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Going all the way…

When Craig Groeschel writes or speaks, my internal voice sighs, “I wish I had said that!” Whether about leadership, personal discipline, relationships or prayer, his words are straight forward and right on. His new book, Going All The Way, comes out on Monday and I think you should go out and pre-order it right now.

Even though Jennifer and I have an amazing marriage, we will be getting this book soon.

Check out the publisher’s description of the book…

“Going all the way” used to mean getting what you want from the opposite sex now…and paying for it later.

It’s time to redefine.

Smart advice for a new generation about love, sex, and happily ever after.

You’ve seen marriages fail time and again. Even relationships you thought were bullet proof don’t last. Once promising couples dissolve in the acid of selfishness, conflict, or unfaithfulness… or fade away to a cold, gray lovelessness. No wonder that for our generation, “getting what you want” is often a substitute for love, and disillusionment about marriage is the new normal.

So what do you do if you want a marriage that doesn’t just survive, but thrives? That doesn’t just begin romantically but ends magnificently? Answer: You do something different.

Whether you’re thinking ahead to marriage, are about to be wed, or have been married for a while and want to make changes, this book can help. Going All the Way will guide you through the choices and commitments you need to make now in order to build a strong and vibrant relationship that will go the distance. In a world where going all the way means putting yourself first, author Craig Groeschel will show you how, by putting God first, you can build a soul-enriching, lifelong relationship.

With practical, candid discussions about sex, first dates, integrity, forgiveness, and communication, Craig will help you prepare for and experience a relationship that gives fresh, hope-filled meaning to “going all the way” with the one you love.

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I don’t mean to bug you, but…

If you have not yet registered for UNLEASH 2008, you have got to go do it right now! Tony Morgan said the super-duper-earlier-than-early-bird special of $45 ends on Sunday.

Let me pose a question to you.

What is revival?

Is it a move of God that strengthens us to give holy high-fives and prophesy to each other of the coming great harvest of souls? Or, maybe… just maybe.

Revival is a great move of God that provokes His people to get out into their city, preach the gospel and make disciples of all people.

If you want to go with me to see a church that is making a HUGE impact on their city by bringing in the unsaved, preaching the gospel, making disciples and baptizing them, you gotta go to UNLEASH. If you want to find out what it was like last year (kick the tires a little?) go watch the main sessions HERE.

Everyone, go register right now and then send me a comment to let me know. Hey, Matthew, have you registered yet?

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Let the whole world see…

Yesterday was… indescribable. To see people all across our church breaking glow sticks to symbolize their broken hearts for our city was humbling. As our hearts broke, the light of Christ began to shine through. As the lights dimmed, the auditorium was illuminated with the “heart of God” in us.

Abbye led us in Reuben Morgan’s anthem Mighty To Save as we held our lights high singing

Shine your light and
Let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the Glory of the Risen King

It excites me to see the heart of our church breaking for the lost in our city. I believe the Vince Antonucci hit the nail on the head describing the heart of God in this post. I want my heart to be like God’s and that’s what I want for our church.

Now, get out there and be the light. Invite someone with you to church this Sunday. Pastor Ron is going bring an awesome message and you do NOT want to miss it. Your neighbor needs to hear it. And so does that co-worker that’s been giving you a hard time. Go on… invite them.

Hey Matthew, thanks for these amazing pics. I don’t care what Abbye says, I think you’re pretty cool.

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Late night calls

Growing up, I was taught you should not call anyone after 9pm unless it is an emergency. I still try to follow this rule.

At 9:57pm tonight, my phone rang… not a good sign. Caller ID said it was my parents’ house. As I answered, I heard a very bad impression of my mom on the other end of the line. She was short of breath, scared and alone at home. Dad was at the church for an event. She said someone needed to come quick.

I threw on my clothes and headed out the door with my shoes in my hand as Jennifer called 911. I had been wanting to try out the cool, car chase manuever. So, I took this as an opportunity to throw the Expedition in reverse, race out into the cul-de-sac, slam on the brakes while cutting the steering wheel. As the truck spun around, I popped it in drive and floored the gas to make a very impressive spin out of the neighborhood.

When I got to mom’s house, she was not good. Heart racing… Arm numb… Dizzy… Blurred vision… Short breath… Pale… Hurting… Very high blood pressure. When the paramedics arrived, her blood pressure was 208/116. I’m pretty sure that’s not good. So, we headed out to the emergency room.

The short version is that she was discharged several hours later with possible vertigo and hypertension…

But, what would have happened if I had let fear grip me? It looked very sketchy for a while there. Would I have been any help to my mom? In times of crisis, our actions and emotions tell the story of our faith (or lack of it).

When crisis, tragedy or hardship happens, how do you react? Before you take that next late night call that could bring bad news, settle in your heart that God is in control. Determine in yourself that you will act with that in mind. Because the call will come.

Tonight, God was faithful again and we are all back home safe. Mom is resting. Since it is 2:40am now, I am about to go to bed so I can get up in a few hours to hang out with the family.

God, thank you for being… well, You.

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The excitement builds

I am going to go out on a limb and say that, I believe, this Sunday will be one of my top 3 favorite Sundays of the year. I promise that you will not soon forget the message brought this Sunday.

Want a hint? Here you go…

Dad, Mom, Matthew and Valerie are back from the Mentoring Conference in Bulgaria. They had an amazing time pouring into the pastors there. I am sure we will get to hear a story or two on Sunday.

This past Sunday was awesome as well. Carolyn did a great job of covering Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up”. She asked me before service on Sunday, “Are you sure you want me to sing the line ‘Are you more than hot for me?’” My response was “ABSOLUTELY.” On Monday afternoon, I got a call from a church member about the song. You can read all about it over on Carolyn’s blog. If you were in the service on Sunday, go comment on her post and tell her how amazing it was.

Every week, people are bringing their friends.
Every week, people are responding to the call for salvation.
Every week, religious people struggle with offense.
Every week, a difference is being made.

I want us to be a church whose heart breaks for the lost in our city. Don’t miss this Sunday. It’s going to be unforgettable.

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