When I was young, I was taught it is much better to give than to receive. I knew it was true......... but I liked to receive. What kid doesn't like to receive?!? Some kids are givers, but not as a norm.
Now that I am "old and gray", I realize I have been blessed by God far beyond my imagination. Way more than I deserve or could have imagined! From family to friends, church and job to possessions, God's grace abounds in my life. This year I have been privileged to be part of some "new things" God is doing, and His fingerprint is obvious.
We have always tried to give as a church at Christmas, but this year is different. We didn't make such grand plans like an Angel Tree, but God had plans. Instead of giving families a Christmas meal, God brought us many families that we have been able to bless with a whole box of Angel Food.
God opened a door this fall for us to start a partnership with a local elementary school. We wanted to serve our local community to make an impact for Christ in an important way, and God opened the door. The principle emailed me this past week to make an appointment to discuss how we can help them. She is truly excited that a church cares. One or our goals next year just might be to bless each staff member at the school with an Angel Food Box. They have already asked us to partner with them on a parent seminar night this spring. We've been asked to help with kids and even lead a seminar. How does that happen apart from God?
We have been looking for people of peace, that will open doors and let us serve in the name of Jesus. The doors are opened. Our Christmas Eve service is another example. We decided to take the service to the community. That's were Christ is needed and who He died for. An unlikely door opened. Lake Carolina opened the doors to let us in. It is a very closed community, and this was a surprise to us. They have advertised for us, and are letting us have the prominent banner location at the front entrance the week of the service. God paved the way!
I am excited that God is bringing us opportunities to give, serve, and share! Its so much more incredible when you don't have to look and you don't have to wonder. If you are open and available, God will give you big opportunities to share Christ in practical ways!
Go and serve in His name this Christmas.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Long Day
Today has definitely been a long day. I brought my mom to Lexington Hospital this morning to have a cyst removed from her lower back (L4-5 vertebrae). They made a small incision, just under an inch long, inserted a tube, then worked through the tube with a microscope and instruments. God is truly a God of wisdom, knowledge, and miracles. It's truly amazing what He has allowed man to learn and develop for the cause of healing!
Today reminded me I don't like to wait. I don't like to sit and I don't like to be "out of control". I want to be in the drivers seat. I want the wheel. No back seat driving for this dude! But sometimes this can be detrimental in God's economy. Spiritually, the man that is to busy to slow down, listen, and wait on God...... that man can be in danger of missing a divine appointment. That man may try on his own before allowing God to have complete control. We cannot afford to be that person. Ephesians 5 tells us to be "careful how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..., therefore understand what God's will is". We must listen, be still, be quiet, and learn in order to know what God's will is. Then we act with force. Then we run with reckless abandonment! Action isn't brash when it is driven by vision and calling from God.
Listen to God today, then run like heck to do His will.
Today reminded me I don't like to wait. I don't like to sit and I don't like to be "out of control". I want to be in the drivers seat. I want the wheel. No back seat driving for this dude! But sometimes this can be detrimental in God's economy. Spiritually, the man that is to busy to slow down, listen, and wait on God...... that man can be in danger of missing a divine appointment. That man may try on his own before allowing God to have complete control. We cannot afford to be that person. Ephesians 5 tells us to be "careful how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..., therefore understand what God's will is". We must listen, be still, be quiet, and learn in order to know what God's will is. Then we act with force. Then we run with reckless abandonment! Action isn't brash when it is driven by vision and calling from God.
Listen to God today, then run like heck to do His will.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Personal Stuff
I want to share some personal stuff with you today. This is something that means the world to me. This Sunday, North Point asked Christie and me to come back up on the platform at the end of the service. What they told me/us rocked my world!
TJ Watkins told us the advisory team had been talking and praying, and decided to do something special for my 10 year anniversary at the church. I can't believe we moved here 10 years ago this May to start NP. Here's what it was.........
The church is giving me a 2 month sabbatical in 2009. If you aren't familiar with that term, it is a time off. A time of rest and renewal. A time to take a break and let God pour into you. A time to do some things you can't normally do, and go somewhere you can't normally go to learn something new. I was shocked! I don't know when I'll take it yet, nor what I'll do, but I can tell you what it means to me.
I'm a guy that loves what he does. I don't need lots of props and pats on the back because I love what I do and the calling in my life is strong. If it all fell apart, I'd start over and do it again! But...... it feels good to be appreciated sometimes. I sometimes forget how much it means to me, and how much it can mean to you. I cried sincere tears of appreciation on Sunday morning over a church that loves its pastor so much. Sure, we make each other mad at times, but we truly love each other.
On my way home from church, I almost started crying again. I could stop thinking how I want to be a better pastor, a better leader, and a more committed Christ follower for and because of you! I know pastors that hate going to their own church...... but that's not me! I love it. I love every single Sunday we get to worship together and point people to Christ! I love every single tired Monday morning when I get to wake up and come back to NP to be with my staff and you guys! Not every pastor feels that way, but I do.
Last thing....... we are just getting started together. We are going to see more people cross the line of faith next year than we ever have. We are going to see more baptisms, more people connecting in Life Groups to become more like Jesus, and more people serving for the sake of the gospel! I'm excited, and I'm ALL IN. Therefore, I'll go ALL OUT with you!
Sincerely,
John Sharp
TJ Watkins told us the advisory team had been talking and praying, and decided to do something special for my 10 year anniversary at the church. I can't believe we moved here 10 years ago this May to start NP. Here's what it was.........
The church is giving me a 2 month sabbatical in 2009. If you aren't familiar with that term, it is a time off. A time of rest and renewal. A time to take a break and let God pour into you. A time to do some things you can't normally do, and go somewhere you can't normally go to learn something new. I was shocked! I don't know when I'll take it yet, nor what I'll do, but I can tell you what it means to me.
I'm a guy that loves what he does. I don't need lots of props and pats on the back because I love what I do and the calling in my life is strong. If it all fell apart, I'd start over and do it again! But...... it feels good to be appreciated sometimes. I sometimes forget how much it means to me, and how much it can mean to you. I cried sincere tears of appreciation on Sunday morning over a church that loves its pastor so much. Sure, we make each other mad at times, but we truly love each other.
On my way home from church, I almost started crying again. I could stop thinking how I want to be a better pastor, a better leader, and a more committed Christ follower for and because of you! I know pastors that hate going to their own church...... but that's not me! I love it. I love every single Sunday we get to worship together and point people to Christ! I love every single tired Monday morning when I get to wake up and come back to NP to be with my staff and you guys! Not every pastor feels that way, but I do.
Last thing....... we are just getting started together. We are going to see more people cross the line of faith next year than we ever have. We are going to see more baptisms, more people connecting in Life Groups to become more like Jesus, and more people serving for the sake of the gospel! I'm excited, and I'm ALL IN. Therefore, I'll go ALL OUT with you!
Sincerely,
John Sharp
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