Agape Flooded by 7 Inches of Rain Last Night

Family Life Center

FLC Entrance

Foyer and G-Force Sign In

Kitchen and Glen's Legs

My Library Under Water

My Office Under 2 Inches of Water

CIY 2008 @ Anderson IN.

Agape Student Ministries is headed back to Anderson, IN for CIY 2008. We are expecting God to do some miraculous heart transformations next week. With a focus on the Book of Acts, my prayer is that we would develop the passion of the early church and desire to become deep in our personal relationship with God and others; as well as, develop a boldness in our witness and mission. Pray for us and the many other students that plan to attend this year's Christ in Youth Conference.

Maria Chapman Memorial Service

Only by the grace of God can one endure such tragedy and remain true and hopeful.

Phoenix Landing on Mars

Just watched the coverage of the Phoenix landing on Mars from NASA on Fox TV. I don't know why, but this amazes me. I understand it's geeky, but I am still interested in how we can put satellites and robots on planets light-years away. I am also interested in more of God's creation. Awesome pics to come I am sure. On the watch.

Strategic Thinking

Why do we do what we do... the way we do it?

Is the church healthy and balanced? (5 Areas of Ministry)
Is the church focused on ministry over maintenance?
Is the church focused on growth over individual control?
Is the church really about spiritual health?

What is Jesus asking the church to do?

Strategy:
What is the church doing now? What does the church do in the future to achieve or remain fresh in the future? Are lives being transformed? Is the church's uniqueness attractive? How is the church assimilating visitors? How does the present or future church strategy effect the calendar?

Staffing:
Is the church properly staffed for growth? Does the church have the right people in the right places? What are future needs staffing wise for the church to grow?

Funding:
Is the church financially stable? What funding is needed for future growth?

Prompted by an interview by Kerry Mackey

What Would God Have Us To Know

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 1:18-19).

What do you think Paul means by the phrase “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened”?

What three things did Paul pray the Ephesians would know? (The hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, his incomparably great power for us who believe.)

In your own words, how would you describe those three things? For help with this, check out following paraphrase of these verses from The Message:

I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! (Ephesians 1:15-19).

Why is it important that believers understand and live their lives in the light of these truths?

What practical difference might it make in a believer's life?

Are you willing to spend time this week asking God to take you to the next level in your understanding of one of the three things described in the verses above?

Do you have unreached friends who need to hear about ‘the hope to which he has called you'? Are you willing to look for opportunities to share the message of the Gospel with them?

Dare 2 Share "Energy"

A Incomprehensible Tragedy

Sometimes, I just don't understand things. We read in Roman 8:28 that "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Well, Steven Curtis Chapman has given his life "For the Sake of the Call" for many years and is now facing the most extreme devistation that one could face... the death of a child. His teenage son accidentally ran over his youngest daughter, 5 yr. old Maria, in the driveway while she was playing.

My heart was torn just hearing of the incident. I just don't see the good in a situation like this. After teaching a study on the Sovereignty of God, I still cannot totally grasp why God allows evil, pain, and suffering? Am I just weak? Or just blind.

However, this I do understand... there is a high price tag for a loving relationship with the Creator of the universe. Freedom costs. God gave us the opportunity to freely love or reject Him, knowing that our freedom would result in pain. Jesus is the only remedy for that pain and for a restored relationship... for the hope of eternal life.

So, even in the sight of evil, pain, and suffering, I have to ask myself, do I believe God at His Word? Do I trust, that even in despair, that He will make all this wrong right? Where is my faith? I must understand that I have trusted in Him and on Him, despite my understanding. I pray that the Chapman family can walk through this trial in confidence, knowing that tomorrow will bring peace, hope, and understanding.

Prayers with the Chapman's!

White Stripes meet the Lego Masters

Wow!!! I bet it took longer to make the video than it it did to write, practice, and record the song. Way to go Lego builders!

The Wheaton Terrier

My wife, Jennifer, loves the wheaton terrier. She has completed much research about sizes, habits, temperment, and such. If she finds one, I am sure a purchase order/request will follow. They are so cute; but, how does one in ministry find time to love and train such a cute beast? If you have suggestion, let me know!

"New" Clone Wars Trailer

Schyler is going to love this. It will be a must see, must own. He's the biggest Starwars fan I know besides Josh G. and Kevin G. Can't wait!!!

Light of the World

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

What does it look like when Christians live as the 'light of the world'?
What are some specific examples of ways you can 'let your light shine before men'?
What kinds of things can Christians do to deflect 'praise' from themselves for their good deeds, and direct it instead toward God?
Do you think Jesus' message in these verses was a radical, revolutionary message back in His time? Why or why not?
Do you think Jesus' message in these verses is a radical, revolutionary message today? Why or why not?
Jolt and Bolt

Grow Deep accountability question: Are you willing to spend time in prayer this week, asking God to help you be His light?

Go Wide accountability question: What is one thing you can do this coming week that would allow you to 'let your light shine before men'?

Dare 2 Share 2008

American Teen

American Teen is a documentary on seniors at a high school in a small Indiana town and their various cliques. This film is do out this summer on Sundance.

As my friend Evan Courtney asks, "In high school which one are or were you?"

The Geek
The Rebel
The Princess
The Heartthrob
The Jock

What are Your "Hard Thing" Goals?

by The Rebelution

Thought this was an interesting list for students to "Do the Hard Things."  

If we were to ask ourselves what we desire or aspire to accomplish in this life, what would our list include?  It is interesting how our priorities take new shape when we develop a "Life/Purpose Statement" or a "Things-to-Do" list.  

How much stress would be eliminated from our lives if we focused primarily on God's checklist everyday?  

I know for me, a list as such, might be quite convicting.  It would definitely force me to simplify. 

Ironman: The Amazing Armor

 I caught the amazing Ironman movie the other evening.  Great movie and effects; however, I was disappointed in the first quarter of the movie.  Why is it that all these new movies have to include trash and innuendos to make it to the top?  Those of you who have seen the movie know what I am talking about.  The trash was not needed.

The Armor scenes were totally awesome.  Great correlation between the details of Ironman putting on the armor and Christians putting on the armor of God.  Good stuff.  Love to see the last three-quarters of the movie again.    

The Go-Green Mustang

My son and some friends have just designed the new Go-Green Mustang out of recyclable cardboard boxes. This beauty has kept them busy for the last 4.5 hours. You would think Ford could come up with something as fast with all their technology. If gas prices continue, we might really have to put wheels on this box-style Ford to drive to church.

NES Controller Coffee Table the Works

Kyle Downes has modded the coffee table into its best version ever: a retro-tastic NES controller. Just look at the sleek lines, the high quality finish and classy glass top. And then giggle at the fact that it actually works. This is a must have for the ever serious gamer!

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Only thing that would make this funnier is building a Taco Bell in the center of the desert scenes and making it the dating hotspot.

Jason Castro is "Going Home"

Dreadheaded folkie Jason Castro spoke with reporters Thursday after being eliminated from American Idol's final four.

USA TODAY listened in on the conference call.
Q: Simon (Cowell) said last night on the news, 'I think he forgot his words on purpose. I think he just wanted to go home.' What's your reaction?

A: I definitely did not do that on purpose.

Q: So you still wanted to win?

A: I wanted to win. I think what it came down to was my inexperience. Once we doubled up on songs, I wasn't able to focus on both of my songs. My mind was just split. I just couldn't deliver either/or.

By Luz Elena Avitia, USA TODAY

What Does it Mean for Us to Surrender?

Matthew 16:25

For whoever wants to save his live will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Surrender: Freely giving up something for something totally better!

What guarantee does Jesus give us if we surrender our lives to Him?

What do you think He meant by what He said?

How will we gain our life if we surrender it to Him?

Jesus promises us real and true life. 

The God who sees all, knows all, and controls all has told us that if we want to truly live, the first step to that is surrendering completely to Him.

In light of that promise, besides your iPod, is there anything that’s not worth surrendering? (Just kidding about the iPod--I'm just a little addicted to Podcasts)

Lord, help me daily to take up my cross and follow you.  Give me the courage to surrender my WHOLE life to you.  Do what You will!  Not what I desire!  

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Don't you wish you had this strength?  I may not, but God does.  "Where I am weak, He is strong!"  And, God does have the whole world in His hands.  I sure am glad He does, because we sure seem to make a mess of things sometimes.