Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Okay. Gotcha. All I've got is something new. We began something a couple of weeks ago that is really making a difference in my message preparation and delivery. Our staff, and a couple of other individuals, have begun meeting with me each week to share their thoughts and ideas about the upcoming weeks message. They share biblical insights, background, and possible applications for the weeks message. This is not a collaboration but is a sharing of ideas. I still decide what goes in the message or not. But I am finding it helpful to have some outside thought on the message. I think it is making me a better communicator. Props to the people meeting with me. They are stretching me and making me better to the glory of God!

Fall is in the Air

It's ten degrees cooler in New Orleans this morning than it has been all summer. Fall is in the air! When I think of Fall, I think of change. God's creation changes with the seasons. His Church also has to change.

Myself, Tiffany Meliet (our Children's Minister), and Larry Marquez (Leadership Team member) just got back from a visit to North Coast Church in Vista, California (right outside San Diego). We were at a two day intensive, personalized conference just for us. North Coast Church started at about our size and is now very large. I asked God to use them to help share some of His plan with us. Their expertise in the area of small groups is unmatched. Needless to say, we learned a lot about small groups and will be implementing some things at the start of 2011.

Another thing we realized, our worship center is not setup as well as it could be for worship. We will be making some changes in regards to our physical setup very soon.

We are also in prayer about adding another worship service on Sunday morning. Please pray with me about this. There is change in the air both in the season and within the body of Christ here at Riverside. Don't you want to come be a part of it?

God Moves

I was moved and humbled two weeks ago as God showed His awesome power through leading people to give to Beyond Our Ability. Those gathered were challenged to give to match a pledge of $2,500 thereby making it a $5,000 gift. Before the end of the day, over $15,000 had been given toward Beyond Our Ability. It is so neat to see God's activity among His people. God's people rise to the occasion when the Holy Spirit of God challenges their hearts.

The Holy Spirit is issuing another challenge for us. In John 7:16, Jesus said, "My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me." Jesus was sent by the Father for a purpose. God has called us as His children to also live a "sent" life. We are here for a purpose. God wants to use you to be His hands and feet in this world. But we must be willing to let Him use us. Will you accept the challenge.

God Rocks in 2010

God reminds me every year of how important new beginning are. God is always at work. Sometimes I forget how much God is moving and feel like things never change. But things are always changing and God is always working. Isn't God awesome!

No matter your circumstance, God is always working to point you toward the better. God is always drawing you to Himself. Don't give up. When you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, there is always hope. Happy new year!