Daily Read February 11, 2010

1 John 4:7-12 (New International Version)

⁷Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹²No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Jesus is... (series)

I have to say...

I'm pretty pumped about our new series this weekend. For the next 6 weeks at High Voltage and Live Wire, we're going to look at Jesus.

Can't wait!

Hope you're there!

Jim

Daily Read February 10, 2010

Exodus 40:34-38 (New International Version)

³⁴ Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. ³⁵ Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

³⁶ In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; ³⁷ but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. ³⁸ So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Daily Read February 9, 2010

Exodus 35:20-29 (New International Version)

²⁰ Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses' presence, ²¹ and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. ²² All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.

²³ Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or hides of sea cows brought them. ²⁴ Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to the LORD, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it. ²⁵ Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. ²⁶ And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. ²⁷ The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

²⁸ They also brought spices and olive oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. ²⁹ All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.

TobyMac's new album "Tonight"!!!

It's been a while since I've been this excited about a new album...

But TobyMac's new album "Tonight" is awesome!!! (Pick up your copy of the deluxe edition HERE.)

I have always enjoyed Toby's music... but these tracks are so diverse in style. It's certainly his best work!!!

Good job Toby (not like you needed my encouragement...)!!! Keep turning out the awesome music!!

Jim

Daily Read February 8, 2010

Here's a Monday thought... one that we don't talk about very much in church... the need for rest. God believed that regular (weekly) rest was important. In a day and age when we're always on the go... go, go, go, go!!!!... Especially on Monday... Let this be a reminder for you. We all NEED a day of rest once a week!!

Exodus 31:12-17 (New International Version)

¹² Then the LORD said to Moses, ¹³ "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.

¹⁴ " 'Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. ¹⁵ For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. ¹⁶ The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. ¹⁷ It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.' "

Daily Read February 7, 2010

Exodus 29:45-46 (New International Version)

⁴⁵ Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. ⁴⁶ They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.

Daily Read February 6, 2010

This verse has always made me chuckle... I'm not sure why...

Exodus 28:35 (New International Version)

³⁵ Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die.

Daily Read February 5, 2010

Exodus 17:8-13 (New International Version)

⁸ The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. ⁹ Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."

¹⁰ So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. ¹¹ As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. ¹² When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³ So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Daily Read February 4, 2010

Exodus 15:1-3 (New International Version)

¹ Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD :
"I will sing to the LORD,
for he is highly exalted.
The horse and its rider
he has hurled into the sea.

² The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.

³ The LORD is a warrior;
the LORD is his name.

Daily Read February 3, 2010

The blood of a lamb saved the Israelites... the blood of THE Lamb still saves us today...

Exodus 12:12-13 (New International Version)

¹² "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. ¹³ The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

D.R. Chili Dinner results!!!

We had a great D.R. Chili Dinner/Fundraiser.

If you missed it, not only did you miss the chance to enjoy some incredible chili. You also missed the chance to support our high school students and their upcoming D.R. trip over spring break.

We had a great turnout Friday night. We had over 200 folks show up and over $2,500 was raised for the trip!!!

That's great!!! Thanks to everyone who came!!!

Jim

Daily Read February 2, 2010

Exodus 4:10-12 (New International Version)

¹⁰ Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

¹¹ The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

About Groundhog's Day... as it relates to youth ministry

I'll come right out and say it...

I hate "Groundhog's Day."

Actually the only thing that I like about Groundhog's Day is the movie pictured here (called Groundhog's Day) with Bill Murray. The movie itself is pretty good. Actually downright hilarious in places. But I digress...

I hate the Groundhog holiday. Not just dislike it... but actually hate it.

Here's why:

• It's silly.
• It's pointless.
• It's dumb.
• It makes us all look dumb because it's silly, pointless and dumb.
• It means nothing and has no practical function.
• It's based completely on tradition that has no basis in fact and is in fact counter-intuitive in nature in that sunshine should mean the end of winter but in fact this sunshine produces a shadow that drives the little varmit (supposedly... even though they drag him out of a fake hole in a fake stump in front of 40,000 people and 100 cameras... who in the world could see a shadow in the midst of that mayhem anyway... and which shadow of the 99 did he see from all the cameras flashes anyway... before he supposedly whispers in the ear of the dopey-looking guy in a top-hat (if I were Phil, I'd bite him in the ear... seriously!!???) back into his hole for 6 more weeks of winter!!!!
• There is little to no benefit in it.
  

But I digress again... I told you... I hate this holiday... (which shouldn't be a holiday, mind you... if I could find the idiot who made this a holiday I'd smack him... and now the stupidity seems to be spreading... we have Phil, Dave, Chuck, Sam, Willie (2 of them), Mel, Jimmy, Spanish Joe (Spanish Joe?) and General Beauregard Lee giving different predictions... ugh! Don't we have Weather Channel and can figure out the weather from someone better than a rodent?) But I digress again and again...

But I promise this rant does have a youth ministry and leadership point. It's just that every time I start typing, I'm reminded of how stupid this whole thing is and my fingers just take off.

I guess here's the point:
What in our ministries are we doing that doesn't have a point, help our ministries and only drains resources?

I look at Groundhog Day and I think "really?" Are there things in our ministries that we should look at and say "really? we're still doing that? why? what's the benefit?"

• Shouldn't we have some regular time of reflection on our ministries?
• Shouldn't we step back every once in a while and say, "Do we really need to do that anymore?"

Obviously I think we should. (I think we should collectively rise up and say to those who make calendars... stop putting Groundhog's Day on the calendar because it's not a real holiday.) I think we should look at our youth ministries and say, "We don't need that anymore," "That isn't helpful," "That needs to be changed to be more productive," "That doesn't serve a purpose."

But I know that there are some Groundhog Day lovers out there. (And feel free to skip commenting on this blog because you won't convince me of its importance... and don't misunderstand my rant to be a PETA-save-the-animals thing... it's not.) I'm for evaluation. I'm for taking a look out what we're doing, why we're doing it and deciding if its still worth the time and energy that we put into doing it.

Most of us don't want to do that kind of heavy lifting. It's much easier to do what we've always done. It's much easier to let something happen than fight to eliminate it or change it. Why? Because somehow that "something" got on the calendar because someone thought it was important. And in order to change it, you might have to have a hard conversation with someone about why it should be eliminated or changed. Which will lead to conflict. So we avoid it. Because that's easier.

That's no good.

And it makes us look silly, pointless and dumb (although... maybe those are harsh words). Rather, it makes us look irrelevant, wasteful and out of touch.

And many times, that's how the world sees the church. In part, because some of our ministries (and I'm not saying all... and I'm certainly not immune...) are doing ministry like they did 15-30 years ago. We're not evaluating, questioning, taking a look at what we're doing. We're often not asking the hard questions. We've often not having the hard conversations. We're often not employing the creativity in our minds to come up with new solutions to old or new problems.

So... just like Groundhog's Day... we continue to do the same things over and over again.

So... what?

1. We need to evaluate what we're doing.
   
2. Compare it with what was important to Jesus and His vision for His church.
   
3. We need to ask the hard questions.
   
4. We need to have the hard conversations.
   
5. We need to eliminate or change those things that don't fit the vision for Christ's Church. (Matthew 22:37-40, Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 9:35-38)

So we can grow.

(And hopefully get rid of dumb holidays... like Groundhog's Day...)

Jim

Feel free to jump in and comment (unless you're just trying to convince me of the importance of this supposed holiday... in which case... save the keystrokes...).

Idol Worship - Skit Guys

An incredibly powerful video about idol worship. Awesome. Especially in light of the Super Bowl coming up this weekend.

Jim

Check it HERE

Daily Read February 1, 2010

Exodus 3:14-15 (New International Version)

¹⁴ God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

¹⁵ God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

Daily Read January 31, 2010

Exodus 3:1-5 (New International Version)

¹ Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ² There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. ³ So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."

⁴ When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"
And Moses said, "Here I am."

⁵ "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."

Daily Read January 30, 2010

Exodus 2:23-25 (New International Version)

²³ During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. ²⁴ God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. ²⁵ So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

The Quest for the Missing Passport

Here is the featured video from Friday night's Chili Dinner. It's a fun little video that we shot for the trip.

Enjoy

Jim

Check it out HERE

Great Chili Dinner last night

Wow!!!

What a great Chili Dinner Fundraiser we had last night. About 200 folks made it out for some great chili and to support the 13 high school students going to the Dominican Republic March 26-April 2.

And the chili was awesome too!!! (I ought to know... I had two bowls!!!!)

Thanks to those who made it happen... Billie, Ann, Cheryl and Dorraine. And thanks to all the FVCC folks who came out and supported our students. Your support means the world to us!

Thanks!!!

Jim

Daily Read January 29, 2010

Exodus 2:10 (New International Version)

¹⁰ When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water."

Chili Dinner tonight!!!

Tonight's the big D.R. Chili Dinner and Student Service Auction!!!!

If you are looking for some hearty chili... and who wouldn't when the projected high temperature for the day is 15!!!!... then we've got just your ticket tonight at Fox Valley Christian Church.

Starting at 6 pm, we'll serve up a steaming bowl of chili. And all of the proceeds from tonight's fundraiser go to help the 13 students and 4 adults who are heading to the Dominican Republic over spring break.

We'll also have a silent "Student Service Auction" where you can bid on a Saturday of service from one of the students who is going... clean out the garage... clean out the basement... wash windows... babysit... make you dinner...

If you signed up, plan to be there. If you didn't sign up, come out any way!!! We'd love to have you. The chili will be hot and ready at 6 pm and we'll wrap up around 8:30 pm with the auction results and "The Quest for the Missing Passport" video (a short film written and starring the students going to the D.R.).

You don't want to miss it! Hope to see you!

Jim

Daily Read January 28, 2010

Exodus 1:15-21 (New International Version)

¹⁵ The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, ¹⁶ "When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live." ¹⁷ The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. ¹⁸ Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"

¹⁹ The midwives answered Pharaoh, "Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive."

²⁰ So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. ²¹ And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

Poll: What do you think about the iPad?

With Apple's release of their new iPad today, what are you thinking?

Create interactive meetings at Poll Everywhere

Apple iPad video!!!

Wow!!! I watched much of the Apple event today with live updates through Engadget. It looked amazing then... Then I watched this video... Holy Smokes!!! Check out what this thing can do:

Daily Read January 27, 2010

Today I leave Genesis in my reading... and head into Exodus. But one last thought from Genesis...

Genesis 50:19-21 (New International Version)

¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹ So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

32 Hours: The Church In Haiti - Mark Driscoll

Powerful images and words from a powerful pastor. Mark Driscoll shares some of the images and stories from 32 hours in Haiti after the earthquake. This sermon is worth watching.

Jim

Watch it HERE.

Daily Read January 26, 2010

Genesis 49:22-26 (New International Version)

²² "Joseph is a fruitful vine,
a fruitful vine near a spring,
whose branches climb over a wall.

²³ With bitterness archers attacked him;
they shot at him with hostility.

²⁴ But his bow remained steady,
his strong arms stayed limber,
because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob,
because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,

²⁵ because of your father's God, who helps you,
because of the Almighty, who blesses you
with blessings of the heavens above,
blessings of the deep that lies below,
blessings of the breast and womb.

²⁶ Your father's blessings are greater
than the blessings of the ancient mountains,
than the bounty of the age-old hills.
Let all these rest on the head of Joseph,
on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

Tim Tebow Super Bowl ad

I'm not a huge Florida Gaters fan... but any stretch of the imagination (especially since they pounded my beloved Buckeyes a couple of years ago in the National Championship game).

I have been impressed, however, with the faith and witness of Tim Tebow, Univ of Florida's quarterback and Heisman trophy winner (2007).

So I was pleased to catch the rumor that Tim Tebow and his mom Pam are going to be featured in a Super Bowl ad on Feb 7 for pro-life. Pam was encouraged to abort Tim during pregnancy fearing that he would be born with defects. Pam and her husband were missionaries in the Philippines and instead chose to keep Tim and had a healthy baby.

This morning I caught the full story (HERE) about the upcoming ad. It's great that it won't just be a special little thing hidden somewhere among the Super Bowl hype but will instead be a full commercial running during the Super Bowl.

Here's a small snippet: "Tim and Pam share our (Focus on the Family) respect for life and our passion for helping families thrive," Jim Daly, president and CEO of Focus on the Family, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., said in a statement. "They live what we see every day - that the desire for family closeness is written on the hearts of every generation."

(Read the rest HERE.)

It will be great that, when in the midst of a country tainted by Roe v. Wade and on demand baby killing, an estimated 90-100 million viewers will see a pro-life message. Hopefully it won't get lost and will become a topic for watercooler conversation on Monday morning.

Jim

FVCC helps Haiti!!

Praise God!!!

Fox Valley Christian Church has given a total of $9,942 to help relief efforts in Haiti through G.O. Ministries.


If you missed it, I posted a video of what G.O. Ministries is doing to help out with the relief efforts in Haiti. (It's HERE!)

Way to go Fox Valley in stepping up to help out those in need!

If you are a Twitterer, G.O. Ministries has begun to post twitter updates HERE. Feel free to follow them for the latest updates.

Jim

Daily Read January 25, 2010

Genesis 45:4-7 (New International Version)

⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! ⁵ And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. ⁶ For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. ⁷ But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

DR Students' Introduction Video.wmv

Here's a little video that we put together for our upcoming D.R. trip for worship on January 24th. I thought I'd share it with you.

Jim

Check it out HERE

Daily Read January 23, 2010

Genesis 39:20-23 (New International Version)

²⁰ Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, ²¹ the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. ²² So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. ²³ The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

G.O. Help Haiti (Stabilized)

This is where FVCC's Haiti donations are going. Here is a little video with Brook Brotzman (G.O. Ministries) and Mart Stuart (Audio Adrenaline and Hands and Feet Ministries) and the work they are doing with funds, some of which came or will come from Fox Valley Christian Church.

This weekend FVCC is taking up another donation for G.O. Ministries. Let's step up. Make your check out to FVCC and write Haiti on the memo line or place cash in an envelop with Haiti on the outside. Let's help Mark and Brook help the people of Haiti!

Jim

Watch it HERE.

Fat guy running club update... and diet update...

It's been a little while since I've updated my faithful readers on my diet and running plans. So I thought today would be a good day.

Especially since I knocked out my longest run yet today... 4 1/2 miles! (It was a really good run... I felt strong. I ran a path that I had never ran before and it was fun.)

I am currently on track to run my 10k around spring break time. But I have also decided that I'm going to at least run the Columbus, OH Half-Marathon in Columbus, Ohio with my sister on Sunday, October 17, 2010. But who knows... by then I might be ready to run the full marathon... we'll see.

I'm also toying with the idea of running the E.T. Full Moon Midnight Marathon (Area 51 1/2 Marathon (at midnight around Area 51) in August... Yes, there really is a marathon like that. We'll see. I should be ready... but who knows...

On the diet front, I seemed to have run into (pun totally intended) a little wall at the 246 mark. This morning I weighed in at 247.5, the lightest since before the holidays. But I seem to be hovering (annoyingly) around this area. But I am confident that I can push through and break into new ground (245!!!) soon! I have been eating pretty good... but I might need to cut another 200 calories a day to push through. (Just not tonight... it's pizza night in the Clark house!!!)

So... that's where I'm at... running 10-12 miles a week and hanging around the 248 weigh in point! How are you doing with your New Year's resolution to lose weight?

Jim

Haiti Devastation Presentation

Here are some powerful (and some graphic) firsthand images from Haiti. Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill Seattle) took a team down to assess the damage to churches. Here are a few of his photos.

Powerful stuff!!

Jim

Check it out HERE.

Daily Read January 22, 2010

Genesis 39:2-5 (New International Version)

² The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, ⁴ Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. ⁵ From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.

Daily Read January 21, 2010

Genesis 35:9-13 (New International Version)

⁹ After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. ¹⁰ God said to him, "Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel." So he named him Israel.

¹¹ And God said to him, "I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. ¹² The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you." ¹³ Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him.

Dominican Republic Chili Dinner!!!

A nice big bowl of chili would be awesome for lunch!!!!


Too bad I'll be eating salad.


But next Friday night we'll be eating chili. And some of the best chili in the area... cooked in Billie's kitchen.

We need you to sign up. We need a big weekend of sign ups for the chili dinner on Friday night, January 29th. The dinner will begin here at FVCC at 6 pm and we'll wrap up with a student auction and a fun video made by the team "The Quest for the Missing Passport" at 8:30 pm. Hope to see you out.

Sign up sheets will be floating around at FVCC over the weekend. Find one and sign up you and your family!

Jim

Daily Read January 20, 2010

I'm still reading the Chronological Bible on YouVersion.com, but we spent some time this morning studying these verses from 2 Timothy. Just thinking about them this morning and thought I'd share...

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (New International Version)

¹But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ²People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

Daily Read January 19, 2010

Genesis 29:20 (New International Version)

²⁰ So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

SYMC Personal Invite

If you're a youth worker, you need to be at this conference. Check out this video by my friend Doug Fields:





So seriously, if you aren't registered. Register soon. It will be a memorable weekend. I promise.

Jim

Daily Read January 18, 2010

Genesis 22:14-18 (New International Version)

¹⁴ So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

¹⁵ The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time ¹⁶ and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, ¹⁷ I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, ¹⁸ and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

FVCC steps up to help Haiti!!!

Fox Valley Christian Church stepped up this weekend to help Haiti through our ministry partners at G.O. Ministries.

Over the weekend we took up a special offering to support the relief efforts in Haiti. And had a great result.

This weekend folks from FVCC gave $2,680 to the relief efforts through G.O. Ministries. That money is already on it's way to Haiti.

But it's not too late to give if you didn't get a chance to this weekend. This coming weekend (January 24) we will be taking up an additional special offering to go directly to relief efforts in Haiti. If you would like to donate, bring a check made out to FVCC with "Haiti" in the memo line and place it in the offering basket. If you would like to donate cash, bring it in an envelope marked with "Haiti" on the outside and we will make sure that it gets to it's destination.

It would be great if we could double that this weekend. Together, the Kingdom of God can make a huge impact in help His people in Haiti!

Jim

CIY Believe is coming!!!

Sign ups started today for CIY Middle School Believe in Holland, Michigan. Here's a little glimpse of what the weekend looks like.

Jim

Check it out HERE

David Crowder Band - How He Loves (Official Music Video)

Love this video... We showed it this morning at High Voltage and Live Wire... Love it!!!

Jim

Check it HERE.

Daily Read January 17, 2010

Genesis 22:12 (New International Version)

¹² "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he (God) said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

Daily Read January 16, 2010

This story always floors me...

Genesis 22:1-3 (New International Version)

¹ Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

² Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."

³ Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.

Help FVCC help Haiti!!!

Fox Valley Christian Church has a long history of working with and supporting G.O. Ministries in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. We have been serving alongside them for over 10 years through financial support and short term missions trips (like we are planning this spring break).

With all the devastation in Haiti, the staff of FVCC feels that we CAN DO SOMETHING to help the people of Haiti. G.O. Ministries is already on the ground in the Dominican Republic and are working to help those who are crossing the boarder from Haiti into the D.R. for supplies and help. While we would like to get on a plane and go and lend a hand, that isn't practical.

So at FVCC this weekend (January 17 and 24) we are going to be accepting donations to go to G.O. Ministries to help with the earthquake relief. If you would like to donate to the rescue efforts and make a Kingdom impact, you can drop a check in the offering plate this weekend made out to Fox Valley Christian Church with "Haiti" in the memo line and we will make sure that your funds go directly to G.O. Ministries.

We are doing this to help our ministry partners who are on the front lines helping those in need. My hope and prayer is that the biggest help in this tragedy comes from the Church as the Church reaches out to those in need.

This weekend and next (January 17 and 24), help us help G.O. Ministries!

Jim

Daily Read January 15, 2010

Genesis 21:1-4 (New International Version)

¹ Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. ² Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. ³ Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. ⁴ When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.

Daily Read January 14, 2010

Genesis 15:4-6 (New International Version)

⁴ Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." ⁵ He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."

⁶ Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Help for Haiti!!! (UPDATED... again... again)

Like you I'm sure, I have been watching some of the coverage of what is happening just south of our borders in a very poor section of the world. If you've missed it, Haiti was hit by a massive 7.0 earthquake yesterday afternoon that has left the country devastated.

As I've watched some of the coverage, I have thought to myself, "What can I do to help?" Several of my friends have posted links and I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for all of God's people to get involved in helping out in Haiti.

For many years I have been working with World Vision to do the 30 Hour Famine with our students. So I can vouch that they are a great organization that cares a great deal for the lives and well-being of folks in need.

If you would like to help Haiti, World Vision is taking donations. (Check them out HERE.) It is going to take a massive effort to get this country back on it's feet and it would be awesome if God's Kingdom lead the way in making a difference.

Here are some other organizations that you might consider supporting:

• Compassion International
• Samaritan's Purse
• Haitian Christian Outreach
• Hands and Feet (Audio Adrenaline)
• G.O. Ministries (an FVCC supported missionary organization)
  

Jim


P.S.: For those who may be wondering about G.O. Ministries and their ministry in the Dominican Republic, I have heard from a couple of missionary friends from G.O. on Facebook. Everyone in the G.O. organization seems to be okay and they are already beginning to serve in any way possible. They stated that they felt the quake but it didn't do any damage. Some missionaries from G.O. are serving in Haiti and they have been heard from and are okay. John Martinez, Isaias Gabriel, Jenn Goodenough and Eric Leach have posted on facebook from Santiago, D.R. stating that they are okay.

Daily Read January 13, 2010

Imagine if God came to you and told you to do something totally out of the blue... would you?

Genesis 12:1-4 (New International Version)

¹ The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

² "I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.

³ I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."

⁴ So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.

Dominican Republic Chili Dinner Fundraiser

Nothing sounds better in mid-January than a big bowl of steaming hot chili. (My mouth is watering just typing about it!)

That's part of the reason why we planned a Chili Dinner Fundraiser for our upcoming Dominican Republic Missions trip.

The benefit dinner is scheduled for Friday night, January 29 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. There will be plenty of chili for everyone. The cost of the event is $6 per person, kids 12 and under are $3 and children 3 and under are free. If you bring the whole family, the family rate is $20.

We've created a facebook event page for the event. Or you can sign up at FVCC over the weekend at the Welcome Center. We're also having a Silent Student Auction for a Day of Service. Childcare will be provided for those 3 and under if desired.

We'd love to have you come out and join us... eat some chili and support the students going to the Dominican Republic over spring break. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Jim@fvcc.com.

Jim

What Is God's WIll? -Skit Guys

Love these guys... fun little video.

Jim

Check it out HERE

Brand New Year... Brand New You!!!!

Dream with me for a second... If anything could be different for the better about your relationship with in 2010 than it was in 2009, what would it be?

That's a fun question!!!

That's the question that spawned a fun new series this week called "Brand New Year... Brand New You!!" at Live Wire and High Voltage. And I'm pretty pumped about it. It started out as a one week message... but I think that it's going to grow into a 5 week series.

This week was the introduction. The next couple of weeks we're going to talk about:

1. New attitudes
2. New habits
3. New growth
4. New opportunities

It will be a great time of talking about and imagining what God can do through us and in us in 2010.

Jim

Daily Read January 10, 2010

2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version)

¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Pictures taken on a cell phone... unusual New Year's Resolutions

This morning in both Live Wire and High Voltage, we talked about New Year's Resolutions for 2010.

I got a couple of the more random and cool New Year's resolutions that I have heard of in a while. First, one of my students has resolved to only wear shorts in 2010. And he had shorts on this morning. Now... maybe I need to clarify that when I got to church this morning, it was -10. So I guess he's on the right track since it was cold and he stuck to his resolution.

But I had a second student who has resolved to take a picture on her phone and post it to a blog. That's a pretty cool idea. In fact, the picture here on this page is one of her's. (Check it out for yourself HERE.)

Many of the high schoolers didn't have any resolutions but these middle schoolers definitely get the credit for creative New Year's resolutions!!! Way to go guys!!!

Jim

Daily Read January 9, 2010

Job 23:11-12 (New International Version)

¹¹ My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.

¹² I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Colt McCoy and Jesus and Leadership

A buddy of mine David Norman posted a great post this morning about injured star quarterback for the Texas Longhorns Colt McCoy. (You can read his post HERE.) I watched a little bit of the game, but honestly gave up at halftime as it looked like Alabama was going to run away with it... especially because Texas' star quarterback, Colt McCoy went out injured the first series of the game.

David writes this:
"The Longhorns played well, but couldn't overcome the loss of the player that the team is built around - Colt McCoy. The offense centers around him, and the defense gains confidence in knowing that he can put points on the board.
That should cause us to ask the question, "Who is our church built around?"
There's a growing trend in churches of making the lead pastor the star-player that the church is built around. His charisma and contacts are considered to be the things that carry the church. His preaching or leadership gift move the church forward.
This is wrong.
Our churches must be built upon Jesus."

I totally agree with David. As I thought about his post further, I wondered "what happens to ministries that are built around a 'super-pastor'"?

So many ministries are exactly like David said... they are built around a super-pastor or super-youth pastor or super-worship pastor. While I totally agree that they should be built around Jesus, many aren't. Instead they are built around one central individual. When that person leaves, dies, moves away, burns out, etc, what happens to that ministry, church or organization?

Exactly what happened to Texas' football team... it falls apart. Ministries need to be built on Jesus, as the chief cornerstone (see Matthew 16:16 and Ephesians 2:20). Ministry also needs to be spread out over a variety of different individuals who are equipped and prepared for ministry (see Ephesians 4:10-13).

Too many churches may make the right move of putting Christ first in their congregation. But they allow a super-pastor to DO all the ministry. Elders and deacons aren't trained up. Ministry leaders and other staff aren't empowered. All ministry roads lead back to one individual.

Maybe where Texas made its biggest mistake in not training up others who could lead the team in Colt's place if he wasn't there. Because the reality is that sooner (due to injury) or later (due to graduation) he isn't going to be there.

Team leadership in the church should be focused on Christ as the head first... and second it should be spread out appropriately over a variety of individuals who are equipped and prepared to go onto the field for every game, whether Colt is in or not.

Jim

Glad to be home!!!!

After having been gone for 15 days out of the last 17 (Christmas travels and LCS Intensive week in Springfield), it was great to be home.

So this morning, I enjoyed a little Bible reading, morning coffee and time on the couch. It was great. Our cats even loved it and joined me.

It was just what the doctor ordered... downtime!!!



Jim

Daily Read January 8, 2010

Job 19:25 (New International Version)

²⁵ I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

This is some amazing hope from one of the oldest books in the Bible.

Daily Read January 7, 2010

Proverbs 2:1-6 (New International Version)

¹ My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

² turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

³ and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

⁵ then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

⁶ For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Daily Read January 6, 2010

Genesis 9:12-16 (New International Version)

¹² And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: ¹³ I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. ¹⁴ Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, ¹⁵ I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. ¹⁶ Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

Daily Read January 5, 2010

Proverbs 1:7 (New International Version)

⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Daily Read January 4, 2010

Psalm 1:1-3 (New International Version)

¹ Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

Daily Read January 3, 2010

Genesis 8:21 (New International Version)

²¹ The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

Daily Read January 2, 2010

Genesis 6:9 (New International Version)

⁹ This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.

Ohio State wins the Rose Bowl

YEA!!!

The Buckeyes win the Rose Bowl over the Oregon Ducks!!! 26 to 17!!!

Way to go Buckeyes!!! Good job!!!




Jim

Help with daily Bible reading...

One of the resolutions that Christians always this time of the year is to read the Bible more regularly.

So I was thrilled when I saw that YouVersion and LifeChurch.tv came out with some new Bible reading plans that are totally awesome!!! If you are looking for some help with Bible reading in 2010, they've got some great help for you.

There are 20 some new plans ranging in difficulty to match your skill level. Some easy readings of a couple of verses or chapters a day. Some serious readings like through the Bible in 90 days. There's something for everyone!!!

I'm working on two right now. The first is through the Bible in 365 days in a chronological fashion. The other is through Psalms (2x in a year) and Proverbs (12x in a year).

So, if you are looking for a do-able Bible reading plan, no need to spend money. These are free. And for you iPhone/iPod Touch, Android Blackberry users... You can download the free apps for their programs and read along and check off your readings on your mobile device!!!

SWEET!!!

Check it out HERE. You won't be sorry... and 2010 will be an incredible year because you spent time regularly in God's Word.

Jim

Daily Read January 1, 2010

I have always loved this verse. What a testimony about Enoch... that his relationship with God was so tight that God took him to be with Him all the time. My hope and prayer is that this year others might say that "Jim walked with God..."

Something to strive for...

Genesis 5:24 (New International Version)

²⁴ Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

Happy New Year!!!

Jim