jeffiskra.com

Two Great Books on Stress

2009-07-11T15:56:00.004-04:00

Hey guys!

Here are two books I plan on devouring during my upcoming vacation in North Dakota.

The first one is Leading On Empty by Wayne Cordeiro, a great pastor in Hawaii.

Check out this link for more information:
Leading On Empty - Amazon.com

The second book is Adrenaline and Stress by Archibald Hart. He is a practicing clinical psychologist & the dean of psychology at Fuller Seminary in California.

For more information check out this link: Adrenaline And Stress - Amazon.com

S-T-R-E-S-S - can there really be a purpose in the pain?

2009-07-10T13:56:00.005-04:00

From 1 - 10, what is your stress level? 1 is mellowed out & 10 is blowing up...

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

This Saturday we begin a new teaching series titled "Purpose in Pain."
I've often wondered, "If God is aware of everything that happens in the world, then why does it seem like He's not paying attention to my world?"

I am well aware of the typical Christian cliches and the theology found on Christian bumper stickers. These don't say enough... unless I'm looking for a co-pilot.

Everyone I knows is living with too much stress & too much pain - it's a reality for all, even Christians! We're going to look through Scripture to discover God's perspective on stress & pain and then find solutions to our new life that we have in Christ.

Stress & pain are a reality but so is the new life for those who follow Christ!
Join us the next three weeks in July as we discover God's perspective & follow Him!

Remember - He is Mighty to Save! Click this link for a music video of this song.

Grace & Peace,
Jeff

We Need a Bridge to Restore our Relationship with God

2009-07-07T20:56:00.001-04:00

Billy Mays in Heaven

2009-06-30T14:03:00.000-04:00

Saturday Night Dowload - Father's Day

2009-06-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

Wow - it was great to see so many new faces tonight as well as some old friends! It's always exciting to see everyone packed in!

And the kids were awesome saying their Bible memory verse & singing their theme song from Vacation Bible School! Those 30+ kids are not the future church - they are the church, just like you & me! And I am so proud of the many adults who served & sacrificed so our kids would have a great week - you guys Rock!

We hope you celebrate & enjoy your family this Sunday! Seriously, when you cut through all of the life-clutter, does anything else really matter?

If you're a DAD...
Don't wait around for them to call you - surprise them & you call them.
Don't wait for them to say, "I love you" - you tell them!
Be the Shepherd - Be the Warrior - Be the Head Coach
Make sure your whole family knows they are Loved, Safe, & Valued - Unconditionally!

Have a great Sunday!
I love you guys!

Pastor Jeff

The church body in motion

2009-05-31T12:31:00.003-04:00

Last week a couple from Warehouse 727 Church went on vacation - from FL to VA. Once there, the husband became sick & is now in the hospital with a severe blood/cell infection. They immediately started some heavy duty IV antibiotics - it's been 5 days & he will not be going home soon.

I just spoke with another couple from church & they are on their way up to VA to be with the other couple & offer any assistance & support they can. Isn't that the coolest thing ever?!

That is the Church simply doing its thing!!

Looking for the lost

2009-05-30T12:38:00.002-04:00

is attitude - requires a heart that genuinely cares for others
is intentional - requires a focus & purpose in whatever we do
is sacrificial - requires my time & effort
is courageous - we may be turned down but so what?! We are not responsible for their response but for obedience in sharing
is persistent - salvation is a process and may take some years before they embrace Christ; don't give up. Christ did not give up on you!
is the lifestyle of a Christ-Follower - looking for the lost is not an option; neither is ignoring the lost. Jesus' last words to His followers were to "go and make disciples."

May 29 - Back from Ridgecrest, NC

2009-05-29T14:39:00.006-04:00

Last weekend I was at "Rally to Ridgecrest" - a gathering of Christian motorcycle ministries. Jay Wooldridge & I met a lot of great people who love the LORD & love to ride - they are serious about both!
I believe this event will be very influential in the development of the motorcycle ministry @ Warehouse727.com. Pray for this ministry... As one speaker said, "The last thing we need is another riding club!"

Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend:

From Blogger Pictures

This weekend we will look at a passage that exposes the very essence & passion of what lies in God's heart - He is crazy about finding lost things! My hope is that our personal passion will be in sync with God's passion and that we will celebrate the things that God truly celebrates!!

The following Saturday, June 6th, I will explain in a simple & clear way, how to become a Christ-Follower. This will be a fantastic weekend to bring a friend who may not know what it means to be a Christian AND it will be great for Christians to attend because they will have a "tool" to share & explain their faith to someone else.

Please pray for these Saturday nights - that it will result in many coming to faith & many celebrating the things that God celebrates!

Also - we're having a Tailgate Party & Baptism this Sunday, May 31st. I believe baptism is the party & manner we should celebrate that we were far from God (lost), but now have been found and reconnected to Him!
Email me or call the church if you need information about the celebration.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T08:47:00.005-04:00

When I first met Charlene, she was a mere freshman in college; I was a big senior. We dated for two years, and have now been married for 19 years.

The first thing I noticed about Charlene was that she can brighten any room with her smile and enthusiasm. She loves to celebrate with others and she can be just as quick to extend compassion for someone who is hurting. She knows no stranger and expresses the love of Christ to all who know her.

Though many words and phrases can be used to describe her, one of the best is "mom." Ever since I've known her, she has always adored children. Today, she absolutely loves our little girl, Spring and our little man, Eli. Charlene is as selfless with her love as I have ever witnessed besides the love from the LORD.

Moms who embrace their role are amazing because of their strength, persistence, and dignity. To all of you who are not mothers - you need to celebrate & express your love to the mothers in your life. To all who are mothers - enjoy this day; I celebrate & honor you.
To my sweet Charlene - I am amazed at your strength, the depth of your compassion, & all you do. I love you... Happy Mother's Day!

I love new technology

2009-04-29T16:14:00.000-04:00

I love new technology!

3rd Culture in America

2009-04-23T12:28:00.003-04:00

Here's a short video on the "3rd Culture" - a very relevant teaching for the Church today in America. Dave Gibbons is pastor of New Song Church in CA - he's an awesome guy. He got to know him through my time @ Gordon-Conwell Seminary.

Third Culture Video - Short from Newsong Media on Vimeo.

Last SatPM's Message on Video

2009-04-16T21:39:00.004-04:00

Last SatPM's message on vodeo...

Becoming Attractive: Part 5 - Instinctive Beauty from Warehouse 727 on Vimeo.

Are you Sweet or Salty?

2009-04-16T10:10:00.004-04:00

Most of us naturally lean toward one or the other. Some have a sweet tooth while others would rather pick up a bag of chips. Too much of either is not healthy.
The same is true of our personality when it comes to our relationships. Here is how I'm defining this:
Someone who is Sweet = we focus on the person & desire to connect with them; however, we may avoid/overlook some things to keep the relationship. Too much of this will lead to a devaluing of morals & ethics - codependency.

In codependency, we compromise our moral standing and excuse someone from their wrong choices. Ultimately, they will have negative consequences and if we regularly associate with them, the negative consequences will affect us. Many will fall into the trap of trying to "minister" to their friend by trying to fix the problem. If this situation is not soon corrected, we can become enslaved to the other person & their problems.

Someone who is Salty = we focus on a person's choices, the facts surrounding their circumstances, or perhaps the specific words spoken. Too much of this will lead to a devaluing of the person - legalism.

In legalism, we elevate rules over a person; oftentimes, holding others to expectations that are not mandatory or necessary. Very often the expectations are not biblical but simply our personal preferences. Legalistic people are never happy because no one can live up to their expectations. BTW - the people around a legalist are not happy either!

This week, as we conclude our study of the book of Titus, we'll try to determine the sweet spot that values people but does not force us to compromise our moral/biblical standards.

Feel free to add your comments & I'll see you 6:30pm Saturday @ Warehouse 727!
Grace & Peace, Jeff

It can be easy to gossip...

2009-04-15T15:30:00.004-04:00

Will you Flutter instead of Twitter?

2009-04-13T10:35:00.002-04:00

Will Flutter put an end to Twitter?

Warehouse Easter 2009

2009-04-11T22:59:00.003-04:00

Who says people won't celebrate Easter on SatPM? I can't wait to follow up with the decisions made tonight! They all clearly heard that Jesus came to change their lives!

Easter Video with Coldplay Song

2009-04-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

Easter Video with Coldplay song

Easter is a Big Deal!

2009-04-10T14:23:00.003-04:00

Easter is either a Big Deal or No Deal... each of us must make our own choice!

Check out this short video at the link below...
http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/13290/Resurrection

Grace & Peace to you this Easter
Jeff

God working in me...

2009-03-20T17:25:00.004-04:00

The last couple of months, God has been allowing me to be uncomfortable & unsettled and now seems to be giving me a sense of expectation, encouragement, & some excitement. All of this has been happening on the inside because, in reality, my circumstances have not changed all that much.

We all go through dark times and I am so thankful that I can trust God even when I don't fully understand what's happening around me or in me.

Psalm 25:1 O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!
Vs. 8 The LORD is good & does what is right: he shows the proper path to those who go astray.

Infusion - Same Circumstances, New Behavior

2009-02-06T14:28:00.010-05:00

Saturday, February 7 we will conclude our teaching series, Infusion. We will look at how Jesus' life is infused in ours & how that difference alone is what produces the life-change in us.
Scripture clearly teaches there should be many remarkable differences in the life of a Christ-Follower; yet, too many have the same nasty attitudes, actions, habits, addictions, relationship blow ups, words, etc.
What is the deal with that?! Does Jesus make a difference or not?

We can truly become what God wants for us & behave like God desires for us!

Check out Colossians 2:13-14 - this is one of the passages we will explore.

Look out for the Music - Scott (our guitarist) is back after not playing for almost 2 months & Greg will be on bass. Pastor Bobby says, "Look out!"

Dinner & a Movie - Next Friday, February 13 we're hosting a catered meal & will show the movie Fireproof. Tickets will be on sale Saturday night & available through the week by calling the church office 727.374.6632. Profits will benefit our youth (summer camp).

See you Saturday!

Infusion - my new identity

2009-01-30T12:39:00.015-05:00

Do you ever feel far from God?
Do you ever feel as if God is distant?
Does it ever seem as if God is mad or dissatisfied?
Does it ever feel like God has turned his back because of a lack of interest?
Seriously, if we have embraced Jesus as the One who delivers life-change to us and develops life-change in us, why does He at times seem to be M.I.A.? What really happens when I personally embrace Christ?

Saturday night, January 31, we will continue our teaching series titled Infusion. Scripture teaches that when we embrace Jesus we are infused with His presence and we have permanent change, a new identity. This Saturday night we will look at the change that actually occurs in us! Bring a friend because we will clearly explain what it means to be a Christ-Follower!

Warehouse 101
Hang out with me this coming Tuesday evening, February 3, 6-8:00 p.m. for “Warehouse 101”
We’ll begin with a free meal and then we’ll discuss the beginning, the beliefs, and how to really belong at Warehouse 727. This is a requirement for membership but it does not obligate you to join. Come to learn more about the Warehouse family and your place in it!

New Teaching Series - Infusion!

2009-01-23T12:58:00.002-05:00

Have you ever wondered why some people don’t change; “how can they continue doing that?”
Have you ever been frustrated trying to live the life you believe God wants from you?
Have you ever thought you cannot change; you are who you are & this is your destiny?

For many, they know they should give more attention to others, spend more time with their family, have more consistency with reading their Bible, give more attention to their spending habits, & perhaps stop doing a few things…

God doesn’t want you to be saddled with frustration; as a matter of fact, He wants you to be free from frustration, guilt, fear, loneliness, shame, lack of confidence –anything that is an encumbrance or burden!

The New Testament says there is a solution. Paul says it is a mystery – something that once was hidden but now has been revealed.

Starting this Saturday, January 24th, we’ll begin investigating this “mystery” in our new teaching series called Infusion!
This will be a great time to invite a friend with you because this teaching will explain the topic of salvation in a clear way as well as the results of receiving salvation.

Our Life Groups have just begun and some still have a space for you. We have different groups: married couples, men, women. For more details email warehouse@warehouse727.com, call the office 374-6632, or see us on Saturday night.

Bono on the Incarnation of Christ

2008-12-25T10:47:00.007-05:00

Check out the link to Dave Ferguson's Blog. It has an article on Bono's realization of Jesus' birth.

http://daveferguson.typepad.com/daveferguson/2008/12/bono-on-the-incarnation.html

Merry Christmas to you!
Grace & Peace be with you!
Jeff

Ordaining My Worship Pastor

2008-12-02T22:02:00.006-05:00

Last night was the interview for the ordination for my friend & worship pastor, Bobby Kraus. He & I have served together for almost 7 years. I have seen this guy's world crash down & then be restored, put back together by the LORD. He lost EVERYTHING, living in someone's garage, & realized he could only cling to the LORD. Now he has a new wife, son, vocation - EVERYTHING!
He had to "die" before he could "live!"

I am honored to see the activity of God in his life, to serve with him, to have him as my worship pastor, & to call him my friend!
This is one of the joys of being a pastor!

Thanksgiving Week

2008-11-26T07:36:00.002-05:00

I'm away with my family in the Smokey Mountains. We have spent the first few days staying at Ridgecrest (conference center) just east of Ashville. Wednesday we're going to drive into TN to visit Pathways Church in Sevierville, play in the mountains, & end up at my brother Dennis' home, just south of Ashville. We'll stay there the rest of the week - enjoying turkey & family.

Looking back over this last year, I have a lot to be thankful for. My family is growing & healthy, I love my wife more than ever, the LORD continues to grow me & bless me, & I have some friends who love me & I can absolutely trust...
This is the year that the LORD has made; I will rejoice in it & be glad!