need rest
Friday, May 30, 2008
Most of us get burned out. Whether it is with our jobs, kids or projects we are working on. We are there right now. Melissa and I have really been working out tails off this week and it will continue on through Sunday. We are really pumped about what the foyer will look like. We have to have our eyes on the bigger picture which is what we are doing. It is so easy to look at the smaller picture.
Here is the kind of person I want to be, but am not yet.
- Someone who always thinks "Kingdom first"
- Someone whose vision draws people to God
- Someone who is willing to dream about what can happen
- Someone who admits my faults and failures
That is big picture for me because I am a work in progress.
What do you want to become one day? comment below
Labels: church, encouragement, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:51 AM,
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grill out
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Last night we had a grill out at our house for men's and women's bible study. We ate a lot of food, talked, and played around with the kids a little. I had to be in charge of the grilling, I didn't do a great job, but no one has died yet. It was a good time of fellowship and connecting with each other. I hope everyone enjoyed it.
We are really busy this week so my blogs might be a bit shorter. Here are some things I am excited about though
- cubs are red hot right now
- remodeling the church
- talking about how good God is
- a new book I got called "launch"
- mario kart for wii (it's awesome)
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:50 AM,
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sermon
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
It doesn't happen very often, but there are times when I actually feel like I hit a sermon out of the park. (maybe happens 3 times a year) This last weekend was one of those sermons. It was not perfect, but it was good stuff. Here are some of the highlights from it. I hope you can enjoy them through the blog world.
- We are all in a process (the title of the series is "under construction")
- No one has reached the final goal of being a Christian (1 john 1:8 if we think we are without sin we are deceived). You will reach the final goal when you are 6 feet under.
- we have been, are being, and will be saved. (phil 1:6)
- Is your check engine light on? When we sin, have a burden for a friend or family member or when something is wrong there is something in us (Holy Spirit) that runs a check on our spirit. Some of us have been living our lives for years with our check engine lights on. Some even admitted that their cars check engine light is on right now.
- There was a bridge that collapsed in Minnesota last year and 15 died and 143 were injured (if i have my numbers right) it could have been prevented with routine maintenance. there are "Christians" whose marriages are on the verge of collapse, finances on the brink, and relationships that need repair, DO THE MAINTENANCE!
- reasons why we don't do maintenance: inconvenient, costly, too much work
Labels: church, encouragement, life
posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:53 AM,
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wiped out
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I am exhausted. We had a whirlwind weekend. It started off Friday night. We went do a dance recital (sp) for Britini from church. She did a great job, as did Natalie Fidler. Saturday morning we got up for Men's work day. We got so much stuff done, way more than we thought we would. Thanks to all the guys who helped out. Some of us were there from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It was a long day, but worth every minute. Sunday we had a great service, excitement was in the air. After service we headed off to Dysart for my neices graduation party. We stopped in Des Moines on the way to pick up some paint for the foyer we are working on this week. We got to Kenzie's around 5:15. We had a good time, I even got to school some punks in b-ball. (this really did happen) Then we went to mom and dad's and crashed. Monday morning we got up, went to breakfast, then off to Hobby Lobby to do some shopping for decorations. Two hours later we had a lot of our stuff, plus some things we didn't plan on getting, but all of it was 50% off or more, so you can't pass up deals. After that we went home and grilled out at mom and dad's, played a little catch and baseball with my bro and nephew. We then went to Home Depot and got some trip and lights, then out to eat, then home. We got home around midnight last night. It was a busy weekend, but I am pumped about how the foyer is going to look when we are done. It's gonna be awesome and totally worth it.
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:28 AM,
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pray for me
Friday, May 23, 2008
Please pray for me. I am starting to get sick. I was able to work on the church a little yesterday before Melissa got off work. I wasn't wearing the best attire for demoing the foyer at our church. Long story short I stepped backwards onto a nail. OUCH. It hurts really bad. So I think I might be getting sick, we have mens work day tomorrow, a dance recital tonight, and then off to Waterloo after church Sunday. It's going to be a busy couple of days and I need good health for the trip.
I am excited about a new series this weekend called "under construction". The main verse will be Phil. 1:6. We are all in the process of God working on us. He has saved us, He is saving us, and He will save us. I am so glad for His grace. Anyhow, the next few weeks will be a pretty cool journey. We are remodeling the foyer, it is under construction, so it will go along with the service. Wear your hard hats Sunday.
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:03 AM,
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much needed
Thursday, May 22, 2008
We are going to be getting some much needed rain here in Iowa in the next couple of days. We need it for many reasons that I don't have time to go into. The main point is it is needed. Even though we need it, there are complainers. I have to mow, it's going to be windy, it could keep me up at night or whatever other lame excuse we may say. Here is what is important: If it is something we need, we need it regardless of your situation.
I want to talk to all those out there who are christians. What is on the Father's heart? We need to figure this out, because it if it important to Him, it better be important to us. God NEEDS to develop character and integrity in our lives, but we say, I can't go through marriage problems, I can't go through financial hardships or I don't want to make that sacrifice. My point is this: if God NEEDS to do something in your life, you better be willing to let Him do it. Don't whine about how you will have to give up time, money or tv. Have an attitude that if something needs to be done, it needs to be done, and by whatever means possible God, do it!
What does God NEED to do in your life?
Labels: church, encouragement, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:06 AM,
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short trip
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Last night we took a short trip to Maryville with a couple from the church (Corky and Mahala). We went down to get a few things for the church and also to fellowship together. There is nothing like great christian fellowship.
It is nice to be around people who believe things you believe, yet are willing to disagree with you on things. As a pastor it is 100% necessary that some people disagree with me. There will be decisions I make, choices I follow through with and goals reached or unreached that depend on others opinions. If I were to just do things my way all the time and never allow outside interaction, our church would be a mess. I think a leader needs to be firm is his or her convictions don't get me wrong. I also think we need to understand people see things from different perspectives and that we can all work together for a common goal. Hopefully that goal will result in the kingdom of God being extended. So here's to respectfully disagreeing with each other to see the kingdom extended. Remember this, maybe some of us need to repeat this from time to time. " I am not always right" or "I do not always have the best ideas"
Labels: church, encouragement, joy, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:38 AM,
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great game
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Last night I watched game 7 of the Western Conf. Semi-finals. It was a great game. I was rooting for the Spurs so obviously I was happy with the result. It was the first time in franchise history that they have won a game 7 on the road. That is important stuff (even though my wife might not think it is a big deal).
Last night Jon Lester pitched an no hitter. Another awesome accomplishment.
Isn't it amazing how these things can mean so much to one person and another person could care less. I think the same goes for the church. Some things are just not important to some people. To some people those things are extremely important. Here is what is important. Whatever is important to God is important. So next time something comes up, or someone says something that may challenge you or you might be quick to disregard, ask yourself that question.
Is it important to God?
Labels: church, encouragement, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:32 AM,
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busy busy busy
Monday, May 19, 2008
This last weekend was a busy one for us. Melissa worked a full day at school Friday. I worked in the morning then tried to get everything else ready for Sunday. Friday night a group of people gathered together to get things in order for the rummage/bake sale we had on Saturday. I didn't get to bed till 1 or so on Friday night and we had to get up bright and early at 5:30 Saturday morning. We got up at 5:15 (i hate waking up before the alarm goes off) and got ready and went to the church at 5:45. We started setting up at 6 and had everything ready to go by 7 when we opened up the sale. It was a great day. We could not have asked for a better day. We made around $500. All of that money (every penny) will go to get kids to camp this summer. We are so excited that we can come together as a church and work to get our students to camp. Students lives are affected so much at camp and at convention. This was a community event that could not have happened if people from Clarinda didn't come out. Thank you Clarinda.
posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:12 AM,
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free speech?
Friday, May 16, 2008
So I have concluded that free speech only exists if you agree with what that person says. So President George Bush is over in Israel making a speech and he makes some statements some people (mostly democrats) were offended by. The big argument is not necessarily about the issue he talked about (which Obama, the person everyone thinks he was attacking says he is all about tackling the issues, not the petty things like Rev. Wright, William Aires a known terrorist) it is about where and when he said it. He said it to a country and people that went through one of the most unfathomable things ever that really did happen Iran. So let's just say he was pointing out Obama. Obama's response should be to the issue, not to how sad and unprescidented this attack was. Everyone came out swinging at the president because of the time and place he said it. So wait a minute, if he says it here in America he won't be criticized? Yeah right. This is one of the first times President Bush has ever said anything negative towards Obama or Clinton, yet they bash him for the last 8 years, and mostly this past year every speech is about how bad of a president he is. So the president says something and people are shocked and outraged? Makes sense to me, or maybe it is ridiculous.
Does anyone remember when the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks said something about Bush on foreign soil and took flack for it and everyone said, "it's just free speech". Isn't this the same? I know she is a singer and not a politician (although she may be confused about that), but it goes to the core of free speech. If you call all christians "hypocrites" or all priests "pedophiles" it is ok, but if you say I don't believe in gay marriage or call someone "sweetie" you are a bigot, or sexist? Free speech is free speech all the way around. So just because you don't agree with what someone is saying, it is still free speech, just as it is if someone says anything bad or untrue. If people can compare our president to Hitler, then president Bush can say there are people who are delousional. Deal?
Labels: life
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:29 AM,
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"kinds of christians"
I happened to be watching cops the other day and this guy was talking about seeing a ghost (very crazy guy). Anyhow, the cops came and he was smoking and had some beer cans on the picnic table. When the cops asked him if he was drunk he said "no". He then started in talking about how he was a "smoking christian" and a "drinking christian". People will say they are a "devout" christian or "gay christian" (which by the way I have never heard anyone say I am a "straight christian". Anyhow, where in the bible does it say to clarify what kind of a christian you are? Jesus never called anyone christians he called them disciples. He said to go into all the world and make disciples, not christians. So here is my thing, call me crazy. You are either a disciple of Christ or you aren't. Nothing needs to go before it like "commited disciple" or "holy disciple". You are either a follower of Christ or not. No in between, no distinction of race, gender, sexual orientation or vice.
I think this is close to the idea of one sin being bigger than others. Adultery is a horrible sin, but gossip isn't. Not tithing is a horrible sin, but stealing isn't.
Labels: church
posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:15 AM,
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follow up from yesterday
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Yesterday I talked about faith. Faith is what we hope for without the physical evidence to believe in. Anyhow, last night we were talking about the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years from the bible. She had faith (though not yet a believer) that if she could just touch Jesus' clothes she would be healed. As my lovely wife pointed out last night, this was a huge risk. She was ceremonially unclean. Basically this was not supposed to happen. That is what is great about faith. Things like this cannot happen unless we believe by faith.
The other interesting thing is Jesus was persistent on making sure he knew who touched him. He wanted to commend her for her faith. I hope you are getting what I am saying. Jesus wants to reward you for your faith. What is it you need? What issue (play on words, she had an issue of blood :) ). Last night I challenged our group with this: don't be defined by your issues (failures, mistakes or past) be defined by your faith.
What have you been afraid to ask or believe God for? STRETCH YOUR FAITH!
Labels: church, encouragement, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:20 AM,
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leading by faith
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Hebrews 11 is full of faith. We understand that without faith it is impossible to please God. We know that faith is what we hope for without seeing the evidence. What an amazing thing. Why do so many christians struggle with faith? Why is it we can't believe for certain things? We have faith that God will provide for us, but we don't have enough faith that he can heal us. We have enough faith to believe there is a God, but not enough that he can help us reach the dreams He has given us. Here is what we need. We need a faith stretcher. If I could do an infomercial it would be called the "faith stretcher"
- 90 day money back guarantee
- results vary
- promises to boost your faith
- caution: if you really pray and believe for the things you pray for you will see an increase in answered prayers
- free
Labels: church, encouragement, life
posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:43 AM,
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challenge to mothers
Monday, May 12, 2008
Yesterday for Mother's Day I really felt God leading me to challenge the mom's. I wrestled a little with that because it is Mother's day and it should be a nice little encouraging message. I really believe the message was encouraging in a practical way. Here were the main points from yesterday
- A supernatural God is bigger than any insecurity. (almost everyone is insecure at times, parents especially when things don't turn out the way they thought they would)
- Dedication means surrending everything (when we dedicate our children, as one family did yesterday, we surrender them to the Lord for his purpose).
- There will be times we have to suffer for the Kingdom (Mary had to watch her son be beat silly, crucified and spit on, yet she never jumped in. Sometimes you will have to watch your kids go through hell. If you don't allow them to, they will never develop character, integrity or a strong will to persevere if you mother them too much) I made it clear I think every parent should do their best to protect and be involved in their kids lives.
Labels: church
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:27 AM,
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God's hand
Friday, May 09, 2008
I just love to see God's hand in things. Over the past 2 years or so we have seen so many changes at New Life. Some small changes. Some big changes. One of the best changes has been our projector. We had never had one before and now we can do so much with it. We are going to be making a lot of changes over the summer as well. With the changes we know God's hand will lead and guide us in our decision making because he is good. He is faithful. We know He is going ahead of us to lay the groundwork and make it happen. We are doing it for the Kingdom and anytime you do work for the Kingdom God is blessed. I think of in the bible where it says "even if you get someone a cup of water in my name you will be blessed" just that alone is amazing. So my question to myself is always "What can I do for the Kingdom?"
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:04 AM,
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guest
Thursday, May 08, 2008
What do you do when you are having guests come to your house? You usually clean up really good. You make sure their is a room ready for them with clean sheets etc. You prepare for them to come and be a part of that weekend or the days that they will be staying. The main point here is you wait on them. You do what you can to make them feel comfortable and welcome. Churches that are growing by leaps and bounds are the ones that are really connecting to their guests. As a church I want to be connecting with our guests. I want to be prepared for them. The church looks nice. We have a place for them to sit. We go our of our way to make them feel welcome. We invite them back. We do what we can do to serve them. This is my dream for our church. To be an authentic community of believers.
Labels: church, encouragement, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:27 AM,
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Defining moments
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Have you ever been at a place in your life where you feel like a big decision needs to be made? Maybe you can look back on a time and say "wow, that was a moment in time I will never forget". These moments are so scary because you want to make the right decision so later on in life you won't look back with regret. Erwin McManus wrote a book called "Siezing your defining moments". (i think that was the title) It is a really good book. It leads me to think and ask questions like this.
- Am I living my life without regrets?
- Am I holding back from my dreams?
- Did I miss my moment?
Labels: church, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:37 AM,
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everything has changed
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Things change all the time. Go to any fast food resturant and see if they have the same menu all year. Look at how pop cans and labels change over time. They change all the time. Everything changes all the time. Why is it people get so upset when things at the church change? I don't know that we will ever figure that out. We let the world change around us but we don't change at all. Here is an example. Burger King is known for what? The Whopper. McDonalds is known for the Big Mac. Have those sandwiches changed very much over the years? No. It is the same with the church. The look changes, the classes change, the foyer changes, but the message is the same. The main thing is still the main thing. When people come we are preaching the gospel. That is what is most important.
So here is my point. We all need to change. The people who don't embrace change don't embrace Jesus. Our whole goal as Christians is to change to be more like Christ. So we should always change. Those who are not willing to change, more than likely are not being changed into the Christ. Just my observation.
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:40 AM,
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what keeps me going?
Monday, May 05, 2008
I think all of us get to this point at times in our lives. We are involved in a project at school, in the community or in the church and it just seems like it is not going the way we wanted or it is lasting a lot longer than we expected. We all go through times of wanting to give up. We all have insecurities about the decisions we have made. At the end of the day we find ourselves asking "is it ever going to end? Is ____________ ever going to end? Then we start to evaluate the situation and say ok why am I here? What got this process started? Who will be affected if I quit? Who will suffer? Then we just continue on discouraged and broken. I think we all get to this stage as we raise children, start a company or even read a book. Why finish? Why keep going? What's the point?
The point usually comes back to this is important to me and I want to see it through or something like that. When it comes to faith we understand that we can never give up. We have to hang in there. We have to keep pressing in. So my question to you is..... what keeps you going? Why continue to go to church? Why continue to pray for that person? Why continue to be a leader when it seems no one else may go with you? Now you fill in the blank
Labels: church, encouragement, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:28 AM,
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survey
Friday, May 02, 2008
Yesterday I sent a message out to some of the pastors of our community to get a survey of our churches. I am really trying to get a grasp on our local church culture down here in Clarinda. I have only had a few responses, but I am sure we will have more soon. I am doing this because the church has changed so much in the last 10 years. It is basically an honest open dialogue of how the church down here is doing. This survey was done almost 10 years ago and it needed to be updated, but it also let's u know how to pray. I am excited to see the results.
I am excited about this weekend. We are starting a new series about authority. All authority is given by God. So we are looking at how to honor the authority over us. The bible is clear we are to submit to the authority God has placed over us. That means we can disagree, but we still must come under. Some examples would be David under Saul and Jesus under Ceasar. Some examples of coming under authority, but not doing ungodly things would be Shad, Mesh, and Aben, also Balaam who went because he was summoned by the king, God allowed him to go, but told him not to put a curse on Israel. Anyhow, I am pumped about the series.
Labels: church
posted by Pastor Potter @ 10:09 AM,
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boredom
Thursday, May 01, 2008
I don't know that I have much to say today so let me say this. I love to be able to write everyday and let my thoughts be thrown around in the internet world. It is really nice to have a place to be able to collect my thoughts. I look at this life as an adventure. Life changes all the time. It is really cool to look back at my first couple of blogs and see how drastically different my life is.
In the OT when someone had a defining moment or something in their life they would often build an alter to God. Now I am not saying everyday is a defining moment for me, but I am saying this. It is good to track your progress and evaluate yourself on a regular basis. I want to be growing, I want to be different than I was last year and I don't want to be the same ol person I was 5 years ago. I want to be thankful and mark those places and things that God has marked for my life. I want to look back and say "I was going through this when I wrote that". I guess what I am trying to say is this, don't forget to look back from where God has brought you. I can attest to being a horrible sinner. I can also attest to the amazing grace of God. Without it I would be dead.
Labels: church, encouragement, life, personal
posted by Pastor Potter @ 11:17 AM,
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