Friday, November 28, 2008

BEAUTY

This is a short film from Mosaic - a church in Los Angeles with a desire to honor God and inspire people by creating moving works of art. This short is titled "Beauty." I think you'll agree, it lives up to its title.

Enjoy.

DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU GOT TILL IT'S GONE

Seth had this post over on his blog.

I'll follow the post with a few comments on how this might apply to your local church.


Don't know what you've got till it's gone
Seth Godin

IWantSandy is folding, as are a number of web companies. So is that restaurant you loved down the street. Users are outraged. Outraged!

When you find a service or establishment or product that gives you joy, it's tempting to keep it to yourself. Perhaps it's uncomfortable to recommend it to a friend (after all, you might seem silly) and even more uncomfortable to recommend it to a stranger (after all, you might seem like a shill).

Plenty of people hesitate before spreading the word about a political candidate or a business or a medical device. We're worried that we'll look silly, or that the place will end up being too crowded and now we won't be able to get in. Or perhaps we're concerned about losing our uniqueness...

Anyway, the outcry that accompanies the closing of one of these businesses should be enough to remind you that your hesitation has a cost.

It's simple, I think. In a world where consumers have so much power, we now have two responsibilities:

* If you don't like what an organization stands for, work actively to spread the word and force them to change

and

* If you will miss a product, a service, a book, a site or a professional when they close up shop, stand up, speak up and bring them masses of new business.

We get what we promote.


__________________

I think Seth is on to something, especially in regards to the local church you attend.

Not that we should "actively...spread the word" in order to "force them to change." When that happens in the church, it's just nasty and downright wrong.

If the church you're a part of doesn't "rock," pray. Ask God what's going on? Be open to the possibility that you could be part of the problem. Be prepared to repent.

BUT... BUT... And this is where I think Seth is on to something... If your church "rocks," spread the word. Invite someone to attend. Be an active participant in the life of the church. Show up when the doors are open. Serve. Do something!

Why not give your pastor a phone call and thank him for his faithful service to the flock? Even better, why not put the message he preached this past Sunday into practice?

Don't sit back and coast, taking God's favor and blessing upon your church for granted. Be a partner with God in what He is doing in and through the life of your church.

Because unfortunately, sometimes you just "don't know what you've got till it's gone."

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA LAUGH...

Just read this over on Vince Anotucci's blog.

Sometimes you just have to laugh... Enjoy.


The Top Ten Signs You're In Financial Trouble

10 You've asked your boss for an 11 year advance on your salary.
9 When your spouse brings home the pay check, you stick it in your pocket and dance around yelling, "Lordy, Lordy, We're having biscuits tonight!"
8 You're so addicted to gambling, when the collection plate is passed at church you ask, "What kind of odds am I getting?"
7 Your bologna has no first name.
6 The Welfare Department makes you their poster boy.
5 American Express calls and says: “Leave home without it!”
4 Addiction to Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has proven more costly than you first imagined.
3 The bank you chose is so broke that when you deposit $20 the bank tellers high-five each other.
2 In your tax return, you write off purchase of Tito Jackson albums as charitable donations.
1 Sally Struthers sends you food.

THE POWER OF "THANK YOU"

I loved this post from Steven Furtick of Elevation Church.

I plan on putting it into practice this week - starting RIGHT NOW.

Enjoy...


Gratitude Project
Steven Furtick

Last year I challenged our people to express gratitude to someone who had made a worthy investment in their lives.

In honor of Thanksgiving week, I’m issuing the challenge again this year.

1. Pick someone in your life (the first person who comes to mind is probably the correct choice) who has blessed you-whether they know it or not.

2. Send a letter, email, or post a blog telling them thanks.

3. Be specific in what you thank them for. Specificity is more meaningful than profundity. You don’t have to write outstanding prose. But if you chronicle in detail some ways they’ve blessed your life, they’ll savor every word.

4. If possible, do it before the sun goes down tonight.

Gratitude is one of my core values. It goes hand in hand with generosity.
Your words of gratitude may turn someone’s entire week-month-year around.
You’d be surprised.

There’s got to be more to Thanksgiving than putting on 3 ½ pounds.

Go be grateful today.

______________________

I love Steven's idea.

Who has blessed you?

Reach out and say "Thank You" today.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sunday In Review

- Today was great!

- First of all, 5 people made a decision to cash in their "empire of dirt" and bet the farm on Jesus! Yeah, God for His sovereign and amazing grace!

- Our best attendance yet! 130 strong! Another yeah, God!

- Guest Services is starting to gel. Hats off to Nathan for his leadership; Melanie, Jess and Denise for their servant's hearts; and the entire G.S. team for creating a warm, inviting, relaxing, yet exciting atmosphere. You guys are awesome!

- We added a few finishing touches to the space that made a big difference. Deborah, Ron, Kris, Tom and Pandy did an awesome job on the stage curtains. Bobby, Shane, Mike, Greg, Kevin and Nathan did an incredible job on the floors. David and Jeremy got us some much needed "light" on the stage. Thanks, guys! Bill added a nice touch to the Pre-School room with the "black board wall." Kids are going to love this! All in all, the place is starting to "pop." BTW, you should notice added improvements over the coming weeks.

- Solid worship set today. "Let God Arise" by Tomlin, "God of Ages" and "To Know Your Name" by Hillsong. Good stuff.

- I really believe we have one of the most innovative, talented and committed tech teams out there. David and Paul are "killer" sound techs. These guys have us achieving "state of the art" sound on a mere "shoe string" budget. Wow! Chris, Jeremy and Zach have us making strides each week in media and lighting. Can't wait to see what the future holds as this team continues to grow.

- Simple message today. Acts 9 - SEARCHING...For Something More Than Religion. Today I shared three simple truths. I'll buzz them:

(1) You Were On God’s Mind When God Rocked Paul’s World.

This is the truth contained in 1 Timothy 1:13-15 (NLT), This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - and I was the worst of them all. 16 But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

In other words, Saul's conversion gave us a glimpse of the overflowing, divine mercy and and incredible patience of our great God. Saul's transformation would be the equivalent of Bill Maher converting to Christianity and doing a follow up film to his "documentary" Religulous titled, Transformed. It would be the equivalent of Osama bin Laden converting to Christianity and becoming a missionary to the Muslims in Al Qaeda.

God wanted to give us a glimpse of His extravagant grace!

(2) Don’t Give Up On People Who Appear To Be Far From God. Paul’s Experience With God Was Sudden, Dramatic and a Sovereign Work of Grace.

Before Acts 9 Paul wasn’t open, interested or spiritually sensitive to Christianity at all! In fact, he was completely closed to its claims. His experience was sudden, dramatic and a sovereign work of grace.

(3) Real Life Begins When You Cash In Your Personal “Empire of Dirt” For An Up Close and Personal Relationship With God.

- Janet sang Nicole Nordeman's "Finally Free" at the end of today's message. One word: Stinkin' beautiful. Oh, excuse me, that was two words. Beautiful.

- The THANKSGIVING BASH was awesome. Thanks to Kris, Deborah, Teddie, Mona, Kathy, Ron, Tom and the list goes on for making this happen. I love it when the entire church family gets to hang out, eat, laugh and share together. This was great. The "setting" was terrific. The food was "off the chain" - me and Janet finally got to enjoy ours after getting home. I got to meet several new families. On a scale of 1 - 10, I would rate it an 11. Awesome job to everyone involved.

- I am already pumped about next weekend's service. I'll be preaching from Acts 10 with a message titled SEARCHING...For A Chance To Change Your World. I'm talking about Peter reaching out beyond the barriers prejudice and allowing God to use him to change Cornelius's world. Mike is going to sing. Can't wait to hear him cover the Goo Goo Dolls @ a2. Should be interesting. Better than the real thing.

- I'm also psyched about our next series: Christmas Rebellion. I think this series is going to rock! I'm pumped about getting some of a2's artists involved in helping make the series come alive visually.

- I'm also jazzed about our first public Christmas Baby Dedication on Sunday PM, December 7. I think this is going to be a tradition that parents of small children are going to spread the word about.

- Heads up on this one: Christmas Eve @ a2 is going to be amazing.

- I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. Tomorrow and Tuesday we're getting to spend time with Janet's family and a couple of missionaries from Uzbekistan. Wednesday and Thursday the entire Goins' clan is showing up at my house! It should be wild.

- Dad's birthday was this past Monday. Tough day. I miss him. I've though about him a lot this week, and thank God more everyday for the hope of heaven.

- I love my girls - all four of them! God has been so GOOD to me.

- Watching the Colts and Chargers. Hoping for the Colts to hold and win this one.

- Enjoyed what I got see of 24 Redemption. I am Jack Bauer.

That's it for now!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

YOU ARE GREAT!!!

My friend, Jeremy Self, posted this video over on his blog - God, Austin and Free Chapel.

It's a great 16 minute short on the power of validation and affirmation. Take a break. Check this out. It will be well worth your while.

After you watch it, ask yourself, "What if we could make this happen at church, in our families, at work, or at school on a regular basis?" Who knows what could happen...

There is tremendous power in validation. Thanks for reminding me of something so simple, yet so important, Jeremy. By the way Jeremy, YOU ARE GREAT!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK, MONTH, MAYBE YEAR...


If you follow this blog, you know that I've recommended messages by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill in the past. This dude consistently "brings it."

This week I've been listening to a message Mark presented at the 2008 Desiring God National Conference. The message is titled "How Sharp The Edge: Christ, Controversy and Cutting Words."

"Ouch! Wow! Did he really just say that? Oh, God, please forgive me... I need Jesus..." These are just a few of the responses I've had as I've listened to the message.

Warning: you'll probably be offended. This message is not for people who love being "politically correct" or "skirting around the issues." It is "in our face" and often "biting." But it's also important and I think, PROPHETIC.

You can watch the video or download the audio to the message by clicking HERE.

You can read the transcript of the message by clicking HERE.

Here are the main points of Mark's message:

1. Feed the Sheep
2. Rebuke the Swine.
3. Shoot the Wolves.
4. Bark at the Dogs.
5. Pray For The Shepherds.

That's all for now. I need to pray some more... "Ouch."

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE...

I'm not even certain of this guy's name. YouTube simply lists this clip as "Louis CK - Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy."

While it uses some "off color" language, the truth of this clip is pretty astounding. Check it out. Share it with a friend. Think about what this guy is saying...

Are you happy? Are you unhappy?

Are you amazed?

Are you thankful, or do you act like life owes you something?

Enjoy. Let me know what you think.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

a2 Sunday In Review

Today was officially our second Sunday @ a2... Here are a few thoughts:

• Solid service today.

• Worship music was good. Very good. Janet and the team are off and running. Big thanks to Jon B, Justin O, Lee W, Mikey W, David W, Jeremy G, Chris G, Zach B, and Paul B for working so hard to help people encounter God.

• “God Is With Us” was a great way to kick off the service. We’ll be coming back to this one.

• Jon B did a great job leading "Happy Day." Love this guy's heart for God.

• Great to hear Bethany E. on “Mighty To Save.”

• Mikey led “Because of Your Love” by Phil Wickham. He did a great job. This song is a keeper. By the way, you can get Phil’s whole CD, “Singalong,” free HERE. This is a GREAT CD.

• Today I taught from Acts 8. Message title: SEARCHING…For A Personal God. I really felt passionate about today’s message. I love this chapter. I love the fact that God loves people so much that He’ll do practically anything to reach them. We’ll post the message on iTunes this week.

• I love this quote from John Ortberg. “The story of the Bible isn’t primarily about the desire of people to be with God; it’s the desire of God to be with people.”

• I really felt a sense of freedom and anointing to share the message. I'm praying that this will increase.

• Caley sang Ginny Owens’ song, “Someone Searching” at the end of the service. She’s my daughter, but I love to hear this girl sing. Moving. Perfect for this weekend’s message.

• I really believe it’s critical that we be the kinds of followers of Christ Philip was… Read his story in Acts 8:26-40. This guy was simply OBEDIENT. I long to be this kind of servant. He made an incredible impact.

• Love this quote from Mother Teresa. It defines Philip's life. “God has not called me to be successful. He has called me to be FAITHFUL.”

• Special thanks to Melanie B who made a big different in Guest Services, especially in set up.

• Thanks to Denise D. who helped prepare the building for weekend worship. Great job, Denise.

• This weekend we’ll be adding a few finishing touches to the facility. I look forward to seeing the curtains go up and the concrete floors finished. Thanks to Deborah W, Kris C and Bobby D for helping make this happen.

• Next weekend I’ll be teaching from Acts 9. Message title: SEARCHING…For Something Bigger Than Religion. I’m psyched about this message and look forward to presenting the simple message of God’s extravagant grace. Invite your friends, family members, neighbors and friends at work or school. This service could change their life.

• Next weekend we’ll also enjoy a huge THANKSGIVING BASH immediately following the service. Come for worship and stay for Thanksgiving Lunch with your a2 friends and family. We’ll provide the turkey, drinks, plates, cups, etc. We’re only asking you to bring a vegetable and your favorite dessert. Give the gift that keeps on giving and print the dessert recipe on a stack of 3X5 index cards to share with the a2 family.

• Pray like crazy. I can’t wait to share Paul’s story. I’m praying that people tired of religion would discover the beauty and freedom of God’s grace and the message of the gospel. See you next Sunday.

• I love what God is doing at a2. It's exciting to be a part of something new. Thanks for all of you who are a part of this journey. I love you.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Sunday In Review

What a day! While I'm at it, what a week!

Today a2 Church celebrated its Grand Opening in our new digs at Vestavia City Center... The last few months have been quite an adventure. The place looks great and I'm thoroughly convinced it will give us the opportunity to do something unique in the city of BHM for the cause of Christ... It took us a while to get here.

Here's a "USA Today Snapshot" of all the action, along with a few "shout outs" for all that God has done.

First of all, I'm really thankful to Andy Lange from Signature Homes who served as our Project Manager during the entire build out. This guy has an incredible work ethic. He loves God like crazy, demonstrated grace under pressure and was thoroughly committed to the project. I'm convinced it wouldn't have been possible without him... Awesome job, Andy.

Second, God also provided Andy with an amazing "support cast." Ray Kemp of Construction Force and his entire crew came up HUGE in the build out. Ray has believed in the project since Day 1 and provided tons of "manpower" that made the impossible possible. He also provided loads of laughs along the way.

Billy Walters is "the man." Billy is one of the most inspiring "servants" I've ever been around. He probably logged more time on the project than anyone besides our Project Manager. His servant's heart, can do attitude, second mile mentality and commitment to excellence blew me away. Billy is the kind of "servant" I want to be when I grow up... This guy is a living example of Colossians 3:23 where Paul says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Thanks, Billy. You are "the man."

I could go on and on... A special "shout out" to the countless volunteers who assisted with demo, swept and mopped floors, cleaned toilets, windows, doors, etc. You invested loads of "sweat equity" and made the impossible possible... You are amazing. The words "thank you" seem inadequate, but "thank you."

Third, God has given us an incredible "tech team." David Watts is amazing! His knowledge, skill, insight, frugality and hard work enabled us to achieve "state of the art" sound on a "shoe string budget." Thanks, David.

Hats off to the rest of the tech team! Guys like Chris G, Jeremy G and Paul Baggett were invaluable when it came to running wire, installing the video projection system and assorted odds and ends. You guys rock!

Fourth, Bill and Nikki Robbins, Jennifer G and others did a great job collecting furniture and resources for the Children's Ministry area and making it happen in Children's Ministry. The ultimate compliment? My eight year old came running up to me after church and said, "Dad, today was FUN!" Thanks guys! You are a blessing.

Fifth, our Guest Services and Hospitality Team did a great job. Sunnish Matthew didn't miss a beat filling in for our team leader, Nathan Holladay. You guys provided a warm and loving atmosphere to all of our guests.

Sixth, today's music was "off the hook." Great worship. Mike Shaw brought it on "Little Wonders." What can I say? The dude can sing. Amanda knocked it out of the park on "Walk On!" Darlene who?

While we had a few technical difficulties, I was blown away by what our Worship and Tech Team were able to accomplish.

Seventh, the response to the message was good. I walked into the weekend running on fumes and was thankful to just get through the message without any major blunders... Well, there was one, but we won't talk about that..

Finally, I'm pumped about what God has done through this entire process... I'm pumped about the excitement in the air today and I only pray that God will help us partner with Him in what He wants to accomplish in bringing glory to Christ, the gospel to our community and hope to those who are hurting..

The story continues this week... It continues tomorrow as we hit the streets intent on sharing the good news of God's love with the people in our community.

Thanks for being a part of the story God is writing through a2.

Monday, November 3, 2008

a2 GRAND OPENING ONLY FOUR DAYS AWAY!!!

Grand Opening

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
This Sunday, November 9
9:45 am
a2 Church
600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208
(Just above Pet Supermarket)

Can you believe it? a2's Grand Opening is only four days away! Wow!

After loads of challenges, scores of setbacks and some major league obstacles that at times seemed almost insurmountable, we are only six days away from our Grand Opening Celebration.

So many miracles have occurred over the last few months that I've become convinced that a2 Church must be a "God thing."

This weekend we'll gather to celebrate God's incredible faithfulness and share the only message that has the power to change lives and make a difference in our world: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I'm so pumped about this weekend! And believe that God is going to show up in a big way.

What is a2 Church about?

a2 Church is a new church in town. New faces, new experiences, new friendship, and a new purpose. People just like you with hopes and dreams are coming together with a vision for realizing God's potential for their lives.

a2 Church is a church for people who've given up on church. At a2 we believe that church should be exciting, meaningful, real, and life-giving. Each Sunday you can experience God in a real way through engaging worship and life-related teaching. Come and enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere where people accept you just the way you are.