Criggle's Blog

Being Aware...

2011-02-04T21:35:00.001-05:00

I have named the year of 2011 "The Year of Being Aware." The word aware means having or showing realization, perception, or knowledge.

I am praying to be more aware of what God is doing all around me. That includes what He is doing in my family, my church, and wherever I'm at. You see, I can be a very impatient person. I want to know the end of the movie, before I watch it. I want to know the final score before I watch the game. This is a problem, because I miss out on all of the things God is doing around me and I do not like that. I can get so focused on the ending of a situation that I miss out on the lessons that can be learned and the words the Lord speaks through out.

I was recently at a retreat with the MCM Network of pastors in Pittsburgh and a good friend of mine, Brian Bolt spoke on being aware. He said how we can be unaware of what God is going because we are so focused on doing what we think we should be doing. That hit me because that is me.

Now don't take me wrong, I have been aware of what God is doing, but I also know that it is an area I need the Holy Spirit to grow me in. God is doing so many wonderful things in my family, my church, and all around me and I want to be aware of all of them.

May God grow me in being aware and may this be a powerful year in the Spirit.

Myths that Make Us Hypocrites

2010-08-25T10:32:00.000-04:00

I just read this post from Pastor Jeff Leake from Allison Park. I thought it was something that all Christians need to read and check themselves on so I reposted it here. You can check out his blog here.

Myths That Make Us Hypocrites

I was reminded today of a message that I gave last summer about three common myths in the church world. Believing this false ideas has a way of making us into 'actors' or 'hypocrites' (that's actually what the Greek word meant in Jesus' day - one who plays a part on stage). What are those myths?

#1 - HOLY PLACE - In the Old Testament, there was a place designated as THE place of worship. It was the tabernacle or temple grounds. In the New Testament, the place of God's presence has changed. 1 Corinthians 3 & 6 declares that 'we are the temple of the Holy Spirit' and that God's presence rests on the hearts of every believer in Jesus.

People who believe that a church sanctuary is the 'holy place' living in a certain duplicity. When in the 'holy place' certain words, attitudes, or practices are off limits because they lack a certain spirituality. Outside of the 'holy place' anything goes.

Truth is - the Holy Spirit is with you all of the time. We should act in a way that recognizes His presence every moment of every day - being careful not to grieve his heart.

#2 - HOLY THING - You can see the falsity of this idea in the book of Exodus where Aaron makes a golden calf to represent the God who delivered them from Egypt. This is a superstitious idea where one associates a special power with a religious icon or artifact. We think if somehow we touch, hold, or are near a special religious thing - that our prayers gain a special power.

Prayer, however, functions in the context of relationship. So if you are not living in vital relationship with God, your prayers will be hindered no matter what icon you hold in your hand. But if you are confident that you are a child of God and are living connected to Him - you need no artifact to bring you special spiritual 'luck'. The promises of God are all that we need. Jesus said, 'those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth'.

#3 - HOLY MAN - This final idea elevates clergy or the 'anointed man/woman' to a other-worldly place of connection with heaven. When we believe this myth we think that we need this 'holy man' to pray for us in order for God to move. But the New Testament teaches that any answer we receive, we receive through Christ. We all have access to the Father because of the cross.

Each of us has the right to pray and believe for breakthrough answers. Yes, agreement in prayer is powerful. Yes, there are some people who have experience in prayer and pray with authority and anointing. Each of us, however, has the capacity to become that man or woman of God. We should seek that with all we are.

Let the Little Children Come to Me...

2010-08-09T15:16:00.000-04:00

I find it so hard to blog everyday. In fact, I find it hard to blog once a week. But here goes me blogging about what's on my mind this second week in August.

Yesterday, I was preaching on the Armor of God. At the end of my message I always give opportunity for people to embrace the cross of Christ, as I close in prayer. There was a grandma there who had brought her grandchild with her. (I believe she is 4 years old.) The grandchild did not want to go to Children's Church so she stayed with her grandma. As I gave the call to know Jesus, the grandchild's hand shot up to my surprise. She was looking right at me with her hand raised. I was caught off guard and not sure what to do or if she understood but asked the grandma if she could bring her up front. I didn't want to scare her or make her nervous so I asked her if I could pray for her. She said, "Yes." I asked her if I could lay my hand on her shoulder and she said, "Yes," again. So I prayed God's blessings upon her as she took this step. I encouraged her grandma to talk with her grandchild and help her understand what it means to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I thought it would be better for her to be able to talk to someone she knows and ask any questions she may have.

Grandma reported to me today that her grandchild was so excited after church. She went and told everyone in her family that she had blessings prayed on her at church. Most of which do not know go to church. This little girl and her excitement over having blessings prayed on her at church could be the key to her whole family coming to know Christ. Pray and believe with me. I find this such an awesome testimony on this Monday that has found me dragging a bit because of a sickness that I cannot shake. I'm so blessed to pastor the New Life Center at such a time as this. God is doing great things in young and old alike. So pumped for what God is doing and going to do.

Also, check out our Back 2 School Blast at www.tinyurl.com/back2schoolblast. It's an event that will be held in Ford City Park August 28. Children from Kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible for free school supplies but they must be registered by visiting the site above. Check it out.

Your Heart, Part 3...

2010-07-19T16:03:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, as Christians, we can develop a resentful heart. How? When you are in ministry, whether pastoring or teaching or helping etc., you can get hurt. People do not always respond the way you think they will when it comes to teaching and/or preaching. This can lead to resentment.

As ministry continues, you can begin to look at that person, and others, and not see them the way Jesus sees them. Vision can become clouded over with the painful thoughts of what they said and/or did to you. That is why it is important to practice forgiveness. It's important to lay the situation at the foot of the cross. God will help you overcome what others do and say. Our example is Jesus. He looked past the fact that people had just crucified Him and asked God to forgive them because they did not know what they were doing.

Now I'm not saying that you go around telling people they just didn't know what they were doing when they said or did whatever they said or did to you, that can be very arrogant. What I am saying is learn to let things go. Recognize the fact that you have been forgiven and forgive others. Resentment can develop very quickly. So take steps now to recognize that hurts will come and know how you will respond to them, by placing them at the foot of the cross. Prepare yourself now so that you are ready to defeat resentment when it comes your way. It's easier said than done, but the truth is the truth, it must be done. And it can be with Jesus' help.

Your Heart, Part 2...

2010-07-07T14:36:00.000-04:00

We must also be careful of the Proud Heart. Pride can hinder our intimacy with God.

Pride can also lead to self-reliance. I notice it in myself. Maybe you've heard people talk about how others can't do things the way that they can? I admit that I've done it. Why? Pride.  Instead of giving others a chance to grow in ministry, I take that opportunity because I am so focused on me and what I can do and how I can do it.  Shame on me. Especially, when I know that there are people out there that can do things 100's of times better than me. That is not putting myself down, it is knowing the truth and we all know that knowing the truth will set us free.

People who minister can be bound by self-reliance so much that it can lead to burn out. We can become full time workers at keeping our reputations instead of letting God do His thing that we burn ourselves out and quit our ministry or leave the church altogether.  Why burn out when the answers are sitting all around you... other people. Don't worry about your reputation of always being on top of things or having things altogether. Those talents of getting things done are God given for us to use for His glory, not to be abused by thinking we have some kind of super power that we can't let others be a part.

The Proud Heart must be repented of and humbling ourselves must become our daily routine. Humbling ourselves starts with worshipping God and declaring that without Him we are nothing. He is our source of strength. All the glory and honor and power belong to Him.

Lord, forgive me of my proud heart. Help me realize everyday that it's all about what You do through me, not what I can do.  I gladly lay pride down so that I don't burn myself out trying to do what I cannot do. I don't want to try and keep up an appearance for the sake of my ego. I confess and repent and accept Your forgiveness. Amen.

Your Heart...

2010-07-06T13:28:00.002-04:00

I was recently asked to help mentor someone through their internship class through Global University. What a privilege it is to help another person pursue the calling God has placed on them. I have taken this privilege as a serious responsibility. I believe this person has a great call and I know that Satan will do whatever he can to try and steal, kill, and destroy this calling.
In this class, I read through the same material that the person does, only my reading is abbreviated. The section that we are on now is "Turning from the Wrong Heart." What a powerful section. It has been hitting me hard and bringing me back to the basics of ministry, loving Jesus with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
The first heart mentioned in this section is the doubting heart. It is so easy to doubt in ministry. Especially, when people begin to question how you are doing things. And that happens, far too often. But it mustn't dictate the calling and direction that God is leading you. We must remember this. We are put in place to please God, not man.
Sometimes in our doubt we will begin to try and do things on our own, like Jesus is not moving fast enough. Picture Saul when Samuel didn't show up. He got impatient and offered the sacrifices, which was disobedience to God's command. He lost the kingdom. Lord, forgive me for the times I've gotten impatient. The times I doubted whether you were moving because my expectations were not met or someone else's expectations were not met. May the only expectations that count be Yours. May this lead to patience, knowing that God is truly in control. Amen.
As people question, may the calling of God become greater. People will not follow someone who doubts. So be strong and confident in what God has called you to do. We must know who we are in Christ.
"We must conquer our self-reliance, insecurity, fear, and any other reason that turns us from the action God has laid before us. In the life of ministry, people will seldom surpass their leader when it comes to acting on their faith." - pg. 15 Beginning Ministerial Internship - mentor manual

Monumental Event...

2010-03-29T10:47:00.003-04:00

I have to say that in my short few years as a senior pastor our Easter Egg Hunt this past Saturday, March 27, was the best one day outreach that we have ever done. We, as a church, have done Easter Egg Hunts before here at the church. We would show a movie, eat some pizza, and find eggs spread throughout the church. This only ever attracted around 50 kids plus some parents. Not to bad but you are hoping for a lot more.
Well, this past Saturday, under the leadership of one our children's ministries leader, Tara Garris, we moved the event outside to Ford City Park. We had food, games, prizes, and of course, the egg hunt. We had advertised in the local paper, sent out postcards, and hung up posters. This lead to the greatest turnout ever. There were 180 kids ages 1-11 that showed up and probably close to 300 counting parents that accompanied the kids. Praise the Lord. At the end, we shared cardboard testimonies. We wrote on cardboard how God has changed our life. It went really well.
Our goal for this year has been to become better at reaching out to families. We want to give families a place to come and hang out and have fun. But most importantly, we want to see families come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What a way to start.
I'm looking forward to other great outreaches that we do this year. Thanks to Tara Garris and all of the others who made this possible. The New Life Center Church truly came together to make this a success. Thank you all! Let's do it again for the glory of God!

Observation...

2010-03-03T11:39:00.003-05:00

Numbers 13:31-33

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

As I read these verses, I can't help but wonder if we have done this in our church's? Do you know what I mean? Have we spread bad reports about our church and the city that we live in bringing discouragement and despair and squelching the power of God to overcome? There are so many church's that have closed down. There are so many church's that are close to it. Why?

Now I know that there may be many reasons that a church closed down, but maybe one of the main reasons that we fail to take into account is the bad reports that are spread among the Christians. You might have heard statements like, "Ford City is a dying community." "Kittanning isn't anything like it used to be." "You can't talk to people in this town because they are religious." These statements might be true but they are bad reports. That might be the outward perception but what is God's perception? In His eyes, these are bad reports. Yes, Ford City and Kittanning have had seasons of set back but there are still souls ripe for the harvest. There are still God ideas out there to see Ford City and Kittanning come to know Him as Lord and Savior. And that is what I'm pursuing.

I'm looking for some Caleb's and Joshua's (read all of Numbers 13) who will stand with me and take this land for Jesus. Yes, it may look difficult but whose eyes are you looking through. If you are looking through God's eyes, nothing is to difficult or impossible. And that is whose eyes I want to see through.

Lord, may you guard my lips and all of our lips from speaking bad reports about the land. There is still hope for this area because you are still on the throne and you always have another move. We are asking You for another move of Your Holy Spirit in this area bringing people to the foot of the cross and also jobs and properity. May I only spread God reports and not look at the giants that might stand in the way. Because there are giant slayers yet to be unleashed that will go forth slaying those giants through the power of the Holy Spirit. May You raise them up for such a time as this, Lord. Amen.

Use the Whole Brain Part 2

2010-03-01T10:49:00.004-05:00

I wanted to add some more thoughts from the last post on using your whole brain when reading the Bible.

First and foremost, you need to be reading your Bible. J.I. Packer said, "Any Christian worth his salt ought to read the Bible from cover to cover every year." Reading the Bible is important if you are going to grow as a disciple and in your faith. Romans 10:17 says, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." So we must lay a foundation of reading the Scriptures everyday, if we want to grow in our faith. But this must not just become a chore. Yes, it needs to be a habit, but it can not become boring.

As humans, we can get caught up in routines so much that a lot of life is lived out of habits. I fold my shorts a certain way so that when I pull them out of the drawer I can put them on without thinking about it whether there is a light on or not. But if my wife folds them a different way, when I pull them out of the drawer I will put them on backwards because I do not pay attention. It is such a habit to go to the drawer pull out my shorts and put them on that I don't even think about it. Folding them different creates an adventure because now I have to think. This is what I want to see when it comes to reading God's Word. It cannot become mindless ritual. It must be a new adventure everyday.

We will go through valley's as we read and we will have our mountain top experiences as we read, thats understandable. But sometimes we get so caught up in reading or praying in a certain place that we lock our creative juices up and it becomes a mindless ritual. The Bible is alive and needs to be read that way. We must unlock the David in all of us (read the Psalms). He had such wonder and awe for God. He asked questions and talked to God like He was a friend. And do you know what? God desires for you to think and ask and talk to Him like David did.

There is so much more in the Word of God if we would let it come alive. As we have been walking through our sermon series, "Love God..." based off of Mark 12:30 and a book by Mark Batterson called "Primal" it has challenged us to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. But what does that really mean? Most of us don't take time to ask God what it really means. We read over it and don't give it a second thought. We can quote it to others but we ourselves have no clue what it means. Let us question and meditate on His Word. He will reveal great truths to us as we read.

You may need to get Scripture on your MP3 player and go for a walk while listening to the Word being read. You may need to play Scripture as you are driving. You may need to get out of the office and read in the sun or by a stream. Don't get locked into mindless repitition. Let God unleash a desire in you for the Word to come alive.

So when I talk about reading creatively through the Bible, we must let the Bible be what it was written to be... Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I don't want us to read the Bible out of mindless repitition like I put on my shorts and miss out on what God wants to say.

I am also by no means saying read your own thoughts and meaning into the Bible. I am simply saying that we need to let our minds wonder onto the wonder and awe of who God is as we read the Bible.

Use the Whole Brain...

2010-02-24T11:45:00.003-05:00

I want to take time to encourage you to continue to creatively read the Bible. I shared this past Sunday about an observation made by someone that I had never even thought about before. They shared their thoughts on the Prodigal Son. If he was so hungry and longed to eat what he was feeding the pigs, why didn't he just eat it? Did he think the pigs would "squeal" on him? It was a great question. I believe it got all of our minds wondering about why? One of the reasons brought out was the thought of how he was raised by his father. Though he spent his inheritance on wild living, there was still a lifestyle ingrained into him that called for integrity and doing things right. He demonstrated that by not eating what he was feeding the pigs. What a great observation, and there are still more observations that can be made.

Things like that can go unnoticed until we begin to ask questions and read creatively through the Bible. There is so much more to glean from Scripture, yet we read it like we've read it before. Which is probably true, but the Word of God is not like other books that you read and reread. It is the Word of God. It is alive and sharper than any double edged sword. It comes alive everytime you open it's pages and begin to ask questions and read creatively. Don't just read the Word of God left brained (logical). Read it whole brained (using the right side, the creative side) as well.

And here are some ways to wake up your quiet time with God from Pam Farrel written for navpress and published in the January/February 1998 issue.

1. Write out and Personalize Scripture. Put your name into promises relevant to your life.

2. Praise Jesus from A to Z. Think of different words to praise Jesus as you walk through the alphabet.

3. Ponder Scriptures such as Phil. 4:8 asking yourself what is lovely to you? what is worthy of praise? etc.

4. Write about your relationship with God from someone else's point of view. This requires thinking about how we live and how that looks to others. This may give us much to pray about.

5. Dance before God. Put on some praise and worship music and dance for Jesus. This is can be freeing, especially when you add your kids in the mix.

There are many other ways to wake up your quiet time. What are some ways that you can add to this list? Leave a comment and let me know.

2010: The Year of Cultivating

2010-01-06T09:38:00.003-05:00

As a church, we take time to seek the Lord on what He would want to do in our lives this coming year. We then name our year what we believe He is leading us to do. This year for the church as a whole, the Lord gave me the name: The Year of Cultivating." I am really excited about this. The past few years we have seen God lead us through some tough spots and now we are beginning to see the fruits from the struggles. And He wants to do more.

Cultivate, in the dictionary, has this as its definition: to loosen or break up the soil; to foster the growth of; to imporve by labor, care, or study; encourage; make friends with. I love that definition. I believe God wants to continue to break the hard ground in our lives (Hosea 10:12) to foster more growth and He will do that as we work for Him (getting involved), care for others, and study His word (signing up for our small groups and personal Bible time). I recently read a quote that said... "Christians are like manure, spread them out and they help things grow. Keep them in a pile and they will stink horribly." So true. We must let God begin to spread us so that we can grow and foster growth in others. We must break the pile mentality and step out into the unknown where Jesus is.

There is going to be an increase in seeing people saved, baptized in the Holy Spirit (personal prayer language), and the gifts of the Spirit manifested in all of our lives as we let God do His work in us. There has been to much hard, dry, ground in our lives for far to long that has stunted our growth. But God is going to begin to break it up, as we let Him, so that we can continue to grow. It won't be easy. I mean, who wants something digging up areas that are hard? It isn't pleasant. But in the end, it brings about growth and that makes it worth it. So get ready for all that God is going to do in 2010. And be encouraged to personally name your year.

A Winner's Attitude

2010-01-05T10:32:00.003-05:00

I am an ex-basketball player (I still play but my college and high school days are over and I am not a pro athlete). When you play a sport you develop a winning mindset. You either want to win or you shouldn't play. It seems that in today's day and age that has given way to "Winning isn't everything" or "We're all winners" and other quotes like that. The problem is that those thoughts are not true. Whoever said winning isn't everything never won nothing. Second place is the first loser, so how can we all be winners? Now those thoughts can be taken out of context and developed into pride and a bad attitude, but in the right context should propel us.

I want to bring those thoughts into the church. I have been reading a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. In this book, he challenges the reader on how much do we truly love Christ. It seems like we don't love Him at all if you look at our actions. And hidden behind a lot of our actions is the excuse of I can't do it the full way so I will do it half way. Or in other words, "Winning isn't everything" or "We're all winners." The problem with that is, we have just shrunk God down. In the scriptures, He calls us to some pretty strict standards that we have watered down all in the name of not thinking we can win and not wanting to.

But winning is hard. You don't win unless you train and work hard. Sure we can water that down so that everyone feels like a winner but not everyone is a winner. Only those who are willing to "count the cost." Read this. We must start counting the cost of what it means to be a disciple. There is only one way to win and that is through Jesus Christ. And winning in this area is everything. There is no second place.

I am challenged by this because I can see where I have not kept myself disciplined in the ways of God. There is no longer any room for thoughts of "that was in the Bible but can not be done today." If Peter and Paul and the other disciples walked in it, then I can as well. And I will pursue God more and more until I am a walking example of the Gospel.

Don't let yourself tell yourself you can't do it. Or that only a few people will ever live the way Jesus called us to. We all can live that life if we are willing to submit to Him, discipline ourselves, and keep a winners mindset. Losing is not an option. We don't want to lose. There may be set backs but I don't want that to hinder us from staying on the winners path.

May Christ change the way we think when it comes to being a disciple of Christ. That we would know we can do it through Him who gives us strength. May we cast off complacency, lack of passion and desire, and selfish ambition and may we clothe ourselves with Christ. He is the only one that matters.

Let me know what you think.

CORRECTION: WOW, What a Great Turkey Dinner!

2009-11-24T14:59:00.008-05:00

We just did our annual FREE Turkey Dinner for our community last night - Monday, November 23 - and had our best turnout ever. We served well over 200 people a free hot meal and showed them the love of Jesus. I'm praying that the impressions that people have of us being an occult are done away with as we serve people and show them the love of Jesus.
It was truly a blessed time. Ford City's mayor, Mark Mantini, stopped by to thank us for what we were doing for the community. He was blessed. We were blessed. There was just a whole lot of blessings going around.
We are truly moving forward in "Extending our Hand" into the community, so that people can come to know the love of Jesus. Many took books, that we gave away for free, such as: One Heart Beat Away by Mark Cahill, The Book of Hope, New Testaments, and 100% Guaranteed by Steve MaGill.
Only a few stayed to watch "Fireproof" the movie, but those who did were touched.
Overall, it was a very successful night. We got to know more people in the community and break down the lies of Satan. Now I'm looking forward to our Gingerbread and a Movie night coming up (Correction) December 12, beginning at 5:00pm, here at the New Life Center in Ford City for families with young children. December 5 is the deadline to register. Here's to reaching those who don't know Jesus, yet.

What Do You Think...

2009-10-27T10:38:00.003-04:00

It has been a powerful time in the Spirit here at the New Life Center. So excited to see what God is doing in my life and in the lives of all the people. I'm also looking forward to seeing all of the fruit of what God is doing in people, as we are revived and renewed by the Holy Spirit to carry the Gospel to the world in power. Look out Ford City and Kittanning!

I wanted to share some thoughts that have been on my heart. They deal with who we are and what we do as Christians. Here is a quote by Francis Chan, pg. 32-33, from his book "Forgotten God":
"Churchgoers all across the nation say the Holy Spirit has entered them. They claim that God has given them a supernatural ability to follow Christ, put their sin to death, and serve the church. Christians talk about being born again and say that were dead but now have come to life. We have become hardened to those words, but they are powerful words that have significant meaning. Yet when those outside the church see no difference in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God. And can you blame them?"

I believe as Christians, what we watch on television and movies, how we act, and what we listen to are very important, because the world is watching us. We need to quite being a little less carnal than the world and begin living by the Holy Spirit.

I recently heard this testimony from two Christians and their non-Christian friend. The one Christian is careful in what they say, do, listen to, and watch on television or movies. They live that out in front of their non-Christian friend which has brought about great conversations and witnessing opportunities. The other Christian is careful in some areas but very carefree in others even in front of their non-Christian friend. Do you know what? The non-Christian watches what they say and how they act around the first Christian, in a comfortable way, not in a wierd way (if you know what I'm saying). But the non-Christian could care less how they act around the second Christian. Why? Because there is a Holy Spirit change going on in the first Christian that intrigues the non-Christian. The first Christian is still having fun, joking and goofiing around, but when it comes to the things of this world, they are truly dying to it to live for Someone greater, Jesus Christ. The other Christian not so much.

As Christians, it's not about what I think or what I want to watch or listen to, or even why I think I can. The more important point is everyone around us. We forget about those around us who are looking to overcome the world and the movies and television that is harmful and music that tears down. People are coming to church looking for answers from people who have found the answers in Jesus Christ. No they don't want to be told what to watch, listen to, etc. They want to see it lived out in all of our lives.

So instead of thinking about what "I" can watch, listen to, do, etc., let's think about those around us who struggle with those very things. The church is supposed to have found freedom from all of that in Jesus Christ. Why bog ourselves down again with all of that garbage?

Where Does the Time Go...

2009-10-12T15:32:00.003-04:00

I always seem to have something to say, but I never sit down to type it out. Not that you all need to hear what I have to say, especially since you get to hear me Wednesday night and Sunday morning.

God is doing amazing things here at the New Life Center. This past Sunday we started our new sermon series (pictured above) to a great response from the people. What great expectation that everyone had for this series and what great things God began to do in the NLC. This series has been a while in the making and finally came into being for such a time as this.

To help me in this series, I've read a couple books. First, "Living in the Spirit," by George O. Wood. Second, "Forgotten God," by Francis Chan. Third, was a book written by a few different authors on how to help others recieve the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I've listened to some CD's from Tim Enloe on the baptism in the Spirit. Plus, reading and studying the scriptures.

I'm looking forward to the payoff from the study and prayer that have gone into this series, not just in others but myself. You see, I've had a fear of praying for people to recieve the baptism in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I have never lead someone into this great experience, which has developed fear in me, but I believe that is about to change. I believe that God is about to do a great work in the hearts of the people who make up NLC. And that many are going to be baptised in the Holy Spirit for the first time and others refilled with a greater understanding of what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Join me in praying throughout this series and for the rest of 2009 and what God wants to accomplish here in individuals.

My Cross Looks Better than Mine

2009-09-23T12:13:00.003-04:00

Galatians 6:4-5
4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.

This passage caught my attention the other day in my devotions. So many times it is so easy to begin to compare my actions with the actions of others, or my work with the works of others. "I'm doing __________ (fill in the blank) and everyone else is doing nothing." Or we ask questions of, "Why am I the only one working hard and everyone else is taking it easy?" But maybe we should be asking ourselves, "Do I have a wrong perspective?"

Each of us has a job to do in the Kingdom of God. We need to do our job, encourage others to do their job, but never compare our job with someone elses job. Remember this quote, "Compare and compete, you'll live in defeat." Each job is different and brings different trials and tribulations.

The cross I bear is different than the cross you bear. Here is an illustration: A man thought the cross he bore was boring and ugly. He wanted a different cross to carry so he asked God to give him a different cross to bear. God took him to a room full of crosses so that he could exchange his. Immediately he saw one that was very beautiful. Covered in gold and lined with diamonds. He wanted that one but when he picked it up, it was to heavy. He did not want to have to carry that one everywhere. He continued looking. He found one with beautiful flowers. It smelled and looked great. "This is the one for me," he thought. But when he picked it up, thorns began to dig down into his skin. It was much to painful for him to carry. Then he saw it. A cross that was a little worn, but had a beautiful wood finish. It was plain but very unique. He picked it up and to his amazement, it was the cross God had given to him.

So each of us has our own cross to bear and we do not know the cross others have to bear. It may look nice or smell nice, but it may be heavy and painful. Be appreciative where you are at and the cross God has asked you to bear.

Test your own actions and carry your own load. Only you can do it.

Challenging Video

2009-08-31T15:22:00.002-04:00

Let this challenge you to see that Ford City and Kittanning need you, as well as the rest of the world, to share your love for Jesus Christ. Don't hold back. It's time we step up and accept our responsibility to "Go and make disciples." We don't want Sunday and Wednesday Christians. We don't want Christmas and Easter Christians. We want sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ Christians who are not ashamed of the Gospel.
Lord, help me, and help us all, be bold for You. Let us not shrink back but let us take ground for You and for Your glory. Amen.

G20 Prayer Summit

2009-08-26T14:44:00.002-04:00

My 200th blog post will be concerning the G20 Summit coming to Pittsburgh September 24-25. If you have a chance click here and join in a 30 day journey of prayer for this event. Pastor Jeff Leake has put this together with other pastors to unify in prayer for God to do great things as these leaders gather in Pittsburgh.

10 Things that Could Keep Your Church from Being All it Could Be

2009-08-20T12:02:00.002-04:00

1. Lack of Identity and Vision
2. Lack of Excellence
3. Lack of Exposure
4. Lack of Welcoming Atmosphere
5. Lack of Kids/ Youth Events
6. Lack of Good Preaching
7. Lack of Genuine Worship
8. Lack of Intentionally Reproducing Leaders
9. Lack of Intentional Outreach
10. Lack of Continued Pastoral Growth and Assessment
-By Rich Fogal

This was posted on a friends blog from Rich Fogal. I thought these were interesting and wanted to get your thoughts. Where do you think the New Life Center is when thinking about these 10 things? Comment me.

Prophetic Word from Matt Sorger

2009-08-11T11:35:00.001-04:00

This is long but definitely worth the read. Comments are welcome.

From Charisma online---Prophetic ministry...
Editor's Note: The following message was released by Matt Sorger in his ministry newsletter on June 15. He received a tremendous response to it, and I wanted to make it available to those who haven't yet read it. Though it is not in the form of "Thus saith the Lord," it is an important word of caution for those of us who love the prophetic and may be tempted to seek the spectacular demonstrations of the Holy Spirit over a genuine encounter with God through His Word.
I am witnessing an alarming trend in some of our charismatic circles and services. I travel full time on the road all across the United States and in other parts of the world. Each week I am ministering in another state or nation to a new group of hungry believers wanting to live in the fullness of God's Spirit. Several times in the last few months I have made a disturbing and grievous observation. Before I share it with you, let me give you some of my personal background.
I was saved at the age of 14. I am thankful to have been raised in a solid Bible-preaching, Spirit-filled church. The Word was always given a priority. The necessity of living a holy, sanctified life was always preached with conviction. I took my first steps of walking, living and ministering in the Spirit there.
As a young pastor I was given some room to begin to spread my wings when the anointing and power of God began to move through my life. I took full flight when I launched out from pastoring six years ago to travel full time in a "prophetic revival" ministry.
My years before pastoring were spent seeking God, spending time in personal devotion and study of the Word, and attending a great Bible school in Rhode Island. Upon graduation I stepped into the pastoral ministry. I learned many valuable things during those years that I carry with me to this day. Life experiences have a way of shaping you into the person God has called you to be.
I want to define "prophetic revival" ministry. For me "prophetic" means hearing and then declaring a true word from God, either through preaching and teaching God's heart as revealed in His Word, or speaking forth an anointed word directly from Him. Both types of prophetic ministry should be solidly rooted and grounded in Scripture.
"Revival" holds a dual meaning for me. I see it as stirring up in the church a deeper passion for God and learning to live and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and then watching that passion overflow through the lives of believers into the world around us. The power of God in the life of the believer is not supposed to be contained. It must overflow and impact the world around us.
An Alarming Trend
Now I must share with you an alarming trend I have witnessed. I have seen it even in my own meetings! Because this is hitting so close to home I can no longer be silent. I am a man of deep convictions, and it is time for me to share them with you.
Recently, after a meeting I was standing near my resource table greeting people. A woman approached me to share about the wonderful overflow of the Holy Spirit she had experienced in the meeting the day before. She could sense a whole new level of God's presence. It was clear she had been deeply touched. But she proceeded to tell me something that caused me to raise a "red flag."
She said, "You know, when you started preaching, I thought, I have heard this before. I really came looking to hear something I had never heard before. But the presence of God in the meeting did have a profound impact on me, and I am not the same." I rejoiced over what the Lord had done for her, but at the same time I grieved.
That same week, after we had finished only one day of meetings, a pastor I was having lunch with shared his thoughts. The night before I had preached a word the Holy Spirit had placed on my heart. After the preaching of the Word, I was led by the Spirit to call some folks out from the audience, and I prayed for them with a clear demonstration of God's presence and power. I left the meeting rejoicing.
The pastor didn't share my enthusiasm. He said to me, "You know, if the preaching of the gospel could have gotten the job done, it would have been done a long time ago. What we need are the signs. I just want to see the stuff. I don't want you preaching. Preach just a few minutes. We want the miracles."
It became apparent that what this church wanted was a charismatic show—the "signs following" with no preaching of the Word. I'm sorry, but I am a Word preacher.
I believe their outlook reflects an alarming trend in the prophetic movement. It seems that we are unintentionally cultivating the idea that the truth of the gospel, which emphasizes the power of the cross and blood of Christ, is no longer good enough. We need signs, signs and more signs. A life transformed by the power of God's amazing Word is not enough.
People are clamoring: "Let me hear and see something new—something I have never heard or seen before, something that will wow me!" So we have hundreds of hungry believers fascinated by stories of supernatural encounters that have been, at times, exaggerated by charismatic personalities.
I want you to hear my heart in this. I am all for supernatural encounters. I have had many myself, and I know of others in ministry who have had some beautiful, real, life-changing supernatural encounters with God. But I am not into charismatic hype or manipulation. Just say it like it is. Don't exaggerate, add to or blow something up just to make a good story or to sell a bunch of CDs.
I am not being negative. I am seeking to bring balance into a movement I am proud to be a part of—a movement that at one time didn't want to hear just empty words but words backed up with real substance, power and glory.
I want the real thing! I want the real manifest presence of God. I want the real miracles, the real signs and wonders, the real angelic encounters (as God chooses to give them to me). I don't want a hyped-up version.
And I don't want to hear something new and different just for the sake of hearing something I have never heard before. I want my everyday life encountered in a real way by God's Word and anointing. I want to hear something that I can apply to my life. I want the fullness of God's Word to renew my mind, change me from the inside out and fill my life with real power and glory.
People who want to hear only something they have never heard before are in serious danger of opening themselves up to a gospel that is different from the one we find in Scripture. If you are running around looking for a new revelation without first putting into practice the hundreds of revelations given to us in God's Word, you are looking in the wrong direction. God has not called us to be flakey. He has called us to be solidly grounded in Him, to preach the gospel in season and out, and to impact the world around us as salt and light.
I love the prophetic. I love the supernatural. But the moment we start wanting signs without the Word of God, we are in trouble. And this is what I have been seeing.
Recently two pastors in different parts of the United States told me that they wanted the preaching of the Word to be kept to a bare minimum, with an emphasis placed on the signs and wonders. I need to set the record straight: Signs follow the preaching of the Word. If you become a sign-seeker apart from the Word of God, you will not be grounded, and if you are in ministry, you will build an unhealthy and weak foundation in other people's lives as well as your own.
The Most Precious Sign
The sign I am most after these days is the sign of a life transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to see people hungry to truly apply the Word of God to their lives—not desiring simply to hear something new but to put into practice what they already know.
I want to see people walking in love. I want to see people living righteously. I want to see people knowing who they are in Christ so the devil can't continually beat them up. I want to see people experience the abundant life Jesus came to give them. I want to see people preaching the gospel in power, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. But we can never forget that the power of the gospel is revealed through the foolishness of preaching—not just preaching our good stories, but preaching the Word of God with power and authority. A sign without the Word points nowhere.
I want to encourage the body of Christ in these days to evaluate everything you have believed and be sure it is pure gospel. Go back and read the New Testament from cover to cover and ask the Holy Spirit to write upon your heart the full counsel of God's Word as revealed in the New Covenant. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth and to be sure your foundations are strong and solid.
Never neglect God's Word. It has the power to change your life. As you soak in God's Word and in His presence, you will live a truly Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered life that will make a real difference in the world around you. Go and be the salt and light God has called you to be!
About the author: Matt Sorger is a prophetic revivalist who ministers the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit in conferences, prophetic healing revival services and miracle crusades throughout America and around the world. He also hosts pastors and leaders conferences to train and equip leaders in the power of the Holy Spirit. In his meetings, many are instantly healed and infused with greater passion for God. Learn more about him and his ministry at mattsorger.com.

Interesting Video...

2009-08-10T13:30:00.005-04:00

I've been challenged by another blogger to make sure that I'm blogging if I'm going to have a blog. I have not been good at that.
With that said, check out this video and let me know what you think. I am interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions on this. You may have already seen it, but if you would, type down your thoughts.

What I'm Reading and Listening Too

2009-07-23T11:33:00.002-04:00

I figured I'd let everyone know what I'm reading and listening to. In case anyone was wondering. (I am hoping to do this more often so that people have a list of books and CD's to look into buying.)

What I'm listening to... The Glorious Unseen. I heard about them from David Santistevan, worship leader at Allison Park Church. Great music. I'm enjoying listening to this CD called "Tonight the Stars Speak". They also have a new CD coming out in August.
On another note, I'm looking forward to a new Jesus Culture CD coming out in August. And the new David Crowder Band CD coming out in September.

I finished up a book by Wayne Cordeiro called "Leading on Empty." It deals with ways to keep from burning out in ministry and if you have burned out in ministry, how to slowly find healing. Another book I finished was, "The Covenant" by James L. Garlow. I plan on doing a small group on this book starting in September.
Currently, I am reading a book by George O. Wood, Gerneral Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, called "Living in the Spirit." This book offers a comprehensive compilation of perspectives concerning the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. He shares his desire that Pentecostals resist being content with memories of powerful past experiences and instead seek to be overwhelmed by the Spirt and demonstrate the enduring evidence of His fullness.
And "Spiritual Leadership" by J. Oswald Sanders. A book that has principles of excellence for every believer.

When Life Gives You Lemons

2009-07-16T15:01:00.004-04:00

We began a new sermon series called, "When Life Gives You Lemons" last week. When I say lemons, I mean the troubles in life that come our way that are expected and unexpected.

I started off last week by putting lemons into perspective with who God is. I showed parts of a video by Louie Giglio from the How Great is Our God tour. Did you know that there are stars in the universe that are way bigger than the earth? In fact, you could fit 960,000 earths in the closest star that we know which is the sun. Putting that into perspective, if the earth was the size of a golf ball the sun would be equivalent to 6 Empire State buildings on top of each other. And that is only half of it. Check out the video. They are both 10 minutes long, but well worth the watch.

Part One

Part Two

This week we will look at why lemons come into our lives. If you don't have a church, stop by. We would love to see you.

"Finally"

2009-07-06T13:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I spoke on James 2:14-26 and putting your faith into action. I also hit on Acts 16:16-18 which says:
16Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
I have really been meditating on stepping out in faith. The Christian faith is supposed to be an adventure but we seem to take all of the adventure out and make it a safe walk full of hand rails, parachutes, foam, and every other safety device that we can think of to keep us from getting hurt in the everyday. We pretty much take all of the faith out of it and make it a, well, a ritual. But faith, when excercised with deeds, is exciting.
The Lord gave me a picture. So picture yourself in a fruit tree. The fruit is always out of reach, or on the branches that we know cannot support our weight. We can choose to leave that fruit alone and continue to hold to the trunk of the tree (the Church) or we can let go and crawl out on those limbs and trust God for whatever happens. If we want to see miracles and people getting saved, we have to step out in faith into the unknown of what might happen.
But what will it take to get you there? For Paul, it was after many days of being followed by a demon possessed girl shouting at him and Silas that he finally had enough. Why didn't Paul do something sooner? After all, this girl was a slave to Satan and the men who made money off of her. Whatever the reason, Paul had a "Finally" moment. He "Finally" couldn't take it anymore and turned around casting the demon out.
I pray for us all to have that "Finally" moment where we get fed up with the status quo, mediocrity, complacency, laziness, the sin that has so many people entangled and we say, "Enough is enough," and we begin to live out loud for Jesus putting our faith into action. The world needs men and women to walk in faith, not afraid of what others might think. Who have a "Finally" moment that leads them to greater living for a greater purpose. It will enhance your life and change your family, work place, church, and community.

Check this Out

2009-06-25T14:46:00.003-04:00

A spiritual mentor of mine, Gerry Stoltzfoos, pastor at Freedom Valley Worship Center (where Kaitlyn Brumbaugh goes and Anna Marie will soon go to Masters Commission), made the news when he was asked to pray but was not allowed to use the name of Jesus. He refused. Read the article here.

Sacred Cow

2009-06-25T14:06:00.003-04:00

Well, about a week ago I posted on my twitter and Facebook that we were making a big decision at our recent board meeting. I've been wanting to share about that big decision and have not gotten around to it. We decided to cancel Sunday School. It was a big decision. But when you are only averaging 3 kids, we had to do something. After we made this decision, I felt like we had killed a sacred cow.
Now don't get me wrong, I believe that Sunday School is important and that it has served a great purpose in our history and the history of the church in general, but at the same time, I'm wondering if there are better options?
Sunday School requires willing parents. Parents who are willing will bring their child to Sunday School and attend themselves. But it's like that for anything the church does once you turn your life over to Christ. Our church asks you to give up one evening a week and one morning a week to gather together to worship and be discipled. To some, that is asking to much. But I have to wonder if that is asking to little? When I played basketball, I committed to practice six days a week for two hours. And that was only with the team. To get better and develop what I learned at practice, required time on top of that. That is a lot of time into becoming a better basketball player. Shouldn't we want the samething when we think of growing in our walk with the Lord?
Back to the subject, are there better ways than Sunday School? I feel like our Children's Church ministry has grown leaps and bounds in just a few short weeks. We are averaging more kids for Children's Church than for Sunday School and I believe that this is because Children's Church is the new Sunday School. When I was young, I went to Sunday School and then stayed with my parents and listened to the pastor preach. Now days, kids have their own church service that is geared towards them, teaching them the same stuff they would learn in Sunday School. I feel in the long run, our kids are going to grow just the same.
Numbers 21:4-9 talks about the bronze snake. It served its purpose in saving those who were bitten by poisonous snakes. However, it became sacred and the people began to look at it and worship it as a god. God gave it to them for such a time as this time and that was all. After it had done its thing it was useless. But instead of turning to God and seeking Him for continued direction, they held on to the snake and they even give it a name. (Check out 2 Kings 18:4.) And it was a stumbling block until king Hezekiah came along and destroyed it.
I feel like God is shifting our church and our focus so that we can better disciple children, youth, young adults, and adults. I believe we must fall in love with God and obey His command to make disciples and not fall in love with the methods that come along to do it. God will show us what must be done to disciple His children that are drawn to Him by His Spirit and that is awesome.
So let us all fall in love with God and whatever He has for us to disciple His children and not in the methods.

UNITY...

2009-06-18T16:10:00.003-04:00

I just read a quote from Johannes Amritzer off of Pastor Jeff Leake's blog. He said that, "Focusing on the harvest will bring unity. Focusing on unity will bring division." After the Mark Cahill outreach I say, "Amen!" to this.
Sometimes I feel like we get so caught up in looking for unity that we fail to see what truly unifies us. And that is the desire to see souls saved. That is why this Charles Spurgeon quote carries a powerful message, "Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that."
If we are all desiring to see souls saved, it shouldn't matter others personalities, their quirks, how loud their voice is, how they laugh, etc. The only thing that should matter is the expansion of God's Kingdom. The disciples were unified in the upper room and the Holy Spirit was poured out on them. This was a supernatural unity that could only be brought on by the Holy Spirit since we all have opinions. But they knew their opinions didn't count. They needed to stay in that upper room till the Lord sent the Holy Spirit so that they could go to preach the gosepl and see souls saved. That was what it was all about.
So think about that as we think about unity. What unifies us? The desire to see souls saved here in Ford City, Kittanning, and all of Armstrong County.

It's a Conversation, Not a Presentation!

2009-06-09T17:14:00.000-04:00

After a powerful challenge from Mark Cahill, I knew I had to change the way I walked through my day. If you missed it, Sunday morning he kept clicking his fingers representing seconds gone by. Every second two people die. And by the time you lay your head on the pillow at night, another 150,000 have gone into eternity. He then asked if we cared about those 150,000, and if we did were we willing to do something about it. That something was sharing the good news of Jesus!

He challenged us by saying we can worship God declaring how awesome He is and how wonderful He is, but we don't obey His command to go make disciples. Powerful stuff.

It challenged me because I need to share my faith more often. So today at the YMCA playing basketball, I began a conversation with a man. It was really hot in the gym, so I used that to start a conversation. I said it was hot but not as hot as they say hell is. It lead to a great conversation where he told me he was a born again Christian. Praise the Lord.

I want to grow bolder and bolder by the power of the Holy Spirit everyday. If I want to see great change in Ford City and Kittanning it isn't going to happen inside a building, namely the church. It's going to happen outside the 0hurch on the streets.

Let's all hit the streets. I look forward to hearing testimonies of what God does through us all as we share the love of Christ. Be ready to share this Sunday.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Introducing...

2009-06-03T14:16:00.002-04:00

Our new sanctuary!

I am excited to report that our chairs are in and in place. What do you think? There are still some changes to go to the back of the sanctuary and the foyer, but that will come in time. Praise the Lord for these wonderful changes.

Pentecost Sunday...

2009-05-26T08:45:00.002-04:00

As Pentecost approaches us, I would like to hear from you on the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Recently, a friend of my wife's shared her frustration that the sermon she heard that Sunday was on the baptism in the Holy Spirit on Facebook. She shared that she had a bad experience with it and didn't like how some church's "push it on you" when there are a lot of gifts of the Spirit that could be talked about. Another person commented that her father wanted so badly to be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues but hadn't been and felt like a failure.
As a Pentecostal pastor, I believe that everyone can be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I want everyone to experience this gift of power that God has given to us. I want to preach about it and see people filled and speaking in tongues. (Note: I don't believe you need to speak in tongues to be saved.) But does this come across as being pushy?
I want the children to be taught, the youth to be taught, everyone to be taught about it. The key to overcoming could be to teach on the importance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit? I don't want anyone to have a bad experience nor to feel like a failure. That isn't what the Holy Spirit is all about.
What has been your experience with the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues? Do you have any thoughts in how to minister to the people mentioned above and for me in preaching about it? Your thoughts, comments, and questions are appreciated.

Love Never Fails...

2009-05-21T10:00:00.002-04:00

I thought these two videos were powerful on how "Love never fails!" (1 Cor. 13:8).

This morning, with these videos in my thoughts, I read about Elisha in 2 Kings 6. He was giving away the Arameans position to the king of Israel, and the Arameans got mad at him. When they came to kill Elisha, he wasn't afraid. He prayed to God to blind them, lead them to Samaria and the king of Israel, and had a banquet prepared for them. Basically, he blind folded them and took them to a surprise party in their honor. He could have reacted in fear, prayed to God to kill them all, and went on with his life. But he didn't. I'm not saying he did this out of love for the Arameans, but I wonder how many Arameans turned to the Lord after this? Maybe none, but who knows. It's something to think about as we go about our daily routines. Love wins. But it has to be real love, the kind of love that comes only through knowing Jesus.

The Importance of Worship

2009-05-18T09:11:00.005-04:00

I got this off of Pastor Jeff Leake's blog. And he got it from Johannes Amrtizer who wrote a post about the power and intimacy of worship a few days ago. This is a great post and shows the importance of worship. Let me know what you think.

About a week ago I had lunch with a friend in Norway who has a priest education and also has a great insight in the Greek language... He reads old New Testament Greek like I read English, sort of... Our talk drifted to praise and worship... Geir, that is his name, then tells me that the Greek word in the origin text used for "worship" in the New Testament actually means "to lean in and kiss"... This tidbit of information exploded within me and the curiosity in me asked on... Yes Geir continues to say that the word for worship could just as well be translated "to kiss intimately and deeply..." Imagine that I have finally received a good explanation of what worship not only is but means and is all about. From now on it will be easy to explain to new believers and fresh disciples why worship has such depth and always is so refreshing!When two people who are in love kiss, then intimacy and closeness between the two is created, but at the same time it also refreshes... To worship and honor God is in other words to kiss God initimately, deeply, and with passion! Worship will created closeness, joy as well as ignite and kindle the fire! I love worship!

We have to worship in the right place! Worshipping God early in the morning in the kitchen or in a house church among disciples is wonderful as well as refershing but maybe not so in the city square or in front of unbelievers... I have been thinking... I have always felt kinda embarrased when I have seen a couple making out in the open, on the commuter train or on a bus... On the verge of offensive and unpleasant... When it comes to kissing one does not want to be an observer. Worship should not be observed. Worship should not be performed or showed in concert form. This is why we in Mission SOS have drawn a clear line between festival music / Christian performance and praise and worship. When seekers are present a message is to be proclaimed or lovesickly smeared in . Worship is for Jesus loving disciples but probably belongs more in the prayer closet and in the church service with and among believers rather than in public, in society. Worship may never be exploited. Praise and worship is to kiss God in Spirit and in Truth, just as Jesus said! (John 4:23-24) Kiss God a lot this summer - It will make you crazy for him!!

Updates...

2009-05-11T09:15:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted in awhile because the mind has been fried. So much going on here at the NLC that I've been a little worn out. Looking forward to some vacation time coming here real soon.

I'm really excited to see how things are progressing with the sanctuary. I know everyone is looking forward to getting back into the sanctuary, which will happen soon. I want to thank everyone for their patience. I can feel the desire to move out of the fellowship hall and get back into the sanctuary, which we were all hoping would have happened by now. A few last minute details can change everything. But we will be there in time for the Mark Cahill outreach which will be June 6 and 7.

I want to encourage everyone to continue to pray for the Mark Cahill outreach. If you can hang up posters, they are in the foyer. Handouts for friends, neighbors, etc. are also available in the foyer. Be encouraged to spread the word via email, facebook, etc. and invite as many people as you can. I am so excited to see the lives that will be changed as people are introduced to the life changer, Jesus Christ. That is what this outreach is all about... lives changed by His power and for His glory. This area will not be the same.

Paper Pastors

2009-04-27T09:31:00.003-04:00

I got this off of another blog but I thought it was powerful. Please take time to read it and let me know what you think. (Click here)

MCM Ministry School

2009-04-25T17:30:00.002-04:00

If you are graduating this year or have graduated (it doesn't have to be recently) and have a desire to minister or experience ministry training like they did in the book of Acts, then this school is for you. I encourage you to read on and click on the links to find out more information about a great opportunity to be trained for ministry. They are now accepting applications for the Fall semester. Check it out!

The MCM Ministry School is designed to provide a prospective student not only with classroom training but with real life experiences in ministry. Every day we involve students in our PRAYER SCHOOL. Once a week, we engage in PRACTICAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH in connection with one of eight churches (The MCM Network) that have been planted in Pittsburgh. Once a year, the students participate in an INTERNATIONAL TRIP to work in partnership with Mission SOS in a Signs and Wonders Festival among UNREACHED PEOPLE'S GROUPS. The passion of the MCM Ministry School is to raise up faith-filled adventurers who are committed to living out the supernatural lifestyle of the book of Acts. The practical experiences come in the context of a growing church that is actively planting churches and sending teams to reach unreached people groups. All the information and detials are on the NEW MCM Ministry School Website. We are hosting an OPEN CLASS DAY on May 8th from 9am to noon for anyone who is interested. Everything takes place out of Allison Park Church.

The World Clock

2009-04-20T14:02:00.003-04:00

I came across this site today and thought it was something for everyone to check out. It is the world clock. (click the words to see it) Let it stir us as we prepare for the Mark Cahill ministry.

Great Way to Begin Monday!

2009-04-13T10:12:00.004-04:00

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video I've been wanting to update my blog but my computer's connection with my IPOD has been going crazy and I've been trying to fix it. I thought this was a great way to start off a Monday. If you didn't know, I like some of the songs off of the movie "The Sound of Music." Especially the song that goes along with the puppet show with the goats and the yoddling. Classic! Check this video out. I could see myself doing this. What do you think?

Oh What a Feeling...

2009-04-03T10:42:00.004-04:00

Oh what a feeling... They're tearing down our ceiling.
Here are some updated pics. Check them out.

This is the front of the church.

This is the side next to the fellowshiphall.

This is the side toward the youth room.

The Work has Begun!

2009-04-01T14:18:00.002-04:00

The ceiling is actually farther along than this now. This picture is from Tuesday, March 31. I need to get an updated picture because the lights are down and you can see the rafters. The ceiling actually started falling when they tried to put some support beams up. Thank the Lord no one was injured. To show some appreciation for A. Guzzo Construction, the ladies of the church are preparing a meal for them for tomorrow, April 2. It will be a good time for those who work for A. Guzzo Construction. Just a simple way to show love for the hardwork these men are putting in. Let's continue to enjoy the ride.

The Father's Will

2009-03-24T10:47:00.003-04:00

In meditating on the issues at hand from the last few posts, the scripture from Matthew 7 came to me.
Matthew 7:21-23
I began to think of how we believe that the litmus test for spiritual maturity is signs, wonders, and miracles. But that is not it at all. In this passage, Jesus clearly tells us that many will stand before Him on that day and tell Him all of the great things that they have done. He will tell them that He never knew them. This is profound! As much as I want to see signs, wonders, and miracles, there is something greater to serving the Lord and that is found in verse 21. It is doing the will of the Father. Did that smack you like it smacked me?
We have gotten caught up in wanting to see the supernatural so much that we have lifted those who seem to operate in the supernatural without ever examining the true fruit of their ministry. Yes, supernatural things will flow from a true man/woman of God. But that is not a sign of spiritual maturity. We must examine their fruits. Just because someone is used in the supernatural does not mean that they are right with God. We must realize that so that we are not lead astray. In Deuteronomy 13:1-5, it talks about if a man comes and announces a sign and wonder and that sign and wonder takes place, and after it takes place he says lets follow other gods then he should be put to death. I believe we see a lot of this today. People show up do a sign and wonder, get a national following, and then begin to feed us things that are unscriptural and tell us we should believe what they are telling us and if we don't then we are not of God. Problem is that the things they are telling us are not in the Bible. So who really is not of God?
Let us not abuse the grace and mercy of God. Let us not buy into what the enemy is trying to sell as "being from God." Let us hunger and thirst for a deeper walk with God and out of that if supernatural signs and wonders happen, Praise the Lord. Let Him be lifted up higher and higher and everything else be brought low. We are building His kingdom and not our own. Let us be found doing the Father's will whether that ever leads to us doing signs, wonders, and miracles. When we are in the Father's will, we are in the right place.

If You Have Time...

2009-03-18T11:44:00.004-04:00

I'm becoming more and more concerned with some of the teaching that is out there and some of the things people are believing. I found this article which was a comment on Paul Grabill's blog (note: Paul Grabill did not post this someone else did). If you have time, this article is long, read it here. I am not trying to paint Rick Joyner, or anybody, to be bad. I don't know him and I've never been to anything in his ministry. I do have questions about what he is doing with Todd Bentley (see earlier post) which has led me to dig a little deeper. If you have ever experienced MorningStar Ministries let me know what you think of this persons account. I post this to get us to think and check ourselves to make sure our beliefs and the things we hold as important are Biblically based. I would love to hear from you on what you think.

Who is Jesus to You?

2009-03-17T11:12:00.003-04:00

In the sermon series we are in here at the NLC called "American Idol" I encouraged the people this past Sunday to ask the Lord to reveal Himself to them so that they could answer the question posed to the disciples, "Who do you say I am?" (Luke 9:18-21) When Peter answers, "The Christ" Jesus, in Matthew's account (Matthew 16:17), said that God revealed that to him and not man. It's the only way we can answer that question, God reveals Himself to us. I can't tell you who Jesus is to you. You must seek Him out.
So as I spent time praying asking God to reveal Himself to me I thought of the commercial for "G." If you don't know what G is it's Gatorade's new logo and ad campaign. Why would I think of that? Because they say that Gatorade is a difference maker. As I was praying I just felt like God revealed Himself to me as the "Difference Maker". In every situation I find myself in, He is my difference maker. That is who God is to me.
Gatorade has a lot of things it claims to do for you. God has proven what He can do for us if we allow Him to be our difference maker.
So what is God speaking to you? What is He showing you? Ask Him to reveal Himself to you as you pray, read scripture, and enjoy creation. Let Him speak into your spirit and then leave a comment. I would love to hear what God is showing you.

What is Going On?

2009-03-14T11:29:00.003-04:00

I want to share an article by J. Lee Grady (click here). Some of you may have heard about this already, I have just heard about it now. It truly makes me wonder what is going on in the church of America? I respected what Bill Johnson and Rick Joyner had to say in the past but I'm completely baffled by what they are doing now. Check out the article and let me know your thoughts. More to come later.

The Sky is Falling

2009-03-04T10:50:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it's already March and that this weekend we will be turning our clocks ahead? Spring is right around the corner. (I heard shouts of Hallelujah and Thank You Jesus!)
The NLC encountered a great problem this past Friday. You could hear Chicken Little yelling, "The sky is falling." Our ceiling above our drop ceiling decided to fall down through our drop ceiling. It is a very old ceiling made of plaster over chicken wire that stretches from one end of the sanctuary to the other. But no problem. We were able to meet in the fellowship hall and what an awesome time we had together this past Sunday. God continues to do great things in our church, even though we were packed together, only had two guitars and a piano, the presence of God was there. I believe that God is doing something in our church through this occurence. I am calling this "Temporary Convenience for Permanent Improvement." I look forward to what God is teaching us and is going to continue to teach us as we seek Him for breakthrough. I've even received a prophetic word yesterday from this whole event that went along with things that were on my heart.
God is up to something and it isn't just about fixing a ceiling. Stay tuned.

Check this Out...

2009-02-17T14:29:00.002-05:00

Another interesting point from John Piper. Let me know what you think. It's 10 minutes long but well worth the listen.

Interesting Thought...

2009-02-17T11:34:00.002-05:00

Last week, in getting ready to do a funeral, I came across an interesting thought from John 11:33. It says that Jesus was deeply moved after seeing the sisters of Lazarus crying and all of the friends and family crying. In a note in my study Bible, it said that the Greek word for that meant compassion but also anger. It went on to say that Jesus felt love and compassion for everyone there but also anger because of the wages of sin. (Which He later went on to do something about.) It reminded me that God did not create death and sickness. He created life. We as humans brought sin and sickness into the world by our disobedience. It was a powerful reminder as I prepared my message.
We have victory over sin and death thanks to what Jesus did on the cross. But God still has concern over what we face each day because of sin. If only we had been obedient in that garden long ago. If only we would learn to be obedient now. Where would we be?
A friend of mine who comes to our noon time prayer, shared with us the difficulties he is facing right now. He had to be in the hospital for a few days last week but then proceeded to tell us how God used him to change the atmosphere of the hospital floor he was on. He wasn't worried about what was wrong with him. He let God use him to spread peace, joy, and love to all those around him. The roomate he had even asked him what he was in for and when he told him, the roomate didn't understand why he was so happy. He then shared Jesus with the person.
We can look at things in so many ways. We can throw ourselves pitty parties or we can know that we have victory over sin and death when we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior and walk that out.
The world needs us to be filled with love and compassion just like Jesus had for those around Him. That we would get angry at what sin has done to this world, and begin to preach repentance and life in Jesus. Then that we would begin to live that out, no matter what we face (I know that can be hard). We must know that we win and satan loses. No matter what the scoreboard says. The final standings, when we know Jesus, will always be 1 victory, 0 defeats. Someone shout Hallelujah!

What I'm Listening To...

2009-02-11T09:09:00.002-05:00

I just got this about two weeks ago and I've enjoyed every second that I've gotten to listen to it. It comes from Jesus Culture Music and features Chris Quilala and Kim Walker. The music was unique and their voices are unbelievable. You all need to check it out.

John Piper...

2009-02-11T09:08:00.002-05:00

I saw this video on Ben Davis's blog and thought I would post it here. It is powerful and something to think about. Comment any of your thoughts as you watch.

Check This Out - Yo!

2009-01-29T14:41:00.000-05:00

This is funny. Enjoy!

Be Careful Little Eyes...

2009-01-29T14:07:00.004-05:00

I watched a video sent to me by Chuck King yesterday. It was very good. The one part that challenged me was how we watch garbage on T.V. and in movies, then we come to church to pray for revival. Now I am not saying you can't watch T.V. or movies, but (and I want to emphasize the but) we need to guard our minds. How can we pray for God to do a great work in our lives when we continually let garbage fill it. We must guard our eyes and what they see, our feet and where they go. It is a song that a lot of kids learn when they are children. But it is something we think we can grow out of when we get older.
We can never grow out of guarding what comes into our hearts and minds. Our minds need to be filled with the Word of God so we can combat the enemy. To many times though, the only thing we can spit out in times of trouble are doubts and fears because it's all we know. Check this video out by Casting Crowns (this is not the video I was sent) and let me know what you think. I know I've been challenged even more so to guard what my eyes see because I have two sets of little eyes watching me and what I watch. Heaven forbid I lead them astray by what I do. (Check out Matthew 18) Be challenged.

Ending the Fast...

2009-01-27T11:39:00.002-05:00

We ended our fast this past Friday night by going to King's family restaurant. I know that you should watch what you eat after fasting for a long period of time, but I couldn't help myself. I got a steak. It was very enjoyable. But it's funny, after fasting and thinking about when you are going to eat again, when the time comes to eat again it does not carry that much weight. As I sat at King's and drank down a couple of lemonade's, I felt as though I had eaten. Thank You, Lord for getting us through this week and I look forward to what you will do from this.
I also wanted to share how prayer went Friday night before we went to eat. Powerful! We ended the prayer time by sharing promises that God has given us from His Word. It is something we do not do enough of. Mainly because we do not know His Word. I encourage you to get into the Word and meditate on it. If we want to overcome anger, fear, loneliness, doubt, worry, lust, pride, you name it, we need to soak our minds and quote His Word. It is how we will overcome. So get into the Word.
Here is one I found to be very meaningful for me:
Psalm 112:7 NLT
7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
Be Blessed!

4th Day

2009-01-22T14:06:00.003-05:00

I can't believe we are already at the 4th day of fasting. Though my belly is letting me know. One thing the Lord showed me today was about praying for God to fill us to overflowing. So many times we pray that but we set up barriers to keep Him from truly filling us to overflowing. He gave me the picture of a fountain drink. You don't want it to overflow because then the drink gets all over your hand, all over the side of the cup, etc. We frown upon that.
I believe we have brought that it into God's world when we think about filling us to overflowing. We think it is going to be messy. And in a way, it is going to be. It is going to mess with your life, your thoughts, your actions, everything that you are. When God messes things up it is for the best.
So don't hesitate to let your cup hold the dispenser down on God's Holy Spirit fountain and overflow.

Second Full Day of Fasting

2009-01-20T09:21:00.002-05:00

We began our second annual week of praying and fasting Sunday evening. There were a few of us who braved the weather to come in and seek the Lord. This year, I tried to prepare my body by only eating one meal a day a few days before I went in to not eating anything. The transition was not to bad, though I find myself thinking about eating. But it is not a feeling of eating because I am hungry but more a feeling of eating just to eat. There is something about putting something into your mouth as you sit around that has become enjoyable to me, and many Americans. That is a problem and one that I want to see fixed now, while I am still young. I want to develop in myself the need for God's Word more than food.

One thing I am really seeking Him for this week individually is for a greater boldness in sharing my faith and being a servant to those around me. I don't want to ignore needs when I know the One who can respond to those needs whether through me or supernaturally through my prayers. For example, yesterday I was leaving the church to head to my basketball game. There was an elderly gentlemen who had gotten his van stuck in the snow covered parking spaces that are in Ford City. Elyn and I helped him get out by shoveling out the snow under his tires and giving him a good old push. Then on my way down to the high school, there was a young girl from Ford City who was stuck. I continued on to the gym to get some of my players to come help me push and we were able to help her. It felt good to help those in need.

I am also looking forward to God using me supernaturally to minister to people with needs that only God can answer. This is truly going to be a year of newlife, healing, and the gifts of the Spirit.

Please, share with me what God is showing you this week. Leave a comment. Send an email. Leave a voice mail (if I'm out). But let us spur one another on with what God is showing us this week. Stay tuned.

What Do Their Eyes Say?

2009-01-17T11:21:00.002-05:00

I was talking to Al Harriger the other day and he was telling me some of the things they have been going over in their small group on evangelism. One of the things he was telling me he told the people to do was to look at those they pass on the street, in the store, at work, etc. Not just at them, but right at their face. Look them in the eyes and tell them hello. You can tell a lot about a person by how they look and respond to you. This can lead into opportunities to share the love of Christ.

Now skip to today. I'm doing my devotions and low and behold I find this in scripture in Genesis with the story of Joseph. Joseph was in prison, after being falsely accused for a crime he did not commit. While there, pharaoh sends his cup bearer and baker to prison. Now after a night of sleep, the cup bearer and baker have a dream. The next morning they look troubled. How do we know this? Because Joseph looked them in the eyes and saw that they were troubled and then began to talk to them. He just didn't notice the trouble, he went a step further and began to talk to them about it. They opened up to Joseph and he was able to interpret the dreams and help them.

If only we all can take this example and run with it. God wants to use each and everyone of us to speak into peoples lives. So many are hurting and need someone to notice them. They need someone to tell them about Jesus and pray with them. They need someone who believes in an almighty God that is greater than any hurt or pain to come along side of them and spur them on. Is that you? I pray that it is all of us. That we may all be like Joseph.

Lord, may we be like Joseph and look at the faces of the people around us. May we have the courage and boldness to ask them how things are going. And may we have the faith that if we do this, You will give us the words to encourage them and point them to Jesus and His saving grace, not matter how they may respond. Amen.

2009-01-13T11:22:00.003-05:00

I've begun to read a book entitled "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer. (Thank you Pastor Jeff Leake for mentioning this book.) I've only read a couple of chapters but the chapters I've read go along with what I've been studying on healing and the gifts of the Spirit. Here is an excerpt from chapter 2.

Left to ourselves we tend immediately to reduce God to manageable
terms. We want to get Him where we can use Him, or at least know where He
is when we need Him. We want a God we can in some measure control.
We need the feeling of security that comes from knowing what God is like, and
what He is like is of course a composite of all the religious pictures we have
seen, all the best people we have known or heard about, and all the sublime
ideas we have entertained.
If all this sounds strange to modern ears, it is only because we have for a
full half century taken God for granted. The glory of God has not been
revealed to this generation of men. The God of contemporary Christianity
is only slightly superior to the gods of Greece and Rome, if indeed He is not
actually inferior to them in that He is weak and helpless while they at least
had power.

WOW! We have made God into something our minds can comprehend when God is so much greater than that. I believe we need to repent of the idols we have created to satisify our appetite for a god we can wrap our minds around. God is much to big for our minds. He is infinite and our minds are finite.

What do you think?

2009: The Year of New Life

2009-01-05T10:33:00.002-05:00

Sorry for not posting in awhile. The holidays are a busy time. Plus, I took some time off to relax and hang out with family.

I wanted to share that I am really looking forward to this coming year. I believe that this year is truly going to be a year of new life for the New Life Center. Our name, given when this church was founded, is very significant and I believe we will begin to see the blessing in our name come forth this year. There is so much that God wants to do in and through us this year to release new life in us as well as to our family, friends, and coworkers.

I've been praying for the release of new life, healing, and the gifts of the Spirit in 2009. I want to encourage you all to pray that with me. Also, starting January 18-23, we will begin our corporate prayer and fasting time. We will kick off our prayer and fasting time Sunday evening, January 18, at 7:00 pm here at the church. Then all week long at 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm, the church will be open to come in and pray.

Keep in mind the scripture verse that has come to be part of our mission:
Acts 26:17-18 The Message
17-18"'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'

You got to love that verse.

Video's From Sunday

2008-12-21T12:14:00.001-05:00

Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

Comments Required

2008-12-18T09:15:00.003-05:00

I'm interested to hear comments on what you think about Obama picking Rick Warren to do is invocation at his inauguration. You can read an article on it here. Letme know what you think.

2008-12-18T08:56:00.002-05:00

I've heard this song before sung by Kim Walker. But this is the guy who wrote the song. Powerful testimony behind how it was written. Listen to it all and may your spirit be touched to know the power and love of Jesus Christ.

Ignorance Overcome by Knowledge

2008-12-17T12:10:00.003-05:00

After reading a blog by Paul Grabill, I have to admit how unknowledgable I am when it comes to Pentecostal History from the book of Acts on. (If you want to check out the blog he wrote click here.) There is so much to know and understand as Christians and we don't seem to care. I'm ashamed of my ignorance on a lot of our history. I believe it's time to do some studying. Lord, help me to learn Your ways and not my own. How You want things to run and not how I think they should. Amen.

What do you think?

Spiritual Muscle

2008-12-08T13:41:00.002-05:00

I have the privilege to coach 22 7th graders at Ford City Jr./Sr. High School the game of basketball. This recently got me thinking. When I played basketball, I did many drills to develop muscle memory. What is muscle memory you may ask? It's where you do something over and over again to where you can do it without even thinking about it. Your muscles just react to different situations. I would do dribbling drills, and shooting drills, to develop muscle memory so I could do them in my sleep if I had to. The only problem is I only developed certain muscles. I was happy with being able to dribble and shoot and never developed any other areas. It's kind of like a weightlifter who does his arms only. Eventually, his arms are huge and well sculpted, but his chest and legs, well lets just not go there. Or if someone only works on their upper body and gets cut but never does anything with their legs, you end up with string bean legs holding up a well built upper body.

Now I say all of this because we take this mentality into our walk with the Lord. We all have something in our walk with Jesus that we have done over and over again to the point that we can do it in our sleep. It may be praying. It may be fasting. It may be evangelizing. Etc. When problems come, we tend to rely on that muscle. The problem is that we do nothing to develop the other muscles to truly drive off the enemy. We may be good at praying but if we could develop the habit of fasting to go along with our prayer time, how much stronger we would become.

I am seeing in myself, where I have relied on the spiritual muscles that I have built up through the years but have forgotten about the other muscles that could help me fight the good fight. I so often turn to those built up muscles to help me fight the battle but sometimes the battle is greater than those muscles can take. Just like getting into a baskball game. I might be able to dribble around people and shoot really well but if I can't pass to open teamates then how effective will I be in the end? The battle of good and evil rages around us and we need to discipline ourselves to do the hard work to build these weaker muscles so that eventually, they will become a part of our lives.

This month and this coming year of 2009, let us begin to build the spiritual muscles that we have not touched in awhile. Develop the muscle to pray. The muscle to fast. The muscle to evangelize. The muscle to sit in silence. The muscle to read God's Word. Whatever muscle it may be. Then when a problem comes, instead of relying on what we always do, let us use these other spiritual muscles.

Can I get an "AMEN!" (This is probably where we gulp and wonder if we can do this and think that we probably can't. Yes, you can do this. As I tell my 7th graders in basketball we don't say can't. If I only taught them things they knew then what kind of coach would I be. The same goes for being a pastor. If I only challenged you in areas that are strengths, what kind of pastor would I be? You can do it and I believe that you will!)

Parable of Starbucks Marketing Like the Church

2008-12-04T09:09:00.002-05:00

This is something to think about when we ask ourselves what others might think about when they walk into our church.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-12-03T10:29:00.002-05:00

I have become a bad blogger. With the start of coaching basketball, the thanksgiving dinner we did for the community (which was very successful), starting small groups in January, studying for my sermon series on the Gifts of the Spirit, trying to buy a parking lot, I think that's it but I'm not sure, it has been tough to sit down and type my thoughts. I'm not complaining, just letting you all know what I've been doing.

Right now I would like to ask everyone for their prayers. We are in the process of possibly putting a bid on a building that burned down and is being cleaned up right now, to turn it into a parking lot. That's right. We are going to pave paradise and put up a parking lot. Well, it's not really paradise but it would be a great parking lot. I think the process might be a little easier if the guy who owns the area had just named a price but instead he has asked for us to bid on it. I don't know if we will get it because I've been told we are up against a bank and a local Ford City business, but God does and He will take care of everything. I've done my homework and now tonight I will present the information at a church business meeting for members/partners to decide if we are going to bid, how much to bid, and what to do if we are the winning bid.

I believe a parking lot would be very big in us breaking the growth barrier of 110 that we are at as a church and I know that God knows this. Satan knows this as well and would try to do anything to keep us from this. So, whether you are a member/partner, or just someone who calles New Life Center home, join me in praying for a parking lot and specifically, for this piece of ground that God would have His way and that Satan would be defeated in the process. It doesn't matter what giant (bank) might come our way, God can slay any giant.

Check it Out

2008-11-19T10:35:00.003-05:00

If you have a chance, I want to encourage you to check out Pastor Jeff Leake's blog "The Launchpad" and his blogs on Kingdom DNA. Or click here, here, here, and here. They are powerful and very insightful and what I want to instill in this church.

Let it Dawn on You!

2008-11-17T13:16:00.003-05:00

What a Sunday! I know I say that a lot but truly God began a great work yesterday in the NLC. I pray that you were touched and that this week you take time get to know who you are in Jesus, that you are part of the body of Christ, you are prophetic, you are a priest, and a conquering king.

I shared a word that the Lord layed on my heart yesterday morning while I was doing my devotions. It comes from Acts 12:1-12:
1It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. 8Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." 12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.

An angel of the Lord came and set Peter free from imprisonment. The chains fell off, they walked past the guards, and the iron gates opened by themselves so that they could get out. Yet Peter wasn't free until it dawned on him what had just happen. For awhile he thought he was dreaming. Too many in the church today think they are just dreaming. God is removing chains but we are not walking in the freedom that He is giving us. We are sleep walking thinking dreaming about what it will be like to be free. It is time that we wake up to realize what God has done through His Son Jesus. We are free! Free to be who God created us to be. Free to succeed and fail. Free to listen and hear the voice of God. The law of sin and death has no power over us because we have been redeemed by the shed blood of Jesus. We are riding on a ribbon of never ending grace. Grace that does not give us the right to deliberately go out and sin but grace that let's us pursue God and succeed and fail in this walk. It's how we continue to grow.

I want us to realize that it is time to wake up and know the freedom that is truly ours. It is not a dream. Until we learn, as the people of God, what freedom truly is, what difference are we going to make in a world that is bound by sin and death? I pray for the release of new life, healing, and the gifts of the Spirit in your life, that you may be whole in Jesus' name and know it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

What's in a Name?

2008-11-14T12:10:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful Friday! I am usually off today but I had to stay home with the kids this past Tuesday. It's kind of nice coming in here on Friday's because no one is here. I took time to pray for this Sunday and the Lord began to reveal somethings to me.

Recently I read somewhere, but I can't remember where, that the first blessing we speak over our children is their name. If you look through the Bible you will see the significance of the naming a child. Look at Jacob (Genesis 25:26). He lived out His name till the Lord changed it. Or what about Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9). Or how about Peter (John 1:42). Jesus changed his name to Peter for a very significant reason. Names are important.

Now I say all of that because I've been thinking about the name of the church New Life Center. Since I became pastor, I have often thought about changing the name of the church and that thought was even brought up again recently. As I see it, there really isn't a problem with the New Life part but there have been concerns about Center. Are we a Center or a Church? Does Center really tell people who we are or is it confusing? But as I was praying today the Lord showed me that our name is not a mistake. Our name has significance behind it, that goes back to when our church was founded in the late 70's. He spoke to me that we are going to bring New Life to the people right here in the Center of Ford City. That's right, our church is on 9th Street which is the center of town. We are not Main Street, that's a block over, but we are the center of Ford City. Amazing isn't it? Those who started our church, did they have this in mind when they named this church? I believe that we are going to begin to stand up becoming the Center of this area in bringing New Life. It's our destiny. It's written in our name! So our name is very significant. I can't see changing it.

I also began to speak the release of New Life in this church and this area, the release of healing in this church and this area, and the release of the Gifts of the Spirit in this church and this area. What an amazing time I had listening to the Lord as He began to impart to me the importance of our name. New Life Center, what a beautiful name that the Lord has given us. Be ready for what the Lord will do this Sunday. It's going to "Bless Your Socks Off!"

Check this Song Out...

2008-11-12T12:00:00.004-05:00

I enjoyed this song that Debby Fazekas sent me. Suzy (Wills) Yaraei sings this song and it is found on the MorningStar Worship & Warfare III CD. It may be a little different for you as far as how she worships, but the lyrics are powerful. She sings this song from the perspective of Mary, who anointed Jesus' feet and went to the tomb. But this song is something we could all sing about what Jesus has done for us. Listen.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

2008-11-10T10:53:00.004-05:00

What a Sunday! We have begun our new sermon series on "The Gifts of the Spirit." Yesterday, we looked at John 8:47 which says, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." I believe we all can hear from God and it starts with us belonging to Him. That means that we give our whole selves to Him and what He has for us. It means learning how to be in His presence every second of the day. What a powerful people we would be if we could learn to hear His voice and be lead by Him all day long. Please join me in praying for God to be glorified during this time. I assure you, He has something for us as we grow in this area.

Thoughts...

2008-11-05T14:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a monumental time in the history of the United States when Barack Obama was elected president. Whether the democratic or republican ticket won, history was going to be made as we would have our first black president or our first woman vice-president. I do not know what the future holds as far as politcs are concerned for this country. I do however know that Christ is still on the throne and He gives the power to rule and reign. Now is the time for the Church to arise and become a greater force in this country. It is time we stop trying to set people straight and start setting them free by introducing them to a relationship with Jesus. That was Jesus' whole life while He was on earth, to set people free. The only ones He set straight were the Pharisee's and other religious leaders of that day. And that was so that they might be set free.

We must become the light of the world. People need us to minister to them. Flickering flames will not cut it. We need men and women who are glowing by the power of the Holy Spirit. As Pastor Dan shared this past Sunday, we need to chip away all of the garbage (lies of the enemy, our past, pride, etc.) that has covered the gold within all of us. We need men and women, that no matter what happens in the years to come, have joy and peace knowing the truth that Jesus is in control. And who will let that shine forth not trying to hide it. My happiness and relationship with Jesus is not based on who is the president. It is based on the simple fact that Jesus loved me while I was still a sinner and died for me so that I might have a way to the Father and eternal life.

So how did you wake up this morning? Was it with a big "UGH!" or was it with a big "PRAISE THE LORD!" because Jesus is in control. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and His righteousness. Today is a great day because it is a day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it.

2008-10-27T09:08:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Amy Alabran for sending me this video. It goes along with this past months sermon series "Sent." It's powerful. Enjoy.

I'm Back...

2008-10-27T08:37:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm back. Last week I took a week of vacation to spend with my family and get somethings done around the house. What a relaxing and fun week. I got to spend a lot of time with Isaiah and Chloe. They enjoyed the week and I'm not sure how they will take this week now that dad is back to work. I'm excited to get back into things here at the office. Much to accomplish as we get ready for the launch of our small group system in January.

Enjoy this...

2008-10-18T20:16:00.001-04:00

I took this from Paul Grabill's blog. I thought it was funny in explaining Wall-Street

From an email...
If you have difficulty understanding the current world financial situation, the following should help clear matters... Once upon a time in a village in Africa, a man announced to the villagers that he would buy local monkeys for $10 apiece.The villagers seeing there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them.The man bought thousands at $10, but, as the supply started to diminish, the villagers slowed their efforts.So the man then announced that he would buy at $20. This rejuvenated the efforts of the villagers and they were catching monkeys once more.But again the supply diminished, and again people began returning to their farms and their previous, less affluent lives.The offer rate increased to $25 and the supply of monkeys became so little that it was rare to even see a monkey, let alone catch it!The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at $50! However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would now act as buyer, on his behalf.In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers: 'Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has collected. I will sell them to you at $30 each. When he returns from the city, you can sell them back to him for $50.'The villagers, seeing an opportunity to squeeze a bit more out of this monkey business dug up their savings and bought back all the monkeys.They never saw the man or his assistant again; only monkeys ... everywhere!Welcome to Wall Street

Learning...

2008-10-16T11:00:00.004-04:00

I am still excited when I think back to last week and the time Pastor Art and I had to learn about Spiritual Gifts. And I am still growing in how to see them come alive in my personal life. There has been so much dirt thrown on them through the years, that even though I believe in the gifts, I was afraid of them and didn't know how to use them. My vision of a well that has shovel fulls of dirt being thrown into it to fill it up and then a gusher of water, like Old Faithful, bursting forth is exciting to me because I believe it is a picture of ushering in the gifts in a powerful way in this church. Then we will begin to minister out of the overflow of the anointing and not out of the bottom of the barrel. Not that we are doing that now, but in order for the church to grow healthy and strong you need worship, teaching, and the gifts to flow together.

Something that has come alive to me even more so now, is the command to die to myself and pick up my cross and follow Him. It seems the biggest problem in our churches today is that we are not really dieing to oursleves. We still have so much concern for how others see us, how we look, what will entertain us, that it hinders us from truly being a light for Jesus. Think about that. One person put it like this, we need a spiritual martyrdom, the killing of self, for His glory. Then we can truly begin to experience the gifts of the Spirit in an even greater way. I know that this is hard because I still wrestle with wanting to fit in but this is where knowing who we are in Jesus needs to take precedent over what this world thinks of me. In Jesus, we are princes and princesses, we are heirs, we are His workmanship, and so much more.

Lord, help us to overcome this world and the desires we have to want to fit in with it. Give us desires that draw us nearer to You and lead us to be a greater evangelist. This community needs You and it needs us to begin to represent You and the characteristics that go along with a life that is founded in You. Lead the way and may we all follow. Amen.

For the Pastor's Wife

2008-10-14T10:07:00.002-04:00

I thought this video was very thought provoking (and funny). I am going to watch what I say and always be sure to talk to Bethany before I say anything about her. I love you Bethany.

My Tuesday Morning...

2008-10-07T14:59:00.002-04:00

I am in Carlisle listening to David Lim speak on the "Gifts of the Spirit." He talked about how ALL of us can use ALL of the gifts. It was powerful. He talked about the fact that no one has a certain gift. You know what I mean? Some people say they have the gift of prophecy or healing but that is an untrue statement. The correct statement would be that they operate in those gifts more than other people and other gifts but they do not have that gift or possess that gift. Remember, God possesses all of the gifts and gives them out to all. If we are willing to seek the Lord and be ready to listen and be used any time, we can operate in any of the gifts.

In fact, after he taught, we took time to worship the Lord and listen to what He would speak to all of us. David Lim wrote down somethings that he felt God was speaking and then he had us share what we thought God was speaking. Do you know what? Everyone was hearing the same things. Do you know what else? Even I heard from the Lord.

I have to admit that I had fear when it came to the "Gifts of the Spirit." But that fear came from an improper view of the "Gifts." As I am learning about the "Gifts," I am beginning to better understand them and my part in seeing them operate in my life.

Oh, and what God showed me was that He was going to bring healing in the use of the Gifts of the Spirit to the church. This was shared many different ways today so I knew that God had spoken to me. It was very exciting. Oh and when I heard this, I didn't get goose bumps or feel like I was taken to a super natural plain. It was just something that the Lord dropped into my heart. It was awesome. Then when we began to worship the Lord again, the Lord dropped this in my heart, "Victory is in Jesus!" I am so excited. I am overcoming fear and learning how to truly see the "Gifts" at work in my life. Praise the Lord! And I can't wait to share with you all that I'm learning and begin to see the "Gifts" at work in all of your lives as well. Remember this prophetic word: "VICTORY IS IN JESUS!"

Somebody get your PRAISE on!

In the beginning...

2008-10-07T14:57:00.001-04:00

I keep seeing this video posted on some different blogs and I think it is funny so I wanted to share it with all of you. Let me know what you think.

The Great Debate

2008-10-03T22:15:00.000-04:00

I took time to watch the vp debate. An interesting point made by Gov. Palin was when she said that it was time Americans learned how to live within their means. I don't think you hear a lot of people saying that in the government. But I do believe that would help us a whole lot more than getting bigger paychecks, though that is nice. We do not know how to be happy with whatever we have like the apostle Paul talks about. We always want to be like the next person that looks like they are living the high life. Happines does not come from money. It comes from Jesus. If we could be happy with a decent wage, and by decent wage I mean a wage that meets our basic needs, what might that do for us?

Lesson Learned

2008-10-01T10:10:00.003-04:00

Monday as we joined together for noon time prayer 1 Samuel 15 was brought up. (Noon time prayer is where a couple different churches and pastors get together to pray for this community. It has been going on everyday at 12:00pm since September 2007.)

1 Samuel 15 is all about God telling Saul to go and completely destroy the Amalekites. Instead of completely destroying them, Saul saves the king and some animals. This is the beginning of the end of Saul's reign. He disobeyed God.

Saul wanted to sacrifice some of the animals to God. Sounds good, doesn't it? I began to wonder what I might do if I was put in that same position. Would I look at all of the animals and think of how they could bless the poor? Would I want to spare the children because they are only children? It lead me to think of how many times we compromise God's Word in the name of helping others.

As a believer in Jesus, I believe gambling is wrong. But, when someone wins the lottery, which is gambling, and they want to give the church a chunk, if not all of it, am I going to take it? Recently, a church received a winning lottery ticket from someone who had won. Sounds like a blessing, and maybe it was. Or maybe they compromised their belief that gambling is wrong because it benefited them in a tremendous way? I don't know. I don't know what I would do given the same situation. Yes, it could help the poor around the world, but at what cost. My only thought is am I opening the door to give Satan a foothold, just like Saul did, when I compromise what I know is right and wrong.

I know that God can do whatever He wants and use whatever He wants. I just wonder if we are being tested to see if we will compromise or hold to what we believe is truth. Holding to what we believe is true goes further, than compromising who I am and what I believe as a follower of Christ. I believe it would bring a greater blessing. And think of the example set if that winning lottery ticket was burned up or cashed in and the money burned up. Maybe it would look crazy and be crazy. Or maybe people would see that Christians will not compromise, even if when it benefits us to compromise. It might turn the world upside down.

Just some thoughts. What do you think?

Thought for Today

2008-09-25T13:59:00.005-04:00

A thought occured to me yesterday. As a pastor, and having pastor friends, it seems easier to fire people up by telling them you are changing the building, ministry, music, etc. than you can fire them up to tell their friends about Jesus. I think that is crazy. It should not matter how things are changed but only that we are running after Jesus and wanting to see souls saved.

I'm really stirred up about the passion I have and the church has for our missing brothers and sisters (those who don't know Jesus yet). I've been taking a good look at myself to see where I'm at in sharing the love of Christ and I'm finding out that I'm not where I need to be. And when you hear the stories of the church in America and how people care more for (see list above) we should all be ashamed. Our hearts should beat for those who do not know Jesus. We should be doing whatever we can to tell others about Jesus. If that is changing the building, then change the building. If that is creating a better discipleship process, then create a better discipleship process. Let's get focused on the real issues. Let's get fired up to tell people about Jesus and His delivering power that can set people free.

Lord, forgive me for my lack of passion for those who do not know you yet. Forgive me for focusing on other things and caring more for those things than I do these brothers and sisters. Give me a great boldness to proclaim the gospel. Give me the understanding that this world is not my home I'm just passing through. And give me the grace to not lose the fire once it catches flame and to let it spread and spur on those in the church. Amen.

What do you think?

My Weekend

2008-09-22T13:52:00.002-04:00

Well, what a weekend. My wife enjoyed the Penn/Del pastors wives retreat. Her, Billie, and Chloe, set off Friday at around 1 pm. After they left, Isaiah and I got ready and went to cut great grandpa's grass. Isaiah loves watching me cut grass. When I was done, he helped sweep the grass off of the sidewalk. Great grandma gave him a dollar to get a pop when we went shopping. It was fun.

This pic is from Saturday night. Him and I love drinking homemade strawberry milkshakes which consists of strawberry ice cream and milk. He got his cup and his fancy straw, layed down in front of the tv to watch Camp Rock Freestyle Jam. I thought it was cool how he set everything up and had to take a pic.

It was a great weekend. We failed to catch the Wiggles but did get to watch the Imagination Movers Saturday morning. I enjoyed the time with him but missed Bethany and Chloe. It's good to have them all home again. Isaiah would agree.

Check this Out

2008-09-22T13:30:00.002-04:00

Check out this blog here. It is written by Paul Grabill, the assistant district superintendant of the Assemblies of God here in PA/Del. I thought it was interesting and something to think about.

2008-09-18T09:02:00.003-04:00

I've been battleing a cold this week. Monday, I never made it to work. Tuesday, I didn't feel like doing much. Yesterday, I had to catch up. And Today, I get ready for the weekend. This weekend it will be just me and my son. Bethany and Chloe and Billie will be heading to the Penn/Del pastors wives retreat. It should be a great time for them as well as for us guys. Isaiah and I will be able to do guy things like watch the Wiggles, maybe some Doodlebops, hopefully some football, and do a birthday party for his cousin. He might even sneek some sleep time with dad. It should be really fun.

Yesterday, in my devotions, I read through the book of Joel. These verses in chapter 2 stuck out to me. 12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. I've been meditating on the significance of this verse. It made me think of myself and also those who have fallen recently. If we are truly tearing our hearts open and not just our clothes, God will answer us. But has the recent fallings of some well-known Christians happened because of them not truly opening their heart to God everyday?

I think of how I respond in worship and in my prayer time. And I question myself with am I truly tearing my heart open for Jesus to come and fill it or am I only tearing my clothes? Am I looking real good on the outside but on the inside I'm full of dead men's bones?

Genesis 4:7 says, "7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Sin is crouching at my door. It's crouching at your door, waiting for an opening. If we are not willing to rend our hearts to Jesus everyday, taking time to fast, weep, and mourn, where will any of us be in a few days, weeks, years? We need to be aware that Satan is prowling around looking for anyone he may devour. Put on the full armor of God. Keep the fallow ground plowed. Keep your heart open to Jesus. Put your whole self into your relationship with Jesus. Jesus will never fail you.

September 11

2008-09-11T11:49:00.002-04:00

On this day, we are reminded of what happened 7 years ago. I don't know where you were or what you were doing but I can say it is probably something that is ingrained in your memory. I was still living at my parents at the time. I had gotten up like any other day, did my devotions, fixed myself up, and headed to work. Elyn, my secretary was crying and I had no idea why. She began to explain what had happened. I couldn't believe it. I had such a weird feeling inside. It was supposed to be a day of celebration, as the Riggle family was getting together in the evening to celebrate my Grandma Riggle's birthday. It turned out to be a very solemn occassion. Bethany and I were just friends at the time but she called me because she was a little nervous about what was going on.

These memories are so vivid as I think back. I don't remember a lot of things as years go by, but that is one time where everything is burned into my memory.

So what about you? Do you remember where you were and what you were doing?

Many prayer meetings and vigils took place here in Ford City. And some continued on for a few years in rememberance. But like most things, it gets forgotten and does not take on as much meaning as it did when it first happened. We go back to living our lives but do we actually? Or like other things that have happened in history, do we just sweep it under the carpet and not truly recognize the sacrifice that many families were forced to make because of this tragedy, not to mention the sacrifices that many families are still making as the war on terror continues. America still needs us to remember. America still needs us to pray. Not just on September 11, but everyday.

Let us wake up to the reality that our time is short and we do not know the day or hour when our time will come. But I pray that whenever that day and hour is, we will be found doing the Lord's work.

What a Wednesday!

2008-09-11T11:41:00.003-04:00

We had a great time yesterday making 800 and some hoagies. If you want to get to know people in our church, there is nothing like getting together and making hoagies. You learn about people and can grow as a family. Family is important in this church. But, be reminded, we are not an exclusive family. We invite all to be a part of our family. If you missed out on all of the fun, don't worry, another hoagie sale is only months away. (This is only a few of the many who helped out.)

Relish the Small Beginnings...

2008-09-08T11:08:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I shared my heart and vision for wanting to see our church become a church of small/home groups. This will consist of changing the way we do small/home groups now, as well as how we do Wednesday night. Those two things will become obsolete as we pursue redefining how we do ministry. In their place, will be small/home groups that will run in 12 week segments, like college classes. I am praying for 5 group leaders to be ready to lead their groups by January 2009. Each group will be designed to minister to 20 people, no more. The 5 groups will be set up to teach a different course and some maybe the same course just at a different time. If you got a questionnaire on Sunday and did not get a chance to fill it out, please take time to fill it out and get it back to me. If you are interested in being a leader, please let me know.

I believe that, with everyones cooperation, this will become a greater tool in discipling people in their relationship with Christ. It will encourage relationships and intamacy on a smaller scale. It will encourage growth on a personal level. It will build us up and prepare us for ministry to the body. Most importantly, I pray that it gets ALL of us involved.

I am learning to relish the small beginnings of where we are going as a church. January is closer than you think when you begin to realize how much preparation is still to be done so that we are ready for this transition. My heart can get caught up in wanting to see a great turn around today by 5:00pm. (Just an illustration.) God's agenda is to see His idea thought out and prepared with excellence through the talents and gifts that He has given each of us. Small beginnings help build a strong foundation for the future.

I know this will take time to get used to but with God's help, we will. Please, be praying. It's about people becoming fully mature followers of Christ. Be blessed as we continue this journey.

My Heart is Still Breaking...

2008-09-02T10:27:00.002-04:00

This video shows us why it is so important to be transparent. I know that it can be very difficult to own up to the sin in our lives but it is so important. If we want to be healthy spritually, mentally, and physically we need to confess our sin so that we can overcome it.

Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

We all struggle with different sins, but we must remember and not be fooled that our sin will lead to death if we are unwilling to repent (turn away from) and let God wash over us. I included verse 11 because it is our hope. It lets us know that we can overcome the things mentioned in verse 9 and 10. There is hope and His name is Jesus!

Can we please learn how to be a church where people can be transparent and find the healing they need? Where people can admit their problems to others without getting the stares of death and surprise.

It seems like the true church arises from one black eye only to get hit again and put down because of people not knowing the Word of God and not wanting to deal with their problems. We have unscriptural prophecies, deception from Todd Bentley and others, and it is hurting people. The cause of Christ will go on and will not be stopped. The problem is the blind leading the blind. Lord, give us salve so that we all can see so that we can lead others to You.

Problem Stalker

2008-08-28T13:41:00.003-04:00

It's been a week since I blogged last. Where does time go? I sat down to blog yesterday and ran out of time. I really enjoy blogging and receiving comments, I just get so busy doing other things that I forget to share my thoughts.

I've been wrestling with a lot of issues this week. One thing that I've found out about myself is that I can be a Problem Stalker. That's right... I stalk problems. Instead of just taking them to the Lord in prayer, I stalk them with stealth like reflexes. I ask questions of others to help me find more info about the problem. I think through all possible avenues of what a conversation might be with the person who has the problem. I think, and think, and think, through the problem till I can't sleep at night. Why? If I would learn to cast my cares (anxieties) upon Jesus because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7), I would be a better, not to mention more effective, leader. And since Jesus is the head of this church, it's up to Him to navigate each problem anyway. So pray that I can break away from being a problem stalker and learn to trust Jesus for everything. Slowly but surely, I'm learning. Not to mention that I named my year learning to trust in who Jesus says He is. God will always bring you through things that you are asking Him to bring you through. It just doesn't always look like you would like it to.

In Response to Previous Post

2008-08-21T15:19:00.002-04:00

My dad sang to me a song that he thinks about when things like what I mentioned in the previous come about. It's an old hymn that I've heard before but he has most hymns memorized and quote and play them from memory. It's a verse in the hymn "Stand Up for Jesus." It goes, Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you Ye dare not trust your own. That is a powerful statement from an old hymn. I think we need to think about that as we think about what has happened with these men.

My Heart is Breaking...

2008-08-21T13:44:00.003-04:00

I'm struggling with something today and I'm going to share with you all what that is. I'm struggling with the situation that has come out about Todd Bentley having an "unhealthy relationship" with a female coworker and stepping down from ministry, Terry MacAlmon (he is a piano player who we listen to sometimes while we are praying at church) having an affair and stepping down from ministry, and now Mike Guglielmucci (the guy who wrote the song Healer) not really having a terminal form of cancer and stepping down from ministry. What is going on?

What's even more devestating is those who will be devestated because of the news of these 3 gentleman. But something the Lord showed me today that I need to be careful and that we all need to be careful of is this, God will seperate the sheep from the goats Matthew 25:33. The Lord revealed to me though that we will know who the goats are because unlike sheep, goats will eat anything. You name it and a goat will eat it or try and eat it. Now I'm not calling myself a goat, nor am I calling anyone else a goat. What I am saying is this, we need to be careful what we buy into so that we are not deceived. And being deceived is so easy. I mean look at the song Healer. That is a powerful song. The story behind it was inspiring. I don't think there was anyone who would have ever thought he was making up that story. But here it is, he was lying and we've been deceived.

The main point that I want to make through this post is that we cannot look at man, no matter what gifts they might be operating in, as "Superman" or "The Man." I think we as Americans can tend to gravitate to those who look like they have power and prestige, instead of drawing nearer to God. Remember, we are just a bunch of cracked pots that God fills up for His glory. It isn't about Craig Riggle becoming incorporated to house the anointing that God has given me. It's about Craig becoming less and Christ becoming greater and receiving ALL (John 3:30).

So be encouraged to follow Christ and in Jesus' name we will not be deceived. We will just drop to our knees in prayer for these men that they may be restored.

Pics at the Park

2008-08-21T11:19:00.002-04:00

This is a pic of Isaiah saying "Cheese" while we were playing at the park in Kittanning. He wanted to go for a bike ride with his dada, and so we did. That bike ride lead us to the park and what a fun time we had. He's a little trooper. He's learning a lot as he grows. He told me last night that he wanted to play basketball, football no, basketball. Precious times. My prayer is that I can learn to enjoy them. I can't let everything around me get me bogged down that I forget to enjoy these times of going to the park and the things that he says to his dada. I don't want to miss out on what the Lord is doing in building our father-son relationship. Because after all, he will get his perception of who Christ is in how I live and act. Lord, help me be a good dada.

On another note, I was able to go to ARC Manor yesterday. There was a person there who wanted to meet with a pastor. When I walked in the person was expecting an older gentleman but here was me. They were a little hesitant to open up but then shared how their spouse used to tell them you can know where God is leading you if you will pay attention to the people He puts around you. I was thinking the person was talking about divine appointments and so I shared with them that me meeting with them was a divine appointment. I used to go to ARC Manor when they needed me, but since Chloe was born and Bethany got a job outside of the house, I have to be home to watch the kids at 3:00 so that she can take the car and go to work. Well, this week Bethany is off, so when ARC Manor called me up, I said that I was able to come yesterday. If the person had been there any other week I would not have been able to come, so I encouraged them that I really felt that God wanted them to keep pursuing Him when they got out of ARC Manor. I prayed with the person and then left. But isn't it awesome how God works.

Pictures from VBS

2008-08-18T13:49:00.002-04:00

Herb Reefer, pastor of First Presbeterian Church in Ford City
This is me with red hair. You can't really see the red but it was there.
This is Curt Sirwell getting a mohawk. Yes, I do some barbering on the side.
Craig Peterson, pastor of the Allegheny Charge of United Methodist churches.
Alice Miller, volunteer.

Why do these people have mohawks and colored hair? To raise money for biosand filters. If the kids could raise over $500 dollars Curt and Pastor Craig Peterson were going to get mohawks. As the money increased, a few of us jumped on board to keep things rolling. At the end of the week the children had raised over $750. We averaged about 50 kids a day. Praise the Lord. We also had a great backpack giveaway where we were able to give away around 50 backpacks. What a week. I'm a little tired but thankful to God for all that He did this past week. And there's more.

Two women who helped out with VBS last week came to church this past Sunday and surrendered their lives to Jesus. The example people from the churches and the children set for them encouraged them to get back into church and Jesus. Praise the Lord! I can't thank the Lord enough for all that He did this past week. A relationship with Jesus is truly an exciting adventure.

What a Week!

2008-08-16T11:43:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. It has been a busy week with VBS, but what a week it was. I started out a little slow. I love VBS and getting to clown around with kids, but it took a day or two for me to get into it. But once I got geared up to show and tell these kids about Jesus, it was on. Throw in a day that I helped Pastor Art move around 9o0 pound dryers for his laundrymats and I'm exhausted. But no time to rest now, I have the Back Pack Giveaway to get ready for. So keep all that is going on in your prayers and I will post some pics on here as soon as I can.

Hidden Sackcloth 2

2008-08-07T08:26:00.003-04:00

In 2 Kings 6, it talks about two women who were going to eat their babies because of a severe famine in the land. When the king of Israel heard this, it disturbed him and he put on sackcloth and was walking on the wall. As people got closer to him on the wall, they could see the sackcloth under his royal robes. Now you have to understand, sackcloth was worn to mourn and in repentance. So to have it on meant something was wrong. Here the king of Israel has it on because of what is going on in Israel, but he doesn't want anybody to know. But as they get closer, they can see it.

This is what happens in todays church. We have so much hurt and pain and need for repentance, but instead of admitting it, we try and hide it under a facade. The problem is though, as people get closer to us they can see that their is a problem. And yet most of the time we are still unwilling to admit it. Why? If we really and truly believe that Jesus brings freedom to the captives, hope to the hopeless, love for the brokenhearted, then why is the church full of people captive, hopeless, and brokenhearted? It's because we are unwilling to admit things. Can we not overcome our pride and admit when their is a problem, a failure in our life, and find the help we need in Jesus and others? Can we not cry out to Jesus in church and not care what others think?

We must all be willing to get close to others in this day and age so that we can spur one another on. It is to easy to rely on email, text messaging, etc. and not see people face to face or hear a voice. But we are never going to escape our need for fellowship and interaction with others. We must become honest with ourselves and with others so that we can find the true healing and freedom that Jesus brings. I believe as we can do this, we will see healing in the marriages and relationships that have been strained through the years. Now is not the time to be a lone ranger. Now is the time to enter into fellowship.

It's in fellowship that we learn and grow in being strong men and women of God. It's in fellowship that we can learn and grow to be a better husband/wife to our spouse. It's in fellowship that we can learn and grow in being a better father/mother to our child. We all need taught in all of these areas, if we would only have a teachable spirit and be willing to seek Jesus and get involved with others so that we can ask questions. To not ask questions is to never understand and truly grasp what is being taught. Let's not hide our pain. Let's bring it out into the open and get through it.

Lord, I repent for the times that I have reacted wrongly when being confided in. I realize that as a human, I can say and do some pretty dumb things. But I pray that you will help me and everyone overcome these tendancies so that we could be used by You to bring help to those who are hurting. May I and everyone else grow in being a true friend and someone that others can confide in. We all need relationships, first with You most importantly, and then with others. Give us a desire to grow in our relationship with You and with others. May we no longer hide our troubles and struggles but admit them so that we can overcome them. Satan will no longer hold us down, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Hidden Sackcloth

2008-08-06T14:03:00.002-04:00

I worked under a pastor that once said to me that as a pastor you will have days where you go through every emotion that you can think of. There has been many things to be excited about here at the NLC but I have to admit that there is a major concern I have... marriages. I am hearing far to many stories of church going people who are ending marriages that have been together for 5, 10, 25, even 40 years. My heart breaks as I hear the reasons why? And most of the reasons come from lack of communication which leads to lack of knowing one's role. You've heard it spoken negatively but there is truly something to "Know your role." A thought that came from todays noon time prayer was that America is filled with babies marrying babies then having babies. Nobody is being taught their role in a marriage (attention parents) and no one, once they are married, is talking about what their role is in the marriage. Everyone just has a thought of what their spouse is supposed to do. Husbands take out the garbage and mow the lawn. Wives cook and clean. Trouble arises when one of the spouses doesn't do what we think they are supposed to do. There is no written code that says that the above mentioned is how a marriage is to operate. But instead of talking through issues like this and being willing to humble ourselves and admit a weakness, we argue and fight to the detriment of the marriage and any children that may be involved. We become critics of the other saying things like "You are lazy" and "I can't live with you anymore" and many other horrible things. There is no team work and no compromise.
When there is communication and each of us is willing to share issues we have, then things can be worked out. I really feel like the church has become a place where we hide the real issues in our lives and put on a facade so that no one knows the pain inside. There are people right now in the NLC that are struggling in their marriage, their walk with the Lord, etc. and you wouldn't even know it. It's breaking my heart the pride that we have in us that we are unwilling to go to a pastor or elder or counselor or whoever to find help working through our issues.
Please join me in praying for marriages. Satan is truly trying to rip the family apart and I'm seeing it more and more right in front of me. Lord, help men and women to begin to communicate and work together. May their be humility and healing in every marriage that is in turmoil right now. That each family will become strong once again. Amen. More on this later.

Church is not the Building

2008-08-05T12:32:00.004-04:00

After reading a post by Jack Thomas, someone I played basketball against in college but am now just getting the opportunity to know and truly appreciate, I think I need to write what has been on my heart. Church isn't a building. So when people say this or that church is dead, they are talking about people, since we already know that buildings are not living beings. Unless it is a transformer, just kidding. When you begin to say things like this, I think we also need to take a look at our own life and see if we are bringing any life into the building.

It is becoming something that really irritates me when I hear that our church, specifically, is dying. (Not that I've heard this recently.) Because when I look out at the people we have in our congregation, I see people who want to do what God has called them to do. They may be a little scared or feel overwhelmed over the task ahead but they want to pursue the adventure that is living for Jesus Christ. I see people committing themselves to being part of and making others feel welcome to our OHANA. We are beginning to unite through vision and the sky is the limit. So, I don't for a minute think that we are a dead church. (Yes, we have had our share of difficulties the past 8 years, but we are overcoming them one at a time and will continue to overcome them and become all that God has called us to be.)

The people who say such statements should really check themselves. Because the only dead church their can be is a dead individual, since we are the church. I'm challenged by this thought. It is so easy to look on the outside of things and say that this or that church is dying instead of looking at myself and seeing what I might be able to do to help bring life to that church and that pastor. Yes, we have to be honest when their are struggles but it should never lead us to pull the plug on the people who make up any church. The King always has another move! He can breathe life into dead, dry bones, as He did in Ezekiel's case. And He can do it for churches today. PRAISE THE LORD!

Lord, continue to breathe life into the NLC and the churches here in Ford City and Kittanning. May we not put down or pull the plug on any church but begin to see through your eyes of life. Let us live lives that would help bring life into places that seem to be dying. The atmosphere is changing and your glory is filling this place. Let it be. Amen.

Check this Video Out

2008-08-05T12:14:00.001-04:00

This song appears on the new Hillsong CD "This is Our God."

Memories

2008-08-04T09:43:00.003-04:00

What a Sunday. This morning I heard a testimony of how well people thought yesterday went. We are still looking at Overhaulin: Rethinking Church, with our goal being bringing unity through everyone having a common vision for our community. It's exciting seeing what God is doing through this series.

I also got my new phone. A palm centro. I'm enjoying it as it helps me organize my life without having to carry a bunch of gadgets around. And with email and internet access, I'm connected everywhere.

On a lighter note, last night I got to watch DC Studio? or something like that on the Disney channel. It had the Disney actors join with the Muppets. For those of you who don't know, and don't laugh, God used Animal to draw me to the drums. When I was little, I loved Animal and how he played the drums. He was a big factor in me wanting to learn how to play the drums. So last night the family sat down and watched the show. It was beautiful. The sad part though was when it was over, Isaiah turned to me and wanted me to turn the Muppets on again. He thought I had turned the channel and I had to explain to him that the show was over. The Muppets and their drawing factor for the Riggle's. Can't wait till next week.

Thought for a Tuesday

2008-07-29T14:25:00.000-04:00

In studying about the early church I came across a story about a pagan actor who becomes a Christian. He realized that he had to change his employment because most plays encouraged immorality and were steeped in pagan idolatry, not to mention that they turned boys into homosexuals so that they could better play the roles of women on stage (women were not allowed to act at that time). *Note: does this sound like present day? This man had no other job skills. He knew he could not act because of the above mentioned so he thought he would begin to teach drama to non-Christian students. But before he did this, he submitted his idea to the leaders of his church to get their thoughts. *Note: imagine if this took place today, how would our lives be different? The church leaders told him if acting was an immoral profession then he could not train others to do it. The church leaders wanted to make sure they had given him good advice so they wrote to another church where Cyprian was the pastor (I've said that I thought the pastor of this church was Polycarp but I was wrong it is Cyprian). Cyprian agreed with their advice, even though it was his sole means of support. But he went further in his advice back to this church. He said that they needed to be willing to support this man, since he was giving up his sole means of employment. If they couldn't, then send the man down to his church and they would support him.

There are a lot of things to think about in this story. First, the man wanted to get away from his profession because of how evil it was. Second, he sought advice from his church leaders on what to do. Third, I believe (the story doesn't say) that he went along with the churches advice. Fourth, the church took care of him since he was giving up his sole means of support. In todays day and age, this is not what happens at all. I don't think any of the 4 things I mentioned above are done, though I believe there is something for us in doing what the actor did.

We don't want to give up worldly pleasures. We do not want to ask the church for advice on what to do or how to handle a situation. Besides, we would not follow the advice given anyway, especially if it is something that we really wanted to do. We are a society that does whatever we want to do. The church is to legalistic, and in some cases this is true, to ask for advice and get a Holy Spirit inspired answer.

How far we have fallen from the early church. The book of Acts sets the example and through the centuries, we have watered it down. The church is not a living breathing body of believers, it is just a building. A relationship with Christ isn't attractive, but burdensome and not worth our time. The Bible isn't living and active but an irrelevant book that has nothing for us today. Praying takes time but if God had a cell phone so I could text Him, it would be better for me. This has become the American Christian's way of thinking. Where is the love? Where is the unity? Where is the one accord that we read about in Acts? It's only a 180 degree turn away. In another words, repentance is what is needed to bring us back to the model that Christ gave us in the book of Acts. What do you think?

Monday, Monday...

2008-07-28T16:18:00.000-04:00

Well, get ready to receive your email newsletter. I am on a completely different newsletter program that is offered on the internet and I'm pretty excited about it.

On another note, I received this in an email newsletter that I get from a pastor in Delaware. I believe it will make us all think in a good way. Blessings on this Monday!

Cleaning Up Your Act
by Rubel Shelly

When I was in junior high, a lady offered me some tropical fish. When I told my mother of the offer, she was willing. But we needed an aquarium.

It was actually my mother’s idea to be creative at that point. She recalled an old-fashioned gas pump that was rusting in an open field. Most of you aren’t old enough to remember, but gasoline pumps used to have big glass containers at the top. A manual lever pumped gas from the underground tank into a glass cylinder. Then you put the hose into your car’s gas tank, and gravity did the rest.

Sure enough, the glass in the abandoned gas pump was unbroken. We asked for and received permission to retrieve it. And the two of us set about to create the perfect environment for our soon-to-arrive tropical fish.

Only when we got it home did we realize how nasty the tank was. But we scrubbed and cleaned. Then we put in colored gravel, some plants, and an aerator. I claimed the fish and put them in their new environment. A nasty glass tank had become the ideal new home for seven beautiful and delicate creatures.

The next morning, two were belly-up. By the end of the day, two or three more had died. And by the following morning, not one was still alive. We knew we had done something wrong but had no idea what. So I went back to the lady who had given them to us and told her with embarrassment what had happened.

As I was explaining all our fuss and bother with creating just the right aquarium environment, she interrupted and said she knew what the trouble was. We had washed the tank with detergent, and that is an absolute no-no when dealing with such delicate creatures. Our uninformed efforts at trying to create something beautiful had killed what we were trying to receive and showcase.

Sometimes we do a very similar thing in families, work environments, or churches. In our zeal to clean up our lives or those of others, we use caustic cleansers – harsh criticism, nagging, condemnation, outbursts of temper. We think we are doing right and defending decency. But our harsh treatment of an immature child or fragile personality is more than some souls can bear.
Churches are notorious for being so caustic with a neophyte’s problem with drugs or a family’s breakup that the tender and still-in-formation people involved die to faith from the treatment they receive. Then people on the outside who see all the dead bodies floating to the surface (reasonably!) decide they want nothing to do with church. They don’t want to subject themselves to the same caustic process they have seen kill others.

All our acts need to be cleaned up. But accountability with patience and gentle encouragement are far better cleansers than judgment and scolding.

Rubel Shelly is a Preaching Minister at the Woodmont Hills Church of Christ. This article is from the July 21, 2008 issue of “The FAX of Life,” his weekly message, found at http://www.rubelshelly.com.

Perception

2008-07-24T14:18:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday, I talked about how our perception keeps us going or causes us to doubt and be depressed. So many times we start the day walking in faith and then by the end of the day we are looking at our circumstances and taking our eyes off of Jesus. Even as a church, we can start out with vision for the future but as the struggles come and we don't see immediate results we begin to doubt, get frustrated, and maybe even begin to think the church is dying or just not going anywhere.

We looked at Peter in Matthew 14:29-30 AMP, where it says, "29He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. 30But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]! Peter started out well but then let his perception be taken off of the Lord and on to his surroundings. This lead to him beginning to sink. Our perception is important in living by faith.

Hebrews 11:1 AMP tells us, "1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Now that last statement that I bolded and changed the color is a note from the Amplified Bible but it paints the picture of how our faith truly works. We cannot look at this world with our natural senses. We must look at everything through eyes of faith. And let the Holy Spirit help us in perceiving our every day situations.

Sunday, we will continue "OVERHAULIN: Rethinking Church" by looking at vision and it's importance. Look forward to seeing you all there.