Deep Thoughts by Gman

Our Savior, Our Friend Poem

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:39:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, one of our young men shared a poem he wrote for his communion mediation and I (with his permission) wanted to share it with you.

Our Savior, Our Friend

by Eddie Dorsey Jr Jr

Copyright (c) 2009.

Three nails and one cross
You knew the plan when you came to this earth in swaddling clothe
You made the blind to see, the dumb to talk
The deaf to hear, the lame to walk
Your trade was a carpenter, but you were really a fisher of man
You walked with me, carried me when i needed i; thats why there
is only one pair of footprints in the sand
You told parables and walked on water
You were part man, part our Father
You were our sacrifice, our perfect Lamb
And You are the son of The Great I Am
He was handed to us because Pilate could no fault
But unlike Pilate we were not going to let him walk
We killed our friend, We killer our Savior
He could have called angels but he died for us, He did a favor
So take your bread, your juice, our emblems
Because we are commanded to do this in remembrance
Cause without Him, we would be in Hells Prison
He died, shed blood, bit more importantly He is risen!

Day 5 - Its been 5 days since my last Mt. Dew!

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Saturday Night Live Taylor Swift SNL Monologue HD

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Famous Failures

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Life is Temporary Bluefish TV

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Why is it hard to follow up on people?

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:02:00 +0000

Here is an email I recently sent the congregation I serve:

One of the things I know myself and even the church needs to do is to invite people and follow up on not only on Visitors but also on those missing.

Why is it hard? Let me suggest a few reasons.

I. It takes time.

II. It is a relationship.

III. It can be awkward.

Let me tell you what I am doing and maybe you can be encouraged as well. Each week, we follow up on our visitors with a letter right away and try to reach them and ask if they have a church home. Every few weeks I try to reach out to them - send reminders or thank them for coming. We also have an absentee list and I try to make phone calls to people missing - unless I know they reason they are gone (Usually some people tell me they'll be gone). One of the hardest things I haven't been doing is getting into these homes of visitors or of those absent. Why? Well it isn't because I haven't been trying but rather life is busy. (Time is precious to alot of us). So what have I been doing? Well I've been more focusing on getting people to come .... been to the coffee shops, the places of work and interacting with people .... I need to be Jesus' Hands and Feet and not just telling people to invite, but doing so as well ...being that example.

Now some of you maybe asking - what can I do? Well - call people. tell them you miss them. Invite them to come. What a better time of year than this time of year to invite?

Invite new people, invite those missing, invite those you meet @ the coffee shops, doctors' offices, vet's offices etc.

Of course, with this idea - comes - well I see problems with this or that or I just don't (And then INSERT any issue you have with Church etc Quit the Complaining)

The Answer to this is simple: BE part of the Solution. Don't be the negative - every family has its own issues, problems ... and yet with family comes love, patience, and hope.

1 Cor. 13 tells us the greatest of these is love. I've seen our services improving. I see God working. I see God doing some amazing things. If you want to be a part of what God is doing - be Where God is.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Preaching and Pouting Jonah 3 - 4

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:50:00 +0000

This week we look at

I. How God used Jonah.

II. How God ministered to Jonah.

And how this applies to us today.

BRBPDYM - Big Red Ball Purpose Driven Youth Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:26:00 +0000

It all started out as a discussion on what it means to be purpose driven and ministering to those in the post-modern era about 12 years ago.

Online there wasn't message boards or forums as much as listservs. Email lists and debates and discussions. Youth Specialties had this one listserv started by Mike A of Mikey's Funnies. (Later would become YMExchange) So as the discussion came about, one person suggest all we need is a Big Red Ball. A Big Red ball? Yeah, Big Red Ball Purpose Driven Youth Ministry. It wasn't so much the tool but on the relationship.

Bouncing the ball back and forth and asking the students how they were. Genuinely interested. Actively listening and then bounce, bounce. It was more of a tool, and a way to say "All the gimmicks of the world aren't worth it unless you are willing to love God and love those students."

Sometimes as I reflect back ... I think we need a BRBPDC - Big Red Ball Purpose Driven Church. A Church that actively listens - prays, helps, heals, and seeks God. In other words, just being the church to people. Loving God and loving others.

Are you with me?

Obadiah 1 - 21

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:33:00 +0000

This weekend's sermon focuses on Obadiah. The Tale of 2 Brothers - Edom - Israel. Jacob and Esau and ultimately our struggle with the Spirit and the Flesh.

It is Part 4 of our Minor Prophet Series.

My Questions for the Commish of the NHL

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:20:00 +0000

I. will the NHL ever allow a 7th Team in Canada?

II. Can we have more advance notice what the next Winter Classic would be? Like a year and not just 6mths?

III. Considering the love - hate relationship people have of you. (They either love you or hate you) What do you see to improve that image and the image of the NHL overall? (Especially given some of the PR of the NHL in the past. Example: Phoenix, Avery, lockout, No NHL players in Olympics after 2010? The next CBA, NHLPA etc.)

Anyways - just some questions I had.

The Wussification of God's People: The 3 Bs.

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:38:00 +0000

We, as the Church, sometimes get our focus wrong. Don't worry, it happens. Our focus sometimes ends up on the tools rather than the Toolmaker. Sometimes we focus on 3 Bs in ministry - Buildings, Bodies, and Budgets.

Are these 3 Bs bad? No. But if that is the only focus of your ministry, you are missing the point, or rather nothing more than a social club or business rather than focusing on Jesus.

You see Buildings can be a tool for leading people to Jesus but shouldn't be the sole focus.

Bodies are important as well. Souls are valuable and we are to Go and make disciples. And numbers for numbers' sake doesn't do anyone any good. It is about transformation and helping people be disciples, of well, Jesus.

What about the budget? Well the focus doesn't need to be solely on budgets - otherwise you drive yourself crazy. Are we to be good stewards with what God has given us? Sure. The focus isn't on these 3 things but on Jesus. Can these 3Bs help you in focusing on Jesus? sure. But in and of themselves should not replace nor compete with that of Simply Being the Church God has called us to be.

So how has this been the wussification of God's people? Well we focus on these 3Bs so much that it takes the focus off of Jesus and His Bride. Let's get back on task. We can use these tools, but recognize what they are: tools and not the Chief Focus.

How about you? do you focus on the 3Bs? worry about them? Taking your focus off Christ?

I know I have at times.

Amos 3 - Listen to What God Says.

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:15:00 +0000

The sermon this week looks at Amos 3 and God calling.

God calling.

I. Israel.

II. Amos.

III. Witnesses

IV. For Judgment.

Goodbye Flames Hello Mustangs!

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:44:00 +0000

My alma mater recently changed logos with the whole name change from RBC Flames to MACU Mustangs!

The Chair - by the Skit guys!

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Quit the Whining!

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:56:00 +0000

I appreciate so much guys like Doug Fields, Marko and what they have done for Youth Ministry. One of the things I've noticed lately though in both regional and even local church is that there are a lot of whiners out there.

We pick on Mr. Mega Church. We pick on Mr. Mega Speaker.

And if we don't do that we pick on Mr. small church and ask why aren't you growing?

Why don't you have this or that?

Or why am I not being feed? What's in it for me?

The problem with that statement is it becomes all about YOU rather than about God.

I think sometimes the church has alot of whiners in it. Let's grow up and move onto the Spiritual meat! I'm ready - How about you?

The church is the Bride of Christ ... my prayer is I treat her that way.

The "O" Knows - The 3 Os in Ministry.

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:35:00 +0000

Wanna know what ministry is about?

It is about the One Thing. I'm thinking it is about the "O" Factor. (Basically Jesus)

But here are 3 Os ... I'm going to try to live by (And no it isn't survivor to Outwit, outlast, outplay my fellow survivors)

It is about:

I. Outlove. God calls us to love another. Love our enemies. I John reminds us where love comes from. They will know we are Christians by our love. Imagine how the world will view us if we just loved people. Loved sinners, love those different from you, and loved even those that we just can't stand. Too often I hear about the people of the "Church" ("Christians") sling mud on the Bride of Christ. We need to stop this. Taking people from where they are. Listening, caring, being active. Discipleship takes time.

II. Out fruit. As a result of our love - people will see our Actions. They will know we are Christian not because of what we are againts, but because of how we live. So often the word "Christian" brings up images of wrongdoing, of hatred etc. Why not change that? I'm trying to do that. Trying not to be so hyprocritical in my own actions and lining up to what God wants me to be.

III. Outlive. Hang in there. Tough times will come. I've been through many fires in ministry - youth ministry especially. I have many friends have too. Learn to deal with criticism. Outlive your critics. Prove them wrong. Be nice to them. It is like heaping hot coals on their head. I hear alot of whiners in ministry ... I want it this way, oh the preacher didn't greet me, your church is too small, your church is too big, you don't have this program like Mr. Walmart McChurch down the street does. (I'm thinking so why don't you do something about it or goto McChurch before I just choke slam you into this floor - then remember I have to show them Grace and love too - see I told you it wasn't easy for me)

One of my friends, Bud Yoder, who has been in ministry for a long time reminded me "We are called to preach the Gospel." I think more leaders and myself need to hear that. Sure there are some good programs; things to do - but ultimately I'm called to preach. Whether it be that sermon in shoes or the one on Sunday morning.

How about you? How are you livng the 3 Os in your life?

The Twitter Song

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Twitter Song sound bite Melissa Suzanne sound bites

Incredible Goal by a Nine yr old!

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:50:00 +0000

God is God. We are Not. Exploring the book of Joel.

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:43:00 +0000

This week as we study the book of Joel, we’re confronted with 2 things.

I.Watching the Day of the Lord.

II. Expecting the Day of the Lord.

Looking forward to preaching through the book of Joel this week.

Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Just finished reading this book. In fact I really couldn't put it down. I've done about 8 out of the 10 - one of the biggest lessons I'm learning is I can't do it all, and God created me to be me. Great encouragement of a book. The advice of getting a mentor is well worth the price of the book. Probably one of the many reasons I enjoy my monthly Fusion group.

Hosea: The Prophet of a Broken Heart!

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:57:00 +0000

So this past Sunday we looked at the book of Hosea (The week before was the Intro to the 12) And basically was three points from Hosea.

I. God is Gracious.

II. God is Holy.

III. God is Love.

This upcoming Sunday is on the book of Joel.

The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do - Mark Attebery: A Review.

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:41:00 +0000

So I just finished, Mark Atteberry's book. Here are the 10 moves:

Dumb Move #1: Slinging Mud on the Bride of Christ
Dumb Move #2: Winning People to the Church Rather Than to the LORD
Dumb Move #3: Living Below the Level of Our Beliefs
Dumb Move #4: Speaking Above the Level of Our Knowledge
Dumb Move #5: Hopping from Church to Church
Dumb Move #6: Fighting Among Ourselves
Dumb Move #7: Missing Golden Opportunities
Dumb Move #8: Settling for Mediocrity
Dumb Move #9: Allowing Wolves to Live Among the Sheep
Dumb Move #10: Accepting the Unacceptable

This book would almost make a great start into a sermon series. I've done some of these moves. I see them in the church. I've cited some. The fact is I've been guilty of Move #1 in my own way of making fun of the church - and all the Jesus Junk that is out there. My focus needs to be on presenting Jesus, not worrying about what this church, or that, or what he or she says but rather what God says.

Atteberry cites 2 Chronicles 25:2 towards the end of his book (pg. 198) "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly."

I think that is what allows (As Atteberry does) for these dumb moves to happen is that it isn't done with wholehearted "Christians." We can learn from our dumb moves, correct them and use them as a wake up call to present Jesus.

A Review: Leadership From the Inside out - Kevin Harney

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Our Fusion Group (Group of local Church leaders) are reading this book for the month of October as part of our monthly study.

Kevin Harney gives some great insight, as church leaders, to examine ourselves in ministry to keep ourselves on task and focus. From our heart, mind, ears, mind, mouth, hands, funny bone to that of being pure.

This leadership book is a great insight on how one can be more accountable and encourage and equip leaders to be better leaders. The discussion questions at the back make it ideal for small group ministry as well.

One of the disappointing things I felt like one of the chapters spent too little on the dangers of sexual desires and seemed rather rushed to finish the book and might of expounded more.

This book is a good start into the role of self examination. There is always room for improvement. I know I need to improve all the time. I'm looking forward to seeing what my peers will discuss the next time we meet and their opinions and self examination in context to what Harney is trying to convey.

Blogging Rules, FTC, Reviews and Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:19:00 +0000

My friend, Patti Gibbons, has a great post on New FTC Rules for blogging

I've been online for over 12 years. Blogging here for over 6yrs. Done tons of Reviews ...

Here are some rules I follow:

1. Link Back. Cite the Source.

2. Most reviews I bought the book, myself, rarely are books or product given to me until recently by Thomas Nelson (Which I've done only one review for them: Notes from the Tilt a Whirl and getting ready to do Doug Field's latest book)

3. I have beta tested and helped edited material. (YS had some of the ole Forum Mods test some of the CD rom Ideas library, and Talksheets and I even helped out with Doug Fields' Videos That Teach Vol. 2 - and who said I hated Doug?)

4. Honesty is the best policy. Do I make mistakes? Sure. Do I mean to be mean spirited and not like Jesus? Absolutely not.

5. Know that I blog about life, Jesus, hockey and whatever else.

6. I love people who read my blog but my blog is about me, my ministry, and what God is doing. Sometimes I get criticized - and that's ok too.

Thanks to Adam
for helping me clarify more.

Piano stairs - Rolighetsteorin.se - The fun theory

noreply@blogger.com (Gman) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:44:00 +0000