Friday Night Worship
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1-2.
That is the focus of Friday Night Worship, a special service taking place this Friday. We will be spending an extended time worshipping the Lord and enjoying his presence.
So often we get into ruts in life, doing the same things, the same ways, on the same days, week in and week out. A little variety can go a long way in rejuvenating our spiritual life, as Mark Batterson says, “Change of place + change of pace = change of perspective.”
This Friday night at 7pm we will be gathering at the Bridgeway Ministry Center for an unhurried, unplugged time of worship. We will also be serving communion, celebrating water baptisms.
Taking our Meds
The same is true spiritually as it is physically: bad things happen when we don’t take our meds.
The remedy prescribed for people whose relationship with God has been damaged is God’s grace. When we fall or mess up, it is God’s desire that his grace lead us back into fellowship with Him. James 4:6 says, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”
God provides his healing grace to all who are in need of it. The grace of God is the ability and desire to do God’s will. His grace enables us to do what he asks of us. It is healing grace because it brings us back to God. Yet not all receive the healing grace of God.
Only the humble receive God’s grace. When I was young I often spit medicine out of my mouth. James is telling us that having pride in our hearts is like spitting out the healing grace of God. It’s usually pride that keeps people from taking medication, thus hindering recovery. The same is true spiritually.
A Proud Member
I have not won very many things in my life, but while I was attending the Assemblies of God General Council in Orlando two weeks ago I won a free membership to the James River Association. This new association is a church resourcing ministry from James River Assembly in Ozark, MO, the church I attended and served at while I was in college.
James River is a phenomenal church making a significant impact for Christ in southern Missouri. The Association offers three networks to resource churches: Church Leadership, Realife Student Ministries, and Life Groups. The Association offers member churches tons of file downloads including job descriptions and ministry handbooks, as well as leadership blogs and conference calls.
I’m thankful for my friends at James River, everything I learned while serving there, and now for a continuing partnership with their ministry.
Shattering Stereotypes
I think one of the biggest challenges facing Christianity in America is negative stereotypes of Christians. Sadly, for many people today, one bad experience with a Christian who was hypocritical, mean, judgmental, or legalistic has led them to believe that all Christians are that way. Many unchurched people today are rejecting Christianity and the church because they equate those things with a false image they received from one bad experience.While we may not think that is very fair, it is a reality.
This led me to the fresh realization that if I call myself a Christian, I am a reflection of Christ. All Christians are constantly portraying Christ in some way, for better or worse. People are looking at us and forming opinions about God and Christianity based on our lives. The question is, are we portraying Him well?
I believe that one of the things God has called Christians to in today’s world is shattering stereotypes. Just as one person can change someone’s view of God negatively, so one person can change it positively. If we set out to display Christ’s love in our attitudes and actions, by being gracious, kind, and forgiving, I believe we would see our ministry effectiveness multiply.
Perhaps God wants to use your example today to make somebody think, “Maybe there really is something to Christianity. Maybe I was wrong about Jesus and his followers after all.”
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 5:16
Awesome Week!
Just finished cleaning up from our 4th Annual Back-To-School Block Party. I had such a blast this week meeting so many new people. This year we were able to give away 196 backpacks to area students!
Praise God also for the many people who gave their lives to Jesus during the week in our special services. It’s all about sharing the gospel, blessing our community, and reaching out to people!
I couldn’t be more proud of our team! This church has the most amazing volunteers in the world! I was blown away by so many great attitudes, servant hearts, and people who can just roll with changes and make the best of random mishaps. I feel like giving everyone a gold medal. Can’t wait for next year!
City Reach Week Begins
This week marks the beginning of our 4th annual City Reach. I’m really looking forward to what God is going to do. Three nights of special services Tues-Thurs at 7pm for children and adults with giveaways and free food followed by the annual Back-To-School Block Party on Friday at 7. Free backpacks and school supplies to every student in K-6th grade at the block party.
I love City Reach for three reasons:
1. It is a practical way to both declare and demonstrate the love of God
2. It unifies the church in purpose, vision, and outreach to our community
3. God always does amazing things and I get to meet a lot of really cool people in the area 
It’s going to be a great week. If you live in the Ambridge area you won’t want to miss out!
Orlando All Week
This week Jess and I are in Orlando to attend a leadership conference and also the biennial General Council of our fellowship of churches. The conference, called “Influence” begins tonight and ends tomorrow and features speakers Ed Young Jr, Mark Batterson, Reggie Joiner, Beth Moore, and Keith Craft. Really excited to be here and looking forward to learning a lot. I know I don’t really post that often, but with this post I will be checking out of the blog world till I get back. Peace.
