Christmas, The Story

Christmas - 180

Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

Bethlehem Star

I just finished watching a DVD presentation about the Star of Bethlehem. Interesting. Visit The Star for yourself. I will need to watch it several more times, but I must admit the presentation is compelling.

Leadership Thought

Leading Ideas: Getting Unstuck (part 2) “ID-ing Catalyzing Leaders”
Orginally published on Monday, December 08, 2008 at 9:19 AM by Alan E. Nelson

In the last LeadingIdeas, I pointed out that the primary reason that churches find themselves stuck is because they’ve marginalized or run off their catalyzing leaders. These are the people who have the God-given ability to sense where organizations are stuck and are able to strategize ways to move them forward. The typical scenario is that managers or do-gooders get selected to serve on the church board, people who’ve never really led much in their lives, but find themselves in a situation where they can “be in charge.” If and when a catalyst is nominated to serve on the board or even considers the outside chance of volunteering for the role, he looks at the current board, doesn’t spot any other catalysts, and then graciously excuses himself. Fat chance they want to spend endless hours in board meetings, nit-picking over paint chips or micro-managing ministry budgets. So how do you find these elusive, catalyzing leaders, when you’re surrounded by teaching, relational, and managerial types? The problem is a big one because the old adage is true, “it takes one to know one.” When non-catalyzing leaders try to find catalyzing leaders, they nearly always come up with their own kind. So here’s a cheat sheet of sorts to help you discern who has a catalyzing wiring in your congregation, so that you can seek them out one on one for some loving arm-twisting. Since these people almost never respond to cattle calls from the pulpit or bulletin announcements, and healthy ones rarely volunteer to help (unhealthy controlling types sometimes do), you’ll need to do some personal recruiting. Sounds a lot like Jesus’ approach to disciple-inviting, doesn’t it? Here are 5 traits for identify catalyzing leaders:
1. They currently supervise at least 10 people in their work; 20 or more is even better. Don’t just look for talented individuals, sole business owners who sell insurance or run a ma and pa type store. People who manage more than a handful of others often have the catalyzing gene.
2. Interview the person and listen for past experience in terms of being in charge of clubs or groups. For example, “I was student body president of my high school.” “I was the captain of our debate team.” “I was the youngest to be promoted to district manager in our company.” In our work with young leaders in KidLead, we’ve found that catalyzing leaders tend to emerge early in life, as early as preschool when socializing distinguishes the followers from the followed.
3. They’ve successfully established ministry teams at church. When you give a catalyzing leader a task, he or she will round up a group of people and gidder done. Others will tend to overwork themselves, stress out over limited resources, and fail to attract others to the cause. They’ll say things such as, “Nobody showed up. Everyone was too busy. People just aren’t committed.” Use your local church as a laboratory to test for those able to catalyze others and accomplish things through teams.
4. They’re talked about when absent or are looked to when in a group. This is the EF Hutton symptom, “when they talk, others listen.” This person may not be brash, outgoing, or an extrovert, but they do carry a presence about them that is noticed when they are absent. Listen for names that get mentioned frequently and look for those who are asked about by others.
5. Look at those in your church who get things outside of the church. Catalyzing leaders can’t not lead. Because most churches don’t have enough room for them to spread their wings, they gravitate toward community, parachurch, or business arenas that recognize and reward them with opportunities. Google, read the paper, and interview those in your church who may be sitting in the back or attending sporadically, to see who is making the chips fly on the outside .
You may find one or two of these indicators in people who aren’t catalyzing leaders, but most catalyzing leaders will have at least four of them, if not all five. When you ID them positively, do your best to cast a personal vision. Better yet, find three or four of them and get them all together at one time. They’ll recognize the trait in each other and when they realize they’re not alone in the church, they’re more apt to hope things really can change. Then, let them go. Don’t tie them down with protocol and constraints. Let the horses run.

Alan E. Nelson http://www.alanenelson.com http://www.kidlead.com

I read this at www.mondaymorninginsight.com

Possible Joseph Thoughts

In the first Christmas Story Joseph obeys. He hears God and obeys. May I do the same.

Brain and Life Food

"There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator made known through Jesus Christ."

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)

What Gift Are You Giving?

Today's Whistling

Hark the herald angels sing"

Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:"

Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing"

Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing"

Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing"

Glory to the newborn King!"

Pray This Prayer - Regularly

The prayer below was offered in a Community Group by a person who is growing in Christ and branching out into new territories of faith in order to touch more lives.

Father,
We thank you for this study tonight and this time to learn about complete forgiveness. Thank you for making us all equal in your eyes. You forgive us no matter how big or small we may have sinned. Thank you for forgiveness even when we cannot forgive ourselves. Thank you for seeing our heart, we are truly grateful. Teach us to be more like you and to forgive others. Help us to remember it is not by our deeds but by our faith in you that we are saved. Thank you for providing this way for us. Let us seek to honor you in everything we say and do. Let us show others love and kindness. Help us and move in our lives to show us what we can accomplish in your name. Help us to put our faith into action. Help us to be more like you in everything we say and do.
In Jesus Name, Amen

The Gifts

Christmas Cheer

For those who are a part of SCC. Keep bringing in nice, clean, gently used coats for adults and children and plan on giving above and beyond your regular offering to help with ministry throughout Virginia. You can also help with Compassion International, Tamani Africa.

See Matthew 1 and 2 and Luke 1 and 2 for the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Worship

1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod's kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him."

11 They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

Worship: Recognise God's greatness. To bow down before God. To offer yourself to God. Recognize God is the King and you are the servant. Acknowledging that God is in control.

Bethlehem in Santa Clara

Take a quick tour of Bethlehem in Santa Clara. This is a pretty cool way to help people understand Christmas. Offer up a brief prayer for this church and Bethlehem Experience. Offer up a prayer for someone you know who has not yet accepted Jesus Christ. Offer up a prayer for the local church in which you serve. Offer up a prayer for yourself and thank God for life.

Just For Laughs

Social Event Questions

7 Easy To Ask Questions For Social Events
How do you like the band/food/play (fill in the blank) so far?
How do you know the hosts? (This tells me about connections and helps me find possible similarities.)
What do you do when you're not at cookouts? (work/family/hobbies)
What do you do for a living? or Do you work outside the home?
What do you do for fun?
How did you end up in ___________ (Name of city)?
How did you two meet (if you're talking to a couple)?

Thanks to John Chandler of The Spence Network for the above.

Happy Thanksgiving - Blog Break

I'm breaking from blogging to spend time thanking.

The Bonfire - SCC

We had a good time at the bonfire. Thank you Kirby and Janet for having us out. Thanks JT and the other Studnet Ministry Leaders for touching the lives of students and leading them to accept Jesus Christ and become totally committed followers of Jesus Christ. Fan the flame. Fan the flame.

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. II Timothy 1:3-7

Thanksgiving - He Rocks!

STEVE,

OKAY I LOVED THIS VIDEO AT CHURCH AND ON YOUR BLOG! (See The Post: Neverending Thanksgiving Prayer) THAT IS HOW I PRAY TOO! OKAY AND I WANTED TO PRAY LIKE THAT WHEN I GOT UP TO THE MICROPHONE. ONE LAST THANKS I WANTED TO SAY AND I DIDN'T WAS TO THANK GOD FOR SKINNIER JEANS! HE HAS BEEN A BIG HELP TO ME! AWESOME SERVICE! I WAS AMAZED AT HOW MANY PEOPLE GOT UP TO SPEAK THIS YEAR! SUNRISE CHURCH ROCKS AND IT TOUCHING SO MANY LIVES! IT IS AMAZING! NOT REALLY! IT IS GOD! HE ROCKS!

KATHY HOLLAND

Some Scripture

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1: 3-6

Thanksgiving - Gratitude Busters

Quote For Thought

Most people as are happy as they make up their minds to be.
Abraham Lincoln

Neverending Thanksgivng Prayer

This video can be found at Bluefishtv

Thankful

Thanksgiving - Presidential Thoughts

10

The Ten Cannots posted by a friend. Pretty good food for thought.

Top Ten - Too Much Thanksgiving Dinner

10. Hundreds of volunteers have started to stack sandbags around you.
9. Doctor tells you your weight would be perfect for a man 17 feet tall.

8. You are responsible for a slight but measurable shift in the earth's axis.

7. Right this minute you're laughing up pie on the carpet.

6. You decide to take a little nap and wake up in mid-July.

5. World's fattest man sends you a telegram, warning you to "back off!"

4. CBS tells you to lose weight or else.

3. Getting off your couch requires help from the fire department.

2. Every escalator you step on immediately grinds to a halt.

1. You're sweatin' gravy.

From Letteman.

Leadership Thought

"After fifteen years of diligent digging into the world around me, I have reached several conclusions about the future of the Christian church in America. The central conclusion is that the American church is dying due to lack of strong spiritual leadership. In this time of unprecedented opportunity and plentiful resources, the church is actually losing influence. The primary reason is lack of leadership. Nothing is more important than leadership."
George Barna, Leaders on Leadership

For SCC - 11-16-08 A Formula For Frienships

We finished the Balancing Your Life series this past Sunday by looking at the importance of friendships. GLARE did a great job with the song "You've Got A Friend". I mean, they knocked it out of the park. Below is a brief of what Scott and I shared about friendships.

I. TYPES OF FRIENDSHIPS

Casual Friends

Close Friends

Fact: The closer I am to a person the greater impact they will have on my life.

II. DETERMINING MY CLOSEST FRIENDSHIPS

Avoid people who have chosen to be:

Lazy, Angry, Immoral, Greedy, Unbelieving.

Select close friends who will:

Stimulate me mentally.

Support me emotionally.

Strengthen me spiritually.

III. HOW TO BUILD FRIENDSHIPS

Become interested in other people.

Be a positive and cheerful person.

Learn to be a good listener.

Accept people unconditionally.

Be there for people in good times and tough times.

Be willing to share Jesus Christ with them.

I encouraged everyone in attendance to call a friend this week and leave a voice mail or speak with them personally and shower them with positive and encouraging words about themselves. It would be best to leave a voice mail so they can listen to it numerous times. We like to be encouraged, so give a good word to a friend this week.

For SCC - Giving To Missions And Ministry

Some of the money that is given during the Hearts and Hands emphasis in Nov. and Dec. at Sunrise will go to help people in need after a a natural disaster. I met a man this past week who lives in VA and flew to TX to help with the group you see in the above clip. People were helped, lives were touched and Jesus Christ was shared with thousands of people. Thank God.

Thanksgiving - Grandma's House

At Grandma's House

I like the taste of turkey

Any time throughout the year

But it never

seems to taste as good

As when Thanksgiving's here.

Could be it's all the trimmings

That are cooked with it to eat-

But I think it's

eating at Grandma's house

That makes it such a treat!

~Author Unknown

As a child, preteen and teen our family spent man Thanksgivngs our my grandparents homes with many other relatives. I have great memories of these times and thanks God as I briefly visit the memory banks in times of reflection.

Psalm 95:1-6

1 O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
3 For the LORD is a great God
And a great King above all gods,
4 In whose hand are the depths of the earth,
The peaks of the mountains are His also.
5 The sea is His, for it was He who made it,
And His hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

360 Atop Spy Rock

This video was taken on Monday, 11-10-08 by David Donahue. David is the friend who led the way on the hike to the top. Thanks David.

Spy Rock trail to Appalachian Trail is a 1.3 mile moderately strenuous hike from the Montebello Fish Hatchery up to the Appalachian Trail and to Spy Rock, probably the best viewpoint in the central Blue Ridge. The rock outcrop, at 3,980 feet elevation, provides a 360 degree panoramic view of numerous mountain summits.

Friends - Sunday, 11-16-08 at SCC

Cute - What are you talking to God about?

Change

On my drive to and from the office complex I travel a road that is narrow and lined with trees on both sides. The trees are in full Fall colors and are beautiful. The brief drive is energizing due to the colors. When I arrive and park I look across a large piece of land that is back dropped by beautiful colors due to the Autumn weather. I sometimes sit just a few seconds and gaze out at the colors and breath a, "Wow". In the office I use I see pretty colors of nature outside the office window. I have recently been opening the office window just a bit to experience the north breeze and the smell of Fall. My wife and I just recently visited about the color of the leaves and how pretty it is this year.

Fall is pretty in my zip code. The trees changing colors is beautiful and makes for some good driving conversation. It leads me to think some about changing seasons which in turn leads to pondering about personal change and growth. As I think on this I realize I am all for YOU changing and becoming a better person, a more giving person, a person that I might like, and a person who realizes just how sharp I am. I mean, I am all for YOU changing. But me changing and making personal changes, now that is another story. Really, I do think about personal changes that I need to make want to make and grow towards. Below are some of the changes I think about for Steve Nethery.


I want to become less reactive and more responsive with my words.
I want to be a better listener.
I want to be a better public speaker/communicator.
I want to be more disciplined in my thought pattern and more optimistic in my thoughts.
I want to become more aware of what God is doing internationally.
I want to become more "Eternally Bound."
I want to... the list goes on.

Change. What are you seeking to personally change?

WOW

HARRIMAN, Tenn. – Ken Mink, a 73-year-old full-time student, scored two points Monday night in Roane State Community College's 93-42 victory over King College's junior varsity. Mink entered the game with about 16 minutes left in the second half and attempted one shot in about three minutes. Seven minutes later, he went back in the game, was fouled and made two free throws.
"I found myself on the free-throw line 52 years after my last college game," Mink said. "I said, 'Just relax and shoot it like you know how to all day long.' I just floated the shots in there. I'm in the books now. I can relax a little bit."
Mink, of Knoxville, last played college basketball 52 years ago at Lees College in Jackson, Ky. After someone soaped the basketball coach's office, he lost his spot on the team and was expelled. Mink still says he didn't do it.
Last year, after shooting baskets at a neighbor's house, he wrote to several area colleges, and Roane State coach Randy Nesbit agreed to give him a chance. Mink has practiced regularly with the team since school began in August.

Source: yahoo.com

The Month Of Thanks

During the month of November consider the personal developmment goal of becoming a more thankful and gracious person.

Helpful Hints:

Count your blessings - make a list and start enumerating the blessings in your life.

Consider the debt that has been paid on the cross - nothing is quite as humbling as an honest
evaluation of what Jesus has done in our behalf.
Write a brief “Thank You” note to everyone who gives you a gift this year - buy a package of
“Thank You” notes and a booklet of stamps. Write a cuple of cards each week and send them out.

Give thanks before each meal you eat and even your snack.
Begin teaching your children and/or grandchildren manners, like saying “Please” & “Thank You.”

Include thankfulness in every prayer - don’t allow your prayers to become a gigantic Christmas
list that you present to God…gimmie this, gimmie that… Spend time in thanks!

Nightly thanks - as you go to bed think of three things that happened that day and thank God for them.

The Hymn - Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings, see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buyYour reward in heaven, Nor your home on high.

Refrain
So, amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be disheartened, God is over all;Count your many blessings, Angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Happy Halloween

This Song Rocks

I heard this song this week at an Associational Meeting that was held at Union Bethel Baptist Church. Their choir was powerful and this song really touched me and made me think about the hope I have in JC.

The Great Depression

A family member sent me this info about The Great Depression. It has been an interesting read, look and listen. Be warned, you may get hooked.

From "Serious Times"

Vol. 4, No. 19

Dear Mr. President:

I do not yet know your name, but in a few days you will be elected to our nation’s highest office, and become the leader of the free world at the end of a long and engaging election season.

I wanted you to know that I will be praying for you. Not praying against you, or about you, but for you. That is both my pledge, and my obligation as a follower of Christ. In the Bible, the apostle Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

And I will do so with a full and undivided heart.

I will be praying for you from my position as a father of four children, and God willing, future grandchildren; that you will have the foresight to think through what your decisions will mean for them as the next generation.

I will be praying for you as a citizen of the United States; that you will seek wisdom from God and humbly submit yourself to His leadership as you lead our nation through economic turbulence, domestic divides, and cultural diversities.

I will be praying for you as a member of the global population; that you will work with other well-intentioned leaders from around the world as we face environmental challenges, wars and rumors of wars, and humanitarian crises.

And finally, I will be praying for you as a Christian; that you will encourage faith in God to flourish and never allow deeply held spiritual convictions to become a matter of ridicule, instead encouraging everyone to grant them a respectful hearing, even if they go against the political policy of your party.

It is being widely spoken that the next president will inherit more that needs immediate attention than any other president in recent memory. As a result, it has been a hard-fought and hotly contested election. Yes, I will vote, and I do not know if you will be the one for whom I cast my ballot. But following November 4th, all that must be set aside no matter how deep the divides may be.

So while I do not know if you will be the candidate I voted for, I do know that no matter your name, I will support you in one way without question.

I will be praying for you.

James Emery White


Sources

Scripture reference: I Timothy 2:1-2, New International Version.

For an online community committed to praying for our leaders that is both non-political and non-partisan, see www.presidentialprayerteam.org.

I copied this from an email I receive from Serious Times. Dr. James White authored the book and comments on the blog. Thoughtful reading.

Hearts And Hands

SCC begins a two month missions and ministry emphasis beginning this Sunday, 11-2. It has been exciting to think about this, discuss this and work on the promo with other leaders. Hearts And Hands will encourage and challenge those associated with Sunrise to think, pray, and give in new realms.

Pods For Growth

Catalyst

Money - Dave Ramsey Will Light Your Fire

Money is definitely on people's minds these days. Listen to this and then give it some thought.

Courses For Men - Funny

Class 1: How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays - Step by Step, with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM .

Class 2: The Toilet Paper Roll - Does It Change Itself? Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3: Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub? - Group Practice. Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4: Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor - Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5: Dinner Dishes - Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink? Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 6: Loss Of Identity - Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other. Help Line Support and Support Groups. Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM.

Class 7: Learning How To Find Things - Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming. Open Forum Monday at 8:00 PM , 2 hours.

Class 8: Health Watch - Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health. Graphics and Audio Tapes. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9: Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost - Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10: Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks? Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's noon , 2 hours.

Class 11: How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion - Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM .

Class 12: How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy - Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late. Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 13: The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used. Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Thanks to Doug Fraizer sending this my way.

THANKS

Thanks for the Pastor Appreciation Gifts given to Me, Scott and Ruth.

Much Prayer

Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing prayer. -Andrew Murray, The Secret of Prayer

House

1Jesus said to his disciples, "Don't be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. 4You know the way to where I am going." 5Thomas said, "Lord, we don't even know where you are going! How can we know the way?"
6"I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father.

WWW - Stewardship

Proverbs 3:1-10

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Problem Solving

Steps that will help you as you think about overcoming a problem:
1. Identify problem
2.Rephrase as positive behavior or outcome
3.Create/List optional solutions
4. Evaluate options
5. Select best option(s)
6. Compromisr for purpose - This is for groups
7.Carry out the plan
8. Evaluate and celebrate

Give While You Shop

I give is a way to give as you shop. We have a person in SCC who uses igive.com and SCC has received donations from I give. Check this out. Thanks for the reminder Janice.

Go Horns

Havin' some football fun.

This Is Rich

Luke 12

For SCC - What's In Your Wallet? 10-19-08

Continuing the Balancing Your Life series. The following is a quick look at What's In Your Wallet?

In our wallets or purses we find our Identification, Important Information and Money. The items in our wallets are important to us. They are also important to God. You are important to God. Your family, health, business, and other aspects of life are important to God. Your money is important to God. so much so that the Bible has a great deal to say about money. In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus tells a story seeking to help people understand just how important it is that we grasp the need of being wise with money and seek to honor God with money. The story is about being a good steward. It is about stewardship. These are words we do not hear very often today.

Steward: One who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs. An agent, manager, trustee, servant.

Insights From This Passage:

God is the owner.

Opportunity is before us.

Be responsible.

Take action.

Live in faith not fear.

We are accountable

Stewardship in the Biblical sense is realizing that God is the owner and you and I are the managers, agents or trustees. Being a good steward of finances involves Earning/Work, Taking and Inventory, Spending, Saving and Giving. It involves having a financial plan or budget and being informed in regards finances. We were encouraged to look at one of the above areas and seek become better stewards.

150

1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Community Group

Great discussion at Group last night. We had very open dialogue last night about the people who helped us come to Christ, people we are helping come to Christ, hoe our faith can impact others and help them accept Christ, the importance of forgiveness and that it is mankind's greatest need, how we each need forgiveness and how forgiveness brings healing form Christ to us and to to others. Good time, no, Godly time.

Joe The Plumber

Presidential Election - Information

The following links will provide you some information to think about as you seek to decide whom you will vote for on Nov. 4.

Presidential Debates

Saddleback Civil Forum Interviews with Candidates

Cell Phone and Bible - What if...

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat
our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

This is one of those circulating emails that was sent to me via a friend. Made me think. At this time in my life and career my cell phone is very important to me. At this time in my life and career the Bible is very important to me. Questions for me: Which one is more important? Which one gets more use? Do I spend as much money to help me and others in regards to Christianity than I do on my Cell Phone Bill?

Hmmmmmm...

Money - Makes Sense and Is Biblical

Seven Practical Steps

This Is Good

Jesus Loves You

My son's friend had this shirt on this morn. Funny.

Homecoming Court

The Nethery's are celebrating Nat's Sr. year in High School. She recently made the Homecoming Court in her High School, Western Branch Bruins that has about 2,500 students, and was in the running for Queen. She had a great week and a really fun Friday at the Homecoming Parade and game. Nat, you are a awesome daughter and a wonderful young lady.

Daily Devotional

The following is a good word about God's Word. You can check this site out yourself daily or you can order hard copies of this Devotional book that will help you as you seek to spend time with God each day.

Our Daily Bread

Some Quotes Sent From A Friend

Better to do something imperfectly than to do NOTHING flawlessly.

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude!

The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one.

Winners never quit and quitters never win!

To fail to plan means you plan to fail!

The first step to getting the things you want is to DECIDE what you want!

For SCC - Balancing Life's Demands

Continuing the series Balancing Your Life Sunday's service was an overview of upcoming services with an emphasis on deciding to live with Christ at the center of your life. Below is a brief of the message.

When we live in imbalalnce we experience frustration and fatigue.

The following story told by Jesus and recorded in Luke in Chpt 15:11-21. 11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

This man lived out of balance. His life became chaotic and frustrating because he was seeking to live for himself and away form any foundation. After doing some self evaluation he came to his senses and returned home. Scott encouraged us to do some self evaluation and decide to live with Christ as the center of our lives. We will be looking at the following areas iin the series: Finances, Mental/Thoughts, Physical Health, Spiritual Health and the importance of Friendships.

The message was closed with the following thoughts about taking action:
1.It’s never going to be any easier than it is today to do what God’s putting on your heart to do.
2.The longer the wait, the more damage.
3.Once you decide to do something, it’s amazing how quickly a change of heart can happen in our lives.

It is time to take action:

1.Take inventory
2.Make a plan
3.Establish Christ at the center of your life

201: Membership

Today I had the opportunity to lead SCC's 201 class. It was a good time. Fast and furious, yet a good time. Those in the class had already gone through SCC's 101 course and are very sharp people. I wish we would of had more time for discussion today because the brief discussion we did have was encouraging and beneficial to all in the class. It does my heart good to meet people who want to follow Jesus Christ and and recognize that God is working in their lives. It is encouraging to hear from others a desire to see God work in the lives of others and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Focus

Money - Helpful Forms

Financial Peace University - Helpful Forms

Crown Financial - Helpful Forms

Encouraging Words

Matthew 6:25-34

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Quote - Personal Growth

"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." Psychologist Carl G. Jung

Money - Funny, Yet Not

Leadership Thought

When you have a culture of disciplined people, you don't need hierarchy. When you have disciplined thought, you don't need bureaucracy. When you have disciplined action, you don't need excessive controls. When you combine a culture of discipline with a culture of entrepreneurship, you get the magical alchemy of great performance.- Jim Collins, Good to Great

Time

For SCC - Slowing Down 10-5-09

Sunrise began a new series this past Sunday. Below are the cliff notes to the service and message.

GLARE, the Music Team/Band, of Sunrise lead us in music that lead us to think about and encounter God. The DVD clip "Slow Down" was shown and GLARE played a cover song from Third Day that rocks and speaks to the heart and soul about slowing down in life.

Message Highlights:

Effects Of A Hurried Life:

A hurried life can lead you and me to experiencing and feeling more stress.

A hurried life can lead you and me to lose our sense of thanks and joy.

A hurried life can make us less productive.

In a hurried life we are most likely to make bad decisions.

In a hurried life we miss out on opportunities to share God's love with others.

God seems distant in a hurries life.

Slow Down:

S - Start your day with God.

This is about being in tune with God and empowered by God.

L - Learn to say "yes" and "no".

This is about life management and purpose.

O - Obey # 4.

This is about rest,relaxation and recognition of God.

W - Wait on God.

This is about trusting God.

Money - The Video Is Pretty Clear

Money - A Few Thoughts From The Bible

1. Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaves an inheritance to his childrens' children."
2. Proverbs 21:20 "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has."
3. Proverbs 22:7 states that "The rich rule over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender."
4. Luke 14:28 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it."
5. Matt. 6:24 "You cannot serve both God and money".

6. Philippians 4:10-13 "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Money - Helpful Ideas

How To Prosper In A Declining Economy is a sweet little article. Take 5 and give it a read.

My Daughter the Senior

Matthew 7:24-29 The Message

24-25"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26-27"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
28-29When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying—quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.

Money - Bail Out Comments

Dave Ramsey's Thoughts on the Bail Out

This makes sense to me. I had decided to contact my local congressman before hearing this from Ramsey. I have contacted my congressman via phone and email asking him to think through all options and choose the best for the taxpayers, and small business owners.

Money - A Budget or Financial Plan

A budget is simply a plan – a plan for how to spend the money we have. As Christians, we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. We are not the owners; we are simply the managers of what He has entrusted to us. Knowing this fact should give us a better perspective on how we handle money. A budget is a great way to make sure we are handling money in the best way.Without a spending plan, it is impossible to know where your money goes each month and whether you will have available funds for the things you need. The “not knowing” can create feelings of anxiety and fear. Financial problems can cause stress in marriages and other relationships. When you create a spending plan, you can have the peace of mind in knowing that your bills can be paid, you have funds available for emergencies, and you know what you can spend for the things you need and want. The Lord blesses us with resources (or money) so that we can use it wisely to fulfill His purposes in our lives and further His kingdom. Without a plan for how to manage our finances, we may never reach our goals and experience true financial freedom.

Read this full article and find many other helpful financial tools at Crown Financial Ministries

I John 4:9-11

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." - 1 John 4:9-11 (NLT)

Questions For Church Leaders

The following will help eval. and plan as we seek to plan worship experiences in order to reach people.

1. Will my friend feel welcomed?Principle: Hospitality – The atmosphere, nomenclature, and style of service should be inviting and not intimidating to the unchurched.
2. Will my friend fit in?Principle: Comfort and compatibility – Like it or not, invitations and visitor comfort decrease when social or cultural gaps exist.
3. Can I feel confident that I know how the service will turn out?Principle: Consistency – People need to know what to expect, because they will invite accordingly.
4. Will my friend get something out of it?Principle: Relevance – The message should be relevant and powerful for people at all spiritual levels.
5. Will my friend understand it?Principle: Understanding – Jesus taught through practical illustrations. The songs and message should be understandable for people at all spiritual levels.
6. Will everything that could seem strange to the unchurched be explained through Scripture?Principle: Sensitivity – Scriptural actions should be carried out with clarity and considerate explanation.

Having said all this, I am convinced of one thing. If members walk out of your service saying, “I wish my unchurched friend had been here,” they will start to think about inviting their friend. If a member walks out of your service three weeks in a row and says every time, “I wish my unchurched friend would have heard that,” nothing will stop that member from dragging that friend through your doors. The challenging thing is that often, when members walk out of churches, the only thing they can say is, “I wish my other church friends would have heard that.”

This information is adapted from Richard Reising’s book, Church Marketing 101

Leadership Thought

You Know You're Not Leading When...

Praying - Persevering

The great point is to never give up until the answer comes...
The great fault of the children of God is, they do not continue in prayer...they do not persevere.
If they desire anything for God's glory, they should pray until they get it.
George Mueller

As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.
But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."
Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."
He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!" Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?" The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God's Son for sure!"

Really Good News - All religions are not are the same

I Peter 3:8-12

8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

For SCC - Myths We Believe About Relationships 9-14-08

MUTHBUSTERS continued this past Sunday. Below is a brief of Dr. Scott Salsman's (AKA - Salsa) message.

Myth: All my relationship problems are my spouses fault.
Truth: It takes two to Tango.

Myth: If our marriage takes hard work we must not be right for each other.
Truth: Marriage takes effort and work.

Myth: My spouse owes me (for all I do).
Truth: We are to be humble in our marriage and help one another.

Myth: My spouse can and should meet all my emotional needs.
Truth: That will not and cannot happen.

Myth: I shouldn't have to change the way I am to make our marriage work.
Truth: We all need to be changing and becoming more complete people.

Myth: My spouse should be like me.
Truth: We are different people. Men and Women are different and that is a good thing.

Scott used various Scripture throughout his message. The myths and truths can apply to all relationships not just in marriage. Scott used some thoughts from the following book. It is a fun and good read about marriage. Waffles and Spaghetti is just one resource from this couple.

Another Myth Busted

This comment ws recently left on a 9-7-08 post. I copied as is with a few spelling errors (no big deal) may this encourage you in your faithalk as we bust some myths. Keep going. Thanks for the comment anonymous. It will encourage others and bring hope to others. God Bless.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "For SCC - Myths We Believe About God 9-7-08":

Heres one for your myth buster campaign...."because I am a Christian I will be able to figure things out (smartly, faster, to my advantage) because I have GOD on my side." MYTH ... BUSTED. In my newly, albeit, staggered, diaper riding walk with faith I am learning/accepting that everyday is a challenge and it is the little things that we don't see (immediate) that can and do affect our walk with Jesus. With that said as a new/renewed/wanting to be better Christian, I would be remissed not to admit that being a Christian "ain't easy". I guess that would be another myth. "I am a Christian and it is Easy"....BUSTED. Everyday is a challenge..not because it is a new day but because there is, and will always be, constant temptation/choices that, even though we think better, we submit(sp?), sometimes for the good of all Christianity and within the constraints/boundaries of our faith, but because sometimes the opposite, which then stimulates the guilt that can hinder our ability to rethink and/or revector our need/want/willingness to walk within our faith. I am commenting because I am in search of knowledge and understanding, in hopes that someday, somehow, things will get easier. It is through my faith that I know, because of my foundations (those brought to you courtesy of the Southern Babtist)and newly found faith from SCC, that through my faith, acceptance, want for my children, and myself that I can only/will make things easier by truly understanding what it means to live faithfully and have meaning in my life. I have found something anew in what I feel at SCC. I have found something that has reinvigorated my self-challenge to do better for my family, faith, and in context, what sometimes feels like a big black hole.

Thank you and Thank you....Keep on keeping on...and by that I mean feeding the minds of people like me who question, have doubts, and lack reason for the things that we do but desire to (even though we don't know what we hunger) for the love, sovereignty, acceptance, and forgiveness of Christ.

Pray For Someone - Feelin' Good

PRAY

Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. II Chronicles 6:19

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.
2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:1-3

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.
Jeremiah 42:3

Perfect Church Service

The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of. Our attention would have been on God. - C.S. Lewis

What Is God Like?

What do you think God is like?

One More Day

Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.
Joel 1:14

See the earlier blog about praying on Thursday, 9-11.

For SCC - Myths We Believe About God 9-7-08

The following is a brief of the message that started SCC's new series MYTHBUSTERS: Keeping It Real.

Myths We Believe About God

The following are not all the muths we tend to believe about God, but they will lead you to think through some of the core beliefs of Christianity and willhopefully lead you to think through some of your personal beleifs about God that you have just taken for granted and not really researched, studied and prayed through.

Myth: God's love must be earned
Busted: God loves you period. God's love cannot be earned.
John 3:16 I John 3:1 Ephesians 2:8-9 Romans 5:8

Myth: God hates the sin and the sinner.
Busted: God does not like sin, but he loves people.
John 8:1-11 I John 1:9

Myth: Because I am a Christian God will protect me from pain and suffering.
Busted: Pain and suffering are a part of life just as joy and hope are a part of life.
John 16:33

Myth: God can't use me unless I am spiritually mature and strong.
Busted: God desires to work in and through you to bring glory to Himself and joy and hope to you and others.
John 4, look close at verses 29 and 39 Philippians 1:6 Ephesians 2:10

God loves you and desires to work in your life. Humble yourself before God, recognize Him and discover and experience His wonderful work in your life. He will bless you and you will bless others. Decide to walk with God. Grow in your relationship with God. Process statements you may think about God or believe about God and test them with the real truth of God's Word. Be a Mythbuster.