I am amazed at all God did @ Mars Hill yesterday. It officially goes down in history as one of my favorite Sunday’s of ALL TIME. Why? Spirit-filled men ignited praise that spontaneously spread throughout our congregation & in our overflow (on video). Spiritually, God’s doing something ‘new’ and ‘powerful’ at our church and it blows my mind each Sunday. I’m trying to wrap my head around and rationalize what God’s doing, but it’s difficult to explain an authentic “move of God.”
I want to begin 2011 not by reflecting on the past, but looking towards the future of life as I see it. You’ve probably noticed I’m a technically progressive pastor/leader who keeps his ear to the ground. It’s my job to be a modern day Son of Issachar – one who “discerns the times & knows what to do.” (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Whenever we go through a major change in our culture, it seems we have to adjust to ‘the new normal.’ And today is no exception — as the U.S. economy struggles to recover from the financial crisis, Americans are being forced to reckon with more ‘new normals’ than we’d like.
Here are some of my predictions for 2011 and years to come:
Two weeks ago I blogged on “Investigating Christmas.” It was informative, concise, and though-provoking (at least that what my readers thought). After Christmas I took a break from blogging to spend time with my family, fix a few things around the house (ok, I paid someone to do it – I supervised), and work under the hood of my blog/website.
There were several changes made to my blog (all under the hood) and it’s much faster and stable. Although you can’t see the changes, trust me: they were significant. Once again a BIG THUMBS UP to the coldest blog designers Arcane Palette! Chris really came through BIG TIME getting THIS SITE up and running in a SHORT amount of time. If you’re considering starting a blog, I HIGHLY recommend you connect with the folks at Arcane Palette.
I have the greatest members in the world!
Monday, I was in official recovery mode from Sunday’s CRAZY/INSANE worship experiences! While recovering, I received a phone call from Rolanda (a member) and she shared an amazing idea (thanks Ro). Our church’s focus this year is three. sixty. five. What does that mean? I’m challenging our members to ‘BE’ the church 365 days a year instead of 52 weeks each Sunday.
Rolanda challenged me to share an encouraging word to our members EACH DAY this year and I gladly accepted her challenge (my sheep know my voice). Additionally, I decided to use this blog, Facebook, & Twitter to accomplish the aforementioned. Therefore, if you are not following me, please do so & encourage others to do the same.
three. sixty. five. day 1
Let’s start with this premise: THERE’S NOBODY GREATER THAN JESUS!
There’s POWER in your PRAISE! Sometimes we must ‘STOP FIGHTING’ our battles and PRAISE HIM in the midst of our battles. God says, “He will fight for us and He releases His Power and Provision on our behalf.”
Today, we are literally five days away from a New Year, a new season, and new opportunities. Without question many view this past year as one filled with struggle, sadness, and maybe even a sense of unfulfilled expectations. However, you already claimed 2011 as your year and your moment. You’ve seen change, tasted change, and decided you like what you’ve seen and tasted. How do you plan to change your world, the one in which you live? Allow me to cut across the yard and tell you how – GET SALTY!
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13
Jesus referred to His followers, as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt is a necessary mineral, without it we die. Too much of it and we also die.
Monday’s post challenged readers to ponder, “When Was Jesus Born?” Wednesday’s and Thursday’s posts explained why God chose Mary and Joseph as part of His divine plan. If you missed it, you can catch up on your reading HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Many responded how they enjoyed reading and learning the truth surrounding Jesus’ birth. Many agreed that it really doesn’t matter “WHEN” Jesus was born…we all agree that it’s important “THAT” He was born.
The reality of Christmas is not about Santa Claus, Elves, Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer, or shopping. The reality of Christmas is Jesus Christ and that He came to model what an abundant life consists of.
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.