Today is a free day! It’s a bonus, a perk, an extra opportunity to live in a moment of time and space that won’t show up again for four more years. Okay, it’s really just February 29th…and it’s not much different than yesterday. But since today won’t happen again for a long time we are going to give you a little challenge for today. Actually it’s several challenges, that when tallied together, will totally 29….in honor of today.
Do 3 Random Acts of Kindness Today:
~Buy a stranger a cup of coffee, offer to empty the trash in a co-workers office, point out the fact that your boss’ toupee looks exceptionally realistic.
Call 5 Folks Who Haven’t Heard From You In A While:
~Call one of your parents, call an old friend from college, or call somebody whose birthday popped up on Facebook.
Pray For 10 People By Name:
~It doesn’t need to be a long prayer, but mention 10 folks specifically in your quiet time today.
Make A List Of 7 Things You Love About Your Spouse:
~Don’t read them to him or her, instead put them in your bible or journal and refer to the list the next time you are tempted to nit-pick about something dumb.
Meditate On Your 4 Favorite Bible Verses:
~These are your favorites for a reason. Spend some time reminding yourself why.
Happy a great February 29th!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Awesome article by Rick Warren.
Rick Warren: Dealing with Difficult People
When asked what he considered the most valuable skill in employees, John D. Rockefeller once replied, "The ability to get along with people!"
One of the most important skills needed to succeed in ministry is knowing how to handle troublemakers. If you learn how to deal with difficult people early on, then you'll be able to pour more energy into ministry rather than needless conflicts.
Troublemakers come in all shapes:
THE SHERMAN TANK - will run over you if you let him.
THE MEGAPHONE - will talk your ear off.
THE BUBBLE BUSTER -deflates everyone's enthusiasm.
THE VOLCANO - has a temper like Mt. St. Helens.
THE CRY BABY - is a chronic complainer.
THE NIT PICKER - is the unpleasable perfectionist.
THE SPACE CADET - is on a different wavelength.
What should you do with these types?
Jesus had to deal with a lot of difficult people. Here are FOUR methods he modeled through his life:
1. Realize you can't please everybody (John 5:30). Even God can't do that! One wants rain while the other demands sunshine.
2. Refuse to play their game (Matt. 22:18). Learn to say no to unrealistic expectations. Confront them by "telling the truth in love."
3. Never retaliate (Matt. 5:38-39). It only lowers you to their level.
4. Pray for them (Matt. 5:44). It will help both of you. Let God handle them.
Make this Bible verse your goal this week, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Rom. 12:18 NIV)
______________________________________________
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. In addition, Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose-Driven Life and The Purpose-Driven Church, which was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th Century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for ministers. Copyright 2005 Pastors.com, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Through My Eyes By Tim Tebow
Since I first started playing high school football, a lot has been written about me. Some true, some not so true. Some positive, some not so positive. And some of it claiming to even know my mind-set and motivation.
It's not always the easiest thing to be the center of so much spilled ink. You read glowing things, and it doesn't feel deserved. You read things that are critical, and it cuts you to the bone. It's because of both those extremes of others' opinions that I felt it the natural thing to do to tell my story, written from my perspective. It also seemed like the right thing to do—perhaps in many instances to simply set the record straight—sharing my story as I see it, as I remember it, including my actual mind-set and motivation. Sharing it all—what is true and actually happened. Some of it positive, and some perhaps, still, not so positive. That's the nature of truth. But all of it is my story.
Through my eyes.
In addition, the sheer amount that has been written about me also seems to indicate that, for whatever reason, a great number of people have a significant interest in me. In some respects that is very flattering. I'd guess that any one of us would be flattered by that level of interest. However, my parents always told me, from an early age, that we all have the ability to influence others, whether through our words or actions, or both. They always added that, besides possessing the ability, we also have the responsibility to use it in a positive, encouraging, and uplifting way—a platform. Who knows? Maybe my platform will be the same in five years; maybe not. One thing I'm confident of is that the Lord already knows the answer to that, and He has a plan for it all. That is something I've learned to have the utmost assurance of and faith in—His daily, weekly, monthly, total and eternal plan for our lives.
Therefore I have learned that, though God is in control of the big picture, I am responsible for how I use my platform, whatever its size—at this moment in time—to influence others. Or whatever my age. Or wherever I am, or no matter what is going on in my life at any time. I have a platform that He can use for His good purposes and perhaps even the good of others—today.
We all know of people who thought they could do it (whatever "it" is) tomorrow. We have all procrastinated in such a way, and often to our personal regret. It happens time and again, putting off things that we convince ourselves might be better, more meaningful, more appropriate for another time. So often that better time either never comes or really isn't better or more appropriate after all. And then, sadly, the window of opportunity—to do something great—closes. Here's something else that I haven't always grasped but which in the last few years I have come to understand in my own life, and which now burns in my heart for others to also recognize and realize: we all have stories to share. We all have life experiences that can bless the lives of others. Whoever we are. Wherever we find ourselves. Whatever we are involved in, no matter our age or station in life. Stories that, when shared with others, can make a positive difference in the world.
As I tell my story, I hope that you will see that its true focus is on God and on those eternal values that He holds before us as beacons and benchmarks, to help us live lives of abundance that will ultimately glorify Him, while also lifting and bettering the lives of His children everywhere.
What it all boils down to is that if there's one kid who keeps pushing to attain his dreams, or...
if there's one dad who accepts the saving grace of Christ and changes his whole family, or...
if there's one person who sees my mistakes, realizes that we all fall short, and keeps pressing on, or...
if there's someone who agrees that Christians don't have to be weak, either in mind, body, or soul, then undertaking this project was the right thing to do, regardless of what the world thinks is the "right time" to write a memoir.
God challenges us to change the world. And to accomplish this, He asks us to change it one life at a time.
I appreciate that you are taking this journey alongside me, and I pray that as we take this journey together, you will feel the Lord's presence along the way and that you will let Him cover you with His grace and power.
I also pray that in this journey you and I may discover that not only our lives but the lives of others are better because they were touched by something we have shared together.
Through my eyes.
Excerpted from Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow, with Nathan Whitaker. Copyright © 2011 by Timothy R. Tebow. Used with permission of HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.
It's not always the easiest thing to be the center of so much spilled ink. You read glowing things, and it doesn't feel deserved. You read things that are critical, and it cuts you to the bone. It's because of both those extremes of others' opinions that I felt it the natural thing to do to tell my story, written from my perspective. It also seemed like the right thing to do—perhaps in many instances to simply set the record straight—sharing my story as I see it, as I remember it, including my actual mind-set and motivation. Sharing it all—what is true and actually happened. Some of it positive, and some perhaps, still, not so positive. That's the nature of truth. But all of it is my story.
Through my eyes.
In addition, the sheer amount that has been written about me also seems to indicate that, for whatever reason, a great number of people have a significant interest in me. In some respects that is very flattering. I'd guess that any one of us would be flattered by that level of interest. However, my parents always told me, from an early age, that we all have the ability to influence others, whether through our words or actions, or both. They always added that, besides possessing the ability, we also have the responsibility to use it in a positive, encouraging, and uplifting way—a platform. Who knows? Maybe my platform will be the same in five years; maybe not. One thing I'm confident of is that the Lord already knows the answer to that, and He has a plan for it all. That is something I've learned to have the utmost assurance of and faith in—His daily, weekly, monthly, total and eternal plan for our lives.
Therefore I have learned that, though God is in control of the big picture, I am responsible for how I use my platform, whatever its size—at this moment in time—to influence others. Or whatever my age. Or wherever I am, or no matter what is going on in my life at any time. I have a platform that He can use for His good purposes and perhaps even the good of others—today.
We all know of people who thought they could do it (whatever "it" is) tomorrow. We have all procrastinated in such a way, and often to our personal regret. It happens time and again, putting off things that we convince ourselves might be better, more meaningful, more appropriate for another time. So often that better time either never comes or really isn't better or more appropriate after all. And then, sadly, the window of opportunity—to do something great—closes. Here's something else that I haven't always grasped but which in the last few years I have come to understand in my own life, and which now burns in my heart for others to also recognize and realize: we all have stories to share. We all have life experiences that can bless the lives of others. Whoever we are. Wherever we find ourselves. Whatever we are involved in, no matter our age or station in life. Stories that, when shared with others, can make a positive difference in the world.
As I tell my story, I hope that you will see that its true focus is on God and on those eternal values that He holds before us as beacons and benchmarks, to help us live lives of abundance that will ultimately glorify Him, while also lifting and bettering the lives of His children everywhere.
What it all boils down to is that if there's one kid who keeps pushing to attain his dreams, or...
if there's one dad who accepts the saving grace of Christ and changes his whole family, or...
if there's one person who sees my mistakes, realizes that we all fall short, and keeps pressing on, or...
if there's someone who agrees that Christians don't have to be weak, either in mind, body, or soul, then undertaking this project was the right thing to do, regardless of what the world thinks is the "right time" to write a memoir.
God challenges us to change the world. And to accomplish this, He asks us to change it one life at a time.
I appreciate that you are taking this journey alongside me, and I pray that as we take this journey together, you will feel the Lord's presence along the way and that you will let Him cover you with His grace and power.
I also pray that in this journey you and I may discover that not only our lives but the lives of others are better because they were touched by something we have shared together.
Through my eyes.
Excerpted from Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow, with Nathan Whitaker. Copyright © 2011 by Timothy R. Tebow. Used with permission of HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A Story about Valentine's Day
We all love romance, a good story. Remember the first time you saw a Disney movie? A kiss, true love. Mushy stuff. Here is a story of how Valentine’s Day got started:
The early church was a persecuted church. The Romans had a slew of gods that they worshipped in the Pantheon. They even worshipped the emperor. The Christians, of course, refused to obey this practice. All they had to say once a year was that Caesar was lord and their lives would be set. But they only said Jesus is Lord so it cost them their lives. Over three hundred years this went on until around 300 AD Constantine rose to power. Back then the term “atheist” was what you called a Christian. Today, it is those who don’t believe in God. The term “Martyr” is given to who is persecuted and killed for what they believe in. The Christians were martyrs. Over the course of time, these Christian Martyrs went to their death praying for forgiveness for their persecutors. This was having a great impact on all of Rome.
In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honor Juno, the queen of the Roman gods. She was called the goddess of women and of marriage. The next day, the 15th, started the feast of Lupercalia. On the eve before Lupercalia, the names of Roman girls were written on little slips of paper and put in a jar. The young men would draw a girl’s name from that jar and they would be paired for the whole festival. Sometimes for the whole year! It was often that they would fall in love and marry. Hence, the tradition of valentines.
Emperor Claudius II, or Claudius the Cruel, was having a hard time getting soldiers to join in his many bloody campaigns, and he thought the reason was that men didn’t want to leave their loves, or families. So, Claudius cancelled marriages and engagements in Rome. He had also outlawed Christianity, so he could be worshipped as a god. A Christian bishop named Valentine who came from a town called Interamna, less than70 miles from Rome, thought these decrees were wrong, so he invited the young couples to come and see him. He secretly performed marriage ceremonies for these couples.
Well, word got out, and Valentine was brought before the emperor. After seeing that Valentine was convicted to his cause, Claudius tried to get him to renounce Christianity, and serve him. In exchange for that, he would pardon him and make him powerful and give him privileges that only Claudius could. Bishop Valentine held to his faith, and because of this was sentenced to be executed – 3 times! To be beaten, stoned and decapitated! Many young couples came to the jail to visit Valentine as he waited for his executions. They threw flowers and notes up to his window. One of these was a young blind girl – the daughter of his jailer. Her name was Asterious. Valentine prayed for Asterious’ healing and God answered his prayer. She got her sight! After the miracle, they fell in love. On the day of Valentine’s executions, Valentine wrote Asterious a not thanking her for her love, loyalty and friendship. He signed it: “Love, from your Valentine.” To this day, this message is the motto of our Valentine’s Day celebrations. So, Valentine was beaten, stoned and decapitated because he wouldn’t renounce Christ and believed in the sacred institution of marriage and love on February 14, 270 AD.
This story reminds me of another story of a martyr we all know. Jesus. In John 3:16, one of the most popular verses, we read that “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.” God loves you so much; He went through several executions for you. He was beaten, bruised, ripped, and stabbed. He was pierced, and torn, and killed all for you. Thank you, Lord. That we may never forget.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Pastor Rob.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Doing stuff together
Hebrews chapter 10, verse 25 I believe,
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Church is more than having a weekly meeting. It includes doing stuff together. Being part of God’s family is about being connected in friendships. Besides needing a group of friends with whom we can spend a lot of time, doing everyday stuff together is just plain fun. At our church, it is a given. I have had people come up to me and ask why we do so much together, don't we ever get tired of each other's company - but we are more than just friends, folks. We are a family of believers serving a loving God who commanded us to do life together just as He did with His disciples and those who would listen.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Church is more than having a weekly meeting. It includes doing stuff together. Being part of God’s family is about being connected in friendships. Besides needing a group of friends with whom we can spend a lot of time, doing everyday stuff together is just plain fun. At our church, it is a given. I have had people come up to me and ask why we do so much together, don't we ever get tired of each other's company - but we are more than just friends, folks. We are a family of believers serving a loving God who commanded us to do life together just as He did with His disciples and those who would listen.
Pouring our lives into other individuals is probably the greatest calling each and every one of us is called to. Sure, it is tough sometimes not to just stay home and "veg out" in front of the television and watch the world go by, but to actually get up off your couch and go out and pour life into another individual or group is full of rewards in itself.
Randy Frazee, senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas., and author of The Connecting Church, stated:
“For most of the last decade of the twentieth century, two television shows, Seinfeld and Friends, consistently received the top awards from the People’s Choice Awards…What both shows have in common is a small group of friends that go in and out of each other’s lives and apartments spontaneously more times in a half hour than most ‘real’ Americans experience in a year. Seinfeld even promoted itself as a show ‘about nothing.’ Why would busy Americans watch a show about nothing? Because it wasn't about nothing—it was about a group of great friends spending lots of spontaneous time together, talking about everyday stuff and loving every minute of it.”
Tomorrow night at 6pm our church is meeting at the Clinton Comm Center for a night of just that...and bowling. Hope to see you there! Let's spur one another on and have a great time doing it!
~Pastor Rob.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Preaching/Teaching the Word
The word “preacher” is from the original term kerux, signifying a “herald.”
One of the herald's most vital functions in Greek society was to keep the integrity of the message he was delivering. Some find it odd that the New Testament writers used this word only three times — twice about Paul, and once about Noah (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; 2 Peter 2:5). This may have been on purpose — to emphasize the importance of the message over the messenger.
Since all of us as Christians fall under the obligations of the “Great Commission,” all of us must preach the gospel in one way or another according to Mark 16:15. This can be through preaching behind a pulpit, on the street, performing skits, worship, greeting people as they come through the door, talking to people outside the church walls in our schools, workplace, bowling alleys, movie theaters, the mall, etc. about what Jesus has done in our lives.
As we go through this month of "I've Got A Message!" we are giving our older youth a chance to stretch their legs, so to speak behind the pulpit. I have already seen the excitement building and everyone wanting to get involved (as it should be...uhumph).
Everyone is welcomed as always at FUSION youth ministries. And adults are encouraged to attend if you haven't already to see what actually happens in a youth service. I hope you all will bring your friends, as you are in the drivers seat, so to speak.
I am always available to those scheduled to speak, and we will definitely need a session before you are allowed to speak.
Alot of people think I am crazy for allowing this, but, really when you think and pray about it, we should encourage our young people to share the message anyway we can. Going back to the Great Commission, and taking Jesus at His Word.
In the immortal words of General Custer: "Trust me, it's going to be great!"
Uhmmm on second thought, strike that last line! Looking forward to hearing the message tonight in FUSION!
One of the herald's most vital functions in Greek society was to keep the integrity of the message he was delivering. Some find it odd that the New Testament writers used this word only three times — twice about Paul, and once about Noah (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; 2 Peter 2:5). This may have been on purpose — to emphasize the importance of the message over the messenger.
Since all of us as Christians fall under the obligations of the “Great Commission,” all of us must preach the gospel in one way or another according to Mark 16:15. This can be through preaching behind a pulpit, on the street, performing skits, worship, greeting people as they come through the door, talking to people outside the church walls in our schools, workplace, bowling alleys, movie theaters, the mall, etc. about what Jesus has done in our lives.
As we go through this month of "I've Got A Message!" we are giving our older youth a chance to stretch their legs, so to speak behind the pulpit. I have already seen the excitement building and everyone wanting to get involved (as it should be...uhumph).
Everyone is welcomed as always at FUSION youth ministries. And adults are encouraged to attend if you haven't already to see what actually happens in a youth service. I hope you all will bring your friends, as you are in the drivers seat, so to speak.
I am always available to those scheduled to speak, and we will definitely need a session before you are allowed to speak.
Alot of people think I am crazy for allowing this, but, really when you think and pray about it, we should encourage our young people to share the message anyway we can. Going back to the Great Commission, and taking Jesus at His Word.
In the immortal words of General Custer: "Trust me, it's going to be great!"
Uhmmm on second thought, strike that last line! Looking forward to hearing the message tonight in FUSION!
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