FAITH CHURCH-CEDAR LAKE

121

At the Cedar Lake campus this past weekend, my friend Terry gave me a polished, engraved rock.  He had etched into it Psalm 121 because that Psalm has special meaning to him.  It is the same Psalm that was shared be the pastor at my wedding.  I don't recall a ton of details about that special day in terms of the actual ceremony, but I do remember that Psalm.  It has become very meaningful and special to me, for life in general and for my marriage specifically. 

It is the Psalm that came to mind this week as I talked with Reggie preceding his heart surgery.  It has strengthened me and given me hope and I know it will bless him as well.  May you be blessed by these words today as well:

Psalm 121

"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 

The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

On My Mind...

 

After a long weekend filled with food, fun, family and friends, I've had some time to reflect on the next few months.  Here are some things that are on my mind:

1. When we move into the auditorium, many of our volunteers will have a reduced time commitment in terms of setup and take down.  It is my hope and prayer that we are able to shift some volunteer time outside the walls and into the community.

2. Some mini-churches have been very active in the community.  I would like to see an increase in the number of folks in mini-churches as well as an increase in the number of mini-churches that are serving the community.

3. The auditorium will be an excellent space for gathering each weekend.  It is also 600 seats!  Let's start to be active in prayer for God to lead more people to Himself through this local church.  Start planting seeds with friends, neighbors and family.

4. The economy has put a little damper on securing a space for a "weekly presence" in Cedar Lake.  I believe that God will make it clear in His time where and when we need to act on this.

5. Can we be more proactive with a youth ministry, MOPS and Celebrate Recovery at the Cedar Lake campus?

6. The Labor of Love is coming soon.  Worship through service.  I am excited about the possibilities!

God continues to bless us and keep us and make His face shine upon us!  I pray that His kingdom comes and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

Join us this weekend as we kick off a new series entitled "Life @ Your Fingertips". 

 Multiple times.  Multiple venues. Multiple campuses.  You can get times and directions from our website.  See you there!

Millenium Park

Last week Karla and I went with some friends to Millennium Park in Chicago.  It was indeed a festive atmosphere with with a few thousand people picnicking on the grass, having a thousand different conversations, eating a thousand different foods and listening to some excellent Mariachi music.  I loved the "melting pot" of different people and cultures.  I loved being on a green space in the shadow of a bustling city.  I loved the warm breeze drifting through the park. There were young people, older people, loud people, quiet people, well dressed people, and casual people.  There were people eating Subway and drinking diet Coke and there were people eating fine cheese, caviar and drinking wine.  There were people dancing, there were people sitting in chairs conversing and there were folks laying on blankets with their eyes closed just listening and relaxing.  I loved the atmosphere.  I loved the diversity.  I loved the sense of goodness in relationships.  I wonder if I caught a minuscule glimpse of heaven!

Jon and Kate Plus "Who Cares?!"

I guess by even mentioning the ongoing saga and media feeding frenzy revolving around the "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" TV show, I am contributing to the hype.  The couple has been run through the media grinder and are reportedly filing for divorce.  The overwhelming commentary and reaction to the whole thing just blows me away.  My question: Who Cares?!

I care in the sense that I believe that marriage is a part of God's plan and there are children involved.  My concern is for the millions of people on the outside looking in.  Let's concern ourselves with the marriages that we're involved in, the relationships that we are struggling through, the kids that we are raising, and the issues in our own lives.  Let's not be consumed by the next update or breaking story about a couple we've never met.  I hope we aren't neglecting our own "stuff" to become spectators of brokenness and pain.

I hope Jon and Kate can work things out.  I hope that a marriage can be restored.  I hope that the children have stability.  I hope these things for all us and our kids.  Let's not spectate but be active in building up our own realtionships. 

So, "who cares"?  God does. Let's trust Him.

Never Leave Your Wingman

The term "wingman" has become a term referring to buddies helping each other meet girls to date in a social setting.  The term originates from military aviation.  Here is how the Air Force defines the term "wingman":

"The traditional military definition of a “Wingman” refers to the pattern in which fighter jets fly. There is always a lead aircraft and another which flies off the right wing of and behind the lead. This second pilot is called the “Wingman” because he or she primarily protects the lead by “watching his back.”

"The idea behind the wingman is to add the element of mutual support to aerial combat. A wingman makes the flight both offensively and defensively more capable by increasing fire power, situational awareness, attacking an enemy threatening a comrade, and most importantly the ability to employ more dynamic tactics."

I have been tremendously blessed to have several "wingmen" in my life and to be a "wingman" for others.  I am coming to realize more and more the importance of having "wingmen" in our lives.  Not for the reason of meeting girls, but for the support in facing many of life's challenges. The wisdom, situational awareness, protection from potential enemies and "watching each other's backs" is invaluable!  I want to encourage you all to make sure you have a "wingman" and to consider being a "wingman" for someone who needs one.  It could make a world of difference!

Luke 10:1-3 "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.  He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."

Happy Father's Day!

This what happens when dad is in charge! We are not perfect. Not anywhere near. But I want to give a shout out to all the dads out there that do their best every day to be the best dad they can be. Thanks for all you do, dads!

ungodliness

I am reading a book with some brothers of mine entitled, "Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges.  It does a great job of pointing out the fact that we are often quick to recognize the big sins in life such as murder, rape, embezzlement and fraud, but are not as quick to recognize "respectable" sins such as pride, selfishness, unthankfulness and impatience.  The author identifies "ungodliness" as a sin that often goes unnoticed by people, even Christians!

Here are some excerpts from that chapter that I found to be very convicting!

"EVERYTHING we do is to be done to the glory of God.  That is the mark of a godly person."

"A person may be moral and upright, or even busy in Christian service, yet have little or no desire to develop an intimate relationship with God.  This is a mark of ungodliness."

"The question we should humbly and honestly ask is, How ungodly am I?  How much of my life do I live without any regard for God?"

"Because ungodliness is so all-encompassing, it will help to identify specific areas of life where you tend to live without regard to God.  These might include your work, your hobbies, your playing or watching sports, and even driving your car."

"Let us seek to be as mindful of Him as He is of us."

Fishy

While visiting my in-laws in Wisconsin this past weekend, we went trout fishing.  I use the term "fishing" very loosely.  We went to a trout farm where they raise the trout and the ponds are teaming with fish.  If you drop a line in with a little bait, you WILL get a fish!  Here is a picture of Annie who hooked the largest trout of the afternoon.  (She caught seven others as well).  Within an hour of catching the fish, they are cleaned and filleted before your very eyes.  Talk about fresh!

Some random, fish inspired thoughts:

1. Jesus called to Peter and Andrew, "come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men".  The cool part...they left their nets AT ONCE to follow Jesus.

2. The disciples, who had ordinary jobs like fishing, were average men who Jesus chose to teach and walk alongside and to empower to build His church.

3. Fish, when caught, are slippery, elusive and resistant.  It is a battle.

4. Often the church tries to "clean the fish before they catch them".  (Get your act together before you join the church).  Not sure this is the best approach!

5. When Christians are inauthentic and proud, the world smells something "fishy".

6. I wish God had called us to be "golfers of men".  I think I would be better at that!  (I told you these were random thoughts!)

Everlasting God

As the Cedar Lake campus approaches it's second anniversary of existence, it has been amazing for me to look back and see all of the good that has come from it.  God's hand has blessed us and protected us.  Thanks to all of you who have served so faithfully and selflessly.  Your servant hearts and leadership are awesome and you encourage me every day by your actions.  As we transition into the auditorium, there will be reduced setup and take-down...a great break for our Roadies.  On the other hand, we are looking to increase our presence in the community throughout the week with service projects and opportunities.  So as we grow and develop, I believe God is preparing us to serve Him in more and more ways.  I look forward to the next chapter of Faith Church-Cedar Lake!  We will have 600 seats to fill each weekend, so let's get bold and invite friends and family and neighbors who need to meet Jesus and be loved and cared for in community!  Here is the song we sang before we launched.