Breaking Bread

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day in which Christians commemorate the Last Supper Jesus had with His disciples. In Jesus' culture, sharing a meal was an intimate experience. People reclined around a table sharing slices from the same loaf of bread and double dipping all night long. Definitely not what we Americans consider polite table manners.

Again, Jesus loved intimacy with his friends. He enjoyed being close to them and sharing the deepest, most profound thoughts and ideas with them. He laughed with them and cried with them. This is a wonderful picture of the relationship He desires with all of us.

The problem is that many of us really stink at intimacy. Intimacy scares us. It makes us uncomfortable. Besides our spouse, we don't let anyone close to us - mostly due to the fear that someone will see what we're really like and then reject us or hurt us. It's a natural fear, but one that we all must strive to overcome. God calls us into an intimate relationship with Him and an intimate relationship with fellow believers.

Go ahead, break off that piece of bread and double dip.

Easter Fun Day

This Saturday, City on a Hill Church is having it's largest event to date. We're hosting a FREE community Easter Fun Day from 1-4pm. Egg hunt, games, contests, moon bounces and food.

Someone questioned me about the egg hunt. Certainly there is a great deal of history we can all read about the origin of the pagan holiday celebrating the goddess "Eostre" and the theme of fertility that surrounds this pagan festival. There, of course, is as much non-Biblical history and festivities entertwined with Christmas as any other holiday the Church celebrates, e.g., Christmas trees, ornaments, stocking, etc.

For more detailed insight into the history of the holiday, take a look at this great article.

From a Christian perspective, our focus at Easter is on Jesus Christ, his resurrection and the victory and power that He offers to us as a gift. Our focus should be on the gift of eternal life. The eggs symbolize life - life that Jesus gives. And it's not just life, but life more abundant!

Please come on out and celebrate the life that Jesus offers with us! We'd love to see you!!

Connecting

The Word of the Day is "Connecting."

To whom are you connected?

With whom are you trying to be connected?

These are important questions for us to consider. God made us for relationships - a relationship with Him and a relationship with others. That's just the way we're wired, and when we try to go against that, we experience a range of difficulties from emotions like loneliness to the inability to accomplish the tasks assigned to us.

Connecting with God on a frequent, consistent basis gives us the chance to know Him better. We have the opportunity to know His general will as found in His Word and His specific purpose for our lives. This kind of intimate connection is referred to by John in 1 John 1:3 and is the Greek word "koinonia."

According to 1 John 1:3, this intimate connection is not reserved just with God, but also with other people. How many people can you honestly say you're intimately connected to outside your immediate family?

I believe Christians are to be connected with others so that we may encourage one another, pray for one another and bring others into a new or re-committed relationship with Jesus Christ. There are opportunities around you right now to get connected with others in your community. All it takes is a little bit of shuffling in your schedule and a commitment to make it happen.

God's Creation

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Nashville for a meeting for my tentmaking job. One evening, a group of us was having dinner. I sat near one lady from South Africa who is now living in Vancouver, BC. On the other side of the table was a lady from Ghana and who is now living in Toronto.

I asked them both, "What do you miss most about your homeland?"

Geraldine from South Africa responded, "I miss most the game preserves where I can see the wild animals and beautiful scenery."

Peggy from Ghana responded, "I miss most the white sand beaches."

I think it's great that God's creation can make such an impact on people. It wasn't old friends they missed the most - rather God's creation.

Take a minute today to look around you and notice the wonder of God's creation.

Christ In Culpeper

Pastor Brad Hales (of Reformation Lutheran) and I met this morning to put some ideas in motion on how we can re-invigorate Culpeper's passion for transforming our community for Christ. This new effort will be organized under the new name Christ in Culpeper. Ed Lyons (of Persecution Project) reminded me last evening that God’s Word certainly reflects the consequential power of communal prayer as seen in Acts 4:21-31. I hope that we can all begin to make it a priority to set aside one hour a month to come together and pray for the community we love and in which we live.

Moving forward, a monthly prayer meeting will be offered for a time of prayer for Culpeper (ie, the Church, local businesses, education, government and those who need to know Jesus). We will meet on the last Wednesday of every month (beginning April 29) at the Depot Center from 12noon to 1pm.

Christ in Culpeper is also seeking opportunities by which to establish relationships with business owners in our community. To this end, we’re currently exploring some possible solutions to this.

Let's gather together, pray and watch as the Holy Spirit leads us towards revival one life at a time, one day at a time, one prayer at a time.

I Need to Pray

I need to pray.

I need to pray more.

I need to pray more diliberately.

I need to pray more diliberately for our church.

I need to pray more diliberately for our church and God's will to be done in us.

I need to pray more diliberately for our church and God's will to be done in us and through us.

I need to pray more diliberately for our church and God's will to be done in us and through us so that His purpose is accomplished.

I need to pray more diliberately for our church and God's will to be done in us and through us so that His purpose is accomplished in our community.

Skatepark Update

There's a lot of discussion going on about the skatepark located at Yowell Meadow Park. Here's an update:

I serve on the Town Council Parks and Recreation Commission. This is a committee of concerned citizens that serve as an advisory committee for the Town Council on issues that affect the Parks and Recreation Department of the Town of Culpeper.

Last night's meeting included follow-up on the issues surrounding the town skatepark. The skatepark has been in the middle of controversy for at least a year due to damage to the park's ramps, skaters/bikers not wearing helmets, vulgar/obscene language used at the park and and a disregard for allowable equipment (ie, non-pegged bicycles) used at the park. The damage at the park has been caused by pegged BMX bikes being used on the ramps in combination with the detoriation due to water damage. The park is built in a flood plain and occasionally is submerged under water during heavy rains.

The town required our commission to create ordinances for the park and its users. These ordinances are more than just rules posted on a sign now because the police can actually issue citations for ordinances not being upheld by the skaters/bikers. The flip-side of the ordinances is that it seems the police department will likely not make it a priority to enforce the ordinances as they are busy protecting the community from more serious crimes.

The ordinances we created include the following two major points:
1 - All users are required to have a permit to use the park. The permit for Culpeper Town and County residents is free and it's $20 for residents of other areas.
2 - Skaters/bikers are advised (not required) to wear helmets and protective gear.

Aside from all of this, it is obvious SCOOP (Skate Culpeper On Our Park) needs to play a larger role in creating positive community awareness and support for the skatepark. Tabitha Riley, from the County P&R Dept. and member of SCOOP was present at the meeting as was Jack Maher, a former owner and operator of a skatepark, who is willing to become involved in supporting the skatepark and SCOOP. I suggested that I begin meeting with Jack, Tabitha, Bob Leftwich (owner of Bike Stop, Board Member of SCOOP) and other members of SCOOP to see how SCOOP can begin serving as a more productive advocacy group for the skatepark. The bottom line is that we need more involvement in SCOOP from the young people in our community who use the skatepark and we need more involvement from the local businesses supporting SCOOP through sponsorships, etc. SCOOP needs to be able to raise funds to assist with maintenance of the skatepark and they need to be able to play a large role in monitoring the activities (ie, disregard for the ordinances) at the skatepark.

If you're interested in getting involved, add a comment with your contact info or shoot me an email at pastorgw (at) cityonahillculpeper (dot) org.

The Roman Road

Yesterday I preached on the five verses found in the book of Romans that are commonly referred to as "The Roman Road."

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death - Romans 6:23a

but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord - Romans 6:23b

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1

These short, five verses are a pathway that may be used as an evangelistic tool. When shared in order, they tell the story of the Gospel.

These short, five verses also help us get real with God. In order to have an authentic relationship with God, we must acknowledge who we are and what we do in contrast to God, Himself. When we get real with God, the consequences are humility before Him and an urgent burden to share Him with others.

Relay For Life Yardsale

CULPEPER REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM'S RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM YARD SALE

SATURDAY, MARCH 28th7am - 12pm RAIN or SHINE (indoors!!!)

509 S. MAIN STREET (ACROSS FROM 7-11; CRH'S FORMER OUTPATIENT PT OFFICE)

FURNITURE, ADULT - CHILDREN'S - BABY CLOTHES, BABY GEAR, TOYS, BOOKS, CD's, DVD's, ELECTRONICS, HOUSEWARES (something for every room in the house)... AND MUCH MORE!

ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.

Culpeper v.1.1

Culpeper saw more troops march through its county than any other county in the nation during the Civil War. The atrocities it saw during this time of war and the blood that soaked its ground left scars on our community that are still seen to this day.

The Anglican Church oversaw the Baptist Church in Culpeper in the 1700's. If you preached without permission from the Anglican Church, you were imprisoned. Culpeper imprisoned more Baptist preachers than any other county in the nation. Many fought back, and as a result, Culpeper was the birthplace of religious freedom.

About 50 years ago, Culpeper was voted as the second healthiest place to live in the USA, behind Asheville, NC. In 1971, the US Department of Interior designated the Culpeper-Warrenton area as one of the seven most desirable places to live. Not too long ago, Culpeper was voted as one of the top ten small towns in America.

But what about the Christian community? What kind of accolades is the Church receiving? Here are but a few transformations I believe God wants for our community:

-The Church in Culpeper reaches across ethnic boundaries. The African American and Hispanic churches unite with the "white" church to reconcile and fight prejudice with sincere love.

-Christians look beyond their church membership as not just family tradition, Sunday attendance and an opportunity to hold a seat on the Church Board, but more as an obligation to live a life that reflects Christ in our words and actions every day of the week.

-Christians no longer allow denominational labels to prevent unity within the Church of Culpeper.

-Our older generations live with such integrity and character in their relationship with Christ that the younger generations look to them with respect and adoration.

-Christians bring home from church a lifestyle and love for the community that reaches their neighbors through a relationship founded in authentic love, care and service.

-Churches grow not as a result of transfer of membership, but as a result of reaching our community with the Word of God, the love, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Social Services

Churches are well known as a place to receive help - help of all kinds, including financial assistance. When someone needs some financial assistance, people call churches and their leaders reach into the benevolence budget to see what they can do. Churches around Culpeper this winter have helped folks pay their heating bills, pay their mortgages and put gas in their cars.

I received a phone call yesterday from a person in Culpeper's Social Services office. It seems there is a program being instituted in our community in which all requests for benevolence funds are being routed through the Department of Social Services. Monica from Social Services will then serve as a filter and main point of coordination. She will contact churches herself and accumulate funds to meet the person's needs as funds are available.

I think this is a great idea! It relieves the stress from any one particular church. It also prevents churches from being taken advantage of by a person who may see an opportunity to request funds for the same need from several churches.

I'm not sure how many communities around our nation have this kind of program, but I can't help but think we're fairly unique. I love Culpeper!

Obadiah

Obadiah is a small book in the Old Testament. The prophet's name literally means "servant of the Lord." I believe that is now my new favorite Biblical name!

The theme of the book is what comes around goes around. In verse 15, the Lord speaks through the prophet Obadiah and says, "The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head."

In our current economic crisis, can you think of anyone you know who needs help? Are you in a position to be generous? Perhaps you could offer to buy the person's groceries one week. Perhaps you could organize some meals to be made for a family. Take a break from your hectic schedule and look around at your community. There are a number of opportunities to serve the Lord by serving your community and friends. You never know. Maybe one day, you'll need that kind of help.

Greater Than Series & Events

This weekend we're wrapping up an important series heading into the Easter season. It's the Greater Than series. We kicked things off 3 weeks ago with looking at how to have a Greater Than mentality. Last weekend, we looked at how to have a Greater Than life by being filled with the Spirit and being bold for Jesus Christ (using the early Church activities described in the book of Acts). This weekend, we'll talk about what the Greater Than life looks like when we step out of the boat like Peter did. Matthew 14:22-31 will be our source text.

Speaking of stepping out of the boat... City on a Hill Church has two exciting community events planned for this month and next. Tomorrow, COAHC is partnering with the Culpeper Mid-Day Lions' Club to offer the community free blood pressure screening and hearing and vision exams. We'll be at the Culpeper Wal-Mart from 9am to 1pm. Just showing God's love in a practical way.

On April 11 (1-4pm), COAHC is hosting a FREE community Easter Fun Day. Games, Egg Hunt, Moon bounces, free food and drinks. It's going to be a blast!

Effects of the Recession

Yesterday I participated in a Live WebCast featuring Rick Warren, Sr Pastor of Saddleback Church and bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life. Pastor Rick spoke on a variety of different topics, but he focused a portion of his time discussing the effects of the economic recession on the Church in America.

Did you know that church attendance, movie attendance and bar attendance increases during recessions? Why do you think that is? It seems to me that people want to try and find hope and help by attending church, and they want to find an escape from the reality of their problems at the movies and in the bars.

In the midst of this economic crisis, there is a great possibility to make a difference in people's lives: to bring them peace, to offer them hope and to minister to their needs. Don't fall into the trap of thinking it's the pastor's responsibility to do all of these things. The pastor or church staff couldn't possibly do all of it without help from you. This is one of those great opportunities for the Church to stop doing church and start being the Church.

Love & Obedience

"Why can't you love me, GW?"

This was the question that haunted me day and night for several weeks during the late fall and early winter of 1995. This was the question that led me into the realization that my relationship with God was counterfeit.

As I wrestled with this question in my heart and mind, the Holy Spirit led me to John 14:15 - "If you love me, you will obey what I command." Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had been attending a weekly Bible study and professing to be a Christian while all the while ignoring God's commands. I was an immoral person living a publicly immoral life. Until the moment I read that verse for the first time, I had felt no remorse or expressed any repentance for my choices in life.

In December 1995 while watching a Christmas program at a local church in Wilmington, NC, I gave my life to Christ in the silence of my heart. I wish I could say that my life turned around on a dime, but it didn't. It was messy. I was so entrenched in my sin that getting out just wasn't a simple process. It involved months and many more bad decisions made by me in my immature faith. I had discovered a newfound love in my life, but I still didn't know how to love God properly.

How often do we see love relationships when one or both people are ignorant of knowing how to love properly? It's an immature love, and dysfunction becomes a part of that relationship as a result. The Bible tells us that God's love for us is perfect. So, we can rest assured that any problems in our relationship with God is solely our responsibility due to our imperfection.

How do we love God properly? It's quite simple actually. Obey him! Easier said than done, right? Jesus told us there is a cost to following Him: leaving behind your former life, putting God and others before yourself and persecution. However, there are rewards also: rest, joy and peace.

Even now, as a pastor, although I strive to love God with everything that I am, I fall short at times. The biggest difference maker for me, though, is having people in my life to encourage me, hold me accountable and pick me up when I fall. Let's strive together to obey God and love him properly.

Technology

In the last decade, the means by which ministry occurs has changed dramatically. In order for someone in the United States to minister to someone abroad, that person was forced to incur the expense of travel and time away. Now, things like the internet, CD-ROM and DVD have become some of the favorite tools for ministry. It's great that someone can record himself and upload the video on to a website like godtube.com. Within a matter of minutes, the video is available to anyone who has internet access.

To reach people in more remote areas of the world who don't have internet access, a simple medium like CD-ROM or DVD can be burned and shipped. That requires a lot less resources than sending a team of people abroad!

When reaching the lost, nothing replaces the opportunity to look into a person's eyes or embrace a person in the midst of their pain. That's powerful ministry! Technology, though, can be very useful in training, instruction or discipleship. That's powerful too!

Church Growth

Some ideas are worth sharing again. I originally posted this on July 22, 2008 (before the official launch of COAHC). This weekend's message reminded me of its importance...

"So the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied."
Acts 9:31 (American Standard Version)

City On A Hill Church hasn't even officially launched, so why in the world am I thinking about growing the church at this point? Well, it's never too early to think about building and growing the Body of Christ: the Church!!

There are a lot of ideas and gimmicks out there to attract people to a church or grow membership as the cartoon above shows. But the Scripture reference from Acts 9:31 really gives us some insight into the Lord's plan for growing His Church. Here are the key components to church growth from this one verse.

1) Peace - When there is peace, there is encouragement and growth - not growth in numbers necessarily, but growth in wisdom and maturity in Christ. The word we see used is edified. The original language indicates that there was construction going on in the heart of the Church. A church that is growing in wisdom and maturity in Christ is a church that is growing in numbers - no doubt!

2) Walking in the fear of the Lord - This expression doesn't refer to a traveling church. Rather it means that the Body was continuing a journey of faith where the people left behind a self-centered philosophy of life and began to focus on God, their relationship with God and obedience to God's will in their lives.

3) (Walking) in the comfort of the Holy Spirit - The original language of the text really gives a much better picture than the English language does. Imagine the Holy Spirit beckoning you nearer; and when you respond, He comforts you, consoles you and inspires you. This is the image that we should get from this phrase. Hearing His voice is where this begins. When was the last time you heard the Holy Spirit's voice?

This one verse alone is God's recipe for the growth of His Church. Yes, there are many factors that go into "doing church", etc. I understand that. But I also believe we can get distracted with a lot of logistics and details that ultimately don't have anything to do with what God's Word says in Acts 9:31.

Lord, may City On A Hill Church always follow your will for Church growth. May we experience Your peace. May we journey towards a closer relationship with You. May we hear Your voice calling us nearer to You for encouragement and inspiration and may we have the courage to respond.

Jesus' Prayer

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-23 NIV

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? He did! Before He was arrested, He prayed for Himself, His disciples and then for all believers for all time - that includes you and me.

What did He pray for us? Of all the things He could have prayed for you and me, He prayed for unity. Jesus knew of the destruction that bitter divisions within the Church causes. So, He prayed against it.

Almost from the beginning of the early Church, there have been divisions. This is the direct result of failure among Christians to agree to disagree and focus on what makes us similar instead of focusing on what makes us different. Unity, according to Jesus' prayer, is what will convince the world not only of the mission of Jesus Christ, but also of God's love for people and for Christ. So, how has Jesus' prayer affected your life?

Adjustments

In last night's Life Group, we discussed Unit 8 of Experiencing God. One of the primary themes of this unit is the adjustments that are required based on God's call in our lives. After posing the questions "What adjustments have you made in the recent past?" and "What adjustments do you foresee making in the near future?", I asked, "What adjustment would be difficult for you to make?" Prior to the final question, we were discussing things like employment, ministry and being called to the mission field. Then I challenged our perception of God by asking everyone to consider what it would look like if their expectations were reversed.

"What would it look like if God didn't call you into _______ ministry?"
"What would it look like if God didn't call you into the mission field?"
"What would it look like if God wants you to stay in that job?"

I couldn't help but think of the story found in the book of Philemon. Onesimus, a slave, stole from his owner Philemon and escaped. Once free, Onesimus met Paul and was led into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Then Onesimus' life turned upside down. God's call on his life meant an adjustment of epic proportion: he had to return to the shackles and chains of slavery!

What if your adjustment meant staying in a marriage and not leaving your spouse?
What if your adjustment meant staying in a job that you didn't want to do any longer?
What if your adjustment meant something you never expected or desired?

Paul wrote to Philemon, "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me." (verse 11) When we submit ourselves fully and completely to God's plan, we become useful to God and to those around us.

Personal Identity Theft

This weekend my wife and I went to Williamsburg to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. It was the first time in seven years that we had gone away without the kiddos tagging along. Boy, was it a welcome and refreshing break from reality.

God really blessed our trip, too! I arrived at the hotel to find that I had been selected as "Guest of the Day" which entitled us to an upgrade to a suite and free breakfasts during our stay. Hallelujah!

On Sunday evening, I received an email from one of my Facebook friends with the details of someone impersonating me and requesting money be wired to London. The story was that "I" had been mugged at gunpoint and was stranded without any money or credit cards. "I" needed $500 wired to me for a plane ticket home. Given that my facebook account clearly shows that I was in town on Saturday and was at church on Sunday morning, I'm not sure how this person thought he was fooling too many people. I know of only one person who was tricked into sending the money.

After that experience, I must say that I feel dirty. I feel like I was robbed of my identity for those few short hours while this thief was impersonating me. Now I know what it feels like to experience personal identity theft. Personal Identity Theft is certainly a newer form of an age-old crime: thievery. Old snakes doing the same thing just in new ways and in new environments.

Failure

Billy polished four sermons he memorized from a book, a common practice. He had in his head what he figured were at least two hours of preaching. Who knew when he would be called? Sure enough, Billy soon got his call: he preached one night at a small church near Palatka. He raged on the pulpit. In fact he blasted out all four of his sermons in less than ten minutes! The wide-eyed congregation looked like they had been machine-gunned. Billy felt miserable. Why couldn't he slow down and speak like a real preacher? Night after night he agonized over doubts. For the first time in his life he could not sleep. He developed back aches and took to lying on the floor to ease the pain. Sometimes he had to leave his dorm room and wander the grounds. Maybe he shouldn't be a preacher at all.

[sources: Billy Graham: The Authorized Biography by John Pollock, 1966, and A Prophet With Honor: The Billy Graham Story by William Martin, 1991]

Anything that has great possibilities also carries with it a certain amount of risk - the risk of failure. So many of us are afraid of failure, though, that we find ourselves never attempting anything that will make a great difference in our life or other's lives.

The story about Billy Graham above simply reminds us that everyone fails. The people we regard in high esteem did not get accomplish the great things we remember them for without experiencing failure along the way. Imagine if Billy Graham was afraid of failure! Imagine if he was so embarassed at this failure that he quit the ministry!

Often God will use our failures to mold us and shape us for the success we will eventually experience. Don't be afraid of failing, and don't be embarassed of failure in your life! It's a part of the process of "less of me, more of you, Lord."

Coming Home

After a great week, I'm returning home this afternoon. I honestly can't remember a week of travel that has been so full of God. Usually my business trips are pretty stale. God has been moving powerfully in my life as of late, and the prayers that have been lifted by my COAHC family are covering and saturating my life.

I'm amped to be coming home to see all my ladies. Even though we talk to each other on the phone once or twice a day, there's nothing like some big hugs and kisses. Carrie's mom, aunt and grandmother are also coming into town this evening. It will be great to spend some quality time visiting with them over the next several days.

Greater Than

One of my prayer requests this week while I'm working in New Jersey was for God to give me an extra dose of supernatural guidance in developing my Sunday message for City on a Hill Church. I'm excited to report that God has responded in a big way!

For the next few weeks, we're going to be looking at how God wants us to live with a Greater Than mentality based on the Text found in John 14:12.

Most of us live with a "less than" mentality while Jesus told us that we can do even greater things than He did during His ministry on earth. We live in disbelief, little faith and engulfed in doubts instead of choosing to experience a "greater than" life.

Can you imagine what your life would be like if you have a "greater than" mentality?

The Call

Before time began, God knew the prophet Jeremiah. God knew that He would call Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations. Similarly, God knew you and me before time began. He also knew the call on our lives He would place.

Jeremiah was no one special. His response to God is so like ours when we receive the commissioning for His work: "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." God does not expect us to have the wisdom and ability in and of ourselves to do His work. In fact, God chooses over and over again people who are obviously incapable of doing His work so that it is more evident that it is God who is accomplishing His will through us, and, thus, He who receives the glory. He merely looks for someone who is willing to rely on Him.

God touched Jeremiah's mouth and said, "No, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."

In our lives, God touches us with His gifts and talents and then sends us to do His work. Sometimes it is to preach God's Word to others. Sometimes it is to play a musical instrument on the worship team. Sometimes it is to pray for or serve someone who has wronged us. It is our appointing - our commissioning. It is our call.

Body Sledding

We woke up to the biggest snow storm in a few years for our community. Schools were closed and flights were cancelled, so I was given the opportunity to play with the girls in the snow for a few hours before catching a flight to New Jersey.

I took Abby Rae and Emma to Mountain Run Lake Park for some body sledding. This is what you do when you are delinquent parent who hasn't bought a bobsled for your children. Dad become the bobsled while child rode on Dad's tummy and chest. I ended the day with just a little snow up my back and down my pants.

We had a blast, though. Apparently this is the place to go when it snows. There is a great slope that has a large, steep section and slowly tapers off to a much smaller incline. There were several families there sliding down the hill in the afternoon hours (mental note: go earlier in the day for smaller crowds and more snow on the hill).

Made some memories for a lifetime today. Love spending time with my kids. So glad I could do that before heading out of town.

Skins Next Year

When it snows like it is right now, it seems everyone's schedule and routine gets turned upside down. So, I thought I'd post something a little off topic this morning.

As I've mentioned before, I'm a huge Redskins fan. Ever since Dan Snyder bought the team, the Skins have "won the offseason" more times than not. Of course, the team hasn't translated the offseason winning to a Superbowl victory; thus they've become somewhat of a joke to all of the media pundits.

The Skins struck big again this offseason with the signing of Albert Haynesworth to a $100 million deal. They also retained one of their premier cornerbacks in Deangelo Hall, and they were able to get Derrick Dockery to return to Washington from Buffalo to help with their aging offensive line.

These are all fantastic moves, but this season will come down to the play at the quarterback position. Jason Campbell will need to rise to a new level this year if the Redskins are going to stretch their season into January or later.

The Skins won the offseason again. So much for that! What will the real season look like for the team?

Spiritual Warfare

Last night in our Life Group, we had a wonderful conversation about Spiritual Warfare. There are a number of people at City on a Hill Church that are experiencing uncommon spiritual attacks. A spiritual attack can look like anything from problems with employment to problems within the family. It is important, however, to keep a balanced perspective on this concept and not assign every bad circumstance (eg, delayed arrival due to heavy traffic) to Spiritual Warfare. Sometimes we are simply victims of our circumstances.

When Jesus experienced Spiritual Warfare (Matthew 4:1-11), he combatted the enemy with the Truth of Scripture. Scripture, indeed, is the weapon that Satan's evil cannot defeat. Satan wants to attack with lies and deception. Scripture clarifies the truth for us.

Here are just a few wonderful rebuttals we can use as we wage war in our own lives:

It is written that when I speak according to the Word and will of God, heaven responds. (Mark 11:23-24)

It is written that if I believe on Him, I am not condemned. (John 3:18)

It is written that Jesus wants me to do what He did and He has equipped me with His Holy Spirit to do just that. (John 14:12-14)

It is written that I am loved by Jesus. (John 15:9)

It is written that I have been freed from all things. (Acts 13:39)

It is written that I am comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:4)

It is written that I am the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:21)

It is written that I am a fellow partaker of the promise of Christ Jesus. (Epheisans 3:6)

It is written that He who began a good work in me will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

It is written that the peace of God guards my heart and mind. (Philippians 4:7)

It is written that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

It is written that I am taught by God to love others. (1 Thess 4:9)

It is written that I am made holy through Jesus' own blood. (Hebrews 13:12)

To Know Is To Love

This weekend I'm preaching on the story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well found in the Gospel of John 4:1-42. I came across the video in my research.

Have you ever been driving down the street and seen someone holding a sign asking for money? Are you repulsed by that person? Perhaps you've been sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant and seen someone sitting alone and crying. Do you feel sorry for this person? As I make these observations, I can't help but wonder, "How did this person get here? What's this person's story?"

The woman at the well has a story - one that has made her an outcast in her own community. Yet Jesus has a divine appointment with her to let her know that He knows her story and that He loves her. In fact, Jesus has chosen this particular woman to reveal His divinity. She is the only person prior to Jesus' trial to whom He specifically said that He was the Messiah.

The next time we see someone on the street corner, in a restaurant or at the store, we can remember that that person has a story - a story about which Jesus knows and cares. What's your story?

Perspective

My wife shared the following story with me last night...

She was having tea with our daughter Emma (4 years old) at Raven's Nest on East Davis Street last evening. My wife told Emma to look at all the beautiful brick buildings along the street. My wife was noticing how old, yet sturdy and nice everything looked. Emma responded, "Yea, and if a wolf comes down the street, he won't be able to blow any of them over."

It's all about perspective isn't it?

Circumstances

In the Experiencing God curriculum we're studying for our Life Groups, we're discussing how God speaks to us. This week, one of the things we read was about how God speaks to us in our circumstances.

So often, I hear people accuse God of not caring or disappearing when circumstances are going badly. I don't hear enough people praising God when circumstances are going well. Why is that?

Our circumstances can certainly confuse us sometimes. In the Bible, Job's circumstances confused practically everyone (except God, of course). Thankfully, Job had the right idea when he said, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

God is not the only one who opens and closes doors. He's certainly not the author of confusion and he's not the designer of destruction in our lives. Regardless of how bad our circumstances are and how difficult it is to see God's hand at work in our lives, we can rest in the Truth of Scripture that promises us, "I am with you always."

Instead of looking at God from the middle of your circumstances, try looking at your circumstances from God's perspective. The Holy Spirit will use God's Word to reveal to you the truth of your situation.

Calendar

This is a very busy time of the year for the Christian calendar. This week alone, there is Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent.

Shrove Tuesday actually commemorates the preparation for the Lenten season. Shrove is an Old English word that translates to "to repent". Shrove Tuesday is also known as Mardi Gras ("fat Tuesday"), contrasting to the fasting during Lent. In many areas around the world, this day is also called Pancake Day because it is customary to eat pancakes on this day. It's a shame that the world has put a very different meaning to this time with the drunkenness and debauchery that goes on in places like New Orleans.

Ash Wednesday is a day that marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. On Ash Wednesday, it is some churches' tradition to mix anointing oil with ashes and mark the foreheads of believers with the sign of the cross. This mark signifies their sorrow and mourning at the death of Jesus. Ash Wednesday is supposed to be a somber day in which we reflect about what needs to happen in our lives if we are to fully reflect Christ.

The season of Lent includes 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter Sunday. It is a time of fasting, praying and service commemorating the sacrifice that Jesus made in His death on the cross.

At City on a Hill Church, we don't officially celebrate this calendar with services exclusively devoted to the purpose of these days, but it is good for us to remember and adjust our lives accordingly.

Shrove Tuesday - What habits are there in your life that require repentance?
Ash Wednesday - What needs to change in your life so Christ can be more fully reflected to the world around you?
Lent - What needs to be removed from your life so that you can experience God with more clarity and fullness?

Future Worship Leader?

OK, so I'm a proud dad. I love it when my kids demonstrate that they have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Last night at the end of our Life Group, Abby Rae asked if she could perform a song for us. Perhaps a future worship leader in the making???

"We're Not Going to Guam, Are We?"

Pilot Frank to Jack Shepherd: "We're not going to Guam, are we?"

I love this line from last night's episode of Lost. I'm totally hooked on this show, and Carrie and I enjoy watching every suspenseful second together on Wednesday nights after our Life Group is done.

We can plan all we want, but sometimes God just simply takes our plans and ideas and chucks them right out the window. I had that happen to me again yesterday. The wonderful thing is that when we allow God to interrupt us with His plans, our day simply becomes holier - set apart for a purpose.

Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King write in the Experiencing God workbook, "It isn't wrong to plan. Just be careful not to plan more than God intends for you to do. Let God interrupt or redirect your plans anytime He wants. Remain in a close relationship with Him so you can always hear His voice when he speaks to you."

Culpeper Update

How many communities celebrate the things of God openly and publicly? Culpeper does. How many communities have representatives from different churches and denominations gather together every week and pray for the education system, local government and local businesses? Culpeper does. How many communities gather together every Thanksgiving for a community service of celebration and preaching of God's Word? Culpeper does.

On May 7, the community of Culpeper will gather together on the steps of Town Hall and celebrate the National Day of Prayer.

On May 31, the community of Culpeper will gather together in Yowell Meadow Park and celebrate the Global Day of Prayer.

In mid September, the community of Culpeper will gather together for an entire weekend and celebrate its 250th anniversary, including a time spent with God.

In November, the community of Culpeper will once again gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving with a church service that will be hosted by all of our community churches and will hopefully include a guest speaker that is known well around the world for his relationship with Christ in the midst of a secular society.

I'm proud to be a part of a community that isn't afraid to come together and proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior!

Switcherooni

God pulled the ole' "switcherooni" on me this weekend. I had planned on finishing up our discussion of the Parable of the Sower on Sunday morning. I studied, wrote my sermon and got all of the administrative things done (eg, outline, powerpoint) before taking Carrie out to dinner for Valentine's Day. While we ate dinner, our discussion was led (as it normally does) to COAHC and what God is doing in our Body. As our discussion progressed, the Lord gave us both a sense that He wanted to do something different on Sunday morning than what we had planned.

The Lord gave Carrie and I both the same Word as we talked about Moses' struggles with walking in obedience to God's calling. It was obvious God was impressing His will upon both of our hearts to minister to our family at COAHC. So, Sunday's sermon was not on the Parable of the Sower, but instead on stepping out in faith in our lives and stopping the excuses that we so often give.

In these kinds of circumstances, I don't pretend to know all the details of why God leads us to change our plans. It's my responsibility to simply hear Him and follow. I leave the impact up to the work of the Holy Spirit. I know the Spirit moved in the hearts of our people though as I watched the facial expressions and body language of everyone. We had a sweet time at the alter afterward as well when some came forward for prayer.

I'm so glad I'm a servant of the God who loves His people as much as He does. He cares for us so much that He'll interrupt a pastor's plans for preaching to give His children the spiritual nourishment we need when we need it.

Interrupt me anytime, Lord. Change my plans whenever You'd like, Most Holy God. I am Your servant and instrument to be used however You see fit.

Relationships

Just got back from the weekly prayer time at Pray Culpeper where people from our communities (pastors, leaders, anyone and everyone) gather to pray for Culpeper. As we were finishing up, we quickly raised the issue of how important relationships are in our lives. Without relationships, Jesus' ministry would have been very different - and dare I say, ineffective.

The Great Commission states to go out and make disciples of every nation. A person can get saved at an evangelistic outreach like a crusade without a relationship with the one giving the message. However, no one can become a disciple without a relationship. It takes mentoring, an authentic relationship and an investment made by someone for a new believer to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple, by definition, requires relationship.

The Church doesn't need any more people who are mere converts. We need disciples!

So... who's God calling you to begin a relationship with this weekend?

Fear & Praying Out Loud

Last night, in our Life Group, we had a conversation about the things in our relationship with Christ that are prevented from growing because of fear. One of the most commons issues people struggle with is praying out loud. (Can I get an "Amen" brother or sister?)

Here are but a few Truths to remember about our struggle with praying out loud:
-When we pray, our audience is God only, not the other people in the room with us.
-If God is our only audience, then pray from the heart, using words that are authentic and sincere. Just be yourself!
-Our model for prayer is what is found in Scripture only. The model or standard of prayer is not the eloquent prayer that "Joe Schmo" across the room just prayed.
-If the reason why I don't like to pray is that I am fearful of what others may think of me, the words I choose and how I pray, I must recognize that all of those reasons are based in vanity and pride - which is not from God.
-If my conflict to pray out loud is rooted in fear, then I know that is not from God. God is perfect (Matt 5:48). God is love (1 John 4:8). Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
-While the Bible gives us instruction to pray humbly in private (see Matthew 6:5-6), the Bible is also replete with examples of people praying for others out loud which infers that we, too, are called to pray out loud. For example, Jesus placed His hands on children and prayed for them in front of the disciples (See Matthew 19:13-15).
-Praying for someone out loud creates a supernatural, divine connection between you and that person.
-Scripture nowhere condemns public prayer, but rather how to do it appropriately.

Here are some simple tips on growing in this area of your relationship with Christ:
-During your devotional time, practice praying out loud by yourself instead of praying silently.
-Practice praying out loud at opportune times like before meals.
-Know that the full Word of God is in no single person, so realize that there is no such thing as a perfect prayer that has been uttered from man's mouth.
-When you run out of words to say and you're just not sure what to pray next, remember Romans 8:26-"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

Carnation Giveaway

I'm looking forward to Friday and Saturday. On Friday, City on a Hill Church is going to distribute a single carnation flower to every female staff member at Culpeper Middle School and Culpeper Christian School. Then on Saturday, we're going to distribute carnation flowers to ladies as they enter Wal-Mart from 10am to 12noon (or as long as supplies last).

We celebrate Valentine's Day as a day for romance. The Greeks called this kind of love eros (we get the English word erotic from this Greek word). We want to remind folks that every day we should be celebrating agape (unconditional) love with our neighbors.

Happy Valentine's Day Culpeper!

Wasting Time

Have you ever had a moment when the light bulb just comes on and you realize, "Wow! I'm really wasting my time!"

This morning, I've spent a few hours working on one of the computers in our home. It needs to be done, but there are many other things I wanted to accomplish this morning. I really feel like I've wasted this morning, and I can't get back that time.

I would like to think that I live my life trying to make the most of every moment. We never know how much time we have on this earth, so when the end of my time comes, I'd like to be able to look back and say with confidence, "I wasted very little time."

How about you? What is included in your daily routine that could be categorized as "time wasted?"

Sunday

Yesterday was one of those landmark days. The Holy Spirit really poured Himself out on everyone in our service. Worship was sweet. Fellowship was genuine. God moved through the Word, and I could see hearts being transformed before my very eyes. The prayer time at the alter was a first for us, but certainly not the last.

I love being pastor to City on a Hill Church!

Pray Culpeper

We had a regulary scheduled Friday prayer session during the noon hour to lift up the community of Culpeper to our Lord. Today was a great time! We had more people than we've had in a long time, and the prayers were inspired and led by the Holy Spirit. We ended our time with singing a couple of worship songs.

It's always great spending time with other brothers and sisters, praying for our community.

Blogging

In the last year, I've spent more and more time reading other people's blogs. One of the reason I love a blog is that it gives insight to the reader into what's happening in the life of the blogger. It's a journal in many senses. I know many of my posts are inspired by things going on in my life as a husband, father or pastor. Blogs are also great because they are usually very insightful with regard to Biblical Truth. They are instructional on how to grow closer to Christ or be a better leader.

Here are some blogs that I read regularly:
Mark Batterson - http://www.evotional.com/
Lee McFarland - http://www.radiantchurch.com/blog/
Wes Shortridge - http://www.revshortridge.blogspot.com/
Mosaic Church-Culpeper - http://mosaicchurchculpeper.blogspot.com/
Stuff Christians Like - http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/
Scot McKnight - http://blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed/
Gospel.com - http://www.gospel.com/blog/
Steven Furtick - http://www.stevenfurtick.com/
Mark Driscoll - http://theresurgence.com/md_blog

So, what blogs do you read? Comment...

The Sex Pastor

Ed Young of Fellowship Church was recently on Comedy Central to talk about the "Sexperiment" with which his church challenged the congregation. Check out the video below. Pretty bold concept, but I love it!

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Ed Young

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Paul McCartney Appearance

Funny Political Videos
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Approval Ratings

During the last year or so, President Bush's approval ratings plummeted to new depths. Right now President Obama's approval ratings are pretty high. If there was a way to test the approval ratings right now for you, how do you think you'd fair - among your family, your friends, your coworkers?

One of the biggest truths we all must face is that there are times when we seem to do no wrong in the eyes of others, and then there are times when it seems we can't do anything right. If we base our identity in the approval of others, we're in for a rollercoaster ride. However, basing our identity in Christ is what we need to and should do.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by owkrs, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

The word workmanship in the original Greek language is "poiema" which is the word from which we get "poem". The literal translation means "masterpiece". In other words, we're God's masterpiece - you, me and every single person that has ever lived.

Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful."

The approval rating was declared when God created every detail about you while you were still in your mother's womb. The approval rating was finalized when Jesus died on the cross for you. When you have the approval rating of the Lord God Almighty, there is no need for any other ratings!

Homeless Shelter Ministry

We're back at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church this week overseeing the Homeless Shelter Ministry. In December, City on a Hill Church partnered with two other small churches in our community to oversee the ministry. I really felt like God was calling us to step up and oversee the ministry for a week all by ourselves.

I have to admit, the call scared me a little, but I know deep down that Jehovah Jireh will provide the volunteers and resources we need. I challenged our church a week ago and then I preached on how being a servant can lead to an extraordinary life using Nehemiah as the primary example.

When God calls us to follow, taking that first step is sometimes the hardest. When (not if) we complete our week and we've succeeded in being the Church, I hope and pray that our example will be a model for many other small churches to take on the Goliaths in our community.

Pittsburgh World Champs

Very cool to see Pittsburgh win their 6th Superbowl title. No other team can say they have six Lombardi trophies. I was actually rooting for the underdog Cardinals, but since my team (Skins) weren't playing, it didn't really matter much to me.

I listened to the game on the radio last night while serving at the Homeless Shelter Ministry. I believe that's the first Superbowl I haven't watched live on TV since the mid 1970's. I TIVO'd the game, so hopefully I'll get a chance to watch it at some point during the day today.

Congrats Steelers' fans. You cheer a team that is unlike any other!

Disappointments

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." John 13:21 NIV

Imagine investing yourself in someone's life, pouring your energy, wisdom and resources into this person only to have them betray you. This is where Jesus found himself while eating the Last Supper with his closest friends.

If you serve in ministry in any capacity, there are few guarantees; but one is that you will experience disappointment somewhere along the way. It's inevitable to serve in ministry and grow close to people, without seeing at least one turn in a direction that is contrary to what you (and God) would want for him/her. Scripture warns us that there will be some who hear the Word, but the worries of this life, trouble, persecution and deceit stifle spiritual growth, making the person unfruitful while some quickly fall completely away (see Matthew 13:18-23).

Jesus experienced disappointment just as we experience disappointment. Ministry must continue, however. Just as some seed will fall among the thorns or on rocky soil, we will invest ourselves into people who will show some great strides only to turn back to their wicked ways in spite of our best efforts. This is the reality of ministry. Prepare your hearts for the disappointments that will occur along the way, but realize that the fruit that is born from your service to the Lord does not disappoint.

Life Group

We had an awesome Life Group session last night. The discussion time was deep and authentic, the prayers were sweet and led by the Holy Spirit and no one rushed to leave. These are all the components of a healthy and effective Life Group. That's a win! Praise God!!

Today's Topic

When I consider the question, "What am I going to preach?" I always have an answer: "Whatever the Holy Spirit leads me to teach."

That may sound a little corny at first, but there's a very important lesson in this process for pastors as well as anyone who is in a position to teach someone else (which means everyone).

I have countless lessons that I have preached over the last ten years and that I have access to via the internet that others have preached. Each week, it would be very easy for me to simply select at random any one of those messages. However, the most important question that goes along with "What am I going to preach?" is "What does my flock need to hear?". That's when the Holy Spirit comes into play in revealing to me the needs of the people who attend City on a Hill Church.

It's incredibly important to preach a message that is needed instead of just filling time every Sunday morning. That's how churches grow instead of merely exist. That's how lives are changed.

Believe it or not, we're all in a position to teach someone something. Perhaps you're a parent with children or you have coworkers who look to you for advise or mentoring. If you can't think of one person who looks to you for wisdom and information, then you need to figure out why and make changes so that you do have the opportunity to teach someone something. We all have valuable experiences and wisdom that need to be passed along to others.

When we teach, we should never be interested in merely passing along information, but begin with "What does this person need to know?" Being a good teacher is not about figuring out how to spew forth as much information as possible in the short time you have. It's about knowing what your student needs to know and then communicating it in a way that he/she understands it.

Some questions with which to challenge yourself this week:
Who are you teaching?
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what they need to know?
And are you teaching them what they need to know without overloading them with mere information?

SNOW!

First real snow of the season this morning.

My kids have never played in the snow before, so we've been having a blast outside. I was feeling pretty rough yesterday, but today I woke up with a lot more energy and the fever was gone. Thanks be to God I could enjoy this special moment with my kids.

Thanks for your prayers

Thanks for everyone's prayers. My voice held out yesterday morning, and God gave me supernatural energy. Then I crashed hard in the afternoon.

Busy week ahead, and we have a lot of church activities in the next few weeks: Homeless Shelter oversight Feb 1-7, Ladies brunch on Jan 31, Valentine's Day Carnation Outreach, etc. It's always great to know there are options for people to participate, serve and enjoy the company of others.

Head Colds

Picked up a nice little head cold in the last two days that's affecting my voice. Appreciate your prayers as I'd like to be able to preach tomorrow morning without sounding like I'm 12 years old again.

Worship

The first Biblical account of worship is found in Genesis chapter 4 in the story of Cain and Abel. Cain and his brother, Abel, are making offerings to the Lord - a form of worship. Cain only brought "some of the fruits of the soil" while Abel "brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock." The text tells us that "the Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor."

From the text, it's obvious what the difference between the offerings or form of worship is by the brothers. However, we must infer what the relationship was like between each brother and the Lord. Cain wasn't moved to bring but "some of the fruits" while Abel had the kind of relationship with God by which he was inspired to bring "fat portions from some of the firstborn." In other words, Abel set aside the best portions first before he met any of his own needs and Cain worshiped God with only the leftovers.

Our worship is always directly proportionate to our relationship with God. If our relationship is flourishing and God is first in our lives, our worship reflects that. Conversely, if we connect with God only once in a while and he is but a mere occasional presence in our life, our worship will reflect that as well.

This weekend at City on a Hill Church, I'm teaching on "Ordinary People Experiencing Extraordinary Lives - Through Worship". We'll discuss how worship affects our ability to experience God in extraordinary ways. Please join us.

Feeding

Today marks the first day when many of us will be resuming our normal eating schedule. Christians in City on a Hill Church and throughout our community have been on a 21-day fast that began on January 1. Personally, I know that the Lord did amazing things in my life during this time, and I'm excited to see the long-term effects of God's children fasting and praying for revival in our community.

I didn't plan the calendar intentionally, but today is also a teacher's workday at Yowell Elementary School and the day that our church is serving lunch to 65 staff members at the school. The Bible gives us insight over and over again into the responsibilities of a shepherd. Two particular insights that caught my eye this morning include the instruction Jesus gives to Peter, "Feed my sheep." and a warning found in Jude 12 that cautions us about "shepherds who feed only themselves."

As Pastor and shepherd at City on a Hill Church, I'm called to nourish my flock spiritually. However, if I'm to follow Jesus' example, I'm also called to meet my flock's needs in practical ways as well. As a pastor in this community, my responsibilities reach from the flock at COAHC into the community at-large. Today, I'm blessed to have the opportunity to feed my sheep!

Connecting

When I was in Southern California, I joined MySpace because most of the young people I ministered to had pages. It was a great way to stay connected throughout the week. I was introduced to Facebook about a year ago noticing the trend towards this social networking site. In the last couple of weeks, I've connected with a large number of people with whom I haven't spoken in at least a dozen years.

Why are social networking sites so popular? I believe the main reason is that we have an innate need to be connected to one another. Being an island is not in our human nature.

God wired us to have relationship with one another. When the Word tells us that the Church is the Body of Christ, the metaphor has large implications in this regard. Just as Paul writes, "the eye can't tell the hand, 'I don't need you!'" We all need one another, and social networking sites allow us to feel more comfortable connecting with one another.

Because there is the infinite separation between people while on social networking sites, God wants to see us take the next step as well. Connect with people in such a way that you're in one another's presence. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of our God-given need for personal connection:
"Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

There isn't a single one of us who can find the strength to encourage one's self through every life experience. We need one another! We need connection!!

Inauguration

Today's such an historic day for this nation. Please commit to praying for our newly elected President, his family and that our country accomplishes the purposes and plans of our Lord.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (The Message)
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

What's God Already Doing?

One of the biggest questions I go to God with is, "What would you have City on a Hill Church do in Culpeper?"

You see, I can come up with all kinds of ideas and create opportunities for ministry on my own. However, being where God wants us and doing what God wants us to do is incredibly important in the life of a church. If we're doing what we want to do and then asking God to bless it, the fruitbearing is going to be slim-pickings. Instead, finding out what God is already doing in Culpeper and then joining Him in those places will bear the fruit He wants in both the lives of those being ministered to and those who are doing the ministering.

So, what's God already doing in Culpeper? Here are just a few answers that the Lord has revealed to me:
1 - marketplace transformation (e.g., PrayCulpeper's focus of ministry)
2 - revival among the young people in Culpeper (e.g., YoungLife, Rize-Up, various church youth groups)
3 - impacting the community through acts of service and kindness (e.g., Homeless Shelter ministry)
4 - discipleship among His children (e.g., Experiencing God curriculum)

Has God shown you some other areas where He's already working? If so, please feel free to share them by adding a comment.

Sunday Morning Service

We hosted our first Sunday morning service for COAHC. We had six first-time visitors as a result. We also were led in worship by our new worship director, Norm Hughes. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully during our time with the Lord this morning. I'm confident that the Lord is leading and guiding us towards some incredible miracles in 2009.

Ministry

One of the most common responses that pastors (and God) hears in response to ministry opportunities is, "I can't do that?" or "Who, me?"

The Bible is full of examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things: Moses leading the Jews out of captivity, Gideon defeating the Midianities, Peter walking on the water, Abraham becoming the Father of the Israelites, Joseph becoming Pharoah's right-hand man and the list goes on and on.

The common thread in all of these examples is that God found someone ordinary to do something that he was incapable of doing by himself. The person needed God to accomplish the task, but he was willing to be God's instrument in the process - maybe not initially, but eventually.

God's looking for some ordinary people to do some extraordinary things. Are you ready to say, "Here am I, Lord. Send me!"?

Ministries @ COAHC

I'm excited about what God is doing at City on a Hill Church. He's developing the ministries we already have in place as well as bringing new ministry opportunities along. For instance, I mentioned previously that we have identified our new worship director. Norm will be putting into place a full worship team that I know will be great. Our children's ministry is really coming along under the guidance of Chris and Holly. We continue to be in a position to serve our community in wonderful ways - next week, we'll be serving lunch to the staff at Yowell Elementary School.

Along with these things, our Life Groups just started up - incredibly important ministry. My wife will be starting our women's ministry next month, and we now have a need for a "Christianity 101" class for new believers. We'll probably be offering that on Sunday mornings before our worship service.

Another ministry that hasn't started yet at COAHC is youth ministries. This is near and dear to my heart, but we're just not there yet. I know God will open that door in His timing. Will be looking forward to that...

As I look at what God has done at COAHC in only four months, I can't tell you how blessed I am. What an honor it is to lead this church and to serve this community. Praise be to God!

Life Groups & Ministry

One of the hopes I have for every single adult at City on a Hill Church is to be plugged into a Life Group and be serving in ministry someplace within the church. Last week, we kicked off our first Life Group, and we had so many people respond favorably, we need to launch a second one. I'm really excited to know that most every adult at COAHC is getting plugged in without me coaching them to do so.

The other part is coming along nicely as well. We have most of our adults plugged in somewhere already, but I'll be focusing more on that in the coming few weeks.

I've always heard that a church needs to start off being who it wants to be instead of going back after the fact and trying to change programs and people. It's nice to know that we are very close to meeting these hopes of mine right off the bat.

Wonderful Past Few Days

The last few days have probably been some of the most wonderful days of my entire life...

Wednesday - Identified City on a Hill Church's new worship director. Really excited about that!! One of my college roommates whom I hadn't talked to in 16 years came to visit my family. He gave his life to Christ in the wee hours of Thursday morning. He's moving to Culpeper to start a new life with Christ!
Friday - Attended the Stop Hunger Now Project and felt compelled to have Natalie Rosenberger come present the project to City on a Hill Church. We received a special collection for this project and committed our church to serving on Feb 7.
Saturday - Had our last Saturday evening service at COAHC with our second of two-part series on the Lord's Prayer. The energy of COAHC seems to be bulging at the seams. I sense God is about to do something amazing in our church body.
Sunday - Celebrated my 40th birthday with family and friends today. Best of all, Emma (my middle daughter) also turned 4 today. Best birthday gift I ever received was her coming into my life!


No coincidence that I'm one of many participating in a 21-day fast... God is awesome!

What's Your Destination?

I'm reading 7 Practices Of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley et al with a staff member. The main point of Chapter 2 is helping leaders understand that the point of ministry to take a person from point A to point B. There must be a destination.

If the destination isn't identified and if there isn't a strategy to get the people being touched by the ministry from point A to point B, then the time is spent simply wandering. You could find yourself going in circles, you could find yourself wandering aimlessly or, worst yet, you could find yourself going in the opposite direction and not even know it!

This morning, we identified our destination and the steps that are needed to get to our destination. Where's your destination?

Putting the Pieces Together

City on a Hill Church is being blessed so much. It's so exciting to be in a position at this point to begin having staff overseeing various ministries like children's ministry and worship. I love how implementing different ministries into a church is like putting a puzzle together. One piece at a time helps the big picture come into view. The pieces have to fit into the right place, but when they do, the beautiful picture that God has created begins to come to fruition.

God Interrupted

I had the next few days mapped out rather well with perfect timing for study, sermon preparation and family time. Then it happened... A phone call this morning led to a God Interruption that will completely disrupt the rest of my week. The cause? An opportunity for ministry... An opportunity for Jesus Christ to change the life of one person.

That's what it's all about. More of You, Lord. Less of me. May You keep interrupting me and lead me into opportunities for lives to be changed...

Launching Life Group Tonight

Tonight, City on a Hill Church is launching its first Life Group. As many Life Groups throughout our community are doing, we're studying the Experiencing God curriculum. It's a fantastic study that I'm confident will change the lives of those who are in attendance.

Life Groups are a major part of the philosophy of COAHC. It's important that we're not just followers of Jesus Christ, but that we're disciples. Being a disciple means we have to be discipled. A Life Group is just the place where that can happen: a smaller, more intimate and informal environment where authentic discussions can occur about experiencing the living God.

I'm elated that a high percentage of our adults will be in attendance. It's always important to start things according to your vision instead of starting and then needing to go back and correct.

Homeless Shelter Still Ministering

Last night, City on a Hill Church took another turn at overseeing the Homeless Shelter Ministry. Because of the expected inclement weather, our plans for facilities were changed. We ended up sleeping in the Depot Center after having dinner at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

I love to watch how our church family minister to the guests. I'm so proud of our folks! Also, the young man whom I met at the homeless shelter a few weeks ago joined us to serve them tonight. What a wonderful story! He was hired yesterday as a cook at Chili's restaurant and is well on his way to getting things turned around.

Keep praying for this ministry. There are still many churches in our community who have refused to participate. There are still many weeks left between now and April for which we don't have volunteers or facilities.

Remembering 2008 and looking forward

As I look back at 2008, here are a few highlights that top my list of most memorable moments:
-My daughter, Abby Rae, accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior
-The call of God to Culpeper to plant City on a Hill Church
-My tour of Israel with Chuck Swindoll and Insight for Living
-The many young people who came to the Lord and who were baptized at Palomar Heights Church in San Diego County
-The first person at City on a Hill Church to commit his life to Christ
-Denominational walls being broken down as the Church of Culpeper comes together for the homeless shelter ministry

2008 was a year that I will likely look back on and say, "That was one of the most pivotal years in my life." I have a sense that 2009 is shaping up to be another incredible year full of surprises and amazing miracles from God. I really can't wait to see what He does in my life, the life of my family, the life of City on a Hill Church and the life of our Culpeper community!