What You See Is What You Get

February 28, 2008 at 12:16 am (vision)

How many times have you heard that? When you begin to investigate why some are more successful than others, look no further than vision. In order to accomplish anything you have to be able to see it first. Check out this little known bizarre fact. Your brain and body can’t tell the difference between something you vividly imagine and reality.

When you can see it, feel it , and experience it before it actually happens, buckle up because you are on the verge of something huge. So let me encourage you, dream huge. Let yourself paint a mental picture of a preferable future. And then go and do it. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. Norman Vincent Peale said this:

“Formulate and indelibly stamp on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade – and your mind will seek to develop the picture”.

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Cheap Seats

February 26, 2008 at 8:19 pm (Character, blogging)

You know the people I’m talking about, they sit out in the crowd and critique everything the church does. They always know better. Although you can always learn form the mindless rantings of a few, you can also let their comments affect you. They won’t take the risk but they sure will blast those who do. They would never show up at your door and man up and speak to you face to face. That would take character. 


When I started blogging, there were some that “anonymously” took the opportunity to spout off about what they don’t like about me or the SFC. About four months into it I had to let someone start monitoring my comments. It has allowed me to write freely. For all you bloggers let me give you a word of advice, when you put your words out into cyberspace you become a target. So here are some thoughts:

-Share your heart, but choose your words wisely.
-Share your life, but keep personal things private.
-Share your story, but don’t be the story.
-Share your message, but don’t use it for direct attacks.

Always remember, the loudest boos comes from the cheap seats. (Perry Noble)

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What The Heck Just Happened?

February 26, 2008 at 3:34 am (Shore Fellowship, sunday, tension)

This past week at the C3 conference I was challenged in a message by Perry Noble about how important the environment you create every Sunday is. I’m always amazed when I hear people talk about why you shouldn’t spend any money on lights and video and things like that. They say we didn’t need that in the good old days. Well, I grew up in the good old days and I promise you they weren’t as good as we thought. 


This week at SFC we are going to pull out all the stops to create an environment that will create a little tension. I promise you that this Sunday at SHORE you will have a moment when you say, what the heck just happened? I believe people will see God in a fresh way. That’s all I can tell you, but I promise you, you won’t want to miss it. Make sure you invite someone. Get your friends there. It will be a day you won’t want to miss.

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Committed Locally – Connected Globally

February 19, 2008 at 7:40 pm (children, hunger, manna, missions)

As many of you know, I am on the Board of Trustees  for a Faith-Based ministry called MannaWorldwide. This week is our annual meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. I’m hanging out with some good friends, one of which is John Cremeans. Good Times. Manna helps feed thousands of children around the world as well as starting orphanages and medical centers. It is an incredible ministry. I have been on several trips around the world with them. We also as a church support 2 feeding centers, one in Tanzania, and one in Chili. 

It is so cool to be around other Pastors who have such a heart for children around the world. I would like to thank all of you who give faithfully to Manna. You are making a huge difference. I am sitting here listening to stories of how God is changing lives. In my book that is a win. If you are interested in giving to MANNA you can visit www.shorefellowship.com  and click on give online. You will be directed to set up an account. From  there you can choose where to give your gift. I hope you will consider it.
Later this week I will be at Fellowship Church for the C3 conference. I am so juiced up for it. I’ll update you later about what we are learning. 

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Listen Up

February 12, 2008 at 8:08 pm (Uncategorized)

As a Pastor my voice has a lot to do with my calling. To share the word you have to “speak” truth. If you want to cast vision your voice plays a huge role. To lead people you must be able to exercise your vocal cords. Don’t get me wrong, what comes through the lips must always pass through the heart first.

For the last five day I have been struggling with my voice. It was a battle to do two services on Sunday. Today in staff meeting not being able to speak was frustrating. But I am always amazed to see how God works in our weakness. And so here is a lesson that God has taught me this week.

Take the cotton out of your ears and shove it in your mouth. In short, shut your trap and open your ears. Too many times we get hung up with our voice. We like to talk. We like it when people actually listen to us. But as I study scripture , didn’t Jesus say , ” If anyone has ears to hear let him hear”? He didn’t say if you have a voice speak. James 1:19 we are told to be swift to hear and sloooooow to speak. That’s why in Proverbs we are told that too many words will get us into trouble.

Yes, we should use our voice to speak truth into this world. But if your not listening to THE voice, the voice of God first, then all your doing is spouting off a bunch of chin music..

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That’s What I’m Talking About

February 4, 2008 at 7:15 pm (Commitment, challenged, impact, loyalty)

A good friend of mine (Buddy Cremeans) who pastors in upstate NY experienced the definition of loyalty and commitment this past weekend. Check out this post:

I work with great people…Last night we got a call that Kevin Brustle’s (Worship Pastor) wife was about to have an emergency appendectomy. Please pray for April, she made it through the surgery great but it will take a bit of time to get rolling again. Kevin was supposed to lead worship tonight but for obvious reasons isn’t going to be able to…so now we were left with one of the most music intensive services of our year and no Worship leader.

Enter Jeremy Erndt, he is leading in Clifton Park on Sunday but was in NH last night and today getting ready for a day of Snowboarding with some of his fam. When he heard about our need he and his wife jumped in their car and are driving 4 hours back today to help us out in Malta! Love their selfless attitudes. Love that anybody on our staff would have done the exact same thing! This weekend is going to be incredible.

What an incredible challenged. Would we do the same? Is “OUR TIME” more valuable than our impact? Way to go Jeremy!!!! You inspire me.

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Put Me In Coach

February 3, 2008 at 12:57 am (God, forgiveness)

In this life you have those who watch the game, and those who play the game. I’ve always enjoyed going to a big game. Eight years ago I was able to go to the Big House and watch Michigan destroy Ohio State. As much fun as that was it left me feeling a bit empty.

I can’t tell you how many athletic events I have watched my kids play in. What a thrill it is to root for them when they are in the game. But when they sit, I get so frustrated. I ask myself all the time why it bothers me so much. Maybe it’s because I don’t like to see anyone sit. If you give me the choice between being a fan or a player, I will choose player every time.

2000 years ago Jesus choose some people to be His followers. They were a group of men who were on the sidelines. The moment Jesus asked them to be a part of His team, they said yes, a 1000 times yes. I’ve got to be honest, when it comes to the church, there are too many spectators. I’m not talking about those outside the church, I’m talking about those inside, in their unholy huddle. Too many people sitting on their butts not doing anything to build the Kingdom of God. They know how to squeeze all the goodness out of the church for themselves, but are they doing their part to reach people for Christ?

Ask yourself, which one am I? God is calling us to rise and change this world through the love of Christ. I guess what drives me crazy the most is when I find myself sitting instead of playing. I am so glad that we have a God that will put us on the field of play, even though we are probably going to screw up. And when we do, He offers forgiveness and puts us right back out in the game of life again. Why, because He believes in us. I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to play on His team even more!! So put me in coach, I’m ready to play.

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