values

I have heard it said, that our core values are prophets of our destinies. It's like our default. We can change our behaviours with our diet, attitude and even our walk with God, but we will eventually fall back to our values. I had several students in Youth Ministry who changed their behaviour while they had a youth pastor caring for them. Soon after that though, were back to not serving God because they went back to living their values. Change your values, change your life. What do you truly value?

It always takes longer

Today, we got the low down on the 2 classroom modular unit we are trying to get to C3. There are so many hoops that have to be jumped through and it takes forever. I'm half tempted to hook it up to a pick-up truck, drive to the church and dump it. Then you could then visit me in jail! I am learning that things like this and in life, it usually takes longer than we want it to. I know in my own life as I work through my own issues and grow, it always takes longer. I guess I must learn to be more patient. Although I'm hesitant to pray for patience, because God responds with more opportunities to show patience...ha.

another experiment

7 months ago we launched our Sunday night service that had a smaller more intimate feel. We have not seen the growth in that service that we have in the other 2, so we are going to try something else with it. In September we are going to roll out a new service geared specifically to young adults. We have formed a committee of some younger leaders to help us put it together. Time will tell.

small town feel

I love the small town feel of Pickerington. Last night we sat on the side of the street with thousands of others and watched the July 4th parade. People actually set their chairs out on the street in the morning to make sure they get a good spot. Then we went to some friends house to watch the Pickerington fireworks. It was great hanging with my family and our friends. I love this place that God has called us to serve.

Word

I love it when God confirms something in my heart and spirit. Today, while leaving the coffee shop I frequently visit, I met a man who gave me a Word. I could sense that He was a man of God, when I shook his hand. He then said, "God just gave me a Word for you." He then began to "read my mail" and challenged me with a few things that I had been seeking God for. What he had to say was right on and was truly an encouragement to me. I will say, that I never just receive something spoken over me until I have "tested" it. Does it line up with God's Word, with the person of Jesus Christ? Does it bear witness with my heart and spirit? We are all imperfect people, sometimes our "flesh" can get in the way and a word can be more from us then from God. This is why it is the responsibility of the one receiving a Word, to test it.

zoo day

Wednesday morning I'll get up early and run a 3 mile warm up, 6 x 1/2 mile repeats at 5:30 pace, (11mph) and then a 2 mile cool down. Ha....that is for the 1 runner who actually reads this. Then we are going with my brother Josh and his family to the Columbus Zoo. I always love my time with my family and hanging with my brother and his wife is a special bonus! I always want to put a high importance on spending time with my family. I want my kids growing up and loving the church and Jesus, and not resenting them for stealing their dad.

hunger

My prayer lately, is that God would increase my hunger for more of him and enlarge my burden for those who don't know Christ. I think it is easy for Christians and even Pastors to get in a routine and lose sight of what is important and why we are here on this planet. I'm here to reveal Jesus to the world through my life according to His Will. I don't ever want to lose sight of that. God is increasing my hunger for more of Him. As I begin to eat more spiritually, I begin to hunger for spiritual things from God. We hunger for what we eat. I want to hunger for the things of God.