On Wednesday night I am starting a series called “Bringing It Home.” This is the first time I have tackled a series on the family.   Up to this point, I have felt a little inexperienced on a personal level.   However, after ten years of youth ministry and having three elementary children of my own, I am ready to give it a shot!    Actually, I am very enthusiastic about the material and we are going to address the subject of “Family Priorities.”    Hope to see you this Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.

What is the intended outcome of CIL?  Why do we exist?

I have been thinking about this a lot this year.  It’s so easy to get lost in all the diverse opportunities a church provides and forget the reason we exist.

After some brainstorming with the church staff and other people, we have established our mission statement as “Know His Love, Share His Love.”

I look forward to this phrase being a rallying phrase though the years to keep us focused on what our intended outcome will be.

The fourth quarter often determines the outcome of the game.  If a team can play well in the fourth quarter, it is often the differentiation between the win and loss.

Spiritually, I have a fourth quarter.   Around this time of year, I usually get tempted to “coast” in my spiritual disciplines.   There is so much activity in September and October, and then come holidays, and then the year ends.  Regular prayer and Bible Study can slip as a priority, and I always regret this.

How is your fourth quarter?   Let’s finish our year strong with passion and love for Jesus.   Unless we abide in Him, we will not bear fruit.

I am sitting in my office this morning catching my breathe after an incredible few days of ministry.   A week ago, David Huff and I went to Austin for SPUR Leadership.    When the conference ended and I took David to the airport, I drove to Dallas to see my sister and her family.  While there I caught up with my high school friends, visited David Stocker (who is excelling at his new ministry position!) and John McKinzie.    I drove back to the Austin area on Saturday night, and preached at Church of the Springs (pastored by Brent Batson) on Sunday.   Flight delays got me home very late on Saturday, then I left first thing Monday morning for our staff retreat on Look Out Mountain (outside of Chattanooga).  Our retreat was intense and productive.   So, this Wednesday morning I am catching my breathe as I return to the church I love.   I’ll try to update you on more of my experience over the last few days in different posts.

I really look forward to speaking at CIL tonight on “Destroyed by Charisma.”  This is one of  my favorite teachings, so I hope to see you tonight at 6:30 p.m.