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Don’t miss the final week of No Pefekt People Allowed at Arrowhead! After this week we still won’t be allowing perfect people to come to church, but it just won’t be the sermon series anymore! We’ll be in John 5, so read ahead and join us this Sunday at 10:00.

I was reminded by my former pastor at the Response Conference a few weeks ago that there’s always the temptation to think you’ll be different at the next stage of life. We think we’ll have more time, more resources, or more whatever to really be different. That’s not true. Anything worth doing is worth doing now!

I love the book of Nehemiah. One day we will study it together on Sundays at Arrowhead. In 13 chapters, we see Nehemiah’s burden for his people, his faith to do something about it, his response to his critics, and the final completed task. It’s an incredible story of leadership and vision.

It strikes me, though, that in the last couple of chapters after everything is finished and life is good again, that Nehemiah still has to deal with his people’s sin. They have seen the rebuilt wall in Jerusalem and have worshiped with all their hearts. Yet, they continue to cling to their foreign wives and their ways. Nehemiah has been on the mountaintop and now he’s stuck back in the everyday flow of life.

Sometimes ministry can be that way, and I’m sure your job can too. A great Sunday or small group can lead us to think that everything’s perfect and all the problems of the world will go away. Then another problem arises or there’s more pain to be dealt with.

Life is long and has its ups and downs. I want to be able to thank God that He has given me the task of leading in a messy world!

(BTW, these are general observations not specific to anything that’s going on right now…ha.)

I love this church! Still blows my mind that 4 months ago most of us didn’t even know each other! It’s incredible to see what He’s up to around Arrowhead. I am so humbled.

• For a few different reasons, there were only 4 people plus the band for most of the setup time this morning. All of the band and Chad B., Bryan H., Kristen S., and my wife (but of course not me) busted their tails this morning. You guys rock.
• So many great conversations this week with people who love this church as well. God is at work in individual lives, and that’ll keep me going this week!
• Had one guy tell me today that the first time he heard of Arrowhead was one year ago. He now works his tail off every Sunday as well. Interesting because no one besides Sara and I’s families and a few close friends knew we were even planning Arrowhead a year ago. Can’t wait to hear the rest of that story! It’s gonna give me some insight into why he works so hard every week!
• I thought the band led us before the Lord in worship today. It was more than just quality music.
• Two words (or maybe 1 compound word…not sure): Hank Sweet. What? You just had to be there to hear that song. Whoa.
• The Church at Rutledge has done so much to help us over the last year. Tonight we get to send 5 people to do childcare while they host a red carpet dinner for their childcare volunteers. It feels great to be able to give back to them! Thanks to all of our people who are willing to give their night for the kingdom.

There was a lot more I’m sure I’d like to talk about but I’m just too stinking tired right now. I gotta get a nap in before student small group in a little bit. Maybe more later this week! Have a great one.

As we get ready for week 3 of No Perfekt People Allowed, I thought I’d post this video. Many of you may have seen it, but it’s such a great picture of what the Gospel is all about. It’s the heartbeat behind the message on Sunday and why we exist as a church. Hope you can make it Sunday!

After dealing with a sick almost two year old for the last week (103 temp for 5-6 days), I’m relearning that in times of trial your patience is either really strong or really thin. Nothing is a better picture of selflessness than a parent (usually Sara in our case) consistently dying to her own desires so that the needs of a child can be met. Even though I really don’t want to, I thank God for times to grow to be more like Christ.

Probably the best day we’ve had as a church so far. Sermon aside, today was an incredible day for me. I really needed to be at church today and God was very present.

• I LOVE seeing people come back to church the 2nd time! So many people came back from last week!
• At least 15-20 first time guests today. There are always lots of new faces around on Sundays. I think that’s a good thing! I could be running them off after 1 week though =)
• Had lots of comments on music today. Consensus is this was the best week of worship yet.
• I think we’ve even gotten the volume level just about right finally. We haven’t been willing to go too quiet yet and we won’t! I’ve said before and I’ll say again: I want the volume to be loud enough for no one to hear me but Jesus! But, we don’t want to blow anybody’s eardrums either. Good balance today.
• Setup and teardown went as fast as possible. Everybody has such a great attitude and willingness to work hard. I’ve yet to hear one complaint from anybody who gives up 1-3 hours of their Sunday to make Arrowhead happen. That’s incredible. I am so proud to pastor this young church.
• It’s funny how many rumors we’re starting to hear around town. I think the Egg Drop definitely raised awareness of who we are. It’s hilarious some of the stuff people tell me they hear throughout their week. Seriously…it’s funny. I don’t get bitter about that stuff at all.
• Message was from John 4. Jesus “had to go through Samaria.” He was willing to go where most people wouldn’t to reach people no one else would reach unless He did. Let’s follow that example this week!
• Student small group still to go tonight. Should be a great night to get to hang out with some teenagers. I’m so proud of how many students are already a part of Arrowhead.
• Aside from being physically wiped out, I’m ready for next Sunday already!

Nap time. Have a great week!

I am so pumped about Sunday! It’s gonna be a great service. We’ll spend the next 2 weeks in John 4. Jesus dealt with this woman and her past in ways that we as Christ followers have missed for a long time. I’m very passionate about this subject. Read ahead and be ready for a great day on Sunday!

I wonder how many times I’ve missed out on something supernatural God wanted to do because I wasn’t willing to do what He had called me to do in order for the table to be set for Him to work. Talking with a friend this week who has been hit with financial difficulties like so many others right now brought this idea to mind.

He’s dealing with everything with integrity. He’s above board morally, relationally, and spiritually. Now the table is set for God to do what only He can do. I bet their are business men and women all over the world today praying for a miracle but who cheated on their last deal or are about to fabricate some lie on their taxes today. God isn’t answering those prayers.

Why do we miss this part of Ephesians 6:13? Yes, we’re in a battle. There is spiritual warfare all around us. He protects us by His armor. But He does so “after we have done everthing.” It’s our job to do what we can do to obey Him and trust Him. Then He does the rest.

Check out our Flickr photostream for pictures of the Egg Drop!