Jesus Is

We just finished the "Jesus IS ________" series at C3.  I could preach this series for several years because Jesus is truly SOOO many things to SOOO many people.  Who or what is Jesus to you?

Decide don't intend

I intend to do many things.  I've intended to write a book, go on a trip, be more intentional with my kids, the list can go on and on.  But intentions get us no where.  We need to decide.  Make decisions and take steps.  Build a track and take action.  Track + Action = Traction.

I have decided to make changes and to finish my first book........short book...but still a book....ok.. maybe a pamphlet....a fairly thick pamphlet.

Drop the intentions.  What do you need to decide to do?

begin

You can never win, if you never begin.

What do you need to take the first step toward today?

40

I am officially "Over the Hill."  I'm coming out of the locker room after half-time and ready for the 2nd half.  When I think about it though, 40's are prime time.  When you are young, you have a lot of energy, but no wisdom or life experience.  When you are old you have a lot of wisdom, but no energy.  But in your 40's, you have a little bit of both.  So let's do this!!!!

lies powered by truth

The enemy's lies are powered by truth - Steven Furtick

When the enemy speaks shame and condemnation over us, it is easy to believe as truth because there is usually some truth in it.  When the devil brings up our past sin and failures, he tells us we are not good enough and he is right.  The lie comes in when he tells us "we are forever, what we have done."  While the truth is, God extends us grace and forgiveness and Jesus makes us "good enough" as HE IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS!  We fall for this trap because it is laced with truth.  The enemy is smooth at tempting us with partial truths that lead us to slavery.  When the enemy speaks shame on us, we must confess our sin before God and then receive God's grace and forgiveness and continue to move forward with Jesus.

Recovery

This past Saturday was one week from the start of my 100 mile race.  I had taken the majority of the week off and not run and decided to go out and run 6 miles.  I soon cut it to 5 miles and felt like I was going to fall apart.  It's crazy how my legs felt great until I began to run over a mile and then I felt the severity of the distance I covered a week earlier.  I think this is true in life as well.  We are damaged either by a relationship, a loss, circumstances and we think we heal much quicker than we do.  So we jump back into a another relationship, ministry or new endeavor without ever having fully recovered and the results can be disastrous.  The key is to take time to recover well and enter the next step with all pistons firing.

With God's help....I did it!

I ran 100.9 miles in 28hours, 45minutes and 13 seconds.  It was one of the most incredible, difficult and most rewarding experiences of my life.  I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who got me across that line.  I wouldn't have wanted to try that alone.  If you have yet to check it out, here is my story http://vimeo.com/102577781

Blessings

It's coming

On Saturday morning I will begin running in attempt to cover 100 miles of trails in 30 hours in the Burning River 100 foot race.  I do have a couple of expectations:

- To push myself both mentally and physically farther than ever before.
- To experience new levels of pain.
- Having to talk myself out of quitting multiple times.
- Most likely hallucinating.
- Experience hunger on a new level.
- Accomplishing an incredible goal.

Time will tell.

He trusts me

This morning I was listening to a Bill Johnson podcast and he said something that struck me.  He said when we are seeking God for an answer, Him not speaking may be because He trusts me to make the decision.
If I am living in the Will of God and am full of His Spirit and align my life with the truth in His Word, I should be continually moving forward knowing that God is in heaven rooting me on.

APC

I had an incredible time at Allison Park Church in Pittsburg this past weekend.  I was honored to speak the weekend services and be apart of their student Impact week.  They have a great thing going with some amazing leaders.

get away

I had the privilege Friday night to speak for hundreds of young men at the Ohio Pow Wow.  I'm believing God did some great things in their lives as men of God prayed for the young men of this next generation.  I then travelled to Pittsburg to speak at Allison Park Church and spoke tonight.  It is an incredible honor to speak for Pastor Jeff Leake at such a great church.  I'm looking forward to spending some time over the next couple days to be alone with Jesus in their guest house.  I want to get a hold of Jesus over a few things.  Sometimes a break in routine can open me up to hear His voice.

a few things

I had a mentor who told me once, "You can do a lot of things well. "  I thought that was great compliment until he followed it with, "And that is why you may never be really great at anything."  Um...Ouch!  His Challenge was to find what I can be the best at, and focus on it.  Like an olympic athlete who takes one thing and hones it to be the best.  I think the same is true for us in life.  We only have time to do so many things.  When we fill our lives with everything, we rarely accomplish anything.  What are the most important things to you?  Focus on them and make them the best they can be.  What do you need to focus on?

rite of passage

Last weekend, I took my 13yr old son on an overnight backpacking trip deep in the National Forest. We walked 4 miles each day of steep hills and beautiful scenery.  The distance was far enough to push his physical limits with a pack on, but not enough to break him.  After we had set up camp and each eaten our military MRE, we sat down and I spoke some important things into his life.  Then I gave him his first real knife.  It was incredible to spend that focused time with my son.

52 miles

This past Saturday I ran the Buckeye Buster 50 miler in the Salt Fork State Park.  I have to admit it was one of the toughest physical challenges I have ever faced.  The hills were constant and incredibly steep, which crushed my thighs.  At mile 30, I had to fight the questions going on in my head as I am taking evaluation of how I feel, how much I have left in my tank and how far I still have to go.  But, I chose to continue to push through.  I have learned that when you think you have hit your limit, you can go several times farther.  The human will can drive the body to do incredible things.  With every test, I feel that I have grown stronger.  That when my metal was tested, I was able to pass the test.  I had a lot of alone time with Jesus while I was suffering.  I find that in those moments, I am more broken and humble before God and I am able to connect with Him on a different level.  I know that I can do All things through Christ who gives me strength.

stirring

I feel like God is stirring me up and desiring to stir our church as well.  I don't know what that means, but I have an incredible peace and anticipation brewing inside my heart.  I'm just trying to stay open and available to hear His voice.  In the meantime, we will continue to Move Forward as a church.  Jesus have your way!

faith and feelings

Don't ever allow your faith to follow your feelings.  Feelings are fleeting and unstable and can rob us from obeying God or sticking to we what we know is right in our hearts.  Instead, force your feelings to line up with your faith.

Be present to win

When I was younger I ran a 5k, collected my award and quickly headed home.  I was informed later by my friend who hung around after the race, that my name had been drawn for the Grand Prize which was a huge diamond ring!  The only problem was, you had to be "present" to win.  Bummer.  I think the same is true in life.  I know for me, with so many things going on, it's easy to be somewhere, but really not be there.  I could be sitting in my living room with my kids watching a movie, but be more focused on the person I am testing.  It's truly a battle for all of us in today's world.  The truth is, we must be present to win.  Wherever you are, be all there.  I personally don't want to rob those closest to me because I am always distracted.

You must be present to win.

vision creates space

If your vision is small, there is really no need nor room for others.  If your vision is BIG, you are going to need a lot of great people to help accomplish it.  This is how vision creates space.  Big vision creates opportunities for those with greater talent in certain area's to jump in and contribute to the vision.  How big is your vision?

the cows are in the soup

My daughter Kali is one of the most creative people I know.  From the crafts she designs and builds, to the crazy things she says.  She wrote a song the other day called "Aggressive Meatballs."  I realize that my job as a parent is to help wisely steward that gift.  I've begun trying teach her to play some instruments in order to be an outlet for her creativity.  As she gets older, I want to put her and my boys into circumstances where they will be stretched to grow.  But for now, I will continue to chuckle when I hear statements like, "the cows are in the soup."

Today

As an endurance athlete, there are times I look at a goal and almost feel there is no way that I can get there from where I am. The truth is, with dedication, practice, time and a lot of sore muscles, I could get there, but it will take a lot of work. With focused preparation, it is amazing what can be accomplished. The truth is, if we do what we can today, we will eventually be able to do what we can’t, tomorrow. Currently, I am training for a 100 foot race with a 30 hour time limit. When I started really training for it, I had a hard time running 7 miles. This week, my biggest day is a 28 mile run. Because I did what I COULD DO YESTERDAY, I am able to accomplish something GREATER TODAY.

trust your training

Currently, I am training for a 100 mile running race in August of this year.  The thought of running 100 miles can be overwhelming and can bring a lot of doubts.  When I have those moments, I always revert back to having to "trust my training."  In other words, I have done what the training required in order to put myself in the greatest opportunity to accomplish my goal.  This is not saying that it is going to be easy, but that I am equipped as much as possible to win this battle of mind and body.
There is a parallel spiritually here as well.  When we go through the dry spiritual times that we are all bound to face, we have to stick with our spiritual disciplines.  We will eventually get through this, but we have to keep feeding our souls even we don't "feel" hungry.   We have to trust our spiritual training...and more importantly..or TRAINER...the Holy Spirit.

nursing home

Today, my friend Steve and I went and ministered in 2 of our area's nursing homes.  You learn a lot when you share in their church service.  Things like, how to deal with distractions and surprises.  Today I walked away thinking, about the life I want to live and what I want to leave.  Most of the dear people there are in the final stages of their lives.  I often wondered what they looked like or who they were in the prime of their life.  The truth is, we will all be there someday and only what we have given away will continue to carry-on.  How can I live and give more effectively?  How can I use everything God has entrusted to me to give Him Glory?

Gameday

This past weekend, our team put on the Gameday Men's Conference with 1,000 men from around Ohio!  I had one of the greatest honors of my life on that Friday night.  I got to preach a 3 generational message with my grandfather and dad.  God moved in a big way and we saw the front of that massive church filled with men crying out to God!  It was truly a powerful night.  The next day Maurice Clarett and Jim Tressel spoke to the guys about overcoming adversity.  I am so proud of our amazing team that pulled the entire event off.  God is so good.

change yourself

Our toughest change is changing ourselves.
Why is this so hard?  The Bible says "a way of a man is right in his own eyes."  Also, we judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions.  Another reason is, we usually look outside rather than inside our own lives.  The truth is, we all need to change.  Change is hard, but if we are truly following Jesus, change is a must.

All In

God doesn't bring the miracle until all our resources are spent, otherwise it wouldn't be a miracle.  When we find ourselves at the end of our abilities and resources, is truly when God's power begins.  It's when we combine faith with action that we step into the arena for God to work His miraculous power.  It's in those "All In" moments where God shows His power.  Do you have an area of your life where you have exhausted all your resources or have come to the end of your strength?  If so, you are a perfect candidate for a miracle.

ideas

Ideas can be powerful.

I think of all the great ideas I've had over the years that never made it beyond the thought level.
How many ideas have we wasted or just wasn't in the place with the resources, time or skills to pull it off?  How many ideas have we just dismissed or didn't give another thought because of an obstacle standing in the way?  Ideas CAN be powerful, but they must be implemented and nurtured to get to there.  What ideas do you have on the back burner?  What are you waiting for?

bigger steps

As C3 continues to move forward, every step gets bigger.  That is the way that God has intended it.  Each step of faith is a little bit bigger, which requires more and more faith.  It's in those moments where you realize you don't have enough….and then you sense God saying, "that is right where I want you."  I look forward to this new season in the life of C3 church.

17 years

Today, I celebrate a very special day, with my very special lady.  We have a lot invested in each other.  My Keri and I have 3 children together, all our worldly possessions, incredible memories and a love that runs deep for each other and now 17 years of marriage!  I'm a blessed man.

push through

Today a friend and I jumped on some treadmills at 4:45am and ran 22 miles.  If you ever are crazy enough to do something like this, you learn a couple things:
1. Treadmills shut off automatically after 1 hour and you have to restart it.
2. After watching ESPN through 2x's, it loses it's luster.
3. It's what being crazy must feel like: You run like a mad man and get nowhere.
4. The longer you are on there, the louder your body begins to scream.

The reason is….(and I'm going public with it for accountability) I am running a 100 mile race in August.   You have 30 hours to do it in.  It will no doubt be the farthest I have pushed myself yet and only time will tell how it plays out.

What is your answer?

I came across a great question today, how would you answer it?

What have you done that you believe in and are proud of?

This question cuts through the fog of what is really important.  Selfishness gain, wrong motives and the like, all melt away and disqualify everything they have touched.  The answer to the question will also help reveal your purpose.

I would go a step further to ask not only what have you done that you believe in, but that has honored God in obedience?

it hit me

Last night before bed it hit me, "I am turning 40 years old this year."  That is kind of frightening to me. Among my peers, I have always been the "young guy" and this is not true anymore.  I've heard it said, you figure out what you want to do with your life in your 20's, then start doing it in your 30's and then are in your prime in your 40's - 50's and start thinking legacy in your 60's and then sip coffee and play golf in your 70's and beyond.  My heart is to make the most of every season of my life!  I want to make the biggest impact with what God has entrusted to me while the same time enjoying God's blessing on my life.  I'm praying for wisdom personally to navigate my time well.  How about you?

last Sunday

We had our final service in our current building on Sunday.  We are moving this week to Central High School which is literally next door.  Even with 3 services, we have grown out of this building and are looking forward to the future.  Our building has been a great tool to use for growing the church, but it is just that, only a tool.  It has been a blessing, but we can't let it be a hindrance.

The day we allow memories to become more of a drive than dreams, we are on the road to a slow death.  We celebrate the amazing things God has DONE…..and move forward with eager expectation for what He is going to DO!

Worship

This morning I was reading in Isaiah 66 in the Message version and it was talking about worship.  In vs. 1 God says how heaven is His throne and Earth is His footstool.  Then in vs. 2 God says what He is looking for:  "a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say."  The NIV says it like: "he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my Word."

I want to be that person.  A person who humbly walks with His God and who is always listening and responding in obedience to God.  It sounds so simple, but yet I, like all of us wrestle to actually do that.

Later in the Chapter 66 we see where God is not accepting their worship cause it was all about them.  It caused me to look at my own worship of God.  First, are we worshiping God?  Secondly, what kind of worship are we bringing Him?  What does YOUR worship look like to God?

get to the cause

Too many times in life we only deal with the symptoms.  Our kids misbehave and all we see is the outward action.  We blow up in anger on somebody and don't really know why.  We keep coughing, so we take a cough drop.  Maybe we have allowed ourselves to get overweight, so we go on a 3 day diet.  All this to say, we usually only deal with the symptoms and never the cause.  The cause is what produces the symptoms.  If we deal with the root cause, the symptoms will go away.  What are your symptoms and what is the root cause that produce those symptoms?  Deal with your root cause and your symptoms will change.

So what?

Many of us live a life of worry and fear.  We live in the world of WHAT IF?  That question fills us with doubt, fear and stress of the unknown and uncertainty.  But if Jesus is who He said He is and His Promises are true that He would supply all our needs, then we can say SO WHAT!  So what if I lost my job!  So what that we don't know how we are going to make it financially!  So what that the people closest to me have let me down….SO WHAT!  If we are truly walking in faith with Jesus, we turn our WHAT IF, into a SO WHAT.  When this happens, the WHAT IF's lose all their power b/c they have been exposed by our Faith in JESUS.  So no matter what life throws at us…SO WHAT!

Jesus example

This morning looking at Jesus in the boat during a storm with His disciples.  These guys were experienced fishermen, so for them to panic called for an incredibly severe storm.  They finally went and got Jesus, who was sleeping during the fierce storm.  Sleeping?  Resting during the storm?  The disciples are much like us.  We stress out over the storms in our lives, while the model Jesus showed us was how to rest even during the worst of storms.  Jesus could rest, because He trusted His heavenly Father.  If we are journeying with Jesus, the truth is we are going to make it to the other side, it's just "how" will we journey to get there.  We choose how we endure the storms of this life.  We either rest in Christ during them, or get all bent out of shape during them.  Which one are you choosing?

Comfortable?

There is a silent killer of dreams that is constantly stalking us.  It can take us over after a great success or in the midst of difficult times.  Our enemy is "Comfort" which we naturally gravitate toward and if left unchecked will kill our dreams.  Our comfort zone is a box that we have created that keeps us prisoner.  If we are not careful, we waste precious time and lose momentum by allowing it to better us.  As we expand our comfort zone, we are then able to reach higher, push farther and accomplish more.  So don't get too comfortable!

the battle

Who are you in the midst of the battle?  Who are you in the dark days when hope looks like it is all but lost?  Do you keep moving forward?  Do you keep hope alive?  "

Your response to the dark days of life determines your future."  #leadershipfreak

The hottest fire produces the strongest metal.  Some of the greatest lessons come through the most difficult seasons in life and leadership.  Every leader will face dark times, it's how we respond in the face of them, that will determine the outcome.  Stand strong.

questions to ponder

10 QUESTIONS TO REFOCUS YOUR LIFE by Bob Biehl

1. What is my single greatest strength? (What do I “do” the best?)
2. What three decisions are causing me the greatest stress?
3. What is overwhelming me?
4. What impassable roadblock has me stuck?
5. If I could only do three things before I die, what would I want to do?
6. What should I resign from or drop out of? (Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing things right, effectiveness is doing the right things.”)
7. What can I postpone?
8. What things on my “to do” list can someone else do at least 80% as well?
9. What are the “elephants” in my schedule? (Pareto said, “If you’re Noah, and your ark is about to sink, look for the elephants first.”)
10. What are the three things I could do in the next 90 days to make a 50% difference?