Bill Hybels, pastor of Willowcreek Church in Chicago, always says that 'the local church is the hope of the world.' First of all, what is the local church? The local church is not sitting in your pajamas watching TV church on Sunday morning. The local church is a physical gathering of Christ-followers. The local church is more than just attending a service but it becomes more about belonging to a family. A local church that is submitted to Christ as the head becomes the place where people's lives do a 180. People go from selfish ambitions and living to finding their place in God's kingdom work where they get to invest their lives in a bigger and more beautiful way than they ever could have dreamed.
I have the privilege of being one of the pastors here at StoneBridge and in Ephesians 4 it lays out the requirements of my job. It says, '12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, 13 until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.' So the great privilege and responsibility I have is following Christ's lead to equip and empower the people of StoneBridge to find their place here and truly make a difference. How exciting it has been to see hope ushering forth into the world through this local body of believers. It always amazes me to look around on Sunday mornings and evenings and seeing the excitment and passion of the people of this church serving others and loving it! It amazes me to see the ministries that have been birthed by God's people stepping out: the food pantry, zambia, latvia, honduras, haiti, campus of hope, backpack programs, and on and on and on.
I want to challenge you to experience the local church on this level. Get involved and find a place to serve and be a part of this powerful movement of God to change the course of history for one person at a time!
in Christ,
Brian
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
It takes discipline to be a disciple.
So as Coach Ryan Highley shared during worship service when asked, "what can sports teach children," he answered, "It takes discipline to be a disciple."
His statement brought to mind a commercial I watched during the olympics. It was called "dedicated" by citi bank.
As the athlete's train you here them saying the following.
Take a day off, I don't even take a morning off.
I haven't ordered desert, in two years.
You know that best selling book I love, I haven't read it.
I haven't watched television since last Summer.
Hey,...I've been busy.
I have to say I was and am inspired by the dedication of the olympic athletes.
It makes me want to be more dedicated in my daily walk with the Lord.
To daily read the Bible
to daily live in full awareness of God's presence,
to share my faith,
to commit scripture to memory,
to rise up early to pray and seek God's face.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Dedicated.
It's who I want to be,
Joe
Click Here To Watch Video
His statement brought to mind a commercial I watched during the olympics. It was called "dedicated" by citi bank.
As the athlete's train you here them saying the following.
Take a day off, I don't even take a morning off.
I haven't ordered desert, in two years.
You know that best selling book I love, I haven't read it.
I haven't watched television since last Summer.
Hey,...I've been busy.
I have to say I was and am inspired by the dedication of the olympic athletes.
It makes me want to be more dedicated in my daily walk with the Lord.
To daily read the Bible
to daily live in full awareness of God's presence,
to share my faith,
to commit scripture to memory,
to rise up early to pray and seek God's face.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Dedicated.
It's who I want to be,
Joe
Click Here To Watch Video
Friday, September 21, 2012
Elohim.
On Wednesday I was leading chapel for the lower school kids at Woodlands Christian. We started a study on the different names of God. The very first name that is given for God in the Bible is Elohim, the God above all Gods, the Creator of everything. The Bible opens up with these words, '1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.' What's interesting about the creation story is that the first thing God creates in the beginning is the heavens and a formless, chaotic, empty and dark earth. Then in verse three the days of Creation begin with the spoken words from God's mouth, 'Let there be light.'
Verse 2 is like this picture of a world absent from God. It's like this little pause in the story that shows a contrast to what is about to happen at Creation. Think about sin. Sin is the opposite of God and His ways. When we follow the path of selfishness and sin it leads towards chaos, darkness and emptiness just like the earth in verse 2. When we follow God's path we begin to discover Elohim the God of creation who brings form, light, life and meaning to our life. As Genesis 1 unfolds God speaks light into the darkness, order into the chaos, and life and meaning into the emptiness. Jesus is Elohim come to earth. In Jesus, the new creation has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says '17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!' We bring our chaotic, empty, and sin-darkened lives to Christ and He changes us and begins a new creative work in our hearts. He brings light where there was darkness, life where there was death, and meaning where there was emptiness. Praise God for His awesome and wondrous works of creation and re-creation!
in Christ,
Brian
Verse 2 is like this picture of a world absent from God. It's like this little pause in the story that shows a contrast to what is about to happen at Creation. Think about sin. Sin is the opposite of God and His ways. When we follow the path of selfishness and sin it leads towards chaos, darkness and emptiness just like the earth in verse 2. When we follow God's path we begin to discover Elohim the God of creation who brings form, light, life and meaning to our life. As Genesis 1 unfolds God speaks light into the darkness, order into the chaos, and life and meaning into the emptiness. Jesus is Elohim come to earth. In Jesus, the new creation has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says '17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!' We bring our chaotic, empty, and sin-darkened lives to Christ and He changes us and begins a new creative work in our hearts. He brings light where there was darkness, life where there was death, and meaning where there was emptiness. Praise God for His awesome and wondrous works of creation and re-creation!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Hope Of The World.
This weekend Brian will teach us and a new song by Hillsong called Hope of the World.
I've been doing a little research on this song to learn more about the thought process behind its creation and the verses used as inspiration. I found that the song draws upon
Ephesians 2:11-13:
"Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
As well as Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Upon reading more of an interview I wanted to share with you what Reuben Morgan, one of the writers of the song, says about it.
"I would definitely say the main message is the picture of Christ with His arms open wide on the Cross, drawing the world to Himself, welcoming the world. It's a picture of His victory through His death on the Cross."
Lyrics:
For the love poured out
For the price of freedom
Let the whole earth sing
The praises rising
We stand in awe of what You've done
For us, at the cross
The hope of the world
Lifted on high
Calling us home with arms out wide
To know You forever, to love You forever
You are our everything
Our sin erased,
We're forgiven
You made a way
You are our ransom
And we owe this life for all You've done
For us, at the cross
The hope of the world
Lifted on high
Calling us home with arms out wide
To know You forever, to love You forever
You are our everything
All we need is You
The hope of the world
Lifted on high
Calling us home with arms out wide
To know You forever, to love You forever
You are our everything
So before we sing this song I'd like us to sit with one of the verses of inspiration as we reflect on the amazing ransom of Christ.
Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Hailey
I've been doing a little research on this song to learn more about the thought process behind its creation and the verses used as inspiration. I found that the song draws upon
Ephesians 2:11-13:
"Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
As well as Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Upon reading more of an interview I wanted to share with you what Reuben Morgan, one of the writers of the song, says about it.
"I would definitely say the main message is the picture of Christ with His arms open wide on the Cross, drawing the world to Himself, welcoming the world. It's a picture of His victory through His death on the Cross."
Lyrics:
For the love poured out
For the price of freedom
Let the whole earth sing
The praises rising
We stand in awe of what You've done
For us, at the cross
The hope of the world
Lifted on high
Calling us home with arms out wide
To know You forever, to love You forever
You are our everything
Our sin erased,
We're forgiven
You made a way
You are our ransom
And we owe this life for all You've done
For us, at the cross
The hope of the world
Lifted on high
Calling us home with arms out wide
To know You forever, to love You forever
You are our everything
All we need is You
The hope of the world
Lifted on high
Calling us home with arms out wide
To know You forever, to love You forever
You are our everything
So before we sing this song I'd like us to sit with one of the verses of inspiration as we reflect on the amazing ransom of Christ.
Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Hailey
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Reflect the light to the world, But even more reflect your best back to God.
I was chatting with Pastor Steve a few weeks ago and he shared this thought from John Ortberg. I didn't read the exact quote, but the gist was that our best reflection of God's glory is actually back to God Himself.
The Bible clearly states that we are to be a light to the world. As the moon reflects the sun, we should reflect the light of Jesus to the lost.
Here is probably the most well known scripture on this truth.
Jesus said....... In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Clearly we, as followers of Christ, are to shine.
Matthew 13:43
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
2 Corinthians 4:6
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
We are definitely supposed to shine TO the world, but most importantly, we are to shine FOR the glory of our Heavenly Father.
John 15:8
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Romans 11:36
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
So Shine On,
And Shine Back,
Joe
The Bible clearly states that we are to be a light to the world. As the moon reflects the sun, we should reflect the light of Jesus to the lost.
Here is probably the most well known scripture on this truth.
Jesus said....... In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Clearly we, as followers of Christ, are to shine.
Matthew 13:43
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
2 Corinthians 4:6
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
We are definitely supposed to shine TO the world, but most importantly, we are to shine FOR the glory of our Heavenly Father.
John 15:8
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Romans 11:36
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
So Shine On,
And Shine Back,
Joe
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
100% Pure Christianity.
This past weekend I had the privilege of getting to speak at our 5th and 6th grade retreat here at StoneBridge. Our theme verse for the weekend was 1 Timothy 4:12 where Paul is challenging Timothy saying, "12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." On Sunday we focused in on purity. Purity simply means unmixed. It means 100%. It means that if something is pure apple juice, there's only one ingredient.....apples.
What does purity mean in our relationship with Christ? Paul, speaking to the Christians in Corinth, says, 'But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.' (2 Corinthians 11:3) A pure relationship with Jesus means that you have total trust in Him in every area of your life and in every situation. It means that the core belief guiding your life is that God's best is always best for you (even if you don't understand it in the moment or its temporarily uncomfortable or painful). Ever since the garden of Eden, Satan has been trying to make us doubt God and His ways through his cunning and his deception.
What about your life today? Our lives consist of our words, our family, our jobs, our relationships, our habits, our money, our decisions, our time, our wants, our needs, our talents, etc. How is the purity of your trust in Christ in all of these different areas? Are there areas where if you were honest you are living like your way is better than God's way? This is a process in all of us. Sanctification is the process of God, through His Spirit, filtering out those pockets of impurity in our life, to produce people who sincerely, whole-heartedly, and purely trust their heavenly Father in a child-like way. Let's press on towards that place!
in Christ,
Brian
What does purity mean in our relationship with Christ? Paul, speaking to the Christians in Corinth, says, 'But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.' (2 Corinthians 11:3) A pure relationship with Jesus means that you have total trust in Him in every area of your life and in every situation. It means that the core belief guiding your life is that God's best is always best for you (even if you don't understand it in the moment or its temporarily uncomfortable or painful). Ever since the garden of Eden, Satan has been trying to make us doubt God and His ways through his cunning and his deception.
What about your life today? Our lives consist of our words, our family, our jobs, our relationships, our habits, our money, our decisions, our time, our wants, our needs, our talents, etc. How is the purity of your trust in Christ in all of these different areas? Are there areas where if you were honest you are living like your way is better than God's way? This is a process in all of us. Sanctification is the process of God, through His Spirit, filtering out those pockets of impurity in our life, to produce people who sincerely, whole-heartedly, and purely trust their heavenly Father in a child-like way. Let's press on towards that place!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, September 17, 2012
Content.
Philippians 4:12
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
So what is Paul's secret? How was he content in every circumstance?
Today as Hailey led the song "What Joy" I was struck by the words of the chorus.
I believe it would be Paul's answer to my question.
It says,
WHAT JOY, WHAT JOY
FOR THOSE WHOSE HOPE
IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
WHAT PEACE, WHAT PEACE
FOR THOSE WHOSE
CONFIDENCE IS HIM ALONE.
What really struck me is the last line.
What peace for those whose confidence is in Him alone.
Here are a few verses that bring that home.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Philippians 3:3
3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Confidence in Christ Alone = Contentment
"In Christ Alone, I place my trust...."
Joe
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
So what is Paul's secret? How was he content in every circumstance?
Today as Hailey led the song "What Joy" I was struck by the words of the chorus.
I believe it would be Paul's answer to my question.
It says,
WHAT JOY, WHAT JOY
FOR THOSE WHOSE HOPE
IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
WHAT PEACE, WHAT PEACE
FOR THOSE WHOSE
CONFIDENCE IS HIM ALONE.
What really struck me is the last line.
What peace for those whose confidence is in Him alone.
Here are a few verses that bring that home.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Philippians 3:3
3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Confidence in Christ Alone = Contentment
"In Christ Alone, I place my trust...."
Joe
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Any Room For God?
Our table group is going through a study called 'Weird" by Craig Groeschel. Throughout the study he has been challenging us to the "God kind of weird" that the Bible calls us to which looks drastically different than the rest of the world. Last night we talked about our finances and that living as God wants us to live means having margin. In Proverbs 21:20 it says, "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." The way of the world is foolishness based on this description. Most people take their paycheck and spend every penny of it or 'devour it' leaving nothing left over. Many have lost the discipline of storing up or saving.
Having taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace several times, one of my biggest take-aways is the idea of having an emergency fund. He challenges people to put $1000 in savings immediately and not touch it for anything but a true emergency. Ultimately he challenges people to put 3-6 months expenses in a money market account to create much needed margin and protection of your finances. Margin is a sign of health. Healthy people have margin in their finances, time and energy. Margin is only achieved by saving, saying 'no', and getting rest. I like to think of margin as 'leaving room for God'. If I have margin in my schedule I have time to stop and pray with someone, help someone change a tire or have a meaningful conversation with a neighbor. If I have margin in my finances it means I can buy a meal for someone who is homeless, or sponsor a child from Zambia, etc. If I have margin in my energy I can play with my kids, stay up and talk with my spouse, etc.
So, let's dare to be 'weird in a God way' and begin to do something radical: put back some margin in our life. Who knows what God has planned for us if we will leave Him some room to work!
in Christ,
Brian
Having taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace several times, one of my biggest take-aways is the idea of having an emergency fund. He challenges people to put $1000 in savings immediately and not touch it for anything but a true emergency. Ultimately he challenges people to put 3-6 months expenses in a money market account to create much needed margin and protection of your finances. Margin is a sign of health. Healthy people have margin in their finances, time and energy. Margin is only achieved by saving, saying 'no', and getting rest. I like to think of margin as 'leaving room for God'. If I have margin in my schedule I have time to stop and pray with someone, help someone change a tire or have a meaningful conversation with a neighbor. If I have margin in my finances it means I can buy a meal for someone who is homeless, or sponsor a child from Zambia, etc. If I have margin in my energy I can play with my kids, stay up and talk with my spouse, etc.
So, let's dare to be 'weird in a God way' and begin to do something radical: put back some margin in our life. Who knows what God has planned for us if we will leave Him some room to work!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, September 13, 2012
A.B.I.D.E.
Every week our Creative Arts team chooses a verse to memorize. Some weeks it is harder than others, maybe the week has been busy,maybe the verse is longer than usual. I'll be honest and tell you that there are weeks I have allowed this discipline of memorization to be last on my list and it has suffered because of that.
This week the ladies bible study of James by Beth Moore started up and the very first session, wouldn't you know, Beth mentioned memorization. To be specific Beth was offering a challenge, to those feeling particularly ambitious, to memorize the entire book of James. But, book or verse, we can use this same anagram of encouragement at times.
A.B.I.D.E.
Ask God for the ability
Believe You can do it
Increase the portion each week (this can apply a bit more to larger sections)
Determine a set time everyday to practice
Enjoy it!
With this renewed sense of gusto for verse memorization let us approach our verse for the week!
Let us be "Jesus to the least of these" like the song that thematically sums up our sermon series states.
Matthew 25:40
...I tell you the truth,whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
For the least of these,
Hailey
This week the ladies bible study of James by Beth Moore started up and the very first session, wouldn't you know, Beth mentioned memorization. To be specific Beth was offering a challenge, to those feeling particularly ambitious, to memorize the entire book of James. But, book or verse, we can use this same anagram of encouragement at times.
A.B.I.D.E.
Ask God for the ability
Believe You can do it
Increase the portion each week (this can apply a bit more to larger sections)
Determine a set time everyday to practice
Enjoy it!
With this renewed sense of gusto for verse memorization let us approach our verse for the week!
Let us be "Jesus to the least of these" like the song that thematically sums up our sermon series states.
Matthew 25:40
...I tell you the truth,whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
For the least of these,
Hailey
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I Wanna Live Like That.
Our theme song for the message series "Inspire a Generation," has been "Live Like That," by Sidewalk Prophets.
It's a song that reminds me of all the people in my life who showed me Christ's love. Their godly example pointed me to the Savior. I continue to see many who are following Christ and their lives inspire a greater love for the Lord and a passion for His Kingdom in me.
Three quick thoughts and then the lyrics of the song
1. If we trust in Christ for salvation, then Christ lives in us.
Galatians 2:20a
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
2. God will reveal Jesus in us so we can spread the gospel.
Galatians 1:16a
to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,
3. and as I follow Christ, you can follow me. (wow, that's a big responsibility)
1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
I really do want to live like that!!!!
Recklessly Abandoned,
Joe
Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs
Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true
People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like tha
It's a song that reminds me of all the people in my life who showed me Christ's love. Their godly example pointed me to the Savior. I continue to see many who are following Christ and their lives inspire a greater love for the Lord and a passion for His Kingdom in me.
Three quick thoughts and then the lyrics of the song
1. If we trust in Christ for salvation, then Christ lives in us.
Galatians 2:20a
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
2. God will reveal Jesus in us so we can spread the gospel.
Galatians 1:16a
to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,
3. and as I follow Christ, you can follow me. (wow, that's a big responsibility)
1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
I really do want to live like that!!!!
Recklessly Abandoned,
Joe
Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs
Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true
People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that
I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like tha
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Great Domino Effect.
Have you ever stopped and thought how miraculous it is that you have heard the gospel message: Jesus came according to the Scriptures, died on a cross and rose again for the forgiveness of your sins. For you and me, here in America, in this generation to hear this life-saving message is incredible. The only way we could know this message is that faithful men and women through generation after generation for thousands of years have shared their faith in their homes, churches and the marketplace. Men and women have preserved, printed and translated the Word of God. Men and women have written letters and prayed for their children and grandchildren in order to pass on the legacy of their faith in Jesus.
Now it is our turn. The gospel is always one generation away from being extinct. It has always been the responsibility of one generation to faithfully pass the baton onto the next generation. Steve shared from Psalm 78 on Sunday. Here is a portion from that passage, '1 O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old-- 3 what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.' I want to challenge you today to open your mouth and share authentically about Jesus. I want to challenge you to take that risk and invite a neighbor to church. I want to challenge you to pray out loud with your kids and read God's word with them. I want to challenge you to write letters to your grandchildren and speak into their life.
Now is not a time to be timid or reserved with our faith. Now is the time to speak out and live out what you know to be true so that one day those that come after us will know it to be true for them too!
in Christ,
Brian
Now it is our turn. The gospel is always one generation away from being extinct. It has always been the responsibility of one generation to faithfully pass the baton onto the next generation. Steve shared from Psalm 78 on Sunday. Here is a portion from that passage, '1 O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old-- 3 what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.' I want to challenge you today to open your mouth and share authentically about Jesus. I want to challenge you to take that risk and invite a neighbor to church. I want to challenge you to pray out loud with your kids and read God's word with them. I want to challenge you to write letters to your grandchildren and speak into their life.
Now is not a time to be timid or reserved with our faith. Now is the time to speak out and live out what you know to be true so that one day those that come after us will know it to be true for them too!
in Christ,
Brian
Monday, September 10, 2012
Make A Difference (Thank You StoneBridge)
We say it at StoneBridge every week. Come, Connect, Make a Difference.
Come as You Are.
We want to be like Jesus. And Jesus was "accused" of being a "Friend of Sinners." I pray that we will be "accused" of that at StoneBridge. That puts us in some pretty fine company.
Connect.
With God through His Son Jesus and with each other. (also through His Son Jesus)
A Family. With a Heavenly Father who loves us.
Make a Difference
Today. This Sunday. Wow. The StoneBridge Family made a huge difference.
69 orphans were pledged to be sponsored today.
These children in Zambia through the Family Legacy ministry called "The Father's Heart," will now receive education and discipleship.
I heard of at least two families who were struggling financially because one of the spouses had been laid off and they still sponsored a child. I know God honors sacrifical giving.
I was reminded of Proverbs 19:17. "Whoever is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done."
I am both humbled and inspired by the response of our church family today. From the ones who shared, to the video, to the One Sunday volunteers, and to the 69 families who sponsored a child, I was and am deeply moved.
All of you are truly Making a Difference.
Thrilled to see what God is doing and humbled to be a part of sharing His love to the nations.
Joe
P.S. There are 34 left and I am truly believe next Sunday every one of these children will have a sponsor. If you want to sponsor one today send me an email at Joe.McKinney@Sbridge.org and I will send you back a link for you to sponsor one of His Kids
Come as You Are.
We want to be like Jesus. And Jesus was "accused" of being a "Friend of Sinners." I pray that we will be "accused" of that at StoneBridge. That puts us in some pretty fine company.
Connect.
With God through His Son Jesus and with each other. (also through His Son Jesus)
A Family. With a Heavenly Father who loves us.
Make a Difference
Today. This Sunday. Wow. The StoneBridge Family made a huge difference.
69 orphans were pledged to be sponsored today.
These children in Zambia through the Family Legacy ministry called "The Father's Heart," will now receive education and discipleship.
I heard of at least two families who were struggling financially because one of the spouses had been laid off and they still sponsored a child. I know God honors sacrifical giving.
I was reminded of Proverbs 19:17. "Whoever is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done."
I am both humbled and inspired by the response of our church family today. From the ones who shared, to the video, to the One Sunday volunteers, and to the 69 families who sponsored a child, I was and am deeply moved.
All of you are truly Making a Difference.
Thrilled to see what God is doing and humbled to be a part of sharing His love to the nations.
Joe
P.S. There are 34 left and I am truly believe next Sunday every one of these children will have a sponsor. If you want to sponsor one today send me an email at Joe.McKinney@Sbridge.org and I will send you back a link for you to sponsor one of His Kids
Thursday, September 6, 2012
One Sunday.
This evening was the ladies fall kick-off, "Mirror,Mirror". It was a beautiful event, tables decorated with apples, tea candles and varying china. The speaker, Lollie Duroy, shared three points: Knowing Him, Loving Him, and Serving Him. It was this last section that I really connected to.
Backtrack: Lollie spoke to us about how an incredible woman she had met always referred to Jesus as "my Jesus". This woman had such a personal relationship with God that she affectionately referred to His Son by this name. Lollie continued to talk about serving God, showing "your Jesus" to friends, family, visitors, strangers so that He may become their Jesus as well!
This coming Sunday will have an emphasis on the mission group that went to Zambia as well as everyone who volunteers to make our church function every week (believe me, it takes a village).
Everyone, whether they are serving on different continents or committing to serve one Sunday a month, is serving God and showing the love of their Jesus to everyone who encounters them.
Serving the Lord comes in so many different variations. You can volunteer one Sunday, one weekend, one week in another location or a monetary gift, just to name a few. But know that any way that give is received with joy by our Lord, our Jesus!
Sacrificing our wordly desires for the sake of our Savior sometimes seems difficult or like a large commitment, but we have to chose whom we will serve.
This week let us be brave and steadfast as we meditate on how we can serve the Lord as we keep this verse in mind.
Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Hailey
Backtrack: Lollie spoke to us about how an incredible woman she had met always referred to Jesus as "my Jesus". This woman had such a personal relationship with God that she affectionately referred to His Son by this name. Lollie continued to talk about serving God, showing "your Jesus" to friends, family, visitors, strangers so that He may become their Jesus as well!
This coming Sunday will have an emphasis on the mission group that went to Zambia as well as everyone who volunteers to make our church function every week (believe me, it takes a village).
Everyone, whether they are serving on different continents or committing to serve one Sunday a month, is serving God and showing the love of their Jesus to everyone who encounters them.
Serving the Lord comes in so many different variations. You can volunteer one Sunday, one weekend, one week in another location or a monetary gift, just to name a few. But know that any way that give is received with joy by our Lord, our Jesus!
Sacrificing our wordly desires for the sake of our Savior sometimes seems difficult or like a large commitment, but we have to chose whom we will serve.
This week let us be brave and steadfast as we meditate on how we can serve the Lord as we keep this verse in mind.
Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Hailey
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Pray All Day Today.
You might be thinking what?!!
You might be able to do that.
You work at a church.
But I have a "real" job. (ouch)
I have a project deadline,
Customers to call on,
Kids to pick up,
Meals to cook,
Bills to pay,
Problems to solve,
a tough commute......
How am I going to pray all day?
And do I even want to?
What would I talk about for a whole day?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "pray without ceasing"
So what does that mean?
John Ortberg writes, "The goal of prayer is to live all of my life and speak all of my words in the joyful awareness of the presence of God."
Oh, so that's what praying all day long means...............Well, I can do that!!!
Hopefully, so can I.
Joyfully aware,
Joe
You might be able to do that.
You work at a church.
But I have a "real" job. (ouch)
I have a project deadline,
Customers to call on,
Kids to pick up,
Meals to cook,
Bills to pay,
Problems to solve,
a tough commute......
How am I going to pray all day?
And do I even want to?
What would I talk about for a whole day?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "pray without ceasing"
So what does that mean?
John Ortberg writes, "The goal of prayer is to live all of my life and speak all of my words in the joyful awareness of the presence of God."
Oh, so that's what praying all day long means...............Well, I can do that!!!
Hopefully, so can I.
Joyfully aware,
Joe
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Learn Your Bow.
Being a dad is quite the experience. I was reflecting on a few funny moments over the weekend. On Friday night we were at a football game at the kids' school and Joshua and I were sitting together. We were discussing the difference between football and baseball. I was prepared to talk about the number of players, touchdowns vs runs, tackle and pads verses bats and balls, but before I could even get into all of that Joshua came up with his own explanation of the difference. He said, 'Daddy, in football they have cheerleaders and in baseball they don't.' That apparently is what it boils down to for my son right now, the little lady's man. Then last night we were doing our devotional time, which Joshua now always reminds me about reading, and we were reading a story about how sometimes you have to sit on the bench in sports. The main jist of the devotional was that you need to work hard and try and have a good attitude no matter if you get to play or not. Joshua's take away was that he really didn't mind the bench because sometimes the bench is cooler and relaxing as opposed to having to run around and get hot out on the field. Nice....
One thing I am learning is that my kids are both different and unique. They are not exactly like each other and they are not exactly like me or Whitney. I love what it says in Proverbs 22:6, " 6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." The phrase 'in the way he should go' is related to a bow and arrow. Each bow has a certain bend to it and the archer has to learn how to release it with just the right amount of tension, how to position his arms and shoulders when pulling back the bow, etc. In the same way, we as parents have to study and learn about the unique characteristics of our kids so we can help guide them towards the target of God's purposes for their life without crushing their spirits. The only way to really learn our kids is by hanging out with them and spending time with them. So if you are a parent, enjoy the wild and crazy ride of getting to know the uniqueness of your kids and become better and better about helping to launch them out for God's kingdom. If you are a volunteer investing in the next generation, observe and get to know the kids you are working with and ask God to help you encourage them specifically in the way they need it.
in Christ,
Brian
One thing I am learning is that my kids are both different and unique. They are not exactly like each other and they are not exactly like me or Whitney. I love what it says in Proverbs 22:6, " 6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." The phrase 'in the way he should go' is related to a bow and arrow. Each bow has a certain bend to it and the archer has to learn how to release it with just the right amount of tension, how to position his arms and shoulders when pulling back the bow, etc. In the same way, we as parents have to study and learn about the unique characteristics of our kids so we can help guide them towards the target of God's purposes for their life without crushing their spirits. The only way to really learn our kids is by hanging out with them and spending time with them. So if you are a parent, enjoy the wild and crazy ride of getting to know the uniqueness of your kids and become better and better about helping to launch them out for God's kingdom. If you are a volunteer investing in the next generation, observe and get to know the kids you are working with and ask God to help you encourage them specifically in the way they need it.
in Christ,
Brian
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