This is an exciting week at Celebrate! We have all been challenged to make a commitment to give a special gift before 2008 comes to a close. This special year-end offering is going to put us in a position to pay cash for the 20+ acres of land and begin the journey of building our first phase building in 2009! Also, this offering will allow us to equip our newest ministry addition we call "The Hub" located in the Water Tower Plaza. Allow me to begin this blog by giving thanks to God for the incredible opportunity to be a part of His vision for people!
This season we’re so busy preparing, cooking, eating, entertaining, talking with friends, watching football, reading sales catalogs, and numerous other activities. Honestly, being really, truly thankful can get lost. Sometimes the only thanks we express are in that short prayer before we dig into that delectable Thanksgiving meal. So here is a thought to consider on making this a memorable time in giving thanks. Try putting this into practice during this Thanksgiving week (and throughout the other 51 weeks of the year):
The Bible shows us several ways we give thanks to show thanksgiving...
1) By worshiping God in song… "Sing out your thanks to Him; sing praises to our God..." Ps. 147:7 (Psalm 100)
Sing even if you think you sound awful.
2) By praying to God… "Give thanks to the Lord and pray to Him." Ps. 105:1 (Philippians 4:6-7)
Pray even if think you are bothering God. Trust me, you're not. He loves to hear from you!
3) By giving to God… "Give an offering to show thanks to God. Give Him what you promised." Ps. 50:14 ( 2 Corinthians 9-11 ; 1 Chronicles 29:13-16)
Give even if think it is will not make a difference. It makes a difference to God!
4) By sharing your story about God… "Thank the Lord! Praise His name! Tell the world about His wondrous love and how mighty He is!" Isaiah 12:4 ( Deut. 4:9)
Share even if think no one is interested. Deep down, every single person on earth has a longing for what Jesus Christ can offer!
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
If you want to read more during this time on giving and how to give thanks, there are additional scriptures listed next to each scripture above. Take a moment to read, study & meditate... and let’s make this a memorable Thanksgiving time.
One last thing to remember...
HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
'Tis the Season!
By all accounts, we are officially entering into the holiday season, with Thanksgiving just a few days away and Christmas not far behind! For many, the holiday season means excitement and merriment. For some, it means a time of loneliness or stress. But for us, as Christ-followers, it is an opportunity, scratch that, the biggest opportunity for any Christian, for any church to reach and extend a hand of compassion to a world's needs. It's the time of the year when pretty much anyone will give church a glance and a chance. If you're part of a church, don't let this opportunity pass by. There's someone in your life that needs to hear about Jesus. Someone in your path that can be served by someone who truly knows Jesus. And you are the one they'll hear it from. You are the one who can serve them... maybe the only one!
With economic and relational challenges at an all-time high, let's make it a priority to meet those needs in people's lives during these hard times. What an opportunity to meet the GREATEST NEED... the need for spiritual fulfillment an completeness. Invite them to church to hear about Christ. Invite them to hear your story. Invite them into your life and relationship with Christ. People will have doubts, but through your heart of compassion and care you can put many of those doubts to rest.
And if you are a Christ follower, know that people everywhere are praying for you. I'm praying for you. With our economy the way it is, this is going to be a more difficult season than many in the past, but also a greater opportunity than ever before to be the heart, the hands, the feet of Christ!
And when you face challenges this season... whether relationally, financially, spiritually, or emotionally, recognize those things for what they are. Attacks. Most of all, don't let those challenges keep you from what God has called you to do this season!
Because remember, you are part of the Christ family and we have been called to be a force of influence in our world... Let's do more than just wish people a Merry Christmas this season... let's show them how to have a full life in Christ!!
With economic and relational challenges at an all-time high, let's make it a priority to meet those needs in people's lives during these hard times. What an opportunity to meet the GREATEST NEED... the need for spiritual fulfillment an completeness. Invite them to church to hear about Christ. Invite them to hear your story. Invite them into your life and relationship with Christ. People will have doubts, but through your heart of compassion and care you can put many of those doubts to rest.
And if you are a Christ follower, know that people everywhere are praying for you. I'm praying for you. With our economy the way it is, this is going to be a more difficult season than many in the past, but also a greater opportunity than ever before to be the heart, the hands, the feet of Christ!
And when you face challenges this season... whether relationally, financially, spiritually, or emotionally, recognize those things for what they are. Attacks. Most of all, don't let those challenges keep you from what God has called you to do this season!
Because remember, you are part of the Christ family and we have been called to be a force of influence in our world... Let's do more than just wish people a Merry Christmas this season... let's show them how to have a full life in Christ!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Believing in the Next Generation
Unlike past generations, young people today aren’t looking for the meaning of life. Instead, they’re searching for meaning in life, a purpose to live for, something they can pour their hearts and their souls into... something that makes their lives worth living!
The Bible teaches that God made everyone, including young people, with an identity and a reason for living. What a difference it would make in the life of a young person if he or she felt truly and wholly accepted by God? What if they understood – deeply – that they belonged to the family of God? Or that the hand of God will guide them – deliberately – throughout life?
Most teenagers struggle with love and acceptance. Or goal is to build into their lives the precious knowledge that they were created as an object of God’s love. Can you imagine how different teenagers would be if they really, truly believed that God made them for His own joy?
Teenagers search for a group where they can belong, a place where they can feel accepted. I believe they do this because God created each one of us with a longing for belonging. Ephesians 1:5 teaches us, “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family.”
We have a responsibility to be to help our teenagers become more and more like Christ... this is why we invest so much into the youth programs at Celebrate. And this is why I am ecstatic that in just a few hours, 200 teenagers will depart for a spiritually revolutionizing Fall Retreat!
Studies show most people who come to Christ – at least in the United States – come to Him before they turn 18. Other studies show people are far more receptive to hearing the Gospel from a friend than a stranger. As our teens depart this weekend on this Fall Retreat let’s believe for God through His Holy Spirit that this is a memorable and life changing spiritual encounter. And when they return, let's continue to pray for them, invest in them, and believe in them!!
The Bible teaches that God made everyone, including young people, with an identity and a reason for living. What a difference it would make in the life of a young person if he or she felt truly and wholly accepted by God? What if they understood – deeply – that they belonged to the family of God? Or that the hand of God will guide them – deliberately – throughout life?
Most teenagers struggle with love and acceptance. Or goal is to build into their lives the precious knowledge that they were created as an object of God’s love. Can you imagine how different teenagers would be if they really, truly believed that God made them for His own joy?
Teenagers search for a group where they can belong, a place where they can feel accepted. I believe they do this because God created each one of us with a longing for belonging. Ephesians 1:5 teaches us, “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family.”
We have a responsibility to be to help our teenagers become more and more like Christ... this is why we invest so much into the youth programs at Celebrate. And this is why I am ecstatic that in just a few hours, 200 teenagers will depart for a spiritually revolutionizing Fall Retreat!
Studies show most people who come to Christ – at least in the United States – come to Him before they turn 18. Other studies show people are far more receptive to hearing the Gospel from a friend than a stranger. As our teens depart this weekend on this Fall Retreat let’s believe for God through His Holy Spirit that this is a memorable and life changing spiritual encounter. And when they return, let's continue to pray for them, invest in them, and believe in them!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K. in Relationships
The success of any marriage or relationship depends largely on developing a mutual teamwork attitude with a deep sense of team spirit. As a player, coach, and one who has served on staffs, I’ve witnessed the incredible power of a unified team to create progress, growth and achievements versus those who approached life solo and think only about themselves.
A team spirit is never accidental; it is always intentional. Teamwork is built on a foundation of three healthy elements: a compelling purpose, clear communication, and commonly held values. I want to share with you a simple acrostic on T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K. that will help you in building your marriage or relationships.
T – Trust
Trust in your marriage and relationships is the emotional glue that binds you together; it’s essential to producing true confidence in each other. Trust results from Consistency...Loyalty....Truthful Communication!
E – Energy
Everything has a burnout rate if it does not have a retreat and getaway time. Rather than using up all of your energy in your occupation, make it a priority to allocate energy towards those relationships that are most important. Getaway and enjoy each other. Refuse to use leftover time... use allocated time.
A – Affirmation
Everybody is hungry for affirmation. When one does not get it, they get cranky. It’s amazing how a smile and a simple word of encouragement can change a person's entire day. Ways you can affirm your marriage or relationship... valuing their thoughts.... appreciating their uniqueness... commend their efforts.
M – Managing Mistakes
The Bible teaches: “Even though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” Proverbs 24:16. I love that truth because it points out that even righteous people make mistakes and stumble occasionally. Mistakes are not failures, because you’re never a failure until you give up. Mistakes teach us what doesn’t work. Mistakes are how we learn and get better. And grace for others' mistakes creates a safe and secure environment.
W – Weekly Times Together
Times of reading God's Word together, prayer together, sharing stories together, and spiritual intimacy. These times won't happen accidentally. The old saying rings true especially in this area... If you fail to plan, then plan to fail! Make it a priority.
O – Open Communication
Open communication is the cornerstone of any great team.. Proverbs 13:17 says: “Reliable communication permits progress.” Here are just a few barriers to healthy communication... Assumptions...Impatience...Pride... can you think of others?
R – Recognition and Reward
The more credit you give to others, the more you develop healthy team spirit in your marriage or relationships. It’s that simple. The Bible says, “Give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due.” Romans 13:7
K – Keep on Learning
All leaders are learners. The moment you stop learning, you stop being a leader. And every relationship requires leadership. Another proverb says: “The intelligent person is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” Proverbs 18:15
If you practice these eight T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K. values in your marriage and relationships, you’ll experience new levels of success and excitement. Take that step, and watch your relationships soar to new heights.
May God bless you,
Pastor Joe
A team spirit is never accidental; it is always intentional. Teamwork is built on a foundation of three healthy elements: a compelling purpose, clear communication, and commonly held values. I want to share with you a simple acrostic on T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K. that will help you in building your marriage or relationships.
T – Trust
Trust in your marriage and relationships is the emotional glue that binds you together; it’s essential to producing true confidence in each other. Trust results from Consistency...Loyalty....Truthful Communication!
E – Energy
Everything has a burnout rate if it does not have a retreat and getaway time. Rather than using up all of your energy in your occupation, make it a priority to allocate energy towards those relationships that are most important. Getaway and enjoy each other. Refuse to use leftover time... use allocated time.
A – Affirmation
Everybody is hungry for affirmation. When one does not get it, they get cranky. It’s amazing how a smile and a simple word of encouragement can change a person's entire day. Ways you can affirm your marriage or relationship... valuing their thoughts.... appreciating their uniqueness... commend their efforts.
M – Managing Mistakes
The Bible teaches: “Even though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” Proverbs 24:16. I love that truth because it points out that even righteous people make mistakes and stumble occasionally. Mistakes are not failures, because you’re never a failure until you give up. Mistakes teach us what doesn’t work. Mistakes are how we learn and get better. And grace for others' mistakes creates a safe and secure environment.
W – Weekly Times Together
Times of reading God's Word together, prayer together, sharing stories together, and spiritual intimacy. These times won't happen accidentally. The old saying rings true especially in this area... If you fail to plan, then plan to fail! Make it a priority.
O – Open Communication
Open communication is the cornerstone of any great team.. Proverbs 13:17 says: “Reliable communication permits progress.” Here are just a few barriers to healthy communication... Assumptions...Impatience...Pride... can you think of others?
R – Recognition and Reward
The more credit you give to others, the more you develop healthy team spirit in your marriage or relationships. It’s that simple. The Bible says, “Give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due.” Romans 13:7
K – Keep on Learning
All leaders are learners. The moment you stop learning, you stop being a leader. And every relationship requires leadership. Another proverb says: “The intelligent person is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” Proverbs 18:15
If you practice these eight T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K. values in your marriage and relationships, you’ll experience new levels of success and excitement. Take that step, and watch your relationships soar to new heights.
May God bless you,
Pastor Joe
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Love Dare...
The Love Dare...WHAT DAY ARE YOU ON?
What an amazing weekend! So many responded to journey the next 40 Days on the LOVE DARE. I want to encourage you stick with it. Lean on God and hear the voice of God tell you, YOU CAN DO IT. Complete it for your spouse, complete it for your children, and complete for those watching you.
Let your marriage serve as a example of what God can do when you lean and listen to Him. The benefits will be eternally priceless. We have all seen the fairytale weddings end up as horror stories. We've seen things start off so right that ended up wrong. This 40 day LOVE DARE is a challenge for all! For some it will mean a complete makeover, for others it is more fuel to an already hot (in a good way) marriage, and for some it is starting your young marriage on a healthy path. At the end of this journey, I hope you say "WOW, LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED!"
If you haven't started the 40 day LOVE DARE yet, begin today - don't put it off!
One last thing... the WINNING AT HOME MARRIAGE CONFERENCE is this weekend at the Gaylord Palms (Nov. 7-8)... whether married or single, this will be an investment that will return a lifetime of benefits. If your marriage is struggling, in the ditch, or healthy, this is for you. If you are single, reports tell us 90% of you will get married. What a great opportunity to have a game plan before you say "till death do us part".
Winning In Relationships,
Pastor Joe
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Go Vote --
Who should I vote for?Let me begin by saying that I don't think it is right for me to endorse a particular political candidate or ever campaign for a candidate. My role is to pastor all people regardless of their political persuasion. This is my primary reason for not endorsing a candidate, not to mention protecting the non-profit status of Celebrate Church.
There is a big difference between separation of church and state versus faith and politics. When you vote (and I do encourage you to vote), I challenge you to make your decisions based on your values, based on your worldview as a Christ-follower. I think it is our responsibility to make our political decisions based on our faith. How you view the world and how you value your faith will influence how you will live the next four years... and beyond.
There are some propositions that impose on our faith values that are specifically contradictions to God’s design for man. I cannot endorse a candidate but I will endorse a proposition on the ballot here in Florida that aligns itself with God’s Word. Proposition 2 advocates God’s design for marriage to be defined as the union One Man & One Woman. For that I ask that you vote in support of Proposition 2.
When it comes to the candidates for political office I encourage you to vote according to your faith and worldview, not based on personality, popularity or political party. If Jesus were walking the earth today in the flesh, I am pretty sure He would be neither Republican nor Democrat. He would be PRO-GOD! :)
Below are some thoughts for those of us who are Christ followers and areas we have an opportunity to influence, regardless of who is elected to office.
CHRIST FOLLOWERS are the ones who should love people, whoever they are–gay or straight, Jew or Muslim, religious or atheist, capitalist or not, conservative or liberal!
CHRIST FOLLOWERS are the ones who have capability to do more than anyone in the world to stop the HIV and disease around the world !
CHRIST FOLLOWERS are the people who should gravitate more toward the poor and who should show more compassion through generous action and seek justice so that the causes of poverty are overcome. They call the rich to generosity, and they call on rich nations to work for the common good.
CHRIST FOLLOWERS care for the environment. They don’t see it as raw materials for economic gain, but they see it as the precious handiwork of their Creator.
If you were hoping in this blog that I would tell you my "stance" on this election, I am sorry to disappoint you. The truth is that it doesn't really matter what MY stance is, or what I think, or what I believe. The question should always be, "What is God's stance and what does the Bible say?" That is our measuring rod and should be the basis for every vote we cast!
I want to make a resource available to you. This summer at Celebrate, we shared a message titled, "God & Politics" that would benefit every person to listen to as we approach election day. Click here to to listen to the audio message online now (or right click to download).
Happy voting!
Finally Blogging...
Ok, so I am finally blogging. Thanks to my tech-savvy staff, I have decided to come on into the 21st century.... it's nice here.
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