LifeVision

I will never forget February 13, 1998. It was the day that my life changed in a significant and meaningful way. It was this day that our first son TJ was born. Prior to that, I lived my life not so much for the moment, but never thinking too far in advance either. When TJ came, over time I learned that my old way of living wasn’t working and I was sinking fast. It seemed like overnight I was disappointing everyone and I didn’t know why. I couldn’t manage the expectation of those who mattered most. I’ve spoken to other parents about similar experiences and they’ve all agreed that their earliest days of parenting were some of the toughest. But whether you’re a parent, single or student you’ve no doubt come into a season of your life where you suddenly noticed that your current way of doing things is no longer cutting it. And you are starting to get a real urgent sense that if something doesn’t happen fast, well…you know you die! I think this is what God must’ve had in mind when He wrote Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
Without vision or a “plan” continuing on in the same manner when our situation has changed always leads to loss. Most of us know this on an intellectual level but so few of us take the time to sit down and submit our cares to God and ask Him for a plan. We allow ourselves to get too bogged down and are content continuing in the same way living in denial. Creating a plan requires us being willing to be honest with God and admit our need for Him. When we do this He is willing to always willing assist us. What in your life isn’t working? What in your life is unfruitful? Could it be that those are areas crying for vision? Now, I’ve learned that creating a plan on your own is not a simple task. And the hardest part is trying to figure out where to start? How do you create a plan when everything is coming at you so fast? The second part of that text “..but he that keepth the law, happy is he” gives the answer. What’s the law you ask? Jesus teaches us the greatest law is to love God and then love one another. Any God ordained vision will always begin and end with love. Right now for me, I am asking God for a plan for reaching the lost and equipping the found; two groups of people I love. What’s in your wallet? What is it that you are in need of God’s help in right now? Your family, your career, your finances? Whatever it is why not open up your heart today and ask Him to give you a vision for your life and watch Him open up a window and pour out a blessing that you won’t have room enough to receive. Pray this prayer “Lord, help me create a vision for my situation that starts and ends with love. I’ll do my part and trust and receive it. Thank you for hearing me and loving me. Amen”

The Ministry of Listening

The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear. So it is His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him. Christians, especially ministers, so often think they must always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking where they should be listening. But he who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God too. This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life, and in the end there is nothing left but spiritual chatter and clerical condescension arrayed in pious words. One who cannot listen long and patiently will presently be talking beside the point and be never really speaking to others, albeit he be not conscious of it. Anyone who thinks that his time is too valuable to spend keeping quiet will eventually have no time for God and his brother, but only for himself and for his own follies.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Unsinkable...

Matthew 14:22 Peter's come to Jesus
(During our meeting we actually read all of Matthew 14 for context)

• Jesus followers learn that following the Master takes us out of our usual circles.
• We soon learn the reality that being a follower is not without it's storms and contrary winds.
• Unfamiliar territory comes with unfamiliar sights that frighten us, yet we know that the Lord reassurance calls to us through His Spirit, His Word (bible) , His Body(Church), His Blood (His Passion and Sacrifice)
• We grow by getting out of the boat (saftey) and walking towards Him.
• We know that our salvation is secure (Lord, save me)

Life Application:

• Fear and faith contend for the same space.
• Strive to honor God by moving past saftey (Love, Generosity, Service to others.

Life Question:

• What areas has fear established a foothold in my life (love, life, adventure)?
• What is the Lord asking me to trust Him in at this very moment?

It All Started With A Question...

One day we dared to ask God the question "What would a true New Testament Church look like? And as we approached God's Word through scripture. What emerged was a God inspired vision of a church that was quite different than anything we have ever experienced before. You have been led to this site because you are intrigued by same question and that same vision. Consider yourself invited to the most important life journey a person can experience, where you are invited to ask questions, pursue answers, and experience life change through authentic communties who follow Jesus Christ.

Meeting Space

The Lord led Tiffany and I to a great meeting space.