Happy Thanksgiving

I Love Honesty

I'm Trying to learn to tell it like it is. (in love of course) I think I am gonna go to this guy for lessons.

Information and Technology Explosion

Amazing facts!!! Makes me wonder how the followers of Christ are doing with Advancing the greatest information ever: the message of Hope and Forgiveness found in Christ.

Great time to be alive, great time to be bold with what we are empowered to share.

Uniqueness of your Voice

Jesus says in John 10:10 "my sheep hear my voice." His voice is what guides us in to all truth. Last week in Elevate we talked about the importance of the Word of Truth and the Word of the Gospel.

Jesus also told his disciples that everything they saw him do they would do even greater things, because the Word that spoke the Universe into being is being instilled in all of us.

Challenge to think about: What are your words saying to others about the good news: the Gospel?

Just read a great blog entry from Mark Batterson, one of my favorite authors and speakers:

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Unique Voiceprint

There never has been and never will be anyone like you. But that isn't a testament to you. It's a testament to the God who created you absolutely unique.

All of creation is singing a worship chorus to God. And it's not just the meadow lark with its 300 notes or the nightingale finch with its 24 songs. According to the German physicist and pianist, Arnold Summerfield, a hydrogen atom emits 100 frequencies which makes it more complex musically than a grand piano which emits 88 frequencies.

For what its worth, Pythagoras said: "A stone is frozen music." Very interesting in light of what Jesus said: "If you remain silent the stones will cry out."

My point? All of creation is singing a unique song to the Creator. And you are part of that universal chorus. No one can worship God FOR you or LIKE you. God has given you a unique voiceprint. There are millions of people praying and worshiping God in every language all the time. But your voiceprint is unique. Like a parent who knows His child's unique cry or scream or laugh, God knows your voice. He hears your voice. The Heavenly Father loves your voice.

Man Cold

Sad thing is this is how a lot of Men are in the Church. We have abandoned our posts and have left the ladies lead alone. Studies show that Women make up 60% of the church despite men having over 95% staff positions in them, and the 40% are mostly sideline observers when it comes to cultivating the younger generation.
This is not a gender equality issue, God created us both equal in his site, however he did instruct the men to lead and to care for the women the same we he did the church (he gave his life!) Time to start manning up fella's. Thanks to all the great women women who continue so faithful and have are still carrying most of the weight, help is on the way!

Religion and Dating

being a leader of a primarily single group I found this article on religion, attraction and sexuality to be extremely interesting:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20091116/sc_livescience/romanticrivalriesstirreligiousfeelings

I am not so naive to think that young people come to Elevate merely because of the great music or the teaching. In fact I know and have heard of many who are coming because they have hopes of connecting with a significant other. I personally don't think that that is necessarily a bad thing. There are lots of meat market venues around mostly centered around alcohol consumption to lower inhibitions and heighten confidence but these mostly lead to meaningless (unless you throw in guilt and shame) hookups. I love the fact that we have an opportunity that provides an opportunity to for people to develop community with people of the same age and that there might possibly be some romantic connections that come to fruition.

The danger is when there is no standards and accountability, and people allow their natural inclinations to guide them rather than God's leading in their life. That is why it is so important for us to address the area of integrity. My favorite definition of integrity is: who you are when no one is looking. If we are seeking to build and train up Godly young men and women who value integrity, then I think this can be a great place for people to find dating relationships- as long as that becomes secondary to living a life above reproach.

I am looking forward to this new season we are in of challenging people to embrace real relationships and accountability that promote integrity. These test can say whatever they want about why or why not people are religious or why they attend church, but each and every person has a decision to make: am I gonna do thing my way or Gods way. Am I going to pursue instant gratification or grow in character and see what kind of person that attracts and let God bring that perfect person into our lives.

The place I dream of Elevate becoming, is a place where the Men walk in integrity and look to protect the girls before they think of their attractiveness or date-ability.
A place where women know who they are in Christ and don't need a man to validate them or a dating relationship to feel loved. A place where guys and girls can buidl friendships without thinking of "what is their real intentions" this is the kind of place where real dynamic relationship can flourish and where some of the best marriages for the new generation can begin.

Deadly Viper- Who's up for integrity???

Deadly Viper Character Assassins Promo Video from organic visual on Vimeo.

Handling Tough Situations (With Confidence and Trust)

It seems the theme of the last year and more specifically at this very time- the theme seems to be being stuck in sticky situations where clear wisdom is absolute necessary. I have found that I am am good at diagnosing problems but when it actually comes to the steps of a solution I am not so great. So I diagnosed my problem: 1. I live a lot of life based on fear ("what bad thing will happen if a no or don't do this") and 2. I really don't trust God.

Just recently I encountered a few of these sticky situations, and tried to look at them from a new angle. Instead of worrying about the circumstances and how I will come off looking after the dust settles- I am beginning to just say "What is the right thing to do. Period." and then to begin there will all decisions and conversation. The second thing I am doing is starting to generally trust God, when I pray, instead of praying out a anxiety and pleading to be removed from the situation, I am beginning to thank God for this opportunity to grow, and trust that regardless of the outcome- his will will prevail and realizing any outcome that I contrive cannot even compare with his amzing plan.

The Crazy thing is that it is working. I am less stressed, I have clearer vision, and the outcomes are blowing me away. This "God is in control" stuff really works when I listen, trust, and act out of confidence in who he is and what he wants to do.

The Swine Flu

Every feel like the Pig, or go along with a group of Animals.
Lord keep us healthy and let us love the sick!!!