THE PROCESS

You know, everything about life narrows down to a process!  Think about it.  What about these things:

• The changing of the seasons
• How a tree comes from an acorn
• The food chain
• A child learning how to walk
• A baby forming in its mothers womb
• Teaching a child to read
• The life cycle
• etc, etc, etc,
  

Everything in life comes down to a process.  None of these are less miraculous than the other.  Nonetheless....they are all subscribing to some type of process.  Some have been around since the beginning of time and some are more modern.  I mean whoever decided to dry a bean, roast it, grind it and pour hot water through it to create coffee is my best friend!  There is a process that we often overlook.  The process of a regenerated heart to a life of a mature believer.  I believe most believers want to live a Godly and holy life, but its as if we know where we want to go, but aren't going to take the steps necessary to get there.  So, it seems as if the most miraculous process is the one very few are willing to subscribe to......  I will be preaching this message in the morning at our traditional service and will be developing my thoughts on this over the next week.  So, come in the morning and check back here in a few days as we develop this thought....

PG

Journal 11.11.08

This is what I read this morning-

    Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!  It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.  Watch our for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.  For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
    If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:  circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews;  in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
    But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all thins.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God ans is by faith.  I want to know Christ and teh power of his resurrection and the fellowship of shariing in his sufferings, becoming like him in death, an so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
     Not that i have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take holdof that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I don ot consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, i press on toward the goal to win the proze for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

                                                        -Philippians 3:1-14



Over the past several days I have been working my way through Galatians and the prison epistles.  The heart of Paul is so clear especially as he speaks from his jail cell in Rome.  Even in his condition we see him write in Philippians 1:14, "Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."  It was because of Paul's imprisonment that the believers were being encouraged.  Later in chapter 2 he declares to us that, "it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him."(2.29)  So, i guess as i read these words I am wondering where the suffering part comes in for me.  I am aware of the fact that man Christians around the world today are suffering and dying for their faith and nothing in my life compares to that.  I am pondering the thought that maybe we aren't putting ourselves in the position to suffer.  I mean, honestly, how many American Christians really suffer for their faith.  I don't even think this is an issue of living in a country where we have religious freedoms at all.  I think it has more to do with where we position ourselves.  If we aren't suffering for our faith then maybe we aren't being active enough in what Paul calls the "forceful gospel" (Matthew 11:12).  Maybe I will develop this more and maybe I wont, but wanted to share this with you this morning.

What do you think about this?  How much does freedom of religion play into the whole idea of suffering?....or should it?  And if it shouldn't what's the deal in your opinion....

Journal 10.23

I feel so overwhelmed today and not in the way you might think.  I feel overwhelmed with the presence of God.  Almost like I am in a haze or something.  As per the urging of the Lord earlier in the week, I have probably prayed more and read more from the Word this week than I have in a long while.  So, maybe its just a realization of well, reality.  That God is not only the mastermind and creator of the universe, but he walks among us every day as well.  I have asked Him for so much this week, so maybe its the Lord just giving me his calm assurance.  Who knows, but what I do know is that the passion I have been praying for, the "IT", I have been missing has come back with force.

I love that word....force.  It reminds me of one of my favorite passages.

Matthew 11:12
"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

This verse brings up the kind of emotion I feel when Mel Gibson yells out "freedom" at the end of Braveheart.  A sort of barbaric spirit that should arise out of the soul of every believer.  That we are most definately not on the defensive end of God's strategy.  In fact he has placed us right in harms way.  yea, that's right....on the front lines.  Not because he wants us to fail, but bc he put the ability in us all to be warriors and victors.  Could you imagine what could happen if all believers began to carry the cross like William Wallace carried his slain wife's hankerchief?  He held it close to his heart and would die to protect it.  Heck yea, I just blew that off the top of my head.  But, how about it?  Would we, could we live with such reckless abandon?  I believe the first century Christians can answer that one for us.  As they were crucified, murdered and fed to lions instead of turning their backs on the one who gave them ultimate "Freedom."

So, as I just sit in this overwhelming presence of God I ask that He cloth me with such passion.  That if needs be I would lead the charge.

PG

Journal 10.21

As I laid in bed last night an overwhelming feeling came upon me.  That something imminent was on its way from the Lord.  So, I told Becky and we decided to fast today so to be in position to accept this Word from the Lord.  I don't know what to expect, but I am expecting.  Shouldn't that be out attitude everyday as we roll out of the bed.  To Expect!  We live these civil religious lives that are pretty much predictable.  But, we serve a supernatural God who is anything but predictable.  Anyways....

I had a great prayer time this morning.  Through that time something fell on my Spirit hard.  I have allowed time, experiences, denominationalism and church to literally extinguish the fire of God in my Spirit.  The Spirit of God that was made alive in me has at best played a dormant role for years.  And I am not talking about the polite understanding of the Spirits role in the life of a believer.  And there is a place for this because the Spirit is a total gentleman.  I am speaking of the violent shaking of a man's spirit that leads to a powerful display of God's supernatural hand.  Some people probably think I am nuts.   Good!  I think it is about time that we start living out the dangerous gospel that Christ came and established on Earth.  This modern domesticated Gospel that man has created really gets on my last nerve.  We are living in times when the power of the Holy Spirit through the life of the believer and church is needed more than ever, but we see that as being a little to over-bearing on those who don't understand.  I don't know about you, but there was a time when I didn't understand, but through that same life transforming power of God I came to understand.  You may think I am nuts and I really don't care if you agree, but that was so heavy on my mind this morning.

Acts 1:8  "And you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;  and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Some people dismiss this passage because is sounds to much like what those Pentecostals teach.  This has nothing to do with denomination beliefs and has everything to do with the power of our influence.  You want to influence the nations?  Then you have to be living in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The disciples knew this and did it.  They went to all the known world and kicked the hell out of hell because they believed it so much.

Father I pray today that you renew the spiritual passion that I once had.  Increase my desire to know you and to be known by you.  Open my eyes to the Scriptures like never before and use me to increase your kingdom-Amen

The Rant of a Raging Lunatic

Yea, well atleast that's what they thought. Who is they, you say? God's people, the chosen ones of Israel and the apple of God's eye....that's who. So who is this raging lunatic and what was he ranting about?

It is the prophet Jeremiah and he pretty much beat God's people to death with the words he spoke. Here's the catch: God set him apart from before birth to do these things(Jer. 1:5). How would you feel if your life's calling was to fuss and complain at the church day-in and day-out. And I'm not talking about the disgruntled old dude who hates the color of the new carpet. I mean a constant word from the Lord that lashed the Israelites as if they were tied to a whipping pole.

Read the first couple chapters of Jeremiah to get an idea of what I am talking about.

Let me make a couple of major points.
1. God was terribly upset and angry at his people
Why? Because they had forsaken their first love. Take the time to read Jeremiah 1-2 just for a glimpse. God pronounces His judgment on them for three things: for forsaking Him, worshipping other gods, and worshipping the works of their hands. Here's the key, they had forsaken God simply so they could worship themselves and the things that were more convenient to them.
2. He sent Jeremiah as the Lone Ranger to set them straight
Why? Who knows why he chose Jeremiah. He became known as the weeping prophet bc all he brought was bad news. The majority of what he spoke to the Israelites was what they were doing against God and what God was going to do to straighten them out.

This is going to be longer than expected so I will probably stretch it out to another post. But, for the meantime here's a question.

Why would God chase after the Israelites after the way they treated Him? I mean, He is God and He doesn't need these people to validate who He is. If someone treated us that way we would disown them at best. Chew on that one for a while and I will add to this later.....

Before I cut this off let me tell you why I chose to write about this. Jeremiah 2:25 says this,

25 Do not run until your feet are bare
and your throat is dry.
But you said, 'It's no use!
I love foreign gods,
and I must go after them.'

When I came across this verse it truly disturbed me.......'I love foreign gods, and I must go after them.'

But more disturbing is the fact that most of us live this as our creed. No, not posted on our walls, but on our hearts......

If somehow we could rekindle a passionate pursuit of God. My hearts cry is to lead people to discover how wonderful it is to follow closely after the heart of God. Let that be your prayer today....

Share this message today and you will be called a raging lunatic. I mean we overdo this Jesus thing, right? Jesus really doesen't care about my day to day does He? I will save that for later.....

Be a Passionate Pursuer of God......

Wrong Place-Wrong Time

Have you ever truly been surprised by God? Yea, I have to. I can admit it has been a while, not bc God has been chillin' on a beach somewhere, but more bc I haven't even been in the same ballbark as Him lately. I have been in one of those places where I feel as if the rinse cycle has to be right around the corner. Those who know me are aware of my recent illness, but that is only part of the deal. I have been in this funky-funk-funk where all things are as if the camera is out of focus. Thanks to all of you guys who have been right in my face letting me know you are praying for and supporting me. One of those guys, JKL.....you know who you are recommended a good book for me a couple weeks ago. That book is Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. Well, I went to get it, probably to sit on my shelf with all of those other lonely never read books. While there I saw Batterson's first book, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day and picked it up to. Well, I decided to read this one first, besides I would much rather read about a lion than a goose. Only makes sense right? This book has slapped me right in the face and has helped me put my life on auto-focus. Ok, catch this....

"Right at the onset, let me share one of my core convictions: God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. A sense of destiny is our birthright as followers of Christ. God is awfull good at getting us where He wants us to go. But here's the catch: THE RIGHT PLACE OFTEN SEEMS LIKE THE WRONG PLACE, AND THE RIGHT TIME OFTEN SEEMS LIKE THE WRONG TIME." -Mark Batterson, pg. 12

Well, I need to say no more. Often we find ourselves in a place that is uncomfortable and with a sense of "Why God??!!" Maybe we just need to hang on for the ride and be surprised where we come to a screaching halt! And yes, I do feel like i am at the wrong place at the wrong time, but maybe, just maybe I am right where my Father wants me to be. How about you?

JRHI Bigstuf Day 4

Again day 4 comes around with mixed emotions.  Another day of camp is in front of us but we know it is the last day.  The morning session was beyond belief.  The Daraja Childrens Choir sang and led in worshp.  These children just arrived in the states and will be at Bigstuf each week.  Durnig the other times they will travel to churches spreading the Gospel with their voices.  They will be at CFUMC on June 26th and you don't want to miss it.  These children have such joy and the smiles on their faces are without compare.

The afternoon found us all on the beach for the 4th annual Solid Rock sandcastle building contest.  We had about 10 groups put a lot of time in each of their sculptures but only one came out victorious.  These are the winners in 08: Ginna Blair, Kate Marshall, Kaitlin Redford, Brooke Worsham and Lauren Venters.  We all had a great time hanging out together not to mention them trying to drown me on multiple occasions.  Anyone want to remind me why I do this?  No, just kidding.  We all then spread out and ate at local restaurants in the evening.

The evening session was eye opening for all of us I believe.  Jarod simply told the great story of God's love for us by animating the Bible from Genesis to the Cross.  We were all touched by the greatest story ever told.  There were 8 students from our group that laid their live at the cross for the first time.  Many others expressed later in our church group time that they feel their faith is at a place that it never has been before.  I challenge you as parents, leaders and peers to pray for everyone who was touched by Bigstuf this year to continue with what the Lord has started.

Ok, well I am on the charter bus on the way home as I write this and the wifi wont let me upload pics.  So, I will add some to this post later....

PG

JRHI Bigstuf Day 3

I just now uploaded our day 2 post and it is the morning of day 4.   Man, we have been so busy that I have literally had no time to tune you guys in.  So, I am frantically typing before the morning session so you will know what is happening.   I am very tired this morning as your little angels were tossing shaving cream at each other around 1 am last night.  It looked like we were having a white Christmas in June in PC......

I have to say that last nights session has been the most impactful yet.  The entire night was centered on the idea of pain.  Yea, I know that sounds a little off the beaten path for youth camp, but was right on for what our students needed.  Since our theme is Broadcast it ended up on whether the pain we go through is broadcast through a mirror or a window.  Do we look only at ourselves when we go through pain.  Are we center stage?  Do we want everyone to pity us and soak up all the attention.  Or, do we broadcast through a window?  Do we allow our pain to be transparent so that God will get the glory?

During our church group time after the big session so many shared pain that they

 have been kept bottled up for a long time.  It was such a touching moment as students who had not been friends loved on each other and we cared for those among us who were hurting.  Bigstuf is turning out again to touch lives and change the course of our lives.  Please encourage your son/daughter to share with you what God did in their lives this week.

McKinley Shunn was on stage tonight sharing her story of struggle and how God has worked through her pain to be glorified.

God bless and will let you know what happens on this eventful 4th day.

Thanks to Katie Brewer for being the most awesomest intern ever!   And that she turned Chris down for a date!!!!!!!!!!

PG

SRHI Bigstuf Day 5

Well, Senior High Bigstuf is over and everyone is home safe and sound. It was a great week and everyone have a wonderful time. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts as we were away.........Time to start another week, Junior High this time.....

WHAT WAS I THINKIN????!!!!!!!!

Please pray for this upcoming week and I will keep you posted.

p.s. Will add group photo after lunch....lol

PG

SRHI Bigstuf Day 4

Day 4 is always filled with mixed emotions. First of all everyone is totally cranked up especially when worship time comes. The night worship went until almost 11 pm. The cool thing is that no one seemed to mind. Hearts were drawn close to the Father and many lives were revived and renewed. Secondly, the day is kind of sad as everyone knows that we will be going home soon. Through it all this has been a great week where many memories were made and friendships started.

Here is another quick note from one of our students:

When I came to Big Stuf this year, I was not prepared to have such an impactful time. I thought it would be fun, but I would ultimately just witness other people finding God. But the last night really spoke to me. The worship was amazing and I felt like my faith was quenched with the awesomeness of God smiling on me, and touching my heart. The feeling of Jesus all around me, holding me, making me safe, is basically indescribable, and worshipping Him is just as great. I hope you feel Christ in your heart like I did tonight. God is great, and a quote that stands out in my mind now is “God doesn’t blink”. Just some thoughts.
-Carter Owens

Day four comes to an end and many lives have been changed. Have you allowed God to do a new work in you this week. We should never go a day without experiencing God in a few and fresh way. So, seek him and know him as you never have before.

PG

SRHI Bigstuf Day 3

Thanks guys for tuning in and checking out what’s happening down here in PC. Everyone is having a blast and having a great time. Thought I would let some students shout out to you....

SUP everybody?? Everybody knows that we hear how awesome Bigstuf is. This is an actual person telling you that it is AWESOME. In all honesty, This is one of the best years that we have had. We started off today by the normal “breakfast shifts”, but i thought that this morning would be a slightly deeper session (with Jared) and he would recap on what Stuart had taught us and brought to our attention. I was WRONG! Jared as you know has one of the best ‘down-to-earth’ ways to put it his message in the lingo that is easy for for us to gather the concept. We have had a rough time coming to terms with our errors in which we go through our day to day life. Don’t get me wrong, when i say that, it actually a good thing. Many people think that when they lie, it might be okay, or ‘alright if i tell them the truth later’ attitude. Without trying to ruin it for you because this is an experience that you have to have first hand, Bigstuf is so AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!:) You will honestly have

 a motivation to be a better person within forty-eight hours of being here. For those that are just coming only to chill at tha beach, I strongly encourage you to reconsider why you are coming. God is Amazing. He gave you life. He lets you live from day to day. So Live Loud, Live Clear, and Live True.

-Michael Venters

Tonight's session was so amazing. There was no speaker, no great visual effects only stories. Stories of students from Bigstuf who have encountered unspeakable painful experiences and have seen God’s glory through it all. Through these stories many of our own students and leaders found themselves confronted with the fact that pain is a regular part of our lives. I do believe that much healing began in many lives tonight.

So, there you go.....day 3

PG

SRHI Bigstuf Day 2

So Day 2 ended up being an eventful day

Of course Solid Rock is taking over Bigstuf 08.  During the morning session Lindsey Horton ended up on stage playing simon says in front of 1500 people.  She came in third place which came without a prize......huh......  Anyway, the session was great.  Stuart Hall challenged us to do some heart editing.  That it doesn't matter what you change on the outside until you clean out the inside of your heart......right on!   Check out Matthew 23:26-28.  So, what beats in your heart?

The afternoon was spent on the beach, soaking up the rays.  Ok, so I was out on the sandbar with some guys and we saw a stingray.  That was pretty cool, but when five more showed up I took off.  They say that when you see a bear it's not important that you are the fastest runner in the crowd, just don't be v the slowest.   So, I sacrificed one of our own for my benefit.  Well, not really, but I definately wasn't the last out of the water.  And we won our first round in the volleyball tourney.  It was the easiest game ever as the other team didn't show.

At the beginning of the night session a star was born.  They have been playing an inhouse version of "Don't forget the lyrics."  So our very own Caroline Batch was picked bc some of her roomies dressed up and made a scene in order to be noticed.  Like I said, Solid Rock is owning Bigstuf 08.  Ok, so she makes it to the third round and draws out Michael Jacksons-Thriller.  Are you kidding me!  Yea it's like Caroline sits around and listens to MJ all day long.  Well she won some prizes and that was cool.  This session we talked about truth and how important it is to speak truth.  Decide to speak the truth-anything else keeps you from broadcasting your intended message!

Ok, well that was day 2.....see you in the morn!

PG

Funny sleeping video

The Creative Gospel

Kingdom Pic #3

Well over that past week I have been working at the Mart in Atlanta helping my mother in law move her showroom. Over those days I ran into these two working on the docks. This is Cynthia and Lamar.... As I ran into these two and many more like them I was reminded of something.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

-Galatians 3:2

So many times we walk through this world with only one concern...ME! There are so many good people all around us who have a story to share, a need that needs to be met, or even just a simple smile. Yea, I work in the church and so many times I get trapped behind the four walls. Let none of us get to a place that life is just about us...whether the "us" is the church or ourselves. We are all one in Christ!

By the way Cynthia and Lamar probably thought I was a little crazy...but the both have a love for the Lord as I do. And that, I would have not known if I hadn't stopped to visit with these two...my brother and sister in christ, just for a moment.

Kingdom Pic #2

Matthew 19:13-14

13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

For some reason I remember this little girl more than all the others during my recent trip to Nicaragua. Maybe its the innocence in her eyes or maybe she just reminded me of my own little princess back at home. Children are such a reminder of the central message that Jesus preached....children! Whether it was literal children or the fact that we are to come to him with a childlike faith, he often uttered the word..."child." So, for today act childish....and you will see God smiling down on you too!

Kingdom Pic #1

I am going to start a series around the kingdom as I experience it everyday. The Kingdom of God is all around us, but we fail to see it or experience it bc we are so wrapped up in ourselves.

So here we are at Kingdom Pic #1



My first pics will probably be from my recent trip to Nicaragua. This one speaks loudly about the heart of the kingdom. I was standing on the edge of a soccer field where some of our guys were playing the locals in a pick-up game. The field was ligned with trash and many of the locals came out to view the Americanos attempt to play soccer. In the midst of the dirty roads, the sub-standard living conditions and poverty this rainbow appeared. In that moment I fealt the presence of God on tha soccer field. I forgot about the trash, heat and my desire for a Md's quarter pounder. I saw the wonder of God filling this valley on his children both Nicaraguan and American. Just a few moments later another rainbow appeared beside the first....just a confirmation of God's covenant to us....his people.

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."
-Genesis 9:16

chill out

Well, I am sitting in the ski lodge way up here in WV while all of my kids are freezing their tails off on the slopes. You may think I feel guilty for that, but you would be so totally wrong. It actually is medicinal for me to sit here sipping my Nicaraguan coffee with a good book. It has reminded me of how very seldom I slow down enough to enjoy life. I say that I do, and yea am successful at times, but most of the time am a great failure at recharging the batteries. Ministry is tough, but so is teaching school, being a banker, a stay at home mom and yea even those serving you at McD's. Life is so busy for practically all who are striving to make this thing call life better and we all should take time to slow down just a bit. I have found this weekend more rest for my soul than I have in a long time. You got it, I am in WV with 64 students and leaders and yet I have found quietness for my body, spirit and mind. It really isn't a difficult thing to do, but until we are forced into a place where we have to slow down, generally we don't. You see, we are stuck in nowheresville, WV and I don't have a choice but to chill. I mean, I don't desire a broken skull, so I don't ski. So my options are limited to watching all day or chillin' out by the fire with my java (while my friend JJ is working his butt off in C-town). Anyway.......s....l........o.............w................d....................o.....................w........................n. Enjoy your kids, your wife, a good book or even an unexpected snooze in the lazy boy as often and frequently as you can.

Enough Said

Pay the Price and You Will See My Glory

I can remember almost a year ago receiving this word from the Lord. It wasn't a thunderous voice banging out of the clouds, but the weight of these words have given me many restless nights. Since I first heard these words my life has been turned upside down. I know now that it is because the enemy knows the impending results if I will just heed this message. You know, all of us want to see God's glory. We want to see him work in our lives and in the world in miraculous and awesome ways. What we have a hard time with is "Paying the Price."

And, what does that exactly mean anyway?

Luke 9:23 tell us, "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

This doesn't mean to hang that pretty golden cross your grandmother gave you around your neck as your heading out the door either. The cross we are to tote around is heavy and cumbersome. It is not easy to carry and many will wonder why you even try because the weight is so heavy.

You see, the cost is tied up in walking the path of a true disciple. Not one of the panzy wamzy guys who walks around with a spit shined head who has a plastic smile and soft handshake. I mean a disciple who will crawl through the ditches in God's kingdom in search for a nugget that has fallen from the master's table. One who will rise early and go to bed late in order to dine with the Father. A man who knows that he serves an awesome king in a now kingdom and the fate of many outside the kingdom walls depends on him.

The first way we pay the price is simply walking out a journey of true discipleship. Walking with Christ everyday as if it were the last. Taking every opportunity to know him, serve him and point others to him.

In what ways do you think we are faithful/unfaithful as disciples. Your story may be the encouragement that someone else may need.

A Dangerous Gospel

I don't know what this will end up being, probably because I am mad. I mean real mad at the moment. Have you ever been that way? You see something that just really chaps you "lips" and you just can't get over it. Anyway, there's really nothing wrong with anger as long as it doesn't lead to sin. Jesus himself even got angry when people disrespected the house of God. I mean he tore the place up, turning over tables and physically beating men with a whip. You know, that's how I feel today!

I'm not angry at the water problems in Kenya, the homelessness in Atlanta or even that I had to spend $130 on my "stray" cat yesterday. Even though all of these bother me, they are not the cause for my unsettled spirit this morning.

I AM ANGRY AT THE CHURCH!!!!!!!!

I am angry because we operate without vision and passion. We suppose that the Gospel is safe and that our environments are supposed to follow suit. We are a safe place for safe people and any compromise to that plan sends us into survival mode. We supply children with coloring pages, youth with ski trips, college kids a covered dish, and adults get the very best part....meaningless worship and shallow messages. I dont' know why this is bothering me more today than yesterday, but it is. Maybe it's because of the study I have been doing every morning about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 11:12 says that "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing..."

The kingdom of heaven is a force to be reckoned with and it is advancing throughout human history. But we find ourselves like those teacher of the law in Jesus' day. He said to them in Matthew 15 "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."

I am just weary of working the harvest fields for church membership and another prospective tither. Jesus would have us havest souls and not numbers then he would actually have us walk with them on a discipleshp process that finds them victorious in their faith. But, that's a little to dangerous you see. That kind of radical Christianity calls us to stick out a little to much. It makes us appear as if our faith is more important than who wins the ballgame on Friday night.

This kind of barbaric faith resulted in the death of Jesus and all of his disciples.

WHAT HAS IT COST YOU?

Matthew 5:10-16, 8:18-22, 9:35-38, 19:16-26

PG

Emptiness

Have you ever fealt empty? I mean that feeling that you can stare into a haze for hours only to come to the reality that you haven't even had a thought for hours. This is a lonely and very depressing place to be. I mean for me.... I have been in one of those funks where the previously stated condition is my life. I wake up and I go to sleep in a haze. I have never fealt this way before and it has taken it's toll on me. You know it's hard when your in the middle of a "crisis" the step back and really observe yourself. I don't think we do that enough when things are normal, much less when we are totally upside down. I actually have taken a few moments over the past couple of days to look deep inside of myself and try and discover the cause of this gaping hole. I have come to discover something. We are all designed with many purposes in life, but one main one. That is to love, adore, worship, exhalt, magnify, and glorify our creator God who loves me no matter how much I love Him. Yea, I know that sounds cliche, but for me it is like a flickering candle in the midst of my darkness. My life for sometime has been void of this light that has been my very passion. How does one get to such a place can be complicated, but returning to the heart of God is as simple as opening the front door of your house allowing your best friend to enter in. Confession is good for the soul and it has freed me today. Lord, forgive me for my failings and increase my faith to trust, love and worship you with an increased passion.