Tag Archive - No Perfect People Allowed

Embracing Brokenness

August 13, 2012 in Tampa Church with 1 Comment

This past Sunday I spent some time talking about embracing brokenness.  So much of my life I have tried to run from and eschew brokenness.  I am not suggesting that we seek brokenness on our own but, when God brings it into our lives we need to embrace.  If God begins to break my heart for a need and I embrace it- He brings fresh vision and compassion.  Yet, when I see a need and back away because it hurts too much- I can become calloused and uncaring.  Have you noticed when you go through brokenness with God He enlarges your heart?  As a pastor I have always tried to care for people who were dealing with cancer and the pain and hurt it brings to all those involved.  When my Dad got the news of his cancer- I wept.  Yet, I never really embraced the brokenness until I talked with him about what he felt and what he was concerned for.  Even now when I think of that conversation- I weep.  When Dad was diagnosed I stepped into caring mode.  I got busy taking care of my Dad, checking with doctors and following through on questions.  My business kept me from brokenness.  We buried my Dad 12 years ago and God opened my heart to new levels of compassion and care.  Sometimes when I am all alone- and thinking about my folks- I embrace brokenness again.  Because of that brokenness God has enlarged my heart for families dealing with cancer.

A couple of Brokenness Axioms:

  • If we will slow down and engage our hearts- God will break our heart with that which breaks His heart.
  • Brokenness is not a onetime event.
  • God never uses anyone that He doesn’t break first. (Look though people in the scripture who were greatly used by God- you will find great pain and brokenness)
  • When we allow brokenness by God to invade our lives- we come out the other side more whole than we have ever been.
  • God does not cause evil and yet He can use the brokenness that results to grow us (Romans8:28)

Ezekiel 36:26      And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

If you missed Sunday- here is the video.


No video? Click here…

momentum… Momentum… MOMENTUM

July 31, 2012 in Monmentum with Comments Off

We kick off our new series this Sunday: Momentum!  I have discovered (and you probably have as well) that Momentum makes a HUGE difference!  We know when we have it and when we do not!  We have all seen and possibly experienced:

  • The team that has been losing makes a break through and begins to pick up wins and Momentum kicks in!
  • The student who is struggling in their studies makes a breakthrough in how to study and everything about school seems to improve- Momentum.
  • The Olympic swimmer who finally breaks through with a medal and then they begin to roll- hello Momentum.
  • The salesperson that has been trying to close a deal and keeps experiencing road block- then she makes a decision that moves the deal forward and Momentum takes over!
  • (put your story here)

As much as some people hope or believe- Momentum is not dumb luck.  Momentum is not a result of making the right lottery pick in life.  Momentum can usually be traced back to a Bold Move or new approach to the problem.  Momentum is a breakthrough is the effectiveness of life.

Have you ever thought about Spiritual Momentum?  I have had many people say to me, “Pastor, my walk with God has become boring or duty filled.  Is that normal?  Is it over for me?”  My answer is, “Yes, it is normal to go through highs and lows as a Christ-Follower and no we don’t have to stay there.”  Often we experience a “dry” spiritual time because our habits need to be shaken or maybe God is taking us to a new level.  In the same way that a relationship with another person can become routine and boring it can happen to us spiritually as well.  This series is all about re-gaining and re-fueling your spiritual Momentum.  I believe that often what we need is a Bold Move to get us out of our rut and back into a vibrant relationship with the Father.  I have experienced this in my own life many times.  Every week I will challenge all of us to take a Bold Move.  Are you ready to fuel your spiritual Momentum?  See you Sunday- and bring that friend you have been praying for.

Party and Maturity – What?

July 17, 2012 in Baptism, Party with Comments Off

This Saturday we are going to Philippe Park to party!  We have a pavilion secured, lunch delivered and games for everyone.  Make a plan to come and hang out.  If you need a map or information- click here for our Facebook Event.  Bottom line- you will meet some awesome new people and oh yeah- one more thing…

We are Baptizing!  This past Sunday I talked about becoming mature in Christ.  Maturity is not based in how much we know or do or have done.  Maturity is an attitude of humility and teachableness.  I believe maturity is  means a willingness to obey God’s Word when we find direction or correction.  Baptism is a step of obedience for the Christ Follower.  When I am baptized I am saying:

  • I have trusted Jesus as my savior.
  • I am dying to living for my goals and I now follow Jesus.
  • I am announcing my Faith to the world.

Jesus was Baptized and told us to Baptize believers- so my question is- Have you been Baptized since you trusted Jesus as your savior?  If not- email Neal@churchatthebay.com now and he can give you details.  We will not be swimming in the Bay but we will Baptize.  Need more help?  Here is a brief video talking about baptism.

(No video- click here)

 

Are you Mature?

July 10, 2012 in Bible Study with Comments Off

Has anyone said this to you (they sure have to me)- “I hope one day you grow up”?  What do they mean: gain weight- I can do that quickly?  Get taller- only with lifts in my shoes?  Are they talking physically?  Emotionally?  Spiritually?  I really don’t know- you will have to ask them that question yourself ;-) .

This Sunday I am talking about spiritual maturity.  I really believe this message will help you.  As I have been studying this week God has given me a message.  I believe spiritual maturity if often misunderstood and therefore misapplied.  If you… if I… if Church at the Bay is going to be all God wants us to be we will need to mature spiritually.  Too often spiritual maturity is defined as:

  • Sharing your faith
  • Knowing a lot of scripture
  • Having a daily time with God
  • Giving a tithe (10% of my income)
  • Fasting regularly
  • Serving

Those are good practices and I heartily recommend them and yet they fall way short in measuring spiritual maturity.  Some people say, “You really can’t ever know if you are mature or maturing”.   Obviously, I believe you can know and grow in maturity as a Christ-follower!  I believe you can be described as mature (not perfect, mind you).  So the big question is, “Okay Hal, let’s say you know the answer- tell me now”.  The problem is- I can’t tell you now because that is my message Sunday.  If you cannot make it and are still interested- check back next Monday and the sermon video will be posted on the side of this blog.  The truth is the Apostle Paul digs into this issue in a big way in Philippians 3.

By the way- I am loving our study of Philippians and I hope you are gaining new insights into this issue of Spiritual Maturity in our series- A Letter from Lockdown.

 
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