I am so excited to see you TONIGHT & THIS WEEKEND!
As you know, I've been writing a new book for the past 2
months and I have really missed being with you! Most folks know they never want to miss my first message back when I return from a
break!
TONIGHT: I'm
speaking to our LIFE'S HEALING CHOICES Kickoff Rally
I'll be speaking along with Pastor John Baker to
all of our small group leaders and members about the fall campaign, Life's Healing Choices. Bring
your entire group to the Worship Center this Friday, August 28 at 7pm.
I'll be sharing my vision for the future of the church and giving you an
inside look at what to expect as we go through this transformational,
church-wide experience together as a church family. As we start, it's
important everyone is connected in a small group. So, if you're not in a group,
join
one or sign up to host a new group today. I can't wait to share this
exciting evening with you!
THIS WEEKEND:
I'm speaking on "HOW JESUS HEALS"
We all need healing
-from those who've hurt us, those we've hurt, and the hurt we've caused
ourselves. I know there are people in our own church community who are
hurting. But the good news is Jesus gave us a way to recover from every
problem we might face. The principles from the Beatitudes are more than
just casual suggestions. They are the keys to growing in Christ-likeness in our
daily lives. They are guides to making godly choices, and they provide a
process to develop a balanced life that leads us to true happiness. God has
used these principles through the centuries to change and heal lives. I have
personally seen Him use them to change thousands of lives here at Saddleback
Church. I'm confident in the transformation that will happen in your
life and the lives in our community as we learn to make the decisions that
move us past life's pain toward God's purpose.
PRAYING FOR OUR OUT-OF-WORK FRIENDS
You've read the bad news: California, at 12% unemployed, is
the 4th hardest hit state in the current recession. Millions of jobs
have been lost. Businesses are filing bankruptcy; stores are struggling and
closing; Capo and Saddleback Districts laid off 652
teachers and staff this week! Even
churches, including ours, are having to make cutbacks.
I ask you to pray for so many of our friends who have had their positions
eliminated at no fault of their own.
Yesterday I gave
this advice to a member who had lost his job. I think it is worth passing on to
others who are fearful.
1. In the life of faith God usually closes a
door BEFORE opening a new door. What you do between those doors reveals your
faith and maturity. Don't worry
between doors: WAIT, WORSHIP & WATCH. This is a test!
2. With any shock or disappointment, never allow
your first reaction to limit your future potential. Our first reactions are
often wrong - hurt, anger, fear, and embarrassment. We don't naturally
look at things from God's point of view.
Sometimes we react and say things in the moment that burn bridges, limit
our future, and cause long term bitterness.
3. Remember, God is in control. Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28-29
4. The Bible commands, "IN everything give
thanks." It doesn't say "FOR
everything give thanks." How can I
be thankful when I've lost my job? Look at what you have left, not what you
have lost. And trust that God has a good plan for your life. Jeremiah 33:3
5.
Play it
down & pray it up. You have
the choice: worry or worship. Worry solves nothing. Worship brings peace & the solution
APOLOGETICS WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 5-6
Have you
wanted to understand how to defend your faith without sounding defensive? During
apologetics weekend, six of the greatest minds in Christian apologetics
will tackle some of the biggest questions of the faith, such as; how the
universe began; if God exists, why does evil also exist; and how is
Jesus unique. Scripture commands us to be ready to give an account of our
faith, but first you have to know why you believe what you believe. Come
learn how to "Believe your beliefs and doubt and doubts."
SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM, SEPTEMBER 25
On Friday,
September 25, 2009 we will host a Saddleback Civil Forum to honor President
Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda. President Kagame was sworn into
office in September of 2003 after being elected in the first democratically
contested multi-party elections held in Rwanda. His leadership enabled
the reconciliation and uniting of Rwandans after years of conflict. He
has also promoted peaceful resolutions to conflict in the East African
region. Under his leadership we
have been able to begin a major work of PEACE in Rwanda. I am proud
to count him as a friend of Saddleback and the mission of PEACE.