Let's be sure to pray for God's will to be accomplished this coming Tuesday. Let's pray for leaders with a biblical worldview that will uphold Godly values.
Then vote your convictions!
God Bless
Sean
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
Monday morning
Sunday was great! I am a bit "wrung out" though. I'm off on Mondays and I usually start the day dragging but it gets better as the day goes on.
My family and I are planning on serving this Saturday in "Ike devastated" San Leon. Willy Mayfield found, what seems to be, a great church for us to partner with in this town that has very little support and is extremely poor. They were hit hard and there's a lot to do. We have groups going down for the next three Saturdays.
I've been thinking a lot about our upcoming series called, "Let's talk about sex." Honestly, I'm a little nervous about this one. I mean, I'm usually the one snickering saying, "Ha, he said sex" when the subject is brought up. Not to mention the fact that my wife looked at me kind of funny and said, "You're going to teach about sex...really?" So...pray for me.
On a different note, My fantasy football team beat Aaron's...that's always good!
My family and I are planning on serving this Saturday in "Ike devastated" San Leon. Willy Mayfield found, what seems to be, a great church for us to partner with in this town that has very little support and is extremely poor. They were hit hard and there's a lot to do. We have groups going down for the next three Saturdays.
I've been thinking a lot about our upcoming series called, "Let's talk about sex." Honestly, I'm a little nervous about this one. I mean, I'm usually the one snickering saying, "Ha, he said sex" when the subject is brought up. Not to mention the fact that my wife looked at me kind of funny and said, "You're going to teach about sex...really?" So...pray for me.
On a different note, My fantasy football team beat Aaron's...that's always good!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Wow! What a month July was!
River City Community Church had an amazing VBS! We saw God work in the lives of hundreds of kids as well as all those who served. It is always a great opportunity to serve our community as well as meet many new friends.
Leaders from RCCC led a couple of missions teams from sister churches into Mexico as well as on an inner-city, San Antonio trip. We also sent out a team of our youth who went to the valley to serve. Short term missions is always a double blessing as both giver and recipient of ministry see God's grace and experience His presence in new ways!
Our first Royal Family Kid’s Camp was an incredible success! 36 amazing foster children were shown the love of Jesus by more than 40 servants from River City Community church. I can’t tell you how impacted we all were. I truly believe that this will serve as a springboard to all kinds of other ministries to those in need.
Jody Bayless and Tom Villa were two of our outstanding volunteers!
After Royal family, Lauri and I went to pick up our kids who were staying with my brother and his family in Santa Barbara, CA. Tough duty…but someone had to do it. Santa Barbara happens to be one of my favorite places in the country. With the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other it is a truly beautiful place. We had a great time before heading home.
We serve a truly awesome God! I look forward to what He has in store for August!
River City Community Church had an amazing VBS! We saw God work in the lives of hundreds of kids as well as all those who served. It is always a great opportunity to serve our community as well as meet many new friends.
Leaders from RCCC led a couple of missions teams from sister churches into Mexico as well as on an inner-city, San Antonio trip. We also sent out a team of our youth who went to the valley to serve. Short term missions is always a double blessing as both giver and recipient of ministry see God's grace and experience His presence in new ways!
Our first Royal Family Kid’s Camp was an incredible success! 36 amazing foster children were shown the love of Jesus by more than 40 servants from River City Community church. I can’t tell you how impacted we all were. I truly believe that this will serve as a springboard to all kinds of other ministries to those in need.
Jody Bayless and Tom Villa were two of our outstanding volunteers!
After Royal family, Lauri and I went to pick up our kids who were staying with my brother and his family in Santa Barbara, CA. Tough duty…but someone had to do it. Santa Barbara happens to be one of my favorite places in the country. With the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other it is a truly beautiful place. We had a great time before heading home.
We serve a truly awesome God! I look forward to what He has in store for August!
Friday, June 20, 2008
This week, my son Ryan and I, along with a small group of people, had the opportunity to meet with author and radio host Michael Medved. He was in town doing a live broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio program at KLUP and he took the time to meet with a few of us at the station. He is a very bright individual who really seems to enjoy influencing people's thinking. We had a great time!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Shack
I recently read a new book entitled "The Shack" by William P. Young. All I want to say is, "Wow!" I highly recommend this book. I think it has the potential to change the way readers relate to God. If you want to move beyond religious motions to a vibrant interactive relationship with the creator, this incredible story will give you a new vision and passion. The book is fiction but the truth it illuminates is as real as it gets. Check it out!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Truth
My wife, Lauri was listening to a Radio talk show a while back. They told of a survey in which people were asked, “Where do you find truth?” A good number of the people surveyed answered “from the bible”. Of people who said that they find truth from the bible, only 28% of those claimed to actually read the bible. This statistic presents an obvious question: are these simply people who don’t seek the truth? I don’t think so…I think we all seek truth. I think these people have a stated belief that is opposed with their real belief. I want to suggest these people have had the idea that the bible is the source of truth drilled into them since childhood. The problem is they have not seen that truth actually change their lives and have intuitively turned to other sources of truth. Truth that doesn’t work isn’t true.
The host went on to lament biblical illiteracy as the great problem facing the church in America. I’m not nearly as concerned about biblical illiteracy as I am about biblical irrelevancy.
Truth not applied is the most discouraging of possessions.
You will know the truth and the truth will set you free - Jesus
Is the truth setting us free? Why do so many great people who have been around the church for years continue to struggle year after year with the same things. Why is there no fruit; no life change?
We want truth to help us change our circumstances or those around us. Unfortunately biblical truth focuses largely on changing me. Yes, biblical truth can help me influence my surroundings, but its true power is in how it transforms me. If I am not willing to have my pride, selfishness, ambition or greed confronted, the bible will have very little appeal to me. Too many of us want truth that will make our lives better without the painful process of it making us better.
The host went on to lament biblical illiteracy as the great problem facing the church in America. I’m not nearly as concerned about biblical illiteracy as I am about biblical irrelevancy.
Truth not applied is the most discouraging of possessions.
You will know the truth and the truth will set you free - Jesus
Is the truth setting us free? Why do so many great people who have been around the church for years continue to struggle year after year with the same things. Why is there no fruit; no life change?
We want truth to help us change our circumstances or those around us. Unfortunately biblical truth focuses largely on changing me. Yes, biblical truth can help me influence my surroundings, but its true power is in how it transforms me. If I am not willing to have my pride, selfishness, ambition or greed confronted, the bible will have very little appeal to me. Too many of us want truth that will make our lives better without the painful process of it making us better.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
real life
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10
Jesus came to give life…to the fullest. Here at River City we call it Real life. If fact we call ourselves, “A Church for Real Life.”
From the beginning, we have recognized a sort of double entendre in this phrase. Real life is the eternal, abundant life that Jesus makes available by our salvation. As a church that’s what we do; we help people find the amazing gift of a new life in Christ! However, it’s also important to remember that God works “out there”…in the real world…in real life! Our faith makes a difference in real life!
To often, I’m afraid the church has painted a picture of God pulling us out of the regular world into a “church world”. You know, out of “real life” into “real life”, if that makes any sense. The problem is this leads to pretending and a sort of spiritual schizophrenia. We begin to have 2 lives, and sadly even 2 faces. That’s not what God intended! The truth is our faith works in and impacts every area of our world: our work, our family, our relationships, finances, goals, and dreams. A Church for real life is a place where we can be who we are as we become who He created us to be!
This time of year is often a time for celebration: graduations, weddings, Mother’s day, (and Father’s day is just around the corner.) These are the good gifts of real life. Let each day be a celebration and an opportunity to give thanks.
Celebrating Real Life - Sean
Jesus came to give life…to the fullest. Here at River City we call it Real life. If fact we call ourselves, “A Church for Real Life.”
From the beginning, we have recognized a sort of double entendre in this phrase. Real life is the eternal, abundant life that Jesus makes available by our salvation. As a church that’s what we do; we help people find the amazing gift of a new life in Christ! However, it’s also important to remember that God works “out there”…in the real world…in real life! Our faith makes a difference in real life!
To often, I’m afraid the church has painted a picture of God pulling us out of the regular world into a “church world”. You know, out of “real life” into “real life”, if that makes any sense. The problem is this leads to pretending and a sort of spiritual schizophrenia. We begin to have 2 lives, and sadly even 2 faces. That’s not what God intended! The truth is our faith works in and impacts every area of our world: our work, our family, our relationships, finances, goals, and dreams. A Church for real life is a place where we can be who we are as we become who He created us to be!
This time of year is often a time for celebration: graduations, weddings, Mother’s day, (and Father’s day is just around the corner.) These are the good gifts of real life. Let each day be a celebration and an opportunity to give thanks.
Celebrating Real Life - Sean
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
People pleasing
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. - 1 Cor. 4:2-5
One of the sad things about our world is our obsession with appearances. What will others think? How will it appear? It seems that Paul could care less what others think. I like that…a lot!
Don’t worry about how things appear. Concern yourself with how they really are! Really there are only 2 concerns: Have I been faithful, and what does God think? He sees the heart of the matter and one day all will be revealed and the fruit will be seen.
Don’t worry so much about what people think.
Now, isn’t that a burden lifted?
One of the sad things about our world is our obsession with appearances. What will others think? How will it appear? It seems that Paul could care less what others think. I like that…a lot!
Don’t worry about how things appear. Concern yourself with how they really are! Really there are only 2 concerns: Have I been faithful, and what does God think? He sees the heart of the matter and one day all will be revealed and the fruit will be seen.
Don’t worry so much about what people think.
Now, isn’t that a burden lifted?
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Listen
But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.1 Cor. 2:10-13
I'm reading in 1 Cor. and this passage in chapter 2 really jumped out at me. The idea that the Spirit who knows the very thoughts of God resides in you and I is really amazing. Consider what is available to us if we'll just stop and listen. What would we hear? What mistakes could be avoided? What opportunities would we see that might have been missed?
Lord, teach us to stop and listen before we act.
I'm reading in 1 Cor. and this passage in chapter 2 really jumped out at me. The idea that the Spirit who knows the very thoughts of God resides in you and I is really amazing. Consider what is available to us if we'll just stop and listen. What would we hear? What mistakes could be avoided? What opportunities would we see that might have been missed?
Lord, teach us to stop and listen before we act.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Money
This coming weekend, at River City Community Church, we will begin a discussion about Money. The series is called "Money Talks - hopeful conversations for stressful times." Of course, there are those who believe you should never talk about money in “polite company” or in the church. Unfortunately God didn’t get the memo when inspiring the scriptures! The bible talks a lot about money, which is really good because it’s on everyone’s mind these days.
I want to suggest that one of the best things we can do to grow in our faith is to embrace a biblical philosophy in regards to finances. Consider how much of our lives are impacted by money. No wonder it is so near and dear to our heart! It’s hard to have a conversation about our goals, dreams, security, or future without it somehow touching on the subject of money. I want to suggest that if we can trust God in the area of provision and finances, a whole lot of other things begin to fall into place.
My hope is that we would let God give us a financial overhaul during these conversations. Approach this topic expecting to have your cultural programming and practices challenged. You won’t be disappointed.
Grace and Peace,
I want to suggest that one of the best things we can do to grow in our faith is to embrace a biblical philosophy in regards to finances. Consider how much of our lives are impacted by money. No wonder it is so near and dear to our heart! It’s hard to have a conversation about our goals, dreams, security, or future without it somehow touching on the subject of money. I want to suggest that if we can trust God in the area of provision and finances, a whole lot of other things begin to fall into place.
My hope is that we would let God give us a financial overhaul during these conversations. Approach this topic expecting to have your cultural programming and practices challenged. You won’t be disappointed.
Grace and Peace,
Easter
Easter was a great day at River City Community Church! The message was a simple message of hope but it resonated with us all. Sadly, hope is a rare commodity in high demand. The good news is that Easter is all about hope! The future looks totally different when viewed in light of Christ's resurrection.
Here's my hope...that we will let a resurrection mindset change our vision of the future and in turn change the way we live.
Here's my hope...that we will let a resurrection mindset change our vision of the future and in turn change the way we live.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Direction
Where are we headed?This next Sunday, we are going to talk about the vision that God has given for RCCC. Don't miss this important time!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Happy Meal Living.
What if we decided not to waste another year? We are given a limited number, you know. Seventy some is the average, with a few getting a bit more and some not even getting that many. When you think of it in these terms, we don’t have time to squander on trivial things. Trivial things are things that don’t last long…like happy meal toys, which don’t usually even make it all the way home from McDonalds. Everything else just goes up in importance from there based on how long it lasts.
People last forever…they have eternal souls that will live on into eternity. They are really worth the investment of our time.
God is not only eternal in that He has no end, but (brace your brain) no beginning. He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Communing with Him is the most important thing we can ever do.
So…somewhere between happy meal toys and the Almighty falls everything else in the world.
People last forever…they have eternal souls that will live on into eternity. They are really worth the investment of our time.
God is not only eternal in that He has no end, but (brace your brain) no beginning. He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Communing with Him is the most important thing we can ever do.
So…somewhere between happy meal toys and the Almighty falls everything else in the world.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Here's a New Year Challenge: Do something great in '08! I know...it's a cheesy rhyme but it's still a good challenge.
As I reflect, I wonder how the world will be different a year from now because of how I lived in '08? What difference could I make in a year if I set my heart and mind to change the world? Take it one step further...What could God do thorough me in '08 if I made my self available to change the world?
We hear a lot about our "carbon footprint", but what about our "Life Footprint?" I've never met someone who didn't want their life to matter. We'll, we've got a new year before us...a clean slate. Let's commit to make it count!
"We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them." - Robert Moffat
Here's a New Year Challenge: Do something great in '08! I know...it's a cheesy rhyme but it's still a good challenge.
As I reflect, I wonder how the world will be different a year from now because of how I lived in '08? What difference could I make in a year if I set my heart and mind to change the world? Take it one step further...What could God do thorough me in '08 if I made my self available to change the world?
We hear a lot about our "carbon footprint", but what about our "Life Footprint?" I've never met someone who didn't want their life to matter. We'll, we've got a new year before us...a clean slate. Let's commit to make it count!
"We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them." - Robert Moffat
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Pauper King
This month at River City we will be introduced to "The Pauper King". We are taking a look at why the Lord came to earth the way He did. The manner in which Jesus entered the world was so different from what we would expect from the "King of Kings"! He must be trying to tell us something. I'd like to invite everyone to join us each week as we uncover the secrets of "The Pauper King"
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Special Guest Ben Jennings
We are having a very special guest visit RCCC on Nov. 11 and 12. His name is Ben Jennings. He was the long time prayer coordinator for Campus Crusade for Christ under Dr. Bill Bright. I was at a gathering of Denominational leaders where Ben led in several times of prayer. It was a truly powerful experience!
On Sunday morning, Ben will be sharing on prayer and then lead us in 2 different prayer gatherings on Sunday and Monday evenings. We will be practicing what we are learning by praying for actual issues facing RCCC! I am really looking forward to this special weekend!
On Sunday morning, Ben will be sharing on prayer and then lead us in 2 different prayer gatherings on Sunday and Monday evenings. We will be practicing what we are learning by praying for actual issues facing RCCC! I am really looking forward to this special weekend!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Milestones
My kids started school this week. Where did the summer go?
This was a big one for us. A woman very close to me (who shall remain nameless) turned 40, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, and our daughter is turning 16. This has been a summer of significant milestones in our family. It all went by so fast...I hope I took enough time to appreciate each milestone.
Milestones are supposed to be an opportunity to pause, remember, and reflect. Sometimes I'm afraid that our frantic pace has broken the pause switch on our life's remote control. This can be tragic; because as I pause at these milestones I am overwhelmed by a flood of thanksgiving. I've had the privilege of watching the "growing up" of a great woman (who shall remain nameless). I've been blessed with 20 wonderful years of marriage. Our little girl is becoming an extraordinary, beautiful, young woman.
God is very good...and I am very thankful.
Let's hear it for milestones!
This was a big one for us. A woman very close to me (who shall remain nameless) turned 40, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, and our daughter is turning 16. This has been a summer of significant milestones in our family. It all went by so fast...I hope I took enough time to appreciate each milestone.
Milestones are supposed to be an opportunity to pause, remember, and reflect. Sometimes I'm afraid that our frantic pace has broken the pause switch on our life's remote control. This can be tragic; because as I pause at these milestones I am overwhelmed by a flood of thanksgiving. I've had the privilege of watching the "growing up" of a great woman (who shall remain nameless). I've been blessed with 20 wonderful years of marriage. Our little girl is becoming an extraordinary, beautiful, young woman.
God is very good...and I am very thankful.
Let's hear it for milestones!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Prayer
I’m learning a lot about prayer these days, which is good because I have a lot to learn. Prayer is at the same time one of the most natural, even instinctive things that we do as well as an ongoing source of frustration and defeat for many of us who call ourselves believers. My spirit regularly joins Jesus’ disciples in saying, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
One thing I think I’m learning about prayer is that it is a natural expression of our belief that God is present. God is here, I might as well say, “Hey.” It is important to note that God is present with “me”, not just with “us”. Consequently, prayer is the place where I must simply be who I am. No pretending because…well, it’s God. He’s here and He knows. To put it another way; He knows and He’s still here! I don’t have to measure up, I just have to be. Prayer is the safest place in the world. I am loved and accepted and I can say whatever is on my heart without fear of rejection. I am growing in my understanding and experience of a natural, ongoing dialog with my Heavenly Father. Prayer becomes a joy rather than a chore.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Fired up!
Everywhere I look around RCCC people are catching vision. It's really exciting! People are seeing possibilities when it comes to reaching out to their community. Get ready, 'cause when the church gets serious about serving and influencing its world, lives start changing and good things start happening! Join me in praying that we will all catch a vision of what God desires to do in our world!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
