Influence

This week we will be looking at influence. What and who influences us and how we influence those around us. Most of life is more of a reaction than purposeful actions. We take partial bits of information and come to conclusions that are so off center we have to justify ourselves with accusations and blame. If we are going to understand influence, we need to learn to take a more broad look around us and be willing to see and hear from many sources, rather than a self fulfilling circle of people we surround ourselves with. Ask yourself; What 5 key influences do I allow in my life that I do not even think about? Then ask yourself; What kind of influence am I to those around me? When you look at the life of Jesus, one realizes that influence is a double edge sword. Sometimes it draws people to truth and other times it makes people so angry that they want to kill you. Isn't it funny how 2 people can hear the same sermon 2 different ways. The sad part is that the one who claimed to be close to God is the one that was incited to blind rage.

Thinking Beyond Self

I'm curious how and what we think discipleship is. It appears to outsiders observing congregational life, discipleship means that we sit around and discuss our opinions about what we think is important and who is not doing what we think they should be doing . . . I have this sense that we have lost an inquisitive sense where we ask and investigate. It is just to easy to accuse and then watch people attempt to convince us otherwise. Who needs facts when opinions are so available. The center of much of what we call Church life (discipleship) seems to be "us" whoever us is. (I find it scarey to think there are people like me out there) I guess I thought that the center of discipleship was Christ . . . but then again, maybe I'm just not up with current Church culture.

Pastor Greg

Creating Culture

Everything we think, say and do creates a culture that reflects what is inside us. We can excuse ourselves and others by blaming something outside of ourselves, but the reality is that we all have choices, and those choices have consequences. Until we stop expecting others to live in ways that we ourselves do not live, we will never begin to see the truth that in front of us. All the rhetoric that comes from leaders today, falls on deaf ears because instinctively we desire something genuine. The real thing, real deal, someone who is actually what they claim they are. People are not seeking perfect people, just someone honest enough to journey with them and not bail when things get tough. There is no quick fix to this mess we are in . . . there is however the grace that transforms us.

Stories

I'm humbled by the stories that were told after the services on Sunday (2/1/09). God is doing some major stuff in people's lives that is out of the human realm of possibility. It is encouraging to know that God is moving in this way . . . I anticipate some stories shared here.
Pastor Greg