2007 to 2008

Can you believe it? Another year has gone by ……. And as they say - time flies.

I want to encourage you to take some time today & tomorrow to do 2 things.

First make a list of the things you are thankful that happened in 2007. Then spend 5 to 10 minutes sharing them with God. That is called gratitude.

Second, make a list of things that you desire to see happen in 2008. Then spend 5 to 10 praying for them, asking God - what needs to happen to bring them to reality? That is called faith! (By the way you just developed a prayer list for 2008. )

Now no doubt if you are like others there is much that you hope would change in 2008 that didn’t happen in 07. The basic reason a New Year doesn’t bring much new is because you can’t act in a way that is inconsistent with the way you which you think.

So if you want to really take advantage of the New Year. It is more than making lists and resolutions. It is a determination to think differently about life, marriage, people, work, money, etc……

“Do not be conformed by this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

So the question – how are you connecting with God, so that your thinking can be transformed?

Tim Tebow made history this past weekend by being the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. Tebow became the first “20-20” player in Division I-A football history this season by running and throwing for at least 20 touchdowns. He finished the regular season with 3,132 passing yards and 29 touchdowns ( and only 6 interceptions), and he also ran for 838 yards and 22 touchdowns.

His 51 touchdowns were more than 87 Division I-A teams. WOW!

Now let’s get to the really impressive stuff. Kirk Herbstreit interviewed him and asked about his life. Tim mention that the key was his priorities, he then went on to list them for Kirk and the national audience:

1. My Personal Faith in God
2. My Family
3. My Education
4. My Football Career

Kirk said man if football is fourth on the list, I would hate to know your passion for the other three ….

Lee Corso went on to say, that there has never be a better representation of the Heisman than Tim Tebow.

Though, a buckeye fan, who couldn’t root for Tim Tebow!

When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand. Proverbs 16L7 TM


Where are your priorities?

One Year Anniversary

This past Sunday was our first year anniversary – in our new facility.

Wow! To God be the Praise and Glory … Not to us, but to God be the glory.

It’s humbling as I look back at this year. God has performed miracle after miracle in bringing us to this point. It is truly amazing. For those who have been a part of the ride for the last five years or more and have sacrificially given of your time, talents and treasure, it is truly sweet. The good news is that it’s not just sweet now, it will be sweet for all of eternity. It is something that you don’t experience without sacrifice. Matter of fact the greater the sacrifice the more sweet it is.

For those of you who were not here to sacrificially give of your time, talents and treasures, this is the result and joy that you experience when you do it with like minded people. Your opportunity to participate will come, as we will continue to change the world by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus .

I am so thankful and proud of:

• NewPointe Staff
• Our Leadership Team
• Our Trustees
• The hundreds and hundreds of volunteers who make NewPointe happen
• Everyone who supports NewPointe financially

Thanks for persevering, for refusing to quit, for a willingness to embrace change continually , for trusting God …..

This truly shows, that it is amazing what you can do when you are willing to pay the price, be unified on a vision, and don’t care who gets the credit. It has been an incredible ride.

And we do all of this for one reason – to see people’s lives changed by Christ. After one year, this is so evident. We have experienced hundreds of lives being touched by God. We have grown from around 1600 before the move to close to 2200 on a weekend. That alone is enough to be excited about.

It hasn’t been bump free . There have been challenges and more await us, but it is truly satisfying and worth it……

I believe God has positioned us and favored us to make an incredible run in 2008.

Choose now not to miss out on it. And importantly, choose now to play a significant role in it.

Gifts

I stopped by the church Thursday night to check on something, only to find a group of volunteers working on decorating the platform for our new series called All I want for Christmas.

They had the ladders out, the scissor lift out, were putting up lights, and ornaments and some didn’t end up leaving until 2:00 a.m. That doesn’t count the many hours that it took to make the props and decorations. Wow!

It was neat to hear people’s talk about the stage Sunday. Who does this? Are they paid? Did you hire someone to do this? No, it is just people who are using their God given gifts to make a difference.

Thanks for your leadership and ministry, Dave, Miriam, Wendy and team. Know that you are creating environments that are more than just cool-looking, they are helping us lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

So where are you using your gifts to impact the Kingdom? If you aren’t – get in the game.