Losing Perspective

One afternoon, a Christian journalist was interviewing astronaut James Irwin.  Irwin was on Apollo 15 and actually stepped foot on the surface of the moon.  As the interview progressed, the writer asked the astronaut, “What did you feel when you stepped out of that capsule and your feet touched the surface of the moon?” Irwin thought a second and said, “it was one of the most profoundly disillusioning moments of my life.”  The journalist quickly asked “Why?”  James explained that his whole life had been spent dreaming about the moon.. how romantic and mysterious it was... and when he got there... all there was when he reached down was plain gray dirt.

James Irwin was standing miles and miles above his hometown on a giant orbiting rock that took thousands of man hours and millions of dollars to reach and all he saw was gray dust.  Have you ever lost perspective like that?  Miss the miracle because all you can see is the mundane?   Forget the positive because of the problems?  Many do.  Never forget to be in awe of God and what He is actively doing in your life.  He provides, protects, supplies, equips, and loves all of us equally and without a single one of us being worthy of it.   When you find yourself tempted to let the uncommon become common... stop... get someplace quiet... and take inventory of the situation.   I guarantee you’ll leave that moment reminded of God’s incredible love for you... and that the ground you’re currently standing on is more beautiful than you realize.

Everything Matters

In 1911, circus stuntman Bobby Leach, threw himself over Niagara Falls in a steel barrel. Amazingly, he survived the fall. Fifteen years later, Bobby slipped on an orange peel and broke his leg in the fall. When it didn’t heal properly, the leg had to be amputated. Eventually gangrene set in and that simple accident took his life.

Our lives are a lot like this tragic story.   We think all is fine because we survive the monumental challenges.. only to damage ourselves with what we consider to be little issues:  A lingering glance at a person who’s not your spouse... a slightly higher number on a report... a “little white lie” about your past ... all seemingly harmless in their own right.  However, they all lead to the same destructive place.  Proverbs 16:17 tells us “The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.”  If we are going to live to our potential, we must intentionally keep watch for things that will throw us off course both big AND small.  And when we find one, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem, we need to seek God’s guidance and wisdom to avoid it.  

Put On Their Shoes

Famed novelist William Faulkner was attending a dinner party one evening.  As the guests gathered to sit down for dinner, one of the women became distracted by her conversation and didn’t notice that her chair had been pulled away from the table by a polite gentleman.  As she went to sit, she missed the chair and fell to the floor... surprised and embarrassed.  Faulker, the guest of honor, quickly got up from his own seat and sat down on the floor beside her.  Instead of laughing... he chose the nobler route... empathy.

God calls us to do the same thing.  If we’re going to be able to help others... we have to put ourselves right where they are.  Feel what they feel.  Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”  Hebrews 13:3 says to “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  The world acts sympathetic... if we are Christ-followers,  we are called to another level.   Because when we choose to put on their shoes and walk around in them... we are more like Christ.

Listen

Grayson Clamp was born deaf.  He never heard a sound in his life until June of 2013 when he became the first child in the United States to receive an auditory brain stem implant.  The device allows his brain to process sound the way a hearing person’s would.   The first thing he heard?  His father sitting over his bedside saying  “Daddy loves you.  Daddy loves you.”

Today as you listen to this devotional... maybe you need to hear the same thing.  Your Heavenly Father loves you.  He does.  He is passionate about you.  He steps in for you... protects you... provides for you... reaches out for you... and listens to you when you talk to Him.  He never moves from your side and always has His loving arm around you when you get scared.  

Don’t allow the world to cover your ears.  Some people will discourage you and convince you that you are alone.  They will make you feel unloved and remind you that you have made mistakes.  They’ll try to distract you from God’s gentle whispers with silent betrayal and painful criticism.  Don’t let them.  Take some time today... close your eyes... and let God tell you again and again... 

You are mine.

I’m right here.

Daddy loves you. 

Smudges

A story is told of a man whose children each won a goldfish from a carnival.  Not having anything to put them in... the man went to a local pet store for a tank.  As he walked past the expensive aquariums, a sale tag caught his eye.  Five dollars for a used fish tank.  Perfect.  He bought the obviously used and dirty tank and took it home for a good cleaning.  The fish looked beautiful swimming through the now clean glass.  Then they started dying.  One fish was gone by morning... one the next day... and the third?  It held on for two full days.  The man was confused... what had caused these fish to perish?  Then he remembered... when he cleaned the tank he had used soap.  A definite no-no.  Good intentions... bad way of carrying them out. 

Many times we treat our own lives the same way.  Things get dirty... polluted... difficult.. and instead of running to God’s Word to get things clean... we use far more abrasive and toxic methods.  We condemn ourselves and choose to become self-critical.  Before long, we start to believe that what we did defines who we will always be.  We see our stains as permanent and our errors as unforgivable...  And soon after, that dream inside our heart begins to die.   God has another way.  A safer way.  We need to allow Him to define us.  We call ourselves messed-up... God calls us masterpiece.  We say we’re cursed... God calls us blessed.  Ready to do some cleaning?  Don’t be harsh on yourself and abuse what Christ died for... allow His loving words about you to wipe away the smudges on your heart.  

He Never Blinks

In Wellington, New Zealand, scientists discovered the remains of the very rare colossal squid.  During their examination, they measured the creatures eyes... and were shocked!  Each eye was 11 inches across... the size of a regular dinner plate!  Can you imagine how intimidating and scary it was to those swimming through the ocean? Divers simply minding their own business being stared at by a huge undersea creature... with giant eyes that seemed to be sizing them up... ready to attack!

Tragically, many see God in a similar way...  Huge eyes glaring down from Heaven with an intimidating and judgmental gaze... ready to punish and discipline if they make the slightest move.  But that’s not the God we read about in 2 Chronicles 16:9. It says: “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”   His eyes aren’t hunting prey... they are searching for those in prayer.   He isn’t seeking someone to make an example of... He’s looking for someone to make whole again.  God’s eyes are loving... and they are everywhere at the same time.  As you start your day today... close your own eyes and thank God for always watching out for you... Thank Him that He never blinks or removes His gaze... You are His child and He is vigilantly looking for ways to strengthen you for what lies ahead.  

One Way

The late Elvis Presley was known for wearing three different religious symbols at all times:  A Christian cross... a Star of David... and a Hebrew Letter “Chi”.  When asked why, he commonly replied, “I don’t want to miss out on heaven due to a technicality.”

Many treat their faith the same way.  They want to cover their bases... believe a little of this... wear some of that... take this part of belief “A” and pair it with a section of religion “B”...  It simply doesn’t work that way.  John 14:6 tells us “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   This statement leaves no doubt.  No technicalities... no loopholes... no workarounds.  If we want to spend eternity in Heaven with God... we need to believe in and have a relationship with His Son.    While we may be tempted to create our own path... we have to remember that our spiritual walk is not a buffet where we pick and choose... it is a faith in the One who loves us enough to show us the correct road for our journey back home.  

Encouragement Matters

Jamie Scott was trying out for a part in his elementary school play.  His mother said that his heart was set on it, though she feared he might not be chosen.  On the day the parts were awarded, Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement.  “Guess what, mom,” he shouted, “I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer!”

Needless to say, Jamie was not awarded the lead part in the play.  Instead, he would stay on the outside... cheering on those that had all of the lines.  The world would say this was a miss in life.. but scripture says differently.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we read, “Therefore encourage one another and build another up, just as you are doing.”  Playing the role of encourager is huge in the Kingdom of God.   The world is full of those trying to drag people down.  Choose to be different.  Offer a smile rather than criticism.  Be a listening ear and empathize rather than ignore and judge.  I can promise you this, the role of encourager may never put you in a spotlight...but you won’t need it.  Instead, when you choose to become one, you’ll brighten every room you enter with the light of Christ.  

Limited

Mother Teresa was once asked “Don’t you ever become angry at the causes of social injustice that you see in India or in any of the places in which you work?”  She thought for a long moment and replied, “Why should I expend energy in anger that I can expend in love.”

During the course of a day, we have a limited amount of both time and energy.  And decision by decision, we get to choose how we use it.   Should we become furious and yell... or be forgiving and loving?  Same amount of time.  Same amount of energy.  So which one is what God wants?  Scripture tells us in James chapter 1 that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  And if our goal is to become more like Christ (which it should be), then the choice is clear.  Why waste time throwing our hands in the air and yelling... instead, why not use that same passion to calm a situation, extend grace, show mercy, and help people see Christ reflected in our love for them.  While this isn’t always the easiest choice, it is the most effective one as we strive forward to reach our God potential.

God's Promise

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”  Hebrews 6:18

There once was a man who was known as a major cheapskate.  All his life, every time he got paid, he took $20 and put it under his mattress.  After many years, he got sick and was about to die.  As he was dying, he said to his wife “I want you to promise me one thing.”  “What?” she asked.  “I want you to promise me that when I’m dead you will take my money from under the mattress and put it in my casket so that I can take it all with me.”  After the man died, his wife kept her promise... She took the cash, went to the bank, deposited the money, and then wrote a check for the full amount.  And with a smile on her face, placed the check in the casket with her dead husband.

Promises can be wonderful.  When properly kept, they can strengthen friendships and change lives.  But as in the case of this clever wife, promises can also be twisted, manipulated, and outright broken.  Not the case with God.  When He promises something... you can count on it.  Hebrews 6:18 tells us that He is honest and good on His Word.  Let’s live our lives confident of this... that when we trust Him, He is worthy of it.  When He promises He’ll be there... He will be. 

Believe it.  

300

“…A man reaps what he sows.”  Galatians 6:7b

The weekend is here.  We’ve talked about it during our 300 series… I’ve posted about it here on my Facebook devotional page… and you’ve hopefully spent some time praying and thinking about what role you can have in it… it is Temple Centurion kickoff weekend.  

It is my prayer that whichever area you choose, you would know that you are making a difference around the world.… Remember, Temple Centurion is a year-long initiative but we are asking all of our Potential Church family to contribute as much of that yearly commitment as they can this first weekend.  This will allow us to get right to work in some much-needed areas.

It’s not easy to talk to you about money.  I’ve been honest about that from the start.  I do it because Jesus talked directly about it.  In fact, He talked more about resources than He did about Heaven.  Why?  Is it more important?  Surely not.  But He knew that it would be the resistance to sharing our resources that would hold us back from moving forward in so many areas of our lives.

I just know that when we are obedient with the resources that God blesses us with, we put ourselves in a position for blessing.  That’s what I want for each of you… I don’t want you to stress over your finances… I don’t want you to wonder what it is God is looking for you to do… and most of all… I don’t want you to miss out on the blessings that come with generosity.  

Remember, it’s not about equal amounts.  Not everyone can afford to give the same thing.  It is, however, about equal sacrifice.  Allow God to stretch you in this area.  Were you a silver Temple Centurion last year?  What would have to change to allow you to give at the gold level?  Didn’t participate last year?  What’s holding you back from the opportunity this weekend?  Are you blessed to the point of giving at the platinum or diamond level?  

I hear so many stories from people who prayed about it and jumped in last year as Temple Centurions.  They tell me that they were unsure at first if they would be able to afford giving anything above the 10% they already contributed.  But when they stepped out and trusted… God did amazing things.  Things way beyond what they imagined would happen as a result of their generosity.

I want to challenge you as your Pastor… pray through this. Let’s not dismiss it and count on others to do it in our place.  It’s our time to step up and be counted as Temple Centurions.  Will you join me?   I’ll see you this weekend.  

The Journey Begins

TODAY’S VERSE:  Luke 6:38 “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” 

As the kickoff to our Temple Centurion season draws closer, I would like you to watch Amaury and Roxy’s story (linked below).  As you watch it and pray over your own commitment…  keep today’s verse in mind…

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I believe it?

Do I have the courage to live it out?

Do I trust God in what He says?

Am I ready to activate my generosity?

This weekend, all of us will have the opportunity to begin the Temple Centurion journey:  our generosity…. God’s faithfulness and blessing… and a life lived knowing that we invested our resources into something bigger than ourselves.

As I’ve invited you to do for the past few weeks… please continue to pray and fast… asking God what part He would have you take in this historic weekend.   For more information about becoming a Temple Centurion, check out our website here:  http://potentialchurch.com/new2014/?page_id=13317

Video link:  https://vimeo.com/95147758

Pour It Out

I once heard a story of a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time his throat became very dry, about that time he saw a little shack in the distance.  He made his way over to the shack and found a water pump with a small jug of water and a note.

The note read: "pour all the water into the top of the pump to prime it, if you do this you will get all the water you need". Now the man had a choice to make, if he trusted the note and poured the water in and it worked he would have all the water he needed. If it didn’t work he would still be thirsty and he might die. Or he could choose to drink the water in the jug and get immediate satisfaction, but it might not be enough and he still might die. After thinking about it the man decided to risk it. He poured the entire jug into the pump and began to work the handle, at first nothing happened and he got a little scared but he kept going and water started coming out. So much water came out he drank all he wanted, took a shower, and filled all the containers he could find. Because he was willing to give up momentary satisfaction, he got all the water he needed. Now the note also said: after you have finished, please refill the jug for the next traveller.” The man refilled the jug and added to the note: “ Please prime the pump, believe me it works”! 

We face the same choice everyday.  Hold on to what we have in case we need it... or give it all up to God so that He can come through on His promises.  Drink all the water we see or pour it in and trust?  Temporary satisfaction or long-term provision?  Here and now or now and later?  

What are you afraid to give up?  Are you holding on to the water you have or taking a “risk” that God will come through?

-  Do you want to run your own life for fear that God can’t or won’t?

-  Are you holding on to 100% of your income because tithing makes you nervous?

-  What are you doing with your talents and abilities?  Pouring them out for others?

When was the last time you asked yourself... “Do I really trust God?”

We claim to.... we tell others we do... we want to... but isn’t it risky?

Trusting God is not a risk.  

“Those who know your name trust in you,

    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  Psalm 9:10

“O Lord, I give my life to you.

   I trust in you, my God!

Do not let me be disgraced,

    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.

No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,

    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.”  Psalm 25:1-3

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

    and he will show you which path to take.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

“See, God has come to save me.

    I will trust in him and not be afraid.

The Lord God is my strength and my song;

    he has given me victory.”  Isaiah 12:2

Verse after verse we are reminded that trusting God is important.  But how?

Pour out what you see in front of you... give Him what you have and all of who you are.  Not only will He come through... scripture tells us that He will provide more than you could ever produce on your own.  

Give up trying to be God.  Instead, allow yourself to trust.  I know people around you can (and have) let your down.  But God is not like that.  He is trustworthy, proven, and bigger than the situation you face.  He is worthy of our praise, King of all Kings, and takes great joy in watching His children succeed.  He makes streams in the desert and mends the hearts of the hurting.  

You can trust Him.

See what you have now?  That little jug of water?  Give it up to Him completely and watch Him flood your life with blessings.  

The Heel

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”  Ephesians 6:12-13 

Maybe you’ve heard the ancient story of Achilles... a great warrior and hero of Homer’s Iliad.  As legend tells it, his mother dipped him into the magical river Styx when he was a boy.  Holding him by his heel and lowering him under, she knew that immersing him in this body of water would make him invincible.  It worked.... Achilles became a strong warrior that couldn’t be defeated in battle.  However, he did have one weak spot.  Where?  You guessed it... the only spot that didn’t get dipped... his heel.   The one spot that his mother failed to cover in the magical water would be the exact place an arrow would land and sink in... killing Achilles.  This fictitious hero of legend was felled by a weak spot he didn’t even knew he had.

In Ephesians 6:12-13, we read that we, too, are in a battle.  And the enemy that fires his arrows is relentless and has great aim.  His sights are set on the areas of our lives that aren’t covered in armor.  His goal?  To take us down... to neutralize us by exploiting where we struggle.  

Where is your achilles heel?  For many, the struggle is generosity.  

We hold tightly to what we have in fear of not having enough.  We give what’s left over because we don’t trust.  We forget that giving to the local church is an act of obedience… of faith… and reveals whether or not we trust what God says in His word about provision.  

Do we really believe the Bible?  Are we in love with the parts that make us feel good and skim the parts that challenge us to stretch?  Why did Jesus talk so much about money?  Because He knew that it would be the one area that exposes many to the attacks of the enemy.  And the devil is a good shot.

How do we protect ourselves?  We simply have to have a plan. 

This weekend could be the start of a brand new plan for your life.  Everyone that calls Potential Church home has the opportunity to start the Temple Centurion journey… giving an offering above their normal tithe toward one of five areas:  

1)  Launching new campuses

2)  Impacting the world through missions

3)  Campus development

4)  Staying on the cutting edge in television and the Internet Campus

5)  Reduce and eliminate outstanding debt 

As the weekend quickly approaches, I want to challenge you to pray, fast, and talk together as a family about this.  How can you get involved?  What is God whispering to your heart?  Are you feeling a nudge toward giving to one of these five areas?  

I know this.  When we are generous with what God trusts us with… we receive blessings from Him.  And maybe one of the biggest blessings of all is knowing that the enemy can’t take us down by the achilles heel of giving.  Are you ready to put on that piece of armor?  Let’s get stronger together… 

LOGIN

"And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'"  Mark 16:15


Millions around the world connect online every single day...

The majority of the 1st time guests at Potential Church come as a result of first seeing us on television....

The line between Facebook friends and physical friends is blurring...

Why a television ministry?  Why the iCampus?  Because people matter.  And those people that matter... they are the same ones that Jesus tells us to reach with the Gospel.

...And some of them don't live near one of our physical campuses and still want to attend Potential Church.

...And some have crowd phobias and aren't able to enter a building filled with people quite yet.

...And some have been burned by a past church and are just now ready to give a church another try

...And some are traveling... and some are sick... and some are incarcerated... and some don't have transportation...

Whatever the reason... we believe that these people... people like you and I... should not be forgotten or left out.  Why not develop a ministry to meet them right where they login or live?   Why not pour into a ministry where people can study the Bible together no matter which flag they find themselves under?  Why not have a tablet-friendly church... ready to stay connected with while travelling?  Why not have Potential Church services on TV networks around the world?

Is it a gimmick?  Is it a passing trend?  No.  Technology is here to stay and many of us depend on it.  And some day, when God reminds us that He gave us airwaves, and broadband internet, and the like....  He's going to ask us one question...

What did you do with it?

Run from it or embrace it?  Use it for the Kingdom or refuse to innovate?  Bury the talents or invest them (see Matt. 25:14-30)?

Potential Church is committed to using any and every means to help fulfill the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:18-20) and see everyone come to know Christ.

Are you with us?

The Net

John 21:6 “Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.”

The disciples had fished all night with no luck.  They’d thrown out their nets and been unsuccessful in catching even the tiniest brim.  But why?  These were some experienced men of the sea… they were used to pulling in thousands.  What could have possibly caused this lack of success?  

It was pretty simple.  The net was on the wrong side.

Sometimes we fish for things with our nets on the wrong side, too.  

Some are fishing for the right mate in a sea filled with wrong people.  Some are seeking God’s blessing in a life filled with disobedience.  Others confess that they want to share their faith, but only hang around other Christians.  

Sometimes it requires moving the boat.   Most of the time, it’s simply a matter of putting your net on the right side… on the side Jesus instructs us to put it on. 

Want a Godly relationship?  Cast your net among those that honor God with their lives.  Christ tells us in His word that bad company corrupts good character (1 Cor. 15:33).  Too many are looking for deep-water fish in canals.  

Want God’s blessings?  Cast your net into the river of generosity and servanthood.  When we give of our time, talent, and resources… God blesses our efforts.  Too many are asking God to give His stamp of approval on life plans He had no part in creating.

Want others to know about Christ?  Cast your net right where you are.  There are plenty excuses to stay silent… dare to be bold… tell others (starting with those that share your last name).  You may not have all the answers… and you may not be a Bible expert… but God has done something big in your life.  Share it.  And if the nets come back empty the first time…don’t quit.  Keep casting them out on the right side… and big things will happen.  

The key is to put our efforts where God tells us to.  That’s why we are on television… and have a legitimate campus on the internet…  because that’s where people are… and that’s where God told us cast our nets.  I talk to so many who come to Potential Church as a result of our television ministry… They tell me that their lives are forever changed because they were “flipping through channels” and caught part of one of our programs.  That’s no coincidence.  God told us to put a net out on TV… and because we did so… people’s eternities are changed.   

Why the iCampus?  Why have a dedicated Campus Pastor for those that join us online?  Because that’s where God directed us to reach out… on the right side of the boat.  And where He points… we cast.  And the result?  Life change.  Family change.  Heart change.  World change.  One login at a time. 

Are you casting your nets on the right side of the boat?  What are you doing to make the changes you need to make?

Will you join Potential Church as we cast our nets into the worlds of television and internet campus?  If you’d like more information… check out this link:  http://potentialchurch.com/new2014/?page_id=13317

See you this weekend for our Family Dedication service and Mother’s Day celebration!

The Babe

Babe Ruth had hit 714 home runs during his baseball career and was playing one of his last full major league games. It was the Braves versus the Reds in Cincinnati. But the great Ruth was no longer as agile as he had once been. He fumbled the ball and threw badly, and in one inning alone his errors were responsible for most of the five runs scored by Cincinnati. As the Babe walked off the field after the third out and headed toward the dugout, a crescendo of yelling and booing reached his ears.*

Some days we strike out.  We make errors.  We take our eyes off the ball or play hurt.  For whatever reason things don’t happen the way they are supposed to or even close to the way they did in times past.  It causes us to doubt our calling, snap at our closest family members, or wonder why God doesn’t seem to care.   

Life seems to be booing at us from all sides.... from the bleachers to the box seats.  

Ever have a day [a month... a year...] like that?  Ever struggled to get out of bed in the morning for fear of rejection, ridicule, or retaliation?   

Even hall of famers have those feelings.  

Even the best have rough days.

Look at Paul... He wrote most of the New Testament... was the greatest Christian missionary the world has ever seen...  and he wrote what happened to him.

“But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.  I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.”

All of us (even Paul) have challenges.  Sometimes the world hurts us... and sometimes we miss the ball on our own.  And what are the typical reactions? 

Stop trying.  No risk... no hurt.   

No body cares... so why should I?

No fair.  I’m trying to do the right thing and getting picked on because of it.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded that somebody cares.

Let’s look at the rest of the Babe’s story...

“Just then a boy jumped over the railing onto the playing field. With tears streaming down his face, he threw his arms around the legs of his hero. Ruth didn’t hesitate for one second. He picked up the boy, hugged him, and set him down on his feet, patting his head gently. The noise from the stands came to an abrupt halt. Suddenly there was no more booing. In fact, hush fell over the entire park. In those brief moments, the fans saw two heroes: Ruth, who in spite of his dismal day on the field could still care about a little boy; and the small lad, who cared about the feelings of another human being. Both had melted the hearts of the crowd.” *

Even though what Babe did at the plate was disappointing...

Even though what Paul suffered was crippling...

Even though what you woke up to seems too big to overcome...

Even though failure and pain happen... 

Someone cares.  

God cares. 

And He will walk with you every step of the way.

So many people need to know this… so many hurting in a world that tells them that they are alone.  Potential Church exists so that you, your friends, your neighbors, and those that you work with know that they matter to God.  It is our mission and vision to partner with people to help them reach their God potential.  We are here to show them that they are a masterpiece and not a mistake… valuable not victimized… and a child of the Most High God.  

I am honored to Pastor Potential Church and if you attend one of our campuses… thank you.  God is using you to make a difference in the world.  Let’s come together with loving and generous hearts to change the world for God’s glory.

The Details

Exodus 37:1-9 “Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. And he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it. He made the atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Then he made two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. He made one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; at the two ends he made them of one piece with the cover. The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the cover.”

Today’s verse might seem a bit odd to see in a devotional… after all… many of you are probably not looking to build your own Ark of the Covenant.  So why would God be so detailed in His description of it’s construction here in Exodus?  Why tells us how many cubits… or what the lid was supposed to look like?  Wouldn’t it have been good enough to just say that Bezalel made the Ark of the Covenant and the Ten Commandments were placed inside. Why the great effort to be exact?

Because details matter to God.

The hairs on your head.  He counts them.  Those prayers you lift up to Him?  He hears them.  Every word you say and even those that remain in your heart.  He knows them.  God is a God of detail.  Everything counts. It all matters.

Knowing that about Him, it’s no wonder that we work so hard at Potential Church to get everything right.  From functional baptisteries, to air conditioning units that cool properly, to changing broken tile to beautiful polished concrete.  Details matter.  And not for the reasons you might think.   The Ark wasn’t built to those specifications because men were trying to show off for God.  It wasn’t about having the most beautiful Ark ever built… it was about doing their very best so that God would be glorified.  

Every improvement that we make at our campuses is for that same reason.  We aren’t making changes to have the most beautiful campuses ever built… but to have the most effective ones.  Cool air leads to comfortable conditions which leads to attentive people which leads to hearing the Word of God which might lead to…

Salvation.  Life change.  And God gets the credit. 

Everything matters.  Details matter.  Improvement matters.

When we talk about becoming a Temple Centurion and contributing to the Elevate initiative found here:  http://potentialchurch.com/new2014/?page_id=13301 , we aren’t only talking about making campuses more beautiful.  Many times the improvements are not even seen by the general public.  Instead, we aim to make things better because God sees them… and He uses them to help people learn more about His love so that someday they might accept Him as Lord.  

The same God who set the rhythm of your heartbeat is the One who uses Potential Church for His purposes.  Shouldn’t we do our best to improve what’s He’s trusted us with so that more can be saved?  

Details matter.  Giving our best matters.  And ultimately, people matter.   

What part will you play in reaching them for Christ?

A Stronger Life

As I was reading through God’s word, I came across this important instruction from the Apostle Paul.  

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”  Ephesians 5:15-17

In this passage of scripture, he gives three distinct ways we are all to live our lives. 

1) We are to live wisely… How do we do this?  We should make choices that follow God’s direction instead of our own.   We need to apply past failures to move us forward into future successes.  We are to surround ourselves with friends who help us in our walk rather than pull us backward.   And finally, spend our time serving and giving to others.  Generosity and a servant’s heart are two pieces of evidence that reveal a life moving in the right direction.

2)  We are to make the most of every opportunity… This includes maximizing our lives.  Eat well, sleep enough, save some money, seek joy over happiness, do something that fulfills us, connect with others, grow, read, etc.  And we do these not for their own sake… but so that we can be prepared when God gives us opportunity to move forward.  There is nothing more unfortunate than something we’ve been praying for coming to light… and not being prepared to seize the chance to make it happen. 

3)  We are to understand and act on what the Lord wants us to do.  What is that?  What is it that God wants  ALL of us to do with our lives?  We talked about it a few days ago.. fulfill the Great Commission as explained in Matthew 28:18-20.  To go out and share the Good News with those that have never heard it…. to be the hands and feet of Christ serving others… to be the living church…. active, loving, and providing for others.  

Paul is telling us to live wisely following God’s example, be prepared for and seize opportunity, and fulfill the Great Commission… But how?  There are many ways.  And we want to partner with you to make it easy to do all three at the same time.  It’s called Mission Saturday and takes place at all of our Potential Church campuses.  A video with more information can be found here:  https://vimeo.com/78675982

The Apostle Paul knew the pathway to a stronger life in Christ… it’s up to us to put ourselves in a position to be obedient.  I hope you’ll be a part of the world change that happens every month.

For more information about Potential Church and more exciting mission initiatives, check out our website here:  http://potentialchurch.com/new2014/?page_id=13298

Starfish

A man is walking along the shoreline of an ocean when he comes up on a little boy standing in the midst of thousands of starfish that had washed up along the shore. The man watches the little boy as he picks up a starfish and one by one throws them back in the sea. The man watches for several minutes then walks up to the boy and asks, "What are you doing?" The little boy answers, "I'm saving these starfish so they won't die." The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

Some would say that the man has a point.. after all...there are so many starfish on the beach... what will throwing a few back do?  How can the kindness and generosity of one boy make a difference?  Truth is... one person can’t do it all.  

But one person can do something.  And when enough people do something... big things happen.  Lasting change occurs.  What once seemed unachievable becomes reachable.   Every act of generosity matters... and every sacrifice... every gift... every commitment toward helping someone become the person they were created to be is important.  As we approach the May 17/18 weekend, and the opportunity to begin this year’s Temple Centurion journey, I want to remind you of a few things.  

Temple Centurions are those that give above and beyond their tithe toward one of five areas...   Launch (start new campuses), Impact (missions), Elevate (upgrades to existing campuses), Innovate (Television ministry and iCampus), and Accelerate (debt reduction).   Each of these are equally important but you might be nudged to contribute to one particular area.   We’ve made that very easy on the newly updated website found here. 

Over the past few weeks, you’ve been given a black Temple Centurion envelope in your program.  Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet... we’ll have them available on the weekends leading up to May 17/18.  I want to encourage you to take some time over the next little while, and if you haven’t already, pray with your family.  Ask God what He would have you give and how far He’s asking you to stretch.  As I mentioned from the platform, I’m asking everyone that is becoming a Temple Centurion to give as much of their commitment as possible that weekend at all of our campuses.  This will allow us to quickly begin work in all of those areas.  From there, it’s simply a matter of continuing to give your tithe each week and an additional amount above that to Temple Centurion.

Were you a Temple Centurion last year?  Maybe He’s nudging you to increase your commitment to reach the next level.  Never been one before?  Silver Temple Centurions give just $500 above and beyond their tithe... that’s only a couple of Starbucks coffees a week.  

Why is that amount so reachable?  

Because we believe that everybody may not be able to give the same amount... but everybody can do something.  And everybody’s something can make a difference.  

Looking back at the starfish story... I want to share with you what the boy said in response to the man’s discouraging words:

“The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

The little boy reached down and picked up another starfish and said, "it will make a difference to this one" as he threw it into the ocean.”

You may hesitate to become a Temple Centurion because you don’t think your giving matters... that’s there’s a lot to do and your commitment won’t make a difference.  Let me assure you... it does.  Your kindness...your faithfulness...and your generosity in supporting the vision of Potential Church affects not only campus development now... but will help assure that future generations will discover and grow in Christ just as you have.  

It’s my prayer that we wouldn’t see this as just an opportunity to give resources... but understand it as a chance to change lives with what God has blessed us with.  Let’s come together... all of us... and make a difference for the Kingdom. 

Why?

-  Why does Potential Church do mission trips?

Because people matter.  And sometimes people need us to come to them with help, hope, and to share the never-ending love of Jesus Christ.

-  Why does Potential Church do God’s work all over the globe?

Because we have been commanded by scripture to do so:

"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."  Mark 16:15

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19

"For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”  Romans 10:13-15

"For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 13:47

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” 1 Chronicles 16:24

-  Why missions?

Because as Patti said in the video… it’s our vision to reach people, serve them, and change the world… one life at a time.  Are you in?  

For more details about our Impact project and mission trips around the world, click here:  http://potentialchurch.com/new2014/?page_id=13298