First Things First

A few thoughts on the fly:

I love leading C3 Church.  The opportunity to lead a fresh, engaging, compassionate movement that is passionate in it’s pursuit of loving God and loving others is overwhelming.  Every single Sunday before I walk on the platform I’m in awe of what I get to do.  I’ve been in church my whole life, but I’ve only experienced being a part of a movement for a couple years.

I love what God does when I can’t do anything.  This morning in the second service a ton of stuff went wrong.  The theater decided to begin the movie intro music during the message.  Also, someone decided it was time to pressure clean the theaters projector (which could be heard throughout the theater).  There were several others “interruptions” - the bottom line is life happens often in the realm beyond our control.  I was… frustrated ( :-) ) to say the least.  But, the reality is God still changed lives, hearts and attitudes.  We have a responsibility to bring our best (so we will have conversations this week with those we need to and the problems should be solved), but ultimately it’s all up to God.

I’m really praying for people who are not “zoned in”.  I’m already hearing from many who want to step into the zone.  God is going to use this big time in the lives of people, families and C3.  We have a huge opportunity to make a difference and reflect who Christ is.

When I realized what could happen if we go all-in following Christ, living in the zone, it charges me up!  C3 could:

  • build 15 to 20 homes through Habitat for Humanity, or
  • Feed the entire homeless population in Orlando for an ENTIRE YEAR!, or
  • Provide backpacks and school supplies for EVERY  elementary-aged child in East Orange County, or
  • Build 600 clean water drinking wells in Africa, changing the lives of 500,000 people immediately, or
  • Provide 1 YEAR of living expenses for every person at C3 who has lost their job this year, or
  • Fund the operations of 150 orphanages overseas…

I could go on, and on.  The reality is if we live as Christ-followers we have an opportunity to make a major impact in our city.  Living in the flow of Jesus, loving God and loving others can be shown in tangible ways, that give us an opportunity to share the life-changing, eternity-changing message with people in greater effectiveness.

So, 2010 is going to blow our minds, and 2011 will go even further.  We’ve just got to live in the flow of First things First!

Published
by
Byron Bledsoe
on January 31, 2010
in C3 Church, Church, Future, Leadership, Life, Sunday, Thankful, Thoughts, Vision, finances, money, timeless and transitioning church
. 2 Comments

Not Again…

It just happens.  The storms we experience can linger with us for a long time.  Last Sunday, as we began “Rain” @ C3 Church, one thing really stood out to me.  A question kept haunting me.  Noah obeyed God - built the ark, got on, rode out the storm, waited 150 days for the waters to descend, then began to rebuild.  I don’t know if it was a few days or weeks later, but… I wonder what he thought the very next time it began to rain?

So often, even when God takes us through something, when life begins to look similar to the “storms” we’ve experienced… we wonder…  is it beginning again?  Will it be as bad or maybe even worse?  We remember the 150 days, because the residual effects of the storm hang around long after the rains stop.  The not knowing how long it would last… or if life will just be this way forever now… all because of rain.  It’s starting again.

We can’t stop the rain, but we can decide how it will affect us.  Each time it rains in our lives it can bring new fears or grow new faith.  It’s going to rain… so let it feed new faith that will grow in our lives and expand our influence for Christ!

Don’t miss this weekend as we continue to learn how to navigate “Rain” (and remember to INVITE SOMEBODY)!

Published
by
Byron Bledsoe
on January 6, 2010
in C3 Church, Faith, Future, Life, Past, Sunday, Thoughts, Vision, fear and questions
. 0 Comments

Don’t Be A Loser

Tuesdays… “The Biggest Loser“.  It’s a routine in our house because… well just because Angie likes the show, and I like her… so I watch it with her :-) .  One thing I am always struck by is how the impossible can be accomplished with one simple thing… focus.  Somehow, people who’ve not been able to accomplish their goals are now able to, in an atmosphere of focus, defy the odds.

What can be done in our lives this week with some focus?  Who needs to be encouraged?  Who needs someone to pray for them?  Who needs you and I to be “focused” on others so this week will be better for them?

And… who needs an invitation to C3 Church this weekend as we continue “Rain.”  I think the real losers in life are the people who are too busy to… focus.

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on January 5, 2010
in C3 Church, Faith, Future, Life, Sunday, Thoughts and Vision
. 0 Comments

Rain

I’ve been in Texas for a few days with family. The holidays are always a great time to connect. One of the unique things about “home” for me is… the rain. If you know anything about Beaumont, Texas you know it stinkin rains (I don’t think we’ve seen the sun this week…). It’s grey and dreary… and… depressing. Living in Florida really makes you miss the sun.

rain_graphic

As I’m wrapping up 2009 in this rainy place, I’ve thought a lot about the storms of 2009. Honestly, in many ways, 2009 has been a year of rain for me. In fact, there have been moments I wondered if it would stop. Rain. You can’t control it. You can’t make it go away. It’s just… rain.

Perhaps in your life there’s been some rain. Maybe ‘09 represents “flooding” in some areas of your life. How do we deal with “rain”? This weekend at C3 Church we’re beginning this new series, “Rain.” We’ll learn how to navigate this difficult, grey, upredictable and often pouring rains in our lives. I can’t wait to see you this weekend @ C3… and BRING SOMEBODY!

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on December 31, 2009
in Church, Future, Life, Past, Sunday, Thoughts, Vision and questions
. 0 Comments

It’s Time

I’ve decided it’s time.

Lately I’ve been toying with the idea of getting back in the gym and have even made some half-hearted efforts in the last couple weeks. However, half-hearted isn’t really how I flow, so I’ve got to go all in. Even though we’ve been out of town, we’re hitting the gym… but I’ve got to be honest - my favorite part is the post workout routine… (and how happy Angie is when she worksout :-) )!

Workout Fuel from C3 Church on Vimeo.

Published
by
Byron Bledsoe
on December 29, 2009
in Family, Life and Random
. 1 Comment