The school I’m talking about is the online “traffic school” that I had to do. Yes, a couple of months ago I was ticketed for going 80 mph on the 91. I know the speed limit is 65, but if you go 65 you get run over! I was trying to go with the flow of traffic...then I tried to determine the flow myself. That’s when I met my new officer friend.

Anyway, part of my vacation was spent with my computer for 6 hours doing this class. The funny thing was, they embed jokes into the reading to make sure you’re paying attention. The test itself was 1/2 on the jokes! That’s right. So here’s a couple of my favorites...

I wish my brother would get a job, so I'd know what kind of work he's out of. 

Isn't it a little scary that doctors call what they do "practice?"

Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid somebody will clean them?

Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?

Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns because they taste funny?

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

“You wouldn’t believe what people hear when I talk.”

That is so funny because it’s so true. Growing up with a different culture and language, sometimes Mikel says one thing, but those of us who grew up here in the States hear it another way.

The point? God’s Word was written over a span of 1,500 years by 40 some different authors (all under the direction and inspiration of God). Different times and different cultures should have resulted in a pretty confusing book. But the Bible has its one theme seamlessly woven throughout.

All Scripture is God‑breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thanks Mikel for reminding us of God’s Unstoppable Word and your funny side all at the same time.

One more thing...I just gave my tithe online. If you’ve never tried that, you ought to check it out. It’s a great way to be consistent in your giving and support of what God is doing here at Community even as you travel this summer.

You’ll need to have your $35 with you. That can be paid in cash, check or with a credit card.

If there are any left by the weekend, you’ll be able to get started then, but there are no guarantees there will be any kids left to sponsor. 

What I should have said: Our first main point this weekend was about touching people where they’re at. Although I really do believe that’s a biblical concept, I was actually talking about touching people where they HURT...physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

Beckah Shae was amazing: Your response, the line to meet her and have her sign a CD or poster was very cool. I loved her attitude, spirit and heart for being used by God. Can’t wait to have her back!! 

First-time guests: There were many, and each one I got a chance to talked about how much they loved the experience. Of course Beckah, but they also loved the warmth (not the heat outside) of the people, the message, and the experience as a whole.

What I forgot to say: At the 9:00 service I forgot to say one particular line (even though I shared the heart of it) I felt was really on target. Here it is... “I’m praying that the ME GENERATION matures into the THEM GENERATION.” I fully believe the “boomers” (of which I’m a part) have been getting everything we want for our whole life. Now it’s time to make sure others get what they need. If we’ve been with the Lord for more than 20 years and we’re still waiting to be fed by someone else...something’s wrong. It’s time for us to do the feeding, reach out and make sure others get to know our Lord and King.

Starbucks: Ok, that was now...while I’m writing this. But a couple just walked in the door, made a b-line for me and said, “Yesterday was AMAZING!” 

THEY WERE RIGHT!

We will have tables set up at both campuses so that immediately following the service you’ll be able to go get your child’s info. It looks like this...

You will need to make your first $35 investment into the life of a child in order to pick up their picture and information. You’ll be able to do that with cash, check or credit card. So that you know, here’s where your $35 goes (via Christian Missionary Fellowship).

$12 - Education

$11 - Nutrition

$2 - Medical

$2 - Spiritual Development

$3 - Facilities

$5 - Administration

I’m so proud of you for taking this incredible step. Here at Community, we are truly blessed. And we know, we’re blessed to be a blessing!

Also, this weekend is special because BECKA SHAE will be here sharing her music and leading in worship at our East Campus. Our West Campus has a real powerful team leading this weekend...and all of you at Tahquitz High will love them!!

This is a weekend we won’t soon forget. Don’t miss it...and bring as many people as you can!

“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.'” -Luke 14:23

After reading Jesus’ story, I wrote these words. If it sounds like I changed it to address you personally, I didn’t. I was writing to myself. But here it is.

This weekend we want to pack the house. There will be excuses, but don’t let that stop you. Go to anyone who will listen, anyone who is hurting, alone, broken. These are the people who need, desperately need, to hear God loves them and is pursuing them. Those of us who already know this incredible truth, simple need to pass it on. Now.

My only change, as all of you read these words, would be to use the word “houses” instead of “house”. After all, we have TWO CAMPUSES...TWO HOUSES TO FILL!

So now...GO INVITE SOMEONE!!! 

I’ve gone to the NACC on and off for most of my life. It brings together church leaders, volunteers and families from all around the Country. These people, from Christian churches like ours, make the trip in the summer to some city that’s usually located somewhere near the Bible belt buckle.

People come for a number of good reasons. Often they show up to get their spiritual batteries charged, to re-connect with friends, to grow and be challenged by main sessions and break-out sessions alike.

Having spent some time with this year’s president, Ben Cachiaras, I was looking forward to this year’s theme, Going Beyond. I wasn’t disappointed. Ben did a great job of seeing this challenge to go beyond permeate every aspect of the four days in Indy.

Here’s some of my favorite quotes of the week. (Not all of them, just some of them.)

“What if we actually strapped ourselves to Jesus...and went wherever he went!” -Ben Cachiaras

“If we don’t fully disciple people, having enough money and enough people in the seats will be the least of our problems!” -Brian Jones

“To reach people that no one else is reaching, we have to do things thy no one else is doing.” -Don Wilson

“When your memories exceed your dreams your done!” -Don Wilson

“What gap is God using you in society to fill...that we might be a sneak preview of heaven?” Efrem Smith

“You can’t read the Bible and come away with the idea that ‘all you have to do is say this little prayer and raise your hand’ and you’re good for eternity!” -Francis Chan (He went on to say, “we’re supposed to actually follow Jesus.”)

“If I’m going to be known for love...I’ve got to learn to love beyond me.” -Gene Appel

“God’s response to Isaiah’s discouragement was to expand his vision.” -Rick Warren

“Hey baby, I think I left all my underwear and socks in the hotel.” -me

One last thing, Mary Kamau ROCKS! I got to be there in the Mathare slums with her, Wallace and the amazing people of Mission of Hope this past May. I didn't write down any quotes as she talked Wednesday night...just hung on every word! Thanks for coming to America and sharing your story Mary!

Brian began with the Great Commission passage in Matthew 28:19-20 and then went to Colossians 1:28-29...where he was able to real drill down on the idea of MAKING DISCIPLES by “presenting everyone fully mature in Christ.”

Here were some great questions to chew on:

*We go, we baptize...but are we really teaching people to OBEY EVERYTHING Jesus said?

*Why do we have so many people in our churches who are NOT fully mature? (this is big picture stuff and could take a while to answer.)

*Over the past six months...how many conversations have you had with brand new converts, teaching them to actually follow Jesus in their daily life? (this is personal, and really needs to be answered!)

Great questions, but more importantly, here were some solutions worth discussing:

*Soccer clubs develop nationally ranked players by putting their “best coaches with the youngest players.” They also spend the first ten years on foot drills!

*In the church, we tend to put our best leaders in an office and fill their schedule with meetings. We have to change this!

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want a church filled with “polite” members. I want maturing Christ-followers that are ready to GO and make more disciples! GO and change their community and their world! GO and be the kind of people (like Jesus) that those that don’t know Jesus would love to hang around.

Here’s my question...it’s not for the church corporately, it’s for you personally:

What are some things you can do to really come alongside someone who is new to the faith and help them become “fully mature in Christ”??? Please don't tell me what's wrong with the "church"...tell me what YOU can do!

(Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. Be real...be practical)

God is unchanging...but He’s always on the move.

If you wanted to follow Jesus back in the First Century, you’d have to be on the move. It’s the same today!

This was a big one... “If your life looked EXACTLY like what Jesus wanted your life to look like, would it look EXACTLY like what it looks like right now?”

Followed by... “If your church looked EXACTLY like what Jesus wanted you church to look like, would it look EXACTLY like what it looks like right now?”

Pray a dangerous prayer... “Dear God, disturb me.”

The AGENT of transformation that God has in mind is YOU and ME. WOW!

If you want to go “BEYOND”, you have to leave some stuff behind.

We don’t have to keep up with the culture...near as much as we need to keep up with Jesus!

Racism isn’t a political issue. It’s not a “”PC” issue. It’s a Biblical issue!

Define greatness of a church, not by it’s seating capacity, but by it’s sending capacity.

THANKS BEN! (And great job with the Tony Dungy interview today!)

I can’t wait to see what God teaches at the North American Christian Convention. Michelle and I have gone to this event on and off for years and years. It’s a great time of worship and preaching. We also look forward to re-connecting with many of our friends from across the Country who are also in ministry.

I would love for you to be supporting our trip with your prayer. Thank you!