I just began reading Michael Green's book, Thirty Years That Changed The World. I am learning so much about the early church and the character of the first disciples. Please read and reflect on the following two quotes. Each of these were written just 90 -100 years after the death of Apostle Paul (150-200 A.D.) These quotes describe the early church and give us a glimpse into the inner-workings, values, thoughts, reputation and practices of the first disciples.

The first one comes from Clement:

"For when unbelievers hear from our mouth the oracles of God, they wonder at their beauty and greatness. Then, discovering that our deeds are not worthy of the words we utter, they turn from their wonder to blasphemy, saying it is all a myth and delusion." (2 Clement 13:3).

Forest Park, that is still true after 1,850 years!

The next one comes from the Epistle to Diognetus. A little longer but read it slowly and reflect on each line.

"They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens they share in all things with others, yet endure all things as if foreigners . . . They marry, as do all. They beget children, but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table but not a common bed . . . They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. . . They are poor, yet make many rich. They are in lack of all things, yet abound in all. They are dishonored, and yet in their very dishonor are glorified. They are evil spoken of, yet they are justified. They are reviled, and bless. They are insulted and pay back the insult with honor. They do good, yet are punished as evil doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life. They are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greeks. Yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred."

Wow! Makes me wonder how the church of 2009, especially Forest Park, is doing? What would be written about us? How would we be described?

I've got some thinking and praying to do. Please join me.

Sunday Night Thoughts

• Great Sunday! Thanks to everyone who made today successful. Even though a lot of people were out due to sickness, the Women's Beach Retreat and weekend getaways - you made it work - FPC people, you always impress me!
• I announced this morning that construction will begin soon on our basketball court, pavilion, volleyball court and outreach center. I cannot wait! Lots of planning and it is finally coming - your generous giving made this a reality - thank you.
• Today's message was difficult to present - it wasn't the material (I knew the material) - it was the subject - not an easy one. Suffering is hard to explain, especially when so many of our people are suffering.
• What are you doing to eliminate suffering throughout our world? I know I'm not doing much - God, break my heart with what breaks your heart!
• We have some new microphones ordered - they should be in this week - excited.
• We have some new lights ordered, too - they should be in next week - maybe a few new colors can tone down the shine on my head - probably not.
• I've been listening to a couple of new c.d.s - Hope Rising (Steve Fee) and Epic (Healing Place Church) - great worship experience. I especially like "Rise and Sing", "We Crown You" and "Promise Land" (Steve Fee) and "Beautiful King" and "The Creed" (Healing Place).
• I am so pumped about a new series that I'm beginning in November - I don't know the name yet - but it will be the most bold, clear, strait-forward presentation of the gospel that we have ever done! Trust me - people will either run to FPC or run away during this series. I just finished reading a book that discusses exactly what I have been wanting to say for a long time - it helped me to finally construct an outline for the series - excited and nervous!
• I also just began to read a book that has moved me like NO OTHER BOOK in a long time - it is called The School of Dying Graces, by Richard Felix - unless you want your heart pulled out of your chest - DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It details the journey of Richard's wife from the moment she discovered she had cancer through her funeral and beyond. I can only read a chapter or two at a time - it is powerful, gripping, eye-opening.
• The Women's Beach Retreat was a HUGE SUCCESS! I have heard so much about it and how great it was - Lana had such a fun time. I'm pleased that we have a women's ministry team that cares about the women of FPC. Great job!!
• Sometimes I don't believe that my heart can contain any more love for my family than I feel. Each of my kids is a gift from God to me - I am blessed beyond measure. Lana is a dream come true for me - I love her with all that I am and thank God each day that He partnered us together.
• The colder weather? - Bring it on!
• I've got a new cell phone - now, I just have to figure out how to use it.
• Our Invite Cards look great - although one of the service times is wrong (8:00 instead of 8:30) - they look incredible - please go by and pick up some and give them to your friends - remember, leave a GENEROUS TIP if you put one on the table at a local restaurant - no cheap people at FPC - right?
• Good night!

How "Feisty" Are You?

I picked this up from Michael Hyatt’s Blog this week and when I read it, I immediately shared it with our FPC staff and just had to share it with you too. If you are a leader, you will appreciate these insights.

Did you know that General Tommy Franks flunked out of the University of Texas in 1967? (Yes, even successful people sometimes fail) Rather than waiting to be drafted to fight in Vietnam, General Franks enlisted in the Army. As he got on the bus to leave for boot camp, his father said, “Son, I have one piece of advice. Be feisty.”

Tommy replied, “But Dad, I am feisty.”

His dad said, “I mean it as an acronym. F-e-i-s-t-y.” He then went on to explain:

“F” is for focus. You need to get focused on what is important and stay focused.
“E” is for energy. Bring all the energy you can muster to every situation.
“I” is for integrity. This is your most important possession. Don’t ever compromise it.
“S” is for solve the problem. Don’t argue. Don’t make excuses. Just solve the problem and get on with it.
“T” is for take the blame when no one else will. Accept responsibility and be accountable.
“Y” is for “Yes, I do windows.” Don’t ever say, “That’s not my job.” Do whatever the boss asks you to do and do it with enthusiasm.

Great advice!

How F-e-i-s-t-y are you? How focused? How energetic? How’s your integrity? Do you solve problems or make excuses? Do you accept blame or pass it off to someone (or something) else? Are you constantly looking for ways to get out of work or do you finish your work and sometimes you do the other guy’s work too -- WITH ENTHUSIASM?

This is the stuff that separates the GOOD leader from the GREAT leader.

Think about it!