'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.' - Psalm 119:105 It's pretty tough to operate in the dark. The last couple of days I have learned this lesson. My grass has gotten pretty tall and I realized I better get out there and do something about that before I get a nice love letter from our Home Owner's Association. So I tried to time it where I could get maximum coolness (87 degrees vs 100 degrees) and just enough daylight. So I went out there a little after 8:00. My last couple of passes with the mower were just straight up in the dark.
I wasn't totally sure if I was getting all the grass, I hit a few random dog toys, and by the time I was done it was completely dark and I had no sense of whether or not I truly accomplished the task. It's the same way with our lives. When we operate from our own feelings, ideas and logic it's like walking in the dark and continually stubbing our toe and running into things. When we operate by learning God's Word and applying it, we have more confidence about taking that next step and we tend to bring less pain to ourselves and those with whom we interact. So I challenge you to bring some light to your situation today by reading the Bible and obeying what it says.
Striving to walk more in the light,
Brian
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Community.
So my garage door broke and I really didn't know who to call. So I thought I would try out something I saw on Facebook. I had a friend who wanted to by a new vacuum cleaner. So they posted on Facebook if anyone had any advice. In no time 15 folks including me, gave them our experience and bam!!!!! Forget consumer reports.
So I thought I would try it. So posted that I needed a reliable, honest garage door repair company and Bam!!!! (I'm feeling like Emeril here.) I had four suggestions and in a day had my garage door fixed very well and for a reasonable price. And Jane and Peter said the guy was super nice to boot.
This Saturday I mentioned to the band that one of my voice students really wanted an acoustic guitar, and she only had $250 to spend. So today I get a call and Greg Wells, our drummer had spotted a Breedlove guitar on Woodlands online for .......you guessed it, $250. I shot out an email and got an immediate reply and long story short, I picked up the guitar and tomorrow her mother and I will surprise her with a beautiful guitar worth at least double what she paid.
Community. It really works. In life we all have areas we are intelligent and intuitive. And areas we're not. We are at our best when we selflessly share our knowledge and skills and also when we enjoy and receive help from others in their areas of strength and knowledge.
I just watched South Carolina win the College World Series. Congrats to Pastor Steve Bradley on your Gamecocks repeat!!!! I was especially struck by how both the coach and the players all said in the post game interviews how they really were very average individually as far as baseball players go. (One said a bunch of average Joe's...I tried not to take that personally) But that as a team, they really work well. They all mentioned how they loved each other and really believed in each other and everyone expected everyone to give their best effort and to never ever quit.
The power of team. The strength of Community.
Sometimes life and problems seem overwhelming, particularly when I feel I have to solve all my problems on my own. But in community, I am energized and hopeful. Not feeling isolated and inadequate, but rather, resourceful and connected.
It is clear though out God's word that is just what He had in mind.
Acts 2:44
the believers were together and had everything in common. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
So at Stonebridge when we say come, connect, make a difference!!! We really mean it.
Feeling Connected,
Joe McKinney
So I thought I would try it. So posted that I needed a reliable, honest garage door repair company and Bam!!!! (I'm feeling like Emeril here.) I had four suggestions and in a day had my garage door fixed very well and for a reasonable price. And Jane and Peter said the guy was super nice to boot.
This Saturday I mentioned to the band that one of my voice students really wanted an acoustic guitar, and she only had $250 to spend. So today I get a call and Greg Wells, our drummer had spotted a Breedlove guitar on Woodlands online for .......you guessed it, $250. I shot out an email and got an immediate reply and long story short, I picked up the guitar and tomorrow her mother and I will surprise her with a beautiful guitar worth at least double what she paid.
Community. It really works. In life we all have areas we are intelligent and intuitive. And areas we're not. We are at our best when we selflessly share our knowledge and skills and also when we enjoy and receive help from others in their areas of strength and knowledge.
I just watched South Carolina win the College World Series. Congrats to Pastor Steve Bradley on your Gamecocks repeat!!!! I was especially struck by how both the coach and the players all said in the post game interviews how they really were very average individually as far as baseball players go. (One said a bunch of average Joe's...I tried not to take that personally) But that as a team, they really work well. They all mentioned how they loved each other and really believed in each other and everyone expected everyone to give their best effort and to never ever quit.
The power of team. The strength of Community.
Sometimes life and problems seem overwhelming, particularly when I feel I have to solve all my problems on my own. But in community, I am energized and hopeful. Not feeling isolated and inadequate, but rather, resourceful and connected.
It is clear though out God's word that is just what He had in mind.
Acts 2:44
the believers were together and had everything in common. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
So at Stonebridge when we say come, connect, make a difference!!! We really mean it.
Feeling Connected,
Joe McKinney
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Week before Vacation
I love the motivation that comes from getting ready to go on vacation. I know that in order for me to have a great time, I have to get a ton of stuff done. I have to really plan ahead both at work and at home. No procrastination. Totally committed. Knocking out every task at hand.
It's a great feeling getting all that accomplished. And when we pull out, I am free. No worries. No concerns.
I wonder what it would be like if I could replicate that energy and focus all the time. While it could cause me to "burn out" it also might create some momentum and great sustainable habits.
So this week I really prioritized my time. I delegated to some awesome coworkers. The team planned forward a couple of months in advance.
At home we found house sitters. Took great care of our vehicles. Prepared a budget for the trip. Etc.
No brain surgery. Just focused energy and passion.
I really believe God will give us energy and passion, when we are focused on the right things.
Isaiah 26:3
3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
And in Mark. Jesus says, "Therefore keep watch
because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening,
or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.
36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.
37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!"
Clearly, we are at our best when we are focused on God and when we work with a sense of urgency that a deadline brings.
I would encourage all of us to set some deadlines that would motivate us to make the most of today.
Obviously, the greatest motivator is looking forward to seeing Jesus face to face. What a day that will be!!!
5 more days before vacation, can't wait to get up in the morning.
Joe McKinney
It's a great feeling getting all that accomplished. And when we pull out, I am free. No worries. No concerns.
I wonder what it would be like if I could replicate that energy and focus all the time. While it could cause me to "burn out" it also might create some momentum and great sustainable habits.
So this week I really prioritized my time. I delegated to some awesome coworkers. The team planned forward a couple of months in advance.
At home we found house sitters. Took great care of our vehicles. Prepared a budget for the trip. Etc.
No brain surgery. Just focused energy and passion.
I really believe God will give us energy and passion, when we are focused on the right things.
Isaiah 26:3
3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
And in Mark. Jesus says, "Therefore keep watch
because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening,
or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.
36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.
37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!"
Clearly, we are at our best when we are focused on God and when we work with a sense of urgency that a deadline brings.
I would encourage all of us to set some deadlines that would motivate us to make the most of today.
Obviously, the greatest motivator is looking forward to seeing Jesus face to face. What a day that will be!!!
5 more days before vacation, can't wait to get up in the morning.
Joe McKinney
Monday, June 27, 2011
A dollar and a gallon and a minute short
As I was driving to work this morning I passed by a lady on the side of the road. She was probably late 40's and seemed worn out by a very hard life. She was hobbling along carrying two garbage bags and picking up trash. Her face seemed desperate and drained of hope. I felt compelled to do something and help her but I kept on driving. I looked at my clock and I was running late. I looked at my gas gauge and it was running on fumes. I was also fatigued from a long trip. Basically I was operating this morning with no margin.
I've often thought about the parable of the Good Samaritan. Two religious leaders walk by a man in desperate need and are in a hurry or have places to go. Finally it says in Luke 10:33-35 '..a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeepr. 'Look after him', he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expenses you may have.'
Wow to have that kind of margin in my life! As I drove past that woman today I wrestled with God. I realized that I desperately need more margin. I need to give myself more time. I need to make sure I have more energy. I need to have some extra money in my wallet. I need a little more fuel in my gas tank. When I don't have any margin I am living for my schedule and my to-do-list and making sure I have 'just enough' for what I have planned. When I have margin I am prepared for the 'God-appointments' that are not on my list but are on God's every day.
in Christ,
Brian
I've often thought about the parable of the Good Samaritan. Two religious leaders walk by a man in desperate need and are in a hurry or have places to go. Finally it says in Luke 10:33-35 '..a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeepr. 'Look after him', he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expenses you may have.'
Wow to have that kind of margin in my life! As I drove past that woman today I wrestled with God. I realized that I desperately need more margin. I need to give myself more time. I need to make sure I have more energy. I need to have some extra money in my wallet. I need a little more fuel in my gas tank. When I don't have any margin I am living for my schedule and my to-do-list and making sure I have 'just enough' for what I have planned. When I have margin I am prepared for the 'God-appointments' that are not on my list but are on God's every day.
in Christ,
Brian
Friday, June 24, 2011
Its not about the fine jewels...
As I was reading through 1 Peter this week, a passage stood out to me; I’ve heard this passage several times but I truly believe it is one that we women should visit over and over again. So guys, I apologize, but this one is for the ladies. Hopefully you won’t be too upset- we did give you the Rock medley Sunday, after all.
Ladies, we live in a society full of pressure. We feel pressure all around us: if you don’t look like the beautiful Hollywood actress, you aren’t trying hard enough; if you are a stay at home mom, you have lost sight of your goals; if you’re a working mom, you don’t care enough about your family. It breaks my heart how our culture seems to set us up for failure. But let’s get back to that passage I mentioned earlier…
It seems women have been dealing with this very same struggle for ages. 1 Peter 3:3-5 tells us,
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
Girls, I know this is so hard to live by. Just the beginning of this week I found myself struggling with my worth. But how wonderful is our God that He acknowledges this struggle and gives us His words to comfort and guide us? When you find yourself questioning your worth please know a couple things; first, you are not alone!! Women everywhere of all ages struggle from time to time (yes, even the ones you would never expect!). Second, and most importantly, you are PRECIOUS to our Father. He looks past our outward appearance to our hearts. So remember 1 Peter and clothe yourself with a gentle spirit that pleases our God.
And guys, if you have made it this far, thanks for reading! If you have a woman in your life, please remind her today she is precious and beautiful. I promise, she will greatly appreciate it.
Living for Him,
Lindsey
Ladies, we live in a society full of pressure. We feel pressure all around us: if you don’t look like the beautiful Hollywood actress, you aren’t trying hard enough; if you are a stay at home mom, you have lost sight of your goals; if you’re a working mom, you don’t care enough about your family. It breaks my heart how our culture seems to set us up for failure. But let’s get back to that passage I mentioned earlier…
It seems women have been dealing with this very same struggle for ages. 1 Peter 3:3-5 tells us,
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
Girls, I know this is so hard to live by. Just the beginning of this week I found myself struggling with my worth. But how wonderful is our God that He acknowledges this struggle and gives us His words to comfort and guide us? When you find yourself questioning your worth please know a couple things; first, you are not alone!! Women everywhere of all ages struggle from time to time (yes, even the ones you would never expect!). Second, and most importantly, you are PRECIOUS to our Father. He looks past our outward appearance to our hearts. So remember 1 Peter and clothe yourself with a gentle spirit that pleases our God.
And guys, if you have made it this far, thanks for reading! If you have a woman in your life, please remind her today she is precious and beautiful. I promise, she will greatly appreciate it.
Living for Him,
Lindsey
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Rain!!!!!!
What a wonderful day it was yesterday to see these mysterious drops of water falling from heaven and drenching a parched and thirsty ground. I was talking to a friend and he mentioned that everyone he seemed to run into yesterday at work was just in a good mood because of the desperately needed rain. This morning I walked out to look at my vegetable garden, flower beds, and grass and it's like they have sprung back to life once again. If I could hear them talking they would probably have said, 'at last we're not having to settle for that nasty chlorinated city water you keep giving us and we finally got the good stuff from God!'
Isn't it amazing that in all of our technological advancement as a society we are still as desperately needy of rain as they were in the dark ages. I think this time of drought has turned many of our hearts back towards God and reminded us of our dependence on Him. Even at our softball game on Monday night one of the guys was reminding everyone to pray for rain. In Job 36 it says, 22 "Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? 23 No one can tell him what to do. No one can say to him, 'You have done wrong.' 24 Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise. 25 Everyone has seen these things, but only from a distance. 26 "Look, God is exalted beyond what we can understand. His years are without number. 27 He draws up the water vapor and then distills it into rain. 28 The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits from it." So let's stop and thank God today for rain and all of the good gifts He has bestowed upon us that we daily take for granted!
in Christ,
Brian
Isn't it amazing that in all of our technological advancement as a society we are still as desperately needy of rain as they were in the dark ages. I think this time of drought has turned many of our hearts back towards God and reminded us of our dependence on Him. Even at our softball game on Monday night one of the guys was reminding everyone to pray for rain. In Job 36 it says, 22 "Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? 23 No one can tell him what to do. No one can say to him, 'You have done wrong.' 24 Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise. 25 Everyone has seen these things, but only from a distance. 26 "Look, God is exalted beyond what we can understand. His years are without number. 27 He draws up the water vapor and then distills it into rain. 28 The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits from it." So let's stop and thank God today for rain and all of the good gifts He has bestowed upon us that we daily take for granted!
in Christ,
Brian
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
You are What You Do Every Day
Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I really believe we become what we do every day.
Lose weight, eat a little less at every meal. 150 calories a day can make all the difference.
Read the bible through in a year, 15 minutes a day. It can change your mind and heart.
Learn to play the guitar well, 30 minutes a day for 2 yrs.
Spend time every day sharing focused attention with family, build emotionally healthy loving relationships with spouse and children.
Talk to God every day, experience Him as your best friend.
Write a book, one page a day for one year.
Every day the principle of the sower is in effect. What you and I do every day will determine who we will be in 2 yrs, 5 yrs, 10 yrs.
What we plant will come back to us 30, 60, 100 times.
Want to change your life? Change what you do daily.
Proverbs 6:6-8
6 Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Talk about doing a little each day!!! An ant. Patience, and Persistence, Pays off.
Want to become more like Jesus, Luke 9:23 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.
Day by Day,
On the journey,
Joe McKinney
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I really believe we become what we do every day.
Lose weight, eat a little less at every meal. 150 calories a day can make all the difference.
Read the bible through in a year, 15 minutes a day. It can change your mind and heart.
Learn to play the guitar well, 30 minutes a day for 2 yrs.
Spend time every day sharing focused attention with family, build emotionally healthy loving relationships with spouse and children.
Talk to God every day, experience Him as your best friend.
Write a book, one page a day for one year.
Every day the principle of the sower is in effect. What you and I do every day will determine who we will be in 2 yrs, 5 yrs, 10 yrs.
What we plant will come back to us 30, 60, 100 times.
Want to change your life? Change what you do daily.
Proverbs 6:6-8
6 Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Talk about doing a little each day!!! An ant. Patience, and Persistence, Pays off.
Want to become more like Jesus, Luke 9:23 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.
Day by Day,
On the journey,
Joe McKinney
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Truth
The other day I was reading this fascinating conversation between Jesus and Pilate (the Roman leader in Jerusalem who had the power to release Jesus or agree to have Him crucified) regarding truth. Pilate asks Jesus a question in verse 37....'So You are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.' Then in vs 38 Pilate replies, 'What is truth?'
In John 4 Jesus says that the true worshipers worship in spirit and in truth. So truth is an inseparable part of worship. Truth is difficult because it is the standard to which we must conform. We live in a day (and Pilate did too) where 'relative truth' is the norm. Relative truth is so attractive because we can conform our situation to our liking. If God's voice of truth is not what we want to hear then we rewrite the rules the way we want. Great worship songs are full of truth and if we listen we not only hear a catchy melody we hear the voice of Jesus speaking to us. These songs speak truths of God's love, His justice, His call to follow Him and surrender, His coming return, His faithfulness, and on and on. So let's press in to hear the voice of truth and approach our heavenly Father with a heart that is willing to conform to His will and plans for our life.
in Christ,
Brian
In John 4 Jesus says that the true worshipers worship in spirit and in truth. So truth is an inseparable part of worship. Truth is difficult because it is the standard to which we must conform. We live in a day (and Pilate did too) where 'relative truth' is the norm. Relative truth is so attractive because we can conform our situation to our liking. If God's voice of truth is not what we want to hear then we rewrite the rules the way we want. Great worship songs are full of truth and if we listen we not only hear a catchy melody we hear the voice of Jesus speaking to us. These songs speak truths of God's love, His justice, His call to follow Him and surrender, His coming return, His faithfulness, and on and on. So let's press in to hear the voice of truth and approach our heavenly Father with a heart that is willing to conform to His will and plans for our life.
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, June 20, 2011
Living with Passion (I Love Rock and Roll)
The Glory of God is the heart of a man fully alive. This Sunday at the end of our worship, we did a rock medley as a fun gift to the dad's in the service and as a celebration of a life lived with passion.
I believe we Christian's are supposed to claim all things for the Kingdom and not concede any thing to the forces of darkness. So we took rock songs that we thought could have some spiritual overtones and a positive message for our lives and found some scriptures for context on each one.
Hopefully we will be inspired to live out the kernel of truth in each song.
Here are the 7 songs and their scripture verses.
Eye of The Tiger
But David said When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.
Born To Be Wild
In those days John the Baptist came, A voice of one calling in the desert,
Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
Johns clothes were made of camels hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
Livin' On A Prayer
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Don't Fear The Reaper
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
In The Name Of Love
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Dude (Looks Like A Lady)
This was a tough one to find a scripture, but the Bible is a rich book.
The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, No razor may be used on his head.
Don't Stop Believin'
Acts 16:31
They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.
This Father's day, I pray we'd all live Christ centered lives of relentless passion and always remember.....................characters are welcome in the Kingdom.
Your fellow character,
Joe McKinney
I believe we Christian's are supposed to claim all things for the Kingdom and not concede any thing to the forces of darkness. So we took rock songs that we thought could have some spiritual overtones and a positive message for our lives and found some scriptures for context on each one.
Hopefully we will be inspired to live out the kernel of truth in each song.
Here are the 7 songs and their scripture verses.
Eye of The Tiger
But David said When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.
Born To Be Wild
In those days John the Baptist came, A voice of one calling in the desert,
Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
Johns clothes were made of camels hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
Livin' On A Prayer
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Don't Fear The Reaper
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
In The Name Of Love
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Dude (Looks Like A Lady)
This was a tough one to find a scripture, but the Bible is a rich book.
The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, No razor may be used on his head.
Don't Stop Believin'
Acts 16:31
They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.
This Father's day, I pray we'd all live Christ centered lives of relentless passion and always remember.....................characters are welcome in the Kingdom.
Your fellow character,
Joe McKinney
Friday, June 17, 2011
In everything I do…
Yesterday while I was on Facebook, a friend of mine had a status update that caught my attention: “Today would be a great day for worship leaders to worship without a guitar or microphone”. Being a worship leader, this stood out and challenged me to check myself. Has my worship become merely a performance for man or is my focus still on the One that matters?
While I have been given a passion for music and enjoy worshiping through song, you may have a different passion. Perhaps you worship through art, or writing, or dance; if you do, that is great and you need to use these gifts to praise our Lord! But what my friend’s status reminded me of is my worship should not stop at the song I sing on Sunday. I find myself drawing nearest to God through the lyrics I sing to Him. However, my worship should also be through the words I speak to my husband, the help I offer a friend, or even the smile I give to the stranger at Starbucks. Our lives should be declaring His glory in everything we do. So today I challenge you (and myself!) to find an “unusual” way to worship our Savior.
-Lindsey
While I have been given a passion for music and enjoy worshiping through song, you may have a different passion. Perhaps you worship through art, or writing, or dance; if you do, that is great and you need to use these gifts to praise our Lord! But what my friend’s status reminded me of is my worship should not stop at the song I sing on Sunday. I find myself drawing nearest to God through the lyrics I sing to Him. However, my worship should also be through the words I speak to my husband, the help I offer a friend, or even the smile I give to the stranger at Starbucks. Our lives should be declaring His glory in everything we do. So today I challenge you (and myself!) to find an “unusual” way to worship our Savior.
-Lindsey
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Is Your Netting Up?
One of my new hobbies I've taken up this year is vegetable gardening. It's been a fun process of building a box, creating the perfect soil mix, selecting the plants, watering consistently and training the vines to grow vertically, adding support when needed. Last weekend I was out of town for a few days picking up my daughter from camp. When I got back to check on my garden I was shocked to see that several of my tomatoes had holes in them. I figured out that the word about free food and water (tomotatoes are full of water) had apparently leaked out to the local bird community and they had been having a hay day on my crops while I was gone. I was ticked! Nobody messes with my garden. This was a declaration of war!
So this morning I took action and built a sophisticated fortification system (a.k.a. bird netting) and draped it over my garden. As I was out there I could almost feel those little eyes peering down on me from the tree tops, eyeing their next prize. As I was doing that I thought a bit about our lives. Many of us have worked hard, we've built a great life, we've got a wonderful family (fruit), we are involved in great ministries, etc. But we have neglected this step of protection from predators. We have an enemy that is eyeing our life and the fruit of our life and Jesus says that '[he] comes to steal, kill and destroy...' (John 10:10). Each of us have vulnerabilities and particular temptations that are extra strong for us. What is it for you? Are you protecting yourself from the predators of lust, greed, power, gossip, etc? What nets of protection do you need to put up today? Maybe it's dropping certain friends on facebook, not being alone at times, adding accountability, etc. Dont' leave the garden of your life unprotected today!
In Christ,
Brian
So this morning I took action and built a sophisticated fortification system (a.k.a. bird netting) and draped it over my garden. As I was out there I could almost feel those little eyes peering down on me from the tree tops, eyeing their next prize. As I was doing that I thought a bit about our lives. Many of us have worked hard, we've built a great life, we've got a wonderful family (fruit), we are involved in great ministries, etc. But we have neglected this step of protection from predators. We have an enemy that is eyeing our life and the fruit of our life and Jesus says that '[he] comes to steal, kill and destroy...' (John 10:10). Each of us have vulnerabilities and particular temptations that are extra strong for us. What is it for you? Are you protecting yourself from the predators of lust, greed, power, gossip, etc? What nets of protection do you need to put up today? Maybe it's dropping certain friends on facebook, not being alone at times, adding accountability, etc. Dont' leave the garden of your life unprotected today!
In Christ,
Brian
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Set your sail or Row your boat.
John 3:8
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit
Sounds like fun. What an adventure to set our sail and see God move as we are swept along by His power.
I must confess at times I approach ministry and life as if all of it is on my shoulders. That soon becomes a burden way too heavy to bear.
I believe the times I've felt most effective in ministry is when it just seemed fun. When God was moving and people's lives were being transformed before my very eyes. And it was clearly God's hand at work. I was just along for the ride. Fortunate to be close to the action.
I must celebrate by saying God has clearly been at work in our midst. In the past year I've experienced many great worship moments at StoneBridge. I've seen people's hearts softened to the Lord and each other. I've seen marriages healed, whole families baptized. I've heard reports of mission and ministry to neighbors and coworkers and to lives touched and transformed by the gospel all over the world.
God's people have given generously and with great joy of their time and finances to see that the good news of Jesus' love and forgiveness is shared with every man, women and child.
God is moving like the wind across the water. Quit rowing your boat. Set your sail and with us be swept along by the power of God's redemptive love.
Until the whole world hears,
Joe McKinney
Pastor of Creative Arts
StoneBridge Church
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit
Sounds like fun. What an adventure to set our sail and see God move as we are swept along by His power.
I must confess at times I approach ministry and life as if all of it is on my shoulders. That soon becomes a burden way too heavy to bear.
I believe the times I've felt most effective in ministry is when it just seemed fun. When God was moving and people's lives were being transformed before my very eyes. And it was clearly God's hand at work. I was just along for the ride. Fortunate to be close to the action.
I must celebrate by saying God has clearly been at work in our midst. In the past year I've experienced many great worship moments at StoneBridge. I've seen people's hearts softened to the Lord and each other. I've seen marriages healed, whole families baptized. I've heard reports of mission and ministry to neighbors and coworkers and to lives touched and transformed by the gospel all over the world.
God's people have given generously and with great joy of their time and finances to see that the good news of Jesus' love and forgiveness is shared with every man, women and child.
God is moving like the wind across the water. Quit rowing your boat. Set your sail and with us be swept along by the power of God's redemptive love.
Until the whole world hears,
Joe McKinney
Pastor of Creative Arts
StoneBridge Church
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Run Faster Run Together.
The fastest I ever ran was with two buddies of mine on a church trip to the beach as a teenager. We were staying at the house of friend and he wanted to show us the horse farm next door. So we hopped the fence and walked over to see the horses.
What our friend didn't tell us was that we weren't supposed to visit without permission and they had a guard dog, a german shepherd. I was a paper boy and my experience with dogs was not always positive. Many dogs love to chase paper boys. We heard a full deep throated bark as the dog came out of nowhere. I got an adrenaline shot that put me into instant flight mode.
Of the three of us I was usually second in a footrace. Not that day. After we barely escaped over the fence, head first, the other guys remarked with surprise that I had out run Reid. While he was normally the better and faster athlete, I was definitely the more motivated that day.
But that kind of urgency is not a daily occurrence. Life is more often like a distance race. And for those kind of races, I've always run faster and better with a friend. I remember in high school how I wanted to get up early before school and run two miles a day. I did ok for awhile, but then started to lose my motivation. Not long after a friend of mine heard me talking about running and offered to join me. I waited on the curb as he faithfully came by every day to run with me. I rarely missed after that. Pretty soon I was in the best shape of my life.
A few years back I felt a real desire to memorize some key scripture verses, but was struggling to stay motivated. I asked Mark Holter and another friend if they would be interested in getting together for awhile and reciting scripture verses to each other. I memorized more scripture that year than any year of my life.
In community, we are more motivated. Jesus knew that and sent his disciples out in pairs. Never alone.
Mark 6:7
Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.
Paul later wrote in Romans 1:12,
"that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith."
and then in Hebrews 10:25 he wrote,
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Many people in my life help motivate me to faithfully follow Christ. Because of them I run with endurance.
Run with passion, run with purpose and run with endurance, and know that Jesus will bring people in your life to encourage you and at the same time use your life to help others finish the race.
Your companion and friend,
Joe McKinney
What our friend didn't tell us was that we weren't supposed to visit without permission and they had a guard dog, a german shepherd. I was a paper boy and my experience with dogs was not always positive. Many dogs love to chase paper boys. We heard a full deep throated bark as the dog came out of nowhere. I got an adrenaline shot that put me into instant flight mode.
Of the three of us I was usually second in a footrace. Not that day. After we barely escaped over the fence, head first, the other guys remarked with surprise that I had out run Reid. While he was normally the better and faster athlete, I was definitely the more motivated that day.
But that kind of urgency is not a daily occurrence. Life is more often like a distance race. And for those kind of races, I've always run faster and better with a friend. I remember in high school how I wanted to get up early before school and run two miles a day. I did ok for awhile, but then started to lose my motivation. Not long after a friend of mine heard me talking about running and offered to join me. I waited on the curb as he faithfully came by every day to run with me. I rarely missed after that. Pretty soon I was in the best shape of my life.
A few years back I felt a real desire to memorize some key scripture verses, but was struggling to stay motivated. I asked Mark Holter and another friend if they would be interested in getting together for awhile and reciting scripture verses to each other. I memorized more scripture that year than any year of my life.
In community, we are more motivated. Jesus knew that and sent his disciples out in pairs. Never alone.
Mark 6:7
Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.
Paul later wrote in Romans 1:12,
"that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith."
and then in Hebrews 10:25 he wrote,
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Many people in my life help motivate me to faithfully follow Christ. Because of them I run with endurance.
Run with passion, run with purpose and run with endurance, and know that Jesus will bring people in your life to encourage you and at the same time use your life to help others finish the race.
Your companion and friend,
Joe McKinney
Monday, June 13, 2011
No Time For Shrinking Back.
Jesus' last words to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 are 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' The phrase that I am reflecting on today is 'All authority has been given to Me...' Why did Jesus include this phrase before He gave us our instructions about the Great Commission? Because He knew that the biggest obstacle to the gospel going forth would be our own personal and paralyzing fears of stepping out and sharing the good news.
Jesus is telling us that when we go out into the world and seek to bring forth His good news of salvation for all mankind, that we go in His authority and strength and power and not our own. In one of our Sunday morning classes yesterday, Ryan Highley, one of our teachers, was sharing about Joshua who came after Moses as Israel's leader. Joshua was charged with conquering the land of Canaan for Israel, a land full of fortified cities and armies. God told Joshua that He would be with Him, that no one would be able to stand against him, and that every place 'on which the sole of his foot would tread' He would give to Joshua and his people. Joshua took the Lord at His Word and the Lord came through on His promise. Will we take Jesus at His word today? Am I willing to step out and still believe that the Resurrected Christ can invade my neighborhood and bring hope, invade marriages and bring reconciliation, invade my extended family and bring salvation and continue to invade my own life bringing renewal and passion? Let's not shrink back in fear any longer....Let's take Jesus at His Word and boldly hold out the only hope for the world around us!
Going out in His authority,
Brian
Jesus is telling us that when we go out into the world and seek to bring forth His good news of salvation for all mankind, that we go in His authority and strength and power and not our own. In one of our Sunday morning classes yesterday, Ryan Highley, one of our teachers, was sharing about Joshua who came after Moses as Israel's leader. Joshua was charged with conquering the land of Canaan for Israel, a land full of fortified cities and armies. God told Joshua that He would be with Him, that no one would be able to stand against him, and that every place 'on which the sole of his foot would tread' He would give to Joshua and his people. Joshua took the Lord at His Word and the Lord came through on His promise. Will we take Jesus at His word today? Am I willing to step out and still believe that the Resurrected Christ can invade my neighborhood and bring hope, invade marriages and bring reconciliation, invade my extended family and bring salvation and continue to invade my own life bringing renewal and passion? Let's not shrink back in fear any longer....Let's take Jesus at His Word and boldly hold out the only hope for the world around us!
Going out in His authority,
Brian
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Joy.
The other day I was reading through some of my old journal entries. I enjoy doing this every few months so I can reflect back on what God has brought me through. But every time I do, I am surprised at how often my prayers are about things I need or struggles I am going through. I am a pretty upbeat person, but it seems that my prayer journal has become a medium for getting my hurts and personal demons out on paper. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely believe that we should take all of these things to our Father BUT I think we need to not forget to bring Him the good as well.
This weekend we are introducing a new song based on Psalm 146. As I was reading through it, I was reminded of a simple fact; as believers we should be a joyful people. Don’t let God become your personal genie who is only there to deliver solutions to your problems. Bring Him your joy. And talk about your joy with others! When you think of the salvation we have been given and all He has already done for us is there really any reason we should not be overflowing with joy? So in your prayers tonight, bring Him your struggles, He wants you to; but He also wants you to bring your joy and thanksgiving as well.
Finding my joy in Him,
Lindsey
This weekend we are introducing a new song based on Psalm 146. As I was reading through it, I was reminded of a simple fact; as believers we should be a joyful people. Don’t let God become your personal genie who is only there to deliver solutions to your problems. Bring Him your joy. And talk about your joy with others! When you think of the salvation we have been given and all He has already done for us is there really any reason we should not be overflowing with joy? So in your prayers tonight, bring Him your struggles, He wants you to; but He also wants you to bring your joy and thanksgiving as well.
Finding my joy in Him,
Lindsey
Sing a new song.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. - Psalm 96:1-3
When my kids first started talking they learned a prayer/song that goes like this, ‘God our Father, God our Father, we thank you, we thank you for our many blessings for our many blessings, Amen, Amen.’ For that season of their young life it was really cool to hear their little voices singing that prayer to God and expressing thanks for His provision. But as they started getting older and their ability to communicate and think improved we started challenging them to say their own prayers to God. It was a little rough at first and sometimes my youngest son Joshua, now 5, would ramble all over the place, thanking God for every member of the family and ending with his catch-all ‘and thank you for everything Amen.’
As a parent, I would prefer to sit and listen to my kids awkwardly ramble their way through their own prayer that comes out of their heart rather than hear them beautifully recite a theological masterpiece that was written by someone else. We know God has worked in the past and inspired many men and women over the years but what is He doing today in your life? What words would you share that talk of God’s activity today in the summer of 2011? Look for an opportunity to share a fresh thing that God is doing in your life with a friend, you child, or someone else today!
in Christ,
Brian
When my kids first started talking they learned a prayer/song that goes like this, ‘God our Father, God our Father, we thank you, we thank you for our many blessings for our many blessings, Amen, Amen.’ For that season of their young life it was really cool to hear their little voices singing that prayer to God and expressing thanks for His provision. But as they started getting older and their ability to communicate and think improved we started challenging them to say their own prayers to God. It was a little rough at first and sometimes my youngest son Joshua, now 5, would ramble all over the place, thanking God for every member of the family and ending with his catch-all ‘and thank you for everything Amen.’
As a parent, I would prefer to sit and listen to my kids awkwardly ramble their way through their own prayer that comes out of their heart rather than hear them beautifully recite a theological masterpiece that was written by someone else. We know God has worked in the past and inspired many men and women over the years but what is He doing today in your life? What words would you share that talk of God’s activity today in the summer of 2011? Look for an opportunity to share a fresh thing that God is doing in your life with a friend, you child, or someone else today!
in Christ,
Brian
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Playing Golf With The Guys.
This Friday afternoon over 50 StoneBridge guys and their buddies will play golf together. I can't wait.
Jesus was really good at relating to and hanging out with a bunch of regular guys. Sometimes we forget that He took a rag tag group of twelve guys and turned the world upside down.
One of things I really like about StoneBridge is hanging out with the guys. I enjoy the camaraderie. I love the competition. I like the fact the StoneBridge guys are regular guys. Do we have a lot of exceptional, highly gifted achievers representing nearly every profession you can think of. Yes. But they haven't let that success inflate their egos. Still regular guys.
In church we talk a lot. Maybe too much sometimes. While some of you may find it hard to believe, I really enjoy being with my buddies and being so comfortable that I don't feel compelled to have to say much.
Not that I won't gab a bit on Friday. Especially during Steve Bradley's backswing. Can't miss the chance to have a little fun there.
Not long ago, my son-in-law mentioned learning to play golf. Why? He said it was a good place to build strong ties to present and potential business clients and partners. It's true. That's called strategic planning.
Jesus took the team concept of a group of men, multiplied the team and over a billion people gather together every week to worship Christ because of their faithful testimony. And between 2-3 billion claim Jesus as their Lord world wide.
2 Timothy 2:2
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
Strength and courage are often discovered and multiplied by being in the company of a group of "good" men. I look forward to that good company this week.
See you on the links,
Joe McKinney
Jesus was really good at relating to and hanging out with a bunch of regular guys. Sometimes we forget that He took a rag tag group of twelve guys and turned the world upside down.
One of things I really like about StoneBridge is hanging out with the guys. I enjoy the camaraderie. I love the competition. I like the fact the StoneBridge guys are regular guys. Do we have a lot of exceptional, highly gifted achievers representing nearly every profession you can think of. Yes. But they haven't let that success inflate their egos. Still regular guys.
In church we talk a lot. Maybe too much sometimes. While some of you may find it hard to believe, I really enjoy being with my buddies and being so comfortable that I don't feel compelled to have to say much.
Not that I won't gab a bit on Friday. Especially during Steve Bradley's backswing. Can't miss the chance to have a little fun there.
Not long ago, my son-in-law mentioned learning to play golf. Why? He said it was a good place to build strong ties to present and potential business clients and partners. It's true. That's called strategic planning.
Jesus took the team concept of a group of men, multiplied the team and over a billion people gather together every week to worship Christ because of their faithful testimony. And between 2-3 billion claim Jesus as their Lord world wide.
2 Timothy 2:2
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
Strength and courage are often discovered and multiplied by being in the company of a group of "good" men. I look forward to that good company this week.
See you on the links,
Joe McKinney
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Singing and Sorrow
Sunday morning, we had one of the greatest moments of worship I've ever experienced. As Mackenzie beautifully and passionately led the song "Blessings", her artist' heart became overwhelmed with emotion and she was momentarily unable to sing. Then our StoneBridge worshippers stood to their feet, and took up the melody for her singing.....
"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise"
I tried to join in with the singing. I knew the song well, but like Mackenzie I couldn't sing a note. My song stopped, my tears flowed.
I've had to sing many times when my emotions were running high and tears were close. The closer the tears, the smaller my throat becomes until I can't sing at all.
The Lord knows that about us. He knows that sorrow and singing don't mix. That why He says in Isaiah 51:11-12
11 The ransomed of the Lord will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
12 I, even I, am he who comforts you.
I'm glad that we have a God who comforts us today.
And I look forward to the day when we are overwhelmed not by tears, but by gladness and joy.
Your fellow worshiper,
Joe McKinney
"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise"
I tried to join in with the singing. I knew the song well, but like Mackenzie I couldn't sing a note. My song stopped, my tears flowed.
I've had to sing many times when my emotions were running high and tears were close. The closer the tears, the smaller my throat becomes until I can't sing at all.
The Lord knows that about us. He knows that sorrow and singing don't mix. That why He says in Isaiah 51:11-12
11 The ransomed of the Lord will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
12 I, even I, am he who comforts you.
I'm glad that we have a God who comforts us today.
And I look forward to the day when we are overwhelmed not by tears, but by gladness and joy.
Your fellow worshiper,
Joe McKinney
Monday, June 6, 2011
On Mission.
As I was reading a devotional this morning I came across this verse in 2 Timothy 2:3-4 that says "3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer." One of the points I shared yesterday during the message was that we need to get alone with God in order to know His calling for our life. When Jesus broke away from the crowds to get with God He left with a resolve and a very clear sense of His mission that God, His commanding officer, had for Him.
Without this habit of being alone with God and praying, we get caught up in the affairs of the culture around us and easily get sidetracked and become less productive for God's kingdom. The military analogy is a great one because when you think of a soldier you think of an individual who reports to a superior and their job is to successfully carry out specific orders. Much of the world around us is caught up in alot of meaningless chatter, entertaining themselves, and seeking comfort. We have been called to 'endure hardship', get uncomfortable and get 'on mission' for God.
Serving alongside of you all,
Brian
Without this habit of being alone with God and praying, we get caught up in the affairs of the culture around us and easily get sidetracked and become less productive for God's kingdom. The military analogy is a great one because when you think of a soldier you think of an individual who reports to a superior and their job is to successfully carry out specific orders. Much of the world around us is caught up in alot of meaningless chatter, entertaining themselves, and seeking comfort. We have been called to 'endure hardship', get uncomfortable and get 'on mission' for God.
Serving alongside of you all,
Brian
Friday, June 3, 2011
Blessings?
Over the past several weeks we have had many requests for Laura Story’s newest single “Blessings”. If you haven’t heard it yet, you are in luck as Mackenzie will be leading it this Sunday.
The lyrics to this song are challenging so I figured there is no one better to talk about them than Laura Story herself. Take a couple minutes to watch this video…it will definitely have you thinking.
Lindsey
http://youtu.be/Nz9irePc-iI
The lyrics to this song are challenging so I figured there is no one better to talk about them than Laura Story herself. Take a couple minutes to watch this video…it will definitely have you thinking.
Lindsey
http://youtu.be/Nz9irePc-iI
Thursday, June 2, 2011
'Gotcha!'
When we draw close to God in worship one of the great promises that is ours is this: 'You are not alone...' In some of Jesus' last words to His disciples on the eve of His death He shares these words with them, 'And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.' - John 14:16-18
'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you...' If you've ever watched a video of an adoption story, then you know how moving they are. On one side of the coin you have a little child who feels left out, abandoned, and forgotten. On the other side you have a family that has love in their heart that they want to share. So they initiate a journey that involves lots of prayer, paperwork, time and money. Then there's a moment that is sometimes described as the 'Gotcha' moment, where these two parties come together in an amazing collision of love. After Jesus died, His followers scattered, and it was a dark day. But on the third day He rose and He came for them and then shortly after the Holy Spirit came for them and said to them, 'Gotcha' and assured them and us still today that they were the adopted sons and daughters of God. Below is a really cool 'Gotcha' video I watched the other day.
You are not alone!
Brian
http://youtu.be/duyL9UjLrdM
'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you...' If you've ever watched a video of an adoption story, then you know how moving they are. On one side of the coin you have a little child who feels left out, abandoned, and forgotten. On the other side you have a family that has love in their heart that they want to share. So they initiate a journey that involves lots of prayer, paperwork, time and money. Then there's a moment that is sometimes described as the 'Gotcha' moment, where these two parties come together in an amazing collision of love. After Jesus died, His followers scattered, and it was a dark day. But on the third day He rose and He came for them and then shortly after the Holy Spirit came for them and said to them, 'Gotcha' and assured them and us still today that they were the adopted sons and daughters of God. Below is a really cool 'Gotcha' video I watched the other day.
You are not alone!
Brian
http://youtu.be/duyL9UjLrdM
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Graduation.
Tonight our youngest son graduated high school. Big night for our family. Proud of our son. Proud of these graduating Seniors.
Now what? What for him? What for us? What's the future gonna look like?
I think the most famous verse in the bible on the future might be found in Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It's a great verse that fills me with hope at this particular time. But I think our real future might be influenced even more by the verse that follows.
It says, "12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Our son Peter's future will be greatly influenced by how he seeks the Lord those first few weeks as a college freshman.
And how Jane and I handle "empty nest" will be determined by how we call upon the Lord, pray to Him together, and seek His heart for this new season in our lives.
Not sure all the future holds, but I am sure that we serve a God who loves us, listens to us and is both personally and intimately involved in our lives.
I intend to draw very close to Him in this year of great transition and change for our family.
Think I'll sleep just fine tonight.
Joe McKinney
Now what? What for him? What for us? What's the future gonna look like?
I think the most famous verse in the bible on the future might be found in Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It's a great verse that fills me with hope at this particular time. But I think our real future might be influenced even more by the verse that follows.
It says, "12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Our son Peter's future will be greatly influenced by how he seeks the Lord those first few weeks as a college freshman.
And how Jane and I handle "empty nest" will be determined by how we call upon the Lord, pray to Him together, and seek His heart for this new season in our lives.
Not sure all the future holds, but I am sure that we serve a God who loves us, listens to us and is both personally and intimately involved in our lives.
I intend to draw very close to Him in this year of great transition and change for our family.
Think I'll sleep just fine tonight.
Joe McKinney
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