tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86266501471490178752024-03-19T03:40:44.116-07:00A Couple(s) ThoughtsChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10383689665209954835noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-15509132270019762462015-08-22T07:15:00.001-07:002015-08-22T07:16:56.805-07:0021 Days of PrayerIn Matthew 9:36-38, Jesus was so moved with compassion for those that were far from God that He told His disciples to pray for people (workers) to be sent to them to share the Word of Life.<br />
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As we are entering our "harvest season," the time of year when more people visit and many commit their lives to Jesus, we are setting aside 21 days to pray. <br />
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- We'll be praying for workers to help Life Church reach more people. <br />
- For our existing team to be strengthened and full of vision.<br />
- For many people to surrender their lives to Jesus.<br />
- For God to move mightily in our church and community.<br />
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Beginning Monday, August 24th through Sunday, September 13th, we're challenging the church to set aside 21 minutes a day to pray. We also have 3 times a week for prayer experiences at 6 Emery Ave., in Randolph.<br />
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Mondays from 6am to 7am (Aug. 24, 31, & Sept. 3)<br />
Saturdays from 8am to 9am (Aug. 29, Sept. 5 & 12)<br />
Sundays from 8:45am to 9:15am (Aug. 30, Sept. 6 & 13)<br />
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We'll have a final Prayer Experience on Sunday, September 13th from 5pm to 6pm.<br />
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Let's join together and pray to see our city experience God's presence and His salvation through Jesus.<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-70194886349674367222015-01-19T03:00:00.000-08:002015-01-19T03:00:00.508-08:00vision leaks - part 6 (vision)<u>Remember</u>: Since vision leaks, we need to be reminded about...<br />
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<b>Words</b> - what was said a long time ago and what the current words/values are.<br />
<b>Doubt</b> will come--from within and without.<br />
<b>Faith</b> looks at the past and future. What has been done and what is to come.<br />
<b>Patience</b> - the timing and score belong to God.<br />
<b>Vision</b> - People need Jesus. And God the creator wants a relationship with them!!!<br />
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Peter stirs up his followers concerning the BIG PICTURE. (2 Peter 3:1-9)<br />
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>...<br />
1. What is more important to you...being recognized by people or helping people recognize Jesus?<br />
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2. Are you using people to build the church or are you using the church to build people?<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-58080741511344363462015-01-06T02:46:00.001-08:002015-01-06T02:49:01.108-08:00Dig!What do you do when you face an obstacle to your vision or dream? What do you do when you "can't" or "haven't"? <br>
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In Mark 2:3-4 we find four men burdened to see their paralyzed friend experience the providing hand of Jesus. They bring him to where Jesus is but they can't actually GET TO Jesus. They can SEE Jesus, but they're not close enough to experience His providing hand.<br>
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Verse 4 in the NLT version of the Bible says, <u>When they "COULDN'T"... they "DUG"</u>. Its time to DIG! It's time to DIG in some odd and unfamiliar places! Don't give up on your dream or vision simply because you're disappointed, tired, or facing an obstacle. DIG!<br>
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The 21 day #BreakthroughFast is a way of DIGGING. Change your diet. Remove some pleasant types of food or fast a specific meal each day to DIG to where Jesus is so that you can experience His miraculous hand of provision that will blow the minds of those watching your life.<br>
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?What obstacle are you facing?<br>
?How are you "digging" during the 21 day Breakthrough Fast?<br>
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<br>A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-30295237748516477692014-12-23T08:12:00.000-08:002014-12-23T08:12:16.262-08:00vision leaks - part 5 (patience)If you want to experience growth and success in life, you have to keep moving forward with a great attitude and heart even when you don't see the results you desire or expect. This is the essence of patience. And patience is fundamental to spiritual maturity and leadership.<br />
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The apostle Peter motivated his followers by pointing them to God's promises and then reminding them to be patient. (2 Peter 3:8) says, <i>"A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day."</i><br />
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>...<br />
<b>1. Don't be a time keeper!</b><br />
Those who watch the clock with an expectation of when they should get what they think they should get will deteriorate their patience which is their only ability to ultimately receive from God.<br />
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<b>2. Don't be a score keeper!</b><br />
Those who try to keep score by comparing what others have and how long it took them to get what they have will deteriorate their patience which is their only ability to ultimately receive from God.<br />
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What are your thoughts?<br />
?Are you a time keeper?<br />
?Are you a score keeper?<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-41397813093671318812014-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:002014-12-15T04:57:25.775-08:00VISION LEAKS - PART 4 (FAITH)Its working even when it doesn't seem like its working! You can't quit simply because you're not seeing the results you want to see.<br />
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The Apostle Peter reminded his team how important it is to stay in faith. In (2 Peter 3:5 NLT) he reveals the plight of the doubter. <br />
v5 <i>"<u>They deliberately forget</u> that God made the heavens long ago by the word of His command, and He brought the earth out from the water."</i><br />
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>...<br />
<b>1. Doubt is Deliberate!</b><br />
You have to work really hard to NOT see God at work. So, be deliberate to remind yourself that it IS working. God is working even when it doesn't seem like He's working. <br />
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<b>2. Faith looks at the Past!</b><br />
Peter told his team to remember all that God had done before and that God is still in the miracle working business. Don't forget! Remember, if He did it before He can do it again. Remembering the hand of God in your past can be fuel to see His hand in your present and future.<br />
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?Where have you been deliberately doubting?<br />
?What situation do you need to be reminded of today where God came through in a big way?<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-8500797715574191342014-12-08T09:42:00.001-08:002014-12-10T08:01:17.104-08:00VISION LEAKS - PART 3 (DOUBT)Doubt is your greatest enemy--and it will always by persistently present.<br />
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The Apostle Peter was reminding his team in 2 Peter 1:3 that "scoffers" will come. A scoffer is a derider, false teacher or mocker. They/it creates and fuels doubt.<br />
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The scoffer or doubter will say things like: <i>"It's not working!" "Where is all the money, staff/leaders, clients or people? Shouldn't there be more by now? Shouldn't we be further along?"</i><br />
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>...<br />
1. Doubt isn't present because we're failing. It's present because we're doing something extraordinary!<br />
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We need to be personally reminded when we're doubting that what we're experiencing is normal and expected. And, if you're a leader, you need to be spewing that truth into your team. <br />
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2. You need to remain strong and stable in the midst of doubt. <br />
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I'm reminding you today that doubt and doubters will come. I'm reminding you so that it won't knock you off course and so that you will see doubt for what it is; A LIE!<br />
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?What are the consistent doubts that come your direction?<br />
?Do those doubts come through those on your team or closest to you?<br />
If so, you may need to limit the time and influence you give those people.<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-47302337019717373652014-10-07T11:13:00.001-07:002014-10-07T11:14:35.844-07:00vision leaks - part 2 (reminders)We ended our last post promising to share 6 keys every leader needs to be reminded of as well as then reminding their teams. Vision leaks and we need a constant flow of the why behind the what. We discovered these keys in 2 Peter 3:1-9 and we'll be sharing a couple of them today. <br />
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<i>"<u>Beloved</u>, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your <u>pure minds</u> by way of </i><b><u>reminder</u></b><i>), that you may be mindful of the <u>words</u> which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the <u>commandment</u> of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,"</i><br />
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>... (2 of the 6 keys)<br />
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<b><u>1. Words</u></b> - Peter calls them beloved and then tells them their minds are pure. He first uses his words to encourage and compliment his followers and then reminds them of previous conversations. We need to be reminded of how powerful our words are to those we lead. They need regular doses of positive and uplifting interactions with us. You can never "over encourage". Be sure you're regularly injecting vision, life, and encouragement into your teams. It will take them and you a long way.<br />
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<b><u>2. Commandments</u></b> - There are things we say in passing conversation and then there are rules, policies, and guidelines. Even though we've taken the time to craft and write out the most important words of our organization, we will still need to have regular times of reminder. We'll need to remind people of not just what is written but why it was written in the first place. These are the vision, mission, values, processes, job descriptions, etc. Don't underestimate the importance of reminding your faithful of the pillars of your organization. They are not just the compass that points the way, but they are the rudder that turns and directs the entire ship.<br />
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? If your team was asked, what would they say was the last time you encouraged them?<br />
? How can you creatively remind your team of the most important words of your organization?<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-47999279809774956072014-09-18T07:55:00.000-07:002014-09-30T08:25:55.121-07:00Vision Leaks - part 1Vision leaks because people are leaky! We have this problem where we are enamored with the immediate. That immediate can be pleasure or pain. And, under the weight of the immediate, everything else gets pushed out. The pressure and enormity of the immediate squeezes out clarity for the big picture.<br />
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Its amazing how quickly we forget or lose sight of the vision of our organization when we're feeling the pressure of staffing difficulties, financial shortages, and people conflict. But its not just the negative that blurs our ability to stay focused on our vision. Vision leaks under the weight of success, too. We've spent money, added staff, purchased buildings, created ministries or positions, and overlooked people issues because everything was going "too good". Those decisions in the good times, that weren't filtered through clear vision, have or will come back to haunt us. <br />
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Its obvious that a God given vision requires constant clear focus. So what do we do to make sure vision, mission, and values remain in the forefront no matter what season we're in?<br />
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>...<br />
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<b>1. Make sure your vision, mission, and values are clear!</b><br />
Not just clear in your mind but clear on paper. Get these guys fleshed out and in your organization's language. Its okay to be inspired by another org's statements, but be sure you wrestle with the language and the feel of the statements to ensure they represent who God has called you to be. And then get those puppies written down on everything and anywhere you can.<br />
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<b>2. Remind everyone constantly!</b><br />
One of the most important jobs of a leader is to be a reminder. We need to remind our leaders to remind their teams and to teach their teams how to be reminded. I regularly tell our staff that they are to be "tanker trucks" driving around and refueling people with our church's vision.<br />
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There are <b>6 Reminders</b> that will help us stay focused on our vision no matter what season we're in. We'll be sharing these over the next few issues. <br />
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So, sign-up for this blog so that we can REMIND YOU when there are <u>A Couple Thoughts</u> ready for ya.<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-71995177327143560622014-07-23T12:12:00.000-07:002014-07-23T12:12:59.921-07:00Faith that works!<div>
We typically like to blog about leadership ideas we're learning and how they're lived out in a church context. But today, we want to share a spiritual insight we're processing.</div>
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I (Dan) think my approach to walking and living by faith has been incomplete or slightly skewed. Some define faith as simply being a believer or doing things from the basis of one's beliefs . Like, <i>"A person of faith"</i> or a <i>"faith-based initiative."</i> I've personally approached faith as a tool that God has designed for me to use to receive things from Him or to accomplish the impossible. Like...faith for salvation, healing, provision, or a miracle. If I can just build my faith enough, I'll finally get what God promised. <i>Not necessarily wrong, just possibly incomplete.</i></div>
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What if faith is more than some tool or spiritual gift, that if we can just figure out how to use, we'll be able to get anything we want? Like rubbing the Genie's lamp, and poof...unlimited wishes granted.</div>
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What if our approach to faith is off? What if there's a better way that changes everything? </div>
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I saw something while I was <b><a href="http://lifechurchjersey.com/images/images/images/images/Layout_Draft_3_1.pdf" target="_blank">SOAP</a></b>ing recently that shifted my thinking and approach to faith that I think will be helpful to you, too.</div>
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Romans 4:3 NKJV <i>"Abraham believed God, and it was <u>accounted</u> to him for <u>righteousness</u>."</i></div>
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Romans 4:9 NKJV <i>"Faith was <u>accounted</u> to Abraham for <u>righteousness</u>."</i></div>
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Romans 8:15-17 NKJV <i>"You received the Spirit of <u>adoption</u> by whom we cry out, '<u>Abba Father</u>' (Daddy God). The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are <u>children</u> of God, and if <u>children</u>, then <u>heirs</u>--<u>heirs</u> of God and <u>joint heirs</u> with Christ."</i></div>
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>...</div>
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<b>1. It was faith that established Abraham's relationship with God.</b></div>
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Yes, faith made it possible for Abraham to receive the promise of a son at 100 years old, but that was after he was considered righteous. <u>Righteous = right standing with God</u>. Meaning, Abraham received the promise because God considered him a son. And, because Abraham knew he was God's son, he was able to trust that God would come through on His promise.</div>
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? Are you striving for the promise or the for the One who promised?</div>
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<b>2. Reminding me that God is my loving Father is the Holy Spirit's job.</b></div>
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If I'm listening to the Holy Spirit, I will hear His encouraging whispers confirming my position in God and Christ. The Apostle Paul says we need to see God as a loving daddy, not a tired and angry disciplinarian. And, Jesus as a protective big brother, not a bullying prankster.</div>
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* You're not hearing the Holy Spirit accurately if you see God as withholding and against you.</div>
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? Do you trust God to come through on His promises like a loving daddy?</div>
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? Could this be where you need to build up your faith more?</div>
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I'm going to develop my faith to live more from my position as the son of a loving daddy, Who just happens to be the Creator of the universe.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dan</span></div>
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A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-24254592996406234792014-07-07T13:40:00.000-07:002014-07-07T13:44:25.529-07:00This is going to hurt...<i>I was asked a couple weeks ago to encourage some young leaders concerning how to handle correction. Here's what I shared.</i><br />
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We need to increase our pain threshold. We think if it hurts, its bad. We think if it hurts, we have permission to quit and leave. We'd never make it on Jesus' staff or team.<br />
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One time, "Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, 'Get behind Me, Satan!'" (Mark 8:33) <i>Imagine how you would respond if your pastor or leader brought it to your attention that you might be listening to the devil?</i><br />
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Then, in John 21:17, Peter was hurt that Jesus asked him the same question 3 times. I find it interesting that Jesus didn't stop at Peter's quick, surface, off the cuff response. Jesus followed up on Peter and pressed in until it hurt. Jesus asked questions that were annoying and off-putting to Peter.<br />
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<u>A Couple Thoughts</u>...<br />
<b>1. Growth comes in the pain.</b><br />
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We'll only grow to the level of the pain we're willing to endure. A leader must press into the pain and have necessary hard conversations with team members. A subordinate must be ready and willing to receive those hard conversations. Don't run from it, run to it.<br />
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Proverbs 27:5 says, "Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed." <br />
If we love them, and want them to grow, we'll hold them accountable, and lovingly correct.<br />
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<b>2. Those hungry to grow take correction as sweet.</b><br />
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"A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet." (Proverbs 27:7 NKJV)<br />
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To those who are satisfied, thinking they're doing a great job and are settled into their role as a leader, even the good things they experience are like trying to eat "just one more bite" at the buffet. But for those who are hungry for more, even correction (bitter thing) seems sweet, because they're desperate for growth.<br />
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Are you satisfied or hungry?<br />
How do you respond to correction and accountability?<br />
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#IncreaseYourPainThreshold<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dan</span><br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-14613362013168290522014-06-16T04:00:00.000-07:002014-06-16T04:29:33.773-07:00It's not about you!I walked into my bank recently and wished I never had to return. It was super quiet. No music playing. There were only 2 employees visible. One behind the main counter and one in an office on the phone. Neither seemed too excited to be there. It was dark, with many of the lights off.<br>
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Great customer service is a passion of mine, so I at times share what I think are insightful observations to those I think can or want to make a difference in their place of business. At least, I'll share what I feel will make the experience worth my returned business. <br>
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Here's what happened next...<br>
(me) "Its so quiet in here. There's no music playing?" <i>I'm thinking she forgot to turn the music on.</i><br>
(bank employee) "I don't need music. These machines are noisy enough."<br>
(me) "The music is for your customers. It feels like a ghost town in here."<br>
(b.e.) <i>After a placating laugh</i> "Oh, we're not allowed to play music."<br>
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My next stop was to another bank where I was pleasantly serenaded as I walked in. #truestory<br>
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A Couple Thoughts...<br>
1. Customer Service = Serve the Customer<br>
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Business owners or organization leaders: there are things you need to do for your customers or guests that may not initially benefit you but that make your guests/clients more comfortable. Embrace it.<br>
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2. Be a guest often.<br>
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The only way to become aware of what it feels like to be a guest is to be a guest. Visit businesses that are new to you and take notes. What makes you feel welcomed and valued? Why? What can translate into your business or organization that will add value to your guests?<br>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dan</span><br>
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<br>A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-63782182805702596172014-06-10T13:22:00.000-07:002014-06-10T13:40:17.052-07:00Are You Gathering or Sleeping?<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Ministry is all about gathering people. We experience true life when we actively participate in relationships. Yet, some of us have been waiting around….waiting for someone to offer us opportunity. Waiting for life to slow down and grant us the extra time to connect with others. "Some day I'll step out of my comfort zone. Some day I'll be ready enough, good enough, charismatic enough to reach others." We've all said this.</span></div>
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What we don't realize is that <i>in the passivity of waiting we are often being <u>lulled to sleep</u>.</i></div>
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Joy-filled relationships and opportunities are quickly passing us by and slipping right through our fingers before we even notice. In fact, we may never notice. That is…until we wake up.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Proverbs 10:5 </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"He who gathers in summer is a wise son: He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame."</i></span></span></div>
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Our family recently went to a professional baseball game. Our 8 year old son had been talking non-stop about going home with a game ball. My husband was alert with his glove on his hand throughout the entire game. He was ready for the bless-ed event should it come our way.</div>
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During the 8th inning, many families started to leave early. Truthfully, I was being lulled to sleep in the summer heat. Until suddenly, I could hear the roar of the crowd and tangibly feel the rush of something coming towards us. There it was! The much anticipated game ball coming fast and fiercely towards Dan's glove. It hit hard. <br />
<strong>Right. In. His. Glove.</strong></div>
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- EPIC FAMILY MEMORIES</div>
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- JUMBOTRON FAME</div>
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- HEAD TRAUMA INJURIES AVOIDED</div>
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He caught it all…..<u>Because he was ready.</u><strong> </strong></div>
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Let's be ready. Let's be gatherers and not sleepers. Let's be gatherers of people as wise sons and daughters.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Stephanie</span><br />
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A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-7214430899218240662014-06-09T07:59:00.002-07:002014-06-10T12:43:50.377-07:00Are you Teachable?I've been corrected a lot. Growing up with 3 brothers produced a good amount of opportunity to find myself on the wrong side of the law (My mom's apple shaped cutting board, if you know what I mean!). Fast food jobs, high school sports, church serve teams, and ministry positions have all given their fair share of correction. The question is, did I learn anything?<br />
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Teachability, one of our leadership values at Life Church Jersey, has been defined as: "<u>the willingness to relearn things we think we already know.</u>"<br />
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So, here's what I'm learning; its not <i>IF</i> I need correction, but how I respond to correction that makes all the difference. </div>
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Proverbs 9:7-9 NKJV</div>
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<i>"He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."</i></div>
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Teachability is revealed through our response to conflict and correction. Our character is displayed through how we endure pain. The question remains; Are you teachable? If you haven't been, you can certainly start right now.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dan</span></div>
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A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-12453878348501920612014-04-08T09:19:00.001-07:002014-04-08T11:14:33.606-07:00Who is Bigger than What!<br />
I've been in ministry leadership since 1992 and the longer God allows me to do this deal the more I'm convinced that it's who I'm with that matters more than what I'm doing. Relationships are life. Relationships are everything!<br />
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I recently heard of a young man leaving a church staff because he wasn't passionate about EVERYTHING he was responsible for. His job description included his sweet spot, but he was also asked to do a few things he didn't love. He and his pastor had known each other for years and there had been rich investments by the pastor into the friend/staff member. The pastor is one of the most relational, inspiring and supportive leaders I've ever met. I'd move to his city in a heartbeat to just be around him! And even though my friend was committed to work with his young staff member and invest in his personal growth, it wasn't enough. He left to seek out his "calling". <br />
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My observation is that the young man was more concerned with opportunity and position than being around healthy leadership.<br />
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<u>Here's my advice to young leaders</u> (any leader really):<br />
<i><b>* Seek a Person Not a Position!</b></i><br />
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If there's a respectable leader willing to invest in you and your growth...you've hit the jackpot! Look no further. God uses healthy people and relationships to develop us. You can learn the what and how of ministry almost anywhere. But, if there's not a deep connection with a leader that believes in you, loves you, stretches you, and develops you; you're toast. <br />
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<i>You'll never be fulfilled if you're not serving with people who fill you. (N</i><i>o matter what you're doing or accomplishing.)</i><br />
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<b>God calls us to people and places, not positions!</b><br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-76794054817295203772014-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:002014-02-28T05:12:29.103-08:00What's TEAM NIGHT?<div>
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#TMNight #TeamNight #Leadership #DreamTeam</div>
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Life Church Jersey has always focused on doing a few things really well. So, when we do "do something" it is really important to us. Team Night is one of those REALLY important things.</div>
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And here's why: </div>
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1. Our Dream Team is the life-blood of the church & Team Night is all about the DTeam.</div>
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2. All our focus is on pouring into our Point People and Dream Team members.</div>
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3. We have fun together.</div>
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4. We eat together.</div>
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5. We learn together.</div>
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6. I share vision and my most current thoughts at Team Night before I share them anywhere else.</div>
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7. Its the best way to be more connected to the core of LCJ.</div>
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TMNight is for those who lead or serve on a team at LCJ. So, if you're on the Dream Team or lead a Connect Group, <b>DO NOT MISS</b> our "<i>special edition</i>" on Sunday, March 16th, at 5pm. Its our 6 year birthday as a church and we're going to party!!!<br>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Childcare will be provided.)</span></div>
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A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-65627117486380022612014-01-30T11:32:00.000-08:002014-01-30T11:32:24.729-08:00Take A Step<br />
Each year following the 21 days of prayer and fasting, we celebrate with VISION NIGHT!<br />
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Vision Night is strategically scheduled after the fast because God has always revealed clear direction for the church during these 3 weeks of seeking Him. This year was no different.<br />
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<b>TAKE A STEP</b></div>
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We believe that is the word of the Lord for Life Church Jersey in 2014. We experienced amazing things in 2013. (Listen <a href="http://lifechurchjersey.com/message-archive/message/vision-night-2014/listen" target="_blank">HERE</a> to Vision Night for the all the details.) </div>
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As we enter 2014, God has challenged us to stretch our faith and reach for more. All He wants us to do is to #TakeAStep.</div>
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<i>"The </i><b>steps</b><i> of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And <u>He</u> delights in <u>his</u> way."</i> Psalm 37:23 NKJV</div>
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He (big "H") GOD delights in YOUR (little "h") way when you are taking steps toward HIS plan.</div>
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Let's <b>#TakeAStep</b> together and accomplish great things for God this year.</div>
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A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-16889383470190232312014-01-15T09:57:00.001-08:002014-01-15T10:02:18.939-08:00Let the Players Play!<br />
The leader or coach's job is to prepare his or her team for game day. Whether it's a stadium full of people with the entire world watching or a crowd of 100 people about to experience church; the big day is a big deal.<br />
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Coaches (pastor in my case) can and should get out on the field during practice. Show the players how to run the play. Demonstrate the blocking assignment. Teach. Train. Explain. Set your players up for a win. But when game day comes, <b>Let The Players Play</b>!<br />
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Coach before the game. Coach at halftime. Coach after the game is over. But, while the clock is running, <i><b>stay off the field!</b></i> Sometimes, the only way the players will learn and grow to play at a higher level is if we let them experience the necessary pain of blowing an assignment that costs the game. Believe me, they want to win as much or more than the coach. So, they'll learn from their mistakes...if we let them make a few.<br />
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It's hard to watch a player, team, game, or church experience crash and burn. But, you'll be developing leaders and there will be more wins in your future if you learn to <b>Let The Players Play</b> on game day.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Handwriting - Dakota'; font-size: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Dan</span><br />
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<i>I'd love to know your thoughts or comments.</i>A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-91005518319448186502013-12-30T13:36:00.000-08:002014-04-10T13:21:04.801-07:0021 Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, I unveiled how we're going to kick off 2014 at Life Church with a 21 Day Challenge. I'm so excited to see what God will do in the lives of individuals and the church as we put Him first.<br />
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1 Thesalonians 5:23 says, "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."<br />
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You make something holy by worshipping God with it. Your body, money, marriage, carrier; whatever it is becomes holy when God is given control and you worship Him. So, beginning Sunday, January 5th, through January 25th, we will kick off the year focusing on the Spirit with scripture reading, the Soul with prayer and fasting, and the Body with exercise. <br />
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<b>Here's the 21 Day Challenge...</b><br />
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January 5-11 we will <a href="http://lifechurchjersey.com/soap">SOAP</a> daily (Bible reading and journaling)<br />
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January 12-18 we will add <a href="http://lifechurchjersey.blogspot.com/2013/01/21-days-of-prayer-fasting.html">Prayer and Fasting</a> (while we continue to SOAP)<br />
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January 19-25 we will add daily exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes (continuing to SOAP and Fast)<br />
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* We'll be doing all 3 things that final week!<br />
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Let's join together and seek God as we kick off the New Year. I have a holy anticipation that this New Year is going to be a year where destinies are altered and aligned toward God. I believe God is going to do great things in your life in 2014!<br />
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Will you take the challenge?<br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-50587819500469073522013-12-04T10:45:00.000-08:002014-04-10T13:23:09.581-07:00Be Rich!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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t’s Christmas! And since this is a season of giving, we as a church <br /><br />want to go above and beyond in our generosity to those in need. <br /><br />The Apostle Paul taught Timothy to... <br /><br />“Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.” (1 Timothy 6:18 NLT)<br /><br />We are to use whatever we have, whether a lot or a little, to do good and give more. On Sunday, December 15th, we will be practicing to BE RICH as a church. <br /><br />LCJ uses a minimum of 10% of its income every year for outreach and regular donations to our ministry partners. Jesus told us in Acts 1:8 that we are to share His good news locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. We have budgeted $35,000 to share Jesus with our world throughout 2014. BUT, imagine the impact we could make as a church if we gave our partners a massive jumpstart to their year.<br /><br />That thought is the heart of our BE RICH Campaign, which is to raise all $35,000 (what we’ve budgeted to give away in 2014) on one day! We’re giddy just thinking about this!!! If you are like us, and we think you probably love to give too, then prayerfully plan how you will join with us to BE RICH.<br /><br />We can easily reach our goal on Sunday, December 15th if we all give a little extra. <br /><br /> If you haven't begun giving yet, start on December 15. <br /><br /> If you haven't begun tithing (giving 10%) start on December 15. <br /><br /> If you already give regularly, give a little extra. <br /><br /> Here's one way that might help you determine what to give.<br /><br /><b>If you regularly give...</b><br /><br />$20 a week.....give an extra $104 on Dec. 15th<br /><br />$50 a week.....give an extra $260<br /><br />$100 a week...give an extra $520<br /><br />$250 a week...give an extra $1300<br /><br />$500 a week...give an extra $2600<br /><br /><b>If you regularly give...</b><br /><br />$500 a month.....give an extra $600 on Dec. 15th<br /><br />$750 a month.....give an extra $900<br /><br />$1000 a month...give an extra $1200<br /><br />$1500 a month...give an extra $1800<br /><br />$2000 a month...give an extra $2400<div>
<br /><b> Life Church Jersey's Strategic Outreach Partners</b><br /><br />“And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem (local), throughout Judea (regional), in Samaria (national), and to the ends of the earth (global).” (Acts 1:8 NLT)<br /><br /><b>Local/Regional</b><br /><br /><a href="http://jesuslovesjersey.com/">Jesus Loves Jersey</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.arcchurches.com/">Church Planting</a> in NJ/Northeast <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mynextlevel.me/">Next Level Coaching</a> Area Pastors<br /><br />Live Streaming of LCJ Experiences<br /><br /><b>National</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.arcchurches.com/">ARC</a> - Church Planting (20% of our missions budget)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/">Samaritan's Purse</a> - Disaster relief<br /><br />Finishline - Youth ministry leadership coaching & Jesus Adventure Camp<br /><br />RMAI - Ministry training for pastors and missionaries<br /><br /><b>Global</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.maozisrael.org/site/PageServer?pagename=maoz_homepage">MAOZ</a> - Missions in Israel (10% of our missions budget) We give here first.<br /><br />Dominican Republic - Missionaries Mark and Stephanie Pyles<br /><br /><a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion</a> - rescuing & adopting children<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thea21campaign.org/">A21 Campaign</a> - preventing and rescuing woman caught in sex trafficking<br /><br /><a href="http://www.convoyofhope.org/?gclid=CM35-cj4lrsCFU5o7AodC2gAtA">Convoy of Hope</a> - Disaster relief</div>
A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-57077707878677403032013-09-09T13:38:00.001-07:002013-09-19T10:51:27.512-07:00Why LIFE CHURCH?<br />We announced to the church last Sunday that our name will be Life Church starting Sunday, September 22nd. I have to tell you that I am extremely excited about this new season for the church! This is a pretty BIG DEAL and I wanted to share the one main reason for the change.<br /><br />#1 - Make it as easy as possible for all people to find Jesus and follow Him fully!<br /><br />The church should be the most inviting and attractional place around. The church (a movement of people, not a building) should be a microcosm of it's surrounding community. We want unchurched and de-churched people (used to go to church but don't go anymore) to love our church and attend regularly. So, we started asking ourselves if there was anything that would be a hinderance for someone to step through our doors. We listed the characteristics of the people we feel compelled to love and want our name to be inviting to every person no matter their season of life.<br />
<b><i>That's when we realized we needed to simplify our name to broaden our reach.</i></b><br />
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<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-62801757245386440682013-02-27T11:34:00.000-08:002013-02-27T11:34:14.508-08:00Its Up to You!<b>Get the most out of your FLC Experience...</b><br />
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Every Sunday at FLC, family and guests come through our doors with some hope or desire for a better life. We're all hoping and praying God does something supernatural to capture our hearts and turn our lives around. Whether we're in complete trust and reliance on God or wondering if God can or will help us, we want our time at church to be impact-full. We're praying for genuine transformation and life-change.<br />
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Here's what I know: no matter how friendly our greeters, how safe and fun our kids environments, how awesome our band, and inspiring the preaching; what you get out of your time at church has more to do with what YOU do than what the church does. Your preparation and participation really make the difference. Our focus is not entertaining you but experiencing God WITH you.<br />
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I've compiled a "to-do" list to help you get the most out of your experience at FLC:<br />
<b>1. SOAP during the week.</b> Our daily Bible reading plan focuses on our current message series. You'll be ahead of the game with the inside scoop from God.<br />
<b>2. Invite/Bring a friend.</b> You'll get the vision of the church more when you bring an unchurched friend.<br />
<b>3. PRAY!</b> Pray for the FLC experiences during the week as well as when you drive to church every week.<br />
<b>4. Make room!</b> Come to the 9:30am experience if you're not bringing a friend. Most guests come to the 11:15am experience and we've been setting out extra chairs almost every week. You coming at 9:30am really makes a difference to build momentum at both experiences. <br />
<b>5. Arrive early.</b> You don't want to miss a thing! We spend a lot of time praying and planning EVERY part of your experience EVERY week.<br />
<b>6. Get a seat as close to the front as possible.</b> I preach better when you're closer. Seriously, it's harder to preach when I'm looking past empty seats to see your faces. (The front row is not sacred.) <br />
<b>7. Look for someone you don't know and be friendly.</b> If you're a Dream Team member or a regular attender than this is your house. Be hospitable!<br />
<b>8. Invite people to sit with you...</b>on the front row!<br />
<b>9. Participate!</b> Sing. Clap. Lift your hands. Take notes. Fill out your connection card. Give. Pray. Get in a Life Group. Go through the Growth Track.<br />
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The real deal is that spiritual change does not happen through osmosis or by simply being at church. Its up to you. The more you put in the more you will get out of it. Join with us and lets make FLC the most dynamic experience of your week. Also, the more you put in the more others will get out of it, too. Let's change the world!<br />
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Lifting people to Jesus with you.<br />
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Pastor Dan<br />
<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-45910833962574223932013-02-08T07:36:00.001-08:002013-02-08T07:36:40.811-08:00Soul TherapyWe are currently in a series at Family Life called "Soul Therapy" where we are working on inside issues. Addiction, depression, anger, and insecurity are the internal struggles we will be defeating. <br />
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Check out today's #SOAP from Romans 6 and win the battle within!<br />
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S = "So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:11 NLT)<br />
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O = A big key to our victory over sin is a position of faith and vision. It's seeing ourselves having power to deny sin and believing that we are free from sin's hold. It's the thought that counts! Paul, by the Spirit of God, is telling us in his letter to the believers in Rome, that Jesus has broken sin's power over our lives. We must "consider" ourselves free. #ItsTheThoughtThatCounts If we're to have victory over sin, we must believe--constantly be thinking that we have power over sin.<br />
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A = The personal application of this #SOAP is to write this verse down on a 3x5 card, make it our phone's wallpaper, or print it out and put it on a bathroom mirror to be seen everyday. Memorize this verse and recite it when tempted or pressured to sin. Believe we are free from sin's hold even if it was just 5 minutes ago that we gave in to temptation. It's all about changing the way we think.<br />
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P = Father God, I pray right now for a clear mind to think Your thoughts about who I am as Your child. I ask that You help me to believe what Your Word says about me. I declare by the power of the blood of Jesus and the authority in His name that I have power over sin. I am free from sin's hold. Thank you for saving me and giving me victory in life.<br />
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This Sunday we will be tackling depression! Don't miss it!A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-23917090956722709102013-01-24T05:42:00.001-08:002013-01-24T06:07:15.813-08:00Day 19 ~21 Days of Prayer & FastingFasting Flourishes in Our Gratitude & Praise<br />
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Today's Daily Reading: Psalm chapter 56<br />
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David was a man full of gratitude and praise to God. Even in the midst of great trial, affliction, and sorrow. As David wrote Psalm 56, which is an actual song, he was a prisoner of the Philistines. He made strong declarations of faith that contradicted his current circumstances. He refused to allow his very real troubles to steal his unshakeable trust in God. Possibly tortured and most definitely neglected, David still confidently asks a question he already knows the answer to.<br />
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"I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 56:11 NLT)<br />
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Nothing! That was David's answer. Nothing can hurt me! David's trust and confidence in God's faithfulness produced his own personal faithfulness. It's like he's saying, "I know my schedule has changed and life is full of obstacles and trouble, but I'm not going to stop going to church. I'm not going to stop serving. I'm not going to stop worshipping God with every area of my life." David didn't shirk his commitments when life got rocky. He not only maintained his commitments, but he increased his level of buy-in in-spite of life's rocky road.<br />
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"I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light." (Psalms 56:12-13 NLT)<br />
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My prayer for you on day 19 of 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting is that your relationship with God would not waver but would grow in strength. I call you stable in Jesus name! You're rooted and grounded in God's great love. May you become even more in love with Jesus and committed to His great will than ever before. Even in the face of any adversity.<br />
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A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-42795244750750135892013-01-23T03:48:00.001-08:002013-01-23T07:10:29.422-08:00Day 18 ~ 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting<b>Fasting and Prayer Defeats Doubt and Unbelief</b><br />
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<i>Today's Daily Reading: Mark chapter 9</i><br />
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I believe. I just need help with unbelief! I believe God is all-powerful and all-loving. I just need help with all the uncertainty and doubtful confusing thoughts that distract me from faith. I believe God is my source and that He is a faithful provider. I just need help believing that when my bank account is low and I don't know how I'm going to make ends meet. I believe Jesus is the healer of physical pain and disease. I just need help with all the doubt and unbelief that's keeping me from receiving what God has for me. I need to defeat the doubt that's preventing me from rising up and telling the problem to go back to hell where it came from, in Jesus name!<br />
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Jesus encountered a father who's son was possessed by a demon. Nine of the disciples were unsuccessful at casting the demon out of the boy. Jesus shows up with Peter, James, and John after a powerful encounter with God. Jesus first words in Mark 9:19 were:<br />
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<i>"O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” </i><br />
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Jesus rebuked everyone in hearing distance because of their doubt and unbelief. "O FAITHLESS generating." He's basically saying, "when are you going to rise up in faith and do kingdom works?" He's preparing them for His physical absence. He's training them to be and act like Him since He won't be with them physically for much longer. His focus is removing doubt and unbelief.<br />
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We then see Jesus talking to the boy's father to remove doubt.<br />
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<i>Mark 9:23-24 "Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” </i><br />
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Jesus then quickly does what the disciples were unable to do and casts the demon out of the boy. The boy is miraculously well and everyone rejoices...except for the disciples. They're kind of frustrated. They were saying all the right things. "Come out of that boy in the Name of Jesus!". But there was too much doubt and unbelief present. The doubt was outweighing the belief. They finally asked Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon. His response is challenging.<br />
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<i>Mark 9:29 NKJV "So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”</i><br />
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Interesting. Was Jesus talking about the demon or unbelief when He said, "this kind"? I'm totally leaning more to Jesus talking about unbelief because of all He said prior to casting the demon out. It's authority in the name of Jesus that defeats the enemy not prayer and fasting. Yet, prayer and fasting draws us closer to the Father. Prayer and fasting removes distractions to our faith. Prayer and fasting starves doubt and unbelief, and helps us realize the authority we've been given in Jesus Name. Doubt and unbelief come out...are driven out of our hearts and minds through prayer and fasting.<br />
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There are only 4 days left in our 21 day season of prayer and fasting. Press in like never before with a focus to grow your faith and defeat doubt! You are victorious! You are mighty! You are full of the power of God and the authority of Jesus! Don't let doubt keep you from believing and doing great and mighty deeds for God.A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626650147149017875.post-16590212999966388872013-01-21T04:56:00.001-08:002013-01-21T09:53:46.585-08:00Day 16 ~ 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting<br />
<b>Fasting Brings Focus to the Real Issues.</b><br />
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<i>Today's Daily Reading: Mark chapter 7</i><br />
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You're on the home stretch! Its our third and final week in our 21 days of prayer and fasting. Whether you began with us two weeks ago or whether you're finishing with us in our final days, the focus of fasting is all about impacting our heart (soul) and strengthening our spirit. Let's finish strong and get the most out of these final 6 days. God has something significant for you!<br />
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Fasting, in its definition, is about adjusting diets, minimizing food intake, and removing certain foods altogether. With that said, simply focusing on food does not necessitate a "spiritual" fast. Food isn't the real issue. Food isn't the heart of the problem. If it was just about food being bad, we wouldn't call it "21 Days of Prayer & Fasting" but "21 Days of Dieting".<br />
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The focus in a spiritual fast is to get to the "heart" of the issue. Food feeds our flesh, and our flesh hates our soul (mind, will & emotions) and our spirit. Our flesh, when left uncontrolled will destroy us. Fasting food for the purpose of spiritual growth weakens our flesh. This enables us to uproot the real culprits in our soul (thoughts, choices and emotions), which in turn empowers our spirit man to be in control; which in turn controls our flesh. Did you get all that? I had to read it again after I wrote it. ;-)<br />
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Jesus said in Mark 7:15, 21-23 NLT, <i>"It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart (soul). ” For from within, out of a person’s heart (soul = mind, will, and emotions), come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”</i><br />
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Jesus refers to the heart of our problems stemming from our soul. So here's what I want to challenge us to do today as we're fasting. Ask God to reveal certain ways of thinking that don't line up with His way of life. Ask for spiritual strength to break patterns of the will or choices that have been made that are damaging. Pray for supernatural help to overcome destructive emotions like depression, fear and anxiety. Get to the heart of the issues in your life and experience spiritual strength.<br />
<br />A Couple(s) Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907621517492705090noreply@blogger.com0