Aqua Reflection

I just got home from the first meeting of Aqua.

I was filled with anticipation all day long. You know how you feel before the release of a highly publicized movie, conference or ball game. You can’t wait for it to come just to see if it will live up to its hype. Well – that is the way I felt about attending the first Aqua.

I am a pretty tough critic on these types of things - especially when there is a lot of hype leading up to it. Most of the ones I have watched or attended don’t live up to my expectations. Not so with Aqua …

Aqua was strong, very strong. I was so proud of Johnny B and his leadership and the team he has built to lead Aqua. The worship/celebration time with Benjamin Payne and his band, rocked, and led me into to presence of God. The message by David D was provocative and challenging. (You’re gifted DD) The over all night was filled with energy, excitement, expectancy. I did not go away disappointed.

If you are a single and are 18 to 30 something or if you know of some one who fits this range and are always thirsty and yet still seeking something to quench that thirst, AQUA is for you. It is the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.

It is a place to learn how to fulfill your destiny. You won’t be disappointed.

The Sports World and Church

I recently read an article on Jeremy Staat, who played in the NFL for the Steelers and Rams. He was just deployed this past week to Iraq. What made him sign up for this gig? He said that Pat Tillman, who played for the Cardinals and gave up a million dollar NFL contract to join the Army Rangers, was the motivating factor in him enlisting. Tillman ended up getting killed – you probably have heard that story, in fact, the army recently concluded its highly publicized investigation into this.

I find this deeply interesting in a self-reflective way. Staat said, “There is more to life than just a game. The way I look at it we’re spreading freedom.”

So I asked myself the question, does anybody want to enlist because of my example? Is anyone interested in spreading the freedom we have in Christ based on my life? And the kicker is that this freedom has more at stake than what Tillman and Staat risked for. This is eternal.

People thought Tillman was crazy; he had it made, including everything that most people would ever want. Yet, he was willing to sacrifice it for freedom.

Anybody call you crazy lately for what you have been willing to do for the sake of people finding freedom in Christ?

People Watching

This week, John Bunn spoke at NewPointe, so I took the opportunity and went to the Ohio state tournaments (HS Basketball) this past week in Columbus, Ohio. Every year I look forward to spending a few days relaxing with friends and enjoying some good hoops. This past week-end was no different.

As it turned out, it is always an interesting experience. And while I’m there I don’t just watch basketball - I also spend time watching people. God has made us so different in how we look, what we like, how we act …. it is just plain fun and sometimes very humorous to observe this in action!

Of everything that I saw, 1 thing really stuck out to mind, with some serious comments for the church:

2 fans that I met, explained their story. They find the craziest student section, maneuver themselves right into the middle, and cheer their guts out (and they don’t even attend or know anyone at that school) just to experience the possibility of victory. They even bring different color t-shirts so they are prepared

I chuckle to myself and say that this is not too unfamiliar to me. Here is what I mean – too often we are busy just chasing every scent of victory in hopes of one day experiencing it, and we forget what really matters.

Aren’t we called to a much higher prize than being State Champions, National Champions, even World Champions? Those will all fade away. We’re seeking, rooting for, and sharing something that is eternal, and that is already secured!

So never let it be said of your favorite team, that they were willing to pay a higher price for a prize that fades away than we " the church” are - who are going after a prize that never fades.

So it begins . . .

It is now official. I have started something that many said I wouldn't, including myself! But, if there is one recurring theme that I have experienced lately is that, when you continually ask, urge, and encourage people to change in their life, God usually is doing the same in mine.

So I am now blogging. Why you ask? Several reasons - take a look at a few Pointe Blank reasons:

1. to stay connected with our community in a relevant and creative manner
2. to journal some of the ideas, vision and thoughts that contribute to the NewPointe story
3. because my staff said I should
4. to help make the local church a place the people want to go to
5. I want to help communicate thoughts, resources and events that I believe will help people grow
6. I want to globally share what is on my heart and in my head
7. I want to help our community stay connected
8. to create a way to dialogue with people
9. blogging is a great way to share news/events
10. blogging helps make a large church community smaller

There are many more, but these are just the ones on the top of my mind.