Thursday, January 31, 2013

In The Beginning....


I believe one of the ways we get closest to God and to understanding God is by imitating Him. In the beginning, God breathed life into existence. When we speak life and encouragement into hearts, we're imitating Him. Some people are dark clouds and life suckers. They see life through a critical and negative lens. Others are life-givers. The Spirit in them speaks life and peace and encouragement into people. I can't imagine a better quality to have. That’s what I want to do.

Who will you be today?

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Finally! Something That Makes Sense!



I read this article today after a friend from Highland posted it on Facebook. As I read it, I felt my heart just about to burst with excitement. This right here is gospel. There was a lot of fighting over whether or not to eat a chicken sandwich a few months ago. It was polarizing. Finally....something that seemed so impossible begins to find the Light. I love Dan for this...and I appreciate Shane for opening his heart to Dan. We have a lot to learn from these men. What if churches responded more like this?
read here

I pray that God will break down walls and that the Spirit would fill us up with His perspective as we all try hard to love each other. Be encouraged, blog family!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Save the Date! ZOE Worship Conference 2013


We are pleased to announce that the 2013 ZOE Worship Conference will be October 25-27 in Nashville, TN at the Otter Creek Church! This year we will be focusing on the season of Advent.

Christmas--the happiest time of the year? Often we feel pressure to feel that way based on the way the media and movies portray the holidays. However, Advent teaches us what "God with us" really means. Advent is about waiting...waiting on the Lord, watching for Him, believing in Him...even when He is silent. Advent celebrates the absolute truth that God is faithful and that His steadfast love is present, even in difficult times, to bring a deep peace unlike anything we've ever experienced. Come join us as we celebrate Emanuel, God with us.

More information on the conference will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email Kim at kim@zoegroup.org.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Tragedy Hits the ACU Campus...Again

Last night, the ACU community endured yet another loss suffered from a tragic automobile accident. One of my friends and a participant in our worship ministry, Bo Braddock, was driving the automobile that was struck head-on, killing Lindsey Smith who was seated next to him. Lindsey is a life-long friend of my intern, Trey Wrape. So many people touched. So many grieving. Please pray for my friends and for the ACU community and the Smith family who are grieving in a way that seems unimaginable to me.

For more information follow this link by clicking here

Oh great light of the world
Come to impart
The light of your grace
To fill up our hearts

~Bebo Norman

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Abolitionists




I recently finished the PBS mini-series "The Abolitionists". It is really great. I often feel astounded that people who were Jesus followers could have turned a blind eye to and even participated in the appalling practice of slavery. It makes me wonder what things I might be blind to...and it makes me want to lean even more into the mind of Christ over my own thinking because I know none of us are immune to being deceived.

I'm so thankful for courageous men and women like Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, MLK Jr. and others who bravely followed their heart and listened to the Spirit's voice of freedom to make this country better and brighter. I love this famous quote by Douglass: "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."

Here's a link to the PBS series...I highly recommend it.


May God lead us in His way by the power of His Spirit!

Monday, January 14, 2013