SUNDAY NIGHT SUMMARIES
Returning home from the retreat late Friday night Melinda and I were excited to be on our home turf. It is definitely great to get away, this retreat was special. Matter of fact, it is always hard to be away from church, not because we are the pastors, but because we love the people.
* A brand new understanding of Colossians 1:20...more to come in an upcoming message on this scripture. I think the Message Bible sums it up powerfully in that there is nothing in our lives that is broken that will not be fixed by what Jesus did on the cross.
* Pastor Wendell challenged us, "We are churches that believe God is living." TRC is a church that operates with the distinction that God and His power are moving in the earth today for the salvation of souls, the restoration of humanity, healing, help, victory and etc...The reality is our church must operate like a church that believes in a living God--that His presence and power is in the local church today! He is as present today as He was in the 1st century and we should never want it any other way.
* Last night at the races was a real challenge. My car was not turning very well. It seems either something on the car is broken or majorly out of adjustment. The last two races, as soon as the tires wear a little, it is like throwing an anchor out and toward the back I go. Finishing 2 laps down to the leaders is just NOT my idea of fun. Midway through this weekends feature I was like, "Maybe I just can't learn to do this at age 37?" Then with the help of our awesome crew they helped me put things in perspective by reminding me that I am a rookie (11 races now in my lifetime) and that sometimes things go poorly. By the time I left the track last night I was ready for this coming weekend which is a not to miss--150 laps on the big track with the Grand National Series in town for 300 laps. The track will be lit for TV and the racing will be spectacular...plus rumor has it Geoff Bodine, former Nextel cup driver, will be racing in our class. We also heard a rumor that Dennis Bounds, the King 5 anchor, has rented a car and will be racing in our class soon. How cool is that?
* More to come on what I did this morning, but it will suffice to say, I think one of the most powerful steps towards unifying the churches in Monroe took place this morning at Monroe Community Chapel. I will write another post on this soon.
* Today a guy told me his sister has been attending TRC 3 weeks. He said, "She's been 3 times and hasn't heard the pastor preach yet." I haven't been in the pulpit since the first weekend of July. It has been a healthy break--one I take each summer. I had not planned to return to the pulpit until September, BUT once refreshed I always call an audible. I am stoked to be back for this weekend the 5th and through the month of August for two important series!
* This coming weekend the 5th I am communicating a message on releasing women in ministry. There is no doubt in my mind that women have a mandate to answer the God-given call on their life! For me, that includes operating in the Eph 4:11 offices, Romans 12 gifts and 1 Corinthians 12-14 gifts. I am convicted to the core that women were as authoritative in the early church as men based on many accounts in Acts. Many have strong opinions about the role of women in the church, but I am convinced we must do more to empower women in our churches to fulfill the call of God on their lives. Sadly many women "remain silent" when God desires them to be released! If you've wanted to know why many in the local church endorse pastors who are women, do not miss this message!
* Oh yeah, I heard today that AOL NEWS picked up the article on TWIN CALLINGS. If you haven't seen the article yet here is the link. Twin Callings
* I bought a fantasy football magazine tonight! I am a crazy football fan with tickets to the Seahawks, a fantasy team and a wife who shouts with all the other nutty Hawk fans at Qwest Field! GO HAWKS and Go Knightrous (that's my fantasy team). What do you think, do I franchise Joseph Addai or Matt Lienhart or Steve Smith? Come on fantasy players, help a brother out?
* Starting this week Melinda and I are going to be at the church every morning for prayer through the month of August. We will be praying specifically for our business leaders, financial supporters, outreaches, building projects and other financial related matters. If you have mornings free and want to pray together come on out Tuesday's at 6:30 am, Wed/Thurs/Fri at 8am and Fri at 10 am...
* August 2nd is our 16th wedding anniversary. I will write a post this week on how Melinda and I met, fell in love and have proceeded together to navigate college, pastoring, infertility, the death of my parent's and the adventurous life God has empowered us to live! Melinda is my All-American girl. That is what I saw in her when God opened my eyes in April of 1990 and she has only gotten better as we grow toward God together. GJM forever.
Go out and live your life to the full this week! See you in church this weekend.
