What an exciting time for our church as we go through this Vision/Mission/Values process. Our consultant, Dr. Randy Willingham, www.randywillingham.com, warned us that there would be speed bumps along the way. Wow! Randy also has been encouraging us to have holy conversations (there's a book by that title which he highly recommends) and there have been a lot of those in the last week.
God is good, all the time, and He is guiding our church. He is providing for us all along the way. We must remained focused on worshipping God and sharing Christ with others.
True, our enemy will always throw up distractions along the way, and we must not underestimate nor overestimate his power or abilities. He is a deceiver and his native language is lies. We must be on guard against half-truths and/or deceitful behavior, both in ourselves and in our community. God, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name!
Our great commission from Jesus, our Visioneer:
Matthew 28...
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Great Scripture from the Elders today
"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." I Cor 9:22
The elders made an important annoucement at the end of services today, ending with this verse from the Word. The entire announcement will most likely be posted in the Membernet section of our website, www.fxcc.org really soon. It's a must-read.
Let's move forward with our focus on saving lost souls! That's the important thing here. May we invest our best energies in showing Christ to the world.
The elders made an important annoucement at the end of services today, ending with this verse from the Word. The entire announcement will most likely be posted in the Membernet section of our website, www.fxcc.org really soon. It's a must-read.
Let's move forward with our focus on saving lost souls! That's the important thing here. May we invest our best energies in showing Christ to the world.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
The Heart of Worship
What a week! Matt Redman penned these words years ago, and we sang this for the 1st time last Sunday, Nov 19th. Only the Holy Spirit knew how terribly appropriate they were for our church for the week ahead. Loving God, help us to find our hearts of worship & give them completely to You!
When the music fades, all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself is not what You have required
You search much deeper within - through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
All about You Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express how much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor - all I have is Yours
Ev'ry single breath
I'll bring you more than a song,
for a song in itself is not what You have required
You search much deeper within, through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart!
Monday, November 20, 2006
THE PURPOSE DRIVEN DECLARATION
I got this from Rick Warren's website, www.purposedriven.com
He has been such an inspiration to me in ministry! This is called "The Purpose Driven Declaration" and it seems appropriate for this week, if not every day.
Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!'"
He has been such an inspiration to me in ministry! This is called "The Purpose Driven Declaration" and it seems appropriate for this week, if not every day.
Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!'"
Friday, November 17, 2006
"Lord, teach us to...suffer"
As a church family, we must be able to put down our happy faces long enough to engage one another. To meet each other where we really are.
As a worship planner/leader, I hereby confess & repent of my past efforts to keep it all upbeat and positive and encouraging and happy and "ending on a positive note". That's just not reality. For too long, we have relegated songs of lament and despair to funeral services. Sure, we occasionally sing "It is Well with My Soul"...one of my all-time favorite hymns. But even it ends on upbeat thought toward Heaven. Nothing wrong with that. But some days we would be better served/better expressed by singing a song that goes, "Lord, I'm angry and confused, hurt and broken. Where are you in my pain?"
We must learn how to suffer with and alongside one another. We must learn how to face life's issues with integrity, honesty, authenticity.
Our refusal to mourn more often in our public services has kept people from having the voice they needed to cry out to God...in anger, in sorrow, in confusion, in doubt. Oh sure, they've still cried out, but they had to do it somewhere else...at home alone or away from a community of faith (aka shiny happy people).
Let's strive together to give ourselves permission to hurt, to be confused, to bring every emotion into the assembly. Our God is able to deal with it, I'm 100% confident. But we must learn to deal with it as well.
As a worship planner/leader, I hereby confess & repent of my past efforts to keep it all upbeat and positive and encouraging and happy and "ending on a positive note". That's just not reality. For too long, we have relegated songs of lament and despair to funeral services. Sure, we occasionally sing "It is Well with My Soul"...one of my all-time favorite hymns. But even it ends on upbeat thought toward Heaven. Nothing wrong with that. But some days we would be better served/better expressed by singing a song that goes, "Lord, I'm angry and confused, hurt and broken. Where are you in my pain?"
We must learn how to suffer with and alongside one another. We must learn how to face life's issues with integrity, honesty, authenticity.
Our refusal to mourn more often in our public services has kept people from having the voice they needed to cry out to God...in anger, in sorrow, in confusion, in doubt. Oh sure, they've still cried out, but they had to do it somewhere else...at home alone or away from a community of faith (aka shiny happy people).
Let's strive together to give ourselves permission to hurt, to be confused, to bring every emotion into the assembly. Our God is able to deal with it, I'm 100% confident. But we must learn to deal with it as well.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
33 Months Ago Today
On February 14, 2004, Jaime & I said "I do" for a lifetime. (This pic was taken in November of 2003 when we first moved to Virginia. And no, we didn't shack up before we were married...Jaime lived in the house while our dear friends Ivan & Patricia let me live in their basement until the wedding.)
Without a doubt, these have been the best 33 months of my life, and I can't wait for the next 333 months and then some.
I love my wife dearly, and count her the most beautiful and special gift that God has ever given me, outside of my salvation in Christ. Faithy ranks right up there after Jaime & Jesus.
May the Lord continue to bless our marriage, and may He give me the humility and courage to love Jaime as Jesus loved the church. And many thanks to my small group leader, Sam, who is guiding our group through an excellent study of the book Sacred Marriage. Incredible! (J & J, the lesson Sunday night and your transparency were soooo helpful.)
Hmmm...I think I'll agree to change 2 diapers per week instead of just 1 as a special anniversary gift to Jaime. Kidding!
Comfort in Community
These are some rough days for the Fairfax congregation.
Among our many members who are fighting illness, we have 3 families who are in a full-fledged battle with cancer. In addition to the 3 loving spouses, there are 9 precious children in these 3 families.
My hope is that we will continue on this road of suffering with authenticity. We welcome those who cry and have unending questions. We embrace those who need a shoulder to cry on. We weep with those who weep. We pray with diligence, night & day, for healing and peace. We count every day, even every moment of life a gift, and are committed more than ever to enjoying every minute of it.
We constantly seek to bring glory to God, claiming the promise of John 11:4, "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
I continue to be GREATLY ENCOURAGED by my brothers & sisters who come on Wednesday nights to PRAY from 7:00 pm to 7:25 pm. There is a spirit of desperation there that is permeated completely with HOPE. Let us continue to cry out to the living God for more of Him, more of His perspective, more of His presence, more obedience to Him.
If you attend FXCC, please consider joining us on Wednesday nights for the "pre-Bible class prayer session". We have a great opportunity there to edify one another on this dark road.
Among our many members who are fighting illness, we have 3 families who are in a full-fledged battle with cancer. In addition to the 3 loving spouses, there are 9 precious children in these 3 families.
My hope is that we will continue on this road of suffering with authenticity. We welcome those who cry and have unending questions. We embrace those who need a shoulder to cry on. We weep with those who weep. We pray with diligence, night & day, for healing and peace. We count every day, even every moment of life a gift, and are committed more than ever to enjoying every minute of it.
We constantly seek to bring glory to God, claiming the promise of John 11:4, "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
I continue to be GREATLY ENCOURAGED by my brothers & sisters who come on Wednesday nights to PRAY from 7:00 pm to 7:25 pm. There is a spirit of desperation there that is permeated completely with HOPE. Let us continue to cry out to the living God for more of Him, more of His perspective, more of His presence, more obedience to Him.
If you attend FXCC, please consider joining us on Wednesday nights for the "pre-Bible class prayer session". We have a great opportunity there to edify one another on this dark road.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Worship Fun
Thanks to a new friend from church, I submit to you a new idea for worship teams.
We're always trying to think of new ideas and creative approaches. Well, this is the solution I think we've all been looking for...
http://larknews.com/april_2004/secondary.php?page=2
Happy Friday!
God is good,
Murray
We're always trying to think of new ideas and creative approaches. Well, this is the solution I think we've all been looking for...
http://larknews.com/april_2004/secondary.php?page=2
Happy Friday!
God is good,
Murray
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Prayer of the Righteous
For our FXCC family...
Wow, Bob's & Sarah's situations have me reeling. Both are in a battle-for-life against cancer, and have experienced very rough times in the last 24 hours.
What I hold on to in situations like this...God, my loved ones, my church family, that's all we have. And 2 out of 3 may not be there for me when I reach out to them, because this life is completely unguaranteed.
Oh God, help us to hold on to you when we cannot find hope for the next 5 minutes. Remind us that our prayers, because of the power in Jesus' Name, are powerful and effective, and they availeth much.
Remind us that NOTHING is impossible with you, God.
And get us ready for the great wedding when Your only Son returns for us.
In JESUS' NAME we boldly ask for complete healing and restoration of Sarah & Bob!
Amen, and let it be so!
Wow, Bob's & Sarah's situations have me reeling. Both are in a battle-for-life against cancer, and have experienced very rough times in the last 24 hours.
What I hold on to in situations like this...God, my loved ones, my church family, that's all we have. And 2 out of 3 may not be there for me when I reach out to them, because this life is completely unguaranteed.
Oh God, help us to hold on to you when we cannot find hope for the next 5 minutes. Remind us that our prayers, because of the power in Jesus' Name, are powerful and effective, and they availeth much.
Remind us that NOTHING is impossible with you, God.
And get us ready for the great wedding when Your only Son returns for us.
In JESUS' NAME we boldly ask for complete healing and restoration of Sarah & Bob!
Amen, and let it be so!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Psalm 133:1 Weekend
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
We had a great men's retreat this past weekend at Camp Wamava with Dr. Lynn Anderson. I've known Lynn since the mid-80's and he has shaped my life in so many ways.
His teaching on the retreat was powerful, and obviously stemmed from a life filled with passion, purpose, and pursuit of the Lord.
The singing during the retreat was absolutely incredible...thank you Lane Lawrence for leading. To hear 57 men singing the praises of God LOUDLY in full harmony is quite stirring.
Thank you, my brothers, for a great weekend of sharing, bonfire-ing, snoring, laughing, cooking (Ed, you outdid yourself once again, the bread pudding is the envy of Martha Stewart), singing and growing together. How good it is when brothers enjoy a weekend of unity together!
Two questions: who stayed up until the bonfire went out? And what WAS that screeching in the near distance?
PS: Bob, we missed you greatly.
We had a great men's retreat this past weekend at Camp Wamava with Dr. Lynn Anderson. I've known Lynn since the mid-80's and he has shaped my life in so many ways.
His teaching on the retreat was powerful, and obviously stemmed from a life filled with passion, purpose, and pursuit of the Lord.
The singing during the retreat was absolutely incredible...thank you Lane Lawrence for leading. To hear 57 men singing the praises of God LOUDLY in full harmony is quite stirring.
Thank you, my brothers, for a great weekend of sharing, bonfire-ing, snoring, laughing, cooking (Ed, you outdid yourself once again, the bread pudding is the envy of Martha Stewart), singing and growing together. How good it is when brothers enjoy a weekend of unity together!
Two questions: who stayed up until the bonfire went out? And what WAS that screeching in the near distance?
PS: Bob, we missed you greatly.
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