Sunday recap

Sunday was great at Freedom!  It was just one of those weeks that you look back on and go “that was a great Sunday.”   Here is the set list:

• When Love Comes To Town
• Sing, Sing, Sing
• Hosanna
• How He Loves Us
• Love Is Here

We concluded the One Prayer series with Craig Groeschel of lifechurch.tv sharing “God is…love.”  Some of the highlights:

• Why would God love someone as bad as me? (Job 42:5-6)  It’s much easier to know that God loves you than to think God loves me, because I know all of the bad thoughts, attitudes, and actions I have. 
• Why would God love someone so insignificant?   There are 6 BILLION people on the planet.  I’m not significant at all in the scheme of the world.  I’m not a world leader, industry exec, inventor, celebrity, etc.  There’s plenty in the world going on for God to overlook me.  Heck, there’s plenty in Greenville going on where God could overlook me.
• But God is love.  (1 John 4:8-10)  Love is not what God does, it’s who God is!  For you and I, love is what we do.  But God IS love.  That is a mind-boggling, incredible thought. 
• God’s love covers our sins.  (1 Peter 4:8)  When Adam & Eve sinned against God in the garden, the Bible says they were naked and ashamed.  What did God do?  He covered them.  Sound familiar?  Jesus does the same thing for us.  There is NOTHING in your life that can now or EVER fall outside that covering.  Now THAT’S love!
• God’s love makes us significant. (Jeremiah 31:3)  He is looking for you if you have not become His child yet.  Think about that – the God of the universe, the creator of everything, is looking for you.  Now how insignificant do you feel?  

Death of icons

Three American icons have died this week:

• Ed McMahon – His “Heeeeeeeere’s Johnny” became one of the most-recognized phrases in television history.
• Farrah Fawcett – If you’re a man above the age of 30, then chances are you either owned “the poster” or wanted it but your parents wouldn’t let you have it (I was the latter).
• Michael Jackson – The “King of Pop” made dancing look easy and his music transcended generations.  No one since Elvis has captivated so much attention and anticipation over his next album, tour, or even action.

What can we learn from this?

• EVERYONE dies. We shouldn’t be surprised by it, but death always seems to be a bit of a shocking event.   One minute you’re there, the next you’re not – and no one can accurately predict when it will happen.   We’re not guaranteed our next breath.  It doesn’t happen to only the old and sick – we’ve all known children and adults who became ill suddenly and died or were tragically killed.

• Be ready. We know it’s coming, but many aren’t prepared – financially or spiritually.  Somehow, in the back of our minds, we must think it won’t happen for a long time – even though we’ve seen death come time and time again to people our age or younger.

• We all leave a legacy. Even though most of us will never be famous, we’ll be known by people we know and love for something.

We look at these three icons and probably think they were all ready financially.  But what about spiritually?  Was their eternity secure?  What about you?  What is your legacy?  What will people remember about you?  I’d encourage you to get these things settled ASAP…and start with spiritually.  It’s coming…and we don’t know when.

Sunday Recap

• First Sunday leading from stage.  I threw a lot of change at our team on one Sunday and they really stepped up.  It’s a GREAT group of volunteers and I’m honored to serve with them.  You guys and ladies are AWESOME!!!
• Set list:

Let God Arise

Worthy Of My Praise

I Stand Amazed/The Stand

All Because Of Jesus

• We continued the One Prayer series.  Cliff absolutely BROUGHT IT and talked about how God is…worthy.
• Joshua 24:1-15; 23-24
• God has given us EVERYTHING.  We have nothing except what He’s given us.
• Why do I try to take credit for anything I have?
• I shouldn’t be disillusioned and think that I have done anything, created anything, or caused anything to happen.
• God is worthy because He chose me and because ALL I have comes from him.
• How do we respond to a worthy God?  (Joshua 24:14-15)

If you missed this past Sunday, get there this week (and bring someone who needs Jesus).  This week, we’ll hear from Craig Groeschel (lifechurch.tv).  It’s going to be incredible!

(Also, you don’t want to miss the first song.  Get there early!  Trust me.)

Celebrations

This is a weekend for celebrations for us.  Today is Cliff’s birthday (my pastor).  He turned 40 today and right now we’re having a surprise birthday party for him.  He’s an awesome man of God, devoted to his wife and daughters, and just a great guy.  I’m incredibly blessed to serve alongside him.  Happy birthday, Cliff!

The second celebration is a wedding we’re attending on Saturday.  As a matter of fact, I was asked to sing in this wedding and I am honored to (even though I’m never really excited about wearing a suit).  I’ve had the opportunity to know this couple for about a year and served on the same team with her mom at NewSpring.  They are great people and I wish them happiness as they join their lives together.  Happy wedding, Roland & Jenny!

The third celebration is Sunday.  This is always a day of celebrating who God is, what He’s done, and looking forward with anticipation to what He will do.  It’s an incredible freedom we have in America to worship without fear.

This week, we’ll be continuing our One Prayer series at Freedom.  Cliff will be talking about how God is worthy.  God owes us nothing, but we owe Him everything.  As Francis Chan talked about last week, every breath we take is only because God ALLOWS it to happen.  We need to realize how unworthy we are and how worthy He is…of our praise, of our lives.

I’d encourage you to get your friends and family who don’t know Jesus to church.  Life without Jesus means their eternity is doomed.  There’s no nice way to say that.  But life with Jesus means their eternity is secured in Him.  There’s nothing better than that!  Don’t worry – the lake, Target, the mall, the movies, the golf course, will all be there Sunday afternoon.  There’s nothing more important than someone surrendering their life to Christ.  Talk about a celebration!!!  Get them there!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Sunday Recap

We’re continuing the One Prayer series at Freedom and this week we heard from Francis Chan. I’ve never met him, but he’s one of those guys who seems to have just an infectious personality and wisdom on the tip of his tongue and doesn’t even realize it. He spoke about how God is our strength. Here are some things I wrote down:

• All through the Bible we hear about bold, courageous people: David (vs. Goliath); Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (thrown in the furnace but unafraid), Caleb (who at 85 was ready to go back into battle for God). Where are the bold, courageous Christians now? Don’t we serve the same God?
• So many times we’re scared to even go to our neighbors, friends, family and even tell them about God. We’re not known as conquerors. Didn’t God create the universe? And we’re afraid of what people might think about us? We look at ourselves rather than God.
• He told the story of talking with a complete stranger and that person mocking him, asking Francis if he actually believed the outrageous stories in the Bible. The man conceded there probably was a creator, so Francis asked him “If there’s a creator and God is that creator, don’t you think He can make the created things do what He wants?” If “In the beginning, God created…”, can’t He make anything happen in it? But we don’t live like that. We live in fear and cowardice.
• “God does whatever He wants.” -Psalm 115:3
• We question God on a lot of things in our lives. But we have to understand the difference between the Creator and the created things.
• God sets the parameters. Because He does it, it is fair.
• You may have a better way, but you don’t have a universe. When you have a universe, then you can do it differently.
• No one holds back God’s hand. Only one being has absolute control. He’s the only one who is sovereign, and the only one with immortality. He lives in light so bright no one can go near it (1 Timothy 6:15-16). We can only be immortal because of Him. We only breathe because He lets us.
• He is the only God. There’s nothing greater. When He speaks, it happens. One day, every knee will bow because He said it would. (Isaiah 45:22)
• So, if that God is for me, who can be against me? Why am I afraid of anything? Why am I not bold and courageous?
• “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid.” This is a command-not a suggestion. (Doesn’t that mean it’s a sin not to be?)

I know – lots of stuff to process but if we can wrestle this to the ground, think how our community and circle of influence can be impacted for Christ!

Family Dinner Ramblings

Last night we went over to my parent’s house to eat dinner.  My sister is in town for some training and her two daughters drove in from Spartanburg & Greenwood.  It was a semi- family reunion because we don’t get to do that often (usually only on holidays).  My sister’s husband was still in Bluffton and my brother’s family is vacationing in Orlando so it wasn’t quite all of us.  But we still had a great time.

My mom knows how to cook…and cook LARGE.  There are always leftovers (I’m definitely thankful for that).  She’s 74 and can still cook circles around Emeril, Julia Child, and anyone else.  Last night we had ham, mac & cheese (homemade in the crockpot), sweet potatoes, pea casserole, bread, fruit, and homemade peach cobbler.  Anytime anyone comes over it’s a feast.  You should see what Christmas is like!

We had a great time eating, talking, and reminiscing.  I tried to explain to my dad about Twitter and blogs and Facebook.  He understands the concept but just doesn’t get why people would want to do that.  It made me wonder what technology is out there that my children will think is normal that I won’t get.  Who knows?  Maybe they’ll invent one of those technologies.

Thanks Ashley & Kimberly for reading my blog.  (They’re my nieces and I promised a shout-out.)  Thanks to the rest of you too.

Sunday Recap

• First Sunday on staff at Freedom Fellowship.
• I know I shouldn’t be surprised at how authentic these people are, but I guess it’s the years my dad was a pastor and I saw the contrary in many people.  They are the real deal.
• We began the One Prayer series this week.  Churches around the world are participating in this and we get the opportunity to hear from some phenomenal pastors.
• The message this week (“God is here and anything can happen”) was from Dino Rizzo at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA.  He flat BROUGHT it!
• You really need to bring your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who don’t go to church to Freedom next Sunday at 10:30 am at Greer High School.
• We got invited to a BBQ hosted by one of the home groups.  I think Godly people invite people to eat ribs.  (I’m just sayin’.)
• Pumped up about what I get to do at Freedom but need additional income.  So, I’m still looking for some part-time work or a full-time job to supplement what I’m doing at Freedom.   If you hear of anything, drop me a comment and I’ll get in touch with you.

greenville favorites

I really love living in Greenville, SC. There are so many things to do, places to go, restaurants, art, music, etc. Without fail, anyone who comes and visits leaves pleasantly surprised at what a cool town this is. While most every place in Greenville is great and I like some of the large chains, I thought I’d share some of my local favorites. There could be tons of categories (yeah, Greenville is THAT cool), but I’ve only listed a few here:

• “Nice” restaurant: Soby’s
• BBQ: Bucky’s
• Breakfast: Stax Omega
• Ice Cream: Spill the Beans
• Live Music Venue: Handlebar
• Place to hang out (tie): Falls Park & Main Street
• Thai Restaurant: Lemongrass
• Event (tie): Fall for Greenville & any Greenville Drive game
• Store: Mast General Store
• Coffee (tie): Coffee and Crema & Liquid Highway
• Place to see local art: Art Bomb Studios
• Record Store: Horizon

If you live here or have visited, what are your favorites?  The only rule is it has to be local (no chains) or at least only regional.

one prayer

We begin the One Prayer series this week at Freedom Fellowship. This is a series that thousands of churches literally around the globe are doing. We are excited to be a part of this and we will get the opportunity to hear from some of the greatest communicators in the church today on the topic of “God is…” Here’s the lineup for the series:

“God is…here and anything can happen” – Dino Rizzo – Healing Place Church, Baton Rouge, LA

“God is…strength” – Francis Chan – Cornerstone Church, Simi Valley, CA

“God is…worthy” – our own Cliff Marshall – Freedom Fellowship, Greer, SC

“God is…love” – Craig Groeschel – LifeChurch.tv, Edmund, OK

It’s going to be an incredible time at Freedom Fellowship! Invite your friends and get to Greer High School at 10:30 am on Sunday. You won’t want to miss this!

First Day

Today I began a new season in my life. I was introduced on Sunday as the worship director for Freedom Fellowship in Greer, SC, but my first “official” day is today. God has faithfully led and equipped me to this point. I definitely don’t have it all figured out, but I know God does and I’m thankful I don’t have to have it all figured out. Short term, I’m going to take a couple of Sundays to observe, get my feet wet, and then dive in head first on June 21.

There are a few things I have already realized about this church:

• Friendly. They are one of the most welcoming group of people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. I told them this morning how the first time we visited (incognito), they were over the top with being friendly and making us feel welcome. They had no idea I was talking with the pastor about coming on staff. I had several people come up to me afterwards and say the same thing about their experience. (That’s a really good sign.)

• Authentic. I have witnessed people genuinely worshipping – and I’m not talking about singing. I’m talking about attitudes and actions – lives lived in love with Jesus. They know they’re not perfect and they don’t act like it.

• Servant hearts. I stood back and watched the set up team unload trailers and set up the auditorium, atrium, and kids’ rooms. There were young, old, and everything in between. They have this down to a science and were smiling about it. It definitely was not a chore to them – they have found their “sweet spot.” There is no doubt they understand why they do it.

• Love. These people love each other, the staff, and guests – but most of all, they love God and desire to make Him famous, helping people discover true freedom in Christ.

I have no doubt God is up to something BIG. And I think He’s preparing the hearts of people at Freedom Fellowship among other places. What an incredible opportunity! I am humbled and excited that I have an opportunity to be a part of it.

If you already attend Freedom Fellowship, hang on and get ready! If you don’t and are looking for a church, I’d challenge you to visit on Sunday and see for yourself. We meet at 10:30 am at Greer High School.