Mark Wargo

No More Fear!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:01:55 -0500

This past Sunday was awesome! We saw 11 people take a stand to follow Jesus with many others responding to the call to be free from ‘people pleasing’. How cool is that? I really love what Jesus is doing here at Cross Current.

This Sunday we are finishing up our ‘i Quit’ series. We will be tackling the issue of ‘Living in Fear’. If you yourself or someone you know is struggling with fear, invite them out this week. You don’t have to live in fear any longer. We can live above it and live that life of faith we were destined to live.

The fears we deal with:

Fear of Failure
Fear of Loss
Fear of Losing Control
Fear of Rejection
Fear of the Unknown

I’m expecting God to set people free this Sunday of the life sucking fears. Stand with us in prayer for a powerful move of God!

If you haven’t sent in a copy of your wedding photo for our marriage series entitled ‘When 2 are 1’. Make sure you get it into our production department by next Monday. You can email you picture to hello@ccchurches.com. This series is gonna be sweet! It doesn’t matter if you are single, divorced or married, this will be some good stuff. We are honored to have Pastor Jeff and Alaine who will be ministering on the 19th on marriage issues.

Scripture for thought:

Is 41:10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

Greater Things…

Pastor Mark

Keep going!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:17:22 -0500

Hey Cross Current-

10 days into the 30dayswithJesus - I pray this has been a great read for you. It is the bible for crying out loud, so how could it not be! I have enjoyed this immensely and I’m pumped up knowing that I am reading along with the CC family. We are all in this together! I am so proud of you for making this commitment. God’s word always accomplishes what it is set out to accomplish- and His word will bring an abundance of life to your spirit, soul and body.

A couple of things to remember:

If you haven’t read every day, don’t beat yourself up and just quit. Pick up where you left off or start with todays reading. No one is keeping score here!
As you read through each day, take a minute before or after to ask the Holy Spirit what He is saying to you. He is always speaking!
Don’t just read for the information or a history lesson, but read it for an impartation that changes you from the inside out. Let it build your faith.
This walk with Jesus is a journey, not a sprint! So enjoy the journey.
The staff at CC are honored to be with you in this. Let’s continue to look to Jesus and let’s change the world together.
Go to our Facebook/Twitter(@ccchurches) and let us know what God is speaking to you. What are you learning? What stood out in the reading?

Love ya BIG!

Pastor Mark

Laziness and prayer go hand in hand

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:23:42 -0500

This is a repost from Pastor Perry Noble.

A few weeks ago I put out a tweet that said the following…

“Covering laziness in prayer is not a spiritual discipline.”

It was retweeted several times; however, there were also a few people who said that the statement was confusing and asked for an explanation. So here goes…

I believe that many people in the Body of Christ use prayer as an excuse for inactivity and laziness.

Yes, I am ALL ABOUT PRAYER! I’ve seen Jesus do things through the power of prayer that would make a Methodist shout.

However, there are some things that we simply cannot “cover in prayer” and hope they will get better. Nope, we’ve got to take action!!! Things such as…

If you need to lose weight you are not going to “pray the pounds away!” It’s just not going to happen!!! You are going to have to get your butt up off of the couch and exercise. You are going to have to stop slamming cookies in your mouth. You are going to have to stop drinking 10 sodas a day! You can pray all you want…but if you do not put action with your prayer it’s NOT going to help!

If your marriage is in trouble and is on edge then you are not going to “pray it back into a great place.” You are going to have to start paying attention to your wife…and turn the freakin TV off. You are going to have to pursue her…and NOT just when you want something from her. You are going to have to stop being a jerk. And ladies, you are going to have to stop gossipping about your husband to your friends. You are going to have to stop telling your children their father is a loser.

If you want your kids to admire and respect you it’s not going to happen through “just praying about it.” You are going to have to spend time with them. You are going to have to talk with them, even the awkward subjects. You are going to have to admit your sins and shortcomings to them and ask for their forgiveness. You are going to have to STOP trying to be their friend and actually be the parent!

If you are broke then you are not going to just “pray money into your bank account.” You are going to have to put God first in your finances. You are going to have to STOP spending money you don’t have to buy things you don’t need to impress people you don’t like. You are going to have to get on a budget and live within your means.

If you are struggling with a particular sin that is kicking your rear end you aren’t going to “pray it out of your life!” (By the way, many of you have tried that, I just wanted to ask, “how’s that going for you?”) Nope…you are going to need to do what James 5:16 says and confess it, OUT LOUD, to another human being who is stronger than you spiritually and that can help you fight through this issue!

If you are a church leader and there is a situation that is dominating you and your ministry, you’ve got to do something about it!!! David didn’t just pray and pray and God, through his prayer times, took Goliath out! Nope, David picked up five rocks, walked down into the valley and handled business. You cannot be passive about an issue and believe that “through prayer” God will just take it away. If you are a leader and God brings an issue to your attention…He most likely did so because He expects you to take ACTION!

I could go on, but you get the point. Prayer is essential! Prayer is necessary! Prayer is commanded! Prayer is a powerful weapon which we should make more use of in the church; however, God did not just call us to PRAY about His will but also to PARTICIPATE in it. And too many times Christians are willing to pray about things and think we’ve done our part…and then get angry at God because He did not do something amazing to compensate for our laziness and passivity.

Don’t just pray to God…but participate with God as He moves!

Let this be the year that we don’t just pray big prayers…but we take bold steps and believe that as we pray and participate we will see God do amazing things!

Be a Bringer!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:29:37 -0500

I saw this phrase in a blog and had to use it -be a bringer-. It is used to remind the church of their responsibility to be witnesses for Christ. Not only should we invite people who are far from God to come to church-we should bring them with us. We should do whatever we can to compel them. Because there is a great chance their life will be changed in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Of course, as our Christmas worship experiences approach at Cross Current, we’re putting a lot of effort into creating environments that are welcoming, connecting and Jesus focused. If you’re planning on worshipping with us this Christmas, I hope you’re praying and believing for some great things, not only for your family, but for someone in your life who needs to find hope in Christ. I know some of you have asked people who have said no in the past. Ask again. Pick them up. Meet them somewhere beforehand. Pray!

I’m standing with you.

I am so pumped about this Sunday’s Christmas celebration as well as our special Christmas Eve service entitled “Everything changed”

We’re going to present the Gospel this Christmas. The opportunity is great. The need is urgent. And although public worship gatherings aren’t the only way someone can come to Christ, we’ve seen hundreds respond to Jesus in this environment. We believe God moves in a special way when His Church comes together. Not just in our church, but anywhere the Gospel is preached.

I have been thinking about all those that are now following Christ because someone asked them to attend.

Let’s be bringers this Christmas season.
You never know the impact your invitation could initiate.

Love ya Big!

Pastor Mark

I'll be home for Christmas...

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:50:28 -0500

I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me…

Can you hear the music? You should be hearing it in your head right about now. The truth is that, yes I will be… sitting right in my living room enjoying some much desired time with my family- celebrating the birth of our savior.

Every so often, Christmas and New Years Day happen to fall on a Sunday, which creates some dilemmas for us as church leaders. Do we have services or not? What decision do we make so that we can honor Jesus and honor his people? What about the staff and faithful volunteers who arrive early and stay late, and will take more time away from their families? What about the small group of people that would attend on Christmas Sunday? As always, prayer and wisdom were used in making this decision. Here are some reasons as to why I will be home for Christmas this Christmas Sunday:

1. We will have a 5:00pm Christmas Eve Service-

We still want to be together with you as our church family and celebrate Jesus’ birth. We are not just canceling a Christmas service, but we are offering an opportunity to have a Christmas service on Christmas Eve to worship and honor the King of Kings. By offering this special time of worship together the night before, we have the opportunity to get filled up spiritually before we head out into the holidays and spend time with the very people that need Him and His love most. The very ones that you have been specifically called to be a light to. So please don’t miss out on honoring Him during this special season. Join with us at 5:00pm on Christmas Eve and bring your family and your friends.

2. Our staff and volunteers-

They don’t need to serve at church on Christmas Sunday- they do this year round, week in and week out. Seriously people, there is far more time involved than what you see at 9am or 11am. This small wonderful, group of faithful, committed, and AMAZING volunteers and staff have stole Tracee’s and my heart! Honestly, I am so grateful for all of them who make our services possible every week. Besides the time put into planning and preparing for services through out the week, just to have our services require Saturday set-ups, early arrival on Sunday mornings, and Sunday afternoon tear downs… and they do this EVERY WEEK. I just want them as well as our entire church to enjoy this holiday season to the fullest. I want them to be home celebrating Jesus and serving their own families during this already busy season.

3. I want to be home with my family-

Call it selfish, but I really like these guys!

4. Hardly anyone will be there-

91% of churches in America will be open on Christmas Sunday, yet only 14-18% of people will actually attend. Really?

“If our target and our mission is to reach the unchurched, basically the people who don’t go to church, how likely is it that they’ll be going to church on Christmas morning?”

Oh ya, the attendance on the Sunday after Thanksgiving factored in it. Very low! As well as Christmas Sunday’s attendance in previous years.

5. Church is for honoring Jesus, encouraging each other, and reaching the lost-

Very difficult to do this when the people aren’t here- lol. Lost people aren’t coming… and I’m pretty sure most of you wouldn’t be coming. Here in lies the reason why we have an alternative plan.

6. The House of God never closes-

Just a reminder, You and I are the house of God where He makes his home. A building is where His many homes come together creating His kingdom. That’s good stuff! His houses are open every day - all day! Remember this wherever you go and whoever you come in contact with.

7. Finally, we will be open on New Year’s Day to kick off the year correctly!

Together lifting up His name! We are getting geared up for a great year of seeing God show off and change lives, marriages and families. So prepare for Jan 1st as we bring in 2012 the right way! Putting Him first, just as we have done by having service on Christmas Eve.

The bottom line is I want to lift up Jesus and honor Him with everything I have!!! That includes Christmas as well as all the other days of the year. Having said that, I desire for our homes to honor God as well- full of love, laughter, joy and all the other characteristics of God. So enjoy this season to the fullest, and bring HIM and HIS love into everywhere you go and every one you come in contact with.

Jesus Qualifies You!

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:55:37 -0400

Three years ago (2008), my mom said a pretty powerful statement that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. I was just beginning as the new senior pastor at CrossCurrent. I was overwhelmed, nervous, a bit anxious, freaked out and yet so excited at the enormous potential and the possibilities that lied ahead for us at CC. I was sharing with her all that I was feeling and she just said this statement that stuck. She said “God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called”. That statement alone helped me tremendously as I moved forward as pastor. Over the past several years, this is what God has settled in my heart- maybe this can help you in your journey:

* Jesus makes the difference- When God calls you and I to specific tasks, we do not have to take it, force it or even prove ourselves— we just need to be with Jesus! He will give the words, skills and courage to do what He is asking you to do. Acts 4:13

* Follow Jesus- People will have all kinds of opinions, thoughts and feelings. If you don’t believe me, go sit in the stands at a PH high school football game and listen to the crowd when the coach calls a play they don’t like. There are some people who are very well meaning and there are some who are not. They are filled with an agenda, selfish ambitions and control issues, they just have a need to spread negativity. Remove them off your bus. Ultimately, we need to hear what the Lord saying?

* It’s real easy to be tuned in to the voices of people more than the voice of Jesus. The fear of man is a snare and it can pull you into deep pit! I share this from experience. Michael, the former pastor of CC once told me that “You can’t truly lead people to freedom until you are free from the pull(words) of people” How true that is! All people who are used by God greatly need to be free from the highs of man’s praises and lows of mans criticisms. Ultimately, what is the Lord saying to you/me?

* Schooling can suck and rock at the same time! I have never been to bible school, but I can tell you that HSU(Holy Spirit University) is the toughest and most rewarding school you will ever be part of. The late night study times, the exams, pop quizzes, the people you are in school with, and even the unexplained assignments you didn’t think you signed up for- all this works together to make us into what He has designed and called us to. You never graduate His school. You can quit, drop out, complain, hate it, love it, even re-enroll, but you never never graduate. You just keep moving to new levels.

I want to live my life like the guys in Acts- maybe not the sharpest tool in the shed or having the most knowledge- but I do want to know Jesus and I much rather people say “but they have been with Jesus” than “wow, is he smart! lol”. He can and will use anyone with a “Yes” in their heart toward Him… and will make you look so smart as well. It’s the best of both worlds.

Love ya and can’t wait to see how He uses you for great things-

Pastor Mark

God does the qualifying!

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:29:18 -0400

Is Jesus amazing or what?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:22:10 -0400

This series we are in right now- the Big and Little C- have got to be one of my favorites. I love preaching about the church and God’s heart for it. It fires me up in a huge way. Keeps the proper perspective of what this thing is all about. I’m still blown away at how much Jesus loves His bride and that I get to be a part of it. So cool! We have been hearing some incredible stories that are so humbling, and yet so inspiring! Keeps us moving forward. What’s the word? Stay the course!

Just a few of the stories I wanted to share about God’s goodness…

I met a sweet lady who came up during meet-n-greet. She began to tell me with tears in her eyes that she hasn’t stepped foot in a church in 20 years and she repeatedly thanked me for creating this environment for her to meet Jesus. Dang! Pretty much wrecked me for the rest of the service. When we create the right environments, people grow!

I was able to meet a young couple after service who said “they used to go to church when they were younger and walked away because of the judgmental, always pointing the finger, and talking about other churches.” With tears in her eyes, she tells me “this is the first time I have felt at home in a church”

Worship was unbelievable on Sunday and just continues to increase on a weekly basis. I encourage you to come expecting and watch what happens.

We are being asked to do baptisms! People are hungry to follow Jesus— So stinking cool. W saw more come up this week and commit their lives to follow Jesus.

I had someone come up after service and hug me like there was no tomorrow. She said that for the first time in 6 years, she is excited about coming to church and feels things are coming alive again in her walk with Jesus.

We have seen over 170 people receive Jesus since January! Can somebody give a shout out there! I mean this is awesome people. Shout! Rejoice! Dance! Roller skate… do something! Heaven is celebrating and need to be as well.

Just crazy awesome! I share these with you not to boast in us, but rather to brag on Jesus! He has been so faithful and is moving right before our eyes. This ought to encourage us to stay the course- knowing that lives are being changed. Keep praying! Keep serving! Keep giving! Keep loving!

We haven’t seen anything yet- it’s just the beginning!

Pastor Mark

The Locker Room

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:21:00 -0400

Sunday I shared a bit about how the Michigan Wolverines game Saturday was the tale of two halfs. The first half we got our butts kicked up and done the field. It was pretty bad to watch and quite frustrating! It was very apparent that our offense and our defense needed some serious help- we couldn’t do anything! But when they went into the locker room, they made some much needed adjustments and came out and played a completely different game in the second half. As most of you know, we ended up winning the game in dramatic fashion. This game has now become an instant classic. As I thought about this, I thought about Cross Current and even our lives. Maybe you have been through a tough season and you feel as though you have been beaten up and down the field. No matter what you have tried… no success! Deep levels of disappointment, discouragement, hopelessness and even despair have now made their home in you. Your question may be, ”why engage in serving again” “why even go back out and play?” “Is it even worth it?” “Maybe this is just the way its gonna be!” I want to encourage you keep going after Jesus and get back in the game…

Ask yourself these questions:

Am I listening to what the coach is saying? Don’t say that God is not speaking- He does. Whether its through the bible or directly to you or through someone else… sometimes one- sometimes all. Are you hearing Him and just have a tough time believing what he is saying?

Have I been in the locker room too long? Maybe the team already got back on the field and you find yourself being left behind a bit in what God is doing? This is a dangerous place to be and can result in bitterness, resenting God and others, poor me, victim mentality and will stifle your ability to help the team (church) move forward. Oh, there are always other players that God will put into play, but why not you? Go get suited up again and get back out and play— do your part even if you don’t ‘feel it’. Your team needs you.

Has the circumstances of the first half now turned into rebellion to his voice? Football teams only go into the locker room for 15-20 minutes. It’s used as a time to refresh, refill- and as a team, make any necessary adjustments so that the second half will be different. So has your locker room become a way of life now? Has your time of adjustment turned into years of stale living? Is God telling you get back out and play and you are simply not budging? Has your first half experience now become your god? I don’t think you want to keep missing the second half… get out and play and believe it will be better… and even if some things don’t, at least your in the game playing your position. Elijah got back on the field and had to go back and finish what God wanted. Paul had to get back on the field after being stoned and left for dead. Jesus got back on the field. Jonah got back on the field after being spit out of the whale and finished the work. Peter got back on the field after denying Jesus.

Will you allow for your broken, beat down, and wounded faith to rise up again? Without faith, you can’t please God. You won’t feel it much in the beginning. What’s He saying to you. He’s speaking… Pray! Trust! and get back out and play hard. Believe the second half will be better than the first. Believe that your the winner. People are waiting for your story to become their message.

God believes in you-I believe in you-you have what it takes- now go do it!

Pastor Mark

Jesus loves His church- Do you?

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:48:19 -0400

Hey CC Family-

I Hope you’re rockin it out this week and enjoying life to fullest! Think about this, you’ll never get this day back again so live it full. We are opening up a new series this week called “The Big C” and we will be answering the questions
What is the church? What are the churches responsibilities? What are God’s plans for His church? What part does CrossCurrent (the little C) play in it all?

Jesus said that He would build His church and the powers of hell would not prevail (or win) against it. I love the fact that we win and can have such confidence in that. I love being on the winning team. And I love that Jesus is building His church.

My encouragement to you is to not miss this next season God is leading us into. I have been excited before, but this excitement, expectancy, anticipation is at a completely different level. I’m asking you join with me by inviting and praying for souls to be added to the kingdom during this series. This past Sunday we had a lady walk up after service and ask this question “How do I get saved”! How awesome is that?

Peter preached His first sermon and thousands were added to the church. Dang! That is amazing! FYi- I am believing for hundreds and thousands to begin following Jesus!

A couple of thoughts:
Don’t be a benchwarmer- Be a player and get in the game. Do what God is asking you to do.
Play your position well- Become skilled at what you do for Jesus! Give Him and others your best.
Church is a team game- No you can’t do church by yourself. You must follow Jesus for yourself, but you can’t follow Him by yourself.

Tracee and I love you and are praying for Big things

Come Expecting
Pastor Mark

Too Legit to Quit!

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:55:05 -0400

What an awesome time this past Sunday at Cross Current. If you missed it, you can pick it up on the podcast or at CC. We are in the middle of our series “imanual” - the restoration of faith and trust in who God is. It has been heart wrenching as well as life changing! I’m convinced that not only does He love us, but He likes us!

This is just a couple of points from Sundays message. We are on the topic right now of “illegitimacy”. 41% of babies born in the US this year will be born into a single parent home. Yikes! I have many thoughts on that but not for today. This does hinder a generation from connecting with God in a heavenly father connection.

I’m amazed at how many people struggle with illegitimacy spiritually. I’m amazed at my journey of working through these feelings. I do believe that our natural fathering/mothering does correlate with God being our spiritual father. To the level and depth of our own fathering issues will be the difficulty we have to work through in receiving Him as a heavenly father.

The spirit of illegitimacy assaults and robs us of the blessing of true sonship (daughtership).

The three areas that illegitimacy targets are:

Identity, Intimacy, and Inheritance

Here is how to work out the identity issue through the bible.

I am a new creation

2 Cor 5:17 (Mess)

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

I am adopted as his child

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

I am God’s child

John 1:12 (Mess)

2 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

I am included

Ephesians 1:13 (Mess)

13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own[a] by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.

I am a member of Christ’s Body

1 Cor 12:27 (Mess)

27-31You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything.

I am completed by God

Eph 3:19 (Mess)

19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Believe it over yourself!

Serving Together- Honoring Each Other

Wed, 25 May 2011 11:16:08 -0400

This past week, we introduced our Going Orange (Volunteer Core Values).

Here they are: Serve Jesus, Honor each other, Own it, Love the Church!

Mature people are true team players. Just because you are on a team doesn’t make you a team player. Mature players are the ones who put it all out there for the team. They are the ones who sacrifice for the others. They can do it without needing the most validation and attention. They are the ones who can do what they do in public and in private. And they refuse to feed the affirmation beast within- they do not share “look what I’ve done” from the mountaintops. They do what they do before the audience of one- Jesus!

“It doesn’t take maturity to be ON a team, but maturity is required to be a true team player.”

Whether in sports, work, life, family, or church:

Questions for you to answer-

Settle In- Are you content to do what Jesus has asked you to do? Phil 4:11-12
Keep Growing!- Are you giving your all for the call or are you just giving half effort because you are skilled and good at what you do?
Don’t force it- Does your need to be noticed push you to overstep people or get out ahead of God? 1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourself- Can you truly celebrate the victory of others and celebrate the promotions of others? Phil 2:3-5
Toughen up- Do you quickly get offended and threaten to quick because you were challenged by another teammate?
Think long term- Can you serve long term or are you continually looking or the next best thing?
Refocus- Do you use words like I, My and Me, them, they more than Us, We, together?

Don’t forget what an honor it is to serve Jesus serving his church (the bride)!

“Teamwork is the FUEL that allows Common People To Produce...

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:55:25 -0400

“Teamwork is the FUEL that allows Common People To Produce Uncommon Results!”

My whole life has been connected- in one way or another- to teamwork. Whether its sports, ministry, family, or friendships- its teamwork! There are some powerful principles that can help in our lives and when we truly live these out, huge impact is made! Now you may not be a sports junky like I am, but I believe you can still gleen from the many life learnings that teamwork teaches us. Being on teams has taught me more about life and God’s kingdom than any other. God loves teamwork! I love teamwork! We need to love teamwork! In fact, that is how He desires to advance His kingdom- through teams. Many times we think it’s the one great person of power, but when you look at the stories throughout the bible, it really was teams that God used. He may stir an individuals heart to do something, but a team arises from it to get er done. Here’s some of what I have learned from 34 years of being involved in sports, 39 years of being in a family, 19 years being married and having a family and 20 years of serving in ministry:

We win together and We lose together! - When we win games and I play well, I don’t take the credit- we take the credit. When we lose or are in a slump, I don’t point the finger and pass the blame.
Take care of my responsibilities! - The best thing I can do is to take care of what I’m supposed to do to help the team win. It’s very easy to focus on what others are doing or not doing, but at the end of it all- What am I supposed to take care of? Am I growing? Am I doing my part? Can others trust that I will get my part done?
Be the hardest worker - I have always worked hard. Always strived to be the fastest on the field and to be the hardest worker. I didn’t want someone else outworking me, and still don’t. I wanted to lead the way, set the standard and raise the bar! There is no substitute for hard work!
Don’t quit! - I can’t stand it when people quit! Tough times make us so stay in the ring and fight. Sometimes the chips are down, sometimes life doesn’t go well, sometimes the other team is just puttin’ the beat down on you, sometimes you can’t make a play for nothing—- Don’t give up! You never know, your next time at the plate, your next pass, your next shot, the next sermon, your next move, or the next play could be the one to catapult you out of that slump. No matter what- Don’t quit.
Be the biggest encourager! - Real team players pick others up when they make a mistake. They know how to believe in the less gifted or talented and vocalize belief in them. Encourage the team whether up or down on the scoreboard or stat sheet. Learn how to pick others up!

So much more to come…

TEAMWORK!!!!!

Hey CC!

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:40:07 -0400

Hey CC-

So fired up about what God is doing and where we are as a church. Just want you to know the Tracee and I love the CC family so much and pray that His plans and purposes continue to come alive in you, your families, and us as a church. In planning for Easter, here are a couple of thoughts I have had this week:

Easter is fast approaching and we are believing and expecting a more than awesome day… Super awesome complete with His presence, lives changed, souls saved, and a few BIG bags of jelly beans.

As I mentioned last Sunday we will be giving you an opportunity to give toward the Easter service. There is about a 3800.00 budget to do what we have on our hearts to do. This amount is more than doable for CC and I feel confident we can raise this. We will have two weeks to give just in case you missed the first one. So all I ask is that you… pray about what you are to give- give it with joy and with expectancy- and stand with us as we are believing for people to meet a real Jesus!

Environment is hugely important and so with all the guests coming in on Easter, I just want to encourage you to find that one spot for you to volunteer… this gives you the opportunity to meet others in the CC family, impact other peoples live, and it also impacts your life for the better.

We do have invite cards for you to hand out which can be picked up at CC. Feel free hand them out as invites for your friends, family, co-workers, etc.

Thank you for all you are and for all you do to advance the Kingdom.

Committed to Him-

Mark

What Will You Compromise?

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:00:00 -0400

The other day I was asked a question by a friend and leader. He asked me “What are the things you would not compromise in life?” Of course, I rattled off a few of the easier and more obvious answers- but as I thought more about it, I thought of several more answers. Below are just 10 areas I won’t compromise.

I can’t and will not compromise the following:

1. My love for Jesus! People come and go in life. Many will rise and many will fall, but there is one that remains…Jesus! I know when I stand before Him someday, I want Him to know me. My pursuit of Jesus has changed me in more than can I can count. Still amazed that God of ALL wants to have a personal connection with me.

2. My love for my wife! Again I say that people come and people go in life. I have had many friends but not one closer than my best friend- Tracee. Call me corny but I love my marriage and it just gets better and better… and yes that means EVERY area! lol. Interesting how my relationship with Tracee has always paralleled my relationship with Jesus.

3. My love for my son! There are many kids out there today that need fathering and I know the importance all too well being a part of my sons life. We have some great times together messin around, talking about sports, life, character, girls, sex, sports, leadership, college, sports. I only have one life with him and I am going to make the most of it.

4. My love for the Church! I am a firm believer in the local church. I know some local churches have made some major mistakes, but some have done some amazing things. I want to be one of them. Full of Grace! Full of the Spirit! Full of Fun! Full of Unity! A healthy church is still the greatest hope for the world.

5. My love for the guys! It seems the older we get, the less number of real friends we have. I consider myself lucky, because I do have several key guys in my life who I can hang with and be myself. Of course, there are those few who are lifers and I am blessed to have them in my life.

6. My pursuit to know the unforced rhythms of Grace! I am finding more and more that this is a life long pursuit. Jesus (Grace) has forever changed my outlook on loving, serving, giving, parenting, religion, church and being a follower of Jesus- Grace Rocks!

7. To be a life-long giver: We have always had the attitude to give not only the tithe, but to go above and beyond. The truth is that we can’t out give God, but we want to keep trying. When we give, we are most like Him. Giving changes me and others around me.

8. To be quick to forgive others and be a man of restoration: Not easy to do, but possible! Only strong people forgive. Forgiveness is a supernatural act and many times will require a supernatural help from God.

9. My passion for the Maize and Blue! I bleed Blue- always have and always will. Even on their down seasons. They always seem to get back up and fight again. They are the winningest football program in all of college football. I kind of think heaven will be like the Big House!

10. My love for coaching: This will be my 18th year coaching. Absolutely love it. Love coaching sports but I also love coaching people in life and ministry. I love seeing the underdogs win. Love seeing people come alive. Love seeing the not so confident- become confident.

What are your areas that you will not compromise?

Because I Want To:

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:50:05 -0500

I’m overwhelmed with God’s awesome love for me(us). His love knows no bounds. Covers all our crap. All our failures and successes. All our doubts. All our fears. His love still meets us in the lowest valleys and the highest mountains of our lives. It causes me to live life with a ‘want to” heartset rather than the ‘have to’ mindset. We hear so much about loving God with all our heart, mind and strength sometimes- and many times forgetting that we can only do that because He first loves us. Even now I hear the song we sing ringing in my head. Feel free to sing along…

Your love never fails- it never gives up, it never runs out on me

And on and on and on and on it goes. It overwhelms and satisfies my soul

And I never ever have to be afraid. One thing… remains!

Here are a few areas where His love has transformed my “have to” heart into a “want to” heart:

I ‘want to’ read the bible rather than feeling like I ‘have to’ read it: I don’t read my bible because someone told me to. I ‘want to’ read it to get a greater understanding Jesus. I want to know how He thinks? What makes Him tick, etc.? In religious settings, words that are usually attached to reading your bible are- condemnation if I don’t, the pressure of memorizing everything, a certain reading amount is required, etc. Listen, that is not God’s plan when it comes to His Word. He wants a relationship. Yes, reading the bible helps that and it’s a blast when you are searching out relationship, not just information. Don’t make it a chore! Get the ‘want to’ back and watch what happens.

I ‘want to’ attend service regularly rather feeling like I ‘have to’: Each week I come with great expectancy of what God is gonna do. So fired up about what He is doing already! We are seeing lives changed by his grace, our voices of praise released at greater decibels, and a contagious joy as we continue to create an environment where unchurched people want to come and churched people want to invite. When we realize the love Jesus has for us, and His church, we change from the duty of “I have to’ go, to ‘I want to “ go. If you have come down with the ‘church is a duty’ bug, then your focus may need some adjusting. Maybe its become more about what you are getting out of it rather than what you are putting into it. So much more I can say here. Just a thought and yes- I’m still full of love for you.

I ‘want to’ give my finances to Jesus rather than feeling like I ‘have to’: Tracee and I have always been givers. We love to give and look forward to releasing our finances. The tithe is a non- issue for us. We believe in God’s plan of the local church and we don’t look at giving as a law or rule, but rather as an expression of gratitude and love for Him. All these years, and we still can’t out give Him. The more you focus on His love for you and what He gave, you will ‘want to’ give BIG and not at all feel like you ‘have to’.

I ‘want to’ serve Jesus and others rather than feeling like I ‘have to’: Being involved on a team at CC has always given me opportunities to grow, connect with others and it has brought fulfillment in my life. I have always felt I was a part of the greatest movement ever- and still do! Jesus came to serve and I ‘want to’ do the same.

I ‘want to’ love big and forgive quicker rather than feeling like I ‘have to’: I’ve blogged about this before. So again… His love for me has changed me from the inside out, which has allowed me to love others more and forgive quicker. I ‘want to’ release compassion. I ‘want to’ show Jesus’ love to others. I am asking Him to help be more of a conduit of His love to people. I haven’t arrived, but I am much further down the road.

The only thing that remains when we leave this world is love. Nothing else, but His love! Ask Him to help you with the ‘want to’…

Clearing out the cobwebs

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:33:07 -0500

Ever had that one place whether a closet, room, car or office that was in need of some serious cleaning or organizing? You know that area that just stares at you, laughing and calling your name. The one you keep putting off. That one project that when you think about it or even just look at it, just weighs you down and makes you feel like taking a nap! I think all of us have experienced it. What a difference it makes when that area finally gets organized or cleaned out. What a difference in thinking or how you feel. Recently, we spent some time cleaning out an area and during the process, we could literally feel the cobwebs being swept away. It wasn’t physically, but yet we felt it. It felt lighter and free. I can tell you, neither of us really wanted to tackle this project, but we were so glad we did. What a difference it made! This may sound cheesy, but it is very true. When we allow for the cobwebs of life to remain, they cloud our vision, creativity and can weigh us down and even stifle our productivity.

What about those cobwebs in your mind? I wonder what would happen if you spent the time removing those cobwebs- how productive would you be? There is a correlation between the disorganization of our lives and our the disorganization of our minds. I find that when things things are chaotic around me, they are choatic inside as well.

What are the the issues that can cobweb us up?

* Relationships issues that you have just let continue. What are the issues that need to be cleared up? Who are the people that you need to stop listening to? Who are the people that you need to be listening to? Who do you need to let off the hook? Who do you need to get off the bus inside your head? What relational baggage are you carrying that you need drop off at the dump? It may not be simple, but dang is it effective. Ask yourself “Who brings me life and who does not?”— and then make the changes.

* Out of control schedule: If we don’t have time for ourselves, we are too busy and something has to give. I really had a tough time learning and still do from time to time. My wife used to tell me that I was addicted to business and constant adrenaline. I think they were right, but who wants to admit to that? I had this mindset that the busier I am, the more productive I must be. WRONGO!!! I got things done, but was going crazy in the process. Some of that was my perfectionism issues, which I’ll communicate at another time. I also had a gifting in driving others crazy as well. lol. (Sorry, if you were one of those chosen people). It takes a lot of guts, but take a look at your schedule and see what it is that is causing you to be out of control. Please don’t step out a quit everything. That’s ridiculous! You can be busy, but still be at peace. Just do those things that bring you life and value to others.

* People Pleasing Addictions: This is the issue where you are doing more for others approval rather than what Jesus thinks. It’s tight but it’s right. You find you won’t make necessary changes because of the fear of what others may think. And…It’s consumes you! It is fear drivin’ and your plagued with the lack of confidence in what you believe or feel. You’ve stayed quiet when you had something to say. You hel back when you had something to offer. You quieted passion, when passion was coming alive. You concerned yourself with the looks on peoples faces more than the approval already on the face of God. People Pleasers have a very BIG opportunity to miss the very thing God has for them… don’t let that be you. Start trusting whats inside. Love people big, but love God more. He does love you more than you know.

* Just a Flat Out Messy Life: I know there are times that the house is just not right so don’t go thinking I am saying that everyday- ALL day needs to be cleaned up and organized. I’m talking to the ones who live as though it is normal to be a mess, which is really just a picture of whats going on inside. Ouch! You can change it today. Stop the race for a season and throw the crap out! You will be amazed at how good you feel after it’s done. Some don’t even recognize the cobwebs any longer, because you have become so used to just looking right past the stuff. So- get er Done…You’ll like it!

Remember: Successful people do what Unsuccessful people won’t do. They don’t like it any better, but they get it done!!!!

The Underdog!

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:49:14 -0500

I love rooting for the underdog. In fact, the times I cry the most is when the underdog wins in movies or even in real life. I love it when someone who has no business winning- wins! That’s why I love the Rocky series! Go ahead and laugh but you know after watching it, you went out and drank raw eggs and started working out like crazy! You probably only lasted three minutes, but at least you worked out. I also love, Rudy (even though its a Notre Dame movie), Remember The Titans, We are Marshall, and The Little Giants. I know it’s alot of football, but can you believe that The Little Giants actually brought a tear to my eye?

There is another group of underdogs that I also love hearing about- and that is Jesus’ disciples or people who followed Him. Thats right- a bunch of under achievers, overlooked, not smart enough, didn’t make the squad, outcast kind of guys. Jesus likes these kind of people- actually he likes all people and He loves taking the ordinary and turning them into extraordinary. He did it for me, you and we need to be so aware of the fact that He is the the Extra portion and without him- we would just be ordinary!

Here are some truths about The Underdog!

* Jesus will call and use anyone with a ‘yes’ in their heart.

* Jesus is not dumb! he knows all of your issues, background, and lack of God stuff, but yet He still wants ‘you’ because He has something for you to do.

* Stop focusing on what you don’t know or who you are not and start focusing on who He is and what He has.

* He wants to take you, empower from within and use you to make all the wise people scratch their heads in amazement.

* Remember one of the greatest compliments we can get is for someone to say “they aren’t learned, but I can tell they have been with Jesus”.— Love this!

* Like Rocky, Titans, and the others mentioned above- they all had many trials but ended up ‘Victors”— Just in case you forgot- We Win… Gotta read the end of the Bible!

* The people God uses never has what it takes, but with God ALL of it becomes possible! Look at Moses, Jeremiah, Saul (Paul), Peter, Ruth, You, etc.

* You may start as an underdog, but if you remain in the teachings of Jesus- you will become and overdog! Is that even a word?!?!?

Follow Him strong and stay focused on Him and you watch what happens! Remember- we win!

What are your underdog stories or movies?

Am I Pregnant? Are You?

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:06:18 -0500

Ever felt the growing impatience for the things you see in your heart? Maybe it’s a vision, dream, ministry or business? Ever question if what you see is Gods plan or is it something you have made up in your mind? I imagine that most people have felt this at one time or another. I can tell you I have and still do. Several times over the years I have felt like a pregnant woman in the delivery room that wants to push so badly but the doctors tell her “Not Yet!” This baby that has been carried so long and I am ready for it to be out- Since I have never delivered an actual baby (ouch!), I spent some time talking with my wife and reading on the stages of delivery. I am amazed with the similarities between a physical pregnancy and a spiritual pregnancy. The cool thing is that anybody can be pregnant spiritually with a call and the purpose of God. Whether physical or spiritual, it is a miracle when the baby is birthed. Here are some things I’ve learned over the past several years.

God is a God of timing!

If you’re like me, you want it now! “God spoke it or revealed it so, lets go”. God is saying ‘NO’ the time is not now. But I can look back at times and thank Him that things didn’t happen in my timing. I learned to submit to His process and realize the journey He had me on. Over time, you will be glad that thing he has for you wasn’t born earlier. He doesn’t always move in our timing but He will move suddenly- and His timing is perfect! And when that timing happens, you won’t feel ready! You won’t feel like you know enough! Feeling ready or not… here it comes.

I can’t force the delivery!

The last thing I wanted was a premature baby because of my impatience. Just like in a regular pregnancy, great damage can take place when forcing things to come to pass. For example, relationships, character, reputation and even the baby itself could be damaged by forcing the delivery. Remember, if God said it to you, it will come to pass! There will be a time for the PUSH and you will know when that is.

I had to get used to being uncomfortable

Again, like natural pregnancies, I have to grow to make room for the baby. By growth I mean, growing in body, soul and spirit. All three are important to God and should be important to us. Stay unconfortable!

Growth is a must!

There is no way a woman is delivering a baby with out growth. No matter what, her belly is expanding! She is gonna look different! She doesn’t like it, but she wants the baby! Growing is the reason why most will not do this. Growth messes with our schedule, comfortability and most importantly-it’s stinkin’ painful! And nobody really likes pain, especially in the beginning. But as they say… no pain no gain! The growth that God allows is mostly in the areas of the heart- unforgiveness, bitterness, motives, intents of the heart, trust issues, personal agendas, selfish ambitions, control issues, fear, etc. And the Holy Spirit is great at helping to reveal these areas in our lives and He uses people and circumstances to help us! Not always excited about that!

It’s not about me!

One of the biggest areas of growth I had to go through was realizing that’s it’s not about my destiny only. It’s easy to get caught up in God’s plan for us and forget that His plan always involves others. No plan of God was ever about one person. This doesn’t mean His plan for our lives is thrown out, but it does mean that there is a much larger reason for his plan to be birthed. Who’s Next? More to say at a later date on this!

Maybe the vision, dream, ministry or whatever seems like its dead. Maybe you have felt like you heard wrong. Maybe that’s true! There’s only one way to find that out. You do your part to the fullest and trust God to do His part.

There’s a God who believes in you… and so do we!

Is Complete Forgiveness Possible? Pt 2

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:10:00 -0500

Forgiveness is a process:

In 1990, I was a freshman in college and God had been working on me regarding some hardened areas of my heart. As I was walking down the sidewalk, it was as if God was physically walking next to me- I was overwhelmed with His goodness. Before this, I was all smiles on the outside but bitter and angry on the inside. I can remember just sitting down on the curb and saying to Him. “I am so tired of being angry and bitter! I’m ready to move on!” I can remember being so moved in that moment that I didn’t care who was around. In fact, I remember saying out loud “I am done! I am ready now to allow you to remove the hurt, pain, disappointment, and fill this void in my life. You become dad.”

Short backstory- when I was thirteen, our family broke apart- it was like an atomic bomb had been dropped right in the middle of it. One week I’m telling my brother we have the best family ever and the next week it was destroyed. None of us kids saw this coming. We were devastated! I can remember we all had a big cry the night we found out, but the next day I made a decision that I would not cry about this issue again. I didn’t realize that this would harden my heart in such a way that deeply affected my life for years. Not only did I not cry about it, but for two years I didn’t cry about anything! I locked down my emotions and I didn’t even realize what I had done. So for several years I settled into being the class clown, but yet crying and dying on the inside. It was that day in college Jesus got a hold of me. Sitting on the curb in Grand Rapids, He began to lead me in a simple prayer of forgiveness. I didn’t know that was just the beginning of a journey that would require me to walk out a process of forgiveness towards my mom and dad, which took months. Most of my bitterness did stem from my dad because he was the one who left, but my process (or journey) of forgiveness was needed for both parents.

In my previous blog you read that there are three parts of forgiveness.

1.     The initial decision to forgive.

2.     Releasing the person(s) of the offense- which takes time and the length of season is determined by the seriousness of the violation or offense.

3.     Having compassion on the person(s)- This requires Jesus… and is an awesome miracle!

Many people think it will all be all better and over with just by saying a simple one prayer wonder. While I believe it is impossible to start the process without tapping into that initial prayer and power offered through Jesus, I now know through experience that He gives us the power to be able to complete the journey of forgiveness by transitioning into the final work of compassion with the power of ‘seventy times seven’ IN ONE DAY… and sometimes that can be everyday during the complete process of forgiveness. Sure, we want a lot of things right now and often times we aren’t willing to go through the process. But, good things do come to those who wait it out… and by waiting on God and being wiling to walk it out, I can tell you my journey of forgiving, releasing, and experiencing God’s compassion took approx 9 months. A continual walking it out has brought me to a place of true freedom!   A strength, freedom and peace that for years now, I have been able to say I love my father and I love my mother and I no longer hold anything against them. I can say it with a light heart. They are released from all that I had once held them responsible for, and I have a supernatural compassionate love like I could never of had back when I was stuck in the bitterness, resentment and hurt. Now I am able to forgive much quicker… and Man, is it ever good!!!!

My encouragement to you is to stay in the process, You don’t have to live with the stuff; you can LIVE FREE!!!!