A Servant's Heart

Serving is the heart of God and must be the heart of the church. When the church stops serving, we become self-seeking and insufficient to the kingdom. God’s desire for us is to bring our gifts and talents and be willing to be used in the body to touch this world. This is how we become the hands and feet of Christ.

Showing always speaks louder than telling!

Serving is SHOWING people Jesus by honoring God with selflessness (Pastor Jason’s definition). There is no greater joy in life than to work in God’s kingdom. But remember, God’s kingdom does not parallel with the worlds kingdom. As a matter of fact, it works backwards. If you want to go up, then you must go down. If you want to be first, than you must be last. (Matthew 20:26-28). I know that is not easy for our ears to hear, but it is how God kingdom functions.

A Christian can only find true purpose when serving is the main objective. If you are looking to find focus for your life, then start serving. Sometimes that can mean doing what is in front of us. If we just wait for the “perfect” opportunity we may miss a God opportunity. Serving is the key to the next door in your life. God always honors a servant heart.

Serving has always been and will always be a part of the DNA of CCC. Teaching people to serve and creating a culture of servant leadership are underlying goals of every aspect of our ministry. Whether it is missions, ministry groups, small groups, children’s ministry, student ministry, young adults, nursery, or outreach, cultivating servant leadership is critical to our mission. Join me as we continue to endeavor on creating a servant leadership culture that will not just tell people Jesus loves them but will show them. After all, this is the formula that God used to show us his love in his son Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Showing always speaks louder than telling!

Sing the song God has called you to sing

You've heard the expression “When the water is right, don’t wait to jump in” or from a romantic point of view, “When the mood is right don’t wait.” Another expression is to "pick your flowers right before they are in full bloom.” My point in sharing this is that it is important for us to know the urgency of the times. Today’s world screams with chaos, yet the opportunity for spiritual purpose and impact is unparalleled. I truly believe that God is ready to do something unusual through people that are willing to stand up and stand out for Him.

What I’m saying is: the water is right, the mood is right, and the flowers are almost at full bloom. God is calling you through the Holy Spirit and is positioning you for something great. I know that can sound like a cliché, but remember, there are no "big I's" and "little yous" in God’s eyes. The Bible says that he is “no respecter of persons.” We find that to be true all throughout scripture. Whether it was Rahab (the harlot), Ruth, David, Paul, or the disciples, God never chose the chosen but he used the willing.

Changing and growing

I am always thinking of how I can implement change. Whether it is in my workout routine or even different ways to minister to people more effectively and creatively; change is important. Change is a tough word (verb) to take sometimes though because that’s exactly what happens. Webster defines the word change, “to put or take in place of something else; substitute for, replace with or transfer to another of a similar kind.” The truth is most of us do not like change because we like to know what to expect.

Now before I comment on this word any more, let me balance this: there are fundamentals (God’s word, core values, etc.) that we cannot change nor should we try to change. So hear me good when I say “some things should not change.” But when it comes to experiencing something that is more, we need to be willing to change.

I have found that if I will be willing to shake it up a little, I will experience growth, excitement, and life to a whole new level. As a kid growing up and into my young adult life I only ate meat and potatoes (occasionally candy too and lots of bread, which is its own food group). My parents would always say, “You are missing out!” I thought to myself “yeah right!” It’s funny now I am saying the same things to my kids. But as I slowly expanded my taste buds, I found a whole new world of excitement when it comes to eating and trying new things (even eating raw oysters and sushi). I still do not eat broccoli or a couple of other vegetables but I have come a long way.

Even with working out, I have figured out if I do the exact same routine over and over, only those muscles will grow at those angles . So the plan is to create change to experience a different PAIN. Different can always mean growth if we look at it with the right perspective. I believe this parallels with our spiritual walk as well.

Do yourself a favor and change up your routine spiritually. It means making yourself uncomfortable at times to actually grow and not just maintain. I assure you that change in your spiritual walk will shake things up where you do not get into a spiritual rut. Create some change in your life this week. Spend time with your kids, go to the gym, get up early to pray, witness to your co-worker, start tithing, smile intentionally, kiss your spouse for no reason, make a eating plan (and stick with it). Change your LIFE!

Spring forward

Spring is in the air! I love the time change this time of the year but I do not like how dark it is when you wake up! Getting my kids out of bed this morning was not very easy (they said “it’s too dark”). I do like how they have more time to play in the evening, though.

Think about this: If we "spring up" an hour in time, why not "spring up" an hour early in our life to draw closer to the Lord? I will be honest with you--I am not a morning person by nature, but I know that getting up and seeking God is one of the keys to spiritual growth.

Take an opportunity this week to get up a little earlier and find time to seek God. Even if it's for 15 minutes, God will bless it if you give Him that time to start the day. You may even want to try to go to bed a little bit earlier and set yourself up for success. Remember: it is never easy or convenient to go after God. It will always take sacrifice, always mean giving something up, pull you out of your comfort zone, but it is always worth it.

Prayerful Thoughts

Your purpose is tied to your destiny. And your destiny is tied to your destination. Your destination is important because it keeps you anchored to the direction and focus God has called you to. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus he will never leave you nor forsake you . We forget all too much that part of the job of the Holy Spirit is to get you to your destiny. Think about this: the Holy Spirit wants you to get to your destination more than you do!

Let me encourage you to trust God and relax in Him. He is your shield and your strength. God is out in front of your life making sure that you don’t miss your purpose. We do have a part to play and we must do our part but know that God wants you to get there more than you do. When you walk with God you can’t make a mistake. Hold His hand and let Him lead you today.

Breathe

One of the most refreshing times in life is when we force ourselves to sit back and take a deep breath. For many of us this creates "reflection," which is not always a good thing depending on what we reflect on. But when we can reflect on the good rather than the bad, it gives strength to us in the moment. As I write these words I am looking at the ocean. You may say,"Well that's easy for you to say while your staring at such beauty." Yes, it may be! But maybe you needed someone to tell you that today and help you be reminded that taking a deep breath (in the Spirit) can be one the simplest tools for staying in the game for the long haul. Take a DEEP breath!

People need Jesus

People are funny! One of my favorite things to do is watch people. I am always amazed and intrigued by what I see. These days, people are so consumed with life that there is not much room for anything else. I remember a few months ago while at the mall with my family, I watched people go by while waiting outside the "American Girl" doll store, and I estimated that half the people that walked by me were engaged either with their phone or some type of technical device. I remember thinking to myself "So many people have a void in their lives and don't know how to fill."

One of my biggest observations in watching people, whether it is at airport, mall, grocery store, gym, or just in public in general, is that they are "empty." People are longing for fulfillment and they are willing to do almost anything to have that (temporary) fulfillment. Remember this week when you are put and about that most of the people you will see need Jesus. Take an opportunity to seed the love of Christ around your world this week.