Kingdom Momentum

I am finally getting to some books I had for a few years but forgot about because they were in boxes in our garage.  That's what happens when you are a church planter with no real office.  :-)

Now all of my books are on bookshelves at our house.  One book I found and finally read is called Momentum: God's Ever Increasing Kingdom by Steve Hickey.  It was a good book and here are some quotes that really stood out:

• "Kingdom momentum is enhanced the more we preach Christ." - I know this is a simple statement but seriously do you care more about being "cool" or seeing people become more like Christ?
• "If you are losing steam between Sundays in your personal life with the Lord, it probably has more to do with your daily life with the Lord."
• 'The level of greatness in our church only increases in direct proportion to the level of great character increasing in us."
• "Something must die in each of us for God to fully come alive in and through us."
• "A zero tolerance policy for destructive criticism and gossip about something we are doing keeps division away from the vision."
• "Relational momentum begins to emerge when we surround ourselves with high-productivity people, not high-maintenance people."
• "If you are in the same place spiritually that you were last year, then for sure you missed the Spirit's subtle and not so subtle cues to keep up."
• "Commotion is not the same as motion.  Christian commotion is not the same as Christ's kingdom advancing." - Are you really keeping the main thing the main thing?  Maybe the last thing you need is another Christian small group/bible study!  Instead put into practice what you already know.
• "Never substitute human effort for heaven's anointing."
• "The laws of physics tell us the lower we are, the faster we go.  Humility is huge to spiritual momentum."
• "I tell every church planter that I train that the one guarantee in church planting is that you will be broken."
• "When people can count on you, they will connect with you."
• "The kingdom of God advances with relentless effort."
• "When people ask me how to plant a church I tell them, "On your knees."
• From Dave Ramsey: Focused Intensity divided by Time multiplied by a great big God equals Unstoppable Momentum.
• "Kingdom momentum begins as we cry out to the Lord that it would increasingly be on Earth as it is in Heaven."

This Weekend at Elevate

I am pumped about this weekend at Elevate!  We spent some time praying and finalizing everything on Tuesday and I can't wait for what God is going to do.

Seriously, do whatever you need to do to be at church on Sunday and bring someone with you!

It will be an unforgettable service as we worship Jesus and reflect on what He did for us!

Romans 5:8 really sums it all up "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

It will be an incredible time of worship and we are doing Communion as well!



Also, after the service we are hosting a Barbecue and playing Volleyball!  Bring your A game and let's have some fun!

An Unstoppable Force

We finished up a series at Elevate this past Sunday about the Holy Spirit.  It was a great series and I think we all learned a lot.  Of course the point is not to just learn but to actually put it into action!

"For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power." 1 Corinthians 4:20

On that note, I highly recommend Forgotten God by Francis Chan as you continue this journey of walking in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:25)

Here is a great thought at the end of the book by Francis:

"When I read the book of Acts, I see the church as an unstoppable force.  Nothing could thwart what God was doing, just as Jesus foretold: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).  The church was powerful and spreading like wildfire, not because of clever planning, but by a movement of the Spirit.  Riots, torture, poverty, or any other type of persecution couldn't stop it.  Isn't that the type of church movement we all long to be a part of?...When I see the book of Acts, I see people privileged to play a part in what God was doing."

I love that.  Now let's go live it!

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday's message:

• It was the final week of The Ghost series and we talked about Being Filled With The Spirit. 
• The first half of the message was cut off but here is the second half.  
• To forget the Holy Spirit is really to forget God.
• Are you an acquaintance of God or an intimate friend?
• Acts 2:1-4 was a game changer.  The early disciples were radically changed because of Jesus and His Spirit inside of them.  
• The supernatural and unexplainable happened because they were desperate to give their lives for Him! (Acts 4:19-20)
• When the Holy Spirit moves, God is the One praised and Jesus is the one lifted up.  
• If you are filled with the Spirit of God you will think, talk, and act differently.  (Ephesians 5:15-20).
• Start speaking into who you are now not who you were! (Ephesians 2)
• If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there really be enough evidence to convict you?
• You can't do what God's Spirit is leading you to do apart from His Word.  Open God's word daily! (Psalm 119:9-11)
• If Jesus needed time with His Father, how much more do we need to spend uninterrupted time with Him? (Mark 1:35)
• Obey God today not some day.  Stop being consumed with God's will in five years and start being obsessed with what He wants to do through you today! (John 14:15)
• "Jesus didn't die to follow us but so we could die to our old life and follow Him to a true and better life!" - Francis Chan - That is so true!
• When was the last time you sought God with ALL of your heart?  (Jeremiah 29:13)  Stop waiting, do it today!
• We closed with a song called I Have Decided.  I love that song!
• We did an acoustic set for something different as we closed out the series.  I'm usually not a fan of acoustic sets but I thought the guys did a great job and Jesus was lifted up.
• We had someone at church who was fist invited almost two years ago!  Keep sowing seeds and let God bring the harvest in due time! (Galatians 6:9)
• We are having a Worship and Communion Service this coming Sunday.  Bring people with you!  It will be a powerful time of worship as we focus on what Christ has done for us!

Coming Up at Elevate

I am excited about what its happening at Elevate!  Here are some things coming up over the next few weeks:

• We wrap up our series called The Ghost this Sunday.  What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? Probably not what you think!  Join us this Sunday at 10am and find out more!
• On Sunday, May 30th, we are having a Worship and Communion Service.  Join us for this day as we reflect on the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for us!  Get people to church on that day.  It will be a very powerful service!
• On Saturday, May 29th, come join others from Elevate for a night at the Padres Game.  The game starts at 5:35pm.  We are meeting at the Park at 5pm and to buy the Park at the Park tickets.  Come hang out and get to know others at Elevate!
• Celebrate Memorial Day with us!  On Sunday, May 30th immediately following the service we are having a barbecue and playing volleyball.  Be sure to be here on that day and stay after for some fun and to get beat by me in Volleyball!  :-)
• We kick off a new series called Unstoppable as a part of the One Prayer series on Sunday, June 6th.  Because God is on our side, we are Unstoppable!
• We have a few people from Elevate going on a mission trip with Living Water International this Summer to Nicaragua.  Can't wait to hear what God does through this trip!
• We got some other great things coming up in June but I will stop for now.  
• Elevate, greater things are still to come and greater things are still to be done!

Sunday Refelctions

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week four in our series called The Ghost.  We talked about the Gifts of the Spirit.
• You can listen to the message here.
• It blows my mind how many Christians have no idea what God has gifted them to do.
• If the God of this universe has given you a gift, wouldn't you want to discover it?  So many leave it undiscovered and unused.  There is so much potential waiting to be unleashed through you!
• God gives good and perfect gifts! (James 1:17)
• Jesus loves the church, gave His life for the church, and He is coming back for the church!  Let's invest our lives in the church by using the gifts He has given each of us.
• As a church, we will never be who we are intended to be if we have Christians who are sitting on their gifts and not putting them to use to build His church.
• Take time this week and read over the four main passages that refer to Spiritual gifts: Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. 
• Take time this week to pray and ask God what your gifts are and how you can use them for His kingdom.
• What are you passionate about?  What do you enjoy doing?  That's probably a great place to start.
• After these steps, take a spiritual gifts test like this one.  Don't use this test as the ultimate answer to what your gifts are but it will give you a good idea.
• Yes, the Red Velvet Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory is unbelievable.
• Sunday was one of my favorite worship sets we have done in a while.  Jeremy and the Band did a great job.  
• Church planting is definitely hard work.
• Someone who listens to our podcast sent me a message this week and asked if I would ship him an Elevate shirt.  Of course!  
• I'm grateful for technology and to be able to reach those who we might never reach any other way.
• I never get tired of How Great is our God.  That's a great anthem.
• Our God is such a great song too. "If our God is for us then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what can stand against us."
• This Sunday we wrap up The Ghost series.
• On Sunday, May 30th, we are having a Communion Service.  Looking forward to reflecting on the unbelievable price Jesus paid for us!

Random Saturday

• Tomorrow is week four in our series called The Ghost.  The message is about The Gifts of the Spirit.
• I believe this week's message has so much potential for our church.
• God has given every Christian a spiritual gift and most have no clue what it could be.  That changes tomorrow!
• Elevate has a Facebook Page!  Visit us at www.Facebook.com/Elevatechurch.  Spread the Word!
• You can view photos, upcoming events, invite friends, and more.  If you don't have a Facebook account (which I can't imagine), you can still view everything on the page.
• Lebron is gone from the Playoffs as I predicted last week.  I am still surprised, but I definitely don't think he will leave Cleveland.
• I started back at the Gym yesterday.  Time to get in shape!
• I burned almost a thousand calories between the treadmill and stair climber yesterday.  I'm off to a great start but we all know it's how you finish that counts.
• I have been reading through Paul's epistles lately and it has been incredible.  Paul absolutely put everything on the line for Jesus and so should we!
• I loved this short interview with Judah Smith about families in ministry. 
• Every worship leader/musician should read this post called The Church is not a Gig.  Really good stuff.
• "Disciplines don't grow in a day but they do grow because of what you do daily." I am not sure where that originated but probably John Maxwell.  I am redefining some disciplines in my life right now and excited about what is ahead.

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week three in The Ghost series and Mother's Day!  We talked about the Fruit of the Spirit.
• We gave away several gift certificates.  We also gave away a Spa Day to a very deserving sweet lady in our church.
• Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing and godly mothers out there!
• The fruit of the Spirit is the primary indicator of whether you truly have life.  
• Are you living the world's way or God's way? Read Galatians 5:16-26 for a contrast between the two.
• We can't claim to know Jesus and not bear fruit. (John 15:1-8)
• You have a choice: will you believe the lie or choose life?
• You must realize that God is the only source of true life.  (John 10:10)
• It's not about trying harder or self-help.  It's not Christ plus anything!  It is Christ alone. 
• It is Christ in you and the fruit of the Spirit is the by-product of Christ having control of your life. (Galatians 2:20-21)
• Who wouldn't want more love, peace, joy, etc. in their life?  We all do!  If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our lives to Jesus each day. (John 15:4,5)
• If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there really be enough evidence to convict you?  There sure was enough evidence for them to convict the early disciples.  Eleven of the first twelve disciples were killed for their faith!
• Yes, I do think the Swagger Wagon video is hilarious. 
• Yes, I am a Brett Favre fan and hope he comes back for one more season.
• Get your swagger back!  Don't let anyone or anything else determine your values or standards in any area of your life.  Realize who you are in Christ and live like it!
• Your confidence comes from Him and not what you can do or who you were before you met Jesus.
• If you are saved, you should live like it!  (Galatians 5:25)
• Jesus is life to those who find Him!  Do what God has called you to do and stay true to Him.
• Read Ephesians 1:13-14 and really let these verses soak in.  Memorize it and live like you believe it!
• I hit a wall Sunday afternoon.  It felt like my body was just shutting down.  I have been struggling off and on with some kind of virus this past week.  I would really appreciate your prayers!
•  I praise Jesus for what He is doing in our church right now!  Grateful for those who are inviting others and truly having a heart to reach others for Christ.  We are having the most first time guests we have had each week since we started Elevate.  Now praying we can connect as many as possible for Christ.
• Susan prayed for all the mothers at the end of the service and we prayed over a couple who is moving to Belgium this week. 
• Next Sunday we are talking about the Gifts of the Spirit.  It amazes me how many people really don't know what spiritual gifts God has given them.  Can't wait to talk about that this coming Sunday!

Random Friday

Here are some Friday thoughts:

• This Sunday is Mother's Day!  It is going to be a great celebration.  We are also giving away a Spa Day and other great prizes.  Don't miss it!
• It is week three in our series called The Ghost.  This has been a great series about the Holy Spirit.
• If you need a laugh, please watch this video.  It's hilarious!  Everyone needs a swagger wagon.  :-)
• Susan is going away today until Saturday evening.  I will be alone with all four kids.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...Just kidding!
• If you are a church leader, please watch this video.  This is so funny! Sunday's coming...
• I loved this post by Steven Furtick.  I've been thinking a lot about this lately.  Let's don't care so much about how "cool" we are.  Let's care more about being effective and connecting people with God!
• Ava turns One year old today!  It is so hard to believe.  I love that little girl so much!
• My blogging has been pretty sporadic lately.  I hope to get back into it more next week.  Things have been crazy busy lately.
• Our new basketball season isn't going much better.  We have no wins and three losses.  The good news is we had enough guys interested to have two teams and a couple of the guys are planning to come to church this Sunday!
• Last season we had a guy give his life to Christ so it's worth the losses!  It would still be nice to have a few wins.  :-)
• I'm not sure the Cavs are going to make it to the NBA Finals.  I may have to wait another year for a Kobe vs. Lebron showdown in the Finals.
• I found out this week I will be working the Lebron James Camp at UCSD again this Summer.  Looking forward to it!
• See you Sunday!

Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week two in our series called The Ghost and we talked about having The Power of The Holy Spirit in your life.
• The power of the Holy Spirit is available to every follower of Jesus not just those we think are the spiritual "elite."
• There was nothing special about the first disciples.  They were ordinary but God did extraordinary things through them! (Acts 4:13)  It was all because they were available.  God isn't looking for the best, brightest people around.  He is looking for people who are available!
• I believe one of my greatest responsibilities as your pastor is to challenge you to never settle for mediocrity.  
• Jesus didn't die on the cross and rise from the dead so we could live safe, ordinary lives.  It is time to lay it all on the line for Him!
• Our hope is limited unless we put it in a limitless God.  Then it overflows! (Romans 15:13)
• The power of the Holy Spirit is accessed through your action. 
• Maybe you never experienced a miracle in your life because you never tried anything that really needed one.
• Many times we want God to do more in our lives, but He is still waiting for you to obey what He has already shown you to do!
• Let this sink in: the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, we have access to every day.
• The power of the Holy Spirit is witnessed through a changed life.
• You can not truly encounter Jesus and remain the same.
• If everyone (served, gave, worshipped, invited, or prayed) just like you, what would our church look like?
• How do you know if the Holy Spirit is in your life? It's simple: there should be a marked difference because of Him!
• We baptized four people at the end of the service and shared a piece of their stories as well.  It was so awesome!
• Mother's Day is going to be special!  We have several great giveaways.  Bring your mom and family to church for a great day!