Generosity is Different

Last night Karl laid down some seriously impacting biblical insight when it comes to the heart of God and Generosity. He moved us past simply doing charity work, giving money, or giving leftovers. He pushed us worldwide and reminded us of the opportunities right at home. He shot to the heart behind it all. He also directed us toward the people whom Jesus displayed his generosity toward. The word Karl used was "the marginalized." It tied us all back into the heart behind why we decided to take a year to seriously address "Kids In Need". It was insightful, convicting, and inspiring.

We are recording all our FTF sessions. This is one I will be listening to again.
Check out Geoff's notes from the night here.

The Pause Button

I find one of the most valuable elements to Fanning the Flame at NMC is that it presents the opportunity for us to push the pause button. It's actually a little taxing to give up 4 consecutive nights to be at the church, so it may seem weird that I see it as an opportunity to push pause.

I see 2 different ways we can push the "pause" button in our life that is healthy for us.

1. Pushing Pause and filling it with nothing - There are moments where there is too much going on, too many plates being juggled, too many events to get to, not enough sleep. In the midst of these times it may be best to just stop and sit and stare out a window for an hour or sleep in. Basically, the goal is to create space and fill it with nothing so your soul can catch up to your body. I find this to be more rare of a need in our lives. We probably do it less than we should though.
   
2. Pushing Pause on many things to focus in on one thing - These are the times where we know we need to put a stop to many things going on in order to focus on What Matter's Most at the time. For me, the two places where I most need to allow this to happen is with God and with family.

I believe that over the years Fanning the Flame has allowed and is again allowing many to push pause on many things to focus in on one thing... and that one thing is the main thing. I once heard someone (okay many times heard many different people) say "It's important to keep the main thing the main thing." We need rhythms to keep us doing this. I'm grateful for the yearly rhythm that is Fanning the Flame.

Fanning the Flame 2010 is underway. Trace and the band just rocked it in an opening worship set. I believe those present are hungry and ready to dive in. I'm praying that Jesus will come alive during this time.

On Fire Rallies

Every year in late February/ Early March, NMC takes 4 evenings to hit the pause button on everything else, and seek the heart of God. We offer various Age Specific "tracks" to what we call "Fanning the Flame" week (based on I Timothy 1:6).
In our Student Ministries world, we call it The On Fire Rallies.

It all starts up tonight. For High School age, 0ur good friend Jason Miller will be speaking, and the Connection Band will be leading worship. In Middle school (5th-8th Grade), Tony Schwartz will be speaking and Jason Lee will be leading worship.

To catch a glimpse of the significance the event can play, check out Jeff Simpson's post - 8 miles.

Lovin' It!!!

Biz pushes us to the limit at the On Fire Rallies, practices what he preaches, and then today he runs into some students who are practicing what he preached as well.
Me, I'm just absolutely pumped reading it, and seeing kids get it!

Check it all out in this post.

Catch a Recording

Did you miss one of the nights of the ON Fire Rallies?
Did one of the messages hit you especially hard, and would love to hear it again?
All of Caleb's messages were recorded, and are going to be available on Wednesday Nights for $1 per message .

That's a Wrap!

Here are some words/ phrases of significance over the past four nights (a.k.a. the On Fire Rallies):

Unusual Soldiers
Baal Perazim
Hell
Dangerous Invitation
Fear Wall
BRING IT
No More Stirring, Breakthrough
Late Nights at MacDonalds
What's my Maasai Project?
Step out and Obey
There won't be music when it's time to obey
Reconnect with the Bizman
Challenging

It was a great four nights. Four nights of significance for us.

On Fire Rallies - Last minute Changes

Last night at the On Fire Rallies, Caleb changed messages just seconds before he dove in.
Ironically, on Monday Night Caleb talked about the need to Listen to and obey the voice of God. After worship, as we were getting ready to roll with the message, there was a spirit of fear that was just thick in the room (pardon my charismatic/mystical talk but hey, it's real stuff, so get over it!). It was very clear that we weren't ready to go where Caleb was planning to take us on the night. But, we had a Baal Perazim moment last night!

It was interesting how many were unable to be there last night. But, the more I've processed, the more I'm convinced that the right individuals were in attendance. One more night. I believe we have some big things in store for tonight.

Night 1...

Many praying that HE would bring it.
Well, IT WAS BROUGHT!
Off to a great start.
If you missed it; jump in tomorrow night at 6:45 p.m.

Read some thoughts by others here and here and here.

The Biz Man Cometh

Went and picked up Caleb at the Airport this afternoon.

He speaks at Waky Missionary morning services tomorrow and then joins us tomorrow night as we get rolling with the On-Fire Rallies.

Personally, I love the opportunity to connect with my friend who encourages and challenges me to live radically for Christ. For my church (both the one I grew up in and the one I serve at) I'm excited over the opportunity for him to "bring it."

And that is what I'm praying Caleb, through the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit will do... "BRING IT!"

Tonight

• Cowbell Night (the sequel).
• We now have 3 screens hanging in the gym.
• We go wide screen.
• We reveal the amount raised from Kenya Night!
• We get geared up for the On Fire Rallies.
  

A Last Minute but great Youth Leader training Opportunity

Hey Youth Leaders. Here's a top-notch and inexpensive training opportunity. Our On Fire Rallies Middle School Speaker is a top-flight trainer. He has agreed to offer a training session on Monday, March 3.
If you are interested in attending, email Chris Lehane... chrislehane@nmc1.org.

Here's some details.

"High Impact Teaching".
In the NMC Fieldhouse (use Entrance F), 1-4 pm
Snacks and refreshments provided.
cost: $15 (for the training manual).
Great for youth leaders, small group leaders, Sunday school teachers and more. If attending as a couple, a manual is fine to share. Let me know if you have questions.

On Fire Rallies

I plug it because I believe in it. I'm absolutely pumped about our lineup. God has some great stuff to share with us, are we available?