D-PLUM dot org

New Site...

2010-03-13T20:31:00.003-05:00

Hey, all...

Just an FYI... my new blog is located at http://www.dplum007.wordpress.com/. Come on over and follow me there! :)

The THREE SIGNS of a Miserable Job

2009-12-14T03:30:00.000-05:00

I love good books on leadership... especially practical leadership books. The Three Signs of a Miserable Job by Patrick Lencioni was a really good practical leadership book... and it should be required reading for all members of any business. I think if both employers and employees take to heart the message of this book, we would have much better corporations, churches, schools... you name it.

First, Lencioni is an absolute master at writing parables based on the principles that he's aiming to put forth. People love stories, and if you can center what you're trying to teach around a story, you'll always have alot of ears.

Lencioni's story is about a man who's been very successful as CEO of a thriving company... he retires, relocates with his wife to a skiing town... but discovers there a small, local Italian restaurant that he feels is operating way below what it should. So, he challenges himself to step in and see if he can help turn things around. Whether he does or not, I'll let you find out for yourself... but his goal is to instill into the culture of this restaurant some things that has helped him in his business endeavors, wherever he's been. Brian (our CEO) believes that if you can eliminate 3 things within the culture of a organization, then business will boom:

1. ANONYMITY - no one wants to be anonymous at their place of employment. Brian argues, and tries to show within his companies, that the more employees are known at the job, the better employees they'll be. Conversely, if an employee constantly is coming to a place where he works for someone who doesn't know him (and doesn't act like he/she cares much for him), that employee won't put forth his best effort on a regular basis. Everyone longs to be known... even at work. An employer must initiate this, and get to know his employees: find out what matters to them and what they're passionate about, about their families, their schooling, etc. An employee will work his/her best when they know their employer cares for them beyond the job.

2. IRRELEVANCE - everyone longs for significance, even at their job. Employees need to know that what they do matters... and they need to know to whom it matters: their customers, fellow employees, managers, etc. And who's responsibility is it to see that this happens? This is their employer's responsibility. If, as an employer, I think my employees should be able to motivate themselves to produce great work, simply because I give them a paycheck... I am sadly mistaken. It is my responsibility to make sure that every employee understands his/her significance to the organization... no matter what their role.

3. IMMEASUREMENT - all employees need measurement for what they're doing... a way to know that what they are doing day in and day out is on track with what their manager's expectations are. What goals are set for them? What production standards are being held for them? Too many companies expect "continual volume", with no rhyme or reason for their employees... but when there is no clear means of assessing progress on a job, it only breeds frustration. Again... this is the employer's responsibility. A manager cannot leave it to his employees to figure out how to measure their progress. The measurement should be concrete, and it should be agreed upon. That way, everyone is on the same page... and there are no surprises if the goals are not attained: both manager and employee can figure out ways to get where they need to be.

Lencioni argues that the result of eliminating these three negative factors will lead to job fulfillment for the employee, as well as increased productivity, greater retention (of employees)/lower costs, and a sustainable cultural differentiation (creating a culture that is unique from your competitors).

Again, great book... a must-read for all employers and employees alike, no matter what the organization!

What's Been Up?

2009-12-07T09:55:00.002-05:00

Hey, all...

Been away for a bit, but hopefully back to stay this time. :) Sometimes when you're going through tough times, you just need some space. Not everybody understands that, but it is what it is. Now, with some pastors, very mature believers, and good friends around me, I'm ready to "venture back outside".

I've definitely learned alot over these last 6+ months. Here are some things I've come to understand in my (for lack of a better term) wilderness wanderings:

* SIN STINKS! Yezzir! No question... you play with the bull; you get the horn. Sin has consequences... even forgiven sin.
* PEOPLE CAN BE NOSEY! Now, I'm not talking about friends or those who are really concerned... I'm talking about the people who never called, never checked up on me or my family, never supported our ministry, etc... but now, they want to be "involved" and they "care enough to call." No, they just want information to gossip. :)
* MOSAIC CHURCH IS A PLACE OF GRACE! For this, I'm grateful. The place where I poured my heart into for over 2 years really got it. I've received nothing but grace from the members, even though I'm no longer there. I love you guys with all my heart.
* The Church has no clue of how to handle fallen pastors. Of course, this is generally speaking. I'm sure there are some places out there (I know of a few only) that do a relatively good job with this, but most places suck at it... I'm just being honest. Everyone is so quick to throw stones and castigate the fallen... no matter how much they say they "love" you, if you don't respond their way, they're gonna get you. Period. Well, the truth is, they want to "get" you period. That's what they're after.
* I'm thankful for some godly, wise pastors in my life. Regarless of the "stone throwers", there have been a handful of men who have been walking with me throughout the duration of this situation, and even a while before. Please understand: you cannot give everyone an access pass to walk with you... no matter what their role in your life was before. Here are a few of the criteria I use to tell people "no thanks": 1) if they feel they have a sense of entitlement, and will "force themselves" upon me... NOPE! 2) If judgment is on their lips at all... NOPE! (understand that there is a difference between "challenging" and "being judgmental") 3) If you haven't been clearly in my corner... NOPE! See, when you've fallen and need restoration, it will ONLY come from those who have always had your back! If you have to clear away stuff to uncover people's motives... if it's not crystal clear that they're for you... they're not for you. Period.
* When you fall, some who are your friends won't stay friends. This has probably been the most hurtful for me, because people stop being your friend and often don't even know what happened... they only go by what they've heard. But the truth is, even sin has a context and a story. True friends never turn their back... and even if they think they have grounds to do so, they shouldn't without understanding what happened. Having said that, I also know there are some who simply don't know what to say... so they simply say nothing. I don't understand that, honestly... but I hold no grudges, either way. The amazing thing is that God brings new people into your life during dark times who might've never been there before... and now they are there for the duration. Sweet! :)
* My heart belongs to Jesus. I don't know why, but alot of people think that because you've fallen, you've also turned your back on God. :) That's crazy! Though some, I'm sure, do... I have not. I still love Him with all my heart, and am seeking to obey Him fully. That doesn't mean I have everything figured out, nor are all the puzzle pieces in place (are they ever?), but I'm facing Him - He's in control... not me... not you... not anybody, but Him.
* Life happens! This is the biggest lesson I've learned! As a pastor, it's easy to give people their "biblical medicine" and expect perfect endings. And when those endings don't come, we tell people they need more medicine. The truth is, life happens: people mess up, they blow it... and things get messy. However, there simply is no manual (and, NO, God never intended even the Bible for this purpose) to turn to a particular page that lays out in black and white for each and every situation. Our quest for everything to be cut and dry, black and white, is killing folk! People lash out in anger... children go wayward... marriages blow up and sometimes end... because we're in a sin-ridden world! People need to be LOVED in the midst of their pain... not made to feel like they're 2nd-class believers because they mess up. That's not excusing the sin... that's being there for them in the midst of it. Call sin by what it is... but then help people out of it.
* People are hurting. I know this now more than ever. I'm one of "them" now... a "church skeptic", wondering if church leaders have answers for those of us in pain. When I think of some of the messages I preached, I feel sick to my stomach. I thought I had "answers", but was only stirring up more questions... and leaving the main one usually unanswered: "What do I do with my pain???" I have experienced this now first-hand...
* I may be somewhat of a skeptic now, but I still believe in Christ's Church! Though I haven't been handled (by some) graciously, I still believe that the Church through Jesus Christ... when it's at it's best... is the hope of the world! It can still be the best place on earth to meet the true and living God... but it starts with people: loving them, accepting them, dealing with them patiently in the midst of their pain... and helping them through it.

Well, that was a start... I'll write more later this week, and bring you guys up to speed with where I am these days. Much love...

D PLUM

PHILIPPIANS... EVERYDAY!!

2009-08-11T00:15:00.000-05:00

Okay... So, today I posted a "tweet" (from Twitter, for those who still don't get it, lol) asking folk to join me in reading Philippians everyday for the rest of this month. I did anticipate a big response... and I'm excited to see people from Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, the Eastern Shore of MD, (of course), Virginia, and the DC area (of course) all getting pumped up to faithfully read God's Word! I believe - in some not too small way - all of our worlds will be rocked. You watch and see. ;-)

So, why Philippians... and why now? Well (for those who haven't followed my blog), I've been going through a "personal wilderness" of sorts... and have really been down in the dumps for much of the last few months. But I just finally said to myself, "Self (for real, that's what I said!), this is crazy. Just because you're going through doesn't mean that God is through with you... GET UP, and face God!" Well, I'm from Takoma Park and I don't know all there is to know... but I do know that you can't face Him without getting in His Word. So, I decided to do just that... but not just do it - but JUMP INTO it! Then I thought, "Hey, maybe others would like to journey with me on this!" So, I put it out there on Twitter & Facebook... and, wouldn't you know it, people began to respond... BIG time!

So, here's what we're doing: we're reading through the ENTIRE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS every day... there are only 4 chaps, so don't complain... it should take you all of 15-20 mins to do. Keep a little notepad of what God is saying to you... then, on FRIDAYS, post ONE SIMPLE THOUGHT that the Spirit has used to impact your life that week. Put it in your status, and let folk comment to death on it. Invite others to do the same, and then go comment on their pages. If you blog, post a short devotional or something (send me your blog address and I'll get it out there, too!). The point is for the Word to become a contagion in our lives, as we get others interested in reading - and living out - God's Word.

Hey, look... I'm pretty much still in my wilderness, but I'm not letting that stop me. I've been going through... but I'LL BE COMING OUT. And when I do... my guns will be blazing, and my heart will be strong.

I'M READY FOR GOD TO ROCK MY WORLD! WHAT ABOUT YOU??? ;-)

The Ugly Truth

2009-08-10T00:30:00.001-05:00

"Ugh..."

That's really all I can say.

Have you ever been forced to look at yourself? I mean, your real self... not the self that you project to others at the job, or at church, or at school. I mean the self that those CLOSEST to you see on a regular... as well as the self that NO ONE sees... except you.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FORCED TO LOOK AT YOURSELF?

I have. And what I've seen is not pretty. I just recently saw the movie The Ugly Truth, with Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy, 27 Dresses) and Gerard Butler (300, P.S. I Love You)... a movie that depicts (very badly, I must say) the ugly truth about men and women and romance (read that, lust). The main thrust of the movie is that we must face the ugly truth about what the opposite sex is really looking for.

In the same way, we must face the ugly truth about who we really are... deep down inside. And believe me... to face it, is NOT pretty. I am coming face to face with the fact that I am prideful, I am selfish, I am lustful, I am angry, I am moody... I am a lot of things that I've pointed my finger at others about. In short, I... AM... SINFUL!

There it is... I've said it! The "S" word! We don't like to say we're sinful... we just "have issues." Yeah, we do have issues... and at the top of the issue list is that WE'RE SINFUL!! I hate the fact that I'm such a sinner... because I'm so daggoned good at it!! I don't wanna be, but it seems I was born an expert at this thing...

But you know what? Having seen the real me... and having recognized me for who and what I am... I feel a little better. No, I don't like what I see... but I feel better, because acknowledging there's something wrong is half the battle. There is a REASON why the Bible says that the "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jer. 17:9); there is a REASON why the apostle Paul said that "nothing good dwells in" us (Rom. 7:18). Because the UGLY TRUTH is that we're sinful, we need Jesus to save us, and we need Him to live His life through us... because we simply cannot do it on our own. I can't. You can't. And that's the UGLY TRUTH.

But that's not a totally bad thing...

... knowing the UGLY TRUTH is half the battle.

BOOK REVIEW: Dying Declaration

2009-07-27T01:15:00.000-05:00

Okay... so, this is my first real post in quite awhile, and I'm constantly thinking about direction. I figured, rather than force this blog in a particular direction... with a particular theme... I'd just let it take it's own shape after awhile.

Well, I thought that it'd be good to just get back into the flow of things by writing about something I am always doing... which is reading. Some of you who've been faithful have read many of my book reviews, and have commented rather encouragingly, so we'll stay in this vein for a bit. I'll review all kinds of stuff: fiction (which I absolutely love), practical living stuff (which I absolutely NEED), theology, apologetics, current issues... anything I'm reading, I'll write about.

So, hear we go... first off, I just finished reading Dying Declaration by Randy Singer. Let me tell you... this is a first-rate fiction!! Singer wears a "trinity" hat of Pastor, Author, and Lawyer... and his writing is top-notch stuff. Declaration is about a very "religious" couple whose youngest son has become gravely ill. Yet they hold off taking him in for medical help, because they are praying "in faith" that God will heal their little boy. At the last minute, they finally take him in but the boy dies... and the couple is charged with negligent homicide. The story has several twists and turns, and - for a 400+ page book - pretty much will keep your interest throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Declaration... so much so, that I decided to pick up another Singer book (review coming soon).

One of the things that immediately grabbed me about the book is that the principal character is an African-American lawyer. No, this isn't a race thing! But, being black, it can be rather disheartening to read Christian fiction books, and NEVER come across a minority character who plays a prominent role in the book. Now, although Singer can get just a tad stereotypical, with some of the urban slang, he nonetheless (in my opinion) does a good job of "representin'". ;-)

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a huge Ted Dekker fan... but I would have to put Singer right alongside of Dek! TOTALLY DIFFERENT style of writing (more Clancy/Grisham-ish), but he takes no backseat to any of our top-flight Christian fiction writers.

Dying Declaration... get it, enjoy it, and post your thoughts! ;-)

Just Wanna Say...

2009-07-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

... that I'm doing okay. ;-) Thanks to all who've been in touch, sent messages, posted on my Facebook wall... your encouragement means alot.

I'm moving forward... not even thinking about ministry right now. I took a 10-day sabbatical and headed South... spent some time in Hotlanta, as well as in Alabama with my buddy The Movie Pastor.

[SIDEBAR: if you live anywhere near Decatur, AL, you MUST ATTEND a Crosspoint service where he pastors... that church ROCKS, baby!!]

Now, I'm just trying to face forward, and trust God for next steps. He knew I'd be here, so it seems best to let Him direct the way. ;-)

Much love to my peeps... I'll send advance notice when I'm about to begin blogging again!

Holla!

Hear It From Me...

2009-06-16T00:03:00.001-05:00

I had been contemplating on when I would write this post... and it seems like now is the best time. By now, many of you have heard that I stepped down a few weeks ago as Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church DC. So, I just wanted to post the letter that I read to the church... so that you guys hear it from me, and not through the grapevine:

This is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say… but, during a time of hurt/pain, weariness, and depression, I got caught up in sin for a short time. I have since repented of that sin, confessed it to God and to others, and have submitted myself to a handful of pastors/friends for accountability, next steps, and restoration. However, I do need to step away from ministry for a season… to work on pursuing health for myself and for my family. Therefore, effective today, I am resigning as the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church. The healing that needs to take place on all fronts is a long process, and therefore requires my not trying to lead a congregation in the midst of that.

I also need to ask your forgiveness. My decision to step down will cause a mega shift in your life, as far as church is concerned. “Pastor D” will no longer be your pastor. But please know that this entire situation is in the hand of God… as this is His church, He will continue to set the course and lead the way. Continue to trust Him, continue to give yourselves to Him and to this ministry, regardless of who is leading from up front.

I love you with all my heart. I will never forget you. This may end our ministry together for at time, but hopefully not our friendship.

Please keep me in your prayers,

Darren

Please understand that I have been as publicly transparent as possible, while still trying to preserve and protect the privacy of my family. I have made full disclosure with the band of pastors walking with me, as well as our denominational leadership. I have not hidden anything. However, please understand that this is not an easy situation... and, as such, I ask that you be very prayerful for my family and I during this season of healing.

God is getting us through this... His faithfulness has been amazing... and your prayers have been felt. Mosaic continues to go on... please keep the church in your prayers, as well.

Thank you so much.

Darren

Stay Tuned...

2009-06-09T21:55:00.002-05:00

Hey, folks...

I know I haven't blogged in awhile... and, even when I have, lately it's been sporadic at best. But I'm coming back... sooner than later! Mega transitions, shifts in focus (for the good), and some much needed time off has kept me away... but I look forward to returning. ;-)

Keep D-Plum in your prayers... God is good. :)

DP

Show and Tell Commitment

2009-05-21T00:20:00.007-05:00

I don't know about you, but sometimes I'm not a very trusting person. It really takes alot for me to trust... because I've been let down by so many people over my lifetime. And trust, once broken, is not an easy thing to re-establish.

In human relationships, in order to trust a person's commitment to us, we really need more than their word that they "will be there" for us, especially if the history between us just isn't that extensive. Or, I can promise you something, but unless you see some hope of commitment, you'll always be a little skeptical. Words simply aren't enough...

During my early years of elementary school, we used to have a time called "Show & Tell", where you were allowed to bring in a toy or gift or something, and talk about it: when did you get it? Who bought it? Where is it from? Why is it special? Now, if you didn't have your toy with you on your day to share, then you lost your share time... because it's ONE thing to talk about your toy... quite another thing for your fellow classmates to be able to SEE IT. Because when I see what it is you're describing, I can put 2 + 2 together; I have more than just an idea of what you're talking about; what you say and what I see go hand in hand.

Sometimes we think it's enough to just say how we feel in our commitments to one another; showing it is irrelevant. But what is true of toys is true of people: I KNOW what you mean, by adding together what you say and what I see. If the two are incongruent, then ambiguity is the result... I don't really know that you mean what you say.

Not even God "says" without "showing"... He puts the two together, you know. The Bible says, "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for our sins..." (Rom. 5:8). Real commitment has proof... because words sometimes just aren't enough. And that's not all... Jesus died for us, so that we can have eternal life. He gave us His word that we can live forever... and then He rose from the dead!! Jesus' resurrection showed that we can take Him at His word!

Show and tell commitment... words sometimes just aren't enough.

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-05-03T22:15:00.003-05:00

* Good nite tonight... Steve Layne did an awesome job! Hit the nail on the head, he did... the guy's a phenomenal preacher! Great way to celebrate TWO YEARS OF MINISTRY: Steve spoke from Joshua 1... BACK TO THE FUTURE - looking back on the blessings of God, but moving forward to what He has in store for us! Look back, but don't stay behind!

* Thought the worship was good... man, I am DRAINED, though! FOUR MONTHS of double duty has really taken it's toll. Pastor D is depleted... for real. I'll be taking it relatively easy over the next few weeks, though. Guest speakers coming in... hopefully, guest musicians, too! Great to know there are guys connected to me who love this ministry and want to help out!

* My friend Shawn McBride was in the house tonighte... what an encourager! He's a BIG PROPONENT of churches loving hard on their pastor (and no... I didn't tell him to say ANY OF THAT, lol!) So, he came up and gave a few words and a "brief" challenge to the church... good stuf, Pastor Shawn! And Mosaic... you guys STEPPED UP WELL!!! Good gracious modacious! Thank you SO MUCH for being so generous! What Shawn said was true... Pastors are human, too, and need to sometimes see/hear/feel love from their people. You showed that today... thank you.

* Well, I will be taking a MUCH NEEDED blog break... I shall return soon in a week... or two. ;-)

2 Years

2009-05-01T09:26:00.003-05:00

Can't believe Mosaic DC has reached the 2-year mark... this has been an incredible journey. They say the first two years of a new church is the toughest... if you can make it through that time intact (key word), you will probably have set a good foundation for the next several years.

This Sunday, Pastor Steve Layne of New Life Fellowship will be our guest speaker... incredible communicator, and very passionate about the God he worships. Prepare for an exciting Word!!

To friends of all over: keep praying for Mosaic! 2 down... hopefully, many more to come!

I love all of you from my heart...

Pastor D

Sunday Nite Speak

2009-04-26T23:57:00.004-05:00

* Tonight was a good nite... a very apropo message on temptation. Very CONVICTING message (for me), and seemed to really touch several people.

* Why do so many of us take paths we KNOW are wrong... get to the destination we KNEW we'd get to... and WONDER HOW WE GOT THERE? But we should've seen it coming from a mile away!

* Proverbs 27:12 has totally rocked my world!!!

*One of the most important things to understand about temptation is that it's much more than what we just see in front of us!

* BIG UPS to Brian and Christina... two UMD students who've been coming regularly to Mosaic DC for the last month. Christina became a Christ-follower last year, and Brian just started following Jesus last month! They both were baptized this morning at Christina's home church in Belair, MD!! YAY, GOD!!! :-) Keep rockin' it guys... I'm proud of you!

* Speaking of BIG UPS: a MAJOR SHOUT-OUT to my man Darrius Heyward-Bey, wide receiver from UMD who got drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the first round (7TH PICK!!) of the NFL Draft! That's HUGE!! Proud of you, D!! Just remember us little people (especially Pastor D, lol!) :-D

* Got to see my good friend Savannah tonight... who bought out a friend she recently met while working out. Said she thought Mosaic would be a great fit for her... her friend seems to think so, too... Now, that is TOTALLY awesome when people who aren't even members or attenders of your church are pointing people to your church! YAY, GOD!!!!

* My Cowboys didn't make a huge splash in the draft, at least not in the first two rounds. But, holy moley!! They ended up with 12 picks, which is the MOST in the NFL since 1994, when the draft expanded to seven rounds. Dallas stockpiled on picks who could make an immediate impact on the special teams. Most fans aren't excited... but I think this was an excellent draft for them!!

* Okay... so next Sunday marks MOSAIC DC's 2-yr Anniversary!!!! YAY, GOD!!!!!! Wow... this time has gone by really fast! My good friend Professor/Pastor Steve Layne will be our guest preacher... I am SO LOOKING FORWARD to that!!!! We're not having a major celebration this year... but would love to see you if you're not doing anything at 5:30 this coming Sunday, May 3.

* OMG(osh), I will be 41 next week... I'm getting ancient!

Tuesday Thoughts...

2009-04-21T00:38:00.002-05:00

* I really love our gatherings at Mosaic DC... our people are cool, alot of Univ. of MD students... but also non-students, as well. I love how God is growing our community, bringing along people of different racial/ethnic/spiritual backgrounds than what we launched with (TOTALLY awesome)!

* Doing WAY too much these days... my own fault. Things will be changing soon, over the next couple of months... leaders are stepping up and stepping out... and that's a sweet thing.

* Giving a lot of thought to the WHO, WHEN, and WHERE for our next church plant... gonna be interesting to see what God has planned for us!

* I have a handful of REALLY STRATEGIC meetings this week, starting this morning... could use your prayers! ''* Loving this series on James! I can see why some guys like to teach VERSE BY VERSE through Bible books... you really want people to get every nook and cranny of that book! For us, though, there's SO MUCH we need to cover... verse by verse "exposition" (at least, through whole books) would keep us from getting to all that we need to. However, I do want to do more book studies... to date, this is the second one we've done (did Ruth last year). Any suggestions for our next one? :-)

* Wondering if the Cowboys have any "tricks" up their sleeve for this weekend's draft...

* Just got the DVD's from Fellowship's C3 Conference back in February... can't wait to see them!

* Just heard this guy on ESPN comparing Manny Ramirez to Ted Williams! As much as I like Manny... ummmm... NOT! :-)

* QUESTION (for individuals and churches): If you moved out of your neighborhood, 1) would you be missed? 2) What would you be remembered for?

God Our Provider

2009-04-15T00:21:00.004-05:00

My Pastor, Bernard Fuller (Sr. Pastor of New Song Bible Fellowship Church), always told me, "Where God guides, He also provides." That has been a mantra for me, my family, and my ministry for many years... and God has never proven us wrong.

12 years ago, my family and I relocated to Atlanta, GA where I took a position at a Bible College... as well as being a full-time student there so I could finish my degree. The first 18 months were rough, to say the least... promises had been broken, and we were trying to make do on $500 a month ($350 was our car note... $150 was car insurance... you do the math). CRAZY!!!! But God was ALWAYS faithful!! Through speaking engagements, music engagements, and gifts from friends, we were able to make it until God brought in steadier income for us. We learned to trust Him... and stay up under the adversity until He moved. Hard lessons were learned... but they were also GOOD lessons, because they taught us more about Him.

Recently, the church that sponsored Mosaic's startup suffered a church split. We hadn't come out of that church, but they believed in the vision God gave us and were more than willing to partner with us. But not only would the split cause the church problems, it was going to take a toll on us... they were covering roughly 25% of our salary! But there was no worry, no anxiety, no discouragement on our part... because where God guides, He also provides... He'd done it before, He'd do it again! So, after praying, we sent out support letters to a handful of churches and just a couple of individuals... all whom had already been praying for us and encouraging us along this journey. And the response has been awesome! In just a little over 2 weeks, we've received commitments to almost cover that shortage... with more commitments to come! YAY, GOD!!!

Praise God, who ALWAYS shows Himself strong on behalf of those who trust Him (2 Chron. 16:9)... WHERE GOD GUIDES, HE ALSO PROVIDES!!

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-04-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

* Awesome Easter gathering tonight! A different spin on Easter, I think... :-)
* We started our Journey Thru James series tonight, with the first message from chapter 1, verses 2-4... how God grows us through adversity. We can expect "dark days" as part of this fallen world... but we're to have the right perspective in the midst of the difficulty, understand the purpose of the difficulty(endurance/spiritual toughness), and hold onto the promise that going through difficulty brings (maturity).
* Also, the promise is solidified for us because of Jesus' resurrection! He endured the darkest night ever, and came through victorious... and our hope is that we will overcome, as well! The resurrection gives us hope that what we see is not all there is... a day is coming when we will be totally and forever transformed, and free from adversity!
* We had a couple this evening who were guests... and they both had the same first name and last name! That was pretty neat! (I told them I wouldn't post their names... but just think: what if you met a couple, and the wife said, "Hello... I'm Gail! And this is my husband, Gail!" I'm tellin you, that is so cool!!)
* My oldest son heard me preach tonight for the first time in a long time... and it was even longer since he heard me lead worship. He ran up to me after the gathering, and said, "Dad! You were awesome tonight!!" Yeah... I think I'll keep him. :-) Now, I'm blushing and turning purple...
* Okay... totally wasted tonight... will have to post somemore a little later!

Journey Through James!

2009-04-10T01:27:00.003-05:00

Can't wait til Sunday... we begin our Journey Through James message series, ON EASTER SUNDAY! "What," you may ask, "does James have to do with the Resurrection?"

You'll have to come out and see. ;-)

But I'm looking forward to it... I love teaching through books of the Bible; and James gives us quite the portrait of what real Christianity looks like: how to deal with temptation, how to handle our tongues, having real faith, not showing favoritism, prayer that moves God, humility... an array of issues that need to be addressed in our lives!

So, hopefully you'll make it out... this Sunday. Eat with your fam... and then bring them to Mosaic's gathering... let's hang out and hear what Jesus has to say to us through his brother, James! ;-)

Speaking at Campus Crusade-UMD tonight!

2009-04-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Looking forward to being with my CRU peeps tonight for their large group gathering! They've been going through the Sermon On the Mount, so I'll be closing that out for them.

I absolutely LOVE impacting the lives of college students! There's nothing like seeing the lightbulb come on, and watching them develop into mature Christ-followers. I was 21 and a student at UMD when I became serious about following Jesus. I fellow student challenged me about the way I was living, and I was so impressed with his life that I began spending more and more time with him... and the next semester found myself enrolled in Bible college!

Students are "ripe" because their entire lives are ahead of them... they want to be inspired to live great lives, dream great dreams, and give themselves to something that's BIGGER THAN THEM... what better venture to point them to than the Kingdom of God???

Do I Trust you??

2009-04-08T01:00:00.003-05:00

"Why does everything have to go !through him?"

"I know this area of ministry better than he does "

Before I began pastoring, I had an issue with pastors who wanted to "control everything." Now that I'm a pastor, I think I understand why pastors get such a dogged reputation.

First, let me say... some pastors really are control freaks, and they need to grow up! BUT... sometimes what appears to be a control issue is not - it's a trust issue. Okay, all together... "Hmmmmmm." Yup, a TRUST issue. And rightfully so! Just because you're leading in that ministry doesn't mean you get to do whatever it is you want to, simply because you're the leader. No, you have to prove yourself first. "What do I have to prove?" Well, for starters, are you loyal to the ministry, as well as the Lead Pastor? Before a pastor gives you "free reign", he's gonna want to know that you have the best interest at heart for the ministry. This is huge (and necessary), because some people will bet the farm, because they know the consequences of losing it won't fall on their head. They don't own the ministry... therefore, they have nothing at all to lose!

Also, do you do whatever is necessary to secure a win for the team? In other words, if you're haphazard in the little details and follow-thru, there's NO WAY the pastor will trust you "go for it" without wanting to see the "final draft before gameday!" But when it's clear that you have the ministry's best interest at heart, you work hard at helping the church fulfill it's vision/mission, and you can be counted on to be faithful... you're an incredible asset to the team, because the pastor can rest, knowing you have "your stuff" taken care of!

Tuesday Thoughts...

2009-04-07T05:05:00.000-05:00

* Went out with Keda Sunday after our Gathering, and had a fund-raising trip today to the Eastern Shore (Maryland)... so, I'm just getting a chance to blog about the weekend!
* The Praise & Prayer Gathering was off the chain Sunday nite! We definitely went a little long, but it was evident that God "was in the place!"
* Had a full band Sunday... great to have people you can count on!

* Worship set:

- Your Grace is Enough
- O Praise Him
- Everlasting God
- From the Inside Out
- Friend of God
- Saving Grace

* We opened up the "altar" for people to come and pray during the song From the Inside Out... something we normally don't do... but it was powerful!! It was a time of confession and repentance, intercession, supplication... just a time of pouring out our hearts to God. We definitely need to have corporate prayer times included more often in our gatherings!
* We incorporated more musicians Sunday nite...Brandy, Megan, and Claudia, you guys were tremendous!
* Kudos to our band: Jose (the BEAST on drums), Daniel (Mr. Keys), Robert (The Fiddler under our roof), Brandy/Megan (WOMEN bassists... yeah, baby!!)... and Jason (GuitarMan). You guys blended really well... THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!!! ;-)
* Can't thank Rick Elder enough for filling in for me Sunday... I gave him only 20 minutes, and then made him rush! :) But he did a good job, and Mosaic will look forward to him speaking again! Thanks, buddy!
* More new faces in the crowd... YAY, GOD!! It's always great to see new attenders bringing their friends!
* Pray for decent weather to be able to do some breakfast bar outreaches this week!

Taking a Break...

2009-04-02T00:46:00.000-05:00

Looking forward to taking a "preaching break" this coming Sunday. We're having a Praise & Prayer worship gathering, and Rick Elder - a friend of mine and fellow minister to the college students at UMD - will be bringing a short message. Rick is a graduate of Washington Bible College and Capital Bible Seminary, and is making an impact on the campus through his prayer ministry. He current prays daily for over 700 student athletes, and holds Bible studies for them as well. He's a frequent attender of our worship gatherings at Mosaic DC, and we're looking forward to hearing God speak through him!

I'll still be leading the worship, so I'm actually getting 1/2 a break! :)

Perry on Piper

2009-04-01T01:50:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers... on how he feels about one of the greatest authors and theologians of today.

Perry vs. Piper...

Steel-cage match of the century!!!! Click HERE to see!

p.s. Aw, don't lose your toupee or wig; it's not what you think... ;-)

Created for Connection

2009-03-31T01:36:00.004-05:00

I'm reading slowly... very slowly... through Erwin McManus' Soul Cravings again. He's such a profound writer... he says things we already know to be true, and in amazingly simple... yet profound... ways.

I love this quote from the book:

"Why is it so hard to move from 'me' to 'us'? In our guts we know we're not supposed to live simply for ourselves... Our need for relationship comes from the core of our being. It would be the greatest of tragedies to sacrifice others in the effort to find ourselves. Our souls crave to belong. The experience of love, though it emanates from God, is not limited to him.

We are created for each other."

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-03-29T21:10:00.005-05:00

* Great night tonight at the Gathering!
* Saw a bunch of new faces in the crowd... YAY, God!
* We had a "miniband" tonight: guitar, bass, drums, vocals... but we rocked it (or so I was told)! God is amazing!! Robert, Jose, and Brandy... you guys KICKED it tonight! I appreciate so much working with you... you make my job alot easier (prob'ly b/c I make yours so much harder, lol)! Love you guys...

* Worship Set:
- Here is Our King (Crowder)
- Run (Hillsong)
- Everything Glorious (Crowder)
- Enough (Tomlin)
- Amazed (Brewster)

* Hey, this coming Sunday... tell all your friends... we're having a special praise, prayer & celebration service. There wll be MUSIC... we will WORSHIP... we will PRAY... we have hear what God is doing in the lives of others... and we will CELEBRATE! We have a GREAT KING who is worthy of our praise and adoration... and we're gonna do that like we've lost our minds! :-)
* If that last entry "scared" some of you... don't be alarmed, but answer this question: why is it that we can get loud and crazy at a sporting event, but we SIT QUIETLY on Jesus? I don't know, I'm just wondering!! ;-)
* Well, EXTREME is now over... finished the series tonight, with Extreme Satisfaction... from John 7:37-39. AWESOME TIME!!
* Even when we allow our souls to become dry and parched, the Fountain of Living Water makes Himself available to us... without price... and we can drink to the FULL!! That's just too freakin' awesome for words...
* Breakfast bar metro outreach... people are getting excited about it... got another email from someone wanting to get involved! YAAY, GOD!
* Almost teared up when Dennis Rodman got the axe on Celebrity Apprentice... Christ came to redeem men and women like Dennis, and the Church should be passionate about reaching them! The question is, "Are we??"

Strong Leaders Multiply!

2009-03-27T02:15:00.007-05:00

I love leadership. Everything about it... the influence, the responsibility, the pressure, the leverage, the drawbacks... you name it, I love it. Not all of it is pretty, mind you... and it's not always fun... but I love it just the same. And one of the things I love the most is seeing leaders multiply themselves: taking the initiative and the time to invest in budding and growing leaders... imparting and infusing them with their own DNA, and watching them grow and develop into reproducing leaders themselves. This isn't easy, and it takes alot of time. But one of the things I've become more and more convinced of is that strong leaders multiply themselves... over and over... and over again.

Strong leaders go beyond influence: they're not just influencers... they're multipliers! They don't just look for opportunities to teach... they want to train. They're not satisfied with just being promoted... they long to position themselves in others' lives, so as to help them develop, and then deploy them into service.

Strong leaders multiply themselves.

This is never the exception to the rule... it IS the rule! I'm committed to developing a staff at Mosaic DC of proven multipliers... no matter WHAT a person's influence may seem to be, if they're not reproducing themselves and multiplying Kingdom growth their ability to lead at a high level will never reach maximum level...

... because strong leaders multiply themselves.

And because they love multiplication so much... because of their heart's desire to see mega Kingdom growth... they not only influence, but they INVITE! They recognize that, even if they aren't positioned to invest in all the people around them, they can at least invite them to the party... and maybe other Kingdom-builders will have opportunities to invest in those persons where they couldn't!

Strong leaders multiply themselves... and they create opportunities for Kingdom growth.

This is what strong leaders do. No exceptions.

Be Kind!

2009-03-25T03:46:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I challenged our people to be intentional and creative in finding someone to show a random act of God's kindness to. "What's God's kindness," you ask?" Well, that's the kindness that attaches itself to a person for no good reason... it's unconditional, undeserving, and the person is totally unable to pay back what is given.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to give a stranger a ride (not saying I recommend you doing the same)... and, at first, I really didn't want to do it. I was sorta in a rush... places to go, things to do, you know the deal... but I said, "Aw, what the heck! Besides, I'm supposed to be trying to be nice!" (Unfortunately, I didn't have a smile on my face).

Well, Phillip (the dude's name) began to tell me his story... how he'd lost his apartment, job, and car recently, and is just trying to find a job to keep his head above water. He told me about how he'd gotten away from the Lord... not fully trusting Him, especially in the present during this huge crunch. Then, in the 5 minutes that he rode with me, he listened as I shared Scripture (and some food) with him and just tried to minister to him in the power of the Spirit. Phillip went away SUPER EXCITED, with some food in his stomach, and some information about some church in College Park that he's interested in checking out!

Okay... I know someone out there has a "Kindness Story" to share... come on wit it! ;-)

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-03-22T21:01:00.003-05:00

* Today TOTALLY ROCKED!!!
* I preached this morning for my buddy and former professor, Steve Layne, at the church where he pastors, Life Church. It's always an honor to preach there, because I know the type of preaching those people are used to. Steve is one of the sharpest, most effective teachers I have ever met. He's not even 40, and has been a Bible professor for longer than I have been in ministry. AND... he's cool. ;-)
* It was great seeing some good friends at Life, as well. Walter and Annette, Marcus and Ebony... you're in a great place, with a pastor who's the Dude of dudes! ;-)
* Had an awesome time at the Gathering at Mosaic DC tonight... my church is bangin, man!
* Three up, one to go... we're almost finished the EXTREME series... if you haven't made it out yet, you need to come through THIS WEEKEND! Let's PACK THE HOUSE Sunday... friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, aliens from another planet... LET'S END THE SERIES WITH A BLAST!!
* Thought the worship went really well tonight! The band has been doing an awesome job, with really only minimal practice because of everyone's schedule. Here was the set for tonight:

- O Praise Him, Crowder
- Run, Hillsong
- Everlasting God, Tomlin
- From the Inside Out, Hillsong

* Tonight's message was a little difficult for me... not sure why. We talked about Extreme Kindness, and looked at 2 Samuel 9, from the account with David and Mephibosheth. It's a beautiful depiction of "extreme kindness/grace" shown to a totally underving (and unexpecting) person... and mirrors the love and kindness shown to us by our awesome God.
* I think I got the point across tonight... but one thing I've learned from my man Francis Chan is to be transparent when preaching: if you don't have the thing worked totally out... but you know you're being obedient in preaching it anyway... be honest. Tell your people. "Hey, I'm still working through this... but I'm expecting God to show up tonight anyway." And He did! In spite of me, He did. And I love it when He does that. :)
*
* My man Steven Furtick had a GREAT POST about the difference between FRIENDS and fans. I've been talking about this for some time now... there's a huge difference between people who love you for you, and those who love you for what you do. Honestly, we need both... but when things get THICK, I want a friend that I can count on.
* Well, that's it for now... until later,

Pastor D

Coming Up This Weekend...

2009-03-20T03:00:00.001-05:00

Okay... so today, we're hitting the College Park metro station again... passing out the free breakfast bars... looking forward to that! In fact, if it's after 9am Eastern time, we're already done! :) I used to dread going out, because... inevitably... lots of people will say "no", and I hate rejection. But, it's not about me, but about 1) showing people God's love in a very tangible way... as well as 2) creating opportunities for people to hear a potentially life-changing message! And there are many who take the bars... and some will make their way to Mosaic. And that's exciting!!

On Sunday morning, I'll be speaking at Life Church, pastored by my good friend and former professor, Steve Layne. If you're in the Upper Marlboro area, and you're free at 11am, come on thru! ;-)

Sunday night at The Gathering @ Mosaic DC, we'll be continuing our message series EXTREME, with a message entitled Extreme Kindness: Portrait of a Grace Case. CAN'T WAIT!!!!! Spring Break will be over... I'll be there... Jesus will be there... will you be there?? :-)

Monday Mind Dump...

2009-03-16T03:21:00.004-05:00

* Great time at the Gathering last night!
* One of the most exciting things, for me, is to see newer attenders bringing their friends! That is just freaking amazing to me!
* We continued our EXTREME series with EXTREME DEVOTION: Profile of the Obsessed. I stole the sub-title from a chapter of Francis Chan's book... and we looked at one of the most "Jesus-obsessed" people we see in the Scripts: Mary of Bethany. She's my mentor when it comes to devotion to Christ... I learn alot from her (she really is a beast... see also this passage)
* One of the things I like most about Mary's example is that she teaches us to choose WHAT'S BEST over WHAT'S LESS. That's not just a "catchy phrase"... some of us tend to make a habit of settling for less than God's best in our lives, and end up wondering why we're always in crisis mode! Mary demonstrated in reality what this guy did in one of Jesus' stories... I love it!!!!
* One of our college students gave her life to Christ at last week's gathering... and she came back out last night, all the way from Baltimore... even though she's on Spring Break! She's becoming obsessed with Jesus... and I love it!!!
* Worship was good last night, too... here's the set:

- Your Grace is Enough (Tomlin)
- Let God Arise (Tomlin)
- God You Reign (Brewster)
- Amazed (Brewster)

* Yes... I'm a Chris Tomlin and Lincoln Brewster junkie. :)
* The band continues to do an amazing job with limited rehearsal time... you guys make me proud week in & week out!!
* Over the last month or so, we've had a number of deaths of family members of our Mosaic crew... remember those who are still hurting from the loss of loved ones.
* Even in the midst of sadness, though, God tends to bring about joy... in the midst of death, God brings life... and we're excited for Malcolm and Crystal Ceasar, who brought Myles Xavier into the world on yesterday!! YAY, GOD!!! Keep MC and Crystal in your prayers, as they adjust to their new addition! :)
* Yesterday was time for another celebration, as my mom celebrated her 65th birthday! Yay, God!!
* Be praying for Kelly Woody, our Mosaic staffer who is over in Malawi, Africa until next month, working with True Love Waits, Intl. Pray for her success in ministering to the people there, as well as helping out with leadership development.
* We'll be gearing up for another baptism next month... if you're interested, please contact Pastor D soon! Or let your Connection Group leader know, and they'll get the information to the right place...
* Next Sunday night: EXTREME KINDNESS - YOU DON'T WANNA MISS THIS!! If the first two messages have rocked your socks at all, this will leave you shoeless!! (I'm not really sure at all why I just wrote that, but it sounded good, lol!) But seriously...don't miss this and don't come alone! Take a friend out to an early dinner, and then bring them to the Gathering!
* Challenge for the day: practice choosing WHAT'S BEST over WHAT'S LESS... don't settle for less than God's best in your life today!

Free Breakfast Anyone?

2009-03-11T23:46:00.005-05:00

There were five of us this morning at the College Park metro station, passing out free Nutri-grain breakfast bars... we got started later than I normally like (around 8:15a), but we accomplished quite a bit: probably passed out around 250 bars in 30-40 minutes! Tomorrow, though, we're getting started around 7am, and we should be able to more than double that number! Of course, the good thing is that we also get to put our new EXTREME message series impact cards in their hands, as well.

Please pray for every breakfast bar handed out, that God would impress upon the heart's of the people to read our card... and compel them to pay Mosaic a visit! ;-)

Don't Overlook What You Already Have!

2009-03-09T23:20:00.004-05:00

"What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?" "Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil," she replied (2 Kings 4:2).

One night a couple of summers ago, I heard a humongously loud (it seemed to me at the time) chirping noise... not the bird kind, but the CRICKET kind... somewhere in my living room. Everyone else was asleep, and I didn't want to wake anybody by being loud, but I knew I had to find this bug... it was driving me CRAZY!

[SIDEBAR: Right now, somebody's rolling their eyes saying, "Yeah, SQUASH 'im... I HATE it when that happens!" You're feelin' my pain, and I appreciate it.]

So, I'm looking for this little "trumpeter"... he was REALLY loud... but I couldn't find him. In fact, I was looking DIRECTLY at the spot where the sound was coming from, and there was no bug!! Or, at least, that's what I thought. All of a sudden, I caught a slight movement of something... looked a little closer... and there it was: THE TINIEST CRICKET I'D EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!! As much as I was searching for it, I couldn't see it... because it was so small!

You know, some of us are searching... desperately... for some answer, some method, some new skill or training, some new whatever, in order to propel our ministry (or life, or dream, or business) to new heights. We're looking all over the place... becoming frustrated and fed up... because that thing we're looking for - whatever it is, we really don't know - seems so elusive. I've got news for you: you already have it. You do... you just haven't discovered it. And maybe it's because you're looking for something that's BIG and NOTICEABLE... but maybe the thing is so small, you've never paid much attention to it... maybe you see it as pretty much nothing, "except a flask of olive oil."

The olive oil didn't seem like much to the widow... yet, God would take that little bit of oil and multiply it... and it would - literally - propel her into a new level of living! God WANTS to do the impossible through us... but He's asking us, "What's in your house??" He never calls us without giving us what we need in order for Him to fulfill His purpose through us... we just have to discover "our olive oil"... begin to use it... and watch Him multiply it... ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Okay... so, take a minute or two or five, and answer that question: WHAT... IS... IN... YOUR... HOUSE?

Sunday Nite Speak

2009-03-08T20:24:00.005-05:00

* Ok... we had a great service tonight. Loved the vibe!
* I... LOVE... OUR... BAND!! Really... they're not professional musicians... but they give their all, and I love it. Great chemisty... and great sound. But, I'm biased. ;-)

* Worship set for tonight:

- I Will Remember You... Brenton Brown
- Your Grace is Enough... Chris Tomlin
- God You Reign... Lincoln Brewster
- Lord You Have My Heart... Delirious

* Started our new message series, EXTREME, with a message on Extreme Faith... from 2 Kings 4.1-7. Had a great time... very engaging tonight (maybe props helped, lol).
* I was mega convicted as I message prepped this past week... will share over the next couple of days.
* Told the congregation tonight about something I'm believing God for (about Mosaic)... took a HUGE faith step in sharing it. Might get laughed out of town at the end of the year. :) But I don't care... sink or swim for me, baby! And don't worry... I'll fill you in soon. ;-)
* We had a person make a commitment to follow Jesus tonight... YAY, GOD!!! :)
* BIG UPS to Brandy Stewart (bass/vocals) and Daniel Park (keys) for helping out. We'll be seeing more of them... as well as some new faces on the stages before the end of the month, hopefully! Anybody care to guess? ;-)
* Hoping the weather will be favorable this week... we're picking back up with our Metro Outreach, handing out free breakfast bars to people headed in to work! I look forward to seeing some of you out there with me this week... Wed & Thurs 7:15-8:30am at the College Park station (in front of the steps leading down to the train). Oh... we usually do breakfast afterwards, for those who can hang. No pressure. ;-)
* It seems like it was just yesterday that I knew every person at Mosaic... more and more, I'm getting names wrong, and confusing faces... but that's all good - shows that we're growing. And that's an awesome thing! ;-)

Fill 'Er Up!!

2009-03-06T02:07:00.004-05:00

I'm totally convinced that God wants more from our lives than He's presently getting. And I'm not talking about serving Him, although He may not be getting a great investment in that area, either. But I'm talking about the type of lives we're living: our we living life to its fullest? Our we living out our God-given purpose? Do we even know what our purpose is??

Too often we're content to settle for a "settle for" life, when God wants us to have a life of promise and provision. And not just in the sense of material things, but spiritually and emotionally, as well!

One of the greatest things I'm learning is that God wants more for us than we can ever imagine: He says to us, "Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it!" (Psalm 81:10) He's the God of provision... He's the God of satisfaction... He's the God who fills us in our emptyness...

... and He fills us with something we can never, ever get enough of...

... He fills us with Himself!

Starting Point Groups at Mosaic!

2009-03-05T00:15:00.003-05:00

One of our "catch phrases" at Mosaic DC is that we're "connecting people to God and to one another." We are very intentional in living that out... and we put a strong emphasis on being in Connection Groups, which are groups of usually 6-8 people (give or take a couple) that meet together regularly to study the Bible, pray... and have fun (big component). But the emphasis is on connection... and we can't be rightly connected to each other unless we're first rightly connected to God.

So, this year we kicked off for the first time, our Starting Point Connection Group... a place where seekers, starters, and returners can come together and ask questions in a safe environment. Everybody has to begin somewhere... we all have a starting point... and we all have a story. Our story is part of a larger story... and our starting point is understanding where we fit within that larger framework: seeing our story as part of God's bigger story!

If you've been attending Mosaic (or you're just starting to attend, or you would like to start attending), and Starting Point seems like a good "on ramp" for you to get connected... send us an email at info@mosaicland.org, and we'll get you on your way!

This could be YOUR starting point! ;-)

EXTREME!!

2009-03-04T00:27:00.004-05:00

So, I've been really thinking about how easy it is to become complacent in following Jesus... how easy it is to "just do" the church thing. Have you ever been going along, and it just HITS you... like somebody clocked you with a beanbag or a balled up sock or something... you just get it: there's got to be MORE THAN THIS! Life is too predictable, too much of the same ol' same ol'... and you KNOW that it's not supposed to be this way...

I believe with all my heart that God wants to shake our foundations, rattle our cages, and spur us on to a life we've only before imagined! Yet, that life we've thought about... that life from which we've shrugged our shoulders and walked away... THAT life... CAN BE OURS! It just takes a new perspective...

... a new way of looking at ourselves...
... and a new way of looking at God.

It will change the way we THINK... it will change the way we LIVE... and it will most definitely have a major impact on our relationships! Some people will call the way we live extreme... and they're right! It's an extreme life...

... and an extremely freeing life...
... and it's what God wants for you... and for me.

EXTREME!!! Don't miss it... beginning this Sunday @ 5:30!!!

What Are You Reading?

2009-03-03T03:56:00.004-05:00

I try to pass on good books to my Mosaic peeps and my friends/family, as much as I can... so here's what I'm working through now:

1. Deliberate Simplicity - Dave Browning

2. Sticky Church - Larry Osborne

3. Simple Small Groups - Bill Search

4. Activate - Nelson Searcy

5. Why We Make Mistakes - Joseph T. Hallinan

6. The Monkey and the Fish - Dave Gibbons

What about you... what are you reading?

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-03-01T21:41:00.004-05:00

* GREAT service tonight... we were up over 100 people...YAY, GOD!!
* Had 5 people baptized... and the church went berserk (after a little coaching, lol) after each one came out of the water! It was AWESOME tonight!
* One of the guys baptized even invited his teacher out!!
* Thought the worship was pretty good... could always be better (but I'm pretty hard on myself). Here was the set:

- Beautiful One (By the Tree)
- I Will Remember You (Brenton Brown)
- Everything Glorious (Crowder)
- From the Inside Out (Hillsong)

* Short message tonight, with all the baptisms... just a very clear presentation of the gospel... a simple lifting up of Jesus!! And I believe He was honored BIG time!
* Romans 3:21-24 rocked my world this entire week! Not that I didn't know it before... I did. But, just reflecting on what John Piper said about it being the most important passage in Scripture, just gave me a deep-seated passion to really highlight that tonight. If man's greatest problem is that he isn't right with God because of sin, then wherever the answer is to that problem might be of the utmost importance, right? I would think so! Thus, this passage... and, man... it rocked my world!!
* Our newest worship team edition, Brandy Stewart, led Hillsong's At the Cross before the message... GREAT JOB! Brandy (who is also a student teacher for my son Shawn's class) is helping us a couple times a month. She actually leads worship at a church in No. Virginia... but I'm praying, lol! ;-)
* Tonight really was a fitting finish (try saying that 10x's fast!) to my crazy week!
* Saw He's Just Not That Into You last night... THAT (no laughing!) was an awesome movie! My sis-in-law, who's my movie buddy, says that it made women look pathetic... idk about that, but it was good. I could definitely see that again (I said, no laughing!!)
* Can't wait to see The Watchmen on Friday nite!! Hoping to go with some Mosaic peeps... should be good times!
* Ok... next Sunday, we start our EXTREME message series... stay tuned this week for more details! ;-)

Even a Caveman Would Get This...

2009-02-27T10:13:00.006-05:00

Have you ever prayed that God would "make His will clear" to you? Have you ever wondered, "What does God want from me?" I've prayed that at times... and have pondered at times why things aren't a little more clear... then at least I'd know which direction to head. That's normal (and, btw, God does make His will clear to us... He doesn't play "Let's keep 'em in the dark!" games)

But there are some times, when we read a verse or passage of Scripture... and God speaks to us as though through a trumpet!!! There are alot of passages in the Bible where we don't have to ask ourselves, "What does this mean? What does God want me to do with this?" We read the passage, are wow'd by it's clarity and conviction, decide to look for another passage to read, and... almost instantaneously... the Holy Spirit says, "Don't even try it... you know what this is about." (Haha! I just LOL'd when I read what I wrote... but isn't it true???)

That's how THIS PASSAGE hit me... it is SO CLEAR... God says, "Wanna know my will? Here you go! Chew on this!"

There are some things that we just don't have to pray about. Clear... as crystal. Some things really are simply black and white.

This is one.

Ponder on that passage... chew on it. Then read this... and this. And you tell me: What does God want?

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-02-22T21:56:00.006-05:00

* Okay, short post (hopefully) tonight!

* Pretty decent worship gathering... some new faces!

* Also had two new faces in our band! Brandy (bass) and Daniel (keys), nice to have you both tonight!

* Worship Set:

- Everyday (Hillsong)

- Blessed Be Your Name (Redman)- Everything Glorious (Crowder)
Grace Flows Down (Passion)

* Message: Risky Business... brought "closure" to the INFLUENCE series. Was supposed to finish a couple of weeks ago, but got sick.

* We had several commitments/recommitments tonight... YAY, GOD!

* A guy I met in a local grocery store almost 2 years ago made it out to church tonight... AND he brought a friend! They both said they'd be back next week! You never know what God will do with a seed given to Him!

* Next week, another baptism! Amped at what's happening... exciting times!

* Preached this morning in DC... tremendousy beat right now.

* Headed to bed... cya! ;-)

Hat Tricks

2009-02-20T10:53:00.006-05:00

Recently, I've had to take over some of the worship leading responsibilities at Mosaic... in addition to, of course, leading the church/preaching every week. At first, I thought it would be WAY too much, but it hasn't really been overwhelming... at least, not consistently so. In fact, it's been a rather pleasant and enjoyable experience!

This is somewhat surprising to me, simply because once I "hung up" my Worship Pastor hat, I thought that was pretty much a thing of the past... I really didn't like both leading worship/preaching in the same service. So, it's been mildly surprising that I've been actually looking forward to the times when I would lead at church. Some factors are: 1) I'm actually doing a style I love: a sort of "urban/rock", more or less (maybe more rock than urban, lol) and, 2) I haven't really had to be at the keyboard... having a band has been awesome. In my prior worship leading days, I always led from the piano.

So, for me - and for the church, as well - my taking over some of the responsibilities has been good. If nothing else, it's helping to reinforce the direction/flavor of our worship style, and preparing us for whoever the next Worship Leader will be. I just recently noticed that Gary Lamb has just taken over the teaching in the Student Ministry for Revolution Church... and he's enjoying it. I think maybe God is stretching us Lead Pastors to allow our churches... at least temporarily... to maximize our gifts for the greater good of the church and the Kingdom. My buddy Daniel Floyd encouraged me yesterday by reminding me that Steven Furtick led worship for Elevation Church until they were running around 700 in attendance!

Lead Pastors: Don't be afraid to oversee another crucial area of your ministry that might need YOU to breathe some fresh air into it! Definitely weigh the odds and don't neglect your fam... but if you see an area of the ministry that simply isn't where it needs to be... or there suddenly arises a hole that needs to be filled... God might be saying, "Right now, this hole is so big that it can only be filled by you!" Don't get me wrong... wearing two or more MAJOR hats for a Lead Pastor should be only a temporary thing; do it only until you can get that hole filled. And any hat you wear should fall under your strengths (not just something you feel you can do). It's time-consuming... and can only be done in God's strength... but, as long as He's holding us up, it can push the ministry - and God's Kingdom - forward in a major way!

American Idol '09!

2009-02-18T00:31:00.003-05:00

So, Idol's back... and so far, so good (for the most part). Still some shocking calls, but hey... this is reality TV, so...

But to this point... Danny Gokey is my favorite to win! Dude's got a GREAT voice, and owns every song! He's got some competition, but right now I think he's head and shoulders above the rest of the crew! Not only that... his story will wreck you!!

Danny's performance last night of Mariah Carey's Hero really rescued (pardon the pun) the event, as the previous 5 or 6 contestants had been busy stinking up the place.

[SIDEBAR: I think, by far, the absolute worst thing that one of the judges can say about a performance is that it is "irrelevant"!]

I know it's early... but so far Danny is the man!

Let the Bible Change Your Life! Pt. 3

2009-02-17T00:12:00.005-05:00

So far, I've given the first three P's of having our personal devotion time in the Bible in this post and also this one.

Here's the fourth one:

#4 - PRACTICE: Apply to your life what God has shown you in His Word. Living out the Scriptures is difficult for even the most mature Christian... but we will never experience life change if aren't intentional in putting into practice the things we are learning on a daily basis. James, the brother of Jesus, warns us to "be doers of the word, and not just hearers... otherwise we are only fooling ourselves" (Jam. 1:22).

Interestingly, the Greek word for "hearer" is a word from where we get our English word "auditor", one who doesn't fully participate... like a person who "audits" a class. That person only pays a portion of the tuition cost, is not accountable for doing homework or taking tests... they don't even have to show up to class! They're auditing... and they're only responsible for the information! What they do with it, is up to them!

James says, "Don't audit through what you're learning in the Bible! Fully participate! Get involved by putting the principles and precepts into practice! Because if you don't... you're only fooling yourself."

Be a DOER OF THE WORD... not just a hearer. Put the Word into practice...

...and watch it radically transform your life!

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-02-15T23:54:00.004-05:00

* Tonight was strange.
* First of all, we had TOO MUCH going on. My bad. Shoulda streamlined this week.
* Secondly, our worship wasn't where it normally is. That was my bad, too. We had a guest worship leader, but I should've communicated with him more about our environment/flavor.
* I'll be back leading next week. :-)
* Great baptism service, though! Justin's testimony was on point... and dude invited a rack of people!
* I think the message was clear and to the point: here's what baptism is, and here's why we do it. Who gets to get in the water... and why!!!
* In fact, it was SO clear, that I think someone got offended and left in the middle of the message! That was a FIRST for me... pretty sweet, I must say! :-)
* I really don't know what the couple left... but it was pretty much in the middle of me talking about what baptism is not... who doesn't get to get in the water!
* But, I also have to say, that even though I was clear... I think I was pretty graceful. Didn't "beat up" on Catholics... or even Presbyterians, lol! (JUST kidding, my Covenant friends!)
* We have another baptism in two weeks... that is just going to be OFF THE CHAIN!!!
* Can't wait to preach again next week... I love speaking to our people!
* I spoke this past Saturday morning at a Singles' Breakfast at The New Macedonia Baptist Church in DC... where Patrick Walker is the Senior Pastor. Rick (that's what his friends call him) is one of the best visionary leaders I've ever met... LOVE that guy! He entrusted me with his leaders, a couple of years ago, to come in for about a year and do some small group consulting (one of my passions) and we got their Small Groups Ministry off the ground... great to see them still flourishing!
* This coming Sunday morning, I speak at Central Union Baptist Church in DC... can't wait for that! Pastor James Lee and I went to Bible college together... he's a tremendous teacher and an awesome man of God. We're gonna have a great time together!
* The one thing I love about having evening services is that it gives me the opportunity to minister elsewhere at times... can't do it too often, because Mosaic is still my top priority... but it's good to be able to share with others, as well.
* Keda and I saw Taken last night... GREAT MOVIE, a must-see! ;-)
* We also ate at Carrabbas... omg(osh)! That food was off the chain!! Had never gone there before, but I'll definitely be visiting there again!
* Well, our Connection Groups are doing great... we've got almost 75% participation! That is SWEET! In a college town, it's hard (no matter what my friend Nelson Searcy says, lol) to get 100%, because the students are so busy on campus... and many have their own campus ministry groups they meet with. But seeing that the nat'l average for small group participation is somewhere around 30%, I ain't complaining! ;-)
* I had a great time this week down in Tampa/St. Petersburg with Nelson and the Sr. Pastors Coaching Network that he leads... good stuff, learning a lot... we'll be seeing the fruit from this for years to come, I'm sure!
* Nelson is a TREMENDOUS leader... if you're a pastor or church planter, and are not familiar with his ministry, you'll do yourself and your church a HUGE favor by checking him out here.
* Forgot to mention tonight: my main man Chris Li is leaving for CHINA this Tuesday!! He'll be studying there for 6-12 months... and we're gonna miss him BIGTIME! (not quite as much as his fiancee', I'm sure) Chris has been very active with the Media Ministry, and is a budding leader. PLEASE PRAY FOR SAFE TRAVELS FOR HIM... and that God will protect him and grow him while he's there. If you're a Mosaic-ite, drop Chris some love on his Facebook wall, y'all! :-)
* Mosaic... I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! Thanks for giving me the awesome opportunity to serve you!!!!

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-02-08T23:20:00.002-05:00

* I'd been recovering from pneumonia since Thursday, so I was unable to either speak or lead worship tonight...
* ..but I got by with a little help from my friends! Pastor Vic Simpson of Emmanuel Church in Huntingtown, MD filled in for me tonight, and did an AWESOME JOB (once again) with the message! Vic's no stranger to Mosaic... he's been out a few times now, and is always very encouraging and leaves a big impact!
* Also, my friend Matt Morgan, who pastors Reston Community Church, came out and led the worship... dude is LIKE THAT!! I'd only heard Matt once before, at the Whiteboard Sessions, and I knew I had to have him out. Glad he was able to lead for us tonight! He brought along his worship leader and a bass player, too... great worship tonight!
* Then, finally... my good friend William Brew, quite arguably the BADDEST DRUMMER AROUND THESE PARTS... well, at least, he's got MY vote! Brew and I think alot alike when it comes to ministry (he turned me on to Delirious, too), and I'm glad he was finally able to make it out to Mosaic. Brew serves as the Worship Pastor (how many drummers can do that??) at Zion Church.
* So, Vic closed out our INFLUENCE series with a message entitled, One Adventure Leads to Another... and he was ON it! God definitely spoke to me thru Vic, about letting go of my comfort zone... and trusting Him to provide. "There's no such thing as a 'comfort zone' when you're on an adventure with God!"
* Great experience tonight... thanks to all my Mosaic peeps, for stepping up to the plate today - what a crazy weekend! It's good to know that I can count on things getting done, even when things are outside the norm... even when it calls for sacrifice... love you guys!
* Feel like I'm turning the corner with the pneumonia thingy... gonna rest all day tomorrow, and then I should be alot better!
* Can't wait to fly out to Tampa on Wednesday, to meet with my Pastors Coaching Network led by Nelson Searcy! This has been a tremendous learning environment for me... I'd encourage any church planter or pastor to look into this network!
* Received a really encouraging email from this guy... his wisdom utterly astounds me at times. One only need listen to him for a few minutes to know with certainty that he spends alot of time with God. He reminds me somewhat (as far as wisdom) of THIS DUDE, who I had the privilege of having lunch with almost 10 years ago in Atlanta.
* Dr. Blackaby offered to mentor me every week as long as he could, but I couldn't fit it in my schedule. WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING BACK THEN???? As one author says, that one would fall under the theological category of "Don't be stupid!" (I still can't believe I turned down that offer...")
* I absolutely hate the transition between football and baseball seasons...
* Looking for ways to bless our community this month... we have absolutely dropped the ball in this area, but we're gonna make up for that!!
* Looking forward to our next couple of series... you'll be hearing in a couple of days about the next one!
* My good friend, Dave Anderson, was just in town this past week... and we weren't able to hook up. That sucks (you did try, though, D...sorry I couldn't make it happen). I really love that guy... we met at Elevation Church almost 2 years ago, and just bonded. Don't you love when that happens???
* We've got two baptisms coming up within three weeks... THAT is what I'm talking about! I'm SO AMPED about that, I don't know what to do! Can't wait!
* It will be 80 degrees in Tampa this week... and, yes, I will call Keda and rub it in. :-)
* Our youngest son, Seth, reminds me of Calvin from Calvin and Hobbs... he's not really mischievous, but he's full of energy and smiles and laughs all the time!!
* Is it okay to eat gummy worms when you have pneumonia?? :-)
*Well, off to bed... nothing but reading and studying tomorrow... YEAH, BABY!

Doctor, Doctor... Give Me the News!!

2009-02-07T01:02:00.004-05:00

Okay... so Thursday afternoon, I was studying and started developing chills, and knew something was wrong. Thought it was a sinus infection... then, later, started to feel a tad nauseous so I thought the flu bug had finally caught up with me; but I felt better later and figured it wasn't the flu... then yesterday morning, I woke up to severely sore sides (ribs) and back... you guessed it: PNEUMONIA!!!! Yikes!!!!

The doctor told me to cease all activities... no preaching, no singing... nothing strenuous at all.

So, I'm chilling and reading. Doctor's orders! :-)

Let the Bible Change Your Life! Pt. 2

2009-02-05T00:56:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I gave the first "P" (Position) in approaching our reading of the Bible, if it's going to change us from the inside out... here are the next two:

#2 - PRAY: Ask God to meet you in the Scriptures. This seems like such an obvious thing, doesn't it? But the truth is that oftentimes we jump right into our devotional time without pausing to ask God to reveal His truth to us. It's not a sin if we don't pray beforehand... but we wouldn't think of driving somewhere we've never been, without at least a contact number for help just in case we got lost, right? Yet, we have the Author of the Scriptures who longs to sit with us and help us to understand what He's written! We don't have to wait until we "get lost" and can't find our way... He's willing to "ride" with us, leading us to where He wants us to go.

What an awesome thought: the God of the universe... who made me and knows all about me... gave me a book so that I can get to know Him. And because He created me, He knows exactly what I need... He's just waiting for me to pray, "Lord, open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths of Your Word" (Ps. 119:18).

#3 - PONDER: Reflect on what I’ve just read or studied. Is there a truth here to learn? What does God want me to know about Him through this passage? Is there a command here to be obeyed? Is God, through this Scripture, prodding me to DO something? Is there a sin to repent from? Is there something I should STOP doing? Does this passage shed light on an area of my life that I need to get straight? How I’m treating my spouse… how I’m working on my job, or doing my schoolwork… how I’m handling my finances… how I’m maintaining my sexual purity… how I’m using my words?

Too often, we read the Bible, then set it down and don’t think anymore about it the rest of the day. But what if we just took one prevailing thought from what we read, and carried it with us throughout the day? What if we took one verse, and made that our memory verse for the week. You know what would happen? We’d fall in love with the Bible... we wouldn’t be able to stay away from it! We’d be like the prophet Jeremiah who said, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight” (Jer. 15:16).

Can we really honestly say that God’s Word is our “heart’s delight?” That only comes by meditating over and over on what God says, and allowing Him to burn the truth of His Word on our hearts...

... that only happens when we let the Bible change our life.

Let the Bible Change Your Life!

2009-02-04T00:03:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday, I preached a message that might've been... in my opinion... one of the most important messages in the history of our church so far. Now, that's a big statement... but when you consider the importance of the subject, I don't think anyone could really disagree. It wasn't a "deep" message; yet, it was a message that many of us don't put into practice... and, as a result, we don't experience the type of life that God has designed for us.

Every Christ-follower would say they read the Bible... yet our lives, our families, our communities are not changing. We may be "getting in the Word", but is the Word getting into us? Or... are we simply fooling ourselves? (James 1:22)

There were 5 points in the message... 5 P's... that will help us to get the most out of our daily time in the Word (and, just to be clear, I'm not even talking about Bible study here). I'll share the points over the next few days.

#1 - POSITION: We have to position, or align, ourselves to the authority of the Bible. THIS HAS TO BE FIRST! We approach the Scriptures too casually sometimes... but if the Bible is going to transform us from the inside out, we have to approach it for the authority that it is. This is God's Word... and He didn't give it to us to consult us... but through its teaching, to conform us to the character and image of His Son. He doesn’t ask us our advice as to what’s best for us… He tells us... and He calls us to choose what is best so that we can experience life the way He's designed it for us. And when we neglect His Word, we skip His wisdom and counsel to our own detriment.

God's Word revives us and makes us wise (Ps. 19:7), and it brings us joy and gives us insight (19:8). His Word lasts forever and is totally righteous, because God has exalted above ALL THINGS His name and His word (Ps. 138:2).

Now, you're probably saying, "I know all this..." Okay, um, right. But how does it affect your life? Here's a quick test: if you can remember the turning point in Sunday's Super Bowl or the theme of the last two episodes of Oprah or The View... but you can't remember the last thing God said to you from His Word... um, I'd say the Bible could probably stand to be elevated in your life just a tad. :-)

If it's life change we're after, we have to position ourselves rightfully to the Bible... and that position is aligning ourselves under the authority that God has given it. Let the Bible change your life.

Deep is as Deep Does!

2009-02-03T00:00:00.003-05:00

Maybe you can help me understand something...

I'm just a little baffled...

... because there seems to be a whole lot of people today who are pointing the finger at churches (like ours) that are intentional about reaching "outsiders". Now, I'm not baffled and confused that there are people who disagree with our way of doing things... no way, that comes with the territory! But what has me scratchin' my head is that they say they "need more", that they want some deep teaching. But alot of these same people don't even apply to their lives what they consider "shallow" teaching!

That baffles me...

Question: how deep does it have to be before we obey it? I tell our people all the time: Deep is as deep does!

Here's another question: if Jesus said to go and make disciples... and that if we follow Him, He would make us fishers of men... then why are we so content to simply swap fish from aquarium to aquarium?

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised... "these people" have been around since Jesus' day... only then, they were called Pharisees. Pharisees didn't want to focus on "outsiders"... outsiders weren't "good enough." Pharisees needed alot of attention... they had a "pride problem." The Pharisees prided themselves in how "well" they KNEW the Scriptures... but they paid no attention as to how little they LIVED the Scriptures.

Jesus was SO different! He paid WHOLE LOT OF ATTENTION to outsiders! And He intentionally lived out the Scriptures, so that everybody could see He was the "real deal!" No pretense, no fluff... He went hard after outsiders, and lives were changed because of it!

Don't get me wrong... I'm all for solid teaching... but at Mosaic, we don't sacrifice application for information. We're not trying to please Bible scholars... we're trying to reach people. We're unapologetic about what we do, and who we're trying to reach... and lives are being changed. We don't do it perfectly... but we do it passionately... and sometimes, we even get it right. ;-)

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-02-01T20:45:00.007-05:00

* Good nite, tonight... first official weekend without Chuy and Karla... felt WEIRD! But so happy for those two... they'll do well in VA Beach!
* Thought the worship was okay... as much as love leading, don't know how long I can do double duty... PRAY FOR ME!
* I LOVE my musicians, though! William, glad to have you back bangin' tonight, man! ;-)
* Thought the message was on point... Let the Bible Change Your Life! Funny how the simplest messages can have the biggest impact!
* Many times, God speaks to us from His Word... not just to change us, but to change others though us! D on't hold onto it! Let Him influence people through your life change!
* One of the MD football players was out tonight... love it!!
* Man, we had some glitches tonight! But guess what? We get another shot next week!! (gotta get those transitions clean, though)
* Watched the Super Bowl... what a game!!!!! Looks like the Steelers just pulled it off... wow.
* Right now, I am ROTFL at The Office... that show is hysterical!
* What does Dwight on that show remind you of? Haha!
* I love our church... and not just because I get to pastor it! We've really got a great group of people, who love their church and love seeing it grow. As a pastor, you've gotta love that!
* We had a family leave the church recently (good family, though), because of our emphasis on being outward... specifically, inviting people to church... and I think that's a GREAT THING! Not that they've left, of course; but that they get it. They know beyond the shadow of a doubt what our mission is... it's crystal clear. They don't mesh with it... and feel the need to move on... but it's crystal clear. If your mission isn't clear, you may add people to your ministry, but they won't even know what to be excited about... GET CLARITY!
* Okay, now The Office is grossin' me out... Jack Black and Cloris Leachman...ugh.
* Our Connection Groups start this week... AMPED!!
* Three totally new groups... and one group, Starting Point, is the first group for new believers we've had!
* One of our newest attenders came and asked me why we didn't do Communion today... I thought it was cool that she even noticed!
* Btw, Communion has been pushed to next week. :-)
* Should find out this week whether or not this new elementary school in College Park will let us use their facility on Sunday mornings... PRAY!!!
* Gonna be a busy week this week...
* I speak this coming Saturday at a Worship Music Institute called CanZion... the environment should be off the chizzain!! Before I was called to preach, I thought I would be training worship leaders... so I am absolutely looking forward to this!
* God is absolutely amazing... I love what I do! :-)

Preparation Pays

2009-01-28T00:48:00.005-05:00

We don't often go through our day thinking about every moment we live, but the future we experience later depends on our preparation today. Here's an awesome quote by former Olympic champion sprinter, Michael Johnson:

"Success is found in much smaller portions than most people realize. A hundredth of a second here or sometimes a tenth there can determine the fastest man in the world. At times we live our lives on a paper-thin edge that barely separates greatness from mediocrity and success from failure.

Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter: long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best."

-- Michael Johnson, Slaying the Dragon

One Thing

2009-01-27T00:06:00.000-05:00

I was going over some of my posts from a couple of years ago, and came across one that I think is timeless in it message. I can use the challenge again, and I'm sure you probably can, as well... so enjoy! :-)

What is Your One Thing?

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been meditating and studying this passage about Jesus' story of "the talents." One thing that stands out to me is that the master gave his servants one thing to do. He gave them, each according to their own ability, money to invest.

He didn't give them sheep to shepherd...
He didn't give them buildings to build...
He didn't give them other servants to oversee...
He didn't give them soldiers to train...
He didn't give...

You get the picture.

He gave them one thing. They were to be focused, centered, and concentrated on that one thing.

The problem is with many of us that we either 1) try to do so many things that our "one thing" gets diluted, or 2) we don't even know what our "one thing" is!

No wonder we're often ineffective...

Steven said it well: "You won't be judged on what you did, but on what you were called to do."

God is not looking for us to be a jack-of-all-trades. Find your one thing... be faithful in that one thing...

And watch God bless others - and you - through it.

One thing. That's it.

Leadership Advance!

2009-01-23T00:31:00.004-05:00

Can't wait... tomorrow we have our very first Leadership Advance at Mosaic! This is a bi-monthly environment where leaders (and budding leaders) can come together for a time of vision casting, training, sharing, and prayer. We're expecting this environment to be larger every time we gather, because we are being very intentional about developing leaders... people who are influencing others by living and leading well!

We're raising up people to have a Kingdom influence... we're unapologetic about casting a vision for becoming salty, well-lit (Matt. 5:13-16) Christ followers who are leading others to become growing, passionate followers of Him, as well!

Love Wins, Pt. 1

2009-01-21T00:15:00.001-05:00

I was thinking today about the way God loves us... how He never demands us to love Him, and how He always forgives us... no matter what we've done. It's almost unfathomable, because our love for one another doesn't even come close! We love so conditionally (at least, I do) and we can be so unforgiving. Yet, the holy God of the universe - who created us and all that's around us - gets slighted by us countless times a day... and still forgives us anyway!

I love this passage:

"[Love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged" (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Now, I have to be honest: that's hard for me to live out! But isn't it a beautiful picture of our great God?? He never forces us or tries to control us into loving Him... He's not moody... and (here's something awesome) He doesn't hold anything over our heads!

Here's another passage that blows my socks off:

"You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:13-14).

I love that! I didn't have a snowball's chance in hell to please God - the charges even said so - but Jesus CANCELED THE CHARGES!!! And not just the charges... but even THE RECORD OF THE CHARGES! You won't find any paper trails anywhere about what I've done! I don't have to worry about it "coming back up years from now"! God's not saying, "Let me hold onto this... just in case" - NONE OF THAT! Gone... kaput... forever! No record... no trace...

He could've BUSTED me... but instead, He LOVED me. That... is... huge!

Retaliation doesn't win... love wins!
Bitterness doesn't win.. love wins!
Unforgiveness doesn't win... love wins!

That's the way God is with us... that's the way He wants us to be with others.

Love wins... all the time. YAY, GOD!!!! :-)

Monday Nite Mind Dump

2009-01-19T18:05:00.007-05:00

* Doing my "Sunday Nite Speak" today, because I couldn't get to it last night...
* Good service last nite, numbers are coming back up...
* Karla and the band did one of my favorite songs, "Everyday"... LOVE that song!
* One more week with Chuy and Karla leading our worship... man, I'm gonna miss them!!
* Continued our INFLUENCE series last night with Leading Myself... God has called us to impact the lives of others... period. But we can't do that effectively if we're jacked up in our own lives. If our heart doesn't beat white hot for God, we can't expect to have much of a Kingdom influence. Makes sense, doesn't it?
* A friend and old pastor showed up at Mosaic last nite... always thought I'd be nervous if that happened to me... but I think it made me more confident, for some reason.
* Our two youngest boys have been sick with a virus... not fun. I don't know how Keda does it, but she's a trooper!
* Funny how God balances us with our spouses, right? I have a weak stomach and would be sick with the kids if I had to clean up after they threw up. Of course, she doesn't like it, but I'm glad it doesn't affect her like it does me. YAY, GOD!!! :-D
* Started feeling a little queasy yesterday evening before our Gathering... but so far, so good. I have developed a cold, though... ugh. And yes, I'm taking in a lot of fluids. :)
* Looks like we'll be kicking off 8 Connection groups in just a couple of weeks! That is WAY COOL!
* We launched our group ministry not quite a year ago with just 2 groups... I'm pumped!
* This go round, we have our first Fresh Start group for new believers and those who've been away from church awhile... YAY GOD!!!
* Still praying for a place to meet in the a.m! Put this at the top of your prayer list!!
* We're unapologetic about why we put such an emphasis on reaching the unchurched, and inviting them to church, as well.
*Scripturally, Jesus is crystal clear about our mission: Go and make disciples (Matt. 28:19). We don't even argue about it at Mosaic... it is what it is.
*Personally, I don't know where I'd be today if a guy (who didn't know me from Adam) hadn't reached out to me when I was a student at Univ. of MD. I was a "Christian" in name only... but my life was a mess. And I'm so glad that this dude wasn't so hung up on his own growth that he couldn't make time to reach out to me...
* Btw, I just reconnected with this guy over the holidays last month... hadn't seen or talked to him in almost 20 years!
* The longer I pastor, the more I realize how much I don't know. It's frustrating at times, but I'm thankful that God is patient... and so are the people at Mosaic! :)
* One of the things I like most about our church is seeing people so excited about what they're learning that they're inviting their friends and family to church! I'm always humbled, but yet always excited at God's greatness and His great mercy!
* On to football... no matter who your favorite team is, you've gotta be excited about the Arizona Cardinals!! Wow... first playoff appearance in 60 years, and they make it to the Super Bowl!
* Speaking of Super Bowl, our Feb. 1 gathering will be moved up an hour early to 4:30p... PLEASE MAKE A NOTE!!! If you arrive after 5:30 that day, you can help us break down equipment... :)
* It's late... but Shawn just woke up after sleeping for over 6 1/2 hours! Glad he's feeling better... eating a piece of toast and drinking Gatorade. What a life. :)

What Does Your Heart Say?

2009-01-16T00:21:00.002-05:00

Doctors today have incredibly precise technology that allows them to diagnose certain ailments almost perfectly. They can use various scopes and machines to look inside of us and tell us what's going on. But because of human - and machine - error, they can always be wrong. Man, and his machines, are not infallible...

... such is not the case with God. When God looks into our heart, it tells him exactly what's going on inside of us. Even if outwardly we say or do one thing, our heart will show the genuineness of what was said or done. We can fool the people around us, but our heart never lies.

Join us at Mosaic this Sunday as we continue in our INFLUENCE series, with a message on "Leading Ourselves" - before I can effectively influence and lead others, I have to be able to lead myself!

Can't wait til Sunday... see you there!!

French Fries & Fur

2009-01-14T08:25:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, for lunch, I sat in our minivan in a neighborhood park not far from where our church meets... just to get some "alone time" and be able to study (read) in quietness. Just didn't feel like being in a Starbucks or Borders atmosphere. But, of course, I had to wrestle with distractions: first, a guy playing frisbee by himself... in the cold... weird... and then, along came Sammy... the squirrel. Ok, I don't know if that's really his name... but I guess he smelled my Five Guys fries and decided to get a little friendly. I haven't had very many positive experiences with animals, so this was pretty interesting to me. And Sammy and I enjoyed some fries "together".

As I reflected later on this rather cheesy incident, it amazed me how God sometimes uses the littlest things to remind us of Him. Sometimes, we worry ourselves ragged over how we're gonna pay this bill or meet that deadline... and yet, for those who've placed their trust in God, He promises to meet our needs. In fact, He tells us not to even worry about such things... that we're more valuable to him than birds, yet they never "worry" about where their next meal comes from... they don't horde up food for "slim times"... and He takes care of them (Matt. 6:26).

And I got to thinking about little Sammy: he had no idea that he was in for a french fry smorgasbord yesterday... he was running around, probably looking for acorns! Yet, the God who created him provided his meal (and some entertainment for me).

What is it that has you worried today? What woke you up this morning (or kept you awake last night), that you really have no control over? What is it that is bombarding your mind with worrisome thoughts? Can I get you to do something? Read this passage of Scripture, and allow God to flood your heart with His peace... and turn over to Him that thing that's bothering you so much. It's way too big for you, anyway... but He can handle it. He took care of Sammy yesterday... I think He can handle taking care of you today. ;-)

Funny (but ultimately FRUITFUL) Day...

2009-01-13T02:21:00.004-05:00

Twists and turns... isn't that the way our days go at times?

Yesterday was a really funny day for me. Not funny as in "haha", but kinda weird. I just couldn't get anything going... almost like a "mild depression" that I couldn't really figure out nor put my thumb on. Nothing major happened to warrant it. I did kinda "jump all into the stuff" of my son's bus driver, though - she deserved it (she was way over the top, yelling at him for something, and I let her have it! But I probably went overboard... hopefully, God will give me a chance to redeem that. "Man's anger doesn't bring about God's righteousness" (James 1:20). I know that... and I know better.

But I was feeling "the blues" even before that... strange day for me. Definitely not normal, and hopefully not a regular thing.

The evening ended better, though (although I got home much later than I wanted) - I had a counseling/mentoring session with a couple who just recently got married and who are pretty new in the faith. We had a really wonderful discussion about the truth claims of Jesus/Scripture, and the "narrowness" of the Gospel... and we rolled for almost 3 hours! Very rich... and very uplifting. It's awesome to see people raising questions and being honest about the doubts they have. The conversation went in a totally different direction than we had planned... but ended up right where God wanted us.

Then, while on the way home, I almost hit a deer again! The durn thing just walked out on the road, very nonchalantly... as if to say, "I'm not worried about it... he'll move." AUGH!!!! I had to swerve BIGtime to keep from hitting that rascal, and almost drove into the woods! I had to pause for about 5-6 minutes just to get my faculties back (really thought I was a goner on that one). Thankfully, I was okay... I still left very grateful, 1) that I was alive; and 2) that I had a chance to speak into the lives of a really wonderful couple... and had I (God forbid... especially for my fam) been critically injured from an accident, God would have been honored by my having just poured into the life of a very wonderful couple.

It was a rather strange day... another "twisty" day in the life of D-PLUM. :-)

Sunday Nite Speak!!

2009-01-11T23:00:00.003-05:00

* Great gathering tonight! I love going to Mosaic!
* Led worship again... Karla was sick... good to have Chuy back tonight, though!
* Great to have our Mosaic band! Makes it a whole lot easier to lead worship when I don't have to play!
* We don't have a Service Coordinator, but I'm feeling the need for one... especially when I have to lead worship AND speak!
* Started our INFLUENCE series tonight... went really well! Look forward to some GREAT THINGS! Tonight's message was from here... on, "The Power of Influence." God's wired us to make a difference in this world... we're to embrace our influence, and leverage it wisely.
* Next week's message: "Leading Myself" - this should be GOOD!!!!
* Our metaphor image for the series is a domino... stacked side by side and given a little push, they create a beautiful, ripple effect - that's how our lives should be!
* Had a great video, featuring a group in Asia... building a very large, very creative design, using... instead of just dominoes... soap, cereal boxes, DVD cases, VHS videotapes, bic lighters... it was AWESOME!
* But I made the biggest blunder you can make in a multicultural church!! I made a comment at the beginning of the clip, about how one of our guys, Chris (who's Chinese), could've been our interpreter for the video. Everybody said, "Ooooooooooooohhh!" I was like, "What? Chris really could be our interepreter for this!" They said, "Noooo, Pastor D... the guys in the video are JAPANESE!!!" (talk about egg on your face)
* Students are starting to trickle back in from vacation break...
* Made a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT tonight: our worship leader and our band director are both leaving (they're married). They're moving to Virginia Beach... we hate to see 'em go, but we love them and wish them the best!!! :-)
* Which means, that yours truly will be leading the worship until God sends us a worship leader... hopefully, this will be sooner than later!
* Okay, I'm tired... time to hit the sack!

New Message Series: INFLUENCE!!

2009-01-08T12:19:00.004-05:00

We start a new message series this weekend at Mosaic... INFLUENCE! This is going to be an incredibly life-changing series for people, and I'm really looking forward to it!

God has given each one of us the power of influence... and we influence people all the time, for good or for bad. My desire is to see our people grow to be passionate followers of Christ, who use their influence - no matter where they are - to spread the fame of Jesus' name! Our influence can have a domino effect on the lives of people everywhere, as we seek Kingdom opportunities wherever we go!

We all influence someone... Who are you influencing?

And how? ;-)

Sunday Nite Speak!

2009-01-04T21:54:00.008-05:00

* We had a really good service tonight... attendance picked up a little... not what it usually is, but better than last week!
* Good number of guests tonight, too!
* Led worship again in Karla's place, for the second week in a row... really enjoyed it! Funny, because I really had thought the music aspect of my ministry was pretty much done. :-)
* I did WAY too much in the service tonight, though... it was like the "Pastor D Show"! Gotta tweak... can't have that happen again.
* I love the fact that Chuy has incorporated a violinist in our band... Robert, you never cease to amaze me... you bring such an incredible richness to our sound. Glad you're part of the team, bro!
* Jeff, good to see you on the board tonight... sound was great!
* Justin, loved the motion graphics!!
* One person indicated they are renewing their commitment to Christ! YAY, GOD!!!
* Here was the line-up for tonight:

Worship Set:

*Majestic (Lincoln Brewster)
*Here is Our King (Crowder)
*Grace Flows Down (Passion Band)

Communion

*Beautiful One (By the Tree)
*He Knows My Name (Tommy Walker)

Video: "What About Resolutions?"

Message: "Real Change", Lk. 5:33-39

* Thought the message went well... had one point:"Real change is when my will changes." Clear, concise... hopefully, compelling! ;-)
* I know some theologues will take issue with that point, and say "But doesn't change happen when your heart changes?" Yes! But as the heart is our "seat of emotions", I'm simply using the term interchangeably. Besides, "real" and "will" kinda rhyme. ;-)
* Change is the only thing in our lives that is constant... but one of the hardest things for us to do personally. And like Extreme Makeover, Home Edition... God doesn't just want to change "the plumbing" or the "roof" of our lives.. He wants to totally renovate us, from the inside out.
* Too many of us settle for "pseudo-transformation": we're not really interested in changing; we just want to "get a little bit better." We don't want "new wine"... we've gotten used to the old, and convince ourselves that it's better (read here).
* Next week... our new message series, INFLUENCE: Making a Difference in Your World... don't miss it!
* NFL Playoffs started this weekend! Even with my Cowboys out, I still love this time of year!
* Going out on a limb here: my Super Bowl teams pick is Giants vs. Steelers... with the Steelers as the 2008 NFL CHAMPIONS!

And we're off!!!

2008-12-31T15:48:00.006-05:00

Well, we're at the beginning of 2009... and I'm at 600 total posts, can you believe it?? I just want to thank all of my D PLUM friends and faithful readers... your encouraging comments and prayers keep me going. 2008 was a great year for Mosaic DC... looking forward to even greater things in '09!

I wanted to begin the year highlighting different posts from the past year... and I thought it'd be a good idea, then, to highlight your favorite posts... as indicated by the number of visitors my site picked up on various days. So, your fingers did the walking... now let's do the talking!

The Top 15 Posts of 2008 from D PLUM dot org

1. Life is Short

2. Wisdom Doesn't End Here

3. Living Like There's No Tomorrow

4. Please Hear My Heart

5. Sunday Nite Speak, Oct. 9

6. The Words We Speak

7. Back in the Saddle

8. Don't Freak Over Halloween

9. HIS Word!

10. Sunday Nite Speak, Oct. 26

11. On Seeing...

12. it: How Churches Can Get IT and Keep IT Going

13. Long-Distance Relationships

14. Can Anything Good Come Out of Takoma Park?

And... last but definitly not least...

15. I Hit Bambi!!

The amazing thing is that all of these posts are from within the last 4 months, which is the span of time that we've also seen our greatest growth at Mosaic. Ironic? Don't think so... ;-)

Again, thanks for reading and keeping up with this blog... I look forward to more great posting and making more connections through the blogosphere in 2009!

Do You Want a Revolution???

2008-12-30T01:38:00.004-05:00

"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the old wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. 'The old is just fine,' they say" (Luke 5:37-39).

Have you ever wondered why it's so tough to change old ways and habits? Many of us will make yet another attempt at different New Year's "resolutions", only to find ourselves discouraged and derailed before we even get out of January! Here are some resolution that I've made in years past that, honestly, by the end of the first week into the New Year, I knew I was in big trouble:

- I will pray more regularly (that one nailed you too, huh??)
- I will exercise more (won't even go there)
- I will eat better, more healthy foods (third verse, same as the second... second verse, same as the first!)
- I will use my time more wisely...
- I think you get the drift. :-)

There are many more "resolutions" to my lists from the past... and I was never good at keeping them. The reason is, I think, that we try to tack on good actions without first changing the bad actions. We attempt to have new wine poured into old wineskins.

Now, there's a whole lot that I can say about this... we really can't change ourselves, without God's help... real change only comes from surrendering to the Holy Spirit... I can say alot about all of this, but then you'll stop reading because it'll be too long. So, let me just say this:

It's enough for us to know the wineskin is worn out, and we need new wine. In other words, it's God's job to both change the wineskin and to pour in the new wine. Our job is to simply... and sincerely... ask Him to change us, and then to do whatever He says to do. DON'T GET IT TWISTED: You can't ask Him to change you... and then you don't do anything. Whenever we sincerely ask God to make a change in us, He will always show us the first step. Always. But if we don't take that step, or we put it off... next thing you know, we're back to square one. It's the end of January... and we're frustrated... again.

So, FORGET ABOUT THOSE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS... desire to see a REVOLUTION take place in your life! Don't listen to the lie of the enemy that says, "Forget the new wine... the old is better! Getting new wine takes too much work!" Just ask God to change you... and mean it. But I'm telling you, the first step is always hard. But as you take that step... and then continue to follow Him... He'll change you, in a MAJOR way.

Hey, if you're serious about seeing a revolutionary change in your life, I'd love to pray for you! Email me at mosaic.cp@gmail.com - we can pray for each other... cuz I desperately need a revolution, too!!!! ;-)

Sunday Nite Speak!!

2008-12-28T22:34:00.004-05:00

* Tonight at Mosaic was a good service... even though the attendance was WOEFULLY low!!!
* Jose, you really helped me out ALOT tonight, man! ;-)
* Our worship directors were out of town today, and so yours truly was respondible for the music. It had been quite awhile since I dd the music for an entire service...felt good! Can't wait to do it again next week!
* Well, we're winding down another year... how was your 2008? :-)
* MEGA-EXCITED about what's in store for us in 2009!!! Got some changes coming up... some good, some not so good... but it's all good, know what I'm sayin? :-)
* Looking forward to January at Mosaic... January thru March will set the pace for our entire year! I'm expecting some HUGE THINGS from God this year! He can do it!!
* Got some good posts coming up this week... stay tuned!!
* Had a great Christmas this week... it was good having some quiet family time!
* DJ, my oldest son, turned 12 this past week... AIYAIYAI!!! Next thing you know, he'll be headed off to college (scary thought!!).
* On to football...
* Can't even believe the Cowboys... had so much hope for them this year. Ahhh, defeats like today remind you of what it really important in life.
* Didn't see the game, but apparently those Eagles played inspired ball... they went BANANAS on my team! And it was fitting, because from the highlights the Cowboys played like a buncha monkeys! Good gracious modacious, we got our hineys kicked!!
* The Chargers were in the same predicament as the Cowboys: win, or sit home thru the playoffs. And they played like a team possessed! 52 points... crazy. Their running back LaDainian Thompson had the quote of the week: "This was a playoff game for us. We couldn't control what Denver did, but we wanted to play with pride." Hmmm... someone should stick that quote up on the front door of the Cowboys locker room. PLAY FOR PRIDE!!
* I just heard football analyst Chris Collinsworth say that the Cowboys are "the disappointment of the NFL this year." Ouch.
* Wonder what the Dallas headlines will read tomorrow or later this week about coaching changes? Hmmm...
* Was a little bummed that I didn't get a call to travel with the UMD football team this coming week for their bowl game in Boise, ID. But then I got to thinking: Idaho... December... cold weather... hey, I'm cool with stayin' home!! :-)
* Okay... off to read some more Sinner, by Ted Dekker... good stuff!

A Christmas Story: The Pink Bunny Costume

2008-12-25T01:35:00.001-05:00

Okay, this was the SECOND funniest part of the movie!! (see below post for #1) Notice the father's comments when Ralphie comes downstairs... AND the laughter of little Randy, LOL!!

Christmas Story-Fa ra ra

2008-12-25T01:29:00.001-05:00

This might've been the funniest part of this classic movie! :-D

NOTE: If you receive this blog via email, you probably don't see a video clip... so click onto http://www.DPLUM.org and enjoy! ;-)

The Ultimate Gift

2008-12-24T00:14:00.006-05:00

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" (Luke 2:9-11)

There was a movie that came out a few years ago… Jingle All the Way… It’s about two men, who neglected their sons all year in the name of “working hard, providing for their family”… and they try to make it up in one day: they attempt, on Christmas Eve, to get for their sons the very hard-to-come-by Turbo Man action figure! But in their attempt to set things right, they find out all the stores are sold out… and there’s only one left in the entire city. So, the two dads, Howie (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Myron (played by comedian, Sinbad) go on a comical quest to claim the toy, and end up trying to outdo the other in their attempt to provide for their sons the ultimate gift: TURBO MAN!

The movie isn’t very realistic, but there is a real story about Christmas and the Ultimate Gift: the real ultimate gift is not Turbo Man, not something that can be purchased from a store… the Ultimate Gift is Jesus… the Savior of the world. Listen again to what the angels said: “I bring you Good News that will bring great joy to all people.”

The most famous verse in the Bible says, “For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). Now, for many of us, we think God is all about rules and rituals… but He’s really about relationship. Many people stay away from church and from reading the Bible because they think God wants to make them feel guilty. But the angel announced that he was bringing good news… not condemnation, not judgment, not more rules to follow, not a set of rituals to perform… but GOOD news. What is this “good news”? The good news is that God has sent us a SAVIOR! “Why?” Because we needed saving. “Saving from what??” From our sinful behavior! “You are to name him Jesus [which means, "God is our salvation"], because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

Now, you may say, “Yeah, but sin is kinda fun!” And you’re right… it can be fun… but not fun forever. In fact, the pleasure of sin gets old after awhile… because the more we intentionally sin, the more we intentionally sin! In other words, the more we intentionally turn from what’s right, the more we want to keep heading in that direction. And it’s not so much because sin is fun, but it’s because that’s what sin does… it desires to control us. And it is from the debilitating, destructive forces of sin that God wants to rescue us! That is good news that brings great joy: It’s not a negative message… it’s a positive one.

And listen to what the angel said, “I bring YOU good news…” Not only did God give us a positive message, but a personal one: Why did Jesus come to save us? Simply, because He loves us! Is that awesome or what?? The One who came to liberate us also loves us! The Rescuer wants a relationship with us!! God loves you so much that He came to earth as a human so you could get to know Him personally and learn to trust Him and love Him in return. And if there’s a reason to celebrate during this holiday season, that’s the reason! Sure, it’s a great time for family and friends to get together… but the real reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus came to rescue us... because He loves us.

Good news… great joy… for ALL PEOPLE. This good news is for EVERYBODY! Everybody’s invited: no matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, no matter where you’ve been or where you’re going… the good news is for YOU!! Not for the spiritually elite… FOR YOU!! Not for those who have it all together… it’s for wayward, messed up, broken, sinful people like you… and like me. Jesus came to rescue us… because He loves us.

Well, you say, “I don’t need to be rescued… I don’t feel like I’m in danger.” Most people don’t… until they’re staring danger in the face. You’re driving along in your car, listening to your music, and from out of nowhere comes a car through a red light. You’re like a deer in headlights… “I’m in danger…HELLLPP!” Well, you were in danger before you saw the car, you just didn’t realize it. We usually don’t realize we’re in danger until we’re looking danger right in the eyes. Scary movies give a great picture of this: there’s an ax murderer, and an innocent soon-to-be-victim… in a cabin in the dark woods… all alone. She hears a sound outside, and she goes out to check out the sound. Now, WE KNOW she’s in danger, because we hear the scary music… but she doesn’t know. She calls out, “John? Is that you? Where are you?” Then she turns around, and screams, “Yaaaaaaah!!” Because it’s definitely not John…

Now, she was in danger LONG BEFORE she realized it, wasn’t she? But she didn’t know she was in danger until she was staring danger right in the face! If you don’t have a relationship with God through His Son Jesus, you’re in danger… but the good news is, Jesus came to rescue you… because He loves you.

And once rescued... you're safe forever! How awesome is that?? His gift to us is the priceless gift of eternal life... it's free, it's for the asking, and it's available today. If you'd like to learn more about how to receive this free gift, CLICK HERE... and drop me a line - I'd love to hear from you!

Sunday Nite Speak!

2008-12-21T23:07:00.004-05:00

* Good service tonight! A little taxing... felt like I preached a little harder tonight, not sure why.
* Dip in attendance, but expected that... missing alot of the college students.
* Karla did a GREAT job leading tonight!
* Only had a keyboard, violin, and drums (what a mix, right?), but it sounded good! Man, we've got the funkiest fiddler around! :-)
* Looking forward to spending some time with my fam over the next few days... my batteries need recharging BIG TIME!
* Got an email message about a comment on the blog from this guy... his comment was simply "Hello", and I was about to delete it b/c I thought it was linked to some crazy site or something. But I decided to click on his name, and I saw that he really has a blog... and a powerful testimony! And get this: he's had over 2,000 visits to his site since Nov. 16!!! What's so interesting is that he's a new believer, and is getting TONS of encouragement from people (I'm assuming that out of the 111 comments to his last post, many were encouraging). So, go read his story, and send some encouragement his way.
* By the way... what's your God story? Would love to hear it!! :-)
* My Cowboys are the most schizophrenic team in football, I think... no, I'm convinced... they are! Can't even believe they're still in the playoff hunt. Wow.
* We had our first Mosaic wedding on yesterday! Small ceremony... so proud of this couple! They're growing and just want to do things God's way now. I'm excited as to what God has in their future... pray for Alonso and Kim, as they continue to grow in God's grace and understanding what it means to follow Jesus!
* The boys and I will be having a kung fu movie marathon tomorrow, while Mom's at work. Here are some titles (great stuff!): 5 Deadly Venoms, Crippled Avengers, Shaolin vs. Wu Tang, and Fearless. You know what they say... "Everybody was kung fu fightin'!!" :-)
* So... we're down to the last couple weeks of 2008... have you fulfilled your goals for this year? Didn't get all of mine, but I'm looking forward to those being some of the first I knock out in '09!
* Looking forward to an awesome 2009 ministry year!! Really expecting God to do some BIG THINGS!!!
* Interactive question: what are some of your favorite Christmas memories? Shoot your comments this way! ;-)

Coaching Network

2008-12-18T00:15:00.001-05:00

Looking forward to my Coaching Network today with Nelson Searcy... dude is a SYSTEMS GURU! I'm learning so much, and am very thankful for the opportunity to be involved with this group of guys. And it's by teleconference, which is cool because it doesn't involve any travel. :-)

If you're a senior pastor or church planter... and you know you could use some coaching... definitely consider applying for Nelson's network - you won't be disappointed at all!

Sunday Nite Speak!

2008-12-15T00:15:00.001-05:00

* We had a good gathering tonight... not great, but pretty good. But I tell you what: our people work hard, and they put forth their best effort every week. We've definitely got some things to tweak, but I love working with every single one... they're just totally awesome! :-)

* Worship was awesome! I love our band and worship leader!!

* A good number of new faces tonight in the crowd! That's kinda funny... cuz somebody with a huge church is reading this and is probably saying, "D PLUM, I couldn't tell you from Sunday to Sunday who's new and who's not!" But we're not hatin'! The Bible says to "not despise... small beginnings" (read it HERE), and we're thankful for what we have... but we KNOW that the harvest is soon to come!

* Message went okay tonight... a little long, but that happens. ;-) Next week, part 3 of the Just Walk Across the Room series... "When Stories Collide." You don't want to miss next week! Do whatever you've gotta do... but be there! ;-)

* Had a good Connection Group with my guys this morning... we met at IHOP for breakfast. It's great to see that bonds are developing tighter each week, and these guys have huge hearts for God... love you, my brothers!

* Tonight was a little strange... seemed as though I could sense people praying for us during our gathering. And the reality is that there are dozens, probably hundreds, of people praying for our church every week. Tonight I felt your prayers. Thank you. :-)

* It's really amazing that I get to do what I do... church planting is definitely not for the weak at heart; it's tough work. But I love it... and I love our people... and it's good to see the Mosaic community growing. People are excited about what's happening... and we haven't even cracked the tip of the iceburg yet... gotta love it!

* I received an email the other day from a good friend... one of our partners at the church... and he stated that he and his wife are praying for me. He went on to say that he "probably doesn't say it enough," but they really want me [and Mosaic] to succeed. Just gotta say that emails like that mean the world to a pastor... we can never get enough of them. That email came at the end of one of my toughest weeks in ministry... and it meant a lot. Thank you very much, my friend. ;-)

* Gotta send shout outs to my main man Malcolm, the sound guy! Tonight... no, every week... he busts his tail in making sure we've got good sound and that things are set up properly. Thanks, man, for working so hard behind the scenes... you rock, baby!

* You can always tell how valuable a person is when they're absent. My "right hand guy" (he does so many things, it's been hard to give him one title!) Bernard is vacationing with his bride, and - even though we had a good gathering and really didn't let anything fall through the cracks - it was just the little things that he always brings to my attention that we missed tonight. That speaks volumes about consistency and dependability. I appreciate you, man... hurry up back! :-)

* Last two shout-outs: I'd be remissed if I didn't mention MY bride... who also helps keep me together on Sundays, and helps me in so many ways. Thanks, babe! Also, Chuy and Karla... your musicianship never ceases to amaze me. ;-) SO thankful for you guys!

* The Cowboys pulled off a HUMONGOUS win tonight... even though there were some very questionable calls made against them, they overcame some hurdles and pounded out a much-needed win. Up next, Ravens! ;-)

Friday Final Thoughts...

2008-12-12T00:08:00.005-05:00

* Glad this week is coming to an end... LONG week.

* Shawn and Seth were sick with a stomach virus yesterday... and I'm SO THANKFUL for Keda, cuz I can't handle "throw up" (that sounds nasty in itself, but it's better than "vomit"). She understands that, too, so she takes charge and sends me out of the room... thank You, Jesus! If you've seen Four Christmases... you remember the two Vince Vaughn scenes with the throw up babies? That's me... for reallio!!

* Learning quickly how messy ministry can be... honeymoon's wearing off! :-)

* The plot thickens... not only do the Cowboys need a big win this next game against the Giants, T.O. is running his mouth again. Not good. Hopefully, the media has blown his frustrations out of proportion, but I dunno. We need his head in these next few games.

* Looking forward to parte dos of Just Walk Across the Room! Excited about seeing our people invest and invite!

* We have a series planned for January... but thinking of moving it a little later, in order to maximize the New Year opportunity to teach on walking in new life. We'll see what God says over this next week or so...

* Had two college students make a decision this week to be baptized after the New Year! That gives us a couple of handfuls of people ready to be "dunked for Jesus!" :-)

* Had a great time speaking at Univ. of MD for the InterVarsity large group meeting this week! I really enjoy speaking into the lives of college students! This meeting (at least, the message portion) was pretty evangelistic... as we shared Why We Celebrate Christmas. And a couple of the students made decisions to follow Christ... YAY, GOD!!

* If you're looking for a speaker to challenge your youth... you should consider bringing in THIS GUY to speak. Shawn is quite possibly the most effective youth speaker in the country. For real.

(just felt lead to do that, Shawn... hope you don't mind)

* Now, if you're looking for someone to speak at your college event, THIS IS THE DUDE OF DUDES!!!! ;-)

* I love Christmastime... all the lights, the cheesy music (I really do like it!), the happy personas... even if they last only until Jan. 1... but most of all, I love the fact that God loved me enough to come here and rescue me from me... and restore me to Him. The GREATEST GIFT OF ALL is available to all: and His name is Jesus.

I love Him, I love Him not...

2008-12-11T00:00:00.002-05:00

"If you love Me, show it by doing what I've told you" (John 14:15, The Message)

Spiritual schizophrenia.

Ever heard of it? No? Well, you probably have it... I do. It's when you say you love God one minute, and the next minute your actions betray whether you really do. Like, have you ever been on a serious spiritual high... maybe you just shared the gospel with a friend or you just served the homeless or came from a good service at church... just to find yourself giving in to anger or temptation or jealousy or whatever, only a short while later? Sure you have... we all have... but, if we're honest, it happens because we're not really convinced that God's worth loving with all our heart.

See, if we were convinced... really convinced that following God wholeheartedly is the best way to live (and the only way to truly enjoy life), we would "turn [our] eyes away from worthless things (Ps. 199:37); we would not allow our "hearts to plot evil, and [our] feet [to] race to do wrong" (Prov. 16:18); we would set a guard over [our] mouth... and keep a "watch over the door of [our] lips" (Ps. 141:3).

But what's so tricky about some of this is that these things often come sandwiched in-between times of intense spiritual passion! And, usually, it's because we've been caught off guard... and we're caught off guard because we simply haven't made up in our minds that we're going to obey God... no matter what.

Sometimes I wish I was more like Daniel, who "was determined not to defile himself," by going against the commandment of God? God loves it when our hearts are fully His (see this passage)! How much better off do you think we'd be if our hearts fully belonged to God? If we were fully engaged in pursuing a life of obedience to Him?

Wouldn't it be awesome if the flower of our life that we present to God never lost any of its pedals?

Tuesday Thought

2008-12-09T00:15:00.002-05:00

GREAT QUOTE from Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan... from his latest book, The Prodigal God:

"Jesus's teaching consistently attracted the irreligious while offending the Bible-believing, religious people of his day. However, in the main, our churches today do not have this effect. The kind of outsiders Jesus attracted are not attracted to contemporary churches, even our most avant-garde ones. We tend to draw conservative, buttoned-down, moralistic people. The licentious and liberated or the broken and marginal avoid church. That can only mean one thing. If the preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did."

What's your thoughts on this... do you agree? Disagree?

What churches are "nailing" it, and are drawing the kinds of people that were following Jesus?

Sunday Nite Speak!

2008-12-08T00:33:00.004-05:00

I'm really tired, so just a few bullets tonight! :-)

* Good service tonight! Band was ON! Jose... glad to see you on the keys! ;-)

* We ate up WAY TOO MUCH time before the message tonight... that was totally my fault (planned for 5 songs PLUS Communion). But it turned out good, because we spent ALOT of time in worship... and sometimes, the soul needs that. ;-)

* I felt rushed tonight, because I got up to late to speak... but Keda said she thought the message was great... and I got some positive feedback from others, as well. Funny how our messages are sometimes perceived... can't settle, tho, cuz I can always get WAY better!

* Regardless, I thought we set the stage for the Just Walk Across the Room series pretty good!

* Attendance was back up tonight... sweet!

* We had 2 people renew their commitment to Christ tonight... YAY, GOD!!!

* UMD Men's soccer team made the Final Four... way to do it, guys!

* Cowboys lost a heartbreaker tonight... only comfort was that the Redskins, Giants, and especially the Falcons lost tonight! So, the 'Boys have moved into the sixth and final playoff spot... for now. Stay tuned! ;-)

Friday Finale!!

2008-12-05T00:12:00.006-05:00

Okay... here are some highlights of the past week... or two... and some upcoming things, as well:

1. We had the lowest attendance in over three months this past Sunday... but it still was higher than every Sunday except one in 2007. We still almost tripled our attendance from last November to this one. That's good growth... in fact, that's just good, period. ;-)

2. I have reconnected with over 10 friends from my old teenage-years neighborhood... you've just gotta love Facebook!

3. Spoke awhile to my barber today, after he cut my hair... it was so hard to connect with him spiritually because that dude has a conspiracy theory about everything! But I LOVE knowing that because God loves him, I know he's "savable." I can't do it... but Jesus can. Who has God placed in your path... across your office... living next door to you... that He wants to save?

4. Became FB friends with a few of the guys from the UMD football team this week... love that Facebook!

5. I'll be doing my first wedding in a couple of weeks... pumped about that! These are new believers, who are excited about living for Jesus... their desire to obey God is so refreshing!

6. Just Walk Across the Room starts this Sunday at Mosaic... 5:30pm! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS SERIES!! I know I say that all the time... but, all the time... IT'S TRUE!! Would love to see you there... bring a friend! :-)

Leading From Within

2008-12-03T00:30:00.002-05:00

Leaders lead... that's what they do. Even if they're not in a position of leadership, they still lead where they are... by their influence.

In a church context, this can be a good thing... or a bad thing... depending on how the influence is carried out. Sometimes leaders who are passionate about an area of ministry get frustrated because they don't see that ministry flourishing in their church. They may even feel like the pastor or leadership team doesn't feel that ministry area is too important...

News flash: they probably do feel it's important... they're just not the ones to do it... YOU ARE! That's why you're so passionate about it! That area of ministry has yet to flourish because there hasn't been a catalyst to move it forward and to help others see the importance of the ministry. But you say, "I've been trying... they won't listen!" Well, maybe you can try a different way... this might be a way to get those around you on board:

1) Align with the church's vision. This may seem obvious, but your pastor and church leadership team will need to see that you've bought into the vision, and not just that you "want things done your way." Believe it or not, people leave churches all the time because they can't push their agenda. Your pastor needs to know that you're not "one of those."

If this area of ministry that you're passionate about does not align with your church's vision, then, in that case, you're probably not in the right place.

2) Begin to carry out your passion in the context of the church's vision. For example, if your passion is missions, but you feel your church is only concerned with "Jerusalem", then participate alongside of them in the community... maybe helping them to see how they can more effectively be missional right where they are. After awhile... because you're a catalyst... you'll help them to see that they've "been in Jerusalem" for awhile - now it's time to spread out to "Judea"... and so forth... until such time as they can sustain global efforts in "the uttermost parts of the world."

No matter what the area of ministry, the key is helping the church to maximize their efforts where they are... and then, in time, helping them to see the need to broaden and push the envelope more.

3) Grow where you're planted. I'm not saying that God doesn't move us... sometimes He allows us to become frustrated so that He can prepare to move us to our next assignment. However, more often than not, our frustration is a sign of misalignment. Or distraction. Or both. Re-commit yourself to God and to the ministry... if He moves you, fine. But know that it's Him. Otherwise, the lesson that He's trying to teach you will simply come back up at your next place of ministry. ;-)

4) Don't complain. Instead of telling everybody how "wrong" the ministry is, jump in with both feet... commit to the ministry, and serve Jesus. And pray. Be a catalyst within the context of the ministry you're in... and lead well.

A Pleasant Surprise

2008-12-02T00:30:00.001-05:00

I went to check our church mailbox today, for the first time in almost a week... and, lo and behold, I had a big box from Leif and Margaret Feinberg! I opened it... and it was a box full of goodies! Books, a CD, and a Starbucks card... they sent them as an expression of thanks for giving them the opportunity to minister at Mosaic! That's just TOO cool...

I think that should be a common practice with all guest speakers. :-)

Sunday Nite Speak!

2008-11-30T23:53:00.005-05:00

* Packed weekend... glad it's over!

* If you haven't heard by now, the last couple of weeks I've given the devotional for the Univ. of MD's football team meeting on the night before their game. So, they called me this past week and asked if I could travel with them to Boston for their game against Boston College... WHAT!! Definitely a grand experience... awesome!

* There were so many takeaways for 1st Impressions on my Boston trip: overall, the team made it a very pleasurable and non-stressful trip for me (and other guests). The entire trip - from driving to the campus, getting on the bus, driving to the airport, getting my boarding pass, going through security, walking through the airport to the gate, getting on the plane, flying to Boston, leaving the airport en route to the hotel, getting my luggage and room key, and getting into my room - ALL OF THAT took just a little over 4 hours!! Unbelievable! But their system to get where they have to go is seamless... and void of stress... totally awesome!

* The football team and coaches were much more receptive this weekend than last weekend. Last weekend, they didn't know me from Adam... this weekend was different, and I got alot of feedback. Seems like the message struck a chord with several of the guys. Unfortunately, they didn't win the game... DOH!

* Tonight's gathering attendance was LOW, baby! Guess people were still away... or the rain KEPT them away! ;-) But it was a great service, regardless. My buddy, Ed Plater, let the worship... he rocked the house, as he always does! ;-) He's a great worship leader, with the heart of a pastor... two combinations that - to me - are very rare!

* Talked about The Gratitude Attitude tonight, from this passage... gratitude is something that I struggle with at times. Sometimes, I'm so FORWARD-FOCUSED that I fail to remember that there are many people who help me do what I do.

* I forgot to mention, though, about a common characteristic found in ungrateful people: they're usually either arrogant OR critical OR... BOTH!! Arrogant people think everything centers around them, and whatever is done for them is OWED TO them... and critical people always are pointing the finger, finding things that are wrong with others (although they usually gloss over the things about themselves that are not so attractive). And ungrateful people are difficult to be around. :-/

* We're starting our Just Walk Across the Room message series next Sunday... CAN'T WAIT! Gonna be a great time... looking forward to seeing how God is gonna use our people to share their story within the Christmas story!

* Well, the Skins lost today (ho-hum), so that leaves the Cowboys in second place in their division. Still need some help from other teams to make the playoffs... NFL in December, baby... football at it's finest! ;-)

Going to Boston, Baby!

2008-11-26T02:09:00.007-05:00

Received a text tonight from the Director of Football Operations of the UMD football team asking me if I'd be available to travel with the team to Boston this weekend, as they play Boston College in their last game of the season... that's just freakin' awesome! I am SO looking forward to that! I really had a great time with them last Friday, and I'm excited about what God will have me share with them this weekend.

I need an appropriate topic for this weekend. Last week, I spoke on "wisdom", and they lost, 37-3! Hmmmm...

Sunday Nite Speak!

2008-11-23T23:11:00.000-05:00

* Spoke to the Univ. of MD football team on Friday nite! THAT was an awesome experience! My son, Diesel, went with me... we got to eat dinner with the team at their hotel and sat with head coach Ralph Friedgen... then, after dinner and right before their team meeting, I got to address the entire team... about wisdom (one of my favorite topics). What an awesome thing, to have the rapt attention of 100 young men and to be a mouthpiece for GodI

* On Saturday nite, Diesel and I got to stand on the UMD sideline, as they played Florida St! Unfortunately, the nite didn't go so well for the team... they lost, 37-3... and it was COLD!! I don't think I've EVER stood outside that long in 20-something degree weather! I should've had on an extra pair or two of socks, a scarf, long johns... man, it was cold as a FUNKY out there! Diesel manned it up for awhile... but once the Seminoles scored at the beginning of the 4th quarter to make it 27-3, he was ready to go! Smart boy.:-)

* Had Margaret Feinberg with us tonight... INCREDIBLE!!!! Awesome message on the love of God, based on her book (or, at least, a portion of it) The Sacred Echo. Our people really loved her, and they resonated with her message. Much thanks to this guy for letting me "ride off his coattails" and having her at Mosaic after his church had brought her in to speak last nite and this morning... thanks, bro!! Margaret will definitely be back sometime to Mosaic... here are just a few tidbits from tonight:
- "God's voice reverberates clearly throughout the entire Bible... there's no static... no skip in the CD..."
- "The voice of God is not just an option, as much as it is an invitation and command."
- Margaret referred to Elijah vs. the Baal priests as an "Iron Chef moment"! They were each before their perspective BBQ, trying to find one another's "secret ingredient": FIRE!! After each side performed their ceremony... VOILA! Elijah is the IRON CHEF!! (that was hilarious!!)
- The sacred echo is the persistent voice of God in our lives that whispers, "I love you."
- We should not be content with being captivated by God's love, but saturated by it! And SO saturated, that it simply flows from us!

* Good crowd tonight! Great worship... Karla, our worship leader, asked me to lead the last song in the worship set. I was nervous as crappolas, man... but it was a good run-thru for next week, since I'm leading worship while Karla's out!

* Big ups to my bride, who always lovingly sacrifices her hubby to do ministry WAY MORE than she should. Thanks, babe... I really couldn't do what I do without you. ;-)

* Had a great Connection Group this morning! I love those guys...they're so humble and transparent. REALLY looking forward to doing life with them over the next several months! God's got His hand on each one of their lives... it'll be awesome to see how this next year unfolds!

* Perrin Rogers... SO GOOD to see you, man! Glad you came out... great time, wasn't it? ;-)

* The Cowboys rolled tonight... hope we're back! We've been playin' like a bunch o' crazeballs... good to see T.O. back, too! 7 catches, 213 yards... WHAT!!!!

* Looking forward to the holiday this week... don't think we're doing much, maybe hitting our fam's early in the afternoon... but I've gotta be back home to check out the 'Boys Annual Thanksgiving Day Game!! ;)

Introducing Kevin Davis...

2008-11-21T01:08:00.004-05:00

Every now and then I get the privilege to "introduce" a blogger on my site... and I say "introduce" because they usually already have a following, but my readers may not know about them. A few months ago, I met... through the blogosphere... Kevin Davis of The Third Place, and there was an instant connection. I've enjoyed following his blog (he'as an AWESOME blogger), keeping up with what's going on with him, and interacting with him in email dialogues and Twitter updates. :-)

So, my friends: I introduce to you Kevin Davis... click on his blog... and ENJOY YOUR READING!!!

Congrats, Dusty!

2008-11-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

You may never have heard of Boston Red Sox 2nd baseman, Dusty Pedroia, but he was voted the American League Most Valuable Player award yesterday. What's amazing is that he won the coveted award in only his second season in the major leagues! And what's more, he won the Rookie of the Year award last year!

This little 5'9", 180-pound dude is proving that you don't have to let any limitation - physical or otherwise - hold you back to from being successful in fulfilling your dream. I don't know whether or not Dusty is a Christ-follower... but when you give yourself over to fulfilling your God-given purpose, all of heaven gets behind you and "sees to it!"

Don't listen to the naysayers and "no" people! Surround yourself with people who are just as excited as you are about your purpose and dream... pray for the strength to pursue it... and get after it! Because all of heaven gets after it with you!!!

Is that exciting or what??

On the Dock of the Bay...

2008-11-18T02:06:00.004-05:00

I was talking to a pastor friend of mine last night about the loneliness that often accompanies ministry that Bible College or Seminary doesn't prepare you for... especially in the early days of ministry. Some guys who aspire to be church planters think it's SMOOTH SAILING... they can make their own hours, do whatever they want, study as much as they want, but they don't realize the HARD WORK and SACRIFICE that it takes to make a "successful" church start... and they fail to understand the sometimes extreme loneliness that sets in... the feeling that you're sometimes on an island by yourself. The task of faithfully and continually imparting the vision... the burden of the responsibility of the day-to-day operations that falls squarely on your shoulders... the weight of it all can be intense.

Not only is this sometimes an unrecognized reality by new church planters, but also by those who are around them: leaders, spouses, friends... in an attempt to be "encouraging and upbeat", the planter will often internalize the pressure and frustration from feeling alone... there are few he can "vent" to (Lord knows, his wife hears about the ministry way too much anyway), and he doesn't like to "complain"...

Those are the times he needs God the most...
Those are the times he needs your prayers...

Of course, he probably won't let you know, so just pray for him anyway. Chances are, when you pray, he could use it right then. ;-)

Monday Random Thoughts...

2008-11-17T00:56:00.007-05:00

* Really good gathering last night at Mosaic! Attendance was down a bit (Redskins' game??), but we had a good time. Great word from Dr. David Anderson tonight! God really used him to speak a strong message of grace to our people!

* The big idea of the message last night was that "God can take your garbage scraps and make them into a thing of beauty for His glory!" DA used the illustration of scraps/compost to make his point... great illustration... great message!

* Chuy, I saw you on the bass tonight... you versatile musician, you! ;-)

* I love those freecreditreport.com commercials!

* Are the Cowboys back?? Hope so! Glad I don't have to hear Redskins fans' mouths for awhile, lol!

* Have you seen Mark Beeson's thoughts on the new Prez? See... this is why I like this guy!

* Hoping to finish up this book today or tomorrow... pastors, church planters, leaders - a MUST READ! You might not totally agree... but you'll have to give his conclusions some consideration. ;-)

* Nelson Searcy says that every pastor shold be a theological expert on stewardship... I think I agree. I haven't studied more than the basics before, so I'm putting in my time now. Just finished this book by Andy Stanley, and I'm tellin' you... this is a MUST READ for - not only pastors/leaders - but for every single Christ-follower. Read it. Digest it. Live it.

* Sending prayers up for my man, Aaron Proffitt and his wife, Ashlee... love you, bro. Praying for you during this difficult time.

* Lovin' Jesus... so glad He never leaves His throne!!!

Pray 4 Me

2008-11-14T02:42:00.004-05:00

I'm teaching a seminar today (noon, est) on "Leading Others to Serve" at a church in DC... didn't have a lot of time to prepare, as I thought I'd be teaching on another topic. I'll be teaching the session twice... so, at least the second group will benefit! ;-)

Thanks for your prayers.
D Plum

I Hit Bambi!!!

2008-11-11T01:00:00.002-05:00

Well, actually, someone else hit Bambi... and I just... kinda... finished him off. :-/ I hate driving thru the mountains at night... got a flat tire outta the deal... coulda been a lot worse, ya know?

What a day... got a late start, because I have a bad headcold and didn't wanted to rest up before making the long drive to Roanoke... kept running into traffic in Northen Virginia... was 30 miles outside of Roanoke, and then WHAM!!! Somebody had already hit it, but I didn't see it in the road... it was SO BIG, I couldn't even swerve around it or staddle it...

Ew.

Sorry, Bambi.

So, I had to wait for AAA to come change out the flat (no, I was not touching that tire that had memories of Bambi on it), and - after almost 2 hours - I was on the road again.

I hate driving thru the mountains at night...

Morning Morning Reflections

2008-11-10T08:14:00.007-05:00

* Headed down to Roanoke, VA this morning to attend our state convention's Annual Homecoming.

* Good weekend... had our Connection Group yesterday morning... loved it! Great group of guys... I love pouring into young men, and learning from them, as well.

* Good gathering last night at Mosaic... attendance is still up, even with a few people out. I love the fact that our peeps invite their friends regularly!

* Had 1 decision to follow Christ last night... YAY, GOD!!

* Thought yesterday's message went pretty well... we finished up the One Month to Live series (after 6 weeks, lol) and talked about Leaving Boldly, leaving a legacy of unity. Very apropro... especially in light of last week's election. I love the fact that we endorse neither the Republicans nor the Democrats... but Jesus the Revolutionary! ;)

* Didn't watch any football this weekend. The Cowboys had a bye, so I didn't keep up with the scores much... is anyone else out there like that??

* Reading through the Scrips in 6 months is proving to be challenging... but I'm loving my time in Genesis and Matthew!

* Say a prayer for D-Plum today... bad head cold, which will make traveling the 4-5 hours to Roanoke slightly miserable... but at least it's not raining!

* Dr. David Anderson of Bridgeway Community Church will be with us this coming Sunday. His church has been a model of sorts for us, at least as far as multicultural ministry goes. I think our Mosaic peeps are gonna love him! Then, the following week, Margaret Feinberg will be with us! THAT is a total God-thing... I love exposing our people to different communicators, and I'm so glad Margaret (and her husband Leif) are able to join us. If you're around for these two Sundays, you definitely wanna check out David and Margaret at Mosaic!

* Need to hit the road. Cya!

The Words We Speak

2008-11-07T10:07:00.004-05:00

I'm reading through the Bible in 6 months, reading a portion from the Old and New Testaments each day. So far, I'm more than halfway through Genesis and around ch. 13 of Matthew. So, just a thought from one of the passages I read this week:

It's very easy, when things don't go our way or someone offends us, to ride off our emotions and say things that simply are not beneficial. I've definitely been guilty of that, more times than I'd like to admit. Jesus said, once when speaking to the Pharisees, "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either ACQUIT you or CONDEMN you" (Matt. 12:36-37).

Being in disagreement with something or someone doesn't give us the right to act in a way that's contrary to the character of God. "So, you're saying we're to keep our mouths closed?" Not necessarily (though it might be a good idea), but we are to weigh the heaviness of what we're getting ready to say. The apostle Paul said, "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone" (Col. 4:5-6). He also writes, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them" (Ecclesiases 4:29).

We have to be careful with what we say... and how we say it.

"... no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God" (James 3:8-9)

Thanks, Ryan...

2008-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

I met with my friend Ryan earlier today... he's white and I'm black, so the conversation naturally gravitated very quickly to the issue of our newly-elected President. We haven't known each other for very long, so we shared about some of our upbringing, and what role race/prejudice played in our lives as we grew up.

Then, he shared something that I thought was very enlightening...

He said (not in these exact words), "Many of us (whites) are scared, because we're so used to seeing a white guy in a suit running our nation. Having a black President is something that's SO new, it's just thrown us off-balance, and we don't know what to do with that."

Thanks, Ryan... I appreciate your honesty. It's very refreshing.

Of course, I (and others) had a hunch that that was an issue... but it was good to hear it voiced. We often don't realize how much quicker we'll move down the road to healing when we simply are honest with each other. "Hey, man... this is new territory for me! We've always run this country... and, in the back of our minds, that's the way it's supposed to be! It just is!"

See, I can work with that (and, no, Ryan didn't say that last part). And I was able to speak to Ryan's concerns thoughtfully and in love, because I knew he was being honest and transparent. That's why we're friends... that's why our relationship will get stronger. If only we could do this as a nation...

The apostle Paul said, "But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another" (Gal. 5:15). Sooner or later, this whole thing is gonna get out-of-hand if we're not careful... and I'm speaking to myself on this one, too. I've never been as cynical and sensitive in my whole life as I have been over the last few weeks. Truthfully, some people have deserved D-Plum's criticisms (you know who you are); their comments have been both unguarded and untimely. But others have received responses from me, and were left shaking their heads... "What did I say??" Hindsight allows me to see why... unless one can walk a few miles in your shoes, they just don't understand; they must be shown and not just corrected. So, if I flair up on someone, but don't really help them to see what it was that angered me, neither of us is helped in the situation.

Dialogue precedes dismantling.

I really believe good things are in our country's future... whenever change is on the horizon, the opportunity is there to move forward as a people. As Christ-followers... black, white, yellow, brown, red, whatever... let's use this opportunity to show a world without Christ that He is preeminent and supercedes all our petty differences.

C'mon... let's stop biting and devouring one another.

Please Hear My Heart...

2008-11-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

The way it looks now, at 10:15pm EST, is that in just a few hours we will be celebrating the first African-American President of the United States (he needs only 70 electoral votes to win at this point). And, because of that, I really want to share my heart. Whether or not you agree with me, I hope you hear the sincerity.

First, as an African-American man, I never thought I'd see this day. Sure, I'd always hoped it would come... but I never really thought it would happen. It was just 40 or so years ago, that blacks were trying to gain legitimacy as human beings. Dogs were let loose on us, we were lynched, beaten, unlawfully arrested, and so much more. It's hard to even watch footage from those days without feeling the rage well up inside of me.

I never thought I'd see this day.

Second, to all my white brothers and sisters, I love you. Although there are times when it's very hard to forget the past, I do forgive you (as a race). The past has made many of us stronger... wiser... and more determined to rise above the hardships enforced upon us. The past has made me, in particular, more passionate to see both sides - black and white - unified. That's one of the main reasons I started Mosaic Church DC. We're seeing it happen in our church... and not just black & white, but also Latino and Asian... it's a very beautiful thing. And I'm thankful.

Third, although there are many who think the country will "go to pot" with Sen. Obama being elected as President of this great country, I'd like to submit this to you for your consideration: if God is still on the throne, what is there to fear? We often preach "the sovereignty of God", but many times we don't live it. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus, for He alone is King... and we bow to Him, not Obama nor McCain.

Fourth, we have to acknowledge the fact that our country is changing. No longer do many Americans of any race want a "majority-rule" country. The election is an awesome mirror of the fact that, as far as the racial divide, things are changing. DON'T GET IT TWISTED: IT'S NOT FIXED YET. Maybe it never will be. But it is changing.

I never thought I'd see this day. I'm thankful to God that He's allowed it to happen. And for what it's worth, I'm proud of this country. Whether or not you agree with the outcome, you have to be proud. This election won't be easy for some to accept... but it shows we're really a nation of many different peoples. I know some might try to "blast" me for focusing on the "race" issue... go ahead, you're free to do that. I'm just sharing my heart.

I never thought I'd see this day... but it's here.:-)

Monday Reflections on Sunday Nite

2008-11-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

* Last night was probably the best night in the history of Mosaic DC! At least, it felt that way to me! Everything cranked, from beginning to end... exciting times! Very capping night to a very great weekend!

* 70 people last night... highest attendance to date! Might not sound like alot to some of you, but when you start with 13 people, breaking the 65 barrier is an awesome thing! ;-)

* The band was awesome! Full band, even had a violinist! (Rob... you CRANKED, btw!)

* Did a part 1 of Leaving Boldly: Leaving a Legacy That Lasts... spoke from Luke 8, about the woman with the 12-year menstrual flow ("issue of blood" for you KJV'ers). She had spent everything she had trying to find a "cure", but to no avail. Helpless... and hopeless. Yet Jesus, who (and we tend to overlook this) in His humanity was always submitted to and obedient to the Father stopped what He was doing to tend to her. He was on His way to "do ministry", but paused to take care of a need. And because of His submission to His Father, He was able to give out of what He had (power within) to heal her. We may not have that same "power", but God has placed inside of us something more valuable than anything we could ever own: the message of the Good News of Jesus. There are so many people around us hurting and confused, trying to discover significance and meaning anywhere they can find it... and they need to be pointed to Jesus. Our legacy won't be determined by what we accumulate to leave behind, but by what we've given away. And the greatest thing we can give someone is an opportunity to hear the life-changing news of Jesus Christ!

* Although the service was great, we've gotta tweak our transitions... a little crusty last night. I think I blew a cue a couple of times. :-)

* People are getting more involved, and it's an awesome thing! We've gotta have more visible "on ramps", though... people have to be able to see clearly how they can get involved.

* We have a new Catholic family that's coming out... LOVE IT! They love the interaction with the Scrips, and enjoy the worshipful atmosphere!

* On other-than-ministry news, my Cowboys aren't doing well at all... somebody needs to point them to Jesus, too! :-)

* We're gonna need more chairs soon! Or ANOTHER WORSHIP SPACE! Either way, God's gonna have to do it... need your prayers! ;-)

* Oh... one final note from Luke 8: the text doesn't say it, but it is implied - somehow, obviously, this woman had heard about Jesus and went to Him to be healed. As you know (or may not have known), she merely "touched the fringe of His robe" and was immediately healed. A few minutes later, the whole crowd heard her testimony about why she touched Jesus, and how she had been healed. Maybe she had just overheard the news about a miracle worker named Jesus... or maybe, just maybe... someone urged her to take her situation to Jesus. Whatever it was, an entire crowd became the audience for her testimony. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE DOMINO-EFFECT OF TELLING ONE PERSON ABOUT THE LIFE-CHANGING MESSAGE OF JESUS! ;-)

Newcomers Luncheon

2008-11-01T18:53:00.010-05:00

We had our first Newcomers Luncheon today... we did it on a Saturday, as opposed to Sunday, because we meet in the evening and this is just better for everyone for now. But we had a great time! We've had several Partnership classes, but this was the first "pre-Partnership" event that we've held. There were around 20 of us, including a few staffers, and everyone was excited about being out together...

It was especially good, because we had about 12 college students... and it's usually pretty difficult connecting with them outside of Sundays. But they were excited to be there, and excited about being a part of Mosaic, as well. We had one particular question that someone asked during the Q&A: "One of the values on Mosaic's website says 'Diversity of race and culture'... how do you propose that will happen?" Ooooh.

Well, the truth is... it's already happening! As many know, we started off with a small core of people... all African-American... and with a desire to see our little group grow to look different than how it started. And it has! Now, even though as the Lead Pastor I'm African-American, whites make up more than 50% of our congregation... We've been very intentional with our music from the beginning, and we're becoming more intentional with staffing. This time next year, I'm praying that God will lead us to have very diverse staff (paid, volunteer, and interns) in place. I believe He'll do it! ;-)

Wisdom Doesn't End Here

2008-10-31T12:00:00.001-05:00

Here are some thoughts from other bloggers this week that have stuck with me:

* On who we're marketing - Steven Furtick

* On preventing burnout - Kem Meyer

* On laughter - Wayne Cordeiro

* On serving the community - Jason Curlee

* On developing a culture of generosity - JR LEE

* On funny Halloween reflections - Jumaine Jones

These guys are great bloggers, and are some of my regular reads...enjoy!

Don't Freak Over Halloween!

2008-10-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Okay... so we all know this stems from a pagan holiday... so does Christmas. Get over it. And, yes, we all know the difference between Halloween and Christmas... just go out, have fun, take your kids trick or treating!

This is a good time to let your friends and neighbors know that you're not weird... you know how to have as much fun (and do it tastefully) as the next person. And don't put any cheesy tracts in their bags that say, "God is not spooky" or "Wanna meet a real Ghost??"!! Sheesh! Just wish them well, thank them for coming by, and pray to yourself that God will allow your paths to cross again. ;-)

Make It All About Him!

2008-10-30T00:05:00.002-05:00

One of the things we have to regularly fight against is compartmentalizing life: we have a box for God, a box for family, one for church, one for work, another for our friends... bunches of little boxes that oftentimes become incongruent... as well as sometimes competing for time and attention. Be honest... haven't you experienced this before? We have a set of friends for school, and a set of friends for church... we wear a mask at church or with our friends, but take off the mask at home. We smile at our coworkers, and scowl and our spouse (or, for some of us, that's flipped, lol!)

Why is that? And how do we make our "boxes" congruent with one another? How do we align our BELIEFS with our BEHAVIOR?

We make it all about HIM!

When we begin to understand that Jesus doesn't want to be just "resident" in our lives, but wants to be PRESIDENT OF our lives, we become more intentional in making everything we do about Him. So,...

... our marriage becomes more joyful and filled with peace, because we begin to understand that what we have is a reflection of Jesus and His Church (His bride)...
... we become more intentional in building influence with our friends who don't know Jesus, as well as those who know Him but need to grow in their relationship with Him...
... our jobs take on more significance, as we realize we're working to please Christ, not our boss...
... our parenting becomes more of a joy than a burden, because we realize the responsibility and privilege we have from the Lord.

We have to make our lives all about Jesus... otherwise, the little boxes of our lives just get in the way of one another. Doesn't it make sense to have... just one box? ;-)

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

Pizza/Movie Night

2008-10-28T15:30:00.003-05:00

We're thinking about doing a Pizza/Movie night at Mosaic that would be geared toward our college age peeps... it would probably be every month (or, at least, every 6-8 weeks) so they can regularly invite their unchurched friends. Question for ya:

What movies are good for this environment?

Okay... send me your list of titles! ;-)

D-PLUM

Sunday Nite Speak!

2008-10-26T22:59:00.004-05:00

* Good service tonight!
* We've officially transitioned our worship... sad to see Brian go. Had a great time hanging out with him and his family tonight, though!
* Felt a little rushed with the message tonight, but overall I think it went ok.
* Loving the college students coming out...
* The Cowboys won today... thank the Lord! :-)
* A little over a week until the election... I will be SO GLAD when this is finally over. I enjoy history being made, but the craziness that comes along with that is amazing. So many nonchalant, flippant statements from BOTH camps... and then people have the nerve to get upset because they're called out. Simply amazing.
* And while I'm on my soapbox... if you blog or send out mass emails, at least know that what you put out there is open for disagreement. Bloggers, DON'T TURN OFF YOUR COMMENTS BECAUSE PEOPLE TAKE ISSUE WITH YOUR POST! You took the risk and posted your viewpoint and opinion on the WORLD WIDE WEB... deal with the flak. And emailers, if you don't want people to "reply to all", THEN DON'T SEND OUT MASS EMAILS... or, at the very least, BLIND COPY it!! Because if someone replies to everyone you sent it out to, that's not hijacking... that was poor "contact list management" on your part. So, don't get upset... get smart. ;-)
* And I moderate my comments, so I'm straight, lol!
* Did anybody see Mike Singletary's post-game interview? DANG!! Get 'em straight, baby!! :-)
* Prayin' that this week will be an awesome, crazy productive week! And prayin' the same for you! ;-)

Friday Finale!

2008-10-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

* Great week!

* Really enjoyed spending the day this past Tuesday with my dream-come-true bride, as we celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary! I married a hottie and I'm thankful! ;-)

* Reflecting over this last year, I'm so thankful we had Brian Jackson to give us our start, as we launched Mosaic! He's so energetic, and passionate about music... he's set the stage for us, as we move forward in fulfilling the vision God's given us! Gonna really miss Brian!

* Still waiting on that HDTV camcorder to arrive...

* Through God's sovereignty, Chuy and I got to eat lunch with SBC Prez Dr. Johnny Hunt today at our Church Planters' Network! Dr. Hunt preached... then, we had a time of Q&A. I asked the last question before lunch... and was given the task to escort Dr. Hunt to the front of the lunch line and eat with him! Wow!! I should start asking probing questions more often! ;-)

* I didn't know Dr. Hunt is Native American... that is WAY TOO COOL ("non-white" SBC prez)! I was wondering why he's so dark! LOL!

* I'll be glad when this election is over... too many racial and relational divisions. Stinks.

* I probably WOULD vote for this guy!

* Looking forward to Saturday, as we partner with the College Park Youth & Family Services and help them serve the community during their annual "Halloween Thing" event!* And Sunday should be off the chain!! We're continuing our One Month to Live message series with "Learning Humbly"... and I can't wait!

* See ya in a few days with Sunday Nite Speak! ;-)

Hanging w/Chuy

2008-10-23T15:30:00.005-05:00

I'm in Richmond all day today at our convention's Statewide Church Planters' Network meeting, with dozens of other planters... should be an exciting day. But, most of all, I'm excited to be hanging out with Jesus "Chuy" Rodriguez, who is Mosaic's new Music Director (his wife, Karla, is now our Worship Leader). I got to hang out with him some at Innovate '08, and really am just looking forward to dreaming with him for the 6-hr total car ride!

Chuy and his bride have been with us since April, and pretty much stepped in right away to assist in whatever was asked of them! They're excellent musicians, with a tremendous passion for God and a love for ministry. They also run the DC branch of CanZion Institute... an international school for musicians and worship leaders.

We're looking forward to this next phase of our ministry with Chuy and Karla... but I'm really looking forward to fun times with Chuy today! ;-)

We'll Keep Crawling For Now...

2008-10-22T03:30:00.004-05:00

I have to be honest - sometimes the "slow growth" of our church drives me crazy. In this day and age of "the faster, the better," I've been so conditioned to see meteoric growth as "successful" that anything less than that, for me, sometimes can be less than satisfactory.

But, in reality, most church plants grow slowly. The Elevations, Mars Hills, and New Hopes - who all grew to THOUSANDS in a very short period of time - aren't the norm. They're the exceptions to the rule (very good exceptions, though, they are). Most church plants don't grow that way... and some don't even make it.

Really, though... our growth has been somewhat (as compared to the above rockets) slow, but very steady. The excitement's high (always has been), friends are inviting friends, and we're seeing lives change. And we know we won't always be at a "crawl"...

... one day, we'll hit a major growth spurt and begin walking. But that's in God's time. Don't get me wrong, we're not content to crawl... but we know that it's ultimately God's responsibility to get us to the walking stage. And then, soon after that, we'll fly. For right now, though, if He says crawl... we'll keep crawling.

After all, you have to crawl well before you can walk. It's all a part of growing. While you're crawling, you're developing muscles, and coordination... and you're discovering new things.

So, if you're crawling right now, that's okay. Don't settle for that... keep pressing forward... do what you do well... keep developing... keep growing. You'll be walking soon enough.

And then, after that, you'll FLY. ;-)

On Greatness...

2008-10-21T00:05:00.001-05:00

"In most of the world today, we equate being first with being the greatest. First place, first string, first chair, first class - all expressions of what is thought to be the greatest and best. Jesus taught us that greatness is not a matter of winning a competition; greatness is a matter of humbly living the life God gave you to live. And God is much more concerned with who you're helping in the race than who you're ahead of. He's not asking, "Will you get to the finish line before anyone else?" He's asking, "Who are you going to help cross the finish line with you?"

-- Tom Holladay, The Relationship Principles of Jesus