Leadership Summit

First session this morning at the Leadership Summit this morning was Craig Groeschel who spoke on "It". He defined "it" as something in a church that can't be manufactured or created, thus it only comes from God.

He gave four thoughts on being able to "Get It"...

1. Must have a laser focus. (You should have a "planned abandonment" from ministries that are draining resources and energy that aren't in line with your purpose.)

2. Obstacles are Opportunities. He asked us to consider, "What is it that God is trying to show you through your greatest limitation?"

3. Must have a willingness to fail. Failure is a must. He asked us to consider, "What has God called you to do that you are afraid to attempt?"

4. The Leader must have "It." He admitted that at one point in his ministry he became so focused on externals and trying to draw a crowd that he realized he had become a "full-time pastor and a part-time follower of Jesus Christ."

All in all, Craig brought "It." It was very encouraging and convicting, frankly (as always when I hear Craig speak).

Leadership Summit

Today I am attending a satellite broadcast of The Leadership Summit. I am excited because Craig Groeschel will be speaking today along with many other great speakers. Should be a great day...tomorrow too.

Hopefully I will finally learn how to lead!

Smiling Joe's Wife Troubles

I have never been a fan of Joel Olsteen. To be blunt, I think he is a con artist and a fake who has abused God's Word for personal gain. A news story came out today about his wife that was crazy. Apparently she is some kind of primadonna who throws tantrums when things don't go her way. You can read the story HERE.

One thing I know to be true is that when people choose to live the way they do (taking advantage of people by preaching a health and wealth gospel) that they will eventually topple. We've seen it over and over again.

Jacob's Big Pitch

I told you I would post a video of Jacob getting the great honor of being chosen to throw out the opening pitch at the Iowa Cubs game on August 4, 2008. Here's the video...

30 Days To Live Trailer

Here it is...the official trailer for 30 Days To Live. This is the one sermon series that has me the most excited!

Sunday Evening Reflections

Well, today we began a new sermon series called "Stuck." I really feel like I brought it today. I think this is a series that will really hit people where they are at. Hopefully it will also stir something in the church as a whole as well. We sure need it.

I have been praying for God to disturb us. I know He will. And once we start to get a glimpse of His vision for our church, it will be uncontainable and uncontrollable!

After church today we had a picnic in the park...on the hottest day in all of history (maybe Al Gore was right after all). There was a smaller crowd for that, but that was okay in my book. Nice food, nice visiting, just a nice (and hot) time.

Tomorrow we are all excited about something that will be happening to our youngest son, Jacob. He was chosen to throw out the first pitch at Principal Park for the Iowa Cubs. I plan on taking a video camera and uploading video of Jake's shining moment here...so make sure you watch for that! It should be really cool. We're all very proud of him.

I believe with all my heart that this will not be the only time I see my son doing something great before a large crowd. I believe that God will do more amazing things than He has in me with my sons...and I know it to be true for Jacob. I think we will see great things from him in the future!

My Bible Journey (Proverbs 8)

I recently read Proverbs 8. Another chapter with a heavy focus on wisdom. Part of me wants to say, "Okay already! I get it...I need to be wise and seek out wisdom!" But do I get it? Am I wise? Do I make wise choices regularly?

I could have my wife put her thoughts here on those questions and I think I know what she would say (thus the reason she isn't posting). I could have my kids put their thoughts on here in response to those questions...and I could threaten them with grounding to get a good response from them.

But the fact of the matter is, I live most of my life lacking wisdom. To be completely honest...I am unwise. I make poor choices frequently and regularly.

So, I may react with an air of confidence to another chapter on wisdom...but reality is much more bleak for me. I need to be honest with myself. I need to crave wisdom with all my heart. I need to surround myself with wise people and friends.

I need to search out wisdom in God's Word often and daily. I need more wisdom in my life.

On a side note, the latter part of Proverbs 8:36 says that all who love death hate God. I was listening to a translated video excerpt of Osama Bin Laden where he was ranting against America. He said that we in America "love life therefore we will never understand the true muslim, for the true muslim loves death." Funny how relevant God's Word is!