Tuesday, September 30, 2008
PALM SPRINGS
I am in Palm Springs for three days – at the Assemblies of God Trust Summit. The purpose is to discuss the future of the Assemblies of God in terms of how we deal with church planting, resourcing young missionaries who want to get into the field but can’t because of rising school debt that must first be paid off, and to talk about the future direction and vision of our denomination.
At our banquet last night, here was some of the information that was shared by the General Superintendant and Assistant Superintendant of the A/G (George Wood and Alton Garrison, respectively) ... I respect these men deeply for their intense desire to keep the church relevant and moving forward, particularly at the advanced ages that each of these gentleman are --
The life cycle of any organization will atrophy unless new and fresh vision is applied.
In a poll taken, 95% of Christ-followers believed the purpose of the church was for their personal care.
34% of the A/G in the United States is under 25 years of age.
2/3 of evangelical young people will no longer be walking with God three years after high school graduation. However, of those attending one of the A/G Christian Bible Colleges and Universities, 95% will retain their faith.
A video was shown promoting one of the trust funds that have been set up - called the "NEXT GENERATION" fund -- for those called to ministry and missions but who are hindered because of rising debt load, hampering and delaying they're entry into the field to which God has called them. Our very own KFA-ers Rachel King and Steve Campbell are the poster-children for this new ministry and were featured on the video. Both just graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and both have the call of God on their lives to be missionaries. (I was privileged to perform their marraige ceremony on the beach at Lake Michigan just a month ago.) They are the initial recipients of this wonderful new Next Generation Trust fund. Congratulations to you guys.
Tonight at the gathering, Rick Warren is scheduled to speak. I'll talk to you about that tomorrow morning.
And be blessed.
Monday, September 29, 2008
ONE MONTH TO LIVE - WEEK 3
Yesterday was our THIRD weekend of the ONE MONTH TO LIVE campaign at church. In order to love others the way Jesus did, He calls us to LOVE COMPLETELY -- with all our heart, soul, mind and strength - and then, to love our neighbor as ourself. This includes scaling some mountains with regard to relationships --- mountains of misunderstanding, 'me first,' and mistakes --- something we all deal with almost daily.
Then ... Jesus calls us to grab a rope of acceptance and embrace people without trying to change them (God's job) --- get relational traction by expressing loving actions (talk is cheap - 'Where's the beef?') --- and be tethered to one another by forgiveness (remind me again how much YOU'VE been forgiven and then explain to me why you have trouble forgiving your brother or sister) ... ???
It was great sharing the stage with my wonderful, gifted and beautiful wife (not in that order) -- who is my hero on many levels. She did a great job communicating alongside me. Thanks, honey.
However, I must confess to you -- as much as all of the above was awesome --- the highlight for me was the ending. There is a BIG WORLD out there who needs love too --- they need it in the form of real HELP --- resources, food, education, housing, jobs, etc.
I know we can't do everything to help right all of that, but we ought not spend a lot of time talking about what we CAN'T do. The question is: What CAN we do?
So, at the end of the service -- right there in the main auditorium, with 1,000 people sitting there --- we turned and made small groups and asked ourselves the question, "WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY IN REAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH WAYS?" WHAT CAN WE DO? I sensed a ton of buzz and real intense, excited conversations going on. I can't wait to read the ideas that were shared on the handout pages.
We also encouraged our congregation to eat RICE ONLY for 2, 3, 5, 7 days - up to you - just to get into the head and heart of the person in our community who goes to bed every night hungry - or for that matter who is hungry and ALSO has no bed. Happy RICE EATING, everyone. I've done it already and will probably do it again over the next couple of weeks.
As long as THIS TEAM is leading KFA, we will not be a society or special interest group or a club of any kind. We are like those first disciples --- an ordinary bunch of sinners who are just grateful they got rescued by Jesus and are enjoying the fruit of His amazing love – and we’ll not be STINGY with it.
When you and I really believe God is working behind the scenes in people 24/7 in order to prepare them for their defining moment of redemption … when you and I really believe there is a powerful God at work … THEN we more easily and gladly give our lives for others. We serve with everything inside us. We help others. We sacrifice for a world in need – to people who are seeking – to people who are hurting – to people who are hungry – to people who are alone.
That’s what the RICE CUPS will help us focus on in order to love completely. Stay tuned as the months go by to see how God would lead us to do more than just TALKING about it. We have a community to reach, friends. Let's go.
And be blessed.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
MEN'S THIRSTY BREAKAWAY
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
BIRTHDAY
Well, I wasn't going to share this, but yesterday was my 49th birthday. It felt kind of self-serving to announce it on my own blog, but with the pic at right floating all over the internet, at the office, on Facebook and who knows where else, I thought it only fitting that I post it here as well. For the record, the hat was a 'gift' from one of the guys who was at the Milwaukee Brewers game with me last night -- and it's way BIGGER than you can tell here. Trust me. It was smuggled in without me noticing. Next thing I knew, it was on my head. It is bright purple and kind of velvety - with a band of leopard-type spots going around it. Real classy.
The picture was taken by someone formerly known as 'a friend' - on his camera/phone at the ball game. (PAUSE: The Brewers won with a homerun by Prince Fielder with two outs in the night inning - great way to go out.) Practically before I even got home from the game, it had been e-mailed via phone to another person and then posted and 'tagged' on Facebook. From there it went on to several other places. Such is the day of instant communication.
So - in honor of my 49th birthday - join me in taking the "OLDER THAN DIRT" quiz below - and then take the related poll at top left before you check out here. Thanks.
"OLDER THAN DIRT" QUIZ ... CHECK ALL THE ONES YOU REMEMBER FIRST-HAND; NOT THE ONES YOU WERE JUST TOLD ABOUT ...
Blackjack chewing gum
Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water
Candy cigarettes
Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles
Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes
Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
Party lines
Newsreels before the movie
P.F. Flyers
Butch wax
Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive - 6933)
Peashooters
Howdy Doody
45 RPM records
S&H Green Stamps
Hi-fi's
Metal ice trays with lever
Mimeograph paper
Blue flashbulb
Packards
Roller skate keys
Cork popguns
Drive-ins
Studebakers
Wash tub wringers
Using hand signals for cars without turn signals
Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards
OK -- here's the grading scale ... (I scored '12')
If you remembered 0-5, you're still young
If you remembered 6-10, you are getting older
If you remembered 11-15, don't tell your age
If you remembered 16-25, you're older than dirt!
So --- fellow baby boomers -- ROCK ON.
And be blessed.
Monday, September 22, 2008
DREAM
Every great achievement that’s ever been done in business or ministry or any other area has been done because somebody had a dream. Nothing starts happening until somebody starts dreaming.
Someone had to have a dream to build the Sears Tower, DisneyWorld, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Biltmore Estate.
Albert Einstein – one of the smartest people who EVER lived – said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” That’s a pretty profound quote, considering who that came from – one VERY SMART GUY.
But everybody needs a dream. I have found one of the biggest problems in leadership is that when you get into ministry, you usually start off with these big dreams. But as you get into it longer and deeper, your DREAMS shrink to the size of the situation. As we go, circumstances tend to shrink our dreams.
So periodically, we need to be stretched. We need to remember how to dream bigger.
I have a dream for our church ... I believe it's a GOD-GIVEN dream. It’s a dream where the hurting, the discouraged, the depressed and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance, and encouragement. It is a dream of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with thousands of residents in S.E. Wisconsin and N.E. Illinois … it is a dream of seeing 1,000 small groups connecting people together as well as growing people thru Bible studies and seminars … it is a dream of sending out hundreds of career missionaries all around the world, sending 1,000 of our members out on missional projects every year … it is a dream of our church birthing OTHER churches … it is a dream of going into our community to educate, resource, bless, clothe and feed hundreds -- thousands -- of people who are hungry and in need.
I stand before you today and state in confident assurance that these dreams will be realized. Why? Because they are inspired by God.
THAT is the power of a dream. Some people might stand up and say back to me: “Hmmpfh! Fat chance! How in the world are we going to ever have 1,000 small groups or birth churches or make a dent in the hunger and poverty situations? That sounds ‘pie-in-the-sky.’"
But I’d have to say – in these last three years I’ve been leading – I’ve never DOUBTED it. I don’t know the TIMING … I don’t know how LONG it will take … but I’ve NEVER DOUBTED the dream would come TRUE – because it is from GOD.
I want to dream bigger dreams. Great things come from small beginnings when God is in them … but you’ve got to start with a dream. It doesn’t cost anything to dream. Everything that is possible now in our society was impossible at one point ... cars, computers, microwaves - you name it. Today's possibilities are tomorrows miracles.
Just BELIEVE. Just DREAM.
And be blessed.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
ONE MONTH TO LIVE - WEEK 2
Friday, September 19, 2008
INNOVATE III
Here are some of the 'biggies' that I heard today:
"What is the Gospel JESUS preached?" Churches are full of well-meaning Christians who would give a different answer than Jesus would give.
The KINGDOM OF GOD - what does that mean? In the CHURCH WORLD, it usually means HEAVEN - something in my HEART. But that is incomplete. It is God's will being done ON EARTH as it is in HEAVEN.
And so, we have to go from saved SOULS to saved WHOLES. God has a plan for justice, helping the poor, health care, feeding the hungry, education to those in need. We must combine the VERBAL proclamation with the DEMONSTRATION proclamation.
We have to go from FLASHLIGHTS to LASER focus. We have to get 'up there, down here.' But we sometimes confuse the GREAT COMMISSION with the GREAT COMMOTION. Narrowing our focus dramatically increases our impact.
We have to go from PROFESSIONALS to full PARTICIPATION. How do we serve and minister to our own Jerusalem and Judea - not just to the outer parts of the world? (ROB WEGNER)
"An organization is a reflection of the leadership.
Be willing to 'get naked' / vulnerable.
The difference between where you are and where God wants you to be is the PAIN you are willing to endure." (Lifechurch.tv team)
Signing off for tonight.
And be blessed.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
INNOVATE II
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
INNOVATE 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
MULTI-SITE EXPOSED II
Monday, September 15, 2008
MULTI-SITE EXPOSED
And be blessed.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
"ONE MONTH TO LIVE" (Week 1)
Friday, September 12, 2008
THE "FAIRY TALE" WEDDING
As for the day - it was -- well ... it was EVENTFUL and hardly boring.
We were checking www.weather.com every 12 minutes throughout the day, predicting rain all day and hoping for a break in the clouds and wet - and getting none. We kept praying ... but the rain kept coming. At one point, we gathered in the bedroom with both sets of parents and bride and groom to make a decision. INSIDE or OUTSIDE? 'INSIDE' meant in our living room with 150 guests standing toe-to-toe. 'OUTSIDE' meant potentially drenching everyone. We chose OUTSIDE, flying in the face of everything my mother used to say when I went out in the rain: "You're going to catch your death .... "
Shortly after we made the decision to be OUTSIDE, I looked from my bedroom window to see one of the limos stuck in the ditch across the street - successfully blocking both sides of the road, preventing cars from passing in either direction. It was that way for a good 30 minutes, until a beneficent driver-by with an Excursion managed to pull the limo out of the ditch. More drama.
It rained pretty much all day ... but at least it didn't pour. And in the end, nearly every guest brought an umbrella for the anticipated outdoor event. Other than all THAT, the wedding went without a hitch, surrounded by lanterns hanging from a dozen trees and the fairy tale came to life in the enchanted forest that is our yard.
The bride was radiant - and the groom was appropriately speechless.
Seven huge and delicious wedding cakes (cappucino, chocolate fudge, marble, lemon, pumpkin spice, Italian creme and red velvet) were placed outdoors under tents and we were forced to turn our own garage into a reception area to keep everyone dry. C'est la vie.
But she's married now - it's OFFICIAL - and to a great guy. And the rain all added this wonderful, hard-to-beat ambience to the whole atmosphere. I won't look at rain the same way again.
Congratulations, Allison & Darren. You'll hardly care about any of the above while laying on the beach in Kauai this week.
And be blessed.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
WEDDING 2
SEVEN THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER WEAR TO A WEDDING
1. White Is Not Right. It seems obvious and yet so many guests seem to forget. White is meant for one person only – the bride! End of story.
2. Skip the Shorts. Shorts at a wedding? It's just wrong; even if you dress them up with a blazer or a pair of heels. Guys, no matter how preppy you make 'em, and ladies, no matter how stylish Charlize Theron looks in them, shorts just won't do.
3. Keep it Classy.
4. Coattails Don't Cut It. Tap into your inner James Bond but keep it in check. All attention should be on the groom (and his honey, of course).
5. All That Glitters Is Not Gold. Stay away from lamé, sequins, shine or glitter.
6. Mad Hatters. Whether you wear a baseball cap to show your allegiance to the Brew, disguise thinning hair, or hide a bad hair day, a wedding is the last place to don one.
7. Give The Wild West A Rest. Bandanas, cowboy boots, and ten-gallon hats all make it onto the list of what not to wear. Unless the betrothed couple has planned a themed bash and requests that guests get decked out in ranch gear, save these for another day, pard'ner.
I have to go shower for the wedding rehearsal now.
And be blessed.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
WEDDING
TEN THINGS NEVER TO DO AT A WEDDING (including ours):
1. Don't Be Fashionably Late.
2. Don't Produce Sound Effects. While at a wedding and reception, turn off your Blackberries and cell phones, put them on vibrate, or better yet, don't even take them!
3. Don't Talk Trash. Be on your best and most polite behavior. No complaining out loud about anything (including the RAIN if we still have it outdoors).
4. Don't Come Bearing Gifts. At least don’t bring it on the wedding day. If you do, they have to keep track of it and haul it home at the end of the night. Send the gift ahead of time, or after the actual ceremony. (Pay no attention to this one - bring all the gifts you want to.)
5. Don't Dress Down. Whatever you choose to wear, make the effort to look your best for the bride and groom. vThey'll appreciate that you got dolled or duded up for the occasion.
6. Don't Bring Mr. or Ms. Random. Weddings are intimate affairs and bringing in a stranger should be done with thought. And as much as you may love your kiddos, don't take them if children aren't invited.
7. Don't Steal the Show. Whatever the vibe, let the bride and groom set the tone and follow their lead. (You won't have to worry about this one; we have all the world's most gorgeous brides in our own home.)
8. Don't Pig Out. Avoid going back for thirds. Pick delicately or chow down, but don't gripe that you "don't like fish." Worse comes to worst, you can hit Burger King on the way home!
9. Don't Drag Out Skeletons. No tales about their dating habits or exploits. Have fun, but don't have it at anyone else's expense.
10. Don't Stockpile Party Favors. At the end of the night, as you're saying your “Thank-you’s” and “Goodbyes,” avoid the urge to hog all the super-cool party favors! You don't need to take some for people who weren't able to attend. You don't need extras. Just take one for yourself.
Hope that was helpful.
And be blessed.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
IMPOSSIBLE
Jesus responds: "Because you have so little faith. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (v. 20)
Don't you find that very interesting? Jesus isn’t really interested in the rearraging the location of the mountains. It is the greed, lust, arrogance, oppression, racism and poverty He wants to re-draw. He wants the disciples to move mountains of injustice and cause new rivers of compassion to flow. He wants his followers to do this IMPOSSIBLE thing - to label as unacceptable, unnatural and changeable a world where homeless children beg outside the sprawling estates of the super rich – estates where the dogs inside eat better than the humans out on the streets.
It’s astonishing really that Jesus doesn’t simply say , 'Nothing will be impossible for ME' - He says, 'Nothing will be impossible for YOU.'
This is our call to action to move mountains and re-shape spiritual and social landscapes in our community. Think about it.
And be blessed.
Monday, September 8, 2008
BARRY MANILOW
And be blessed.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
KATHY TROCCOLI
This weekend at KFA, our guest was KATHY TROCCOLI (www.troccoli.com). Born in Long Island, Italian, gifted communicator, funny, warm, genuine, honest, natural - all surrounded by her tremendous music.
Saturday night, more than 500 ladies gathered to listen to her sing and speak. My wife tells me it was a spectacular time together.
And today - at both early and late services, Kathy blessed us again. Thanks, Kathy. It was a pleasure meeting you and hosting you at KFA.
And the rest of you ... be blessed.
Friday, September 5, 2008
POCKET CHANGE
Thursday, September 4, 2008
FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKS
Quarterback - Drew Brees (New Orleans)
Quarterback - Jay Cutler (Denver)
Running Back - LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego)
Running Back - Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo)
Running Back - Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay)
Running Back - Selvin Young (Denver)
Running Back - Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants)
Wide Receiver - Anquan Boldin (Arizona)
Wide Receiver - Santana Moss (Washington)
Wide Receiver - Brandon Marshall (Denver)
Wide Receiver - Roddy White (Atlanta)
Tight End - Dallas Clark (Indianapolis)
Kicker - Stephen Gostkowski (New England)
Kicker - Josh Brown (St. Louis)
Defense - New England
Defense - Chicago
So, tell me how I did. It's my first time. I'll keep you posted on my standings as the football season wears on.
And be blessed.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
FANTASY FOOTBALL
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
BOTTLED WATER
So when the Bible says, "As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God," you understand how at-the-very-basic-core-of-the-human-heart thirst is. For a few, the cry is conscious. “I am AWARE that my deepest need and longing is for You, God - and so I vocalize this prayer OUT LOUD ... "GOD, MY SOUL IS THIRSTY FOR YOU." I consciously recognize this is my need.
Many of us have been taught that the Christian faith consists of little more than accepting Christ, getting your ticket stamped, and making it to heaven. But Christ came for more than just you getting to HEAVEN. There are so many Christ-followers in America who are satisfied with so little of God. If you go through the lives of all the great saints of the past, you will see this one common characteristic in each of them … EVERY ONE of them was discontented with their present experience of God and wanted MORE.
You hear it in the various psalms -- #27 ... #63 ... #84 ...
Monday, September 1, 2008
LABOR DAY
It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday was first proposed in 1882 and by 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday. It is appropriate that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership -- the American worker.
As for me personally, today was a day that - I GUESS - was a fitting tribute to the American worker - by NOT working. So, THIS was my day today ...
Slept in
Ate breakfast on the patio
Sat in the sun for awhile
Thought about stuff
Worked on a couple of messages
Went on a bike ride to Lake Michigan with Joelene
Grilled and ate supper on the patio
Sat in the sun for a little while longer
Watered the lawn
Thought about some more stuff
Enjoyed an evening at home watching a little TV
Going to bed now
Here's to Labor Day.
And be blessed.