Archive for November, 2007
My Bible Journey November 20, 2007
More thoughts…
- Mark 6:6 – I hope this is never the case with me!
- Mark 6:30-31 – Sometimes the godliest thing we can do is rest! (Craig’s post today on this subject was AWESOME!)
- Mark 7:5 – There will always be someone who has a problem with the way we do ministry!
- Mark 7:8 – I pray that I will never forsake God’s Word for the traditions of man.
- Mark 9:38-41 – I wish the church could get this!!! We are on the same team!
- Mark 11:22-25 – One of my constant prayers is that God would allow my faith to continually increase.
- Mark 12:41-44 – God is honored through generous giving!
- Mark 13:10 – I am so glad I am getting to see this happen!
- Mark 14:3-9 – God is honored through generous giving!
- Mark 15:43 – True followers of Christ cannot stay hidden in the shadows–there is a time to come forward and identify with Him. (By the way–that time is NOW!)
- Mark 16:15 – This was not a recommendation! It seems by this that large numbers of people coming to faith in Christ mattered to Him; therefore, it should matter to me!
- Luke 1:37 – I need to keep this in mind at ALL TIMES!
- Luke 1:49 – I have no idea how awesome it is that God would do ANYTHING for me…He has blessed me WAY beyond anything I deserve.
- Luke 2:39 – Jesus’ earthly parents were completely obedient to Scripture, I pray that Charisse will say the same about Lucretia and I when she grows up!
- Luke 3:6 – YES!!!
- Luke 3:16 – John knew his place–at His feet–the same place that I need to continually place myself.
- Luke 4:18-19 – Jesus came to be a light to the world, to set captives free, to preach good news–that should be my mission as well.
- Luke 4:37 – Somehow I just believe this was a good thing!!!
- Luke 4:42-44 – Jesus didn’t let anything distract Him from His purpose–neither should I.
- Luke 6:6 – Jesus intentionally did things on the Sabbath in order to offend the religious. That makes me smile.
- Luke 6:12-13 – I should seriously seek the Lord in prayer before making big decisions!
- Luke 6:17-19 – Jesus came in order to change people’s lives!
- Luke 6:26 – There are times when we all need to hear this…the fact is that if we do what Jesus called us to do we will not be liked by everyone!
- Luke 7:29-30 – There will always be an element of society that does not like the fact that the Gospel is for all people…please keep in mind that these were the same people who knew all about the Bible but didn’t know Christ. This challenges me to make sure that I don’t think that the Gospel is reserved for those who think and act just like me!
Lucretia’s White Chocolate Cake Recipe!!! November 20, 2007
I remember several years ago walking into my house and hearing my wife say those words I LOVE to hear her say, “Perry, I found a new recipe and tried it out…I think you will like it.”
She’s always right–I DO always like whatever she cooks–but she was ESPECIALLY right on this particular day. She knows I love dessert. Seriously, I believe the 11th commandment should have been, “Thou shalt have dessert at every meal!” And so…on this particular night she made a…
WHITE CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE…let me explain…
It’s basically a plain vanilla cake mix–BUT–you mix in white chocolate pudding with the mix…thus giving it a rich flavor. AND–in between the two cake layers is a layer of thick, rich chocolate fudge! THEN…the icing on the cake (literally) is a mixture of white chocolate and whip cream! Trust me–if you put a piece of this cake on the top of your head your tongue would slap your brains out trying to get to it!!!
It’s awesome!!!
I’ve talked about this cake before on this blog and from the stage–and SEVERAL people have e-mailed in wanting the recipe–well, I asked Lucretia to e-mail it to me so that I could copy it and so here it is. BUT…I am warning you–this cake is AWESOME and should only be eaten by people who can handle their cake in a responsible manner–here goes…
(My wife is very detailed–so she included everything she knew how to do–please do not e-mail me with questions about this, I have never made the cake, I’ve only eaten it so I do not know ANYTHING at all regarding the construction of this work of art!!!)
1 box white cake mix
water
vegetable oil
eggs (these three things are dependent upon what the box mix calls for.)
1 package white chocolate pudding
1 tsp vanilla
3 oz melted white chocolateICING
1 can vanilla icing
3 oz melted white chocolate
1 tsp vanilla
8 oz cool whip
FUDGE FILLING
1/4 c powdered sugar
6 oz melted chocolate ( semi-sweet or milk)
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp lt corn syrup
DIRECTIONS
Make icing first. Mix can icing and melted white chocolate and then mix in vanilla. Lastly, fold in cool whip by hand. Allow icing to refrigerate while making other layers.
Make fudge filling next. Heat butter until melted and then stir in melted chocolate. Stir in corn syrup. Lastly, stir in sifted powdered sugar to warm mixture. Allow filling to refrigerate while making cake.
Prepare cake mix according to directions on the box. Mix in vanilla, pudding powder, and melted white chocolate. Place cake batter evenly into 2 greased, round cake pans. Cook per directions on cake mix box. Allow cake layers to cool before putting cake together.
Putting it all together – 1st cake layer, fudge filling, 2nd cake layer, and then ice entire cake. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve.
CAUTIONS
1) icing and filling need to be firm enough to stay on cake but soft enough to spread easily
2) make sure melted chocolates are mixed in well
3) make sure powdered sugar is sifted and mixed in well
4) I usually do not use all fudge filling in 2 layer cake. You can but fudge layer is fairly thick if you do.
5) I usually do not use all icing on 2 layer cake as it is also thick if you do, but some people like thick icing.
ALTERNATIVE
Above recipe makes average size 2 layer cake. Can double cake mixture and make deluxe size 3 layer cake with 2 fudge filling layers between each cake layer. I do not double icing and filling recipe if I make 3 layer cake, but if you like thick fudge and icing layers then you would need to double those also.
Sunday Night Reflections November 18, 2007
What a weekend! Here are a few thoughts before I hit the hay for the evening.
- I love what I do! This parenting series has been a challenge for me to teach because I am literally learning as I go…today’s message was huge for me personally because it reminded me that I have so much to work on!
- I spoke with a lady in our lobby this morning who was so pumped because she had brought her mother to church–it was the first time in 41 years that she had been in any church!!! I praise God that she felt like she could invite her to NewSpring.
- A couple from Florida spoke with me this morning also and told us that they watch us on the internet every week–and when they are “in town” they always come and visit…it blows me away how accessible the world is through technology! I wonder what’s next!!! I FIRMLY believe the most effective ways of reaching people haven’t even been discovered yet!
- In fact–I would go as far to say the best sermons, best music and best churches that ever will be are yet to come…maybe because the people God is going to use to bring them about haven’t even received Christ yet! Speaking of that…
- God is leading me to pray some REALLY BIG PRAYERS regarding the year 2008 for our church–I will be sharing a review of this past year as well as the vision of what God has in store on December 30th…I am pumped about this service RIGHT NOW!!!
- Charisse laughed today…she smiles a lot but today was the first time I really heard her chuckle–it melted me on the spot!!!
- I JUST put her to bed…I spend some time every night praying over her and singing to her–her two favorite songs seem to be “Jesus Loves Me,” and, “Jesus Loves The Little Children.” She also seems to like “Back in Black” as well! :-)
- Lee allowed me to hear a couple of songs that are going to be on his upcoming CD…WOW…I was blown away by both the lyrics and the music. I can’t wait until the CD release this spring!
- Friday night with our volunteers was SO MUCH FUN! I had a blast just hanging out in the lobby and chatting with everyone. For those who volunteer every week–THANKS AGAIN–we could not do it without you!
- Christmas services at NewSpring are going to be off the hook. We will be talking more about our Christmas services next Sunday–BUT–I can HONESTLY say that this service will probably be one of the most over the top things we’ve ever attempted…and…I’m a little nervous about my part. :-)
- Oh yeah…this coming Sunday at NewSpring IS going to be awesome as we bring the parenting series to an end in a really awesome way. AND…everyone who attends church on Sunday will get a free…uh…well, you’ll just have to be there won’t you?
- If you think about it–pray for my back. I am taking motrin and using those icy hot patches…which are great except for the fact that I smell like a walking eucalyptus plant!!! I guess I’m getting old because I have NO IDEA why it is hurting! AHHHHH!
- Today I got to spend some time with a another couple from Florida who I have not seen since 1995…I remember this because they bought me the suit that I wore at my ordination service. Today was a reminder that God has WAY MORE PLANNED for us than we could ever imagine. The last time I saw them NewSpring wasn’t even an idea in my mind–BUT GOD had it all planned out–that really excites me as I think about what He has in store for our future!!!
- Yes, I mentioned the word “sex” in our services today…and also mentioned that we will be doing an entire series on the subject this February! For far too long the church has remained silent on the subject and allowed people who are far from God to redefine what God CLEARLY defined in Scripture. This will be a fun series!
- Yes, I was sad that Clemson lost–it was a heart breaker!!! BUT–this coming Saturday the stage is set for the game with USC–I can’t wait!!!
- I’ve had numerous requests for Lucretia’s white chocolate cake recipe–I will be posting it here either late Monday or Tuesday! AND NO E-MAILS from any “dude” making fun of me for the cake recipe!!! :-) Trust me–if you are able to have some of this cake you will THANK ME FOR THIS!!!
Top Fourteen Worse Church Signs… November 16, 2007
WOW–a few weeks ago I asked you guys to e-mail in the worse church signs you have ever seen…I HAD NO IDEA! So…after looking at them and evaluating I’ve narrowed it down to 15–here goes…
#14 – “CH_ _ CH – what’s missing? U R”
ST _ PID… :-)
#13 – “Turn before you burn!”
Or you will cry as you fry! WOW!
#12 – “Get saved or microwaved”
Uh…I’ve pretty much read the entire Bible and it mentions nothing of nuclear fallout in hell!
#11 – “Read your Bible, it will scare the hell out of you.”
Which is EXACTLY why I read my Bible!!! I want all of the hell out of me!!!
#10 – “Staying in bed and shouting ‘Oh God’ does not constitute going to church.”
But what about the little old lady who sleeps in the choir every Sunday…is SHE getting anything out of it? (Have you ever seen that?)
#9 – “Get on-line with God and download your worries.”
While I appreciate the attempt to connect with culture…IT’S UPLOAD!!!
#8 – “When you get tired of entertainment come back to church.”
Seriously–we’re not exciting at all!!!
#7 – “Where will you be spending eternity? Smoking or non-smoking?”
AND…would you like a wine list? How about a high chair?
#6 – “If you’re ashamed to say, ‘Merry Christmas’ then Jesus is ashamed of you.”
Actually…I think He is WAY more ashamed of the hair-doos some Christians sport!
#5 – “Don’t let worries kill you–let the church help.”
Seriously–one business meeting will just about do it!
#4 – “Bring your sins to the alter and drop ‘em like they’re hot.”
Nothing like using a Snoop Dog reference on the church sign!
#3 – “Stop, drop and roll doesn’t work in hell.”
Neither do air conditioners and ice makers!
#2 – “There are no boats on the lake of fire”
I know…because if they were then they would catch on fire!!!
#1 – “A tisket, a tasket, a condom or a casket.” This one just HAD to make God happy!!!
Volunteers ROCK! November 15, 2007
Tomorrow night I get to hang out with some of the coolest people in the world–our volunteers here at NewSpring Church. These are the people who have sold out to the fact that everything in the church does not revolve around them–they know that we exist as a church to IMPACT this world for Christ…and every week they show up and go all out to make a difference.
When a person gets involved in ministry they just see things differently–God shows them that REAL people are walking around with REAL issues…and only meeting a REAL Jesus can help. I received the following e-mail from a friend who serves as a greeter this past week and was reminded that the more involved a person becomes in ministry the more they see the need for ministry…he said…
Things I Do Not Do Well… November 15, 2007
Wow–there are so many!
I have pastors contact me from time to time for chats over the phone. One of the questions that I am usually asked is, “Hey Perry, what are some things you don’t do that well?” (I guess everyone needs to feel normal!) Here’s a list of things I wrestle with…
#1 – Disconnecting From Technology
I remember hearing Rob Bell say one time, “If I were satan I would invent a device you held in your hand that never allowed you to escape your schedule and always assured that you were accessible.” WOW–I have one of those–it’s called a “smart phone,” and although it is a great tool it is also very addicting!
AND…we have wi-fi in our home…and so if I am not careful I will be wearing out my computer and phone…while right next to me is the woman of my dreams and the most incredible little girl on the planet–and I neglect them for the sake of “keeping connected!”
I am getting better…but I think this will always be a temptation. (For further reading check out Driscoll’s article here–DANG!)
#2 – Shut My Mind Off!
I am always thinking–which is NOT good when you get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom! Seriously, I will have a thought, my heart will begin pounding, adrenaline will be released and then I will be up for the next hour or two being mad at myself for not being able to go to sleep! (All pastors know exactly what I am talking about!)
I haven’t figured this out yet…it bothers me. I have literally caught myself thinking about something work related while Lucretia and I are riding down the road and she is telling me sometime important! AHHHH! I am really seeking the Lord to show me how to just relax my mind.
#3 – Times Of Silence
Silence is LOUD! AND…I am horrible at doing this! Why? We live in a noisy culture. Seriously, noise is optional just about wherever we are. When I get in the car I can turn on the radio–I have tons of options and so I can keep on scanning…OR…I can pick up my cell phone and begin to just call random people…not really for any purpose other than killing the silence.
SO…about two months ago I really felt God wanted me to stop listening to the radio while I was in the car…just for a while. It was so hard at first because most people I know don’t really enjoy silence. BUT, over time it was amazing!
I am trying to do a better job here as well–when I am the most silent it seems the Lord is the loudest and I am desperate to hear His voice. (This story in Scripture ALWAYS speaks to me regarding this issue!)
#4 – Remembering How Good God Has Been!
At times I simply lack faith! Seriously, there are days when I wonder, “What in the world have I gotten myself into?” I wrestle with personal insecurities and doubts…I begin to believe the lies the enemy whispers that God is going to laugh and the jerk out the rug from beneath me…I think about how God has to have the wrong person to lead this thing…
AND…it is during those times that He simply reminds me of His faithfulness. He always takes me back to where I was when He found me. He takes me back to the first and second churches I served and the lessons learned. He takes me back to the days when NewSpring could not even afford microphones for our sound system and we could not pay for computers we needed in our office!
He takes me back there are reminds me, “I’m still God, I’ve carried you this far and if You will stay close to me and obey my leadership–there literally isn’t a lid on where this thing can go!”
Those are a few things I wrestle with…hope that helps…and, if you think about it–throw up a prayer for me in regards to these thing–my family and I would MUCH appreciate it!
I Owe Blog World An Apology…Sort Of! November 14, 2007
It has been brought to my attention by both friends and critics that from time to time I seem to “over hype” things on my blog. I have taken about a week or so to think about it and…to those who have said I do that…you are right.
Looking back over the past couple of years in my blogging journey I can see posts where I say, “Don’t miss this coming Sunday,” or, “the next series is going to be amazing” and can understand why this can be perceived as me “over-hyping” the service. After all, is it REALLY going to be THAT GOOD?
I’ve thought long and hard about this. Should I continue to promote things that are coming up at NewSpring Church on this site? Should I really say that it’s going to be new…that we’ve never tried what we are getting ready to do? Should I really encourage people to invite their friends? Or should I downplay the genuine passion and excitement that God has placed into my soul.
I’ve made a decision…it goes along with Jeremiah 20:9, if God sets my soul on fire, if He leads us in a direction to do something new, if we are going all out and then BEGGING HIM to make up the difference–then I am going to continue to promote on this site AND give praise to Him when He accomplishes more than we could have ever imagined!
Folks, let me be very clear–there is always a reason that I say that this coming Sunday is going to be the best one ever–that the next series is going to be both awesome and incredible–it’s because I REALLY DO BELIEVE IT!!! I am SMOKING what I am SELLING! When our creative team really feels that God is leading us in a certain direction…the passion and excitement in the room is contagious…and I cannot help but speak about all that we perceive is about to happen!
Do I go overboard at times? Perhaps…I have that tendency! BUT…I feel that in this situation I just can’t win in everyone’s eyes…either I am genuinely excited about what is headed our way…OR…I can just say nothing and downplay the incredible work that I am praying for and believing that God will do!
NewSpring…I am afraid that you have a church where the pastor just happens to be full of passion. I’ve never forgotten what it was like to be apart from Christ. I can remember feeling helpless and alone…and now I know what it’s like to know Christ…and I want EVERYONE to know what that is like…and when we begin to discuss new ways to present the Gospel and show the world who Jesus is–I JUST GET PUMPED UP!!!
So, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it! I’ve said it numerous times on this site…I feel like our best days are ahead of us here at NewSpring Church. God has given us a vision for where we need to head in our teaching next year and it is consuming me right now. I honestly believe we are going to see thousands of people impacted for Christ and new opportunities are presenting themselves to us!
So…if you are in the crowd that thinks I over-hype, I guess you are just out of luck. I cannot keep silent when the Lord sets me on fire…and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
By the way…I think Sunday is going to be off the hook as we hit on the subject of marriage, sex and even some dating stuff…AND the new series in December is going to be incredible…AND Christmas services are going to be VERY different!!! :-)