i am what i am

A lot of times I do not feel like I deserve to be where I am in life.

because of my......past

because of my......age

because of my......mistakes

because of my......failures

because of my......weaknesses

because of my.....inexperience

because of my.....sin

because of my.....doubts

because of my.....insecurities

Paul talks about not deserving to be an apostle in 1 Corinthians 15:10 and has spoken to me in a very personal way

"by the grace of God, I am what I am and His grace will not be void, because I worked harder than all of them; not I but the grace of God with me."

you may not deserve to be where you are - influentially, financially, relationally, etc.... but by God's grace you are what you are.

one prayer 2009

Here are the sermons for the one prayer series in June....

June 7th

God is....Love

Craig Groeschel, LifeChurch.tv

June 14th

God is....Strength

Francis Chan, Cornerstone Church

June 21st

God is....Ready

Me

June 28th

God is....not mad

Eric Partin, Shoreline Church

it is going to be an awesome month!

my wife

Being the wife of a pastor is an interesting deal.  I think my wife is pretty cool and is starting to love shepherding our church with me.  We both have a long way to go and a lot of experience to put under our belt, but I am so in love with her and glad that we are on this journey together.  

Here are some things that I love about Christie.

She encourages me to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit.

She prays with an unbelievable level of sincerity and authenticity.

She is an amazing mother who puts my son before herself and trusts in doing family God's way.

She reads the Bible.

She genuinely wants everyone to be happy.

She wants our church to be a place that people feel loved and welcomed.

She looks for me to lead her and our church in faith.

She loves me unconditionally.

She is called by God.

because i.......

I read someone's comments about the book "Jesus wants to save Christians" by Rob Bell today.   This person said that they thought Rob Bell was wrong about his opinion on something because their church was doing things differently than what Bell said is right.  

Just because you are doing something doesn't mean it is right.  

In fact, just because most people are doing something doesn't mean it is right.  

Right is usually right, wrong is usually wrong.  

I realize sometimes there are different methods, styles, preferences in life that we have freedom to choose from.  But if you are making the point that someone's opinion is wrong, please don't say; they are wrong because i  have..... or because i'm doing.... or because i'm going to....

Tell us why it is right or wrong.  Or just say it is a matter of opinion....

it is ok to be unsure of things from time to time.

the reason for world evangelism

In one of my classes, I was asked to give a biblical reason for world evangelism/spreading of Christianity....Here is my post.

The Bible teaches that the Church exists for the glory of God (Ephesians 1: 4-6).  If this is our purpose for being on earth then it is clear that we are to do everything that we can to increase the glory of God on earth.  In fact, Jesus prayed that God's will would be done on earth as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10).  

John Piper says that the ultimate goal of the Church is not missions, it is worship.   

The most compelling verses for world evangelism are the ones that show God's desire for everything that has breath to praise Him (Psalm 150:6).  

Realizing God's desire for His name to be praised, we must spread the Gospel of Christ to all people (Matthew 28:16-20).  

The Gospel of Christ is Good News to those who are perishing!  Us being faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ will bring others to see how GOOD He is!

a great privilege

One of the coolest things about being a part of a church body is the amount of times that you get prayed for.  

It sounds very "unhumble", but I really like being prayed for!

I am so thankful that you are praying for my family's physical and spiritual health.

I am so thankful that you are praying for my leadership.

I am so thankful that you are praying for God's growth in my life.

PLEASE DON'T STOP PRAYING!

I try to pray for our church partners pretty regularly.  Regardless of whether or not you attend mosaic, I would love to lift you up.  Shoot me an e-mail at james@mosaiccrestview or leave a comment if you have some requests!

The prayer of the the righteous is powerful and effective - James 5:16

some good reads

Five books that have helped shape me into the man I am today:

Velvet Elvis

Crazy Love

Mere Christianity

Encounter God in the City

winning with people

no blogging

My lack of blogging is not intentional but is a result of the way God has grabbed ahold of my mind and is causing me not to think clearly.

I need to be slow to speak (or in this case write).

I will blog again, when I can get my thoughts together!