February 22, 2009 • 10:52 pm
John 1:12 – But as many as received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.
This Scripture has so much depth to it that it boggles my mind every time I read it. Think about this:
1. God wishes that we all become a part of His family.
2. We all have the same opportunity to receive our adoption.
3. All we have to do is to receive and believe in Him
Adoption into God’s family is completely different than being adopted into an earthly family. If you have been a part of trying to adopt a child, which I have not but know of several families that have tried, there are numerous tests, books of paperwork and many countless hours spent on determining if the child and the parents are a right fit for each other.
This is not the case with God’s family. He accepts all who desire to become part of His family. There are no tests, paperwork, or financial obligations to be called a child of God. There is only one requirement, to believe and accept Him as Lord.
How awesome is it to think that the creator of the universe, the One that sustains life, wishes for us to reach out to Him. When we do, He is there to accept us “as is”. By this acceptance, we immediately become His child.
Stay tuned for part 2 of becoming an heir.
Filed under: My Journal , adoption, child, God, heaven, Jesus, Religion
February 20, 2009 • 11:50 am
I am currently reading Andy Stanley’s book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry, and I just came across something that made me think. It was his idea of running “programs” or creating “steps” for ministry.
How many churches out there are measuring themselves on the amount of programs they are running? Are you too busy with the calendar that you are missing the mark of effective ministry? Andy states that many “churches have a reputation of doing ministry without an end in mind”. Having the goal in mind makes all the difference in effective ministry.
Being a church planter, I have read many books and studied many ways to do church. The one thing that I have concluded is that ministry is about being focused on what God called you to do. There are a ton of “good” things out there to do, but there are a few “God” things that each church is supposed to do. We can get wrapped up in doing the “good” things and miss the “God” things.
I am challenged to make sure that we are focused on what God is calling us to do.
How about you? Are there some things that need to be pruned at your church? Are there some things that need more focused attention? The process of focused ministry can be challenging if you are a well established church, but the effectivness that can come out of it can be greatly rewarding.
Filed under: Church Planting, Leadership , andy stanley, church, effective ministry, Leadership, ministry, Religion
February 13, 2009 • 11:03 am
Our condolences go out to those that were lost in last nights plane crash near Buffalo NY. It is such a tragic lost and our prayers go out to the families.
May God give you strength.
Plane Crash Story
Filed under: Uncategorized , Buffalo Plane Crash, Colgan Air, Contenintal Air, flight 3407
I have been reading in the book of Acts for my daily devotions. Though I have read the book many times, this time some stood out to me.
This is the book where we find Jesus ascending to heaven and the Holy Spirit being poured out on the believers. This all happens in the first 2 chapters. But what caught my attention was what happened after the outpouring of the Spirit.
Not to long ago these were ordinary men that didn’t quite grasp what Jesus was trying to teach them. These were men that coward in the face of trials and at the thought of persecution. But we see a different group of people after Acts chapter 2. We see Peter, who once coward back at the question of knowing Jesus, now he is standing boldly in front of people proclaiming Jesus.
Wow, what a difference the Holy Spirit makes in our lives. He gives us the power and boldness to stand up in the face of persecution and trials. What would our lives be like if we allowed the Holy Spirit to invade our lives like the disciples did in the book of Acts? How exciting would our walk with Christ be?
I would love to hear how you have allowed the Holy Spirit to guide you through a trial.
Be blessed as you journey with Christ.
Filed under: My Journal, Uncategorized , being bold, Bible, devotions, Disciples, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Persecution, Relevant Church Charlotte, Religion
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