A happy New Year!

Just wanted to say thank you all for making a great '08! As we wrap it up, enjoy a few photos from the Christmas play!

Kevin

Kevin was baptized this Sunday.
One of the most exciting things about being in the body of Christ is seeing lives transform.
One way God does this is through the Body.
We are so blessed with each and every member that walks through the door.

...to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we are all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. Eph. 4:12-13

A big THANK YOU to Solid Rock Bible Church for allowing us the use of their baptistery.

mp3's back up!

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Extreme Make Over on my road

Late Friday afternoon my principal sent out an email saying the road near school would be closed all week and we should all seek alternate routes. Well, I completely forgot and was running late and ran into the road block! I was very angry yesterday about my route to and from school being altered by "road construction". I had to go "out of my way" to go around and find a different route increasing my drive time.


I pretty much had gotten over it and was ok with it knowing it would be all week and there was nothing I could do about it. Then I found the out the real story. ABC is doing Extreme Makeover a few blocks from our school, and one of our students is the recipient!

Click here for more

My anger quickly turned to sadness as I realized how selfish I can be. I was annoyed over something good. Shame on me. I think it is cool how many people are affected by this and have to go out of their way for this family everyday. I am more than willing to go out of my way everyday for something like this.

So how many road blocks are put in your life that you may complain about that are actually a good thing? Next time think about how the road block may be a good thing.

11.16 Service with Steve

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Central Park Service

The audio caught some wind, and be ready to turn it down! The first 30 seconds are rough but it gets better.

We had a great service today and the weather was perfect.

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MC

The yard was full

I have been struggling with my mind being full of junk, lies, half-truths. I have been worried about things that are never going to happen. Questioning things that I know to be true, but I have not been taking captive all my thoughts and making them obedient to the Spirit. I know it is so easy to let your mind run wild.

It has been taking up too much energy, space and time. Satan wants us to go crazy in our minds, fill them with lies and worry. We know this is not from God. I finally began to cry out to others for prayer and help from God.

So I began to ask God for insight about my worries, were they true or Imagined. Late one night I had a dream, I had a dream I was at a train yard that was full of trains like the picture below.
All the trains got called out one by one until the yard was clear. I began to cross to the other side. I soon returned to find out another train was coming to my left. I crossed it's tracks and got out of its path, forgetting to look back to the right I see a train out of the corner of my eye barreling down upon me @ 70 MPH or more. I quickly jump to get out of it's way, just as it is about to hit me it stops on a dime as if it ran into an invisible brick wall. The train crumpled and crashed into a pile behind the lead car. In Matrix style slow motion I could see a ripple of energy that had gone out supernaturally, because fast moving trains don't just stop!

What does this mean? God told me my mind was full of all this junk, I began to take captive my thoughts and they began to clear out. After clearing my mind, two more thoughts came rushing in. I escaped one but God supernaturally intervened and stopped the last one.

God was telling me this is over, I have this know don't worry.

Since then my mind has been free of the trains like this one.

How is your mind?
Is it full of junk, closed to God? Or is it wide open to God like these tracks?Ain't it good to be free, If you are not free get help God is waiting, your friends are waiting to pray for you, let some one help you, let God help you. Sometimes we need God to come in and stop the train.

Thanks God for stopping the train before it derailed!
Matt

Church out of the Box with Hot Dogs!

A beautiful day...

Prayer Works

I met David in August of 1996 and have to admit that we didn't hit it off immediately. But, if you know God, you start to get the sense that when He has other plans it's just easier if you go along from the start.

How do you make a 12 year old story short? Over the course of time David and I have been involved with each other in a lot of ways. I have seen them go through weddings, births, surgeries, good times and hard times, and I know that God has been tugging on them for a long time.

The most exciting part of this story is depicted in the pictures you see. That is David, his wife Elisha, sister-in-law Bianca, and father-in-law Richard all being baptized into Christ together. It reminds me of the jailer and his whole household being saved.

He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must i do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them (Paul and Silas) and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. the jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family. Acts 16:30-34

Each one in this family has their own unique story, not the least of all is Richard who is battling cancer.

One side note: Rick said he could never figure out why he let his family talk him into building a pool...now he knows. Thanks to the Reeds for hosting this great event!

God is Good, never quit praying!
Al
(Alan Craig, guest blogger)

Been Awhile?

I am afraid it has been too long since our last post! God has been showing me in the last few weeks that you can have friends closer than family. I now have enlarged my "family" by many times. Sometimes it gets so "messy and complicated" with family that you have a long and storied past with. Isn't it good to have friends that you can have a fresh start with. Friends that see you in your fresh life, that don't have previous "muddy water" to get in the way of seeing you for who you have become.

Some old friends have grown along right beside us and see us as changed people. We are not who we were a year ago, and do not intend to get stagnant. God is not stagnant!

We were meant to live! Here is to Good friends, new beginnings and fresh starts.
Matt

School

As we prayed over Noah, Chloe, and Micah about the return of school and normal life (the end of late nights and sleeping late), It occurred to me that as parents Keely and I want our kids to take Isaiah 61 as their motto as they go into the school house this year. As a teacher I also adopt this motto, I feel like each child that comes into my class is divinely appointed to be there. Likewise I believe my children are in the class that God has put them in.

May we all seek to live this scripture out daily.

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, ^[a]

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

The Book we have been talking about

This book will rock your world.

I have read about half of the book so far. I recommend it if you are up for a mental challenge!

It will challenge what you have thought about church in the past.


For more info check out their site.

MC

Drive in Movie Tonight @ Walnut Creek

They will be showing the movie Cars @ dusk. All are invited!






MC

Pray today for Brad and Amy

I am calling on all of you to come together and pray.

Right now Joyce Smith, Amy Rollmann's mother, is having surgery to remove cancer. After that, they will determine if she needs to have additional treatment.

This family is precious and needs your prayer. Please lift up Joyce, Ronnie, Amy, Starla and Brandon in your prayers. As you can imagine they are experiencing stress, fear and sorrow during this time. May God extend them an extra measure of peace and comfort over the next few days and weeks to come.

Thank you for joining me in prayer.

K

Check out our newest book!

We have ordered more, if you did not get one see Sheila.

You can also go to Blurb to purchase one.

What a year!

Church on the lake Sunday

10:00 AM
West Bay

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Looks Good On the Outside

The other night I had a dream that I was in a house that had a door that was open. Something inside me was driving me crazy that the door must be closed, so I walked across the house and closed the door, and fell back into deep sleep.

There are some brand new houses down the road from us that are finished inside and out but have not been sold. One in particular we keep riding by has been left wide open for weeks. I began to get concerned about this and called a number the sign in the front and let the real estate people know. They asked me if I would help secure the house for them.

I closed the open door of that house the day after I my dream. I had not made the connection until today. It dawned on me that this was a God thing and these events were connected.

The house is beautiful inside and out, but it is very stale and empty on the inside. It made me realize how we can have relationships with others that are like this house, shallow and empty. Sometimes the best thing to do is get up and close the door on those relationships. I now have a better understanding of what Jesus meant when he said "let the dead bury the dead." I never really knew what that meant. Today, for me, it means sometimes the best thing to do is close the door and move on when there are things that get in the way and slow you down in your walk God.

We don't cast the door in cement (permanently closing it) and do away with the door, the door is still there and could be opened from time to time at your choosing. God can change anything.

Do you have some doors in your life that you need to close?

MC

Another way to help bring heaven to earth

I just read about Katie's Helping Hand.

They help the families of kids with long term illness. Just another way to help out.

Click below to read more about Katie.

KATIE'S HELPING HAND

MC

Katie Vacanti-Mitchell, 16, leukemia survivor and creator of Katie’s Helping Hand, an advocacy group for families, will present a check to Cook Children’s Medical Center from her organization, which feeds parents of sick children.

At age 12, Katie was a brave young girl who, in the midst of her own life’s struggles, reached out to help those around her. While undergoing two years of intensive treatment for leukemia, Katie realized that parents with children who are suffering life-threatening illnesses have financial as well as emotional challenges. For her efforts, Katie Vacanti-Mitchell received the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Above and Beyond Citizen Honor award for the State of Tennessee in March.

New Skin By Johnny Reed

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Matthew 3:1&2
In those days there appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness (Desert) of Judea and saying, repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the Kingdom is at hand.

When John the Baptist came on the scene, he was a prophetic forerunner to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For years, I “knew” what the bible said about the Kingdom of God being at hand, but I didn’t “understand” what it really meant. My understanding of it came through the sport of boxing. When there is a title match announced, it is said “The title or championship belt is at hand or on the line!”

To the nation of Israel, this was a statement that was as an ax laid to the very root of who they were. They (Israel) had known for approximately 4,000 years that God Himself had chosen them to be the ones to reflect the Kingdom of God on the earth. Now they have this crazy prophetic dude out in the “desert” telling everyone including the Jews that there had been a gross misrepresentation about God and He was about to give it to people that would properly represent it. I believe that is only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit that we can understand exactly how this deeply stirred the indignation and wrath of the church.

Then, the next thing we see is a carpenters son saying that He is not only who “all” the past and present prophets had had prophesied about but that He is the Son of the Living God walking upon the earth. I think that we could all agree that Israel’s boat had not only sprung a leak but it was about to sink with only two choices and one of them would soon be the laughing stock of the nation. Either kill Jesus or repent. To them, repenting meant to count 4,000 years of their religious works as nothing but trash and then follow a thirty-year-old kid around town loving Gentiles. Therefore, there only option, which Jesus stomped on through His resurrection from the dead was to kill Him!

I have brought us through all of that to bring us to the point that we are in today. I believe that the church is in the same condition that it was 2,000 years ago. Israel was supposed to take the representation that God had given them and become one with the Gentiles. They refused and it was handed to us and we are at a prophetic point in history where God is asking us to count our works as nothing in order to move forward and know Him deeper than we ever imagined!!! We have come face to face with the same sin that Israel committed in misrepresenting the Kingdom. To some, this is Good News, but to others that same indignation is being kindled to kill the prophetic voice that is upon us.

It is amazing to me that even for the Jew that could be baptized in the name of the One that they killed still found if difficult to not worship with but to even sit down at the table and eat with a Gentile. What they had religiously separated themselves from is what God was now saying to be passionate about. For us today, we have religiously separated ourselves from not only the world but from one another in the church and called it ok.

Johnny Reed

Wall-E

At First glance this seems to be another kid movie, until you leave the theater and you are hit with many layers and levels of complexity. You realize that the story is Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, and loving each other. The story is timeless, thought provoking, and very deep. Attached is a link to an interview by the director and here is a quote from Andrew Stanton:

You could blame consumerism as one thing that's happening in this film, but there's a million other things we do that distract us from connecting to the person next to us and from furthering relationships, which is truly the point of living. So I came up with the idea that as WALL•E was picking up trash, it would have all these signs of humanity for him to rifle through, to get him interested in what humans were all about. I loved the idea of WALL•E finding something real. He was fascinated with the idea of living. And what's the point of living? Something real. He was a manmade object with something real inside him. And he found something real while surrounded by manmade objects. That just was poetic for me.

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Easter Eggs

Duck, Duck, Goose - or - Church, Church, Minister??

During our latest “Church out of the box” service at West Bay Marina, I couldn’t help but notice this comical sight. In order to appreciate it though, you’d have to know the personality of the goose leading this pack of ducks. In short, he’s downright mean. He’ll chase you for a bite of whatever may be in your hand. But if you turn to chase him, he’ll run away, like the playground bully who’s actually too fearful to fight.


He struts his stuff with his head up high, leading the little ducks that follow him around, and stealing their food. I’ve never once seen him in the company of another goose. But he has managed to find this group that allows him to be their leader whether they like him or not.


Not to dish out disrespect for any of God’s true, anointed leaders, but that arrogant goose reminds me of many of today’s preachers and pastors. They lead their followers, acting as if they are one of them. Yet they lead neither out of love nor care, but from a heart that is haughty with domination.


Much of today’s Christianity has meandered far from the path originally laid out by Christ’s founding church. What was formerly an entwined “community” where Christians met regularly to encourage one another in their faith is now simply what we call “congregations” – people that gather in the same building, with little more in common than the same leader.


What was once a participatory entity*, has now been reduced to little more than a show, with select individuals in charge and in sight. We even encourage this further with the structure that most church buildings have selected over the years – pews all facing a podium to highlight a selected individual.


What used to be a gathering where people were given the confidence to be authentic, with confessions, words of encouragement and prayer, has now become what we refer to as a “service” (as if we’re really serving God there) with a prearranged time schedule of rote events.


How did the church, one of the most brilliant ideas that God ever had, devolve to such depths? Surely Jesus was right when He told Peter that even the gates of Hell wouldn’t destroy His church. It still exists and always will, with its numbers increasing daily. However, over the centuries its gatherings have strayed far from their original, simplistic design. Most have become little more than ducks following an oppressive goose, rather than sheep being led by a devoted Shepherd.

I’ve just realized that it’s going to be difficult not to think of many churches and their pastors in the future whenever I see children playing the game, “Duck, Duck, Goose”.

*“Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” 1st Corinthians 14:26

Shelia

Get your own copy of Diary of a Believer, By Shelia Gibson

Diary of a Believer
Article by Al Maxey
A Quest to Break Free
from Religious Mediocrity

The great Irish playwright, novelist and poet, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), well-known for his biting wit, and also for his rather controversial lifestyle, observed, "I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train" [The Importance of Being Earnest]. Diaries can be a fascinating read, for they give us insight into the innermost recesses of the very soul of another, and through their words we experience their joys as well as their sorrows, their hopes and fears, and their journey through life. Who, for example, has not been touched deeply by the moving diary of a young German-born Jewish girl by the name of Anne Frank (1929-1945) that documents her harrowing, horrific experiences while hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II?

As one reads through the inspired Scriptures, one will find evidence of what might be classified as personal journals or diaries. A few noted scholars of the biblical record, for example, see the book of Ecclesiastes as an extremely well-written journal of King Solomon's quest for that which brings ultimate meaning to life; a record of various pursuits, with accompanying personal observations as to whether or not these activities brought any happiness and/or fulfillment. He ends his journal with the conclusion that true contentment is to be found only in relationship with one's Creator. Some scholars also see the book of Acts as part personal diary of the physician Luke, especially in the famous "we sections" of this historical document which details some of the acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles as the church of Jesus Christ was formed, and as it expanded throughout the then known world. There are also those scholars who have suggested the Song of Solomon constitutes a beautiful, poetic, journal-like expression of intimacy between lovers. Indeed, at times one is almost tempted to feel guilty for sneaking a peek at this personal diary in which some extremely intimate thoughts are penned.

Nevertheless, in spite of all that has been written about them, pro and con, diaries and journals are here to stay. They provide an outlet for the thoughts and feelings of men, women and young people; a place where one may genuinely pour out one's very heart and soul. And, now and again, these intimate works are shared with the public ... and on rare occasion that sharing becomes memorable. Such has been the case with a diary that has recently been offered to the public by the woman who kept it. Her name is Sheila G. Gibson, and she was raised within an extremely legalistic wing of the Churches of Christ, an experience that truly challenged her personal well-being repeatedly and on a great many levels. In some ways it is a love story, and in other ways almost a horror story. Yet, ultimately, it is the journal of a courageous young woman whose faith would not be shackled or shattered by the rigid religiosity of the sect within which she was raised. It is a tale of triumph.

The title of her fabulous book is The Diary of a Believer. It is only 165 pages long, and very easy reading, but it will truly touch your heart. It may be purchased on Amazon.com, for those who prefer doing business online. Also, I would encourage you to check the web site devoted to this book [The Diary of a Believer] as well as Sheila's personal Blog Site. I'm pleased to have Sheila Gibson as a Reflections reader, and equally pleased to be able to take this opportunity to highly recommend her book to all of you. You really need to get a copy of this book and read it. It will "speak to you" as no other book has in a long time! On the back cover of the book it states: "The Diary of a Believer is the story of one believer's quest to break free from spiritual mediocrity in order to discover, know, and love the Lord described within the Holy Scriptures. It chronicles the journey that Sheila Gibson began as a young girl inside a common, traditional, Christian organization known as the Church of Christ. It explores the blueprints of religious patterns often used to seek Christ within that group of believers. It also reveals the disturbing lengths that some brethren will go to to protect those traditional formulas and doctrinal boundaries within the brotherhood."

In her Introduction, Sheila writes, "The Diary of a Believer chronicles the spiritual journey that I began in early childhood inside a fundamental Christian setting. It spans years in which I grossly misunderstood my own Creator and Lord as little more than a judge watching His children, awaiting our inevitable sin. Waiting not to redeem, but to punish, perhaps even with a hint of joy. ... The Diary of a Believer explores the blueprints commonly used to seek God through established religion, which often leaves its seekers doubting and unfulfilled in their faith. Formulas breed complacency, and complacency breeds mediocrity. Mediocre is what I found my own spiritual life to be until I began searching outside the spiritual fences erected long ago by well-intentioned, albeit misguided, brethren. ... The composition of this book was inspired by the desire to share what I've learned along my journey with my children, family and friends. But I also find it fitting for others who feel lost in the maze of Christian tradition. It's for those who've bought into the lie that says you must earn your salvation under the guidance of specific church doctrine." It's my strong belief you will all most definitely benefit from reading this book, and I urge you to get a copy.

Pool Bash 2008

The Craig's and the Cook's were combined for Church at the pool, bring your own trunks!

Last night as I watched everyone play around the pool it dawned on me that just as I enjoyed watching my children play and squeal with delight as they played with their friends. God looks down on us and enjoys watching us play.

There is no doubt in my mind that our creator delights in our joy, and enjoys looking down on us having fun with the things and the people that He has created.

MC

One Update!

This came to me today and I wanted you all to see it. Pretty cool, God wants His people to be one!
MC

We’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to One Prayer and want to thank all 1,500+ churches for your enthusiastic participation. Never did we dream that more than 800,000 believers would be fasting, praying, giving, and serving together this June! We’ve seen churches coming together in unprecedented ways, supporting each other, giving to each other, and joining forces for the most important battle we’ll ever face. We’re not ready to stop. How about you? We’re already planning for a new global series like One Prayer that will take place in June 2009. Save the date and we’ll keep you posted with details as they develop. But beyond that, we’ve seen God use One Prayer to spark conversation within churches around the world about how we can continue to work together to get even more accomplished. We’re thinking about how this can become a reality for the Church, and that’s where you come in. We’d love to hear your ideas. If there’s one thing we’ve learned during this season, it’s that big things can happen when we team up—not just in carrying out plans, but in crafting those strategies together. What’s the best way to connect churches who want to continue sharing resources? How can we combine efforts on a regular basis to be even more effective in revealing God’s love? Get creative, think big, and let us know what you come up with! Share your ideas here

Granger Community Church created an amazing video they used during the first week of the One Prayer series and we’re excited to let you know that they’ve made it available in a format to use in your church as well! You can preview it here, and you’ll be able to download it from the One Prayer resource site soon.

As you head into your weekend experiences, here are some points about One Prayer to share with your church: The fasting focus for this Tuesday will prayer for other churches. Offering Celebration: we’re still gathering information about the offering totals from all the One Prayer churches combined, but you may want to celebrate the amount that your church will be able to contribute this week and announce the complete results next week. This weekend is a great opportunity to celebrate what God has done through One Prayer so far: communities are starting to be transformed, prayers have been answered, miracles have occurred before our eyes, churches have been working together, and new partnerships have been formed. You can also share with them that we’re already gearing up for a new global series like One Prayer that will take place in June 2009. Standing Together, The One Prayer Team

itunes

We are now on iTunes!

Check it out, all of our Podcast 07-08 are up here.

One Year, a line in the sand

WOW! It's hard to believe a year has come and gone!

I am so glad to be here! I can never go back to the person I was a year ago, I don't want to go back. I have so much peace compared to this time last year. This time last year it was all so scary starting out on this adventure, but with your help it has been a joy!

I left a mindset that was ruled by the least common denominator, meaning the weakest link in the chain dictated what could or could not be done. This is very limiting. This mind set is like communism where someone else sets your standard, I can't go back to that mindset. A mind set in which you were frozen by people that were offended. I should be much more concerned by how my sin is an offense to God and less concerned by how others have offended me. Go back and listen to these when you are feeling offended, thanks Brother Reed.

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I look forward to seeing God work in our group this year.

I found this poem, I think this is what we are all about.



The Line in the Sand
by
John W. Frye

The time that Jesus drew a line in the sand
The scandalous woman lived; sent away forgiven
While blood stones lay unused on the ground,
Once held by self-confessed sinners.

What is our line in the sand?
Does it heal, forgive, give hope and life?
Is it a life line or a line of dark challenge,
signaling separation, judgment and death?

Go ahead, make someone's day.
Draw your line in the sand.
People will see it and know your heart.
Love that forgives draws lines in the sand,
And so does the code of law that kills.

The hand that drew the line for the woman
Who, in panic and shame, bent naked in the crowd
Took the hammered, ragged nail.
His warm blood ran down to the line in the sand.

Where does our blood run these days?
Those who don't bleed, don't forgive.
What's our blood line...or
Blood stone?

One Prayer

Al on Bass

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One Year

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Dia De Padre!

Happy Father's Day!
Enjoy!

mandles

Out of the Box III

A few sites to look at and think about

One Prayer Focus Areas
Cambodia, India, Sudan, China

Once a killing field, Cambodia is now a harvest of light. Also possessing rapidly growing networks of indigenous church planters, both Cambodia and Vietnam possess a history of war-torn and tyrannical poverty.

Invisible Children
24 Hours
Infinity Alliance

Look at these let me know what you think?
MC

We are so not "Down in Flames!"

Alan's Mower.



Got me to thinking about this song below. I am so glad that we are apart of a movement that is not going down in flames! We are trying to help put out the fires of Hell that rage on earth and bring refreshing Fresh water. To be Salt, and Light.

We left this way of thinking and This song no longer applies to where we are at now, but we must strive to be the Christians that are the opposite of this song.


Christians-- we're all afraid of fire.
We prefer to suck on pacifiers.
Baby pacifists, we're throwing fits.
We don't shake hands, we shake our fists.

We're cannibals.
We watch our brothers fall.
We eat our own, the bones and all.

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

We're going down, down, down in flames.
We're gonna drown, drown, drown insane.

We see the problem and the risk,
but nothing's solved.
We just say, "Tisk, tisk, tisk,"
and, "Shame, shame, shame."

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

Let's go!

Christians-- we mourn, the thorn is stuck
in the side of the body watch it self-destruct.
The enemy is much ignored
when we fight this Christian civil war.

We're cannibals.
We watch our brothers fall.
We eat our own, the bones and all.

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

We're going down, down, down in flames.
We're gonna drown, drown, drown insane.

We see the problem and the risk,
but nothing's solved.
We just say, "Tisk, tisk, tisk,"
and, "Shame, shame, shame."

Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.

Na na na na, na na na na.
Na na na na, na na na na.
Na na na na, na na na na.
Na na na na, na na na na.
Na na na na, na na na na.
Na na na na, na na na na.
Na na na na, na na na na.
Bana na na na, na na na

Let me pause to clarify
('cause I'm sure you're asking, "Why?").
I stand before you and proudly claim
to belong to what this song complains.

I'm part of the problem,
I confess,
But I gotta get this off my chest.

Let's extinguish the anguish
for which we're to blame,
and save the world
from going down in flames.

Let me pause to clarify
('cause I'm sure you're asking, "Why?").
I stand before you and proudly claim
to belong to what this song complains.

I'm part of the problem,
I confess,
But I gotta get this off my chest.

Let's extinguish the anguish
for which we're to blame,
and save the world
from going down in flames.

Pray for China

China Quake

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Good news

Shift

Chris and Pamela

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Apostolic Movment

Your thoughts? Comments, Questions? Put them here and Chris and Pamela will respond.

A few Thoughts and scriptures From Sunday's Message:

Acts 13:1-5
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.(NIV)

Isaiah 61:1-7
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.(NIV)

1 Chronicles 12:32
men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do--200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;(NIV)

Ephesians 4:11-13
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(NIV)

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."(NIV)

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.(NIV)

1 Corinthians 9:2
Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.(NIV)

SHIFT

Awake

Arise

Penetrate

KINGDOM

Transformation

We must be free set others free, only free people can set others free

Sent to lay hands on sick, bear fruit

Sent to be God’s Authority

Co-labors with Christ

Advance kingdom of God

Bringing heaven to earth

Restoring the earth like in Genesis

God wants HIS will done on this earth through us-Thy Kingdom come!

It’s about KINGDOM; the river will make a new course.

Spirit Is like water, we are pioneers doing it the kingdom way.

Apostles-means one sent

God is working today, creating a NEW mindset

Stamped to do business in the kingdom of God

New and Different

NEW AND DIFF.

Go where God sends you

We are going to change the world!

Do damage to the darkness

Mantled by God

Church and Kingdom not the same thing, Church about getting my needs meet, Kingdom about the king, not me but God.

The King’s Domain- the King takes care of his Citizens

Cutting Edge Church, to meet the need of the changing world

Pioneering invading new territories

Does not compromise the truth of the gospel

SHIFT

CAN’T go back to the old, boundaries are changing, increasing, new season

Don’t worry about those how don’t want to go with you

Please Pray for my brother Gabe

Gabe's Blog

Gabe is headed for a mission to Kenya Africa. Please keep him in your prayers.
Matt

PARTY Saturday Night the 24th

boym (bring your own meat)

Chel and Diane Finnicum
107 Gilley lane
weatherford tx
817-565-0843
24^th @ 6
Bring your Lawn Chair

Chel.finnicum@navy.mil

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Scriptures from Sunday

A few scriptures from Sunday, read them chew on them, digest them. Work it out!

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.(NIV)

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.(NIV)

John 8:31-32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."(NIV)

Hebrews 2:15
and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.(NIV)

James 5:15
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.(NIV)

James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.(NIV)

Hebrews 12:6
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."(NIV)

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."(NIV)

Isaiah 53:1-5
Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.(NIV)

Matthew 8:16-17
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."(NIV)

1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.(NIV)

Acts 22:22-29
The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!" As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and questioned in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?" When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. "What are you going to do?" he asked. "This man is a Roman citizen." The commander went to Paul and asked, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" "Yes, I am," he answered. Then the commander said, "I had to pay a big price for my citizenship." "But I was born a citizen," Paul replied. Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.(NIV)

A few thoughts that Johnny Hukill mentioned today

The word reveals the will of God

The prayer of faith is impossible for you to receive until you know God’s will

Faith begins when the will of God is known

Your Faith will never surpass your knowledge of the word

Faith declares what God is going to do

Faith declares the end from the beginning

We can not walk in faith and be lead by what we feel

YOU MUST STAND UP IN CHRIST (WORD)

Sunday's Sermon

Religion wants to bring us down, chain us down and then throw the ball and chain off the Cliff, and we go down with it!

"Listen, use what you can use and spit out the bones!"

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This is Home

Switchfoot is one of my favorite bands. They came out with a new song for the Prince Caspian movie. It is called This Is Home.

As I listened to the words I immediately thought of you, the past two years, and where we find ourselves now. The words are beautiful to me, it seems as if they were written just for us.

Below are the words, and after that is the video. Enjoy
KC

I've got my memories
They're always inside of me
But I can't go back, back to how it was
I believe now, I've seen too much
But I can't go back, back to how it was
Created for a place I've never known

[Chorus] :
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong,
where I belong
Yeah this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home,
Yeah this is home

Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back, back to how it was
And I got my heart set on what happens next
I got my eyes wide it's not over yet
We are miracles
and we're not alone
[chorus]

And now after all my searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see the sunset
I'm gonna call it home
[chorus]
Now I know
Yeah this is home

I've come too far
Now I won't go back
This is home.

Out of the Box II slideshow

Sheila took some great pictures at the lake Sunday.
Take a look...

Church out of the Box II

We are here (@ the Lake) again because the walls of a building cannot contain our God!

Church has been in the box for far too long, it’s for it to come out into the world! That is where you and come in, We are all called to be God’s Royal Priesthood, a holly nation set apart to be God’s hands and feet at work in the kingdom.

Yesterday at Emily’s birthday party, I had a chance to make some new friends and share life with some new people. While I was there I met a man named Mike who said something profound to me. He talked about a time in his life when he was just starting out into the business world he needed some help and older man helped him get his start. This older man taught him that “If you have it, you give it, if you don’t have it you don’t give it.” Mike said this really transformed how he saw the world around him and

He had learned to live by those words and when his business was rolling he would help as many as he could. He seemed like the kind of guy that would have given me something right then and there if I had needed it. Mike demonstrated a greater understanding of how God wants us to use wealth than any other person's. Mike gets it, it’s not all about the Benjamin’s, it’s not all about security, and it’s about people.

We are called to be in the business of people. Investing our time, money, energy, and effort into people. People are kingdom things, they last, and stuff doesn’t. We are so warped in this society of what is means to be successful. We have this idea in our head that we are to retire someday; I don’t think that is biblical concept. That is a lie from Satan. Our work will not be finished on this earth until we die. So I want to leave you today with a challenge to “be like Mike” find people around you that need to be invested in, spend time, help them out, listen to them, and get your hands dirty. . . We are all messy and smelly, you can’t stay clean when you get down in the trenches and see where people are and come away unchanged. Accept people for where they are in life, not where you think they should be, but just for who they are and what they bring to the table. We can’t change people; all we can do is plant some seeds by helping them out. God will water it and it some point something from inside that person must kick in and help it to grow, we can’t do it for them.

Jesus talked a great deal about money; He talked very strongly to the concept of storing up great sums of wealth for ourselves. Go all the way back to the desert and the manna that would spoil if they gathered too much, to the man who built bigger storage buildings to hold all his junk, God called him fool! Jesus’ teachings are full of helping others with the money that God has given us. When we see needs around us we have a hard time seeing them from God’s perspective; in Luke Chapter 9 we have the story of feeding the five thousand.

Don’t be like these disciples that could not see what God could do through them, learn to see the good that God wants to do through you.

Be like Mike this week.

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Where I want to Be

We are in a better place than we were a year ago. People that have my back surround me. People that are humble, caring, nice, forgiving, and most importantly people that know that we all have warts, and flaws, that know we are not perfect, yet still love us. For the first time in my life, I know true community. Community that shares in our troubles, community that you can bare your soul and not be condemned, or talked about when you are not around. A place that is safe and people that are safe with your “dirt”. This last year, 2006-2007, has been about learning that not everyone is safe, even family members and long time friends may not be safe to confide in. When you confide in people that are not safe, you are throwing your pearls before swine. I have also learned how easy it is to do these thing; how easy is it to gossip and spread things that aren’t ours to spread. I have learned that I must surround my inner circle with people that are safe. People that will gracefully redirect me when I get off course.

So…thanks to my new family that does not hold grudges, is safe, and genuinely interested in who I am and what I am about.

MC

Pray with your door shut!

Oaths were signed and pledges made as we went through one of three of the most stressful days teachers, administrators and students go through each year. I am glad it is over! I have 2 more to go!

While I was up "actively monitoring" my students, making sure they were all doing the right thing, I used my silence to pray for each and every child in my classroom. I lifted each one of them up by name, that they would not be stressed and that they would remember all the things they have been taught.

I laugh when people complain about the lack of prayer in school. People like to gripe about how there is no prayer in schools and schools have gone downhill every since they took prayer out of school. This is not true. All the teachers I have ever worked with in the last 10 years have been people of prayer. Teachers are a praying bunch of people. Many of my colleges admit to telling their students that they are praying for them.

If the only way we can pray is an organized public prayer with someone else leading it, I don't want it! Prayer in school is alive and well today, maybe better than ever. It's the silent prayer-Didn't Jesus have something to say about Silent Prayer? Something about closing your door and praying?

I freely admit to praying with the door shut today. Not to boast or to be seen by men, but to encourage you not to believe all the hype that the world crams down your throat. They want you to believe that the schools are bad, evil, that kids are bad. . . They are all lies! Schools are good, safe, and filled with Godly men and women that pray with the door shut.

Don't believe the lie that you can't pray in public schools today.

Pray with your door shut!

Matt and Zavier-Proof of no Chimpunking!

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