The True Gift

Recently I watched Seven Pounds. In it Will Smith plays a guilt-ridden man looking to make amends to those he deems worthy by planning to donate his vital organs, up to and including his heart. Today's random Daily Scripture (cf. John 15:13) brought back to me the gratefulness, rekindled after viewing Smith's quest, to my Lord who laid down His life not for the worthy but the unworthy. I am so thankful that Jesus didn't "interview" me to see if I was deserving of His sacrifice because I truly wasn't. He simply gave me His life for mine; all I needed to do was accept His gift through repentance...which is so very far from worthiness.

Already Good Things

As we enter the fifth day of The Watch we already see God moving mightily in our midst with the stirring up of individual gifts and visions in times of prayer. Indeed this is a season called by Him to speak, guide, and direct us. May His grace continue to abound and His will continue to be done during this time of consecration.

Steeped in Faith

Today I read the Matthew passage in The Message and, as in many times before, enjoyed the colorful and descriptive language Eugene Peterson uses in his contemporary and self-described "reading Bible" (Preface). Today's highlight, looking through the lens of faith, is his rendering of "Seek first the kingdom of God..." with "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out."

Father, let faith arise in me that makes You even more real; allow me to labor with You in Your actions; and to accept your gracious gifts. With all of Your genuineness, leadership, and supplying how can I miss out on anything? Such total faith can be the mark of a generation--a generation I want to be a part of. A generation immersed in and saturated with Your presence. Amen

The Fathehood of God

J Vernon McGee writes,

• The concept we are dealing with here is revolutionary. Did you notice that the Lord uses the term Father? These are citizens of the Kingdom that the Lord is talking about. How do you become a child of God today? John 1:12 gives us the answer: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power [the authority] to become the sons of God, even to them that [do no more or less than] believe on his name." Our Lord even said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again" (see John 3:3)—until then, you can't call God your Father. And in the Old Testament you will not find the word Father used in relation to a man with God. The nation Israel as a whole was called by God, "… Israel is my son …" (Exo 4:22), but not an individual. The Lord Jesus is speaking of a new relationship.
  

Additionally, the Spirit said,

• This is a generation who has not known a father's care! And I desire, I desire for them to know me as this! To know me as a father who will never fail, and a father who will always love, and a father who will always be there, and a father who will always care! I want to reveal myself to this generation as a God of love! I am love! I want them to know me! I want them to know that I am a God of love. I am love! I am love! I am love! I want them to know the love, the true love, of a father. I say, seek my face, seek my face. They are hungry for me and it is up to you to seek my face that they might know me.

Father, reveal Yourself to this generation, speak to them in a way that only You can, and let us be Your hands and heart that they may see. Amen

Leadership Study

Tonight we will be looking at Theory Fastball beginning at 6 pm.

New Leadership Discussion Schedule

Please see the new discussion dates, effective Monday, September 14, listed in the post below.

Leadership is an Art

Leadership Philosophy

Robert J. Clinton writes that a ministry philosophy is the result of leadership development—the ideas, values, and principles whether implicit or explicit the leader uses as guidelines for decision-making, for exercising influence, or for evaluating ministry (The Making of a Leader, page 179).

With the continued growth at Crimson House and the need to expand leadership roles, it is necessary for all who lead to firmly embrace Pastor's leadership style and philosophy. As shared in prayer meeting last Monday, Leadership is an Art, by Max Depree, was instrumental in shaping my philosophy in conjunction with the biblical principles resident in the priesthood of believers. Below is our discussion schedule.

Discussion Schedule

July 20—Foreward

July 27—Introduction; The Millwright Died

September 14—What is Leadership

September 21—Participative Premises

September 28—Theory Fastball

October 5—Roving Leadership

October 12—Intimacy

October 19—Whither Capitalism

October 26—Giant Tales

November 2—Tribal Storytelling

November 6—Who Owns This Place

November 16—Communicate

November 23—No prayer service

November 30—Pink Ice…

December 7—What's Next

December 14—Some Thoughts…

December 21—No Prayer Service

December 28—To Make One…

January 4—Why Should I Weep?

January 11—The Marks of Elegance

January 18—Postscript