November 6, 2009
Wednesday nights our Journey Church core leadership team meets to pray, to worship, to plan, and to prepare for things to come. It’s the most important thing we do together as a team. This past week as we were reviewing our vision and purpose Pastor Doug said something that really stuck with me. He mentioned that we have all become so close that it would be impossible to “do life” without each other. I believe I can speak for our entire team when I say that it’s true. I certainly don’t want to even imagine how empty my life would be without the friends and family that I serve the Lord with. This is the atmosphere that we strive to build within our church body.
Don’t get me wrong, this relational type of ministry is messy, it’s hard, and it’s not in any textbook I’ve ever read…but I believe it to be the most rewarding way to live life and do ministry. And with all that being said, I’m excited about the future. I was telling our ridiculously awesome worship pastor, Mark, this morning how excited I am for the future. I’m excited about my future, the future of my friends and family, the church, and all that. But I’m most excited that in twenty years our children will be reaping the benefits of our sown seeds of time, energy, tears, hugs, giving, and work that are building a firm foundation for all these relationships. I’m excited that my children will be able to grow up in an environment that exemplifies true Biblical community, love, and an ongoing exchange of the Spiritual giftings God has placed within each and every one of us. Just think about it: if we model this now, if we continue to join together in what is the best type of relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, why would our kids want anything other than that type of influence in their lives as they grow up? If we are examples of unconditional love, of fun, of fellowship, why would our children ever think there is anything they are missing out on? This is what excites me. Can you look into the future and see generations built upon the hard work of our relational lives now? It’s a beautiful thing. It’s risky to love unconditionally, but the risk is worth the effort. So let’s build genuine, authentic relationships. Let’s take the risk, let’s build the foundations of relational revolution now and change the future of our community!
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September 15, 2009
This is what I’ve been trying to wrap my brain around the last few days:
The very word “decision” to me carries with it an idea of being steadfast, to say what you mean and mean what you say. Every executable action is first a decision to act…or react. Hopefully, if you are serving in any kind of leadership capacity, you’re a man or woman of action. Real leadership requires us to be innovators & initiators. There is something about leadership that demands of us the courage to act in faith instead of always waiting for direction, permission, or encouragement. Leadership is a lonely road at times but the journey is worth every step.
Secondly is discipline. This part is HUGE. If you look into history at anyone great, any famous achiever, any world-renowned inventor you will undoubtedly note that they are people of passion. That passion is what gives fuel to and drives their discipline. Being passionate and in love with Jesus keeps us going when the world calls us crazy or cannot understand our sacrifice or servanthood. Paul even said that he disciplined his body and made it his slave so he would be able to preach and then practice what he taught. Great achievements are not made through a single act of genius, but through invested time in consistent dedication.
Finally, dedication. This is what stokes the flames of our passions. I’m dedicated to the Lord, to carry out His will and purpose in my life. If a husband is dedicated to his wife, he will remain passionate about his decision to walk in love for the lifetime they’ve decided to invest together. Without dedication, it’s easy to let the emotional aspect of our passion fizzle out. Dedication is the choice that helps us adhere to our decision, and gives strength to our passions, which ignites our discipline.
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Filed under Life
Tags: Acworth, Atlanta, decide, decision, dedicate, dedication, discipline, Georgia, journey, Journey Church, lead, leader, leadership, passion
August 15, 2009
Each of us finds our way with God differently. What is important is that we are walking, that we keep moving, that we are pushing onward, upward, and forward. This week a friend led me to an online tool that is a wonderful help in your daily journey with God. I want to urge you to check it out: http://www.examen.me. Sign up (it’s free) and just walk through one day’s devotional…I’ll bet you’ll love it!
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August 7, 2009
Our worship team has been praying and fasting and preparing music like mad to ensure that this weekend it’s easy for families and individuals to connect with God in a real and tangible way. As we have been praying and interceding for our church and our city one thing has become very clear: we are in a time and place ripe for a powerful move of God. Most everyone I know is in desperate need for a touch from God in their lives – whether it be financial need , relational need, spiritual need, clear direction…the list could go on and on. But with great need also comes a great opportunity for a mighty move of the Spirit in ourselves, our families, our church, and our city.
I pray earnestly that you would consider taking part in our worship service this Sunday, August 9. I know that this will prove to be a time of refreshing, of revelation, and of destiny! There is no limit to what God can do with an open heart and a willingness and expectancy for a move of God!
For information about Journey Church, or for service times and directions, please visit http://www.jcacworth.org
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