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Sunday Reflections and Discipleship Notes

Big Idea:
God is Love!

Random Thoughts:

• I was on vacation last week for most of the week.  I had a wonderful anniversary trip with Jill. 
• I was supposed to be on vacation through Sunday, but the vacation did not end well over the weekend.  I woke up Sunday AM around 4 and spent way too much time in my bathroom over the next several hours.  It was a 24 hour stomach virus and it lasted a complete 24 hours.  I am better now.
• Have you ever thrown up so much that you literally were waiting to see your gut, stomach and intestines to simply come up with everything else making its way out?  It was awful.  Just thought I would share.
• I received great reports and feedback about our Sunday gathering!  I had already viewed the message on “God is Love” and have heard some great feedback regarding the message.
• I heard that Austin and the band did an awesome job! 
• I can’t wait to be back preaching this Sunday!  I have had some great study time.
• I am looking forward to our Baptism in the Park on Sunday July 12!  Yes!  If you are interested in being baptized, please let me know.
• I am so excited about God has in store for Church at the Grove!  We have some exciting things in the works! 
• I need everyone to stay focused, faithful and connected as much as possible throughout this summer.  Let’s be prepared when the fall hits!
• This is July 4th weekend coming up.  Be safe and I hope to see you this Sunday! 

14 things I love about my wife Jill

14 years ago today I exchanged holy vows with Jill Sammons.  I love her more today than I did then.  I am so thankful for her.  Here are fourteen things I love about Jill:

• I love her unashamed passion for Jesus Christ!
• I love her unwavering commitment to God’s Word and living it out in her life.
• I love the way she serves and loves me unconditionally.
• I love the way she mothers and invests into the lives of our children.
• I love the way she laughs. (Loud)
• I love her commitment to the local church, the body of Christ.
• I love her passion for building relationships with people in need of a relationship with Jesus.
• I love her hospitable spirit toward the people with whom she crosses paths.
• I love the way she sings.
• I love her legs.  (I have to be honest)
• I love her passion for educating our children.
• I love how she overlooks my shortcomings and hardheadedness.
• I love her beautiful smile and perfect teeth.  (That happened to be in braces when we dated.)
• I love to go to bed and breakfast inns with her.  That is where we are now! June 24, 2009.

Sunday Reflections and Discipleship Notes

Big Idea:
God is Good; God is Great

Key Scripture:
Psalms 62:11-12 (NIV)
¹¹ One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong,
¹² and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.

Random Thoughts:

• It was great to be back at Church at the Grove this Sunday.  I learned a lot the week before at Church at the Ridge but I miss Church at the Grove. 
• Steven Furtick’s message on God’s Goodness and his Greatness was awesome!  I have had a lot of great feedback on this past Sunday.
• What a great crowd for Father’s day!  It has been our lowest attended week each of the past 2 years, and although it was down from normal, it was a great crowd for Father’s Day.
• I was so blessed to have Walt, Mercy, Bliss and Thomas with us on Sunday to share what God is doing in their family and how God is leading them in mission work.  I love Walt’s family.  It was great having Marjorie and Philip with us. 
• What a great Father’s Day.
• I hope you are all keeping up with your Acts of Kindness for 40 Days! 
• Today (June 24) Jill and I have been married for 14 years.  I am so thankful for her!  God could not have blessed me more with a wonderful wife. 
• We leave today for a getaway anniversary trip.  That is why this is a short reflection. 
• I will see you all soon.  Have a great week and don’t miss this Sunday’s final week of OnePrayer.

Leadership Issues 6

Visionary Leadership is essential but is potentially dangerous.

• It has proven the most effective leadership style.
• It has the danger of becoming leader centered.
• It has the danger of becoming hyper visionary.  Count the cost.

Luke 14:28-32 (NIV)
²⁸ “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?
²⁹ For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
³⁰ saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’
³¹ “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
³² If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.

• The leader can become autocratic.
• The leader must listen or skilled incompetence will emerge.  Avoid the CEO disease. 

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV)
¹³ He who answers before listening– that is his folly and his shame.