A Good "Blog" Word From A Friend

This afternoon I received a call from a colleague in the pastorate who serves a large church in an urban setting. He just needed to talk. As he was in his office this morning finishing up the preparations for the funeral of a church member, someone walked into his office and interrupted him to complain about something from the worship service the day before. My friend handled it with grace and tried to get back to the funeral service. When he called me, he was in his car on the way to the graveside.
It happened that my devotional this morning provided a word of encouragement and I shared it with him. It talks about two kinds of people: fire lighters, who encourage you; and fire extinguishers, who will throw cold water on you. They can rob your passion. Fire lighters focus on how to inspire but fire extinguishers would rather focus on what's wrong rather than what's right. Sadly, most of us spend more of our time dwelling on the latter rather than the former. Perhaps God's word for my friend and for us all is to focus on the people who encourage and let God handle the rest. Life is difficult enough. Don't let anyone extinguish your passion. Like Jeremiah, ask God to light your heart afire -- "His word is in my heart like a fire" (Jeremiah 20:9, NIV). Blessings, Pastor Bob
source: God's Word for You Today, May 19, 2008

Romans 12:1-21

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Leadership Thoughts

Leaders and leadership teams need to take time away each month or if needed more often to sit still with a pad and pen or laptop and give some thought to what is happening on their team, in their business, in the organization they are serving or in the church they are leading. Think about the purpose of the organization and the values the organization is to be fleshing out and then think through the following in order to help in the evaluation process.

1. Assess what is happening

2. Affirm what is good

3. Adjust what needs to change

Mental Health Will Do You Some Good

The following was sent to me via the net. Have Fun. Exercising the following can help your family be physically and mentally healthier.

1. Eat dinner together

2. Get some exercise

3. Go to the zoo or museum together

4. Take a walk togehter

5. Watch a movie together

6. Get enough rest

7. Pack healthy lunches

8. Read a book togehter

9. Plan a picninc together

10. Take a short "get away" vacation

How To Stop Family Bickering

Examine Yourself First
Look in the mirror and do self examination and seek to be sure you are not the source for the bickering and the catalyst of family bickering. Seek to be a positive person and learn to speak in ways that are encouraging and uplifting.
Stop It Before It Begins
Begin to watch and learn what may trigger some of the family bickering. If you see patterns that are causes for family conflict work to communicate these patterns with your family and see them come to an end.
Speak Words That Are Positive
It is important that positive and encouraging words are spoken in the family unit on a regular basis. Practice this behavior yourself and train your children to do the same.
Allow For Growth
Bickering will occur in your family. Do not allow for it to continue, but do make the most of the bickering and learn to settle differences and allow for growth to happen as family members grow and learn new communication skills and lifestyle behaviors.
Pray and Pray and Pray Some More
Stay in tune with God. Pray for peace in your family. Keep on praying.

Good Family Communication

1. Think before you speak.
2. Stress the positive.
3. When you have to deal with the negative, do it in a positive , matter-of-fact way.
4. Take time with your spouse and children.
5. Always communicate love, even if you dislike something you spouse or children my be doing.
6. When you "blow it" ask for forgiveness.
7. When others "blow it" forgive them.
8. Listen with your ears and your body language.
9. Encourage one another.
10. Slow down and enjoy your time togehter.

Remember

17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.
Deuteronomy 8:17-19

Porch Time

Sat on the porch this morn thinking about God, life, family, church, friends, death, love, God's goodness, my son's B-Day (he's now 15), and various other topics, but mainly about God. His Holiness. His Power. His Kingdom. His Money and Property that I think are mine. How he brought Ruth (my wife) into my life. His Creation. His Care and Compassion. His Forgiveness. His Joy. My thought time is often interrupted by "roof brain chatter" and I have to refocus quiet often in order to stay on GOD and not on me and my life and how God can help me and my life. Please understand I do pray for me and my life, but this morn I wanted to focus on God and His Glory in some personal worship time. Praise The Lord. Praise The Lord. That sounds a little corny and cheesy, yet it is where I needed to be this morn and more often.

One Another

John 13:34 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:35 - "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 12:16 - "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
Romans 13:8 - "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."
Romans 14:13 - "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."

Romans 15:7 - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Romans 15:14 - "I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another."
Romans 16:16 - "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings."
1 Corinthians 1:10 - "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 5:19 - "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord."
Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

For SCC - 5-18-08 The Challenge of Parenting and Communicating

The following is from the message Scott Salsman shared during the service. Parents need to help their children understand these truths.

Five Truths All Young People Need To Know

1. You matter

2. You are loved

3. You must choose your friends wisely; they will shape your life.

4. You must work for a fulfilled life.

5. You must remember your steps take you somewhere.

Parenting takes a great deal of effort. Time, communication and being involved in your child's life are very important as you seek to help your child/children understand these truths.

Funday on Sunday

Funday on Sunday was a great time. The combined service at 11:00 was well attended and the drama, music, DVD Clip and message were right on target. The food was good and there was plenty of it. Thanks Grill Masters and Kitchen Masters. The time outside playing and having fun was exciting and there were smiles on all the faces. Thanks to all who helped. May we keep having fun together.

Fair Fighting

I am doing some reading and thinking about this coming Sunday's (5-25-08) message and have just come across a list of "Rules for a Fair Fight". It is helpful information that will be beneficial to friendships, marriages and families. The list is to be applied when working through conflict in a relationship and desiring a healthy, mutual agreement so that the relationship can grow and be a vibrant experience for all involved. have fun learning and growing.

1. Identify the issue.

2. Choose the right time.

3. Choose the right place.

4. Begin with a positive stroke.

5. Stick to the issue.

6. Do not bring up the past.

7. Do not hit below the belt.

8. Take the other seriously.

9. Express anger nonabusively.

10. Do not play games.

11. Do not be passively aggresive.

12. Avoid asking for explanation of behaviors.

13. Avoid labeling and name calling.

14. Avoid Triangles (Do not bring others in to conflict you are seeking to settle).

This is good stuff. This is taken from The Family by Jack and Judith Balswick.

youversion.com

Great site and tool. Do this and grow. See the link.
http://www.youversion.com

Leadership Thought

"It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best."
- W. Edwards Deming

Thursday's Thought

"It is a great thing to talk to men about God; it is greater still to talk to God about men."
E.M. Bounds

God's Call

1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
The Call of Jeremiah 4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth.

Back in the Fall of 1984 these were the verses God used to help confirm His call and involvement in my life. Note the words "His call". God is in control even when I think He is not. I really need to focus on trusting Him and honoring Him and others with the life He has given me. Thank God for life and "His call".

Media

The Apostle Paul wanted to get to Rome because it was the epicenter of the world and he knew the gospel would and could flow to the world from there. I think the internet is the epicenter of the world today and we as follwers of JC need to get the gospel there to change the world and advance God's Kingdom.

Good time this morn at a brief conf. Check out http://www.churchymedia.com/ and http://www.naba.tv/

It will be well worth your time.

Cards

Just came in from a sweet 2 hr. conf. and mexican for lunch with 2 very encouraging and helpful friends. Good time. The mail box was full. Went thru the mail and read B-day cards. FUNNY and GRACIOUS. I mean I was LOL, hehehe, and grinnin' big. Fun stuff. I serve a church with some very gracious people. They cannot remember Sunday's messages (neither can I), but they sure can remember my B-day (that I appreciate).

Birthday

Today is my birthday. Thought I would share what makes life a little more enjoyable than norm for me.

The Outdoors

Morning Coffee & Afternoon Latte

Chap StickPeople Accepting Christ

God

The Beach

My Children

My Wife

This is not a comprehensive list. But these are some facets of my life that bring joy to my heart. Take a few minutes to make a mental list of the things that bring joy to your heart and thank God for them right now. have fun.

Inspiring

"I used to be afraid, but I'm not afraid of dying now, if that's what you want to know," he said. "Because life ain't about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths."

John Challis

Read the article at this link
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08125/878966-85.stm

UP

LOOK UP

God really is bigger than your concerns. Look up.

God really does care for you. Look up.

God really is larger than life. Look up.

God wants to be involved in your life. Look up.

God really is a "Big Time" forgiver. Look up.

God really will forgive you. Look up.

God really does work relationship miracles. Look up.

God really will help you in your relationships. Look up.

God, the Creator, really does understand hard work. Look up.

God really does want to be involved in your work week. Look up.

LOOK UP and call out to God. Really. He will answer you.

23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23

Quotes

The following are quotes from children they placed in Mother's Day Cards.

Angie - 8 years old
"Dear Mother, I'm going to make dinner for you on Mother's Day. It's going to be a surprise. P.S. I hope you like pizza & popcorn."

Robert
"I got you a turtle for Mother's Day. I hope you like the turtle better than the snake I got you last year."

Eileen
"Dear Mother, I wish Mother's day wasn't always on Sunday. It would be better if it were on Monday so we wouldn't have to go to school."

Diane
"I hope you like the flowers I got you for Mother's Day. I picked them myself when Mr. Smith wasn't looking."

Carol
"Dear Mother, Here are two aspirins. Have a happy Mother's Day!"

Q & A

Pregnancy Questions and Answers.

Should I have a baby after 35? No, 35 children is enough.
I am two month pregnant now. When will my baby move? With any luck, right after he finishes college.
What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex? Childbirth.
My wife is five month pregnant and so moody that sometimes she is borderline irrational. So, what is your question?
My childbirth instructor says it is not pain I will feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right? Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.
When is the best time to get an epidural? Right after you find out you are pregnant.
Is there anything I should avoid right after childbirth? Yes, pregnancy.
Do I have to have a baby shower? Not if you change the diaper very quickly.
Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to act normal again? When the kids go of to college.

Grow

"We must never be content not to grow for if you are not growing more, you are growing less - if the light is not increasing, darkness is encroaching."
George MacDonald, nineteenth century Scottish minister

From Five Star Families. A book to be given to all ladies this Sunday, May 11, 2008

Contagious

Your attitude is contagious. Is yours worth catching?

Bang

The following is taken from a book Sunrise is givng to all ladies this Sunday, May 11, 2008. I am doing a quick scread (Scim + Read) of the book. Good stuff. I am so thankful for the church in which I serve.

One piece of advice for new moms, "Watch out when changing diapers... poop shoots."

LOL

Release

As children bring their broken toys
with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
because He is my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
in peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
with ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back
and cried, "How can you be so slow"?
"My child", He said, "What could I do,
you never did let go?"

Ten

Adapted from Rev Mag, March/April 2008, p.30. Good leadership thoughts. Have fun.

Top Ten Ways to Fail As A Team Leader and The Somewhat Solution:

1. Fill your team with people just like you.

Others are important. Good leaders surround themselves with sharp and people who may not be like the leader.

2. Ask someone to do a specific job, and then do it yourself.

Let other do it. Follow up and encourage.

3. Don't trust anyone.

Develop trust.

4. Look out for #1.

That is not team.

5. Exercise high control.

Trust. Develop people and leaders. Help others succeed.

6. Make sure all ideas originate with you.

Brainstorm. Give others credit. Be open to ideas that will help accomplish purpose of team and of organization.

7. Foster an atmosphere of paranoia.

Foster and atmosphere of Koinonia (Community/Fellowship).

8. Make sure nobody appears smarter than you.

That will take a lot of effort. Put you effort into purpose.

9. Have a closed door policy.

Open the door. Pick up the phone. Read your emails. Communicate with team members.

10. Conserve affirmation.

Compliment, encourage, and give thanks regularly.

This is good information for any leader, boss, supervisor, etc. to practice. have fun.

Inspection

Yesterday I took the vehicle our daughter drives to a local Auto Shop for the yearly state inspection. I sat in a vehicle line long enough to have a good prayer time, thought time, planning time, and thank God time. A couple of verses that came to mind and heart later in the day are from Psalm 139.

23) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24) See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

These verses are about a God Inspection. It is good for you and I to open up before God and allow Him to make sure we are in line with Him, His glory, His truth, His wonder, Him. As you commune with God today and this week allow Him to search your heart and lead you in His ways.

Waking

"We wake, if ever we wake at all, to mystery." Annie Dillard

Privilege

I am privileged to serve and work with some smart, hard working, fun, loving, growing in Christ people who are a part of Sunrise Community Church. This past Sunday I heard positive word after positive word from various people. Individuals who are very intelligent and really are thinking through their walk with God. People who are living in joy and are helping me and my family live in joy. I thank God for the privilege of being able to serve Jesus Christ with these people and the honor to be their local pastor, hope dealer.

Take just a minute and thank God for people in your life and offer up a quick "Shout Out" to God for them. Have fun.

Concert

My wife and I went to a concert last night at Busch Gardens. We were introduced to a group from the land down under called Revive. They were smooth and rockin' and there lyrics were right on. We also heard Matthew West. I did not realize how many of his songs I liked until he started singing them. He was also very funny and interacted with the crowd really well. The evening ended featuring Third Day. I have liked the sound and lyrics of Third Day since their first release in 1996. The evening was beautiful, fun, inspiring, and God did His thing with a few little Godcidences occurring. They really were not and are not little. They were God working in His wonderful and mysterious ways. The concert series is being billed as Glory At The Gardens. Cool name. Cool Place. God moving. Looking forward to next Sunday at Glory At The Gardens.

If you are not familiar with Third Day I would recommend you purchase a CD of theirs called Chronology, Vol.1. It was released in '07 and has some really good songs from their other CD's.

Optimism

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

A Letter To Sunrise - Joy In Your Finances

Greetings,

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” This is how Paul ends his letter of joy to the people in the church at Philippi. What a way to end a letter of thanks, joy and hope. I hope you have experienced your joy quota increasing as we have taken a look at the letter of Philippians for the last seven weeks.

Paul ends the letter of Philippians by thanking them for the financial gift they sent to him and by encouraging them to continue to trust Jesus Christ in all things. He is positive, upbeat and hopeful because of the joy he is experiencing in Jesus Christ. May you and I experience that kind of hope in our lives and in our families. May we live in the realm optimism day by day. As we go through the weekdays may we live with a sense of anticipation. May we “Delight ourselves in God, yes, find our joy in Him at all times”.

As you and I go through the work days I realize that money is a major part of our thought life. I am aware of the time, prayer, planning, preparation, and thought that you and I give to our finances. We desire to make healthy decisions in regards to our income, expenses, and giving. Because money is such an integral part of life it is very important that we understand that God wants to be involved in our financial decisions and He wants to bless us so we can bless others. He wants us to experience joy in our finances, and we can if we will flesh out the truths found in the Bible and in the book of Philippians.

This morning we gained a little insight into the possibility of experiencing joy in our finances. As I think about money, work, expenses, bills, raising children, savings, unforeseen expenses, and giving I thank God for the opportunity to be able to think, work, serve, and learn how to make the most of His financial blessings. What a privilege it is to make decisions in regards to finances. You and I can decide to be bummed or joyful about our financial situations. We choose to make the most of our finances or allow our finances to get the best of us. We have the opportunity to be joyful or disheartened about our finances. I want to choose joy. I hope you will also. I must admit I am not always in the realm of optimism when thinking about finances, but I am learning to live in joy in all of life as I walk with God. I hope you and I will grow in the areas discussed this morning in the service. I really hope we will trust God and seek to honor Him in our finances. What a joy it is to ask God for help with money. What a joy it is to give so others can know Jesus Christ. What a joy it is to sit before God in stillness and be content with the current blessings and challenges in life. What a joy it is to help others and make a difference in someone’s life. What a joy.

Again, May your joy quota increase. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

Rejoicing,
Steve Nethery

National Day of Prayer

PRAY. Pray for America to bless God. Pray for your walk with God. Seek to be in tune with God today. Pray for your family to follow Jesus Christ. Ask God to heal broken relationships and watch with anticipation and hope. Pray for your church leaders. Pray for your pastors. PRAY.

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice. In the morning I will make my request and watch for the answer throughout the day. Psalm 5:3