Audacious Faith Affirmations-

One of the best books I've read in 2010 is Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. The book is set to release late September. I highly encourage you to pick it up and read it to be stretched in your faith! One chapter of his book titled, "Hear. Speak. Do" highly influenced my message today at South Bay Church. In this chapter he shared 12 Audacious Faith Affirmations that are all based upon the Bible and God's promises. I thought I'd share... I've made some slight modifications.

12 Audacious Faith Confessions: Sun Stand Still, Steven Furtick

1. I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation (Romans 8:1-2, Ephesians 1:7-8, 1 John 1:9).

2. I act in audacious faith to change the world in my generation (Joshua 10:12-14, John 14:12).

3. I overcome my fear and anxiety; I trust in the Lord with all my heart. God is with me (Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:10)

4. I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life (Exodus 3:9-12; Psalm 57:2, Colossians 1:24-29).

5. I am fully resourced to do everything God has called me to do (Deuteronomy 8:18, Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:13).

6. I have no insecurity, because I see myself the way God sees me (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 5:25-27).

7. I am a faithful spouse and a godly father- our family is blessed (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 5:25-27, Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

8. I am completely whole- physically, mentally, and emotionally (Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 8:16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).

9. I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God (Genesis 45:4-8, 1 Samuel 2:26; Acts 2:37-47).

10. I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, 1 John 3:16, 4:9-12).

11. I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make (2 Chronicles 1:7-12; Proverbs 2:6, Ecclesiastes 2:26; James 1:5).

12. I am protected from all hard and evil in Jesus’ name (Genesis 50:20; Psalm 3:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3).

The Gospel.

One of the greatest joys in ministry is seeing the power of God at work through "the gospel." His good news. That he loves us and came to live a perfect sinless life through Christ, suffered death on a cross and has risen from the dead so that we might have abundant, joyful peaceful life that leads to eternity with Him.

Here are some observations from my journal recently...

"it truly is amazing to see the Gospel at work. The Gospel heals, restores, redeems, breaks down walls and chains, loves, serves, prays, weeps, struggles, hopes, believes, sacrifices, waits, persists, and transforms. It is the hope of the nations it is the power of God bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. This is the Gospel."

Everybody Hurts Sometimes

Over the last several months I've had various conversations with friends who were going through a difficult time in life and in marriage. I have these types of conversations often, and usually they are unexpected. Some of the time it's just a Sunday after church or over lunch or a cup of coffee. When I have these types of conversations I am reminded that everybody struggles at times, everyone goes through difficult times. Even people with good jobs and six figure incomes and apparently great lives. As our church has grown it is increasingly evident that I can't personally meet the needs of every person who struggles. There are just a whole lot of people coming to South Bay now, but that doesn't change the fact that people still need help. My job is now to facilitate and make sure large quantities of people are ministered to. This means equipping small group leaders, working with staff and continuing to cast vision about the importance of ministering to a broken world. The church has a responsibility to help people where they are to find healing and hope for life and eternity. If we ever miss this, we've missed the point of the gospel!

Couple of questions I'm wresting through: when someone needs help in our church is it easy for them to find the help they need? Also, do we create a "come as your are" culture that reminds people that they are accepted right where they are? Do we equip people to grow and work through life's challenges? Do we equip those who are being changed to then get in the game of helping others? It's just a good reminder for me today that this whole thing is about helping people who are far from God experience His best for their lives!

My Favorite Time Of The Week

It's no secret... before I am a pastor, I am a husband and father. This is one of the greatest joys and blessings of my life. Every week there are three times that I consider to be the highlight of my week. Friday- Family Day, Friday Night- Date Night, Saturday Morning- Boy's Club time with Caedmon. I have countless memories... shooting water guns in the pool, bumper cars at Great America Park, eating cinnamon rolls at Peet's coffee with Caedmon, sharing desert at The Cheesecake Factory with my bride, wrestling on the floor with Caedmon, walking the pier in Santa Cruz, seeing Wicked at Oprheum Theatre in San Francisco, eating at the waterbar for our 7 year anniversary. The list goes on. Some of the best memories of my life are tucked into these three weekly occasions. Men, if you aren't dating your wife you are missing out. Parents, if you aren't investing in your kids you are losing some of the best parts of life!

Stacie, Caedmon, and me at Great America for a recent family day.

Caedmon and I about to head out for Boy's Club.

Enjoying Cheesecake with my beautiful wife Stacie.

PS, we are just weeks away from bring our son Wondimu (pic up top) home from Ethiopia! :-) Can't wait to have him on Boy's Club.