Whacked

Went shopping with Lindy yesterday...shopping isn't all that bad if you choose to be very intentional about your attitude. Pretending you've got a whole lot of money to spend just on yourself helps that a lot!! Anyway, it was Friday in Tallahassee...lots of people...lots of traffic...one GOOD thing...we got to hit Starbucks twice!

It was kind of cool to just observe all the people...all kinds...everywhere. I couldn't help but see something most of them were missing...hope. There just wasn't any joy, any contentment, any real positive anticipation in their eyes.

It's gotta' be a focus thing. So many of us are depending on our leaders to get the country right...which, in our minds, will make everything else right, translated, "it's the economy stupid", really translated it's all about increasing personal income. The problem is, our government is just plain whacked right now. Must of been the same deal for Isaiah when he wrote...

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called; Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and it's peace will...never end." Is. 9:6,7

That's translated HOPE. Can you imagine our government "resting" on the shoulders of Jesus? That's PEACE. Isaiah was definitely writing in a prophetic mode but now, Jesus has come...will come again...and, you, me, all of us have the amazing opportunity to choose to "rest" on the shoulders of Jesus.

Christmas is a great time to, not only remember that, put apply that. And just think, if enough of us choose to do it, just maybe...our government will too!

Fresh Start

Was reading in Psalm 51 this AM...amazing heart song from David after he made the worst choice of his life...having an affair with Bathsheba. Here's how the Message paraphrased a very familiar passage.

"God, make a fresh start in me. Shape a Genesis week out from the chaos of my life." (vs. 10)

So perfect for David...so relevant for me. To know that every day I can ask my heavenly Father to create something new, something right...to experience a new beginning out of all the stagnant stuff that I've created. Don't know about anybody else, but that gives me hope and continually brings me back to where I need to be.

Relationship...that's what He's after...that's what's best...that's what brings us the greater joy in life.

See It Coming

WOW..WOW...WOW! How in the world can you really explain it!! 36 families chose to "vote early" and give their ALL IN Dream220 commitments last week. 36 families have committed, over a 3 year period, to give "over and above" their regular giving, $462,448.48!!!!! No way do you put that on paper and explain it...we're only three years old. Amazing! There's only one explanation...it's God.

The thing that's messin' with me the most is that these people didn't give to a "building" or even, a project. They gave to a vision...a dream...God's dream for this church and this community. I just can't imagine all that God's gonna' do with a group of people who choose to give him their heart! But, we are gonna' find out...because that's exactly what's happening right in front of our eyes!

This weekend is COMMITMENT WEEKEND. God just wants my heart...he is drawing us to himself for the purposes of revealing himself to a lost and dying world. It's happening...he is doing a miracle. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this." Psalm 37:5

"Father, continue to open the eyes of our hearts...let us see your hope...your plan...your purpose. Open our eyes and let us see the fullness of your riches...you own it all...you are one very generous God! And, Father, don't hold back...open up our eyes, our hearts, our minds, our spirits, not only to see, but to fully embrace and walk in your incomparable, unlimited, and immeasurable power."

WallBuilders - Issues and Articles - Your Vote Counts Video

WallBuilders - Issues and Articles - Your Vote Counts Video

Amazing Weekend

Last weekend was so incredible! 390 people jammed into 1520 E. Jackson St...the band was absolutely "on"...God's presence...Jesus. Enough said. I'm hearing stories from many about what God is already doing in their lives through ALL IN Dream2:20. One of those is from a young couple with their own business working a whole lot of hours. Listening to it inspired me and convicted me to do more. All that Jesus has done for me...there will never be any way to measure that. Be sure to listen to their story...it will only take a few minutes.

GETTING "ALL IN"

Hey,
I'm getting some requests asking how do I get in on "ALL IN". Great question! Here's some info...

• In the area?  Make every effort to attend a service each weekend.
• Request an info packet (available on the weekends and at our office during the week or we'll mail it)
• Sign up now to pray and fast over what God would have you do.  Click here.
• Out of the area?  Send us your mailing address and we will send you all the info.
• For more info....directions/location...contact, etc...Click here. 

 I am convinced this campaign is not about the $$$.  It's all about the heart and God is up to something really, really, big.  Expect the extravagant!

ALL IN DREAM220 KICKOFF

Amazing Week

Last weekend was such an awesome time at TGC! It was one of those times you "just had to be there". All I know is that we worshiped...we prayed...and God came. And, this is so cool, I felt compelled and directed to ask the church to enter a special time of fasting and prayer for ALL IN Dream2:20. The challenge is to fast from food one day a week through December 4th. The goal was to have each day of the week covered. I have been totally blown away by the response...some even started Sunday at lunch!

Currently, 91 people are fasting...every day is covered, and I've been hearing amazing reports all week long! God is pleased and God is moving restoring...intervening... definitely putting His "super" on our natural! For more details and to sign up click here- Prayer and Fasting.

Whatever you do, don't miss this amazing opportunity to connect with a God who loves it when you seek Him like this!

The Dream

It's fall...it's football...there's that thing in the air that you just love to feel! The same thing is going on at The Gathering Church! God is up to something! Last weekend we began a new chapter, ALL IN Dream 2:20. There is no doubt God started this church, is continuing to grow and form this church, and now, He's ready to do even more. If you weren't there to receive your packet of amazing information re: ALL IN Dream 2:20, be sure to get it this weekend.
Check this link out for more info! ALL IN-Dream 2:20

WALB Interview

Had an amazing opportunity to do an interview with WALB (NBC affiliate in Albany) re: Blake Mclendon's memorial service tomorrow. Praying that God will shield the family from a very misguided group of protesters from Kansas. Our God is greater...higher...and mightier. May the McLendon family know His perfect peace and walk in His perfect strength.

Mr. Jimmy

8 days ago I said, "See you a little, later" to a very special friend and mentor. His name is Mr. Jimmy Smith...you might know him, so many did. Mr. Jimmy went to see Jesus personally on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, after church of course. I love and miss him greatly but know he's very busy, "connecting" with a whole lot of people in heaven right now. "Father, thank you so much for touching my life and my family's in such an intimate and special way through the amazing life of this man. And, please say hey to him for me."

It's a new day...thank you, Jesus! Yesterday was tough! I am really pumped about getting this bolg site up and running and can't wait to share on a regular basis all that's going on in my life and the life of The Gathering Church. This morning I read "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20. If your like me you grew up hearing, "Just ask God for wisdom, ask God for wisdom, ask God for wisdom and he will give it to you." So, I'm thinkin', all I've gotta' do is just ask, right? And I have...all my life. Yet, I've still done some really stupid things. Why? True, God will give us wisdom as we ask for it but the real key is what am I doing to hear or receive that wisdom? "Listen...accept...THEN you will be wise." Yeah, I've gotta' do a whole lot better job at listening and accepting...how about you?

Be sure to check out my very first ever video blog and I would love some feedback!