ELEVATE - ellev8.com

I Love Honesty

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:06:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:29:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:19:00 +0000

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???

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:18:00 +0000

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

Handling Tough Situations (With Confidence and Trust)

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:56:00 +0000

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

Francis Chans New Book

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Francis Chan has a new book out, it is third on my "to read" list after I finish A million Miles in a Thousand years by Donald Miller and Deadly Viper: Kung Fu guide to survival by Mike Foster and Jud Wilhite. Going to start focusing on Character development in my own life and the community life of Elevate. Its gonna be awesome, painful but awesome.

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Wow!!! Good stuff from Donald Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:44:00 +0000

Donald Miller is one of my favorite authors, (getting his new book today "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.")
This video excerpt of one of his messages reminds me I am on a long journey when it comes to my spiritual life. I beat myself up a lot because I don't get as far as I would like in my Journey with Christ. The content of the video sends that sentiment back to where it came from...

Abandonement of Self

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Lately in my spiritual journey I have had the challenge of abandonment of self pop up quit a bit, to the point (as dumb as I may be) that I think God is trying to tell me something. I really do have a desire to follow Christ and see Him very evident in my life and around me, but it is so easy to get caught up in other things such as business, laziness, entertainment, work, family, struggles, discouragements... the list goes on. What it comes down to for me most of the time is my unwillingness to let go of control, or to let go of myself completely.

Today I read Oswald Chambers' my utmost for his highest. There it was again:

THE "GO" OF UNCONDITIONAL IDENTIFICATION

"One thing thou lackest: . . come, take up the cross, and follow Me." Mark 10:21

The rich young ruler had the master passion to be perfect. When he saw Jesus Christ, he wanted to be like Him. Our Lord never puts personal holiness to the fore when He calls a disciple; He puts absolute annihilation of my right to myself and identification with Himself - a relationship with Himself in which there is no other relationship. Luke 14:26 has nothing to do with salvation or sanctification, but with unconditional identification with Jesus Christ. Very few of us know the absolute "go" of abandonment to Jesus.

"Then Jesus beholding him loved him." The look of Jesus will mean a heart broken for ever from allegiance to any other person or thing. Has Jesus ever looked at you? The look of Jesus transforms and transfixes. Where you are "soft" with God is where the Lord has looked at you. If you are hard and vindictive, insistent on your own way, certain that the other person is more likely to be in the wrong than you are, it is an indication that there are whole tracts of your nature that have never been transformed by His gaze.

"One thing thou lackest . . ." The only "good thing" from Jesus Christ's point of view is union with Himself and nothing in between.

"Sell whatsoever thou hast . ." I must reduce myself until I am a mere conscious man, I must fundamentally renounce possessions of all kinds, not to save my soul (only one thing saves a man - absolute reliance upon Jesus Christ) - but in order to follow Jesus. "Come, and follow Me." And the road is the way He went.

I want to experience that look from Jesus to the point that nothing else matters. His gaze says I love you enough to demand from you that all these things that keep you from me are completely obliterated and gone. That's not legalism! That is love!!! I do know that God is calling me to reckless and complete abandonment of self, my hopes and prayers that my mind, will and strength will remember his look of love and transformation rather than looking for areas of comfort and apathy.

Inspired by LosWit today

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Was inspired by Carlos Whittaker today (ragamuffinsoul.com)

People Will Never Respect You Because Of What You’re ABOUT To Do

“My wife and I have thought about adopting for a while.”
“I’ve always wanted to write a book.”
“I think I might ask her out.”
“Yea, next time I go to a show I’ll sponsor a Compassion child.”
“You know, I’m gonna finally tell my boss to chill out and treat us with respect.”
“Dude! The church I’m planting is going to feed the homeless every Saturday morning.”
“That’s it. I’m seriously going to drop everything and become a photographer.”

These are just a few of the lines I remember from conversations I have been part of or overheard (yes, I’m a stalker) the past few weeks.
Dreams are fuel.
They fuel us to victory.
But most of the time they stay just that.
Dreams.
I lived most of my life “about” to do something.
Then one day Heather and I decided to stop living almost and start living all out.
Since that decision we have adopted our son Losiah, climbed the highest peak in North America, Jumped out of airplanes, been on a reality show, moved across the country, quit my job, signed a record deal, traveled to Uganda, co lived with 3 families, and so much more.
I honestly don’t share that to brag.
It might sound miserable to most of you.
We have had our share of suck.
If you read our blogs you know.
But we also realized that the American dream of white picket fences and a 9-5 isn’t our shtick.
And here is the harder truth.
It isn’t a lot of yours either.
You are living in the myth that stability = simply and safely existing.

Those statements up top usually end a few months later with financial, lack of time, fear, and man power excuses.
Here’s the truth.
There will NEVER be enough money, time, or help.
Heather and I spend at least one night a week looking at the checking account and crying then laughing then crying.
I could get a job at a church and play it safe.
That would not be a bad decision.
It would be a great decision.
It just would not be the RIGHT decision, right now.
Because right now God has called me to pour into the global church and when that season is over, it would be a blessing to work in the local church again.
Just not now.
And so we pray, fast, hustle, laugh, and cry.
And inside all of that, we live.

I’m willing to bet a lot of you are ready for an adventure.
So what is it?
What are you going to do this week to take that one step away from safety and towards calling?
Los

Jesus loves Me- A reminder we all need!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Jesus Loves You from ProlifikFilms on Vimeo.

The Words we Say

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Lately I have been thinking about living intentionally. Much of what we (I) say, don't say, do, don't do, think, ignore, feel, reject, is based on reaction or trained response.

I am getting stirred to "Live on Purpose" again. Not wanting to do things just because that is what I am supposed to, or expected to do... but rather:

Because of Who Jesus is and what he has done in me and for me. I desire to become like Peter and John in the book of Acts when they are told to quit speaking the name of Jesus. Their Response: We cannot help help but do this! It became who they were and who they are. Are am sure they were reminded of Jesus' talk with them about this very situation in Matthew 10 ¹⁹But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, ²⁰for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

I was inspired by this poem about the words we say.

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

Who's authority are you speaking from?...

DCB twitter will kill you

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:44:00 +0000

Proofreading before hitting send.

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:25:00 +0000

I am notorious for sending nonsensical texts and posts because I don't take the time to proofread what I have written in texts and post. I had a really embarrassing one that I can't repeat that came out entirely wrong because I left out one word. This is a good reminder to me in how I live my life. I serve an amazing Savior who left the glories of heaven and suffered unthinkable torture and death for me- the least I could do is to look at my life, how I'm living, acting, thinking, doing, talking, working etc. etc. in a way that honors the sacrifice he made for me and shows the life he gives. I am not talking about guilting myself to the point I become a legalist, but rather living intentionally a way that simply shows I care enough to analyze my life and see if I am making errors that would embarrass him, not out of guilt but out of passionate love for my savior.

Lord I want to be like David and ask "is there anything in my heart that would keep me from knowing God and making him known to people around me."

I proofread this and realize that it is not grammatically correct but gets my point across. have an a amazing day.

Today

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:17:00 +0000

More dental work today. Not too excited about that. I am learning a lesson through this however; that being the importance of not leaving things undone or unattended to. I was seeing a dentist for the last 6 years who always said, "looks like I'm not going to make any money off of you today.". Turns out he should have been making money of of me. I go to a new dentist and guess what 6 different dental procedures necessary. I should have known something was wrong when my cleaning only lasted 4 minutes.
Anyway, I was thinking about my life, in all areas (spiritual, financial, relational, etc.) and I could apply the principle of proactive action and preemptive intentionality in all these areas. Proverbs is filled with wisdom on this. I am reminded today of my need to not let life play me, but to let Gods spirit and strength guide me to live above the norm and to not let things fester until they cause me problems.
Off to to the dentist I go.

Rock star

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Jackson getting ready for the show

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:33:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:34:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:05:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:38:00 +0000

Flood Church Ministry Model- love it

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Flood Impact Model from FloodSanDiego on Vimeo.

Jonah washing my truck

noreply@blogger.com (Joel Hedlund - Elevate) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:53:00 +0000