Yesterday, I experienced one of the greatest days in my life! The morning services at Foothills were unbelievable. God moved in ways that I've never experienced, and it was awesome! To watch the aisles of the auditorium being flooded by people who desired God to intervene in their lives for moving to say the least. 9/28/08 will definitely be a spiritual marker for our church.
The day only got better as we celebrated the Lord's Supper yesterday afternoon, and followed that up with THRIVE. We wrapped-up our series on dating by talking about broken hearts. What an amazing follow-up to the morning services. There are so many of our students who are shattered by lost love, family situations, drama with friends, and even self-destructive tendencies, and we had the opportunity to share God's love with them. Incredible!
All of those feelings only grew by the time our staff meeting ended this morning. I count myself as the luckiest man on earth because I get to serve with an amazing group of people! I left that meeting as pumped as I've ever been in my life. One reason for that was hearing that 19 of our students served in children's ministry yesterday! After hearing that, and some other info about our students serving, and have realized that we have close to 40 of our students serving on Sunday mornings! How cool is that!
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Awesome Day (0)
What God Has Been Teaching Me (0)
Over the last two weeks, God has really been stretching me. Between ministry, commuting, and selling a house, there has been a lot of frustration. Don't read to much into this statement. I love serving at Foothills, and I am in awe that God chose me to lead and incredible group of students and volunteers. What you have to understand is that all of the excitement in the world can be reduced (notice that I didn't say removed) by gas shortages, late nights, time away from Michelle, and a house that no one seems to want. In the midst of all of this junk, God has been speaking to me about totally trusting Him. This week, I began reading through the Psalms, and Psalm 13 really spoke to me:
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
Wow. Those words were exactly how I've felt recently. There have been times where I've asked God what's going on, and why He hasn't given me any insight. On a side note, there's nothing wrong with asking Him those questions. I blogged about HERE. Anyway, it was verses five and six that caught my attention. God absolutely answered my questions with those verses: "Trust Me. I've brought you this far. I loved you enough to die for you. Don't worry...I've got your back!"
I'm sure that someone is going to read this while experiencing some frustration of his or her own. Read this Psalm over and over, but don't be surprised how uses it to reassure you of His plan for your life. Labels:
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
Wow. Those words were exactly how I've felt recently. There have been times where I've asked God what's going on, and why He hasn't given me any insight. On a side note, there's nothing wrong with asking Him those questions. I blogged about HERE. Anyway, it was verses five and six that caught my attention. God absolutely answered my questions with those verses: "Trust Me. I've brought you this far. I loved you enough to die for you. Don't worry...I've got your back!"
I'm sure that someone is going to read this while experiencing some frustration of his or her own. Read this Psalm over and over, but don't be surprised how uses it to reassure you of His plan for your life. Labels:
Blogging Vacation (0)
I decided to take a couple of weeks off from blogging. I needed to prioritize some areas of my daily routine, and some time away was exactly what was needed. I've decided to ease back into things, so today's post will catch you up on what has been going on...
*THRIVE has been off the chain! "So You Think You Can Date" has been incredible. We've seen our attendance more than double in the last month...God is good! Students are becoming energized about the student ministry. There was a lot of excitement this past Sunday morning between our 9:30 and 11:15 services. There was definitely a buzz about what God is doing.
*We've seen a growth in the number of students who are serving in our main services. This is evidence that they are starting to understand the concept of serving others. Really exciting stuff.
*Clemson's on a three game winning streak! Hopefully, they'll keep it going against Maryland.
*We had two showings of our house last weekend. One didn't work out, and we're waiting on the second. You only have to have one buyer...
*We have mapped-out our creative plan for the remainder of the year. The next three series have the promise of transforming the student ministry at Foothills. You don't want to miss them.
*A couple of big outreach events are coming-up soon: "Freaky Friday" (a battle of the bands and a costume contest) on October 31st, and "Turkey Bowl" (flag football and deep-fried turkey) on November 23rd. Labels:
*THRIVE has been off the chain! "So You Think You Can Date" has been incredible. We've seen our attendance more than double in the last month...God is good! Students are becoming energized about the student ministry. There was a lot of excitement this past Sunday morning between our 9:30 and 11:15 services. There was definitely a buzz about what God is doing.
*We've seen a growth in the number of students who are serving in our main services. This is evidence that they are starting to understand the concept of serving others. Really exciting stuff.
*Clemson's on a three game winning streak! Hopefully, they'll keep it going against Maryland.
*We had two showings of our house last weekend. One didn't work out, and we're waiting on the second. You only have to have one buyer...
*We have mapped-out our creative plan for the remainder of the year. The next three series have the promise of transforming the student ministry at Foothills. You don't want to miss them.
*A couple of big outreach events are coming-up soon: "Freaky Friday" (a battle of the bands and a costume contest) on October 31st, and "Turkey Bowl" (flag football and deep-fried turkey) on November 23rd. Labels:
Staff Pick-Up Lines (0)
We used this video to talk about "defective dating" at THRIVE on Sunday night. Hope you enjoy!
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What's the Next Step? (0)
I read an article this morning that rejuvenated an idea that I've prayed about for almost a year, but had not felt that I had totally grasped how it could be used to reach students. I really believe that the time has come to begin kicking it around with student ministry leadership. I'm so excited this morning that I haven't even had a cup of coffee (that's a miracle in and of itself)! Check it out HERE.
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T-Shirts Are Here!!! (0)
Only Foothills Students folks will understand this one. You can stop by my office anytime between 9am and 5pm Tuesday-Thursday to pick-up your shirt. Remember...everyone needs to wear his or her shirt EVERY WEDNESDAY DURING SEPTEMBER!
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Tough Week Is No Match For God (0)
Last week flat-out stunk. There's no other way to describe it. Actually, there is another way to describe it, but you'd see a whole lot of this: $%&^, *@#^ (that would be cussing for those of you who aren't in the know).
Between ministry, frustration from our house not selling, and a ton of junk that was going on, I was expecting THRIVE to be really down. When I say down, I'm not just talking about numbers, but the excitement level as well. I will confess to throwing myself a little pity party at the end of the week. Then it happened: GOD SHOWED UP!
Last night was potentially the greatest night of THRIVE since we came to Foothills! The anticipation in the lobby was crazy. The students seemed to be really jacked to be there. Everything went better than we could have imagined, and it was only because we as leaders got out of God's way, and let him do His thing. The highlights for me were the two girls who ran up with "We Can't Wait to See..." cards in their hands (this was touched on last week). They were amped because the friends that they committed to invite came to church! Both wanted new cards so they could commit to inviting more. That's what it's all about.
I was reminded that God doesn't make our lives simple for a reason: if everything was always simple, we'd start to believe that we have everything figured out. God is totally in control; whether it's in the midst of trouble, frustration, or perfection. All He requires of me is to go wide open for Him, and He will take care of the rest. What an amazing lesson to come from a tough week. Labels:
Between ministry, frustration from our house not selling, and a ton of junk that was going on, I was expecting THRIVE to be really down. When I say down, I'm not just talking about numbers, but the excitement level as well. I will confess to throwing myself a little pity party at the end of the week. Then it happened: GOD SHOWED UP!
Last night was potentially the greatest night of THRIVE since we came to Foothills! The anticipation in the lobby was crazy. The students seemed to be really jacked to be there. Everything went better than we could have imagined, and it was only because we as leaders got out of God's way, and let him do His thing. The highlights for me were the two girls who ran up with "We Can't Wait to See..." cards in their hands (this was touched on last week). They were amped because the friends that they committed to invite came to church! Both wanted new cards so they could commit to inviting more. That's what it's all about.
I was reminded that God doesn't make our lives simple for a reason: if everything was always simple, we'd start to believe that we have everything figured out. God is totally in control; whether it's in the midst of trouble, frustration, or perfection. All He requires of me is to go wide open for Him, and He will take care of the rest. What an amazing lesson to come from a tough week. Labels:
Two Awesome Days (0)
The last two days have been incredible. Incredible in a couple of ways. First, I have witnessed the power of prayer. A ton of folks have been praying for Michael, and he was the only one in his neighborhood who didn't have a tree blown over. He lost a few shingles, but he is ok. I've also seen some really cool things take place in the student ministry. I won't go into details, but I will say this: Foothills has the most incredible group of student volunteers ever! These guys care about one thing - connecting students with God and each other. Guys, your prayers have been heard, are being answered, and making a huge impact!
Secondly, I have gotten a ton of work done. I was really concerned about how the Labor Day holiday would effect me, but it's been great. The talk for Sunday night is 98% complete (only a little touch-up left), and we are heading into "So You Think You Can Date" with a full head of steam. Not only that, but the basic structure for the rest of the series is done. I've been able to make some great contacts this week, and can't wait to head over to Walhalla High School for the pregame meal with the JV football team tomorrow. I love being involved with our local schools. It's amazing how much of an impact you can have by bringing a bunch of hungry football players food from Chick-Fil-A! Labels:
Secondly, I have gotten a ton of work done. I was really concerned about how the Labor Day holiday would effect me, but it's been great. The talk for Sunday night is 98% complete (only a little touch-up left), and we are heading into "So You Think You Can Date" with a full head of steam. Not only that, but the basic structure for the rest of the series is done. I've been able to make some great contacts this week, and can't wait to head over to Walhalla High School for the pregame meal with the JV football team tomorrow. I love being involved with our local schools. It's amazing how much of an impact you can have by bringing a bunch of hungry football players food from Chick-Fil-A! Labels:
Labor Day Musings (0)
OK. I guess they're not really musings, but the word sounded cool:
*We baptized 45 people yesterday! It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Michelle and I were visiting Foothills in May when they baptized well over 90, but this one was extra special. Why? Because I was actually in the pool with these people as they told the world that Jesus Christ has radically changed their lives! I was totally overwhelmed, and tired, by the time the 11:15 service ended.
*I always get excited when I see someone baptized. It doesn't matter is it's one or a hundred. If you've committed your life to Christ, and haven't followed through with baptism, your next chance will be in November.
*Last night's THRIVE was awesome! Even on Labor Day weekend, our attendance increased by 25%! Our students are really getting excited about the vision for the student ministry. The last two weeks, you could sense the anticipation in their voices, actions, and attitudes. Last night was made extra special as we "reserved" 51 chairs for friends and family who are important to us (more on this tomorrow). As overwhelmed as I was after yesterday morning's services, last night really messed me up. I can't wait to see what God as in store!
*For those who have texted, emailed, etc., Michael (my brother) is fine. Baton Rouge is experiencing the effects of Gustov, but being an hour away from the coast is a huge help. Please pray for the people of Louisiana. Labels:
*We baptized 45 people yesterday! It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Michelle and I were visiting Foothills in May when they baptized well over 90, but this one was extra special. Why? Because I was actually in the pool with these people as they told the world that Jesus Christ has radically changed their lives! I was totally overwhelmed, and tired, by the time the 11:15 service ended.
*I always get excited when I see someone baptized. It doesn't matter is it's one or a hundred. If you've committed your life to Christ, and haven't followed through with baptism, your next chance will be in November.
*Last night's THRIVE was awesome! Even on Labor Day weekend, our attendance increased by 25%! Our students are really getting excited about the vision for the student ministry. The last two weeks, you could sense the anticipation in their voices, actions, and attitudes. Last night was made extra special as we "reserved" 51 chairs for friends and family who are important to us (more on this tomorrow). As overwhelmed as I was after yesterday morning's services, last night really messed me up. I can't wait to see what God as in store!
*For those who have texted, emailed, etc., Michael (my brother) is fine. Baton Rouge is experiencing the effects of Gustov, but being an hour away from the coast is a huge help. Please pray for the people of Louisiana. Labels:
