The Overflow

Ankle Sprain

2011-10-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Back to blogging!

Not that I'm super great at it or anything however things happen that make me laugh and cry so I thought I'd get back to putting it down for time and memorial.

Like the other day when I went for a run. It was a beautiful day. In fact, it was the perfect Fall day. Indiana is a great place to live during the changing of the seasons- when it's a nice day! (The rain and slush I can live without!) And this particular day was the nicest of all so I went for a run. My goal was 13 miles and would have made it had it not been for Old Yeller!

Country dogs are different than city dogs. City dogs are usually on a leash, a chain, behind a 12 ft. fence- not country dogs. They are free to roam, free to run and free to terrorize harmless running men like myself. The storyline is the same across America. Innocent runner enjoying a quiet run when out of the blue, Cujo, strikes fear into the heart of a runner who is already at an elevated heart-rate! Yeah, that dog nearly did me in! As I stopped to turn on him and strike him with my water bottle I rolled my ankle!

I hobbled across the road as Rin-Tin-Tin was called back to the farm by his owner and fell on my backside! Grabbing my ankle, I dialed my wife for a quick pick up....me! 5 1/2 miles from home and there was no way I was going to make it! As my wife was getting directions for my extraction, a Good Samaritan passed by and asked me if I needed a ride or first aid. I took the ride and was delivered back to the safety of my home.

There's probably a moral in the story somewhere....like stop running, fight like a man or carry pepper-spray. And I might just do that on my next adventure- carry pepper-spray that is! Until then.....

2009-12-28T14:28:00.000-08:00

Have you seen any great church signs lately?
Here's a great one sent to me recently and it's
so true! Not only does it mess with thier heads
it has the power to release them from the debt
that imprisoned them. Jesus prayed the prayer of
forgiveness from the cross! As he was dying He
was releasing us from the debt of sin through
his amazing grace! Thank God for forgiveness!

Christmas Countdown!

2009-12-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

Three days till Christmas morning! All the gifts are under the tree and the kids are home on Christmas break! It's snowing outside and life is good! Blessings to our family and friends this Christmas! We love and miss you all! I hope that you will join with your families and give glory to God for all of His blessings in 2009. See you 2010!

Breaking the first 100 miles!

2009-11-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update about my new love for running. I broke the 100 mile barrier on Monday! I started running in August but only started keeping my "mileage" since October 1st. I use a running log at RunnersWorld.com to chart my weekly running totals and other data that is important for my training for the Mini-Marathon. It's a great tool to have at my disposal. It helps me stay on track and motivates me too.

I'm learning that there are many spiritual parallels to running and my faith journey with the Lord!
In fact, on Monday the weather was cold, windy and rainy! Not the ideal conditions to be outside. However, I ran anyway! I figured it's not about having perfect conditions or feeling like running that brings success but about running....period! I went on a 6 mile run...and loved it!

The bad weather reminded me that spiritual climates might not always be perfect but I'm called to keep serving and working for the Lord anyway in spite of feelings and changing conditions. Hebrews 12:1-4 encourages me to keep running in the race! I am surrounded by a stadium of witnesses. I am keeping my eyes on Jesus who ran the race before me and triumphed. I am getting rid of the extra baggage that would weigh me down. I am running to win!

Stay in the race!
PT

Who said jogging wasn't spiritual?

2009-08-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've recently taken up a new sport. Jogging in the Spirit! A hybrid of prayer and exercise...you gotta love that. I've realized that prayer isn't limited to a closet or an altar....so I'm taking the wings of the Spirit to where the rubber meets the road! It's really been a great time out there on the open road with Jesus, listening to the I-POD and downloading God's presence as I fight to catch my next breath! Happy to say, that my longest run is logged in officially at the 8 mile marker! For those athletes out there who are laughing at me right now, I consider that a great accomplishment.

What I've learned so far from these prayer runs:
1. Look forward. Unfortunate trips or accidents usually happen when you're distracted and not paying attention to what lies ahead of you.

2. Warm up. A little stretching is good for you and helps make sure that you don't get sidelined with injuries.

3. Push through. When you want to quit, call a taxi and stop by DQ....DON'T. What you are doing is worth it. Persevere.

4. Slow down. You're not competing with anyone out there. Enjoy the scenery. Feel the blood pump through your heart and be glad that you're able to run at all.

Anyway, just felt like blogging about my jogging! Hope you're encouraged!
Catchya soon,
Tad

Reaching the University!

2009-08-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Last year I re=launched a XA group on the campus of Ball State University! XA (Chi Alpha) rocks! Although I'm the lead pastor of Rock Church, God has called me to the university to lead an incredible generation of young adults back into a right relationship w/ God through faith in Jesus Christ!

Today was "move-in" day! 20,000 students carrying everything they own into university dorms is a sight to behold and at times a little comical! :) I was able to assist an incoming freshman, Shaun, with his gear. We unloaded all of his stuff onto the curb, waved goodbye to his ride, and started carrying his clothes, frig, tennis racket, and computer into his spacious 12x15 dorm-room! I'm guessing at the dimensions! Not the biggest bachelor pad in human history but it will do for four years! :)

Watching all of those students move in, say goodbye to parents and try to assimilate into their new life on campus moved me to blog tonight before I fell asleep! I want you to pray for our XA group! We're small, we're just getting started but we have a vision, funds and some great people on our team! So I'm expecting great things! Will you pray for us! I need to know that you will stand in the gap on our behalf and pray for BSU!

We meet every Monday night at 6:30pm. We'll be developing a worship team this year, focusing on getting real with each other and with God, reaching out to the campus in tangible expressions of God's love and servant evangelism and building a spiritual community of rockin' Spirit-filled young adults that will impact their world and beyond! This is going to be an awesome school year!

Reach the U!
PT

Prayer Walking!

2009-07-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

I love to walk! Actually, I'd rather ride a motorcycle but since that's not going to happen anytime soon I decided to prayer walk our city this morning.

After several miles of walking through the city streets my heart was broken! Our little town is a "picture perfect" village with well manicured lawns, clean streets, historic homes and material blessings however no matter what the "curb appeal" looks like on the outside the residents of our little town need an encounter with Jesus and the power of God!

Physical needs may not be easily assessed but there are deep spiritual and emotional needs in this city.

It's a hard place! People here are insulated! Insulated from God.

I've asked God to strip away that insulation and lay our hearts bare before Him. Expose our hearts to the living God. Expose our lives to the manifest presence of God. Break our hearts to weep over our sin, our worldliness and our living without God.

I believe that something is breaking in the heavenlies, right now!

ROCK/700

2009-07-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

This is a call-out to intercessors and prayer warriors who will join me in praying 1 hour
each day/7 days a week for Rock Church! If you choose to join ROCK/700, I'll send you an email updating and encouraging you to STAND IN THE GAP for the 15 major areas of ministry, vision, and growth of Rock Church. We are in need of 100 Spirit-filled and Spirit-led intercessors and warriors to man their battle stations and PRAY! Please consider this request prayerfully! Send me an email at pastortad@gmail.com to enlist in ROCK/700. I'll be waiting!

Listening to the Holy Spirit

2009-07-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

I have a tree that sits outside my office window and today I sat underneath it's shade to listen to the Holy Spirit. I was reminded of the story in John 1 when Jesus told Nathanael that he had seen him under the "fig tree" before Phillip called him. Nathanael was amazed at the ability of Jesus to "see" him. Jesus promised Nathanael that he would "see" greater things than these! He told Nathanael that he would "see" heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

What has God promised you that you would see? Have you prayed that your eyes would be open to see spiritual things more clearly?

Paul prayed this prayer in Ephesians 1:17-23; "...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." What does God want you to see with respect to the "hope of His calling", "the riches of the glory of His inheritance", "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe"?

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you! He will do that and so much more!

No distractions!

2009-07-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was taking an early morning prayer walk around our church! I was having a great time with God and noticed that during my prayer time that the groundskeeper had arrived to work on the small pond in front of our church. After he finished his project, he came over to me and asked if I was praying. After a short conversation he affirmed that seeking God early in the morning is the best way to hear from God without any distractions! Without me asking, he said that he meets with Jesus at 4am for prayer everyday. He followed up by admitting he goes to bed at 8pm too! :) It's good to know that someone has the 4am-6am prayer shift covered!! :)

Lovin summer break with the kids!

2009-07-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Last night, we built a raging fire in the backyard, ate dinner outside and made Smores for the kids! I love summer break! No one had to get up and get ready for school this morning however I still had to get up and come to work. I had a great time with my family last night and a great time with Jesus this morning! I loved reading through Acts 1-8 during prayer time and soaking in His presence! Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."

Rise and Walk

2009-07-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

We had a great Iron Man Prayer meeting this morning!

I know 6 am is early but God is awake!

I really was impressed to pick a pray model out of Acts 3-4.
You know the story: a 40 year old cripple is miraculously healed!
It's powerful to read...even more powerful to pray through.

Let me encourage you to STAY IN AN ATTITUDE OF PRAYER.
We need men who will PRAY without ceasing.
REAL MEN PRAY! Peter and John did!

Let me encourage you to SEE WHERE THE ACTIVITY OF GOD IS in your life. We need men who will REACH OUT to others who are hurting without fearing failure or rejection.
REAL MEN HEAL! Peter and John did!

Let me encourage you to SURRENDER TO THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We need men who will FOLLOW Jesus into the marketplace and impact the world for God! REAL MEN STAND UP! Peter and John did!

I feel a preacha' comin' on! C'mon somebody...RISE AND WALK!!!!

First day back in the office

2009-07-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

I love reading the Word of God and watching the Holy Spirit do His thing. This morning, the Holy Spirit was so cool to hang out with. He is cool to hang out with everyday but today was extra special! He knows exactly what we need from the Word of God. He takes the Word and releases it's truth in our life in such a personal way that it's mind-blowing. Do I have any witnesses? C'mon, shout me down! :)

Seriously, Jesus made a specific promise about what the Holy Spirit would do for us if we would "be still and know Him". John 16:13 says, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." How amazing is that? I love listening to Him. I'm asking God to help me be a better listener so that I don't miss out on what He has to say to me. Would you join me in asking God to "open your ears to hear" and "open your eyes to see" the wonderful things that He has planned for your life?

If you get permission from the Holy Spirit to share your "listening encounters" with Him then I'd love to hear your story! You can email me at pastortad@gmail.com.

Primal Sabbatical...over!

2009-06-29T16:26:00.001-07:00

OK. I'm one day away from the official end of a great "primal" sabbatical!
I'll see everyone on Wednesday night! July is going to be a great month!
Celebrate fireworks on the 4th with us at Alethia Fellowship in Anderson.
They throw a great party, food and fun for all ages!

Those of you taking summer vacations in July...enjoy your rest and recharge your batteries!
We'll need you ready to play on the team when you return! :) I've enjoyed my break and I'm
looking forward to a productive month at the Rock! Keep in mind that we're purchasing the building this month. I'll be sharing the details with you next week! After several months of being renters we will now be the official title holders of the property! Pray that all the final decisions will be made on schedule so that we can celebrate in August at our 7 year anniversary!

Congrats Rock! You're 7 years old. Let's enjoy this month and praise God with thankful hearts at all that He has done for us!

PT and Melissa

I don't like an empty frig!

2009-03-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

"There was a famine in the land..." Genesis 26:1. This was the second famine or recession that Abraham's family experienced as they journeyed through the Promise land while living in tents. However, this famine was experienced by Isaac, the child of promise!

I admit that I don't like an empty frig! I don't like an empty wallet! I don't like driving around on an empty gas tank (although I do push the edge on that one too often)! I don't like not getting enough sleep! I can't imagine going through a famine! Can you? I've often heard the stories about people who lived during the Great Depression who did whatever it took to survive! They made their own clothes, raised their own food, worked from sun up til sun down for pennies and on and on the list goes! That generation became a great nation of workers and builders but they had to endure the famine and depression until better days of prosperity began.

In this story about Issac, God tells him not to "run to Egypt" but stay in the land of famine and live! This week I heard a preacher say, "Just because there is famine in the land, doesn't mean that there has to be a famine on the inside of you!" That statement is so true!
Issac heard a word from God to "stay put"! And he did. Not only did he obey but he went a step further. Genesis 26:12 says, "Then Isaac sowed seed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundred-fold, and the Lord blessed him." God blessed Isaac because he trusted in Him! Whenever "they" talk about the economic meltdown, housing markets crashing, Wall Street tanking, global markets in crisis I just say a prayer to the God who blesses and prospers His people and ask Him what to do!

God knows economics! He understands recession, famine, bear markets, bull markets, 401k's and pension funds but don't forget that God only wants ONE thing. He wants us to trust him! Trust him when famine strikes at your job, your marriage, your family, your church, your school or the nation! He will give you a supernatural word from heaven to help you sow seed in the land and produce great results! Read Genesis 26 until you get that down into your heart! Don't worry about might happen. Keep your ears open to listen to God's voice, stay put, sow seed, dig wells, take care of your family and TRUST IN THE LORD!
Shalom
Tad

The most infected chapters of the Bible...

2009-02-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

Leprosy, mold and mildew! What sort of great revelation can you get out of Leviticus 12, 13 and 14? Sounds like you could catch a major disease or have an allergic reaction if you spend too much time reading these highly contagious and infectious chapters! Although at first glance you may not get "immediate revelation" just soak a little longer....read a little slower and you'll discover some amazing things!

OK....ready? How about leprosy! A terrible disease. A dreaded disease. A "see you in the next life" disease. If you were unfortunate enough to get leprosy you were...pretty unfortunate! Imagine your life coming to a complete stop! Imagine getting an eviction letter in the mailbox with directions to relocate to the nearest leper colony...pretty miserable! Hopeless! In fact, as a leper you were required to wear grave clothes and cry out, "Unclean, Unclean!" to keep others at a safe distance. Imagine living with leprosy...it was no life at all! In fact, to be healed of leprosy was considered to be an act of God! (which happened only a few times in the Bible...)

Luke 17:15-19 records an incredible act of healing from the Son of God who decided that leprosy had seen its day! In walks Jesus...literally passing through town when he was met by 10 lepers.
(Most of us would have run in the opposite direction at this point.) Not Jesus! These lepers weren't saying "UNCLEAN!" they were shouting "HAVE MERCY!" Jesus stopped and gave them something that they thought they'd never get back....their lives! In one moment they were transformed from death into life. Read it! An incurable disease....cured in the blink of an eye! A consuming disease...reversed with one word!

So much drama packed in such a little place! Focus on the facts. The leper who realized his supernatural healing had manifested, returned to the "mercy-giver"! In a loud voice he glorified God, fell on his face and gave thanks! I can only imagine what he must have experienced!

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! He is still giving out mercy! He is still healing the sick! Touching the untouchables! Restoring lives! It's his specialty!
Shalom 09,
Pastor Tad

Hooked on Leviticus....

2009-02-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

OK...just finished studying the first 11 chapters of Leviticus! (Seriously..not joking around here!) Have you ever attempted that? Have you even thought about it? You should try it....just read it first and then break it down. It will amaze you! It will cause your love for Jesus to increase! It will light your fire!

I feel pretty comfortable reading through the OT (for the most part). I enjoy the dramatic stories, the incredible journies, the epic battles and the honest record of real people following God one step at a time.

Leviticus is an interesting book! It spans about a month in the life of the new community of Israelites who are at Mt. Sinai getting God's laws for living, rules for worship and a host of other instructions for community life. They are now free men and women whom God has started a journey with. This experience provides some of the greatest stories in the BIble (at least I think so!)

If you get into Leviticus it's about two major things: The way to God and our walk with God! Don't miss these two major ideas (or you'll wander around for days trying to figure it all out.) The first idea is about "sacrifice" and "shedding blood"....the only way to God! (His idea!) Ultimatley, Jesus provided the way by His own blood so that we could be right with God. Seeing Jesus as the "once and for all" sacrifce makes Leviticus an easier read!

The second idea is about "sanctification"! I'd call that a "walk of holiness" made possible by Jesus. He changes us at the core so that we can begin to love righteousness and hate wickedness. Don't get legalistic in the details but enjoy the process of becoming pure! It's a tall order, "Be holy for I am holy!" Thank God for Jesus who is my righteousness...what would I do without Him?

If you take a few days to read through Leviticus read it prayerfully and thoughtfully! Look for Jesus to show up in every offering, in every feast, in every reference of the priesthood and tabernacle and let your love for the Messiah explode! (I'm sure that there will be passages that you find difficult to read, understand or comprehend...that's OK. It happens to me too but don't avoid reading Leviticus because it's hard. Instead, dive in and dig out some revelation that you've never seen before!) once you've read it through once, investigated the book and jotted down a few notes...you'll be hooked!
Shalom 09
Pastor Tad

A Fresh Perspective

2009-02-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I was watching PBS (Public Television...for those of you who were wondering!) and I was fascinated by a show call Plein Air. Have you seen it? It's a painting show. Normally that kind of program puts me right to sleep (actually a deep coma) but this show was different. God was speaking to me through the PBS program. (Stop smiling!) I was really hearing the promptings of the Lord about my life and ministry as the painters were describing how they captured the scenery of the landscape and painted their vision of it on the canvas.

One particular painter talked about getting "fresh perspective" while keeping your eye on the main subject of the scene. She said that if there is no "movement" behind the painters easel then the painting isn't being seen with a "fresh" perspective. You can't just stand still and paint the scene...you have to keep moving. It's almost like you're dancing with the painting. (I know I probably lost some of you on that one...just watch more PBS and you'll get it.) The "shuffles" and "steps" behind the easel indicate that you are looking at the painting from close up and from far away. A great painter sees the painting from different perspectives without losing the main idea. A great painter sees the painting through the eyes of the "Average Joe". A great painter doesn't get lost in the brushstrokes but pulls back to see the bigger picture. (OK...now are you getting it.) Life, marriage, ministry, parenting....all of it is like a painting! An original masterpiece being worked on everyday. We must try to get a "fresh perspective" as we watch the canvas of our life change from a "blank page" to a true work of art! Take another look. Step back for a few minutes. Wait. Pick another color from the paint palette and see what happens. A fresh perspective keeps everything in balance.

In contrast, the second painter "destroyed" his painting because he was chasing the sunlight, the shadows, the clouds and his point of reference kept changing. (I thought his painting was pretty good...what do I know?) The second painter said that when there was sunlight he painted sunlight....when clouds rolled in he added clouds....when shadows were cast he added shadows....finally he took his canvas and erased all of the paint! His painting lost it's focus, it's perspective, it's balance because he was trying to paint everything! (Hello?) For those of us like the second guy....you can't paint everything! Pick one thing...get focused. Don't chase the shadows. Life brings constant change...which isn't a bad thing yet we must protect the vision, mission and destiny of our life by keeping things in focus! Paul said in Philippians 3:13, "...this one thing I do..."! That's a great reminder for all of us! So PBS...thanks for helping me to hear God's voice a little more clearly this week about my life and ministry!

Shalom,
Tad

The Connected Church

2009-02-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

Who led you to Jesus Christ? Who taught your first Sunday School class? Who explained the Bible to you when you had questions about your faith? Chances are it wasn't a stranger...but a friend or a family member! It was someone who cared deeply about you. It was someone who was committed to see you become a better follower of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, the message was pretty clear. Relationships are the key to your spiritual growth! The bottom line is that we need one another! The life of a Christian was never intended to be experienced alone or in isolation but in community. The Bible teaches that we are "connected" into a family, "connected" within a body, "connected" as an army, "connected" like a house and "connected" within a flock. There are many other images that are used to highlight our "connectedness" to each other. Amazing!

Acts 2:42-47 demonstrates the community life of the early church. The model of the early church is that they me from "house to house". They had true fellowship, deep worship, great instruction, intense prayer and took care of each other as the needs showed up. People loved that about the early church and it grew! I believe that the same possibilities exist today for our church if we'll make a decision to be "interdependent" vs "independent". That means...no Lone Rangers! No monks! No excuses for not being connected!

Because the body of Christ is a living organism and not just an organization we must function like a healthy body. Disability in the church happens when we disconnect from one another and do our own thing versus doing God's thing. We can accomplish a lot more together than we can individually for God's kingdom if we'll work at it. I admit I struggle with doing it by myself the way I like it done and I miss the opportunity of doing ministry with others who add value to the mission by contributing their ideas, thoughts and love to working for the greater mission.

So come on. Let's go. God is calling us to join together in the most amazing mission ever! Let's turn the city upside down (or right side up) and see a genuine revival come to our community in the months ahead. Make it your business to do the "one another" verses in the Bible.

See you Sunday!
Pastor Tad

God's Manifest Presence at Starbucks!

2009-01-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

OK...it sounds crazy but God's presence came over me at Starbucks this morning while I was drinking a London Fog Hot Tea Latte (I wonder if that had anything to do with it?)! Seriously, as I was finishing the last chapter in a book I was reading by Craig Groeschel, God's presence came upon my spirit in a powerful way! My eyes began to sweat (translation...I was sitting in Starbucks crying) and my heart began to process in a few short moments where my heart was with God.

I was undone....like Craig said to do I prayed (at Starbucks) a dangerous prayer, "God, stretch me, ruin me and heal me." When I started praying those words something inside of me began to break....my heart, my hurts, my fears, my selfishness, my pride, my insecurities...these things began to break. I know that this blog may or may not be read by very many people...but I know God reads it! So more than anything I guess I just want God to know that I am desperate for Him. I repent of those things that hold me back from continually knowing His presence! I'm sick of complacency and making excuses for why I don't experience more of His manifested presence in my life. I don't want to do ministry any longer without His power and presence in my life.

Most of all I confess I've played my life too safe over the past few years because I've been afraid of failure. No one likes to fail but I have to understand that failure isn't final. Staying on the bank of the river is no longer an option. Doing great things for God involves taking risks....stepping out of the boat takes faith! I've been trusting too much in myself and it has limited and restricted the God-given vision over my life. I've worried too much about man's opinion and been too anxious about everything instead of walking by simple faith, moving forward (succeed or fail) and trusting God with complete confidence. I'm not a perfect pastor but I'm doing all that I can to walk humbly before my God with integrity of heart. I have lots to learn about leading the church into it's destiny but I believe that we have a destiny that will have a deep and lasting impact on this community for decades! If Jesus gives us a few more years....I want to encounter the perfect will of God for Rock Church and encounter His manifested glory in an undeniable way!

How will we know when we got it? I think we'll know we got it right when we hear the reports that
we've been a part of something bigger than ourselves and "turned the world upside down" and when the personal testimonies of new believers shout out that their lives "have been turned right side up because of Jesus Christ"! To put it in one word: "TRANSFORMATION!" Deep transformation, personal transformation, family transformation, community transformation, national transformation and the Gospel going out from Rock Church and wrapping around the world!

Shalom 09,
Pastor Tad

The Remnant- restoring integrity to the church

2009-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

I was given a book on Friday by my pastor, Superintendent Gifford, that will have a great impact on our congregation in the weeks to come. The Remnant, by Larry Stockstill, is a call from the Lord to raise up "Nazarite" pastors and ministries who will lead the change America needs (revival) to recover our influence, integrity and impact in the communities God has called us to reach.

The first callout is for spiritual fathers! Where are the spiritual fathers? I Corinthians 4:15-17, Paul calls us to be imitators of the model given to him by the Holy Spirit- to be a spiritual father!

A few highpoints to consider:
1. Jesus needed to hear from His Father words of affirmation-Mark 1:11
2. An emotional wound from a father is the deepest wound a child, teen or adult can encounter.
3. Fathers who are absent, anonymous or abusive produce "posers"! A "poser" is a man who wrestles with the question of whether they have what it takes to be a man.
4. The church is un-fathered. Everyone needs a spiritual father! Spiritual fathers are called to guide, encourage, train, correct, intercede and love with a gentle yet strong hand.
5. The key to re-fathering the church is for spiritual fathers to hear a call to mentor, coach, disciple and affirm their spiritual and physical children.

The church is "deviated from it's normal behavior" because of a drought of spiritual fathers. We must heed the call to encounter the heart of the Heavenly Father everyday for the sake of our inheritance. The next generation of sons and daughters are looking toward the spiritual fathers to find out what they are going to do! Serve the God of Abraham. Isaac and Jacob and go forward OR turn and go back into the life of slavery and bondage of the world.

On the last week of this fast let's join together and pray for the un-fathered church to find it's spiritual fathers. Pray for a genuine move of God's Spirit upon your life, home and church!

More highlights from the "The Remnant" to follow...stay tuned in!

Shalom 09,
Pastor Tad

YOU MUST READ IT!

2009-01-20T18:38:00.003-08:00

Just closed out the last chapter of Jentezen Franklin's book on fasting. You must read it! It's packed with powerful testimonies, timeless principles and practical thoughts about the power God has given to us in the discipline of fasting!

From Elijah to Daniel, Jesus to the King of Ninevah you will be encouraged to read and re-read the great stories of the Bible that show how fasting was the pivotal action that brought about great victories, deliverances and breakthroughs for God's people!

I especially enjoyed reading Jentezen's book for the inspirational words from the Lord that has already helped me on the 21 day fast! Here are a few of those thoughts as an example.

1. "Fasting with prayer just seems to open up a different frequency in God's ear."
2. "Fasting helps you to distinguish between what you want and what you really need."
3. "Where there is little private discipline, there is little public reward."
4. "Hungry people are desperate people."
5. "Fasting helps you to dethrone King Stomach and surrender to King Jesus."

This little book is power-packed and filled to the max with great teaching. The next time you're out at the bookstore pick up a copy and put it into practice and you'll receive the reward for finding the Father in the secret place of fasting!

I know that many of you are fasting and I am praying that you will receive God's direction and blessing on your life that fast-forwards you into the plan of God for your life in 2009. Remember, if Jesus fasted for 40 days before He launched out into the next level of His life, how much more should we fast to prepare ourselves for the coming year of life and ministry to our city! Our greatest days are ahead of us! Join with me for the next two weeks and finish strong! I'm waiting to hear your testimonies in the days to come!
Shalom 09,
Pastor Tad

Deep Freeze

2009-01-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Wow...it's freezing outside! Today has been the coldest day in more than a decade according to the morning newscast. The wind chill is sending local temps to the delicious arctic flavor of 30 below. Balmy for a penguin...ruthless for us beach-lovers (I love the beach when I can get there!).

I'm glad that God's presence is symbolized by FIRE...especially today! Jeremiah 20:9 says, "His word was in my heart like a burning FIRE shut in my bones...". Jesus said in Matthew 3:11 that He would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and FIRE. God is a consuming FIRE (Hebrews 12:29) and Paul told Timothy to "fan into FLAME the gift of God in his life. (II Timothy 1:6).

Let's get to the point! Is there a FIRE in your heart or are you in a "deep freeze" with God?

Jesus warned in the last days that the love of many would grow cold because of the increase of wickedness (Matthew 24:12). Jesus gave a spiritual weather forecast that is still being felt to this very day. He warned about a deep freeze of the soul. The warning today is the same. Don't go out in this world that is cold towards God without His FIRE in your heart. He wants us to be on FIRE by loving Him and hating sin. If we allow our souls to get exposed to the cold, icy winds of sin and rebellion, pride and disobedience then we'll experience the same thing spiritually that we'd experience physically if we walked outside today in the sub-zero weather without the proper protection and clothing on...you'd freeze to death!

So what do you do? Simple...ask God to save your soul. Repent of all sin. Make Him Lord of your life. Pray for His FIRE to fall in your life and consume you! Let His word warm your cold heart. His refining FIRE will purify you. warm you, illuminate your path, protect you from your enemies, energize you and give you the power to do His will. Don't stay in a deep freeze! Let God's love melt you.

Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you...are you getting warmer?
Shalom 09,
Pastor Tad

When life hurts!

2009-01-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

I'm listening to the worship song right now by David Crowder called "Never Let Go"! A powerful song declaring the truth that God never let's go of us even when life hurts! He never leaves us or forsakes us! He sees all of our hurting and understands better than anybody what we're going through. That brings me great comfort to know He is touched with the feelings of our pain and grief and reaches out to us to lift us up when life hurts.

Last night I was called to the hospital to comfort a family who lost their 4 month old baby girl. It's one of those calls that I'm never really prepared for! As I drove to the hospital I prayed for a miracle , I prayed for the family and I prayed that God would use me to bring grace and peace to the mommy and daddy holding their little girl and not wanting to say goodbye. As I entered the emergency room I had to fight back my own tears as the mother held her little girl close to her heart while telling her how much she loved her and how beautiful she was.

I sat down quietly and started praying. Many tears filled the room as the reality of everything settled over all who were there. As we sat there together I was reminded of my own story several years ago when our second child died before she was born. Realizing that my wife and I were not going to be taking a healthy baby girl home from the hospital but were going to be planning for a funeral service instead left my wife and I more than overwhelmed. We had to deliver this little girl and give her back to God. For a few moments before the nurse came to take her away I was able to hold in my hands a beautiful little miracle. Her body was perfectly formed but her life had vanished away...no reason given. I don't think we had ever hurt so badly in our entire lives. Within a day or two we were standing in a cemetery with our pastor and family saying a prayer and saying goodbye to our little Miracle Grace!

A few days later we received a picture from that service. It was a photo of my son who was only 4 or 5 years old, standing at the head of that little grave with a toy sword in his hand raised up over his head like he had just won a battle with a giant enemy. When I saw that picture I was immediately reminded of God's promise in I Corinthians 15:54-57, "Death is swallowed up in victory...thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Hope filled our hurting hearts and we knew God was holding us and that He would give us victory over death! A few years later God blessed us with our second daughter who is a testimony today of how God never let's us go.

Praise God who never let's us go even when life hurts. It's during those times His love and strength come to our rescue! Comfort to all who are brokenhearted and victory to all who trust in Jesus! He never let's us go!

Never Let Go- David Crowder Band
When clouds veil sun and disaster comes.
Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul.
When waters rise and hope takes flight
Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul.
Ever faithful. Ever true. You I know
You never let go.

You never let go. You never let go. You never let go.

When clouds brought rain and disaster came.
Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul.
When waters rose and hope had flown.
Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul.
Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul.

Ever faithful. Ever True. You I know.
You never let go. You never let go. You never let go.

Oh my soul. Overflows! Oh, what love, oh, what love!
Oh, my soul fills with hope.
Perfect love that never lets go!

You never let go. You never let go. You never let go.

Oh, what love, oh, what love!
Oh, what love, oh, what love!

In joy and pain. In sun and rain.
You're the same!
Oh, You never let go!

God's Chosen Fast 09

2009-01-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, January 11, 2009 we joined ourselves together for a 21 day fast.
Ministries and churches all over the world are setting aside this special time
to seek God's face for revival and restoration. Will you join with us?

As you fast remember Isaiah 58:6, "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to
loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed
go free, and that you break every yoke?" This is God's chosen fast! It is a specific time of prayer and ministry that results in "bondages, burdens and yokes" being broken over our lives, our families, our city and our nation.

As you fast and pray, believe that God will deliver you, sustain you, revive you
and bless you in 2009 to accomplish more for His Kingdom than you could have ever
imagined possible! Hebrews 11:6 promises that He rewards those who diligently seek after Him! Isaiah 58 promises that when we fast and pray we can receive better health, greater glory, more righteousness, answered prayers, increased guidance and clarity to know how to follow God's will for your life.

As you humble yourself and draw closer to God during the next 21 days be sure to stay in the Word. God will give you insight into the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit will bring understanding so that you can "do" what it says! Jesus declared that "Man doesn't live by natural bread alone but by every supernatural word that proceeds from the mouth of God!" God's word will sustain you and increase you!

Be sure to write down specific things for which you are fasting. Is there a crisis you are facing? Do you need healing in your body? Are you going through a transition period in your life? Do you need to make life-changing decisions? Is there an unsaved family member that you are praying for? Write down who, what and why you are fasting before the Lord and keep those issues before God's throne!

Blessings and breakthroughs on you and your home in 09!
Pastor Tad and Melissa

2009-01-09T05:29:00.001-08:00

Florida wins! Tim Tebow...an amazing athlete and a real life disciple of Jesus Christ!
After watching the big National Championship game last night I began to think of what it takes to become a champion...a winner and a few things came to mind.
1. Winning is an attitude.
2. Winning is about keeping your integrity when the pressure is on.
3. Winning is having faith and not doubting.
4. Winning is seeing the victory as already accomplished.
5. Winning is fighting through pain.
6. Winning is about sticking with the game plan.
7. Winners give the glory to God for every victory.
Are you a winner? Are you experiencing victory over the enemy in your everyday life?
How does it feel to be on a winning team? The Bible says that you and I are "more the conquerors through Him (Jesus Christ) who loved us." (Romans 8:37) What are we? WINNERS! We are people who live in victory! Don't let the devil steal your victory.
No matter what adversity you may be experiencing...GOD IS FOR YOU! No matter what sickness you may have...GOD IS WITH YOU! No matter what trial you may be in...GOD IS THERE! Your winning the battle hinges on your faith (I John 5:4). Take a moment today and build up your victorious faith in Jesus. Pray, fast, meditate on the Word, study, speak words of life, listen to words of life, trust in God and submit to God. If you do these things and follow the game plan the enemy will be defeated! Everyone loves a winner! Be one! Press on and lay hold of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus and enjoy the sweet victory!
Shalom 09
Pastor Tad

Audience or Obedience?

2009-01-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

James 1:22 says, "Be doers of the Word, not just hearers only, deceiving yourselves." I read that verse yesterday and discovered that the Greek word for "not just hearers only" is a word in which we get the word AUDIT. For example, if you take a college course and don't do the homework and get the credit...they say that you are AUDITING the class. To get the "credit" for the class means you have to do the homework! You have to be a doer of the classwork and not just an attender of the class. AUDIENCE is when we sit in church week after week and hear what is being said but never put it into practice! OBEDIENCE is applying every truth we learn to our lives so that our lives can get the maximum credit or reward for "going to class". I don't know about you but I'm tired of being in the "audience" I want to get in "obedience". Jesus words to the disciples are the same to us today, "If you love me, you will obey my words." Our love for Jesus is manifested in our level of obedience. Worship is great, concerts are wonderful, good preaching is inspirational but OBEDIENCE is what God is really looking for from each of us. In fact we can only be called disciples if we are walking in obedience to God. So today, OBEY! Ask God to give you the strength and the will to listen and do what He is asking of you! Don't sit through another sermon without finding a practical way to make it work! Don't read another chapter in the Bible without making an attempt to put what you learn into practice!
Shalom 09
Pastor Tad

2009-01-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

This story still amazes me! Acts 3-4; the lame man at the Beautiful Gate! Yesterday, I read through this amazing story of God's wonder working power and was inspired to believe God for the same release of miracle working power in 2009 to flow through my life! Just wanted to announce that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! Like Peter and John we must...
1. Be committed to prayer. (3:1)
2. Be willing to meet a need. (3:4-6)
3. Be completely confident in the name of Jesus. (3:6)
4. Be ready to give all the glory to God. (3:13)
5. Be filled with the Spirit. (4:8)
6. Be identified as Jesus followers. (4:13)
7. Be obedient to God. (4:19)

Do other people realize that you have been with Jesus? Do miracles follow your life? Do you see hurting people around you whom you can touch? Will you be a vessel that God can use in 2009? There are many "paralyzed" people in our community who are crippled and bound by addictions, fear, sickness, unbelief, dysfunction, hurts, habits, hangups and sin. We are the "sent ones" to bring freedom, deliverance, hope, healing and salvation to those left behind, left out and left over!

May God give you the eyes to see the opportunities today to witness the miracle working power of Jesus working through your willingness to make a difference!

Shalom 09
Pastor Tad

Pray for Israel and the Middle East Conflict

2009-01-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family,
Join us this week as we pray, fast and intercede for Israel, the Middles East and the nations.
God's Word declares in Psalm 2:8-9 that we are to "Ask of God...for the nations!" Ask God for the nations in conflict to experience a true national revival of the Spirit. Ask God for the youth and children of the nations to become like Daniel's in the court of the king. Ask God for the leadership of the nations to humble themselves with prayer and fasting like the King of Ninevah to divert the judgments/wrath of God upon their nation. Ask God for peace and salvation to come to Israel. Ask God for the protection of the church in these nations embroiled in war.
Moses declared in Numbers 10:35, "Rise up, Oh Lord! Let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you." Let's join together with that declaration this week! Remember, we are in a spiritual battle, not with flesh and blood, but with "rulers of darkness" and "spiritual hosts/armies of wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6) so pray in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18) and ask for the nations to open their doors to encounter the transforming message of the Gospel and the refreshing gift of the Holy Spirit in 2009!
Shalom 09,
Pastor Tad

A New Year for Spiritual Resolve!

2009-01-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I felt that the Lord challenged me to get up early on Sunday Morning and go to
the church for an early morning prayer time. It starts at 6:00 am and it's called "Awaken The Dawn".

During this special time of prayer I can focus on hearing God's voice, prayer through Scripture, worship and make my requests known unto God. After a few weeks of praying alone I now have another local pastor who joins me and three other prayer warriors from the community who are arriving early to seek God and get in tune with Him for the day! It has been an amazing prayer meeting.

Today, the Spirit of the Lord was manifested in a powerful way as I declared a new spiritual resolve for 2009. I have resolved to be involved in more seasons of fasting, intercession for the nations, recapturing God's vision for our church and being a center for revival. I am believing that God is preparing us for more of His manifested presence in 09. Today's worship service and lesson on fasting was an encouraging sign that God is leading us on a new journey into the future.

Dog Days of Summer

2008-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost over and as usual I hate to see it send so soon. Before the hectic pace of school, homework and church life gets out of control our family is celebrating each night we have left this summer around a campfire and watching the stars come out at night. We've added a new outdoor meeting place in the backyard where we can sing, laugh, talk about God and share the stories of our day. Every night we light a fire and sit back to enjoy the blazing embers and the sparkle of our children's eyes! It's been cheaper than camping out on the weekends but more fun than sitting inside watching TV. Family time has taken on a new meaning around the old campfire. Our family has turned off the TV and boycotted the Olympics! I know that my family needs "quality time" to download the day and learn from mom and I about the real issues of life. This has been our summer to capture the hearts of our kids in a significant way that will create memories for them that will last forever. It's hard to hear one another with the TV drowning you out or the channels zooming by at the speed of light so we made a choice to listen to the crackle of an old-fashioned fire, make Smores, pulled out the telescope for stargazing, trying our best to catch a few fireflies in the old Mason jar and show our kids how to enjoy God's creation even in the city! What I like best are the smiles my daughter gives me, watching my wife's face glow in the warm fire light, listening to my son play a worship song on his guitar and know that as for me and my house we will love and serve the Lord.

The Five Temptations of a CEO

2008-06-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Just finished a great book about leadership written like a modern day parable giving every leader a wake-up call regarding the temptation of choosing "status" over "results"; "popularity" over "accountability"; "certainty" over "clarity"; "harmony" over "productive conflict" and "invulnerability" over "trust". If anyone on the leadership team would like to discuss these five temptations and learn how to avoid them let's do lunch! I know it challenged me to re-think through how I'm operating as a leader and I know it'll do the same for you!

Before you give me a call ask yourself this question first: "What was the best day of your career?" Don't make it complicated but be honest and let's see where we have to begin! I'd love to hear your answer.

Father's Day

2008-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's great being a dad! Yesterday, I received three of the sweetest cards from my family for Father's Day. After church we spent the afternoon at the pool and enjoyed swimming, working out, a mean game of ping-pong and eating pizza and strawberry shortcake. It was a perfect Father's Day! The message this morning was delivered by Bro. Samuel Addo from Ghana, West Africa. He is a real preacher and always brings us a word from heaven. Yesterday, he shared about the responsibility of the father to leave an inheritance for the children. It was a great word. You can her the message in full by visiting our website at www.myrockchurchag.com for the complete message. I was stirred, stretched and encouraged by the Lord to leave the inheritance that will endure throughout eternity, love my wife more deeply, build my son's character a little bit more everyday and guide my daughter into becoming a woman of God. Happy Father's Day! Yeah...I couldn't ask for more!

Next year in Jerusalem...

2008-06-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

Last November, I spent two weeks in Israel on a study trip that had a deep impact on my life. I'm finally ready to begin processing and downloading pictures and video clips of this great experience for others to enjoy! This photo is taken on the Temple Mount as you can see by the Dome of the Rock behind me. As I walked on this sacred site I felt like I was at the center of the universe. This was such a cool experience. Walking through Jerusalem was the most amazing event of my entire life. I want to take another trip in March 2009 with my church so that they can enjoy all the incredible sights like I enjoyed them!

Four Nations of Friends

2008-06-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

STAGNANT WATER

2008-06-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

This week has been a difficult week for many all over the Midwest! Historic flooding in Iowa, tornadoes in Indiana, local rivers cresting over levees and destroying valuable farmland from Missouri to Ohio! My prayers go out to those who are suffering more than I! But like so many, I am dealing with the after effects of these stormy days too! Today, I met with an engineer to create a plan to pump thousands of gallons of water out of my back yard! It's amazing how much storm water can collect in someones yard if there is nowhere for it to go! This last storm left my yard full of stagnant water that is starting to stink and become a breeding ground for pesky mosquitoes! As I talked with the engineer I was thinking about how God wants us to be diligent about getting rid of all sin and not let it "puddle" in our lives which results in a "stagnant" life! A stagnant life is a breeding ground for the enemy of our soul! Jesus offers us something better! The living water of the Holy Spirit wants to flow through us to bless others everyday! Today , I want to offer others a life that's overflowing with the Spirit of the Lord and get rid of the sin that makes a person stagnant and stinky! Hope you will join me!

FIRST JUMP

2008-06-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your first jump from a diving board? Why do some kids jump in and others hesitate? What may be exciting to one brings another to tears! Tonight, my daughter faced her first jump from the diving board with great hesitation. No matter how we cheered her on, bribed her with ice cream and earrings...she couldn't muster the courage to take the leap. Her fear overcame her sense of adventure!
I think she'll be jumping by the end of summer but as I watched her deal with her fear and all that raced through her mind about the unknown, I was reminded how many times the Bible tells us to "fear not" and have courage to take the jumps and the journeys of life with Him as our faithful guide! In fact, the Bible gives us over 365 admonitions to "fear not"! One for everyday of the year! I choose to not be afraid no matter what with His help!