Another thought for Today...

The Big Explosion...

It has been a wild two weeks. On one day, I'm scratching my head - wondering if we will ever find a building for Real Life Church. The next, I am signing a lease agreement - wondering how I'm going to get everything done. Wow! This explains how God has approached Real Life Church and the ministries here. One Big Explosion!

Now my attention is moved to other areas. Finding some chairs (we have a few leads), figuring out where I'll get some paint (again, we have a few leads), and looking towards our first preview service (which is sneaking up on me very quickly). I feel we are like Shuttle Control and the countdown has started. T-minus and counting.

I have learned a valuable lesson. God always will be seen when we look for Him. Our vision has not changed, 'helping real people discover real faith.' God's plan for our community has not changed - He has opened enough doors to show He is here. Now, the pressure of getting ready is hanging over our heads. I was asked, "Will you guys be ready?" My answer was simply, "Yes." I believe that.

We'll need some help. I'll need some direction. I know what God can do and I will not question Him again.

God's recipe for Revival

Many of you may know the passage from II Chronicles 7:14, so I’ll not write it out. In this passage we see God revealing His recipe for revival. Now, I am sure that many of us are like a dry vessel that, from time to time, need God’s filling. In this passage, we see a practical application in our walk with God that helps usher in this ‘spiritual filling’ we all need.

That’s the recipe, here’s the why: There is no greater need today in the life of a Christ-follower than to be filled with God’s presence and power. I personally have come face to face with this need every time I go into our community. Each day, I see people desperate for God – even when they don’t know it. I have felt empty at times, even to point of ignoring my personal relationship with Christ. How then can we relay the Message we have been given?

We return back to the well. Take a moment to ask God – in a real way – to come back into our hearts like it used to be. I have seen this in my own life over the past several months, and it has been a wonderful experience. I have also seen, within our launch team, how God fills someone’s heart and the excitement that comes with it. This has been an overwhelming experience that just makes me wonder, What’s Next?

Fantasy Church Leagues

Have you ever wondered about starting a fantasy church league? I mean, we have fantasy sports in everything else. There's baseball, football, basketball, curling. If it is a sport, there are people playing a fantasy version of it, myself included.

What if we could have a fantasy church league? Take some of the best preachers, worship leaders, bands, facilities and put them in a draft. We'll all pick ones we want and see what happens. I think this would be great. We would be looking for the best we could get in every area to get the best results. Now before you judge, I'm not being unspiritual. In fact, this has been my approach in launching Real Life Church, which falls directly into the gifts God has given me for ministry.

I know it sounds a bit weird, but we have looked at what God is doing in other churches - trying to find those approaches and philosophies we want here. To me, that is a great strategy. In fact, that is why I have made many of the decisions concerning our ministries. See, I find value in connecting with other church planters, these guys are the ones that have had the biggest impact on my Walk over the past year. I find it extremely valuable to learn from my coach and mentor, Hal Mayer (Church at the Bay). Not only does he encourage us...he Coaches us - I wouldn't be where I am at this very minute without my NEXT Coaching network. It helps me to strive for excellence in my personal life as well as my spiritual life. Just last week, I met Bill who is on staff with the Billy Graham Crusades. I pulled so much from that casual meeting that it actually challenged me spiritually. This is what we are called to do. Why not learn from others?

The call on our lives to see 'real people discover real faith' is far too important for me to be ignorant or prideful. I can learn from others. I will learn from others. Why? Because, these are the ones that God has placed on the path of my life-walk to mold me into the person He wants me to be.

Happy Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day. There is no doubt mothers deserve more than just today to be honored. Moms are nurses, cooks, maids, offer taxi services, relationship savers, etc. In addition to holding down a job or two. How wonderful they are.

They bring life into this world. They endure shenanigans from their spouses. They help with homework, reports, and class projects. They pitch in everywhere they go. No wonder God put it this way - Who can find a virtuous woman - for her value is high above that of rubies. Tell your mom you love her - not just today, but everyday.

It all begins somewhere...

Have you ever noticed that you need some unique motivation from time to time? Well, that motivation for me has come in a group of people that are part of Real Life's Launch Team. There was nothing greater than seeing God open the minds and hearts of a group of people to help us Launch Real Life.

The vision we have of this church, who's main goal is 'helping real people discover real faith,' is now becoming a reality. This is such an exciting time - why don't you join us?

That's the only thing missing now. You.

Cinco de WHAT?

I'm taking the kids to school this morning, well actually it started when April got home from work. "It's Cinco de Mayo!" To which, I replied, 'okay?'

April proceeded to tell me that she needed some items from the grocery store to make a dip for Cinco de Mayo to take to work. Okay. Let me go back to taking the kids to school. So, we're on our way, and in my 'festive' mood I wished the kids happy 'Cinco de Mayo.'

"Cinco de What?" they replied. It took a few moments to explain the liguistics of what I was trying to tell them about the 5th of May. We were not speaking the same language. You now, that happens alot in my life. Sometimes I think I hear something and have it all wrong. Sometimes others think they heard me say something and have it all wrong. And sometimes, I heard what they said and have the wrong meaning. In our relationships, and I feel I am an expert (I WISH), communication is always key. Communication at home can be crucial to our family's health just as communication at church is crucial to its health.

We are trying to build this church here in Georgia and I am finding how important communication really is. I see the vision God has given us for the church, but do others see it? Or do they just 'see' what they hear from me? It's always helpful to keep the communication pathway open. I know this helps me and maybe it will help you.

Get Plugged In

Have you ever noticed how 'Life' is at times?

Well, just this past week we saw in our own lives:

• Car troubles
• Kid issues
• Dishwasher foul-ups
• Is there anything I'm missing?

What's the point? As I see it, we have two options: 1) we can find some way to disconnect from our troubles - which usually leads us to a place we NEVER wanted to go (alcohol, drugs, sex, etc) or 2) we get plugged in to the HELP God has promised us. In the book of James, we are told to 'count it all joy' when we face life's issues. WHAT?

Yes, we can be joyful because we get plugged in to God's Spirit. I know how my week's gone and it very well could have been mild compared to yours. Hang in there! God may or may not make your circumstances disappear - in fact our dishwasher is still fouling up. What does happen then? God begins to help us THROUGH what we are facing. I've been concerned about finding a meeting place for our church. It has got me thinking...I mean really thinking, 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING, GOD?' But, God has a plan and I need to just be patient. God will help us face whatever comes our way. If there is a way I can enourage you, let me know. Email us at prayer@reallifechurch.tv.

Day of Prayer

There is a call today for our nation to pray. Check out this video, share it, use it. Let us encourage our churches to spend a few moments today, tomorrow, and the next in prayer.