What I learned on the way there...

When I was younger I loved to go places with no plan. I just get in the car with a destination in mind but just drive, a kind of "get there when we get there" attitude. But I learned something on this trip, well, several things.
Never travel without baby wipes - in good supply!
But second to that is, where travel is concerned I am not a "journey" kind of guy. I am a destination guy. I have a plan. There is expectation involved. The journey gets in the way of my plan. We were supposed to arrive in Boise the evening of the 22nd. But that didn't work out. After we got to Ogden Utah we found out that Interstate 84 West to Boise was closed because of poor visibility (snowing really good!). So we had to travel North to Pocatello (where we ended up staying the night). I was not worried about the snow or the roads, I was upset that we were not going to make it when we planned. We had to drive 2 hours out of the way. And had to spend money on a hotel! I did not really care about the adventure, the journey we got to take. We stayed at a great hotel. And we got to see some beautiful countryside. But I didn't pay much attention to those things since I was more upset about not getting to Boise when planned.

Life, I've heard is not about the destination (though it is ALL about the destination - but go with me for a minute) but about the journey. The twists and turns in life that take us to places we didn't plan and experiences we had not expected. I know some people in life who, like my travel, are more concerned about the destination, their plans and purposes and stuff then they are about the journey of life.

I suppose that it is good for us to be willing to take what life brings us, or rather, take what God brings us. I am reminded of Paul who said, "I know what it is to have plenty, and I know what it is to be in want" and he finished it all with, "I have learned to be content." Enjoying the journey of life has a great deal to do with leaning to be content with what you are given, what comes your way, what God brings.

So I prayed on Monday while driving, "God help me to enjoy what you bring - the detours and the bumps and the turns and twists."

Maybe this Christmas is not turning out just like YOU planned. Maybe the tree isn't as stuffed with presents as you wanted. Maybe there's no snow on the ground like you wanted (were supposed to get up to 6inches today and tomorrow here in Boise!). But What has God brought you? What turns did your life take this last year that changed your plans? Have you been upset about it? Why not see it is an opportunity to discover something about yourself, about your God and about contentment?

Have a great Christmas Eve and Christmas day!

He Will Be Called - part 3 - Everlasting Father

There are lots of names for Christ, this week we look at Christ as our Everlasting Father. No matter what kind of a father you had, your Everlasting Father is better than them all, watch and see.

Hebrews 13 / December 9 - The Last things...

Well, I've been working on the message for Sunday, it's about Jesus as our Everlasting Father, and I read a website where people whose Fathers had died could post letters to their Dad. It was actually pretty sad. Some of the letters and short statements on the guestbook were very positive and gave a nod to God for His work in their lives through the difficult times. But others seemed just hopeless. There was more than one that said, I can't live without you, it's hopeless. Others talked of years of pain and sadness that would not go away. One asked the question, "why, why, did you have to smoke?" The pain and emptiness that was conveyed by many was terribly depressing. There were others though that spoke of the last things that were said, voice mails left or fun times. What would you say if it were your last chance to speak to someone?

Hebrews 13 is the epilogue of the book. Perhaps the last time the writer (who every he or she was) would ever speak to their audience again. What was so important? What couldn't wait? What had to be said?

Did you notice that what the writer says falls very close to the following; keep it up! Don't waiver! Keep doing what you know you ought to do! Love. Entertain. Remember. Keep pure. Be content. Consider. Don't be carried away. Look for the City. Obey and pray.

Get busy!

And the prayer of the one who penned this encouragement? That God would, "equip you with everything good for doing HIS will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to HIM, through Jesus Christ."

Would you like it in a nutshell? After all it is the holidays. Don't stop. Don't stop doing the things you know are pleasing to God - even if you want to - don't stop. Get up. Start again if you fail. Don't give up. Don't shut up. Don't... I don't know another one that ends in "up" but you get the idea. And when you move and go and don't stop God will equip you with everything for doing HIS will.

Have a great Wednesday.

He Will Be Called: Mighty God - 12-7-08

It's Christmas time. Snow. Caroling. Family. Presents. But let's not forget bills, pressure to get the right gifts, family. Snow. Life is chaotic enough but when we add Christmas into the mix the pressure increases. Have been trying to do life on your own? Planning your own steps. Trying desperately to be the man, or woman you think you need to be to meet your own needs or the needs of your family. But guess what? You can't do it. But there is someone who can...

Hebrews 1 / Dec 3 - Jesus is # 1

Do you remember in Nacho Libre when Ramses is getting ready for the big fight? He's got some guy who is sitting there saying, "Ramses is #1, his arms are number one, his legs are number one, his fists are number one...Ramses is...number one."
In the movie it turns out to not be true, since Ramses gets beat by Nacho. But we could say this about Jesus and it would be true. Look no further than Hebrews 1.

Jesus is
heir of all things
maker of the universe
the radiance of God's glory
the exact representation of his being
sustainer of all things by his powerful word
superior to the angels

There are those who worship mere men or women... but they will eventually get beat, by death or Nacho if nothing else. Angels are pretty popular today but even with their abilities worshiping angels doesn't get you anywhere either.

Jesus is the only one that fits the bill. Heir. Maker. Radiance. Exact Representation. Sustainer. Superior. There is no one else who is the Son of God. No one else who has the right to stand at the right hand of God. No one else who will withstand and outlast everything else created.

Jesus is number one...
His arms are number one...
His legs are number one...
His love is number one...
His grace is number one...
His mercy is number one...
His sacrifice is number one...
Jesus...is....number one!

Have a great Wednesday knowing you have a relationship with the NUMBER ONE of all time!

He Will Be Called:Wonderful Counselor - Week 1

Where do you go for advice? Is it always good? How would you like to get the right advice at the right time - every time? The first term Isaiah used to describe Jesus was Wonderful Counselor. But in order to take advantage of that counsel we must...well I don't want to give it away!

MIRACLES VI: The Blind See

For six weeks we've been looking at the Miracles of Jesus from the book of John. And we've saved the best for last... The Blind See. The miracles that we've looked at to date have all been physical but in this miracle the miracle isn't the healing of a man's sight - but the giving of spiritual sight; the ability to "see" Jesus as Lord and Savior, God's Son. It is the miracle of faith that is extended to all who believe. Perhaps God has been working in your life but you haven't recognized it, or given credit to Him for what He's done. Today, let your spiritual eyes be opened and your spirit find rest in the risen Savior.

Collosians 3,4 - November 21 - A social experiement, not for the faint of faith.

Peace. Loaded word. There are some who say there is no peace without war. There are others who would say that without war, there is peace. I suppose the people in California would like some peace right now. Fires. That's what they've got. And lots of them. Fires in the mountains and fires in the streets - can you say anything about proposition 8 without get stones thrown from one side or the other? Peace would be nice.
There are those who struggle to find a little peace. It's hard when you're in the middle of a foreclosure. When you're not sure if Big Brother is going to bail out your employer - so you still have a job. Christmas is right around the corner... good thing Wal-Mart has a whole aisle of toys in the $.95 range. It would be nice to have some financial peace right about now.

I noticed several statements, I suppose we could call them commands in three short verses; 15,16,17, here they are for your consideration.

Let the PEACE of Christ rule in your hearts.
Be THANKFUL.
Let the WORD of Christ dwell in you RICHLY.
and, WHATEVER you do, whether in word or deed do it all in the name of JESUS.

Peace, it seems to me, is unattainable in this life. Whether by force or by kindness - peace will never be seen. There is an evil in this world that prevents, even hates, peace. That's probably why Paul said we need to let the PEACE OF CHRIST, rule in our hearts. That's completely different from the worlds peace. The peace of Christ happens no matter the situation. It is not situational...it is constant. No matter the situation there is always peace in Christ. Yeah, I don't get it either, though I've felt it. It's why we call it the "peace that passes all understanding." You can't understand it, but it's there. In the dark. In the midst of your own personal, financial, social, spousal, family war... His peace is there.

And since it's thanksgiving next week there's a command to be THANKFUL. It's not a wishy-washy idea. Be THANKFUL. It's a choice. It's an act of will. I can be thankful even when nothing is going my way (though it's hard for me too!). Thankfulness. It has to do with what I choose to look at, or rather focus on. Thankfulness is a "the glass is half-full" attitude. (It's also half empty, either one explains the reality of the situation but only one makes you feel good that you've got a half a glass of water!)

None of this that has come before, or the statement after can be done if the WORD of Christ does not dwell in you. Pack it up. Head out the door. If there is no Word there is no peace. If there is no Word there is no thankfulness. If there is no Word then how would I know what would bring glory to God? You see the WORD is life and light. I am blessed to be a messenger of that Word. But that's it. It didn't start with me and it won't end with me. The WORD never fails. Never falls. Never waivers. Never "misses" the mark. The WORD is the mark. The WORD became flesh and made His dwelling among us...I am thankful.

Oh and by the way, in case you "Christians" missed it... the last one is a good remind to those of us who all too often forget, when were out in traffic or in the work place or clamoring for the last...whatever is going to be the hot gift this year... that everything we do should be done with the express purpose of bringing glory to God. Which just means that we should be able to put a JESUS stamp on it. You know, like the sticker you got in the last pair of underwear that you bought - but didn't catch until you were taking them off at the end of the day... the one that has a number on it. That pair of BVD's was inspected by the person who stuck that number on there - "18." It was their seal of approval. These briefs passed the inspection. They passed the test. (what kind of tests do they put underwear through anyway?) There should be a sticker on everything you and I as Christians (not for those who are not) do and say that just says "JC." Whatever you do means... are you ready? Whatever, you do.

How about today, just today, we try to live by these four commands. What do you think would happen? Let me know how our little social, "fight the hypocrisy" experiment goes!

MIRACLES 6: The Blind See - coming this sunday!

Join us as we wrap up the MIRACLES series with The Blind See. We'll walk with Jesus and the disciples as they meet a man born blind and in the end he not only sees things he has never seen - he sees Jesus as his Savior. Are there blind spots in your life? Are you ready to see?

MIRACLES V: Water to Wine

It's the first miracle but that isn't the best part of this story... Join us as we look inside a first-century wedding and discover how and why Jesus performed this first miracle. And what the response was to this first miracle.

Galatians 6 / Nov 14 - contradiction? I don't think so.

Well, you might not believe I'm saying this... but I'm going to say it anyway. It's not what you do that is important. There, I said it. Throw the book at me! Tell me what a jerk I am for telling you for the last year "it's what you do that matters." Tell me how nonspiritual I am and what a low class preacher I am since I don't even have a basic grasp of the Bible. Are you feeling better? Are you glad to get that out of your system? Good. Now quite gloating and listen up.

I hope you have realized that I am not as concerned with making a good impression as some probably wish I was (maybe my wife for instance) because I'm not interested in trying to make Christianity "look" good as though it needed my "show" to be attractive to others. So, I try and keep it real (pun intended). You see what you do outwardly to prove you belong in church or to a church or are a good christian doesn't mean anything. What you and I do on Sunday may impress those sitting around us but it doesn't impress God and probably doesn't impress those outside the church looking for something more. Something real. Something beyond just some thing that you do (that was a lot of somethings).

Verse 15 of chapter 6 tells us that circumcision/uncircumcision (acts done to prove something) don't mean anything. That's right, they don't mean anything. What we do, doesn't mean anything. What matters Paul says is "a new creation." Remember that "I (Jesus) have come that you might have life, real life, more and better than you ever dreamed?" It comes from relationship, from the new creation that happens when we give our lives, completely, over to Christ. Romans 6 is the key text here saying that the "old has gone the new has come" when we are "baptized into Christ Jesus."

So the RULE, (don't cuss, don't commit sexual immorality or get drunk or lie, cheat or steal, etc.) doesn't mean anything if there is no new creation, they're just things you do or don't do. So what you do doesn't mean anything. It's the relationship you have (or don't) that matters.

Before you get too excited, what you do comes in to play after the new creation is, well created. Now you "do" not because it helps you or puts you in some special place with God but because you love Him and want to. And that's a lot better way to do things anyway.

How about a dose of Real Life.

2 Corinthians 13 / Nov 11 - What's your grade?

Okay, cut me some slack... after reading yesterday's text I was kicking myself for not posting, some good things there. Did you notice that Paul said he "knows a man who was caught up" and he would boast about that guy but not himself? Did you see then that in the next paragraph he said, "to keep me from being conceited because of these 'surpassingly great revelations...'" See it? He just admits that he was the one "caught up!" Interesting.

But this morning I think that it may be good to take a test. In my classes the students know that they will be quizzed every week and that there will be a final exam. If they fail the tests there is a good chance they will fail the final. A test is a measurement tool to see if you are on task. It is a good thing! If there are no tests how will you know if you are getting the right info? Focusing on the right parts of the lecture? Getting the correct information out of the text? So test actually help us so that we are not caught off guard.

Paul suggests that we test ourselves, or examine our lives to see if we are "in the faith." Is your life reflecting the principles and characteristics of Christ? Are you on the right path? (narrow or wide?) Does your faith sound good but lack something in the delivery every day?

Paul asserts that those who are in the faith have within themselves "Christ Jesus." The inference is that you will be able to determine, after examining, that you have Christ, unless of course you fail the test!

My prayer today is that you not only pass the test but you ACE it as you consider how well you let Christ shine through your life every day.

Have a great Tuesday!

MIRACLES IV: Raising the Dead

Jesus not only had power over the physical to heal and restore but even death is no match for the power of Christ. In this message we'll discover that the miracle power of Christ to bring back the physical body from death is also available to what is dead or dying our lives. Dead faith? Dead relationships? Dead Marriage? Dead hope? Jesus is ready to speak into the darkness of your life and call back to life, what is dead. Are you ready to "Come Out?" Your new life and new clothes await...

2 Corinthians 8 / Nov 7 - religious socialism?

Since President Elect Obama was accused of wanting to bring socialism to America perhaps this is not a good time for this post...but since I'm not any good at being "PC" I'm gonna press on!

But before you lock up your wallet and pad-lock your purse there is something you need to know about what Paul is getting to.

First. He reminds us that Christ, as the Son of God, was in heaven prior to coming to the earth and being born a helpless little baby. In heaven He was the creator and sustainer of all things on earth he was poor. Hated. Dismissed as a crazy. Beat. Tried and convicted. Killed because of a loophole in the law (they didn't account for someone being the actual Son of God). To truly understand this point you must get that Jesus had it all and gave it all up for you.

Second. This was not a Robin Hood idea (rob from the rich and give to the poor). It sounds a little socialist, the idea of everyone being equal but the context is not that of taking from what someone worked hard to attain and just giving it to someone who didn't want to work. No, what was happening here was a great famine in Jerusalem (and surrounding area) so that the Church in that part of the world was suffering greatly. Paul was encouraging the Church in Corinth to follow through with what they had promised, to send financial gifts to their brothers to help them in their time of need. The plan then was that if needed, the Church in Jerusalem - after the famine had passed, would be able and obligated to help the Church in Corinth should they ever need it.

Notice though that this was not forced (through taxes, etc.) but they "gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability, entirely on their own..." From the other day Paul said that they ought to "lay aside a sum of money, in keeping with their income." So, it was not just about taking away but those in Christ willingly giving what they could.

So, I'll give what I can and you give what you can and it may not be equal gifts, but it should be an equal sacrifice. Have a good Friday!

THIS SUNDAY! MIRACLES IV: Raising the Dead

Is there something in your life that has died or is dying? A relationship? Emotional death? You may have even suffered Spiritual death, or you may be heading that way. This week we'll see Jesus raise both the physically dead and bring what is dead in you and me back to life.

2 Corinthians 4 / Nov 6 - Good to remember

So this chapter couldn't have come at a better time for me. There is a delicate balance that we try to maintain in the faith. How do we deal with the truth of God's incredible power at work within us through His Spirit, when we ourselves as so fragile. Jesus said, if you faith you can say to this mountain "go throw yourself into the sea" and it will obey... fine. I believe that. There is incredible and infinite power available to us through the Spirit of God. And not only to us, but in us! Yet this incredible power must move through the bottleneck of our faith!

Paul says we have this treasure (this power, this light, this Spirit) in jars of clay; fragile, unable to hold an infinate amount of power, prone to cracks and leaks. Think of pouring a gallon of milk into a small glass, once the glass if filled the milk just runs out. As a jar of clay my ability to hold all that God has to offer is limited.

I continue to wonder, "God, how come this isn't happening or you're not doing that?" It isnt that God can't - perhaps the problem is that my jar has a leak of faith... or a crack of trust and all that God is pouring into me is running out. My prayer today is that God restores the broken vessels of our faith. Fill the cracks. Plug the leaks. And continue pouring into us your grace and power to meet our needs out of your abundance in Christ Jesus. Finally God, increase the size of my jar so that I can hold more and more of You.

2 Cor 3 / Nov 5 - It's not the end...

Okay, it is difficult night for me. If you didn't know I am a Republican. I had hoped that McCain would pull out an upset, but it seems now that it is highly unlikely that will happen. What does that mean?

For the next four years will will have not only a Democrat in the White House but the first African American President in our Nation's history, which, by-the-way is really cool. I would have desired the first black president to be a republican but, that is the way it goes. Can you believe that we have come so far (as Carl Rove said) "in such a short period of time" from the slavery issue to our First African American Family.

While I am worried about the next few years and all the changes that will most certainly come (my opinion) I am reminded of a few things tonight.

1. The whole idea of our election process is that there is balance. That is why we have senatorial elections ever 2 years and presidential elections every 4 years. It is also why the balance of power from Pennsylvania Avenue and in the senate/congress constantly shift. Four years of democrat rule, eight years of republican rule and back to democrat rule. That is the plan. If you don't know (from whatever side your on) how good you have it, it often takes a change to realize it.

2. The democrats have had to live through eight years of Bush and probably thought they would die at some point or that the end of the world was coming any day. It did not. The same is probably true (all though no one knows the day!) for this time. We will not die (I hope) and the end of the world will probably not happen (see note above). This too shall pass.

3. From chapter 3: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
-In Christ there is FREEDOM. Regardless of who is in power, in Christ we are free. In chains we are free. Talk to a christian from a communist country- they are free. And you and I are to be a reflection of the Lord's glory and are being transformed into the likeness of Christ. No matter what the future brings, we are Christians first. Followers of Christ regardless of the politics or position of our elected officials.

So today I wake up as a citizen of the greatest country in the world. A country that has been blessed by God at a level greater than any other since the Israelites themselves. I will work. I will do what I believe to be right. I will learn and grow in my faith. I will pray that God gives our president and leaders wisdom to keep this country in the grace of God.

I am not afraid. I am not ashamed. I am a Christian, a follower of Christ. I am today and I will be tomorrow by the grace of God.

2 Cor 2 / Nov 4 - The paths of our lives for a purpose

Think of all the places you've been, all the jobs, all the relationships. Where have you lived? How many times have you moved? How many friendships have been created?

Did you ever consider that the webs of our lives, the interconnected relationships, jobs, homes travels, could actually be used by God to increase the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ?

This is what Paul is expressing in verse 14. God opened a door for him but he could not put his spirit to rest because he wanted so desperately to find Titus. So, his desire to find his friend compelled him to leave Troas. But his path both to Troas and then to Macedonia, meant that He was able to spread the message of Jesus Christ to more people in more places! Here's how he says it, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."

So Paul sees these trips he makes and the places he stays and the relationships he builds, even the problems that cause him to leave on place and go to another as a means to spread the message of hope in Christ.

Makes me reconsider the moves I've made and the relationships and the trips and the "mistakes" and see them in a different light. How about you?

2 Cor 1 / Nov 3 - we stand by faith

Well, today my oldest son told me about some conversations that he overheard about God and religion. One person said there were two options, "Either God exists and He hates us or there is just a higher being that is uninterested."
Frankly, I refuse to believe that. Do bad things happen? yes. Is it God's desire to just punish? One excuse was "people who are out drinking, having sex and doing everything 'wrong' are living high on the hog." So what is there for those of us who believe?

It is a hard lesson. But those who stand firm do so by faith. I do not believe because God provides for every wish and desire. I do not believe because everything in my life is always just the way I want it. I do not believe because I never worry, never fear, never want for anything. I believe because there is no other explanation for my presence here on this planet. That my children all had congenital heart disease...though it has NEVER affected them or kept them from doing what they wanted. In fact, as they grow it becomes so slight they don't have to worry about it! That doesn't happen often.
I believe because the Bible has been proven true and accurate over and over and over again. i believe because the FACTS of Jesus and His continued work in my life are visible every day.

I don't stand because of what I have, or what I have been given. I stand by faith.

how about you?

MIRACLES III: Poolside Miracle

What's your spiritual handicap? What is it that is keeping you from experiencing all that God has for you, what we call Real Life? Answer the three questions in this message to be that much closer to a miracle.

coming this Sunday!

1 Corinthians 14 / Oct 31 - Words mean something

Well, I'm back...and what a day I picked! Of all the issues that the church struggles with this is one that causes an incredible amount of ire and at the same time makes only a tiny bit of difference.

Speaking in other languages (tongues) seems to be a personal issue unless it is done in the church but should ONLY be done if there is an interpreter. And is used as a tool for the unbeliever. I suppose it goes without saying that if there is no one in church that does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ then there would be no need or call for speaking in another language.

I use the term language because that is how most Bibles interpret this word and Paul makes it clear that there are "all sorts of languages in the world yet none of them is without meaning." Clearly Paul intended that his hearers would understand that this "tongue" was a language, had a meaning and could be interpreted by someone who was gifted to "interpret" or could speak the language already.

I have heard stories of ministers in other countries who "spoke in tongues" only to have someone come to them and say that they spoke perfect (fill in the blank) language and wanted to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

I do not say that "tongues" doesn't exist or that it is nothing. However, it is clear to me that the idea that a person "has to" speak in tongues to prove the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is completely unBiblical. Paul clearly indicates in his writings that all different people have all different gifts. There is no gift that everybody has unless the ability to believe to in Jesus - faith - could be considered a gift.

So, in words that can be understood, be strengthened in your faith as you continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. And I'll see you Sunday!

MIRACLES: Casting out the Evil Spirit - 10/26/08

On a scale of 1-10 where is your faith? Do you sometimes find yourself believeing that God Can do what you've asked, but you're not really sure that He will? In this message Corey discusses how to develop real faith. And it's real easy!

1 Corinthians 3 / Oct 23 - solid foundation

This chapter really speaks to me as I think about the future of Real Life. Just so you know and there is no question... neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
I've said this before but it bears repeating over and over. I am no one special, just a guy who God is using to connect people to a place to connect to His Son Jesus Christ. You all however, are God building - which is way cool!
I am doing my best to lay ONLY the foundation of Jesus Christ in a way that connects people do not currently know him.

I think that the gold, silver, costly materials, wood, hay and straw all will burn in the fire the only thing that will last is Jesus. So, should we sit on the ground with no projector, instruments, etc.? I don't believe so. If we did we would not have a very big crowd. Without a crowd there is no one to connect to and no lives for Jesus to change. So we will continue to try and update and find new and innovative ways to attract the un-churched and under-churched to Real Life so they can experience Eternal life.

But please know... Real Life is about Jesus, connecting with others to connect others to Him. That's the foundation and we will build no other foundation than that.

thanks for allowing me to do what God has called me to do and thanks for being a great "building" for God!

1 Corinthians 1 - October 22 / foolishness

Do you remember being a kid and coming home thinking that there was something incredibly important but no one else in the family did? TJ is always coming in with some incredible story about dirt or some toy...or his favorite thing is to talk about some scene from a silly Disney channel show. It seems that we are constantly telling him "if this is about a Disney show we don't want to hear it!"

From our perspective TJ's story is unimportant. But from his perspective, so close to the floor, it is very important! So important that he wants to share it with us!

The same thing happens in spiritual matters...what is important to me as a believer, what I want to share from what I've heard or seen doesn't seem very important to someone who doesn't share my perspective of Jesus Christ.

What I say "seems" like foolishness to them, but to me - and perhaps you to - it is the power of God for the salvation of our souls and even for those who think it is "foolishness."

So, here's to being foolish! and enjoying Real Life!

MIRACLES: Calming the Storm 10-19-08

Are there any storms in your life? Are you drowning in the midst of bills? Pain? Fear? Health issues? Have you cried out ot God to calm the storms in your life? Find out some reasons why we go through the storms in life and what the outcome can be. Are you ready for a Miracle?

Sunday's coming!

He opened blind eyes. Raised the dead. Calmed the storm. Cast out demons and made bodies whole... think He's done?

Jesus still calms the storms in this life. It's called a miracle.

Romans 3 / October 15 - do and believe

So, everybody knows the passage that says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... but do you know the other half...and how the two are connected?

My children do things to each other that I don't like and that they get in trouble for. Each of them do it. They don't really set out to do these things, but they happen. My guess is that it happens in your family too. It's not intentional- but it does happen.

...and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.

...and they love each other and will help each other whenever the need arises because they are a part of the Landreth family - they share the name.

You and I will sin, not because we necessarily want to but because we are not as strong spiritually as we might want to be. And quite frankly, we sin...bottom line...because we want to. Which is why I am so grateful that I am not justified by what I do, but by my association with the name of Jesus Christ (Christian) and the grace that come through His blood. Which is the same for my kids. They are going to say and do things that hurt each other but in the end they are blood and that connection is strong.

Thank you God for this insight and for judging us, your children, by faith and not by deeds.

October 14 - addendum to Romans 1

Hey all, if you haven't read it yet...after today's post (Romans 1) you need to read verse 13 from Romans 2. The whole righteousness by faith hangs on this verse.

Romans 2:13

Notice that it is not in just "hearing" where righteousness by faith is found but in...get ready for this..."OBEYING" what you hear. In fact, the Christian life begins with obedience. Believe, Repent, Confess and be Baptised aren't suggestions...they are part of that obedience that connects us to the Son of God. Not because we completely understand it all, but because we believe enough to obey, even when we don't understand.

it's called faith.

Romans 1 / October 14 - It's a faith thing

Let's kick of Romans!
Having just finished Acts (I read even when I didn't post), you might be wondering where Romans fits... since Paul is already in Rome. Well, Paul's letter to the Romans was actually written between the 18th and 21st chapters of Acts, right before Paul actually gets there (actually several months/a year before).

Paul is pretty clear in this chapter so I won't bore you with what you can plainly and directly read for yourself.
But I want to focus your attention on verses 16,17 where Paul says "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

First, why should we (Christianity as a whole) be ashamed of what is the greatest expression of the power of God - Salvation through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. The message went first to the Jews, who did not all wholeheartedly receive it, and then to the Gentiles where it exploded into the rest of the world.

But look at the last statement. In the message of hope concerning Jesus (the Gospel - Bible) there is a righteousness from God that is about faith. and then Paul quotes the Old Testament, the righteous will live by faith.

Here's the bottom line. Your church attendance won't save you. Your money, tithes and offerings, won't save you. Your "morals" or "ethics" won't save you. Your family history or genealogy won't save you. Your kids, grandma, parents or dog won't save you.

Only your faith in the one and only Son of God will save you. Did He die on the cross for you? Did He rise from the dead? Did He go to His father in Heaven? Did His death on the cross pay your price and free you from the guilt and punishment for sin?

then you are well on your way to a righteousness that comes through faith. Live like it!

Habakkuk Part III - Climbing out.

In this final message we see Habakkuk climbing out of the spiritual dip. If you are struggling with what God is doing in your life this message can help.

October 10th - got bugs?

As you know I work a part time job and what I do requires a computer. Okay, I realize that many jobs today require a computer. But if our computers shut down we are dead in the water. First, 90% of the orders we receive come to us through the Internet and into our email. We process the orders through a software program and run credit cards through that same software. We also use the computer to process shipping through UPS, FedEx and USPS. So if the system goes down we all just sit around and twiddle our thumbs.

The last few weeks we have had one computer issue after another. Two new pc's and we're still having issues. Tuesday one of the employees came out and said, "I think we've got a bug." Meaning, we've got a virus of some sort that kicks our individual pc's off the network and shuts us down.

I was thinking this am (while being frustrated by some issues with my own new laptop!) that our spiritual lives are kind of like our pc's and networks.

How is your connection with God and His Son Jesus Christ? Do you feel like you've been getting "kicked off" the spiritual network that was established when you gave your life to Jesus? Maybe you've got a bug, a sin that lays in wait until an opening is found and then attaches it self to you in some way and that connection is dismantled.

If you've found your connection lacking maybe it is time to re-boot. How? Well you reset your spiritual hard drive by recommitting your life to Christ and His will for your life. Romans says "Do not conform to the pattern of this world (living with bugs) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (resetting your spiritual hard drive)."

If you need to recommit take this opportunity to make it public. You can comment on this post and we'll pray for you and your decision!

Some encouragement

It's late Wednesday night...pretty tired but wanted to share with you a bit from a meeting I had with some members of my advisory board through the Christian Evangelising Association (their the guys who help to support me so the church can put it's money in other things).

The two guys I met with are the lead pastors and church planters from Lifestream in Gardner, KS. and Dave Henry from New Community in Salina. They know what their doing. Dave's church in Salina is 10 years old and is averaging in the 300's. Russ' church will be 4 years old this Sunday and they are running mid 100's I believe.

What I took away from our meeting was that while we may not be where I thought we would at one year we are doing very well. We are right where each of these other churches were at one year. In fact, where our giving is concerned we are averagaing about $14 per person, per week in attendance for the year - that's incredible!!!

Now, we do need to look at some of the things we are doing and re-evaluate what we're doing verses what we really want to do (good exercise!) and I'm starting to get ready for our first annual meeting which we'll have in January.

So, pat yourselves on the back, We are doing a good job and most importantly, we are doing exactly what God wants of us! Have a great Thursday!

Acts 22 / Oct 8 - You were chosen

When I asked Andi to marry me and she said "yes" (and yes she said it right away and didn't have to ponder or question!) I felt like the richest guy in the world! I was so happy, so wanted, so wonderful! (okay, that was mushy)... um...I felt really, really good.

Everyone wants to be wanted. Everyone wants to be included. Everyone wants to be chosen. I know it may be hard for you to believe but there have been a few times in my life when I was the last chosen...picked by default.

I want you to know today, in the middle of the week, in the midst of all the junk you are going through, that you ARE wanted. You ARE chosen. You ARE just the one He's looking for.

In Acts 22 there are a just a few lines that stick in my mind...I can't get off these two statements. The first came from Jesus (yes, Jesus was the one talking to Paul (Saul) in the light). And there through the light Jesus speaks to a man who is "persecuting Him." And there Jesus makes this incredible statement, "you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." That word, assigned, is just incredible. And it's not just for Paul.

The second statement that draws me in comes from Ananias when he says "God...has chosen you." Wow! Two statements, two words, assigned and chosen.

Here's what you need to catch. Your name might not be Paul, but YOU have also been ASSIGNED a role in the kingdom. I believe mine is to preach and through the Spirit, lead Christ's church. I'm not sure what yours is but I KNOW that God has an assignment for you. YOU have been chosen. In fact, the Bible in another place says that you and I were chosen by God. God desperately wants you to know Him and His Will (Word) and to live and do what you have been assigned to do.

You are here because you were chosen and you have an assigned task or several (Andi is great musically and she does an incredible job speaking to women about faith and family - though you might not know it!). So this is YOU: CHOSEN/ASSIGNED

See you tomorrow!

Habakkuk part II - In the Dip

In this message Corey Habakkuk answers the question, "what do you do when you're in the spiritual dip?" You've been there before and if you haven't you will be. When what you see in your life doesn't line up with what you believe about your faith or about God you're in the dip. Here's what you can do to help yourself make it through the dip so that you can have the opportunity to mature in your faith and grow closer to God.

Just a little interesting

Didn't want to let this get away so wanted to write it down. In this case you all get to share it with me!

It was about 11:15 - 11:30 when I was getting off the plane in Wichita last night (Friday). I was extremely tired. Hungry. And ready to be home...but alas (throw back to the old days) I had to get my car out of the long-term parking and drive it home.

So I get my bag and head out to the parking lot, no big deal...except I can't remember where I parked. I was in a hurry when I got there on Wednesday morning so I just jumped out and grabbed my stuff and headed for the US Airways terminal.

Now it's late, my eyes hurt, I'm tired and I don't know where I parked. Besides that I had just spent three days in Vegas...which a lot of people would have thought was cool...not me. I wanted my wife. Was surrounded by sex and sin or at least the opportunity to do either, which could be both. I just felt bad...spiritually and emotionally and physically.

So, here I am walking in the near dark looking for my car carrying all my bags which were getting heavy and not having much luck.

I stopped to put the shoulder strap back on my duffel bag since I had taken it off when I checked it ($15) and started to put it on. I kind of bent over and stuck the bag between my legs while I messed with the clasp...one side done...then had to take a step, turn the bag and click the other side. While in that motion I just said God, I know where I've been and I know that You have no good reason to, but I would like to find my sub...

Yeah. You know what happened. As I was bent over and in mid-prayer I looked up and having taken that extra step to secure the strap to the other side of the bag it put me in just the right spot to see the bumper sticker that says "God said it...that settles it" on the back window of the suburban.

I stood up, smiled at God and said, "thank you."

Acts 17 / October 3 - "O, woah, close to you..."

I am sitting in the airport watching people mill around and and talk and a guy just asked a lady across the aisle for the sports page...there is a lady sitting directly opposite me (my back) who has a pony tail and she keeps moving her head and flicking me with it...she has no idea. There are people speaking other languages and on their cell phones. Old and young. Male and female. Poor and wealthy, modest and darn near exhibitionistic.
And guess what? Acts 17 says that God is right here. In the midst of all this commotion and the constant din of slot machines and conversations He's here.
It's easy to forget that sometimes with all the commotion in our lives...easy for me this last three days... but He never left, right there the whole time.

I wonder how many know Him? I wonder who He is talking to right how? Anyone? Me? You?

God, help me to never loose sight of the fact that you are right here, every moment, every day. You desire to be in every thought, every decision. You see what I see and you hear what I hear and know what I think. Help me not to disappoint.

I'll see you all Sunday, a little happier. a little poorer and perhaps a little closer.

Habakkuk 1 - Sept 28, 2008

You see it every day. Bad people, taking advantage of the weak. Good people hurting. The innocent, suffering. War. Injustice.

Does it ever seem like God is unfair?

Join us for the next two weeks as we continue to look at the life of Habakkuk for the inspiration we need to continue, when God seems unfair.

what a day...

Well folks, I made it to Las Vegas. It is an incredible town but I noticed a few things.
1. The glitz of Vegas is seen by most at night. But at night you have a more difficult time seeing the garbage. Trash on the street, tons of construction and mess. The size and beauty of the buildings is matched only by the stark contrast of empty lots, homeless and a dirty underbelly to this glamorous city.
2. The people here work really hard to keep their hotels and casinos clean and looking very nice, tons of money on construction and amenities...but as soon as you walk out side and off hotel property (walking the strip) you are faced with potentially hundreds of men and women silently and persistently trying to get you to take a small business card with their "escort" service information on it. I walked down one side of the strip today, about a mile total (there and back) and was confronted by at least 50 of these people.
3. I met a guy who looked like Jesus. Well, he had the robe and the sandals (Nike) and a beard and he began to speak to us about how the Lord had come to America because we needed him the most because of places like Vegas (he called it Babylon) and how we needed to repent and not be here but find better places to go. And it all sounded good...until he said that we needed to make sure we only ate vegetables because God loves the animals too and He created them. I almost stopped and said, have you ever even read the Bible?

So here is my synopsis.
1. If you want to be tempted there is no better place then Vegas.
2. All the glitz and glamour can't hide the stain of sin.
3. If Jesus came to Vegas he would love people and help them find life...not tell them to become vegetarians.

I love you Andi. wish you were here with me...or better yet, wish I were there with you.

God protect me and every believer who comes to this town and buys into the lie that you can do things here and no one has to know. What happens in Vegas...just might stay with you the rest of your life.

PS. I actually thought about getting a tattoo while I am here. That way I can say, what happens in Vegas (the tattoo) stays with you...whether you can see it or not! What do you think?! Any ideas! it would be a great conversation starter and lead to a great object lesson!

What do you think I should get honey?

Acts 15 / Oct 1 - the greatest leadership quality

This is a great chapter... why you ask? well, if you give me a second I'll tell you.
You have in this chapter the church at it's very beginning. In this chapter you see both people who are serving Christ and following Him and you have some people who seem to think they can gain control or maintain power by pushing undo rules and regulations on the new Christians (btw this is exactly what they were doing under the Old Testament!).

So, while they argued they also showed humility in the church. When they argued and couldn't come to a conclusion they went to Jerusalem, which was the center of Christianity at the time. It was there that some Apostles, along with James the brother of Jesus who would become the leader of the church in the known world, as well as Elders who had been appointed, presumably by the Apostles.

They went to Jerusalem, gave their side of the story and then the Apostles and Elders met together and came to a conclusion with the help of the Holy Spirit.

But notice, Paul and Barnabas were the ones who were arguing and they also went and set on the "board" when the Apostles and Elders met. But there was no issue there. They trusted each other, to an extent, even when they were on opposite sides of the issue.

And in the end a very positive decision for the church was reached. It did not segregate but brought people together, not because they believed the same thing, but because they agreed willingly to submit themselves, in humility to these leaders.

Even here there is humility and submission. Great lesson for leadership.

PS: Please say a prayer for me today. I should be on the plane, when you read this, heading to Vegas. The school I teach for, National American University, is sending me to Vegas for a conference. It is an honor to go but I am a bit apprehensive. I have never been to "sin" city before and do not like traveling without Andi. So... you get the idea. Pray also for Andi and the kids - lots to do with one less pair of hands!

Acts 14 / Sept 30 - God confirmed it

Well, greetings friends! I've missed you!
Today we get back to Acts with a piece of history that really has several things we could talk about. The continued power to heal displayed by the Apostles. The Irony that Barnabas and Paul show up to tell the people about the God of the universe and they end up trying to keep the people from sacrificing and worshiping them. Or how about Paul's death...or so it seemed. The Jews stone him (they hit him with big rocks until he was dead) and then they dragged him out of the city supposing that he was dead. Then the Apostles come and pray over Paul and he gets up, walks back into the city and leaves the next day. Lots of stuff we could discuss.

But I don't want to talk about any of that. I want you to consider verse 3. It says that God confirmed the message, that was being boldly delivered by His apostles, by enabling them to perform miracles. This is something that is often forgotten. The miracles that the apostles and that Jesus performed were not for the benefit of those who believed or to make the apostles more popular, they were to confirm the message.

When I say something about God I can pull out the bible and say "see, here's what God did." You see it in His Word and so you believe. They didn't have that in the first century. The message was not confirmed by the truth of the Word but by the astonishment of the miracles. If you heard someone talk and all you got was words...then another guy comes along and talks and then heals someone who are you going to listen to?

But remember and please realize. Miracles were not the thing that was important. The miracles were simply confirmation that was was being said, the Word was true. Consider this; many Christians were sick and died in the New Testament when there were ample opportunities for the Apostles to heal them. Including one guy who Paul says was a great help to him...but he is not healed. Why? because He and those around them already believed. They didn't need the confirmation of the Word because they accepted and believed the Word.

What do you need to believe? Are you always looking for some physical confirmation? Or do you accept the Word? Jesus told Thomas, blessed are those who believe but have not seen.

Good to be back with you!

by the way, for those of you who know me and my family...I got to play catch with a football with my son, Trent, this afternoon. I was late to NAU to teach because I was having such a good time. We stood in the living room and tossed the ball back and forth and he caught it at least as good as T.O. and threw, well, he didn't throw very well. But he's 10 and it is the first time we ever played catch. He was laughing and we had a great time. Thanks God for simple times and simply confirmations that you are there and you care.

Here's the illustration video we missed last sunday!

This is the illustration video I didn't have time for last Sunday. It fits with the first Sunday's message in the new series, Habakkuk.

Acts 7 / Sept 26th - No bible reading post this am

I just got finished editing the video illustration for Sunday and Andi is leaving for the Women's retreat in the am.

Let's pray that the women this weekend really make a connection with God, that they are able to be free for a few days of the distractions and plans and duties of their lives and focus, if even for a minute just on Jesus.

Enjoy your time ladies and we'll be praying for you!

Acts 6 / Sept 25 - Here's to service!

In the church there are many duties or function. One of those is discussed in this chapter of Acts. The "position" is not given a name here but the function and the position and name are all synonymous so it really is irrelevant.
Here's the deal. The members of the early church would, from time to time, sell some possessions and bring the money to the apostles who would distribute the money to those who were in need.
Now it appears that they had some sort of mechanism in place to distribute the food but they also realized that overseeing this ministry was taking them away from their more important job of prayer and preaching. It wasn't that this "job" was not important, in the grand scheme of things they were neglecting a "more important" role in order to do something that someone else could easily do.
So they considered among the church at the time that it would take about 7 men to oversee this big ministry and so they wanted to find 7 guys who were "full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom."
They did find 7 men, who are named here, and this became their job and also introduced us to the role of Deacon.
The word deacon literally means servant and so the role, the function and the name all mean the same thing.
In some churches this "position" is formal and is an elected position.
Here at Real Life this is a role or position that we believe should be the function of every believer. Deacon or Deaconess (the female version) should be the aspiration of us all, even if we fill other positions or functions or roles in the church.
Here's to a church full of servants!, er, I mean Deacons and Deaconesses.

Diry Jobs part IV - God's Mud Puddle

In this message we wrap up the Dirty Jobs Series by looking at the church which can, at times, look more like a mud puddle then the pristine, white, clean bride of Christ. In this message Corey will look at the purpose of the church and how you and I, the church, fit into that purpose and plan.

Sorry it took so long...technical difficulties. I actually had to go back into the church and record teh last 15 min of the message. See if you can tell when it changes! I left subtle hints, differences to see if anyone would pick up on it. If you can find the differences in the background, clothing, lighting, etc. comment on this post and tell you if you got one...or not!

Acts 4 / Sept 23rd - what would you like boldness for?

There are a couple of lines here that would be great in a movie!

You've got the bad guys, the religious leaders, threatening the apostles and commanding them not to speak about Jesus anymore.

Here's part of their reply: We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard... Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness...

Wow! Sign me up! right! I want to be a part of whatever they're a part of! And others must have felt the same way 'cause here where it their faith and stand ends up...

All the believers were one in heart and mind...With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

So what about you? Can you say what they said? We can't help speaking about... what we've seen and heard? ...Jesus? ...church? ...the changes in my life?

Can you make this a part of your prayer? "enable your servants to speak Your Word with great boldness. If made this our prayer, we might experience some of what the early church did!

Have a great Tuesday!

Acts 3 / Sept 22 - what you have...or don't

I was thinking while reading this chapter how neat it would be to say to someone, "get up and walk." But then something else caught my attention.

When I am faced with someone who wants something from me I often focus on what I don't have. You want some food? I'm hungry too. Need a car? Mine is broke. If you're looking for money, don't look here.

But what do I have? We often leave that out.

I don't have enough money, but I pretty much buy whatever I want.
I don't have an extra car, but some people don't any vehicles.
I don't have all the food I want or like, but I'm not hungry.

So Peter says, "I don't have any money to give you, but what I do have I will give to you." What did Peter have that you and I have? A connection with Jesus Christ. Peter was plugged in to Jesus so he could give this man what he had, the Name of Jesus and a relationship with Him.

So next time I am faced with the delimma of not having what someone needs I hope to stop and think, "what do I have in Jesus that this person might need?"

Then I am not relying on my ability to meet anyone's needs but instead, I'll be relying on the power of Jesus to meet the needs of the people I come in contact with.

What do you have in Christ that someone this week might need?

Acts 1 / Sept 19 - some history

Let's start with the first paragraph of Acts. There are some tid-bits you don't want to miss.

first, Luke is the writter of Acts and was probably the most educated disciple and is somtimes refered to as Dr. Luke. He is the author of the book of Luke as well. Acts is a technical history of what happened after Jesus' resurection.

Theophilus is perhaps the money behind the account. People were often hired to catalouge someone's life for the benefit of others. This guy probably had money and wanted to know what was up with this new sect called Christianity.

The other thing you need to know is that the disciples still didn't have a clue about what was going on. Even after the resurection but before the church really begins they still think Jesus is going to usher in some physical Jewish rule over the world.

they also go back to 12 disciples with Matthias and if you noticed, Jesus brothers have now joined the crew of believers...one of them, James will come into play later.

So in the book of Acts Luke takes us from the resurection through the beginning of the church.

Hang on it's going to be a great ride! I love this book!

John 21 / Sept 19 - "Do you know what the meaning of life is? One thing, that's what you've got to figure out..." Curly

So, I've been working on the blog until about midnight every evening this week. I think I'm starting to get grouchy b/c I just got into a little tiff with Andi, I don't like that. So, it must be catching up to me. 6 hours of sleep or a little less each night is not something I'm used to.

If you have the website saved, you might want to go back and make sure it is saved as www.reallifecc.us and not reallifecc.us/drupal, since that site is no longer with us.

Now, let's see what God has to say to us today.

You've heard me talk in this blog about Peter, an impetuous man (though I don't really know what that means!). He was like a 30 year old 12 year old. Again in this passage we see him act first and think later. When Jesus is seen on the shore Peter thinks the boat won't get there fast enough and dives in, about a hundred yards from shore and swims in. But it is not clear from the text whether he beat the boat or not!

Perhaps becasue of Peter's in-your-face behavior Jesus chose him to ask mutiple times if he loved him. Knowing Peter would get defensive and anxious about the answer. In the end Jesus gets to the point, "Peter, your job is to follow me."

Now, being the Peter that Peter was, he looks back and sees another disciple "the one Jesus loved" following them while they walked (everyone was probably following them but Peter seems to have an issue with this particular one so he singles him out) and asks Jesus, "what about him?"

I guess Peter's question was two-fold. He wanted to know first why Jesus didn't ask the other guy three times if he love Him. And second, he may have been asking if Jesus was going to instruct this other guy to "follow Me."

The other disciple Peter is refereing to is the writter of this book, John. So, it is only natural that John wants to quickly add "He didn't say that I would live forever, but only that if He wanted me to I would..." John is trying to be careful with his position as the "one Jesus loved."

Two points to keep in mind as you go about the rest of this day and week.
1. Quit worrying about other people. What they're doing, what they're not, why and how and when. If Jesus wants to do something with them it's up to Him, not you anyway. They don't need your permission to follow God's leading in their life.
B. You worry about just one thing (think of Curly from the City Slickers movie holding up one knurly finger) You...follow...Him. Today, follow Him. When you are at work, follow Him. When you're driving down the road, follow Him. When you're arguing with your wife, follow Him. You, follow Him.

That is all.

sorry

Hey gang, sorry I haven't posted for a few days. I'm tired and been really working on the website, etc. seems like everything is coming due all at the same time!
I will do my best to post for Thursday.

thanks for all the props by the way!

John 17 / Sept 15 - Jesus prayed for you.

In this chapter Jesus prays for His disciples and for you and I too. He knew what was coming to them, the pain and persecution but His prayer was not that they be removed from the world...which would have been great for them, but the rest of us would be lost. So Jesus prays that God would, while we are still on this earth, protect us from Satan. And He has done that, He tells us that when we are tempted to sin He always provides us a way to stand up under it.
That "way" is the truth and the truth is God's Word. When we live by the Word of God we can stand up to Satan's attacks while we remain on this earth to do what He has called us to do, to point people to Jesus.
So, you are here for a reason. To continue to carry out the mission of God, the Gospel (good news) about Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sin. And don't worry, Jesus has prayed for you, that God would sustain you and protect you by the truth, His Word.
So, get into the Word, remain strong, Stand up and find comfort in the fact that Jesus prayed for you.
Have a great Monday!!!!! Go Cowboys!

Dirty Jobs Part 3 - Keeping It Clean

Today we discuss the difficult job of keeping ourselves clean in a dirty world. We are bombarded everyday with opportunities and temptations to sin, to get dirty and at the same time drag the name of Jesus through the mud. In this issue of Dirty Jobs we will look at the ways we get dirty and also at the three ways we can keep clean.

test

doing some work on the website and want to see if I can still upload...

John 13 / Sept 12 -

short one tonight:

I hope you remember this narrative because we just discussed it in the message last Sunday. But I want to focus on something that I didn't really get to talk about on Sunday.

During the dinner Jesus took some bread and let his disciples know that the bread represented his own body, which would be sacrificed for them (and us). After that he took some wine and blessed it and let the guys know that the wine represented Jesus' blood which he knew would be spilled for the forgiveness of their sins (and ours).

Near the end of the meal Jesus is troubled and reminds the disciples that he really is going to be betrayed to his death. But this time He is ready to reveal quite pointedly who it is.

The one who Jesus gives the bread dipped in wine. Just think of this, the bread represents His body the wine His blood. Didn't Jesus just symbolically hand himself over to be "devoured" by His betrayer?

Jesus willingly went to the cross and symbolically handed himself over. What a great love He must have for us.

Prayers

Just got word from Ja Carson that her little brother, Mike, has been diagnosed with M.S. Mike lives in Wyoming and has two children (one grown). Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Also remember Doug Enge, who suffered another stroke about 14 days ago.

I'll update later.

Sept 11 - Where were you?

I just realized that today is the 7th anniversary of the horrific attack on our country on Sept. 11th, 2001.
I remember that morning. I was in the bathroom and Andi and the kids were getting ready to leave the house and she hollers at me and says that something is happening. That morning I barely left the TV as I watched, what at the time seemed like a crazy action movie.

Right now, I'm watching the re-cap on Fox News of the events of that morning...still as terrifying as it was that day 7 years ago. Can imagine reading a book to some elementary school children when an aid comes in and tells you the country is under attack.

What an incredible day that changed the course of this country and several others. Not only have the lives of Americans changed; recall what it took to board a plane 7 years and one day ago. The lives of those who lost family and friends. But we also have the lives of our military families after going into Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon. The field where the folks on flight United 93 ended their lives.

In an instant. In the blink of an eye life has a way of changing. Our plans, our plots all come to nothing in these moments.

So today, what does your life count for? Have you continued to put off things you know you need to do? it doesn't have to be a plane and a tower, in fact the vast majority of the time it isn't, it could be a car, a medical issue, some other accident. You never know. Take care of what you need to today, don't put it off, it may not ever get done.

those are my struggled ramblings this difficult morning.

John 12 / Sept 11 - what do you see?

There is a line in this chapter that cuts to the heart of the Christian life. It comes at a point where Jesus is frustrated with some religious leaders who believed He was the Christ but would not verbalize their faith for fear they would loose their position in the Jewish community. Verse 43 tells us that they "loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

Jesus then "cries out" in an attempt to get these folks to understand, it wasn't just about Him but about His Father. If you believed in Jesus, you believe in God...so it was imperative that you believe in Jesus. And in verse 45 Jesus says "When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me."

And that is the heart of the issue. When people looked at Jesus they saw His Father because the two were one. When people look at you and I who do they see? Are we close enough to Jesus that they see Him when they look at us? And if they see Him what they are really seeing is the Father. So we become the lens through which others see our God. How clear is the lens of your life?

Sunday Tease

Just a little hint about the message this Sunday... did it for facebook but I didn't want to leave my blogging buddies out of the loop so here you go!

test

this is a test...if this were a real emergency I would not be sitting here typing this... this is only a test.

Hey all, I tried to post a "I'm not blogging tonight" post but it wouldn't go through, weird. anyway, it is working now so hopefully we will be okay for tomorrow!

Love you all!

Sept 10

(this wouldn't post last night...some problem with the site I guess)

Hey all you faithful readers of coreyblog (okay, hey you two faithful readers of coreyblog!)

I'm wiped out! It's late, Andi is in bed and I think that I will head that way too, by the way, she is doing great after eye surgery! We took the bandage off today at about 4 and she could see w/o her glasses or contacts!!! YEAH!!! (though Shane says that once she can see she is going to dump me!)

Have a good Wednesday! 4 days to go to church!

John 10 / Sept 9 - following the shepherd

Jesus uses a socially current metaphor for those who follow him; sheep and shepherd. But what I want to focus on is his statement that the sheep know him and so follow him.

here's my challenge to the people of Real Life, that always and no matter what, we follow the shepherd.

Now, personally I've been in spots when I didn't think I wanted to follow Jesus, but I'm glad I did. It wasn't always easy, it hasn't been always financially, emotionally or physically beneficial to me but I was always the right thing to do.

So, I make you this promise; I will always try to do what Jesus wants and not be afraid or follow any other shepherd. And if you are willing to go with me and follow Him we'll see some incredible things get to hear those wonderful words when we see Him face to face, "well done, good and faithful servant."

So here's to following without hesitation our shepherd, Jesus.

John 9 / Sept 8 - a changed life, changes your life.

This whole chapter is about a guy who was born blind and remained blind until he met Jesus. At that point his life was changed. When you live your life without seeing and then you see your life has changed.
This is what Jesus does best. He changes lives.
Whether you are physically blind or spiritually blind Jesus has the ability to give you sight. To change your life. and Real Life is experiencing life as God intended, with sight, with the ability to see the truth and live with your eyes wide open.
Would you like to see? give Jesus a try! (that rhymed and I didn't even plan it!)
Have a great Monday with your eyes wide open!

Dirty Jobs Part 2 - Let's Get Dirty

In this message we ask the question how did Jesus live his life? If we are to "walk as Jesus did" then we need to know how Jesus lived His life so that we can follow His example. Join the folks from Real Life Christian Church as we get dirty.

John 5 / Sept 5 - what pleases you?

When I was a kid I tried to please my parents (okay, when I was really young!) by doing the things I knew they would like and be proud of me for. When Andi and I were dating and first married I though a lot about what would make her proud and how I could please her. I try to please my kids... not that I do what they want, but I try to make them proud of me. I even seek to please the folks of Real Life.

All of this is good and hopefully on some level I have succeeded in each of those relationships but look at what Jesus said in the last half of verse 30, "I do not seek to please myself, but Him who sent me."

Who are you seeking to please? Yourself? Your family? Your church?

What if you could please only one person? Who would you choose? I think I'd make it God. And in the end, it would be best for my family, my parents, my church and even myself.

Have a great Friday!

John 4 / Sept 4 - would you like a million dollars?

Okay, let's be honest with each other, you've sent on those emails that promise Bill Gates and Microsoft are going to give you $1 for every time you, or someone you forward it to, forward this email!

If you knew someone was giving out $100 dollar bills to anyone "who asked for one" you'd tell everybody, wouldn't you! Strangers, friends, it wouldn't matter - you'd tell everybody!

In this chapter Jesus sits by a well and woman comes to get water and he says, I know where to get water for you so that you will never thirst again. She wanted to know where! And she told her friends... and strangers!

Were not talking about money or water. Were talking about quenching that spiritual thirst and you know where to get it! Don't you think that someone you may come in contact with might want to know what you know? And maybe just one of the people you tell might go back to their home town and tell everyone there and just maybe, they'll believe too!

Here's to handing out what we have, they want and we know how to get... Real Life!

John 3 / Sept 3 - it's a math thing...

In verse 30 John says something profound, Jesus must increase and I must decrease.

Up to the time when Jesus began His ministry John was the man. He spoke for God and to the people. thousands of people came to hear John speak during his short ministry span and all the sudden there was a new guy in town. Today we might say that Jesus "stole John's thunder."

But John's response is only, He must increase in the eyes of the people and I must decrease.

This is always a difficult thing but it is always, only and all about Jesus. He must increase. It's not about me so I must try and slowly decrease so that He can increase in my life, in my job in my work at the church.

Today, I'll try and find a way that I can decrease so that He can increase in the eyes of those around me.

John 2 / Sept 2 - the best has come

Well everyone, I hope you had a GREAT holiday weekend! Aside from the Coffee house, church, birthday stuff, I created a facebook site and updated the Real Life group page as a means to continue to connect with people we aren't already connected to. I also figured out how to post sermons online, so if you are in the nursery or doing children's church you can log on to the blog and watch the sermon! Cool huh!

Let's get to John 2. It starts out with the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Now, I never could figure out why that story was in the Bible, but a thought came to me today... the master of the party told the bridegroom "most people serve the best wine first and then the cheaper stuff later, but you've saved the best for last."

Here's my thought, maybe the wine represented Jesus? Everything that came before was just water, but when Jesus came it was the "best." God didn't send His Son first, it wasn't time, people needed to figure out that they couldn't get to God by themselves. Jesus came and completely changed the way things were done! Jesus changed the paradigm and I'm so glad that He did!

Have a good day and I'll see you tomorrow!

Great Sunday!

Hey all, as you can see I put the video of worship yesterday on the blog last night. I also started a facebook profile and updated the Real Life christian church group...didn't know we had one did you!

Anyway, tell your friends about the site (and you tell them about the church!) let's see if God can use this tool to help us tell others about Jesus! Hey, it's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it!

See you all tomorrow (virtually!)

PRAYER: Please remember to keep Doug E in your prayers. He suffered a mild stroke on Thursday and is in the VA hospital for tests and rehab.

Dirty Jobs Series: Knee Deep

8/31/08

Luke 22 / August 29 - you can be an activator!

The second half of verse 32 deserves a second look. Here Jesus says to Peter "when you turn back strengthen your brothers."

When you use a glue stuff called JB Weld you have to add an activator to the paste to get it to hold or "weld" things together. Peter is used to activate the brothers because he could say "I've been there, its okay, God can still use you to do incredible things if you are willing."

I know many believers, maybe you are one, who don't think they can encourage or help others in their walk because of the missteps and failures in their own lives. This is absolutly not the case.

There are people that only you can reach becasue you've been where they are. Youre failures as a christian can actually make you better able to speak to and share the gospel with others.

Now, don't go out and sin so that you can connect with someone! But don't assume that you aren't able to either.

Like Peter who sinned by disowning God you too can "turn back and strengthen others." Be an activator of others so that they can "stick like glue" in their faith and overcome their failures to be used by God.

No post this am

Sorry folks, rough evening.

Just one thing. You might say a prayer for Maddux McCarthy who is sick and has a touch of pnemonia and been in and out of the hospital since last Thursday. He is home and doing a bit better but a prayer wouldn't hurt! thanks!

Luke 20 / August 27 -

It's late and I'm tired.

Jesus tells a story about a tenant who mistreats those sent to collect a "portion" of what is owed the land owner. In the end the owner sends His son, whom He loves and they kill him.

The owner is God. His son is Jesus. The tenants are the religious leaders and the Jews who (through their forefathers) killed the prophets and those sent by God somehow thinking they would be in charge if the owner were out of the way or too scared to collect what was owed.

His final statement is just to remind those who were listening. No one escapes from God. Those who put their faith and trust in Jesus or are "broken to pieces" are restored and made whole and cleansed. But those who try to do it all on their own and reject Jesus will be crushed.

Here's the bottom line: you can't outwit God. You can't hide from Him, you can't keep what is His, you can't get there on your own. What's God's is God's and one way or another He will always get what is His.

Don't try and hide or keep what rightfully belongs to Him (that's all of you!).

Have a GREAT Wednesday!

Luke 19 / August - excuses, excuses...

Hey guys, great day yesterday! It was an exciting day and a good start to the fall season. You all did a great job making our guests feel welcome and wanted and want to come back.

Today I want to put the Zaccheaus narrative and the parable of the "minas" (coins/$$).

First, Zacch: Here's a guy that was too short to see over the crowd and so he climbed up a tree in order to see Jesus and we know that Jesus was concerned about little Zacch because he stopped and wanted to have dinner with him. Because Zacch was short he had difficulty seeing Jesus. It was a disability to him because it kept him from seeing or doing what he wanted to. There are a lot of people who have issues and challenges in seeing Jesus in today's world too. It may not be their height but could be a past experience with the church or a "christian" family member. It could be the time, the building, the people, the music, etc., etc. We hear lots of things like, "all they want is my money." "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian." These are all excuses but the bottom line is people want to see Jesus and they will find a way to overcome their "disability" in order to see HIM.

In the Parable of the minas it is impossible to miss the point, Jesus expects us to use what we have been given to reap a benefit for Him. And He will hold us responsible for what we did with what we had. (please note that we are not held responsible for what we don't have but only for what we do have.) So in the end Jesus is going to want to know, did you have access to a step-ladder? That's right, did you have the ability to help someone "see" Jesus, and did you employ it?

What have we been given? What are we doing with it? What have you been given? What are you doing with it? You've heard me say many times that people have lots of excuses (disabilities) as to why they don't come to church, instead of fighting it, let's get a ladder (or plant a sycamore tree!)

Just to help people see Jesus - Corey

Luke 18 / August 25 - the little children

There are a few sentences here where Jesus has an encounter with little children. Which is kind of strange seeing that the Bible says there was nothing about Jesus that would cause someone to look twice at him, in fact He was apparently not very handsome. So to have little children want to come and sit with him is strange, except that, few kids know a stranger and they also have a keen way of knowing, intuitively, if someone is a "good" or "bad" person. So they came to Jesus and sat on His lap (presumably) and He touched them and spoke gently to them.



But the disciples didn't think this was right so they told off the kids and their parents. They told them to, "leave the master alone. Can't you see He's busy?"



And while the disciples are getting on the kids Jesus begins to get onto the disciples and tells them, "the kingdom belongs to such as these." But what does He mean? God's Kingdom belongs to a bunch of children? We all have to become little children if we want to get to heaven? How is that possible?



I think the idea is NOT that we must become children but the key is in the words He uses, "to such as these." Children have faith, they do not always need to "see" with their eyes but they believe with their hearts. Have you ever seen a little kid on Christmas Eve who runs to bed because he knows he can't be up or Santa won't come? And on Christmas morning he absolutely believes Santa has been there!

What kind of faith do you have? Jesus says that we must have, the faith of a child. Not blind faith but complete faith, total faith, absolute faith.

How's your faith today?

Luke 16 / August 23 - what will it take

The very last verse of this chapter (31) says a lot. The story that precedes it tells of a dead man who wants someone to raise from the dead to go and tell his family what awaits them if they don't believe. Abraham tells him If they didn't believe Moses and the Prophets, they won't believe even if someone rises from the dead.

Now the story is about a beggar named Lazarus who the rich man wants Abraham to send back to tell his family, but you have to assume that who Abraham is talking about is Jesus rising from the dead and those same ones who wouldn't believe Moses or the prophets won't be convinced even when Jesus rises from the dead.

The bottom line is that some people just aren't going to believe. The Bible says that no one comes to the Son unless the Father draws them. And the sad truth is that not every one who hears will believe, even though someone rose from the dead. But just because no every person who hears will believe is no reason for us not to try and tell EVERYONE about the One who can save anyone and who knows, someone may believe and when they do, we will celebrate with all of heaven.

So we'll try anything and risk everything to win anyone to the one who can save everyone. See you Sunday!

Luke 15 / August 22 -

The first 7 verses of this chapter I just love. Because it reminds me of who I am to Christ; yes I know that I am important and so are you and that He loves me and died for me and all that stuff that makes me His child. But who I am in Christ also means that I get to take a back seat to every one else who He loves.

See, I've been in and heard of lots of church who after a while as the people grow and mature they also begin to think that because they are such "good" Christans or have been in that particular church for a long time it makes them more important. So as a minister you have to appease the people who are already there and spend all your time taking care of the sheep in the pen that you don't have any time to grow the fold.

Okay, let's just be honest. Every church that is looking for a new minister says that they want to grow and bring in new people, but few are willing to really do anything that will help that happen. It's one of those things that we Christians say 'cause it makes us sound good and holy but we don't really mean it. It doesn't take long to figure out that many Christans think the minister is doing a good job if he is meeting their needs but they don't stop to think about the needs of the people who are on the path to Hell.

In this parable Jesus states clearly that His focus is not the sheep in the pen, but the sheep that are "lost." And as His church that ought to be our focus too! We should never get so comfortable that we think church is about us or for us but we should constantly be thinking, how can we put our wants aside to meet the needs of the people who are not here yet. Why? cause we are already going to heaven! Our salvation is as sure as our faith but there are those who do not have that confidence. Jesus wants those people to have peace in their relationship with Him.

So what do I say to myself and to the church? (close your ears this is harsh!) Shut up and quite whining! It's not about you and what makes you comfortable, its about those people who are lost who need Jesus, not about those of us who already are in the pen.

Have a great Friday!

Luke 14 / August 21 - don't get side tracked!

There should be no question that Jesus is talking the about Jewish nation who were the ones that God had chosen and to whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came to first with the offer of salvation through faith or belief in Him.

It is interesting that this parable (or warning) begins with a statement from one of the guests with Jesus. And the statement was true, it would be a blessing to eat at the table in the kingdom. But you see, the people that Jesus was eating with believed that based on their station in life they would surely be the ones who would be eating with God in His kingdom.

The story Jesus tells is one that would not have been lost on them...It just occurred to me that the original statement by the guest with Jesus may have been prompted by Jesus opening statements in this chapter. He may have been feeling like Jesus was attacking him (which He was) and so he wanted to assert his place at the table.

So Jesus says that there is going to indeed be a banquet but when the guests are called they will have what seems like justifiable excuses; wedding, death in the family, I have to do my hair, etc. But the bottom line is that they aren't there, they were too busy, too many more important things to do. So, others are called who come and still more from even farther away come. Why could they come? They didn't have anything better to do. They were hungry. They were thirsty. They didn't have comfortable lives and a packed social calendar. So they came and they filled the house.

What's the moral? Those who thought they were going to eat at the table all had other things to do and so passed on the invite. But God is not going to have an empty table, so the message, call to believe went out to others and they accepted the invitation.

I know you are busy, I know that life is full and there are so many things that could occupy your time and mine, but we must make time for God. Don't miss your opportunity to accept the invitation (faith in Jesus) and so secure your place at the table. Make time for God!