There have been several people who have had great influence in my walk with Christ. Perhaps the person who had the greatest influence was the man who took me under his wing when I was a mere baby Christian: Pastor Mike Quinn.
After moving to San Diego in 1997, I visited Canyon View Christian Fellowship in Tierrasanta on a Saturday evening my very first weekend in SoCal. It was a small church (about 130 people or so) that rented a Baptist Church for the venue. Over the next two years, Pastor Mike mentored me, modeled for me what the Christian walk should look like and gave me chances to explore leadership in ministry as I served on staff at the church. During this journey, Carrie and I met and got married while being a part of this church family.
Since then, God has blessed Canyon View Christian Fellowship tremendously, and today, it's known as Newbreak with multiple campuses and thousands of people all over San Diego County. Pastor Mike has been recognized as a leader within the Assemblies of God and by all sorts of churches around SoCal.
Today I stumbled across the video that Pastor Mike has shared with Church Leaders on the topic of sermon prep. For me, it's neat seeing Pastor Mike and Newbreak, knowing the whole story and knowing that I was a part of the story. Enjoy a look into the life of Newbreak's sermon prep.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Stumbling Blocks
A question that haunts those in Pentecostal circles is something worth examining...
Am I doing anything that could be a stumbling block to others?
I've had a lot of conversation lately about things that could be stumbling blocks. As Christians, we have been given a great deal of freedom through the grace of Jesus Christ. We know, however, that our freedom, can sometimes lead to questions, and eventually problems, for others who are seeking God.
The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue a number of times in Scripture:
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13 NIV
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
2 Corinthians 6:3 NIV
This issue becomes a valid question for Pentecostal churches who have a tendency to celebrate God's goodness in what some would consider extreme ways. Paul's conclusion found in his letter to the Church at Corinth should be something worth examining and applying into our lives as Christians - Pentecostal or not.
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33 NIV
Am I doing anything that could be a stumbling block to others?
I've had a lot of conversation lately about things that could be stumbling blocks. As Christians, we have been given a great deal of freedom through the grace of Jesus Christ. We know, however, that our freedom, can sometimes lead to questions, and eventually problems, for others who are seeking God.
The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue a number of times in Scripture:
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13 NIV
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
2 Corinthians 6:3 NIV
This issue becomes a valid question for Pentecostal churches who have a tendency to celebrate God's goodness in what some would consider extreme ways. Paul's conclusion found in his letter to the Church at Corinth should be something worth examining and applying into our lives as Christians - Pentecostal or not.
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33 NIV
Monday, August 23, 2010
Consistency in Leadership
Consistency is perhaps one of the most important traits in leadership. In church leadership, consistency is even more important - especially when it comes to understanding and living out Scripture. If leadership in a local church waivers and fluxes in the face of influence from man, it can, and, in most cases, will, lead to not only distrust, but also failure in effectiveness of that leadership.
Good leaders are people who have strong convictions. The most accurate evidence of conviction is transformation. Convictions come from what we believe. When it comes to Scripture, we need to know what we believe and why we believe it. The stronger our convictions are, the more consistent we'll speak, act and lead.
A church leader who chases whatever he thinks will fill more seats is not pursuing God's vision for that church, but instead, popularity. Staying steadfast to God's vision for the church maintains consistency and keeps a church healthy.
Good leaders are people who have strong convictions. The most accurate evidence of conviction is transformation. Convictions come from what we believe. When it comes to Scripture, we need to know what we believe and why we believe it. The stronger our convictions are, the more consistent we'll speak, act and lead.
A church leader who chases whatever he thinks will fill more seats is not pursuing God's vision for that church, but instead, popularity. Staying steadfast to God's vision for the church maintains consistency and keeps a church healthy.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Weeding Grows the Garden
Weeding grows the garden.
If you've ever spent time in a garden, you'll realize that most of your energy is spent in weeding. Any gardener knows that weeds will always be present, so it's not if they appear - it's when they appear. A good gardener also has a plan to address the weed problem.
Of course, there are a number of different ways to weed. One may use chemicals. There's the old fashioned way of simply pulling the weeds up by their roots. Regardless of the method, the reality is that along with the weeds, some of the nearby plants get damaged as well. It's inevitable, but necessary for the overall health and growth of the garden.
In the Church, we're faced with weeds, and it's up to the overseers to serve as the gardeners. The longer we allow the weeds to be present, the more damage there will be when the weeds are removed. We never want to let the weeds remain, though, out of fear of damaging a few of the nearby plants. As overseers, it's our responsibility to protect the health of the entire garden.
If you've ever spent time in a garden, you'll realize that most of your energy is spent in weeding. Any gardener knows that weeds will always be present, so it's not if they appear - it's when they appear. A good gardener also has a plan to address the weed problem.
Of course, there are a number of different ways to weed. One may use chemicals. There's the old fashioned way of simply pulling the weeds up by their roots. Regardless of the method, the reality is that along with the weeds, some of the nearby plants get damaged as well. It's inevitable, but necessary for the overall health and growth of the garden.
In the Church, we're faced with weeds, and it's up to the overseers to serve as the gardeners. The longer we allow the weeds to be present, the more damage there will be when the weeds are removed. We never want to let the weeds remain, though, out of fear of damaging a few of the nearby plants. As overseers, it's our responsibility to protect the health of the entire garden.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Imagine
Imagine... That's what God calls us to do!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
It's been a great first two years in the life of City on a Hill Church. We know, however, that this is only the beginning. We have dreams and vision that go far beyond anything we've hardly touched in our first two years.
I'd like to invite you to our annual Business Meeting on August 22 right after service. During this time, we'll, of course, go over some of the business aspects of our church. More importantly, we'll talk about the incredible things that God has done and the amazing vision that God has for our church. That means we'll be talking about what God is going to do in your life over the next year and beyond!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
It's been a great first two years in the life of City on a Hill Church. We know, however, that this is only the beginning. We have dreams and vision that go far beyond anything we've hardly touched in our first two years.
I'd like to invite you to our annual Business Meeting on August 22 right after service. During this time, we'll, of course, go over some of the business aspects of our church. More importantly, we'll talk about the incredible things that God has done and the amazing vision that God has for our church. That means we'll be talking about what God is going to do in your life over the next year and beyond!
Monday, August 9, 2010
August
August is shaping up to be the best month City on a Hill Church has ever experienced! It's still Summer, and while most churches are expecting that typical decline in attendance over the Summer months, we've had a significant spike in growth. Yesterday was the largest service we've ever hosted.
To accommodate the growth, we're preparing to expand into another 3500 square feet of space in our building. It's the next step, but I suspect it won't be the last. Long term vision is utilizing a lot more than 9000 square feet for ministry in Culpeper.
One of the coolest stories for COAHC yet happened yesterday. A family from Nebraska is moving to the area in the next couple of months. They had time to visit a church while they are here, and guess which one they chose? What a blessing it is to have COAHC as their choice! I know the Lord moved mightily as well!
Several people gather together for prayer before the service each Sunday. We always pray for God to send who needs to be there. Last weekend, I prayed that God would send someone who lives across the street. And, sure enough, someone who lives across the street attended. This weekend I prayed that God would send someone from another church family who needed to hear the specific Word that would be preached. And, sure enough, God sent not just one person, but a whole group of people from other churches to visit us. Our God is One who not just hears our prayers, but answers them!
This month, we're celebrating our 2-year anniversary with a community BBQ, including games, music and moon bounce. That's on Sunday, August 15 right after service.
On August 13 and 28, we'll be providing free school supplies to 400 kids in our community. Can't wait to light up the faces of those families who will benefit.
Our staff is going on a Play & Pray Retreat on August 20-21 in Massanutten. It will be great to spend some relaxed time with those who have been working so hard at COAHC.
I'm loving August!
To accommodate the growth, we're preparing to expand into another 3500 square feet of space in our building. It's the next step, but I suspect it won't be the last. Long term vision is utilizing a lot more than 9000 square feet for ministry in Culpeper.
One of the coolest stories for COAHC yet happened yesterday. A family from Nebraska is moving to the area in the next couple of months. They had time to visit a church while they are here, and guess which one they chose? What a blessing it is to have COAHC as their choice! I know the Lord moved mightily as well!
Several people gather together for prayer before the service each Sunday. We always pray for God to send who needs to be there. Last weekend, I prayed that God would send someone who lives across the street. And, sure enough, someone who lives across the street attended. This weekend I prayed that God would send someone from another church family who needed to hear the specific Word that would be preached. And, sure enough, God sent not just one person, but a whole group of people from other churches to visit us. Our God is One who not just hears our prayers, but answers them!
This month, we're celebrating our 2-year anniversary with a community BBQ, including games, music and moon bounce. That's on Sunday, August 15 right after service.
On August 13 and 28, we'll be providing free school supplies to 400 kids in our community. Can't wait to light up the faces of those families who will benefit.
Our staff is going on a Play & Pray Retreat on August 20-21 in Massanutten. It will be great to spend some relaxed time with those who have been working so hard at COAHC.
I'm loving August!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Free School Supplies
We're giving away free school supplies!
On August 13 (6-8pm) and August 28 (9-11am), City on a Hill Church is giving away free school supplies to the community. We're anticipating being able to give supplies to 400 students in elementary, middle and high school. Please pass the word!
Here's the inventory that you see in the picture above:
1200 No. 2 pencils
150 blue ink pens
150 black ink pens
300 glue sticks
200 bottles of glue
270 packages of loose leaf paper
1700 three prong folders
1100 spiral bound notebooks
220 composition notebooks
100 packages of colored pencils
250 packages of 24-count crayons
160 bottles of hand sanitizer
200 pairs of scissors
200 packages of ruled index cards
Come on out and receive God's love in a practical way!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Convictions
The most accurate evidence of conviction is transformation. We all claim we have convictions about certain things in life: taking care of our body, having a healthy marriage, being a good parent, being a good citizen, etc. For some of us, this ends up being a lot of talk.
Let's face it. If we have a real conviction about something, not only will our attitude change, but our behavior will change as well.
If I say I have a conviction about taking care of my body, then I won't just talk about dieting and exercise, I'll eat healthy and I'll exercise. If I say I have a conviction about my relationship with God, then my attitude, words and actions will reflect my desire to follow Christ.
Take an inventory of your convictions and assess which ones have resulted in transformation. This will help you assess which ones are real to you and which ones require more serious attention.
Let's face it. If we have a real conviction about something, not only will our attitude change, but our behavior will change as well.
If I say I have a conviction about taking care of my body, then I won't just talk about dieting and exercise, I'll eat healthy and I'll exercise. If I say I have a conviction about my relationship with God, then my attitude, words and actions will reflect my desire to follow Christ.
Take an inventory of your convictions and assess which ones have resulted in transformation. This will help you assess which ones are real to you and which ones require more serious attention.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Marriage Retreat
Tomorrow Carrie and I are investing in our marriage in a big way. The two of us are going out of town for the day for a marriage retreat. It's not like other retreats where couples from all over join together to hear marriage counselors discuss details on how to improve your marriage. Nope, it's just the two of us!
We're going to proactively spend time discussing how we can enhance our relationship with one another and how we can be better parents to our children. As a pastor and pastor's wife, we not only have a large amount of responsibility on our shoulders, but we also deal with an incredible amount of spiritual warfare in our marriage and family. Why wait until crisis hits before we plan? Why not be proactive and have a game plan for when crisis hits? Why not have a strategy to accomplish, overcome and get through the everyday stuff that life throws at us as busy parents of three young children?
I'm looking forward to spending quality time with my wife, my life-partner. She's my best friend. She's an incredible inspiration to me in so many ways. It's a true joy to share my life with her!
We're going to proactively spend time discussing how we can enhance our relationship with one another and how we can be better parents to our children. As a pastor and pastor's wife, we not only have a large amount of responsibility on our shoulders, but we also deal with an incredible amount of spiritual warfare in our marriage and family. Why wait until crisis hits before we plan? Why not be proactive and have a game plan for when crisis hits? Why not have a strategy to accomplish, overcome and get through the everyday stuff that life throws at us as busy parents of three young children?
I'm looking forward to spending quality time with my wife, my life-partner. She's my best friend. She's an incredible inspiration to me in so many ways. It's a true joy to share my life with her!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Finishing the Task
I was browsing the website of Finishing the Task this morning and came across this striking piece of information:
Today, 639 unengaged, unreached people groups with populations over 100,000, together numbering over 535,000,000 souls, are still beyond the reach of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are spiritually lost and helpless like sheep having no Shepherd. Among them Christ remains unknown, unacknowledged, and unadored.
It's hard for people like us, as Americans, to conceive of such a fact. There are people who have never even heard of a man named Jesus who was crucified 2000 years ago. These are people who have been forgotten by the rest of the world.
Our Lord told His disciples to proclaim the Good News in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the outer ends of the earth. For us today, that means sharing the Gospel with our local community, our region, our nation and the world.
Although there are some who are spiritually gifted as evangelists and missionaries, we can not turn our backs on the Great Commission that was issued to every single believer and follower of Christ. Regardless of how gifted we think we are in those particular areas, we all have been called to engage our community and the world as evangelists and missionaries.
At City on a Hill Church, we've expanded our mission work this past year from our community to children in Africa. In the next year, we're going to send people on our first mission trip overseas. We're also seeking the Lord's leading in a mission opportunity that could plant churches and orphanages all over the world.
There's a question in this for all of us. If there are that many people who haven't heard Jesus' name proclaimed, then what are you doing about it? You and I have as much responsibility to responding to the Great Commission as anyone else!
Today, 639 unengaged, unreached people groups with populations over 100,000, together numbering over 535,000,000 souls, are still beyond the reach of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are spiritually lost and helpless like sheep having no Shepherd. Among them Christ remains unknown, unacknowledged, and unadored.
It's hard for people like us, as Americans, to conceive of such a fact. There are people who have never even heard of a man named Jesus who was crucified 2000 years ago. These are people who have been forgotten by the rest of the world.
Our Lord told His disciples to proclaim the Good News in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the outer ends of the earth. For us today, that means sharing the Gospel with our local community, our region, our nation and the world.
Although there are some who are spiritually gifted as evangelists and missionaries, we can not turn our backs on the Great Commission that was issued to every single believer and follower of Christ. Regardless of how gifted we think we are in those particular areas, we all have been called to engage our community and the world as evangelists and missionaries.
At City on a Hill Church, we've expanded our mission work this past year from our community to children in Africa. In the next year, we're going to send people on our first mission trip overseas. We're also seeking the Lord's leading in a mission opportunity that could plant churches and orphanages all over the world.
There's a question in this for all of us. If there are that many people who haven't heard Jesus' name proclaimed, then what are you doing about it? You and I have as much responsibility to responding to the Great Commission as anyone else!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Second Saturday!
This Saturday, City on a Hill Church will be at the car wash next to Wal-Mart from 9am to 11am. We'll be paying the initial deposit for all manual car washes during this time.
Our Second Saturday events are sponsored by our Kindness Ministry which specializes in demonstrating God's love in practical ways. The people of COAHC believe that Christ ministered in practical ways and met the needs of His people. We strive to do the same.
Our Second Saturday events are sponsored by our Kindness Ministry which specializes in demonstrating God's love in practical ways. The people of COAHC believe that Christ ministered in practical ways and met the needs of His people. We strive to do the same.
Good Enough
I read a recent article by Rick Warren entitled "Why 'Good Enough' is Good Enough". It got me thinking about how serving is viewed in the Church. I agree with Rick's assertion that the local church can become performance based which can lead to a church that is immersed in entertaining its members and visitors.
In my estimation, there must be a balance between the truth found in Ecclesiastes 11:4 - If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. (NLT) - and excellence. If we err on the side of excellence, the local church can be frozen in fear and shackled by the expectation of perfection. If we err on the other side of the spectrum, we can lose the excellence that God calls us to strive for in Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (NIV).
For the Church, it comes down to this: we must demand the very best from ourselves. It's really that simple. Too many are serving half-heartedly with the comment, "Well, that's good enough."
In the context of sports, athletes use the phrase, "Don't leave anything on the field." Scripture uses athletics as an analogy for our life with Christ often for a reason. We can identify with athletics, but the principles in athletics are similar to our relationship with God. You and I need to make sure we haven't left anything on the field. We're called to particular ministries and we're called to give our very best effort.
Our salvation isn't performance-based, and it's not about measuring ourselves against one another. Our relationship with Christ simply calls us to take what we've been given and use it for the glory of God. We all must be satisfied with the best others offer. God is. Why shouldn't we be?
In my estimation, there must be a balance between the truth found in Ecclesiastes 11:4 - If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. (NLT) - and excellence. If we err on the side of excellence, the local church can be frozen in fear and shackled by the expectation of perfection. If we err on the other side of the spectrum, we can lose the excellence that God calls us to strive for in Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (NIV).
For the Church, it comes down to this: we must demand the very best from ourselves. It's really that simple. Too many are serving half-heartedly with the comment, "Well, that's good enough."
In the context of sports, athletes use the phrase, "Don't leave anything on the field." Scripture uses athletics as an analogy for our life with Christ often for a reason. We can identify with athletics, but the principles in athletics are similar to our relationship with God. You and I need to make sure we haven't left anything on the field. We're called to particular ministries and we're called to give our very best effort.
Our salvation isn't performance-based, and it's not about measuring ourselves against one another. Our relationship with Christ simply calls us to take what we've been given and use it for the glory of God. We all must be satisfied with the best others offer. God is. Why shouldn't we be?
Prophecy for Pentecostals
This weekend while I was visiting some dear friends, I was given a copy of a prophecy that was written down during the great revival in Whales in 1910.
"In the last days, three things will occur in the large Pentecostal movements:
1 - There will be much emphasis on power at the expense of righteousness.
2 - There will be an exaggerated accentuation on praising a God to whom nobody prays any longer.
3 - There will be a strong emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit at the expense of the Lordship of Jesus Christ Himself!"
I ask you, could we be living in the last days?
"In the last days, three things will occur in the large Pentecostal movements:
1 - There will be much emphasis on power at the expense of righteousness.
2 - There will be an exaggerated accentuation on praising a God to whom nobody prays any longer.
3 - There will be a strong emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit at the expense of the Lordship of Jesus Christ Himself!"
I ask you, could we be living in the last days?
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Wal-Mart Well
When it comes to ministry, it's important to know not only what to do, but when and where to do it as well.
In Jesus' day, the well was a gathering place. We're familiar with the story of the woman at the well, where Jesus had a miraculous encounter with a woman whose life was changed as a result. We don't have wells like that today. But we do have gathering places. Here in Culpeper, one example is Wal-Mart. It seems every time Carrie comes home from doing her weekly grocery shopping, she tells about seeing some friends.
One of City on a Hill Church's first organized Kindness Outreaches was a Dollar-Drop at Wal-Mart. Carrie, the girls and I walked around Wal-Mart and randomly and conspicuously dropped dollar bills on the floor of the store. Each bill was attached to a card that read
We dropped fifty of those bills and cards all over the store.
Since then, we've used Wal-Mart as our venue to hand out carnations to ladies on Valentine's Day and host a wellness check in partnership with the Lion's Club. In fact, Wal-Mart has even awarded COAHC with small grants for the last two years to be used in our community.
Jesus engaged culture on their turf. Let's open our eyes to the opportunities that are around us. Let's get out of our church buildings, find those wells in our communities and engage our communities with the love of Christ.
In Jesus' day, the well was a gathering place. We're familiar with the story of the woman at the well, where Jesus had a miraculous encounter with a woman whose life was changed as a result. We don't have wells like that today. But we do have gathering places. Here in Culpeper, one example is Wal-Mart. It seems every time Carrie comes home from doing her weekly grocery shopping, she tells about seeing some friends.
One of City on a Hill Church's first organized Kindness Outreaches was a Dollar-Drop at Wal-Mart. Carrie, the girls and I walked around Wal-Mart and randomly and conspicuously dropped dollar bills on the floor of the store. Each bill was attached to a card that read
"This $1 is to give you just a little help today.
It's to show you God's love for you in a practical way."
It's to show you God's love for you in a practical way."
We dropped fifty of those bills and cards all over the store.
Since then, we've used Wal-Mart as our venue to hand out carnations to ladies on Valentine's Day and host a wellness check in partnership with the Lion's Club. In fact, Wal-Mart has even awarded COAHC with small grants for the last two years to be used in our community.
Jesus engaged culture on their turf. Let's open our eyes to the opportunities that are around us. Let's get out of our church buildings, find those wells in our communities and engage our communities with the love of Christ.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Hearing From God
In honor of being in Culpeper and blogging for two years about the experience of planting City on a Hill Church, I've been re-posting some of my favorite posts from those first few weeks in 2008.
Hearing From God (July 23, 2008)
After being in Culpeper a month, my wife and I are still getting an opportunity to share our story of God's call on our life to move here from beautiful San Diego. Some people praise God for His call to build His kingdom in Culpeper. Still others listen with skeptical ears. It's the latter group that I'd like to address in this post.
It's interesting to me to watch the skeptics' reactions and hear the tone in their voice when we share our story and calling. I guess there are many people that believe God wouldn't choose ordinary people like us for a radical calling like this. Hmmm... I seem to recall a similar story when a man from Nazareth called some pretty ordinary people to do some extraordinary things about 2000 years ago. The fact is that God has chosen ordinary people to do extraordinary things from the beginning of time. Why do some folks seem to have such a difficulty with that concept? I have a few ideas, I suppose.
As for me, I'm fired up about what the Lord is doing. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He's going to do amazing things in and through City On A Hill Church. In fact, He already has, and we haven't even officially launched yet!
So, what's the standard for success in this situation? Does COAHC have to have 200 members by 2010 in order for those doubters to say, "Okay, I was wrong. The Damerons' move to Culpeper was in response to an authentic call of God." Does COAHC have to have 20 converts and baptisms before 4Q2009? What's the standard that these people are using? And how does that compare to what God's standard is?
My family and I stand in agreement that the Father still speaks to His children. What kind of Father would He be if He didn't? He still uses people who are willing to submit their lives to Him. What kind of God would He be if He didn't?
We're not interested in putting God in a box. We don't put limits on what God's will is and whom He chooses to do it. We're blessed to be called by God. We're blessed to be in Culpeper doing His work for His glory! I wish everyone could have a taste of that kind of adventure... that kind of relationship with the Almighty... that kind of radical life change... that kind of success!
Hearing From God (July 23, 2008)
After being in Culpeper a month, my wife and I are still getting an opportunity to share our story of God's call on our life to move here from beautiful San Diego. Some people praise God for His call to build His kingdom in Culpeper. Still others listen with skeptical ears. It's the latter group that I'd like to address in this post.
It's interesting to me to watch the skeptics' reactions and hear the tone in their voice when we share our story and calling. I guess there are many people that believe God wouldn't choose ordinary people like us for a radical calling like this. Hmmm... I seem to recall a similar story when a man from Nazareth called some pretty ordinary people to do some extraordinary things about 2000 years ago. The fact is that God has chosen ordinary people to do extraordinary things from the beginning of time. Why do some folks seem to have such a difficulty with that concept? I have a few ideas, I suppose.
As for me, I'm fired up about what the Lord is doing. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He's going to do amazing things in and through City On A Hill Church. In fact, He already has, and we haven't even officially launched yet!
So, what's the standard for success in this situation? Does COAHC have to have 200 members by 2010 in order for those doubters to say, "Okay, I was wrong. The Damerons' move to Culpeper was in response to an authentic call of God." Does COAHC have to have 20 converts and baptisms before 4Q2009? What's the standard that these people are using? And how does that compare to what God's standard is?
My family and I stand in agreement that the Father still speaks to His children. What kind of Father would He be if He didn't? He still uses people who are willing to submit their lives to Him. What kind of God would He be if He didn't?
We're not interested in putting God in a box. We don't put limits on what God's will is and whom He chooses to do it. We're blessed to be called by God. We're blessed to be in Culpeper doing His work for His glory! I wish everyone could have a taste of that kind of adventure... that kind of relationship with the Almighty... that kind of radical life change... that kind of success!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Problems Just Don't Disappear on Their Own
The oil spill in the Gulf by the BP rig has become a conversation piece in most homes and watering holes around the country at this point. I don't claim to be the most educated person in the world on what's going on with this disaster, but it seems to me that it's taking an unusually long time for the source of the spill to be fixed.
This situation reminds me of how a lot of us have a tendency to ignore struggles and problems in our lives, hoping they'll either not get any worse or just go away all together. Sorry. Those things just don't happen.
If a problem is ignored, it only gets worse. Just look at the oil spill as an example. And I'm afraid what we've seen so far is only the tip of the iceberg of all the problems that will come our way ecologically and economically.
If you're facing a problem, the best solution is to get some help in dealing with it. Find someone who can give you mature, wise counsel. Find someone who can hold you accountable. Don't ignore it. Problems just don't disappear on their own.
This situation reminds me of how a lot of us have a tendency to ignore struggles and problems in our lives, hoping they'll either not get any worse or just go away all together. Sorry. Those things just don't happen.
If a problem is ignored, it only gets worse. Just look at the oil spill as an example. And I'm afraid what we've seen so far is only the tip of the iceberg of all the problems that will come our way ecologically and economically.
If you're facing a problem, the best solution is to get some help in dealing with it. Find someone who can give you mature, wise counsel. Find someone who can hold you accountable. Don't ignore it. Problems just don't disappear on their own.
Accepting Christ
The event I was most excited to report in 2008 was this...
Accepting Christ (July 23, 2008)
My oldest daughter, Abby Rae (5 yrs old), made a life-changing decision on her own this weekend. She told her mommy and me, "I accepted Jesus into my heart last night," very matter of factly. That was the best news I could have heard on a Saturday!
Abby Rae is fairly independent, so it was no surprise that her decision was made in the quietness of her own heart after we put her and her sisters to bed. I'm just reminded of how blessed we are to have children being raised in a Christian home who will know the Lord and know God's Word at an early age. They won't be shielded from life's issues, but they'll have God's strength in their lives to deal with them. That's more than what my wife and I had growing up! What a blessing!
Accepting Christ (July 23, 2008)
My oldest daughter, Abby Rae (5 yrs old), made a life-changing decision on her own this weekend. She told her mommy and me, "I accepted Jesus into my heart last night," very matter of factly. That was the best news I could have heard on a Saturday!
Abby Rae is fairly independent, so it was no surprise that her decision was made in the quietness of her own heart after we put her and her sisters to bed. I'm just reminded of how blessed we are to have children being raised in a Christian home who will know the Lord and know God's Word at an early age. They won't be shielded from life's issues, but they'll have God's strength in their lives to deal with them. That's more than what my wife and I had growing up! What a blessing!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Lawn Mowing for the Lord
This was COAHC's first unofficial kindness ministry outreach!
Sound weird? I thought so, too... at first. I remember our realtor telling us when we first started looking at houses in Culpeper not to consider the neighborhood where we eventually bought our home. "Why?" I asked. She reminded me that with all the foreclosures, homes typically aren't maintained well and the pride of ownership can be lost in a neighborhood resulting in more downward spiraling property values. Certainly makes sense to me. Ultimately, we took our chances, moved into the neighborhood anyway. And I'm really glad we did!
Today will go down as one of the milestones for City on a Hill Church (COAHC). It was an "A-ha!" moment for me. What if I (and, perhaps soon, other people from COAHC) went around our communities and maintained lawns at foreclosed homes? The eyesore of 18 inch lawns disappearing somehow has an incredible effect on people. That's God's love getting relevant in people's lives. That's the fourth foundation of purpose for COAHC: serving our community in practical and relevant ways, demonstrating that God's love is abundant and He cares about the details of our lives.
I mowed the lawn of the house across the street from me today and two neighbors came out to bring me water and ice tea. What an opportunity for God's Light to shine! I look forward to seeing the fruit of this labor.
Lawn Mowing for the Lord
Today will go down as one of the milestones for City on a Hill Church (COAHC). It was an "A-ha!" moment for me. What if I (and, perhaps soon, other people from COAHC) went around our communities and maintained lawns at foreclosed homes? The eyesore of 18 inch lawns disappearing somehow has an incredible effect on people. That's God's love getting relevant in people's lives. That's the fourth foundation of purpose for COAHC: serving our community in practical and relevant ways, demonstrating that God's love is abundant and He cares about the details of our lives.
I mowed the lawn of the house across the street from me today and two neighbors came out to bring me water and ice tea. What an opportunity for God's Light to shine! I look forward to seeing the fruit of this labor.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Surround Sound
Remember the old televisions and the portable tape player called "Walkman"?
Technology has advanced what seems like light years since then. One of the biggest advances is in the way we hear recordings. Back in the day, we used to listen to everything in "Mono" sound. It wasn't until the 1990's or so that we began to see a shift in practically everything going to "Stereo" sound. More recently, Stereo sound evolved into Surround Sound. Multiple speakers are set up around the listener in order for the audio to be heard with a 3-D effect.
I think most of us begin our relationship with God by hearing Him only in a Mono sound way. We hear Him only when we're praying or reading the Bible. As our relationship develops, we begin to hear Him in Stereo sound. Multiple sources provide the voice of God, speaking into our lives. I think most of us stop at that point. Our goal, of course, is to hear Him in Surround sound.
Jesus promised us that He would never leave us. We know that He desires to have a relationship with us. Isn't the foundation of a relationship communication? Therefore, we should be able to hear God's voice all around us anytime and anyplace. Let's set up our speakers and subwoofers so that God's voice becomes 3-D in our lives!
Logging On
It was two years ago that Carrie, the girls and I moved to Culpeper and began the process of planting City on a Hill Church. Upon our arrival, I created this blog in order to journal as well as encourage others in our community (and anywhere else, for that matter). In observance of two years in the 'Pep, I'm going to re-publish some of the first posts that appeared on The View.
Logging On (June 30, 2008)
OK, so here's my first post...
Carrie, the girls and I arrived in Culpeper on Father's Day (Sunday, June 16). We spent the first week "camping out" as we waited for our furniture to arrive. It finally showed up on the following Saturday.
Much has happened in our first two weeks here - too much to tell here. So, here's a quick recap:
-We love our home in Culpeper! It's perfect in so many ways!!
-We immediately started making our house into *our* home by purchasing some new furnishings, appliances, etc.
-Our second night here, we had a little impromptu block party in our front yard as several of our neighbors came over to introduce themselves. We live in a great neighborhood with wonderful people. The girls are excited because they have Dominic (3 yrs old) next door and Jase and Cove (2 yrs and 4 yrs) behind us.
-It's so nice that everything we need is no more than a 5 minute drive. No more freeway driving just to go to the grocery store!
We went to Hazel River Assembly of God Church yesterday. The girls had fun in the kids' church singing praise songs and learning about Sampson. Pastor Steve Dodson and I finally met after exchanging emails in March and April. His message was "God has you in the right place at the right time!" Boy! What a great first message for Carrie and I to hear after moving across the country. Just when we begin to feel those little doubts clawing their way into our minds, God confirms that the call on our lives to come to Culpeper is authentic and something great is going to come of this!!
I spent much of the morning touching base and scheduling coffee and lunch times with those folks in the community with whom I made contact prior to our move. God has put me in touch with some people that are really plugged into the scene here, so I'm confident that He will use these relationships. I'm excited to see what happens over the next few weeks.
Logging On (June 30, 2008)
OK, so here's my first post...
Carrie, the girls and I arrived in Culpeper on Father's Day (Sunday, June 16). We spent the first week "camping out" as we waited for our furniture to arrive. It finally showed up on the following Saturday.
Much has happened in our first two weeks here - too much to tell here. So, here's a quick recap:
-We love our home in Culpeper! It's perfect in so many ways!!
-We immediately started making our house into *our* home by purchasing some new furnishings, appliances, etc.
-Our second night here, we had a little impromptu block party in our front yard as several of our neighbors came over to introduce themselves. We live in a great neighborhood with wonderful people. The girls are excited because they have Dominic (3 yrs old) next door and Jase and Cove (2 yrs and 4 yrs) behind us.
-It's so nice that everything we need is no more than a 5 minute drive. No more freeway driving just to go to the grocery store!
We went to Hazel River Assembly of God Church yesterday. The girls had fun in the kids' church singing praise songs and learning about Sampson. Pastor Steve Dodson and I finally met after exchanging emails in March and April. His message was "God has you in the right place at the right time!" Boy! What a great first message for Carrie and I to hear after moving across the country. Just when we begin to feel those little doubts clawing their way into our minds, God confirms that the call on our lives to come to Culpeper is authentic and something great is going to come of this!!
I spent much of the morning touching base and scheduling coffee and lunch times with those folks in the community with whom I made contact prior to our move. God has put me in touch with some people that are really plugged into the scene here, so I'm confident that He will use these relationships. I'm excited to see what happens over the next few weeks.
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