7 days left till SouthView’s 1st service…..

Will YOU be there?

M

Posted: August 31st, 2008 under Church info.
Comments: none

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for some Christian leaders.

Some of you may have heard the story of Pastor Michael Guglielmucci, who wrote the great song “Healer”. This song was used on the new Hillsong album as well as a Planetshakers album. When I first heard this song on the Planetshakers’ “Saviour of the World” cd I felt God’s presence all over it. Man, that song was written to truly heal people. It was by far one of my favorite songs on the cd. News has come out that his battle with life threatening cancer has been a lie. Literally, his family, church and those who were blessed by this song were tricked into believing that he was dying and that this song was written from a place of his personal battle with his disease. None of it true and it was used to cover up deeper battles he had with pornography.

Some of you probably also know of Todd Bentley, the evangelist that started Fresh Fire Ministries. He was heading up a revival down in Lakeland, Florida that has been going on since April 2, 2008. Everyday, people were coming to his services from all over the world, to be healed by God. He has now step down from his position of leadership over Fresh Fire Ministries because of an unhealthy relationship with another woman on his staff. There has been countless rumors and things said about him and his ministry and he is taking time to get help and restore his family.

Whatever your thoughts are on these two men is regardless to the fact that God dearly loves each one. It’s amazing the size of a bulls-eye that goes on your back as soon as you step out to claim Jesus as Lord and actually look to tell others from a position of leadership. Look, the devil hates people that are passionate about God. 1 Peter 5:8 says that the devil is like a roaring lion searching for people to devour. We need to live our life understanding that. But in the same breath we can’t live in fear of him.

Please know that the word of God also says in 1 John 4:4 that GREATER is HE that is in us than he that is in the world. How awesome is that! We can stand firm knowing that God is our protector, defender and has more than enough to sustain us.

I think the biggest thing we, as Christians, can do is pray for these two men. Don’t judge or point fingers at what they have done. Although they have sinned,” there for the grace of God, go I“. Remember that we all have the potential to be right where they are. This is such a humbling thought for me. Although I love my God, my wife, children, ministry…I’m one wrong step from being in their position. That should be more than enough to put us on the alert. Think about it, each one of us can make a wrong decision that can affect the rest of our lives. It’s the power of our decisions that can affect the path that our daily walk takes.

What a humbling thought that brings back the reason for a Savior. I’m 110% sure I would have screwed my life up without Jesus. I can’t image a life where I’m left to my own devices. Living in love with God gives me a sense of purpose, place, hope and calling. Knowing He’s watching over my steps (and that they are ordered by Him) helps me to realize that it’s not worth making stupid decisions for the sake of the moment.

Not knowing each man personally, I can only speculate what happened. I’m sure that they were faced with a decision to do right or wrong before they chose the path. I’m pretty sure they have suffered greatly for making the decision they have made. Here’s the great and unbelievable fact…God still loves them and looks on them with the same hope as he did before they made that decision. WOW…there’s no tainting God’s love. It’s unconditionally and undeniably there all the time.

When you think or read about these two men, think about them as if you were in their shoes. How would you feel while your world was crashing in around you? How would you feel when people look at you in a whole new light. How would you feel knowing all the junk you have done and God STILL loves you as he did the very first day you accepted Him. Amazing Love…how can it be?

God is so good….His love is so good (and unconditional). Let’s remember that next time we see someone that looks or seems alittle “unloving”. Remember, you could be one wrong choice away from being there some day.

M

Posted: August 30th, 2008 under Culture/Society, Leadership.
Comments: 2

I love this song. And I really like just about anything Brooke Fraser writes/sings. This is my theme song right now…

M

Posted: August 28th, 2008 under Videos, Worship.
Comments: none

Here’s a video of my trip to John Blue’s church in California…

M

Posted: August 26th, 2008 under Trips, Videos.
Comments: none

Just got back in town from my trip out West. Alot of great things to share including a video blog. I hope to post that tomorrow. I got to lead worship with Pacific Pointe’s worship team. Its felt like ages since I have done that. Makes me excited for Sept 7th even more.

In the meantime, check out Ps John Blue in action, back in the day…

Going to bed…it’s been a long weekend!

M

Posted: August 25th, 2008 under Trips.
Comments: none