Searching

Earlier this week I was out looking for a new location for the Fishers Landing campus. Well, I should say that I am always looking for that right location but this week we actually had a possible building to walk through. It was very exciting. The building looked good and has great potential to house our growing family. I don't know about you but when I start walking through a vacant building, my mind starts running. We could put the auditorium over here, the nursery would be great here and kidsworld would be perfect over here. I start to invision every seat full and people inviting their friends and neighbors each week. I see people giving their hearts to Christ and getting baptized. I see community getting formed and friendships blooming. I see a light shining into the dark places that need Jesus. What do you see?
Without a vision, the people perish. God has given us this time to reach this city for Him. Are you ready?
Keep praying. This might be the place or .... ?

Until next time
Pastor Rick

Coffee?

Have you read any good books lately? I love to read a good book but it wasn't always like that. When I was in younger and in school I never enjoyed reading. I just did it because I had to. I would say that over the last 4 years my love for reading has really grown. So, from time to time on this blog I am going to hi-lite a book that I am reading. Most are books centered around our faith and on Christ but some are books that are just good. The one book that I am reading and want to tell you about today is associated with the name "Starbucks". Now when you hear the name "Starbucks" what do you think of? Of coarse, coffee! The book that I just started is called the Starbucks Experience. It speaks of changing ordinary to extraordinary. Before Starbucks came into the visual scene, coffee was just a normal hot liquid that you would put into a white styrofoam cup. Today if you go into a Starbucks it is anything but normal or ordinary. You probably know all the terms like Frappuccino, venti, barista and so forth and I don't even drink coffee. My wife Kathy on the other hand loves Starbucks. If she starts her day with a grande cup of Starbucks it is going to be a great day. I won't tell you all about the book because I want you to check it out for yourself. Secondly I just started the book myself, but here is one thought from the book. Starbucks says that they are driven by a powerful passion for product, people, experience and community. I just wonder, are we driven with that kind of passion because of Christ? Not for coffee but for reaching people? Jesus was anything but ordinary.

Pastor Rick

Let it Snow!

What is your response at the mention of snow? Why do I ask? Well, when I was a kid I dreamed about snow, I prayed about snow, I looked for the day that I would see those white little flakes float down from heaven. When I went home last night my 12 year old son Jacob was out playing with a neighbor friend in the snow. He could hardly wait for my truck to come to a stop before telling me, "do you see it?, do you see it?" How could I not see it, it was everywhere. His face was shining like the morning sun. He was so excited to say that it finally snowed. I have to admit now that I am older I don't have the same thoughts as I once did. Now, I have thoughts of I hope it doesn't snow, I hope it doesn't last long, I hope it warms up. What has changed? I think that there is something wrong with me. I just can't seem to enjoy the snow like I once did.
Then I began to think. Pastor John just talked about how complex our lives become. He talked about Jesus being so simple. It is true? Maybe my life has become too busy and complex. When we were children, life was so simple. Wasn't it a lot easier back then? So, when is the last time you built a snowman, or built a fort, or engaged in a good snowball fight? It has been a while for me. If there is any of that white stuff left when I get home tonight, I am going to throw a few of those cold white balls at someone. So watch out.
Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all of your soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. That is simple. But, simple isn't easy, is it?

Pastor Rick

Change?

Do you ever ask yourself, what will change this coming year? Well, we know that gas prices will change, the stock market will change, and our age will change. These things are all a certainty. But, I am thinking about the things that matter. Are we going to love more in 2007? Are we going to give more? Are we going to have more faith? Are we going to care more? These are the questions that will define each of us. I know that I want to grow more in each of these areas but how is it going to happen? For me, it will take an extra effort to slow down and let the Holy Spirit speak to me. I know that this sounds so cliche, but I just can't hear him when I am in control and to be honest with you, I like to be in control. The only problem with me being in control is that my life is miserable. I can never rest in that peace that each of us needs so badly. I hope that you will consider this new year as it begins and ask yourself, what will change for my life? I will make a deal with you. I will pray for you if you will pray for me. Prayer is what really can change us.
Let's make 2007 the best year for change, ever.

Pastor Rick