Demographics: Be not afraid... but.. Action Required.

Hi all,  here is a video on point for what we ended up talking about on Sunday in Open Door.  I had not planned it but I'm open to talking a lot more about this topic 1x1 or in small groups.  if you are interested....



I would reiterate my position that we have nothing to fear and that the way forward will always be tolerance, inclusion, and love demonstrated in our actions not just our words.  I don't know very much about Islam. I do know and testify to the love of Jesus Christ and I think that is where any discussion or action plan should start. We should follow a model of action which embodies the spirit and principles of that which we are professing.

This video is thought provoking, and very interesting to think about.  Let me know if you are interested in talking more.. AS for FEAR---  you should listen to what my friend Steven Condy says about it.. an amazing voice, and a beloved Christian heart and spirit. ---  FEAR NOT - http://ow.ly/2SbyF

Road Runner Religion

Do I approach life and each day filled with grace, or am I critical?
WHAT Exactly matters?
God loves to show up and show off!
Is you God big enough? in control of every situation, every moment. every option... (RoadRunner & Wile E Coyote, Bugs Bunny, Kobiyashi Maru-StarTrek)

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 (MSG)

9 -13 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I've had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.

14 I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear. 

15 Whatever was, is. Whatever will be, is. That's how it always is with God.

Purpose and Perspective are inextricably linked.
Productivity is perspective.

1 Corinthians 15 (MSG)
Life is about service and the resurrection.
We must learn to receive, not achieve.
We must seek to serve and love, not consume, seeking the favor of our fellow men.

"We are called to patience, faithfulness, and trust.  as we lean into the sovereignty of God"

"Cliff Notes" on Ecclesiastes:

• Rejoice in the small blessings of every day, every moment.
• Remember that we are not God, our work is indeed futile, as are education, pleasure, community...
• Revere God, THE GOD, Omniscient, Loving, 

Martin Luther wrote: "The important thing is that we have a tranquil and quiet heart and a mind filled with joy, that we be content with the Word, and the work of God."

Michael Eaton: "The preacher's vast researches have found nothing in the finite earthly realm which can satisfy, the human heart intellectually, or practically. Though he has resolved to understand "all" that is under the sun, there is that within him which makes him realize he can never comprehend God's plan in its entirety. This is the nearest he comes to Augustine's maxim: "You have made us for yourself, and hour hearts are restless until they can find peace in you."

All is vanity. TOIL

Hope is not a management strategy.  Hope springs eternal. Hope is what you rely on when all else is lost.  Hope is what sustains you after you have executed a good management strategy.

Every day is an opportunity. I did nothing yesterday to deserve to wake up today. I'll use my time wisely.

Spirituality is a component of religion, but Religion is much more then spirituality.

Talk is cheap. Bless at least three people every week.. and make sure one of them doesn't deserve it.

Just because you believe something is spiritual, doesn't make it true.  Truth is revealed, and validated in scripture, prayers, circumstances and the church.. all together..  Start with spending more time with Jesus in prayer and reading the Bible.. the rest will come through service as you act on what is revealed there.

Church is not the point. The kingdom is the point. Your mission in the kingdom is to discern for yourself and act on your beliefs.

It always comes down to a simple point of faith.  Do you believe that Jesus died and rose again for you? If you do... your life should be noticeably different.  You should be doing Amazing things as you join God in his mission for the world  If you aren't.. maybe you are asking God to join you in your mission for the world...

Think about what you think.

People become Christians because the see and know Christians.
People reject Christianity because they see and know Christians.

Ecclesiastes 2: 17-26

Toil Is Meaningless
    17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
    24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Sometimes God has a better idea Sunday October 03 2010 Posted by Rick Warren "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. (James 4:15 NIV) " Have you noticed that things don't always turn out the way you want them to?  That sometimes God has a better idea? The Bible says in Proverbs 27:1, "Don't boast about tomorrow. You don't know what tomorrow's going to bring." (ESV) It's okay to make your plans, but remember that life is unpredictable and God says we shouldn't presume on it.  On the other hand, we shouldn't worry about it because God is in control. James 4 tells us the proper attitude to have:  "Now listen you who say 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.' Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow. ...  Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" (vv. 13-15, NIV) James is saying it's OK to make plans, but just realize that ultimately God has the final word. The right attitude is to always keep your plans submitted to God.  Make your plans but say, "God, if this is what You want, this is the direction I'm going to go.  I'm doing this with flexible faith." Proverbs 16:9 says, "We should make our plans counting on God to direct us."  How do you do that?  By praying. When you get up in the morning and have your quiet time, say, "God, what do You want to do with this day?" Then when interruptions come, you'll remember God is in control.  It will dramatically lower the frustration level in your life as you remember it is not all up to you.

Refresh!

Strong Marriages - Intentional Parenting - Whole Families
Spread the word about a wonderful local retreat for couples looking to "refresh and strengthen their most important human relationship".  Presented by PEACE IN THE HOME.org

REFRESH: Saturday Nov 6, 2010 9am-Noon  more info, register online at http://peaceinthehome.org/refresh

• What kind of activities will be used?  Three topical and interactive presentations with breaks and couples' time opportunities.  Must register online.
• Cost?  $25 per couple before Oct. 6th.  $30 thereafter. 
• Childcare available?  Free child care available for children of registered couples. 
• Appropriate for what age couple?   actual age, marriage age...? 
• Married, engaged, dating.. all allowed?  for married and engaged couples with a wedding date.  No singles -- it's a marriage event.  Appropriate for anyone married 5 minutes to 50 years. 

Wishing for... Vision, Hearing, Discernment, Socks?

What did you wish for?
How did you decide what to wish for?
How do wishes evolve with maturity.. in age, in faith, in fellowship with others?

PEOPLE:  Elijah, Elisha, Obiwan, Luke,  Lone Ranger, Tonto, Batman, Robin - and that was just where we got started.
2 Kings 2: 1-14

Fun class today all.. I hope you will finish those wish cards somewhere and come back to them some day.  Believe that God will provide and answer you.

Here is what I remember.. 
Don't be afraid to ask God for something.
Look for yourself, believe for yourself.
Chariot of fire is a big deal.
"I run because God made me fast"
Embrace who you are, and your future, seeing every day as a chance to serve.
Think about what you will ask for when you are given the chance.
Future is assured when you accept Jesus as your savior.
Action is required on our part to "join the mission"
We are the champions. Act like it!
Believe.. Don't just believe in...

SUMMARY POINTS:
The future can seem overwhelming, but God will guide us one day, one step, one moment at a time...
God places people in our lives for a reason. Mentors, students, friends, family.
We are not irreplaceable and life will go on without us. Let go and pass your mantle/cloak on to others.
The future is in God's hands. It is enough to live faithfully into each day as it comes.

FALL for GOD?

For the month of September we will be "Trusting God" using stories of ELIJAH.

For the FALL, Each week I'll use a theme or section from Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal to further inform our discussion and study. I'd encourage you to pick up a copy and read it. It is a worthy addition to your personal library.

THE CHARGE:   WHAT will you be doing this FALL for GOD? just coming to church won't cut it... He expects more.. and I'll be talking about how Open Door can encourage and help YOU.  You need to make a difference and be, love, and serve in your world... 


Do you believe in God or do you believe GOD? 

Sept 5  Trusting God's Supply  1 Kings 17:1-24

Sept 12 Trusting God's Direction  1 Kings 18:1, 17-40

Sept 19 Trusting God's Voice 1 Kings 19:1-17

Sept 26 Trusting God's Future 2 Kings 2:1-14

I'll be there.. loving, and serving God both in Church and out.. I hope and pray that you will join me. 

jeff

Some of my Thoughts/Tweets from the last week:

Miles McPherson Rocks - Do something!#missionalrenaissance volunteer, donate, Help- Be,Love,Serve,Repeat! #rva

When you live knowing that you are made in the image of God, your purpose, place and path is crystal clear! #missionalrenaissance

Your superpowers are real. You know that from the impact you make on a daily basis with people who “get” you. http://ow.ly/2zjDt @pamelaslim #leadership#entrepreneur

"Family is kryptonite to your superpowers"http://ow.ly/2zjy2 @pamelaslim #leadership#entrepreneur

"God loves last minute, bottom of 9th type saves..." - best quote of week. No big deal if you are resting in the Lord--fully!

"God says you are capable" @RickWarren http://ow.ly/2xSYq #missionalrenaissance

Its just not enough to be right. | Virginia Tenor  http://ow.ly/2xSvK

Perhaps, this thought is at the root of "Restoring Honor" to our electorate: -- "independent statesman" http://ow.ly/2xo7B

RT @RickWarren: Love without orthodoxy is foolish. Orthodoxy without love is ugly.

RT @RickWarren: Healthy churches grow larger & smaller at the same time. Larger in worship, smaller thru groups. #missionalrenaissance

Time is moving quickly, but the future is filled with opportunity. #jobsearch #ric #rva

Lessons through the lens of life with Blble as text, Group as teacher, Spirit as guide - OPENDOOR #missionalrenaissance http://ow.ly/2wm2h

Ideas are interesting, but actions & people make the difference. Putting the two together is the foundation of real power. #leadership

Success scorecard is built on how much we bless others with our service & services. People, Churches, Businesses.. #missionalrenaissance

"Positionally ensconced but personally removed leaders don't inspire..."#missionalrenaissance #leadership 1 Cor 4:16 - "imitate me" Paul

RT @RickWarren: Anything can become an act of worship if we recognize God presence and rely on his power while doing it.

Church should contribute community service work equal or greater than their estimated tax burden #dotherightthing #missionalrenaissance

Intrinsic #motivation2.0 +#missionalrenaissance + inclusive excellence sums up http://hrbcopendoor.blogspot.com & http://dacapova.org

RT @RickWarren: Healthy churches balance 3 types of teaching: BUILD-UP"edification" FIRE-UP"exhortation" HOLD-UP"comfort" 1 Cor14:3

Does your ministry build programs or people? Focus majority attention & resources inside or outside the walls. #missionalrenaissance

RT @RickWarren: Confront passive-aggressive behavior toward you.You’ll both be healthier & u just might save the relationship. Prov 24:26

Success scorecard is built on how much we bless others with our service & services. People, Churches, Businesses..#missionalrenaissance

RT @RickWarren: The simplest way to influence is SMILE "A leader's smile can give people life; his kindness is like a spring rain" Pr16:15

"kingdom agents have no other option than being subversive..." #missionalrenaissance http://ow.ly/i/3ovL

"the church is not the point" - for God so loved the WORLD-- #missionalrenaissance http://ow.ly/i/3ov7

RT @lrmartinjr: Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.

“If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” – Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)

A champion is a recipient, a celebrant, and an active agent into the future.

DO YOU ACT LIKE A "specific, beloved, first born child of Christ" -  a CHAMPION?

Our Inheritance: Grace, Patience, Wisdom, and Power by Rick Warren

God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:4 (NLT) "You are far richer than you realize." The New Testament gives great emphasis to our rich “inheritance.” As children in God’s family we get to share in the family fortune, that everything God has belongs to us (Galatians 4:7). The apostle Paul adds, “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people” (Ephesians 1:18 NLT). What benefits do we inherit? As children in God’s family we are given “the riches ... of his grace ... kindness ... patience ... glory ... wisdom ... power ... and mercy” (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 2:4; 9:23; 11:33; Ephesians 3:16; 2:4). We also inherit eternal life and God puts his Spirit inside us now as a guarantee of all that is to come. What an inheritance! You are far richer than you realize, which is why Paul could write with confidence: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). Your eternal inheritance is priceless, pure, permanent, and protected; no one can take it from you. It can’t be destroyed by war, a poor economy, or disaster. This inheritance, not retirement, is what you should be looking forward to; retirement is a shortsighted goal.

Our story, our song

HRBC OPEN DOOR AT A GLANCE
Specific, beloved, first born, children of God.. living and learning life "together, but separate ;-)"

As we finished up our study of Jacob and Esau's family drama this AM, we had a excellent review and discussion of Revenge vs Reconciliation as themes in our own lives and stories.

As always, I'd love to see a continuing discussion in comments on the blog and as always, I'm personally available to talk with any of you... both as a friend and as a Christian brother.

Talking Pts.

• The story of this family resonates deeply with all of us. It is our story. 
• Wounds inflicted are real.. and cause damage
• God's mission can be accomplished even amidst Man's conflict and despotism.
• We are defined by Who we are but also by what we do. 
• A spirit Revenge roots us in a constant state of bondage. Linking us to a moment, event, or an action and inhibiting us from forward motion and growth.
• A spirit of humility and service empowers and encourages us and others. 
• Reconciliation does not come without sacrifice. 
• Reconciliation is practical and requires communication and context to seek resolution.
• We can choose humility and service or... meism.
• Our God is an awesome God of reconciliation and redemption.
• We must choose to join God in his work rather than constantly asking him to join us in our work.
• Is God in your life, or are you in God's life?

For the FALL - Open Door will focus on a Missional Renaissance as a Life Community. We will learn and deal with Life issues first using the Bible and the Holy Spirit to seek out where God is working in our world today, right here in Midlo, around us...

(BE)Key Themes for coming weeks:

• Jobs needed
• Needs vs Wants personally, collectively
• Current roles are related to our purpose exactly how...
• How does our faith intersect with the workplace...
• Listening for simple things, simple solution
• what does ministry mean exactly?

(SERVE) Our Life Community must have an external focus in addition to our collective time on Sunday AM.

• What is your plan for service in ministry?
• How are you equipped for ministry? 
• How and where are we serving in God's mission and God's world? rather than ours...
• Are you willing to document a plan for YOUR service? if you don't write it down, it won't likely happen... work with others, personal accountability. 
• Do you have a scorecard for your personal ministry?

Fernando Ortega's song: Anita's Heart was what I wanted to open with and discuss. The parallels for what Rebekah must have felt when Jacob left... a child leaving home... trust in the Lord for a relationship for each of us... Hope for a future...
I'd suggest a listen along with some personal reflection on how this song resonates with you. Who and what must you leave behind to join God in a "Missional Renaissance" - Reconciliation is the beginning of redemption and relationship.