Bluetooth

Just figured out how to link my computer to my headset via bluetooth. Awesome.

Now I can listen to whatever through my headset!

How cool, I love technology. Listening to s sermon right now as I type!

mymarriageisdead

The site is almost done. Man is it awesome. Our fall series kicks off Sept 7th. www.mymarriageisdead.com hopefully the site is live this Saturday.

We have 6 billboards up on Monday, and 25000 mailers going out. BE in prayer that this series will draw and change lives for the kingdom.

I believe with all my heart in John 10:10. Jesus came so that we can have life to the full, in abundance. He wants people to have above average marriages. It can happen when Jesus is the center.

Sad Event

It is always sad to see a young man die. Sad to say that Greg Laurie son, Christopher, died this week in a tragic car wreck. He was the art director for Harvest Church in California. Harvest has had an awesome impact on Southern Cal, as well as the globe for the kingdom.

Pray for the family.

freecreditreport.com

I know the commercials get on your nerves, but its a great thing to do. Dave Ramsey has helped us pay off all of our credit cards off this year. We are down to just home loan and Suburban payment. We are working to get it sold as well.

Interesting though on my credit report I found some mistakes. An account shown as open from a few years ago. Closing that baby! and a few others that I am working on.

It is amazing how many things are set by your credit report. Now if I could only change my driving record....

nuts and bolts

We start an awesome sermon series tomorrow! Cant wait to get into it. We are getting back to some basics. Down to the nuts and bolts

Invite a friend here. Tomorrow we are looking at priorities vs commitments. So easy to get out of alignment.

You wont want to miss it!

Black History

I know that July inst Black History month, but it has been for me. Lately I have been really stirred at the racial tension sour country has been a part of for so long. It is very unfortunate, especially in the church.

Many Christians have what I call passive prejudice. They aren't in any way supportive of any kind of white supremacist movements, yet they have this underlying issue with other races.

I have been reading a ton online about the history of the Civil Rights movement. I am amazed about how many people took action about such injustice.

I applaud them. And I wonder if there are as many people today with the same kind of character.

last years Baptism

Just reminiscing about last years service. So awesome. This years should be up and running in two Sundays!

Our amazing tech team

Not sure who did this on our team, but I love it

It is a compilation of the last three years series. I love it!

Frustrated with oil costs

Saw this video today, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I am not an economist...
but I dont like the fact we use so much stinking foreign oil.

Lets do something.

I think T Boone here, might have some insight.

Thanks Rob for sharing this.

Future church planters

I have had opportunity to sit down with several guys this week who are looking to plant churches in the future. What a great time to chat about what God has done, and is wanting to do in the future.

I meet with some college students today for coffee, and really enjoyed being with them. One young man named Brandon is really going to do well as a church planter. Excited to see where God is taking him.

I wasnt able to join with ARC to church plant simply because I didnt know about it until we were already up and running, but I love it. Check it out if your considering launching soon.

Podcast

Tech issues for sure this weekend. Not only did we have Gomer announcing she was a whore, as the opening video began, and the video cable to the projector died less than an hour before service, Paul emailed us today saying that the podcast didnt record as needed.

Hmm. Seems like a stretching before growth.

Spent most of the morning today working on a follow up system for all of our guests. I want it to be uniform and consistent for each person walking through the doors of JCFC.

515 Alive

Super excited about partnering with 515 Alive this year. We helped out with event two years ago ad it was a blast.

515 is an urban music festival on July 26th downtown Des Moines. They are expecting to break 12,000 people in attendance this year. There are DJs, Break dance competition, urban art and graffiti contests, and even some giant piles of foam! They are working on some kids inflatables to play on as well.

Our premise is simply if you give a cup of water in Jesus name you are doing it as unto Him. We plan to give out thousands of water bottles on Saturday.

If you want to help with the event or donate some cases of water email us at shannak@jordancreek.org


Its going to be a great day.

dad, I hafta put the chick'n in my pocket

Colin and I ate at Chi-Fil-A for lunch. As we headed to the bathroom he got a "sample." As we rounded the corner he was still eating the nugget.

I look down and he is shoving it in his pocket. I said Colin, why are you putting it in your pocket?

Exasperated, he said to me, "Dad I hafta put the chik'n in my pocket, so it doesnt get pee on it!"

Sure that makes sense.

VBS

Well the kids are loving the VBS this week. They cant wait to get out the door every morning. Just wanted to say a big thank you to Jen Adair for hosting this at her house and leading the charge to invest in the kids of this community.

Also a big thank you to all the other ladies who have helped out in teaching, organization, and crafts. It takes a team. I am proud of the Kids Department at JCFC. You guys are rocking it!

I will try to get some pics up soon.

Tuesday

Internet is still messed up at the office. Qwest is sending us a new DSL router today. Cant wait to get that hooked up. Everything functions off that internet router in the office. Copier, computers, me apparently.

So I am at Amici, on 100th and Douglas. Great coffee shop. One of my favorites since Java Gs went out. By the way, I had a free coffee card there, and almost another full one. Bummer. I wonder if Amici would honor it.... I did just give them a shout out.

Monday

Looks like a pretty busy week this week.

Shanna is gone most of the week, and our internet went down at the office. It is crazy how much we depend on technology to function.

This weekend was interesting, with lots of Holiday travel.

Kicked off Love Always yesterday. I probably spent too much time telling the back story of Hosea. There is a lot of history to the minor prophets.

We are going to spend some time this weekend looking at redemption. Specifically chapter 3. What are the sacred raisin cakes that Israel loved so much?

Tomorrow night is Membership 1.0 If you havent registered do so today on the calendar on the right.

My Thoughts

1.  Super excited about this weekend's new series.  Love Always!

You wont want to miss a weekend of out.  We will be looking at the book of Hosea and the tension with his wife.  God used this amazing story of betrayal and heartache to show His Undying love for us.  Cant wait to teach on Gods Love and grace.

2.  We have a huge fall series lined up.  More to come.  It is going to be a pivotal point in the life of our church.

3.  Excited bout the Olympic trials.  (Dara is even more excited than I am, its crazy)

4.  Loved competing in the the HyVee Triathlon.  It was great!   Looking forward to doing another soon.  Go here to see some pics.

5.  Looking forward to some family time over the 4th with the kids!

Boundary Waters Trip Home

Hey its was a long car ride!

Land Update

As many of you were gone yesterday due to Fathers Day, you might now be aware of the status with the land. We have met with the city, and after all the things that they would require us to do, the cost of the land is going to double. Taking a wonderful deal on the property from 700,000 to an estimated 1.5 million. Some of those costs we knew would be coming, such as the build out of Ashworth to a 4 lane road, but others caught us by surprise. After discussing this with our Staff and leadership team we feel like, in the best interest of the church body, to wait on this particular piece of property.

I know many of you have given already to the building fund, and others of you have earmarked money for it. If you still want to give you are more than welcome to give to this campaign. We will put that money aside and pray for the next piece of property. We know that God has something instore for us as a church body. I fully believe in the Sovereignty of God.

I also know that our mission is to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus. We are all about building relationships and encountering God. But we cant be so strapped with a land payment that we can't do ministry. Having property is great, but seeing lives changed is what its all about!

Be praying for our church. Remember, "Lord make us inviting!"

weekend Update

Great weekend with Steven Furtick speaking from Charlotte, NC. He did a great job speaking about Lord Make us Audacious!

At least 3 people rededicated their heart and lives to Jesus this weekend. Awesome.

Dont miss this weekend, with Ed Young, as he speaks about Lord Wake Us Up!

Hy-Vee Triathlon

Totally bummed that the Hy-Vee Tri is now a Dry Tri! No swimming due to all the flooding. So all the swim training.... a wash.


Now its a 10K run, a 40K bike, and then a 5K run...

Running is my least favorite of the events.

Week Away

Spent last week in Northern Minnesota and Canada with my Brother in Law, Daine. Man was it ever great to get a way for a few days without a cell phone or email.

This is a tiny piece of what we had to enjoy everyday. Awesome. I love to camp and canoe.

Gearing up for the next series in July. We were going to go a completely different direction, but I have been reading about the OT prophets a bunch lately. I am so moved by their heart for their city and country.

The story of Hosea and Gomer always moves me so much. Gods undying love, grace, and compassion for people is overwhelming... So we are going to be inviting you to a wedding. The marriage of compassion and heartbreak.

Gods every present love for His creation.

BTW, dont miss this weekends service. The One Prayer series is great. check it out here. Pastor Steven Furctick will be speaking this week, from Elevation church in Charlotte.

Random Thoughts

1 I havent been every consistent with the blog world lately!

2 Good coffee makes the day so much better.

3 Excited about the One Prayer series starting this weekend. "Lord make us Inviting"

4. June 29th we are showing a video about the new church property and receiving pledges and offerings toward our $50,000 goal for our property fund!

5. Burdened for our city. God is stirring me in new ways. Excited to dream about what God sees for the Church (city wide) in our city.

Bible Journey

Powerful text today from I John 3:4-6

"All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God's order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They've got him all backward."

Surely we know... but I fear too many dont know. Some 350,000 people wont be in service this weekend in our city alone. Surely they dont know that Christ showed up to rid them of sin.

Will you invite someone to have the freedom you now have in Christ?

Mothers Day Video

Check this out! Anybody want a Shine?!

Church Planters Round Table

I am in Oklahoma City today and tomorrow for a great event. A few years ago I got invited to be a part of some of the most successful church planters in the country. It is a great time to listen and recharge my batteries. These guys have all different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas, but I always leave with a bigger picture of the Kingdom and how to reach more people.

I drove this year, and am ready to crash. I will have some blog links for you late tomorrow of some of the guys.

Made a new friend from Ohio today. Konan Stephans. He is hitting it out the park in Columbus! He also is a tri-ahthlete. Pretty cool guy.

What does over 1600 miles in a car amount to?

Lots of hilarious things being heard from the back seat.

1. Less than five miles out of town, from Colin, "Dad are we there yet?"

2. 10 minutes later, "Dad, How many minutes til we get there?" (its about a 6-7 hour trip)

3. "Dad, did you see that sweet race car?" I have one of those...

4. "Dad, Now how many minutes."

5. "Dad, I have some ear stuff on my finger" (wax) "I needa put it back."

6. "I gotta potty real bad."

7. "Dad, Colin is picking his nose and showing me the boogers!"

8. "Dad, Now how many minutes?"

9. "Dad, can we listen to Hannah Montana again?"

10. "Aw gross, he just ate that booger!"

random thoughts

1. Whirlwind week. Dara's grandmother passing. Leaving our pastors retreat early. Renting two cars to get home... Crazy

2. Great Sunday. The band did great. Sermon was pretty direct about nurturing marriages.

3. Podcasts are down, our tech team is having some IP issues. But it will be up soon.

4. Got to spend some time with my grandma today. She is battling cancer for the 4th time. Unless God intervenes, this time doesnt look promising.

5. Our family and friends our digging out the rubble from the F4 tornado that hit Neosho Mo. The Lake family (SR) lost their house. Praise God they survived.

6. Took a personality test today. Love them and hate them. Love to see the strengths, but hate to see those disappointing weaknesses. Man do I always need to grow as a leader.

7. Been thinking a lot about heaven past month. Dont think we do that enough as believers. It is going to be great.

8. Praying for the people in China after the earthquake. So terrible

Blog Messed up

Dont know why my feed isnt working...

But i am alive...

Random Thoughts

1. This is a busy week! But exciting. I keep getting email from people about how God is blessing them for tithing.

2. We had at least 10 families commit to tithing this weekend. Awesome. I know God is going to supernaturally bless them.

3. Shanna is rocking our office. She is getting all kinds of things done. Its so awesome to have her in a couple days a week now!

4. Membership 2.5 is tonight and I am pumped. We want everyone in our church to be a part of our membership classes. 1.0 is awesome, but 2.0 and 2.5 will change the way your view being a follower of Christ. If you want a deeper experience, be at the next 2.0

5. Love my wife and kids. Dara is finally feeling some better, and its nice to be able to really talk with her again. She has been out of it since Wednesday with double ear infection and step throat.

6. Moving forward with the property purchase. Lots to check out and examine, but exciting to be headed toward 10.1 acres on Ashworth and Jordan Creek Parkway. Be praying about our big Property Sunday on June 29th...

7. Got the new Need to Breathe album today! Shonda sent it via Shanna! Awesome, thanks. They are one of my favorite bands!

Money Answer Book

We offered this book to anyone who wanted it for $5 bucks this weekend. We will again have copies Sunday if you want to purchase one.

It is a scratch the surface Ramsey book, but informative.

We should have another 25 copies this weekend. They are first come first serve. You may want to buy 2, one for yourself and one for a family member.

BTW, the church isnt making any money on these, it is a deal we worked out with Family Christian Book Store. They normally sell for 12.99

Weekend Update

Sunday was great, I missed Dara being gone from service. She just helps me when she is sitting there "with me." You may not understand if your not a preacher! Pray for her, she has been sicker than I have seen her in years.

We had 172 in service, with at least 3 people giving their life to Christ. This "money" series has been awesome, we have had so far over 12 people commit or recommit their life to Christ while we have bee TALKING ABOUT MONEY! PTL

Yesterday we specifically spoke about bringing the tithe, the podcast should be up. If you have never faithfully brought the tithe, then you havent ever really lived in Gods Blessing. It truly is the next step in the life of a believer.

Remember this is the only place in Scripture, God says to Test Me. So we are as a church. Many of you took the 90 day challenge yesterday. I will extend it to you today again. Commit with 100% heart to bring a full 10% tithe to the church for the next 90 days, if your not blessed, then we will cut you a check for your money back.

What do you have to loose? A blessing?

God's blessing on 90% does way more that our trying with 100%

Downloads from the weekend

Eternal Investments

Monthly Budget Tools

Here are the downloads I promised yesterday. Pray about what God wants you to do with His resources. How are you managing the Business?

UFC 83

I am bummed that I am missing the fight tonight. Dara has a double ear infection and strep throat. She has been out of it since wednesday. If she was feeling better I was going to watch the fight with some buddies, but I dont want to leave her here with the kids being so sick.

So gentlemen, if your watching it, think of me.

Go GSP...

New Building

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the building design we unveiled Sunday. I know that some of you werent able to see the whole thing because of where you sat. So here it is. We will also be putting it up on the website soon.

Debt Snowball video

Here is the video from the the weekend. Also I am trying to get the picture of the building and the proposed site up as well.

Proposed Building Site and Building

This weekend we revealed the site and the building JCFC hopes to use to advance the kingdom. June 29th we will be kicking off a campaign to raise the 700,000 needed to purchase the ground. we will taking a cash offering that day to raise as much money as possible for the land. We will also be taking monthly pledges. Be praying about what God would have you to give over and above your normal tithe and offering for this amazing kingdom building endeavor.

Above is a pic of the site at 7770 Ashworth. I am trying to get the architects rendering up.

Debt relief answers better than W's Stimulis check

Hey Guys here are the links I told you guys about today in service. Use these tools to help bust your debt.

I will posting the Debt Snow Ball video on Monday afternoon.

Dont forget to invite a guest to the next two weeks services. It is life transforming material. Not only financially, but we have made a very clear Gospel presentation closing each service.


Act Your Wage Small Group Discussions

Basic Quickie Budget

Monthly Cash Flow Plan

One Prayer

Check out this idea for June. I love Craigs kingdom mindedness! Get ready to hear some other guys speaking at JCFC in June.

AS it stands right now, I will be speaking the first Sunday, and then utilizing some of these guys for the rest of the month. It will be a totally new experience for all of us, but it will be great to see what God will speak to us through some other pastors who have a heart for the Kingdom.

For more info log onto Craigs Blog

Funniest Thing I have seen in a while

just watch this

My grandma

Just spoke with my mom, and they said my grandmas cancer is aggressive and there is nothing they can do. Surgery is too involved, and not good options. Radiation is out because she had cobalt radiation some 40 years ago. The Doc said that since they have no idea how much she had then, they dont want to try any more for fear it will cause more damage than good. And the Chemo doctor said no, since she didnt respond well to it 2 years ago with the colon cancer.

So not good odds. She wants to enjoy the summer and work in the yard, and just live.

Pray for her and my family.

Weekend Update

What a Sunday, huh? If you werent here this weekend you missed it. It was the 70's revisited for sure. During the meet and greet, the band played the Ojays Money song (the theme from the Apprentice) and I walked out in the powder blue 70 suit, and afro wig. It was great.

I then spoke about the the bondage that finances have on our life, and the freedom that come from freeing ourselves from that slavery. There are 5 time more scriptures on money and giving than prayer. 66% of the topics of the parables Jesus spoke of where about money, giving, and possessions. So I figure if Jesus spoke about it frequently we should too.

It is a very spiritual topic. The Bible is full of references to how we should handle the money.

Closed the service dealing with how each of us have a sin debt that we CANNOT pay on our own, no matter what we do, give or act like. Jesus paid it all, and at least 8 people accepted Christ or re-dedicated their life.

It was a great Sunday.

Dont miss next week, we are going to be making a huge announcement. The biggest in JCFC history.

Invite your friends TODAY, as we learn how to become financially free from some timeless Biblical principles that apply to everyone!

MInding the Business Discussion Questions

Here are the Discussion questions from this weekend. Feel free to download and use them.

Minding the Business PDF

Interesting week and random thoughts

I know I have been out of the loop lately. Dara left on Tuesday for Orlando with Anna Tucker our college friend for Anna's 30th., They are having a ball, and I ma keeping the home fires burning... sort of.

So far we have made it, everyone is fed and rested, dishes done, house is clean, and I have been able to make most of the normal appointments to this point.

I am stoked about tomorrows service, I love the buzz of starting a new series. Tomorrow starts "mind your own business" and I promise it will be memorable. You wont want to miss it.

There is going to be at least two major annoucnements this series. One coming next weekend.

It has been great to spend more time with my kids. They are cracking me up. Colin has said some hilarious things this weeks.

Sunday

Just wanted to remind everyone about our new Service Time this weekend!

We are starting at 10:00 this week. It is going to be great. Dont forgot the the coffee bar is open at 9.30 also.

You wont want to miss this weeks sermon about "the House."

Mind Your Own Business Trailer

This is also a video we showed today. At the end everyone erupted in Applause! hilarious! Cant wait to take about money beginning April 6th! It is the most talked about subject in the text. So we are going to spend a whole month discussing it!



Invite a friend, its going to be great. We are making some big announcements through out the series. You wont want to miss it!

UpsideDown

Check out this Easter Video we did for service today. Kevin did a great job!

My Grandma

Just got home from visiting my grandma Brown in the hospital. She beat colon cancer in he last two years, but they just found a large tumor in her abdomen. It is causing her some intense pain and excessive amount of blood in her urine. They did a biopsy but we dont have any test results back yet. Either way they have to remove it.

Just pray for her and my family. No one really knows which side is up right now.

More to come, as I know about it.

Tri Training

Well I have been actively training for the HyVee Tri in June since the begining of January.

I have joined a group at Prairie Life Fitness and it has been amazing. They have been pushing us and forcing us to really grow as an athlete. I love it.

The first day they recorded a bunch of stats on our performance level and level of fitness. Then Sunday we redid all those same events and compared our scores.

I have had amazing results. I shaved 7 seconds off my 50 meter swim and 6 minutes 20 sec off my 500. Now granted I swam like a drunken pig when I first started, and now i actually know how to swim, but...

Anyway, i am in the best shape I have been in years, and have lost significant weight, and feel wonderful. I cant wait to compete. June 22, here I come.

Change and why we dont like it

The old adage is that "people resist change."

That phrase has bothered and haunted me for years. Personally I love change. It always is exciting for me. I love the adventure. I thrive on the how is this all going to play out.

What I have come to is that people don't like change because it forces them out of their comfort zone.

Change in the workplace forces them to learn a new system or a have a new manager. Its sometimes hard.

Change in the church causes unknowns, forces a person to trust God and their leaders, not just their own stable feelings they have been feeling for years.

The bottom line is change forces growth, and growth hurts. The benefits far out way the pain, but in the moment people don't want the pain, so the resist the growth and then assume they don't like change.

To grow spiritually you have to change what you have been doing. You have push yourself to read your Bible, pray more, even speak to someone about coming to church, or better yet share with them what God has been doing in your life. But all that hurts, because you have to sacrifice time, and maybe your favorite reality show, or you have to sacrifice your own fear and pride to speak to someone. It hurts, and because it hurts we resist it to the point that we don't do it like we should. When the benefit of growing in Christ far out ways the pain of change.

Yet at the end of the day, too many will still resist it.

Where are you at today?

Mind Your Own Business

Here is the new Artwork for the Series starting in April

Finally better

Well that last post was just a teaser. I was only in the "I think I feel better, but I guess I am really not" moment. Terrible.

This respiratory flu, or whatever it has mutated to these days is terrible. I don't like super strength germs. That is why I am not a big antibiotic guy. My theory is it just makes them stronger.

Anyway.

Lots of things transpiring. This weekend service is going to be great. Invite your friends and neighbors. I will be presenting a very clear Gospel message as we discuss the reality of heaven and hell. You wont want to miss it.

We are gearing up for a great easter Sunday. We have a spectacular video planned as well as a trailer for our Mind Your Own Business series beginning in April.

Sick

Well it finally caught up with me. I had been really careful to rest well, and eat right to avoid this sickness traveling around, but over the past week I did get run down from lack of sleep. So slept a ton in the past two days, and I finally feel better.

I was able to get a some paper work done, and prep for the weekend.

Tomorrow I will be up an running!

Past Couple Weeks

Man it has been a whirl wind, but God has been faithful. We went to the C3 conference in Dallas, off the hook. Loved it.

Almost our whole church has been fasting and God has been doing some great things. Worship rocked this weekend! Thanks to some help from the guys at Guitar Center we finally got our sub working right. What a difference it makes. Thanks Bill and Mike. If you need anything sound wise head to GC in West Des Moines. They will take care of you.

I am meeting some guys this Thursday about some preliminary plans for property. God is blessing. Pray about this 10 acres. I know God wants to bless we just need to be in alignment with Him!

Dont miss this weekend. We start a great new series called "K(no)w Really" This Sunday we will be looking at the validity of the Scripture. Next Weekend at is Heaven and Hell really real. And finally on easter Sunday we will be looking at the truth of the resurrection.

Invite your friends. Even those skeptical. This a great series to let God move on their heart!

C3 conference

I am headed to Dallas this week to hang out with Ed Young at the C3 conference. Well not actually Ed, this year, but I will see him anyway.

So my posts will be randomly dispersed between driving and listening. We are driving to Dallas because we are taking 6 total from our team. I am super excited to be going with such a great group of people who really want to change out city!

I am blessed to be surrounded by such a creative and hard working team.

Daniel Fast

Here is a link to the paperwork we passed out today in service. It has some guidelines and multiple recipes.

I challenge everyone to take a look at what we are doing, listen to this week and last weeks sermon and join us as we fast. Go to sidebar and subscribe through Itunes!

Be journaling, reading your Bible and praying during the next few weeks, as we discipline ourself to do what we ought, so later we can do what we want.

Blessings.

Larger Than Life Video Bumper

Just thought I'd post this weeks series intro video.

Volunteer Video

This is a video my friend Rob Ketterling from River Valley Church. It is such a great piece. I love creativity.

Wednesday Thoughts

Well it is Wednesday again, and the good ole middle of the week.

We have had a crazy one at that. Tuesday was a great day of meetings. I try to stack most all the meetings I can in one day. It helps to be in meeting mode.

We are in week 2 of Dave Ramseys Financial Peace. It is awesome, but trying to get out of debt seems to create all kinds of other scenarios. My truck broke down. I love a diesel, but I sure dont a whole lot about them. I did get the truck up and running this afternoon!

Drake Bulldogs finally lost. What a great run though! We are so proud of them.

My kids are taking swimming lessons and it is hilarious.

Gearing up for this fast starting this weekend. 21 days to change our church family. I cant wait, and I am getting the meat in this week! Daniel Fast here we come.

I challenge everyone to pick up a prayer journal to log what God is doing in your heart.

Lisa Little

Just wanted to again say how pumped I am about Lisa Little taking on our younger kids (3-K) at creek kids.

She is rocking it. I have been cruising around the blog world at church, and she is getting rave reviews!

You can check her blog out here and dont forget to come to the Creek Kids Meeting tonight at 7 at the Christ Life Office.

Way to go Lisa!

Weekend Update and More

~Today's service was great! Worship transition between songs was better than ever. Sermon was very direct about fasting and spiritual growth, but had a wonderful response. Next Sunday we begin a 21 day Daniel Fast. It is going to be a turning point in the Life of JCFC. You wont want to miss one sermon in this series.

~If you missed it today, then download the podcast here.

~Dara and I have committed to get out of debt before the end of the year. God has supernaturally made a way were it didnt seem possible. It is amazing what God can and will do if you align yourself with His Word.

~I have been training like crazy to compete in a Triathlon this year in June. I am in better shape than I have been in years. Loving my time at the gym. It just allows me to decompress and relax, as I push my body further than I have in long time.

~Colin is at a stage where he is just hilarious. We have story after story, about him right now. From eating food off the floor to picking up the scent block in a urinal, to being totally smitten with adult women to the point he is showing off to them with whatever he can think of to impress them. Tonight he told Megan, Rachel Crouse's room mate that (in his man voice) "Hey Megan, my dad has a black grille"

~Creek Kids 2008 Meeting is this Tuesday from 7-8.30 at the Christlife Office. You wont want to miss it!

~Lisa Little is Rocking the new Creek Kids Early Ed group. The kids love her, the parents love her, and it is great. Bring your 3-K kids this week.

~Great videos the past two weeks. Should get them up on the blog tomorrow and on Youtube. You'll crack up.

Snow, Snow, Snow

We are buried in Snow here in the metro. I am not a fan of winter at all, but I must say the snow is beautiful. (I have had plenty so far this year though.)

Just so everyone knows, it is supposed to snow and be cold this weekend again! But never fear we will be having service. If by some starnge reason it is absolutely too dangerous to be out on Sunday, check your local news stations Sunday morning.

We need to have church this weekend though! we kick off a new series about fasting, Larger than Life. If you want to live according to God's plan, and be blessed more than you ever thought imaginable, you won't want to miss a second of this series.

Invite a friend to service this weekend!

Almost

Well Giants took in the last few moments. I guess they worked hard, but I was hoping for the Patriots.

Does anyone know if this is the first time quarterback brothers have won the Super Bowl? I am sure back to back...

Oh well

City Wide Church

Had a great lunch today with several pastors in the city. There is a movement beginning here in Des Moines to do some city wide mens groups. Each church is partnering together to help men become real men. Ed Nichols from Hope has had God dealing with him about this for quite some time.

We have been using Men's Fraternity this year, specifically "The Quest for Authentic Manhood." It has been great.

This new para-church ministry will be loosely based around Mens Frat and linking lay leaders from different denominations, ethnicities, and age groups together. I think it is going to change the face of Des Moines.

Super Pumped.

Greatest quote from the day was from Michael Hurst from Elim Fellowship.

"The largest church in this city are the people who don't go"

That should do something to us.

God stir me, move me, break me, help me to see this city with your heart.

Creek Kids Addition

Lisa Little is getting ready to rock our younger kids in our Creek Kids department. We are dividing the current structure this weekend. Lisa will be taking the the 3 year old through kindergarten kids. She has an awesome curriculum plan laid out that kids and parents both will love.

We have been praying for this opportunity for quite some time now. Lisa is perfect for this ministry. She has a degree in early ed and loves to teach.

We are still looking for the perfect name for this new addition. Any suggestions?

This weekends video

Check out this video of Sophia. She did such a great job. I video is just a touch dark, but check out how powerful it is!

Curse of Knowledge

How many of you know this song?

Bum,badum, dum, dum, dum. Bumbadum, dum, dum, dum. Bumdadum, dum, dum, dum, Bum badum, dum, dum dum.

Easy right? One of the most commonly known songs in the world.

Guess it yet? Happy Birthday.

It seamed really easy for me, but I was singing it in my head, as I typed it. Try is with someone, pound out the beat to someone on a table and see if they know it.

99% of people wont, yet it seems so easy in our minds.

The curse of knowledge. We do this in the church all the time. In our minds it sounds like service was great. Or the terms we use, we expect everyone to know. Or when we expect everyone to know that song we have sang 20 times, when its their first time in a church. Or when we as pastors say, we all know the story of ________. When sometimes we dont all know.

Lets examine what we do with believers, and unbelievers alike.

Sad state of affairs

Erwin McManus weighs in on Why Churches are Declining in America…

“My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent so they see the church as a place there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them.”

While that is a part of most every church in the nation, that is not the reason we have church. Jesus didnt come for the spiritually healthy. He didnt come for the religious crowd. HE came for those who need Him.

It is our focus to be a place where unconnected people can connect with God. We exist as a church body, not to just Hi-Five our Christian buddies. No, we exist to help people become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Whether they have some church background, none, or are disenfranchised with the church for whatever reason, I believe that God has placed JCFC right in the heart of the marketplace for this reason. I have had email after email in the past two weeks about what God is doing in people's lives. It is awesome.

We are gearing up for a series starting in February called Larger Than Life. We are taking 4 weeks to discuss some basic spiritual growth principles. I know God is going to do something radical in all of our lives as we draw near to who He is during February.

We are going to do something never attempted in the History of JCFC. You wont want to miss Larger than Life.

Great Travel Agency

If you are needing to travel and need an agent, take a look at this guy Bryan! My wife took a trip in November and due to the writers strike a show was canceled. Bryan offered to refund my our money and took care of the details.

Bryan J. Stevenson, President
CCIS, Inc.
Group Travel Specialist Since 1993!
724.287.3222
724.287.5333 (fax)
www.ccistravel.com
PO Box 1877
Butler, PA 16003

Grape Lady

I know most of you have seen this, but it makes me cry, I laugh so hard.

Just Listen to her,and remember the days as a kid whe you crashed your bike so hard you cant get your breath.

Weekend Update

Another chilly Sub-zero day. I have to say, it was cold going out to start my truck early yesterday morning. Despite the freezing weather, we had a great service.

Dara and the band did a great job leading everyone in worship. It truly was good, and God was touching people! I love to look around and see people engaging with God. At the start of the sermon they covered the song Dirty Little Secret by the All American Rejects. They really did a great job, we have some really gifted musicians.

I spoke about Secrets, and how our life is like a fish bowl. If we dont let God do some routine maintenance we get full of algae and nasty on the inside. It is time to allow God to clean us from the inside out.

Great attendance with 8 new families! A few from the Article in Juice Magazine about the up and coming churches in Des Moines that we were featured in.

I am going to be blogging for Juice on a weekly basis along with a few other pastors in town as well. Going to be great.

I am off to take some food to the Bridge people at 80/35 and Hickman tonight. Its a cold snowy evening to be sleeping under the bridge.

Online Giving

Thank You to all who informed us that our Paypal link online was down. It is now up and running. If you would like to make an online donation or give your tithe you can doing so securely here.

I know many of you use the online giving each week and month, and we so appreciate it!

While you are there, go ahead use the e-invite tool to encourage a new guest to attend this weekend!

Confirmation that Joshua 25:1 is part of the canon

Take a look at this:

Scary Clown Ministry

via churchrelevance.com by Kent Shaffer on 1/18/08

Children’s ministers and missionaries have been using clown ministry for years, but University of Sheffield researchers discovered that most children ages 4 to 16 dislike clown images. The research was an effort to find ways to improve healthcare environments for children and young people.

As adults we make assumptions about what works for children. We found that clowns are universally disliked by children. Some found them quite frightening and unknowable.
- Dr. Penny Curtis :: Researcher :: Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth

Very few children like clowns. They are unfamiliar and come from a different era. They don’t look funny, they just look odd. Children are much more happy with things stuck on the wall that have some sort of personal relevance for them, not some images that are foisted upon them by adults.
- Patricia Doorbar :: Child Psychologist

I find Patricia Doorbar’s remarks particularly fascinating because she suggests that clowns are from an era that is no longer relevant to today’s children. Despite this, I am aware of some clown ministries that children do enjoy, but I wonder if they would be even more effective if they repackaged their look but kept the same techniques.

Random things

1. Apparently all the swimming techniques I have learned all my life are WRONG! I am training for this Tri and Chris my trainer, pretty much changed everything I do in the water.

-Did you know you are supposed to exhale the entire time your head is in the water!

2. On days like this, (wake up to like -8) you just wonder what it would be like to wake in say... Miami...

3. Apparently there is a button on my BlackBerry that changes all the keys to some Greek characters. Of course, I accidentally found it. And I dont know how to switch it back!

4. Ana did a great job cheering last night for the Des Moines Lions! It was her first time on the floor!

5. Tomorrow is going to be great. I am believing God to free some people from some past failures, and confessions. You wont want to miss it!

My Condition

As some of you know, I have a problem. Mark Main has "lovingly" labeled my misfortune with technology as a "condition."

It doesn't matter what I have or what I am near, I can break or cause a malfunction in electronic things. Just the other day I was trying to have my phone fixed at the AT&T store, talking about my Condition, when the card reader broke!

So needless to say, I was at the gym running away yesterday when my Ipod locked up. Not just locked up but eventually went to some diagnostic screen!

After messing with it for a half an hour, it revived...

But needless to say the Condition strikes again.

Suitcases

"Everyone carries a suitcase. How a man unpacks that suitcase determines his quality of life."
-Dr Robert Lewis

How are you unpacking your life? Do you need help? Why not join us as we journey through life together? You dont have to carry it all alone. You might even learn to set some of it aside.

This Sunday we are looking at Confessions. Invite a friend.

Quick thoughts

1. Totally jazzed about what God is doing in my life right now.

2. Can't wait to see what God is going to be doing in the life's of people in this community this year. The upcoming series are going to be great!

3. I am concerned about the many people who live under the bridges right here in West Des Moines? How many of you pass under 80/35 on Hickman everyday? Did you know that between 4-12 people live under that bridge each day? What impact is JCFC having on them?

4. This weekend and next is going to be great. This Sunday is the band is covering All American Rejects song, Dirty Little Secret. You wont want to miss it. Next Sunday is Daughtry "Its Not Over." Look for a great video testimony intermixed with the Sermon.

5. Invite a friend this week! Remember you are playing a part in helping someone recieve the life change God has blessed you with.

Life group email

This is an excerpt from an email from one of our first time Life Group Leaders...

"I can not explain in words how lastnight was. As all of you know, God works in many ways and he has a plan for all us. I definetly know now that this is what I was suppose to do. I am still in awe today. This is exactly what I want and need to experience for me to grow closer to God. This is just after one night."

I love it, and so jazzed to see someone stepping out in faith that maybe pushes them a bit!

Everyone needs to get connected in a Life Group. You aren't going to want to miss this new trimester!

Remember as we grow larger we must grow smaller in Life Groups.

If you havent gotten connected yet contact Christian Walk today.

Lots Happening

I have had several meetings in the past few weeks getting things lined out for this upcoming year. I have to say I love to dream out loud. It is awesome to see God bringing dreams to reality that are even bigger than I could have dreamed.

Kevin Starkey is hitting it out of the park as our new Family Life Pastor. He has been working through all of our systems for Creek Kids and Baby Steps and has come to so great ideas. We are launching a 5th theater beginning in February for our kids ministry.

Lisa Little is going to be taking over the 3-Kindergarten age bracket, and she has some wonderful ideas to make it awesome for our kids. The whole idea is that they have a blast while they learn about who Jesus is!

Also be praying about direction for property for our church. We are looking at a few different places and just needing God to help us both with a decision and with finances.

Year Long Calendar

We were able to put the finishing touches on the year this morning. It is going to be an awesome year at JCFC. We multiple membership classes scheduled, Baptisms, events, and some really great sermon series layed out for all of us to grow together.

Be checking out the calendar in the next few days for lots of updates!

What a great feeling!

Mentors Part 2

I think being mentored is one of the greatest things a leader can do. I have several other mentors that I meet with on a regular basis.

Being a mentor is as great or greater reward than being mentored!

I challenge everyone to be looking for someone who you can began to lead. It isnt something that takes hours of time from your week, but it can be life changing in someone's life. Begin to pray about who you can have influence with.

It doesnt have to be someone you are very close with, nor does it have be something that is "super spiritual" either.

As a mentor you need to make a list of what areas you have success or have excelled in. Use those talents and abilities that God has blessed you with. Bless someone else with that skill set.

Mentors Pt 1

Three cheers for mentors!

Mens Fraternity last Thursday we discussed mentors. Dr Lewis talked about not only why we need mentors, but how they affect us, and how we can be one.

The interesting point is that a Father can only take his son so far. He is not objective, and often sees the flaws and areas that need improvement. That is no throw off on Dads, it just the way we are.

Mentors though see beyond that realm. The challenge you to go beyond your self. The push in a loving way, that makes you feel scared and accomplished at the same time. Love it.

So I was looking back over my life. Eugene Vincent was a guy I worked for in High School, and some in college. He ran a body shop on about 60 to 80 acres ( i think). My job was to learn how to be a body man. I loved it, it was dirty and dusty and probably shaved a few years off my life living in the fumes, but I learned so much.

The first couple hours of the day, I was supposed to take care of the farm. He had cattle and horses, a stud horse, a few hogs and lots of fence and barns to maintain. (I have since decided I dont like cattle or fences but none the less)

Gene never really told me exactly how to do any of the projects. He just told me the general idea of what needed to be done, gave me the proper tools, and said that I could do it.

I remember a few times, not really believing that I could do what he asked me, but again in a very confident way, he pushed me and them usually left me there to handle it.

He trusted me with things that were probably beyond me. He challenged me to grow. He pushed me to excel. And I thrived in it. I didnt make bags of money by any stretch, but I wouldnt trade those times for anything.

In a strange sort of way it made me a greater leader, because it developed a fearlessness in me like never before.

Thanks Gene for being a mentor and maybe not even knowing it.

New Week, New Month, New Me

Jazzed about this upcoming week. There is a lot on the plate, but great things.

A couple things I am working on this year for my family and the church.

1. I am saying no to the good things to be able to say yes to the great things

2. I m structuring time better this year. (it is so easy to over book appointments and not actually be able to deliver because of time crunch)

3. I am making sure my family is first. We are designating time each week to just be us, and guarding it like a pitbull. At the end of this thing, I want my kids to look back over their life and say I loved my Dad being the pastor of JCFC. Not it was terrible growing up as a preachers kid...

4. I am determined to make sure everyday my wife knows how much I love her. I also want everyone else to know that.

5. I am committed to being a better listener. It is easy for me to check out and be planning the next meeting or thing in my mind.

6. Vision, Vision, Vision.

7. I am competing in the the Des Moines Triathlon this year. I want to be successful in that. I am lowering my body fat percentage by 7% by the time of the event!

Maniac

Ok for all you Flash Dance Maniacs, check this out!

God at the Billboards

I am at my office getting ready to head to the church, and thinking about this new Series. This is on eof my favorite series we do.

It is such an easy way to invite people to church. Today the Band is covering So Small by Carrie Underwood. I will be looking at Davids life and his perception of reality.

Perception is Not Reality.

See you soon!

Merry Christmas from Ukraine

This is a portion of an email from a from a recent Bible School student who listens to the odcast. Just another example of JCFC "redeeming technology."

I just had to write to you and let you know what a blessing you and JFCC have been to me recently, especially these last few weeks leading up to Christmas. I have been living in Kiev, Ukraine since September teaching English to University students and young professionals here and am loving it. However, the holiday season has been rather discouraging for me. The country still has a residual atheist feeling left from its time of Soviet occupation, and the Christians here are Orthodox, so they do Christmas later, on January 7th, but focus mainly on the secular "New Year" holiday. I have found a wonderful church family to be a part of but listening to your simple yet impacting messages on the reality of Christ's coming and what it means for us has been a constant reminder of how blessed I am this season, whether I have to work on Christmas day or even if I don't get Christmas dinner or time with family and friends.

It seemed fitting to tell you thank you and that your commentary on God's Word (praise Him for podcasting!) has been encouraging in a potentially discouraging time for me.

I pray for you and your family and the church, and hope that your holiday travels and festivities go safely and that you enjoy this time. Again, thank you and may you have a Divine realization of what this season truly means. I guess the short way to say it is simply "Merry Christmas."

Hannah Larsen

Merry Christmas

Well today was a crazy day. Andy called me this morning about 7.30 explaing to me that the truck wouldnt start! Argh. All of our kids church, nursery, lights and some of our sound is in the truck. We also have all the stable and manger scene for the drama today!

I buzzed over to the offices to try to help, and after a battery run to Wal-Mart, we tried again to get her started. But by almost 9 it was a lost cause. She has some issues.

So we ran a skeleton set up today, but all things said it went well. Too short spoken word pieces from the thoughts of Mary and Joseph intermixed within some great acoustic Christmas carols.

We even had a special appearance by Mr Aiden Kempers in a stellar role as baby Jesus. His debut acting endeavor.

Well we are on our annual Christmas journey, racking up the miles, but seeing a lot of family we miss though out the year. I will try to post a few times this week, before we get back in the swing of things next week!

Life this week

Well, I am sitting at my desk getting ready to go help Mark a bit with the stable and the manger for the Kids Production this weekend. It has been a busy week, and the snow and ice only adds to that drama.

Sunday is going to be great! You re going to love the Kids Christmas Production this weekend. We have a full nursery set up for your small children will be able to be taken care of. As usual the coffee bar will be ready to go at 9.45 for everyone!

It always throws me off when we have to miss a weekend. So I am ready to get back in the swing of things Sunday.

Use the e-invite to invite a guest this weekend!

Things Colin is saying Pt 2

Yesterday we were at a store, and there was a balloon on the ceiling. Probably 17 or 18 feet up. I told Colin I could throw him up there so he could grab the balloon and rescue it.

He quickly responded with, "But Dad I dont even have a cape?!"

Point well taken.

Things Colin is saying Pt 1

The other day he came into my bedroom while I was gettign ready for work with a tape measure in his hand. He asked me to "measure me, Dad."

To which I quickly agreed. I told him the measurement and he asked me if "he was bigger." I said , "Yeah buddy, you're bigger."

Again he confirmed with a question, "So that means I am bigger?" Yeah...

"Then since I am bigger can I watch the pirate movie dad?"

He has been dying to see Pirates, and I told him he could once he got.... bigger.

Here is our King Pt 3

...continued from the two previous posts.

3. Dwell on the Positive.
The third key to peace of mind is partially connected to the second - when it comes to our thinking, dwell on the positive. Paul commands, in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”

I tend to believe that this is the key to our having peace of mind where we fail most. Too often we allow our minds to dwell on the negatives in our lives than on the positives. We are quite adept to seeing our glass as half empty rather than half full.

Every believer needs to learn Pollyanna‘s “Glad Game.” If you are not familiar, the "Glad Game" is to find something to be glad about rather than finding something to be sad about.

Everyone can find a silver lining in even the darkest cloud. This is especially so with we Christians! With God being with us, for us and working in our lives for our betterment, we should be the most optimistic and positive people on planet Earth.

4. Obedience to God’s Word.
The last key to enjoying Divine peace of mind is striving to obey the teachings of the New Testament. Paul says, in verse 9, “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

There are three ways that obedience leads to peace.

A. If we obey God’s Word, we will avoid many pitfalls in this life that bring unnecessary heartaches and headaches. We can stay away from so many problems and troubles if we would truly strive to apply the teachings of Christ to our lives. Psalms 119:165, “Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Proverbs 3:1-2, “Do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;….peace they will add to you.”

B. True peace comes when you know in your heart and mind that you are doing all that you can to please God. If we are sincere in our religion, our conscience will be troubled as we know that we are not walking in obedience. Paul said, in Acts 24:16, "I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.” With obedience comes a clear and clean conscience. A clear and clean conscience promotes peace of mind.

C. Lastly, the teachings of Christ emphasize looking beyond self and serving others. The more we take our focus off ourselves - our predicaments, our troubles, our difficulties, our afflictions - and focus on how we can make life brighter for someone else or how we can glorify God, our minds will be liberated. We need to put into practice
Christ’s demand for selfless service. Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”


2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”

Here is our King Pt 2

Here are two of the four keys to receiving Peace.

1. Prayer.
Paul says, in Verse 6, “in everything by prayer and thanksgiving…let your requests be made known to God.”

Whatever is bothering us, we need to take it to the Lord in prayer. Whatever we are facing that gives us cause for mental or emotional turmoil or distress, we need to bring it to the Lord’s attention.

We do not need to be bashful about bringing any troubling matter to Him, however great or small. If it brings concern to us, it is a matter of concern to Him because He wants us to be at peace. We don’t have to be shy about pouring our heart out to Him, Peter reminds us - “He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) God is interested in the big things in our life and the small things in our life. Nothing is too trivial to discuss when you approach the “the throne of grace.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Paul says, “let your requests be made known to God.” How would you like your situation to be? What changes would you like to see in your circumstances or in the circumstances of others? What would you like for God to do?

We need to be specific in our requests. We need to tell God exactly what we want changed. If it is not an unrighteous desire, we need not be timid in stating our requests.

We may ask whatever we wish of God. But, it is important that we believe that God can grant our request. We must believe that God can answer our prayer in bringing-about that which we desire.

We must remember what we are told, in James 1:6-7 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord..”

Perhaps, before we take our requests to the Lord, it may be good for us to consider the encouraging and faith-building words of Paul, found in Ephesians 3:20, where the Apostle says of God that He “is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”

Once we have made our requests known in faith, we need to with faith wait patiently and calmly for Him to answer. God always answers our prayers.

His answer will be the product of His love, His compassion and His wisdom. He will answer by delivering whatever is best for us. Matthew 5:7-11, "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father Who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

Did you notice that last phrase - “how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

The Lord will always answer by giving us, His children, what is good for us. That means that sometimes He will answer our prayers precisely as we requested. That means that sometimes He will answer in a way different than we had envisioned.

Our basis for peace of mind is that God hears and God answers us and He answers us by giving us what is good. He always delivers what is best. We must accept that God sees the big picture and He will give what is truly the best based on His infinite wisdom, love and power.

Once we take a matter to the Lord, we must leave it with Him. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. I peter 5:6-7

We cast our worries and fears upon Him like we throw a ball to someone. The ball, if you will, is now in His court. We let Him make the next move and rest in knowing that He will respond “at the proper time” by giving us that which is for our good.

2. Thanksgiving.
The second key to acquiring Divine peace is also found in verse 6. Paul says that we are to submit our requests along “with thanksgiving.”

Too many times, when we are full of worry and fear, we fail to count our blessings. We fail to acknowledge how good God has been to us already.

I love the stanza in Amazing Grace in which we remind ourselves - “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come. Tis grace that has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.”

We need to reflect upon how God has faithfully brought us to the present moment and thank Him for His past care. Think of the many dangers, toils and snares He has delivered us from and thank Him for it.

But, do not only thank the Lord for past blessings and deliverance. We need to thank Him for present blessings. No matter how distressing or harsh may be our current circumstances or situation, surely we can acknowledge that we are enjoying many Divine blessings right now.

Psalms 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalms 118:29, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His loving-kindness is everlasting.”

Here is our Peace PT 1

Since we have canceled service today, here is a recap of the sermon...


A Christian’s life should not only be characterized by outward peace with others but also personal, inward peace. The Lord not only wants serenity between His followers but serenity within His followers. God not only wants tranquility within each congregation but tranquility within each Christian’s heart and mind.

It is a sad commentary that peace within congregations seems so rare. It is equally a sad commentary that true peace within Christians seems also to be a rarity. The reason for both deficiencies is a lack of faith and a lack of spiritual discipline.

This morning, Paul is going to teach us how we might experience the inward peace that God wants us to have. He is going to give us four keys to peace of mind. I would have you note that these keys are not presented as suggestions but as commandments.

A Christian with a troubled and fearful mind dishonors His Lord. We need to understand that to be troubled, to be worrisome, to be fearful or fretful means we do not trust God’s sovereignty, God’s wisdom, God’s faithfulness and God’s goodness. It is an indication that we have not yet completely turned our lives over to the Lord.

In verse Philippians 4:6, Paul begins by commanding - “Don’t worry about anything.”

That is quite a commandment. We are not to have anxiety. We are not to have worry. We are not to have nervousness. We are not to have fretfulness and fear. No matter what our situation or circumstances, there is no need to be anxious. Thus, we are not to be anxious.

What benefits come from worrying? from being fretful? from being afraid? Absolutely nothing. Our worrying, our being fretful, our being fearful does not improve our circumstances in any manner. We can worry and fret but it will not bring about any positive changes in our situation.

Jesus made this point in Luke 12:25-26 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

What is the Lord saying? He is saying that we cannot prolong our life-span a single hour by worrying. A person cannot increase the length of his life at all. The utmost anxiety will not prolong it one hour beyond the time appointed for death. If we cannot, through being worrisome and fretful, effect our own lives by ensuring that we live a single extra hour….how can our worrying and being fretful change the circumstances around us? Worry and fear cannot bring-about any positive change.

On the contrary, worry and fear can do much harm. Not only has it been proven that it is destructive to our physical health (being a large contributor to heart disease, weakening of the immune system, gastro-intestinal diseases, migraines, ulcers, high blood pressure, etc.), it is very destructive spiritually.

Why? Because a mind that is occupied with worry and fear and distress is a mind that is not focused on the Lord.

When we worry and fret - we lose sight of the Lord and His providential working; we lose focus on the Lord and His revealed Will and we are tempted to handle our circumstances and situations with fleshly wisdom and fleshly strength; we lose focus and try to correct the external circumstances when, perhaps, our circumstances were meant by the Lord to correct our inner-self; we get distracted from carrying-out the Lord’s purpose and plan for our lives; we lose sight of the Lord’s goodness and our blessings and we are tempted to become negative and ungrateful; we take our eyes off the One Who is the only source of true and lasting peace.

Paul tells us, in Verse 7, that “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

The peace that comes from the Lord can banish all worry and distress from our hearts and minds. Not only can it banish anxiety and anguish and fear from our hearts and minds, it can keep it away.

The peace of God can act like a soldier on guard to protect our heart and mind. It will not allow anxiety and despondency and fear to sneak back in. The peace of God is stronger than the worry and fear of the flesh. Just as God is greater than our situations and circumstances so is God’s peace greater than our inward worries and fears.

We can experience perfect inward peace and tranquility in the midst of the most trying circumstances and severe tribulations. This does not seem possible nor rational. But, that is why Paul says that “the peace of God… surpasses all understanding.”

It is hard to comprehend or understand how our world can seem to be collapsing around us yet we can be perfectly calm and completely composed. The peace of God can provide that immense blessing.

Jesus said, in John 14:27, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

The world cannot give you nor teach you how to experience Divine peace. Y The world can’t supply it nor can you find it in yourself. It comes from God alone.

Sunday Weather Closing

Dear JCFC church body,

As much as I hate to cancel services in the morning, I am going to do so. The weather isnt great right now, and is only going to get worse in the morning. Right now you can hardle keep your windshield clear, and the roads are getting slick.

At 6 AM the conditions are supposed to change to freezing rain and snow mix. I dont feel it is safe for all of our volunteers and congregation to try to venture out to service.

I will be posting the sermon online later tonight.

Again, I am sorry to have to cancel due to the weather. Take some time with your family in the morning and read my blog at www.joshsingleton.com for the sermon.

If you would like to make a contribution or give your tithe you can do so at www.jordancreek.org under online giving.

Blessings

Joshua Singleton
lead pastor

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Think about the title in regards to a monster truck show announcer voice!

We are still on for tomorrow. So glad we didnt cancel last weekend, the weather turned out fine for Sunday Morning. I am praying for the same thing this week. We have an awesome snow crew in this city, and they do a great job getting everything cleared.

BTW, if you are behind a snow plow, dont be frustrated. These men and women work long hours to keep us safe on the road. Instead of thinking angry words, say a short pray of safety for them and their families this winter.

See you Sunday.

New Babies

Well we are going to grow one way or another!

Nate and Shanna had their little man via c-section on tuesday morning at 4:22 AM.

His name is Aiden Gerrit, weighing in at 8lbs 14 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. The family is great!

Kevin Rains and Lindsey had their new man at 6:10 on Tuesday evening. Isaiah Michael Patrick weighed in 8 lbs 4 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. They also had a c-section but are doing well.

Everyone looks to be coming home on Friday. I think to this point meals are ready for Shanna, but we need to get started for Lindsey.

Congrats to the new Moms and Dads.

Team Christmas Dinner

Cant wait for Wednesday! Team Christmas dinner with spouses! I love our team and I am so privileged to have such a great team of leaders who make JCFC so great!

We are planning to eat, and laugh, and celebrate Christmas. The only bummer is, Nate and Shanna wont be able to make it-----

THEY ARE HAVING A BABY RIGHT NOW! LITTLE MR. KEMPERS.

Pink

As some of you know I have a soft spot for rock singers. My heart breaks as I listen to the lyrics of many of their songs. I have prayed for Scott Stapp of Creed for years. I am glad to say that God has been doing some great things in his life since the disbanding of Creed.

Today I spent some time praying for Alecia Beth Moore. Most of you know her as Pink. She has been on my heart lately. She really has had some difficult blows in life. The great thing is that I know that God cares about her.

So Pink if you happen to google your name today and this blog comes up, just know that there are people that are praying for you.

John 10:10 Jesus came so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.

Weekend Update

This last Sunday went extremely well considering the ice. We kind of took a chance on whether or not to have service or not. I am glad we did. The Band did a great job with "Here is Our King." They are really doing a great job.

I just want to say thanks for all of our awesome volunteers who make Sunday a go each week. Without you guys and your tireless labor we couldnt do it. God has blessed our city with some awesome people who really want to see this community changed for His Glory. So go JCFC volunteers.

BTW, December 30th is going to be our Volunteer Appreciation Sunday. You wont want to miss it.

Christian and Jessi have done a bang up job with getting Life Groups set for January. I am so excited about the new groups we have coming. We are going to get some good study, discussion , and community outreach taken care of this spring!

Pastor Kevin has got some great plans in place for our Kids Ministry. We are tweaking and retooling a few things, and the kids are having a blast. We are gearing up for splitting the Kids Church into two more age appropriate theaters. We are actively pursuing more volunteers to make this transition a huge success.

After the Holidays Kevin will be putting together a leadership team for Creek Kids. It is going to be a team of parents with some vested interest in the ministry that want to give feedback, support, prayers, and time. Be praying about how you fit within Creek Kids.

Great weekend. Thanks for being a support to the vision of JCFC.

To help turn people into fully devoted followers of Christ.

Church is ON

Just to let everyone know, we are here setting up. The roads are not bad at all, and the sidewalks are pretty clear.

Join us today as we kick off our new series "Here is Our King"

We have a special Advent booklet to give everyone today. You wont want to miss it. So brave the weather and join us. Its warm in here!