jonathaneverette.com

A good word from Vince

2012-03-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

A Parable

by Vince Antonucci:

Picture this: It's 9/12. The morning after the terrorist attacks in New York City. Experts believe that there are people, possibly hundreds of people, buried alive under the rubble that was only a day ago the World Trade towers. Rescue workers have been called in to dig through the rubble to search for people who might still have a chance at life. And the rescue workers are standing next to the rubble ... arguing. They're debating why the terrorist attacks happened, different philosophies on how to find survivors, what's the best brand of shovel. Meanwhile people buried under the rubble are dying.

I think that's the church today. We were called by Jesus to be rescue workers, helping people to find life. But for some reason, unfathomable to me, the rescue workers spend their time arguing. Many even enjoy debating. Meanwhile the people we're called to save are dying.

For him who has ears to hear...

I dare you

2012-03-07T16:06:00.003-05:00

In my "read through the Bible in 90 days" suicide Bible reading plan I've been reading a lot about idols and idolatry. God's pretty anti-idol. In fact, the first to of the Ten Commandments tell us that he's the only God and that we're not to have any God besides him. Idolatry is a biggie.

An idol is anything that takes the place of God in our life. It's anything that we worship above God.

Well, all of this reading about idols has cause me to do a bit of self-inventory asking: What idols do I have in my life? What idols do you have in your life?

Many of us worship all kinds of things other than God. And we don't even realize it.

Here's a list of common idols:

Money
Sex
Power
Busyness
The need to be in control
Relationships

There are all kinds of idols. What takes the place of God in your life?

Here's something that I dare you to ask God: Point out any idols in my life. Show me my idols. Convict me of my idols so that I can worship you and you alone.

Enemies of the Heart - a review

2012-03-06T10:28:00.003-05:00

There are certain books, that when I read them, I think: Everybody I know needs to read this book. This is one of those books.

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley has the potential to transform your life. I'm not making that up. I'm not over-stating.

We've all got some junk inside of us that consumes and controls us. And try as we might to pretend it's not there or to sweep it under the rug, it rears its ugly head and hurts us, our friends, our family and anyone else who's unfortunate enough to get in our way.

This book talks about those inside things. Things like anger, jealousy, greed and guilt. These things control us more than we want to admit. Andy gives us a practical, doable plan for ridding our lives of these four controlling emotion.

I'll be honest. This is a tough book to read. It will stretch you. You'll want to stop reading at times because you won't want to do what it says. But you need to press on and read it.

So what are you waiting on. Order it today and read it.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Hunting you down

2012-03-06T09:54:00.002-05:00

This is so cool.

You're probably familiar with Psalm 23. It's one of those that gets read in a bunch of different contexts. It's a great Psalm, filled with encouragement.

Verse 6 says, Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

I learned today that the word "follow" is actually a pretty weak translation because it's more of a hunting term.

Which means that God's goodness and love hunts us down all the days of our life. How cool is that?!?! I love that.

No matter who you are, where you've been or what you've done, God is hunting you down, chasing you, coming after you with his love and goodness.

That's just so cool that I had to share.

To chew on

2012-03-05T10:09:00.002-05:00

Last Monday and Tuesday a few of us from Hub City Church went down to the churchplanters.com conference. It was very encouraging for each of us. We learned some. Got to eat some great Chinese food. Were inspired. And grew in unity and love for God's church.

Well, I have good news for you. You can listen to the sessions from the conference. Actually, I'd like to make a few suggestions. Go here to listen. Here are my suggestions:

Velocity Main Session 2C: Brian Bloye
Velocity Main Session 4A: Pete Wilson

There were many other good sessions and breakouts, but those were the most meaningful to me.

Dear Hub City Church Family

2012-02-22T15:31:00.003-05:00

Dear Hub City Family,

I need to apologize. Unintentionally, I've been encouraging you to take the easy way out of something that you need to do. I'm sorry for encouraging you to invite your friends and family to Hub City Church.

Do I want your friends to come to Hub City? Sure I do. I think we've got something worth being a part of. I think more people need to be a part of our church family.

But more than coming to Hub City I want your friends to know Jesus. And I want you to be the one to share Jesus with them.

Some of you almost peed on yourself. But it's true. God has put those friends in your life because he wants you to tell them about him. I'd hate to rob you of that opportunity. I'd hate for you to miss out on something that God put you on this planet to do.

You have a mission to bring Jesus to your world. Go for it. You've got Jesus. Your friends need Jesus. It's a match made in heaven... literally.

Thinking of changing our church name

2012-02-17T11:16:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Ed Stetzer for the inspiration.

What I learned from the rain

2012-02-16T13:08:00.003-05:00

I went prayer walking in the rain this morning. For some reason the rain reminds me of God, his provision, his Spirit and our need. But I had another thought about the rain.

I can't control the weather. I can only respond to whatever mother-nature sends my way.

It's the same way with God. I can't control God. I can only respond to his movement, his Word, his leading.

Unfortunately I think we get that backwards a lot of times. We try to control God and get him to respond to us. That's as stupid as trying to control the weather.

Our job should be to learn how to listen and respond to the God who does whatever he pleases.

For some reason I think we'd all be a lot happier if we lived in the awareness of this truth. I know I am.

Alex's House Orphanage Talk

2012-02-14T16:23:00.000-05:00

How to get along in 5 words week 1

2012-02-13T09:43:00.000-05:00

Seeing Miracles

2012-02-13T06:21:00.002-05:00

I've always been a little bit jealous of the people that we read about in the Gospels and in the book of Acts. They had the privilege of seeing some amazing supernatural stuff. We read over and over that they were filled with awe and wonder.

I've been filled with awe and wonder lately.

Over the past couple of weeks I've seen God do some miracles. Now, let me be clear. I don't use that word lightly. I don't think I've ever used that word before now. But I've seen some things that can only be described as miracles over the past two weeks.

It's not that I think God wasn't doing anything miraculous before now. But for me, two things are different. I've been praying for miracles. I've been asking God to move in a way that only he can get credit for. And, I've been looking for miracles. I've been looking for God to move in a supernatural way.

I don't want to miss out on the miracles that God is doing on a daily basis. I don't want you to miss out either.

God still does miracles. May he leave us in awe and wonder as we experience his supernatural activity in our lives.

A resource that has been extremely influential for me has been Mark Batterson's book The Circle Maker. I highly recommend it.

How to get along in 5 words

2012-02-07T16:04:00.003-05:00

Be honest: There are people in your life that you don't like. You may not even like me! But if you are a Christian then you are called to a different standard in your relationships with the people that God has brought into your life. You need to figure out how to get along. That's what we'll start talking about this coming Sunday at Hub City.

What I've been listening you and why you should listed to it too

2012-02-03T10:06:00.003-05:00

I have been listening to a ton of sermon podcasts this week. It has been so good and God has used each one in my life in ways that I can't quite put into words. I wanted to pass them along because I think they are worth your time as well.

Now, what I would recommend, is you going to iTunes and downloading the podcasts, but you can also search for them online.

Rick Warren's sermon: Why Can I Trust the Bible? Everyone needs to listen to this.

Mark Batterson's series on The Circle Maker. Search National Community Church. First sermon is called the Genealogy of Prayer. This series, along with the book (The Circle Maker) is revolutionizing my prayer life right now.

Finally, Mark Driscoll's series called Real Marriage. Search Mars Hill Church - Mark Driscoll. Every married, engaged, and single person needs to listed to this series. I've heard the first three sermons and had Liz listen to them. They are so powerful.

So, stop reading this post and start searching for those sermons and listen and learn. God has something he wants to say to you.

I am sorry ahead of time

2012-01-31T21:05:00.002-05:00

Liz and I decided that if I am ever really sick then I am going to be a terrible patient. I should write the doctors and nurses a letter of apology beforehand.

I had to get my shots for Haiti today. They hurt like crazy. I felt like I might need three nurses to hold me down. I know why my kids screamed their heads off.

And I don't know if anybody else had this reaction, but they knocked me out. I have felt like I'm walking through syrup this evening.

Good news is that I get to go back in four weeks for another and then in six months to finish off the set. I can't wait.

So funny... :)

2012-01-31T14:56:00.000-05:00

Groupies

2012-01-30T09:26:00.002-05:00

I have a confession to make. I used to be a groupie. No, I didn't follow Phil Collins or the Gratetful Dead. I was worse. I followed preachers.

I followed famous pastors who are great communicators. I even idolized a few. I would listen to all of their messages and worship their cool church and try to be like them. I would even compare my situation, my church and my speaking with theirs. I was a groupie.

I've noticed that I'm not the only one who does this. I see it all the time. I bet some of you are preacher groupies. Their name just popped into your head. You worship the cool dude on the big stage at the "happenin'" church.

And you compare your experience and your church and your pastor to them. And it's not that you're trying to intentionally think that the grass is greener on the other side. It's just that you're a groupie.

You need to do what I did.

You need to repent.

If we're going to be groupies then we need to be groupies of Jesus. Putting anyone else in the place of Jesus is called idolatry.

Jesus is the one who makes all the difference. Jesus is the one who redeems, restores and rescues. Jesus is the one we are to worship and follow.

There are some great communicators out there who are leading some great churches. Learn form them. I do.

Just stop worshipping them. They don't need groupies.

Seven day reading plan on the kingdom

2012-01-29T14:48:00.001-05:00

Day 1: Matthew 13

Day 2: The kingdom turns the world’s values upside down. Matthew 18:3-9.

Day 3: The kingdom demands forgiveness. Matthew 18:23-35

Day 4: The kingdom isn’t fair. Matthew 20:1-16. It’s about grace.

day 5: The kingdom is open to everyone. Matthew 22:2-14.

Day 6: The kingdom is unexpected. Matthew 25:1-13

day 7: The kingdom requires work. Matthew 25:14-30

168 - 4 = 164 + transformation

2012-01-27T10:59:00.002-05:00

Don't you love my math equation?

I was thinking today about time. Each of us has 168 hours in a week. Our life is shaped by how we spend those 168 hours.

What if we could multiply the impact and change the trajectory of our life by taking 4 out of those 168 hours and investing them in something that will have cumulative, positive effect on our lives? If you could, would you?

Here's what I'm talking about:

Take 1 hour a week to worship with a local church community.
Take 1 hour and 15 minutes a week to do life together in a small group.
Take 15 minutes a day to read the Bible and pray.

That adds up to 4 hours. But those 4 hours will transform your life. Those 4 hours are more important than the other 164 hours. Those 4 hours will transform your life and possibly transform your world.

So, how about taking 4 of your 168 hours per week and investing them is something that will transform your life?

I call it the priority of time. The rest of your time and your life will be different because you put priority on those 4 hours.

Download now

2012-01-26T16:39:00.002-05:00

I'm digging the new and final David Crowder Band album. They saved the best for last. Songs are raw and real. You should download it.

Now to get the Hub City band to learn some of these...

Now online via video

2012-01-23T14:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the incredible talents of the amazing Brett Wingard Hub City's sermons are now online via video.

My "Occupy" article in today's paper

2012-01-21T14:02:00.000-05:00

You can read it here.

Occupy something that matters.

Option 2

2012-01-19T12:49:00.002-05:00

There's been a lot on my mind and heart lately. I am burdened by the burdens that I know so many of my friends are carrying. I am overwhelmed by opportunities and possibilities that are way bigger than me or anything I've ever been a part of before. I am broken hearted over friends who are struggling and suffering. I feel a heaviness.

Maybe you feel it too.

We can go one of two ways when we feel like I feel. I can give up. I can quit caring. I can stop trying. I can go backwards to how things were.

Or I can do what Paul admonishes us to do over and over again. I can press on. I can seek God in ways that I've never had to seek him before. I can trust God like he tells me to trust him. I can persevere.

I choose option 2. Even when I can't see the outcome. Even when it's harder than it has ever been. Even when there's so much uncertainty.

I pray you choose option 2 as well.

People matter

2012-01-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

I love this article. There's one line that emphasizes relationship and people over profit. It's fantastic. See if you can find it.

What I Learned Building the Apple Store - Ron Johnson - Harvard Business Review

Some encouragement from a friend

2012-01-17T16:37:00.002-05:00

The following was posted by my friend, Shaun Lovejoy. It encouraged me and I wanted to share it. It's good stuff.

Twelve years ago this week, we launched weekly worship services at Mountain Lake Church. Wow. What a ride! God has used me despite my stupidity; and I have learned so much along the way. Here’s the first part of my top twelve lessons I’ve learned in the last twelve years.

1. Having a vision is easy. Sticking to the vision takes extraordinary discipline and effort.

Every pastor and church has a vision. Every one of them I’v ever seen is Biblical. However, even most church planters get sidetracked form their visions within the first few years. We have stuck to our guns. We’ve been “mean about the vision.” It’s made all of the difference!

2. Conviction and Courage is more important than strategy.

My passion and sense of conviction, along with the courage to stay the course is more important than any brilliant strategy I could come up with that no one has ever done before.

3. No plan’s perfect; so work your Plan!

Our ministry plan is not perfect. However, we’ve worked the plan every year the last twelve years and every year we’ve gotten better at what God has called us to do. We don’t have “vision flavor of the month” or “small group method of the year.” We’ve worked our plan. We’ve been consistent in our ministry approach. It’s made all the difference.

4. People come. People Go. Go with the Go-ers.

Don’t focus who’s leaving; focus on who stays. The ones that stay will see the mission through and experience the fruit of mission accomplished! When one leaves; God will bring five to replace them…if we stay focused!

5. God does things the way He wants.

It has almost NEVER happened exactly the way we drew it up. However, that’s the precise thing that has kept us dependent on Him! Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) says: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Prophetic verse in my life these last twelve years! So many times, what I deemed as a failure was God’s sharpening and sovereignty at work in my life and church!

6. In God’s Story, ordinary matters.

God loves to use ordinary people. I am one. The very reasons or excuses I might use to disqualify myself from being used greatly by Him make me the perfect candidate for extraordinary ministry! What are your excuses as to ehy God can’t use you? Those are the very reasons God wants to use you; because you’ll know it’s not about you!

7. Change the way people think about church

In the first year of our church, we made a decision: In everything we do, we’re going to seek to change the way people think about church. This is so much bigger than the type of music we do, or our dress, even though they are parts of the equation! It affects everything we do. Examples? Folks don’t have to be “Christians” to go on a mission trip. They might become one by going! They don’t have to be a “Christian” to volunteer at our church, much less, be a member! Our small groups are always not only open to new people, but are going after people who don’t go to church and inviting them to be a part of their group! Every group is responsible to “get off the couch” and serve and care missionally for people groups in our community. Just small simple example of how we’re changing the way people think about church both inside and outside our church in our community.

8. Go after unchurched people

We’re not worried about swapping sheep or reaching professional Christians. If they want to join our mission to reach the lost, great. If not, great. We are here to help as many people as possible find a relationship with God through Jesus. That’s our laser beam focus. Take us or leave us! We’re here to reach people who don’t like Jesus or Christians.

9. Be careful what you ask for

Did you know unchurched people don’t walk in and start tithing? And it probably won’t be a three-month process, either; probably more like three years! Unchurched people smoke and curse in the parking lot, and maybe even in the sound booth! All of these things really happen in our church. Being a hospital for sinners is messy!

10. The right team in the right seats makes all the difference

We’ve always had a great Ministry Team at our church. I am thankful for every one of them, however, the right team members with the right gifts and skills, in the right seats, in the right seasons of the church, allows a church to continue to breath and grow and reach people for Jesus Christ. The wrong team members on the wrong seats for too long will put a lid on the church’s effectiveness.

11. I must measure success God’s Way

Success is being who God called me to be and being obedient to what God has called me to do. I am so tempted to measure success by this week’s attendance. However, I’m never as good as people think I am when we’re exploding numerically; and I’m not as bad as I think I am when we’re not. My role is to be obedient to the call and stay sane, centered, and happily married in the process. That is success!

12. God is faithful.

God never gives up: on me; or on my ministry! He hasn’t given up on you, either! Don’t give up on yourself. We only fail when we give up. God never gives up. He is faithful!

Good reminder from Rick Warren

2012-01-17T10:42:00.001-05:00

Satan Doesn't Mind Bible Study Never Applied
by Rick Warren

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word of God are all useless if we fail to put them into practice. We must become doers of the word (James 1:22 KJV).

I understand this is a hard step, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn’t mind you going to Bible studies as long as you don’t do anything with what you learn.
We fool ourselves when we assume that just because we have heard or read or studied a truth, we have internalized it.

Actually, you can be so busy going to the next class or seminar or Bible conference that you have no time to implement what you’ve learned. You forget it on the way to your next study. Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless. Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV)

Jesus also pointed out that God’s blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 (NIV)

I cannot overstate the value of being a part of a small Bible study discussion group. We always learn from others truths we would never learn on our own. Other people will help you see insights you would miss and help you apply God’s truth in a practical way.

The best way to become a doer of the Word is to always write out an action step as a result of your reading or studying or reflecting on God’s Word. Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do.

This action step should be personal (involving you), practical (something you can do), and provable (with a deadline to do it). Every application will involve either your relationship to God, your relationship to others, or your personal character.

Talk about it –

What has God already told you to do in his Word that you haven’t started doing yet?

The Book That Made Your World - a review

2012-01-03T09:44:00.003-05:00

If you know me then you know that one thing I say all the time is that the best habit you could ever develop is the habit of reading the Bible on a daily basis.

There are so many reason why you should develop this habit, but if you're on the fence then you should read The Book That Made Your World. I guarantee it will win you over. It will show you the importance of the Bible even if you don't believe it's true.

This was one of the most fascinating books that I have ever read. It's also one of the longest books I've ever read. :)

In one sentence, this book shows how western civilization, the culture that we live in, has been shaped by the Bible. We would not have the freedoms, rights and prosperity that we have if it weren't for the truths that are in the Bible.

You should read this book because you will learn something. I know I learned a lot. Some of it I need to reread. You should also read it as a warning. It's almost prophetic in showing how things will be if we continue to devalue the Bible in our culture and our lives.

I believe that God's Word is the ultimate authority for life. If you want to see how it's power has shaped and formed our society and world for good then take the time to read this book.

Starting off right

2012-01-01T10:42:00.002-05:00

Happy new year! Welcome to 2012.

The new year began with my whole family staying up to watch the ball drop. It's the first time in years that I've stayed up till midnight, but I couldn't be outdone by my kids. On the upside, they slept till almost 10 this morning. That has never happened before.

When I got up at 9 this morning I woke up with a desire to do something new in 2012. My incredible sister-in-law gave me an iPad for Christmas. I've decided to make the most of it by using one of youversion's Bible reading plans. I may have bitten off more than I can chew because I chose the "read through the Bible in 90 days" plan. Not sure if I can do it, but I'm going to try. I made it through day one. Only 89 days left. (Stop reading now. Search "youversion" in the app store. Install it and use it. I highly recommend it.)

I'm trying this because I know that my life is the sum of my habits. And the best habit that we could ever develop is that of reading the Bible on a regular basis.

One thing that jumped out to me from today's reading was the messiness of the Bible. I mean, why in the world would God include stories about a brother killing his brother, or a husband claiming that his wife is his sister to keep himself safe. If I were God, and I were putting together the Bible, those are stories that I would have left out.

But God includes the messiness. He works through the messiness. He accomplishes his purposes in spite of the messiness. That is an encouragement to me at the beginning of 2012. May it encourage you also.

Video from our Christmas Eve service

2011-12-25T16:04:00.000-05:00

New

2011-12-20T07:33:00.002-05:00

I'm loving this series we're doing right now at Hub City called He will be called.... You can listen online here to the messages. It's a teaching series all about who Jesus is, what he is like and why it matters.

And it does matter. Jesus is more than a good teacher. He's more than a role model. He's more than some historical figure that reshaped the course of History. He's the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and as we'll see this week, the Prince of Peace.

But as I was getting ready for this week's sermon I was reminded of something that's a game changer about Jesus and for us.

Jesus came to make us new.

We need to be made new. At least I know I do. I need more than bandaids on my sin problems. I need more than good advice on how to navigate life. I need to be made new.

And so do you.

That's what's so incredible about this time of year. It reminds us that God stepped out of heaven, moved into our world, lived a sinless life among us, died and rose from the dead, to make us new. 2 Cor. 5:17 says, If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come.

That is good news. That, like the birth of Jesus 2000 years ago, changes everything.

Levi's speaking debut!

2011-12-16T11:21:00.000-05:00

It's too small a thing

2011-12-14T12:59:00.002-05:00

I came across this verse out of Isaiah today.

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Isaiah 49:6

I LOVE this because this is exactly what God is saying to us at Hub City Church.

We are a little over three years old as a church. God is using us in Spartanburg. He's blessed Movies in the Park and the Garage Unsale. We've seen many lives rescued because of God's grace and mercy.

But if we just stayed where we are then it would be too small a thing. God has more in store for us.

That's why I am so amped about Hub City's first overseas missions partnership. I'll give you all the details next week, but I'll tease it by saying that God is going to use us, Hub City Church, to make a radical difference in one of the most needy places in the world.

I'll talk a bit about it at Sunday's Gathering, but I am so glad that God has called us to more than just Spartanburg. We get to be a light to the nations!

Love

2011-12-08T06:13:00.003-05:00

All we need is love. Or at least that's what The Beatles used to sing.

It's also what Jesus said.

Jesus says that the most important commandments are to love God and love others.

In his letter to the Church at Ephesus Jesus holds it against them that they have forsaken their first love and admonishes them to return to love.

In John we're told that love for one another is the one thing that should characterize us as disciples.

With all this talk on love I'm left asking myself: How am I doing with loving others? How am I doing loving God? When people think of me do they think of someone who loves?

And let me ask you: How are you doing with love?

A lampstand

2011-12-07T06:14:00.002-05:00

Last night I suggested to Nathan that he read through the first three chapters in Revelation for his daily Bible reading. I have been praying that God would reveal more of himself to Nathan and teach Nathan how he should live as a follower of Jesus, and there is so much in those three powerful chapters.

Well, this morning I had the thought that I should read those chapters with him so we can talk about it. So I read chapter 1 and something jumped out at me that I never really paid attention to before.

Jesus calls the seven churches the seven lampstands.

Think about a lampstand. It doesn't produce the light. It just holds the light and provides the best container for the light to do what the light does, which is dispel the darkness.

It got me thinking about Hub City. We aren't the light. We're just a container that holds the light and does our best to make sure that the light (which is Jesus) can shine as bright as possible so that darkness is eradicated.

I was hoping for God to speak to Nathan, and I know he will. But he used that to speak to me. Hub City: We are a lampstand. Let's do what lampstands are meant to do.

Why we do good

2011-12-02T08:41:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed that it's pretty in-vogue to do good. I was at the gym yesterday and the Today Show was interviewing Richard Branson on his new book that talks about using your business to do good. Movie stars like Angelina Jolie are known for their goodwill work around the world.

It has me wondering: Why do people do good works?

I could be wrong because I can't see into someone's heart, but I think that a lot of people are doing good to earn favor with God, or "the gods", or Allah, or the "big man in the sky", or "you fill in the blank." They are trying to make sure their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds.

And while that's all fine and good because people are helped, the truth is, your good deeds will never, ever, outweigh your bad deeds. I don't care how much good Richard Branson or Brangelina or you ever do. You just can't be good enough.

That's what makes Christmas such a great reminder to all of us. God knew we would never be good enough so he sent his Son to earth. He came to live the perfect life that we couldn't live and pay the price we could never pay.

As a result of what Jesus did we can do good works, not to earn God's favor, but to show our love for the God who came to save us. In other words, we do good not to earn favor from God, but because we've been shown favor by God.

How to be close to God

2011-12-02T06:13:00.002-05:00

We know this, but you can't be relationally close to someone if you never spend time with them.

It's the same way with God. To be close to him you must spend time with him.

But how? Where do you start?

I'll share something that's helped me through the years. Reading through the Psalms does more for my relationship with God than anything else. Most of the Psalms are prayers. At the same time they are words from God and about God. That means that as I read a Psalm I can both talk to God and hear from God at the same time. They are conversational.

And it's easy to discipline yourself to read through the Psalms. You can read a Psalm a day. Or, I like to read 5 Psalms a day. Doing that takes you through the entire book in a month. And it's amazing how different Psalms express my heart at different times.

For example, today is December 2 and so I read Psalms 6-10. I needed Psalm 6 and 8 today. I needed to pray them. I needed to hear from God through them.

So if you want to be close to God I suggest you head to the Psalms.

Advent Reading Guide

2011-12-01T08:49:00.002-05:00

Not sure why I haven't posted this yet, but I'm encouraging Hub City to spend some time this Christmas season focusing on Jesus. This Advent Reading Guide is a great place to start.

Advent Reading Guide 2011:

Nov. 27 – Philippians 2:5-11
Nov. 28 – Ephesians 2:13-22
Nov. 29 – Colossians 1:13-20
Nov. 30 – Hebrews 4:14-16
Dec. 1 – 1 John 5:1-12
Dec. 2 – Revelation 1:12-18
Dec. 3 – Revelation 22:7-21
Dec. 4 - Isaiah 9:2-7
Dec. 5 - Isaiah 40:1-5
Dec. 6 - Isaiah 40:9-11
Dec. 7 - Genesis 3:8-15
Dec. 8 - Genesis 15:1-6
Dec. 9 - Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Dec. 10 - Psalms 89:1-8
Dec. 11 - Isaiah 11:1-10
Dec. 12 - Zechariah 6:12-13
Dec. 13 - Micah 5:2-5a
Dec. 14 - Malachi 3:1-6
Dec. 15 - Isaiah 52:7-10
Dec. 16 - Isaiah 7:10-14
Dec. 17 - Mark 1:1-3
Dec. 18 - John 1:1-8
Dec. 19 - John 1:9-18
Dec. 20 – Luke 1:5-25
Dec. 21 – Luke 1:26-45
Dec. 22 – Matthew 1:18-25
Dec. 23 – Luke 1:46-67
Dec 24 – Luke 2:1-20
Dec 25 - John 3:16-21

Hub City Readers

2011-11-29T15:01:00.002-05:00

What have you been reading lately?

I love reading. Seriously. I love it. I didn't used to be this way, but I've become a voracious reader. Leaders are readers. Readers are learners. I want to learn all that I can. And I want the same for you.

That's why I'm stoked about a group that's been started at Hub City by Clay Chapman called Hub City Readers. This is a group of people who are passionate about reading books that will help them learn and think through their faith.

This month they'll be reading through I don't have enough faith to be an Atheist. This looks like a fantastic book.

I wanted to spread the word for anyone who wants to join them. Contact Clay for more info.

Say Thank You

2011-11-28T11:29:00.003-05:00

I don't know what it is that has me thinking about this lately (maybe I'm subconsciously looking for it), but I see a serious lack of gratitude in our culture. And that scares me. A lack of gratitude is dangerous. Here's why saying thank you is so important:

Being grateful breaks the sense of entitlement that we're prone to have as Americans.
Being grateful keeps jealousy and envy from gaining a foothold in our lives.
Being grateful is actually God's will for your life. Read 1 Thess. 5:18.

I know we just celebrated Thanksgiving, but gratitude should be more than a once a year thing. It should be a regular part of our life. We should say Thank You often. We should write thank you notes, and texts and emails.

Who can you say thank you to this week?

Invite Cards are IN!!!

2011-11-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

Grab a handful on Sunday @ Hub City's gathering and start inviting!

Meaningful

2011-11-22T08:41:00.002-05:00

Occasionally I read Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest. Today's reading was so profound to me that I had to share it. Enjoy.

Shallow and Profound

Text Size: Zoom In

Nov

2011

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God —1 Corinthians 10:31

Beware of allowing yourself to think that the shallow aspects of life are not ordained by God; they are ordained by Him equally as much as the profound. We sometimes refuse to be shallow, not out of our deep devotion to God but because we wish to impress other people with the fact that we are not shallow. This is a sure sign of spiritual pride. We must be careful, for this is how contempt for others is produced in our lives. And it causes us to be a walking rebuke to other people because they are more shallow than we are. Beware of posing as a profound person— God became a baby.

To be shallow is not a sign of being sinful, nor is shallowness an indication that there is no depth to your life at all— the ocean has a shore. Even the shallow things of life, such as eating and drinking, walking and talking, are ordained by God. These are all things our Lord did. He did them as the Son of God, and He said, “A disciple is not above his teacher . . .” (Matthew 10:24).

We are safeguarded by the shallow things of life. We have to live the surface, commonsense life in a commonsense way. Then when God gives us the deeper things, they are obviously separated from the shallow concerns. Never show the depth of your life to anyone but God. We are so nauseatingly serious, so desperately interested in our own character and reputation, we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life.

Make a determination to take no one seriously except God. You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself.

Significant Adults

2011-11-17T09:23:00.002-05:00

I don't think there is an greater responsibility than that of being a parent. It's also one of the hardest, if not the hardest job on the planet.

That's why we need help.

My kids need more than me. They need other significant adults in their life who they can look up to, learn from, lean on and model their lives after.

When I think about the things that shaped my life growing up I always think of people. I think of Greg, Eddie, Jerry, and people who's faces I remember by who's names have left me. These adults invested in me. They took time to acknowledge me. They made a difference in my life.

I want to be that kind of adult in the lives of the kids around me. I want my kids to have those kind of adults in their lives.

So here's my challenge: If you are a grown up, step it up. You can make a difference. If you're a part of the Hub City Church family, step it up. We need you caring for, shepherding and loving on the kids in our church.

In fact, I think some of you need to step up and lead a children's ministry for kids in first through fourth grade. There are others of you who need to step up and lead a small group for our tweens and teens. They need you. We as parents need you. Be a significant adult.

Torn - a review

2011-11-14T10:55:00.003-05:00

This is a book that needed to be written and needs to be read.

Most books written on "trusting God when life leaves you in pieces" are difficult to read. They are long, and while they have good content it's as much of a struggle reading through them as it is working through the struggles of life. Not so with Jud Wilhite's book.

Torn read more like a devotional for me. It is extremely accessible and helpful.

I know some people who are going through a difficult time right now who I'll be giving a copy of this book to.

Two things worth noting stuck out to me. First, we all ask the "why" question when bad things happen, but that's not all that helpful. The best thing to figure out is "who?" This points us back to the God who, despite our circumstances, is in control. Second, I saw the story of Elijah in a completely new way. We love the scene where he calls down fire from heaven and shows off in front of the prophets of Baal. We want God to show up like that in our lives. But right after that, when Elijah is running for his life, God shows up in the smallness of a whisper. That has been more like my experience with God. I think if we're always looking for the "fire from heaven" we'll miss the "still small voice," which means we'll miss God.

Teachers... Thank You!

2011-11-03T11:34:00.003-05:00

Today was "eat with your kid day" at Nathan's school. Let me tell you, lunch with a table full of fifth graders is always an adventure. I tried to get Nathan to let me wear my Halloween costume, but he resisted that idea.

Liz and I tried to make it special by bringing Nathan Sonic. I splurged and got him a grown-up Bacon Double Cheeseburger. He ate so much he almost vomited. Good times.

But while visiting his school I was reminded of how thankful I am for the teachers and coaches that invest in my kids. Can you imagine having a class full of fifth graders every day for 180 days a year that you are responsible for? Teachers are special. (Political rant: We need to pay teachers way more than we do. It's not an option. Figure it out and do it.)

So for teachers who've had or have an Everette boy, Thank You!

Leveraging Halloween

2011-10-31T09:05:00.002-05:00

Halloween is one of those holidays that freaks people out. Actually, it's usually the Christians that freak out. Some boycott the event all together. Some create and participate in alternative "Fall Festivals", "Trunk or Treats", and the like.

But what if we decided to leverage Halloween for the good of the Kingdom.

Halloween is the one time of the year that you have gobs of people streaming to your door and you have the opportunity to serve them. It might possibly be the easiest way to be salt and light in our community.

So how can you leverage Halloween by serving and blessing those little scary monsters that knock on your door tonight?

First off, make sure you give out good stuff. Don't be the person that gives out toothbrushes, fruit, or a religious tract. Give out good candy. If you have the money buy the big candy bars. No one gives them out anymore and all the kids will love you.

One thing I encouraged Hub City folks to do is to take a postcard/invite from our church and tape a piece of good candy to it and hand it out with a handful of other candy. Who knows, God might just use that. It's a way for our church to leverage Halloween.

Finally, say something nice about every kid that comes to your door. Bless them. Let God shine his love through you.

My hope is that we, as Christians, will stop being known for what we're against, but for what we're for, and that our service to others will be so radical that those outside the faith will see our good deeds and come to know Jesus.

Two Levi funnies

2011-10-28T14:33:00.002-05:00

So, Levi (my 5 year old) does the Pledge of Allegiance at school every day. He saw an American flag today and started reciting the Pledge. But he added four words: "You may be seated." His principal says that after they recite it, so it's now a new part of the Pledge.

This other funny has to do with Levi too. Some nice people gave our boys some clothes. Today Levi had on a new pair of jeans that was a part of the clothing gift. As I was picking him up from school I thought they looked a bit peculiar. Turns out they are skinny jeans. My kid looks like a Christian Hipster. (BTW: I think skinny jeans are ridiculous... just sayin')

A healthy church

2011-10-26T07:40:00.002-05:00

One of my passions is that Hub City Church would be a healthy church. I think we are, but I also think that staying healthy requires continual work.

This article is a great warning to us.

Church health is a whole body issue. Meaning, each part must do its part for us to stay healthy.

"That" guy

2011-10-25T05:13:00.003-05:00

Have you read through the book of Jeremiah? I'm journaling my way through it right now, something that I don't normally do, but felt like I needed to do. It's been so good.

Many things amaze me about Jeremiah. The dude was probably clinically depressed. He spoke what God wanted him to speak and didn't seem to get any results. In today's reading he takes on a false prophet and basically tells him, "You are not from God. You are not speaking the words of God. You're a liar."

Hananiah (the false prophet) was speaking on behalf of God, but wasn't speaking the truth from God.

I'm not sure why that jumped out of the page at me this morning except to be reminded of the fact that everyone who speaks on behalf of God isn't necessarily speaking the truth from God.

I don't want to be that guy. I don't want to listen to that guy.

But that guy is everywhere. May God give us wisdom and discernment to know the truth.

Unwilling to serve

2011-10-20T06:21:00.003-05:00

Today thousands of local churches are dying because of Christians unwilling to serve. They sit on the sidelines ... and the Body suffers. @RWToolbox

I saw that quote this morning. It is so true. I wish it weren't.

It makes us an embarrassment to God. We make him look bad.

Jesus came not to be served but to serve. As his followers that should be our mantra as well.

So, how are you going to serve today? How can you serve at work? How can you serve your family? How can you serve the person who serves you your lunch? How can you serve your boss? How can you serve your roommate?

Let us be known as a people who is in the game for the good of the body and the good of the world. It happens when we serve.

Time for a change

2011-10-18T05:04:00.002-05:00

I know that this idea isn't original with me, but I think one of our biggest problems in the American church world is what we hold up as models of success. Think about it: What comes to mind when you think of a successful church?

What comes to my mind is a huge church. The guys that are leading huge churches are the ones who get book deals, speaking gigs and church-world press. We celebrate what they are doing. We look to them to learn. They are the epitome of success as we've defined it.

I think it time we change what we think of as successful. I think it's time to change what we celebrate.

I was reading in Jeremiah today and he preached for 23 years with absolutely no result. That's not the kind of resume that's going to get you invited to Catalyst to speak. From our perspective Jeremiah is pretty much a failure.

But I' pretty sure that from God's perspective Jeremiah was a success. And here's why: He was faithful to his call.

I'm not saying that a huge church isn't successful. I just think we need to celebrate more than large groups of people. We need to celebrate faithfulness and obedience.

It starts with us

2011-10-17T09:51:00.002-05:00

I read this today and thought, If everyone in our country acted this way then we wouldn't be seeing the Occupy Wallstreet protests. But we don't need to wait for it to start with them. It needs to start with us.

When You Give, You Are Performing a Service
by Rick Warren

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion … your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

What an amazing verse! God makes you rich in every way so you can be generous on every occasion, which will result in thanksgiving to God.

God doesn’t bless you to be greedy; he blesses you so you can be generous. God doesn’t give you things so you can pile them up. When you let go of what’s in your hand, it’s now empty to receive greater blessings from God.

God’s giving to you is based on your attitude. That’s why it’s so important to live with an attitude of gratitude and to be content with what you have. The Bible says, “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12 NIV).

When you give, you are performing a service. To serve and to give is the same thing. It’s two actions of love. You can’t love without serving and giving. Your service leads to expressions of thanksgiving to God and to contentment.

Take a moment to pray and express your gratitude to God. Ask him to show you the way to contentment. Then, ask him to bless you so you can be a blessing to others.

Sit quietly

2011-10-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

Blaise Pascal wrote, All of man's miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone.

I love that.

Rain

2011-10-11T10:19:00.002-05:00

I love rainy days. I'm not saying I want to move to Seattle or anything, but a rainy day every once in a while is nice.

Something about the switch-up in the weather makes me use a different part of my brain. Rainy days make me reflective and introspective. That's good every once in a while. Too much of it though and I'd probably be clinically depressed.

Not sure why I'm blogging about this, but I did. If you're in the Upstate today then enjoy the rain.

What are you scared of?

2011-10-05T07:36:00.001-05:00

This is a great post by my friend Shawn Lovejoy.

“Do not be afraid.”

It’s the most common command in the Bible. Why would that be so? Because you and I are often so afraid!

We’re afraid of being laid off. We’re afraid of being fired.We’re afraid of the future. We’re afraid of bankruptcy. We’re afraid of not measuring up. We are afraid of failure. We’re afraid of controversy. We’re afraid of not being liked. We’re afraid of criticism. We’re afraid of REALLY being known. We’re afraid of asking for help. We’re afraid to DO what we know needs to be DONE.

But why is fear such a big deal? Because fear is the number one reason we don’t obey God. Fear is the number one reason we won’t take that big step of faith.

Can you hear it? God’s trying to tell you something: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

We’re only afraid when we think we’re alone. We’re not alone. God is WITH US!

Stories

2011-09-30T09:33:00.003-05:00

I love learning people's stories. We all have a story and when I learn your story it makes me happy.

This past Wednesday, at our morning Hub Group, I learned the story of someone at Hub City Church. It was incredible. I hope to share it one Sunday.

But if I wouldn't have been in a Hub Group with that person I probably would have never learned their story.

Be honest, you want people to know your story, don't you. But that's not going to happen if your not in a context to have your story heard. If you're a Hub City Slicker then get in a Hub Group.

Knowing one another's stories helps me love people better. Knowing stories helps me empathize more. When you know my story and I know your story we become more human to one another. Knowing one another's stories is essential to making disciples.

If I don't know your story yet, I look forward to hearing it.

Possibly traumatic

2011-09-28T16:04:00.002-05:00

Well, tomorrow, Thursday, Nathan has to have 4 teeth pulled to get ready for spacing and braces in his mouth. Sounds fun, doesn't it. I think it might be a bit traumatic, so if you could pray for him...

On another note, I'll be selling a kidney to pay for the braces, so if you need one...

Just a bit of your time

2011-09-26T08:15:00.003-05:00

I want something from you. It's a bit of your time. Would you consider giving some of your time each week to pray for Hub City Church, Spartanburg and the world?

You can give 10 minutes a week or 10 minutes a day. You choose.

If you give us some of your time, we'll give you some things to pray for. If you're interested please email Lauren Rogers.

Here's why this is important: What God is doing, what he wants to do, what he's planted in our hearts is too big for us. We need God to show up and do something supernatural. Prayer is essential to us seeing a movement of God that is so overwhelming and surprising that it is reminiscent of the first church in Acts when everyone was filled with awe at what God was doing.

Prayer preceded every great awakening and revival in the history of the church. As we're going to see this coming Sunday at Hub City, four months of prayer prepared the way for Nehemiah to have overwhelming favor with the King of Persia and made it possible for him to accomplish in 52 days what hadn't been accomplished n 150 years.

That's why we're asking for just a bit of your time.

Money and Sex

2011-09-23T14:37:00.003-05:00

I figured the title would get your attention. The sad thing is that you didn't need my title for either of those things to get your attention. They already have your attention... and maybe more.

Money and sex are the two biggest idols in our culture. They may be the two biggest idols in the world.

I know that when you hear the word idol you think of a little statue, or Ryan Seacrest, but an idol is really anything that takes the place of God in our lives.

How do I know that money and sex are the two biggest idols in our culture?

They are the two things that people have the hardest time surrendering over to God.

Here's a test: Does your view of money and sex line up with what the Bible teaches about those things? Or do you get mad when someone (ie. "me") tries to teach what the Bible says about those things? If you got mad at me for suggesting that God wants you to handle money and treat sex in a way that is different from how you handle money and treat sex, then you probably have an idol.

I believe that if the church would rid itself of the idols of money and sex that our influence would exponentially increase and we might possibly see the greatest awaking that the world has ever experience. I think that's motivation enough to get rid of our idols.

How to have "The Talk"

2011-09-22T14:45:00.002-05:00

I read this on Vince's blog today. It's great advice. I thought it's worth reading.

"The Talk"

I've now had the privilege of having "the talk" with each of my kids. The experts suggest having it when your kids turn 8, we waited with each till they were 10. I think I'm pretty good at it, so I thought I'd share an outline of what I say to maybe help other parents who have this in their future. Here goes:

First, I ask, we're going to talk about sex, so tell me what you think sex is and what you know about it.
I explain that mom and I know all about sex, and so you can tell us anything you hear about it, or ask us anything about it...
Then, I say, I'm going to explain what sex is, but first let's talk about marriage. Because God gave sex as something that is amazing and beautiful and powerful for married people to share.
Marriage is So important to God.
God wants a husband and wife to have a relationship with each other like they have with no one else. He wants them to have intimacy - to be closer with each other than any other two people AND He wants them to have children together.
So what is sex? Then I tell about boy parts, girl parts, how they fit together, etc. (With my kids at least, this is where you get looks of shock, and interesting questions.)
Why does God give sex? Well, remember what God wants for married people? First, intimacy. And sex gives married people intimacy. In fact, the Bible says when people have sex they become "one flesh" - it's like they're so close they almost become one person. It's like relational super glue. (I also explain here that sex feels good, allows the two people to share special feelings that they don't get to share with anyone else, etc.)
And second, for them to be able to have children and be parents. Sex is how people have babies. Then I explain how that works. Daddy juice + Mommy egg = baby! (I also explain here that sex doesn't always produce babies, but it always can...)
So ... sex is an awesome, perfect, beautiful gift god gives to married people.
But there's a problem. Sometimes people take that gift for married people, and they use it outside of marriage.
Why is that a problem? Well, remember what sex does? Well, the problem is that it does it for people who aren't married too.
Sex gives two people intimacy, like they become one. And it does the same for unmarried people. The problem is that those two people then break up and go their separate ways, and it's like they ripped a piece of the other one off and take it with them. (I explain that in a little more detail, some illustrations, and I talk about the pain it causes people, and how it creates problems in marriage later - which it always does.)
Sex allows people to have babies. And so when two unmarried people have sex they can also have a baby. And that's not what they want, and think about that... (More details.)
So sex outside of marriage creates all kinds of problems. Inside of marriage it's awesome. (I use fire as an illustration - fire is a needed and amazing thing, but where fire is in the wrong place it is destructive...)
Then I talk about puberty. Body starts changing (I explain, or mom did for our daughter), God is moving you towards the point where you can get married (if you want and He leads you to it) and you can have that kind of intimacy and have babies.
Puberty is also when you start to get attracted to the opposite sex, temptations start to come to move towards sex, or have sex, before marriage. But remember that's not what God intended it for, it leads to problems and is destructive.
So wait for marriage.
And inside marriage, it is amazing, beautiful, etc., etc.
Questions?
Then I explain that we'll have this same talk (with a few added details each time) every six months...

A three-word prayer

2011-09-21T10:13:00.002-05:00

I want to invite you to do something.

I want to invite you to pray a three-word prayer.

Lord, Surprise Us.

This is a prayer I've prayed on and off for a few years. I read yesterday that it's a prayer that Mark Batterson's church has been praying for a while. That inspired me to invite you to join me in praying: Lord, surprise us.

I've got to admit. I am surprised by all that God is doing in and through Hub City Church right now. The past two week have been the most exciting in our three year history. God is changing lives. We are actually seeing our mission happening.

But God's not done. He has more that he wants to do in us and through us.

So I dare you to join me in praying: Lord, Surprise us.

Dug Down Deep - a review

2011-09-15T12:17:00.003-05:00

I know that the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words Theology and Doctine is boring.

That shouldn't be the case. Ever. And that is what I absolutely loved about Joshua Harris' book Dug Down Deep.

Theology is the study of God. Doctrine is what we believe. What we believe about God matters. I think it matters more than ever before in the history of the church. Theology matters. Right doctrine matters.

The reason it matters isn't so that we can know all the right things. It matters because what we believe about God will determine how we act. If we have wrong beliefs then we'll have wrong behaviors. They go hand in hand.

Dug Down Deep is a very readable systematic theology. I needed to read this book. I have 98 hours of post-graduate theological education and I needed to read this book. I think you need to read it as well.

As a pastor I'm always looking for resources to suggest that would be educational, helpful and readable. This book fits those requirements. This is a book that I want everyone at Hub City Church to read. In fact, I think you should click this link and order it today.

An inconvenient truth

2011-09-15T11:51:00.002-05:00

I came across this today. It is so true, and very much needs to be read and re-read.

Serving Even When It Is Inconvenient

by Jon Walker

As they went on their way, a man said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lie down and rest.” (Luke 9:57-58 TEV)

Jesus never calls us to blind obedience. As we follow him and become familiar with his character, we learn he is always waiting on the other side of our steps of faith. He forces us into a place where we must trust him and his promises, but he also tells us what to expect when we follow him (John 14:1-4).

He wants us to count the cost of our commitment, because he knows it will demand every thing we have (Luke 14:28). In essence, Jesus warns us away from a romantic view of following him. He understands that when we volunteer to go anywhere at any time, our romanticism will wither when our commitment becomes inconvenient — or when it collides with the full cost of discipleship.

Discipleship means we give up any thought that there will be bits and pieces of our lives that can remain unaffected by our relationship with Jesus. We can’t say “yes” to Jesus and expect to hold on to a portion of our independence. He demands it all.

We no longer have the choice to serve only when and where it is convenient for us. “Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lie down and rest” (Luke 9:58 TEV).

When we have a romantic view of discipleship, we may imagine ourselves giving up everything for Jesus as the world admires our faith and people express their heartfelt gratitude for our sacrificial service.

But the cost of discipleship may bring the scorn of the world to your doorstep. When you follow Jesus and do the things he tells you to do, even fellow believers may think you’re throwing away your future to help people who can give you nothing in return. Discipleship may mean sacrificing for others who will have no appreciation for what you have done — much like Jesus was ridiculed as he died on a cross.

The grace to go wherever Jesus tells us to go comes only through the call of Christ and the power of God infused into our being. Grace obligates us to obey Jesus, regardless of the circumstances or consequences.

How much of your service to Jesus is based upon what is convenient for you, and how much of it is based upon you doing what Jesus has told you to do? Jesus loves you and plans his best for you. He brings no condemnation; he wants to turn you in the right direction.

The Church

2011-09-13T14:45:00.003-05:00

It's probably because Hub City turns three years old this Sunday, but I've been thinking about God's church. And then I read this quote today:

Through a weak and insignificant people, God displayed his power to the nations. Joshua Harris

I. Love. That.

That is may heart's cry for Hub City. I passionately want God to display his power to the nations through us, a weak and insignificant people.

We have the incredible privilege of representing God to the world. We, the Church, are what God has chosen to show the world who He is and what He is like.

John Stott says, If the church is central to God's purpose, as seen in both history and the gospel, it must surely also be central to our lives. How can we take lightly what God takes so seriously? How dare we push to the circumference what God has placed at the centre?

That's why I'm passionate about Hub City. That's why I'm excited that our weak and insignificant church is turning three. That's why I believe we haven't even scratched the surface of our potential as the body of Christ.

Thank You!!!

2011-09-12T09:57:00.002-05:00

I have so many people to thank for making yesterday's baptism in the theater a success.

Jaimee Holmes: Thanks for tracking down, picking up and setting up the birthing tub for us to do the baptism in. It was perfect! And since you're one of the few people that read this blog I wanted to thank you first. :)

Shaun McMahon: Thank you for working hard to get the birthing tub filled, for vacuuming up the hose blowout that flooded the hallway, and for allowing me the privilege of baptizing you. I am pumped about what God is doing in your life. You are a servant.

Darryl Harmon: Dude, you worked hard to help set things up. You have a "whatever it takes" attitude. I am so thankful that you are a part of the Hub City family.

Stephanie Moore: It was a privilege and honor baptizing you. I am thankful for your friendship and so glad God brought you to Hub City.

The band: Josh, Jordan, Jacob, Tyson, Cheeks and Hannah. You were flat out awesome yesterday and did a great job preparing our hearts to hear from God. I wouldn't trade you for any band in the country.

Hub City Church family: I am so thankful to be your pastor. Thank you for that privilege. Greater things are yet to come. I love you guys and gals.

Finally, I want to give all the credit to God who saves us, chooses us, gives us grace and allows us to serve him.

What I'll be doing this weekend

2011-08-30T08:11:00.000-05:00

Theology Matters

2011-08-30T08:01:00.002-05:00

I know a lot of people put a wall up and shut down when words like theology and doctrine come up. And I understand that. Unfortunately most of what has been experienced is someone using theology and doctrine as a club to beat people with.

That's a disgrace.

Theology is just the study of God. Doctrine is what we believe. Neither are weapons. Both are extremely important.

What we believe about God impacts every area of our lives. If we have wrong believe it will have disastrous consequences. And I don't think I'm overstating things.

What we believe about God matters. It shapes our worldview. It determines our values. It guides our behavior. It has eternal consequences for us and for everyone we know.

Run towards theology and doctrine. Know God. Know what you believe. Know why you believe it.

Sermon series ideas

2011-08-29T10:58:00.002-05:00

I have so many sermon series ideas running through my head. Here are a few ideas:

Faith: What it is. What it isn't.
Letters to Hub City Church: We would go through the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation.
Parables: Exploring Jesus' parables.
Hell: This series is a bit frightening to think about, but ever since reading Francis Chan's book it's been on my mind.
Famous stories from the Old Testament: There are so many great stories in the O.T. This would look at a few of those.

I would appreciate you praying for guidance and discernment. I want to teach what God wants me to teach.

I would also love to hear from you. What topics would you like to learn more about? Where are you struggling? Where is someone close to you struggling.

May switch up my sermon for Sunday

2011-08-26T14:12:00.000-05:00

What defines us

2011-08-25T06:44:00.002-05:00

I think we all need to be reminded of this often:

Be Defined by Your Service to Others
by Rick Warren
Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life. (Matthew 20:28 LB)
Service is not something to be tacked onto our schedules when we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life. Jesus came “to serve” and “to give” — and those two verbs should define your life on earth, too.

Jesus taught that spiritual maturity is never an end in itself. Maturity is for ministry! It is not enough to keep learning more and more. We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe. Study without service leads to spiritual stagnation.

Yet serving is the opposite of our natural inclination. Most of the time we’re more interested in “serve us” than service. We say, “I’m looking for a church that meets my needs and blesses me,” not, “I’m looking for a place to serve and be a blessing.”

But as we mature in Christ, the focus of our lives should increasingly shift to living a life of service. The mature follower of Jesus stops asking, “Who’s going to meet my needs?” and starts asking, “Whose needs can I meet?”

Erasing Hell

2011-08-24T08:21:00.001-05:00

This is a book you should read.

It will mess you up.

Enough said. Get the book. Read it.

A walk

2011-08-24T08:18:00.003-05:00

I did something yesterday that I haven't done in a while. I took a walk with God in the cool, darkness of the morning. It was refreshing. It helped me pray in a new way.

I recommend you try it. You may just experience God is a completely new way.

What Happened at Movies in the Park

2011-08-22T08:17:00.002-05:00

Our final Movies in the Park will go down as the most memorable of all time.

Things were going great. We got setup quickly. The crowd was starting to come in. Someone noticed on their smart phone weather app that a small shower that was headed our way, but by the look of the radar it appeared to just be a drizzle.

The drizzle started. I made an announcement that the event was still on and that we were just waiting out the shower.

Then the bottom dropped out. What began as a small drizzle became the storm of the century. The light green radar turned dark red and grew. Not only did it rain torrentially, but there was massive lightning. Lightening was popping every 10 seconds. I don't like lightening.

We had 15 people stuck in our church's trailer with all of our equipment. There were people taking shelter under the stage and at Barnet Park's picnic shelter. We had a few folks stuck in the metal coke trailer, not the best place to be when there is lots of lightening.

But the storm didn't let up. It got worse. Unlike most summer storms that move through after a few minutes, this storm stopped over the city and stayed there for almost two hours. Come to find out, there was flash flooding all over Spartanburg with roads shut down around the city.

The wind picked up drastically and ripped our movie screen to shreds and bent the metal poles. It was bad. When we went back to Barnet Park to clean up one of our guys said it reminded him of Ringold, Georgia, the town devastated by the tornado a few months back.

I kept thinking of the tragedy in Indiana with the collapsing stage that killed 5 people a few weeks ago. That could have been us. I'm thankful that God kept us safe.

The only casualties were the screen, its frame, and our projector. Not sure how the projector got damaged but it did. Pray that it's an easy and quick fix.

One of our guys, Bryan Scott, took a video on his phone that you can see here.

I am so amazed by Hub City's people. The all stayed and really risked their lives to save our equipment and help people make it to their cars.

I'm also thankful for Scott from the city and Sargent Raines from the police department. They went out of their way to help people stay safe.

The call of God

2011-08-18T14:11:00.001-05:00

It is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then you are not bothered by what God requires; common sense is your guide, veneered over with Christian sentiment. You will be more prosperous and successful, more leisure-hearted, if you never realize the call of God. But if once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God wants will always come like a goad; you will no longer be able to work for Him on the common-sense basis. ~ Oswald Chambers

Three full-time

2011-08-18T08:51:00.002-05:00

Today was an exciting day. This is the first time that all three of my boys have all been in school full time.

We've been telling Levi he's going to go to school all day this year and he has been a bit stressed about it. He thought we mean that he'd be at school for all the daylight hours. He was greatly relieved to find out he'd be getting out of school at the same time Matthew gets out.

On a work note, this is the first time since we moved to Spartanburg in 2005 when I can work from home with no kids during the day. It's a new chapter for all of us.

Radical Together

2011-08-16T10:40:00.003-05:00

I don't know if you've read David Platt's book Radical yet, but you should. Radical Together is the follow-up to Radical.

And while Radical is a personal book, Radical Together takes the principles of Radical and talks about them on a corporate, Church, community level.

I believe that Radical Together should be required reading for all church leaders. I have it sitting on my desk because it's one of those books that's going to require a second reading. I'm still thinking about and processing much of what I read. And flipping back through the book I see why I used an entire Highlighter as I read.

It's a short book, but it's not a quick read. There's too much to think about. The subtitle is Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God. What Radical Together does is give us a framework for doing what the subtitle says by bringing things back to the basics. I think that is the greatest value of this book. It takes away the fluff (and let's be honest, most American churches have a lot of fluff) and gets back to basic stuff.

Generous

2011-08-16T04:59:00.001-05:00

I thought this devotion from Rick Warren needed to be spread around.

Being Generous When You’re Stretched Thin

by Rick Warren

I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends for eternity. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven … but if you are unfaithful with your worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? ... You cannot serve both God and money. (Luke 16: 9-14 NLT)

If you're going to become like Jesus, you need to learn how to be generous.

It’s easy to give your time, energy or money when you have a lot to spare. But the true test of generosity comes when you don’t have a surplus. Do you still give what little you have to help somebody else? If you do, congratulations! You’ve passed God’s test of generosity.

Why does God test your generosity? Because you were made in his image, so if you’re going to become like Jesus, you need to learn how to be generous. If you don’t, you’ll never grow to maturity, and you will never have the blessing of God on your life.

What if you’re in a recession and things aren’t going well — you’re out of work or you’re out of money and you feel like you have no more time or energy to give. How can you be generous when you’re stretched thin?

A good example for us is in 2 Corinthians 8. Paul says this about the churches in Macedonia: “Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have mixed their wonderful joy with their deep poverty, and the result has been an overflow of giving to others” (2 Corinthians 8:2 LB). Joy and generosity always go together.

An acid test of how much you trust God is the way you handle your money, because it shows what’s important to you.

As a pastor, I want you to succeed financially so you can be generous, help other people, and do good in the world. So here are five principles to help you thrive even in a recession.

Obeying God’s vision will bring God’s provision. When you say, “God, I’m going to do what you want me to do regardless of whether I have the money or resources to do it,” God will provide everything you need to get it done.
When I do all God tells me to do, he does what I can’t do. Give God whatever you have, however meager it may be, and God will multiply it to do more than you imagined, just like he did with the five loaves and two fish.
God gives to generous people. The more generous you are, the more God will give you.
Whenever I have a need, I need to sow a seed. Whatever you need more of, give it away. In order to harvest a crop, you first have to plant the seeds.
There is always a delay between sowing and reaping. A harvest is not automatic. It takes time and patience.

What I love about sending my kids to school

2011-08-15T08:30:00.002-05:00

I'm excited. School started back today. Nathan is moving up in the world. He starts 5th grade at a new school. Matthew begins life as a 3rd grader. Levi officially begins going all day like his big brothers on Thursday.

Now, I'm not just excited because they are out of the house, which just happens to be my office.

I've been thinking a lot about why I'm excited.

Going to school helps my boys develop independence. As a parent that is one thing I want for them. I want for them to eventually be able to live without me. I've always said that a main goal in parenting is to learn to de-parent. This is one reason why we don't do homework or project for our boys. Sure we'll help if they are stuck, but they have to learn to take responsibility of their own work. School helps develop this in them and grows them as individuals who can contribute to society. Nathan is riding the bus home for the first time in his educational career. That's a big, exciting step for a 10 year old. I figure he'll be driving alone in 6 years. He needs this kind of baby step now to prepare him for that giant leap.
Going to public school puts my kids in an environment where they can learn what it means to be salt and light. I want my kids to be missionaries. They can't do that if they are only surrounded by like-minded kids or me. One day they are going to enter the real world. Our real world is growing more secular by the day. I want them to learn now how to be salt and light and live for Jesus in that world.
Going to school opens my boys up to a whole new level of experiences that they would never get at home. Nathan's starting band this year. He's already begun jammin' on his beginner percussion kit. Matthew is in the gifted and talented program (something I was never invited to be a part of) and the Creations Honors Art program (something that doesn't go to people who's best artwork is crooked stick figures... like me).
Finally (at least for now), going to school opens up the doors for my kids to make new friends and learn how to navigate relationships. Relational Intelligence is something I want my kids to develop and putting them in a context where they can make new friends and deal with kids who aren't so nice or who aren't like them is the best way to put them on a path that leads to relational intelligence.

That's why I'm excited about today. I can't wait for 3 PM to get here to hear all about school on day one. Now I'm enjoying the silence.

Don't co-op Jesus

2011-08-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went to the Get Motivated seminar at the Bilo center. I'll confess, my expectations were pretty low. I mean, the tickets only cost $1.95. But they had some impressive speakers in the line-up (Laura Bush, Colin Powell, Steve Forbes, Bill Cosby, etc), so I decided to go.

First, there was some good content from the promoted speakers. I will say that many of them seemed like they threw a speech together in 5 minutes while sitting on the toilet, but hey, it only cost $1.95.

But there were two speakers that I wanted to punch in the throat. I know it's not nice to say that, but they made me mad. They were slick sales guys who were trying to get participants to sign up for a class to learn how to make more money. That's fine. I have no problem with that.

What angered me was how these guys co-opted Jesus. It was like Jesus was on their side and he was their trump-card. "Invest their way, love America and follow Jesus and you won't have to work a real job any more in your life."

I may be wrong, but I don't think Jesus needs to be co-opted. I think he needs to be followed, and humbly at that. Jesus is the Lord of all. He is the King. Let's not go out of our way to bring him down to our size and help us fulfill our American Dream. That's not what being a disciple of Jesus is about.

I guess what I'm getting at is that these guys make genuine follower of Jesus look bad. So please, if you were there, don't judge Jesus' followers from what you heard/learned from these guys. I apologize for how they misrepresented Christianity.

On a humorous note, I left the Bilo center to get some lunch (had a great Calzone at one of my favorite places downtown Greenville - Bertollo's Pizza). When I got back the doors to the Bilo Center were locked. Supposedly the Fire Marshall wouldn't let any more people in. I think it might be because I didn't sign up for the class on how to make more money. Eventually they let 100 people in and I was number 47. But man, people sure can get angry when they are locked out of a $1.95 seminar. I wasn't one of them.

Privileges vs. Obligations

2011-08-11T09:56:00.002-05:00

I read a quote today that was super powerful.

Do you remember the elder bother in the parable of the prodigal son? He wanted the privileges of being a son, but not the obligations that came with being a brother.

I think that so often describes us as Christians. We want things cool between us and God with all the privileges that come with that. But we could do without loving our brothers and sisters.

But following Jesus is about both. It is both vertical and horizontal. We live out our love for God by loving others. Most of Jesus' and the New Testament commands have to do with how we treat others.

In other words, privileges and obligation go hand in hand. If we get this right we would radically alter people's perceptions of Christianity and in turn, radically transform the world in which we live.

God's investment advice

2011-08-09T08:56:00.001-05:00

I know, stock are plummeting. I read this today and wanted to pass it along:

God's Investment Advice

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth." - Matthew 6:19

Imagine you're alive at the end of the Civil War. You're living in the South, but you are a Northerner. You plan to move home as soon as the war is over. While in the South you've accumulated lots of Confederate currency. Now, suppose you know for a fact that the North is going to win the war and the end is imminent. What will you do with your Confederate money?

If you're smart, there's only one answer. You should immediately cash in your Confederate currency for U.S. currency--the only money that will have value once the war is over. Keep only enough Confederate currency to meet your short-term needs.

As a Christian, you have inside knowledge of an eventual worldwide upheaval caused by Christ's return. This is the ultimate insider trading tip: Earth's currency will become worthless when Christ returns--or when you die, whichever comes first. (And either event could happen at any time.)

Investment experts known as market timers read signs that the stock market is about to take a downward turn, then recommend switching funds immediately into more dependable vehicles such as money markets, treasury bills, or certificates of deposit.

Jesus functions here as the foremost market timer. He tells us to once and for all switch investment vehicles. He instructs us to transfer our funds from earth (which is volatile and ready to take a permanent dive) to heaven (which is totally dependable, insured by God Himself, and is coming soon to forever replace earth's economy). Christ's financial forecast for earth is bleak--but He's unreservedly bullish about investing in heaven, where every market indicator is eternally positive!

There's nothing wrong with Confederate money, as long as you understand its limits. Realizing its value is temporary should radically affect your investment strategy. To accumulate vast earthly treasures that you can't possibly hold on to for long is equivalent to stockpiling Confederate money even though you know it's about to become worthless.

According to Jesus, storing up earthly treasures isn't simply wrong. It's just plain stupid.

-- Excerpted from The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

Mike Breen

2011-08-01T15:08:00.002-05:00

I'm beginning to like this guy more and more. I like the way he thinks. I like the way he sees. This is a great post that's worth reading and that I've found to be true, but unfortunately, it seems that few leaders in the modern-American church care.

How C.S. sees it

2011-08-01T07:20:00.001-05:00

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis on attending a worship gathering.

When I first became a Christian, about fourteen years ago, I thought that I could do it on my own, by retiring to my rooms and reading theology, and wouldn’t go to the churches and Gospel Halls; I disliked very much their hymns which I considered to be fifth-rate poems set to sixth-rate music. But as I went on I saw the merit of it. I came up against different people of quite different outlooks and different education, and then gradually my conceit just began peeling off. I realized that the hymns (which were just sixth-rate music) were, nevertheless, being sung with devotion and benefit by an old saint in elastic-side boots in the opposite pew, and then you realize that you aren’t fit to clean those boots. It gets you out of your solitary conceit.

Shallow Small Group... funny!

2011-07-27T07:23:00.000-05:00

The Obituary of the American Church

2011-07-27T07:16:00.000-05:00

The Obituary of the American Church: "Are these three deadly factors at work in your church today?"

I enjoyed this article and thought I'd pass it along.

Genius video we showed today @ Hub City

2011-07-24T14:40:00.000-05:00

Video for churchplanters.com

2011-07-22T08:40:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I get to shoot a video for churchplanters.com and answer the following questions. Just thought I'd share:

What is your #1 lesson learned since planting a church?

I’ve learned about myself. I’ve learned what I’m good at doing and more importantly what I’m not good at doing. Self-awareness should be very high on a church planter’s to do list.

The #1 mistake you've made since planting the church?

That’s easy. Waiting too long to have the tough conversations, and not being clear enough about the real issue. I’m still not very good at this. I don’t like it, but I’m working to get better.

Why have you sought out a coaching network at this juncture in your church plant?

I know that for Hub City Church to move to the next level that I need to grow. I’m the lid. I also know that I need support, encouragement and help from others who are doing what I’m doing.

What's the #1 piece of advice you would give someone who's thinking about planting a church?

Make sure that this is what you are called to do and that your calling has been confirmed by others.

Why? - Immersion

2011-07-20T13:53:00.004-05:00

Last post I shared why Hub City's mission is to make disciples who make disciples.

But how does that happen?

It happens through intentional relationships.That's why we do Hub Groups. And that's why we do Immersion.

Immersion is a three week class where we teach you our Discipleship Process. If you haven't been through it then you need to go through it. It changed my life. I think it will change yours.

But discipleship is not just about relationships. It's more than just having friends. It's more than just doing life together with some other people.

What's important is intentional relationships. By that I mean that there's a destination and getting to that destination requires an intentional, guided, relational process.

The destination is a disciple of Jesus who makes disciples. But it doesn't just happen. Jesus was very intentional with his disciples. He was taking them somewhere.

Immersion can show you where you and others are in the process and where you/they need to go to grow and mature. Immersion can open your eyes to the phases of spiritual growth: Spiritually Dead, Infant, Child, Young Adult, and Parent. Our next Immersion begins Sunday, July 31. Sign up by emailing me.

Along these lines, someone asked: How are parent's discipled? That is a fantastic question. That's what our Leadership Community is for. It is the environment where parents (disciplers) are discipled, because no matter how mature we are we all need to be discipled.

Another question often asked is: What happens when someone is brought through the process? The simple answer is that a person who has been brought through the process continues to bring others through the process. At the same time this person continues to hear from God and do what he says. (I've been a Christian for 32 years and I feel like I know less and am more of a sinner now than when I was 20.) God is continuing to refine, sanctify and make us like Jesus.

Why? - Our Mission

2011-07-20T13:40:00.002-05:00

Our mission at Hub City Church is to make disciples who make disciples.

An important question to ask is: Why is making disciples Hub City's mission?

We didn't steal this mission from another church. As you can tell, it's not all that creative. We didn't read about it in the latest popular book.

Our mission is to make disciple who make disciples because Jesus told us that making disciples is the mission of the church (Matt. 28:18-20).

Everything he did was to make disciples. He had 12 guys that he invested it. And he didn't choose them just so that they could be best friends. He chose them because he wanted to make them into something. That something was a group of guys who could do what he did with them, with others.

He chose them to be obedient to him. The Gospels reveal this continual interplay where Jesus tells his disciples to do something, and they do it. That's why we define a disciple as someone who hears from God and does what he says. That seemed to be what Jesus was creating in those 12 guys.

All the other stuff that we're supposed to do (love God, love others, serve others, pray, take care of orphans and widows, give, fast, forgive, etc.) all comes under the umbrella of being a disciple of Jesus. We hear from God about those things, and then we do what he says by responding in obedience.

I know we all hated when our parents would tell us: Because I said so. But that is why our mission is to Make Disciples. It's because Jesus said so.

Why?

2011-07-20T07:52:00.001-05:00

So we started a new series this past Sunday called Why? We're talking about why we do some of what we do as a church.

I asked folks to email me their "why" questions and the first question I got was "What's with the logo? Is is a movie real or a cross? Why do you have it?

Well, here's what I love about our logo. It's a bit mysterious. It invites questions. It's not super-religious, even though you could find something religious in it (even though I don't see it).

Our logo is a Hub. It's a Hub with four environments moving out from the center. We want Jesus and our mission to make disciples of Jesus that is at the center of all we do. The four sections could stand for the four environments we do as a church (Worship gathering, Hub Groups, Mission and Personal Spiritual Disciplines) and/or it could stand for the four phases of discipleship (Infant, Child, Young Adult, Parent).

I guess it could be a movie reel, even though I've never thought that was what it was. Others see that all the time because of Movies in the Park and the fact that we meet in a movie theater.

But there you have it, the "why" behind our logo. Any other questions?

My favorite part of yesterday

2011-07-18T07:22:00.002-05:00

I thought yesterday's worship gathering was incredible. We began our series called Why? We talked about why we do a worship gathering. The sermon will be live on our website later this week or you can read the transcript here.

But my favorite part of yesterday was something that happened afterwards. We had finished tearing down and I walked outside the theater and there were a bunch of Hub City folks standing around chatting and laughing. I LOVED that! It made me smile.

Movies in the Park - Tonight @ Barnet Park

2011-07-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

The Leader

2011-07-14T12:55:00.001-05:00

This is so true and so good:

I wanna be the leader

Can I be the leader?

Can I? I can?

Promise? Promise?

Yippee, I'm the leader

I'm the leader.

Ok, what shall we do?

- Roger McGough

3 Things The Church Is & 3 Things The Church Is Not

2011-07-14T08:28:00.000-05:00

3 Things The Church Is & 3 Things The Church Is Not: "We know that 'The Church' isn't a building... Pastor Shawn Lovejoy answers the question, 'What Is The Church?'"

This is a great article by Shawn.

Reading Minds

2011-07-12T13:23:00.003-05:00

I am 100% confident that if I could read minds my job would be way, way easier.

But I can't. I've tried. But clairvoyance isn't in my blood.

Since that's the case, I need you to tell me what's going on in your head. I'd love to know what you're thinking about Hub City. I so much appreciate the Hub City folks who share with me what they are really thinking and feeling.

But I also know that this is a two-way street. You can't read my mind.

That's why we're beginning a new series this Sunday called: Why? It's going to be a glimpse into why we do what we do as a church and why you should care. You don't want to miss it. It'll be a small glimpse into my mind as it come to all-things, or at least some-things, Hub City.

It begins this Sunday.

Movies in the Park: | Your-Carolina | Local Entertainment for Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson S.C. and Asheville N.C.

2011-07-12T11:48:00.000-05:00

Movies in the Park: | Your-Carolina | Local Entertainment for Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson S.C. and Asheville N.C.

Partial to the Bible

2011-06-28T14:32:00.003-05:00

I've talked to a number of folks lately about different books and curriculum that they are using for small groups at their churches. There are some great books and curriculum out there.

But I'm not a fan of using books or curriculum in a small group. I actually think that those things may just hinder our spiritual growth at times, especially in a small group.

There's so much I could say about this. The Word of God is living and active. The Bible is the primary means used by God to speak to his people. Why do we substitute something for the Bible. I know those books have great content. I've read many of them. But something supernatural takes place when we study the Bible. The Holy Spirit shows up and teaches us. God speaks to each person where they are.

That's why I'm partial to the Bible. I think small groups should study the Bible. BTW: That's why we do "storying" in our Hub Groups. We're going to talk about that and much more during our upcoming Sunday morning series called Why? It begins July 17th.

Working on it

2011-06-28T14:27:00.002-05:00

This has been a fun week so far. Instead of getting ready for a sermon on Sunday I've been able to do some work "on" the church, some planning, some praying, so future thinking. I've been needing to do this for a while.

I am really excited about what we're going to be teaching come Fall.

I'm looking for ideas for future teaching series that might be helpful. I have about 136 in my "possible" folder, but am always open to more suggestions/ideas.

Some life-altering questions I'm thinking about

2011-06-21T08:30:00.003-05:00

I love the book of Acts. The story of the first church is incredible. Josh and I were talking about it last week. Specifically we were talking about when the Holy Spirit came that there was a supernatural and rapid spread of the Gospel that resulted in exponential growth for the first century church.

If you know the story, there was a group of 120 disciples praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit. They were doing what Jesus told them to do. Then the Holy Spirit came and they started speaking in all kinds of different languages and people from all over the world heard the Gospel in their own language and 3000 people ended up becoming Christians in one day.

When we think of the Holy Spirit coming we selfishly think of it coming for our benefit, but the Holy Spirit didn't come for the benefit of those 120 who were praying. It came to supernaturally enable and equip them to rapidly spread the Gospel to those who needed to hear it.

Which leaves me with some questions that I posed to Josh and to our Leadership Community last night:

What would it look like in our day for the Holy Spirit to come so that there is a rapid spread of the Gospel and an exponential growth in the church (new disciples)?

Do we even want that?

Are we willing to pay the price?

A lesson from my 95 year old grandfather

2011-06-20T08:46:00.003-05:00

We went to see my grandparents on Father's day. My grandpa is 95. He's doing good for someone who's less than 5 years from the century mark.

But yesterday he unintentionally taught me something that's a lesson for all of us.

Because of some health problems he hasn't been able to attend his church's Sunday worship. But flippantly he said, "I continue to send in my tithes and offerings."

That statement stood out to me.

Here's the deal: My grandfather isn't getting anything in return for his giving. He can't physically worship with his church family. He can't participate in their ministries for senior citizens. But he is faithful with tithing. I think God will bless him for that. I believe there will be a reward for him in heaven for that faithfulness.

So here's the question: Are we being faithful in our giving? It's so freaking easy. You can give online. You can mail it in. You can give during worship.

I think we can learn a lot from grandpa Henry's example of obedience.

How to waste time

2011-06-20T08:37:00.002-05:00

I'm convinced more and more that we're wasting our lives away. I'm just as guilty of wasting time as anyone else. I have to guard against it. I have to discipline myself to make the most of my time.

Take an inventory. How much time do you spend on meaningless activities (Facebook, video games, TV, playing with your smart phone, etc.)? I dare you to add it up.

It's depressing isn't it?

How much more meaningful and effective could our lives be for God if we cut out the waste?

We only got one life to live. We need to make the most of it.

I think the Devil is thrilled with how much time we waste. I think he loves it when we spend countless hours doing meaningless crap.

Put down the smart phone. Turn off the TV. Cut the Facebook leash.

Ephesians 5:15-16 says Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.

Memory Verses

2011-06-18T11:12:00.003-05:00

One of the best habits you can develop is the habit of memorizing Scripture. Jaimee Holmes found this site that can help with that. Check it out and start memorizing today.