How have you been doing with your commitments for the new year?  I have tried very hard to stay committed to my goals.  One of those goals is to read through the Bible in a year.  I use youversion.  I am able to follow my progress online and even on my Iphone app.  Technology is pretty cool.

Today I took a few minutes to to read today’s reading.  For the plan I chose one of the passages I read today was Acts 4.  In this chapter Peter and John are arrested for telling people about Jesus’ resurrection.  They had even healed a crippled man.  As they are brought before the court they begin to tell the rulers how they rejected Christ and that there is salvation in no one else.

I bet at that point you could have heard a pin drop as the onlookers were wondering what kind of punishment would be handed out to them.  And then the Bible says this: ” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished!  And they recognized that they had been with Jesus”

These two guys were so bold in their testimony of Christ that complete strangers knew that they had been with Jesus.  They must have talked Jesus, breathed Jesus, dreamed Jesus, sang Jesus.  It was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus….with these guys.  And people knew.  The evidence of Jesus was overwhelming because of the boldness of these two common, and uneducated men.

I want to have that kind of boldness.  I want to speak and have people know that I have been with Jesus.  I want to sing and have people know that I have been with Jesus.  I want our community around us to see people from Fellowship Church and know that they have been with Jesus.

Now that is the ultimate compliment!

The longer I am a daddy the more funny my kids seem to become. Their innocence and the way they view the world and the things around us has a purity about it. Well the other day as we were driving down the road with both boys in the back seat Mason said “Daddy, God is that tree”. I quickly fixed his theology and told him that Jesus is not the tree. He quickly replied “Right, Jesus is behind the tree.” I laughed and said “I guess he is cause God is everywhere”.

There was a brief moment of silence in the car and then Mason said “Jesus is in the car with us right daddy.” “Yep he is” I replied. More silence…then I hear the sound of the seat belts clanking in the back seat as Mason says “Buckle up Jesus, it’s not safe to not be buckled in. (as he his putting the middle seat belts together.)

Just wanted to share this funny moment with you all.

Whether you have kids or not, I hope that you are drenching your day with Jesus. I am reminded of Deuteronomy 6 where Israel is being urged to talk about God, His laws, & precepts in every area of life.  I love this.  Check it out.

6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

How are you doing with these things?  What are you speaking into your family, friends, and those around you.  Something to think about.

I want to challenge you today as I am being challenged by God’s Word.  It is not something that should be kept on the shelf or in the car or even pulled out once in a while.  It is the road map for our lives.  It gives us direction.  It shows us how to live a life that is blessed by God.  Obedience always brings blessings and disobedience always brings consequences.  I want to challenge you to read these few verses and see if you are convicted about the way you live.

Psalm 119 (English Standard Version)

Psalm 119

¹ Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
²Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
³who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
⁴You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
⁵Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
⁶ Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
⁷I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
⁸I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Questions to ask ourselves:

• Do I keep his testimonies?
• Do I seek Him with all of my heart?
• Do I walk in His ways?
• Do I diligently try to keep His precepts (laws)
• Are my eyes fixed on His commandments?
• Do I praise God with an upright heart?  You can’t praise Him from an upright heart if you are not living in obedience to His Word
• Do I keep His statutes?  (Spiritual laws He has set up for us in order to live uprightly)

Although we are not about works or religion, we are about living uprightly before God.  He has called us to a higher standard than the world.  Do you live it?  Do you seek it?  Lots to think about!

We had a great weekend at Fellowship Church. We had a great turn out for our community wide yard sale.  It was so cool to see so many great items donated by FC folks.  This was no ordinary yard sale.  We gave away things like patio furniture, bedroom suites, tv’s, gps units, clothes, bicycles, etc.  Our community was blown away that we were giving it away for free.  We really took a big step this weekend towards building a bridge with those around us in Delaware County.  God really used this event!  I want to say thanks to everyone who donated or came and helped Saturday.  Because of you it was a success!  Way to be Jesus to our community!  So proud of you all!

Yesterday I enjoyed my day off with my two boys.  I got up and made a pancake breakfast for them.  Then we loaded into the mini-van and headed over to look at a rental house that is available here in Glen Mills.

Jenn and I are convinced that God wants us to sell our house so it is officially on the market.   We have no idea where we will be living but we are stepping out in faith knowing that God will bless our obedience.  Did I mention obedience is not always easy or fun?  We really are needing to get out of the bondage of debt and this will help us do that.  Dave Ramsey would be be so proud!

With so much going on in our lives it seems that I have been wanting God to be more present in my life.  Why does it always happen like that?  Why does it always take something to bring us to a place of needing Him more?

This morning I was reading from the devotional book entitled Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby.  The first sentence blew me away.

“Our response to God greatly determines His presence in our lives. If we seek God with all of our hearts, then we will find Him”(Jer. 29:13–14).

Do you ever struggle to find God?  Do you ever wrestle with walking with him every day?  Do you try to find Him but feel that you can’t? If that’s you like it is me at times, be encouraged by these verses and continue to seek Him with everything that You are!

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.  — Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. — James 4:8

³ Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. — Jeremiah 33:3

¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴I will be found by you, declares the LORD, –Jeremiah 29:12-14

Today I have talked to several people that seemed to be tired and lacking strength.  I have to admit that I am right there with them today.  I have slept too little this week.  If you’re like me it can be so hard for your mind to shut down when you finally get to bed. Today I could use some extra strength of mind, body, & soul.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (New International Version)

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

Did you know there was even a verse like 2 Chron. 16:9 in the Bible.  One that says that God is literally looking for hearts fully committed to Him in order that he can strengthen them?  That is crazy.  To think that God has nothing better to do on this rainy day than to roam around looking to to strengthening people’s hearts.

He does not strengthen just anyone.  He strengthens those who have hearts that are fully committed to Him.  For those of you are are not fully committed to Him, a strengthened heart is out of reach without committing yourself completely to Him.  Do you need your heart strengthened?  Then cry out to Him.  Joy can only be found by those who are strengthened by Christ!

Psalm 84:5 (New Living Translation)

⁵ What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,

This weekend we wrap up our series entitled “Made”. Our Director of Student Ministries Ryan Geiger has done an incredible job challenging us to be molded into Christ’s image.  If you missed any of the messages be sure to watch or listen to them here.

As I think about this series I can’t help but think of the word “journey”.  Being made into the image and likeness of Jesus is a journey that lasts a lifetime.  Hopefully we are daily becoming more like Him.

This morning as I sat in my office listening to worship music the song “You are here” came on.  The phrase “The same power that conquered the grave lives in me, lives in me” was sang over and over.  It not only moved me but it reminded me of a I Corinthians 15 when Paul talks about the resurrection and how it drives everything he does.  I love how the Message paraphrases this.

^30-33And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I’d do this if I wasn’t convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn’t be the end of me? Not on your life! It’s resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that under-girds what I do and say, the way I live. If there’s no resurrection, “We eat, we drink, the next day we die,” and that’s all there is to it.

The resurrection is not something that should be reserved for Easter.  It is the driving force behind us being MADE into His image.  So when you think you don’t have the power to change, remember that you by yourself do not.  But if you have the same power that raised Christ from the dead living in you,  life change really is possible.  So rely on His power.  Remind yourself that His power is your power.  It is the power that changes life and turns death into life.  And it’s all yours!

As I was seeking God this morning in my office I came across this. What a humbling chapter for me. I know a lot of us are all about the service programming. I am. It’s what we do. It’s a good thing…it’s a great thing, when kept in perspective.
Leaders, as we continue doing what we do, day in and day out, remember these words that God spoke in Amos. Check your heart, your motives, your pretenses. True worship is without hypocrisy. As incredible as some of the production is, remember the heart and motivation that drives our programs.

Fellow leaders…Go get ‘em today. But get ‘em from a heart that is bent toward God and away from self!

21 “I hate all your show and pretense—
the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
22 I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings.
I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.
23 Away with your noisy hymns of praise!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,
an endless river of righteous living. Amos 5:23 (NLT)

Well it is a big day here in Philly. The Vick haters are everywhere you turn. Personally I am excited to see Vick in an Eagles jersey. Most people are not, or at least here they aren’t. So why are we so opposed to giving this guy a chance?

There are guys in the NFL who have done much worse things including murder, and still are adored by thousands of fans. There is no question that the dude messed up. There is no question that what happened was cruel and awful. That’s an automatic. It was terrible.

Coach Andy Reid said that “America is a place for second chances.” That would make a good catch phrase or mission statement for a church. “Fellowship, a place for second chances…” Has a ring to it. Hopefully whatever church you attend or are a part of, could put their church name in that sentence. If not, I know it’s not a place I would want to go. I know that’s a pretty strong statement.  But isn’t the gospel at it’s very core about second chances?

In John 8 we see a great example of Jesus giving someone a fresh start.  A women had been literally caught in the act of adultery.  That’s a pretty big deal.  In some churches, that lady would be asked to leave.  In most churches she would always have that hanging over her head.  But Jesus the one that paid the penalty for that very act said he did not condemn her.  He then challenged her to go and sin no more.

When I think about that story I think about my own life.  I am so glad that God does not look at me and define me by my actions, both past & present.  He does not stand as my accuser but as my brother, friend & Savior.

Will Michael Vick every be accepted here in Philly?  Probably, the first time he scrambles for a big play.  Unlike God, we forgive in the sports world according to performance.  Good thing it’s not that way with Jesus!

I grabbed my Bible this morning and the pages randomly opened  to a chapter  title that read “False Worship”.  Being a worship leader it obviously grabbed my attention.  I was challenged by the verse and want to share it with you.  The verse that stirs my heart even as I type  is Ecclesiastes 5:1.

“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.”

The phrase “guard your steps” indicates & admonishes us to be careful, be attentive, and to listen.  The idea here is that we are to draw near and listen to what God wants to say.  It is the attitude and mindset that says “God wants to speak to me today”; “Speak Lord, I am listening”.

Can I ask you a question?  What is your attitude and mindset when you are on your way to the house of God?  Are you busy thinking about the day or the week ahead of you?  Are you thinking about what you can do for the church or how important you are to what goes on at the church?

This goes for me as well.  Although leading in worship is my “job” and my “calling/gifting”, God wants me to come quiet in spirit and heart and listen.  God’s working does not depend on me or the band.  It depends on God speaking to each individual and whether or not our hearts are open and ready to listen to God.

I challenge you my friends to begin to have a quiet mindset asking God to speak.  Slow down and listen.  Come this weekend with a heart of expectation of what He will say to you.

It is not about what we can do or bring to God.  I remind the band of this regularly.  It is not about us.  The songs we rock to and the songs we raise our hands and worship have two main purposes.  To worship God & to prepare hearts to HEAR God speak to them.  Whether we use a Beatles Song or a U2 song, the purpose remains the same.  We engage our culture that they might HEAR God speaking to them.

So Father as we prepare for this weekend, it is my prayer that you would speak to my heart.  Help me remember that it is not about me, not about the band, not about anything else but hearing and obeying you.  Speak to us!  We come having no agenda of our own. Speak and we will listen!

This morning the Lord has really given me an awareness of our need for prayer as well as our need to know Him.  Not just prayer as individuals, but prayers of protection from the enemy for each other.  We are under attack!  Our vision is strong!  Our hearts are pointed in the right direction, and Satan is not happy.  Prepare yourselves for an all out attack by putting on the armor of God.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. — Gal. 6:10-18

I write this because I know that I need to be better at daily putting all of this on.  We will not stand against this season unless we do.  The enemy is actively seeking to gain ground and ownership of our minds.  It must be combated with the only thing that can fight against it.  The Word of God.   We must personally fill up on the Word that we may stand our ground.  Pray for each other!   I am committing to take time out of every day to pray for  you and the battles that you are in.  Pray for me also.

One more passage that God really spoke to me through this morning.  It is time for self examination for myself and for the rest of us.

¹ “Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces;
now he will heal us.
He has injured us;
now he will bandage our wounds.
² In just a short time he will restore us,
so that we may live in his presence.
³ Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
or the coming of rains in early spring.”

Press on my friends to know Him!