Follow up to Pastor DJ’s sermon on 10/24/09
October 28th, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized by adminTypes of Friends to Avoid:
Gossip - Prov 20:19 “A gossip betrays a confidence…”
Mocker - Prov 3:34 God mocks proud mockers…”
Hot-tempered / violent - Prov 19:19 “If you rescue him, you will have to do it again.”
Sluggard (lazy) - Prov 24:30-34 The field of the sluggard is described — weeds have grown up and it is NOT yielding to it’s potential… leading to poverty.
Heavy drinkers - Prov 23:20 “Do not join those who drink too much wine…”
Prostitute / immoral woman (or man) - Proverbs considers this so important that it dedicates the better part of 3 chapters to it, speaking at length about the consequences and pain that results from those wrong and sinful associations.
Types to Pursue and become:
(answers for fill-in the blank)
Honest - like a KISS on the LIPS
Sharpening - Prov 27:17
Wounding - Prov 27:6 “can be trusted” come from Hebrew word “Aman” which means “to be firm or faithful; to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse.”
Gadgets
May 13th, 2009 Filed under: Life by adminI have a weakness for gadgets and electronics. Normally it is self-indulgent. There are a few that have really made a difference in my productivity (and they’re fun!) Apple’s iPhone is such a gadget. Email, ipod, camera, calendar, twitter, applications, and a phone! Are you kidding me? The second is Amazon’s Kindle. I like to (must) read. I can wirelessly download books, newspapers, articles, and other media. It weighs less than half a pound and is unbelievably convenient. Last but not least is my Mac Book Pro. I have an entire biblical library, all of my messages from the past 10 years, and 2000 of my family’s pictures. All that to say, I wonder how they did it 25 years ago?
Surfing
May 5th, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized by adminWhen I was 12 my family moved to San Diego. We lived there for about three years. Of all the things I liked about living there surfing was favorite reason. Like any sport, you admire the very “best”. One of the best is Laird Hamilton. (For those who don’t know, Google the name) He is one of the big wave heroes and a tow-in Kamikaze at Jaws. Recently Chris and I were on a flight to Kauai and Laird was on the plane. At baggage I asked if I could get his picture and he had his daughter take it of both of us. A very stoked day!
How are you doing? (Followup to my “Hungry” message on 4/18 & 4/19)
April 18th, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor John4. Are you growing as a person every day?
Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. NIV
Wisdom: Growing mentally
Stature: Physically taking care of yourself
Favor with God: Growing spiritually
Favor with man: Growing relationally
5. How’s your serve?
Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” NKJV
The paradox of a paradoxical kingdom.
• You can know it and still not “know” it!
Ex: First last-Last first Greatest Least-Least Greatest
Real freedom comes from not having to be first or the greatest.
We practice the paradox when we serve.
Meekness= Power under control.
Jesus demonstrated Power under control.
Followup to Pastor DJ’s Sermon
March 3rd, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized by adminHey everyone!
For those looking for the 3 tools from worship experts of yesteryear from the Psalms, here they are:
Biyn means: to separate mentally, to understand
God wants us to take the time to separate what His word means to us and how it is to be applied in various situations we face.
Da-mah means: to compare
Compare to what? I believe He wants us to compare His word to earthly wisdom with its empty promises and false leadings. As we compare the truth and reliability of God’s word to the philosophies of this world, we will realize more and more how valuable His word is to our lives.
Si-yach means: to ponder, contemplate, and (even) to babble. The interlinear Hebrew Bible defines it this way:
siyach: to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud)
I LOVE that… to converse with oneself ALOUD! It means the psalmist would talk to himself out loud about how great God and His word are!
As long as you don’t answer yourself, you’re okay =) Having to preach allows me the ‘excuse’ to rehearse to myself beforehand, out loud, what God says about different things. But perhaps God is saying not to wait until I have to rehearse for a message. Why not make time occasionally to declare aloud to myself the goodness of the Lord and the greatness of His commands and promises?
So, basically - talk to YOURSELF about God!
If we incorporate these 3 tools, it will help us assign value to God and realize how amazing He is to us!
Have fun practicing!
-DJ Smith
For Pastors Only
December 21st, 2008 Filed under: Church by Pastor JohnThis blog is for pastors only. It will be most helpful for Senior pastors: Recently I read a quote that got my attention. In many ways it hit a chord in my heart. Mostly because I am guilty of having my expectations set upon the ideal and not on the reality. The simple adjustment of expectations is huge. Read Mark 5 if you don’t think expectations influence how much we are able to accomplish. I am including the quote for your use and thoughts. My email is john@jfc.org Let me know if it helps or hurts.
“If we are to avoid disappointment as pastors, we must adjust our expectations to the reality rather than the ideal of ministry. Idealistically, we think we have found a place of fulfillment in the pastorate. Idealistically, we believe if we lay down our lives for the sheep, we will be applauded. The truth is, the shepherd is only a steward of the sheep. The sheep are being reared for a purpose - and that purpose is neither camaraderie nor friendship. The flock will not give you a sense of family. If you expect that, then you will end up feeling betrayed. They will not give you intimacy or affection. They will take from your scarred and bleeding hands direction without affection, guidance without commitment. Only those who make the transition from sheep to disciples begin to feel any level of loyalty - and that is the direct result of discipline.”
Golf Lessons
December 10th, 2008 Filed under: Life, Misc by Pastor JohnI have a goal for 2009. I want to be a single digit handicap. So I am taking golf lessons. They film your swing (Some things should never be filmed!) and then show it to you side by side with Tiger. In my mind I thought I had a good swing. The film said otherwise. It got me thinking about how many other things in my life this could apply to. Like how I present myself, or teach, or respond to people. To me it looks one way and that way is the right way. When it is exposed next to the way it is supposed to look it is very revealing. It reminded me that we aren’t to compare ourselves to others but to what God thinks it should look like. The measure is Christ. When it is all said and done I will look like him. Unfortunately when my golf swing is all said and done I don’t think I will look like Tiger.
The BIG 25
November 30th, 2008 Filed under: Family by Pastor JohnOn our most recent trip to Israel Chris and I renewed our vows. I wanted to do something special for her and was able to pull it off. 25 years ago her brother Terry was the pastor who married us. I had arranged for Terry to go on the trip and he and I had worked on a secret vow renewal surprise. I also bought Chris a 25th anniversary ring. I had planned everything perfectly and she was completely unaware. Over looking the Sea of Galilee with her mom, dad, brother, sister in law, and friends we renewed publically the promise we made 25 years ago. It was one of those storybook moments that only happen so often. Can you believe she would say yes twice?
Growing Up
November 27th, 2008 Filed under: Family by Pastor JohnJust watched the twin’s football team lose in the playoffs. It was one of those loses that hurts so bad; you don’t know what to say. They had an undefeated season and both lettered as Sophomore’s. The expectation had developed for a state championship. As life can sometimes do, things didn’t work out like we wanted it to. I was able to watch them work their way through pain and disappointment and come out the other side more mature. Part of the process of growing up is figuring it out for your self. The hardest thing for me was not being able to do anything but be there. I wonder if God feels like this with us too?
The problem with a Blog
November 27th, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnWell I have hit the wall with the blog. It is easy to start and easy to forget. My hope is to stay more connected.
JFC’s 10th Anniversary
September 21st, 2008 Filed under: Church by Pastor JohnOur tenth anniversary celebration took place August 17th. We had planned a big blow-out one service extravaganza but as it seems to happen the weather didn’t co-operate. We were on our way to the driest summer ever and..
well we don’t have that problem any more. It has been eight years since we were able to have a single service. Next time may be the Pepsi Center in 2018. There was still a great three service celebration and the church surprised Chris and I with a trip for the tenth and our 25th to the Bahamas’. We didn’t celebrate the tenth to get a trip but it sure didn’t hurt!
Wrestling with the twins
September 3rd, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnIt finally happened, my twins beat me in wrestling. In all fairness two against one is my excuse, and they are both bigger than I am, but still.. Before it started they asked me what the rules were. I said there are no rules and with in 30 seconds I was in a Guillotine Choke Hold and being held from behind. After I came to, I was asked why, “I didn’t tap out?” It is hard for a dad to tap out. Maybe there is a great message in those words! I think they were a little disappointed that they finally beat me. After all it isn’t a great day when your dad isn’t all that anymore. For me it was kind of the passing of the torch. It is also the last time I wrestle two against one.
Golf Tourney
August 30th, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnLast week I played in a golf tournament with some friends. It is a tournament we have played in together for the last 15 years. We have won it a couple of times and lost it more than that. The reason I make this the blog subject was the lesson I learned. We shot 8 under par. 10 under par won. Here is the rest of the story: We gave up with 4-5 holes left because we thought we were “out of it”. Typically 15-18 under wins and we convinced ourselves that we weren’t even close to the middle of the pack. It really is a lesson for life. Sometimes you judge how you are doing currently on some past experience or a false idea of where you should be. When you live like this you tend to give up too soon, or at the least make regrettable decisions in judgment. How many times could I have won if I just didn’t give up? Never give up!
Graduation
May 23rd, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnToday is the day. Katie will graduate (with honors) from High School. I can’t believe she is graduating?!! She is special and God has His Hand on her life in such a special way. Dads it goes by quicker than you think. Make the most of it while you can. My only regret is that we can’t do the last 17 years over again.
Albert Pujols
May 23rd, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnMy friend Cody McKay a former ball player got us tickets to the Rockies vs St Louis Series. His Dad (a coach) got my sons on the field. Really special was that Albert Pujols signed a base ball for each of them. The Rockies didn’t win but that was ok this time. Thanks Cody!
PROM
May 23rd, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnTo all the dads out there. Trying to stop it is liking trying to stop the wind. The “it” is boyfriends. Here is Katie as she was going to prom with Andrew. We like him but she is still my little girl. Although she doesn’t look so little anymore. YIKES!
A good foursome.
May 23rd, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnSpring Break 08 was a lot of fun. In particular we visited a church in Las Vegas called Cross Winds Community. JFC is going to help them get into a building and we wanted a first hand look at it. On the way home we stopped in Mesquite and played golf. I have played golf with my Father in Law for nearly 25 years. My sons are now a part of the game. We just got done at dark.
My BIG Date
May 23rd, 2008 Filed under: Grandkids by Pastor JohnI took Isabel my 1st grand daughter on a date to the Children’s Museum. It was FUN! She played and explored until I was worn out and then she played some more. In a way it is how I am getting a 2nd chance at being “there” instead of away and busy. My kids think I am a great dad but I know I am an awesome PAPA!
Seacoast
February 28th, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnI just got back from Charleston, S.C. It is a beautiful place. We had great Seafood, and stayed on Palm Island. I would love to visit there in the summer. Our reason for the trip was to visit a church and pastors that have been mentors to Chris and I. Greg and Debbie Surratt and Seacoast Church. I can never say enough good about the influence they have had on us. If you are ever in Charleston or the surrounding area you must go to Seacoast. Until then check them out on the web at www.seacoast.org It is one of the greatest churches in America. Greg is one of the 50 most influential pastors in America. Cutting edge, relevant, spirit led, authentic. Charleston is fortunate to have such a great church in their city.
Death
February 28th, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnMy father died. To be honest, he was not really a father. I didn’t really get to know him until I was in my 30’s. None the less he was struck by a rare form of Liver Cancer and it was 0-death in a few months. My brother Steve and I went to say goodbye right after Christmas. 6 weeks later he passed on into eternity. I was asked for my advice about dealing with death. Here is what I said. Say the things you want to say while you can. Be the things God has called you to be while you can. Life is short. All in all it made me think of my own mortality. You only get to do this life one time, live like you have 30 days left. Consider where you will spend eternity. You do get to choose!
Welcome E.E.
January 19th, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnAt 3:20 on January 18, 2008 Evangeline Hope Marie Piller arrived! She is our 2nd grand daughter and we are stoked. Her mom and dad call her Evie and her big sister can only say EE but anyway you say it she is awesome. As you would imagine we are thankful to God and feel so very blessed. Check out her first picture.
DDK
January 9th, 2008 Filed under: Family by Pastor JohnMy three youngest. David, Daniel, and Katie. This picture was taken on a mission trip in Cork, Ireland. I am so proud of all my children. This picture of these three is one of my favorites. I hope they read my blog someday and see this.
Love,
Dad
Rocktober!
January 9th, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnThe Rockies had just swept the Diamond Backs to get into the World Series. It might have been the most exciting sporting event I have ever been to. What made it great was that my whole family was there with me. I think one of the things parents should try to do is gather your family at once in a lifetime events. Believe it or not these events come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. The main idea is that in 30 years your family will still remember. The picture was taken right after the game. Notice how happy we were. It was the last smile we would have with the Rockies before they headed to Boston!!!
LSU National Champs
January 9th, 2008 Filed under: Grandkids by Pastor JohnJanuary 7, 2008 LSU beat Ohio State for the Nation Championship. I was born in Louisiana. On a recent trip there I picked up some LSU paraphernalia to bring home for the big game. Among the items is this cheer leader outfit for Isabel. She is a Cajun even though she looks like her dad who is a Dallas Cowboys fan.
Read any good books?
January 9th, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized by Pastor JohnI love books! I read a lot and have found a way to digest even more. Books on my ipod. If you haven’t tried it you need to. Audible.com and itunes are great sources. The best part is having the option of listening vs. just reading. It makes since if you’re busy and need to take advantage of car time, running, or just listening while resting. My latest purchases are: Lincoln’s Letters, Change or Die, The Dangerous book for Boys, The Language of God, Three signs of a Miserable Job, Night, Mere Christianity, Your Money and Your Brain, and Micro Trends. Best book I read in the past year was The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis. Least favorite I read was The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. A great place to sit and listen is Star Bucks. The one in this picture is in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
