SOME PICS OF a2'S WORSHIP SPACE

PREPARING FOR RESET AND 21 DAYS...

This Sunday we're beginning 21 days of prayer and fasting. Here's some info you may find helpful as you begin to prepare yourself for this experience.

ReSeT 2008
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting


WHY 21 DAYS?
One of the most significant victories in the life of the prophet Daniel is recorded in Daniel 9. While studying the prophecy of Jeremiah, Daniel discovered that Jeremiah had proclaimed that the Babylonian captivity would last seventy years, then the Hebrew exiles would return to Israel.

Daniel looked at the calendar and discovered that the time was up – the seventy years had been fulfilled – but the Hebrew exiles were still in captivity. Daniel wondered, “What’s up?”

Daniel prostrated himself before God and began to confess the sins of his people. While he was praying, God dispatched the archangel Gabriel from heaven to tell Daniel what would happen to his people. The revelation he received placed a burden on his heart that weighed so heavily upon him that Daniel began to pray and fast until an answer came.

After 21 days of prayer and fasting, the angel of God appeared to Daniel and let Daniel know that God had heard his prayer the very first day he set himself to pray, but that unknown to him, the angel had been engaged in spiritual warfare and it was Daniel’s persistence in prayer and fasting that ultimately brought a spiritual breakthrough.

Sometimes spiritual powers align themselves against governments, school systems, communities, families, individuals and churches. For these powers to be dislodged, spiritual warfare is required (Ephesians 6:12). A devoted period of twenty-one days can make us sensitive to God’s activity in this world and allow us to appropriate the victory Jesus Christ has already accomplished in any and every area of our life.


Why should I fast?
• Do you desire a deeper, more intimate relationship with God?
• Do you want to increase your spiritual sensitivity in regards to the heart of God?
• Do you need to break free from bondages that are holding you hostage?
• Do you have a friend or family member that needs to know Christ personally?
• Do you want to know God’s will for your life?
• Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
• Are you in need of a healing or a miracle?
• Do you want to jumpstart your spiritual momentum for the New Year?


HOW TO BEGIN
Set your objective. Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need spiritual renewal, guidance, physical healing, the restoration of a marriage or your family, grace to handle a difficult situation, a financial breakthrough? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. This will enable you to pray specifically and strategically.

It is also important for you to prepare your body for the upcoming fast. Eat smaller amounts of food before starting your fast. Avoid high fat and “sugary” foods. You may want to eat raw fruits and vegetables two days before starting your fast.


PREPARING SPIRITUALLY
The foundation of prayer and fasting is repentance. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

• Confess every sin the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
• Ask forgiveness from everyone you have hurt or offended. Forgive all of those who have hurt or offended you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4).
• Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
• Surrender your life fully to the purpose and plan of God (Romans 12:1-2).
• Believe that God “rewards those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
• Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan will usually intensify his efforts when you devote yourself to prayer and fasting (Luke 4).
• Develop an accountability partner who will encourage you in your fast.
• Keep a journal during your fast. Write down specific insights God gives you from His Word, promises that you have claimed and answers to prayer that you receive.


DECIDING WHAT KIND
The type of fast you go on is between you and God. Jesus implied that all believers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15). For Him it was a matter of when believers should fast, not if they should fast.

Here are some options:

• A Normal (Full) Fast – Abstain from food, drink only liquids (water and / or specific juices).

(The best juices are from fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid any liquids containing caffeine, as they will stimulate your appetite and make fasting more difficult.)

• The Daniel Fast – Abstain from meats and sweets, drink only water. (Vegetables and most natural fruits are acceptable.)

• Combination Fast – Begin the first three days with a full or normal fast. Continue by observing the Daniel Fast for the remaining 18 days. (You can also come up with your own variation.)

Note: If you are on medication or have a medical condition, you may want to consult your doctor before beginning your fast. Also, anyone engaging in a prolonged full fast should consult with their doctor.

Deciding on what kind of fast you will observe ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon your fast.


DANIEL FAST RECOMMENDED FOODS

WHOLE GRAINS: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley

LEGUMES: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas

FRUITS: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon, etc.

VEGETABLES: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger Root, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini

Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts

LIQUIDS: Water (as much as possible), Unsweetened Soy Milk, Herbal (caffeine free) Tea, Natural Fruit Juices (no sugar added)

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (small quantities), honey


WHAT TO EXPECT
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability as your body withdraws from caffeine and sugars. Naturally, you will experience hunger pains. Most individuals also experience bad breath.

Limit your physical activity. Exercise moderately. Take time to rest.

Fasting can position you to experience miraculous results. You are following the example of Jesus when you fast.


IMPORTANT: For maximum spiritual benefit, it is important that the time normally devoted to eating be given to prayer, Bible study and being alone with God. Pray often throughout the day. Spend time in Bible Study. Make personal praise and worship a priority. Spend time in solitude and get away from every distraction possible (television, radio, cell phones, computers, etc.) The more time you spend alone with God, the more effective and meaningful your fast will be.


HOW TO END
Spend time in praise and worship… When you begin eating, begin eating gradually. Do not overeat. Suddenly reintroducing solid foods to your digestive system will probably produce negative results.

BEST MOVIES OF 2008

Okay, if you know me, you know I love a GREAT MOVIE. Here are my picks for the best movies of ’08. Sound off. What did you see in '08 that you absolutely loved. I would love to read your picks.

Best Movies of 2008

Dark Knight
You can check out my review of the movie by clicking HERE. It’s now available on DVD and is so well written, artful and complex that it’s worth seeing more than once. It’s my pick for best movie of the year.

Slumdog Millionaire
Check out my review of the movie by clicking HERE. It may be the most beautiful and uplifting movie of the year. It’s themes of divine providence, hope and resilient love in spite of unbelievable circumstances touched me deeply.

Wall-E
Check out my review by clicking HERE. Here are a few of the words I used to describe this Pixar flick: Beautiful. Hope-filled. Touching. Meaningful. Timeless. Redemptive. Yes, it’s that good.

Ironman
One of the best comic book to film movies to date. Perfect casting. Solid writing. A fun flick. I wrote about the movie HERE.

Quantum of Solace
I’m not a “Bond” guy. I’ve never really enjoyed any of the Bond flicks. But I really enjoyed this flick. Daniel Craig presents a tougher, grittier, and yes, more violent version of Bond. I was thoroughly entertained.

U2 3D
The first live action movie to be shot, produced and screened exclusively with 3-D technology. As a “work of art” it is amazing! Read more of my thoughts by clicking HERE.

Penelope
This modern fairy tale about learning to accept yourself is beautiful and very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Body of Lies
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, this action flick from director Ridley Scott focuses on matters of treachery and deceit in the “intelligence” community. I found the story, acting and direction compelling. Warning: The language is pervasive and strong.

Changeling
Clint Eastwood may be one of the most talented actor / directors out there. It’s also incredible to see him “peaking” at this point in his career. The story is haunting, sad and yet compelling. Angelina Jolie delivers a powerful performance. John Malkovich is excellent.

Valkryie
Great story telling from director Bryan Singer. An excellent World War II thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until you’re almost to the closing credits. I’m glad they didn’t alter the ending of this true story and give it a “Hollywood” spin. Tom Cruise stars as Claus von Stauffenberg, a guy who reminds us of the truth that the “only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Honorable Mentions:
Appaloosa
The Bucket List
Kung Fu Panda
The Boy In Striped Pajamas


Movies I’ve Yet To See But Have Great Buzz:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Seven Pounds
Grand Torino
Frost/Nixon
The Wrestler
Marley and Me


Worst Movies of 2008
Here are a few movies that make my “worst of” list for ’08.

10,000 BC
One word: BORING.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Come on, now? Indiana Jones and aliens. I know Spielberg and Lucas have more to offer than this…

Tropic Thunder
Convicted that I actually watched this movie. It has absolutely NO redemptive value and I found myself repenting for attempting to check it out.

X Files: I Want To Believe
As a fan of the television show, I found this one of the worst written, acted and directed movies I’ve ever seen.

Burn After Reading
I checked this movie out based upon incredible reviews by the critics. Once again, I found myself deeply convicted for watching this exercise in vulgarity and stupidity. I’ve been a fan of the Coen brothers and usually find their movies to be intelligent and well written. Somehow they blew it with this one.

The Happening
I’m a huge M. Night Shyamalan fan. I even liked “Lady In The Water.” But M. Night blew it with this one. Not very well written, acted or directed. A huge disappointment from one of my favorite directors.


I would love to read your picks for 2008 - Best and Worst.

THE STUFF THAT REALLY MATTERS

(Message Notes from Sunday, December 28, 2008)

Matthew 6:33 (NKJ), …seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT), [God] will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.


FOUR THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER

• T – TRANSFORMATION

Mark 1:35 (NIV), Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Luke 6:12 (MSG), At about that same time he climbed a mountain to pray. He was there all night in prayer before God.

Mark 6:31 (NIV), “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”


• L – LOVE

John 13:34-35 (MSG), “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. 35This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”


• C – CALLING


• J – JOY

John 15:11 (NLT), I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

Philippians 4:4 (NIV), Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Psalm 118:24, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.


Five Steps To Making A New S.T.A.R.T.

1. S – Stop Making Excuses.

Proverbs 28:13 (LB), A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.


2. T - Take Stock.

Psalm 77:1-6, I yell out to my God, I yell with all my might, I yell at the top of my lungs. He listens. 2 I found myself in trouble and went looking for my Lord; my life was an open wound that wouldn’t heal. 3 I remember God—and shake my head. I bow my head—then wring my hands. Selah
4 I’m awake all night—not a wink of sleep; I can’t even say what’s bothering me.
5 I go over the days one by one, I ponder the years gone by. 6 I strum my lute all through the night, wondering how to get my life together.


Questions To Ask At The Beginning of a New Year:

1.) What have I learned?

2.) What are my assets?

3.) Who can help me?

4.) What is God doing in and around my life?


3. A - Act In Faith.

Matthew 9:29, According to your faith will it be done to you.


4. R – Refocus.

Proverbs 4:23 (GN), Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.


5. T – Trust God.

Zechariah 4:6 (NCV), `You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.

Sunday In Review

• The Sunday immediately following Christmas is usually one of the toughest Sundays of the year, but today felt really, really “good.” Good vibe. Strong worship.

• We dipped below 100, but only barely. We had 89.

• Worship was solid. I love what God is doing with our band. A bunch of great guys with great hearts for God and incredible talent.

• Today’s worship set list was pretty straightforward: Salvation Is Here (Hillsong), Everlasting God (Chris Tomlin), Mighty To Save (Hillsong), Glory To God (Steve Fee).

• Began casting vision for the next message series and our church wide 21 days of prayer and fasting. I’m pumped about what God is going to do through the series and the fast. I believe it’s going to establish our spiritual momentum for 2009 and we’re going to see God do things that will actually blow our minds.

• I’ll be blogging about the fast over the next several days. You can also find more info about the fast by checking out a2’s website @ www.a2church.org.

• Really pumped about “Reset.” Several years ago I presented a series of outlines on Malachi for an extension class I was doing with Lee University. I was challenged by the book back then and have been challenged again by digging back into what the scholars call one of the “minor” prophets.

• This “minor” prophet has a major message and it is going to rock our neat, little, religious worlds. Hang on! This book is going to “mess you up, BIG TIME.”

• Today’s message was important. I talked about “The Stuff That Really Matters.” I’ll post the notes later tonight or some time tomorrow. It’s always helpful to evaluate where we’ve been and look forward to what’s ahead and what really matters.

• Cam is jazzed about the Wii she got for Christmas. My mom got her Rock Band. I’ve never seen a video game mesmerize an eight year old and an entire family like this… Saturday was nonstop action. Today’s been the sequel. It’s pretty cool when a sixteen year old and an eight year old play together for hours and love it!!! Awesome.

• 2009 is going to be a breakthrough year for a2! I believe it!

• Here’s the verse for a2 in 20009. Isaiah 54:1 (MSG), "Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby. Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth! You're ending up with far more children than all those childbearing women." God says so! "Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep. You're going to need lots of elbow room for your growing family. You're going to take over whole nations; you're going to resettle abandoned cities. Don't be afraid—you're not going to be embarrassed. Don't hold back—you're not going to come up short. You'll forget all about the humiliations of your youth, and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory. For your Maker is your bridegroom, his name, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! Your Redeemer is The Holy of Israel, known as God of the whole earth.”

• Can anybody say, “Amen”?

• I am more pumped about a2 than ever before!

• Tons of work to do before next Sunday.

• Really feel like me and Janet heard from God on the set list. Don’t be late. The service opener is killer. Oh, yeah!

• Praying that God will provide creativity, insight and anointing so that the book of Malachi comes alive!

• Praying for people to come to know Jesus. That’s what a2 is all about. I really want to see evangelism EXPLODE in 09 @ a2.

• Praying that the Holy Spirit rock our world and exceed all of our expectations and assumptions.

• Invite someone to attend with you next week. You won’t regret it. The first Sunday of the New Year is going to be one of the best.

• That’s all for tonight. I’ll be posting regularly this week. Up next: Best and Worst Movies of 2008.

Sunday In Review

Today marked seven weeks in the short history of a2 Church. Here are a few of the highlights.

Today marked seven weeks in the short history of a2 Church. Here are a few of the highlights from today’s service.

• Great setup on Christmas refreshments. This has been a huge hit for the last three weeks! We’ve got to think of an excuse to do this kind of stuff more often. Thanks to everyone who served over the last three weeks (Mike and Melanie Weeks; the entire Butcher fam: Teddie, Dan, Zach, Anna and Isaac; Regina and Carol Sandlin and Shellie Behrens.) You guys and gals are amazing!

• Deborah Wiggins knocked it out of the park with our Christmas Decorations. This gal is super talented and has a servant's heart. Thanks for making a2 look great!

• We have a killer tech team. David Watts and Paul Baggett provided an amazing mix for today’s service. Thanks guys.

• The band was smokin’! Confession: I usually "endure" Christmas worship music. Yeah, Christmas music is cool, but it never quite works when it comes to worship. Scratch that. Today’s worship was off the chain! I loved it!

• Here’s the set list: Light of the Stable (Selah), All Creation Sing / Joy To The World (Steve Fee), Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Hillsong), Silent Night, and Here I Am To Worship.

• We’ve opted to do “items” in most of our weekend services. Today we did two “items” that worked: Sing (Josh Wilson). Evan Howton “brought it” on this one. We also did You Are The Light (Steve Fee). Janet did a great job teaching this to the crowd.

• Felt really good about today’s message. We continued the series Christmas Rebellion with a message titled, Love All. I preached from John 3:16 and Philippians 2. It was one of the most simple messages we’ve presented, but I believe God gave us a unique way to present it.

• Thanks to Kevin Johnson, Nathan Holladay and Ahntuan Bui for sharing their creative and artistic gifts with the a2 family. The photos above are pieces created throughout this series by this group of gifted artists. I loved collaborating this these guys and asking God to give us insight as to how to present His word in a creative and relevant manner. I really believe God came through BIG TIME and that He is creating an environment and atmosphere where artists can flourish and use their gifts to bring glory to Him and inspire people. Great job guys.

• Christmas Eve is going to be excellent. I’m pumped about getting together with the a2 family, worshipping together and celebrating Holy Communion Wednesday evening, 6 o'clock, a2 Church. Believing God to show up in a big way. Invite someone to attend.

• Yes, we are meeting for worship next Sunday, December 28, 9:45 am.

• Psyched about our new series titled RESET. Kicks off on Sunday, January 4. We’re walking through the book of Malachi. Ouch. Great book. Challenging stuff. The series is going to rock! Don’t miss the kick off.

• Finally, Merry Christmas! Enjoy the next few days. Slow down. Laugh hard. Sing. Dance. Wait. Be still. Worship. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..."

THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER...

What would it take this year to make this Christmas the best Christmas ever?

Further, how would you really know? What’s the criterion or standard that would allow you to look back at this Christmas and say, “That one… December 2008… That was the best Christmas ever…”

I can guarantee you this... It’s not in the stuff we get… It’s not in the food we eat… It’s not even the moments we create or the feelings we experience…

What if we made a decision that we were going to do Christmas different? What if we decided to take Christmas back? What if we made a decision that we were going to pursue an alternative to the see more, want more, buy more, have more, shop more, wrap more, break more, rush more, get disappointed more INSANITY that our worlds calls, “Christmas”?

What if we made a decision that we were going to REFLECT the motive that launched the first Christmas?

Philippians 2 describes how we can make it happen.

Philippians 2:3 (NIV), Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:4-8 (NLT), 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV), Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

This morning the a2 creative team put together a series of photos that when they came together on a presentation board provided a dramatic illustration of how we can reflect the love of Christ to our world.

What do you say? Let's make this the best Christmas ever.

Slumdog Millionaire

Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. How did he do it?

A: He cheated
B: He’s lucky
C: He’s a genius
D: It is written

List the best movies you’ve seen in 2008… Slumdog Millionaire would make it into the top two or three I’ve seen all year long! It’s that good. Really.

It’s a movie about unswerving love, resilient hope, beauty in the midst of ruins and amazingly, divine providence.

The movie follows the lives of orphans Jamal Malik, his older brother, Salim and an orphan girl named Latika, who are raised in the impoverished slums of Mumbai. The surroundings are brutally harsh, and yet Director Danny Boyle somehow captures beauty, dignity, energy and grace in almost every frame. As the movie reveals epic human tragedy and misery, it also captures incredible vitality.

When the movie opens, Jamal is one question away from winning the jackpot on an Indian takeoff of the television show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” But, he has been arrested because authorities believe that an ordinary kid from the slums couldn’t possibly know the answers to all of these questions without cheating. The story follows Jamal’s interrogation.

The Police Inspector asks how a kid from the slums could possibly win all this money without cheating. “I knew the answers,” Jamal wearily responds. And with that the movie begins to bounce back in time to cleverly show us how amazingly, and yes, providentially, the answer to every question Jamal was asked had been learned through various events that have occurred throughout his life.

Richard Corliss of Time Magazine has called the movie, “…a buoyant hymn to life.” I agree.

Before rushing out the door to see the movie, please be advised, the movie is rated R, and does contain violence and brief strong language. The movie doesn’t avoid sadness, sin and tragedy, but it is centered with humanity, humor, love, dignity and grace.

Jamal and Salim become very different people. Jamal does what he needs to survive, yet somehow holds on to his soul. Somehow believes in the power of love to conquer all. Salim sells his soul and become something else…

Christianity Today described it like this: “Time and again, Jamal combines an inherent determination to succeed with a fierce devotion to the transforming, surmounting power of love. Even at the darkest of times, Jamal's inspirational faith in love is both an ideal and a specific tether to Latika. Everything to which Jamal sets his heart and life is for that purpose alone.”

I was deeply touched by this film and highly recommend it (with the previous observations). Slumdog Millionaire is without a doubt one of the best movies of 2008.

It is written.

IF WE REALLY BELIEVE...

Okay, I'm not a Penn and Teller fan... But this video from Penn (of Penn and Teller) blew me away.

It's obvious that was Penn was "touched" by the kindness of a guy who dared to reach out to him... And while he is a self-described atheist, his words ring like the words of a prophet to people like myself who sometimes worry that perhaps sharing my faith will feel "awkward" or seem impolite...

Watch this video and let me know what you think...



Here's what Penn says:

"I don't respect people who don't proselytize. If you believe that there's a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, and you think, 'Well, it's not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward'... How much do you have to hate somebody not to proselytize?"

Wow! What do you think?

THE CHURCH I SEE

Here is Brian Houston describing "The Church I See." You can also access the video here. It's the Intro screen to Hillsong's website...

Just a little something to pump you up about the potential of Jesus' church.

I SEE A CHURCH...

Yesterday I ran across this post from Perry Noble of Newspring Church. It contains a quote from Brian Houston, the founding pastor of Hillsong Church in Australia.

Great stuff.

Here's Perry's intro and Brian's quote. Read it. Dream. Pray. Believe.


This Makes Me Wanna Charge Hell With A Water Pistol
Perry Noble

There are often things I read that inspire and motivate me…and then there are things that I read that MOVE me…SERIOUSLY move me…

In my opinion, Brian Houston is one of the most incredible leaders on the planet…and today I want to share something that he said in regards to the church that COULD be one of the most POWERFUL things I’ve ever read…

If you are a church leader or volunteer…seriously take a few minutes to read through this…and then beg God that this would be true of your church…I am BEGGING God for this at NewSpring Church…

“The church that I see is a church of influence. A church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it.

A church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase.

I see a church whose heartfelt praise and worship touches heaven and changes earth. Worship which influences the praises of people throughout the earth, exalting Christ with powerful songs of faith and hope.

I see a church whose altars are constantly filled with repentant sinners responding to Christ’s call to salvation.

Yes, the church that I see is so dependent on the Holy Spirit that nothing will stop it, nor stand against it.

A church whose people are unified, praying and full of God’s Spirit.

The church that I see has a message so clear that lives are being changed forever and potential is fulfilled though the power of His Word. A message beamed to the peoples of the earth through their television screens.

I see a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found and acceptance is given.

I see a people so kingdom-minded that they will count whatever the cost and pay whatever the price to see revival sweep this land.

The church that I see is a church so committed to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation to reap the end-time harvest that all its ministries are consumed with this goal.

I see a church whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission.

Yes, the church that I see could well be our church, and it very well could be your church.”


________________________________

I'm begging God to make this happen @ a2...

Gift Ideas for [ Relational ] Giving This Christmas

As part of our Christmas Rebellion series @ a2, we prepared this brochure to hopefully serve as a springboard for creative gift giving ideas this Christmas.

Again, special thanks to Rick McKinley and Imago Dei for their insight and innovation in introducing Advent Conspiracy a few years back and encouraging other churches, like a2, to get on the bandwagon. Rick's messages and the work of Advent Conspiracy have really inspired all that's behind Christmas Rebellion.

Also, for additional ideas, visit Rethinking Christmas, a community board where people from around the world give and share ideas from people around the world.


Gift Ideas for [Relational] Giving

Here are a few ideas to get your own creative juices flowing!

The gift of [time]:

• Host Monday Night Football and make homemade pizza, barbecue or your own specialty.

• Wrap popcorn, gourmet rootbeer, a classic DVD and self-made “tickets” for a special movie night at the house.

• Wrap 2 copies of a used classic book to read with a friend or your spouse

• Check out Zoo Light Safari in Birmingham with a group of friends or family and follow the Christmas lights up with hot cocoa and Christmas cookies at home.

• Take a trip to Stone Mountain Park just outside of Atlanta, Georgia and experience “The Polar Express.” Check Craig’s List for discount tickets or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.


Make some creative [ Coupons ] or [ Gift Certificates ]:

• Babysitting for your worn out sister-in-law

• Yard work for an elderly person in your life.

• A “get out of school day” with your kid featuring a “one day out-of-town-adventure” with your son or daughter.

• A car maintenance certificate to change the oil and fluid’s in a friend or family member’s car (obviously, if you know how to do this stuff.)

• Help on a home improvement project. A coupon to help your friend or family member build that shed, clean the garage, organize a closet, etc.

• A new baseball or softball bat and a trip to the batting cages.

• A new guitar strap and a trip to Guitar Center or your favorite area music shop to check out and play guitars together.

• A day with your cameras for the photographer friend.

• A day hike at Moss Rock Preserve or Oak Mountain State Park where you bring a picnic lunch.
Some [ stuff ] you can [ make ]:

• Simple Scrapbook with pictures of time with the person you’re giving it to…

• A Memory Scrapbook of the kids for family members who live far away.

• A “home published” story or book, written and illustrated by the kids. (The time you and your kids spend creating it will be priceless.)

• A “home published” story or book for the kids. You write the story and include them in it. Come up with your own way to creatively illustrate the story.

• For the computer and amateur movie maker, create a DVD featuring moments from the past year accompanied by music that has sort of served as the “sound track” for your life. Copy it for family members.

• For the artist, create your own unique work of art (a painting, mosaic, sculpture, etc), sign it, date it and give it to a family member or friend.

• Write a song – even a silly song – especially for someone you love. Record it with “Garage Band” and give it to your family member or friend.


If you’re [ stuck ]: Just ask yourself, “What can I do? What does my friend or family member like to do?” Then make time to do it with them!


Finally, a side note:
This isn’t about creating a bunch of new rules to be legalistic about.

It’s okay to spend money. In fact, sometimes creating something cool can be much more expensive that just buying something at Walmart. Don’t create additional pressure, worry and guilt by feeling as if you can’t spend a dime. Just make a decision to step out of the [consumerism] that dominates our culture and [enjoy Christmas] for a change.

LUKEWARM PASTOR?

Ouch! Craig Groeshel had this post over at Swerve.

At Catalyst 07, Craig delivered a message that was powerful and prophetic. This post reminded me of the power of that message.

Good stuff. A thought provoking word. I need it.


Signs of a Lukewarm Pastor
Craig Groeshel

In ministry, I’ve had seasons of full blown passion for Christ and His Kingdom. At other times, my passion leaked and I was spiritually empty. Here are a few signs you might be a lukewarm pastor from my own life and experiences helping other pastors.

A lukewarm pastor:

* Prays as much, or more, publicly than privately.
* Is almost exclusively dependent on others’ sermons to preach than directly hearing from God.
* Cares more about his church than The Church.
* Preaches about evangelism but doesn’t practice evangelism privately.
* Tolerates and rationalizes unconfessed sin.
* Preaches for the approval of people rather than the approval of God.
* Is overly sensitive to criticism.
* Harbors bitterness and unforgiveness.
* Reads the Bible to prepare sermons but not for personal devotion to God.
* Is jealous or critical of someone else that God is blessing.

What am I forgetting? Do you see any of this in yourself?


_________________________

Thanks, Craig for an important word and a needed reminder.

Sunday In Review

Here are a few thoughts about this past Sunday @ a2 Church.

• Good Sunday at a2.

• Attendance was very good, not GREAT, but very good. The weekend after Thanksgiving is always a tough one when it comes to church attendance, but we actually had a pretty good crowd.

• Worship was excellent. I love the song, “To Know Your Name.” The lyrics move me every time:

“I know you gave, your one and only Son for us
To know Your Name, to live within the Savior’s love
You took my place, knowing You’d be crucified
And you loved, you loved, a people undeserving!”

Amen!

• I think this weekend’s was an important message. Acts 10 is so relevant to this culture and our tendency to hide behind the little “fences” and boundary markers we create to neatly divide the world up into “innies” and “outies.” God has called His followers to break down the barriers and reach out beyond the comforts and safety of our “fences” and “boundary markers.” Keep in mind: you’ve never locked eyes with a person that doesn’t matter to God.

• The Goo Goo Dolls cover of “Better Days” was strong. We’re blessed to have Mike Shaw on the team.

• I’m pumped about next week’s new series: CHRISTMAS REBELLION: Taking Christmas Back.

• We’re going to pull out all the stops on this series. If you’ve ever thought about inviting your friends, co-workers or family, trust me, you need to get them there this Sunday.

• This series is going to rock: creatively, visually, musically, and message wise.

• I’m excited about Christmas Eve @ a2. Our first Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion is going to be an evening to remember.

• Had an incredible Thanksgiving week with family and friends. Had a great time with Janet’s family on Monday PM and Tuesday. God’s blessed me with some great in-laws. Me entire family converged on BHM Wednesday. We celebrated together Wednesday PM and Thursday. I laughed more this week than I’ve laughed in a long, long time… It’s always awesome when our large, highly dysfunctional, but saved-by-grace family gets together. I thank God for a super mom, great bros and extended family.

• After Thanksgiving and in preparation for Christmas, I’m getting serious about physical fitness again TOMORROW. No procrastination. I’ll be at the gym bright and early…