Does God Care About Our Calendar?
This post will upset some folks. (disclaimer)
Every ‘first week’ of the year, I hear church leaders make bold statements about how the upcoming year ‘is THE year of destiny, blessing, purpose, fulfillment, etc…’. I’m starting to see a cycle. Most of them say the same thing every new year, and most fail to be accountable to the claim they made last year and the failure that was in the midst of last year. Whew… I said it.
It brings me to the question: Does God care about our calendar? When the clock strikes midnight, does it really ‘release God’ to do something different or better for us?
The Last Two Weeks As A Pastor
The last two weeks are difficult.
What are we going to do next? What are we going to do with all the things we just did? What went well? What do we need to improve on? Where is God leading me next?
The last two weeks of the year make me feel (from a business/pastor point of view) a lot of pressure. It feels like from now until Jan 1, I have to figure everything out, solve all the problems and start the next year perfectly on Jan 1. All the leadership teams need to be neat and pretty. New leaders in place. Old leaders retired (and honored properly). The budget has to be scrutinized and 2012 needs to be financially planned out. Did we celebrate enough? Are we ready for the next big thing? Are we praying enough? What sermons are the congregations needing to hear from the Bible?
My Thoughts on Kennady Being Thankful
Here is a clip of me speaking on Kennady’s ability to be Thankful in the midst of a debilitating disease.
The Hills Fellowship
I was pleased to spend Sunday morning with a strong, new group of believers in Nashville, TN. My dear friends, John and Kristin Ragsdale started this church a few months back and have really ‘gone all in’. They have done a fantastic job of clearly outlining the vision and culture that The Hills Fellowship is all about. 
When you walk in the door, you understand that it is distinctly different and stylistically unique. The hospitality/greeting area is complete with water, tea, coffee, mints and very friendly people to welcome everyone. People gather to worship in a very warm, relaxing room. The floors are wooden and the lighting sets a great atmosphere.
The worship team is loud (in a good way). The songs are ‘modern worship’. The singers and musicians are extremely talented. (It’s Nashville after all). My kids really enjoyed the children’s ministry after they were dismissed to their classes. There is a great sense of unity among the believers and authentic connectivity to God. I was the guest speaker and the topic was Acts 3-4, Living Boldly in the Midst of Everyday Life.
I have a message to the believers at The Hills Fellowship as sort of an “after the service” thought.
Paul Tweeted About Bad Stuff Too
This is an article I wrote for the Destiny’s Magazine
Paul Tweeted About Bad Stuff Too.
I go to conferences, follow high profile ministers on twitter and Facebook, read blogs, and see folks on TV. Yet most of them only give me status updates on the miracles and places where God shows up. Every time I hear from them, it is revival! As much as I want to say it is always encouraging…it is not. The problem is that it doesn’t represent real life. When I look to my life and the ebbs and flows of ministry, there are so many more challenges and simply ordinary scenarios.
Robin Steele 