Picking up the Towel

The Love Revolution is going awesome and I'm amazed at the incredible people I have the privilege to serve and pastor...Triumph folks are the best!  

This past Sunday, we talked about the immensity of God's love and the way Jesus showed it to the fullest - by serving.  We were challenged to "pick up the towel" and serve those around us. The presence of the Lord was powerful and hundreds responded to the call to serve others, in fact, we had 77 brand new people sign up to serve in specific ministries within the church.  Praise God!

Here are the sermon-based questions for this week to use in your personal devotional time and discuss in your small group this Wednesday...

1.   How do the words of Paul “..the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled with the love of God” stir your affections for Christ? (i.e. racial boundaries, gender boundaries, stereotypical judgment, etc.)

2.   How does fatherhood change our perceptions of God as a Father? Are there areas in your lives that create personal strongholds in relation to Christ?

3.   Are there other cultural/personal things that shape our acceptance of a loving God? (i.e. media, fast-paced life, western culture, sexuality)

4.   Do you struggle with “doing the right things” because its expected? Are your good deeds a direct result of the love of God or are they religious, ritualistic morality?

5.   Since we agree that the love of God prompts action in the lives of believers, how can we better serve our brothers and sisters inside the church? Is this an area that is often neglected? Why or why not?

6.   How can we better serve those outside of the church? Is this an area that is often neglected? Why or why not?

See you this week!

WHAT?

Something I stumbled upon...a little Friday introspection :)

Who you'll be in five years depends on:

• what friends you surround yourself with


• what you read


• what you eat


• what you watch


• what you hear


• what you change

• what you let go


• what you plan for


• what new thing you try


• what new places you go


• what you believe about God


• what you believe about yourself


• what you believe about others


• what you invest your time in


• what you volunteer for


• what skill you're learning


• what courage you have to make mistakes


• what mistakes you'll make


• what you'll learn from your mistakes

So WHAT are you doing today?

SORTING THROUGH THE JUNK

Yesterday was a great day...first full day (or almost) off & totally disconnected...with my wife. We spent most of the day...sorting through junk!  Yep, my honey-do list had multiplied and there was no more putting it off!  Spring cleaning, going through STUFF that has accumulated in every corner, drawer, GARAGE (let's not talk @ that)...it is amazing how STUFF HAPPENS, multiplies, and CROWDS/OVERWHELMS...

While thinking through the message from Sunday...and trying to LIVE IT OUT on Monday...I got a GREAT visual!  All of the things we attempt to do--for our families, job, relationships, God, etc.--can become so consuming...multiply...crowd...overwhelm...so that we're EXTREMELY BUSY, but not happy...or making a difference...or enjoying (in-joy) life!  Resisting, no fighting against, complexity and embracing, no guarding, simplicity is a never-ending fight!  What REALLY MATTERS?  

What really matters is loving others, as Christ loves us.  Doing everything out of His INFINITE love--not our own FINITE ability.  It was Jesus' unique and only command that He personally OWNED (Jn. 13:34-35) and THE DISTINGUISHING MARK of a follower of Christ.

So, how's your LOVE meter? Are you doing, going, speaking, acting, working, out of God's limitless reservoir of love?  Or, are you existing, relating, functioning out of duty, personal strength, and have-to?  Don't underestimate the obvious...people can tell...my wife can tell...my kids can tell...my friends, co-workers, family...all can tell.

Today, let's forget EVERYTHING and FOCUS on ONE THING:  To love, genuinely, each person we encounter...to respond, act, speak, initiate...ALL OF IT...from Jesus' vantage point....out of His view of--and love for--those around us.   Talk about a revolution?

LOVE REVOLUTION

starting the blog up again...a little rusty...

over the next several weeks, i'll be attempting to chronicle my own journey and provide deeper info and application for all who are ready to dive into the depths of God's love

and desire to spend your life learning to love others "as He loves"

Easter was incredible this year...772 people; 28 salvations/rededications...IN THE POURING RAIN!!

in the words of the moravians... "to win for the Lamb, the reward of His suffering"

although, it is slightly concerning...the number of CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only) church-goers...as a church...as people who name the Name of Christ...we must better disciple others...

we must be better disciples...

consider this question...really think of it today...seriously, be honest before God...

here it is...

"Would your life look different if you suddenly stopped believing in God?"

the answer, helps us gauge the impact and influence Christ is allowed in our lives

has our "belief" merely become something added to our well-oiled machine of a life like salt on food...(makes it a little tastier, but far from necessary)?  

would our job, marriage, relationships, pursuits, hobbies, schedule, finances, etc. only be mildly adjusted?

who is at the CENTER of my life around which all other things revolve?

ME? or HIM?

to what degree?