What I’m learning

Not teaching as much has given me some time to read more, reflect, and just hear from the Lord.  Here’s some random stuff I’m reading & learning…

One Year Bible: I know, it’s a given.  However, I’ve really been hit as we read through 1 & 2 Kings (and beyond) at how repetitively sinful the Israelite leaders were.  Over and over they turn from God and do their own thing.  Because of this they miss out on God’s best. I desperately want to experience God’s blessing on my life; so I want to avoid the mistakes of the kings!

By the way, as I read this month I see a pattern in those who fell:  hardness of heart led to lack of discipline led to giving in to temptation led to sin action led to sin lifestyle led to consequences!

The Hole In Our Gospel:  challenging book that takes us back to what it means to follow Jesus. It’s more than saying a prayer and going to church; it’s a sacrificial lifestyle in light of all Christ has done for me!

Crazy Love: Great read about how much God loves us; not because of what we do but because of who He is! Our life is to simply respond to Him by loving Him with our heart, soul, mind and strength.

The Principle of the Path: I think Andy Stanley is an incredible leader, so I read anything he puts out.  This book is a strategic look at how the church can be more effective at accomplishing the vision God has given us.  I appreciate Andy’s simple, straight-forward, yet practical teaching.

Weekend Reflections (NYC edition)

I’ve take the last few weeks to relax, spend time with my family, read, and visit some other church leaders and their churches.  This weekend Lori and I were in the big apple.  Here’s some thoughts…

• Didn’t realize how fried I was until the last few weeks. I’ve enjoyed not having a busy agenda.
• Spent time with Nelson Searcy and Journey Church in New York City.
• I love hanging with Nelson, he’s a great systems guy and I always learn from him.
• Journey Church is making a difference in NYC. They’re reaching a lot of young singles.
• I guarantee Journey is the friendliest place in New York. I know that’s not saying alot , but the Journey guys really go the extra mile in welcoming people.
• I enjoyed sitting in worship with Lori.  We rarely get to do that, so it’s always fun!
• Darryl Strawberry (yeah, that one) shared his testimony. He’s a changed man since he gave his life to Jesus!
• Journey has more people in small groups than attending church; figure that one out.
• Being in New York reminds me how big the world is, and how many people are lost w/o Jesus.
• I’ve walked more this week than in the last 6 months; didn’t take cabs at all.  Living in NY would keep me thin.
• I officially love NYC.  Central Park, museums, architecture, history, cultures, crazy people, it’s all here
• If anybody wants to know how to do New York on the cheap, let me know. Lori and I made it a game and experienced the real NYC.
• Heard services at PVC were awesome.  I love Wayne Cordiero and love that we could have his message.
• Can’t wait to be back at Palm Valley next Sunday as we kick off “At The Movies”.
• You won’t want to miss next Sunday as I teach from “Remember The Titans” about what the Bible says about racism and prejudice. Should be tense!
• I Lost a good friend this week. Ray Blasdell passed away. He was a great friend, leader at Palm Valley, and a person who loved Jesus.  I’m glad he’s freed from a body that was failing him, but he’ll be missed.

As requested

I’ve received a ton of emails asking ot hear this weekend’s message at Revolution Church.

You can listen/download it here

I want to thank Dan Sutherland, who spent time Saturday giving me wisdom, insight, and even his teaching notes from his message during a similar situation.

Weekend Reflections

This was one of the toughest weekends of my life. So many emotions, so little sleep; but I truly got to see God work in a big way…

• My heart is broken for Gary.  I’m even more pained for Deanna and the kids. 
• I’m ticked that the evil one was able to injur so many.
• I was asked to speak at Revolution this Sunday and deliver the news. 
• Didn’t sleep a wink Friday or Saturday night.
• I’m grateful for Dan Sutherland for providing me insight, wisdom and even his notes from a previous message he gave on the subject. 
• I was overwhelmed at the response of the people at Revolution. What an incredible body. I was so glad to be there for them and help provide hope!
• I was in the lobby after each service to greet and answer questions. That was the real ministry!
• Noticed that Revolution has more “Affliction” t-shirts than any church i’ve attended. Loved seeing so many guys at church.
• Missed being at Palm Valley; I love my church family.  Thankful to them for encouraging and praying for me this weekend.
• Had lunch with Gary today. Lots of tears and tough things to talk about.
• I’m completely drained, I’ll blog more this week, but that’s it for tonight

New Series This Weekend

I’m fired up about our new series beginning this weekend at Palm Valley, titled “One Prayer”.  This is actually the second year we will be participating in OnePrayer. Last year…

• we partnered with over 1,800 churches representing nearly 1,000,000 Christians in 28 countries.
• we shared video teaching and joined together in prayer to become “One”.
• Over 660 churces were planted in Sudan, China, Cambodia and India.
• As a church, we developed a bigger heart for waht God is doing in His Church around the world.

This year we will again join with churches around the world to answer Jesus’ prayer that His Church would become one!

• We will be challenged by incredible pastors, Craig Goerschell, Andy Stanley and Francis Chan.
• We will explore the question “God is ……?”. (my message is “God is Good”)
• We will come together at Palm Valley to provide backpacks with school supplies for every foster child in the west valley.
• We will give to help plant churches around the world.  Our goal is 1,000 churches this year!

PVC’ers, please be in prayer for this incredible series. I can’t wait to be with you this weekend as we kick off OnePrayer.