Playing with Lincoln in the front yard,  I saw a mole burrowing in my garden.  This critter (and his friends) had dug holes in my yard all Fall.   I was able to scoop him out and terminate his very destructive life.   Did I feel like a murderer?   A little bit, but it was my yard!  After the execution, I looked at a perplexed 6 year old, and informed him that the mole was asleep.  Beth didn’t hear my cover, so she bluntly told Lincoln that “Daddy killed the mole.”   When I admitted to Lincoln I had actually killed the mole, he boldly told me, “Dad, you lied and broke one of the Ten Commandments.”  It was a rough day 0ff –

I haven’t wanted to emphasize this, but things have been tight financially for CIL recently.   On Sunday, we had a record-breaking offering that was a true blessing from God, and gives us some room to breathe again.

Is the church about money?  No way!  However, with money we can do more to reach people for Christ, expand our Compassion ministries in north Nashville, plant churches in western Europe and support front-line ministries in Muslim countries.   Money is just a tool to expand God’s heart to our community and world.

I thank God for his provision in our church, and I pray that you will see God’s provision in your life this week.   Let me know how God provides for you this week.

On Wednesday night I am starting a series called “Bringing It Home.” This is the first time I have tackled a series on the family.   Up to this point, I have felt a little inexperienced on a personal level.   However, after ten years of youth ministry and having three elementary children of my own, I am ready to give it a shot!    Actually, I am very enthusiastic about the material and we are going to address the subject of “Family Priorities.”    Hope to see you this Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.

What is the intended outcome of CIL?  Why do we exist?

I have been thinking about this a lot this year.  It’s so easy to get lost in all the diverse opportunities a church provides and forget the reason we exist.

After some brainstorming with the church staff and other people, we have established our mission statement as “Know His Love, Share His Love.”

I look forward to this phrase being a rallying phrase though the years to keep us focused on what our intended outcome will be.

The fourth quarter often determines the outcome of the game.  If a team can play well in the fourth quarter, it is often the differentiation between the win and loss.

Spiritually, I have a fourth quarter.   Around this time of year, I usually get tempted to “coast” in my spiritual disciplines.   There is so much activity in September and October, and then come holidays, and then the year ends.  Regular prayer and Bible Study can slip as a priority, and I always regret this.

How is your fourth quarter?   Let’s finish our year strong with passion and love for Jesus.   Unless we abide in Him, we will not bear fruit.

I am sitting in my office this morning catching my breathe after an incredible few days of ministry.   A week ago, David Huff and I went to Austin for SPUR Leadership.    When the conference ended and I took David to the airport, I drove to Dallas to see my sister and her family.  While there I caught up with my high school friends, visited David Stocker (who is excelling at his new ministry position!) and John McKinzie.    I drove back to the Austin area on Saturday night, and preached at Church of the Springs (pastored by Brent Batson) on Sunday.   Flight delays got me home very late on Saturday, then I left first thing Monday morning for our staff retreat on Look Out Mountain (outside of Chattanooga).  Our retreat was intense and productive.   So, this Wednesday morning I am catching my breathe as I return to the church I love.   I’ll try to update you on more of my experience over the last few days in different posts.

I really look forward to speaking at CIL tonight on “Destroyed by Charisma.”  This is one of  my favorite teachings, so I hope to see you tonight at 6:30 p.m.

The H.A.T .program stands for “Honor A Teacher.” Students from The Church at Indian Lake nominate a teacher, and a public drawing each quarter picks the winning educator.

Mrs. Amanda Swinger, a 2nd grade teacher from Indian Lake Elementary School name was drawn.

H.A.T. Prizes included:
8’ x 5’ Animal print area rug (for story time)
Sony Portable CD player
4-pack HP Ink cartridges for classroom printer
Vis A Vis Color markers (for overhead projector)
Magnetic Clips (6)
Children’s Picture Encyclopedia
10 Books from Magic Tree House Series
Colored Sharpies
Gift Basket
Stickers
Hobby Lobby $20 gift certificate
Tull, fabric, ribbon for basket
Teacher plaque
Crystal globe engraved Award- Mrs. Amanda Swinger
“Thank you for making a Difference in the life of a child – 2009“

Thank you to Kim Driver and Lana Tracy for organizing and preparing this important honor.

In case you missed last night’s teaching, I spoke on “Manipulation.”   We looked at the life of the wicked Biblical character Jezebel, who is the personification of a “manipulator.” (You can find her story in  I Kings 16:31, I Kings 18-4-13, I Kings 21:1-15, 20-25, I Kings 19:1-3, II Kings 9:30-37).
Using Jezebel as an example doesn’t mean that all manipulators are evil.  To my own disappointment, I have been a manipulator at times.  However, principals from this teaching have helped me realize that is a characteristic I want to starve in my life.
Here are some of the points we discussed last night . . .

Manipulators . . .
1.  Operate from behind the scenes / hide behind the power
2.  Takes advantage of a weak leader
3.  Appeals to the ego of the leaders they want to control
4.  Is determined and vindictive
5.  Use intimidation to get their way
6. Thrive on confrontation – they look for it!

How to Deal With Manipulators
1. Strong Leadership
2.  Expose the manipulation
3. Refuse to participate with a manipulator

It has been ten days since I have preached on Discipline (sermon on 9.13.09).   There are so many areas of my life that I am still working on to be more disciplined.   Yet, that is the key – working on it!  Your not going to be completely disciplined in every area of your life today, but you can start somewhere.  What is one areas where you are “working on” discipline ten days later?

On Wednesday night I am going to teach on Manipulation.   We have all been victims of manipulation.  However there is a manipulator in all of us that we need to be aware of.   If you can, come Wednesday night and grow with us!