Stories That Excite Me

We all love to hear a great story. In fact, many evenings at staff meeting time, we share stories about you. Things that you are wrestling and working through. Sometimes it is habits that need breaking, other times it is the beginning stages of developing new habits. Either end, it is an awesome journey to be able to hear all God is doing.

Sharon has done an amazing job in our Xtreme ministry (Grades 1-5). She and John Mark are preparing for their third baby to come into the world. At the end of February she will take some time off, but God has raised up a number of incredible leaders. Glenn and Sherry are going to step up and lead out in this ministry team, with Amanda stepping way out of her comfort zone as well. Thanks guys, your faith and belief in this God really encourages me.

Last but not least, I heard about a guy who a year ago would have never been seen leading a life group. In fact, he says what all of us say. "I don't know the Bible well enough, what if someone ask me a hard question......etc etc" Well, he stepped out and is now having a ball leading people in his Small Group. God is pushing so many folks out of their comfort zones. My prayer from the beginning of this series was that God would do some gigantic things in people's lives. We'll continue to wait and see all that God will do. Keep up your great work and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Philip Thurman

unChristian

On an earlier blog I discussed what people outside the church from 16-29 years old thought of those in the church. They said a number of things, such as Christians are hypocrits, judgmental, too political and homophobic. What has happened to those who claim to be followers of Christ. Why do we not love and serve as Christ did? Well, check out this video from one fo the guys who did some real life research on this topic. I hope it makes you think like it did me.
Philip Thurman

We just finished a powerful series on "How To Be Rich." Our culture talks a ton about getting rich, but tells us nothing about how to be rich. How do we live once we are rich. We chiseled away many lies that marketers and retailers tell us about money and life. If you have not listened to the entire series, I cannot think of a better one you should burn and give away to friends.

I'm really excited about the next series "Shift Happens!" We'll be looking at three exapmles of men and women who made major shifts in their lives to obey God. God may call some of us during this series to make Shifts. Would you be willing to do something drastic if God asked you to? If God asked you to down size and give to the poor, would you do it? If God asked you to leave your massive salary to serve or start some new opportunity, would you do it? If God ask you to make some relationships right that are currently estranged, could you do it?

I hope these next four weeks, we will be willing to listen to God and then do what He ask us to do. See you Sunday

Philip Thurman