The Unexamined Life
By Guest Blogger, Chris Brooks
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates
Although somewhat extreme, this is a powerful quote. Some people coast in life with no direction except to have fun and take the path of least resistance. Others are very goal and achievement oriented in regards to health, finances and career advancement. It is healthy for us to examine our lives.
Colossians 3:17a NLT
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
As believers and especially as leaders, we will be held to a higher standard. How do we treat our families and those under our leadership? What do we do with our free time? How is our passion for God? Do we have a burden for the lost? Are we pursuing a Holy lifestyle? As long as we remain open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, God will show us any areas that need improvement. The key is to keep moving forward and pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
FLEX AM – Saturday, March 7th
There is something about getting together, as men and examining our lives under the standard of the Scriptures that keeps us pressing toward the goal together. Paul said, “examine yourselves”. (2 Corinthians 13:5) Times of real challenge, transparency, and relationships position us for growth and health.
Come out to FLEX AM and hear a message from Pastor Stovall in this unique setting where iron sharpens iron and we are challenged to fulfill our calling as men of God. Look forward to seeing you there, bring a friend!
FLEX AM Breakfast
Midtown Campus, Saturday March 7th
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Free event, Breakfast served
No registration is required
Chris
Empowered
By David Branker
We are going to have days when we feel strong, and days when the limitations of our body and our soul come bearing down upon us. Thank God, regardless how we feel, we know that we still have complete access to the excellent power of our Almighty God. It’s this very source that gives testimony to the fact that our strength is not natural, or limited by our abilities. Our strength comes from above and is based on His life, His power flowing in and through us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 TLB
But this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us-is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.
As a child of God, you and I have all that we need to do life with excellence, as it is God who makes up the difference. Remember that when we’re not drawing on His strength, we may be limiting ourselves to the frailty of ours.
Maybe for you you’re enjoying one of your strongest days. All signs are showing “you are all that” and more… Ask yourself: Is the excellence of me, or Christ, at work in me?
So, if you feel you need to or not, start your day on your knees, seek His power in your life, then stand up and be empowered from on High! Then your testimony will be His light and power shining in and through you.
David
Contentment
By David Branker
Proverbs 16:15a NLT
When the king smiles, there is life…
As I thought about this verse this morning, I’m reminded that contentment always produces a smile. When contentment leads – when it governs, there is joy in living. In other words, our disposition, rather than our circumstances is what gives us life.
Contentment is one of those words that can be interpreted as “in spite of.” In spite of this condition, in spite of the world around me, in spite of my limitations, in spite of what others say, I can find contentment. We know that true and lasting contentment can only be found in the person of Jesus Christ who completes us all (Colossians 2:10). May our lives be governed by contentment in Jesus today.
David
Leading for Jesus
By David Branker
Matthew 4:19a
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me…”
A spiritual leader must first be a great follower of Jesus Christ. This goes beyond just emulating the things Jesus did. His life, words, and very nature must become part of the substance of our lives. Whether you lead at home, in business, or in ministry, our everyday life must increasingly experience His transforming power. Why is this important? You cannot offer something you don’t have. Furthermore, I have discovered that everybody has a right to speak, not everybody has a right to be heard. It is the transformation that comes through Jesus Christ that gives credibility to our leadership.
We cannot lead based on our book knowledge, or even experiences in leadership even though they are both important. When it comes to spiritual leadership, we must lead from a transformed heart and life, a heart that increasingly pursues Him. Then and only then, can we successfully lead others towards Him. Today, may the Holy Spirit help us to become great followers of Jesus Christ.
In what areas of your life do you need God’s transforming power to become a reality in you?
David
Send Me Your Blog Ideas
By Stovall Weems
Well, I have just not been in a blog mood lately. I have been praying and studying a lot and most of the stuff on my heart has to do with seeking God and getting into His Word. It is always the #1 thing that makes everything else line up.
However, what would you like me to blog about? More personal stuff? Leadership? Theology? Information? Random? Give me some ideas as to why you visit or read my blog. Really, this blog is about you-the reader and I want to hear from you. Post a comment and let me know.
Thanks!
Stovall
Be Strong
By David Branker
In the book of Joshua, God reminded him and the people of Israel several times about “The land the Lord, your God has given you.” Along with that promise, came another less frequent but just as powerful reminder from God to Joshua – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
God’s promises in our lives are sometimes accompanied with battles, obstacles, and even bad reports – things we must work through, fight through, and endure before we can walk in the promise. One thing is certain with Joshua as it is with us today – the battle never depended on Joshua, the people of Israel, their weapons, or their strategies. God made it undeniably clear that the battle depended on His power. That is why the Priest led the armies of Israel carrying the Ark – representing the presence and power of Almighty God.
As you seek God today, in what area do you need His strength the most? Draw close to Him, trust Him for wisdom, and do not be moved in fear by what you hear. Stand courageously with your God and know that His promises for your family, your friends, and your future are certain.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
David
New Campuses, More Services and Red Bull!
By Stovall Weems
As many of you know, it’s a big weekend here at Celebration Church and we’re excited about launching our 2 newest campuses in St. Augustine and Camden County.
These new campuses originally started as Extension Gatherings more than 6 months ago and have now grown to the point of being ready to launch into full blown Celebration Church campuses. We are so pumped about being in these 2 communities. If you live in either of these areas, please invite your family and friends and be a part of these exciting grand openings.
Our Orange Park and Midtown Campuses are also starting 2 new service options to accomodate for growth: Sunday 1:15pm at Midtown and Sunday night 6pm at Orange Park. I will be preaching both of these services live and in person. It would really help if you could attend one of these services as your service of choice this weekend to free up seats in other services.
I think the 6pm Orange Park Service is going to be the hottest service yet. I’m nicknaming this service the Red Bull Service, because that’s what I’ll be drinking on my way over to the campus.
I’m also really pumped about the message this weekend. It’s really burning on the inside of me, I can’t wait to see what God is going to do.
SERVOLUTION 2009!
By Stovall Weems
There’s a great opportunity taking place this year in which we can once again come together as the body of Christ, united behind a cause that is very close to God’s heart: Serving.
This April, in the week leading up to Easter, we will be joining up with one of the most incredible pastors out there, my friend, Pastor Dino Rizzo of Healing Place Church along with several other churches across the nation for SERVOLUTION.
SERVOLUTION is not an event, it’s a way to establish a culture of serving in our communities, and I am so excited that our church will be participating. SERVOLUTION is taking place April 3rd – 9th and I want to encourage you and your church to participate as well. We believe that serving is not only a Biblical mandate, but a crucial way to gain the favor and trust of the communities surrounding us. As we infuse this culture of serving into the DNA of our churches our view of the world and our perspective of the needs of those around us will dramatically change.
Check out the website at www.servolution.org for more details on how you and your church can become a part of a SERVOLUTION in 2009!
Save The Date – Awakening 2010
By Stovall Weems
What an incredible start to our year! Many thanks to all of you who participated in Awakening this year, both individually and corporately. I’m believing that 2009 is going to be an incredible year of impact for the kingdom of God. By seeking God at the onset of the year, and continuing to do so in 2009, we are positioning ourselves for continued maximum effectiveness.
God truly moved in a very powerful way in and through Awakening. I’m just blown away by all the testimonies, healings, financial breakthroughs, restored marriages, reconciled relationships, and record numbers of attendance and new salvations. God is so awesome!
Be sure to mark your calendars now and start making plans for Awakening 2010:
Awakening-2010
Sunday, January 10 – Saturday, January 30
We will once again open this up for other churches to participate with us. Pastors will be able to start signing up their church October 1, 2009. Next year, we will be providing even more resources and tools from some of the leading pastors in the nation – all ready for download in early December.
I want to encourage you to continue walking in some of the disciplines you’ve put into place over these last 21 days. It’s so important that we continue prioritizing our time with God and keep this momentum going strong throughout the year.
Don’t forget! If you haven’t shared your story about what God has done in your life as a result of Awakening, we want to hear from you! Submit your testimony by leaving a comment.
