Come Home Series

This Sunday on Easter we are kicking off a new series called Come Home.  You don't know how it happened. He had it, but it's just not there anymore. She drifted away. The passion is gone. It's time to turn things around. It's time to bring them home. 


We are talking about one of the most powerful stories in the Bible found in Luke 15 of the prodigal son.  I encourage you to read the whole chapter in preparation for this series.  It is all about doing whatever it takes to reach the one lost sheep.  Jesus' mission was "to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10)  We can't claim to be followers of Jesus if we never seek those who are lost AND make every effort to bring them home.


Elevate Church, I am praying for you.  Who do you need to invite?  Be bold.  It's time to bring them home!


Do whatever you need to do to get people to church this Sunday for the kick off of this series!


It's time to bring people "Home."  

James Recap Part 2

We finished up our JAMES series this past Sunday.  Here are some highlights from James 3 and 4:

• The overriding principle in James 3 is that your tongue has the power of life and death.  What are you using it for?  Easter is coming!  Use your tongue to speak life to others and invite them to church.
• If you wonder where you will be in 10 years just look at your words.  Your tongue directs where you will go. (James 3:3-4)
• Your tongue displays who you are. (James 3:9-12)  It reveals your character.  
• To control your tongue you must let Jesus control your heart.
• James just lays it out again in verse 15 of Chapter 3.  Bitter envy and selfish ambition are earthly, unspiritual, and of the devil.  
• The test of true wisdom is found in verses 17 and 18.  Read it and let's live it.
• James 4 challenges us that we can't love this world and claim to love God.
• Problems come when we begin loving things and using people.
• Maybe the reason you have never been "lifted up" is because you never bowed your head in the first place. (James 4:10)
• You don't know what the future holds but you do know the One who holds the future.  Don't leave God out of your planning! (James 4:13-17)
• You want to talk about a humbling thought: we can't even guarantee our next breath.
• Live for Jesus each moment.  Let Him take care of your future AND He has already taken care of your past at the cross.

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from a great day:

• It was the last week in our James series and Chris preached a great message about patience from James 5.  
• Some highlights from the message:
• When we try to control everything it's called worry.
• There is a difference between a delay and a denial.
• Retaliation and revenge is the exact opposite of patience.
• While we're waiting, God is working!
• No isn't always no.  The "no" may mean not right now.
• Hope equals Holding On Praying Expectantly.
• If you are dealing with a situation and looking for answers, you need to listen to the message right here later this week.
• It was an emotional day and a great day!
• At the end of the service we laid hands on Chris and Kelly and prayed for them, as they are sent out from Elevate to serve Jesus and His ever expanding Kingdom.
• If you're a little late to the party, you can read about Chris and Kelly's transition here.
• We held a reception at our house for them.  We are so grateful for all the people that stopped by to show their love and support for the Reynolds family.
• It was Chris' last message at Elevate while on staff BUT certainly not his last message at Elevate.  
• I told him when they come visit San Diego he will definitely be preaching at Elevate!
• You can keep up with their trip and more at Chris' twitter page.
• We took some time to pray for those who have been invited and will be invited this week to Easter at Elevate.
• We are just sinners trying to reach sinners AND point them to the sinless Savior!
• I want to encourage you to join a lot of us who are fasting from Sun down on Thursday night to Sun down on Friday night.  We are reflecting on what happened on Good Friday 2,000 years ago and what was about to happen on that Sunday.  God has a history of doing some incredible things on Sundays.  The proof is the empty tomb on a Sunday 2,000 years ago!
• Elevate Church, God wants to do incredible things this coming Sunday too!  I'm praying for you that God gives you boldness to share with who you need to and invite them to church.
• We're starting a new series called Come Home on Easter Sunday (April 4th).  Read Luke 15 to get ready for it!

Random Friday

Here are some random Friday thoughts:

• We wrap up our series called The Essential: JAMES this Sunday.  We will be in James 5 and talking about patience!
• After the service, we are hosting a reception for Chris and Kelly Reynolds at our home.  
• It is going to be a great day at Elevate!  We have a lot of great things planned.
• I'm reading through Acts right now with one of our small groups and loving it!
• Have you been with Jesus?  If so, others should be able to notice. (Acts 4:13)
• My Tournament bracket is going down the drain!  I picked Kentucky to win it all so that should keep me in it for now.
• We lost our last basketball game.  Imagine that!  :-) The good news is a new season starts in a few weeks.
• We start a series called Come Home on Easter Sunday (April 4th).  God is going to do great things through this series!
• Who do you know that needs to "come home"?  Pray and invite them!
• Let's do whatever it takes to lead that one lost "sheep" home!
• It is the reason Jesus came to earth! (Luke 19:10)
• Susan's birthday is officially tomorrow (March 27th) but it has already started.  Any good husband knows that his wife's birthday doesn't really last but one day!  :-)
• Susan and I are excited about taking a trip to Palm Desert the first of the week to celebrate her birthday and for some much needed relaxation.  I love spending time with my wife!
• We have been watching American Idol but are losing interest fast.  It is not a great season. 
• That's it for now.  See you Sunday!

The Impossible

One of our small groups started reading through Proverbs and Acts this week. Acts 2 has so much great stuff in it but the verse below blew me away:

Acts 2:24: "But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

Wow, that is awesome!

Jesus defied the odds. He did the impossible! He stared death in the face AND defeated it!

What are you facing today? Remember "With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

If Jesus can defeat death, I promise He can handle whatever is going on in your life right now.

Every Sunday is Easter for Christians. Every Sunday is a celebration that Jesus is alive and that with Him all things are possible!

Stop focusing on what you can't do and start focusing on what He CAN do.

James Recap Part 1

This Sunday we wrap up a study in the Book of James with Chapter 5. Each week we took one chapter and preached a message from it. I'm going to take a few posts and recap the chapters from our time in this book.

Here are some thoughts from James 1 and 2:

• Don't you wish James was a little more practical. Do any of us really struggle with persevering through trials, putting our faith in action, taming the tongue, or dealing with conflict? :-) Of course we all do! That is why I love this book.
• I can't wait to meet James one day. He straight up brings IT in this book. By the way, that is how you should preach. Don't hold anything back!
• James was the half brother of Jesus but notice how he doesn't even lay claim to this connection. He acknowledges what all Christians need to confess "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1)
• You don't have to go looking for trials. They will find you and when they do the real test is how you choose to respond.
• Anyone can act like a Christian BUT it takes a real Christian to react like one.
• Trials are sent from the outside and are sent to test our faith (1:12). Temptations start on the inside and can destroy our faith (1:15).
• God is more concerned about your character than your comfort. Jesus didn't die on a comfortable cross so don't have the audacity to think you will get to carry a comfortable cross.
• James is nothing more than a manual for Maturity.
• Don't claim to be a follower of Jesus if you aren't going to be a doer of the Word (1:22).
• It doesn't matter how much of the Bible you know if you don't apply it. There was a name for people like that in the Bible: Pharisees. They wanted others to do what they weren't even really doing!
• Faith without action is dead (2:17)!
• Don't be foolish enough to think you will go to heaven because you prayed a prayer, were dunked in water as a child, or attend church occasionally. If your faith has no impact on your daily life, it's time to repent and give your whole life to Jesus! (2:18-19)
• Talk is cheap. You're faith is demonstrated by what you DO! (2:26)

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week four in our series on James and we were in James 4.
• Three basic desires we have that cause conflict with others: the desire to have (Possessions), the desire to feel (Pleasure), and the desire to be (Pride).
• Nothing is wrong with these until we put them before God and others.
• The problems comes when we begin loving things and using people.
• The cure to pride and other things that cause arguments with others: Humility!
• "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (4:6)
• Humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.
• Give God complete control of your life! Faithful to God part of the time is really just being unfaithful.
• You don't know what the future holds but you do know the One who holds the future! Put Jesus first and trust Him completely with your life.
• Never forget where you came from. It will help you walk in humility where you're going.
• People focused on rescuing drowning people don't have time to fight. Keep your focus on what really matters!
• If you haven't had an encounter with Satan lately, it could be because you're going in the same direction.
• Satan will play on your weaknesses. Get wise toward him (2 Corinthians 2:11).
• The way to honor is humility. (Philippians 2:3-11) Honor Others!
• Easter is two weeks away! Who do you need to pray for and invite?
• We set up on Sunday morning and it went great. We actually had plenty of time before the service.
• I had a heater blow up in my face. That was fun. :-)
• Our next series is called Come Home and starts on Easter Sunday. Our Easter service is going to be flat out incredible!
• Who do you know that needs to come home?

Random Friday

Here are some random Friday thoughts:

• It is week four in The Essential: JAMES series. Be sure to read through James 4 before Sunday!
• Easter is just over two weeks away. Who are you praying for and inviting?
• Things are coming together for our EGGstravaganza event.
• Spring Forward is this weekend! Not really, but feel free to come early to church and help set up on Sunday morning. :-)
• I am constantly amazed at God's provision for the vision! He keeps providing in some major ways.
• I went rock climbing yesterday. I wasn't sure if I would like it BUT it was a lot of fun!
• My bracket survived after day one of the NCAA tourney. My sweet sixteen picks are still alive too!
• Saint Patrick's Day was this past week. I bet you didn't know this about Patrick.
• "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10) You are either running to Jesus or away from Him. There is no middle ground!
• I haven't been to Starbucks since we started the H2O Project at Elevate for Living Water International. The workers at the Starbucks I normally go to probably think I died or moved. :-) I will be back there after Easter!
• I love San Diego! The weather this week has been incredible.

What's In Your Heart?

I had several people ask about a list I shared on Sunday but they didn't have time to write it all down. I thought I would put it on my blog for them as well as for all of us.

We all need a heart check every once in a while. Our problem doesn't start with our tongue. It starts with our heart and eventually what's in your heart will come out. (Matthew 12:34-37)

Below is the list I shared from Pastor Rick Warren while we were talking about how your tongue displays who you are in James 3:9-12:

• A harsh tongue displays an angry heart.
• A negative tongue displays a fearful heart.
• An overactive tongue displays an unsettled heart.
• A boasting tongue displays an insecure heart.
• A filthy tongue displays an impure heart.
• A critical tongue displays a bitter heart.

On the other hand:

• An encouraging tongue displays a happy heart.
• A tongue that speaks gently displays a loving heart.

Psalm 19:14: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Psalm 51:10: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from a great day at Elevate:

• It was week three in our James series so we were in James Chapter Three and talked about Taming the Tongue.
• Your tongue has the power of life and death! (Proverbs 18:21) What are you using it for?
• Your tongue directs where you go. (James 3:3-4). If you want to know where you will be in 10 years just look at your words. They reflect what is on the inside.
• Your tongue can destroy what you have. (James 3:5-8) One word can change everything. Think about the "yes" you did say or maybe it was the "no" you should have said.
• Your tongue displays who you are. (James 3:9-12) It reveals your character. You can't claim to love God yet "curse" people. Do you use your tongue for blessing or cursing?
• It's not a list of words you can/can't say. It is an attitude and about intentions. (Matthew 12:34)
• Our problem is not really our tongue it is our heart.
• Your speech exposes what is on the inside. The words you use, the jokes you laugh at, and the things you talk about all reveal what is deep down in your heart.
  
• Painting the outside of the pump doesn't make a difference if there is still poison in the well! (Ezekiel 18:31; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
  
• Easter is coming and let's use our words to bring others life! Let's be a church known for the "fresh water."
• Your words of an invitation can change someone's destiny forever!
  
• A controlled tongue gives evidence of true faith. To control your tongue, let Jesus control your heart.
• Speak life instead of death. Speak blessing instead of cursing.
• I thought Spring Forward may affect our attendance a little but we actually had more people. Several new people, a great crowd, and Jesus was lifted up!
• It was one of the most powerful times of worship we've had as a church. The band did an awesome job!
• I'm so proud of those who have been inviting people. Keep praying, inviting, and let Jesus do His thing.
• 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting starts today. We are making some sacrifices so we can give to those in need through Living Water International.
  

Set Your Clock Forward

I just want to remind you that Spring Forward happens tonight.

Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to sleep on Saturday night!

We wouldn't want you to be late to church and miss what God is going to do!

Random Friday

Here are some random Friday thoughts:

• It is week three in our James series. This is a great series and I love how James really challenges us to put our faith into action!
  
• Elevaters read James Chapter 3 before this weekend.
  
• Spring Forward happens this weekend too. Remember to set your clock forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday night!
• My Tarheels got beat in the first round of the ACC tournament last night. It is the first time they have ever played in the first round of the tournament. They also lost 16 games which is the most ever after winning the National Championship the year before. Ouch!
  
• We won again Tuesday night in our Men's League. That is the last two out of three. Too bad we only have one game left! We are planning to play again when the league starts over in April.
• "A church content with not growing is saying to a lost world "You can go to hell." Growth requires unselfish members and sacrifice." - Rick Warren
• "I would rather be obedient and appear crazy than to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit." Mark Batterson. Great post by Batterson.
• “To engage people in culture we must remember that holiness is separation from SIN, not separation from sinners.” - Ed Stetzer
• Easter is three weekends away! Who are you praying for and inviting?
• Susan and I are planning a getaway soon to Palm Springs. I can't wait! I love my wife.
• Her birthday is March 27th. I can't wait to give her present to her! She will love it.
  
• I went with Jeremiah to Dad's Night at his school this week. Here is my little man.
• Naomi is having someone from school over tonight for a sleep over. We are taking them to dinner and Chuckie Cheese too. Should be fun or crazy or both!
  

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week two in our James series and we were in James Chapter Two.
  
• Chris preached on the topic of "Talk is Cheap: Put Your Faith In Action." He did a great job and it was one of the best messages I've heard him deliver. Here some points from the message:
  
• Faith isn't something you just say, feel, think, believe, as much as it is something you DO!
• It's easy to love those who love you, but to love strangers is to love Jesus. (Matthew 25:31-40)
  
• We are a lot better at verbalizing our faith than practicing it.
• "Faith is like calories, you can't see them but you can see the results." - Rick Warren
• Our faith isn't determined by what we do. Our faith is demonstrated by what we do.
• "People are justified by faith alone, but that faith is never alone." - Martin Luther
• Some staggering statistics: 94% of Americans claim they know God. 72% claim to have made a profession of faith in Christ. Less than 17% think the local church is an important part of their faith. Only a third of those claim to have made a profession of faith think that living a holy life is important.
• Practical Atheism as termed by Craig Groeschel: Those of us who believe in God but then live as if He doesn't exist.
• You can check out the message online here or on itunes by searching "elevate church san diego."
• It is so awesome to see people inviting others.
  
• People receiving Christ never gets old!
  
• I am very grateful for what God is doing right now in our church.
• I love to see people really taking the challenge to dive into James as we walk through this series.
  
• James is one of the most practical and challenging books of the Bible. The reason is because it is where the "rubber meets the road." He essentially says enough talking. It's time to prove your faith.
• Easter is four weeks away! I can't wait for Easter weekend and all that God is going to do.
• We are challenging all of our people to enter a 21 days of prayer and fasting starting next week as we prepare for Easter AND prepare to give toward a Living Water International project.
• $1 can provide one person with clean water for one year in a third world community. It's time for us to make a difference together!
• I love you Elevate Church!
  

Random Friday

Here are some Random Friday thoughts:

• I am excited about continuing our James series this Sunday. We will be in James Chapter Two and talking about putting your faith in action.
• We can't wait to share some of the ways we plan to put our faith in action over the next several weeks.
• Elevaters remember to read through James Chapter Two before Sunday.
  
• The past week or two has been a blur with moving and everything involved with it.
• Keep praying for Kate McCrae. She is having a tough time right now.
• The Tarheels have fallen off the map. It is a sad day when you hope they make it to the NIT.
• I'm glad Maryland beat Duke this week. I'm pulling for Maryland to win the ACC or just any team besides Duke. :-)
• We are loving our new house. My mom is in town helping us unpack and organize. Of course the real reason she is here is to see the grandchildren. :-)
• I heard Unleash was incredible. Can't wait to catch the main sessions online.
• We got some more bookshelves! I've had boxes of books in our garage since we moved to San Diego. Yes, I love to read. I actually forgot about some of the books that I had.
• Who else is lost watching LOST? I still think it is better than 24.
• I'm feeling the itch to play Golf. Hopefully, I can make that happen in the next few weeks.
• The Book of James is an incredible book. You need to read through it if you haven't already.
  
• More on James this Sunday!
  

Chris Reynolds

Chris and I have been on an incredible journey from our days at CrossPoint (a singles ministry we led in GA) through starting Elevate Church. Behind every great man is an even better woman. Chris' wife, Kelly, has been a tremendous help through this church planting process and has been just as valuable as Chris to our church.

The sacrifices that Chris and Kelly have made for Elevate have been incredible. I am truly grateful for their time at Elevate and the amazing impact they have had on those around them.

Chris came to me several months ago sharing a burden in his heart to finish college and feeling this deep need to get prepared for what is next for their marriage/family. He plans to finish at University of West Georgia where he has two years of credit hours already completed. Selfishly, I would love for them to stay. At the same time, I am proud of them for living the faith they have proclaimed.

God's timing is incredible as we decided months ago to walk through the Book of James during March. James Chapter Two is about putting your faith in action. Chris and Kelly have modeled this to our church and those around them. It is not lip service. They truly live with a deep faith in an unshakable God and are willing to walk with Him into the unknown.

It is hard to imagine doing ministry without Chris. I love Chris and Kelly deeply and as a church we will do everything we can to support them on this journey. I learned long ago that you don't need to lose staff. You need to send them, so that is what we will do. They will inevitably be connected to Elevate and are still a part of this family. We plan to bless them greatly as a church on their last Sunday in March. We are also committed to helping them when the opportunity arises in the future.

Chris and Kelly, I love you and this church loves you! Thank you for your faithfulness to put it all on the line for Jesus who gave it all for us.

You can also go here to read Chris' thoughts.

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week one in our James series. We were in James 1 and We talked about the "Marks of a Mature Person."
• Maturity isn't about age, appearance, or how many degrees you have attained.
• Maturity is displayed through your attitude. D.L. Moody said "Character is what you are in the dark."
• Trials are from the outside and are sent to strengthen our faith.
• Temptation starts on the inside and can destroy your faith.
• Anyone can act like a Christian, but it takes a real one to react like a Christian.
• Trials are not to punish us but to prove us! Eventually whatever is on the inside will come out.
  
• God is more interested in building your character than making you comfortable.
• Temptation equals an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way.
• If you haven't had an encounter with Satan lately, it could be because you are going in the same direction. "New Levels bring New Devils."
  
• Satan wants you to focus on the one "tree" you don't have and God wants you to focus on ALL He has provided for you.
• It doesn't matter how much of the Bible you know if you don't apply it. There was a name for people like that in the Bible: Pharisees.
• Most of us are educated way beyond our level of obedience.
• The Bible doesn't change our lives. The application of the Bible by the power of the Holy Spirit changes our lives!
• We are super excited for Chris and Kelly Reynolds! They are moving the end of March for Chris to finish college and get ready for what's next for them. We love them deeply and are so grateful to be a church that sends people out! I'll get Chris to share more in a separate post.
• It was great to hear of all the people that read through James this past week in preparation for this series.
  
• We had a mission team in town this past weekend. They helped move us completely to our new home too! God's timing is incredible. We scheduled this team before we knew we needed to move but thankfully God knew.
  
• I am so grateful for the many churches who partner with Elevate to reach people for Jesus.
• I'm excited about our upcoming prayer and fasting along with our offering that will go to help build wells around the world through Living Water International!
  
• James 2 coming your way this weekend!