Archive for January, 2007
Check out these e-mails we recently received. Way to go God!
Dear Buddy,
A letter of thank you I guess you can put this as…This weekend I packed up my son and called my mother on the phone and said, “Do you want to go with me this Sunday to this church that i like?” She agreed, being a devoted Catholic, and brought my nephew along. We put the little ones in day care and off we went to sit in our seats. But yesterday I wanted to get closer, even though in the past I was always afraid you would see me and point me out.
I can’t tell you what happened to me yesterday but I do know this; that your wife who was sitting with your two children behind me could probably see the tears that kept falling from my face.
I don’t know what it was you said or how you said it, but the words you spoke hit me like a ton of bricks. Being a newly single mother and having struggled with drugs and alcohol, my heart couldn’t have agreed with you more. Thank you’s are just something that you say to someone when you open a door. But Buddy, I have never felt so much love and understanding from the words that you spoke. I sincerly got it…it clicked
And I know now that my fear of being rejected by God is impossible.
I know my rock bottom turned yesterday when I came…THANK YOU…honestly and truly THANK YOU!
Dear Buddy,
I am writing just to say that Northway Church is the most inspiring church I have ever attended, and this series (Just For The Health of It) was just as inspiring. I really liked how you wrapped up the series today. It was not just nicely said, it is the truth. The message was crystal clear and I think everyone was receptive. Last but not least, I think God has really chosen an excellent role model and leader for Northway Church. Way to go Buddy. Keep up the good work. I did notice you have been shedding the pounds, you look great.
Sincerely,
Vince
I’m two days away from completing a 21 day fast! Why fast? What’s my motivation? Several reasons…. A mentor friend of mine challenged me to do a Daniel fast for 21 days. God has shown me a lot thru this fast. One thing is that food has controlled my life, and that needs to change. I have pretty much boxed God out of the kitchen….but that’s changing. He also is showing me some cool insight for His church…..dreaming about what God is going to do in 2007! There are also some creative ideas that He has given me for Easter, and if it works out, it will be phenomenal. I’ll keep you posted.
Too often I have found myself saying, “If I can just make it through this day, then I can turn the corner.� Do you ever feel that way? Well, one of my goals this year is to make sure that 2007 is full of days that I seize rather than just get through.
I’m thinking about starting a campaign to change that catchy phrase…“At The End Of The Day�…and replace it with…�At The End Of My Life.� Is what I’m doing today, this hour this minute, right now going to matter at the end of my life? In order to seize the day…I’m going to try to ask myself that question everyday.
Do you ever see someone in shape that is running and wish they would fall? Have you ever met someone who has been thin their whole life and never struggled with their weight and wish some curse would come on them? If so, you can probably relate to me…my entire adult life, this weight issue has kicked my tail. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired and just for the health of it…this is the year to get it right! You will be seeing less of me as I’m applying some lifestyle changes and surrendering this thing to God…it’s time for a change.
I was completely outnumbered at the open house of our new location last night. We watched the Eagles vs. the Giants on the biggest HD screen and I was rocking green! What can I say? Great game…tied with 3 seconds left…and the mean green machine is moving on! I must say that I’m still flying high! But that’s what eagles are supposed to do right? I’m glad they won or I don’t think I would be able to preach this weekend at Northway with all of those Northway Giants fans rubbing it in. I won’t stoop to that…but I want to encourage all of you Giants fans and I may even change my message for this weekend to be: How To Handle Defeat. My key text is found in…Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
It’s 1:30 pm Sunday afternoon and I just got home from an experience I’ll never forget! Today 1.07.07 was a date and day of destiny for God’s church! Four years ago Northway Church didn’t exist, it was just a dream. Together we shared a dream of a different type of church, a church where no matter who you are or where you came from, no matter your background, this church would meet you where you are. God has blessed that dream beyond our wildest dreams and today was the Grand Opening of our second location in Clifton Park!
It’s official, today Northway Church became one church in multiple locations that meets people where they are. We could never have imagined God doing all of this four years ago - let alone four months ago. Four months ago in our message series, “HD Vision,� I shared that Northway would become one church in multiple locations. There were several problems with that, we didn’t know where, we didn’t have the resources, and we didn’t have the people or finances to facilitate it.
The Bible teaches us that where there is God’s vision there is always provision. What did God do? God led us to find a location in Clifton Park..in, of all places, another gym! You have to admit, God has a great sense of humor!
I have never experienced anything like what happened next. The people of Northway have prayed like crazy, given like crazy, and worked like crazy! I believe the people of Northway are the most extraordinary people I have ever met. Buddy you’re supposed to think that, you’re the Pastor. I know that, but stay with me…I’ve been in the ministry 18 years and have had the privilege of serving shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest people in the country, but I’ve never seen a community who exercise their faith more, give more, and work harder than the people of Northway.
As I try to download what God did through His church today I’m overwhelmed - no, not for driving back and forth from campus to campus (by the way that was fun), but I’m simply overwhelmed at the goodness of God. I’m so thankful that we don’t serve some God that is antiquated and outdated. I’m so thankful that the God of the Bible is alive and well and is still in the business of making the impossible possible!
Thank you for doing the impossible time and time again with your church and thank you, Jesus, for this incredible journey! Thank you, Jesus, for the ride of our lives! Thank you that our children get a front row seat and are able to participate and experience that you are alive and well. Thank you, God, that you’re laying a foundation for our children to do more for you!
I don’t have the words to express to You. You’re the best! I believe You were smiling today as you watched your children. Jesus, I remember you said great gifts means great responsibility and greater gifts means greater responsibility. I pray we will be great stewards of your trust and continue to be people of courageous faith. People who will continue to take your challenge and dare to dream for You!
P.S. I’m going to hit the rack now so I can rest up for the biggest play off party with the biggest screen in the capital region – Eagles versus Giants! Debbie and I look forward to meeting you at the open house in Clifton Park, I’ll be wearing green!
