I've heard statements several times lately concerning what the "church" is against. These conversations seem to pick up speed every four years around election time. So my natural train of thought is this...if the "church" is against all of these things then what is the "church" for?
Why is it that what people are against get so much publicity compared to what they are for?
So I pose the question to all of you in hopes of receiving some feedback.
What would you say the "church" is for?
What d0 you think?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sunday night prayer
Dear Father,
Thank you for the chance to worship You today.
Thank you for the family You have formed around me.
Thank you for places like the circus where I can have fun with my family.
Thank you for being God and never changing.
Thank you for never giving up on me.
Thank you for boundaries in the midst of chaos.
Thank you for good-night hugs and kisses.
I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Thank you for the chance to worship You today.
Thank you for the family You have formed around me.
Thank you for places like the circus where I can have fun with my family.
Thank you for being God and never changing.
Thank you for never giving up on me.
Thank you for boundaries in the midst of chaos.
Thank you for good-night hugs and kisses.
I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Friday, September 12, 2008
turning...
This has been a week that no one really wants to see and yet God has shown Himself in some very cool ways. Within 24 hours of each other I sat with a family as they told their twin 8 year-olds that their father had passed away and then I received word that some good friends of mine had also experienced lose. Both were hard to swallow. Both lead to unanswerable questions. Both can not be explained away. Both really, really suck!
Then I was struggling with how to lead Bible study Wednesday night and Allison suggested we just praise and worship. My first thought was selfish b/c I tend to put a lot more time planning something like that than I had left in the day. But God kept nudging me in that direction. So I picked out some songs and then said "Ok, God, You know what you are doing."...and boy does He ever.
Wednesday night we prayed and sang and held hands and lifted each other up and sat still and cried and worshiped and experienced THE almighty God. At the end of it all one person came up to me and said, "tonight, we had church."
Wednesday I cried for all my friends. Mostly during the most random moments. Wednesday night I worshiped with those tears. Now yesterday and today I've worshiped God with what He has graciously given me. I've walked on the beach holding hands with my wife...the greatest Christian I've ever known...and I've played with and hugged my daughter, the personification of adventure.
As I sit here thinking back over this week God has put Jeremiah 31:13b in front of me...
"I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow."
I don't know how God does it but He is the only one who is able to turn mourning into gladness.
Don't ever forget that God is able to do anything...even comfort when it doesn't seem possible.
Then I was struggling with how to lead Bible study Wednesday night and Allison suggested we just praise and worship. My first thought was selfish b/c I tend to put a lot more time planning something like that than I had left in the day. But God kept nudging me in that direction. So I picked out some songs and then said "Ok, God, You know what you are doing."...and boy does He ever.
Wednesday night we prayed and sang and held hands and lifted each other up and sat still and cried and worshiped and experienced THE almighty God. At the end of it all one person came up to me and said, "tonight, we had church."
Wednesday I cried for all my friends. Mostly during the most random moments. Wednesday night I worshiped with those tears. Now yesterday and today I've worshiped God with what He has graciously given me. I've walked on the beach holding hands with my wife...the greatest Christian I've ever known...and I've played with and hugged my daughter, the personification of adventure.
As I sit here thinking back over this week God has put Jeremiah 31:13b in front of me...
"I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow."
I don't know how God does it but He is the only one who is able to turn mourning into gladness.
Don't ever forget that God is able to do anything...even comfort when it doesn't seem possible.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Prayer of the Day
Found this prayer today....
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.
You endured shame so that we might be redeemed.
Father, help us to live openly and humbly before you and one another.
Help us to stand in solidarity with the humble—those who feel shame,
those who have been brought low, those who are mistreated.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.
You endured shame so that we might be redeemed.
Father, help us to live openly and humbly before you and one another.
Help us to stand in solidarity with the humble—those who feel shame,
those who have been brought low, those who are mistreated.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
27 states!
We are up to 27 states!!! That means that I have had hits on my blog generating from 27 of our 50 states. That is awesome! Don't forget to check out the blog as you travel around...ESPECIALLY if you leave the U.S. or travel to Hawaii or Alaska. I'm trying to reach out and receive hits from all 50 states...thanks again to everyone for your help on this.
Also don't forget that you can donate to breast cancer research by clicking on the link on the right side of this page.
Also don't forget that you can donate to breast cancer research by clicking on the link on the right side of this page.
gulp!
I keep running into scriptures and situations lately that seem to be pointing to one thing. BE the church always. There are so many who keep thinking that one day they will "get back in church". Some think I need to get my family back in church. This whole idea should motivate some of us to BE the church all the time. If we are walking in unity with other believers wouldn't this be a light shining bright that brings glory to God Himself?
As one of my neighbors sat in my living room the other night sharing his struggles and his desire to "get back in church" this thought hit me. This moment right now may be the ONLY church service he makes it to! WOW! Talk about realizing the power of a moment. I didn't have the perfect things to say to him. I didn't have great counseling advice. I didn't really know what to say in response to his sharing. I did, however, find myself in a position of putting my money where my mouth is.
For years I've taught and preached that there is never a bad time to praise/worship God. So that's what we did. Before he left we prayed together and worshiped God together. Instead of waiting for my neighbor to show up on a Sunday morning we sat right there in my living room and praised God even in the midst of struggles.
Galatians 5:6 says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
That's not just a Sunday morning thing or a Wednesday night thing but an anytime and every time thing...even on a Monday evening.
That's my encouragement for anyone who is reading this right now...don't wait for your friends and neighbors to show up at church...go and be the church today in some way where you are.
As one of my neighbors sat in my living room the other night sharing his struggles and his desire to "get back in church" this thought hit me. This moment right now may be the ONLY church service he makes it to! WOW! Talk about realizing the power of a moment. I didn't have the perfect things to say to him. I didn't have great counseling advice. I didn't really know what to say in response to his sharing. I did, however, find myself in a position of putting my money where my mouth is.
For years I've taught and preached that there is never a bad time to praise/worship God. So that's what we did. Before he left we prayed together and worshiped God together. Instead of waiting for my neighbor to show up on a Sunday morning we sat right there in my living room and praised God even in the midst of struggles.
Galatians 5:6 says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
That's not just a Sunday morning thing or a Wednesday night thing but an anytime and every time thing...even on a Monday evening.
That's my encouragement for anyone who is reading this right now...don't wait for your friends and neighbors to show up at church...go and be the church today in some way where you are.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Awesome Quote!
I traveled by Sam's blog this morning and found this quote that he had up.
"The secret is not me. So many people think that somehow I carry a revival around with me in a suitcase, and they just announce me and something happens-but that's not true. This is the work of God, and the Bible warns that God will not share his glory with another. All the publicity that we receive sometimes frightens me because I feel that therein lies a great danger. If God should take His hand off me, I would have no more spiritual power. The whole secret of the success of our meetings is spiritual-it's God answering prayers. I cannot take credit for any of it."
-Billy Graham-
Also, Perry Noble had this to say about humility recently.
"And then one day I had a conversation with John Maxwell that ROCKED MY WORLD…he said to me,
“Perry, you are where you are for two reasons. The first is the favor of God. The second is the giftedness of God. And Perry, please understand that God didn’t owe you either of these. You are where you are because of Him!”
You can read the rest of Perry's post here.
Great stuff!!!!
"The secret is not me. So many people think that somehow I carry a revival around with me in a suitcase, and they just announce me and something happens-but that's not true. This is the work of God, and the Bible warns that God will not share his glory with another. All the publicity that we receive sometimes frightens me because I feel that therein lies a great danger. If God should take His hand off me, I would have no more spiritual power. The whole secret of the success of our meetings is spiritual-it's God answering prayers. I cannot take credit for any of it."
-Billy Graham-
Also, Perry Noble had this to say about humility recently.
"And then one day I had a conversation with John Maxwell that ROCKED MY WORLD…he said to me,
“Perry, you are where you are for two reasons. The first is the favor of God. The second is the giftedness of God. And Perry, please understand that God didn’t owe you either of these. You are where you are because of Him!”
You can read the rest of Perry's post here.
Great stuff!!!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Links that rock
- Craig Groeschel challenged me with this post here and this one here. Both of these about challenging people to follow Jesus on a weekly basis.
- Tony Morgan reminded me of some great thoughts on humility here.
- My wife rocks the planet!!! Just out this gem on her site...here.
- And just a reminder...don't forget to donate here.
Monday, August 18, 2008
fighting against breast cancer
Most of you already know that I'm training to run in the Breast Cancer Marathon here in Jacksonville on Feburary 15th. One of the many reasons I chose to participate in this particular marathon is that the majority of the money raised is being used for research in order to fight against and hopefully one day elimate breast cancer. The rest of the money is going to support breast cancer patients and survivors who may need assistance due to the high cost of treatments.
In any case, as part of this whole adventure I have set up a fundraising page here. or
http://www.active.com/donate/2009DonnaMarathon/chrishall
In any case, as part of this whole adventure I have set up a fundraising page here. or
http://www.active.com/donate/2009DonnaMarathon/chrishall
You can go on the page and make a donation online. It's simple. It's easy.
I would love to be able to say that we raised $1000 to fight breast cancer.
Please at least take a moment and consider giving a little.
I firmly believe this is well worth it.
I would love to be able to say that we raised $1000 to fight breast cancer.
Please at least take a moment and consider giving a little.
I firmly believe this is well worth it.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
evening prayer
As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.
how do they do it?
I am currently listening to Third Day's new CD "Revelation". Once again they have found a great formula for putting a rock album together that is quality music and praises God at the same time. How can one band put out so much quality music in one lifetime. Some critics feel that all Third Day music sounds the same. Even if that is true you have to admit that it's a great sound. If you haven't heard it yet it is definately worth checking out.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
celtic compline
Calm me, O Lord, as You stilled the storm.
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease.
Enfold me, Lord, in Your peace.
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease.
Enfold me, Lord, in Your peace.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
last week
I realize I haven't posted anything for the past week. We've been in NC for my brother's wedding this past Saturday. I now have a new awesome sister-in-law...Stacey. I also had the chance to preach at Tabernacle ACC in Lenoir this past Sunday and had a good time with the folks there. It was a good week but we are glad to be back home in our own beds.
While we were gone the "Back to School Bash" was held here at WJACC and it was another great success. 800 backpacks full of school supplies were given out before 12:30pm. Tons of food was given away and lots of kids had the chance to play on several water slides. It was a great day of love and grace. I'm still learning of all the things that happened.
Now I'm back in the office trying to get my feet back under me from being gone for a week. Thanks to everyone for your prayers...without them I would be less of a pastor, husband, father, friend...etc.
While we were gone the "Back to School Bash" was held here at WJACC and it was another great success. 800 backpacks full of school supplies were given out before 12:30pm. Tons of food was given away and lots of kids had the chance to play on several water slides. It was a great day of love and grace. I'm still learning of all the things that happened.
Now I'm back in the office trying to get my feet back under me from being gone for a week. Thanks to everyone for your prayers...without them I would be less of a pastor, husband, father, friend...etc.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
marathon playlist
I need some help. I'm in the process of developing my playlist for the marathon and all the training runs until then. Do any of you have suggestions of "must have" songs that should be on that list? I'm not limited to any particular genre...really open to anything. Taking any suggestions here...
they needed rain
In I Kings 18 there is a great story about Elijah having a showdown with 450 prophets of Baal. Both sides are trying to get their God/god to light the altar on fire. Elijah, serving the only real God, wins as Yahweh sends fire down and consumes the altar. This is a fantastic story of God's power and ability...however, the story doesn't end there. The people had been in a drought for 3 1/2 years. The people didn't NEED God to make fire...they needed Him to send rain. So Elijah climbs a mountain...puts his face to the ground and prays for rain until it comes.
Do you ever wonder if God really knows what your needs are? Do you ask for something and He sends the exact opposite? Sometimes it's hard to remember that a perfect God actually knows what He is doing...but He does. He always sends what's needed at the perfect time. God did finally send them rain and God's timing was and is perfect. TRUST.
Do you ever wonder if God really knows what your needs are? Do you ask for something and He sends the exact opposite? Sometimes it's hard to remember that a perfect God actually knows what He is doing...but He does. He always sends what's needed at the perfect time. God did finally send them rain and God's timing was and is perfect. TRUST.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
celtic compline
The peace of all peace
be mine this night
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
be mine this night
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
new feature
I've added a subscription option to my blog. If you subscribe you will receive a notice whenever the blog is updated. Not sure if it works yet but as soon as any of you try it let me know. If it doesn't work soon I may go ahead and remove it. Let me know what you think.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
200 days
Only 200 days until the marathon. Here's a runner's prayer I found through google.
God,Give me courage to run the race.
Help me to persevere as you taught us.
Grant me the strength to finish strong.
Honor me with your presence on my journey.
Allow me to be a GraceRunner this day.
Oh, Lord...
One more breath...
One more step...
One more mile...
FINISH LINE...T
his is my prayer.
I can do all things throughYOU who strengthens me!Amen. ©
God,Give me courage to run the race.
Help me to persevere as you taught us.
Grant me the strength to finish strong.
Honor me with your presence on my journey.
Allow me to be a GraceRunner this day.
Oh, Lord...
One more breath...
One more step...
One more mile...
FINISH LINE...T
his is my prayer.
I can do all things throughYOU who strengthens me!Amen. ©
2000!!!!
It's official...I've reached 2000 hits on my blog so far. Thank you to all of you who have been a part of this. I hope that this blog has in some way been an encouragement in your walk with Christ. I try to add variety here. Some days I'm more successful than others but through it all thank you for checking back in from time to time. I have a couple of new ideas for this blog but haven't had the time to develop them as of yet.
Also, I have received hits from 19 different states across the US. As far away as Washington state and of course as close as Florida. If you travel at all this year check in to the site and tell your friends about it. I'd love to have hits from at least the 48 states in the continental U.S. If you travel outside of the U.S. then...BONUS!!!
Here's a fun/useful site to check out. HERE.
Also, I have received hits from 19 different states across the US. As far away as Washington state and of course as close as Florida. If you travel at all this year check in to the site and tell your friends about it. I'd love to have hits from at least the 48 states in the continental U.S. If you travel outside of the U.S. then...BONUS!!!
Here's a fun/useful site to check out. HERE.
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