Building Yourself a Winning Team

by David Jeremiah

At a NASCAR race, the driver is the public's hero. But to the drivers, their teammates are the heroes. The drivers know that without their team members and sponsors, there would be no car for them to race.

It's amazing how the structure of a NASCAR organization parallels the teams that Jesus built during His ministry on earth.

1. The Home Team
• Jesus had 120 disciples who were the core of those who followed Him (Acts 1:15).
• A NASCAR race team can consist of a hundred or more people.

2. The Hands-On Team
• Jesus had seventy disciples to do the work of the ministry.
• A NASCAR team's hands-on crew is up to fifty individuals who actually build the cars.

3. The Road Team
• Jesus had twelve disciples who went everywhere with Him. They spent time with Him and learned to think and act together in accordance with His direction (Matthew 10:1-4).
• A NASCAR team has a crew of a dozen or more at every race who manage the hauler, work in the pit, take care of equipment, and repair the car if it gets damaged.

4. The Pit Team
• Jesus had three disciples-Peter, James, and John-whom He chose to be with Him in "the pits," so to speak-at the crisis moments of His ministry.
• A NASCAR race team has seven individuals who go into the pit and service their team's car when it makes a pit stop. The driver is wholly dependent on his pit crew to support him in those brief moments of "organized chaos."

5. The Team Leader
• Jesus was apparently closer to John than all the other disciples (John 20:2; 21:7, 20).
• A NASCAR team is definitely led by one individual who is closer to the driver than anyone else: the crew chief who leads the hands-on team.

What a Difference Your Team Can Make
A team is like a pyramid. At the bottom is that largest, foundational part of the team that supports the increasingly smaller teams that are drawn from it. Every Christian will be far more likely to win his spiritual race if he has most, if not all, of the multiple teams I've just described.

1. Your Home Team
Today, extended family members are scattered from coast to coast. But they represent a phenomenal support network for those who have stayed in touch, which I strongly encourage you to do.

2. Your Hands-On Team
Your hands-on team is your immediate family. My children challenge me toward maturity now as much as I challenged them when they were younger. How blessed is the man whose wife and children bear their fruit abundantly for all his life (Psalm 128:1-4)!

3. Your Road Team
When eight to twelve individuals meet regularly week after week for prayer, study, and fellowship, a bond is formed that cannot be duplicated any place else (Acts 2:42-47). I strongly urge you to become a faithful member of a small group.

4. Your Pit Team
Invariably, everyone forms a close relationship with one, two, or three others. One's spouse ought to be in that number. A christian needs someone who will go into the pit with him in life's crisis moments (2 Timothy 4:11).

5. Your Team Leader
If you are not daily drawing closer to Christ, your personal Team Leader, then no other team in your life will function smoothly (Philippians 3:10)

The more closely you identify and live within teams that function at the approximate levels of the ones I've described, the greater will be the likelihood of your winning your spiritual race.

Do this: Make a quick written or mental evaluation of the five team levels I've outlined relative to your life. Where are the gaps? Where are your teams strong? Take this up with your Team Leader, Jesus Christ himself, and ask His help in building strong teams that will surround you and support you in the years ahead. And by the way-others need strong team members in their life, too. So be willing to serve in order to be served by others.

LISTEN TO THIS SONG AND REMEMBER HOW GOD SEES YOU!

Disciplines of Endurance - Stand Firm!

by Charles R. Swindoll
 
Tucked away in the folds of Hebrews 11 is a two-word biography worth a second glance: "he endured" (11:27). The "he" refers to Moses. Moses was the one who hung tough, who refused to give in or give up, who decided that no amount of odds against him would cause him to surrender. He had staying power. He possessed the disciplines of durability.

He endured, despite the contempt of Pharaoh, the mightiest monarch of that era. He endured, despite the stubbornness of the Hebrews who grumbled, blamed, complained, and rebelled. He endured, despite the criticism of Miriam and Aaron, his own sister and brother. When ten out of twelve spies came back with their nay-sayings, Moses stood fast. When Korah and Dathan and Abiram led a cold, cunning conspiracy against him, Moses remained "resolute."

Maybe the great Apostle of Grace had such things in mind when he introduced his classic essay on the armor of God by saying, "and having done everything ...stand firm" (Eph. 6:13).
Stand firm when the wicked appear to be winning! Stand firm in times of crisis! Stand firm even when no one will know you compromised! Stand firm when big people act contemptibly small! Stand firm when people demand authority they don't deserve! Stand firm . . . keep your head . . . stay true . . . endure!

I have no idea where this finds you. For all I know, you are stronger than ever, pressing on with a full tank of resolve. That's great. However, you may be getting shaky. Your normally thick hide of moral purity and ethical integrity may be wearing thin. It's possible you've begun to listen too closely to your critics or need others' approval too much. Maybe you've started giving in to the kids in little areas you once resisted because you're tired, sort of shrugging off your better judgment.

Moses endured—even in his eighties. How? The same verse tells us: by focusing his attention on "Him who is invisible." He fixed his heart and soul on the One who, alone, judges righteously. He continually reminded himself that his sole purpose in life was to please the Lord . . . to obey Him . . . to glorify Him . . . to gain His approval at all cost.

Whatever it is you're facing, stand strong. Walk in quiet confidence, not veiled pride. Be sure without being stubborn . . . firm without being unteachable . . . enduring but not discourteous . . . full of truth balanced with grace.

MAY GOD ENCOURAGE YOU AS YOU REFUSE TO GIVE UP, GIVE IN OR GIVE OUT!

Marvin Sapp "Never Could Have Made It"

4 Keys to Courageous Spirital Leadership by Crawford Loritts

 
 "Presence of Royalty" by Byron Cage
Some of us are discouraged in our ministries because we have refused to do what God has told us to do, not because he hasn't told us.

Nothing in life or in ministry ever happens apart from courage. Somebody has to pull the trigger. The very nature of leadership is that it is a prophetic statement of where things ought to be. Inherent in leadership is a call to embrace aloneness and resilience.

When you read Joshua 1 you must read it in its emotional context. Moses is dead because he disobeyed God. He allowed the pressure of those following him to get to him and he acted in unbelief. He commissioned Joshua to carry on.

Now God comes to Joshua personally to give him an exposition on courage. This is the best leadership text in the Bible. It is not for the faint-hearted. It's as if God reaches out and grabs Joshua (and us) by the lapels. He doesn't coddle us but gives us a fourfold description of courage.

1) Courage rests upon a clear assignment from God (v 1-4).

There is no such thing as courage apart from mission, just as there is no such thing as faith apart from challenge. You're not just courageous to be courageous, but you are courageous for something.

As for Moses, a man of God had died; but nothing of God died. He gave Joshua the assignment. He reiterated to Joshua what he had told Moses to do. God isn't needy of worthy men. He makes men worthy. Therefore we shouldn't fear the loss of any of his human instruments. God isn't fearful of his cause failing.

Ephesians 2:10 implies that we should step out in bold obedience. The good works he has prepared beforehand—we should walk in them!

What are the things God has prepared for you to do? When did you last reassess God's call on your life? What are those things that God has given you a passion for?

Your courage will rise when you have confidence in the call. Most people leave the ministry because of confusion and a lack of courage.

2) Courage rests upon the assurance of God's presence (v 5, 9).

God never calls us to do anything apart from him. Every assignment that God gives is also his primary means of sanctifying the leader. Some of us are getting burnt out because we are separating the sanctification process from our ministry. The very thing that God is using to draw us to himself is his calling upon us. His calling is a statement of his presence.

Pastoring is not just a job for you. It's not some evangelical corporate fulfillment. God's assignments come with a special sense of God's presence, also known as unction or annointing; and his presence is real.

Do you think God would leave Joshua high and dry? If God has called you, he is with you. Courage doesn't mean that I am not afraid. It means that I fear God more than I fear my environment. It means that I trust in divine resources more than the resources of man.

Philips Brooks: "Don't ask for tasks equal to your powers. Ask for powers equal to your tasks."
3) Courage rests upon focused determination (v 6, 7, 9).

Three times he repeats "be strong and courageous." God does not have a speech impediment. When he repeats himself, he intends to.

Be very careful of making decisions based upon your personality profile, etc. God is not bound by the way we're "wired." God never dialogues with anybody about how they're wired before he calls them to a job. Consider Moses and quit camouflaging doubt with psychobabble.

Leadership is strengthened by acts of obedience. It's a verb, not a position. You know you're flying over the right target when you're being shot at. If you're running because of opposition, you'll be running for the rest of your life.

The ability to endure deepens your resolve. If you act courageously, you'll get more courage. God is with you, but he'll only strengthen you when you raise your leg and put it forward. He can't steer a parked car. The wind will only blow when you put up the sail.

4) Courage is anchored by the word of God (v 7-8).

Success or failure in a mission is tied to your relationship to truth. There are three primary relationships in the verse:

a) Proclaim the Word ("let it not depart from your mouth").

The amount of biblical illiteracy in evangelicalism is appalling. How dare you think that you have the right to presume that ministry can succeed without being built upon the word. Pragmatism is taking the supernatural right out of our ministry. You can have C- leadership ability, but if you honor his Word you will succeed.

Pastors, make your time alone in God's Word inviolable. Your people deserve to hear from God every Sunday morning. They can't make it on illustrations, stories, or insights. They need a word.

b) Meditate upon the Word ("you shall meditate on it day and night").

The reason you can proclaim the word is because you have it stored up within you. It is the background noise of your life. When the trials come you can just turn up the volume.

Devotionally master the word of God for your souls. Immerse yourself in the book. Love it, live it.

c) Do all that is written in it.

Hypocrisy is an occupational hazard in ministry. It is the primary fault in our work. The problem with evangelicalism today is that if you can pull ministry off, nobody will ask you any questions. There isn't a dynamic relationship between giftedness and holiness, but true fruitfulness will prove itself over time. The integrity of your ministry is everything, so you have to practice the truth you're proclaiming.

You have to be the destination where you want other people to arrive.

Great message for Christian Leaders by Chip Ingram of "Walk Thru the Bible" 

Keys to Setting God-Given Goals

I’ve discovered that there are four keys to setting God-given goals in your life.  They can be easily remembered in the following acronym:

P  - Pray!  The process of setting God-given goals begins on your knees!  As you communicate with the one who created you with sincerity, He will communicate His purpose for your life!

L – Learn!  The process of setting God-given goals continues in the classroom!  This classroom can be a school building or in private study.  However, you must invest the time to become an expert in whatever endeavor you are attempting to achieve!

A – Access!  The process of setting God-given goals takes major steps to becoming a reality when you honestly access just what it will take to make this happen in your life.  The bible calls this “counting the cost”!  Goals become reality when you determine that you are willing to do everything you can do to make them happen with integrity!

N – Now!  The process of setting God-given goals leaps into action when we determine that this process starts today!  Many goals have been detoured because of personal procrastination!  If God has lets you know what goals to set in you life, don’t delay.  Begin the process right now!

So we see, that the process of setting God-given goals starts when you implement His personal P.L A.N.!  To achieve your goals from God, remember, planning is not a dirty word

Listen to this amazing presentation and remember who you are setting your goals for!

Amena Brown

A Hope You Can Never Lose

It's hard to think of a more devastating feeling than losing what you had put all your hope in. It's a feeling you may know if you've lost your health, the love of your life, your job, an anchor person in your life, the thing you've invested so much in, or the person that's been the glue sort of holding your life together. Many have been told by their marriage partner of decades, "I don't love you anymore" and are left to feel crushed inside.  In Cleveland, we had put so much of our hope in "the King", Lebron James.   Today the King is gone.  His mural has come down!

So many of us have either lost or will lose someone or something that we had put a lot of our hope in. Hope is often snatched away by death, divorce, desertion, disease, and disaster. Suddenly, our life is thrown into confusion, anxiety, and even despair. What we need is something to put our hope in that is "unloseable," something that can't be touched by death, disease, divorce, or disaster, and something that will never desert us. Actually, there is Someone who will never desert us. Surprisingly, many people have discovered in losing the source of their hope, they finally found the one hope they can never lose. It could happen to you today.

That hope is spelled out so beautifully in Psalm 62:1-2 and verse 5 of the Word of God: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken ... Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." The only life-anchor, the only life-hope you can never lose is a personal love relationship with God - God alone.

It's not a religion, but a relationship. It's possible to have a lot of religion and totally miss the relationship with God that you were made for. Any hope we get from anyone or anything on earth is just an unsatisfying substitute for belonging to God. When you belong to Him and you know you do, your soul finally can, as the psalmist said, "rest." Until you belong to God, your soul is restless.

That unloseable relationship with God comes because we're away from the God we need so much. We are away from Him by our choice, not His. We've repeatedly chosen our way instead of His way and we've built an eternal wall between us and Him. It's a wall that God Himself acted to tear down by sending His only Son, Jesus, to pay for all our sins when He died on the cross. That's how much He loves you. That's how much He wants you. You've got to want Him in your life enough to say, "I'm sorry for my sin, God. I don't want to be this way anymore. I'm putting all my hope and trust in Your Son who gave His life so I could belong to You."

The hope you've lost and the emptiness you feel can lead you today to the hope you'll never lose - His name is Jesus, the "King of Kings"
adapted from Ron Hutchcraft 

If You Are a Christian He Will Never Leave You...take that to the bank!

It Was You by Clint Brown

Do You Have a Vision Statement for Your Family?

Every family needs their own personal Family Vision Statement! Here is an example.  I challenge you to take a few minutes and develop one for each area of your family's life.  It will be time well spent.  Years later you will look back and see how you did.  Take the challenge today!

FAMILY VISION STATEMENT

To develop my family in a biblically-centered way so that each member maximizes his or her full potential in Christ.

I.  Spiritual Life:  To make sure each member of my family is maturing in their Christian faith.

A.  Church Worship

•     To regularly attend church as a family and review what has been learned.
•     To be actively involved in a ministry of the church.
•     To develop a relationship with another family in the church with similar interests as ours.

B.  Family Worship

•     To pray as a family on a weekly basis.
•     To have a family worship time on a weekly basis.
•     To have a special spiritual retreat on an annual basis.

C.  Personal Worship

•    To set aside at least 15 minutes for personal devotions, and 30 minutes for bible study daily.
•    To teach my children how to develop a personal devotional life by the time they are teenagers. 
•    To meet with, or lead a small group on a weekly basis.

II.  Recreational Life:  To promote meaningful fellowship and relationships that build up the members of the family.

·      To romantically date my wife at least twice a month.

·      To have a family outing at least once a month.

·      To take a family vacation annually.

·      To have at least two weekend getaways with my wife annually.

·      To spend personal time with each child monthly.

·      To make at least one affirming statement to each member of my family daily.

·      To spend time talking to my wife daily about key life issues.

·      To work out at least three times weekly for my, and wife’s physical well-being.

·      To provide recreational activities for my children at least twice per week.

·      To spend time each month with another Christian couple or family.

III.  Financial Life:  To be financially secure and stable.

·      To be debt free within two years, except for house, and car.

·      To pay off the house in twenty years or less.

·      To develop a family business in the next 2 years.

·      To develop a college education investment fund for my children.

·      To support the church and selected ministries on a consistent and substantial basis.

·      To use my finances as a means to bless family members and others.

·      To teach my children how to give, save and spend.

IV.  Education and Career:  To maximize the opportunities and abilities of each member of the family.

·      To sharpen my skills  move to the next level in my occupation over the next three years.

·      To allow my wife to continue to develop her skills, while maintaining family stability.

·      To make sure my children are growing as students, and completing all school assignments.

·      To pursue higher Biblical Education within the next three years.

·      To fulfill God’s Call to ministry in my life.

·      To develop ministry and spiritual gifts within the context of the local church.

·      To read at least one book per month related to job or ministry.

V.  Community Life:  To contribute to the stability, progress, and development of the community in which I live.

·      To miss no more than two PTA meetings annually in my children’s schools.

·      To be involved in one quality community organization that helps others as well as provides the opportunity for Christian witnessing.

·      To be a registered  voter who participates in every election that affects my community.

·      To get to know some of my neighbors personally.  


 

Will you begin to write your family vision statement today?

How To Win The War Over Worry

Taken from a message
by Adrian Rogers

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. (Psalm 37:1-7)

Years ago there was a song entitled, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” It had a catchy tune, but do you know the problem with this phrase? It’s missing a “how to” in between “Don’t worry” and “Be happy.”
It’s like telling an alcoholic, “Don’t drink. Be sober.” Or a person trying to lose weight – “Don’t overeat. Get healthy.” There’s a missing link. And it’s the “How does a person stop worrying and be happy?” Let me share with you four ways you can win the war over worry:

Trust In The Lord
God wants to prove Himself to you. Let me ask you, “How do you know that the Lord is the joy of your life?” You don’t know, until He takes away your automobile or your health or your home or your family. When you say, “Jesus is all I need” make sure you can prove it. You’ll never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.

Do Good
One of the signs that you’re not trusting God is that you drop out of your usual activities. They get down. You say, “I lost my job!” Well, what are you doing about it? “Well, I’m just sitting around the house!” Well, quit it! Get out there and do something because you’re trusting God to provide!

Delight Yourself In The Lord
Do you want to have a life of joy? Then, put your faith in something, or should I say Someone, who cannot be touched – the Lord! God isn’t finished with you until you find your greatest joy in Him alone. Now take the sentence very slowly – God is going to keep giving you this test until you pass it. He doesn’t flunk anybody out. And so, if you don’t pass this time, He’ll just run you through again.

Commit Your Way To The Lord
“Commit” literally means “to roll.” It means to roll your burden on the Lord. Whatever that burden is, you are to give it to God. His shoulders are broad enough. Matthew 11:30 says, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Is someone critical of you today? Give it to Jesus. Has someone hurt you? Give it to Jesus. Are you unsure about your future? Give it to Jesus.

Rest In The Lord
This word “rest” means “to be silent.” We want our answers yesterday. And God is saying, “Hush! Rest in Me!” Friend, God isn’t interested in time. He’s interested in timing. He’s never in a hurry. And He’s never late. Waiting on the Lord is like waiting for the sun to rise. You can’t hurry it. And you can’t stop it.

Trust... Do Good... Delight...Commit. ..Rest. What is the key to all of this? Jesus. When He is your focus, you can win the war over worry.

Are You Worrying or Trusting?

We Need You Lord by Jonathan Butler (Gospel goes Classical ...Awesome)!

Meet Tamia Washington Hill—She and Husband Grant Hill Open Up About MS

On May 27, 2005, blockbuster singer Tamia and her basketball superstar husband Grant Hill opened up about living with multiple sclerosis. Tamia and Grant spoke candidly about the initial shock that came with the MS diagnosis and how they have worked together to maintain a positive and pro-active outlook about managing the disease.

Tamia Washington Hill is an extraordinary example of what an individual with talent and tenacity can achieve. According to biographical material, Tamia had a tough start being raised in the projects of Windsor, Canada. Today, she is the R&B superstar known as "Tamia", dedicated wife of NBA icon Grant Hill, and mother of two year old Myla. Recently, however, Tamia has taken on a new role, advocate for creating a world free of multiple sclerosis.

Diagnosed in 2003 at the age of 28, she didn't know what MS was or how it might impact her life and the lives of her family. She learned that there were treatments available to help manage MS, particularly for those who are newly diagnosed, but was leery about going public with her diagnosis. She didn't know how her fans might react as they probably knew even less about MS than she initially did.

After educating herself about MS, Tamia now strives to make others more aware of the disease and the fact that an MS diagnosis does not mean an end to one's hopes and dreams. "I went through 'I'm not telling anyone.' Now I think it's important to share it. It doesn't have to be a death sentence," she told USA Weekend. She also stresses the importance of listening to what is going on with your body and being your own advocate with your doctor. "You know your body," she told Jet Magazine." "You know when something isn't right. Be a pest—keep going to the doctor and keep saying 'Hey, this isn't right.'"

Though there is no "good" time to receive an MS diagnosis, Tamia's diagnosis came during an especially trying time for her and her husband. Grant had recently returned from the hospital where Tamia had rushed him when he developed a staph infection after surgery on his ankle left him with convulsions and a 104 degree temperature. Tamia started experiencing numbness in her hands and feet and unexplained severe fatigue. It was then Grant's turn to take her to the hospital. Three doctors, a misdiagnosis of a pulled muscle, and several MRIs later, Tamia was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Soon after, while out of the country celebrating their anniversary, Tamia had her first frightening attack. "Literally, I could not lift a pen. I could not get out of bed. I had to fill out customs forms to come back and my husband had to fill them out because I could not write," she told Jet.
Tamia had been caring for Grant while his injury left him sidelined. Suddenly the roles were reversed and Grant was the caregiver. Instead of thinking of this as a negative, Grant credits this event to bringing them closer together as a family and to putting his injury into perspective. "Whether I play another 10 years or another day, there's more to life than putting the ball through the basket," Grant told The New York Times.

Tamia focuses on maintaining a positive attitude and raising awareness about living with MS. "I just felt it was important to get out there and let people know that it's not a sign of weakness," she told EXTRA about her MS diagnosis. "You have good days and bad days."

Everyone at the National MS Society is grateful to Tamia and Grant for their efforts to raise awareness and understanding about multiple sclerosis.

If you'd like to learn more about Tamia please visit www.tamiaworld.com and for Grant Hill, please go to www.granthill.com.

AS A BELIEVER...GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH!  NEVER FORGOTTEN!

The Only Book that Really Matters

My old school, Florida State was recently in the College Baseball World Series.  They lost again, but have been there an amazing twenty one times.

I was fortunate to play there over thirty years ago.  On the team website, is an archive of all the letterman who have ever played for the Seminoles.  I had never seen it before so I checked it out.  To my surprise under the letter H, was written my name Darryl Harris, 1976.  My name will forever be in the book!

However, as a believer in Jesus Christ, I'm so glad my name is written in another book.  A much more important book.  A book where the ink will never fade, and the pages never wear out.  When you make the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior,  He writes your name in the "Lamb's Book of Life."  This book means you will live forever with Christ in heaven, and the good news is that He never uses an eraser!  Your eternity is secure when your name is written in the Lord's book!  So no matter what you are going through today, if your name has been written in this book, you always have reason to rejoice. 


Joni Erickson Tada will be remembered for many years after she goes to glory because of her enduring work for Christ and the disabled.   As she battles yet another challenge in her life with breast cancer, because her name has been written in the Lamb's book of Life, she will always have hope, and reason to continue to face  challenges with strength and courage!  No one desires to suffer, but the will of God is both mysterious and merciful.  His will must be done.

Pastor and author Rick Warren said "life is a test...life is a trust...and life is a temporary assignment!"  If we just touch one person's life with the love and grace of Christ on this journey, it's a life worth living.  If your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and you lived for Christ's glory, despite your disabling condition, it's truly a job well done!

Don't go another minute unless you have the assurance that you know what book your name is written in.  Make the decision today, because His book is the only book that guarantees eternal life! 
Rev. 20:11-14

Worship Medley by Israel & New Breed (Holy Ground)

A Day of Joy in the Journey!

Someone asked me why do we celebrate five years as a new church start.  Well there are many reasons:

• Ensure that future generations never forget!
• Rejoice in what God has accomplished!
• Remember the good times and the tough times!
• Remind yourself how dependent you are on God!
• Thank people for their support since the first day!
• Allow people to breathe and get ready for the next five years!

I also believe there are seven things that the Lord wants us to do as we approach the next five year as a church body:

1. Explore new possibilities!
2. Focus on new ministries!
3. Invest in new facilities!
4. React quickly to new opportunities!
5. Develop future priorities!
6. Challenge future enemies!
7. Prepare for our future destiny!

Some of our keys will be:

• Prayer
• Stewardship
• Unity
• Evangelism

We can't get discouraged and we can't get distracted.  Our leaders will have to:

• Reach
• Teach
• Train
• Trust
• Equip
• Pray
• Sacrifice

We have been Witnesses to the Grace of God...in the Past!
We have been Captured by the Grace of God in the Present!
We have now Committed to the expansion of the Grace of God...in the Future!

So I ask you to:

• Remember the journey!
• Remember the struggle!
• Remember to give thanks!
• Remember your name!.......ABUNDANT GRACE!

ENJOY THE CELEBRATION...PREPARE TO MOVE FORWARD!

Happy 5th Anniversary Abundant Grace

Dreams Do Come True...Happy 25th Lauren!

 In the past few years I've only asked God for a few things.  Of course I was excited to see my church turn five years old.  When my son grew to 6ft 8 and eventually signed a college scholarship it was exciting.  When his twin, my younger daughter was an early acceptance into college a few months later, it was a major milestone I was thrilled to behold.  But one thing I asked God for as I laid prone on my hospital bed a couple of years ago was Lord..."would you let me walk my oldest daughter down the isle when she said yes to the man who would take my place in her life."  I didn't know what His answer would be, but as the day approaches in a few months, I can at least see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I'm an oldest child, and I truly believe there is something about your oldest that will bind you together forever!  Of course you love all your children and will do all you can to support each one without favoritism, but you shared some things with the first that can never be repeated.

The sweat on your brow as you waited anxiously for her to emerge into this world will never be replaced.

• When her first words were daddy...it was priceless.

•  As I dropped her off for Kindergarden and watched her walk into the school, I couldn't stop the tears from falling even though she was smiling!

• Going to the first musical concert and dance recital were special for her mom, but quietly the joy in the heart of a dad could not be ignored!

• As I watched her dance to Michael Jackson, and bring home her first A on the report card it was truly a special moment!

• As I taught her how to shoot a basketball, and see that turn into a opportunity to play on the college level.

• When they called her name from John Carroll U. as the new member of the company of educated person with her degree it touch my heart!

But I believe to walk her down the isle will be a moment that will last forever, because it is the end of an era and beginning of a bright new season that holds both potential and fears that must be lived out if the baton of life is to be properly passed on to this next generation.  And she will once again be first to travel this path.

When life closes the door of the final chapter in my life, there will be no regrets of not spending more time in the office, or even on another pricey road trip in my business career.  The only regret will be if my daughter doesn't remember the deep love I had for her every step of the way as I pass her off to another man who will rightly hold first place in her life.

I must admit...

• I hope she remembers our father/daughter road trip to LaCrosse, and Eau Claire, WI, with her as my special business trip partner!

• I hope she remembers times at Disney and riding up the arch in St. Louis, and the beautiful harbor in Baltimore!

• I hope she remembers her special snow suit for the cold of Minnesota, and her swim suits in the warm pools of Tampa!

• I hope she remembers I kept my promise to keep her in the same high school for four years no matter what it costs me!

But most of all I hope she remembers when she said yes to Jesus Christ as her Savior, and her attempt to live a life of purity for Him. She might even remember that her dad was called by Christ to serve Him over money, and serve his family as best he could.  I know I didn't get an A in that subject like she did, but I at least tried to get perfect attendance.

So when the preacher asks who gives this woman to be married to this man,  I will proudly say "I do".  But in my heart I know it wasn't me.  It was the Lord who brought us both this far, and has a brand new world ahead for her.  This time any tears shed will be tears of joy because the Lord has once again been faithful to me and answered another one of my deepest prayers!

So as she turns 25 today, I say thank you Lord for 25 beautiful years that have just passed, and thank you for many beautiful years ahead for a very special little girl in my life!  Who says dreams don't come true?

Can I get one last Dance?

A Few Minutes Can Change Your Life

Some of us are so busy, that we couldn't even take the time to watch this short video message from God!  Most of us are just too busy.  If God wanted to talk to us, he would have to make an appointment two weeks in advance.

The problem is...God doesn't work on our schedule.  Either you take the time to listen, by opening His Word, and quieting your heart, or you just won't hear.  I believe God has some incredible things to tell you if you would just take the time to listen!

Today, I went to one of my favorite quiet spots.  Life has been so hectic, crazy and ongoing, that I had to get away and just listen to God.  In my special place, it was the most relaxing afternoon I have enjoyed in quite some time, and God did not disappoint by sharing rich things with me that will help me greatly in the days and weeks to come.  I wonder what would have happened if I didn't take time to just Be Sill...and Know that He is God!

I urge you to take some time to just spend with God.  As we wait on God, He will speak to our hearts with amazing clarity.  It is no guarantee that your issues will vanish, but I can guarantee, your soul will be nourished!

So do yourself and your loved ones a favor...kick back and spend some time with the creator of your mind, body, and soul.  He knows you better than you know yourself.  He knows your needs and even your desires.  But He also knows what you really need is to spend time with Him...ALONE!

Don't miss a blessing, and an opportunity for peace of mind in the midst of whatever you are going through.  We all have the same amount of time on a given day.  The question is will you use part of your time to listen to God!

Watch this video and pick up a copy of my book on amazon.com -"When God Says Wait"
God wants to talk with you...yea you...today!  Blessings

Don't Miss the Great Reunion!

<sup>Once again I missed my high school reunion.  It was the class of 1975, 35th Reunion, in the great city of East Orange, New Jersey.  From the photos I saw...they had a great time!   I'm one of the few who never came back home after high school and have lived all over the country ever since.   From our 5th, to our 35th,  I've had to settle for looking at the beautiful faces of people I knew so well, and still care about today.  I'm so glad they had a great, great, time together!

But as a believer, one who has accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal savior,  I look forward to a reunion that I am assured to not miss!  The sad thing is that some people will miss this one too.  If you don't place your faith in Christ in this life ...you won't be at what I call the Great Reunion!  This is for believers only...and it will last for all eternity! 

How do I know for sure?  What if you pass away before the big day?  Well the bible tells us that whether this reunion is today or 100 years from now, when Christ comes to RAPTURE HIS CHURCH, He's bringing all members of His family!  Those who passed before us and those who are still alive at the time will be at this party!  The King's reunion, will be the party of all time!  The bible says in I Thessalonians 4:13-18

13</sup>Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. ¹⁴We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Happy 35th Reunion, East Orange High School Class of 1975!  Now make your reservation for Christ's Great Reunion following the Rapture, by recognizing that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  But the good new is that if you receive Christ's payment for you when he died for you on the cross your ticket is paid for!


If you do that, then I look forward to seeing you at the GREAT REUNION... where the good times will last forever, and ever!  Make sure my great friends everywhere, you don't miss this one!


Enjoy this song by Kirk Franklin...about the Great Reunion!

What If?

WHAT IF GOD ASKED YOU...do you trust me?  How would you answer?

• What if God told you...I was taking away your money, your home, your "honey"...would you trust Him?

• What if God allowed you...to wake up tomorrow with little wealth, and less health...would you trust Him?

• What if God informed you...your loved one had days to live, and you had little to give...would you trust Him?

• But what if God told you...though your money is gone I have a new job for you just beyond that closed door....would you trust Him?

• But what if God told you...although your love one would die, because you shared Christ with him, he would spend eternity in paradise with me...would you trust Him?

• But what if God told you...although your health would be weakened, I will still use you to share with others my strength in the midst of your weakness...would you trust Him?

Since ease, comfort and pleasure are not guaranteed in life, and God is Sovereign, it all comes down to one question as you ponder your state of contentment, peace, and joy....Do You Trust God?

Although God may say Yes, and He may say Wait...if you are still alive today aren't you glad He didn't say No to life's final chapter in your life just yet!

The bible let's us know in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"  

You can trust God for good even if you are facing the What If's of this life!  Why...because He Is Faithful!

He is Wonderful!

There is no way you can be discouraged after listening to this song!  We serve:

• A Great God!
• An Amazing God!
• A Wonderful God!

One thing we know is that God will provide for His children!  His provision comes in many varied ways, and different times.  But His provision are always right on time to meet your need.

Surely we can take time out of our busy schedule to thank and praise our Wonderful God!  I pray this song blesses your heart as does mine.  For me it's a song that never gets old!  Enjoy and Praise the Lord!

Halleujah, Salvation and Glory by Stephen Hurd

Your Life is Not a Mistake!

• Your life is not a mistake!  Your trial is not a mistake!  Your loss is not a mistake!
• Your victory was not luck!  Your promotion was not luck!  Your talent was not luck!
• Everything that happens to you is part of God's master plan for your life!  Remember you are safe in the arms of God!   He wants to use you!  He wants you to bring Him glory!

Life is a test!
Life is a trust!
Life is a temporary assignment!

It's heaven all the way to heaven, but it's hell all the way to hell!
Remember, life with Jesus is INCREDIBLE!

Like Father...Like Son.  Music by Anthony Evans "Incredible"

Staying Focused in the Christian Life

The challenge in the Christian life is how do you stay focused on Jesus Christ while living in a world that tries everything in its power to pull you away from the things of God?

The cry of the world is this:

• “If it feels good…do it”
• “Look out for #1”
• “It’s all about the Benjamin’s baby” 

To stay on track with Jesus you must develop the discipline to FOCUS!
Hebrews 12:1-2
…, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith………..

Every athlete dreams of being in “the zone”.  The "zone" is where total concentration ends in awesome results!  Our goal is to be in the zone spiritually!

• How’s your prayer life? 
• Spending time in the Word? 
• Staying accountable to someone?

How do you stay focused spiritually?  How do you stay on track?  How do you “not screw up”?  Well I believe there are three things you must do if you are to ever stay focused in the Christian life.

1. STAY IN……………………….THE SCRIPTURES!
Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
"I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you."

2. STAY CLOSE……………………….TO A FRIEND!
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
"As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another."

3. STAY ALERT…TO THE TACTICS OF THE ENEMY!
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Remember, the Christian life is not a sprint!  It's a marathon with high hurdles!  To make it in the Christian life, you have to keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith!  Many Christians start out strong, but very few finish strong.  It's all about your focus!  No matter what you may go through, make a commitment that you will keep your eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Only by doing that will you ever safely make it to the finish line!

How's Your Focus Today?


When I Think About the Lord!

We Are Witnesses - Happy 5th Anniversary!

ABUNDANT GRACE FELLOWSHIP
"Witnesses to the Grace of God"


View 3300 Mayfield Rd in a larger map
"the Park" - Park Synagogue - Stein Auditorium Worship Center
33 acres, former home of John D Rockefeller

In May of 2005, the Lord led two men, called by God, to begin a new ministry in the Cleveland area. The continuing purpose is to touch people with the Word of God, within a community of Grace. The church began with 50 people coming together on May 7, 2005 at the Homewood Suites Hotel in Solon, OH for worship and prayer. The following week, the Lord opened the door for worship at a larger facility, the Red Roof Inn, in Bedford Heights with 100 people in attendance. Two months later AGF moved to the Mediterranean Center also in Bedford Heights, which could accommodate 250 adults and our Children’s ministries.

Today, God has blessed us to worship at the beautiful Park Synagogue, in Cleveland Heights, where the church meets weekly on a 33 acre campus, with ample parking, a spacious auditorium, and 400 members in attendance.

Abundant Grace Fellowship is committed to the following ministry objectives:

* Teaching the Word
* Making Disciples
* Caring for People
* Standing for Truth within a “Community of Grace”.

Abundant Grace Fellowship features over 25 ministries, and 23 “Grace Groups”, our foundational small group ministry. Dynamic Bible teaching, innovative youth ministries (“Teens and Kids with Purpose”), and practical ministries for women (“Women of Grace”) and seniors (“Grace Forever”) are strategic features of our ministry. We're dedicated to “Making Disciples of All Ages”.

AGF is made up of caring, dedicated people, who love the Lord and one another. They serve Christ with passion, and purpose, and lead with integrity.

Our Care and Prayer Ministries ensures that our members receive love, compassion, and support in times of need from their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Our Marriage Ministry, works with couples to experience high harmony and deep intimacy with God and one another. This year we launched our marriage ministry radio broadcast (“Why in God’s Name Did I Get Married?”) to help more marriage relationships in our city.

Our Worship Ministry, featuring our praise team, “Daughters of Grace” dance ministry, Praising Tots, and teen hip-hop dancers usher us into the presence of God each week, as we adore our Savior and Creator.

Members are discipled through our in depth Sunday School for adults, teens, and kids.

The center of our ministry is the real, and relevant preaching of the Word of God by our pastors, Jerry Birch and Darryl Harris. Their accurate teaching, and application of the Word of God strengthens believers and challenges unbelievers to make life-changing decisions for Christ.

They are assisted by a team of elders and deacons, committed to meeting the needs of the people, and model servant leadership. We have also been blessed by the emerging ministry of Pastor Luvirt Parker.

Members enjoy wonderful times of fellowship at our annual church picnic and many other special events throughout the year.

Since our beginning we have “witnessed” the wonderful, loving, caring hand of God on our ministry. He has done “exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think”.

For every saved, or encouraged life, we praise God and give Him the glory! We strive to follow Christ into a bright future for AGF.
“We are Witnesses!“

WHAT WILL GOD DO IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? BUCKLE UP!

DON'T TAKE THE GRACE OF GOD FOR GRANTED...IT COULD HAVE BEEN YOU!
AGF THEME SONG BY CLINT BROWN - IF NOT FOR GRACE!

Are You a Person of Grace?

I have been blessed to be a founding Pastor of an incredible church called Abundant Grace Fellowship. One of my most difficult jobs is to understand who we are, know what God has called us to be and do, and lead where God wants us to go. You have to have a shepherd's heart, and a leader's head.

God has brought us a long way in a relatively short time. I believe we are just beginning. Enjoy where we are but don't be afraid of change. Challenge yourself to do and give your best. We will walk by faith, trust God, and try to touch lives! If we do this, we will get to the finish line and bring many with us on the journey for the glory of God!


Grace is made up of:

• People who want to know!
• People who want to show!
• People who want to sow!
• People who want to serve!
• People who want to share!
• People who want to care!

This is who we are:
The core came seeking refuge where TRUTH was not compromised!
The core came seeking refuge where PEOPLE were not overlooked!
The core came seeking refuge where POWER was not abused!

People need to know TRUTH…we live in a world where truth is relative!
People need to know that CHRIST is the answer!
People need to know that all PROBLEMS have a spiritual root!

They want to belong!
They want their life to count!
They want to be used by God!
They want to follow Jesus Christ!
They want to be empowered by the Holy Spirit!

They need to know that our "God is Sovereign"!
They need to know that there is "Nobody like Jesus"!
They need to know that "The Holy Spirit is a Person", and He is God!

They need to know about false teachers, who have infiltrated the church!
They need to know they have a real enemy…Satan!
They need to know we will have trials…but fear not, Jesus has overcome them all!

They need to know how God worked in the OT and NT!
They need to know what are our priorities!
They need to know what is our purpose!
They need to know what are our values!
They need to know our vision!
They need to know they count!
They need to know they can make a difference!

They struggle with sin, money issues, relationships, trust, worry, envy, immorality, purpose, loneliness, parenting, and other life issues like everyone, and the bible addresses them!


They want to Know:

• HOW CAN I KNOW GOD!
• HOW CAN I BE SAVED!
• HOW CAN I GROW AS A BORN AGAIN BELIEVER!
• HOW CAN I SERVE GOD!

They need to Know:

• The love of God!
• The grace of God!
• The forgiveness of God!
• The wrath of God!
• The mercy of God!
• The goodness of God!

A person of Grace will submit their lives to the authority of the Word of God!
A person of Grace will surrender their will to the Will of God!
A person of Grace will surround themselves with people who live for the Glory of God!

Are you a person of Grace?

Celebrating Mother's Day Without Mother

As a pastor, we love to celebrate moms on Mother's Day.  However, I realize for many this is a very difficult day, because their own mother is no longer with them.  My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their Mother!

Pastor Chuck Swindoll's sister Lucy gives the following great advice to encourage those who have lost their mom as Mother's Day approach.  Why don't you give her advice a try and see if the Lord restores to you some of the joy you experienced under that special person in your life!

1. Share funny stories with your family of funny things your mother did or said.

2. Cook for your family one of your mother's best dishes.

3. Sing some of her favorite songs with your family.

4. Write a poem that recalls her good qualities, even if it is the "Roses are Red" kind.

5. Plant a tree in her honor.

6. Show your family photos of mother, taken at fun times in her life, to family members.

7. Place flowers in your church to honor her.

8. Write ten lessons that you learned from your mother.

9. Do something special for someone else's mom, such as giving a gift, making a call to tell her she is special or cooking something for her.

10. Try to embody and live out the good qualities you saw in her.

My prayer for those who have lost their mother is that by doing some of these things, God will fill the void in your heart with joy by placing your focus on the positive thing she brought to your life.  Give it a try.  Remember if your mom knew the Lord, she is not lost!  God has never lost any of His children.

Surrender and Say Yes to God

One of my most incredible experiences as a Christian was the Tuesday night I went to Prayer Meeting at the Brooklyn Tabernacle!  I was inspired!  I was touched!  I experienced the presence of God in a moving way.  One thing I learned that evening was to stop seeking my way,  but instead, surrender to His will!  That means simply saying yes to God.   Do you need to say yes to God in your life?  When you say yes, your life will never be the same.  You're in for the most thrilling ride of your life!

Perhaps the most difficult thing to do while waiting is summed up in one word…surrender!

But I haven’t accomplished what I wanted to accomplish.

But I haven’t done all the things I wanted to do.

But I still have work to do on the job,

with my kids,

at the church.

         

How can I let go and surrender if the job isn’t yet done.

What we inevitably find out is that God isn’t sweating the fact that you won’t

get all the accolades,

add more notches on your resume,

win the hearts of young people who think you can do it all.

But surrender is precisely what God wants you to do.                                                       

Surrender your will...

Surrender your dreams…

Surrender your plans…

Surrender and let God handle your difficult situation.

What you just may find is behind the disappointment, there just may be a blessing that God desires to give you, if you just let go. By surrendering, we allow Him to work out the seemingly impossible and unfinished business of your life situation.  Surrender is the first step to victory in Christ!