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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Tuesday Night Reflections

March 11, 2009

WOW…. the past 7 days have been interesting.

  1. First and foremost we must pray for the Pastor Fred Winters family in this tragic time.  We must pray for his wife and kids, but also for his church family.
  2. Sunday was amazing at Overflow Church as we wrapped up “The Message Series” with “Yield”.
  3. Without Surrender (Yielding),  God is not free to work in us and through us and; therefore we will never realize our potential or fulfill our divine destiny.
  4. The greatest threat to our relationship with God is the blessings and promises that God gives to us.
  5. If you asked me to sum up everything I know about Christianity in one word, it would be “yielding”.
  6. Sunday’s message was the pinnacle of the series, and it really rocked some people.
  7. This is a must read testimony about God breathing the breathe of life into someone. Read here!
  8. I am so blessed by the blog noted above.  IT NEVER GETS OLD!
  9. Our household has had one interesting two week period.
  • I worked late 3 nights the last week of Feb, and then flew to Nashville for 3 days on Feb 26th.
  • The first week of March I did not get home before 8:30 any night.
  • Monday Night, Ashlee and I sat down and discussed some areas of our life that we needed to make sure we are on the same page about.
  • Tuesday of last week, we found out that Ashlee is expecting #3! (We are very excited)!
  • Powerful Testimony tomorrow about how God moved in this situation.
  • I took Monday off and had a family fun day! We went to lunch, Monkey Joe’s (kids play area), took at family nap, and then enjoyed some snuggling and reading.

My good friend Jonathan (Nate) has arrived in Appleton tonight. Many of you on Twitter may know him as Jfietzer. I am excited to spend some time having fun this week, and dreaming some about what God is going to be doing here in Appleton and the Fox Cities Region.

That’s all tonight. Check back for our Guest Blogger tomorrow night (Wednesday).

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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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Tuesday Night Reflections

February 25, 2009

Here are a few thoughts before I head to bed!

  • On Thursday I took the girls to Milwaukee for the day, and to have Adalee’s tooth fixed.
  • We decided to go to the Betty Brinn’s Children’s Museum with the kiddos.
  • The museum was a lot of fun and the girls had a blast in the hands-on areas.
  • It makes me wonder why the church does not step up their game. Many of the things in the museum were not that detailed. The church should have a vision to WOW kids as they enter the children’s area.
  • I am excited that Overflow is having a new website developed. I got a sneak peak at it on Friday, and it looks amazing. Thanks Nate!
  • Our Saturday Night Life Group launched on Saturday night with 10 people attending. I was very excited about the turn out.
  • The feedback was that everyone enjoyed the group. We also heard from a couple of people they were stretched.
  • Continued preaching through the Gospel of John on Sunday morning with “The Message Part 2:LOVE”.
  • The message really emphasized the love of the Kingdom and the Father through the passages in John.
  • There are some things beginning to take shape here at Overflow.
  • We need to pray for a location to facilitate our growth.
  • Please continue to pray for those far from God to be reached through our ministry.
  • I am still praying for people to join our team.
  • I am looking at some universities to continue my studies. I want to work on a Master’s in Ministry Leadership or Master’s in Transformational Leadership. God is calling me to take this step, to prepare for parts of my vision that are starting to take shape even now. I need to be prepared for those things fully.

I cannot think anymore. I am exhausted, and about to relax a little before hitting the sack. Research and writing will come at 5.

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Where are You? (part 1)

February 24, 2009

Here at Overflow Church we focus heavily on discipleship and provoking believers to a level of maturity that allows them to function as a hearer and a doer of the word.

In the last few messages here at Overflow, I have used these examples on a couple of occasions. Reading a couple of different blogs today made me think, I should touch on these topics on my blog. I know I have brought them on Sunday morning, but not everyone reading attends our church.

Hebrews 5:12-14

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

This is such an interesting passage of scripture, because Paul uses natural example of maturation and growth to explain a spiritual condition.

When a child is a newborn we feed them they are nursed, or given formula through a bottle, and eventually take on whole or regular milk. During this time the mom or dad holds the child, holds the bottle and carefully feeds the child watching every meal with intensity.

In the next stage of life, a parent begins to introduce some solid foods. In the first few feedings the parent may feed the child and help them take bites, eventually leading up to the point where the child can feed themselves as long as a plate is placed in front of them. In this stage the parent still watches the child during every meal with a high level of interest and concern.

The final stage of the child’s ability to eat is when they come to the mom or dad and tell them they are hungry. The parent tells them there is food in the refrigerator, therefore the child runs to the fridge grabs something and beings to eat. The parent is aware of the child eating, but is not particularly focused on the child eat.

These are the same stages that Paul is discussing in Hebrews concerning a believer’s spiritual condition. You see many Christians ought to be teachers by now, at least ministering to people around them, yet they still don’t get the basics of following Christ.

In a believers journey to maturity they go through the same steps and stages as a newborn baby.

In the first stage the new believer needs milk and nourishment in the word. The pastor, life group leader, or friend walks them through simple messages of love, new beginnings, grace, mercy, and such. They are getting the milk. A taste of what God has for them and it is satisfying.

In the next stage, the believer is not satisfied with the milk any longer, and they want some more solid food to chew on and process. In this stage the believer is coming to church and the plate is being placed in front of them. On Sunday morning the pastor is helping those taking bites through the preaching of the Word. Then the believer can process the food or take some bites of their own by asking questions of their pastor, life group leader, etc… One thing to remember in this stage is just like the child that a parent is helping feed their first few solids, sometimes the new believer takes in the milk into their mouth and spits it out. Then the pastors (parents) have to clean up the mess and continue to feed them.

In the next stage, definitely not final stage of a believer’s life, the believer begins to enter into some maturity. The believer is able to grab his/her Bible, open the Word and feed themselves. Sometimes the hunger comes from a word preached on Sunday and they want more, or something they hear on the radio. It is just like when the mom or dad says there is food in the refrigerator.

It begs the question: If you honestly looked at your life, and were only disclosing this information to yourself, where are you in the stages of maturing as a believer?

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Inadequacy

February 12, 2009

Inadequacy is the sudden feeling I got Tuesday afternoon setting in my office thinking about this coming Sunday’s service.

Over the past week I have posted a little about this Special Sunday.  I was processing through all of the things that must be done, accomplished, put in place,  and finalized in order to make Sunday successful.

Suddenly, without notice, a feeling of inadequacy washed over me. I got nervous, became flush, and even started to think, “man what am I doing.”  Have you ever had that sudden feeling of inadequacy. The feeling that you have jumped in over your head? That feeling that if God does not come through in a real and relevant way this whole thing is going to be a wash! Those were the feelings that rushed around in my mind for a few minutes. My anxiety level began to rise, my blood pressure was rising, my thoughts were getting quicker and quicker to the point I could not concentrate.

Then, as quickly as the feelings of inadequacy rushed in to my mind, God began to speak to me about I was right where he wanted me. He wanted less of me, so there would be room for more of Him.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

A few moments of rattling this precious scripture around in my head created a thankfulness in me. It’s not that it was not already there, it was more like a reminding, a gentle nudge in the right direction. So I began to thank God for all of the opportunities I have in my life and in our church.

As I was thanking God for this Sunday and for the grace to deliver a powerful, life changing message and reach people imploring them to be reconciled to Christ Jesus.  The thankfulness and gratitude that I am allowed to even pastor a church in the Kingdom of God, the fact that God has honored me with such a opportunity to change lives is so amazing, and I am so thankful.

You know, His grace has brought me this far, and His grace has been sufficient for me up to this point, and it will be sufficient for me this weekend, when I am weak, He is strong!

In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate?

In what areas of your life has God’s grace been sufficient for you to achieve what you thought was impossible?

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The Message!

February 10, 2009

I am very excited about this Sunday’s Celebration Service here at Overflow Church!

We have some special things going on this weekend, and I have been pumping this service to our Life Groups and our friends around the area. One of the things I have been doing is casting the vision that this particular Sunday will be pivotal to us reaching our goals & vision for 2009! The team and the people in our Life Groups have caught that vision.

We are a church of 20 people! We have approximately 24 vocal commitments to attending this Sunday’s Celebration Service titled “The Message”.

Those numbers are right. This Sunday at church we will have more visitors in our body than we will partners in our church! PRAISE GOD!

You see we have been working diligently to get this set up and ordered the way that God has been speaking to us about. Last week we set up our NEW Sound System (first one actually). We have now have a full audio/video package working with the projector, and the wonderful audio components in place.

I am very excited about this weekend, and it will be one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, messages I have every preached! Hence, the title “The Message”!

This will be a very powerful kingdom-minded presentation of the gospel. I believe that it will touch/rock those people that are far from God, or simply do not attend church for one reason or another that will be attending.

If you are in the Appleton area your invited to Overflow Church’s presentation of “the message”. If your not from the Appleton area, and you believe prayer changes things, it changes everything, then please pray for the Holy Spirit to move in power and love during this week of preparation. Please pray that all those who answered yes, will come and bring friends and/or family. Please pray that the Holy Spirit really blows through our service on Sunday in a wonderful, awe inspiring way.

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I am melting!

February 5, 2009

Yes. It is my goal for the people around me to see me melt in 2009!Over the last year I have broken my left foot twice, yes twice, and my right foot once. Due to these wonderful occurrences I began to wonder if my weight had anything to do with it, and I had let it go way to long. I began to make plans for a healthier 2009, and decided to begin as soon as I got back from my vacation to Texas.

While in Texas on vacation, I got up each morning between 5:30 and 6 AM and went to a local coffee shop to read and pray. That is when God began to speak to me about my weight and eating habits. One morning God took me to I Corinthians 6:12. With this verse, Father really took me to the woodshed for some discipline.

If your not familiar with it, here is what I Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

You see God began to speak to me that by His command all foods were lawful, but not all were helpful. SLAM!

Through a little discipline God was basically explaining to me during my prayer time that it was okay for me to eat fried foods, fast food, queso, and all the things I loved, but none of them were helpful. In my battle with my weight the last year or two I have lost some weight and then gained back after maintaining for a while.

God continued to speak to me about my drive to see people bring discipline to their lives, and get things in order in their finances, marriages, and lives.  In all my great Godly counsel and wisdom for their situations, I failed to apply it to my life in the area of food.

In the passage above from Corinthians it states that all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.  Paul then states that he will not be brought under the power of any. To be honest with you, food had power over me! It honestly was an area of sin in my life that I allowed to get out of order. If I was stressed out or worried about something, then food was my quick release. If I was bored, yep…food was something to do with my time.

On that chilly, windy Texas morning, God released me from the addiction of food. The food had power over me in many ways.

Is there anything in your life that is lawful, but not helpful?
Are you under the power of anything that you should not be under?

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Leadership Via Dora Part # 2

January 30, 2009

A few days ago I posted Leadership Lessons Via Dora. I had some good feedback and a few people who thought it was a good lesson. The next morning I was praying during my quiet time, and God began to speak to me about another leadership lesson that can be learned from Dora.  So over the last couple of days I have been asking God about it.

These are the observations God has brought to my attention from Dora the Explorer, and especially Wii Dora saves the Snow Princess.

  1. When Dora begins an adventure she is always with that special someone, that sidekick, Boots. Boots is who climbs all the trees, goes into all the holes, or catches balls in the show and the game.
  2. Who are you going to call when you don’t know where to go? The Map! The Map!
  3. When Dora needs something to accomplish a her quest, she calls upon backpack.
  4. The Fiesta Trio celebrate and congratulate Dora each time she accomplishes a portion of her quest.

Can I tell you that I was completely blown away by why God was showing me through Dora.

This little girl “Dora” is showing some leadership skills that few leaders in the corporate world possess, let alone in the church!

  1. Dora is definitely the leader, but she has no problem delegating tasks to someone that is better at them than her. A monkey is always going to be a better tree climber, hands down. So why should Dora even attempt it.
  2. Dora does not even attempt to act like she knows where she is going. She always seeks out the map on what direction to take to accomplish a task. Then along the way, she checks it often. (Vision for your life, company, church?)
  3. This chick has one cool backpack. It carries ladders, snow boots, coats, etc… Dora never leaves for an adventure without the right equipment. How many times as leaders do we set out on a path, without even asking what tools will be needed.
  4. Dora is surrounded by people who will cheer her on as she accomplishes parts of her quest. In the corporate and church world, we rarely find those that are there as an encouragement as we see parts of our vision  accomplished. Typically we only here about the negative stuff.

The final and maybe overall lesson God was trying to teach me was this, Dora maybe the star of the show (game), but there are several other characters that are equally important in accomplishing the quests they set out on.

Romans 12:4-5 says, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

In the body of Christ we need to build a caste of characters (not shady) around us to help us accomplish the quest that God has set before us. Each one of us, just like in Dora, do not have the same function but are equally important in accomplishing God’s will for our church.

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God is good!

January 29, 2009

I only have a few moments here before I head off to bed. Thursday will bring Leadership via Dora #2.

I had to blog quickly to say that God completely rocked some people tonight at our Life Group.

Over the last 4 days,  I have brought a straight Kingdom message “Introduction to The Kingdom of God” and God has really challenged some people and moved them.

It was not a fancy inspirational or practical message, but it was purely laying out there the fact that Jesus’ primary message was not salvation, but “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!”

To be honest, people getting rocked by God through simple messages, NEVER GETS OLD!

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