“generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. . . and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4, 11) These lessons in the book of Ecclesiastes helped transform my life and mindset years ago. . . and still does. Something about a good slap in the face from reality helps you make sure you’re not taking life for granted and sleep walking through life.
Yesterday I was out exploring back roads with my son. We passed an old cemetery and decided to stop. The sign said it was established in 1861. We found the burial plot of a Civil War soldier and someone who (according to their head stone) had been born a slave, sold away from his mother at the age of one. It was one of those moments that was filled with interest, reflection, wonder and a tremendous heart call to breathe in the air I have right now because it won’t always be there. Continue reading ‘Ecclesiastes, life and eternity’
http://www.vimeo.com/5219045
A glimpse of what the surveys helped us realize about our community.
It is a faith-building blast to find myself in very serious discussions about opening our church in Washington Square Mall. Our trustees gathered last night to discuss it again. The consensus has been that the idea makes sense. Beginning years ago, I remember asking God to do a work in our church where something like Washington Square Mall made sense. That’s what I am still praying. And, honestly, my prayer has been that we, as a church would grow so much, moving to the mall was and obvious, matter of fact solution. All that seems to be happening now. It’s fun to watch a prayer enter the “seen” realm.
Continue reading ‘The Mall Process’
While many know my story about deliverance from the drug lifestyle, I don’t think I have ever slowed down and taught (in depth) about what I learned and the process of how to be free. I am reminded regularly of how epidemic the problem of substance abuse is. I have met SO MANY who struggle in that area. So, over the next few weeks we’re going to set the subject on the table.
The preparation has been a fascinating journey for me. I walked through a lot of memories and asked myself a lot of questions. But, most importantly, I am dedicated to trying my best to make sure we focus on God’s Word and let the answers rise out of studying it. It was interesting to try to walk the balance between being autobiographical and purely biblical. So, I looked back to find some of the most meaningful things from the Bible I learned through the time of walking away from drugs. I also have tried to develop a pattern of “owning” books on Sunday’s – so people can achieve some kind of understanding of individual books. Putting those ideas together, I decided to link it all to a look at the book of Ecclesiastes. Read it. It’s a trip (to use drug phraseology). That book actually helped me tremendously in the early days of my walk and was fundamental to giving me a sense of truly never wanting to go back to the old way of doing things again. For a time the old life looked appealing – now it doesn’t at all. I would love to see God instill in all of us that His ways are not just right – but BEST, on every level. I think Ecclesiastes, in all its weirdness, will do that. So, even if drugs haven’t been your struggle, I’ll bet you’ll have a good time looking into one of the Bible’s most unusual books.
See you this Sunday.
http://www.vimeo.com/5033614
Some of the reasons we do what we do when it comes to art and creativity in church.
