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Lots on my mind

Lots of stuff on my mind today.  These two posts are helping me process it all...

• Only God Knows
• Position or Vision?

We are experiencing some extremely healthy growth right now and I want to do whatever it takes to keep it going.  I believe its a vision and leadership deal to do so - under the guidance of God's will and calling for Meadow.

There are issues - both serious and not-so-serious - that need to be addressed and dealt with.  Issues that are at Meadow and issues that do not involve Meadow.  Issues that if I/we don't deal with them will only continue to distract me, distract us, and this momentum we are riding right now will just become another blip on the radar.

Here are two main session teachings from Perry Noble which are also creating this healthy unsettlement in my heart and brain right now.  It will take you some time to watch and listen, but it will put far more value in your life than Idol, Law & Order, Survivor, NCIS, or CSI - all combined.

• Unleash - "Three Questions That Need to Be Asked" and "Five Things I Would Love to Say to Pastors"

I am also wrestling with my June 8 message ... "God, make us eager."  This will be the first message of the "One Prayer" series that as of this morning there are 587 churches from all over the world participating in.  This message is already setting up to be one from the passion of my heart.  Passages like Acts 17:11, Rom. 1:15; Rom. 15:20; and Jude 20-25 are really disturbing me right now - especially about the future of Meadow.

The parenting series ("Parenting in Hi Def") starting this Sunday will be like no other parenting series I have ever taught.  25 years in ministry, 26 1/2 years of marriage, and parenting two kids who are now grown has taught me some things that I am going to be very clear on.

Lots on my mind.

4/27 - Service Order

Countdown:  "Crowd Chant" by Joe Satriani

Performance:  "Shine" by Newsboys

Welcome

Worship:  "I'm Not Ashamed" by Hillsong

Worship:  "My Savior Lives" by Jon Egan

Message:  "Get Maxed"

Worship: "Shout" by Parachute Band

Dare 2 Serve

It's all out!  Check it out at www.MeadowServes.com.

It will make a whole lot more sense if you listen to the message first.  Here's the link.

Meadow Spring MAX: Get Maxed

This was another outstanding Sunday.  This whole series has got to be one of the best ever at Meadow!

An inside peak into my brain

I know some will disagree, but there really is stuff in my brain.  And the wheels are turning - in fact, they never cease turning.  Here is a great post from Steven Furtick about what leaders and pastors tend to think about.  As I read this, I thought, "Dude, that is so me!"

On the Lookout

The picture says it all

To say this Sunday will be huge is an understatement.  I will be making an announcement about an initiative we are stepping into which is bigger and more significant than anything we have ever done.  How do I personally feel going into this Sunday and going into this summer initiative?

This pic says it all!

 

What if...? (Acts 19:10)

Acts 19:10 (NIV)  "This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord."

"Jews and Greeks" - this refers to every body.  You were either a Jew or a Greek.  "all the Jews and Greeks" is more of a figure of speech like we would say, "The whole town is coming."  The whole town is not coming, but it is a figure of speech expressing that a lot of people are and it seems the whole town is coming and it seems the whole town knows.

A lot of people were hearing about Christ.  It seemed like the whole province of Asia (modern day Turkey) was a buzz about the good news of Christ.  It seemed like every body knows and has heard.  Maybe even the majority of people had heard.  It doesn't mean everyone had accepted the message, but everyone had heard it.

"What if...?"

What if what happened in the province of Asia happened here in Scott County?  Our response to that is usually excuses that are as weak as wet toilet paper.

"We don't have enough people at Meadow"  -  Hmmm...we don't know exactly how many Christians started this movement but Acts 19:1 says "some".  Look at Meadow.  We have "some" (about 200 to be more specific - and that number is growing weekly.).  What could 200+ people do in Scott County to take the good news of Christ to everyone so that everyone hears?

"We don't have enough money."  -  Hmmm...God owns everything.  Any amount of money is chump change to Him.  It is not a matter of lack of money, it is a matter of lack of faith to trust God to provide for us personally as we tithe and provide the cash resources to Meadow.  If everyone at Meadow just tithed - no more, no less - we would have cash resources to take this county by storm.

"We are just ordinary people."  -  yes we are.  You are just ordinary.  I am just ordinary.  But this is exactly why the good news spread so quickly in Acts.  When God created movement, He did not use the religious leaders or scholars.  He used plain ordinary people.  The key is not whether we are ordinary.  The key is ... have we been with Jesus?  Taking the good news to Scott County is not about me.  It is all about Jesus.  I shrink back from inviting, tithing, taking risk - because I am worried about "me" which means in my mind it is more about me than about Jesus.  Faith explodes and we do things and go places and take steps we never imagined when we make it all about Jesus.

"What if what happened in the province of Asia happened here in Scott County?"

Maybe it will this summer.

Speechless

It was a bold and gutsy invitation.  If anyone wants to become a Follower of Jesus - stand up.  There was no silent or secret decision here.  First - no one stood.  Then one person.  Then another.  Then another.  Soon, you could hear, all across the theater, the sound of seats folding as people all over were standing to commit their lives to Christ.  If someone were to ask me what it sounds like when people commit their lives to Christ - I would tell them it sounds like theater seats folding up.

When it was all over, there were at least 20 people standing!!  Because of the stage lights in my eyes, I couldn't get an exact count.  All I knew was that today, there were at least 20 people who walked into Meadow destined for hell but walked out of Meadow destined for heaven!

Then came time for communion.  The invitation was for those who had just trusted Christ to come first - their first communion as a forgiven man or woman.  And then, as people were ready to respond to living God's will, one by one they got up and walked to a table where they took communion.  The band was playing and the line of people kept growing and growing and growing and growing.  Men and women confessing sin and getting right with God.  It was seen in their eyes and on their faces as they came to the communion table.

Speechless.  I am just speechless at all God did today at Meadow and all He continues to do.

If you were gone, would like to listen to the message again, or pass it on to a friend, here's the download link to the podcast.  Meadow MAX: Get Right

Scratchin' Where People Are Itchin'

There is a ton more and to get the context, you have to read Tim Stevens book "Pop Goes the Church".  But check out this paragraph.  If we forget this, we have lost a major reason why we do what we do at Meadow.  As we program and plan out what we do - even as we plan for this summer and fall - this is absolutely, with zero tolerance critical.

"If you don't offer something people need, they won't come.  If people don't come, you can't teach them the truth.  So an effective church is busy identifying people's needs and letting the community know you have some help they should consider.  If you speak their language, there is a better chance they will come to a service.  If they do that, the odds increase significantly that they will hear how much they matter to God, and they just might respond."  (p. 121)

Is it from God?

The major initiative for this summer (which I will be announcing on Sunday, April 27th - and NO - if you won't be here, I'm not going to give you any clues!) - it's coming together in a very, VERY exciting way.  BUT...to be totally honest - this is an endeavor that WILL NOT happen outside the direct hand of God moving in and through us.

This post by Perry Noble could not be more true regarding this initiative.  In the last few weeks as I have been praying about and planning for this summer - EVERY ONE of the points Perry makes has happened or is happening.

"How Do You Know Your Vision is From God?"

Great question…here are a few suggestions…

• If you feel confident that you can accomplish what is in front of you with no problem at all…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If no one is angry at you…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If you don’t have to ask anyone to sacrifice to make the vision come true…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If religious people are not steaming at you, blogging about you and/or leaving your church…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If you have the money in the bank to do what God has asked you church to do…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If every step is perfectly designed and nothing happens to totally throw you off along the way…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If someone doesn’t try to talk you out of what you are about to attempt…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If you don’t stay up at night thinking about the vision…then you didn’t hear from God.
• If your vision is in contradiction to God’s Word…then you didn’t hear from God.  (And no, you didn’t get a “special revelation” that gave you permission to trump His Word!)
• If you know all of the answers…then you didn’t hear from God.

We have a powerful Sunday planned for this Sunday.  It may well be one of the most powerful Sundays you have ever been to at Meadow.  But as you pray for and prepare for Sunday, April 27th and what you will be hearing (and having the opportunity to join and be a part of) - keep these words by Perry fresh on your mind.

Lives WILL be changing in two days

I don't have words to describe the power and impact that will be happening this Sunday.  I totally believe God will be changing lives right and left - both of those who know Christ and those who don't.

This coming Sunday will be historical in the scope of eternity and a right heart before God for a lot of people.  Will you be one of them?

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, Rachel joined our staff as Director of Children's Ministry.  She has been absolutely amazing.  We have grown to know her heart for Jesus and kids even more.  She has a passion for leading volunteers and seeing volunteers empowered.  Our MeadowKIDS ministry is healthier and stronger today than it has ever been thanks to her leadership and her submitting to God's call on her life!

Thank you Rachel!  Meadow wouldn't be Meadow without you.  You so ROCK!!!

Money Thoughts & Challenges, Pt 4

This one is tough - but true.  Tim Stevens doesn't mince any words on tithing.  If you aren't tithing, this one will create some pain - probably well-needed pain.  "No pain - No gain."

You Are A God-Robber

"I'm in college and can't tithe right now" or "I'm on a fixed income and can't tithe" or "I'm a single parent and can't tithe right now." This is typically followed by, "When I'm making more money I'll begin tithing." No, you won't. It's a heart issue, not a money issue. You aren't tithing now because you don't trust God. You don't think God can meet your needs if you begin to honor him with your money. You want to maintain control.

"It is so hard to tithe on my limited income." Anyone who has lived a portion of their life with very little money, and another portion of their life with ample amounts of money--will tell you that it is much harder to tithe when you have lots of money rather than just a little. Money has a way of getting entangled in your values as it increases and materialism is the fastest growing cell in your heart. Start when you have nothing and see what God does in your heart and through your life.

"I'm really tired of this church talking about tithing." In 22 years of ministry, I've never once heard a tithing person complain that we are talking about tithing. Those who tithe have experienced the blessing of God and the freedom that comes with obeying God, and they want others to have that same experience. Whenever someone tells me they are tired of the church talking about money, it's like they have a flashing LED sign on their head that says, "I rob God!" Really, you should just lay low and go stealth. Quit advertising your hard heart.

There's more.  Read it here.

First Bike Ride!

3 miles to the gym.  65 minutes sweatin' at the gym.  4.5 mile ride home.

Felt awesome!  (Best part was that it was all with Sandy!)

Money Thoughts & Challenges, Pt 3

The average American family has debt spread across multiple credit cards and consumer loans.  Here's a suggested plan on how to pay them off quickly.  It worked for Sandy & I.

1. Make a list of all your credit cards and consumer loans.  Include your mortgage too.  List them in order of least to most.  #1 would be the debt/balance that is the least.  The last one will be the debt/balance you owe the most on - probably your home mortgage.  This list is based on "balance" not loan interest or loan term.
2. Pay the balance you owe the LEAST off first by paying more than the minimum balance.  Where does this "more" come from.  See my post from yesterday.
3. Continue to pay the minimum payment on all your other balances.
4. When you have paid off the LEAST balance - then apply what you were paying on that debt to the next on the list.  Continue to pay the minimum on all other loans and debts.
5. As you pay-off a loan or credit card balance - continue to add that payment to paying off the next on the list.

This is a simple way to stop chipping away at balances and start taking large chunks of debt out of your life.  You will see marked acceleration in paying off balances and believe it or not, you will pay off all debt sooner than you ever imagined.

One Prayer - Hundreds of Churches

We are barely a week into the sign-up for One Prayer.  As of this morning, there are about 300 churches from 11 countries signed up!  This could very well be the largest prayer movement in history as churches across the world focus on One Prayer.  It's both humbling and absolutely exciting to know Meadow is part of it!  The Bridge in Shakopee is also one of the churches.

Money Thoughts & Challenges, Pt 2

To get out debt ... you are going to have to make some REALLY tough and painful choices.  You are going to have to swallow your pride and make smart choices, not popular or culturally accepted/expected choices.  You CANNOT continue doing things the way you are doing them now and expect to get out of debt.

If you have credit card debt, stop using them.  Get rid of them.  Throw them away.  Cut them up if you have to.  You need to do everything you can to pay off your credit cards ASAP.  If you have other consumer debt from some other store where you bought something on credit - do everything possible to pay it off ASAP.

Most likely you are strapped for "extra" cash to pay these off - so where does this "extra" cash come from?  Here's where you have to make some REALLY tough choices.

1. Get rid of your cable TV and go to free rabbit ears reception.  Yes, I know that means you will only have a few stations and your 24 hour sports station won't be one of them.  But how much to you spend every month on cable TV?  That can go directly toward debt reduction.  Sandy & I have the basic cable TV.  It costs us about $15/month and we get more channels than we can watch even at that!
2. Cell phone ... either get rid of it or cancel out all those add-ons that cost money like unlimited texting, sending videos and pics.  Lower your minutes allowed and DON'T GO OVER.  I can hear it now..."But it would cost me a lot of money to cancel my cell phone."  Yes, it would cost you a termination fee but paying that fee is less than what you will be saving to apply to debt reduction over the course of the next several months.
3. Sell your car and buy a "beater".  Suck up your pride and drive a car that has "rust" as its primary color.  Now that you are driving a "well-experienced" car, you don't need high priced insurance.  Yes, I know that the repairs and maintenance will probably be more than a new car, but the cost of repairs and maintenance are less than what you pay in monthly lease/payment, full-coverage insurance, and interest, AND the value of your new "beater" car stays constant so when you do get out of debt, you sell it for pretty much what you paid for it.
4. Stop eating out.  A family of four eating out once a week at a fast food place is about $1,500/year.  You can choose to put that $1,500 into your belly via all that fine nutritional value or you can choose to put that $1,500 toward debt reduction.

There are more.  Sit down and do some brainstorming with your husband or wife or family.  What are the absolute essentials you HAVE to have?  Then stop paying for all the other stuff.  Apply it to debt reduction.

When God Moves at Meadow

Without question, God is doing something at Meadow right now that I have not seen before.  We are consistently packing the theater out on Sundays, there is a consistent buzz taking place, MeadowKIDS is going wild, we are experiencing record numbers of hits and downloads on our web site and podcast, giving is up, people are hearing about Meadow via the buzz, and most incredible is that not a week goes by that someone does not cross the line of faith and become a follower of Christ!

But its not all rosey.  When God moves at Meadow - the opposition increases too.  People leave.  Emails come in bringing problems.  Financial issues arise.  Suggestions and requests come in vying for my time and mental energies.

However, in the midst of all of this - I am as full of energy and joy for Meadow as I have ever been.  Seriously.  It may not be the sort of joy that sends me doing somersaults at a party.  But it is a joy of determination knowing we are doing exactly what God is calling us to do.  I love this church.  I love the people who are coming.  I am stoked that so many new people are coming and they are bringing friends and their friends are bringing their friends.  This Sunday is our next Next Step Lunch and we have over 20 new people coming!  That is awesome!

Here's a post by Perry Noble that I just read this morning.  God's timing is so perfect.  This post hits it dead center.  Yes, what he says is true at Meadow and true in my life.  Opposition but passion to not give up.

Before you read it...let me tell you what I told the staff a week ago and told community group leaders and ministry team leaders this past Saturday.  God is bringing growth and health to Meadow.  And THERE WILL BE OPPOSITION.  And it will come from places and people you would never think of.  People WILL leave.  People WILL criticize - most of it over the most ridiculous and selfish and trivial issues.

Stay focused on why we are here.  And why is that?  To reach the 80% of those in this community who are not in church and not experiencing a refreshing relationship with Jesus Christ.

I LOVE THIS CHURCH!  AND I LOVE WHAT GOD IS DOING!  There is no other place I would rather be than right here.

Here is that awesome post by Perry Noble.  Q & A with Pastor P

Money Thoughts & Challenges, Pt. 1

In light of yesterday's message, I want to continue the challenge of doing money God's way.  To help with that, this week, I will be posting thoughts, challenges, and elements that have made a difference in my life and issues I want to pass on.

Here is a great post by Tim Stevens.

It Just Makes Sense

Save for retirement now. We started setting money aside the first year of our marriage. That first year (we were 23-years old) we could only afford $5/month--but knew that we needed to start the habit early. We've increased it every year since.

Don't use a credit card for anything you can't pay off right away. Use a credit card for convenience, but don't ever pay interest. If you can't control yourself, get rid of the cards.

Tithe--I really believe that God blesses those who tithe. I think he keeps the car running longer, the roof from leaking as soon as it would have, and He loves to sprinkle you with raises and added cash you didn't expect.

Give generously. The tithe is the minimum. We began our first year of marriage giving 10% of our income and then increased it every year until we got to 20%. The first 10% goes to the general fund at our church. The other 10% we use to support missionaries, give to new building projects at our church, and bless people who come into our lives.

If you are married, don't ever make a big purchase without talking to each other. Really, trust me on this.

No spontaneous purchases. Okay, buying a pair of shorts would be fine. But anything that would be a significant purchase can wait 24-hours. Avoid any vendor who says, "You have to decide now." If the deal can't wait a day, then decide to walk away.

There are several more "points" he makes.  You can read the rest here.

What a day!

Packed again today!  Four people indicated they became Followers of Christ!!!  That is so cool!!!  I lost count of the people who made commitments to start the journey of doing money God's way.  Just imagine what lives will be like in 6 months when men, women, families start aligning their money management practices with God's?  This church and community and world will not be able to handle all that will be happening!

Here are some comments from cards today.  Keep in mind that I hit the subject of getting out of debt and managing money God's way - I hit it really hard (my wife said, "It was pretty much 'in your face' - but it was good!")

• "I really enjoyed this service so very much!  I learned a lot on financial things.  Thank you!"
• "Your sermon was right on.  I have lived it and I know it works."
• "Wish my husband was here."

Here is a link to today's message.  Meadow MAX: Get Out

We did offer a simple Excel spreadsheet to help with budgeting and keeping your expenses in check with your income.  Here is a link to that spreadsheet.  Income Outgo .  It will make a whole lot more sense if you listen to the message first.  And keep in mind it is nothing new.  Just a simple Excel spreadsheet.

I am planning on posting some additional thoughts on managing your money and getting out of debt this week.  Keep checking.

How to Get Out of Debt

Got this from a friend's blog - Tony McCollum.  Perfect after today's message!