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Godly men
Thursday, January 31, 2008

America needs godly men. We need men who will stand up for what is right. We need men who will make decisions and choices based on godly principles, godly wisdom, and godly advice. Too many times we make impulse decisions. I do and I know most other people do. If you don't do this from time to time, you are in good shape. Unfortunately for those of you like me who do this, we need to always step back. I don't have a w.w.j.d. bracelet on, and I don't know if those really helped most people other than to be a fashion trend. We really do need to step back in our decisions and allow God to help us. The reason we make so many bad choices is because we make the choice, it is not God helping us. Many times men are seen as objects. I know that sounds odd, because we always hear that women are objects, but I believe in many ways men are seen as objects. In todays society we have all sorts of shows that depict men as stupid, inconsiderate, and unable to perform menial tasks. I don't believe that is truly what this world wants, but that is what it depicts. So what do we do? We become more godly. We read our word for inspiration of what God, not this world, calls us to be. We pray for God to give us direction in every situation. And we listen, not only to our wives and kids and co-workers, but mostly to God. He is speaking, He is revealing himself to us, oh God please let us hear what you need us to do as godly men.

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posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:16 AM, , links to this post




men's group
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Once a month we have a men's and women's bible study at our church. We do it on the last Wednesday of every month. Tonight we will be talking about David. We will be looking at the story of Bathsheba when a godly man did something ungodly. The truth is godly men do ungodly things from time to time. How do we gaurd against it? How do we recover from it? How do we move on to be more godly? We will be looking at all of these things tonight. I am really excited. I love talking with the fellas about what God is doing in their lives. We need more godly men in our churches, homes and leadership. Lord help us.

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posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:20 AM, , links to this post




what a change
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Yesterday was a great day. It was almost 60 degrees here yesterday. It was beautiful. This morning has brought about a massive change. The high is 14 and the wind is blowing at around 35 mph. FYI, if you don't know 14 degree weather blowing at 35 mph's makes it really cold and miserable outside. I cannot believe the change that has happened overnight. There has been a tremendous change.

2 Cor. 5:17 says Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come! Many people as well as myself love this verse. Becoming a Christian and living as a Christian this is what it feels like to be forgiven. Yesterday is gone. Today is a new day. We can reflect on the past, but we cannot be defined by our past. Ask yourself this question, "Am I a changed person?" My question is when does the change stop? I don't believe it does. The more and more we try to become like Jesus, the more and more we change. It may not always be drastic like the weather change overnight, but it is something you can see happen over time.

Have you changed lately? Are you becoming more like Jesus? I am through the grace of God.

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posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:35 AM, , links to this post




Annual Meeting
Monday, January 28, 2008

We had our annual business meeting at our church yesterday and it went great. We had the meeting right after our service yesterday which worked really well. We had a busy weekend. We left for Sioux City on Friday after work. We got up there, did a little shopping for things, then headed to the house. We sat around and visited for a while, then we went to the community theatre in Sioux City. After that we went out to eat with some friends at Chilis (my favorite resturant) then headed home for more conversation. We really had a great time catching up with friends. Saturday we got up and went to Sam's to get some things for our V-day banquet. We came home for a bit, then went over to Grandpa Earls house and talked with him for a while. Then went to our nephews basketball game. It was a lot of fun to watch. Then it was over to the b-day party. It was fun relaxing with family and celebrating Reagan and Grady's birthdays. After that we packed up and came home. It was a really short trip, but it was a lot of fun. We had a good service yesterday. I came home and took a siesta, then Melissa and I met some people from the church at the movie theater here in town (yes we have one) and went to Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was pretty funny. All in all, great weekend.

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posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:24 AM, , links to this post




state of the church pt 4
Thursday, January 24, 2008

What is the church for? Why does the church exist? I think the church has an identity crisis. Sometimes we want to be all things to all people. Sometimes we have to stand up for what is right when it makes people mad. Sometimes we have to give grace to those that don't deserve it. There are so many other things we have to do at the right time and place. So how do we know when it is the right time and place? How do we know when to take a stance against a major issue? How do we know when to fight for the kingdom of God? It is difficult, but we have to use discearnment. That is the easy answer.

I believe we need to simplify things. Last night at bible study we talked about going back to simple things. In our personal lives what are the two greatest commands? Stop drinking and smoking? No, it's love God with all that you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. That is how to simplify your christian walk. When you go to bed at night ask yourself. Did I love God with all that I was? Did I love others and myself? So as a church what shall we do? Go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Make disciples. How do we do that? Go fishing! We are to be about the Father's business. We will minister to those that come to the church. We will serve our community. We will do those necessary things. Let's be the church everyday. Let's not do church on Sundays and Wednesdays.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:33 AM, , links to this post




state of the church pt 3
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Yesterday we talked about the realities that exist in the church. Today I want to take a different look at the church. How does God see the church? We talked about how some people view the church. I read a great book called "they like Jesus, but they don't like the church" it is a fresh look into how people under 35 see the church or the people in it. It is very sobering. I read what another pastor said and it was very convicting. Sometimes as a pastor I feel like I have to do so much, I have a list of things that need to get done every Sunday morning, some are not fun nor easy to do. It is easy to start complaining and think I am doing so much for the church and they don't even know. I have to step back and realize something and here is what that pastor said, "God loves the church way more than I or we ever could." He died for the church. He loves the church. I am a strong supporter and faithful protector of the church to the best of my abilities, but none of that compares to how God feels about the church. If God didn't love the church or breathe it into existence, all our work would be meaningless, but He did. What an honor to be a part of that.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:01 AM, , links to this post




state of the church pt 2
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Today we will talk about some of the truths of the church. The first thing I hear whenever I talk about the church or ask someone their feeling about the church the first word that comes to mind for most people is hypocritical. I always back them up and say yes you are right, the church is full of hypocrites. I am a hypocrite from time to time. I say one thing and do another. That is at least what people define hypocricy by. My question back to them is "why do we limit hypocricy to the church?" Why don't we talk about our co-workers, friends, family members, or our children in the same tone? Certainly others outside of the church say one thing and do another. I hate how it gets limited to the church like only the church has hypocrites. I suppose it's because we have all these stances, and all these beliefs we talk about and sometimes quite honestly we just don't live them out.

So here is the compromise. Yes there are hypocrites in the church, but there are hypocrites everywhere else too. Are you going to not be around your family or friends, or co-workers because they are hypcrites? Are you not going to go to work anymore or to any work functions? Are you not going to have any family gatherings because uncle Chuck lied? (by the way I don't have an uncle Chuck) I could write all day and defend the church here, but the truth is all of us are a work in progress. PRACTICE GRACE!

posted by Pastor Potter @ 9:48 AM, , links to this post




state of the church pt 1
Monday, January 21, 2008

Everyday this week I will be writing about the church. I love the church. I think the church is the best thing local towns and cities have going for them. I will be talking about the church in general. So this does not mean every church, our church, or any denomination. These are just things I have observed or read.

The numbers on paper are staggering. Here are some of the latest stats. We plant 4,000 churches a year. Sounds good right. We close 7,000 churches a year. Ministers are leaving the church at a high rate for various reasons. One stat says that 70% of ministers that have been out of seminary for 5 years or less will leave ministry in the first 5 years, that means only 30% of young ministers make it past the 5 year mark.

What can we do about this? PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. This may seem daunting to people, but I have to go back to the Word. I will build MY CHURCH, and the gates of hell will NOT prevail against it. God is in control, He is aware, and he will prove himself. That is what gets me so excited about the future of the church.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:35 AM, , links to this post




library
Saturday, January 19, 2008

We are up at the public library here in Clarinda. It is a great facility. Very nice and new, only a few years old. They have wireless internet here, so it is just a relaxing, calm, quiet, and homey environment. It's nice. I love the feeling of home. That is what most of us who love our homes or the feeling of our homes want when we leave. To go to a resturant with a cozy feeling. To go to a coffee shop with a nice quiet environment. We love the feeling of home. I love the feeling of being at home.

I want that to be how our church feels to people. A home away from home. We want people to feel welcome. One true sign of friendship is inviting someone to your home. One sign of friendship should be inviting someone to church. To a place where you know they will enjoy, feel relaxed, and be in an environment that is satisfying. That is the kind of church I want. One day I think it would be cool to just have a church called "Home". People would say things like:

I don't know that is just my crazy thinking. I want our homes to be places where God reveals his presence, grace, and peace. I also think he wants to do that in HIS church.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:56 AM, , links to this post




Discussion
Friday, January 18, 2008

I love to have meaningful discussions with people. I feel like I am a good listener. I feel like I can contribute to almost any conversation. Lately I have had some discussions with people who want to talk about tithing. What happens to people who don't tithe? Here are a few of my thoughts.

  1. If someone doesn't tithe they are almost guaranteeing financial problems which comes out of disobedience to God
  2. It is someones choice to tithe or not. You can't make someone tithe
  3. God is under no obligation to provide for someone who does not tithe.
  4. It all comes down to obedience.
  5. God somehow ALWAYS takes care of those who tithe.

Those are some of my thoughts. Care to comment?

posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:05 AM, , links to this post




fresh snow
Thursday, January 17, 2008

I have let everyone know that I love snow. We got a fresh snow last night down here in Clarinda. I would say we got about 5 or so inches. It makes everything look so nice. Plus it is a lightweight snow, so it will be easy to clean up. I think it is truly amazing how the world is set up. I mean why do certain states have really cold winters and others stay up above 50? Is this God's cruel punishment, or magnifent design. If we could step into God's creativy for even a second, I think our minds would be overtaken. I have known some pretty creative people, but no one can hold a candle to how creative our God is. I think God has to laugh when we have "brainstorming meetings." He probably thinks "all these people are together and that is what they came up with? I am so glad I designed the earth." I have heard other ministers say this, and this is a great challenge for all of us. There are ways of doing ministry no one has thought of. I found a great quote in my journal the other day (it doesn't mean I wrote it, I actually don't know who said this) "God doesn't want us to do everything, God wants us to do what He has called us to do." What an amazing thing. We are all called to do something unique.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 9:17 AM, , links to this post




Idol is Back!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

American Idol started up again. We watched the show last night. It is quite the debacle. You really do feel bad for some of the people on the show. They clearly cannot sing, but they are put in front of the top 3 judges (not sure how Randy, Paula, and Simon are the world's greatest judges) and then get blasted. Last year the judges were pretty mean. It looks like they will be this year as well. It makes me think though. Is that how we act as christians?
When someone walks into the room, what are we thinking? She is ugly, he is fat, she is short, he is bald or she is not who we are looking for. In our heads and sometimes with our mouths we judge people. Maybe not their character or integrity, but by the outside, which is much worse. When people try their best do we encourage them, or tear them apart or laugh at them? Unfortunately, I have seen this happen often in the church. (church in general) I think sometimes the church can do a huge disservice to other people when we act this way. The thing I love about Jesus is that he went to the man with the shriveled hand, the short guy, the prostitute, the average guy. I think we all need to follow the example of Jesus here.

Challenge: Befriend someone who is the complete opposite of all your other friends.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 8:41 AM, , links to this post




Intervention
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

I don't know if you have ever seen this show, but it is so powerful. Last night I couldn't sleep so I watched two episodes that just broke my heart. The first was of a dad with 3 young kids and a wife. He was addicted to meth. He had a pretty rough life. He went to treatment and really came back changed.

The second episode was of a big family and the youngest brother Jason had done all sorts of drugs and he was an alcoholic. The dad was a Southern Baptist minister. The family dealt with real life issues from the mom being a lesbian to drug and alcohol abuse. It was so sad to see a pastor's home end up like that, but I know that is not the only one. The young man struggled so much, and had such a big impact on his younger sister. They both went to treatment, she has been sober since august. He recently started drinking. I will be praying for this young man. God can use him in great ways.

Most times people need help to stop. Think of your family and friends. Do you need to pray for God to have a major intervention in their life? If I can pray with you please let me know.

The show is on A&E on Mondays at 8 or 9 I think. Check it out!

posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:00 AM, , links to this post




laugh
Monday, January 14, 2008

Yesterday we talked about having fun. There is a misconception out there that you cannot have fun, or should not have fun at church. I don't believe this for a second. I have a great time when I go to church. Not only to I have the joy of the Lord, but I get to see friends when I go to church. I don't know about you, but I have fun with my friends. We talk, joke around, poke fun at each other (not put down), and laugh together. I learned something very valuable from one of my mentors. Here is what he said, "Don't take yourself so seriously." I think it is time we laugh at ourselves a little more. This year we are making it a priority to have fun together. Friday night we had a "game night" and it was a huge success. Everyone had a great time. We had around 35 people show up. I also told some jokes my father-in-law sent me. They went over great. My favorite was "if you know all four seasons:almost winter, winter, still winter, and road contruction, you live in Iowa"

posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:05 AM, , links to this post




new computer
Friday, January 11, 2008

I love getting new toys. I didn't really get a new computer for myself, it is for the church, but I got to set the whole thing up. I had to download all of our new mediashout information. I had to transfer some files from Microsoft Word as well. The transfers went well. I haven't seen any big things I missed yet. I think it will all work out just fine. We will see.

It is always fun to get something new. Whether it is a new car, game, watch, or for some people a new spouse, we all like to have new things. I want you to think back to when your first met Christ. I mean a real encounter. When you were 100% positive He had just forgiven you of all your sins. What a great feeling. You wanted to tell everyone and it didnt matter if it was a complete stranger.

Unfortunately, just like getting new things, they seem to get old or lose their excitement over time. I have seen this happen in too many people's lives. They were so excited about God, but a little adversity, a little problem, or a relationship through them off. Let's never ever forget all that Christ has done. It is something to be excited about, and something to tell everyone we know about.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:27 AM, , links to this post




Year End
Thursday, January 10, 2008

I am not a big fan of year end paperwork. You have to make sure everything lines up perfectly, and it rarely ever does the first time. It is time consuming. It is frustrating. It is a lot of hard work to get it all together. BUT......... when you do, it feels so good. It feels like at that moment all of the cosmos line up and everything is right with the world. That is how I feel anyway. I think that is how we feel when we are living for God to the fullest. Even though it is hard work, frustrating at times, and time consuming, there is a peace that this world cannot give you. There is nothing like the peace of God in your life. When you are completely content with where you are, not saying you give up or think you have arrived, but when you are doing all you can do for the Lord and you are hitting your sweet spot sort of speak, it feels great. Everything is worth it, the hard times seem to go by the wayside, and all of the little frustrations mean nothing in the big picture. It is a great place. Do your best this year to find the peace of God and rest in it, you will never feel so complete.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:28 AM, , links to this post




BGMC
Wednesday, January 09, 2008

I am so excited about what happened this past Sunday. Last year we gave $85 to BGMC, which isn't really that much. It is so hard to raise money, but even harder to raise it from kids. This year we are being intentional about things more than ever. We bought some BGMC gear, we are going to give out stickers, posters, magnets, and keep our goal updated every month. Our goal for 2008 is $200. That might not seem like a lot, but when we only gave $85 last year, it is a lot. We raised $32.10 last week, the first weekend of the year for BGMC. It is only looking up from here. We want to give as much as we can so that our children feel involved, so that lives our changed, and so that God is glorified. Together we can reach the goal. Keep us in prayer as we reach for the skies.

We will be having boys vs. girls in giving. I personally hope the boys win, but we will see what happens. Anything to make it more fun for the children to give.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:10 AM, , links to this post




slow
Tuesday, January 08, 2008

This week is going to go by really slow for me. I am pumped up about the playoffs this weekend. Not only the Cowboys game, but all the games this weekend should be good. The Cowboys play the Giants for the 3rd time this year. They beat them the two other times, so hopefully they will be able to again.

Most of the time it seems like our weeks and days fly by. Time seems to go by much faster when you are not worried about it or watching it. I think this is true when we get down in the dumps and depressed. The more time we spend thinking about it or the situation we are in the more we get down. Too many times we place too much focus on everything that is going wrong. Let's start to realize there are some things right going on. God still loves us, God still cares, God still has a plan, God will still forgive us, and God will never leave us. I personally have a list of postives that I keep on my computer. Whenever I get down, or things may not be going my way, I can turn to this healthy reminder that there are things that are going well, there are things to be happy about. I know it may seem weird, but try it and over time I think you will start to see some postives in what seems like a bottomless pit.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 9:57 AM, , links to this post




Pray
Monday, January 07, 2008

We kicked off the new year with a great service yesterday. We had our average attendance, so that was encouraging as well since the last 3 weeks have been down because of the holidays and sickness. Our theme for the year at our church is Pray.Laugh.Grow. We believe that every believer needs to have a foundation in prayer. It all starts with prayer. Whenever we want to see anything done for God it has to start there. I will be updating my blog in the next couple weeks on the subjects of laughing and growing, but I want to just stay here on prayer for this week. At the end of service I challenged everyone including myself to commit to praying for something specific every day this year, whether it be your family, job, finances, or marriage. There was a great response to the challenge, many people were touched by God. Then after that we all gathered up at the alter and made a big circle and prayed for God to seal our commitments to him. I am excited to see what happens when we pray as a church. I am so pumped for 2008. We started the year off the right way by praying.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:09 AM, , links to this post




caucus
Friday, January 04, 2008

Well first off I should tell you that I got elected to be a Page County Republican Central Committee member and volunteered to be a Page County Delegate. It feels great to get involved in something you are passionate about. It was my first caucus experience, and it was a great one.

I was somewhat encouraged last night. There was a huge young voter turn out. A lot of people 18-30 really showed up in a big way. I talked to my friend in Des Moines and she said that 85% of the people at her caucus were our age. ( i still consider myself young) What it really shows me is that people 18-30 are really standing up, they are wanting a new direction, not only in politics, but the way we live our lives, do our jobs, and most importantly I think the way we "do church". I am encouraged about that, we need young families, young married's, and young single adults to build the church. If we don't reach younger people, the church WILL fade away. Lord let us be humble enough to recognize our need for young people with a voice in our churches.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 9:32 AM, , links to this post




warm up
Thursday, January 03, 2008

It is going to warm up down here over the next few days. I am really looking forward to some warmer weather. It is supposed to be 50 down here on Sunday and 55 on Monday. We will see what happens.

Speaking of warming up, this year I want my spiritual temperature to go up this year. I can remember certain times in my Christian walk when it seemed like I had such a deep hunger for God. I am at that place now, and I love it. I desire deeper things in God. I desire a closer walk. I desire a passionate relationship with God. What do you plan on doing this year to raise your spiritual temperature?

We have all heard the saying "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail". If this is true, what are you doing in your life to raise your spiritual awareness? Something? Anything?

Set goals, change priorities, be led by the Spirit more, start a bible study, read through your bible in a year or give extra to missions this year. If you don't set goals, change the way you are living, increase your giving, you will just stay the same. DON'T STAY THE SAME. Becoming more and more like Jesus requires us to change, not Him, us. Let's do it!

posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:57 AM, , links to this post




happy new year
Wednesday, January 02, 2008

I cannot believe it is 2008. Last year went by so fast. I want to reflect on a few highlights.

I guess I could go on for a long time, but I wanted to share a few great things that happened.

Looking forward I am expecting 2008 to be even better. I would say that 2007 was probably the best year of my life because of getting married and partnering in ministry with my wife. Sharing in ministry the way we do is very exciting, challenging, and rewarding. I am waiting in eager expectation to see what God has in store for this year. It's going to be great. God will continue to be faithful, we will continue to grow in God, and we will love the journey God has placed us on.

1 Thess. 5:16-18

16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:38 AM, , links to this post


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Name: Joshua Potter
Location: Clarinda, IA, United States

I am married to my beautiful wife Melissa. I want to give people a new perspective on things. My favorite verse is Isaiah 50:4 "to give the word that sustains the weary"

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