Experiencing God - Week 3, Day 5

The memory verse for this week is Matthew 22:17-18, "Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."

The part that spoke to me the most from today's study was - God's constant presence is the most practical part of your life and ministry.  I really leaned into the practical part.  How often do I really understand that God's presence in my life is practical?  I would usually call His presence spiritual, but it truly is practical.  I want and need to realize and live with the expectation that the more tuned in I am to God's presence the more I will be acting out of His will and it will have practical implications.

Experiencing God - Week 3, Day 4

The memory verse for this week is from Matthew 22:37-38, "Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and all of your soul and all of your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."

The most meaningful statement for me today is "to firmly anchor your experiencing God and knowing His will, you must be absolutely convinced of God's love for you."  I started thinking about this beyond, yes I know God loves me.  I think it is in the extremes of life that this belief is put to the test.  When things are going really bad, am I absolutely convinced of God's love for me?  It is easy for seeds of doubt to creep in when things are not going well.  But I also have to ask myself that question in the other extreme - when things are going really, really well, am I absolutely convinced of God's love for me or do I become self-reliant?  I think it is in the extremes that that statement of God's love must be absolutely certain.

Experiencing God - Week 3, Day 2

The memory verse for this week is Matthew 22:37-38, "Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."

The most meaningful statement for today's study really was a question - If you knew all you had was a relationship with God, would you be totally and completely satisfied?  What a hard hitting question!  I can answer that, "Oh, yes! I'm a pastor of course that is true."  But when I dig even a little below the surface I have to really check myself.  If something happened to Kelli would I still be totally and completely satisfied with my relationship with God?  If something happened to Caleb or Abby, would I?  If I lost my job, if I lost my health, if I lost everything around me that I know and I am comfortable with, would I be totally and completely satisfied with my relationship with God?

I do know this, I don't want to find out.  That's just gut level honesty. 

Saying yes to Blackaby's question cannot be done quickly and easily.  I even think it is a day by day answer that grows and develops as I mature in my faith as a follower of Jesus.  What it is causing me to do is evaluate if I am making decisions about my life that demonstrate that I am totally and completely satisfied with my relationship with God.

Experiencing God - Week 3, Day 1

It's the start of a new week.  Great discussion last night about week 2.  I love sitting under Stan and Betsy Hunt's teaching!  They are doing a great job!!

The memory verse for this week is Matthew 22:37-38, "Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.'"

The most meaningful statement from today's study was - everything in my life - knowing God and God's will depends on the quality of my love relationship with God.  That just brings such clarity to the desperate need that is within me to be in relationship with my heavenly Father.  I am reminded of the memory verse from week one about how I can do nothing apart from Jesus.  The more intimate my love relationship with God, the greater the quality of my life.  That is so life changing.  I must purse that love relationship with God.  He is not holding me at bay, I hold God at bay with my busyness, distractions, and sin. 

The responsibility of my intentionality toward God is tremendous!

Experiencing God - Week 2, Day 5

The memory verse this week is Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

Today's reading had so much good content in it that spoke to me.  Here are a few of them...

"The moment God speaks to you is the time He wants you to respond to Him."
"The quality of the father will affect the quality of following generations."
"Nothing is more pathetic than having a small character when you have a big assignment."
"If you can't be faithful in a little, God will not give you a larger assignment.
"God always builds character to match His assignment. If God has a great task for you, He will expand your character to match that assignment."

I want my character to conform to the character of Jesus.  I want God to build my character so I can be faithful and obedient to any assignment He may have for me.  I realize I need to honestly assess my character and seek to confess where it is lacking and surrender those areas to God.

Looking forward to tonight's session of Experiencing God!!

Experiencing God - Week 2, Day 4

The memory verse for this week is Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God."

The most meaningful statement for me today is - knowing God's voice comes from an intimate relationship with God.  When I don't know what God wants from me or if I don't know where God is leading me, it's because I am out of relationship with Him.  I'm not hearing His voice because the intimacy has been broken by sin or busyness.  I must come back to Him in very specific and intentional ways.

I really appreciated the prayer on page 44 - "God, I pray that I will grow in my relationship with You so much that when you speak, I will immediately hear and respond."  That is my prayer, today and everyday.

Experiencing God - Week 2, Day 3

The memory verse this week is Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

The most meaningful statement for me was - open and closed doors are not always indicators of God's will.  I am amazed at how many people tell me that they are praying that God would open or close a door.  I always have felt that wasn't the best way to pray and ask God to show His will.  God gives us other things like the Bible and circumstances that should agree on the direction a person senses God leading them.

I think we want it too easy.  We don't like to wait.  We don't want to have to do the hard work of seeking God if it is in an area that we are not comfortable with so we use the language of a door.  I want to be diligent in doing my "homework" of praying, reflecting on scripture, and looking at the circumstances around me to make sure I am walking in God's will and not just focusing on my own desires.

Experiencing God - Week 2, Day 2

This morning I read about God's Plans Verses Our Plans in Experiencing God.  The memory verse for this week is Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

As I was reading today and seeking to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I realized that what I was reading was one of those - you have a choice here moments.  I could just read the material, answer the questions and move on to the rest of my day.  But the more I leaned in, the more I listened, the more I realized I didn't want to merely go through the motions.  Today's study is big for me.

The part that spoke so profoundly to me was the statement, "You need to know what God has on His agenda for your church, community, and nation at this time in history.  Then you and your church can adjust your lives to God so He can move you into the mainstream of His activity before its too late."

This is what God has been pressing down on me for months now!  When I shared in my vision message a few weeks ago that I believe God is calling us to infusion spiritual passion for Jesus into the lives of the people in Westmoreland County it because I believe it is in response to what God wants to do through us - and here's what God has been really pressing down on me that I felt weird saying to people...before it's too late!!!  What confirmation to what I have been hearing from God.

Remember, we can't do it!  But it must be done.  Therefore, God will have to do it through us. We must be faithful and obedient.

Experiencing God - Week 2, Day 1

I don't know if it is just me, but last night's Experiencing God large group gathering was really good.  Now today, I started into the second week of the study and it is also getting better.  God is at work!!

This week's memory verse is Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses.  But we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

As I looked at the difference between a self-centered life and a God-centered life and actually wrestled with the reality of my life, I confess that I do not have God at the center of my life at the depth that He desires.  I have to desire that depth of intimacy and submission with God before it will happen.  God will not force Himself into the deepest regions of my life.

The most meaningful statement for me today was, "God never asks people to dream up something to do for Him."  I am a big picture - vision person.  This statement really takes the pressure off of me.  I don't have to dream up what God wants me to do in my life, my family, or at Charter Oak Church.  That is so freeing! 

I am to submit myself to God and watch, wait, and listen for where God is at work.  I have two very specific assignments from today's study.  I can't wait to watch and wait on God!!

Experiencing God - Day 5

It is the end of the first week.  Typing out the memory verse each day has been very helpful to me in memorizing this week's verse - John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; part from me you can do nothing."

The most meaningful part of today's study is the statement - when you believe nothing significant can happen through you, you have said more about your belief in God than you have declared about you.  God is always at work!  Always!  Not just when we notice it or can see it.  God is always at work!  How does God work?  Through people.  As a matter of fact if scripture is any indication of how God works through people (and I think it is), then you quickly learn that He works through ordinary people.  God does the extraordinary through the ordinary so that He receives all the praise.

Open my eyes God, that I can more fully see you at work!

See you at Experiencing God tonight!!

Experiencing God - Day 4

I completed day 4 of Experiencing God on Sunday.  The memory verse for this week is John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; part from me you can do nothing."

The most meaningful part of the day's study was that the Bible is designed to help you understand God's ways.  Then when God starts to act in that manner in your life, you will recognize that it is He who is working.  So the implication of that is I need to be disciplined in reading and reflecting on God's Word every day so that I will recognize the work of God around me so I can join Him.

The other statement that was meaningful for me was, "When God is about to do something through you, He has to get you from where you are to where He is, so He tells you what He is doing."  The truth is, I will have to make a move from where I am to where God is.  Looking back, that typically wasn't a comfortable move.  But when I obeyed, I was amazed at what God did. 

I'm looking forward to our time together on Tuesday night!

Experiencing God - Day 3

On Friday I completed day three of Experiencing God.  The memory verse for this week is John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

The part of today's study that spoke to me was that God is always at work and He invites us to join Him where He is already at work.  So my responsibility as a disciple of Jesus is to always be on the lookout for God working.  He isn't just at work a little bit.  He is just at work when I am at work.  God is always at work.  I will actually deepen my relationship with God when I obey Him and He accomplishes His work through me.

My prayer is that I will be much more aware and attune to God around me, especially when I am in the midst of my everyday ordinary life in Westmoreland County.  Apart from God, I can do NOTHING.  When I abide in Him, He will bear much fruit in my life.

Experiencing God - Day 2

Today I completed day 2 of week 1.  The memory verse for this week is John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

The most meaningful part of my study today was the challenge - asking "what is God's will for my life?" is the wrong question.  The proper question is, "What is God's will?"  Once I know God's will, then I can adjust my life to Him.  The focus needs to be on God, not on my life!!

This has been something that has come up for me a number of times over the last couple of weeks.  Here it is again.  I think God must be saying something to me.  Do I seek God's will for my life or do I seek God's will?  Am I more interested in having God bless what I am doing or am I more interested in watching to see where God is at work and joining Him?

My prayer today is that I will know God is always at work around me.  I want eyes to see and a heart that breaks for God that I may join Him where He is already at work.

Book #2 - Move

The Leadership Team at Charter Oak Church recently read a book together - Move: What 1,000 Churches Reveal about Spiritual Growth by Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson.

Reading this book gave us a place to have similar language and to challenge us about what we really believe God wants for the spiritual growth of the people of Charter Oak Church and Westmoreland County.  I shared in my vision message that my goal for 2012 is to equip the people of our congregation to know where they are on the path of discipleship and what their next right step is for becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus.  I want to do everything I can to move people's hearts closer to Jesus.

This book takes real data and puts flesh and blood on what is working to see lives transformed.  I really appreciated that the authors write that ultimately spiritual growth is done by the power of the Holy Spirit.  It's not just about activity.  In fact, most churches just make it about spiritual activity and that is why most churches in America are plateaued or dying.

If you are a pastor or a church leader I would highly recommend this book.

Experiencing God - Day 1

Seismic movement - that's what is happening in people's lives at Charter Oak Church as people take the next right step on the path of discipleship by engaging in the Experiencing God study together.  Quite honestly I didn't think this many people would sign up, then people just started showing up who didn't sign up.  More and more lives being transformed by conforming to the character of Jesus.  Only God!!

Today I completed Day 1 of the first week.  The memory verse this week is on my desk..."I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

It was a good start.  As I reflect on the memory verse and consider what God wants me to do in response to today's study I know that God wants me to stay attuned to Him through out the day.  It's not just do my homework, read my Bible, spend time in prayer.  It's stay open and available to God's leading and prompting.  As a disciple I engage in the practice of my faith.  I do so that I can be in a relationship with my heavenly Father.  I want to remain in Him and He in me.

New Year's Resolutions

Every year our family sits down and talks about what we are going to do in the New Year. We have the same categories from year to year. Before we create our new resolutions we pull our previous year's resolutions out of our Memory Box and talk about what we did or didn't accomplish and why.

The categories we have are: Serve, Learn, New, Improve, and Accomplish

For the sake of accountability here are my commitments for 2012:

• Serve - Write a letter a week to my friend in prison.
• Learn - How to prepare for Caleb going to college.
• New - Get away with Kelli to somewhere we have never visited.
• Improve - My attitude of encouragement.
• Accomplish - Run a full marathon

Word of God Speak

Over the last month or so I have really been thinking and wrestling with the holiness of God and what it means to me and how it impacts who I am as a follower of Jesus.  I have been spending more time in the Bible.  It's been wonderful watching how many of my Facebook friends have taken up the challenge of reading through the Bible in 2012.

I am also spending a ton of time in the Gospel of John as I prepare to preach through it over the next four months.  As all of this is going on I heard Word of God Speak on Pandora.  Here are the lyrics, they speak right into my processing and wrestling.

WORD OF GOD SPEAK
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[Chorus:]
Word of God speak
Would you pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That you're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

God's Will

When we honor God in the places no one sees, He will honor us in the places everyone sees.

God's will for my life isn't if I choose path A or path B.  I don't need to try to figure out God's will in that regard.  God's will for my life is to conform my character to His nature.  The choice I have is whether or not I will chose to conform to Him or do my own thing.  I have to make that decision when no one else is looking, because once I am where everyone sees, making character decisions is too late.

As 2012 is getting started and you are seeking God's will for your life, read the Bible and study the nature of God and the character of Jesus, then begin to apply it on path A, path B, or path Z.  It's about God's nature, nothing less.

Resurrection Power



I believe in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.  I don't waiver in that belief and I cling to it when someone I care deeply about passes from this life into the next.  I also hold that truth out as publicly as I can when someone I care deeply about experiences a death in their family.

In a few minutes my good friend, Cindy Jonczak, will be celebrating her mom's life and rejoicing in her resurrection at her funeral in Ford City.  I am praying for Cindy, her children, Cara, Seth and Christian, as well as all of their family and friends.

I say to them and I say to you, we have a Savior in Jesus Christ who brings joy and peace right into the middle of death.  Death has been swallowed up in victory.  Death has no victory, death has no sting.  Thanks to the life, death and resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

I am honored that I know Cindy's mom, Shirley.  She was a pretty special lady.  I am thrilled she knows Jesus and even more so, she is known by Jesus.  I am praying for the Acerni Family to experience the peace, joy, and love of our heavenly Father.

Book #1 - Jesus' Model for Growing Healthy Leaders

A few years ago I tracked my book reading by posting each book and a short review or thoughts on each one.  I am doing that again in 2012.  Here's my first book of the year...

Jesus' Model for Growing Healthy Leaders by Mike Breen with Steve Woods

As far as I know this is only available by pdf download.  If you only read books that have paper and ink, then you won't be reading this one.  But if you do read ebooks, then this is a great little book that is free.

Mike takes the reader through the development process of a disciple and leader...

• I do, you watch
• I do, you help
• You do, I help
• You do, I watch

This is a practical, easy read for leaders, teachers, parents, anyone really who is looking for a model of growing in a healthy way.  The one missing element for me, which is probably inherently in this process but I like to make it more clearly articulated, is adding a step in the process at the end - you do, someone else watches.

Memory Box

Every year for as long as I can remember we create a Memory Box for our family on New Year's Day.  It is a simple shoe box that we cover with butcher paper and our kids decorate it.  Then throughout the year, we  place all of the souvenirs we collect as we experience each activity.  On New Year's Day we sit down as a family and we open up the previous year's Memory Box and we look at each item remembering and giving thanks for each experience.  We have kept all of our previous Memory Boxes.  It is a great way to deepen our connection as a family.  You can start this any time, why not start it today?