Greatness

That day the Lord made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses. Joshua 4:14 NLT

I read this verse this morning and it jumped off the page. How many times have I tried to make myself great in the eyes of others, only to fail. Joshua allowed God to do the work only God could do - making him great. We all need the favour of those around us - our co-workers, family, friends, those we serve with and so on. Let us realize that God will grant that favour in his time and in his way. "God make us great in your way and in your time."

"I am doing a great work and I cannot come down."

Have you ever felt distracted from your calling or the pressure to quit what you are called to do - called to parent, to fulfill your God called career, to continue in your area of ministry. Have you felt pressure to stop what you have been called to do? Nehemiah had that kind of pressure on him when he was following God in his calling to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Here's what he said,
"I am doing a great work and I cannot come down."
Nehemiah 6:3

When the pressure comes to get distracted from your calling as a volunteer at CATF, or when being a parent just seems too hard or continuing on at that job you know God called you to - remember, "You are doing a great work and you cannot come down". Get a vision for what God wants you to accomplish and let all the distraction and distractors know, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down".

Stay focused - stay on track - don't come down.

When I think about Church at the Falls I focus my vision very simply:

• I want it to be a place where a member of the Niagara Falls Mafia would be welcome to come to church. In other words we accept everyone and we do things in a way that is inviting and relevant. People don't have to measure up before they come to us. Not only does that person come to CATF, but they find a relationship with Jesus.
• I want CATF to be a place where people are becoming more like Jesus each week.
• I want people at CATF to be inviting their friends to come hear about Jesus.

With that in mind - as leader of this church - "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down"

I cannot come down and get distracted by people that whine. I cannot come down and start all kinds of "Christian church programs". I cannot come down and care for every need of every person in the church. I cannot come down and change who we are as a church. I cannot do these things because it will distract us from building what God has called us to build. I find great freedom in doing what I am called to do and leading this church to do what God has positioned it to do. Reach people for Jesus.

Now a little disclaimer - no one has been hassling me about doing more at CATF. This is simply just a reminder to all of us about our individual calling and our calling as a church. Stay true to the calling.

Parenting Is A Tough Job

Parenting is a tough job, but I also think that being a kid is tough too. Tough because they have to deal with parents that are learning on the job. I have caught myself wondering why God doesn't inject us with all the right parenting skills before we need them. I think just about the time I figure out how to parent, my kids will be on their way into their own adult lives.

This is what I think I know so far as a parent of teens.

• God has taught me more than he has likely taught them during the teen years.
• We all come into this world with baggage - our kids have plenty and our job is to help shape them. It's a long process. It's hard work, but it is worth it. We are all rebels and that makes is tough.
• Pray a whole lot more.
• Say less and love more.
• Kids make decisions not because we are bad parents, but because they have a sin nature.
• Kids also make decision because we don't make good decisions. They do watch us.
• The old saying more is caught that taught - that works.
• I need to find ways to have fun with my teens, even when they act like they don't want me around.
• Pray lots.
• Did I say pray lots...do that.
• Love your spouse. If you are divorced...respect your spouse.
• Go to church and bring them along. You make them eat their veggies, wear clean underwear and go to school. We need to place church attendance high on the priority list. Instead of making them go to gramma's or making them do the family night out, let them know that church is one thing we do as a family. I know, they want to sleep in, but they will get over it.
• Love God with all your heart. Work on your own relationship with your heavenly father. Your kids are watching.

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 NLT

by the way

I'm still working out...I feel better than I have in years.

Guitar Hero

I really like Guitar Hero...it's a guy thing.

Easter

Thinking about Easter today. Easter is what it's all about. The resurrection of the Saviour, conquering death and forgiving sin. We have a lot to celebrate. We need to bring as many people as possible to CATF on Easter Sunday. Let's spread the good news, let's celebrate big time.

This Sunday there will a special opportunity for you to get involved and make a difference in peoples lives this Easter. You'll have to come Sunday to find out more.

Guitar Hero

Guitar Hero has entered my home - what a blast this game is.

Sunday Rewind

• We hit on adultery today - our 4th talk in our series Desperate Sex Lives. Felt like God used it in people's lives. I was a little off today, still tired. Tired, but excited to be at CATF.
• It was good to have a new person jump in and help with tear down. That tells me that God is at work in her life, because she wants to give back.
• Pizza and communion was very good. I know we are the only church that has a pizza party before communion, we do things different around here.
• Next Sunday we have our final talk in the DSL series- dealing with singles. Should be good. Singles are buying lies big time and we need to bring out the truth.
• Easter is just around the corner. So lets each start praying for three people to come out to CATF on Easter. So many people need to experience the message of the risen Saviour. Easter marks the start of a new series of talk entitled Miracle. We all need a miracle and so do your friends and acquaintances.

Indescribable

Next Series of Talks March 9 and 16 - Indescribable
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and their expanse declares the work of His hands. Night after night they remind us of just how small we are, and how huge God is. Just a glimpse of one of the billions of visible galaxies He has formed, resizes us, shrinking us, and the world we call home. But as tiny as we may seem, the God who knows every star by name also knows yours and mine. And in the most stunning rescue imaginable, God sent His Son to this spinning planet we call home--the Creator reconnecting us to Himself with life that never ends.

Look for this billboard in Niagara Falls...

Reality

I noticed that when I mentioned to different people that I was going to Atlanta they seemed very intrigued by it all, almost wishing they were going along. I would like to take others along to future conferences. One thing you should know, it is not a vacation. I came back more tired and had more stuff to catch up on. I am exhausted right now and have to make myself take today off. If I don't, I will be useless on Sunday. Pray for strength for both Brenda and myself, we are very tired right now. Thanks!

Becoming Friends With Your Pastor

Here's part B of becoming friends with your pastor.
http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/22/the-challenge-of-ministry-friendships-5-of-5/

Falls Fanatics

I want to put a shout out to the Falls Fanatics of the week. Brenda, Kyle and Shelby Duff; also know as my family. I am so thankful for their hard work and support each week. Brenda and Shelby have been there every single week since we started the church and I think Kyle only missed one Sunday.

Brenda, thanks for all your support and your incredible commitment to our band. I know it takes a lot of work on your part each week. You really do a wonderful job. It's music to our ears. Way to go! Something else many don't know. When I was in the hospital for four weeks, Brenda kept a lot of stuff going for the church. Some might think that it is her job, to do my job when I am not able. It's not, she just stepped in because she cares. When you have a chance, let her know how thankful you are for her. Believe me, pastors wives need to hear that.

Kyle, you have been on a real adventure learning to do sound. You have really excelled at this. Thanks for making us all sound good each week. Thanks, buddy!

Shelby, each week you arrive early and set up Lil'K so that babies and children have a wonderful place to play. You also help Dee and Debbie with the children and you do a wonderful job. Thanks, honey.

Becoming Friends With Your Pastor

Here's a link to a great article by Craig Groeschel the pastor of Life Church.
If you want to become friends with your pastor, here are some suggestions:

More thoughts from the conference

Yesterday at lunch I got to meet Gary Lamb, he is the pastor of a church that meets in a movie theatre in Canton, Ga. They have grown to over 1000 people and are committed to staying in the theatre. I love when I get to learn from other churches that do what we do. Our vision is to remain a "movie theatre church" so that we can connect with our community, this is not just a temporary building for us. Only God will change our direction on this one. Besides learning from Gary, he is a blast...you never have to wonder what is one his mind.

Roger Blackmore from Church at the Movies in Long Island met me in Atlanta. Roger has done movie theatre church for a number of years and he really knows what he is doing. Not to mention he is older and wiser...I learn a lot from him. Roger drove for the 2 days and I thought he was a good driver until he nearly killed us going back to the airport. Going across a paved median at 70 miles an hour to get our turn off was not my idea of fun. I'm driving next time.

I think I was still shook up from Rogers driving, because when we dropped the rental car off at the airport I left my cell phone in it. I had to track down the rental shuttle to give me a ride back. The bus driver was really kind, waited for me at the rental lot and then drove me back to the airport with my cell in hand. On the drive back I found out she was a Christian and that she worked two jobs to make a living. I planned to tip her, but then ended up tipping real big knowing she could really use the money. It was refreshing to see a person that was truly thankful. So I say, thank you God for allowing me to misplace my cell phone so that I could share the money you have given me with someone that was deserving. I think I was blessed more than her.

prayer need

Please pray for Chuck Evans aunt, she is in intensive care after being hit by a car. Here's the newspaper article, http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=907086

Are you a pretty picture

Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. Titus 2:10

What a great challenge and privilege we have to make the truth of God attractive to others. Something to think about.

At the Airport

I'm sitting in the Atlanta Airport, I've got a couple hours before my flight departs for Buffalo. The last few days have been very challenging. I generally hope to come away with a key application from each speaker. Here's what I have to ponder.

• If I am not disciplined in my physical, emotional and spiritual life I cannot be the pastor I need to be. I will be less than effective if I ignore my own personal health.
• As a leader I need to follow God's unique plan for our church and not try to duplicate what someone else is doing
• Most often when a person is not happy about something at a church it's because they either don't understand the vision, don't embrace the vision or I haven't done a good job sharing the vision. When a person understands that our church is focused on the unchurched it helps them understand why we do the things we do.
• Being a portable church is awesome...I can't see us ever moving on from this. I was reminded how much being portable defines so much of what we do. I love church at the theatre.
• Do I really repent of my sin? Or do I just feel sorry for my sin? There is a difference. When I repent I realize that I am helpless, in total need of God's forgiveness and life changing power in my life.
• I was reminded how important it is to be very honest those who just don't get our vision. I think that people honestly think our whole church will change to please them. The people that attend the Falls are the church and the church is for those who have yet to come to Christ. We need people that have a heart for those who don't know Jesus. We need people that our are selfless and focused on others. The good news, we have bunch of them.
• In addition to hearing some great speakers I also spent time with some friends and made some new friends. I am very thankful for my time spent with pastors. We are a weird bunch and we really need each other...only another pastor can really understand what makes a pastor tick.

Looking forward to this Sunday. We continue our series Desperate Sex Lives. This week we look at the lies that married couples buy into. It will be a great day!

Long Dayyyyyyy

Wow what a day. We broke the 90 barrier again in attendance. Had a ton of teens out to hear my talk about the the lies that teens face about sex. I told the girls that if their boyfriends were pressuring them to have sex to bring him to me and I'd take the guy outback and beat the crap out of him. I got a little carried away, but I think I made the point:-)

We have got some awesome people hanging out with us on Sunday. Things are cranking up. God is working in peoples lives.

I'm at a church conference in Atlanta. The Atlanta airport got shut down due to weather. That meant my flight was 3 hours late taking off. I finally crawled into my hotel at 12:30 Monday morning. I'm still up ...... got my second wind.



The next few days should be really challenging and fun. Church planters are crazy so it will be a learning time but also a lot of fun.



The only place to eat at 11 pm is the

.............................................................it's greasy. I should have had a waffle and not the hash browns and omelet. I'm just tasting grease.

I'll update the blog tomorrow. Good Night!

Busy Weekend Ahead

It's Saturday morning and I am busy putting final touches on my talk for Sunday, finalizing various elements for Sunday and working at getting my talk in my head (hardest job of all). This afternoon I will do the typical routine, clean the house up and run some errands. I will also add in packing for my conference I head to on Sunday.

Sunday morning I will be up at 5:15 and spend time thinking over the day, praying and getting ready for a great morning. We usually leave for the theatre around 7:50 and when we get there it is non stop preparation for the morning ahead. I will get home at around 12:15, grab some lunch and spend a little time with my family. At around 2:00 I will head out to the airport for my trip to Atlanta. While in Atlanta I will spend time with other church planters and I know God will use this time to further shape me for this journey we are on. I'll be back home on Tuesday evening and back into a busy week.

Wow, I'm tired thinking about it,

Thankful

• I am thankful that God loves me.
• I am thankful for my wife.
• I am thankful for my kids (even if they are teenagers)
• I am thankful for Church at the Falls and all the amazing people that make up this church.
• I am thankful for friends.
• I am thankful for good health.
• I am thankful for answered prayer.
• I am thankful for the wonderful country I live in. We are over blessed.

Leadership

I would love to see us have as many people as possible attend the Leadership Summit. Last year 3 of us attended at the St. Catharines satellite location and we plan to do the same this year. Although I would love to have 20 people attend this time around. It is one of those events that helps us each move to the next level of leadership - leaders at home, on the job, in business, in the community and at church. Please begin thinking about this and check out the web site. Last year they had speakers like Colin Powell, Marcus Buckingham, Jimmy Carter and others I can't remember right now. It is a conference that will stretch you and challenge you. Of course there will be a cost, but I know it is well worth it. Mark those dates on a calendar and listen for more coming your way.

http://www.growingleadership.com/Conferences/Summit08/summit08.asp

This years list of speakers looks incredible.

Just Ask

Have you ever thought about just asking someone to come to church. It sounds so simple doesn't it. It sounds simple because it is. So, if it's so simple, why don't we ask? Because we make it hard and confusing. We think thoughts like, they won't like me any more. Maybe they will laugh at me. Maybe they will label me as a narrow minded religious person. They may do any one of those things but they may also say, yes. Yes means they have the opportunity to discover the God who loves them and wants to bring purpose to their life. Yes means a place to find answers to life's tough questions. Yes means the potential for a person to accept the gift of eternity with God as opposed to an eternity without God.

I think we need to, "Just Ask", a little more often.

Social Justice

Social Justice - big words for caring for the needy. Something we as followers of Christ are called to do. Sadly over the years I have failed miserably in this way. It's something I want to see change in my life and in the lives of those at CATF.

Would you be interested in serving with a team from CATF on one afternoon (one time) from 1 - 4 pm at Project Share, our local food bank. We would work in the warehouse receiving and unpacking food. Please email Brandon with your tentative commitment or questions. I realize this may mean rearranging your schedule or even taking an afternoon off work, but it would be well worth it.

The other opportunity I am working on is a 3 day trip to Toronto to work with possibly the Salvation Army or a similar organization. This would take place in the summer. A great opportunity for teens and adults. Stay tuned for further details.

Who will you show Jesus to by your actions and words?

In case of an emergency

In case of an emergency we would like to know if there are individuals that attend CATF that have first aid training, know CPR or may be a nurse. Please email Lynn Graham if you have this type of training.

I can't believe it

I can't believe how much time and energy Christians spend on "Christian Entertainment"! Instead of doing that, why not go on a missions trip and really see your life changed. Instead of doing that, why not be part of culture and make a difference. As parents our kids need to see the cost of following Christ, not safe Christian environments. In North America too many Christians have gotten fixated on doing the Christian thing, rather than following Christ. Something to think about...end of rant :-)

Sunday Thoughts

• Great Day - really sensed God working in people lives.
• Thought our band did an excellent job....it's great how they direct people to God.
• We had 92 people...that's our highest attendance outside of our very first Sunday. Keeping in mind that on our first Sunday we had several well wishers that came for just the one Sunday.
• Had a church planter from Thorold with us. He brought alone a few people to see how we do church. I'm glad to help anyone that wants to start a church.
• It was miserably cold, but people braved the weather.
• I am so thankful for everyone that sets up and tears down each week. There's still room for a few people to help.
• Next Sunday is a must hear for everyone so get as many teens to CATF as you can. We are going to confront the sexual lies that so many teens are believing. Parents and Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles you need to get your head out of the sand- don't stay home.

Falls Fanatic of the Week

I set out to highlight a CATF volunteer on a weekly basis. Well I forgot...what's new. It's not that I forgot our great volunteers, I just have trouble staying on track at times. Our Falls Fanatic's of this week are Lynn Graham and Debbie Richardson (I'm catching up for missed time).

Lynn oversees Host Teams each week making sure we have coffee and donuts ready and waiting when you arrive. She also makes sure that we have greeters at the doors to offer assistance and a friendly smile. Thanks Lynn for creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who attend CATF.

Debbie Richardson oversees Lil' K (newborn to age 5). Debbie makes sure we have excellent child care workers each week and that the environment for our little ones is safe and clean. Thanks Debbie, you are such a busy person yet you give of yourself each week.

Doing life together

We need one another. God never intended for us to stay out of peoples lives. He wants us to be there for one another.

Who needs you right now? Who will need you this week?

As the pastor of CATF I can't possible meet all the needs, but each of us together can. Let's get in the game.

A Place of Rest

When life gets tiring, as it does so often - retreat to your heavenly Father.

(God) Be a guest room where I can retreat; you said your door was always open! You’re my salvation—my vast, granite fortress. Psalm 71:3 The Message

Take a moment and pray this verse back to God.

Our Band is Rockin

Spent some time hanging out at the band practice tonight. Our friend Andrew from Mountain Park Church worked with the band tonight. They sounded incredible and believe me I thought they sounded incredible already. They took it up a level tonight. I can't wait to hear them on Sunday.

Speaking of Sunday. We talk sex again this week, dealing with shame. So many of us have failed and messed up in this area and feel great shame. Come this week to get on the road to freedom from shame.

Day of Learning

Spent several hours today with other pastors from churches in the Niagara Region. The great part is that all these churches have a heart to reach their community, so we have much in common. One of the pastors from the largest church, Southridge Community Church is leading and mentoring each of us.
All in all it was a good day of learning and pondering what God has for our church. It is always good to meet with other pastors, because we are all trying to reach people for Jesus and we understand the struggles that we face. It is also good to know we are not in this alone, we have others who are standing with us.

Check out You Version

Please read this.

Stepping Back in Time by Perry Noble (for the computer newbies just click on the green words) :-)

God can do anything...don't forget that.

This is the God I work for....
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!
Ephesians 3:20 Message

I have been filled with an amazing joy since Sunday...just thinking about that one person that came to faith in Christ. She now has a personal relationship with God, new hope as she enters each day and a home with God for all eternity. No dollar spent, no energy exerted and no planning and preparation is too much to reach one more for Jesus.
God showed up big time on Sunday. I just keep hearing that over and over from people. God is in the business of changing lives and we just need to keep ourselves ready to be used by him. Let's reach one more for Jesus!

Who are you serving?

Are you serving someone or somewhere? If not, why not? If Jesus came to serve why do you think that you should be served rather than serving. Let this next verse sink in a little....let is change your week...let it change what happens next Sunday when you go to church.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NLT
Check out the same verse in the New Life Version
For the Son of Man came not to be cared for. He came to care for others. He came to give His life so that many could be bought by His blood and made free from the punishment of sin.

Great Day

• Today I rode with the trailer crew...we had a hard time getting the trailer out. The combination of snow, ice and melting snow on the ground made it real hard to get the trailer going. God gave us a little ingenuity and we got the trailer moving after a little while.
• Our set up crew was a little light today...so we had to step it up. If you would like to volunteer with the crew each week, we would love to have you.
• We had another person volunteer to join our band. That's great!
• We had a lot of first time guests today, it was great to see so many.
• One person accepted Christ as Saviour...that's why we work so hard each week. .
• Our band rocked today!
• We had our first "Desperate Sex Lives" talk. We tackled porn right on. I trust lives were changed and that I get a few calls this week looking for accountability. Don't try to beat this on your own...you need someone to help you.
• I am amazed at how many battles people face - drugs, alcohol abuse, relational stress, emotional struggles, sexual struggles...you name it. Because of this, we are here. We have the exclusive message of redemption and that is Jesus Christ.

Breaking News

During the game on Sunday, AOL Canada will stream the U.S. commercials on aol.ca/superbowl. As well, www.YouTube.com is almost certain to have the commercials pop up almost immediately after they've aired.

My laptop will be in hand.

Super Bowl or Sleeper Bowl????

Not sure what will happen at tomorrows big game. I am also not sure who to cheer for. New England is a strong team, but I'm not a Tom Brady fan and they did cheat (doing the whole video tape thing on the opposition teams sideline). Not to say others haven't done the same and not got caught. Now New York is the underdog so I am likely to cheer for them. Either way I hope the score is close so that it holds my attention. As far as the commercials go, it ticks me off that the Canadian stations preempt the American broadcast and put their own commercials in(for those that are not football fans - the Super Bowl is the place that the hot new commercials come out). For my fellow Canucks we can always see them on line tomorrow.

Giants by 7!!!

Saturday Thoughts

• Finished up the final touches for Sunday. Praying a lot about tomorrow. I think God is going to do some big things in people lives.
• Ran some errands .... how come these take so long.
• Ate some lunch.
• Took a look at the snacks we have for the Super Bowl.
• Went to the gym....did 30 minutes on the cross trainer.
• While on the cross trainer I thought about the teen from our church that lost his mom so tragically. Prayed for him and prayed for others that came to my mind.
• Stopped by the book store. Grabbed a book for someone.
• Thinking about dinner.

Short Note

I'm off today, so just a short note. Someone mentioned to me that my blogging was limited this week. Yes, but don't worry I'll pick it up again. Just had a very busy week.

Have a wonderful day!