March 30 @ CWCC ('Send Off' Sunday)
Texts: Matthew 16:18, Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 3:1-13
Just a short note tonight as it's getting a bit late (for me anyway). Yesterday was a unique celebration at our church. It was 'Send Off' Sunday for the new church plant team of about 160 people. Next week will be week #1 of Grace Community Church in Mooresville, NC (or somewhere in the near vicinity for now). I had intended to post about various thoughts regarding the local church and the call to proclaim the gospel in our communities, but that will need to come later.
One thought that did captivate me is from verses eight and nine from the Ephesians passage. The 'unsearchable riches of Christ' is the gospel. But the gospel is not merely a list of facts (though it is that too). It is a life-defining message. The gospel is about people who are changed. We are looking forward to these changes, first in us and then in others. Already we are sensing the Lord calling us to more of Himself and to His kingdom work. And when I got to work this morning, I encountered a co-worker whose family is facing life and death issues. A co-worker from the new position that I currently serve at that is one of the clear indicators that God used to move us toward this church plant adventure. A co-worker that I may have never met otherwise.
May God be honored to continually change us...and use us. All God's best!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
MEP - March 25, 2008
(Tuesday edition...sorry about that. I was feeling a bit under the weather last night and just 'hit the hay' early.)
March 23 @ CWCC (Joe Lechner)
Text: John 20:24-29
Easter Sunday morning. What more can be said? In many ways, it is the height of the calendar year for the Christian. The resurrection account never fails to astound me and move me deeply. So many facets, so many interesting details, so many rich and awe-filled thoughts.
I'll simply point to two different phrases that struck me from this passage and the exposition of it. First, as we summarize Thomas' review of the situation and the corresponding conclusions that he draws, we are reminded that 'Jesus is not to be evaluated by us.' Rather, we are to realize that we are already evaluated as 'guilty', but then miraculously and graciously redeemed! How can it be?!
Second, verse 28 points to the appropriate and right response to such truth. "Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'." At the next turn of events in my life, whether as mundane as pouring a glass of orange juice or as spectacular as witnessing the birth of our fourth child, I pray that I will have eyes that see all that God has done for me anew. May my response to His initiatives in my life lead to similar expressions of thanksgiving and awe.
All God's best!
March 23 @ CWCC (Joe Lechner)
Text: John 20:24-29
Easter Sunday morning. What more can be said? In many ways, it is the height of the calendar year for the Christian. The resurrection account never fails to astound me and move me deeply. So many facets, so many interesting details, so many rich and awe-filled thoughts.
I'll simply point to two different phrases that struck me from this passage and the exposition of it. First, as we summarize Thomas' review of the situation and the corresponding conclusions that he draws, we are reminded that 'Jesus is not to be evaluated by us.' Rather, we are to realize that we are already evaluated as 'guilty', but then miraculously and graciously redeemed! How can it be?!
Second, verse 28 points to the appropriate and right response to such truth. "Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'." At the next turn of events in my life, whether as mundane as pouring a glass of orange juice or as spectacular as witnessing the birth of our fourth child, I pray that I will have eyes that see all that God has done for me anew. May my response to His initiatives in my life lead to similar expressions of thanksgiving and awe.
All God's best!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Name That Baby!
Time is ticking down on our pregnancy. We just passed the 36-week mark and all the signs are pointing to something happening in the coming weeks. We are excited and thrilled!
But we are having quite the time coming up with just the right name for this child (won't know if we're talking boy or girl until the arrival...just like we like it). So join in the fun!
Here's our (mostly MY) theory on names. I enjoy good rhythm, though I don't often express it. A name should have it. With that in mind, here's what a good entry into the contest will include. Since the last name (BOW-er) is two syllables, the first name should have either one or three or more syllables. Two syllables and two syllables just doesn't have the right ring to it. I know, I know, my name fits that description as does Sarah's. I guess you could say that we just want something better for the next generation.
Further, if God grants us a boy, we desire a biblical name either in the first name or the middle name. And if blessed with a girl, we intend to have a Godly characteristic or a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) as a middle name. Jace Isaac, Priscilla Joy, and Celia Faith all fit these criteria and we are looking for the same if we can do it.
Entries will be noted on the baby's web site when it is up in just a few short weeks. If you know the meaning of your choice, include that too, please. Submit away!
But we are having quite the time coming up with just the right name for this child (won't know if we're talking boy or girl until the arrival...just like we like it). So join in the fun!
Here's our (mostly MY) theory on names. I enjoy good rhythm, though I don't often express it. A name should have it. With that in mind, here's what a good entry into the contest will include. Since the last name (BOW-er) is two syllables, the first name should have either one or three or more syllables. Two syllables and two syllables just doesn't have the right ring to it. I know, I know, my name fits that description as does Sarah's. I guess you could say that we just want something better for the next generation.
Further, if God grants us a boy, we desire a biblical name either in the first name or the middle name. And if blessed with a girl, we intend to have a Godly characteristic or a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) as a middle name. Jace Isaac, Priscilla Joy, and Celia Faith all fit these criteria and we are looking for the same if we can do it.
Entries will be noted on the baby's web site when it is up in just a few short weeks. If you know the meaning of your choice, include that too, please. Submit away!
Monday, March 17, 2008
MEP - March 17, 2008
March 16 @ Crossway Community Church (Mickey Connolly)
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
One of the many things that God has faithfully growing in me is a love and appreciation for the local church. As I think of the times over the years that I have experienced tremendous growth, they have always been tied in with significant circumstances and opportunities to hear and apply God's word in the context of our church. It started shortly after my sophomore year of high school when I started attending a Bible-believing and preaching church. Many people were used of God there to disciple and mentor me. That reality has only progressed as time has gone by. I can remember significant times of learning and spiritual challenges as a pastor preached through 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Isaiah. Hearing the message yesterday of "Why the Local Church?" was a great reminder to continually stay centered on Christ by way of the great gift of His bride. This especially rings true as we soon embark on a new church plant.
One point that particularly stood out to me was that the local church provides a place to put our commitment to God and each other (as His people) into practice. We are seeking to grow in this area as we transition to our new church in just a couple of short weeks. We look forward to God's grace to us (and being used to be that same grace to others) through approximately 150 people that will make up this new church team and to the five precious families with whom we will connect in a small group setting. We long to engage in purposeful relationships to certain specific people.
Much to thank God for in the past, present and for the future! All God's best!
Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
One of the many things that God has faithfully growing in me is a love and appreciation for the local church. As I think of the times over the years that I have experienced tremendous growth, they have always been tied in with significant circumstances and opportunities to hear and apply God's word in the context of our church. It started shortly after my sophomore year of high school when I started attending a Bible-believing and preaching church. Many people were used of God there to disciple and mentor me. That reality has only progressed as time has gone by. I can remember significant times of learning and spiritual challenges as a pastor preached through 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Isaiah. Hearing the message yesterday of "Why the Local Church?" was a great reminder to continually stay centered on Christ by way of the great gift of His bride. This especially rings true as we soon embark on a new church plant.
One point that particularly stood out to me was that the local church provides a place to put our commitment to God and each other (as His people) into practice. We are seeking to grow in this area as we transition to our new church in just a couple of short weeks. We look forward to God's grace to us (and being used to be that same grace to others) through approximately 150 people that will make up this new church team and to the five precious families with whom we will connect in a small group setting. We long to engage in purposeful relationships to certain specific people.
Much to thank God for in the past, present and for the future! All God's best!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday Evening 'Pastor' - March 10, 2008
I'm trying a new spin on the 'Monday Morning Quarterback' routine, with some necessary adjustments. Instead of second-guessing and critiquing my favorite football team after their game on a Sunday, I will be posting thoughts and insights that I received from the previous day's message at church. And it will not be critical in nature. I trust that these men have much more helpful and established voices in their lives to give such feedback. Rather, it will be my joy to simply note what God is prompting in my heart as a noteworthy truth that was revealed and maybe potential application(s). So here goes...
March 9 @ Crossway Community Church (Mickey Connolly)
Text: 2 Samuel 11-12
Sixteen heart-probing lessons were shared, each one a golden nugget on which many hours could be spent meditating. Two thoughts in particular struck me about the somewhat well-known story of David and Bathsheba.
# 1 - God stands ready to bless
2 Samuel 12:8 ends with Nathan the prophet giving the unbelievable perspective of God Almighty when He says "And if this (the many blessings that God had provided David as king of Israel) were too little, I would add to you as much more". God stands at the ready to pour out a storehouse full of blessings upon me and my family. It begs the question of 'what am I doing to disqualify myself to receive them?'. I don't mean here that God moving in my life is dependent in any way to my actions, but merely that while HE is defined by his abundant grace to me, I am defined by my stubborn desire to seek my own good instead. May the Lord graciously provide Nathans in our lives that remind us that God has perfect provision for us and that our waywardness limits our enjoyment of it.
# 2 - Because of the cross...
I was reminded of a song from years ago by an interesting group. I'll spare you their details, but one unique beat and refrain from one of their songs played itself in my mind as I meditated on the truth that served as lesson #15 of sixteen. "We don't get what we deserve, we don't get what we deserve, we don't...". Well it just kind of goes on like that for a while, but the message is clear: "Because of the cross, God does not treat me as my sins deserve"! I'm sure the phrase 'you shall not die' echoed through David's mind as he walked through the effects of his sin in his life. While sin always has it's consequences, the gospel takes center stage as we remember what our real payment should be. What we deserve, we do not receive. And it's all by His grace.
Tonight, we appropriately started studying Ephesians 2:8-9 as a family in our scripture studies. God is the protagonist who introduces his GRACE into the equation and gives us the gift of FAITH to respond. It was not our doing, not a result of our works, and therefore we can not (and must not) boast. God is indeed most praiseworthy!
It was a rich day discovering more depths of this unmerited favor that God has granted. All God's best!
March 9 @ Crossway Community Church (Mickey Connolly)
Text: 2 Samuel 11-12
Sixteen heart-probing lessons were shared, each one a golden nugget on which many hours could be spent meditating. Two thoughts in particular struck me about the somewhat well-known story of David and Bathsheba.
# 1 - God stands ready to bless
2 Samuel 12:8 ends with Nathan the prophet giving the unbelievable perspective of God Almighty when He says "And if this (the many blessings that God had provided David as king of Israel) were too little, I would add to you as much more". God stands at the ready to pour out a storehouse full of blessings upon me and my family. It begs the question of 'what am I doing to disqualify myself to receive them?'. I don't mean here that God moving in my life is dependent in any way to my actions, but merely that while HE is defined by his abundant grace to me, I am defined by my stubborn desire to seek my own good instead. May the Lord graciously provide Nathans in our lives that remind us that God has perfect provision for us and that our waywardness limits our enjoyment of it.
# 2 - Because of the cross...
I was reminded of a song from years ago by an interesting group. I'll spare you their details, but one unique beat and refrain from one of their songs played itself in my mind as I meditated on the truth that served as lesson #15 of sixteen. "We don't get what we deserve, we don't get what we deserve, we don't...". Well it just kind of goes on like that for a while, but the message is clear: "Because of the cross, God does not treat me as my sins deserve"! I'm sure the phrase 'you shall not die' echoed through David's mind as he walked through the effects of his sin in his life. While sin always has it's consequences, the gospel takes center stage as we remember what our real payment should be. What we deserve, we do not receive. And it's all by His grace.
Tonight, we appropriately started studying Ephesians 2:8-9 as a family in our scripture studies. God is the protagonist who introduces his GRACE into the equation and gives us the gift of FAITH to respond. It was not our doing, not a result of our works, and therefore we can not (and must not) boast. God is indeed most praiseworthy!
It was a rich day discovering more depths of this unmerited favor that God has granted. All God's best!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
