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.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What Do You Think...
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?
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?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Where Does the Time Go...
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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
My Cross Looks Better than Mine
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.
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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Challenging Video
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.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
G20 Prayer Summit
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.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
10 Things that Could Keep Your Church from Being All it Could Be
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.
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.
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