Sweet Encouragement!

 Church at the Grove, Church Planting, Leadership  No Responses »
Dec 062007
 

Yesterday was a day of encouragement! 

I had the opportunity to spend some time with a new friend named Adam.  Adam and his wife Kerri began attending CATGrove a few months or so ago.  Kerri’s parents and sister, Lauren, have been attending for some time.  Adam blew me away telling me how God was working in his life and how CATGrove has been a key part of his spiritual growth.  He referred to a specific Sunday that Craig was teaching during our “Shadows” series.  Craig spoke of how the church often misrepresents Jesus to a world desperate for an accurate view of God and the unseen world uses this to close people off to hearing the truth.  Adam’s life was changed that Sunday and his family is loving CATGrove.  Hanging out with Adam made my day!  Sometimes it is easy to get a little discouraged doing ministry.  I have had several issues recently that have zapped me emotionally and it is so good to hear what God is doing in someone’s life!  Thank you for sharing your time and your life with me yesterday Adam. 

I also had an incredible opportunity to spend some time with my mentor and church planting coach Terry Little.  Terry has agreed to help me improve in the area my preaching and teaching.  Terry is such an encourager and always affirms and encourages me regarding my teaching but he also wants me to reach my potential.  We ate lunch together and Terry zoned in on a few areas that will increase my effectiveness in teaching God’s Word in a way that will lead to transformed lives.  I love Terry, his family and I am thankful for them. 

Wednesday’s are a day I protect for my study time and sermon preparation, but I am so thankful that God saw fit to step into my day through Adam and Terry and give some preparation I absolutely needed!

Encouragement is a blessing.  Read This!  And This!

 Posted by at 6:29 pm

Starbucks sales down due to pastor’s recovery

 Culture, Entertaining, Random Thoughts  No Responses »
Dec 052007
 

I don’t know if you have noticed, but Starbuck’s sales are down since I went into recovery three months ago.  I know it may seem a bit of a stretch, but you can’t argue with the facts.

I gave up Starbucks coffee a few months ago as a response to my study for the Rich Man Poor Man series.  See my post here.  Starbuck’s sales begin to dip immediately.

See this Fox News article.

Wow!  I didn’t realize I was drinking that much coffee!

Who said I couldn’t change the world?

 Posted by at 4:31 pm

The Golden Compass Movie

 Bible, Culture, Family  1 Response »
Dec 052007
 

First, let me say that I intentionally avoid slamming movies, books, music and things like Santa’s and elves for the most part because I have grown weary with the church and its leaders being known for what they are against rather than what they (and God) are for.  I personally love movies and other creative elements in our culture and I believe you can look for glimpses of grace and people’s desire to connect with God in culture.  See how Paul did this in Acts 17. 

Secondly, I believe that we should scrutinize everything in culture before we expose ourselves or our family (specifically our children) to a movie, music, tv show, books or anything else in culture.  This should be a way of life for a follower of Jesus.  We should carefully examine everything whether or not it is overtly speaking against God or the Bible. 

In light of this, I wanted to write a post regarding the book series and the current movie called The Golden Compass.  I have received a few emails and questions regarding the attitude of hostility the book series and the movie portrays toward the church and God. 

Based on what Snopes has listed on it’s site, it is true that the author has an agenda against God and His church. 

Here is another post from a pastor regarding this movie and book series.

Here is a couple of thoughts:

  • As a parent, you should check out everything your child could potentially be exposed to in any movie or element of culture.  Some movies, books etc are harmful for children even when they do not have an overtly hostile attitude toward God or the Bible.
  • My kids and I will not be seeing this movie at this point in our lives.  I would not rule out watching it with them for the specific purpose of having conversations regarding people’s attitudes toward God in our culture.  We have no plans for this but I do not rule it out.
  • The author is not a christian and has a hostile attitude toward God and the Bible, but so do many of the Hollywood leaders that produce movies that we all see.  His books are very anti-God and he speaks openly about this attitude in public.
  • Be wise and remember that we are responsible for discipling and bringing up our children to love, obey and follow Jesus.
 Posted by at 8:49 am

Monday with Friends

 Community, Family  No Responses »
Dec 042007
 

I love hanging out with friends.  Monday was a day to hang out with some old friends and a great day to develop some new friends. 

Yesterday (Monday) I was able to spend some time with our friends who are involved in overseas mission work.  My friend Dave and his family serve in a place that must remain nameless but they are home for a time due to an illness with one of their children.  I love my friend Dave.  Although I haven’t seen him for a while we were able to pick up as if it has only been a week or so.  It was so encouraging to talk with him and catch up.  Please pray for his family, especially his sick child.

Last night Jill and I had a couple over that have been attending CATGrove.  I met Josh where he works (You need to check this place out, It is awesome!) and invited him to come to CATGrove.  Josh and his wife Rebekah are planning to do some mission work in Birmingham, England.  It was great to get to know them and hear their heart for college students and sharing the gospel of Jesus.  I look forward to sharing life with them some this next year.

Friends are priceless.  Go make some friends.

 Posted by at 8:51 am
 Older Entries  Newer Entries
© 2012 russbutcher.com Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha