between two words, Beginning-Ending. Our entire lives are represented by the mere dash.
It got me thinking…
*What would my dash represent?
*What would those who know me best say about my dash?
*Would they say, I loved God, my family and my neighbor?
*How will my life be described?
*What will my legacy be?
I am a preacher, but it is not a "preacher" legacy that I want to be known for, but as a man that followed and chased after the heart of God. We are being watched and observed by our family, our friends, and co-workers. They want to see how we react to the hectic every day craziness that life can bring. How will you be remembered?
Will they say that you trusted and believed in God even when odds seemed insurmountable? Will they say you left a legacy of faith for all those who will come after you? Will they say you buckled under pressure?
What will your dash say about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’d like people to remember your days on this planet!
It got me thinking…
*What would my dash represent?
*What would those who know me best say about my dash?
*Would they say, I loved God, my family and my neighbor?
*How will my life be described?
*What will my legacy be?
I am a preacher, but it is not a "preacher" legacy that I want to be known for, but as a man that followed and chased after the heart of God. We are being watched and observed by our family, our friends, and co-workers. They want to see how we react to the hectic every day craziness that life can bring. How will you be remembered?
Will they say that you trusted and believed in God even when odds seemed insurmountable? Will they say you left a legacy of faith for all those who will come after you? Will they say you buckled under pressure?
What will your dash say about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’d like people to remember your days on this planet!
Friday, April 18, 2008
I've Done It!
Ok, so I've taken the plunge...I've jumped into this thing called "blogging." I feel like a 16 yr old kid with a new drivers license taking the family car out for the first time. Let's hope I don't get so excited that I forget which peddle is the "Brake" and which is the "Gas." So, be patience as I learn to navigate through the process. Please check back periodically to read my thoughts, musings, rants, etc. I should warn you, however, if you’re looking for profound, deep intellectual dissertations on the mysteries of life you’ll be disappointed… or perhaps greatly amused at the simplicity my stupidity!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
