Dwight Mason//Pointe Blank

People are watching You

2009-07-07T11:31:00.001-05:00

Last week I was moved to tears at my small group. While meeting at Shoney’s, one of the workers stopped by our table to talk. He has some physical and mental challenges. He shared with us about the surgery his mom had gone through.

You could tell he was concerned about the situation and what it was going to mean for him.

As he finished telling us what was happening, one of the guys said, “Hey, can we pray for you?” He said yes, and my friend prayed for his mother and that God would help him through this time.

I was so proud of my friend. I told him later that what he did was incredible .

There is no greater joy than to see those you mentor and love begin to make a significant difference in people.

More is caught than taught.

Who wants to be like Mike ?

2009-07-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

For the last week, we have heard nothing but Michael Jackson on TV, newspaper, magazines etc…..

It is really a very sad story.

Michael had everything that most people strive for and crave for.

Fame and fortune--but it seems like he lacked the thing he wanted and needed most--friends.

One of the people who is talking these days about Michael Jackson is Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi.

Here is part of an interview with Campbell Brown.

Rabbi Shmuley

“Michael always thought that he had ailments of the body. He always had a neck that hurt, a foot that was twisted. Really, he had an affliction of his soul. He was extremely lonely, he was extremely unhappy. He felt purposeless, he felt lethargic. And the way he dealt with that pain -- and he was especially afraid of evasion-- that perhaps his best years are behind him.

I think Michael lived with a profound fear of rejection. And Michael told me once -- and this is a heartbreaking conversation between us -- ‘Shmuley, I promise I'm not lying to you,’ he said. ‘I'm not lying to you.’ He said that twice. ‘But everything I've done in pursuing fame, in honing my craft,’ to quote his words, ‘was an effort to be loved because I never felt loved.’ And he used to say that to me all the time.

And you can imagine if you're trying to get love from the crowd and you're not sure how they're going to react to you because time is going on, they [call you] ‘wacko-jacko’ -- you've become a tabloid caricature. You live in phenomenal fear. And I think that a lot of this -- the prescription drugs -- was used to address and alleviate the anxiety. And it was just tragic to watch.”

Wow.

That describes a lot of people.

Jesus described them this way in Matthew 9.

“When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

There are a lot of Michaels out there.

They are extremely lonely, extremely unhappy, purposeless in life, lethargic ….

Ask God to help you see the people around you as He sees them. Then ask Him to help you give His grace, mercy, love and hope to them as you have the opportunity.

“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” -Martin Luther King

There is a Michael Jackson near you.

Happiness anyone ?

2009-06-27T08:47:00.001-05:00

It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving, it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe. Thomas Paine (1737-1809),

Appointment

2009-06-25T21:01:00.002-05:00

Today, I was soberly reminded of my mortality.

The king of pop culture, Michael Jackson, dead at the age of 50.

Jackson’s lifetime record sales tally is believed to be about $750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he has received, makes him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.

He was known to be the first to do the "moonwalk".

Sex symbol Farrah Fawcett, dead at the age of 62.

To many, Fawcett will always be best known for her red-swimsuited image on the pinup poster, which sold a reputed 12 million copies after its release in 1976.

James says, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (4:14)

Sobbering, isn't it ?

What will you be remembered for?

What are you leveraging in your life for God and His Kingdom?

Will it be remember just for a life time or for eternity?

Remember, you get to choose.

Only One Life

Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice.

Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. -Author Unknown

"It is appointed once to die and then the judgment" Hebrews 9:27

People or Policy

2009-06-20T20:54:00.001-05:00

This week they are playing the US Golf Open in Bethpage, NY. The weather has not been cooperative with most of the field not being able to tee Thursday.

The ticket for Thursday is no longer valid for the rest of the tournament though they really didn’t get to see much golf played. The tickets are expensive.

USGA came out and said that they were holding to their policy which is printed right on the tickets.

This really upset the fans. The USGA had forgotten they were really not in the golf business but the people business.

Here is how it went down. ( Associated Press )

U.S. Open fans who got to see only two-plus hours of golf Thursday might get a chance to see more.

And if they don't, they'll get half of their money back.

Facing mounting criticism, United States Golf Association executive director David Fay announced Friday that fans holding tickets for Thursday's rained-out session can use them Monday if the U.S. Open stretches to a fifth day.

Later Friday a statement from New York state attorney general Andrew Cuomo said that the USGA will refund 50 percent of the ticket price if there is no Monday play.

"I am pleased to report that, after further discussions with my office, the USGA has agreed that if there is no play on Monday, Thursday ticket purchasers will receive a 50 percent refund since there was only limited play on Thursday," Cuomo said in a statement. "I commend the USGA for stepping up to the tee and doing right by their fans."

They corrected their mistake by remembering that though policies are needed , people are more important .

Even when you have to hold to a policy it is important to remember to listen, care and try to understand where people are coming from.

Remember no matter what you do, you are ultimately in the people business.

Say What ?

2009-06-19T05:33:00.001-05:00

Michael Vick 24 months for killing dogs.

Dante Stallworth 24 days for killing a man.

How did that happen ?

It was announced that Dante Stallworth will be sentenced to 24 days in Jail for killing a pedestrain while drunk in Florida. He pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter ,

Stallworth must also undergo drug and alcohol testing,lifetime driver's license suspension and must perform 1,000 hours of community service. Lyons said after five years, Stallworth could win approval for limited driving for reasons such as employment. He also came to a financial agree with the family of the deceased.

You say you got to be kidding.

What was the difference.

Michael Vick – refused to admit his wrong. He lied . He was arrogant.

Dante Stallworth – Admitted his wrong. He told the truth. He was broken.

Here are some quotes from an article about the

I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy," said Stallworth, who was accompanied at the hearing by his parents, siblings and other supporters. "I will bear this burden for the rest of my life."

Lyons noted that Stallworth stopped immediately after the accident, called 911 and submitted to roadside alcohol testing despite spending most of the night drinking at a Miami Beach hotel.

"He acted like a man," Lyons said. "He remained at the scene. He cooperated fully."

What are the lessons ?

Good people are kind to their animals, but a mean person is cruel. Proverbs 12:10 ECV

Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper. Proverbs 23:29 -32

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13

June 10, 1950

2009-06-10T21:15:00.001-05:00

Fifty-nine years ago today a man named Jim married a beautiful girl named Marie. That would be my father and mother. You probably have heard the saying, “They were made for each other.” Well, nothing could be truer of them.

They were very intentional on serving one another and considering the other’s interests above their own.

I have heard my dad say that he knew of no greater woman than my mom, including his own mom. That is quite a compliment for any woman.

She was the apple of Dad’s eye, and Dad was the apple of her eye.

I stopped by today to see my dad . I asked him how it was going, and he said it had been a great day. He had worked all day. He said, “I have been listening to music and working. I have swept the floor, dusted the furniture, mopped the kitchen floor.” He said with a twinkle in his eye, “I did it just in case Mother would come back tonight.”

If you knew my mother, no one kept a house like her. It was her style. I know why Dad did what he did today. It was a way of showing honor to his wife, my mother, for all the years she took care of him.

Before I left he wanted me to listen to a favorite song:

Where the Rose Never Fades

I am going to a city,
Where the streets with gold are laid;
Where the tree of life is blooming,
And the roses never fade.
Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.
Loved ones gone to be with Jesus,
In their robes of white arrayed;
Now are waiting for my coming,
Where the roses never fade.
Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.
Here they bloom but for a season,
Soon their beauty is decayed;
I am going to a city,
Where the roses never fade.
Where the roses never fade!

I prayed with him and thanked him for the great example of a marriage that he and Mom had given me.

Number One Responsibility

2009-06-02T07:30:00.002-05:00

The Cleveland Cavaliers just came through a very disappointing weekend. Though they had the best record in the NBA they fell short of their ultimate goal--an NBA Championship.

The heads of the sports page reads today: “Now the evaluation process begins.” Danny Ferry the GM for the Cavs said that the evaluation process starts now and continues between now and next February (the NBA trading deadline).

Sounds pretty thorough, but I guess if you are going to have a championship team that is what it takes.

Jack Welch says that is what is required of a leader--that their number one responsibility is to evaluate their team and upgrade .

Why? Because you can’t go any further than the players you have on your team. This may sound cold and hard, but it is really what separates the great leader from the average leader--the team that dreams of a championship and one that wins a championship.

So when was the last time you evaluated your team?

Here are some things you might consider when evaluating.

Is their attitude in a good place ?

Are they still growing as a leader?

Are they in the right role?

Are they still bringing energy and creating energy?

Are they still engaged in meetings, in leading?

Are they bringing solutions or reasons why it won’t work?

Are they attracting new people to their own team?

Are they playing the role you need or the role they want?

Do they push you as a leader or do you have to push them?

Has their position out grown them?

Are they creating momentum for the team?

Are they still teachable? coachable?

Are they stepping up to new challenges?

Do they have a sense of entitlement?

Do they influence and lead other team members toward the goals?

Can they do what is needed to be done ?

In sports at the end of every season, the GM and the coach do a through evaluation to see what changes are needed to compete next season for a championship.

It is no different for you and me--especially if you are in ministry. The stakes are much higher for us.

“Remember those who are closest to you determine your level of success.” -John Maxwell

Missing You

2009-05-29T16:01:00.001-05:00

A year a go today, my Mother went home to be with the Lord. It seems like such a short time ago and at the same time it seems like forever.

She was an incredible woman. She has left an huge impact. This is very evident when all of the family gets together. Someone will always give a challenge to the whole family about a specific issue in life. It is usually one that Mom would remind us of from time to time to keep us focused and to remember what is important.

I met with my Dad this morning to talk about Mom and to pray for one another. He is an incredible father. We shared and then thanked God for the life of Mom. We also reminded ourselves that she has never cried or been disappointed, hurt, sad, bored, etc. once in the past year. We agreed that we both are looking forward to going where she is eventually.

Today, if you love someone tell them. Life is brief at best with no guarantees of tomorrow.

What are you Thinking ?

2009-05-16T20:06:00.002-05:00

You can not act inconsistent with the way you think.

One of the things that causes me to continually live a life of expectancy, is what I choose to think about.

Whatever you think of, you move towards.

Here are some great things to think on.

“Whatever impresses you attracts you. Whatever you pursue becomes your purpose.”

“One day of favor can be worth more than a life time of labor”

“You are chosen for potential but kept because of passion”

“You can not worship what you have dethrone.!”

“The deeper you go with God, the fewer the people”

“Influence flows from intimacy , and access from relationship”

“Refuse to prostitute the kings riches for private advantage.”

“God is no respecter of persons, but He will do some thing for some people that He won’t do for others.”

“If you learn what God favors, you can become His favorite”

“If you move the heart of God, you move the hand of God. One nod from God and destiny is altered.”

“Whenever God gets ready to elevate you, He must first introduce an enemy.”

“What you don’t eradicate when you are strong will come back to attack you when you are weak.”

“Sometimes you must risk everything to become the very thing you are suppose to be.”

“If your enemy is God’s enemy ,then your battle is God’s battle.”

“Never underestimate the power of favor”

“Timing is everything”

“Favor can restore in day what was stolen over a lifetime. “

“Favor makes you fearful to your enemies “

( quotes from Tommy Tenney )

New Series “ Livin in the Hood”

2009-05-08T15:27:00.001-05:00

We are starting a new series on parenting this Sunday, May 10th. I believe parenting is in the top 3 toughest and most challenging jobs on planet earth. It is also one of the most important jobs.

Kids do not come with instructions, so for many people it is learn as you go which is very dangerous since we only get one shot at this.

The stakes are high. The rewards are great.

Don’t miss this great opportunity.

MVP

2009-05-05T21:33:00.004-05:00

LeBron James was named MVP of the NBA yesterday. He is the third youngest player to win the award. [ Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example .... in what you say and in how you live. 1 Timothy 4:12 ] He elevated his game in every area in 2009. Because of that, he earned the MVP.

Here are 10 of the top plays that made him the MVP.

Are you an MVP caliber player on your team ?

Here are 10 top plays that are evident in a MVP player.

1. People Developer

2. Personal Development

3. Problem Solver

4. Creative Thinker

5. Seeks & Speaks the Truth

6. Door Closer

7. Defines Reality

8. Expectation fulfiller

9. People Lover

10.Team Player

The plays that LeBron made to win him the MVP took skill.

The plays that will make you a MVP takes character.

Every team needs an MVP if it is going to win a championship.

What area of your game do you need to elevate to take your game to the next level ?

Power Outage

2009-05-03T17:09:00.001-05:00

This morning in the 9:00 a.m. service, we were suddenly surprised by a power outage. Right during the last song, the power went out. I mean everything went out in the whole building.

As we gathered information from the local authorities, we were told that a car hit a telephone poll and knocked out the transformer. The outage was widespread into nearby Dover, and the power wouldn’t be back on for several hours.

We basically shut everything down and all went home. The people were kind and gracious with lots of laughter and joking in the hall ways.

We did get 98 % of the first service finished. Next weekend, we’ll have extra CDs on hand of today’s services, or you can go to the NewPointe website (www.newpointe.org) and click “Media” and watch it on Vimeo.

Three things to remember:

First Wednesday is this Wednesday, May 6 @ 7:00. The Cafe will open for supper at 5:30.

Friday is

You can still get tickets. Call the church office at 330.602.5600.

Saturday is

Tickets are going fast, so you better get them today. Go to www.newpointe.org and order them online. Don’t miss this. It promises to be a great evening!

Long Shot

2009-05-03T17:08:00.001-05:00

For some reason--I am not for sure why--I grew up always watching the Kentucky Derby. I am not interested in horse racing at all, but the first Saturday in May, I always find myself in front of the TV some time a little after 6:00 p.m.

Yesterday was no different, and boy, was it a special one!

“Mine That Bird” was the shocking winner of the 135th Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs. The small-sized gelding SHOCKED the world Saturday as a 50 to 1 odds to win the race.

Maybe the reason no one saw “Mine That Bird” and Bennie Woolley, Jr., coming is because they started one of the most improbable journeys in Kentucky Derby history some 21 hours and 1,700 miles away.

The one-time bareback rider-turned-trainer hitched a horse van to the back of a pickup at his home base in New Mexico. Horses that run in the Kentucky Derby usually arrive by airplane, but not this one.

“Mine That Bird” was purchased for $9,500. I guess you would say that is a great investment.

After the exciting race, the jockey Calvin Borel was filled with overflowing joy.

Watch this and see if you don’t get caught up in the emotion and joy of the underdog winning against all odds.

There’s a great lesson here for all of us. Maybe God is calling you to do something, and you’re thinking, “I’m not sure. It would pretty much be a long shot.”

Hey, if it is something that you believe God is asking you to do, do it!

As “Mine That Bird” did in the 135th Kentucky Derby by shocking everyone, you might just do too!

Good medicine

2009-04-30T19:33:00.001-05:00

Here is an article from Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor

How do you actually reduce the levels of chronic stress in your body and enhance your lifespan, boost immune system function, protect your nervous system and your sanity, and give your endocrine system a much-needed rest? Fortunately there are several easy ways to do this. Let's start with the easiest one: laughter.

Laughter is a healing activity. You may have seen the movie called "Patch Adams," which is a movie about a real life doctor who still practices today and uses laughter as healing. He's quite correct in using laughter as a healing therapy, because it is one of the most healing activities in which you can engage.

Laughter operates on at least three different levels. They are the biophysical, the biochemical, and the bioenergetic levels.

Laughter moves lymph and oxygenates your organs
At the biophysical level, laughter moves lymph fluid around your body simply by the convulsions you experience during the process of laughing; so it boosts immune system function and helps clear out old, dead waste products from organs and tissues. Remember that your lymph system doesn't have a separate pump; your body needs to move around to properly circulate lymph fluid so that your immune system can carry out its natural functions. Laughter is a great way to support that.

Secondly, laughter increases oxygenation of your body at both the cellular and organ level. By laughing, you intake vast amounts of oxygen in huge gulps, and you repeat this process in a sort of temporary hyperventilation session. This is the natural result of laughter, and if you watch someone laugh, you will notice these biophysical effects.

Now, why is oxygen so good for your body? Oxygen is one of the primary catalysts for biological energy in the human body. Remember, we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, so oxygen is an element of intracellular energy that's absolutely necessary to sustain human life.

It's also interesting to note that cancer cells are destroyed in the presence of oxygen. In fact, many parasites and bacteria don't survive well in the presence of oxygen, and to the extent that you can circulate extra oxygen throughout your body, you can help prevent, or in some cases treat, these diseases.

This is one reason why we see an increasing number of so-called "oxygen bars" in the United States and other countries. People enjoy going to these bars and breathing a much higher concentration of oxygen, because they say it gives them greater mental clarity. They like the feeling of this extra oxygen: it's almost like that "natural high," as they say. Now, personally, I've tried this myself and I didn't notice any effect whatsoever. But it could be because my body is able to carry oxygen so efficiently in the blood that I'm already experiencing peak oxygenation and didn't get any extra benefit from a higher concentration in the air I was inhaling. But, who knows? You might experience a benefit or I might have been at a lousy oxygen bar. But the point is, oxygen is good for you, and when you laugh, you get more oxygen into the cells of your body. If you can laugh at an oxygen bar, that's even better!

Laughing also boosts circulation, so at the same time that you're distributing oxygen around your body, you're boosting the circulation of your blood; you're exercising abdominal muscles; you're exercising the muscles of your face; and you're enhancing the flexibility of various joints throughout your body. So it's a bit of physical exercise and healthful body movement as well.

The harder you laugh, the greater this effect. If you can find a way to put yourself into a state of rolling, outrageous laughter, you're going to get a fantastic physical workout from it. In fact, the next day, you may even find your stomach muscles are sore. Have you ever laughed so hard that your stomach hurt and your facial muscles were exhausted? That's some serious exercise, and it's the kind of exercise in which we should all engage on a regular basis.

He has stated what the bible said a long time ago.

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 NTL

Take some good medicine.

Go to the

Get your tickets at : www.newpointe.org

Think Again!

2009-04-26T19:29:00.001-05:00

May 8 is

This is a great opportunity to develop your team and build a sense of team spirit.

You will hear great leaders from all different areas of life share principles and lessons that they have learned in reaching the top of their profession.

Where are you going to hear speakers like

*Al Weiss who serves as president of worldwide operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

*Bill George who is Professor of Management Practice, Henry B. Arthur Fellow of Ethics, at Harvard Business School, where he is teaching leadership and leadership development.

*Linda Kaplan Thaler who is responsible for some of America's most famous, relevant and touching advertising campaigns.

*John Maxwell who is a leader in the world of leadership.

Wow!

All for $59 which includes lunch if purchased by May 1.

Abraham Lincoln said, “If I had 8 hours to cut down a tree, I would spend 6 hours sharpening my ax.” You have to continue to develop and improve your skills in order to be most effective.

I realize that businesses and companies are cutting back in a lot of areas right now. In a time of financial crisis there are always budget cuts, but you need to make sure they are the right cuts or you get hurt twice. Never stop investing in people and your team. They are the ones who will lead you and see you through times of crisis.

Be sure that you make your budget cuts in the area of things, not in the area of training and development. It is not wise.

So, take advantage of this great opportunity May 8 and make the investment. It will be something that you can leverage and get a great return on if you use it right. Don’t spend money--invest it.

Then after the conference, set a time the following week to discuss the topics and ideas received and draw up a plan to execute them. Your team, department, company will reap great rewards.

In these challenging times, show your team that you believe in them. It will lift the morale of the whole company.

To purchase your tickets go to www.newpointe.org and click on Maximum Impact Simulcast.

12:50

2009-04-18T12:20:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of the lobby/hall way last Sunday at Newpointe. It was amazing.

You say , I don’t want to fight that.

Not a problem.

We have a service for you--the 12:50.

You won’t have to fight for a seat.

You won’t have to fight a large crowd.

You can sleep in.

You have have brunch.

You can play a round of golf early in the morning.

You can relax in the morning, drink coffee, read the newspaper.

You can beat everyone to the restaurant and eat lunch at 11:30.

There are many advantages .

By the way don’t forget the kick off of our second

It starts at 12:10.

We usually don’t see advantages in life, because of the paradigms we grow up with. So we tend to think in a certain way and reject all other options.

Take a risk… try the 12:50 .

You will still have from mid afternoon, 2:00 till 8:00, to do whatever you would normally do anyway .

You just might surprise yourself…

Who are you limiting?

2009-04-17T15:03:00.001-05:00

We have all heard it, but few people follow it.

Do not judge!

Susan Boyle unemployed and 47 years old proves this point in a very powerful way.

She was on Britain’s Got Talent. She was asked by Simon, “What is your dream?” She answered, “I’d like to be a professional singer.” The audience laughed cynically and rolled their eyes.

Simon went on to say, “So why aren’t you?'” She responded, “Because no one has given me a chance.” Again there was snickering….

Simon continued, “Who do you want to be as successful as?” Susan boldly named a professional singer, Elaine Page. People were smiling large, smirking grins—like “you’ve got to be kidding me.”

Then ……

Grazie Susan Boyle! from seb fil on Vimeo.

Who have you judged that you haven’t given a chance or an opportunity--maybe because you don’t like how they look, smell, speak, dress, etc.

You might just be wrong.

So who are you limiting?

Aren’t we supposed to believe in people?

Peter would have never been who he turned out to be if Jesus didn’t believe in him. But Jesus called it out of him--gave him a chance--matter of fact, gave him many chances .

So who is it?

Your spouse?

Your son?

Your daughter?

Your friend?

A volunteer?

A young person?

Don’t judge too quickly.

Don’t Miss It

2009-04-16T22:18:00.001-05:00

WOW!

Today I was at our weekly production meeting where we go over the different items for the weekend services. As we finished I thought to my self, “Man – I hope no one misses this one.”

I want to encourage you to make sure you are there. But do not come alone. Be sure to bring a family member or friend.

We are living in times that are uncertain.

We are living in times where you don’t hear much good news coming from our TV news shows.

We are living in times where we need to be encouraged, uplifted and connected with God.

I promise you this Sunday will create an environment where you will be able to experience all of this and more.

He’s STILL* Faithful…..

Because God’s Still* Got The Whole World in His Hands.

Don’t Grieve Your Best Friend

2009-04-16T22:16:00.001-05:00

People are hurting all around us.

Yesterday I was at a restaurant with a group of friends. I did something that I had never done before. When the waitress came to our table, I felt nudged by the Holy Spirit to say to her, “We are going to pray for our lunch in a few minutes. Is there anything we could pray for you about?”

I struggled with even asking her about this. I thought “she is going to think I am crazy weird or I am going to make her feel very uncomfortable or awkward”.

When I did it every one at the table looked surprised, but not as surprised as when we heard her answer. She immediately started to tear up, and began to apologize . She said, “I can’t cry while I am waiting on tables.” I assured that it was ok, and she told us that her father died last week. Monday they were executing the will and it was harder than she realized. She said that she was going through a very difficult time.

I said, “I am so sorry” and then said, “Let’s pray”. It was an unbelievable experience. I thought to myself, “Look at what you would have missed if you would have grieved your best friend, the Holy Spirit.”

I am convinced that fear is the main reason many of us grieve the Holy Spirit, and in grieving him we miss out on being a blessing as well as being blessed.

What is the Holy Spirit nudging you to do?

Don’t miss the next opportunity.

Two Things for Sure

2009-04-15T03:34:00.001-05:00

They say that there are only two things for sure—death and taxes.

Are your taxes done? They are due today. I know what you are thinking, “I will file for an extension”.

Just remember you can do that with taxes, but you can’t do that with the other sure thing--death.

When death calls your name, you can’t stop it.

So be ready by telling the people you love that you really do love them. Not tomorrow--you don’t have that assurance--but today.

By keeping short accounts with family, friends and co-workers. Not tomorrow--you don’t have that assurance--but today.

By practicing forgiveness everyday. Not tomorrow--you don’t have that assurance--but today.

By fulfilling your God given purpose . You say, “I am not sure of what that is”. Go to Matthew 22 :37 –39 & Matthew 28:19-20.

Don’t count your years, make your years count, and you will be ready.

Props to a Great Team

2009-04-14T04:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was an incredible day--for many different reasons.

One thing I am thankful for is for the staff at NewPointe-- paid and non paid.

I say paid and non paid because when you see them do their ministry, all of them take pride and great responsibility in what they do.

This was in full display yesterday. With a record day attendance, we were filled to the gills with people.

The traffic was back up, the parking lot full. The hall ways, class rooms and auditorium completely full. People standing in line to get their favorite drink . Yet they never missed a beat. With a servant heart they met every challenge that was thrown at them.

It was one incredible day. I have received a number of emails from people sharing how God spoke to them. People were leaving with tears coming down their faces.

It would not have happened with out a tremendous staff and volunteers.

Thank you so much for allowing God to use you to make a huge difference.

Proud of all of you.

Great Opportunity

2009-04-09T03:29:00.001-05:00

This Sunday is Easter. It is the most attended Sunday in the whole year. People who rarely attend a week-end service come out for Easter. Statistics state that 3 out 4 people would come to church if someone would invite them.

We are kicking off a new series that speaks directly to where people are living right now.

This series deals with how we go on in a world that is filled with so much uncertainty. Is there any hope?

Know anybody who is struggling with life?

Know anybody who is discouraged?

Know anybody who needs a lift?

Know anybody who wants to give up?

We are committed to doing everything we possibility can to share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ in a clear and compelling way.

I promise that you won’t want to miss this opportunity. You only get a few in life to leverage. This is one of them .

We are kicking off a third service to make room for all of the friends and family that we have at NewPointe who need to understand the love of God .

Easter Service times: 9:00, 11:oo & 12:50.

Be sure to get here early. Don’t wait until the last minute . You will miss the opening of the service, and I promise you, you don’t want to do that.

See you Sunday!

A Funny Thing

2009-03-30T18:40:00.001-05:00

I love blowing people’s images about God, church and religion. The other day, a funny thing happened at a local restaurant.

One of the places I go on a regular basis for lunch and breakfast meetings is

Over time I have also built relationships with the waitresses and hostesses there.

They all get a kick out of the fact that I don’t wear socks and like to tease me.

Last week one of the waitresses that have waited on my table for a long time finally asked, “Do you have a job? I always see you here.”

My friend who was sitting across the table said, “Yes, his job is helping me.”

She said, “No, seriously, do you have a job?” and I told her, “Yes, I am a pastor.”

She said, “You’re not a pastor. You look more like a janitor than a pastor.” I laughed, and she went on to tell me why she wasn’t attending church anywhere—“boring”, “people weren’t friendly”, “it didn’t make a whole lot of sense”.

She asked where I pastored, and I invited her Newpointe. I promised her it wouldn’t be boring, unfriendly and that it would make sense.

People carry around a lot of stereotypes regarding how church is, and often these images are not positive ones. At NewPointe it’s our intention to shatter those stereotypes and be fun, friendly and relevant to their lives.

After all, Jesus himself attracted people around him continually, knew how to have fun and spoke in ways that were completely relevant to their lives. As His representatives, should we be like Him to every person we’re around, and shouldn’t our churches be modeled after Him as well?

Successful Launch

2009-03-23T19:08:00.006-05:00

March 15^th we launched a new campus in Louisville, Ohio. It was a great evening and a wonderful beginning of “NewPointe North”.

We are meeting at the Louisville Middle School every other Sunday Night and will be there this Sunday night, March 25^th, at 6:00 p.m.

The evening will include a great time of worship and a focused study of the book of Nehemiah emphasizing discovering God’s plan for your life.

The core volunteers are from the Canton/Louisville areas and have been driving down to NewPointe (Dover) for several months. They’re tremendously excited to be able to reach their own geographical area for Christ.

Join us for a great time whenever you’re available.

Here are the dates and times for the next couple of months:

April 19 @ 6:00 p.m.

May 3 @ 6:00 p.m.

May 17 @ 6:00 p.m.

May 31 @ 6:00 p.m.