Hockey Night in Fort Wayne

Luke and I are going to the Komets game tonight.
Some quality father/son time. And the Komets games are always alot of fun.

Sunday at The Creek

Preached from Mark 5 today (healng of the demoniac), What an awesome truth --Jesus sets us free!

CPR Class

Last night we had a CPR class at the church building. A nurse from the congregation taught the class. Many of our staff members were involved (so she had her work cut out for her). I last took a CPR course in gym class in 1981, so it was time for a refresher. A lot has changed (number of compressions given, AED device, etc.). It was all very informative, and I'm glad I have this new knowledge. I just hope I never have to use it.

Sunday Sneak-Peek

This week I will be continuing in the Encountering Jesus series, preaching about the Parable of the Sower. Most people, when they read this parable, put themselves in the role of the sower. I think the Lord gives us some important principles in that regard. But I think greater emphasis needs to be given to the soil. This parable is not primarily about sowing, it’s about growing!

Most people, when they read this parable, put themselves in the role of the sower. I think the Lord gives us some important principles in that regard (explain). But I think greater emphasis needs to be given to the soil.
This parable is not primarily about sowing, it’s about growing!

Jesus speaks of four types of soil:
1. Hardened soil
2. Shallow Soil
3. Crowded Soil
4. Prepared Soil

What kind of soil am I?

Favre Retires, Again

Story here.

The Blue Parakeet

Last night I read Scot McKnight’s book, The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible. It was very good, much like Fee & Stuart’s How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Except for one thing -- McKnight devotes five chapters (five chapters!) to the role of women in the church today. He is an egalitarian. He rehearses the same tired arguments that have been refuted time and time again: (Pheobe, Priscilla’s name is mentioned before her husband’s, Junia, why would God give a gift and then restrict its use?, etc.). Other than that, the book was very thought-provoking.

Grammy Awards

Mrs. Soren and I watched most of the Grammy Awards show on Sunday night. I must be getting old, because each year I find myself uttering the phrase, "They call THAT music?"

I was also reminded that you can't spell "crap" without rap.

7 year old sings National Anthem

Wow!

Sunday Sneak-Peek

I'm looking forward to Sunday. Whenever I miss a Sunday in the pulpit (vacation, guest speaker, etc.), I am always anxious to return. I'm starting a new series called Encountering Jesus through the Gospel of Mark (leading up to Easter). This week's message is Encountering the Kingdom from Mark chapter 1. Main take-away: There's a King. And it's not you (or me). How 'bout this quote from Perry Noble? "Church isn't supposed to be our hobby. Jesus is supposed to be our passion." Amen!

Sunday at Cedar Creek

Today was a great day at The Creek. The buzz (excitement, enthusiasm, positive vibe, etc.) was palpable after the service. My friend David Willis can really preach! He's funny, engaging, motivating, and biblical. His message -- Jesus is coming again!

Update: Go Here for sermon audio. Click on the "Guest Speakers" tab.

Men's Retreat Update

The retreat at Lake James was great. David Willis did an awesome job bringing the Word to the guys. We had nearly 50 guys (including many first-timers) there. It was fun, challenging, encouraging, and motivating.

Last Sunday's Intro

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Luke Playing Guitar

Whatcha Talkin' 'Bout Willis?

I'm looking forward to having my old friend David Willis in town this weekend. He's going to speak at our Men's Retreat at Lake James Christian Assembly and preach at Cedar Creek on Sunday. We always have a lot of fun when we are together.

Here's a photo from way back in the day:

Young and Old Ferris

Ferris Bueller -- 23 Years Later

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is one of my favorite movies. Many children of the 80's (like me) have seen the movie many times. I was reading Mark Oestreicher's blog today, and he had a link to a "Where Are They Now?" kind of thing. He said that Jennifer Gray had changed the most, but my vote goes to Mia Sara (aka Ferris' girlfriend Sloane Peterson).

President Obama

I watched the Inauguration coverage. I agree with what my friend Danny Dodd said: "Now President Obama will begin to find out what it is really all about. My guess is- that once he is completely immersed into all things president, he will start to see that W was not quite the arrogant idiot he was made out to be. I think he will discover that it is one thing to be on the outside calling for change and be on the inside realizing that is ain’t that easy. But I wish him well. I do hope he can be the agent to turn our economy around. A lot of hopes are riding on him."

Get Rid of Your Crap!

Last month I read a blog post by Perry Noble and I immediately knew I wanted to develop it into a lesson for the Men of the Word (a group of guys from Cedar Creek that meets each month for a prayer breakfast and Bible lesson). In Deuteronomy 23:12-14 God tells the Israelites to bury their crap outside the camp. I have been digesting Perry's thoughts, and I have come up with something to share with the guys. A good lesson to start the new year:

Five ways to get rid of your crap:

1. Dump toxic thoughts.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

2. Flush foul fellowship.
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character.

1 Corinthians 15:33

3. Bury stinky attitudes.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

4. Purge putrid behavior.
Ephesians 4:1-3; 29-32

5. Wipe out whining.
Philippians 2:14-16

What God is Teaching Our Leaders

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of hosting the Area Ministers Meeting. I put some thoughts together regarding What God is Teaching Our Leaders. I came up with five areas that I think are important to any group of church leaders.

Compatibility
Compatibility with each other AND the people. Jesus said, "I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” People won’t follow leaders they don’t like or respect.

1 Thess. 5:12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work Be at peace among yourselves.

Teachability
We must sharpen the saw. Learn, grow, stretch, etc. Be challenged. What is your plan for personal growth? What are you doing to feed your soul?

Accountability
To each other. To the church. To the Lord.

Flexibility
What needs to change? How can we make it better?

Predictability
What doesn't change? Commitment to prayer, the ministry of the Word, evangelism, faithfulness, excellence, etc.