I'm very excited!
Tonight begins a whole new SIX33 year.
New Year
New Freshmen
New Band
New Agenda (including some "special activities" you might call games)
New Snack Time
New Prayer Fellowship
It's going to be a great year! I can't wait until tonight to get things going. Tonight, I'll be speaking about the basic expectations of a Christian. Sort of a starting point. What does God expect of us as Christians?
In coming weeks, we'll be taking a deep look at many of the different characteristics that should define the life of a Follower of Christ.
So - make sure you're there.
One more thing - we have two things to sign up for tonight.
1. Movie Night - we're hosting movie night this Friday and need everyone's help.
2. Snack Time - we want to have snacks and fellowship each Wednesday night from 6:00 - 6:30. I'll fill the refrigerator with sodas, but I need you guys to sign up to bring snacks from time to time. If everyone brings a snack once every few months, we can all have snacks every week. And if you eat dinner on the way to SIX33, come a few minutes early and we'll eat together.
See you at SIX33 at 6:33
Rob
<><
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The much-anticipated cellular device
So I haven't posted in what seems like forever.
The Wildwood reflection is being printed in the church bulletin, but I'll post it here in the next day or so.
Waiting in line - I've never done the "wait in line all night" thing before, so when I ran into a former student-turned-allthingsmac-fanatic/expert a couple of weeks ago, it just made sense to join him and wait in line together all night for a new iPhone.
So in preparation for the iPhone purchase this past Friday (the 11th), I went to the AT&T store on Monday (the 7th) to open my AT&T account (I've been with Sprint for the last 8 years or so) and be ready for the iPhone on Friday. The sales guy was great and got it all set up (including a free 2nd line phone) and ready to go. I was in and out of the store with a new working phone in about 20 minutes.
Fast Forward to Thursday night. My buddy Jack was going to the midnight showing of "Hellboy 2" then heading over to get in line. I was going to meet up with him sometime during the night. I was going to a movie myself at 8:15, so on the way to the movie, I drove by the AT&T store to check the line. No line started yet - a good thing. On to the movie (Wall-E, very cute by the way. I liked it)
After the movie, on the way home, another drive by. This time, there were about 4 or 5 people in line, with a tent set up in a parking spot. Well, I decided to go ahead and get in line. I mean, if I'm staying up all night anyway, I might as well be closer to the front of the line. I went home, grabbed a chair, blanket, pillow, and snacks and headed back up to the store. I was 10th in line.
I texted a couple friends "hey - come by and say 'hi' if you're not busy." I was joined by Randy and Chris, who ended up staying all night and getting a phone. Jack showed up around 3:15 after taking his brother home and we settled in for the rest of the night.
Starbucks opens at 5:30, so I kept our places in line, while the others went for coffee. By this time, we were getting a big draggy, so the coffee was a welcome addition to the party. The last hour was really long (the anticipation, mixed with coffee, snapple, and no available restroom enhanced the 'longness' of the wait).
Finally, I'm in and "Sky" was helping me. He got me my white 16GB iPhone (after much deliberation, I went with white - I think it was a good choice, I like it). Now begins the real dragging....
Somehow, bringing my number over from Sprint wasn't the smooth transaction I'd hoped for. After many "activation failed" messages on the screen, along with many codes and clicks I didn't understand, Sky called tech support. They eventually got the number ported. But now, because the number I was bringing over from Sprint is an "existing" number on my account, they can't sell me the iPhone for the number. Some crazy computer glitch. Well, they finally just sold me the phone with some sort of override and after slightly more than an hour, I'm walking out of the store with my phone.
Of course, it still has to be "activated" with iTunes. "No problem" thinks I - I'll just stop by the office (no computer at home), plug in the phone, activate it (they told me it was simple), then go home and sleep.
So I plug my phone into iTunes only to discover that the newest version of iTunes (7.7) is required. It came out that morning. The new problem is that the firewall at the church prevents me from downloading the new iTunes and our computer guy is out as the office is closed on Friday. I'm thinking "I waited all night only to have to wait until Monday to activate this thing?" Creative problem solving enters.
Fortunately, Randy saved the day. He downloaded the new iTunes and burned it to a disk for me. I picked it up, returned, installed the new iTuntes, plugged in my iPhone, only to discover that the servers were overloaded and once again I couldn't activate the phone.
Home to sleep.
1 hour passes.
Chad wakes me up - "Hey! Are we still on for lunch?"
Groggily, I get up and get ready. We stop by the church on the way to lunch to try one more time. It works in about 5 minutes.
So.... finally I have a working iPhone. Only, I can't get iTunes to transfer all my phone numbers, so I have a phone with nobody's number in it. But still, it works and I can play with it (finally).
Over to lunch (Wahoo's, one of my favorites - that's why I actually got up and went out after an all-nighter). Walked by the Apple Store at Victoria Gardens and marvelled at not only the 150 people in line to get an iPhone, but also the 30+ people in line just to get in and look around. I'm not waiting in another line.
Play with the phone a bit on Friday night before falling asleep.
Get up on Saturday, back to the computer. 2 hours on the phone with customer service. We figure out that the church's firewall won't let iTunes access my phone number info. That'll have to wait until Monday when Terry gets back in.
All in all, a pretty eventful event getting this new phone. Quite a hassle.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. I LOVE the phone.
(now if only OliveTree will put out their Bible for the iPhone...)
Rob
<><
The Wildwood reflection is being printed in the church bulletin, but I'll post it here in the next day or so.
Waiting in line - I've never done the "wait in line all night" thing before, so when I ran into a former student-turned-allthingsmac-fanatic/expert a couple of weeks ago, it just made sense to join him and wait in line together all night for a new iPhone.
So in preparation for the iPhone purchase this past Friday (the 11th), I went to the AT&T store on Monday (the 7th) to open my AT&T account (I've been with Sprint for the last 8 years or so) and be ready for the iPhone on Friday. The sales guy was great and got it all set up (including a free 2nd line phone) and ready to go. I was in and out of the store with a new working phone in about 20 minutes.
Fast Forward to Thursday night. My buddy Jack was going to the midnight showing of "Hellboy 2" then heading over to get in line. I was going to meet up with him sometime during the night. I was going to a movie myself at 8:15, so on the way to the movie, I drove by the AT&T store to check the line. No line started yet - a good thing. On to the movie (Wall-E, very cute by the way. I liked it)
After the movie, on the way home, another drive by. This time, there were about 4 or 5 people in line, with a tent set up in a parking spot. Well, I decided to go ahead and get in line. I mean, if I'm staying up all night anyway, I might as well be closer to the front of the line. I went home, grabbed a chair, blanket, pillow, and snacks and headed back up to the store. I was 10th in line.
I texted a couple friends "hey - come by and say 'hi' if you're not busy." I was joined by Randy and Chris, who ended up staying all night and getting a phone. Jack showed up around 3:15 after taking his brother home and we settled in for the rest of the night.
Starbucks opens at 5:30, so I kept our places in line, while the others went for coffee. By this time, we were getting a big draggy, so the coffee was a welcome addition to the party. The last hour was really long (the anticipation, mixed with coffee, snapple, and no available restroom enhanced the 'longness' of the wait).
Finally, I'm in and "Sky" was helping me. He got me my white 16GB iPhone (after much deliberation, I went with white - I think it was a good choice, I like it). Now begins the real dragging....
Somehow, bringing my number over from Sprint wasn't the smooth transaction I'd hoped for. After many "activation failed" messages on the screen, along with many codes and clicks I didn't understand, Sky called tech support. They eventually got the number ported. But now, because the number I was bringing over from Sprint is an "existing" number on my account, they can't sell me the iPhone for the number. Some crazy computer glitch. Well, they finally just sold me the phone with some sort of override and after slightly more than an hour, I'm walking out of the store with my phone.
Of course, it still has to be "activated" with iTunes. "No problem" thinks I - I'll just stop by the office (no computer at home), plug in the phone, activate it (they told me it was simple), then go home and sleep.
So I plug my phone into iTunes only to discover that the newest version of iTunes (7.7) is required. It came out that morning. The new problem is that the firewall at the church prevents me from downloading the new iTunes and our computer guy is out as the office is closed on Friday. I'm thinking "I waited all night only to have to wait until Monday to activate this thing?" Creative problem solving enters.
Fortunately, Randy saved the day. He downloaded the new iTunes and burned it to a disk for me. I picked it up, returned, installed the new iTuntes, plugged in my iPhone, only to discover that the servers were overloaded and once again I couldn't activate the phone.
Home to sleep.
1 hour passes.
Chad wakes me up - "Hey! Are we still on for lunch?"
Groggily, I get up and get ready. We stop by the church on the way to lunch to try one more time. It works in about 5 minutes.
So.... finally I have a working iPhone. Only, I can't get iTunes to transfer all my phone numbers, so I have a phone with nobody's number in it. But still, it works and I can play with it (finally).
Over to lunch (Wahoo's, one of my favorites - that's why I actually got up and went out after an all-nighter). Walked by the Apple Store at Victoria Gardens and marvelled at not only the 150 people in line to get an iPhone, but also the 30+ people in line just to get in and look around. I'm not waiting in another line.
Play with the phone a bit on Friday night before falling asleep.
Get up on Saturday, back to the computer. 2 hours on the phone with customer service. We figure out that the church's firewall won't let iTunes access my phone number info. That'll have to wait until Monday when Terry gets back in.
All in all, a pretty eventful event getting this new phone. Quite a hassle.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely. I LOVE the phone.
(now if only OliveTree will put out their Bible for the iPhone...)
Rob
<><
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Summer Plan
So the other night a student asked me, "what's our Summer Growth Plan?" This of course surprised and encouraged me.
Surprising that one of my students is thinking about a specific plan for growth during the Summer. Encouraging that one of my students is thinking about a specific plan for growth during the Summer. I'm also a bit embarrased by being surprised that one of my students is thinking this. I should expect them to think about these things.
Anyway - this plan will be "revealed" tonight at SIX33. Well, sort of. Hopefully those who know me would expect any "plan" we move forward with to be purely biblical in the first place. So instead of "revealing for the first time this radical new plan," I guess what I'm doing tonight will be more of a "here's the Biblical plan for church growth" kind of thing. So I'll basicallly be reminding everyone what the Bible says about the topic. Crazy, huh?
(If you want a hint, check out the book of Acts.)
At the end tonight, there will be a challenge: 2 or 5 - Which will it be?
Stay tuned for more - and if all goes according to plan, the message will be available for download on the SIX33 HSM Website sometime tomorrow. Check it out at www.ibchighland.org/six33 and go to "downloads."
Rob
<><
Surprising that one of my students is thinking about a specific plan for growth during the Summer. Encouraging that one of my students is thinking about a specific plan for growth during the Summer. I'm also a bit embarrased by being surprised that one of my students is thinking this. I should expect them to think about these things.
Anyway - this plan will be "revealed" tonight at SIX33. Well, sort of. Hopefully those who know me would expect any "plan" we move forward with to be purely biblical in the first place. So instead of "revealing for the first time this radical new plan," I guess what I'm doing tonight will be more of a "here's the Biblical plan for church growth" kind of thing. So I'll basicallly be reminding everyone what the Bible says about the topic. Crazy, huh?
(If you want a hint, check out the book of Acts.)
At the end tonight, there will be a challenge: 2 or 5 - Which will it be?
Stay tuned for more - and if all goes according to plan, the message will be available for download on the SIX33 HSM Website sometime tomorrow. Check it out at www.ibchighland.org/six33 and go to "downloads."
Rob
<><
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Does this make me a "Twit?"
So I'm liking this new "Twitter" thing.
Briefly, it's a sort of text-based blog. You can post a 140 character 'blog' if you're standing in line or headed somewhere cool for lunch (Chick-Fil-A comes to mind), then the people who are "following" you get the text.
I'm thinking it's a great way for us to build the "community factor" of the Student Ministry.
Here's how I see it:
We all sign up and "follow" each other.
Then we can keep up with what we're doing.
If someone is about to take a test & is worried, just post a "pray for me - hard math test in 10."
Everyone gets a text and can pray.
It's also good for keeping up with what all is going on in the Student Ministry.
Sort of a "mySpace bulletin" that's short and is sent directly to your phone via text.
Go to www.twitter.com and you can sign up. It's free. I'm "robsigns" so you should be able to find me pretty quick. The more of us that get on it, the more fun it will be.
Hope you have an amazing Memorial Day. I'll be Twitter-ing about it, so if you're following me, you'll stay posted!
Rob
<><
Briefly, it's a sort of text-based blog. You can post a 140 character 'blog' if you're standing in line or headed somewhere cool for lunch (Chick-Fil-A comes to mind), then the people who are "following" you get the text.
I'm thinking it's a great way for us to build the "community factor" of the Student Ministry.
Here's how I see it:
We all sign up and "follow" each other.
Then we can keep up with what we're doing.
If someone is about to take a test & is worried, just post a "pray for me - hard math test in 10."
Everyone gets a text and can pray.
It's also good for keeping up with what all is going on in the Student Ministry.
Sort of a "mySpace bulletin" that's short and is sent directly to your phone via text.
Go to www.twitter.com and you can sign up. It's free. I'm "robsigns" so you should be able to find me pretty quick. The more of us that get on it, the more fun it will be.
Hope you have an amazing Memorial Day. I'll be Twitter-ing about it, so if you're following me, you'll stay posted!
Rob
<><
Monday, May 19, 2008
Let them eat cake!
So the cake auction last night was a phenomenal success. Last year's auction brought about $80 per student. This year, the students made $120 each! Our church members are awesome. At one point, there was a bidding war. One of the bidders offered to let the other guy keep the cake, to which he replied, "I don't want the cake!" All these people showed up for fellowship, fun, and cake.
Sure, some came for the cake. Most of the people who buy a cake cut them right there and we all pass around cake and get a gigantic sugar rush going. But those buying cakes certainly aren't in it for the cake. I truly do appreciate the generous hearts of everyone who came and supported the event. We had a record high cake sell for $600. Christina's 8 layer chocolate cake looked totally out of control. 8 layers of chocolate, with sweet peanut butter between layers and what looked to be almost 30 Reese's peanut butter cups all over it. Simply amazing!
Thanks also to all our great kids who worked so hard making their cakes. Last, but definitely not least, thanks to Mark Lemm. Even after two banquets earlier in the day, he still made coffee and tea and had stuff ready for us to cut and serve cakes. Mark truly is an amazing servant.
So now, we're almost ready for camp. It's going to be amazing this year. It's a whole new camp experience for us, but I'm really looking forward to seeing what God does in our Student's lives at camp this Summer.
Rob
<><
Sure, some came for the cake. Most of the people who buy a cake cut them right there and we all pass around cake and get a gigantic sugar rush going. But those buying cakes certainly aren't in it for the cake. I truly do appreciate the generous hearts of everyone who came and supported the event. We had a record high cake sell for $600. Christina's 8 layer chocolate cake looked totally out of control. 8 layers of chocolate, with sweet peanut butter between layers and what looked to be almost 30 Reese's peanut butter cups all over it. Simply amazing!
Thanks also to all our great kids who worked so hard making their cakes. Last, but definitely not least, thanks to Mark Lemm. Even after two banquets earlier in the day, he still made coffee and tea and had stuff ready for us to cut and serve cakes. Mark truly is an amazing servant.
So now, we're almost ready for camp. It's going to be amazing this year. It's a whole new camp experience for us, but I'm really looking forward to seeing what God does in our Student's lives at camp this Summer.
Rob
<><
Thursday, May 15, 2008
On Closet Poles and Gold Spray Paint
So we took a break from 1 Peter last night. It took 4 weeks to get through the first chapter and the first 3 verses of chapter 2. It's amazing how much is in three verses. The first three verses in chapter two have so much meat it's incredible...
Anyway -
So I made a trip to Home Depot yesterday and bought two 12 foot closet poles. Just getting them off the shelf was an interesting feat. For a second I thought I was going to have to leave the first one blocking the aisle. You see, they have this cable across the shelf to keep them from falling off. You sort of have to work it out of the cable, and I had to work around some boxes on the other side of the aisle to get it off the shelf. After the "learning curve" of the first pole, the second one came much easier. Then came transporting them back to the church. Fortunately, I had borrowed Mark's truck. They stuck out the back of the bed about 6 feet. I ended up putting them through the sliding window and they just barely fit from the windshield to the corner of the bed.
So here we are, back at the church. Me and Jason spray painting these two poles gold. I think I oversprayed a little bit of gold onto the bleachers, (shh! don't tell the maintenance guys I did it) but we finally got them ready.
Then to the sermon - In 1 & 2 Samuel, the Phillistines captured the ark. In transporting it around after that, there was alot of putting the ark on a cart. Now remember that the ark is the symbol of the presence and glory of God. For the 'bad guys' to have it in their posession is not a good thing. Even after they got a clue and returned it, the people of Israel still didn't get it for a while. They used a cart. When they finally said "oh yeah" - poles, things started to work.
We need to remember to get poles in our lives. God has told us how to live. We don't need anything more than what He's already given us. 2 Peter 1:3 says "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to live and godliness." In 1 Peter 2:2 we're told "long for (crave) the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." God has given us the instructions. His Word. If we truly want to experience the presence and glory of God in our lives, we need to remember that He has told us how to do it in His Word. We have to get poles and do it His way.
It was very encouraging to see so many students come up after the sermon and sign the poles indicating that they want to be obedient to God and get poles in their lives and passionately seek to know God and make Him known. If you have a minute, stop by the High School building and check out the poles and signatures.
As I was perusing the interWeb this morning, I came across this on John Piper's website (www.desiringgod.org)
Quote of the Day: "Revival is the sovereign work of God to awaken his people with fresh intensity to the truth and glory of God, the ugliness of sin, the horror of hell, the preciousness of Christ's atoning work, the wonder of salvation by grace through faith, the urgency of holiness and witness, and the sweetness of worship with God's people."
—John Piper, A Godward Life, p. 111.
I can't put it any better. This is my desire for our student ministry and our church.
Rob
<><
Anyway -
So I made a trip to Home Depot yesterday and bought two 12 foot closet poles. Just getting them off the shelf was an interesting feat. For a second I thought I was going to have to leave the first one blocking the aisle. You see, they have this cable across the shelf to keep them from falling off. You sort of have to work it out of the cable, and I had to work around some boxes on the other side of the aisle to get it off the shelf. After the "learning curve" of the first pole, the second one came much easier. Then came transporting them back to the church. Fortunately, I had borrowed Mark's truck. They stuck out the back of the bed about 6 feet. I ended up putting them through the sliding window and they just barely fit from the windshield to the corner of the bed.
So here we are, back at the church. Me and Jason spray painting these two poles gold. I think I oversprayed a little bit of gold onto the bleachers, (shh! don't tell the maintenance guys I did it) but we finally got them ready.
Then to the sermon - In 1 & 2 Samuel, the Phillistines captured the ark. In transporting it around after that, there was alot of putting the ark on a cart. Now remember that the ark is the symbol of the presence and glory of God. For the 'bad guys' to have it in their posession is not a good thing. Even after they got a clue and returned it, the people of Israel still didn't get it for a while. They used a cart. When they finally said "oh yeah" - poles, things started to work.
We need to remember to get poles in our lives. God has told us how to live. We don't need anything more than what He's already given us. 2 Peter 1:3 says "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to live and godliness." In 1 Peter 2:2 we're told "long for (crave) the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." God has given us the instructions. His Word. If we truly want to experience the presence and glory of God in our lives, we need to remember that He has told us how to do it in His Word. We have to get poles and do it His way.
It was very encouraging to see so many students come up after the sermon and sign the poles indicating that they want to be obedient to God and get poles in their lives and passionately seek to know God and make Him known. If you have a minute, stop by the High School building and check out the poles and signatures.
As I was perusing the interWeb this morning, I came across this on John Piper's website (www.desiringgod.org)
Quote of the Day: "Revival is the sovereign work of God to awaken his people with fresh intensity to the truth and glory of God, the ugliness of sin, the horror of hell, the preciousness of Christ's atoning work, the wonder of salvation by grace through faith, the urgency of holiness and witness, and the sweetness of worship with God's people."
—John Piper, A Godward Life, p. 111.
I can't put it any better. This is my desire for our student ministry and our church.
Rob
<><
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What happens when you eat waffles at the beach?
You get a San Diego!
So the weekend was great! The trip down was fine. A little traffic, but not bad at all. Dinner at In-N-Out is always a bonus.
Street witnessing (2 people prayed to receive Christ) and getting hassled by security guards.
The beach is always a good time. Del Mar was pretty nice. I do have to say to all our San Diego friends, however, that I still think that our own Orange County beaches are superior to what I've seen down there so far...
The concert was great. The magic show was amazing and mystifying. (I mean, how could it not be?) According to Pastor Jeff, quite a few of the attendees weren't members of the church, so that was good. They definitely heard the Gospel presented clearly.
Sunday morning church was good. Nate is an amazing worship leader and Jeff ain't such a bad preacher after all! I loved the Skittles illustration.
Our host homes were amazing. No complaints from anyone. All the students told me how their host homes went above and beyond what they needed to do. Thanks for all the hospitality.
We're heading back to San Diego to partner with Cloudbreak again later in the Summer. In the meantime - we're praying for you guys!
Rob
<><
So the weekend was great! The trip down was fine. A little traffic, but not bad at all. Dinner at In-N-Out is always a bonus.
Street witnessing (2 people prayed to receive Christ) and getting hassled by security guards.
The beach is always a good time. Del Mar was pretty nice. I do have to say to all our San Diego friends, however, that I still think that our own Orange County beaches are superior to what I've seen down there so far...
The concert was great. The magic show was amazing and mystifying. (I mean, how could it not be?) According to Pastor Jeff, quite a few of the attendees weren't members of the church, so that was good. They definitely heard the Gospel presented clearly.
Sunday morning church was good. Nate is an amazing worship leader and Jeff ain't such a bad preacher after all! I loved the Skittles illustration.
Our host homes were amazing. No complaints from anyone. All the students told me how their host homes went above and beyond what they needed to do. Thanks for all the hospitality.
We're heading back to San Diego to partner with Cloudbreak again later in the Summer. In the meantime - we're praying for you guys!
Rob
<><
Monday, May 12, 2008
First Night in San Diego
So I wrote this Friday night after we settled into our host home. I just haven't been anywhere with wifi to upload it until now. Sorry it's so late. I'll be posting an overall weekend reflection tomorrow.
We’re Here!
After months of having it on the calendar, it’s finally here. The youth group down here, and their youth pastor Nate, are great! It’s a small group, but they seem very excited about having us here and all that we’re doing.
We pulled out 18 minutes late, much to my chagrin. I hate pulling out late. But we still made good time. There was, of course, some traffic, but it really wasn’t all that bad. We made it from Highland to Rancho Bernardo, South of Escondido, in just a little under two hours. Not bad for rush hour.
After getting here, we all enjoyed dinner at In-N-Out. (I mean, how can you not enjoy In-N-Out? Seriously!) After dinner, we split up into teams of four. Three from Immanuel, and one from Cloudbreak. We split up and went all over a busy shopping center, talking to people. The goal was to engage people in conversation, invite them to the concert tomorrow night, and if possible share the Gospel with them. We weren’t on a mission to just hand out flyers. The goal was to engage people in conversation and see where the conversations led.
I haven’t had a chance to hear every group’s story, but I heard of at least one young lady who prayed to receive Christ! The Gospel was shared at least a few other times, and one group was told by a Security guard that we couldn’t pass out flyers here. Now to be fair, we weren’t really “passing out flyers” so much as we were giving them to people who were interested. But after the security guards started zeroing in on us, we ended up herded back to the In-N-Out, where we started. I would definitely call it a successful evening!
Then, it was off our separate ways to host homes. From the text messages I received, all the groups have great host homes! So far, Cloudbreak has proven themselves to be an awesome church! Their hospitality is great. One text read “we’re getting pampered. Popcorn, drinks, coke, candy, food, and movies! LOL I’m loving it!”
So we’re off to a great start! Tomorrow, some “down time” at the beach, then back to work. Prayer walking, more flyers, and hopefully some more engaging of people.
I’ll be doing some magic (or “illusion” if you prefer) and sharing the Gospel at the concert, so keep that in prayer. Nate (the youth pastor who’s coordinating everything) has 24 confirmed “yes’s” and 84 “maybes” on Facebook. Let’s pray that the “maybes” turn in to “yes’s”
Have a great day! I know we will! God is good! All the time!
Rob
<><
We’re Here!
After months of having it on the calendar, it’s finally here. The youth group down here, and their youth pastor Nate, are great! It’s a small group, but they seem very excited about having us here and all that we’re doing.
We pulled out 18 minutes late, much to my chagrin. I hate pulling out late. But we still made good time. There was, of course, some traffic, but it really wasn’t all that bad. We made it from Highland to Rancho Bernardo, South of Escondido, in just a little under two hours. Not bad for rush hour.
After getting here, we all enjoyed dinner at In-N-Out. (I mean, how can you not enjoy In-N-Out? Seriously!) After dinner, we split up into teams of four. Three from Immanuel, and one from Cloudbreak. We split up and went all over a busy shopping center, talking to people. The goal was to engage people in conversation, invite them to the concert tomorrow night, and if possible share the Gospel with them. We weren’t on a mission to just hand out flyers. The goal was to engage people in conversation and see where the conversations led.
I haven’t had a chance to hear every group’s story, but I heard of at least one young lady who prayed to receive Christ! The Gospel was shared at least a few other times, and one group was told by a Security guard that we couldn’t pass out flyers here. Now to be fair, we weren’t really “passing out flyers” so much as we were giving them to people who were interested. But after the security guards started zeroing in on us, we ended up herded back to the In-N-Out, where we started. I would definitely call it a successful evening!
Then, it was off our separate ways to host homes. From the text messages I received, all the groups have great host homes! So far, Cloudbreak has proven themselves to be an awesome church! Their hospitality is great. One text read “we’re getting pampered. Popcorn, drinks, coke, candy, food, and movies! LOL I’m loving it!”
So we’re off to a great start! Tomorrow, some “down time” at the beach, then back to work. Prayer walking, more flyers, and hopefully some more engaging of people.
I’ll be doing some magic (or “illusion” if you prefer) and sharing the Gospel at the concert, so keep that in prayer. Nate (the youth pastor who’s coordinating everything) has 24 confirmed “yes’s” and 84 “maybes” on Facebook. Let’s pray that the “maybes” turn in to “yes’s”
Have a great day! I know we will! God is good! All the time!
Rob
<><
Friday, May 9, 2008
San Diego Bound
Okay - we leave in 45 minutes, I'll make this quick...
After several days of what I'm calling Driver/Van Tetris, we're finally ready to go. We've got our drivers and such lined up and ready. The first couple of kids have just arrived. I'm feeling much better (still a little hacking cough lingering though...)
We're off and away.
Passing out flyers and street witnessing tonight. The goal is that each team we send out gets to share the Gospel at least once as they go.
Then tomorrow, at the concert, I'm doing "magic" and sharing the Gospel. I'm excited.
Keep us in your prayers. I'll keep you posted.
Rob
<><
After several days of what I'm calling Driver/Van Tetris, we're finally ready to go. We've got our drivers and such lined up and ready. The first couple of kids have just arrived. I'm feeling much better (still a little hacking cough lingering though...)
We're off and away.
Passing out flyers and street witnessing tonight. The goal is that each team we send out gets to share the Gospel at least once as they go.
Then tomorrow, at the concert, I'm doing "magic" and sharing the Gospel. I'm excited.
Keep us in your prayers. I'll keep you posted.
Rob
<><
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
What goes around.. comes around...
Especially whe it comes to those tiny little 'bugs' called bacteria or viruses. I've become a host to a whole colony of them and we're at war with each other. I hate being sick. I'm on my regimen of medications & herbal supplements. I've stepped up the Apple Cider Vinegar intake as well. (Some would say that if I'd been taking it all along, I wouldn't be sick now, but it's too late to prove or disprove that theory).
Anyway - the older I get, the longer it seems to take to recover from being sick. I'm definitely feeling better than a couple days ago, but still low on the energy factor. Even coffee isn't really helping. (well, maybe it is - I'm willing to try)
So onward and upward!
P.S. - we still need a driver or two for the San Diego trip this weekend. If you're available, call me!
Rob
<><
Anyway - the older I get, the longer it seems to take to recover from being sick. I'm definitely feeling better than a couple days ago, but still low on the energy factor. Even coffee isn't really helping. (well, maybe it is - I'm willing to try)
So onward and upward!
P.S. - we still need a driver or two for the San Diego trip this weekend. If you're available, call me!
Rob
<><
Friday, May 2, 2008
Black Shirt Wand.
... is what the screener said as I was about to pass through the metal detector.
We've all had "The Moment." You know what I'm talking about. when you look at something & realize it's not right. That you somehow messed up somewhere. You're hoping you're misreading it, but deep down inside you know you did & you realize exactly what you did all at the same moment.
That's what happened to me this morning. I was checking my flight departure info. The time wasn't quite right. Then I noticed the day said "Tuesday" and the date said "20" not "02" like it should have. Everything replayed in a single instant. I had typed "2" into the date category. instead of 2, the Delta website gave me the first "2" which was the 20th, not the 2nd. (I should have typed "0"). All the flight numbers were the same, so I apparently wasn't looking close enough and my brain saw the 20 as 02. So I'm booked on a return flight 18 days from now.
After a lengthy discussion with the Delta person, the $450 ticket difference, for which she wanted to charge me $368, ended up being $120 more. "Will that be Visa?"
Which brings us to "black shirt wand." If you book a same day flight, you're flagged for a special extra screening at airport security.
When I showed the TSA person my boarding pass, I was ushered to a different line. I put my stuff in a specially marked tub. Went through the metal detector, and the guy who had just taken my stuff said to the one at the detector "black shirt wand." (I'm wearing a black shirt in case I haven't made that clear) After a pat down and special search of my backpack, I'm through. Ahead of everyone else I'm with ironically enough.
I wanted to title this post "Yew Eediot!" since I feel like an idiot for booking a flight on the wrong day...
Anyway, so I'm on the first flight ok. Of course, I'm not on the second flight, increasing my layover from one to at least 3. Maybe I can sweet talk someone at the gate to getting me on the earlier flight....
Wish me luck! (or "providential blessings" if you prefer)
Rob
We've all had "The Moment." You know what I'm talking about. when you look at something & realize it's not right. That you somehow messed up somewhere. You're hoping you're misreading it, but deep down inside you know you did & you realize exactly what you did all at the same moment.
That's what happened to me this morning. I was checking my flight departure info. The time wasn't quite right. Then I noticed the day said "Tuesday" and the date said "20" not "02" like it should have. Everything replayed in a single instant. I had typed "2" into the date category. instead of 2, the Delta website gave me the first "2" which was the 20th, not the 2nd. (I should have typed "0"). All the flight numbers were the same, so I apparently wasn't looking close enough and my brain saw the 20 as 02. So I'm booked on a return flight 18 days from now.
After a lengthy discussion with the Delta person, the $450 ticket difference, for which she wanted to charge me $368, ended up being $120 more. "Will that be Visa?"
Which brings us to "black shirt wand." If you book a same day flight, you're flagged for a special extra screening at airport security.
When I showed the TSA person my boarding pass, I was ushered to a different line. I put my stuff in a specially marked tub. Went through the metal detector, and the guy who had just taken my stuff said to the one at the detector "black shirt wand." (I'm wearing a black shirt in case I haven't made that clear) After a pat down and special search of my backpack, I'm through. Ahead of everyone else I'm with ironically enough.
I wanted to title this post "Yew Eediot!" since I feel like an idiot for booking a flight on the wrong day...
Anyway, so I'm on the first flight ok. Of course, I'm not on the second flight, increasing my layover from one to at least 3. Maybe I can sweet talk someone at the gate to getting me on the earlier flight....
Wish me luck! (or "providential blessings" if you prefer)
Rob
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Wild Animal Park...
So yesterday was the Animal Kingdom. Disney definitely goes all out for prettu much everything. I've been to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego and they have nothing on Disney. The Animal Kingdom is sort of like a big Disney style zoo. The safari was really cool. We rode in a big truck right through lions, tigers, & bears. Well - lions & a bunch of other cool anumals anyway.
Next we encountered the Yeti on a sick rollercoaster. It goes forward up to the literal top of the track.There's nowhere to go but back. So you go backward through a pitch black cave where it feels lik you're going througj a loop. then the Yeti comes out & screams at you, and you go forward through a whole new track. Very cool. Very different.
The parade was the lamest Disney Parade I've seen. There were definitely some cool things in it, including a big hidden mickey that I spotted on one of the cars, but definitely NOT one of the better parades.
We finished off with a trip to Downtown Disney. Florida definitely has us beat here. We went to Disney Quest. It's basically a huge 4 story video game place where every game is free (well, not free since you pay to get in, but no quarters necessary).
I got to design my own roller coaster and then get is a roller coaster simulator & ride it. Very cool. California needs a Disney Quest for sure!
Today is Epcot part two. Epcot is so big that it takes two days to see it. Tonight - another trip to Downtown Disney & maybe the comedy club there.
Oh - the wallet adventure update: Thanks Gretchen for fedexing my passport & extra card. Now I can get on the plane. I'll get back the $500 charged to my account, but it appears that it will take quite a fee phone calls. After about 5 calls with 4 or 5 transfers each time, I have to call back again today. Joy!
Okay - off to the Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow!
Rob
Next we encountered the Yeti on a sick rollercoaster. It goes forward up to the literal top of the track.There's nowhere to go but back. So you go backward through a pitch black cave where it feels lik you're going througj a loop. then the Yeti comes out & screams at you, and you go forward through a whole new track. Very cool. Very different.
The parade was the lamest Disney Parade I've seen. There were definitely some cool things in it, including a big hidden mickey that I spotted on one of the cars, but definitely NOT one of the better parades.
We finished off with a trip to Downtown Disney. Florida definitely has us beat here. We went to Disney Quest. It's basically a huge 4 story video game place where every game is free (well, not free since you pay to get in, but no quarters necessary).
I got to design my own roller coaster and then get is a roller coaster simulator & ride it. Very cool. California needs a Disney Quest for sure!
Today is Epcot part two. Epcot is so big that it takes two days to see it. Tonight - another trip to Downtown Disney & maybe the comedy club there.
Oh - the wallet adventure update: Thanks Gretchen for fedexing my passport & extra card. Now I can get on the plane. I'll get back the $500 charged to my account, but it appears that it will take quite a fee phone calls. After about 5 calls with 4 or 5 transfers each time, I have to call back again today. Joy!
Okay - off to the Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow!
Rob
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Disney: West Coast vs. East Coast
So which is better? DisneyLand, or DisneyWorld? Hard to say, they're both actually pretty good. Now as I go to DisneyLand as often as possible, I'll admit some bias toward DL, but I'm trying to be as objective as possible. At WDW, it's about 50 times more spread out than DL. It is pretty fun getting to see all the familiar rides & such, but with a different twist. For example: there's no Indiana Jones ride out here. Instead, there's an Indiana Stunt show. But-they do have the "don't pull the rope" thing. Only it's outside along a walkway instead of in the line.
Space Mountain: DisneyLand wins hands down. The entrance & line are cool, but the ride itself is slow & jerky. Speaking of jerky... Star Tours. Pretty much exactly the same, but imagine a bottle of ranch dressing when it's almost empty and you shake it hard to get the last bit of ranch to the top so you can squeeze it out. Now imagine that you're in the bottle and it's Star Tours. Now imagine that for about 30 consecutive shakes.
The Rocking Roller Coaster however was sick! It takes off just like California Screaming, but into a pitch black building and immediately into a loop. It only got better from there.
All in all a good day. Me & Stacy decided to skip Playhouse Disney with the rest of the crew & headed over to a few other attractions & had a great time.We finished off the day with Fantasmic. I haven't seen it at DL yet, but I'm told it's way better there.
Tomorrow: Epcot, which stands for "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow."
See ya!
Rob
Space Mountain: DisneyLand wins hands down. The entrance & line are cool, but the ride itself is slow & jerky. Speaking of jerky... Star Tours. Pretty much exactly the same, but imagine a bottle of ranch dressing when it's almost empty and you shake it hard to get the last bit of ranch to the top so you can squeeze it out. Now imagine that you're in the bottle and it's Star Tours. Now imagine that for about 30 consecutive shakes.
The Rocking Roller Coaster however was sick! It takes off just like California Screaming, but into a pitch black building and immediately into a loop. It only got better from there.
All in all a good day. Me & Stacy decided to skip Playhouse Disney with the rest of the crew & headed over to a few other attractions & had a great time.We finished off the day with Fantasmic. I haven't seen it at DL yet, but I'm told it's way better there.
Tomorrow: Epcot, which stands for "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow."
See ya!
Rob
It's Magic!
So... DisneyWorld (AKA: The Magic Kingdom). Very fun. There are quite a few things at DW that we don't have at DL. Of course, we've got quite a few things at DL that aren't here. Most of the matcing rides are very similar, but with different entrances. Space Mountain - It's very different. I think I liked DW better until about 1/4 of the way through the ride. It's slower & jerkier. At one point the guy behind me said "this ride hurts!" Philharmagic was really cool. I enjoyed the People Mover and The Country Bears, two rides that I really liked as a child, but no longer around at DL.
The reality of how hard it is to do a park in only one day was very evident. So much to do. So few rides.
The "highlight" of course, was having my wallet stolen. I thought it was in the car. Apparently not.
After it wasn't in my car, I checked my account & discovered that I had purchased $450 worth of stuff at Aeropostal in Kissimee. Seeing as how I was at the Magic Kingdom all day, I thought this was quite a trick! Wells Fargo is great though. one 10 minute phine call took care of it all.
Now the trick is going to be getting back on the airplane with no ID. Fortunately, I've been known to do the occasional trick....
Off to MGM Studios today... Lots of stuff there we don't have at DL. A few things we do. I'm sure it'll be a great day!
TTFN!
Rob
The reality of how hard it is to do a park in only one day was very evident. So much to do. So few rides.
The "highlight" of course, was having my wallet stolen. I thought it was in the car. Apparently not.
After it wasn't in my car, I checked my account & discovered that I had purchased $450 worth of stuff at Aeropostal in Kissimee. Seeing as how I was at the Magic Kingdom all day, I thought this was quite a trick! Wells Fargo is great though. one 10 minute phine call took care of it all.
Now the trick is going to be getting back on the airplane with no ID. Fortunately, I've been known to do the occasional trick....
Off to MGM Studios today... Lots of stuff there we don't have at DL. A few things we do. I'm sure it'll be a great day!
TTFN!
Rob
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The UN-Happiest Place On Earth
So travelling across the country on American was definitely NOT the best. Perhaps this is why they're having problems. Or maybe it's a result of their problems. Anyway.....
As many of you know, I'm off to DisneyWorld for a week in the Magic Kingdom. (I haven't been here since I was 16, so I'm pretty stoked about it, but I digress) Ontario was ok. The 1 - 1/2 hour layover at DFW turned into boarding more than a half hour late. Then, after sitting on the runway for a while, our Captain came on & told us we were #35 in line to take off. I thought "haha this guy is kidding!
He wasn't.
So after at least another hour and a half just sitting there, we finally took off. The only positive was that my Mom had made me some of my favorite brownies, so I survived. (My parents had driven 45 minutes to get to see me [& meet Stacy] for about 20 minutes during my layover. I guess they love me.)
After spending enough time in that plane to go to London & back, we were about to land, thinking "FINALLY!!!" we were suddenly climbing again. I was now thinking "are you kidding me?" Apparently there was a cargo plane on the runway and we had to loop around & try again in 20 minutes.
I miss Jet Blue.
So we finally land & get our luggage. Getting the rental cars was easy. Stopped at Waffle House for dinner (mmmmm! Waffle House!), & made it to bed after an 18 hour travel adventure.
I'm sure it will all have been worth it in about 2 & 1/2 hours though. That's when DisneyWorld opens!!!
As Tiggee would say: TTFN
Rob
As many of you know, I'm off to DisneyWorld for a week in the Magic Kingdom. (I haven't been here since I was 16, so I'm pretty stoked about it, but I digress) Ontario was ok. The 1 - 1/2 hour layover at DFW turned into boarding more than a half hour late. Then, after sitting on the runway for a while, our Captain came on & told us we were #35 in line to take off. I thought "haha this guy is kidding!
He wasn't.
So after at least another hour and a half just sitting there, we finally took off. The only positive was that my Mom had made me some of my favorite brownies, so I survived. (My parents had driven 45 minutes to get to see me [& meet Stacy] for about 20 minutes during my layover. I guess they love me.)
After spending enough time in that plane to go to London & back, we were about to land, thinking "FINALLY!!!" we were suddenly climbing again. I was now thinking "are you kidding me?" Apparently there was a cargo plane on the runway and we had to loop around & try again in 20 minutes.
I miss Jet Blue.
So we finally land & get our luggage. Getting the rental cars was easy. Stopped at Waffle House for dinner (mmmmm! Waffle House!), & made it to bed after an 18 hour travel adventure.
I'm sure it will all have been worth it in about 2 & 1/2 hours though. That's when DisneyWorld opens!!!
As Tiggee would say: TTFN
Rob
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Nate Keating Band (or San Diego Bound!)
So last night's SIX33 was an amazing night of worship led by Nate Keating & Co. For those of you who don't know, Nate is the Youth Pastor and Worship leader for Cloudbreak Church in San Diego. The HSM has partnered with Cloudbreak to join them a few times this year and minister with them as they reach out to their community with the Gospel.
Shameless Promo: The HSM is headed down to San Diego May 9-11. We head out on Friday, pass out flyers & such, go to the beach, help set up and participate in "Overflow" an outreach concert they're putting on, then participate in the Sunday morning worship service. After church, we'll have lunch and head back.
Ok - back to blogging and not promoting upcoming events.
Nate is obviously a gifted worship leader and Cloudbreak, although small compared to Immanuel, is definitely lucky to have him as their worship leader. Thanks to Nate and Co. for leading us in worship last night.
I'm always amazed at how God puts things together. I'm in the middle of a sermon series on 1 Peter right now. When I talked to Nate yesterday morning about how many songs, and the flow of the evening, he gave me the list of songs that they would be singing. The closing song, one that a band member wrote, was titled "Live for Me" and is written from the perspective of God speaking to us. As they were singing the song, I was amazed at how it fit in perfectly with what I had just been talking about in my sermon. It was like it was written specifically as the "closer" for the sermon I had just preached. Now I know that God is sovereign and directs everything, but it's just so cool to see it so clearly and specifically come together like that.
Anyway - After spending a SIX33 with Nate & Co., I'm more excited than ever about our trip down there to minister with them. I can't wait to take some of our students down and spend a weekend fellowshipping and ministering together.
Have I mentioned that I love my job?
Rob
<><
Shameless Promo: The HSM is headed down to San Diego May 9-11. We head out on Friday, pass out flyers & such, go to the beach, help set up and participate in "Overflow" an outreach concert they're putting on, then participate in the Sunday morning worship service. After church, we'll have lunch and head back.
Ok - back to blogging and not promoting upcoming events.
Nate is obviously a gifted worship leader and Cloudbreak, although small compared to Immanuel, is definitely lucky to have him as their worship leader. Thanks to Nate and Co. for leading us in worship last night.
I'm always amazed at how God puts things together. I'm in the middle of a sermon series on 1 Peter right now. When I talked to Nate yesterday morning about how many songs, and the flow of the evening, he gave me the list of songs that they would be singing. The closing song, one that a band member wrote, was titled "Live for Me" and is written from the perspective of God speaking to us. As they were singing the song, I was amazed at how it fit in perfectly with what I had just been talking about in my sermon. It was like it was written specifically as the "closer" for the sermon I had just preached. Now I know that God is sovereign and directs everything, but it's just so cool to see it so clearly and specifically come together like that.
Anyway - After spending a SIX33 with Nate & Co., I'm more excited than ever about our trip down there to minister with them. I can't wait to take some of our students down and spend a weekend fellowshipping and ministering together.
Have I mentioned that I love my job?
Rob
<><
Monday, April 21, 2008
Planet Wisdom
So.
We're back from Planet Wisdom.
It was a good weekend.
To start things out, Friday night was basically with Mark Matlock throwing pots. No - he wasn't throwing things at us. Throwing pots is the term for making pottery on a wheel. He not only taught on Jeremiah 18:1-6, but he actually had a pottery wheel on the stage and put clay on it and formed the clay into a pot. He talked about our interaction with God and how He molds us.
Watching the spinning clay was mesmerizing. It really was a great way to teach us about being in God's will and surrendering our lives to Him.
The rest of the weekend was good as well. The "Skit Guys" did an amazing job. These guys are soooo funny and can also do great drama that really hits home. After talking about the weekend with the students, the pot throwing and Skit Guys seemed to be the highlight of the weekend.
Of course, being in charge of 40 teens at a nice hotel is its own interesting vibe. The security guard, who we chatted with a couple of times was very nice. No complaints about him. The manager - well, that's a story for another time. But the students were great and I have no complaints. We have a great group of students and I love being on trips with them. Sara didn't fall into the pond this time (I guess we only get that in the capital) but it was still a fun time.
What can I say about the beach other than "not enough time." I think I'd have to live in a beach house my entire life to even begin to think I'd been at the beach enough. We'll be back. And soon.
All in all - a really good weekend. HUGE thanks to Gretchen for arranging all of our meals and getting us all set in the hotel. Thanks to Alan and Sherri Arnet for driving us around, and definite thanks to the adult leaders that gave up their weekend to be with the students. I appreciate you guys more than you know.
Rob
<><
P.S. - I just watched the promo for Wildwood this Summer. I'm very excited about camp this Summer. It's all I can do to wait until June 29 when we get there. Sign up quick - there are only 47 spots total!
We're back from Planet Wisdom.
It was a good weekend.
To start things out, Friday night was basically with Mark Matlock throwing pots. No - he wasn't throwing things at us. Throwing pots is the term for making pottery on a wheel. He not only taught on Jeremiah 18:1-6, but he actually had a pottery wheel on the stage and put clay on it and formed the clay into a pot. He talked about our interaction with God and how He molds us.
Watching the spinning clay was mesmerizing. It really was a great way to teach us about being in God's will and surrendering our lives to Him.
The rest of the weekend was good as well. The "Skit Guys" did an amazing job. These guys are soooo funny and can also do great drama that really hits home. After talking about the weekend with the students, the pot throwing and Skit Guys seemed to be the highlight of the weekend.
Of course, being in charge of 40 teens at a nice hotel is its own interesting vibe. The security guard, who we chatted with a couple of times was very nice. No complaints about him. The manager - well, that's a story for another time. But the students were great and I have no complaints. We have a great group of students and I love being on trips with them. Sara didn't fall into the pond this time (I guess we only get that in the capital) but it was still a fun time.
What can I say about the beach other than "not enough time." I think I'd have to live in a beach house my entire life to even begin to think I'd been at the beach enough. We'll be back. And soon.
All in all - a really good weekend. HUGE thanks to Gretchen for arranging all of our meals and getting us all set in the hotel. Thanks to Alan and Sherri Arnet for driving us around, and definite thanks to the adult leaders that gave up their weekend to be with the students. I appreciate you guys more than you know.
Rob
<><
P.S. - I just watched the promo for Wildwood this Summer. I'm very excited about camp this Summer. It's all I can do to wait until June 29 when we get there. Sign up quick - there are only 47 spots total!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Doulos Christou
So. Hopefully everyone now understands that we're slaves. Two Wednesdays ago, I taught on the Greek word "doulos," which appears 150+ times in the New Testament. There's no meaning other than "slave." Most English translations use the word "servant." When we look at our relationship to Christ as that of a slave to a Master, then it sort of gives us a whole new way of understanding obedience.
A slave simply obeys his Master.
I want to live my life as an obedient slave to my Master Jesus Christ. He has done so much for me. Because of what He has done for me and because of my obedience to Him, I not only call Him my Master, but He calls me His friend.
What an amazing thing to be a friend to the one who not only saved me, but also created the universe and everything in it.
Wow!
This week at SIX33, we'll venture into the next episode of our adventure. We'll be looking at 1 Peter and I'm titling this series "Bring on the Mocking." If we're living the obedient slave-lives we're called to live, then there will be mocking. People will notice my life, and they won't necessarily be complimentary. But I say "bring it on!" I serve a glorious Master. That's what matters!
A slave simply obeys his Master.
I want to live my life as an obedient slave to my Master Jesus Christ. He has done so much for me. Because of what He has done for me and because of my obedience to Him, I not only call Him my Master, but He calls me His friend.
What an amazing thing to be a friend to the one who not only saved me, but also created the universe and everything in it.
Wow!
This week at SIX33, we'll venture into the next episode of our adventure. We'll be looking at 1 Peter and I'm titling this series "Bring on the Mocking." If we're living the obedient slave-lives we're called to live, then there will be mocking. People will notice my life, and they won't necessarily be complimentary. But I say "bring it on!" I serve a glorious Master. That's what matters!
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Final Day (a little late...)
So I wrote this blog at Dulles Airport. There are signs everywhere in the airport saying that the entire airport has free wifi. This is not true. There was zero wifi signal at gate B66. I know this was yesterday morning and we're all home now but here it is anyway...
Final Trip Blog:
Sightseeing-A-Plenty!
So Wednesday was a full day of sightseeing! Traveling via Subway is always fun for me. I don’t have to rely on public transportation during my day to day life, so taking the subway is kinda fun & novel. Of course, just getting 24 people through the turnstiles is sometimes a challenge. Tickets don’t always work and you sometimes have to wait for an attendant to look at your ticket and let you through. On top of that, most of our group isn’t used to the “crowd on – crowd off” dynamic. Let’s just say that getting all 24 people through turnstiles, to the right platform, all on the same car, then a transfer, then up to street level again is a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve got some great kids and once they got the hang of it, we were able to move around easier.
Our first stop of the day was Arlington Cemetery. We saw JFK’s burial site and the eternal flame. I’ve been there before, but for some reason, it’s a pretty moving thing to see. It’s amazing how many people flock to see where someone is buried and that it’s such a “big thing.” From there, we walked up to Robert E. Lee’s original home and encountered a strange, but informative Park Ranger who filled us in on many details. Next we saw the changing of the guard and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I don’t really know what to think, but to just be in awe of these guys that guard the tomb. They spend two years training and then a little over a year guarding. The fact that they guard it 24 hours a day year round no matter what the weather is incredible. One of our students said, after the ceremony was over, “that was really moving, Rob.” I agree.
Our next stop was Freedom Plaza and a quick bite to eat. Next, we went to the home where Abraham Lincoln died. Ford’s Theater is closed until 2009. On that corner we found several souvenir shops (finally!), then headed over to the Spy Museum Store.
My second favorite stop of the day was the National Portrait Gallery. I could have spent all day here. It took almost 45 minutes just to do a quick walk through of the Hall of Presidents, which was amazing. To see all the paintings of the presidents and to read the stories was incredible.
After dinner, we headed to see Vietnam, Lincoln, Korea, and WWII. I don’t know why, but I think the Lincoln Memorial is my favorite. We were in the area until just after dark and the Mall is a whole new place at night. It was amazing to see all the monuments lit up at night.
It was such a great day seeing all of the “major” monuments. (I could, however, go back and spend a week there and not even see all the art I want to.)
Devotions were really good. Jeff & Cindi’s Family Group had us running all over the church finding various clues to a Scripture puzzle. My team won (of course) and all had a great time.
After that, we packed and sort of slept a bit before getting up at 2:30 a.m. to be ready for the bus that was coming to take us to the airport. Taking the bus back was 1,000 times nicer than the public transportation we took on the way there. I’m so pleased that the airport had a Starbucks. (Dulles is a weird airport, but I’ve already talked about the elevator-buses).
I’ll be sleeping on the plane all the way back, so it’ll seem like a short flight (well, maybe)
Adios!
Rob
<><
Final Trip Blog:
Sightseeing-A-Plenty!
So Wednesday was a full day of sightseeing! Traveling via Subway is always fun for me. I don’t have to rely on public transportation during my day to day life, so taking the subway is kinda fun & novel. Of course, just getting 24 people through the turnstiles is sometimes a challenge. Tickets don’t always work and you sometimes have to wait for an attendant to look at your ticket and let you through. On top of that, most of our group isn’t used to the “crowd on – crowd off” dynamic. Let’s just say that getting all 24 people through turnstiles, to the right platform, all on the same car, then a transfer, then up to street level again is a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve got some great kids and once they got the hang of it, we were able to move around easier.
Our first stop of the day was Arlington Cemetery. We saw JFK’s burial site and the eternal flame. I’ve been there before, but for some reason, it’s a pretty moving thing to see. It’s amazing how many people flock to see where someone is buried and that it’s such a “big thing.” From there, we walked up to Robert E. Lee’s original home and encountered a strange, but informative Park Ranger who filled us in on many details. Next we saw the changing of the guard and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I don’t really know what to think, but to just be in awe of these guys that guard the tomb. They spend two years training and then a little over a year guarding. The fact that they guard it 24 hours a day year round no matter what the weather is incredible. One of our students said, after the ceremony was over, “that was really moving, Rob.” I agree.
Our next stop was Freedom Plaza and a quick bite to eat. Next, we went to the home where Abraham Lincoln died. Ford’s Theater is closed until 2009. On that corner we found several souvenir shops (finally!), then headed over to the Spy Museum Store.
My second favorite stop of the day was the National Portrait Gallery. I could have spent all day here. It took almost 45 minutes just to do a quick walk through of the Hall of Presidents, which was amazing. To see all the paintings of the presidents and to read the stories was incredible.
After dinner, we headed to see Vietnam, Lincoln, Korea, and WWII. I don’t know why, but I think the Lincoln Memorial is my favorite. We were in the area until just after dark and the Mall is a whole new place at night. It was amazing to see all the monuments lit up at night.
It was such a great day seeing all of the “major” monuments. (I could, however, go back and spend a week there and not even see all the art I want to.)
Devotions were really good. Jeff & Cindi’s Family Group had us running all over the church finding various clues to a Scripture puzzle. My team won (of course) and all had a great time.
After that, we packed and sort of slept a bit before getting up at 2:30 a.m. to be ready for the bus that was coming to take us to the airport. Taking the bus back was 1,000 times nicer than the public transportation we took on the way there. I’m so pleased that the airport had a Starbucks. (Dulles is a weird airport, but I’ve already talked about the elevator-buses).
I’ll be sleeping on the plane all the way back, so it’ll seem like a short flight (well, maybe)
Adios!
Rob
<><
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I CAN paralell park! I promise...
Is what Jeff said after the fourth try at paralell parking. On the first try, I thought he was going to hit the parking meter, thereby not having to deposit quarters in it. On try four, when he stopped and we got out, I continued to laugh as we weren't very close to the curb and at quite an angle (if only I'd had my camera...)
Yesterday was quite different. We were scheduled for our Capitol tour at 11:00, but the place we were supposed to check in apparently had no record of our reservation in spite of many assurances from the Redlands office of Congressman Lewis that we were there and ready to go. Since they had no tickets for us, I headed over to Congressman Lewis' Office. I was thinking as I was walking in what an amazing country we have. I was able to just walk in to a high government official's office with no appointment or anything. i just walked in. They were very helpful and when we weren't able to get in on our original appointment, they sent over two staff members to give us a personal tour. We not only got to see everything in the Captiol, but also got to see Congress in session. (Now that wasn't exciting, but definitely interesting)
The rest of the day was great. We saw the National Archives (Declaration of Independence, etc.) walked on the Mall for a bit, and then headed over to the White House. Several people earned points playing "Group Photo Commando." Amanda got busted by a guy pushing a cart of potatoes while playing the "Tap Game." All in all, everyone had a great time.
Today, we're headed over to Arlington Cemetary, the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials. Then a stop in Ford's Theater and a few other adventures.
So I'm going to sit back, finish my Venti Soy No Water Chai and then we're doing our Quiet Time and heading out.
Hope y'all are great - we're really looking forward to our all-night adventure travelling home.
Rob
<><
Yesterday was quite different. We were scheduled for our Capitol tour at 11:00, but the place we were supposed to check in apparently had no record of our reservation in spite of many assurances from the Redlands office of Congressman Lewis that we were there and ready to go. Since they had no tickets for us, I headed over to Congressman Lewis' Office. I was thinking as I was walking in what an amazing country we have. I was able to just walk in to a high government official's office with no appointment or anything. i just walked in. They were very helpful and when we weren't able to get in on our original appointment, they sent over two staff members to give us a personal tour. We not only got to see everything in the Captiol, but also got to see Congress in session. (Now that wasn't exciting, but definitely interesting)
The rest of the day was great. We saw the National Archives (Declaration of Independence, etc.) walked on the Mall for a bit, and then headed over to the White House. Several people earned points playing "Group Photo Commando." Amanda got busted by a guy pushing a cart of potatoes while playing the "Tap Game." All in all, everyone had a great time.
Today, we're headed over to Arlington Cemetary, the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials. Then a stop in Ford's Theater and a few other adventures.
So I'm going to sit back, finish my Venti Soy No Water Chai and then we're doing our Quiet Time and heading out.
Hope y'all are great - we're really looking forward to our all-night adventure travelling home.
Rob
<><
Monday, March 31, 2008
Cold & Wet All Day
Guest bloggers Nina & Emily:
It was very cold and wet. Nina left her purse at Starbucks, but was able to get it back.
As we headed out, Emily slipped in the rain and had a damp spot on her clothes for a bit.
We eventually made it to the Sylvan Theater right next to the Washington Monument.
Took pictures of the trees, cracked up while singing a couple of songs and some interesting characters stopped and danced along with us as we sang.
It was a fun day.
After singing we went to the Holocaust Museum where it was really sad.
We took a funny picture with the wierd sculpture art.
Saw a tiny MacDonalds van and then we entered "da hood" as Emily's friend called it.
The singing went really well. The little kids danced and sang with us.
They even joined us on stage for the last song.
Hannah fell on the way back (lauging) and Nina left her phone on the Subway (thankfully somebody saw it & she got it back)
We made it back before dark.
After a quick refuel at Starbucks, we're headed back to the church for Cindi's burritos.
Talk to y'all later!
Nina, Emily, & Rob
It was very cold and wet. Nina left her purse at Starbucks, but was able to get it back.
As we headed out, Emily slipped in the rain and had a damp spot on her clothes for a bit.
We eventually made it to the Sylvan Theater right next to the Washington Monument.
Took pictures of the trees, cracked up while singing a couple of songs and some interesting characters stopped and danced along with us as we sang.
It was a fun day.
After singing we went to the Holocaust Museum where it was really sad.
We took a funny picture with the wierd sculpture art.
Saw a tiny MacDonalds van and then we entered "da hood" as Emily's friend called it.
The singing went really well. The little kids danced and sang with us.
They even joined us on stage for the last song.
Hannah fell on the way back (lauging) and Nina left her phone on the Subway (thankfully somebody saw it & she got it back)
We made it back before dark.
After a quick refuel at Starbucks, we're headed back to the church for Cindi's burritos.
Talk to y'all later!
Nina, Emily, & Rob
DC Day Two (read me second)
So I'm posting these as often as possible. I write them on my computer then upload them when I can get to a wifi spot.
This blog picks up where the last one left off, so if you haven't read the first one, scroll down and read the next one first, then scroll back up and read this one.
Hope y'all are doing great back on the West Coast!
Sunday afternoon.
For lunch, I only have one word: Panera! We had a nice lunch, then cleaned up (four letters: Y•M•C•A) and headed back to Walter Reed to do our full concert. Getting over there was fun. When you only have one minivan and 24 people, it takes several back-and-forth adventures. Between trips to the showers and trips to take us back and forth to Walter Reed and a couple trips to the grocery store, our two van drivers are putting quite a few miles on the van we rented.
So the building we were in at Walter Reed was the old YMCA building. It was built in the 40s and has seen many USO tours. Bob Hope even performed there once. I guess you could say that he opened for us like 40 years ago. (Of course, only a couple of the students even knew who he was, so…)
The worship service we led is only six weeks old. They just moved it to the new location and it’s still in the early stages. Those that came, however, all told us how much they enjoyed it. We did all of our songs, a couple magic tricks (one guess as to who did them), and most of our drama skits. Pizza after was really good, for everyone except the one student who dislikes all things pizza oriented.
We came back to the church, did some more exploring, and there was much scaring of each other. Connie and Jessica’s group led our devotion, all of them dressed as trees except for Noah. He was dressed as a flower. They were all different “sins” like “gossip” and “complaining” and such. Ben read some Scriptures that had to do with each of them. Short, simple, and to the point. Nice.
Tomorrow we head out to sing at Sylvan - which is at the Washington Monument. We’ll have a couple of hours of sightseeing before our second performance at a Children’s tutoring center in (how shall I say it?) not the nicest part of town.
Overall, the trip is going great. The first day (which lasted about 48 hours) was really long and seemed like several days, but today was great. All the kids did a great job and as far as I can tell, everyone is having a great time.
One final note – Over the past 15 years or so I’ve been on many trips with students. This is the first trip where the guys have built a fort in their room. (more on the for later)
TTFN!
Rob
<><
Monday Morning
Several of us got up early to head over to the Starbucks for our morning energy fix. Nobody really seems to be dragging. The three guys in the fort were still fast asleep when we left. Noah snores quite loud and seems to be the only snore-er on the guys side.
This morning we’re headed over to sing our first “public” show. Then we’ll d a bit of walking on the National Mall, see the Washington Monument and a few other places in the general vicinity before heading over to Atlantic Gardens after school program. I’m really hoping there will be a lot of personal interaction with the children. I know the HS Students really do well in situations like that.
So I’m going to log off for now – I’ve got to order Jeff’s White Chocolate Mocha and breakfast sandwich before we head back for our quiet times.
Later today, we'll have a student-written blog, so keep your internet warmed up!
Thanks for all your prayers!
Rob
<><
This blog picks up where the last one left off, so if you haven't read the first one, scroll down and read the next one first, then scroll back up and read this one.
Hope y'all are doing great back on the West Coast!
Sunday afternoon.
For lunch, I only have one word: Panera! We had a nice lunch, then cleaned up (four letters: Y•M•C•A) and headed back to Walter Reed to do our full concert. Getting over there was fun. When you only have one minivan and 24 people, it takes several back-and-forth adventures. Between trips to the showers and trips to take us back and forth to Walter Reed and a couple trips to the grocery store, our two van drivers are putting quite a few miles on the van we rented.
So the building we were in at Walter Reed was the old YMCA building. It was built in the 40s and has seen many USO tours. Bob Hope even performed there once. I guess you could say that he opened for us like 40 years ago. (Of course, only a couple of the students even knew who he was, so…)
The worship service we led is only six weeks old. They just moved it to the new location and it’s still in the early stages. Those that came, however, all told us how much they enjoyed it. We did all of our songs, a couple magic tricks (one guess as to who did them), and most of our drama skits. Pizza after was really good, for everyone except the one student who dislikes all things pizza oriented.
We came back to the church, did some more exploring, and there was much scaring of each other. Connie and Jessica’s group led our devotion, all of them dressed as trees except for Noah. He was dressed as a flower. They were all different “sins” like “gossip” and “complaining” and such. Ben read some Scriptures that had to do with each of them. Short, simple, and to the point. Nice.
Tomorrow we head out to sing at Sylvan - which is at the Washington Monument. We’ll have a couple of hours of sightseeing before our second performance at a Children’s tutoring center in (how shall I say it?) not the nicest part of town.
Overall, the trip is going great. The first day (which lasted about 48 hours) was really long and seemed like several days, but today was great. All the kids did a great job and as far as I can tell, everyone is having a great time.
One final note – Over the past 15 years or so I’ve been on many trips with students. This is the first trip where the guys have built a fort in their room. (more on the for later)
TTFN!
Rob
<><
Monday Morning
Several of us got up early to head over to the Starbucks for our morning energy fix. Nobody really seems to be dragging. The three guys in the fort were still fast asleep when we left. Noah snores quite loud and seems to be the only snore-er on the guys side.
This morning we’re headed over to sing our first “public” show. Then we’ll d a bit of walking on the National Mall, see the Washington Monument and a few other places in the general vicinity before heading over to Atlantic Gardens after school program. I’m really hoping there will be a lot of personal interaction with the children. I know the HS Students really do well in situations like that.
So I’m going to log off for now – I’ve got to order Jeff’s White Chocolate Mocha and breakfast sandwich before we head back for our quiet times.
Later today, we'll have a student-written blog, so keep your internet warmed up!
Thanks for all your prayers!
Rob
<><
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Washington DC Play-by-Play
Washington Dulles Airport
6:15 a.m. (really 3:15 a.m. CA time. So….)
So here we sit in the Dulles Airport. It’s always fun trying to find your way around in a strange airport where nobody’s been before. The flight was smooth. Apparently there was a crazy guy a couple rows in front of us. I didn’t see him.
We’re tired, but all is well. Hannah is eating popcorn. Everyone else is sitting around waiting. Jeff is off to get the van which will take our luggage to the church while the rest of us trek off on a Bus/Subway adventure.
We’ll be eating breakfast at Metro Union Station.
I’d post this live online, but for some reason the airport internet connection, though it says it’s there and with a full signal, won’t find the server.
Hope y’all are all doing great. We’re fine. Well there seems to be an outbreak of giggling and Hope is rolling Hannah around in a wheelchair, so I’m going to sign off for now…
Rob
10:45
Wow! What an adventure! So we head out to take the bus from the airport to the Subway Station. Unsure of exactly where to catch that particular bus, we missed it by 2 minutes. We could have made it easily had we known where to go to catch it. So this brought a 50 minute delay. We made it on the next bus, but just barely fit. I’ve never seen so many people and luggage packed into a bus. We made it to the subway station and had to buy everyone’s Subway pass. We had to buy them two at a time in a machine, so that took a bit. Getting off at the first Subway transfer, we learned that Ben didn’t make it on the Subway. Fortunately, he had the foresight to get on the next stop and had been paying attention when we told everyone what stop we were getting off at.
After finally making it to the Silver Springs Subway exit, we dined on a glorious breakfast at McDonald’s (I really can’t remember when the last time I ate at McDonalds was). Then walked the loooooooooong trek from the Subway Station to the Church where we’re staying.
As we walked through the parking lot, my first question was: “why didn’t that big bus come pick us up at the airport?
So now that we’re fed and finally at our destination, we’re getting ready to go get showered and rested and fed again then we’re off to the Gospel Mission to serve food and do our program. I’m looking forward to our first performance of the trip.
Rob
2:00 p.m.
So Ben Johnson apparently doesn’t know the front from the back of his shirt.
If only I’d had my camera with me…
6:30 p.m.
Central Mission –
This homeless shelter for men runs dinner and a service for them. We got to help serve dinner to the men staying there and then perform a short program for them. We did a couple of songs, I did a few magic tricks telling them a little about deception, then a couple of dramas and a couple of songs later, we were done and jumped back on the Subway to go eat dinner.
The performance was a bit rough, with a couple of minor mistakes, but then since we were all operating on 48 hours of being not only awake, but traveling 3,000 miles on an airplane then 60-75 on a bus and Subway for four hours, I thought it went well.
After the performance, Noah said "I felt dead..."
8:30
So the adults are finishing dinner when we get a call saying “okay – time to come back to the church – we’re moving…”
As we return to the church, everyone was in a fury of packing and carrying luggage out to the vans. We were moving to another church about eight blocks away. Church 1 was “St Mary’s Baptist Church.” I wouldn’t call it the nicest, roomiest accommodations. Chruch 2 – First Baptist Church of Silver Spring. Way nicer. Way roomier. Way closer to Starbucks!
It was kind of crazy spending four hours carrying our luggage all over the bus and subway system of Washington DC. After all that, we moved in and unpacked. Then we went and did a concert and packed and moved again. Long crazy day, but the new place we’re staying is so much nicer. A 48 hours of no sleep adventure.
Before going to bed, we decided to do a little exploring. FBC is a big place with stairs and hallways that wind around all over the place. At night, it’s kind of creepy. I half expected someone to jump out and attack me as I walked down some of the halls. As it turns out, it was only Jeff.
It sure was nice to finally lay down to go to sleep. Morning came way too soon.
Sunday –
Got up – we all had our quiet times, then went to Starbucks for breakfast. At last! Caffeine! I can be alive today. We sang during the worship service at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Singing in a chapel that was built in 1930 was very nice. The acoustics were great. The choir did a really good job.
6:15 a.m. (really 3:15 a.m. CA time. So….)
So here we sit in the Dulles Airport. It’s always fun trying to find your way around in a strange airport where nobody’s been before. The flight was smooth. Apparently there was a crazy guy a couple rows in front of us. I didn’t see him.
We’re tired, but all is well. Hannah is eating popcorn. Everyone else is sitting around waiting. Jeff is off to get the van which will take our luggage to the church while the rest of us trek off on a Bus/Subway adventure.
We’ll be eating breakfast at Metro Union Station.
I’d post this live online, but for some reason the airport internet connection, though it says it’s there and with a full signal, won’t find the server.
Hope y’all are all doing great. We’re fine. Well there seems to be an outbreak of giggling and Hope is rolling Hannah around in a wheelchair, so I’m going to sign off for now…
Rob
10:45
Wow! What an adventure! So we head out to take the bus from the airport to the Subway Station. Unsure of exactly where to catch that particular bus, we missed it by 2 minutes. We could have made it easily had we known where to go to catch it. So this brought a 50 minute delay. We made it on the next bus, but just barely fit. I’ve never seen so many people and luggage packed into a bus. We made it to the subway station and had to buy everyone’s Subway pass. We had to buy them two at a time in a machine, so that took a bit. Getting off at the first Subway transfer, we learned that Ben didn’t make it on the Subway. Fortunately, he had the foresight to get on the next stop and had been paying attention when we told everyone what stop we were getting off at.
After finally making it to the Silver Springs Subway exit, we dined on a glorious breakfast at McDonald’s (I really can’t remember when the last time I ate at McDonalds was). Then walked the loooooooooong trek from the Subway Station to the Church where we’re staying.
As we walked through the parking lot, my first question was: “why didn’t that big bus come pick us up at the airport?
So now that we’re fed and finally at our destination, we’re getting ready to go get showered and rested and fed again then we’re off to the Gospel Mission to serve food and do our program. I’m looking forward to our first performance of the trip.
Rob
2:00 p.m.
So Ben Johnson apparently doesn’t know the front from the back of his shirt.
If only I’d had my camera with me…
6:30 p.m.
Central Mission –
This homeless shelter for men runs dinner and a service for them. We got to help serve dinner to the men staying there and then perform a short program for them. We did a couple of songs, I did a few magic tricks telling them a little about deception, then a couple of dramas and a couple of songs later, we were done and jumped back on the Subway to go eat dinner.
The performance was a bit rough, with a couple of minor mistakes, but then since we were all operating on 48 hours of being not only awake, but traveling 3,000 miles on an airplane then 60-75 on a bus and Subway for four hours, I thought it went well.
After the performance, Noah said "I felt dead..."
8:30
So the adults are finishing dinner when we get a call saying “okay – time to come back to the church – we’re moving…”
As we return to the church, everyone was in a fury of packing and carrying luggage out to the vans. We were moving to another church about eight blocks away. Church 1 was “St Mary’s Baptist Church.” I wouldn’t call it the nicest, roomiest accommodations. Chruch 2 – First Baptist Church of Silver Spring. Way nicer. Way roomier. Way closer to Starbucks!
It was kind of crazy spending four hours carrying our luggage all over the bus and subway system of Washington DC. After all that, we moved in and unpacked. Then we went and did a concert and packed and moved again. Long crazy day, but the new place we’re staying is so much nicer. A 48 hours of no sleep adventure.
Before going to bed, we decided to do a little exploring. FBC is a big place with stairs and hallways that wind around all over the place. At night, it’s kind of creepy. I half expected someone to jump out and attack me as I walked down some of the halls. As it turns out, it was only Jeff.
It sure was nice to finally lay down to go to sleep. Morning came way too soon.
Sunday –
Got up – we all had our quiet times, then went to Starbucks for breakfast. At last! Caffeine! I can be alive today. We sang during the worship service at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Singing in a chapel that was built in 1930 was very nice. The acoustics were great. The choir did a really good job.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Gospel
So the latest thing I've been "obsessing" about is The Gospel. I just read a book titles "A Gospel Primer" and it's taking me down an amazing path.
If someone were to hand you a legal pad and ask you to write down the answer to the question "what is the Gospel?" what would you write? The Gospel isn't just something that we should share with others who don't have a relationship with Christ. It's for saved people as much as it is for lost people.
We MUST know the Gospel. Not just so we can share it with others, but so we can meditate on it ourselves.
Know it.
Memorize it.
Meditate on it.
It will radically impact your daily life.
P.S. Take out a sheet of paper and answer the question "what is the Gospel?"
If someone were to hand you a legal pad and ask you to write down the answer to the question "what is the Gospel?" what would you write? The Gospel isn't just something that we should share with others who don't have a relationship with Christ. It's for saved people as much as it is for lost people.
We MUST know the Gospel. Not just so we can share it with others, but so we can meditate on it ourselves.
Know it.
Memorize it.
Meditate on it.
It will radically impact your daily life.
P.S. Take out a sheet of paper and answer the question "what is the Gospel?"
Thursday, February 21, 2008
All I can say is "WOW!"
Aaron Gaglia preached last night. And when I say "preached" I mean he really PREACHED last night. I'm still kind of dizzy. I should have said this last night so everyone would know, that was his first time to preach. It won't be the last. If you know who Jonathan Edwards is, imagine hearing him preach as a young man, there you have a bit of an idea of what we all got last night.
Every word was dripping with passion. If nothing else, if you didn't listen to the actual words, if you disagreed with anything he said (I didn't, by the way), you would defintitely know that Aaron is passionate about his relationship with Christ. He's definitely passionate about Scripture.
He preached the Bible last night.
It was amazing.
Good job Aaron (or should I say "BeaAron")
See ya next time....
Every word was dripping with passion. If nothing else, if you didn't listen to the actual words, if you disagreed with anything he said (I didn't, by the way), you would defintitely know that Aaron is passionate about his relationship with Christ. He's definitely passionate about Scripture.
He preached the Bible last night.
It was amazing.
Good job Aaron (or should I say "BeaAron")
See ya next time....
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Fourth Friday and other such musings...
So…
Rock Band.
Probably one of the more expensive video games out there. Now it does come with a lot of “stuff” but still, expensive.
And definitely worth every penny (especially since someone else bought it).
So the party on Friday night was great! We had our “old school game night” where the table of three adults and one student just barely edged out Scott Rice’s group to bring home the win. The “Cheating Table” as I like to call them, came in third place. I do have to admit, however, that after a careful investigation of all the evidence, that it appears they did NOT cheat on the iTunes game. How they were given the sheet with all the answers instead of the one with the blanks I’ll never figure out, but all the evidence says that they did not cheat (well, not during that game anyway)
But on to other things…
The Bearer of Good News…
Have you ever had someone say to you “do you want the good news or the bad news first?” It’s always quite a dilemma, isn’t it? I mean should I hear the bad news first and get it over with, then move on to the good news and finish strong?
Or should I do the good news first, then in the midst of my happiness I can hear the bad news and not be so upset because, hey! there’s good news too, and I just heard it.
Me, I always prefer the bad news first. I mean, just get it out and get it over with, then lets move on to the good stuff. That’s where I want to be anyway.
And if I have the opportunity to just be the bearer of the good news, with no bad, so much the better.
That’s the joy of the Christian life. Not only has He saved me, but I have the joy of being able to tell others about it. I don’t have to talk anyone in to anything. God has done ALL the work. First of all, that’s good news for me. If I didn’t do anything to earn it in the first place, I can’t do anything to mess it up. God saved me. Rob didn’t save Rob. Rob didn’t have anything to do with his salvation. God saved Rob. All God. No Rob. That alone is reason for me to celebrate.
But the really cool part is that God wants me to be the bearer of His Good News.
When I think about the Lord
How He saved me
How He raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How He healed me to the uttermost
When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
And set my feet on solid ground
It makes me want to shout
Hallelujah, thank You Jesus
Lord You’re worthy of all the glory
All the honor, and all the praise
By James Huey Copyright 1998 CFN Music
Rock Band.
Probably one of the more expensive video games out there. Now it does come with a lot of “stuff” but still, expensive.
And definitely worth every penny (especially since someone else bought it).
So the party on Friday night was great! We had our “old school game night” where the table of three adults and one student just barely edged out Scott Rice’s group to bring home the win. The “Cheating Table” as I like to call them, came in third place. I do have to admit, however, that after a careful investigation of all the evidence, that it appears they did NOT cheat on the iTunes game. How they were given the sheet with all the answers instead of the one with the blanks I’ll never figure out, but all the evidence says that they did not cheat (well, not during that game anyway)
But on to other things…
The Bearer of Good News…
Have you ever had someone say to you “do you want the good news or the bad news first?” It’s always quite a dilemma, isn’t it? I mean should I hear the bad news first and get it over with, then move on to the good news and finish strong?
Or should I do the good news first, then in the midst of my happiness I can hear the bad news and not be so upset because, hey! there’s good news too, and I just heard it.
Me, I always prefer the bad news first. I mean, just get it out and get it over with, then lets move on to the good stuff. That’s where I want to be anyway.
And if I have the opportunity to just be the bearer of the good news, with no bad, so much the better.
That’s the joy of the Christian life. Not only has He saved me, but I have the joy of being able to tell others about it. I don’t have to talk anyone in to anything. God has done ALL the work. First of all, that’s good news for me. If I didn’t do anything to earn it in the first place, I can’t do anything to mess it up. God saved me. Rob didn’t save Rob. Rob didn’t have anything to do with his salvation. God saved Rob. All God. No Rob. That alone is reason for me to celebrate.
But the really cool part is that God wants me to be the bearer of His Good News.
When I think about the Lord
How He saved me
How He raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How He healed me to the uttermost
When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
And set my feet on solid ground
It makes me want to shout
Hallelujah, thank You Jesus
Lord You’re worthy of all the glory
All the honor, and all the praise
By James Huey Copyright 1998 CFN Music
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
So... where is all this going?
We’re going through these “Biblical Doctrines” right now. Where is all this taking us? I mean, are we just learning all this just because? Well, in some sense: yes. We study the Bible because it’s God’s Word spoken to us. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to us. In the Bible we find not only who God is, but who Jesus is, and what He’s done for us. In discovering who He is and who we are in light of that, things begin to make sense. We begin to understand what the problem is in the first place.
We don’t need psychology books to understand ourselves and others. What we need is to study and understand what the Bible teaches us. When we truly come to understand who we are and who God is according to the Bible, everything begins to make sense.
So as we continue studying some of the Basic doctrines (teachings) of the Bible, it opens our eyes to who we are, who He is, and what He does for us.
When I begin to understand all that God has done for me and what that really means, it fills me with a passion to live for Him. I downloaded a new album last week from a guy named Caleb Carruth. I found the song below on it. It really is a great song written from the perspective of someone who has been changed from the inside out and the response from their heart to God for all He has done.
I Will Call You Blessed
I can’t believe You’re mine, and I can’t believe I’m Yours.
Because only a Master’s hand could have devised and designed our course
Lost in Your beauty, and lost in the freedom
I can’t owe this to myself
What have I ever done that’s this good, this sweet, this right?
With one glance of Your eye, You’ve stolen my heart
All beautiful You are my darling
There is no flaw in You
Now I lack nothing, now there is peace
You have such patience with me; freely You give Your love
You’re so good, so sweet, so right
You are clothed in strength, and You are dressed in dignity
And with You He is saving me
You are all I wanted
You are all I need now
And I will call You Blessed
Gone are the good old days.
I have no need for useless things
I’ve found something better to last me forever
For You speak with wisdom
And faithful instruction
Many noble things, but You have surpassed them all
You’re so good, so sweet, so right
You are clothed in strength, and You are dressed in dignity
And with You He is saving me
You are all I wanted
You are all I need now
And I will call You Blessed
Copyright 2002 Caleb Carruth
We don’t need psychology books to understand ourselves and others. What we need is to study and understand what the Bible teaches us. When we truly come to understand who we are and who God is according to the Bible, everything begins to make sense.
So as we continue studying some of the Basic doctrines (teachings) of the Bible, it opens our eyes to who we are, who He is, and what He does for us.
When I begin to understand all that God has done for me and what that really means, it fills me with a passion to live for Him. I downloaded a new album last week from a guy named Caleb Carruth. I found the song below on it. It really is a great song written from the perspective of someone who has been changed from the inside out and the response from their heart to God for all He has done.
I Will Call You Blessed
I can’t believe You’re mine, and I can’t believe I’m Yours.
Because only a Master’s hand could have devised and designed our course
Lost in Your beauty, and lost in the freedom
I can’t owe this to myself
What have I ever done that’s this good, this sweet, this right?
With one glance of Your eye, You’ve stolen my heart
All beautiful You are my darling
There is no flaw in You
Now I lack nothing, now there is peace
You have such patience with me; freely You give Your love
You’re so good, so sweet, so right
You are clothed in strength, and You are dressed in dignity
And with You He is saving me
You are all I wanted
You are all I need now
And I will call You Blessed
Gone are the good old days.
I have no need for useless things
I’ve found something better to last me forever
For You speak with wisdom
And faithful instruction
Many noble things, but You have surpassed them all
You’re so good, so sweet, so right
You are clothed in strength, and You are dressed in dignity
And with You He is saving me
You are all I wanted
You are all I need now
And I will call You Blessed
Copyright 2002 Caleb Carruth
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tell your friends...
Remember Apu, the guy who ran the restaurant across from Jerry's apartment in an episode of Seinfeld? When Jerry left the restaurant, the owner said to him 'tell your friends!' He wanted others to know about his restaurant and satisfied customers telling their friends is the best advertisement.
It's kind of the same way with us. We all know the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. It gives us our mandate for sharing the Gospel. As we learn about our total inability to come to God on our own and that God has chosen us, not because of anything we have done or will do, we need to remember that we are commanded to tell our friends about the Gospel.
Remember the movie “The Sixth Sense” when the little boy said “I see dead people… all the time…” This so vividly applies to our lives. If we begin to see those around us as spiritually dead, why don’t we share the Gospel with them? I know that God rescued me from “the pit of destruction” (Ps. 40). How is that not something to share with others that are still in the pit? The fact that I understand that people are spiritually dead should make me passionate about telling them the Good News.
What is the Good News? HE SAVED ME! (Titus 3:4). When we come to the understanding that God chooses us, this should give us a new passion to share the Gospel. This should be a tremendous motivation. Understanding that God personally chose me causes me to respond in thankfulness and joy and excitement. It drives me to want to share that with others. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says “we implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” This moves me to echo in my life “woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16) I can’t not preach the Gospel. I can’t not tell others about it.
The more I understand about my own radical need for God and how He shows His personal, intimate love specifically to me, the more I want to tell others about who He is and what He has done in my life. In Mark 1:15, Jesus says, “Repent and believe in the gospel.” I must not only do this myself, but I must tell other spiritually dead people the same thing. I must implore them on behalf of Christ to repent and believe in the gospel.
I implore you. "Tell your friends..."
It's kind of the same way with us. We all know the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. It gives us our mandate for sharing the Gospel. As we learn about our total inability to come to God on our own and that God has chosen us, not because of anything we have done or will do, we need to remember that we are commanded to tell our friends about the Gospel.
Remember the movie “The Sixth Sense” when the little boy said “I see dead people… all the time…” This so vividly applies to our lives. If we begin to see those around us as spiritually dead, why don’t we share the Gospel with them? I know that God rescued me from “the pit of destruction” (Ps. 40). How is that not something to share with others that are still in the pit? The fact that I understand that people are spiritually dead should make me passionate about telling them the Good News.
What is the Good News? HE SAVED ME! (Titus 3:4). When we come to the understanding that God chooses us, this should give us a new passion to share the Gospel. This should be a tremendous motivation. Understanding that God personally chose me causes me to respond in thankfulness and joy and excitement. It drives me to want to share that with others. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says “we implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” This moves me to echo in my life “woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16) I can’t not preach the Gospel. I can’t not tell others about it.
The more I understand about my own radical need for God and how He shows His personal, intimate love specifically to me, the more I want to tell others about who He is and what He has done in my life. In Mark 1:15, Jesus says, “Repent and believe in the gospel.” I must not only do this myself, but I must tell other spiritually dead people the same thing. I must implore them on behalf of Christ to repent and believe in the gospel.
I implore you. "Tell your friends..."
Thursday, January 17, 2008
So how does this impact my life?
So. God chose me just because He wanted to. If He decided show His love specifically to me, then it should consume all that I am. It should so penetrate my being that everything I am, everything I do, and everything I say reflects that. I get wrapped up in doing everything to thank, honor, and glorify Him. This whole concept brings me to a proper understanding of what worship is: Living my life in response to who He is and what He has done for me.
I love Him because He loved me. (1 John 4:10) I didn’t start loving and worshiping Him because I had it within myself. He gave me so much when He saved me. I really can’t ever thank Him enough, but I can do my best to live the life He has called me to live (Eph 2:8-10).
My response to all this is that I am overwhelmed with not just who He is but what He has done for me. The whole idea of Predestination makes it so intimate and personal. He chose me! He came to die .for me. (Titus 3:4). He chose me before the foundation of the world. Now that’s amazing!
I love Him because He loved me. (1 John 4:10) I didn’t start loving and worshiping Him because I had it within myself. He gave me so much when He saved me. I really can’t ever thank Him enough, but I can do my best to live the life He has called me to live (Eph 2:8-10).
My response to all this is that I am overwhelmed with not just who He is but what He has done for me. The whole idea of Predestination makes it so intimate and personal. He chose me! He came to die .for me. (Titus 3:4). He chose me before the foundation of the world. Now that’s amazing!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Dreaded "P" Word...
So we're on this path of "Biblical Teachings..." for the next few weeks. Last week we learned how the Bible teaches that we are totally spiritually dead. A dead person doesn't have the ability to respond to God. We are unable, of ourselves, to do any spiritual good or come to God. We have to be regenerated by God.
So this week, we're learning what the Bible teaches about Predestination, the dreaded "P" word. The word and concept are all over the place in the Bible. Since it's a Biblical concept, and not something that some man or council of really smart people came up with, we need to understand it. We need to seek to understand what the Bible teaches about it.
Our starting point tomorrow will be Romans 9. We'll of course jump around alot as well, but that's the starting point. Way back in 1613, a group of really smart guys called the "Synod of Dordt" wrote that God chose certain individuals for salvation before the beginning of the world. He chose them based solely on His own gracious will and desire. He did not make this choice based on anything they might do. Those He chose, He will bring to an understanding and belief in the Gospel." These guys had it right.
There are alot of people who have a misunderstanding of what Predestination is. They think that Predestination somehow doesn't work with God's love. We'll be looking into all this and seeing what the Bible truly teaches this week.
Remember that all five of these weeks (starting last Wednesday 1/9) all fit together. Last week's "you're spiritually dead and have no ability to respond" is brought around with this week's "God chose you for life" message.
Come and bring your Bible. A student asked me one time, "Can you tell me some verses about predestination?" I simply replied "all of them." Now obviously, that was a bit of an exaggeration, but what I was trying to tell him was this: It's all over the Bible. Not just in a few places in the New Testament. We'll see what the Bible really teaches about it tomorrow.
See you there!
P.S. If you missed last week, you can download it and listen to it. Go to www.ibchighland.org/six33 and go to "downloads." You'll find it there titled "Biblical Teaching #1 Total Inability."
So this week, we're learning what the Bible teaches about Predestination, the dreaded "P" word. The word and concept are all over the place in the Bible. Since it's a Biblical concept, and not something that some man or council of really smart people came up with, we need to understand it. We need to seek to understand what the Bible teaches about it.
Our starting point tomorrow will be Romans 9. We'll of course jump around alot as well, but that's the starting point. Way back in 1613, a group of really smart guys called the "Synod of Dordt" wrote that God chose certain individuals for salvation before the beginning of the world. He chose them based solely on His own gracious will and desire. He did not make this choice based on anything they might do. Those He chose, He will bring to an understanding and belief in the Gospel." These guys had it right.
There are alot of people who have a misunderstanding of what Predestination is. They think that Predestination somehow doesn't work with God's love. We'll be looking into all this and seeing what the Bible truly teaches this week.
Remember that all five of these weeks (starting last Wednesday 1/9) all fit together. Last week's "you're spiritually dead and have no ability to respond" is brought around with this week's "God chose you for life" message.
Come and bring your Bible. A student asked me one time, "Can you tell me some verses about predestination?" I simply replied "all of them." Now obviously, that was a bit of an exaggeration, but what I was trying to tell him was this: It's all over the Bible. Not just in a few places in the New Testament. We'll see what the Bible really teaches about it tomorrow.
See you there!
P.S. If you missed last week, you can download it and listen to it. Go to www.ibchighland.org/six33 and go to "downloads." You'll find it there titled "Biblical Teaching #1 Total Inability."
Monday, January 14, 2008
Second Saturday - Fourth Friday
Santa Monica…
So everyone who didn’t go to Santa Monica totally missed out. It was a great time. I always love a trip to the beach. And if you ever go there, make sure and cross the archway pedestrian bridge.
So we ate lunch at Bubba Gump’s. Amazing! Their food was certainly good. Although I must say that you should never let Ben Carlisle be in charge of the sign that calls a waiter over to the table. Our waiter wouldn’t let him be in charge of it about 10 minutes after we sat down.
The rest of the day was nice and relaxing. We just walked around and up and down the promenade. Didn’t make it down to Venice where the legit crazies are. But as you walk up and down the Third Street Promenade, you almost get the feel that you’re somewhere in Europe. There are certainly a lot of people speaking in a random assortment of foreign languages. It was kinda cool…
As for pulling out of the parking lot, I hate driving over those spikey “do not enter” driveway things. Even though I know they’re not going to pop my tires, I still hate it…
Our Fourth Friday thing is next Friday and it’s going to be a crazy game night in the HS Bldg. We’ll have food-a-plenty (of course) along with Guitar Hero 3 and a Wii on the big screens. And for those of you who remember the old “en fuego game night” – we’ll be having a little table vs. table competition as well. Don’t miss it!
For Second Saturday in February we’re playing lazer tag in Orange County again. That’s ALWAYS a great time. I love lazer tag… See you there!
So everyone who didn’t go to Santa Monica totally missed out. It was a great time. I always love a trip to the beach. And if you ever go there, make sure and cross the archway pedestrian bridge.
So we ate lunch at Bubba Gump’s. Amazing! Their food was certainly good. Although I must say that you should never let Ben Carlisle be in charge of the sign that calls a waiter over to the table. Our waiter wouldn’t let him be in charge of it about 10 minutes after we sat down.
The rest of the day was nice and relaxing. We just walked around and up and down the promenade. Didn’t make it down to Venice where the legit crazies are. But as you walk up and down the Third Street Promenade, you almost get the feel that you’re somewhere in Europe. There are certainly a lot of people speaking in a random assortment of foreign languages. It was kinda cool…
As for pulling out of the parking lot, I hate driving over those spikey “do not enter” driveway things. Even though I know they’re not going to pop my tires, I still hate it…
Our Fourth Friday thing is next Friday and it’s going to be a crazy game night in the HS Bldg. We’ll have food-a-plenty (of course) along with Guitar Hero 3 and a Wii on the big screens. And for those of you who remember the old “en fuego game night” – we’ll be having a little table vs. table competition as well. Don’t miss it!
For Second Saturday in February we’re playing lazer tag in Orange County again. That’s ALWAYS a great time. I love lazer tag… See you there!
Monday, January 7, 2008
It's all fun and games until....
Until someone loses an eye. Yeah. Like that happens all the time. I mean honestly, when was the last time you were playing around with some friends and someone lost an eye? I used to say “you’re not having any fun UNTIL someone loses an eye…”
"That was Crazy!"
"Man that was tight!"
"I laughed so hard I almost threw up!"
When was the last time you just had FUN? There are many things that we choose to do for just plain fun. Personally, I like movies, working out, the beach, and hanging out with my friends when I just want to kick back and have fun.
But there's a deeper side to "fun." We can do all the "fun" activities of life and still not have what we're really looking for. Even as Christians we sometimes miss out on the joy that we could experienceThe book of First John opens with "we write these things to you so that our joy may be complete." Now that sounds pretty good to me. What does "complete joy" really look like? If you could have "complete joy" the next time you hang out with your friends, would you want to? What about the next time you go to a concert or to the beach? I know I would.
As I look at the rest of First John, I see a couple things that we can do to truly have "complete joy" in our daily lives.
Obviously it starts with being saved. If you're not saved, you will never experience true joy.
But if you are a Follower of Jesus, guess what? You have everything you need to live an amazing, fun, joy-filled life! Really.
If you read through the rest of First John (5 quick chapters) you'll see a word repeated 20 times. If you look up the word, it means "(1) to accept or act in accordance with. (2) continue without fading or being lost."
The Amplified Bible describes "abiding" this way: living and remaining in communion with and in obedience to Christ. So in order to abide in Christ, we must simply act in accordance with Him.
Look at His example.
Walk as He walked (this doesn't mean wearing sandals, even though I'd wear nothibg but sandals given the choice). We do stuff every day. In all of the stuff you're doing ask yourself "am I walking as Jesus walked?" If Jesus went to my High School, would He be doing this?
The second definition is the cool one. The "continues without fading" part. This is the flip side of abiding. When we abide in Him, He abides in us. That's when our joy is made complete. When He is abiding in us. There are a couple other "themes" in First John, but I'll talk more about them in the coming days.
For today, ask yourself "how can I abide in Christ today?" I pray that you abide in Him and in his Word and that you have an amazing day full of "complete joy."
"That was Crazy!"
"Man that was tight!"
"I laughed so hard I almost threw up!"
When was the last time you just had FUN? There are many things that we choose to do for just plain fun. Personally, I like movies, working out, the beach, and hanging out with my friends when I just want to kick back and have fun.
But there's a deeper side to "fun." We can do all the "fun" activities of life and still not have what we're really looking for. Even as Christians we sometimes miss out on the joy that we could experienceThe book of First John opens with "we write these things to you so that our joy may be complete." Now that sounds pretty good to me. What does "complete joy" really look like? If you could have "complete joy" the next time you hang out with your friends, would you want to? What about the next time you go to a concert or to the beach? I know I would.
As I look at the rest of First John, I see a couple things that we can do to truly have "complete joy" in our daily lives.
Obviously it starts with being saved. If you're not saved, you will never experience true joy.
But if you are a Follower of Jesus, guess what? You have everything you need to live an amazing, fun, joy-filled life! Really.
If you read through the rest of First John (5 quick chapters) you'll see a word repeated 20 times. If you look up the word, it means "(1) to accept or act in accordance with. (2) continue without fading or being lost."
The Amplified Bible describes "abiding" this way: living and remaining in communion with and in obedience to Christ. So in order to abide in Christ, we must simply act in accordance with Him.
Look at His example.
Walk as He walked (this doesn't mean wearing sandals, even though I'd wear nothibg but sandals given the choice). We do stuff every day. In all of the stuff you're doing ask yourself "am I walking as Jesus walked?" If Jesus went to my High School, would He be doing this?
The second definition is the cool one. The "continues without fading" part. This is the flip side of abiding. When we abide in Him, He abides in us. That's when our joy is made complete. When He is abiding in us. There are a couple other "themes" in First John, but I'll talk more about them in the coming days.
For today, ask yourself "how can I abide in Christ today?" I pray that you abide in Him and in his Word and that you have an amazing day full of "complete joy."
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Let's Get 2008 Of to a Good Start…
Okay – so last year was last year.
Let’s get things off and started on the right foot this year.
I want this year to be a year where I’m saturated in God’s Word.
Only when we’re consistently saturating ourselves in Scripture can we be truly living the life that God calls us to live. If we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, we must first of all read the book that tells us who He is.
Here’s the plan:
Let’s start with the book of 1 John (it starts on page 1827 in my Bible). It’s only 5 chapters long. Read through as much as you can of 1 John each day for the month of January. Those that went to Mexico this past year were all encouraged to read through James each day in December. For those of us who did it, we can truly say that we really know James. I found myself seeing it apply to my life pretty much every day. In conversation after conversation, it came up. I really enjoyed reading through the same passage of Scripture daily for a month. I can say now that I really know James. One student told me that it seemed to get shorter each day he read it.
So for January, let’s all read the book of 1 John each day. I think it will be amazing to see what God does in and through us when we’re all really focusing on His Word and going through the same passage of Scripture together daily. If you can’t manage to read all five chapters each day (which should only take about 15-20 minutes), read as much as you can and finish the next day.
I have always believed that one of the single most important factors in being a Christian and actually growing in our faith is spending time daily in God’s Word and prayer. If you’re not reading God’s Word consistently, you’re not growing. Remember the word “Christian” and “Disciple” are basically the same thing. It’s someone who is a Follower of the Way of Jesus.
In Philippians 4 we read: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Let’s look forward and “press on” as we “seek God first in everything_24.7.365” this year.
---> A few semi-random things:
FIRST
If you don’t have a good Study Bible, you need to get one. There are two that I use and recommend. Either one of them would be great.
1. The MacArthur Study Bible in NASB.
2. The Reformation Study Bible in ESV
Both are great and I use both of them on a regular basis. On Wednesdays, I'll be primarily using the ESV as I preach. Our Pastor preaches from the NASB on Sundays.
SECOND
Check this blog from time to time. I’ll be updating it once or twice a week with my thoughts and stuff that’s going on in the HSM at Immanuel. As we go through this journey together I’ll be writing about where we’re going. And please make comments and leave feedback. This blog is called “SIX33 Thoughts” for a reason. I want to see us really grow ourselves first, and then see God adding to our number.
THIRD
There’s a great online daily devotional that I recommend. Go to
http://www.gty.org/Resources/DailyDevotion and check it out. (I'm sorry you can't click the link. I'm still figuring out how to do that...)
Have a great year and I’ll see you at SIX33 on January 9 at 6:33! It’s going to be a great year and we’ve got some really good stuff coming. It won’t be “business as usual.”
P.S. Don't forget about the HSM website: http://www.ibchighland.org/six33 It's got current info about alot of stuff. We're always updating it. If you want to know about Camp this year....
Let’s get things off and started on the right foot this year.
I want this year to be a year where I’m saturated in God’s Word.
Only when we’re consistently saturating ourselves in Scripture can we be truly living the life that God calls us to live. If we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, we must first of all read the book that tells us who He is.
Here’s the plan:
Let’s start with the book of 1 John (it starts on page 1827 in my Bible). It’s only 5 chapters long. Read through as much as you can of 1 John each day for the month of January. Those that went to Mexico this past year were all encouraged to read through James each day in December. For those of us who did it, we can truly say that we really know James. I found myself seeing it apply to my life pretty much every day. In conversation after conversation, it came up. I really enjoyed reading through the same passage of Scripture daily for a month. I can say now that I really know James. One student told me that it seemed to get shorter each day he read it.
So for January, let’s all read the book of 1 John each day. I think it will be amazing to see what God does in and through us when we’re all really focusing on His Word and going through the same passage of Scripture together daily. If you can’t manage to read all five chapters each day (which should only take about 15-20 minutes), read as much as you can and finish the next day.
I have always believed that one of the single most important factors in being a Christian and actually growing in our faith is spending time daily in God’s Word and prayer. If you’re not reading God’s Word consistently, you’re not growing. Remember the word “Christian” and “Disciple” are basically the same thing. It’s someone who is a Follower of the Way of Jesus.
In Philippians 4 we read: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Let’s look forward and “press on” as we “seek God first in everything_24.7.365” this year.
---> A few semi-random things:
FIRST
If you don’t have a good Study Bible, you need to get one. There are two that I use and recommend. Either one of them would be great.
1. The MacArthur Study Bible in NASB.
2. The Reformation Study Bible in ESV
Both are great and I use both of them on a regular basis. On Wednesdays, I'll be primarily using the ESV as I preach. Our Pastor preaches from the NASB on Sundays.
SECOND
Check this blog from time to time. I’ll be updating it once or twice a week with my thoughts and stuff that’s going on in the HSM at Immanuel. As we go through this journey together I’ll be writing about where we’re going. And please make comments and leave feedback. This blog is called “SIX33 Thoughts” for a reason. I want to see us really grow ourselves first, and then see God adding to our number.
THIRD
There’s a great online daily devotional that I recommend. Go to
http://www.gty.org/Resources/DailyDevotion and check it out. (I'm sorry you can't click the link. I'm still figuring out how to do that...)
Have a great year and I’ll see you at SIX33 on January 9 at 6:33! It’s going to be a great year and we’ve got some really good stuff coming. It won’t be “business as usual.”
P.S. Don't forget about the HSM website: http://www.ibchighland.org/six33 It's got current info about alot of stuff. We're always updating it. If you want to know about Camp this year....
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