I just finished reading a book by Spencer Johnson, M.D. called Peaks and Valleys, making good and bad times work for you - at work and in life. I really enjoyed the book and the message that is made through a story of man going through the valleys in search of the peaks.
Let me share just a couple of thoughts with you....
1. Peaks and Valleys are not just the good and bad times that happen to you. They are also how you feel inside and respond to outside events.
2. Peaks and Valleys are connected. The errors you make in today's good times create tomorrows bad times. The wise things you do in today's bad times create tomorrow's good times.
I highly encourage you to pick up the book, read it and put in place the simple strategies to get you out of a valley sooner, stay on the peak longer and have more peaks and fewer valleys.
Pastor John
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thinking about Dad's on Father's Day
This Sunday June 21st will be Father's Day and I find myself reflecting on my relationship with my Dad and my Father-in-law. Two men that have shaped me into the man that I have become. It is an awesome responsibility to be a dad as I think of the impact we have as Father's.
When I was little guy I remember my Dad as a stern disciplinarian. The words "wait till your father gets home" rang home to me... and I remember seeing my Dad being moved to tears by God and watching God change his life when I was a young teenager. From the time that he sang (what I think was his first solo ever) in the church cantata, to times of praying in the men's bible study to experiencing and participating with Dad worshiping God in a Sunday service, he has been an influence in my life.
When I met Brenda's dad I was intimidated. A Pastor, a strong man, with real passion for God and the things of God. I always wanted to be on my best behavior with Brenda! I will never forget one of my first encounters watching ESPN (Baseball, his favorite sport) and a commercial came on and he changed the channel, turned to me and said, "I don't like watching the commercials and having those thoughts/images in my mind"! What an example of taking captive every thought and not letting the world influence you. Another influence in my life.
So here I am with two kids whom I love and adore and it's now my time to model for them the love of God the Father. And then to demonstrate what it means to love and to discipline in the love of God in order to raise them to love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul. I am so thankful for both the models that God gave me in my earthly fathers.
So on Father's Day, tell your dad what he means to you.... Dad I love you and I thank you for showing me how to turn my life over to God so that I can love my wife and my kids the way God wants me to love.
Thanks Dad!
Pastor John
When I was little guy I remember my Dad as a stern disciplinarian. The words "wait till your father gets home" rang home to me... and I remember seeing my Dad being moved to tears by God and watching God change his life when I was a young teenager. From the time that he sang (what I think was his first solo ever) in the church cantata, to times of praying in the men's bible study to experiencing and participating with Dad worshiping God in a Sunday service, he has been an influence in my life.
When I met Brenda's dad I was intimidated. A Pastor, a strong man, with real passion for God and the things of God. I always wanted to be on my best behavior with Brenda! I will never forget one of my first encounters watching ESPN (Baseball, his favorite sport) and a commercial came on and he changed the channel, turned to me and said, "I don't like watching the commercials and having those thoughts/images in my mind"! What an example of taking captive every thought and not letting the world influence you. Another influence in my life.
So here I am with two kids whom I love and adore and it's now my time to model for them the love of God the Father. And then to demonstrate what it means to love and to discipline in the love of God in order to raise them to love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul. I am so thankful for both the models that God gave me in my earthly fathers.
So on Father's Day, tell your dad what he means to you.... Dad I love you and I thank you for showing me how to turn my life over to God so that I can love my wife and my kids the way God wants me to love.
Thanks Dad!
Pastor John
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Right People, Right Seat, Right Bus
One of my favorite authors is Jim Collins. In his book Good to Great Jim suggests to his readers that in order to be a great company, you need to have the right people in the right seat and on the right bus.
I've been thinking about how that concept fits in the church. We too, need the right people in the right seat and on the right bus. Have you ever found yourself feeling "burned out", overworked or just plain "tired"? Perhaps you're not sitting in the right seat. Or perhaps you feel under utilized, bored or not needed? Not in the right seat, maybe not the right bus?
God may have been calling you to a new find a new seat but you didn't get up and move to where He wanted you to be seated. Think about this... if you are the wrong person sitting in the wrong seat, how does that impact the right person for what would be their right seat? God wants the right person (heart, spirit & soul serving Him) in the right seat. But if you are the wrong person (grumpy, self-focused, tired, burned-out) sitting in the wrong seat you have a double negative impact on the kingdom.
I have not found a church yet that has too many workers for the harvest field. What I have seen is too many workers not sitting in the right seat and perhaps not even on the right bus!
May God challenge us to put Matthew 9:36-38 into practice. Jesus had compassion for the lost, the hurting and those lacking direction. Who will be Jesus to the world today? Will you?
This bus is now leaving the station please take your "right seat"!
Pastor John
I've been thinking about how that concept fits in the church. We too, need the right people in the right seat and on the right bus. Have you ever found yourself feeling "burned out", overworked or just plain "tired"? Perhaps you're not sitting in the right seat. Or perhaps you feel under utilized, bored or not needed? Not in the right seat, maybe not the right bus?
God may have been calling you to a new find a new seat but you didn't get up and move to where He wanted you to be seated. Think about this... if you are the wrong person sitting in the wrong seat, how does that impact the right person for what would be their right seat? God wants the right person (heart, spirit & soul serving Him) in the right seat. But if you are the wrong person (grumpy, self-focused, tired, burned-out) sitting in the wrong seat you have a double negative impact on the kingdom.
I have not found a church yet that has too many workers for the harvest field. What I have seen is too many workers not sitting in the right seat and perhaps not even on the right bus!
May God challenge us to put Matthew 9:36-38 into practice. Jesus had compassion for the lost, the hurting and those lacking direction. Who will be Jesus to the world today? Will you?
This bus is now leaving the station please take your "right seat"!
Pastor John
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Servant Leadership
Servant Leadership... interesting title understanding that many who are "first" shall be "last" and the "last" shall be "first", Matthew 19:30. Jesus came to serve, not to be served... and was a great leader. What an awesome example for us!
I've been reading Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20 about being a laborer for God and the request of a mother for her two sons to be seated on the right and left side of Jesus when he entered heaven. It's really not about earthly titles or roles. We need to be thinking eternally just as James and John's mother was thinking. But understand that titles and the seating chart is not what God is concerned about, it is about serving others so that they too can know eternal life.
Jesus models for us what it means to be a Servant leader. He set the example by being a leader while serving others. He always put others before Himself. He listens and responds, shows compassion and love, provides direction and encouragement. The list could go on and on.
Reflection:
What kind of a leader or example are you?
I've been reading Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20 about being a laborer for God and the request of a mother for her two sons to be seated on the right and left side of Jesus when he entered heaven. It's really not about earthly titles or roles. We need to be thinking eternally just as James and John's mother was thinking. But understand that titles and the seating chart is not what God is concerned about, it is about serving others so that they too can know eternal life.
Jesus models for us what it means to be a Servant leader. He set the example by being a leader while serving others. He always put others before Himself. He listens and responds, shows compassion and love, provides direction and encouragement. The list could go on and on.
Reflection:
What kind of a leader or example are you?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Joy of serving
I will never forget the day that Jeff Roman came over to our home after church to mow my lawn so I could spend time with the family before going out of town on a business trip.
During Sunday School that morning I mentioned the crazy schedule that I had and the limited time available to spend with the kids.
During lunch the doorbell rang and it was Jeff. He said he was here to mow. No way I said, I don't need you to mow for me! Jeff replied, I am here to serve. The Lord prompted me to come over and bless you, so here I am. I sat at the table with tears in my eyes that someone would come and serve me like that.
That was about eight years ago this month. Jeff said it was his joy to serve. That comment has stuck with me ever since that day. Lord, give me the "joy" to serve others. Whether it is mowing, taking someone to the Dr. office or perhaps just being available to listen to someone in need.
Do you have the joy to serve? Ask God today to put in your heart the desire to serve others. I have and let me tell you that there is real "joy" in serving!
May the Lord bless you today as you serve others.
Pastor John
During Sunday School that morning I mentioned the crazy schedule that I had and the limited time available to spend with the kids.
During lunch the doorbell rang and it was Jeff. He said he was here to mow. No way I said, I don't need you to mow for me! Jeff replied, I am here to serve. The Lord prompted me to come over and bless you, so here I am. I sat at the table with tears in my eyes that someone would come and serve me like that.
That was about eight years ago this month. Jeff said it was his joy to serve. That comment has stuck with me ever since that day. Lord, give me the "joy" to serve others. Whether it is mowing, taking someone to the Dr. office or perhaps just being available to listen to someone in need.
Do you have the joy to serve? Ask God today to put in your heart the desire to serve others. I have and let me tell you that there is real "joy" in serving!
May the Lord bless you today as you serve others.
Pastor John
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday morning Pastor Barry made an announcement that we need "All Hands on Deck"!
Well, we had "All Hands on Deck" with over 35 volunteers participating in supporting the Haney family, extended family and the community. And for that...
I want to say a “big" thank you for blessing the Haney family and the community that visited Tiffany Fellowship during the visitation and the funeral this week. The compliments continue to come in from the Funeral Directors to the School District, from family to friends and from people in our own congregation.
In Christ,
Pastor John
Well, we had "All Hands on Deck" with over 35 volunteers participating in supporting the Haney family, extended family and the community. And for that...
I want to say a “big" thank you for blessing the Haney family and the community that visited Tiffany Fellowship during the visitation and the funeral this week. The compliments continue to come in from the Funeral Directors to the School District, from family to friends and from people in our own congregation.
In Christ,
Pastor John
Monday, May 18, 2009
Celebrating Life
In times of real hurt and loss it is sometimes hard to feel the love of God. We are so overwhelmed with grief and sorrow we tend to look inward not upward. This past week Cameron Haney went home to be with the Lord. Cameron made a huge impact in students and adults lives far beyond what any of us knew. The stories of how Cameron shared Christ with others, was a friend to those that needed a friend seemed to never end this week. At the hospital, during the Odessa graduation and even those that stopped by the house to share the memories of what a great guy we all know as Cameron continue to live on. Remember when the going gets tough, the tough fall on their knees and look to God for strength and comfort. Call on God today.... He is waiting!
So here are some reflections...
When someone asks what's it like to hang out with you, how will you be described?
What will people say about you when you are no longer here?
Do you know where your eternity will be spent?
I know that God in His sovereign will wants each of us to know Him personally and to spend eternity with Him... Are you ready?
John
So here are some reflections...
When someone asks what's it like to hang out with you, how will you be described?
What will people say about you when you are no longer here?
Do you know where your eternity will be spent?
I know that God in His sovereign will wants each of us to know Him personally and to spend eternity with Him... Are you ready?
John
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