OK, so it has been a few weeks since my last blog post. Please forgive me. But God is doing some great stuff here at Rock Point and I don't want to leave everyone hanging. Since there is a lot to catchup on...I'll cut the chase and get rolling.
* Last week I had the opportunity of visiting with a church in Azua, Dominican Republic with Mark & Beth Newsome. The intent of the trip was to discuss how we might be able to partner with a church in the D.R. in creating a relevant church there. We had some great conversations with the church leadership and had the opportunity to talk pretty candidly about leading a church that desires to reach people instead of keep people. Very excited about the potential future here. Will keep everyone posted as to how things progress. Oh, yeah...the people in Azua are AMAZING! Some of the kindest people I have ever met. I was blessed to be able to spend the week with them.
* This past Sunday at Rock Point was a very memorable one...(OK, so that is like the 3rd time I have used that sentence this year alone). But when it's true, I can't help but say it! In the sermon, Jeff Henderson spoke about "coming out of the shadows and into the light" with areas in our lives that keep us from truly being all that God desires for us to be. At the conclusion of the service we gave people an opportunity to respond on the spot to the message. Several people in both services were bold enough to come down during the closing song to kneel and pray. Very moving for me to watch. Thanks to Jeff and our production team for helping to create that type of atmosphere.
* OK, so this isn't going on right now...but it will be in 2 weeks. We have been planning our second "Elevate - a Night of Worship", and I am so excited about this night. We have incredible worship leaders for this night and also we will be worshipping through prayer and sharing of the Lord's Supper together. So, for a shameless plug...You want to be at Rock Point on October 11th at 6pm! Can't wait to see you there.
Well, that's it for now. Make sure you join us for the conclusion of Illusions this Sunday at Rock Point. 10am & 11:30am are the service times.
See you Sunday.
Heath
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Vacation...
Last week I had the privilege of taking my family away for a week to the beach for vacation. It was a much needed rest for us and a wonderful break. If you don't like being around a lot of people I highly recommend going the week before Labor Day. It was a ghost town.
Had a lot of time to think...process...pray. It's amazing what God can do in your life when you stop and rest and allow him to speak to you. One day I actually floated out on a raft for about an hour in the ocean (the kids thought Daddy was headed to Mexico). It was one of the best prayer times I have had in a while. I know...I wasn't in a "prayer closet", but it still rocked.
Anyway, thought I would share a few of the reflections I had while I was down there.
* When God speaks of a day of rest and worship...He means it. Maybe we need to listen to Him more about REALLY stopping each week to allow our bodies, minds and spirits to be rested and refreshed.
* Stress can ruin you. It's amazing how NICE we all can be by removing a little stress from our lives. Get rid of the stress and "cast all of our cares on HIM". He's man enough to handle them! It will change your life.
* Family time is a lost art. Sure, we can justify our crazy schedules with "it's not quantity time but quality time". Although there is a degree of truth to this, extended time with your spouse and children can not be replaced with a forced dinner together or a quick few minutes in the car on the way to school. IF YOU ARE A PARENT...FIND TIME TO BE WITH YOUR KIDS. IF YOU ARE MARRIED...FIND TIME TO BE WITH YOUR SPOUSE. Your family is the greatest gift God has given you in this world. Value it.
* God created a beautiful world. Still can't figure out how some people can think this thing called the world all happened by "accident".
* I love my church! I know because I am the pastor I am supposed to say this, but it's so true. I missed the people...the worship...the opportunity of seeing guests come in. I love the opportunity to create a church where unchurched people want to come. It's such a challenge...but so rewarding!
So, there they are. My random thoughts from vacation.
Well, that's it for now. Have a great week and if you are in Chattanooga, come join us for the conclusion of "5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith" this Sunday. You won't regret it!
Heath
Had a lot of time to think...process...pray. It's amazing what God can do in your life when you stop and rest and allow him to speak to you. One day I actually floated out on a raft for about an hour in the ocean (the kids thought Daddy was headed to Mexico). It was one of the best prayer times I have had in a while. I know...I wasn't in a "prayer closet", but it still rocked.
Anyway, thought I would share a few of the reflections I had while I was down there.
* When God speaks of a day of rest and worship...He means it. Maybe we need to listen to Him more about REALLY stopping each week to allow our bodies, minds and spirits to be rested and refreshed.
* Stress can ruin you. It's amazing how NICE we all can be by removing a little stress from our lives. Get rid of the stress and "cast all of our cares on HIM". He's man enough to handle them! It will change your life.
* Family time is a lost art. Sure, we can justify our crazy schedules with "it's not quantity time but quality time". Although there is a degree of truth to this, extended time with your spouse and children can not be replaced with a forced dinner together or a quick few minutes in the car on the way to school. IF YOU ARE A PARENT...FIND TIME TO BE WITH YOUR KIDS. IF YOU ARE MARRIED...FIND TIME TO BE WITH YOUR SPOUSE. Your family is the greatest gift God has given you in this world. Value it.
* God created a beautiful world. Still can't figure out how some people can think this thing called the world all happened by "accident".
* I love my church! I know because I am the pastor I am supposed to say this, but it's so true. I missed the people...the worship...the opportunity of seeing guests come in. I love the opportunity to create a church where unchurched people want to come. It's such a challenge...but so rewarding!
So, there they are. My random thoughts from vacation.
Well, that's it for now. Have a great week and if you are in Chattanooga, come join us for the conclusion of "5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith" this Sunday. You won't regret it!
Heath
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