The Making of a Movement

When the day of Pentecost came in the New Testament, the disciples must have been so elated at the fact God was bringing to pass just what He promised. I would like to think this came as no surprise to them. They were so poised for something remarkable to happen and they went with it. I am sure at the end of the day they were thinking; "what just happened here?" In some selfless, humble way, they were expecting this to happen. It is not that they felt they deserved it or caused it but rather they believed God was moving among them and they saw this as supernatural confirmation of Him doing what He said He would do.

This is where I want to live. This is what Living in the Movement looks like. Daily expecting God to do the unimaginable among us and through us. Often times we get so caught up in the planning, mundane and busy routines that we fail to see Him moving constantly in our midst. This move is not a twice a year thing. It is an ongoing move of God that results in live being changed and His church expanding.  It is not that they prayed hard enough, lived good enough or worked diligently enough to make these things happen. Rather it was a move of God that came from God and they were a part of it.

What I Am Thankful For Today

I want to share four of the many things I am thankful for today.

1 I am thankful to be home with my wife and family! I am so thankful for my family who not only loves God and His work but understands and supports His calling on my life. (41 trips abroad which is over a year and a half away) I always sense their prayers and love while gone. I am so blessed!

2. I am thankful for the NSC Leadership Team and my NorthStar Church Family. The LT is not only some of my closest friends but also partners in the work. (I heard Jason and Jeff rocked the house while I was gone.)  I am also so glad to be back home with my entire NSC family. You are my family and co-laborers in Christ. Some of my closest friends this side of eternity are at The Star. You guys are awesome!! There is no place like NSC.  I am thankful for all our volunteers. You guys rock!  Keep the faith, keep your eyes on the vision, and get your strength from the Lord. You are making a difference. We also had an incredible mission to the Philippines and our team did incredible. We spoke, shared, sang and ministered at 56 different meetings (11 days of work) and we saw over 14K indicate they had trusted Christ. Thank you for sending us and investing in eternity.

3. I am both thankful and pumped about the series beginning this Sunday entitled "The Movement".  We will trace both the explosive beginnings and movement of the very first church in the New Testament and NorthStar Church, Saltillo.  NOTE!!!!!!  When you come in this Sunday, you will see a brand new wall in the atrium called "The Making of a Movement". This will blow your socks off!!!!  Come early or stay a few minutes after the service to see The Making of a Movement Wall. It is truly a movement of God happening at NSC.  I am so thankful for the selfless and unwavering commitment of so many who God has used these past six years at NSC. Remember the movement and the wall is still in the making.  You can be a important part of what God is doing here. The wall will be expanding each week over the next six weeks during this series, as well as the years to come.

4. I am thankful for the next level God is taking this church. The best is yet to come! He is taking us to a HNL (whole nother level) Remember we exist so that those who are far from God can come near to Him through Jesus Christ. So, Reach Up, Reach Out and Reach In.

His Hands and Feet....

Merry Christmas!!!

Our five Christmas worship experiences were incredible. The services were awesome as we heard and saw so vividly the importance of what it means to "Come Home". It is our prayer this Christmas season that God would wrap His arms of love, goodness, mercy, forgiveness and grace around your life. Jump into the arms of His love today. This year may have brought changes, celebrations, disappointments, trials, blessings, encouragement or challenges. As this year draws to an end, take a moment to reflect on His love for you. No doubt He has blessed you in more ways than you could possible count. One thing we could do this season is to be a blessing to others. Make a special effort over the next few days to share Christ love with others.

Christ Has No Body

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)

Why I am excited about "Come Home" December 17-18, 2011

I am really excited about Christmas Weekend this year @nschurch. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

1.      I am excited because this is such a huge weekend historically for our church. Christmas time traditionally is a time people are willing or open to go to a church service.

2.      I am excited because I know the time, prayer, planning, excellence and creativity that are being poured into this weekend.

3.      I am excited about the theme of this weekend. The theme of these services is “Come Home”. There are many who simply need to come home to Him this Christmas.

4.      I am excited because we are adding an additional service to our schedule. We are having five services this year which gives more people the opportunity to attend.

5.      I am excited because of all the volunteers who are so willing to serve during these services.

6.      I am excited because we have a prayer team praying, as well as many others, for this important weekend.

7.      I am excited because I believe God is going to touch a lot of lives during these services.

8.      I am excited because you are inviting people to attend.

9.      I am excited because God is in control of this weekend and not our enemy the devil.