As I think about ‘08, I’m grateful for all that God’s done. This year was much better than ‘07 or ‘06. Those two years I was at war, but in ‘08 I’ve gotten to live what seeing God win that war looks like. As I anticipate all the things God will do in ‘09, I’m wrapping up this year having learned so many things - a few are:
- The greatest blessings in life are not things, they are the people who make life richer and more meaningful.
- My bride and kids mean more to me than ever. I pray God helps me become the husband and Dad they deserve.
- The difference in sustaining an institution and building a movement.
- Unity comes with a price. Many churches are unified in their attempts at nothing, in their satisfaction of stagnancy, and in their “dislike” of others who are really doing something. ‘08 is the greatest year of ministry I’ve ever lived. I’m grateful that I lead a growing church that is passionate and unified about loving God and loving others and actually doing something to impact lives. I’m grateful that our church is unified about reaching “others” not about trying to re-live a re-written past.
- I’m learning that when you really love people, and sacrifice to show them, they are open to knowing the God who changed you to be that way.
- For the church, a struggling economy doesn’t have to be a deficiency, it can be a huge opportunity.
- When you begin to live what you were born to do and pursue Christ hard, those who aren’t will try to stop you… but they can only stop you if you let them.
- I’ve see God change more lives and develop more people in ‘08 than I’ve ever seen in ministry… with no permanent buildings, tons to set up each week, and less financial resources than when we were an “established church.“ We’re seeing more with less b/c we’re not distracted by churchy mess.
- I believe God has big plans for those who believe in a big God. To think that almost a year ago we had half the people we had last Sunday really humbles me. Growing a church is not hard but it is difficult.
There’s so much more - maybe I’ll hit this again after the 1st of the year. For now, this is enough. This was a year that God moved, God blessed and lives were changed and I’m so much more than grateful. I love Jesus and what he’s asked me to do, and we’re going to see more in ‘09 than can be imagined. In this one life I get to relentlessly pursue Jesus and him making a difference - the best is yet to come.
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It’s late and I don’t have much left - this day has worn me out. While I’m dead tired, my mind is still racing from this morning. I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude. As I reflect on this morning, and wrapping up our first year in meeting in the theaters I’m grateful for:
- Our amazing God who continues to blow my mind with how much he loves us.
- The movement that is C3. C3 Church you stepped up big-time. Not only did you deliver the food and supplies, but in many cases you added to it. For people who needed help you paid utility bills, rent, and mortgages. You helped people with Dr’s for checkups and tests. Some of you even helped people who were unemployed find a job. Then, you invited people to experience C3 with you today, and as a result they experienced God. You even provided their kids with Christmas gifts. You’ve made loving God and loving others have traction in people’s lives. Your love for God and others is contagious and you’ll roll through Christmas this week knowing you’ve made someones life better.
- January 4, 2009 - that’s right, I’m already grateful for it. Even though it hasn’t happened yet, I know what we’re planning and I believe God’s going to use it to change even more lives. Remember, next weekend we have no gatherings so be ready Jan. 4 and bring people with you!
In the midst of deep gratitude I’m also burdened. I’d like to ask you to pray for a couple of needs I’m aware of. One of the families we’ve been helping is scheduled to be evicted Christmas Eve. Please pray that God provides the necessary funds for them. Also, another one of the families we’ve been helping experienced a tragedy this week. The Mom in this family ended her own life. For her husband and three kids Christmas will be very different now. There are constant reminders all around us that people desperately need Christ - and to know his deep love. Let’s share that love this week.
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There are moments in life where you just know. They are rare. Those times when it’s beyond description… and you just know. This coming weekend at C3 Church is going to be beyond reality. God is going to do something huge. Lives will be radically changed, families will experience hope for the first time in a long time, children will be excited about life… and a movement will become even more.
C3 - this Sunday we have a rare opportunity. There are people you know - your neighbors, work associates, classmates, family members - who desperately need to know the love of Christ and how he longs to know them. They will come this Sunday just because it’s Christmas. They will come… only if you invite them. In the rush of the holidays, with all that is to be done, please don’t skip the most important things - thinking about Christ, spending time with family, and inviting others to a worship experience this Sunday. Think about it, you could help someone experience their very first Christmas as a follower of Christ.
So, this Sunday 100 families will be helped with food and basic necessities, and they will hear about the love of Christ and have an opportunity to know him personally. And, hundreds more that we invite will also have the opportunity to meet Christ. This will be one of the most important Sundays in the life of C3. As a pastor, sometimes God lets you in on what he’s about to do… I’ve seen it and this Sunday is going to be huge for many. This Sunday at C3 people will move from death to life - will it be someone that you invite? Every single day invite someone to meet you at C3 Church this Sunday!
Last night during dinner we were talking about “Christmas Vacation” and the C3 devo for the night. The discussion turned as a couple of the kids began to have “more intense discussion” (don’t know if that ever happens w/your family during dinner). It stopped when I said, “Nate, say something nice about Kayleigh.“ Then every person at the table, one at a time said something nice about her. Of course, everyone wanted to be next. We spent some time with each person hearing something nice from everyone at the table.
I watched something happen.
I saw the power of words.
What I saw was more moving that what I heard. I watched the countenance of faces change, the atmosphere became lighter. Last night at dinner every person in my family was encouraged - I heard things I really needed to hear, and I believe each person did. It struck me that we had each heard more kind things last night than many people hear in week… or much longer.
Our home is crazy hectic - a pastor’s home with 4 full of energy kids and a bride with a million talents, and a husband that’s got to be worth 4 more kids - it really is crazy… but it’s crazy good. This Christmas season I pray that in all the business we take the time to love and encourage those who mean so much.
C3 - Sunday’s flyin at us - invest and invite!!!
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It’s been a crazy busy day and still flyin. Today:
- Took Ang for some tests today (not educational
).
- Our creative team talked through C3’s weekend experiences. After “Christmas Vacation” we’re having a kickin service on January 4, then launching “Mosaic” on January 11 (you’ll hear more soon).
- I’m really pumped about what I’m going to be sharing this weekend at C3 - this message has huge potential for major impact in our lives as we look at another element of Christmas Vacation.
- Accepted speaking engagements for a couple of conferences in ‘09 - one in LA and the other in DC. I love connecting with pastors who want to make a difference doing what they were born to do - this will be a blast.
- Still decorating more… still.
All that is about to slow down, because our family is about to have a “manger moment.” Tonight, here’s what we’re discussing from C3’s Noisy Night devo:
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” The reality of this verse can get lost in all our busyness. Give each member of your family an opportunity to share what the primary source of stress is in their lives.
C3 - Sunday’s going to be awesome… invite like crazy to get those you care about there!
