Sunday Rewind

• I finished the series on the attributes of God. I thought the series was very appropriate considering all the uncertainty that we are living with in America.
• Good attendance
• The band sounded great
• I believe that God changed hearts on Sunday. I have gotten some good feedback from our service.
• Our Sunday evening student service, Elevate, was awesome. We had over 30 students and about the same number of adults. Jimmy delivered a great message and there was a tremendous response from our students. Also, Philip and the band brought great energy.
• This Sunday we begin our 5 part series on political issues. We will start with immigration. We will stick to the issues. We do not endorse a particular candidate or a particular party, but we will look at what the Bible says and how that should inform us as voters.

a dead bird on the sidewalk

I have to admit that all this financial uncertainty has gotten to me. Who would have ever thought that everything could unravel so quickly? The U.S. economy is on the brink of disaster. The Congress is trying to hammer out a 700 billion dollar bail out proposal with the Bush administration. There is a lot of finger pointing and mistrust going around. Nobody really knows what is going to happen next even if the bail out proposal is agreed upon. Wow!

As a pastor of a church that is barely one year old, I am terribly concerned. As a father of four children, I am extremely concerned. As the sole provider of a family of six, I am stressed to the max. I know that when the economy gets tight that charitable giving is often the first thing to go. At Summit, we have very little in reserve. On the plus side, we have no debt and we can cut expenses pretty easily (atleast to a point). Our Stewardship Team has done a great job overseeing the finances of Summit. I know that God will continue to provide for the ministry of Summit. However, I sometimes get concerned (actually worried) about what’s going to happen. Sometimes I need God to give me a sign or something to remind me that everything is going to be all right.

Well, let me tell you what happened this morning. I went to Kroger to get the newspaper and a Balance Bar for breakfast. Before I got out of the car I was consumed with worry over what I needed to do to be prudent. I prayed for God to show me what to do. As I was walking on the sidewalk in front of Kroger, I had my head down. Sometimes when I get overwhelmed, I just walk around with my head down. Anyway, as I was walking on the sidewalk with my head down, I almost stepped on a dead sparrow on the sidewalk. As soon as I saw that dead sparrow on the sidewalk, some verses from my Sunday’s messaage came immediately to my mind. Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. I honestly felt like God was personally reminding me that He saw that sparrow fall to the ground and that He knows exactly what’s going on and that I do not need to fear. He will take care of me and my family.  I can’t explain the peace that I have had since this morning. I’m just sorry that it was at the sparrow’s expense:)

Sunday Recap

• Great day! Everything seemed to go well today.
• We continue to have first time visitors.
• Kevin Neufeld’s small group gave away a ton of balloons yesterday at September Saturdays.
• It feels like we are on the verge of seeing some incredible things happen.
• The band was great! Phillip is turning into an outstanding worship leader.
• Our volunteers continue to amaze me. Great people!

Bail me out

We are living in crazy times. I feel for those who work in the financial markets. I see their pictures in the paper. They look totally spent. Once rock solid financial companies are going bust. Who knows what the ripple effect will be on the overall economy?

 Now the car companies are asking for government loans. It seems like everyone needs help. Politicians are offering their help (look out!) I think we are seeing the result of years of unwise financial management by “experts.” Our national debt is nine trillion dollars and we are giving out money left and right. It’s crazy. However, I find extreme comfort resting in the fact that God is still on the throne regardless of what the U.S. economy does.

Sunday Recap

• The Band was probably the best it has ever been.
• Good attendance
• I felt the message was well received. I love speaking about God’s omnipotence. God is awesome and in total control.
• FamJam was a huge success. We had around 75 children and adults participating in an extremely energetic and unpredictable worship experience. Our next FamJam service will be on November 2.
• Our volunteers did a fantastic job as always. A special thank you to Adam Morris for stepping up big time the last two weeks.

The “O” Factor Series begins this Sunday

This Sunday, I will begin a three part series on the attributes of God. This week we are going to look at God’s Omnipotence. God is all powerful. Nobody can stop Him or deny Him. However, He does give us free will. He is in so much control that in spite of our crazy use of our free will and in spite of living in a less than perfect world, God is still able to accomplish His will. Therefore, I can trust Him.  God is greater than the variables in my life that I can not control. He is greater than all who are against me. As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We serve an awesome God!

Sunday Rewind

• I spoke on the subject of Stewardship. As a pastor, it is kind of hard speaking on money. I know that people automatically put up barriers whenever they hear the word “money” come out of a pastor’s mouth. In some ways I don’t blame them. I get sick and tired of seeing preachers on tv always asking for money. However, stewardship of our money is extremely important. How we spend our money is a huge reflection on what we think is most important.
• The Band sounded good today. Austin  and Curtis changed up on the lead guitar and drums.
• Our volunteers worked hard. We had several new people step up.
• We had several visitors in our service.
• We have a huge mail out going out today advertising our next series. We are going to see how understanding God’s attributes can transform our lives. I am looking forward to it.
• Next Sunday evening is FamJam. It’s gonna be great!

Don’t you just love Friday

Fridays are terrific. I usually take the day off and spend it with my family. Today, Stephanie and I have to run to Atlanta to pick up some post cards for an upcoming sermon series at the church. She wants to eat somewhere outside. Later in the day we are going to watch our oldest son, Marty Jr, play a high school football game. Also, our oldest daughter, Virginia, will cheer on the sidelines. I love Fridays. God has blessed me with such a wonderful family. It’s gonna be a great day!

Anybody can say anything

It’s amazing watching the media feeding frenzy as they attack Sarah Palin. Regardless of your political persuasion, you have to admit that it is savage. Unsubstantiated rumors and political payback are about as ugly as it gets. One week you are a popular governor and the next week you are a dirt bag. What changed? The political stakes have changed. That’s what has changed. Now, it’s hard ball.

If you have ever been in a position of personal attack, you can empathize with Sarah Palin. It’s not any fun. The best thing you can do it to maintain your integrity, keep a tender heart and forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. Put your reputation is God’s hands and allow Him to vindicate that which is vindicable. (Vindicable is a word. I looked it up).

Sunday Recap

• Finished the series on Jezebel.
• Good attendance for a holiday weekend
• Several first time visitors in our worship service.
• Next Sunday night, we start our first Base Camp (small groups) for our students.
• The band was good.
• Volunteers were great as always.
• Next Sunday should be one of our biggest Sundays ever.
• I’m looking forward to our FamJam service on the night of September 14.