A Storm

This morning about 3am, I was awakened by a true West Texas thunderstorm. High winds, lot's of thunder and lightening and, oh yes, pounding rain. It was a beautiful sound. A bit frightening... you always have to wonder if it's going to produce a tornado this time of year.

As I lay in bed I had a simple thought: In life, storms come and storms go. So many times we think that the current storm that's pounding us is going to last forever. I want to encourage you today... that whatever storm you're in right now... it will come and it will go.

As for me... I'm going to lay back and enjoy the storm for the moment, pray there are no tornadoes and listen to the rain... knowing full well that this too shall pass.

Listening,

Pastor J

A Question for You...

Are you "happy" and content doing what you do? I'm referring to your job/career. According some stats I recently read, some 70% of all people surveyed are unhappy and dissatisfied with their current job.

I want to hear from you! What is it about your job that causes you to be unsatisfied or unfulfilled? What is it that frustrates you or causes you to long for Friday and dread Monday? I'm curious and I care. On the other hand, if you love what you do... tell us about it.

Listening,
Pastor J

The "Hub City"

My visit to Lubbock was wonderful. That city just keeps growing and growing... it's amazing. I had a great visit with my grandmother... she's 85 and going strong. I'm so thankful for her. She's been an anchor for our entire family. It's good to visit and be reminded of past relationships and events.

By revisiting my old neighborhood I was keenly aware of how far God has brought me! I'm so thankful for His work in my life. According to Eph 2:10, I'm a "masterpiece" in progress. He's working on me and shaping me into his image for his good pleasure. My passion is to make a big deal out of God for his pleasure... that's what gives me pleasure.

I did get to visit with my brother and his wife. I have a wonderful family. I keep saying it over and over... I'm just grateful! I have to disagree with Mac Davis when he sang, "Happiness is seeing Lubbock in my rearview mirror."

Blessings and Grace,
Pastor J

The Old Neighborhood...

I'm driving to Lubbock, TX today to visit my family. I grew up in Lubbock and whenever I get back to that city I always make a drive to the neighborhood where I lived as a child. It's always very centering and the memories pour in like a flood.

All of us need to revisit the old neighborhood, so to speak, every once in a while. It reminds me of my heritage and lets me know how far God has brought me. I thank God for my heritage and my family, however, I'm not limited to or by it. God makes "all things new" every day!

It's so amazing to serve a God who does not recall and recount the mistakes and failures of the past... even if it was yesterday! His grace is truly amazing. As far as my trip goes... I'll enjoy the time, stroll down memory lane and spend the evening reminiscing.

On the other hand... I will thank God for where he has brought me, what he is currently doing in my life and for the plans he has for my future. In fact, my future is so bright... I might have to wear shades! The same goes for you!

Smiling,
Pastor J

More Than Enough!

"My Daddy is bigger than your Daddy!" We used to say that as kids and for most of us it just was not true! Many Daddies were bigger than mine, but to me at that time and from my vantage point he was huge!

However, when it comes to my heavenly Daddy... he really is bigger than anyone else's Daddy! One of his names (Gen 17:1) is El Shaddai. It means God Almighty... i.e. He is the God of MORE than enough!

"Now to him (God) who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." - Eph 3:20

Wow! God is able, and I would add "willing", to do way more than anything I can ask or even dare to imagine! That's a big Daddy! That should put all of my petty "issues" into perspective! I hope this will help with yours. Be encouraged today!

Have an "Immeasurably More" Kind of Day!
Pastor J

The "Y" Factor

I'm reading a wonderful book by Max Lucado titled "Cure for the Common Life." In fact I'm turning it into a 6 week series for MSCC. The book's premise is that God hard-wired and gifted you on purpose and for a purpose.

You were not an accident! God packed you with gifts, talents, abilities, strengths, sensitivities, and skills. Your life has meaning and significance because God formed and handcrafted you for a specific purpose. What a concept!

The Y Factor is that moment when you want to stop and scream (perhaps you have!) "I was born to do this!" I've had this moment a few times in my life. It's critical that you understand the significance of The Y Factor... "Y" stands for "Yes!"

I had a Y Factor moment last week when I was playing lead guitar for the Wed evening worship service. I had it when I was teaching on Sunday morning. I have it regularly when my family is all together in one place. I have it when I look at my 5 year old asleep, fully at peace with the world. I have it when I listen to my wife pray.

What were you doing the last time you had a Y Factor moment? Were you creating something, singing, playing an instrument, reading a report, typing a document, changing the spark plugs on your truck, entertaining guests, changing a diaper, teaching a bible study..? What is it that makes you want to scream, "I was born to do this!?" That's your Y Factor... God packed it in your bag... now, unpack it and use it for the glory of God!

Have a Y Factor Day!
Pastor J

Forty Days of Focus

The Lord has been calling me back to a season of prayer and intercession. I received an email from Bob Perry (www.simpleprayer.org) and he told me about "Facedown 40." It's a 40 day emphasis on prayer and spiritual awakening. So I'm doing it. I'm not fasting per say, but I am dealing with some "food" issues throughout this season.

For me it's more about "focus" than "fasting" in this season. I spoke with several pastors yesterday that are sensing the same call back to prayer and intercession. God does speak in themes and through multiple confirmations.

Perhaps you too would like to participate in "40 Days of Focus." I'm actually thinking about making a series out of it for MSCC. Is God calling you back to prayer? Are you sensing His leading you back to the "prayer closet?" If so, let me know by leaving a comment... I would love to hear from you!

Have an Amazing Day!
Pastor J