I have a friend who is a missionary in East St. Louis who has been quoted in saying, "If it is God's will - it is His bill; and if He sends it - we will spend it."
This statement is really about following God's leading - while knowing that God will provide for His call on our lives.
There are great days ahead for Harvest Ridge Church. Many of the things in store for us will cost a great deal of money. In light of my friends statement (which I regularly use) I thought of a statement that people say: "Money doesn't grow on trees." The irony of it all is that money does grow on trees (paper). And God is the one who made those trees.
Yet, another illustration that everything belongs to God. Remember that we are stewards of what belongs to Him... God has simply entrusted us with resources: time, talent, and treasure. And we all know the words of Scripture that teach us that our treasure is where our heart is...
So, the point of this blog is to encourage you to follow the dreams and visions God has provided for you! Remember that not only does money grow on trees, but God made the trees! Remember that no road block, no circumstance - nothing... can keep you from doing great exploits for God - because He is our source of strength, our provision, our God!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
ibelong
ibelong is the title of this Sunday's (upcoming) sermon. I am so excited that Harvest Ridge Church (HRC) truly has a place for everyone! No matter your age, experience, geography, marital status, economic situation, ethnicity, background, or any other identifier - there is a place for you at Harvest Ridge Church.
I am grateful to the Lord for providing HRC as a place where people can belong. Our church has membership - but it is not all about "membership." HRC is about PEOPLE. We are PEOPLE who love God, and serve other people.
I am also grateful that we continue to learn that none of us are any "better" than anyone else. Isn't it amazing that people are so human? and we are all people...
As I just typed that statement I assure you that HRC is one of those "safe places" where people are genuine - and where we can belong.
We all need a place to love and care for others... and we all need a place to be loved and cared for by others... and that place for me is HRC!
So... thanks for letting me belong with you... and thanks for belonging with me!
I am grateful to the Lord for providing HRC as a place where people can belong. Our church has membership - but it is not all about "membership." HRC is about PEOPLE. We are PEOPLE who love God, and serve other people.
I am also grateful that we continue to learn that none of us are any "better" than anyone else. Isn't it amazing that people are so human? and we are all people...
As I just typed that statement I assure you that HRC is one of those "safe places" where people are genuine - and where we can belong.
We all need a place to love and care for others... and we all need a place to be loved and cared for by others... and that place for me is HRC!
So... thanks for letting me belong with you... and thanks for belonging with me!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
in awe
Have you ever been in awe as to what God does in your life? This past month has proven to be one month that has brought me to me knees in prayer. There have been some things heavy on my heart regarding Harvest Ridge Church, and some people in my life. As I committed to pray about such things I have been re-energized in my walk with the Lord! I have not been separated from Him at all... but, in these past 2 weeks I have had some intense "intimate" time with Jesus.
Through this intimate time I have cried out to God regarding the desires of my heart (that He has given me). And I must say, God seems to be providing some pretty awesome things. I look forward to being able to share some things at the right time with all of you! But, let me attest to the fact that when we invest our time with the Lord He has a way of being with us in evident ways! God's provision is awesome!
So, let me encourage you to spend time with God. Listen to His Voice. Claim His promises. And WALK IN FAITH!
Through this intimate time I have cried out to God regarding the desires of my heart (that He has given me). And I must say, God seems to be providing some pretty awesome things. I look forward to being able to share some things at the right time with all of you! But, let me attest to the fact that when we invest our time with the Lord He has a way of being with us in evident ways! God's provision is awesome!
So, let me encourage you to spend time with God. Listen to His Voice. Claim His promises. And WALK IN FAITH!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Opportunity
We have an opportunity before us. This coming Sunday is an unofficial American Holiday - Superbowl Sunday. I would like to offer you some suggestions on how to take advantage of this day as an opportunity:
1) Before the Game.
Before the game is a great opportunity to invite someone to church with you. Since you will be spending time with people in the evening while watching the big game (or just eating and hanging out...), this is a great opportunity to invite some friends to join you in worship before the big game.
2) The Game.
Join is your church Superbowl party. HRC is having an all church party. Some churches are having parties in their small groups... The point is to go to a party - football fan or not. And... WOW! What an opportunity to bring along a friend or neighbor to a Superbowl Party. This is a great opportunity for your church friends and your non-church friends to interact...
3) What no to do.
Do not have your own private viewing or private party. As a football fan, this can be a temptation - since we really want to see the big game. However, a private viewing results in no interaction with others. An, we would miss an opportunity to develop community among believers... and would miss an opportunity to begin or develop a relationship with someone who does not normally worship with you.
So, please consider Superbowl Sunday as an opportunity to reach out to those who are around you. Notice that this is one of the strategies for ministry at HRC - to reach out. So, enjoy the game and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Come and have a great time, eat some good food!!!
For more info about HRC's Superbowl party, please feel free to comment to this posting with a request for more info, and I will be sure to contact you!!!
1) Before the Game.
Before the game is a great opportunity to invite someone to church with you. Since you will be spending time with people in the evening while watching the big game (or just eating and hanging out...), this is a great opportunity to invite some friends to join you in worship before the big game.
2) The Game.
Join is your church Superbowl party. HRC is having an all church party. Some churches are having parties in their small groups... The point is to go to a party - football fan or not. And... WOW! What an opportunity to bring along a friend or neighbor to a Superbowl Party. This is a great opportunity for your church friends and your non-church friends to interact...
3) What no to do.
Do not have your own private viewing or private party. As a football fan, this can be a temptation - since we really want to see the big game. However, a private viewing results in no interaction with others. An, we would miss an opportunity to develop community among believers... and would miss an opportunity to begin or develop a relationship with someone who does not normally worship with you.
So, please consider Superbowl Sunday as an opportunity to reach out to those who are around you. Notice that this is one of the strategies for ministry at HRC - to reach out. So, enjoy the game and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Come and have a great time, eat some good food!!!
For more info about HRC's Superbowl party, please feel free to comment to this posting with a request for more info, and I will be sure to contact you!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A SERIOUS COMMITMENT #2
I am sharing more comments on this topic in order to make an investment in "you" friends who read my blog. There has been much discussion and interaction between many people (through facebook, email, this blog, and in times of gathering) about God's blessings.
Yes, we celebrate giving away a van, large amounts of coats (through Agape Partners), financially assisting people, experiencing spiritual growth...
But, this "spiritual life" we live takes commitment and determination. I recently poster (A SERIOUS COMMITMENT) my thoughts around acting on our commitment to the Lord. I recommended that before your facebook and email time... that you spend some time with the Lord... And there is an entire blog post (HAPPY 2009) to offer some tips on spending time with the Lord.
There has been less interaction and discussion upon my thoughts to pray first, and facebook and email second... My other suggestion was to write out some goals...
So, let me pause once more to encourage you to take your life long commitment to the Lord seriously! Make an eternal investment! The Lord's desire is for you to know Him! To walk in His provision and blessing. His desire is for you to live a fulfilled and fruitful life. His desire is that your faith does not waiver like the sea when things are difficult.
So, we must spend time with the Lord! We must know Him!
Yes, we celebrate giving away a van, large amounts of coats (through Agape Partners), financially assisting people, experiencing spiritual growth...
But, this "spiritual life" we live takes commitment and determination. I recently poster (A SERIOUS COMMITMENT) my thoughts around acting on our commitment to the Lord. I recommended that before your facebook and email time... that you spend some time with the Lord... And there is an entire blog post (HAPPY 2009) to offer some tips on spending time with the Lord.
There has been less interaction and discussion upon my thoughts to pray first, and facebook and email second... My other suggestion was to write out some goals...
So, let me pause once more to encourage you to take your life long commitment to the Lord seriously! Make an eternal investment! The Lord's desire is for you to know Him! To walk in His provision and blessing. His desire is for you to live a fulfilled and fruitful life. His desire is that your faith does not waiver like the sea when things are difficult.
So, we must spend time with the Lord! We must know Him!
Friday, January 9, 2009
A SERIOUS COMMITMENT
This blog post is related to my most recent posting... I believe it is a serious commitment to develop a devotional life. In my last blog posting I referred to developing a strategy to fulfill your commitment to develop a devotional life. This is so important... But, part of a strategy includes being prepared...
Preparing to develop a successful devotional life will include prioritizing. May I suggest the following:
1) Before you email and facebook - make it your priority to read the Bible (and or spend a few minutes in prayer). You may want to log your email, facebook activity, and Bible reading to see a clear picture of how you are spending your time. This will help you recognize if you are living out your priorities...
2) Another step of preparation includes writing (or typing) your priorities. I can't tell you what your priorities are... But, I can encourage you with this helpful hint to help you execute your priorities.
Let me know how it is going! Let me know what God is doing in your life!!!
Preparing to develop a successful devotional life will include prioritizing. May I suggest the following:
1) Before you email and facebook - make it your priority to read the Bible (and or spend a few minutes in prayer). You may want to log your email, facebook activity, and Bible reading to see a clear picture of how you are spending your time. This will help you recognize if you are living out your priorities...
2) Another step of preparation includes writing (or typing) your priorities. I can't tell you what your priorities are... But, I can encourage you with this helpful hint to help you execute your priorities.
Let me know how it is going! Let me know what God is doing in your life!!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
HAPPY 2009
I wanted to take a few minutes and encourage those who read this blog. 2009 brings opportunity. Opportunity to prioritize your relationship with Jesus! It is time to develop your devotional life. A devotional life is the part of you life that is designated as "you and God time."
Here are some helpful hints for developing or improving your devotional life:
1) set aside a time to spend with God.
This is most helpful. Because if it is not scheduled, it will be easy for you to keep making your time with God a lower priority.
2) Designate a place for your devotional time.
The place may change due to your schedule... although is it helpful if you only have 1 or 2 main places for this... I can talk more to this subject upon request. But, the designated place is another tool for you to succeed in developing a devotional life.
3) Choose a strategy for your devotional time.
- This includes a time frame (how long you want to spend with God; and how often - ex. 5 days a week...)
- This includes a method (prayer, Bible reading, journaling, devotional book, etc...) I can also speak more to this topic upon request.
4) Find an accountability partner.
This by far is the most scary and most difficult. But, it is by far one of the most effective ways to develop a devotional life. This accountability partner can be there to just receive update as to whether or not you are meeting your goals. Or you may develop a rather intimate relationship with this person. The choice is yours... But, you need to utilize this tool! AGAIN - I can speak more to this topic of choosing an accountability partner upon request...
I hope this help some of you. Please feel free to comment, and to let me know if this blog was beneficial. And, let me know how your devotional lives are going!
Here are some helpful hints for developing or improving your devotional life:
1) set aside a time to spend with God.
This is most helpful. Because if it is not scheduled, it will be easy for you to keep making your time with God a lower priority.
2) Designate a place for your devotional time.
The place may change due to your schedule... although is it helpful if you only have 1 or 2 main places for this... I can talk more to this subject upon request. But, the designated place is another tool for you to succeed in developing a devotional life.
3) Choose a strategy for your devotional time.
- This includes a time frame (how long you want to spend with God; and how often - ex. 5 days a week...)
- This includes a method (prayer, Bible reading, journaling, devotional book, etc...) I can also speak more to this topic upon request.
4) Find an accountability partner.
This by far is the most scary and most difficult. But, it is by far one of the most effective ways to develop a devotional life. This accountability partner can be there to just receive update as to whether or not you are meeting your goals. Or you may develop a rather intimate relationship with this person. The choice is yours... But, you need to utilize this tool! AGAIN - I can speak more to this topic of choosing an accountability partner upon request...
I hope this help some of you. Please feel free to comment, and to let me know if this blog was beneficial. And, let me know how your devotional lives are going!
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