Tuesday Night Reflections

March 25, 2009

Well, it has been an eventful week.

  • On Monday morning, I was talking with someone in my office, and I stated that I was refreshed and had a relaxing weekend. Then it hit me, “NO you did not relax”
  • I worked for hours on Saturday for cleaning out the room that will become our sanctuary at our new building.
  • Then on Sunday I had 3 meetings, after church. It was a grueling day beginning at 5 AM and ending around 9:15.
  • Those were the facts, the truth was that it was one of the most relaxing weekends. I believe God honored me with rest, during those activities. Each day I took a couple of hours to spend with the family watching movies, taking walks, and running out for ice cream.
  • I was thinking on my drive from Green Bay today. If believers spent half as much energy and got half as excited about Church as they do March Madness, we would see entire regions won for Christ. The Kingdom could truly be advanced.
  • I think part of the problem is that we are not ashamed to be radical sports fan, but we are ashamed of being radical loves of Jesus!
  • The bathrooms at the Tundra Lodge Conference Center are the nicest I have ever seen. The room is marble with some amazing wood doors and fixtures. The restroom had a chair that was heated in a separate section with heaters. During our lunch break today, I kicked back and relaxed. I almost took a nap, but my I-phone kept me busy on Twitter and Facebook.
  • You should take a look at WINY‘s blog. The last couple of post are awesome, and the rest are good too!
  • Another blog to check out is JoNathan’s Bog.  JoNathan is moving to Appleton to work with Overflow. After a brief season of being in our services and Life Groups he will take over our children’s ministry. (CAN I GET AN AMEN!)
  • You know I have been begging God for somethings over the last several months, and many of them have come to pass.  I am blessed.
  • The real concern here is that Ashlee has set her mind to stand in faith for 3 things and they have ALL come to pass. She should be the one teaching our prayer series in a few weeks.
  • Did I mention that we are working with another Church in the Fox Valley Region and going to move our services into a new building in April. I am believing we will outgrow it quickly, but will remain involved with the building and outreaches from that location for a long time!
  • Oh, final thought… I need to pray more!

Those are my reflections. Many other things happened and went on around here, but too many to discuss.

If you live in the Appleton area we would love to see you at a Life Group or Celebration Service! Just give me a call 920-475-7595.

Check back  (Thursday) for Benefits Verses Responsibilities Part 3

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Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 2

March 24, 2009

Today I want to continue discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

2. God pours out His blessings – Our responsibility (call) to spiritual warfare.

Many Christian can testify of the blessings that God has poured out in their lives. Many of us could spend hours describing the abundance of grace and mercy alone.  In addition, many believers live a life amazing peace, financial prosperity, maturing & genuine relationships,  and the ability to grow in godliness.

I know I can praise God and thank Him for the blessings of my wife, our children, our church family, and many, many more things that He poured out into my life. I am very thankful!

When someone receives Christ or rededicates their life to following Jesus as their Lord and Savior they begin to experience the blessings that God pours out on His children.

During that same transition period it is important for new believers to understand their responsibility to walk in accordance with His heavenly calling  in Christ Jesus and encourage the body of Christ to maturity in Him.

Even though the Christian is blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3), spiritual warfare is still the daily experience of Christians while in the world. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

The spiritual world is real and it makes an impact on more than is obvious to most believers. Paul offers insight and direction for not being taken unaware in the midst of the invisible battle around us.

Many times we struggle with things that are hard to explain or have a rough day at work, or just feel that intense pressure or weight on our shoulders, yet seemingly nothing is really wrong or needed to be done.  Not all, but many of these instances in my life have been due to spiritual warfare, and a need to go to my prayer closet and seek God.

In Ephesians 6 Paul describes the weapons of warfare that I  have turned to during these times.  Paul offers insight and wisdom in these verses, and describes the weapons of prayer, and God’s Word. It is in the tongue that brings power and life to the Word of God. I will read scripture out loud or quote some verses that pertain to my situation. The spoken Word of God has power to change things.

Then in my prayers I will seek God and ask Him for the breakthrough or victory that I need, while thanking Him for the victory that was won on the Cross.

I will close with this, His Word coupled with our Faith — changes things — it changes everything!

Next time you are experiencing one of the amazing blessings from God, remember to spend a few moments thanking Him and praying for other situations in your life, and for those struggles in others lives.

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Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 1

March 23, 2009

I know people in the church are always talking abou the blessings (benefits) of living a Christian life, and how coming into a life giving church can radically change your life.  HONESTLY SEEING THAT CHANGE NEVER GETS OLD!

The one thing I do not hear a lot of Christians or churches talking about is the responsibilities that come with those blessings. When someone enters into the Kingdom of God they recieve the full benefits of living in the Kingdom, however they also recieve all of the responsibilities of living in the Kingdom.

Many things in life operate in this same manner, yet we simply do not aply this practical reality to the church, especially to God’s Kingdom.

So this week I want to spend sometime on discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

1. Accepted into the famiy — use our abilities for the church’s benefit

Very few believers would argue that there are major benefits and blessings that begin to manifest in thier lives as they begin to plug into a community of believers where they are welcomed, wanted, and accepted. It is a SECOND FAMILY that accepts them with open arms.  The blessings that come from this are too numerable for me to list.

Ephesians 4:7-13 that as believers we are to use our abilities for the churches benefit. Ephesians 4:12 specifically says, ” for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”.

In too many churches in America today the believers believe that it is the “paid” pastor’s responsibility to do ministry, and to carry out all the “work” of the church.

According to scripture that is the furthest thing from the truth. It is the pastor’s job to equip the saints for the work of ministry.  It is my belief that everyone should doing ministry. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is for every believer and not just for the “paid” pastor or the elders of the church.

A final take away here today is that it is amazing and wonderful when people begin to be adopted into the family, but with that comes the responsibility to use your abilities to benefit the family.

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Leadership Via Dora part 3

March 19, 2009

Back in January I posted 2 blogs that still to date have been my most viewed posts.

I have talked from time to time about posting a Leadership Via Dora Part 3.

So here it goes!

Have you ever noticed when watching Dora that she is not about her own business?

She continually is looking to serve and help people on every episode. {Okay, maybe there was that one Dora’s Birthday Surprise}.

Every time I watch Dora with my three year old, it jumps out at me that she is trying to serve someone or something. Always trying to bring restoration to a situation, reconcile a relationship, or help someone accomplish a goal.

Sound like anyone you know?

Matthew 20:28

28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

It is amazing that a simple childrens program gets it, but the majority of our society is out for themselves. Our society teaches people to be out for number one.

In our culture we are so caught up with instant gratification,  and securing goods for ourselves that many fail to serve their neighbor. We definitely live in a time and culture that no longer loves their neighbor as thyself or serves others as a lifestyle.

Another interesting fact about Dora is that she is no respecter of persons and even forgives Swiper the Fox for swiping items from her party or adventures. In several episodes Swiper and Dora work together to accomplish their goal like the Friendship 1 hour special.

I know… it sounds like I am obsessed with Dora. I am not.

I am however, very interested in learning from Media how to reach and teach the next generation {and our adults} how to get a hold of the truth God has laid out in his wonderful & amazing Word!

Hope you enjoyed Part 3…please feel free to leave some feedback.

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Tuesday Night Reflections

March 18, 2009

Just a few thoughts before heading off to bed…

  • LONG week… Why is it the weeks that we think are going to be easy and enjoyable turn out to be a pain, and the weeks I dread or think will be difficult are never as hard as I thought!
  • The week ended with a lot of meetings.
  • Friday night the team and I got to look around the building we are planning on using as a new location for our Sunday Services and community outreach.
  • The weather has been beautiful the last few days and our family cannot get enough of it.
  • We have been enjoying long walks, cool breezes, and the grill!
  • “If you cannot be tested, then you cannot be trusted”
  • Trials and tribulations will come, so we must ensure our attitude is one that embraces the trials as opportunities.
  • Many Christians say that God would never test us or allow us to go through trials
  • Umm… please read Gen 22, Matthew 4, and James 1, 1 Peter and get back to me.
  • The last seven days have been a pretty down time for me and the family. My family needed the rest time and a little more family time.
  • I put in 8 or 9 hour days instead of the normal 11 or 12.
  • I also took  most of Monday off and we went out to lunch and to Monkey Joe’s play center.
  • It may sound  a little contradictory to say that the week was long, and restful at the same time.
  • The warfare and pressure this week was immense for me, but Ashlee and the kids needed my attention more and needed me around more during the last few days.
  • So through out this restful and enjoyable time, there was some intense times of prayer and warfare.
  • Don’t Get it? That is okay. When someone is working full-time, raising a family, and church planting the roles and days seem to get very mixed and very complex.
  • Today I broke through some of the warfare and I feel much less discombobulated. PRAISE GOD!
  • I don’t get the NCAA selection Saturday process, but at least NCAA basketball has a play off system. The NCAA should glean some information from basketball to set up a football playoff system.

Enough Random thoughts for tonight!

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Even More Blessed Girl

March 13, 2009

By: Ashlee Bradford (Guest Blogger)

When Kevin asked me to “guest blog” a couple of weeks ago I meant everything I wrote. I DO feel as though I’ve come into a new level of contentment in the past year. However, one area that has been difficult has been my struggle with fertility. Our oldest daughter was a very pleasant surprise after Kevin and I had been married a few years…but were still in college and very young. Then because of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) we used fertility medicine (Clomid and Progesterone) to get pregnant with our 2nd daughter.. The process lasted about 2 years and was incredibly frustrating. I remember praying about it time and time again and the only thing I ever head the Lord say about it was that Baby #3 would be a surprise and I wouldn’t have to go through the fertility drug crap again. I was relieved by this, primarily at that time because if there was to be a Baby #3, there had to be a Baby #2!

So, after our second daughter was born I “expected” a surprise. I see some irony in that now. Would I have really been surprised? But anyways, nothing happened. We moved to Wisconsin to plant the church, we bought a home. There were a lot of distractions and I never really had “baby fever” but yet that Word was always in the back of my mind. Finally, towards the end of 2008 I started thinking about really wanting another baby. I struggled with believing what I heard God say and the obvious lack of results. I felt older, and in some ways like we were moving into a different season of life because our girls were getting so big. In December I asked Kevin about going to the Dr., getting Clomid, going through the whole process again. He said, “OK” and I made my appt. Privately; I struggled with wondering if I was giving up on what I heard God say. Tests are done, prescriptions are written.

Before you can start fertility medicine they want to be 100% certain you are not pregnant. So, I took a test on cycle day 28 (as directed) and the test was negative. That was the expected result since my labwork indicated I had not ovulated. I called the nurse to tell her I was going to start the meds. I got the price tag from the pharmacy (over $100/per month). While I was chatting with the nurse she mentioned that it was possible I could have ovulated late and she wanted me to wait until cd 35 and take another test. To be honest, I was annoyed. I felt like she was just putting off my TTC (trying to conceive) efforts for another week. I almost went and picked up the meds anyways and got started. But — I’m a rule follower, and I already had another test so I waited.

Then last Monday (cycle day 34) I asked Kevin if he really wanted to do go through it all again? I wanted to know what he thought, if he resented the expense, or if he was just going along with what I wanted. He expressed some concern over how emotionally difficult it is, but said he was game for a few months. I felt so relieved we were on the same page. I also shared my hesitation because I really believed I heard from God that we wouldn’t have to use the fertility medicine again. He mentioned that perhaps I heard wrong, or what I heard was colored by my emotions, or that maybe it would make sense down the road. I commented that it was one of the clearest words I’d ever had from the Lord, but after nearly 4 years…who knows?

So Tuesday morning I woke up, and was rushing about to get our youngest ready for her dance class when I remembered I needed to take another test before I ran to Sam’s Club to pick up my meds. I’m so frugal it was the old fashioned 2 lines sort of test… I was totally expecting only line to appear, so I thought I was seeing things when a second line appeared. I ran downstairs to ask Kevin if he could see it (it was SO faint!) and he confirmed that he did see it but wanted me to calm down and go for a blood test. I dropped Kevin off at work, rushed to the clinic BEFORE the dance class and had the test done. By the time her class was over I still hadn’t heard the results from the clinic so I went to Walmart and picked up two of the digital tests. I honestly screamed when the word “Pregnant” came up on the tiny little screen. I don’t think I will ever purchase a test with lines again. I took both tests (just for fun, I guess) and then the doctors office called with the same result. Because the hcg levels were really low I had to go back in on Thursday for a second test but everything had doubled perfectly!

How amazing is God?! I do not think there could have been a day in the last 3 ½ years I would have been more surprised…and we never used fertility medicine…the plan was to start that very day! He is so faithful to keep His promises to us and His love NEVER fails us! To say I am excited is the understatement of the year…I’m ecstatic! We don’t care girl or boy…I love being a mom to girls and think having 3 girls would be awesome…yet having a boy would be something fun and different too. I’m very happy with whoever God blesses us with! I hope this encourages you…if you have a word that you have been holding in your heart for a long time…God has not forgotten it.

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The Word

March 6, 2009

I heard an interview today and it got me thinking.

I have been preaching some hard core foundational stuff lately, and prior to that some inspirational, challenging sermons.

Recently God has had me preach on the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus. It is a story from the New Testament that has drama and a provacative discussion between the two involved. That sermon had real fruit.

You see the Bible is full of messy situations, violence, sex, back stabbing, drama, and family feuds. That is just the Old Testament. The NT is also full of drama, back stabbing, love, service, and redemption.

The description above sounds like a best selling romance, action novel or even a new drama developed for NBC.

Yet church is boring! We preach from this thing called the Bible and somehow we pick out the clean cut passages, leave out all the provacative topics available, and PLAY CHURCH.

Our culture portrays the Word of God as a nice and neat wrapped up piece of wisdom and literature.

It is time the church quits being the nice and neat boring place you’re dressed up for and spend money at on Sundays!

Life is messy, we are flawed, and we have drama. We need the action, life and redemption that the Word of God presents on the pages of the Bible.

Here is my challenge to you today!

Find something you have not read or at least not in a while, or something interesting to you in the Word.

Read it and ask yourself, “How does that apply to my life and those around me?”

I am positive that in the messy, flawed lives of those in the Word and the inspirational life of Christ you will find that it is far from boring, and it is life changing!

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TWISI

March 5, 2009

TWISI = The Way I See It!

At Overflow Church we are about to embark on an amazing journey to discover and evaluate the way you see the world!

In life many people ponder about things, but few take the time to reflect on how they see things, or why they see them the way that they do.  In a world full of moral and social relativism, the truth is in short supply.

I genuinely believe that we will have fun and enjoy the provocative discussions that will ensue during these 6 short weeks.

The ground that is covered in these 6 weeks is emence, and  will stretch you to the point that your mind might throb a little.

All in all, I believe this will change your life and the way you see the World forever.

Overflowers… start praying now… for God to shape, stretch, and challenge you through TWISI!

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Tuesday Night Reflection

March 4, 2009

Tuesday Night Reflections is normally a time for me to reflect on the happenings of the previous week and random thoughts about the things going on in sports, culture, and the church.

This week is going to be a little different. I spent 3 days in Nashville attending some leadership meetings.  Then church on Sunday was heavy and deep with the Hebrews 12 sermon on “What can be shaken, will be shaken”.

Today I want to reflect on a couple of blogs, and then what I have done about it.

1. Where Are You? – A realistic look at yourself and where you are with your walk with Christ.
2. Questions – What are you believing for, and what are you doing about it?
3. Where are You? Part 2 – With the things in the world being shaken, are you on the same page with your spouse? Key Relationships in you life?

All three of these blogs flowed out of some processing I have been doing lately. I have been concerned with some people around me, and some old friends progression in their Walk with the Lord.

I have looking at those people in my life that I am charged with by God to disciple, and evaluating fruit. To be honest with you there has been some good fruit, and some not so good fruit.

Then I took some hard looks at my personal walk, growth,  and physical health. All of this came to a point last night.

Ashlee and I went to dinner at Chili’s (My favorite place) and had a talk. We discussed several issues and concerns about church, non-church, and family life.

She came with a list of items and concerns. She presented her case, and I repeated what I thought she was trying to communicate before giving my feedback. It was good!

We discussed the key areas of our life, and made sure we were on the same page.  Many times we assume people are on board with what we are doing, but it pays dividends to stop and find out.

My wife honored my by writing out in detail her concerns and questions to make sure I was on board with all that she was wanting to pursue. I felt respected, honored, and empowered to release her and encourage her in many areas. At the same time, I felt released and encouraged to continue to pursue somethings that I know are difficult for her and my family.

It was so powerful.  You see all the ministry and changed lives are worth the work,  long days, and painful decisions that I make and my family lives with day in and day out. There is no question that it is worth it.

Ashlee and I did come to an agreement that it is worth all the pain and suffering, but it is not worth our marriage.  Last night, we placed our marriage and family as a priority and dealt with some things even though we had meetings that I had to find someone else to lead for me. It was worth it!

I believe that God used that to bring breakthrough to my marriage, my family life, my church, and even our prayers.

Just some encouraging words for you pastors, leaders, and believers out there.

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Where Are You? Part 2

March 3, 2009

Last week I wrote part 1 of “Where Are You? which discussed the three basic stages of maturing in your Christian Faith and walk with Christ. The ultimate question was “where are you in your walk?”

The first post was based on Hebrews chapter 5,  today I want to take a look a little further in Hebrews.

This past Sunday I preached on Hebrews 12 verses 18-29.  Let’s take a look at them.

Hebrews 12:26-28

26And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”

27This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

The Message Version

So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he’s told us this quite plainly—he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.

In my message on Sunday I talked about what can be shaken will be shaken, and I believe we are in a time of shaking. This is not a doom and gloom message, nor am I trying to call out churches, the world, or pastors.

What I am trying to do is call the church to a time a reflection, prayer, and repentance. I live a very transparent life. I share a lot of the happenings in my life here on the blog, and in my messages. When I closed the service Sunday I prayed that God would show us the areas we need to get in order, so that no shaking could move us off of the firm Foundation of the Rock of Jesus Christ. I personally asked God to show me areas in my life.

Monday Night (last Night) Ashlee and I took this to heart. We went to dinner for one purpose. We set down and discussed a list of issues, concerns, and thoughts to make sure were on the same page in unity. We dealt with church issues, non-church issues, and family concerns.

Our goal in meeting was to make sure we were walking in unity, not a house divided against itself during this time. We wanted to make sure we were moving forward together and not in different directions.

The conversation was not easy, although it was not difficult either. God blessed our discussion, and I believe we have a strong marriage this morning, than we did yesterday due to this set aside time.

One last interesting fact about this time is that we had a planned prayer meeting, but we felt it was so important to have this time of discussion that we got someone else to lead it, so we could make sure this discussion happened.

One may be asking how does this relate to shaking.

The answer is simple: We are now on solid ground in our relationship and the various things that are stresses to each one of us.  If shaking comes,  natural pressure of ministry and life, or warfare intensifies, we will be standing firm together on a solid foundation.

My questions for you today are:

Is there something in your life that you need to get in order, so that you know in your spirit that you are planted on solid ground?

Where are you at in your walk with Christ?

Where are you in your relationships with key people? Are you and your spouse on the same page?

Do you need to have some serious, intentional discussions to make sure you stand in unity in every area of your life?

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