1,300 boxes and counting

Go '07 has exceeded our wildest expectations. Yay NewPointe! Yay God! Boxes of food are still coming in. Our best guess has us over 1,300 boxes as of right now. How cool is that?

The goal was 1,000...and many thought it couldn't be done. I love what Dwight said as he wrapped up the services yesterday: when God asks us to do what we can do, he'll do what we cannot do...that's when the miracle happens. Well, we did what we could...and God did the rest: 1,300 boxes of food.

My kids were extremely excited about reaching the goal. What I keep reminding them of is this: yeah, it's cool that we met the goal of 1,000 boxes, but the best part, the reason we did it, is that a whole bunch of people are going to be able to eat now.

I'm especially proud of all the NewPointe kids who worked so hard to gather food. I know of many kids who scoured their neighborhoods, hung out outside of grocery stores, and raided their parents' cupboards in order to fill boxes. We were all truly led by children in this effort.

If God is for us, who can be against us? We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

Thank you, NewPointers, for all your hard work and dedication to the Go '07 project.

sunday's scuds (july 29, 2007)

Yesterday we wrapped up the Miracles series. It was an awesome blessing to be a part of it. Thanks to all of you who have called me, emailed me, or stopped me in the hallways to share your miracle stories and offer words of encouragement.

For the final installment in the series, we looked at Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. I'm so glad that our God specialized in making dead things come alive. Here are the scuds:

• "There may be those of you, right now, who are facing some incredibly difficult things and you are saying, 'Things are going the wrong way. I don’t understand it. I don’t know what’s going on,' and God wants you to know, 'This sickness in your life, or whatever it is, will not end in death. I’ve got divine strategy.'"
• " Did you know that you can be dead while you live? Alive on the outside, but very, very dead on the inside."
• "Some of you, just like Thomas, you are dying right now in your doubts. In other words, things aren’t good, and they are probably going to get worse. A lot of you are, right now, dying on the inside with very real spiritual doubts."
• "There’s a question I would like for you to answer yourself, and be very, very, very honest. Ask yourself, “What in your life is dead or is dying?” What in your life is dead or is dying? Be really honest."
• "Think about the irony of Jesus weeping. Here is the Son of God, who was about to do about to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew at any moment He could do it and yet, He wept. Why? Because that’s how much He feels and cares for His people."
• "Never forget this, that God’s delays are not God’s denials."
• "Why did Jesus come? He came so that you could live. He came so that you could live the God kind of life, not this fake, pathetic pursuit of materialism and selfish gratification and self preoccupation that we bought into in our mindset."
• "Do you realize that if you are a Christ Follower, the very same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, that resurrection power is inside of you?"
• "Because He came so that you could live, stop dressing like a dead man. Stop dressing like you belong in the tomb. Stop speaking like a dead man. Stop thinking like a dead man. Stop acting like a dead man. Stop hanging around dead people. Jesus came so that you could live. "
• "Take off anything that resembles death. Take it off. Take it off. Strip them off. Get rid of it. Get rid of those dead things. Scripture says that you were dead in your transgressions and sin, but now you are alive in Christ."
• "Four-days-dead is not dead at all in God's world. He can speak to dead things and in a moment...they can live."

sunday sneak preview

This Sunday, we wrap up the Miracles series. This series has been one of my favorites...ever. Yes, I've been the primary communicator during this series. So does that factor in to it being one of my favorites ever? Probably. But it's not for that reason that I'm so stoked about it. The main reason is the feedback I've been getting from so many people...emails, voice mails, phone calls, people stopping me in the hallway, all telling me their stories of miracles in their lives.

The main thing I'm so excited about is the fact that God is still a God of miracles. I have a friend who desperately needs a job. I believed God's going to provide. I have another friend who's marriage is in serious trouble. I believe God will make that marriage better than new. I have another friend who needed a miracle in her finances. God's already provided that miracle for her family. Man, I'm so glad God is not some far-off, out-there, aloof God who's not involved in the lives of his kids. He cares. He's near. He's more than able to do a miracle in your life if you'll let him.

The other component to the Miracles series that has ignited my faith has been the GO '07 food drive. Waaaay cool. I was at the church this morning and food just continues to pile up. 1,000 boxes of food seemed like an impossible task. But we're learning that with God, all things are possible! We'll count up the boxes and do our best to give an update at the end of second service Sunday.

Again, you do not want to miss the conclusion to this series. This week's miracle? Raising Lazarus from the dead.

The music? Well, here's a rare sneak peek at some of the songs:

• Dead Man (Jars of Clay)
• How Great is Our God (Chris Tomlin)
• Resurrection (Nicol Sponberg)
• All Because of Jesus (Steve Fee)

And, of course, you'll need to be there to find out what I was doing inside of that grave.

See you Sunday! Oh, and don't forget to bring in those boxes of food!

guess they don't want (as much of) my money

Our local florist doesn't want my money...and now Netflix wants less of it. How often does this happen: Got an email today from Netflix. It was to notify me that beginning next month, they're going to charge me less for my monthly service. How cool is that? That like never happens!

Gotta love it when someone emails you to say, "Quit sending us so much money."

I love Netflix.

i guess they don't want my money

Yesterday I called the local florist to see if I could have flowers delivered to Jenny today (it's her birthday). I called the florist in my town (the only florist in my town) and asked if they could deliver a bouquet to my house the next day. The person on the other end of the phone hesitated and said, "Well...we've got a big funeral we're doing tomorrow and...well...I don't want to say yes to you and then not get it done."

I replied, "Okay, I'll find someone else who can help me." The florist responded, "Okay."

I couldn't believe it. Mainly for this reason: I'm a potential REPEAT customer who lives near her business. I was going to ask them to arrange for something in the $40 range. Now, that's not a make-or-break amount for them (not nearly as much as a funeral) but, it's a local customer who, if satisfied, could be a long-time customer.

As a result, however, the next time I want flowers, this particular florist is not likely to hear from me. And it's not out of spite...it's just that I don't want to mess around and waste my time...and this particular business is obviously not all that interested in having me as a customer.

Maybe it's no big deal to them. Maybe they have more business than they need. I just found it odd that this florist was not even willing to try to make it happen (I hadn't even told them how much I was willing to spend). If it was my business, I'd find a way to get it done. I just would. Am I off on this one?

So, you're wondering...what did you do about the flowers? Well...I went to Buehler's and...sweet!...they had a dozen roses on sale for $12.99. That, and a b-day for my babe (along with some Ben & Jerry's ice cream...on sale 2 for $4) and I got out of there for less than $25.

The folks at Buehler's were very helpful. Now I know where to but my flowers.

Oh, one more thing...Jenny doesn't know about the Ben & Jerry's yet. It's a surprise for tonight. Don't tell.

very cool...

Click on the banner to visit

what am i doing in this grave?

You'll have to come to NewPointe this Sunday to find out.

DO NOT miss this Sunday. We'll be wrapping up the Miracles series. If you want a sneak preview, read John 11.

sunday's scuds (july 22, 2007)

Unbelievable day yesterday. We continued the Miracles series. The highlights for me were (1) LeeAnn Miller's monologue (Nooma-style) to set up the message...and (2) April's closing song Cry Out to Jesus. UN-REAL.

The miracle we learned about was Jesus' casting out of the evil spirit that tormented a boy since childhood. Here are the scuds:

• "Jesus said that a little bit of faith can move mountains. A lot of times, the mountains seem to move my faith instead of the other way around..."
• "Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is sure and certain. Why is it, though, that my faith is often unsure and uncertain?"
• "I have an easier time believing that God will come through for you--in your situation that requires a miracle than believing he'll come through for me in my impossible situation."
• "When you get your hopes up and nothing happens, it hurts you."
• "Jesus said, 'Everything is possible...for him who believes.'"
• "So how much faith is enough? The answer: you just need enough faith to come to Jesus and ask him."
• "It's not my job to conjure up a feeling of certainty; it's not my job to try to increase my faith. It's my job to come to Jesus. It's his job to increase my faith."
• Obstacles to real faith: Sign-demanding faith (God, just give me a sign), Second-hand-faith (riding the coattails of someone else's faith...there's no such thing), and Self-centered-faith (Okay God, here's how it's going to go down, and if it does, then we're cool. If not, then forget you).
• "How do we move past these? (1) Immerse ourselves in God's Word. (2) Act on it."
• "Faith without actions, faith without living it on Monday...is dead. It's a joke."
• "Either we believe God can do (miracles) or we are just playing church."
• "My faith is not based on outcomes. My faith is in the heart, the character, the nature of God."
• "Real faith doesn't hinge on outcomes."
• "Here's what's amazing about Jesus: Jesus prefers honesty to certainty. You don't have to be sure...you've just got to be real."
• "What's your 'if you can' prayer? What request do you have that's so big, so beyond your power...the one that's broken your heart...the on that the truth is, you're not even sure it could ever happen?"
• "You have enough faith...if you have enough faith to just come to Jesus and say: If you can do anything...That's enough. That's amazing. "
• "It doesn't meant that you'll always get what you want when you want it. But I'll tell you this: the only prayer God cannot answer is the one I never ask."

race results

First off, thanks to all who came to watch the race last night. There was a nice contingent from NPCC on hand. If you weren't able to be there, here are the highlights: I drew the #4 spot for the start. Not great, not bad. I finished in 3rd place. I really didn't drive all that impressively. It got ugly on a couple of turns. But man, did I have a blast! Big-time fun. Makes me want to be a race car driver. Really...I could get into that. I'd like another crack at those guys. Now that I've got a race under my belt, I KNOW I could do better next time (I'm sure all the other guys think that too). The best news: I'm still alive (and, I managed not to wreck the car I borrowed). Danny raced too. Poor guy got a bad draw (started 10th but managed to finish in 8th).

a day like no other

I think I can say this pretty confidently... In the history of the world, no one has ever had a day quite like the day I've had today. Here's a quick rundown:

18 holes of golf this morning.

Lunch at Big Jim's.

A corn-hole tournament with my in-laws. You can play an online version by clicking here.

An hour at the cemetery...inside of a freshly dug grave (yes, inside) for some of that time. (You'll have to come to church next Sunday--July 29--to see what that's all about.)

And then...15 practice laps in a stock car at Midvale Speedway.

Anybody ever done a day like that one?

faster pastor

I'm racing at Midvale Speedway Saturday night in a race called Faster Pastor. Area pastors are going at it to see who's fastest. This is the third year Midvale has held the race...but the first time I've actually agreed to participate.

In years past I've not really been interested. Then a few months ago someone told me about how much fun it is to race in that thing...like crazy-fun. So, I told myself that if I'm asked again this year, I'll say yes.

So I'm racing Saturday. The crazy thing is this: I know NOTHING about racing. I don't even watch racing on TV. I expect to get smoked. But I expect to have fun, too. I promise you this, I won't be wimpy about it. If you come to the races, expect me to be aggressive. If I'm in it, I'm going to give it my best shot.

I talked to a friend yesterday who tried to give me some racing tips. He lost me. I'm just clueless. He was using all this race jargon...and I don't speak it. So if you want to offer some racing tips (and can do it in English) please leave a comment. :)

I had to fill out some paperwork to be able to race. One of the questions was: Do you need us to provide you with a fire suit. FIRE SUIT? What? This is serious!

i read this often

About a year ago, Dwight gave me a laminated copy of what you're about to read. It's called a Doctrinal Affirmation. I keep it in my day planner and refer to it often. I need to be reminded of God's promises and who I am in Christ. Here it is.

I recognize that there is only one true and living God (Exodus 20:2-3) who exists as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that He is worthy of all honor, praise and glory as the Creator, Sustainer, and Beginning and End of all things (Revelation 4:11; 5:9-10; Isaiah 43:1, 7, 21).

I recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14). I believe that He came to destroy the works of Satan (1 John 3:8), that He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public display of them, having triumphed over them (Colossians 2:15)

I believe that God has proven His love for me because when I was still a sinner, Christ died for me (Romans 5:8). I believe that He delivered me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to His kingdom, and in Him I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).

I believe that I am now a child of God (1 John 3:1-3) and that I am seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6). I believe that I was saved by the grace of God through faith, that it was a gift and not the result of any works on my part (Ephesians 2:8-9).

I choose to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of is might (Ephesians 6:10). I put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3) for the weapons of warfare are not of the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:4). I put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), and resolve to stand firm in my faith and resist the evil one.

I believe that apart from Christ I can do nothing (John 15:5), so I declare myself dependent on Him. I choose to abide in Christ in order to bear much fruit and glorify the Lord (John 15:8). I announce to Satan that Jesus is my Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3), and I reject any counterfeit gifts or works of Satan in my life.

I believe that the truth will set me free (John 8:32) and that walking in the light is the only path of fellowship (1 John 1:7). Therefore, I stand against Satan's deception by taking every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). I declare that the Bible is the only authoritative standard (2 Timothy 3:15-16). I choose to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

I choose to present my body as an instrument of righteousness, a living and holy sacrifice, and I renew my mind by the living Word of God in order that I may prove that the will of God is good, acceptable and perfect (Romans 6:13; 12:1-2). I put off the old self with its evil practices and put on the new self (Colossians 3:9-10), and I declare myself to be a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I ask my heavenly Father to fill me with His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), lead me into all truth (John 16:13), and empower my life that I may live above sin and not carry out the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). I crucify the flesh (Galatians 5:24) and choose to walk by the Spirit.

I renounce all selfish goals and choose the ultimate goal of love (1 Timothy 1:5). I choose to obey the two greatest commandments, to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul and mind, and to love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22:37-39).

I believe that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18) and that He is the head over all rule and authority (Colossians 2:10). I believe that Satan and his demons are subject to me in Christ since I am a member of Christ's body (Ephesians 1:19-23). Therefore, I obey the command to resist the devil (James 4:7) and command him in the name of Christ to leave my presence.

sunday's scuds (july 15, 2007)

Blake Wood was here Sunday. Very cool. He Helped us continue the Miracles series. I thought Blake did an amazing job. God spoke to me through what he had to say.

We looked at this miracle: Opening blinded eyes (Mark 10:46-52). Here are the scuds:

• "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. The same Jesus who opened blinded eyes still does miracles today...and he can do a miracle in your life."
• "This is not just a story about Barimaeus. It's a story about us."
• "The answer is not religion, not another path. The answer is Jesus."
• "The answer is not simply my idea of who or what Jesus is...The answer is the real, specific, biblical Jesus."
• "The answer is not that I can fix myself. It's not about me. I cannot fix myself. I need help."
• "Real faith is not deterred or distracted by the disapproval of others."
• "There are a lot of people who want to keep us from getting better. They find comfort in the fact that we're as messed up as they are."
• "We need to determine: I'm not going to let other people determine whether or not I get help...whether or not I get healing."
• "Real faith is willing to do whatever it takes to get closer to Jesus...closer to healing and hope."
• "What's the thing in your life that's slowing you down from a relationship with Jesus? Baritmaeus leaves what needs to be left behind him so it doesn't hinder him."
• "Real faith names the root issue. Many times we don't even understand what our fundamental problem is...we just end up treating symptoms."
• "The kind of faith Jesus responds to is the kind of faith that says, 'Okay Jesus, here is my real issue.'"

local churches unite...to oppose something!?!

I read this story in the paper yesterday. Here are some excerpts:

CHARLESTON -- The opposition to table games in Kanawha County took on an ecumenical cast Sunday, as worshippers from across the spectrum of Christian belief gathered to kickoff what they hope will be a successful campaign against casino-style gambling.

Members of churches from the United Methodists to the Southern Baptists -- gathered under the auspices of the West Virginia Council of Churches -- planned a rally to signal a month of intense campaigning against the expansion of gambling at Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming in Nitro.

Churches from a variety of Christian denominations have found common ground in opposition to the addition of casino-style games like poker and blackjack to the Nitro racetrack. They warn about the dangers of addiction to gambling and the negative impacts it can have on individuals and families.

As I read it, I thought, Are you serious? This is what causes Christians to unite? Because they want to oppose something? Once again, to the community at large, there go more Christians rallying against something.

I'm not saying it's wrong to do so. I'm just saying, why this one? Why unite against table games? How 'bout uniting because of the fact that people are dying and spending eternity apart from God? How 'bout the bigger issue? It's called sin. Why don't we, as churches, unite and rally together to deal with the root issue. That is that people are lost and hurting and they need a Savior. They don't need less or no gaming tables. They need Jesus! Let's rally around that!

What if our churches got serious about that one?

Here's the thing: before there will ever be change on the outside (gaming tables), there has to be change on the inside.

The Great Commission doesn't call us to be the morality police for our communities…it tells us to go and make disciples. What we need to do is focus more on Jesus and less on social issues. I think if we do that, the rest will be taken care of (Matt. 6:33).

See, gaming tables are not the problem. Gambling is the problem. Blake spoke this morning about how Bartimaeus was willing to deal with his root problem.

Instead of, as Christians, always being AGAINST something, why not show our communities what we are FOR! We're for helping people. We're for second chances...and third chances, and fourth chances... We're for the hurting, the helpless, the down-and-out, the spiritually poor. We're for our communities. We're for ending poverty. We're for forgiveness. We're for each other. We're for the family. We're for sinners. We're for those who think church is boring and irrelevant. We're for loving the unlovable.

Now, before you misunderstand me...I'm not FOR gambling. I'm for JESUS. Because he is the solution.

Let's rally around that.

just for fun

These are fun. Let me know what you find out about yourself...



I'm rated G. Does that mean I'm boring? Not contraversial enough? Maybe I just don't use enough foul language. Here is where you can find out your blog's rating: What's My Blog Rated?

I Scored a 100%!

Yes, I really did score a 100 on my blogger reading test (contrarie to what you might see posted here might lead you to beleive). You can take your test here: The Blogger Spelling Test

Okay. Now here's a test that's especially for my friends Rhonda and Todd...

The How Addicted Are You to Coffee? test

I am 48% Addicted to Coffee

Five years ago I would have been pretty darn near 100%. Now it's a meek and mild 48%. Todd, Rhonda...I need to see your results, please.

worth checking out...

I could cheat on my husband Anne Jackson

fire a demon customer Tim Sanders (think: is there any application for the church world?)

the Honor System Seth Godin

benevolent creator...

...sounds like something we might call God, huh? Well, in this case, it refers to yours truly. I took this personality test...and that's how it described me: benevolent creator. I've seen this test on three other blogs I read so I figured it was time to link to it from mine.

Below is my personality map. You can mouse over any area to learn more about me.


What do you think? Does it have me pegged?

Here's a link to the test. It's fun and informative.

My personalDNA Report

Let me know how yours turns out.

married life live...tickets on sale soon!

I've spent the better part of the day putting together the pieces of the puzzle that is the next Married Life Live. I think it's going to be great. As most of you know, the first MLL sold out. We increased capacity for the next one by 25%. That should help but I still anticipate it selling out. Here's a bit of a "sneak peek" for my blog readers:

• the next MLL is August 18, 6 p.m.


• only 640 tickets available (if you're slow in the math dept., that's 320 couples)


• The theme: High Voltage


• The Marriage Essential: Hurry Home


• The music: I don't want to give away too much but for starters you can expect to hear some Huey Lewis and the News...and much more...


• Other elements: An incredible dinner, comedy, stump-the-band, and tons more


• Bring your cell phone. It could very well help you win a fabulous prize.

I'm pumped. Can't wait. Tickets go on sale July 22 at the bookstore (and online).

i'll probably regret posting this...

If you were at NewPointe Sunday, you know by now how eventful my wedding was. You also know that Jenny and I spent time looking for the photo of the two groomsmen getting their blood pressure checked...couldn't find it. But look at what we did find:

This is a scan of my college i.d. Now, who in the world makes a face like this when posing for your college i.d. photo?

Yeah...we all know who. What a dork!

I also found this: a photo of my sweetie on graduation day.

Yep...she's hot. Still not sure how she ended up with me.

Well, I hope you all enjoy this little sneak peek into the Bunn family history. Do you think I share too much on my blog?

in case you're wondering what nav team meetings look like...

Someone left this for me in my office today. Thought it was funny.

wisdom from a five-year-old

As I was tucking Andrew into bed last night, he asked me, "Daddy, are you on Jesus' team?"

"Yes. I am definately on Jesus' team, buddy," I replied.

Andrew continues, "Yeah, some people don't like Jesus and so they're just on their own team."

sunday's scuds (july 8, 2007)

Yesterday we continued the Miracles series by looking at Jesus' first miracle: turning water into wine. Here are the scuds:

• "We all have a ton of expectations. And the weight of unmet expectations, whether it's finances, relationships, career--isn't it true that expectations just really weigh heavily on us?"


• "The weight, the stress, the hurt, the pain that's caused from unmet expectations--every single one of deal with it. We can't escape it."


• "That's what's so incredible about this miracle. This miracle is about Jesus showing up at an every-day event.
• "Key thought: We need to recognize that things may get worse before God makes them better."

After you have suffered a little while, God will, himself, restore you, make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

• "What Jesus did at that wedding, he will do for you today but you have to look to him. He is the solution."
• "You may be living in verse 3 of John chapter 2, but Jesus wants to take you to verse 10."
• "God's best is coming. Don't lose sight of that. Don't lose hope. His best is coming. Hang on. He's going to show up."
• "We have to ask. We have to listen, and finally, we have to do what Jesus says to do."

Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions is dead. James 2:17

• "In other words, you can come to church. You can say you believe all day long. But if you are not willing to put your faith into action, then your faith is actually dead. You have no faith."
• "What part of God's solution for your life are you simply not obeying?"

The highlight of the services was definitely the baptisms and the stories of transformed lives that accompanied them. Powerful. I hope you were there to experience it and celebrate it with us.

Next Sunday: Opening Blinded Eyes. See you there.

"i'm proof that hope is never lost"

I have a new favorite ball player. His name is Josh Hamilton. You've got to read his story. Unbelievable. Here are some excerpts:

• I prayed to be spared another day of guilt and depression and addiction. I couldn't continue living the life of a crack addict, and I couldn't stop, either. It was a horrible downward spiral that I had to pull out of, or die. I lay there -- in a hot and dirty trailer in the North Carolina countryside, in a stranger's house, in the cab of my pickup -- and prayed the Lord would take me away from the nightmare my life had become.

• There's a reason my prayers weren't answered during those dark, messed-up nights I spent scared out of my mind. There's a reason I have this blessed and unexpected opportunity to play baseball and tell people my story.
  


• I have a mission now. My mission is to be the ray of hope, the guy who stands out there on that beautiful field and owns up to his mistakes and lets people know it's never completely hopeless, no matter how bad it seems at the time. I have a platform and a message, and now I go to bed at night, sober and happy, praying I can be a good messenger.
  

Even if you're not a baseball fan, you have to do yourself a favor and read the whole story. You can find it right here.

my 10 favorite songs done by the newpointe band

Okay...here's how it works: these are my 10 most enjoyed Sunday morning songs (Married Life Live and First Wednesdays don't count) done by our band since moving in to the new building (Dec. 3). So that's about 7 months' worth of music at NewPointe.

There have been boat loads of great songs. These are my favorites based on my recollection. From 10 to 1 (okay, I couldn't narrow it down to 10...here's my to 11):

11. For the Love of Money (The O'Jays)
10. Come and Listen (David Crowder Band) Note: this song makes the list mainly because of the creativity we attached to it. Nobody anywhere, ever, has done this song the way we did it.
9. It's Gonna Be Alright (The Imperials) It's just a great song. It's old...but still fun.
8. Big Enough (Ayiesha Woods)
7. Sing to the King (Passion Band) We've done this one many times but I never tire of it.
6. Beautiful Day (U2) You can never have enough U2 in church!
5. Glorious One (Steve Fee) This song is just anointed. What more can I say?
4. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (U2) See #6.
3. Made To Love (TobyMac) We did this one on Easter. It rocked the house.
2. Bring The Rain (MercyMe) Last Sunday's closer. Powerful. Amazing. God moment.
1. Fix You (Coldplay)

NewPointers, I know you're gonna wanna weigh in. Which have been your favorite songs so far? Leave a comment with your nominations. (Danny, you can play, too).

impossible?

Dave D did a great job on with these boxes on Sunday. He illustrated how we have a tendency to box God in. He talked about how it's time for us to start believing that God can accomplish what other would say is impossible.

So that's what we want to see happen at NewPointe. In conjunction with the Miracles series. We want to be a miracle to our community. Here's how: we're going to start filling these impossible boxes with food.

There are five food banks in our area. These food banks need help--they need food. We did the calculations and determined that it would take about 800 boxes of food to fill all five food banks to the point where they would say, "Enough! We don't have room for any more food." That's what we want to do. In fact, we want to over-bless them (is that possible?). We want to fill 1,000 boxes with food for the needy.

Impossible? Some might say so. But around here we believe that "If God is for us, who can be against us? We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us."

We're going to announce this food drive effort "officially" at church this Sunday. But you can start bringing in food to fill the boxes when you come this weekend.

Let's work together to be a miracle to our community. How many boxes has God filled for you? How many can you fill for others?

sunday's scuds (july 1, 2007)

We kicked off the Miracles series...and what an incredible way to begin the month (see the post below this one). Our first miracle: Calming the storm. Here are the scuds:

• "I know a lot of Christians who would say, 'You know what? I became a Christian and life got hard." Just because you are a Christ-follower does not mean that you are exempt from the storms of life."
• "God knew before you were born what was going to be happening during this season of your life. You're in the storm by his appointment."
• "You might be some place you wish you weren't. And God may be taking you some place that he really wants you to go."
• "God is a good enough God to bring about good in all things...to those who love him and are called according to his purpose."

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

• "Do you realize that God never calls an emergency meeting? God never panics. In the middle of the storm, think about this: though unseen, he is there."
• "Not only (through the storm) were the disciples able to face their greatest fear (death), they would later willingly surrender to death saying, 'I would never deny the One who gave it all for me.'"
• "The thing that had the biggest stronghold on them--they became free of."
• "God did more than just the miracle of calming the storm. He did a miracle right there in their hearts."
• "In storms, we want God to do a removing job. But he wants to do an improving job."
• "Maybe he wants to improve something in us that he couldn't do any other way."

There are those of you who are going to have God speak to your storm. He's going to heal you...he's going to restore your marriage...he's going to miraculously provide for you financially...he's going to answer your prayer...he's going to say to your storm, "Be still."

Others of you, your storm will continue to rage on and he will say to your heart, "Be still." And it will. And both will be miracles. Maybe the one where you have peace while all hell is breaking loose is the more impressive one.

miracles

Unbelievable services today. We kicked off the MIRACLES series by talking about Jesus calming the storm.

I have heard tons...TONS of incredible feedback. One guy told me, in between services that this was "the best church service I've been in in 10 years." Can you believe that? I talked to two couples in between services who told me that the service impacted them so much that they were staying for the second service so they could experience it again. Man, I hope you didn't miss it. The best part: I know that God showed up in a big-time way and he's changing lives! Many people told after today's services that God used what happened in the big room today to help them-big time.

Here's a recap:

Incredible opening worship set including Let God Arise and Everlasting God.

Dave D. did an amazing job with the boxes. He summed it up like this: "Your impossibilities becoming possibilities is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Maybe it's about time you and I stop putting God in a box and allow him to push our horizons to the beyond." Powerful.


April and the band followed that up with Ayiesha Woods' Big Enough. Check out the lyrics from the chorus:

I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand that you're big enough
But you're big enough Jesus!

Danny and the band followed the message with an unbelievably powerful song by MercyMe: Bring the Rain.

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus,
bring the rain

What a God moment.

It's my distinct honor to serve at NewPointe. God is doing incredible things. For those of you I got to talk with and pray with today...I appreciate the opportunity. I love you. God loves you. And with his help, YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE IT!