An Adventure of a Lifetime

I’ve never been away from the church I was pastoring for as long as I just was just now: 3 Sundays…almost 4 weeks.  To me, that’s a WOW.

Kelly and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary, which actually falls on August 21st.  We left our 3 kids with Kelly’s parents in New Orleans.  Then, Kelly and I traveled from Paris to Milan to Florence to Cinque Terre to Naples to the Amalfi Coast to Rome to Sicily to Greece to Turkey back to Rome then Madrid and back home.  We backpacked all over the place in adventure like we’ve never had before.  We traveled by plane, train, foot (a lot of foot), and boat.  I didn’t touch a phone once.

Our experiences on the trip varied widely.  We packed super light with all of our possessions on our backs.  I took one pair of socks, two pairs of shorts, jeans, and three shirts.  We routinely washed our clothes in sinks.  Sometimes, we slept in hotels…some in hostels.  Once, we slept in a stairwell in Paris (or at least tried to sleep).  It was cold.  We ended up bundling up and watching episodes of The Closer on my iPod.

My favorite experiences were visiting the Areopogus/Mars Hill in Athens with the Acropolis in the backdrop (Acts 17:16-34), the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey (Acts 18:24-20:1, Ephesians, Revelation 2:1-7), and the Colloseum in Rome where early church father, St. Ignatius was martyred-eaten by lions (though to this day, the official line at the Colloseum in Italy was that he was guilty of treason against Rome).

During that time, I read a good bit (Outliers, an Edmund Burke bio, and 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World).  We played cards.  I never touched a phone.  I journaled a lot and had plenty of time to think without any demands placed on me by myself to share what I was thinking.  It was an adventure worthy of 10 years of marriage.  Kelly and I made memories on that trip we’ll never forget.  We’ll talk about how our plane was struck by lightning, how I almost passed out while hiking but was saved by a 70 year old German woman, and how much we griped over $7.50 cokes in Paris.

It was an adventure that a lot of pastors don’t feel free to have because their churches rely on them to do all the work.  So, getting away is hard to do.  I feel unbelievably blessed by a church that carries ministry with me as co-laborers instead of spectators sitting in bleachers.  Life Pointe Church is a family to me…incredibly loved and appreciated.  I don’t take you for granted.  You have enriched my life.  You’ve blessed my family with piles of love and arms of acceptance.  You allow me to be fully myself with no need for pretension.  How unusual a church community you are.

Well, Sunday, I walk through the doors at Life Pointe Church for the first time in a while…excited.  I’ll begin a series through the book of Joel called Devastation and Redemption.  I actually have butterflies.  Now, I’m wondering if the adventure of a lifetime wasn’t just the trip.  I think the adventure is my life- interrupted by another adventure.  Sometimes, I have to pinch myself and thank God for allowing me to live this life.

Things aren’t always easy.  We’ve faced some big challenges since we started.  We’ve also had some big wins.  In the time I’ve had to reflect, it isn’t primarily about the wins and losses.  It’s about the people who are with you as you win and lose.  There’s no doubt.  This is certainly the adventure of a lifetime.

PS. If you want to see more pictures of our trip, you can on my facebook account.  I’ve got a ton posted there.  Otherwise, I’ll see you this weekend.

Reflections on My First Summer Life Group

Tonight, I gathered around a room with some pretty decent people for the first week of our summer life group semester as we began reading “Vintage Church” by Mark Driscoll.  The first chapter was dripping with theological short-hand.  The book will be challenging.  But, it begins to lighten up next week as we get beyond the first chapter.  It’s a good read, challenging, and will lead to good conversations with some good people I’m getting to know better.

Why is life group so good?

• new relationships develop.
• we pray with one another.
• Biblical conversations.
• we distribute leadership.

After the first week, I won’t lead it again.  I’ll just attend and participate with the group as leadership is shared and people step into their roles of leadership.

It’s inevitible that over the course of the next several weeks, strong leadership will begin to be expressed by people in the group…helping me to indentify future leaders in our church or groups.  What we study is important.  But, what emerges out of this group in the lives of the participants is as important.  That’s exciting.

If you haven’t registered for a group yet, it isn’t too late.  You can do it online here.

Memorial Day

Thank you for your extravagant service.  I honor you for your sacrifice.

Sunday Wrap-up: Mid-Day

• I taught the first part of 1 Peter 3 this morning as we talking about Rebel Love- specifically about women of the Revolution.
• As we talked about the sexes, mutual submission, and authority as a posture of humility and servanthood, I was able share cleanly about my life and my marriage with Kelly (now approaching the 10th anniversary).
• As we went and in both services, I stepped full force onto verbal landmines left and right with more than a few blush-inducing verbal gaffes.
• Crazy.
• After trying not to do that kind of thing my whole public speaking life, I’ve basically come to accept the fact that that kind of thing is going to happen.
• It’s largely from my heart, who I am…and that’s really the only way I know how to lead.
• On top of that, I really do enjoy laughing with you while you laugh at me.
• The really cool thing beyond that is following the services, a couple shared that they were ready to pull the trigger on their marriage.
• It’s a beautiful thing when really decent, quality people come face-to-face with a revolutionary Jesus…who changes their world!  POWERFUL.
• I’m organizing my thoughts now for the Plantation Key services…excited about what God is doing in us.
• Another cool thing about tonight is that uber-blogger, Chris Day is going to be hanging with us on this raucous Memorial Day weekend!

Life Group Registration NOW LIVE!!!

REGISTER ONLINE

The summer life group registration campaign is now underway!  We actually are going into week 2 of registrations in a 4 week campaign.  So, check out the catalog and fire up your registration.  And, if you have any questions, ask me here.  I’ll either chime in or someone who knows the answer will beat me to it!

Exponential Conference 2009

Every year, I attend Exponential Conference.  It’s a gathering of about 3,000 church planters.  If I only get to go to one conference per year, this would it.  So far, we’ve been in session with Erwin McManus, John Burke, Gary Lamb, and Scott Hodge. Good stuff.

If you’d like to follow along with my Twitter thoughts/notes/quotes, you can here.

If you’d like to follow along with all Twitter comments tracking Exponential 09, you can here.

Serendipitous Saturday: Iggy, My Backyard Iguana

As the first installment of “Serendipitous Saturday,” the maybe-weekly blog entry (inspired by Chris Day’s Saturday Morning Shenanigans) where I share mostly meaningless personal minutiae with you, I thought I’d introduce you to one of our quasi-family members.  Sure, he doesn’t live inside with us and we don’t feed him.  But, we do hang out from time to time.

This is one cool cat- about 4 feet long.  He lives in the Bougainvillea on our fence line.  He jaunts across the yard like he owns the place.  He does.  We are the guests.  Anyway, his name is Iggy.  So, say hello.  This first photo is his suave, “I’m-in-control” look.

This second photo is after I asked him ssome fairly probing questions.  He’s pretty private and reserved…didn’t take to kindly to the intrusive questions I had for him about his past.  So, he gave me a forboding stare.  I have the video footage of what happened next.  I think I’ll save that for another time.

Days to Breathe

After an intense period of stretching (6 months), I’ve had a bit of a contraction (speaking as though I’m a rubber band).   It’s nothing big…just normal days off.

I know I can’t live outside of the margins forever.  I thrive during extremes.  But, left there too long and I find myself a bore, more easily frustrated, and easily distracted.  The last two days have been a bit of a breather for me.  I’ve enjoyed Kelly and the kids.  I read “The Way of the Heart” by Henry Nouwen this morning.

At one point while reading, I looked up and saw my kids playing on a sand hill and realized that everything I needed in the world was in the sand with me.  You’ll never hear me advocating laziness.  I love work.  But, stopping and coming away from the busy-ness to breathe is beyond needed.  It should be normal, systematic, reptitive, and enjoyed with family.

I’m thanking God for the days and time to breathe.

How Do I feel about Easter @ Life Pointe Church

About like this.   Great smiles!  I was grinning from ear-to-ear yesterday too as God did some really good things at both campuses.

• Phil, Chris, and Mark have their thoughts.  Check them out.
• Check out more of the pics from yesterday here.
• Bottom line, we had a monster day.  We didn’t do a mailer in Homestead.  The schools were on Spring Break.  Still, people mobilized like crazy nd brought their friends with a great crowd in the 9 am and completely packing out the next two services we had yesterday.

PLANTATION KEY

• This campus is continuing to shape up into a beautiful community! I love it.
• There have been tons of improvements almost entirely at the hands of some amazing volunteers.
• The service was packed.  We actually had to bring in chairs.  It was perfect.
• We also had our new LPC-PK Kids Life Director, Danielle Ovando on the job for the first time.
• She and Rafael both grew up in the Keys.  She’s been a part of our Kids Life ministry for some time.
• Rafael has done a ton of electrical work for us on this campus.  They’re fully vested and I dig that!
• Matt continues to connect with God and our people as he leads worship…very proud of him and what he adds.
• We had a ton of new friends here.  I can really sense that this is going to be an amazing faith community.  We haven’t seen a glimpse of what God wants to do through us here.

HOMESTEAD

• The Homestead campus was on fire!
• You never know what’s going to happen in a service.  During the 10:30, there were dueling preachers for a minute.
• I felt like I was on Mystery Science Theater 3,000 for a bit.
• Fortunately, the Homestead campus is generally a group of overly agitated, recovering road-ragers.  So, the person was told to shut up by a few people…one of the reports was a little more colorful than others.
• One of my favorite parts of the morning was a special celebrity appearance by Ela Ortega.  She has a servant’s heart like no other person I’ve met…and in the face of unbelievable physical obstacles.
• When she shows up, you would think that Michael Jordan was there.  She has fans.
• Jesse introduced some new songs yesterday.
• Curtis co-lead a portion of the worship set for the first time and rocked it!
• We had awesome crowds and a lot of people choosing to take first steps with Jesus!!!

Good Friday

It’s hard to find something good about the day Jesus was murdered- aside from the fact that He chose to go to the old rugged cross so our sins would be forgiven.  And, for that bloody day, I say “Thank you, Jesus. Your sacrifice was amazing.”

Easter Video Shoot Ready to Go

We’re gearing up for the weekend and have one more video shoot before Sunday.  This is the first thing going down in the freshly renovated Life Pointe Church – Plantation Key campus…love the vibe!…love this set!

Easter Prayer Focus: Day Four Led by Jesse Santoyo

Jesse Santoyo is the Worship and Creative Arts Pastor at Life Pointe Church. He is the fourth of our staff to lead us this week in a time of devotion and prayer as we move toward celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.  Join us in praying for our friends and neighbors that they will know Jesus.  Feel free to include your own prayer in the comments as we pray toward Easter.

“He knew us before we were born.”

I can’t say that when I gave my life to Christ every single thing fell into place. I can’t say all my problems were solved. I can’t say everything I asked for, I received right after.  I can’t say my heart was never hurt, my body never ached in pain and sickness.

One thing I do know is that my life has never been the same since. My thoughts are not like before, my actions opposite of what I once was. What totally blows me away is the thought that God had me in mind before he created the universe. That is insanely awesome.  That, in itself has given me hope and an overflow of joy.

Taking that step to follow Christ passionately is so worth every step and stride, knowing He is with us, He knows us, and promises to always be by our side. He takes our flaws and dysfunctions and does something amazing. That is a life worth living and a Lord and savior worth serving.

Jeremiah 1:4-5
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Our lives are like a movie trailer. Deep inside we have seen the dream. We have seen the highlights, we can see clearly in his Word, our destiny in him. The one thing we don’t see is the journey. The road and paths it takes to reach our destiny.  One thing is for sure, we will be refined, stretched, molded, crushed and rebuilt into the people we were destined to be in our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  He will always be there for your and for me.

Lord I just pray for my future friends and companions that will join in our passionate journey of serving you. Lord, your Word says that before we were born you knew us. You chose us. You set us aside. We confidently take this step, we give you our hearts, our minds, and our souls. May Your will be done in us on earth as it is in Heaven.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Easter Prayer Focus: Day Three Led by Kelly Downing

Kelly Downing is the Communication Director at Life Pointe Church. She is the third of our staff to lead us this week in a time of devotion and prayer as we move toward celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.  Join us in praying for our friends and neighbors that they will know Jesus.  Feel free to include your own prayer in the comments as we pray toward Easter.

Love that Can’t be Ignored

We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him. ROMANS 5:6-8 (MSG)

I watched a movie recently that told the story of a man who willingly sacrificed his own life so that other people would be able to live and to have better lives. Before he died, though, he went through an elaborate investigation to make sure that the people he was dying for were really worthy of his ultimate sacrifice. He wanted to make sure that they “deserved” it, so he would know he was doing the right thing by dying for them. He checked to see how they treated the people around them, and whether they helped their fellow man. He checked to see whether or not they paid their bills, and he even picked fights with some of them to see if they would get angry and retaliate. I remember thinking while watching that movie that I would never pass the test if this guy was trying to decide whether or not to die for me.

Most people don’t have trouble with the idea of someone sacrificing their life for a person who is deserving. But to die for somebody cruddy? An enemy? A murderer? Somebody who hates you and spits in your face? That type of love isn’t within the comprehension of most of us, but it’s the kind of love God has for us. The kind of love we want people to be confronted with this Easter Sunday—a love so extravagant that it can’t be ignored. One that would send God’s only, perfect Son to be beaten and killed so that messed up people—all of us—could be saved.

PRAYER
God, thank you so much for the love that you give me unconditionally. Thank you that you didn’t send your Son to die for the worthy, but for everyone.  Thank you for providing a way for me to have a relationship with you, despite my sins and my flaws. Your love is such an awesome thing, God. As we celebrate your love and sacrifice this Easter Sunday, Jesus, I pray that your name would be lifted high, and that people would see you and hearts would turn to you. Lord, you know who will walk through the doors of church this Sunday. You know each and every heart, and I pray that your Spirit would move inside everyone, and that you would open hearts to receive salvation. Let your Holy Spirit convict each heart of sin and the need to turn to you. I pray that you would move in such a way that people wouldn’t be able to ignore the love you have for them, but that they would accept your love and turn to you. Amen.

Easter Prayer Focus: Day Two Led by Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson is the Ministries Pastor at Life Pointe Church. She is the second of our staff to lead us this week in a time of devotion and prayer as we move toward celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.  Join us in praying for our friends and neighbors that they will know Jesus.  Feel free to include your own prayer in the comments as we pray toward Easter.

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The Prodigal Son  – Luke 11:18-24
So he got up and went to his father.  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”  But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”  So they began to celebrate.

The Prodigal Son is a story that so many of us have experienced first hand.  Often it begins with missing a Sunday here and there.  The next thing we know it has been six months since we have been in church and we are not living a life that is pleasing to God.  We live in sin while it feels good.  Then we come to our senses and realize that sin is only fun for a season.  The good news is that our Father’s heart is always turned towards us and he is always ready to welcome us home.

My favorite part about the story of the prodigal son is that while the son was still a long way off, his father recognized that it was his son and began running to him. And so it is when we return to our Heavenly Father.  There is no lecture.  No angry looks.  No shame for returning. Instead, there is a great celebration in our honor and our Father embraces us.  He forgives us.  He welcomes us back into our rightful place as his son or daughter.

Let’s pray this today for all of the sons and daughters who need to return to their Father…

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. I thank you that your forgiveness comes with no strings attached.   I pray today for all of the sons and daughters who have turned from you.  I pray that as Easter Sunday approaches they will be reminded of your love and forgiveness and know that you are ready to welcome them with open arms.  And not only welcome them, but celebrate their return!  In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

Sunday Wrap-up: Monday-style

• Check out these wrap-ups from my partners in crime ministry: Chris, Mark, Luci.
• You can check out more pics here.
• After driving in from Orlando at 3:30 AM, I was a bit tired as I waxed on oblivious to time constraints in the 9 am service.  Hey, I was enjoying myself though!
• That was the bad news.  The good news was that I really had to use the bathroom in the 10:30 am service.  So, I kept the message on point!
• Matt Izzy led worship in Homestead and did a great job…very proud of how he is developing.
• Kids Life sang and danced in both Homestead services.  They rocked the house!
• I talked about “Showing Gospel Hospitality” and how that God demonstrated it best by leaving His home and moving into the neighborhood.
• He has come over to invite us in.  It’s time for us to do the same by re-embracing the Early Church’s love for generous, Gospel hospitality.
• The services were really great yesterday.  I loved it.  The crowds were really good.  People at both campuses made decisions to follow Jesus!!!
• It was just really good for my soul!
• In addition to and as a part of the message, we mobilized a lot of people to invite their friends to church on Easter…expecting big things this weekend in Homestead and Plantation Key.
• This week is a big prayer emphasis for us.
• A lot of people have committed to praying everyday for their friends.
• On Friday, Homestead and Plantation Key are having Good Friday prayer services (streaming live to and from both locations).
• Everyday on my blog, I have a different LPC leader leading us in a devotion and prayer.  So, join us.  And, in the comments section, feel free to leave your own prayer.
• Today, Mark Similey is leading the devotion.

Easter Prayer Focus: Day One led by Mark Similey

Mark Similey is the Youth Pastor at Life Pointe Church – Homestead. He is the first of our staff to lead us this week in a time of devotion and prayer as we move toward celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.  Join us in praying for our friends and neighbors that they will know Jesus.  Feel free to include your own prayer in the comments as we pray toward Easter.

———————–

There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.”

“Yes, Master?” he answered.

11-12″Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.”

13-14Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.”

15-16But the Master said, “Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.”

17-19So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, “Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes—he could see again! He got to his feet, was baptized, and sat down with them to a hearty meal.
Matthew 9: 10-19 the Message

To set the scene, 3 days prior to this visit from God, Saul (a.k.a. Paul) had been blinded on the road to Damascus.  Ananias was hesitant to go and he had what we would think was a good reason.  You see Saul was on a mission, a mission to destroy Christianity and kill or imprison all Christians.  To say Paul’s reputation had preceded him was a major understatement.  Paul had wreaked havoc in Jerusalem and now he had authority to do the same in Damascus. But God had other plans for Saul and Ananias was the man chosen to get those plans moving.

How many times have we been the one chosen by God just to say no? Maybe not an outright NO screamed at the top of our lungs, but a NO, still the same.  They way we say we are to busy, the way we look the other way.  To many times I find myself disregarding the gently nudging of the Holy Spirit.  You know those times when God is telling you to talk to that person, or pray for/with this person.

Take a look at what God tells Ananias in verse 15.  He uses the word Go! Jesus used that same word in Matthew 28 when he told his followers to Go into all the world.  We as Christians are called to go. That may mean to Africa, or Brazil, but it also simply means into your neighborhood, your school, your place of work, your grocery store and your Day Care Center.  Go.  Go.  Go.

As I close take a look at the following 2 words, God and Satan.  The first 2 letters of GOD spell Go.  The first 3 letters of Satan spell Sat.  It’s in His name, the calling to Go……

PRAYER

Dear God as I Go about my business today, show me ways to be effective.  Ways to Go into the world.  May I put aside my doubts, cares, concerns about my world and step into yours.  Holy Spirit, move inside of me, show me ways where I can demonstrate your love to a world that is missing You.  Forgive me for sitting around, being so absorbed into my own life that I am missed or ignored your Spirit moving inside of me. Jesus, thank you for living and dying for me, living the example of what it means to Go, and dying so I would have a chance to Go.  Amen

The Saturn Project, Orlando, and Sunday Church Services…get ready!

The clock is running down.  I have a few shots to get off before the new week begins to tick.  Check it out:

• I’m sitting in Borders at the cafe going over my notes for tomorrow…can’t wait- an important family message…a message to the church family.
• But, while I’m checking things out, I have a random observation:  If you want a coffee here, you have to ring a bell.  Note to self: Never put a bell on a counter.  No one wants to ring the bell.  It’s awkward…but, good for me as I sit here.  I love watching people scratch their heads and wait 30-45 seconds before pulling the trigger on the bell.
• Well, we’re winding down our trip to Orlando with The Saturn Project.
• The band was blazing hot.  We should have the video for that pretty soon.
• Jesse’s got plenty of pics for you to check out.
• One of my favorite things about the concert was putting Kourtney on my shoulders and getting into the fray…much fun!  She asked on the way if she was allowed to scream during the concert.  So we did…but, not to her satisfaction.
• It was really cool to hang out here with some of the crew from the Life Pointe Church – Plantation Key campus.
• Jenn and Adrienne from People for Care and Learning were really great as well…really feeling a good friendship with them (on a personal level).
• We sold around 2,000 albums.  That means a heck of a lot of good is being done for the cause of Jesus!  Awesome stuff.
• I’m so proud of these guys for giving away their treasured gifts to advance the Gospel.
• I’m proud of all the people that have gotten behind this.  The list is getting too long to continue listing.
• One cool development is that TSP just recorded the album in Spanish.
• Just as they got that done, they got an invite by Angel Marcial to present the cause and play in November….back in Orlando for an event similar to Winterfest (in Spanish).  There will be about 3,000 people there.
• Angel Marcial and a lot of the guys from Southeast Hispanic Region for the Church of God threw open the doors and have embraced Jesse and the band with wide open arms!…awesome stuff is developing here.
• Angel and I connected this past summer in San Antonio.  Looking back, I see that God was arranging some stuff for us that I didn’t know about. 
• There are some other really great things happening (youth camps, mission gatherings, and concerts).  God is really bringing some great things together.
• Well, I’m off to bed…getting an early start on sleep.  We’re going to crank it tomorrow @ Life Pointe.
• See you then.

Tips on Using Hand Written Invites to Your Neighborhood for Easter

Over the past two years, I systematically placed hand written invites on the doors of all my neighbors (60 homes).  In that time, I saw 14 families from my neighborhood become regularly involved in the Life Pointe Church faith community.  Here are some tips on maximizing big days like Easter to introduce your neighborhood to Christ:

•    Purchase inexpensive blank stationery.
•    Handwrite a simple invite them to the service (time, date, location).
•    Include your first and last name, your address, phone, and email.  This shows you’re not some random crazy person.
•    Include an invite card that has a map to the church.
•    On the outside envelope, write: “You’re Invited.”
•    Place the invitations on people’s doors.  Don’t knock.  Don’t harass anyone.
•    As you walk your neighborhood, pray that God would connect with the people you are trying to reach.
•    Expect some of your neighbors to respond!

What Do You Opt For?

• When you are faced with the difficulty of doing something exceptionally well or good enough, what do you opt for?
• When you are tired and want rest but you need to close out a project, do you go to sleep or close the deal?
• When you are faced with a great opportunity which may mean embarrassment should you fail, what do you opt for?
• When you commit to do something and that commitment later becomes inconvenient, what do you opt for?
• When the men are being separated from the boys, which side do you opt for?
• When you feel like you could lay down and die or press on in spite of the pain, which will you opt for?

Increasingly, I’m convinced that we live so far beneath our potential.  Too often we make no ripples, neither offending no one or accomplishing anything of significance  We are postured toward convenience and comfort as opposed to mission and passion.

Every moment, you are given the choice.

What do you opt for?

Sunday Wrap-up

• 1st Sunday back from 3 weeks of non-stop action outside of S. Florida.  It was good…really good.
• Today really wasn’t my first day back though.  Yesterday was when 6 people went public with their faith in Jesus at Bayfront Park in Homestead.
• Kelly has some great pics on Facebook.
• It was great seeing people, seeing new people that have been here for almost a month.
• We showed the video of TSP playing Silas in Knoxville.  Awesome!
• We’ll have that video up soon.
• Also, Phil and Chris have good wrap-ups.  Check them out.
• We sold tons of Anthems for a Broken World albums…hardly any left.
• I’m filtering through a lot…feel like I drank through a fire hose the past three weeks.
• Going into the trip, I was processing through some things that needed to get done.
• Getting some distance from the church helped me to get ready for this week.
• Change is in the air…I’ll be pressing it to our staff this week.  We’ll be sprinting harder than ever.  My goal is to see people sucking wind.
• I gave them this heads up.  And, we had a call in the middle of my trip.  So, it’s on!
• We’ve got a great team.  But, I think that on too many levels we’ve grown comfortable to our routine.
• I feel like God has given us an opportunity to step up to another level.  It’s a big opportunity.
• We won’t make the transition without guts, elbow grease, and heaping piles of passion.
• Today, we talked about Obedience.  Delayed obedience is disobedience.
• We’re putting today’s message in action.
• So, buckle up, get your hands dirty.  Let’s get it on!

Caption This

Caption this picture of Mitch “Nerd Rock” Maloney.

Blog Reviews Wanted for “Anthems for a Broken World”

If you’d like to do a blog review of the “Anthems for a Broken World” album by The Saturn Project, I’ll send you a complimentary copy of the album.  Let me know via email.  I’ll need you to include:

• name
• blog address
• mailing address
• email
• phone

In the meantime, you can check out the free single at www.thesaturnproject.com.

You can also find out why The Saturn Project is the “richest poor band around.”  Here are some interesting facts about the band:

• At their first performance after releasing the album, they sold 4,413 albums.
• And, while that will amount to $44,130, they won’t get a penny of it.  Their giving it away to alleviate poverty and advance the Good News.
• The band played 6 times in 7 days across Cambodia the week before their album release.
• Two members of the band ate a balut, a cricket, and a beetle on the Cambodia tour.

The Saturn Project @ Knoxville Winterfest

Slideshow – Flickr Set

Winterfest and The Saturn Project CD Release

The evening, we presented the Anthems For a Broken World album and the Cambodia project to a room full of youth leaders behind the stage at Winterfest tonight.  That went very well.  Within 30 minutes, we distributed thousands of CDs.  I won’t tell you exactly how many just yet.  But, it blew me away, completely exceeding expectations.  This project started with:

• songs written by Jesse and performed by the band,
• a challenging idea between him and me,
• a massive challenge to the people at Life Pointe Church,
• a God ordained partnership with Fred Garmon and People for Care and Learning,
• donated studio time from Murray Arts Center, and
• a gracious partnership with Tom Madden and YWEA.

The band hasn’t even played here at Winterfest and it looks like we are on our way to completely selling out of the entire first run of CDs here in Knoxville!  Amazing!  Check out some of the pictures from tonight as 18,000 students came together for an amazing night at Winterfest at the University of Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena.

Darius Walden takes on the first box of CDs with Fred Garmon and Travis Johnson.

The arena empty at sound check.

The Saturn Project checking out the stage pre-service.

Alex posing with a fresh of the presses copy of “Anthems for a Broken World.”

Jesse and Matt watching on as Israel Houghton and New Breed lead worship.

Reina at the People for Care and Learning/Anthems for a Broken World booth.

Jentezen Franklin speaking to 18,000 students at Winterfest.

Me with the 16 foot Python named, “Tiny” that Jentzen Franklin used in his message.

Watch Winterfest Live Online tomorrow night beginning at 6 PM.  The Fest was rockin’ tonight.  The best part?  God working in the lives of the students….amazing stuff to be a part of.

Follow the Winterfest Twitter feed at #mywinterfest or on Twitter Search.

If You’re Struggling with Your New Testament Reading

If you’re struggling with your New Testament reading scheduled, you’ve got to check out what Mark Similey wrote.  Seriously good stuff.

Day 39 of 63: New Testament Challenge

For more information and resources on the New Testament Challenge, including the New Testament on mp3, click here.

Today, I finished the Book of Revelation.  In the New Testament Challenge, I only have the Books of Luke and John left to read.

I finished the Book of Revelation sitting on a river dock in Seveirville, TN.  Jesse, Matt, Alex, and I crashed here after our trip to Cambodia.  My sleep schedule is right on mark.  I feel unbelievably rested and ready to go.

As I was reading this morning in Revelation 19, I sensed the Holy Spirit so powerfully.  Jesus is truly the rider, Faithful and True.  He is a fair judge.  He wages a righteous war.  His eyes are like flaming fire.  He is crowned with many crowns.  He wears a robe dipped in blood.  His title is the Word of God.  On His robe and thigh is written the title: King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords.

We serve a God that completely triumphs over all injustice over all sin.  Hitler, Pol Pot, and every other genocidal mad man is nothing for our God.  Jesus will judge them and me.  And, I will live in the City of God forgiven by His grace, worshiping Him forever.

The Word of God is transforming me.  I want to know Him…not just know about Him.

Sunrise in Seoul

I’m on a layover back to the states.  This was almost worth the stop.

See you later Siem Reap, Cambodia

After a really productive week here in Cambodia, it’s time to go back to the states.  I’m looking forward to seeing Kelly more than I can tell you.  When I get back, I’ll be sure to post up pictures from the week in a flickr album and share them here.

Thanks to Fred Garmon and the amazing friends at People for Care and Learning for a wonderful trip.

For a recap of the week from Fred Garmon check it out here.

Cambodia: Crazy Schedule & Missing My Family

I can’t keep up with our schedule…what’s going on next, the days, etc…  It’s been good and busy.

The best parts of the trip is seeing what PCL is doing (it’s a lot) and The Saturn Project concerts.  In the few days we were here, we participated in the dedication of two buildings (the PCL offices in Siem Reap and the PCL Learning Center in Phnom Penh) plus we’ve seen a lot of really great ministry going on.

ANYU’S VILLAGE

There is a lot of story to tell here.  To make it quick, I’ll just tell you that we were in the remote village of a miracle.  I learned a little bit of Khmer so I could introduce myself to Anyu and others…I think I mostly botched it.  But, I tried.

SOUNDS AT THE GROUNDS

Tonight at Common Grounds Cafe, The Saturn Project literally shut down the street.  They played on the front sidewalk and really rocked.  The closing song was over the top.  The crowd was responding like nothing I’ve ever seen….way cool.  I’ll share pictures and more detail later.

MISSING MY KIDS

Tonight, I was on a Skype call with Kelly and the kids.  I asked Blake for a kiss and he put his head up to the screen.  Since, he was eating Cheetos, I figured I’d ask for a bite.  You can see the top picture to find out how that turned out…really funny.  It’s amazing how small the world has gotten.  Still, I miss my kids and Kelly like crazy.  Kelly said the weather has been really nice and that her and all the kids sat outside this morning and sipped coffee.  Sounds nice.

HANGING OUT WITH MY PASTOR

Another thing about this trip that has really blessed me is that I’ve gotten the opportunity to spend some really good time with my pastor, Mitch Maloney.  I started in full-time ministry under him.  I was a volunteer at his church for four years and on staff for four more years.  I couldn’t have asked for a better pastor to watch as a mentor.  He loves Jesus, his family, and seeing the Gospel advance.  On top of that, he’s a pretty sarcastic guy…who’ll get you if you aren’t quick on your feet.  Jesse started calling him Coach Ditka on this trip…that was funny until Jesse started calling me Bif…not cool.

TOMORROW

Tomorrow morning, Pastor Maloney speaks at Common Grounds.  After Common Grounds, the band is playing at the Orphanage.  Then, at 4 pm, I speak at International Church.

Cambodia Day 3 (part 2): The Saturn Project Concert

Check out Jesse’s and Fred’s blog entries from yesterday.  They’ve got some good pictures and thoughts.

AT EMMANUEL VILLAGE

Last night was really incredible as The Saturn Project played at Emmanuel Village in Phnom Penh.  They played and a Cambodian band opened for them.  If you’ve never heard someone rap in Khmer, you haven’t lived. 

DANCING WITH THE KIDS

Prior to the concert starting, we played with the kids.  Alex was hilarious.  He’s just really crazy, dancing around acting like a lovable lunatic.  All the kids were dancing with him.  Eventually, I think he was overpowered by the swarm of children wanting to be like the youngest Santoyo brother.

I brought a satchel of candy and a couple stuffed animals from Kourtney and McKenna, which I gave away.  That was a lot of fun.  The piglet I gave was one of McKenna’s favorite toy.  Without getting into a long story, giving piglet away was an extravagant gift from my 3 year old.  Watching the little boy with piglet was beautiful.  I think the pictures of the little boy with piglet will be something that helps to shape my daughters character.  I know it already exposed a lot of what’s in her heart.  I’m going to frame that an put it in her bedroom.

THE SATURN PROJECT

The Saturn Project took to the stage and seriously rocked.  I was standing next to Mitch Maloney.  Brent, his son is in the band.  He’s heard the band.  He’s been in the studio with them.  He’s on the team that brainstormed a lot of this stuff.  He knows how good they are.  He leaned over to me and said, “They’re really good.” They are.  There’s something there beyond the music.  I think God is really working in these guys…so very proud of them.  I’m so blessed to be in this moment.  What Fred Garmon is facilitating here is special.  I’m very proud of my friendship with him and God’s grace on my life as a result of that relationship.