The Impact of Being Wholehearted
1 Chronicles 28:8-10, "So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever. "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
Who was responsible for passing on the blessing of God in your life?
I am grateful for Lewis Wilson. He made a decision nearly 100 years ago that changed the course of six generations thus far. In a small church in Colorado, he chose to become a Christ follower. That decision has impacted six generations. I’m the 4th generation, our children are the 5th and now our grandchildren are the 6th generation who have had the blessing passed on. It pays to be a wholehearted Christ follower.
As leaders, we see similar results. Many of you have children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in the faith. I challenge you this month to stop and think about the impact your life has made, is making and will make. This also reminds us of the importance of guarding our lives from missteps, bitterness, anger, dishonesty and laziness as leaders. These destructive behaviors and attitudes can also be passed on, but they become curses not blessings. I want to be a blessing to the next generation, how about you? David said three things to his son, Solomon, recorded in 1 Chronicles 28.
1. Acknowledge the Lord.
2. Serve the Lord with a wholehearted devotion.
3. Seek the Lord and He will be found.
What a great model for all of us to follow as we move through this month.
2010 Together Everyone Achieves More Tour
We just completed our first 2010 T.E.A.M Tour in Medford. The one day, 5-hour training was well received and was considered by some, the best effort of the Network in several years. This all-church leadership training, focuses on the health of a leader, tools for ministry, and healthy teams. I encourage pastors to bring associates, church leadership and volunteers for this one-day training. The Network offers three more this year and each site is open. Register your team today!
May 22 – Hermiston Assembly of God
September 18 – New Life Church, Springfield
October 23 – Faith Christian Center, Bend
NETWORK PARTNERS
Thanks to the growing number of churches in the Network that have become Network Partners. Your consistent participation allows the Network to better serve our Network family and fulfill the role of Developing Healthy Leaders and Building Healthy Churches and Ministries. If you and your church have not been active in being a Network Partner, let me encourage you to step in faith and faithfulness and select one of the options of participation suggested.
OPTION 1. VENTURE PARTNER Church
Contributes 2% -3% of monthly General Income
OPTION 2. VISION PARTNER Church
Contributes 1%-2% of monthly General Income
OPTION 3. VALUED PARTNER Church
Contributes $1.00 per attendee each month
By selecting one of these options, you are taking action to help the Network better serve the local churches and ministries.
UPCOMING NETWORK MINISTRIES
Connection Call – March 3, 2010 – 11 a.m. Dr. Gordon Anderson – Initial Evidence: A New Understanding
Presbytery Meeting – March 4 – 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
2010 Regional Men’s Winter Retreat – March 5-6, 2010 – Camp Myrtlewood
Young Leaders Paradigm Missions Trip – March 12-20, 2010 (France and Spain)
BraveHearts Conference for Teen Girls “SHINE” – March 12-13, 2010 - Keizer Renaissance Inn
Amplified - April 8-10, 2010 – Valley Life Center, Dallas
2010 Network Summit – WHOLEHEARTED - April 19-21, 2010 – Albany First Assembly
NETWORK NEWS
Assistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison will be the featured guest at Berean Assembly of God in Springfield on March 19-21. Contact the church for more details.
ONE on ONE COACHING Now Offered
The Oregon Ministry Network offers affordable One On One Coaching specifically designed for our OMN ministers. Today is a great time to get started on a life-enriching and leadership-enhancing adventure. To receive more information, contact our lead coach, Joy Wilson at joy@ministrycoaching.org.
Being Pentecostal
If we are to have a continuing heritage of Pentecost, we are going to have to BE Pentecostal. We cannot afford to have speakers and video series taught in our churches by people who are NOT filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, teaching about the Holy Spirit. It would be like having a Certified Nurses Assistant teaching on Heart Surgery. They have neither the experience nor the know how to do so in an informed and edifying manner. If we, in the name of political correctness (or sinner friendliness) hesitate to stand up and proclaim the full gospel with all its accompanying uniqueness and gifts and occasionaly persecution, then we will go the way of every other Fellowship that "used" to have the "touch of Heaven" upon it. I am going forward, boldly Pentecostal and not backing down for anyone, how about you?!?
being Pentecostal
I wanted at first to agree and then after some thought I felt that some other things have to be examined. First, if we want to affect (and influence) those who are not Pentecostal and have them open to truth, then we also must be open to truth. Truth is truth no matter where it comes from.
Secondly, We need to listen to those who are not Pentecostal in order to hear from them. It was by this means that I have had the oportunity to influence non Pentcostals and have them receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Thirdly, I think most importantly, we need to be open to truth because the Holy Spirit was sent to lead us into all truth. We do not ever reach a time when we know it all here in this life. There is always more to learn and know from our Father (Abba).
Finally, In the words of my sister, we need to move forward cautiously but not exclusively.
Moving forward boldly,
Dan Grubbs
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