The privilege of being mentored

Spent some time today, (change that, invested time) with a mentor, I thank God for the way that He has brought men into my life who know when to ask the tough questions and when to give words of encouragement. I am thankful for having someone like that in my life and I left that lunch today, thankful for having an Apostle Paul in my life.

Reflections on Easter week

As I look back on this past week and all the services we had from Thursday up to Easter Sunday morning, I am overwhelmed with thanks for God's presence, and the way His people stepped up to the plate. I thank Him for: the different ways that we worshipped from the power of quiet at the Maundy Thursday Service to the dynamic of full houses and rocking music on Easter Sunday. For the dynamic volunteers who kept moving in chairs, and giving up seats for guests, and helping with moving guests around crowded hallways, all with a smile and a sense of purpose "we know why we are here". For the presence of the Holy Spirit in each of the services in such an awesome way that all we could say, is What a Mighty God we serve! For the many first time guests, and folks who took a step closer to a relationship with Christ. For all the tireless program servants who gave their all! As I start this new day, all I can say is Thank you Lord for allowing me to be part of this work you are doing!

Power of teamwork!

This past week I saw the evidence of the power of a team at work. First as our team interviewed a prospective pastoral candidate for Pastor of Spiritual Development, to see our team function and seek God's face as we seek His will. Then today to see many of our team present at the homegoing celebration of the mom of one of our team members. It was a vivid reminder of the importance of being part of a team that seeks God and cares for one another. Sounds real Biblical!

Do you know my King ?

Check out this you tube video. What more can be said, except do you know my King?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9xhdrcIqm4

It's Wed, but Sunday's Coming!

I have been reminded this week as to how the enemy likes to attack and throw roadblocks in our way. As we prepare for Resurrection Sunday, and all the activities this week,I have seen more attack on staff, church members, and myself as well. The enemy loves to throw blockades such as discouragement, pettiness, and critical spirits at us, to get us off course. My challenge, to keep my eyes on Jesus and just keep pressing on, because it may be Wed, but Sunday's Coming!

A saint at the gates

Had the privilege of being at the hospital with a woman who is waiting on God to take her home. She has been such a testimony to watch as she has recalled Scripture and the teaching she has received through the years. A godly woman who is waiting for her reward. What a lesson to me about setting our eyes on things that are unseen and not on those that are seen. What an example of simple childlike faith, that is carrying her through these hard days. God grant that when my time comes I will be able to display such a faith.

Staff search

We have been in a staff search for the past six months for a Pastor of Spiritual Development. It is so encouraging to see the work now pay off as we zero in on one candidate. Unbelievable to step back and see how God worked through the process to bring us to this point. I am looking forward with anticipation to what God is going to do. The chemistry issue is so important for our team. Will keep you posted

Spirit and the Word

what a great morning, God showed up for our worship services, and the Holy Spirit impacted individuals in different ways. It always amazes me at how the Spirit uses what is said to apply to such different situations in such different ways, such was the case today. what a ride!

A piece of steak to chew on!

What is the difference between success in God's eyes, and being driven to be a success in my eyes? What is real significance and calling? These are questions I mulled over this morning as I was reading a book by Mike Breaux called Identity Theft, great read, and I encourage you to check it out. Mike has a quote on page 112, that summed it up for me:

"I don't have to be THE best;
I Just want to be MY best-
to the glory of God."

That is good stuff! Great way to start my day.

The power of one and the power of many

Yesterday I was reminded of the power of one and the power of many. Here is what I mean.

The power of a witness of a woman who is burdened for her dying dad, and asked me for prayer.
The power of a witness of a woman who is burdened for her ill sister, and asked me for prayer.
The power of a student who is sharing Christ with his classmate.
The power of a daughter sharing Christ with her mother and inviting her to church to hear the gospel.
The power of one peson taking time to share friendship with another so they can see the love of Christ and have their eyes opened to the truth!

The power of many as each of us understand the power of one!

What a difference in the power of one! By the way, check out our website and look at the evite for Easter, www.cbcnj.org I was blown away!

It's all about people

This past week has been a hectic one, with loads of meetings and activities. Nothing new about that. However what made this past week so different is that I spent so much time visiting people in the hospital. As I made each visit, I was encouraged to remember why I went into the ministry in the first place. It's all about people. It is easy to let that get pushed aside, and God uses weeks like this past one to gently nudge me (actually, to kick me in the pants!) as to what is most important. The to do list is still on the desk, and the papers are still there, but the real joy comes from being used to touch other people who are hurting, and in need of a word of encouragement. Good reminder by a gracious God to a too driven pastor who is trying to stay on task.

It's a boy!

Well after much pain and angst (a bit over dramatic!) CBC gave birth to her first growth group this past Sunday. Our Yardley-Newtown group was too large so we decided we needed to birth another group. I am part of that new group, and we met for the first time this past Sunday night. We had a blast! Great sharing, and fun and fellowship, and of course food. It reminded me that long lasting growth takes place in the context of relationships. I am looking forward to our growth together, we have decided to study Mark Batterson's book,In A Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. Looking forward to it!

construction has begun!

This past week was a special one, as construction has begun on our new facility at CBC. As i watched the work in progress, I could not help but think of all the faithful gifts of so many faithful people in our congregation who have sacrificed to see this facility built. I was commenting to one of the staff guys today, this is such an awesome Church, made up loving followers of Christ, who are an example to me of sacrifice, faith, and vision. We both agreed, we dont deserve to be in such a great place!

special night with a special girl

Due to the graciousness of someone in our church, I was able to take my daughter to the Casting Crowns concert on Saturday evening. What a night! We worshipped, and really enjoyed the opportunity to hear Casting Crowns, Leeland, and John Weller. Great time, great seats, great fun with a special girl. Too much fun that will not be soon forgot!