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I love to read, and every year I try to plan out some of the books I want to read.  Of course there are always those books that others recommend or that I come across that interest me and I will add those during the year.  This past year I was a part of a group that read one book a month.  We would read it, write a one page summary of personal take-away’s.  I also was reading other books during that time and continued to read my Bible.  You might ask how I have time to read.  I have to make time for it.  I sometimes will actually schedule time to read, and I will often take an extended time to read on my days off.  Reading is one of the best ways that I know of to grow and learn.  I want to encourage you to read.  If you don’t like to read, start slowly and make it a goal to get through at least one book this year.  Then keep building on it.  It will help you to read with a group of people, maybe your small group, to keep you accountable.  So here is my summer reading list, I hope to get most of these books read over the next 3-4 months:

• I Quit by Geri Scazzero – Our entire staff is reading this book over the summer and will be discussing it in August
• Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone – by Mark Goulston – I have had this book for almost a year and am looking forward to learning how to listen better.
• The Confession – by John Grisham – the only fiction book on my list
• Out Live Your Life – by Max Lucado – Got a autographed copy from the author.
• Change Your Brain, Change Your Body – by Daniel Amen – love reading about the brain, God created us to use it.

I also have a handful of books on my Kindle that I plan on reading as well.  Here are the ones I plan on trying to read:

• Absolute Surrender – By Andrew Murray – This is the second book I am reading by Murray.  Old book, but great principles and helpful tool to grow spiritually.
• Every Day for Every Man – Daily Devotional by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stocker
• Leading at a Higher Level – by Ken Blanchard – Blanchard is an amazing leader and author.  I’ve learned a lot from him.
• Helping People Win at Work – by Ken Blanchard
• Fearless – by Max Lucado – Fear hold so many of us back from all God wants us to be.

I am sure there will be a few other books thrown in there as I come across things that will help me grow.  I want to encourage you to plan out what you will be reading this summer and get started.

First impressions are important and last a long time.  Think about some of the people and organizations you have met or experienced for the first time lately.  In a very short period of time you are forming an impression of what that person is like or what that business is like.  Your favorite restaurant became your favorite because of a good first impression that caused you to want to go back.  Over time you developed a greater appreciation for the food and atmosphere and the people that work there.

It’s the same way at church.  When someone visits NewPointe Community Church for the first time, they are forming an opinion or impression of what the church is like.  If that impression is more favorable than unfavorable, they are more likely to come back.  If they come back, they will begin to form deeper connections with the people and the way in which we do church.  As people continue to come back they are exposed to the spiritual truth about Jesus Christ and will begin to grow in that relationship.

As a church we want to do everything we can to remove the distractions that could cause someone to not want to come back to church.  We realize that we are not for everyone, which is OK.  Our target is the person that has been away from church for a while or who has not been to church before.  Each person that calls NewPointe their home church can play an important role in creating an experience in which people feel loved, welcome and accepted.  Here are some practical ways in which we can create that environment:

• Allow the best parking spaces for guests, and be courteous to others in the parking lot.
• Sit near the front and move to the middle of the row to allow the end seats and back rows for guests and those arriving late.
• Smile and acknowledge the people around you
• Don’t contribute to congestion in the hallway or back of the auditorium by blocking the flow of people.
• Pray before you come to church for all the new people that will be coming or for the people that are coming back.
• Volunteer for one of our many teams, to serve those attending.
• Help keep the building looking clean and neat by picking up litter and being watchful for ways to improve the appearance of the building.

First impressions really do matter, our goal is to be authentic, real people who are friendly, personable and approachable.  We want to bring glory to God through the way we treat people and the way in which we do church.  The local church really is the hope of the world, so let’s work together to make a great first impression and then serve and love each other well, so that the community around us will notice and be drawn to what we have to offer.

I meet with and talk with a lot of people and one thing I don’t think I have ever heard is someone say they are really good at being patient.  Not many people list that as a strength, most often it’s listed as a weakness and something we would like to improve.  The meaning of the word patience is quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence.  It’s an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.  Calmness, stability, and persistent courage in trying circumstances.  Does that describe me?  How about you?

Have you heard or made this comment: “Be careful when you pray for patience, because you might be tested.”  It’s almost like we are afraid to ask for patience, because then we may be put into a position to have to actually be patient.  So why is it so hard for most people to be patient?  Why is this this virtue such a challenge to the majority of people.

Some of it stems from living in an instant gratification culture.  We have access to almost anything through our computers and phones, from emails to movie tickets.  I have seen people nearly go ballistic if they have to wait in line for more than a few minutes.  When looking to check-out at Walmart we work hard at finding the quickest line and when the line beside us goes faster, we get angry.  This mindset of getting things instantly has a dark side to it.  It affects our emotional intelligence and maturity.  The capacity to wait – trading a temporary delight for a more substantial success later- is a core component of emotional intelligence and maturity.

If we have a hard time waiting, we tend to act like children and throw a temper tantrum to get what we want.  Studies at Columbia University measured 4 year old’s ability to resist candy, then followed up more than a decade later.  Kids who could wait only a few seconds had SAT scores as teens that averaged 60 points lower than those of the kids who’d had the self-control to resist for 5 minutes or longer.  Good things come to those who wait.  This is often hard to see in the moment when we really want something.  However, going with those first impulses can get us into trouble and into debt.

The good news is that we can all change and everyone can improve in this area of patience.  Our brains can be rewired and transformed, so that we actually respond and behave in a different way.  This of course takes time and patience with lots of endurance.  Here are a few suggestions on how to practice and improve our patience:

1. Create more space between impulse and action – When hit with that impulse that I must have this or I must buy that, wait for a few hours and see if you still feel that way.  Delaying that impulse often leads to better more sound decisions, health and relationships.  Maybe the impulse is to say something to your spouse to defend yourself or attack his behavior, hold those words in and wait.  Think through how those words could be received and how they could do more damage.  Maybe it’s a purchase of something beyond the budget.  The power to walk away will begin to rewire the brain and help change the finances.
2. Plan on Waiting – If we plan ahead for when we have to wait, it can be a huge shift in perspective.  When waiting in traffic, use that time to breath deeply and pray.  The deep belly breathing is a proven stress reliever and prayer has a way of shifting our focus to the right things.  Also having reading material along is a great way to use the waiting time productively.  When you plan on waiting, those long waits can become little retreats.
3. Plan Ahead – Allow more time, not less, to get to places; don’t leave important tasks to the last minute; resist doing one more thing before leaving the office or home, which causes us to be anxious, and often late, even before starting out.  The more we can plan ahead, the less impatient we will be when delayed.
4. Practice saying No – Our lives are too busy because we take on too much.  Simplifying our lives can dramatically improve our patience.  Most of the things we are doing or involved in are good things, but too much is too much.  Start by listing out the most important things in your life.  What other things are distracting you from the most important?  When we are able to say no to some things we are able excel in others.
5. Don’t try to change other people – The harder we try to change the other person the worse the relationship becomes.  Being patient with other people takes a shift from trying to figure out how to change them to trying to figure out how to love them.  Our patience level goes way up when we approach other people with a mindset to serve them and love them instead of change them.  That way when they don’t behave like we think they should it’s much easier to just keep serving and loving.  It’s not our job to fix other people or the world, it’s our job to work on ourselves.
6. Understand why some things push your buttons – We all have hot buttons, those things that set us off and lead us into impatience and other emotions.  When we fully understand why certain things set us off, then we can learn new ways of responding when those buttons get pushed.  Our response after that button is pushed is what leads to conflict, anger, impatience and immaturity.  Our buttons are based on core fears we all have.  Things like fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of being misunderstood or unheard, fear of being inadequate, judged or cheated.  Fears like that cause us to respond is some whacked out ways.
7. Be Flexible – We get most impatient when our plans are messed up.  When our schedule does not work out or something or someone blocks our goal.  When those unexpected things come up, take it as a learning experience and an opportunity to grow.  Maybe that person was brought into your life in that moment to help you grow more mature.  When we are so rigid in our goals and schedule it causes us to be very impatient with anyone that gets in the way.  We live in a fallen broken world with fallen broken people.  Expect roadblocks and distractions, and be prepared to adjust the best laid plans as necessary.
8. Include God – On our own we will fail miserably in becoming more patient.  Asking God to help us in this area is the best thing any of us can do.  The more we talk to God about patience and other areas we need help in the more He shapes and molds us.  When we plug into God, anything is possible.

If anyone professes to be a Christian, there should be some evidence of that in their life. What I mean by that is when we accept Christ into our hearts, he is now living in us. We are not so much a new person as we have a new person living in us. Our old self will sometimes pop up in our thinking and behavior, but Christ is alive in us everyday. Because of what Jesus did on the cross we can have this new life right now.

Because of that work Christ did on the cross for us there should be some changes evident in us. Here is a sampling of some of the fruit that should be more evident in our lives:

• We will live with personal integrity – We will always be ready to examine ourselves through God’s Word, looking for ways we can change to become more like Christ.
• We will embrace the fact that we need other people in our lives to help us grow. Becoming more approachable, humble and open
• We will be honest about our struggles and not pretend like we have it all together.
• We can express Godly emotions in healthy ways (Anguish, pain, anxiety, jealousy, anger, happiness, gratitude)
• We will create an environment of grace in all our relationships
• We will forgive as we have been forgiven – extending a merciful attitude about failures and sins of others.
• We will ask for forgiveness instead of responding in unhealthy ways like defensiveness, rationalization, blame shifting, and other types of self-justification and self-atonement.
• We will try to give and serve in tangible ways
• We will persevere even when we are tempted to run. Patience, endurance and strength are evident in our lives.
• We will speak with honesty and candor in pursuing peace.

Basically we will be committed to responding to the circumstances and people in our lives in healthy Christ-like ways instead of our old ways. You see this most evident in our closest relationships with spouses and children. Are those relationships improving or getting worse. If they are not improving, maybe its time to take a closer look at yourself.

Our hearts, once controlled by sin, are now the dwelling place of Jesus Christ. We need to remember that we are not the same as we once were. We are a work in progress, being transformed form the inside out. We have potential for amazing change and growth because we have the power of Christ in us.

This past week I saw that in action as a man accepted Christ and has been free from alcohol for 2 weeks. He told me he has no desire or taste for it, which is different than the previous times he has tried to quit. Christ is now living in this man and he is being transformed. His desires are changing and his perspective is changing. We have the wisdom, strength and character of Christ available to us 24/7.

My dad is turning 65 on Wednesday. Awhile back I started making a list of all the men that have been an influence in my life. I was able to fill an entire page with men that have influenced me in all areas of my life. Men that influenced me at work, in my faith, in my marriage, in community service, in my education, in my physical health and my personal growth.

At the top of that list is my dad. I am so thankful for the example he has been for me so far in my life. He has worked hard his entire life as a truck driver. His work ethic and loyalty to his employer have been passed on to me. His integrity, honesty and character are well known in his workplace, his church and his family.

His commitment to serve his church and help his church leaders has been amazing. Many people in his church look to him for wisdom and counsel. He is respected because of his steady, level headed approach to problems.

My dad also was a real father to me as well. Because of his love for his family I have a easier time understanding how much my Heavenly Father loves me. My dad made following God a priority in his life and that has been passed on to me. I remember doing family devotions and praying together as a family at a very young age.

I have a huge advantage in life because of my dad. Because of his commitment to his marriage, my marriage has had an advantage. Because of his work ethic and character, my career has had an advantage. Because of his commitment to God and his church, I have had the advantage of knowing God my entire life.

I am truly thankful for my dad and the way he has devoted himself to God, his family, his church and his work. I love you dad – Happy Birthday.

“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.” That is from Proverbs 20:5 in The Message.

How do you get deep water in the heart? How do you gain wisdom to know what is right? Those are tough questions to answer. To gain wisdom we need to listen well. Mainly listening to God, through reading Scripture. There is incredible wisdom in the Bible, yet most people choose not to go there and dig deep.

Life experience can also bring wisdom if you listen well. If you are learning from your experience and make changes accordingly you gain wisdom. I have found that when I do the hard thing instead of the easy thing I gain wisdom and insight from that experience. Sometimes doing the right thing can be hard. When you know the right thing to do and then follow through and do it, you mature, grow and gain wisdom. Your waters get deeper and you have more to draw from.

When you know the right thing to do and choose not to do it, you go backwards, you get stuck in muddy waters. I believe courage and wisdom go together. When you have the courage to do the right thing you gain new wisdom from that experience.

Deepen the waters in your heart by digging into God’s word, learning from your experiences and having the courage to do what you know is right.

As many of you know, I was part of a team that went to Amman Jordan and then to Dohuk Iraq. I have been back a few days now and thought I would share some of my thoughts about the trip. The main purpose of this trip was to encourage the Christians in Iraq. We put on a conference for them in Dohuk for four days.

1. I was surprised by all the progress in Iraq. Lots of construction and activity going on. We were in the Northern part of Iraq, which is a safer area. This area is definitely growing and thriving.
2. There were a lot of young people. Young adults, teenagers and children were everywhere. I was surprised that most of them wore designer jeans and shirts. Kind of a European flare. I saw lots of children with suits and dresses on. Of course this was during one of their holidays after Ramadan.
3. We heard that 80% of the Christians have left Iraq.
4. The Christians in Baghdad and Mosul continue to be in danger. They must be very careful, because the terrorists are still very active in those cities. We met with 22 Christians from Baghdad and one family from Mosul.
5. The Christians we met with really know the Bible well. It is obvious that they read it a lot and are hungry to learn more. They also are very passionate when they sing and worship.
6. The people I met are very similar to us. They love their families and friends. They like to have fun, eat and fellowship. They face many of the issues that we do like finances, work, relationships, marriage struggles.
7. The church in Dohuk is growing and they hope to build a new building soon. They have land, but need to develop it before they can build.
8. There are some great possibilities for church plants in several cities near Dohuk. God is opening up doors in areas without Christian churches.
9. The churches in Amman are changing. Most of the Iraq refugees have moved on, so now the growth is coming from Jordanians. We have two churches in Amman with young energetic pastors. We are looking at a third location in a newer part of the city.
10. I am very encouraged after meeting the leaders in Amman and Iraq. These are strong, confident leaders that have a vision for their cities and country. These men and women are being strong and courageous for Jesus.
11. We need to pray for the churches in Jordan and Iraq. Pray they have favor with the authorities. Pray that they are bold and courageous with their faith. Pray that families will be attracted to these churches. Pray that they can reach children and teenagers in creative ways. Pray for financial strength and integrity in the churches.

Everyone can play a part in helping in Jordan & Iraq. You can pray regularly for the churches there. You can give money to NewPointe’s missions budget to help fund the work. You can go on a mission trip and give your time. Pray, Give, Go.

Well, my trip to Jordan & Iraq was amazing. We had a chance to meet some great people and really encourage them. The language barrier was a little tough, but I made some friends without talking much. It’s amazing how similar people are no matter where you are from. Families, children and teenagers are all similar. We are just wrapping up the trip. About to head for home in about a half hour. When I get home I will be posting some pictures and writing out some of my takeaways from this trip. God had me here for a reason. I am so grateful for this opportunity to make a difference for Him.

God also had some lessons for me as well. Got to go for now.