The Insomnia Chronicles

this can't be good...

Bill Maher is such a hater and will use any means (sarcasm, bias, media, etc) to push his liberal agenda. This movie will, undoubtedly, make him lots of money - America's new God - and create more anger, fear & apathy towards 'religion'... He should be careful...

As for me, I say BRING IT!  I'm confident of my REAL relationship with God and will jump at the opportunity to stand up for truth & righteousness. 

After all...
The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out.

It's written,
   I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
   I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots.

So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 msg.

... a Bono moment

This an amazing acceptance speech that Bono gave at the NAACP Awards...  be sure to watch to the end, where he "climbs into the pulpit" and throws down some cool truths about God.  Enjoy...

40DAZED!!

I can honestly say that the last 40 days have been the greatest 40DAZE of my life.  Our times of daily prayer, fasting and study of His Word have been miraculous. We read the Bible, outloud, continuously, cover-to-cover in 65 hours and 35 minutes (starting on Wednesday afternoon and ending early yesterday morning) - so powerful! And we just completed our first weekend with two services:  NightLight - Satrudays at 8pm, and the Awakening - Sundays at 11am. Wow!!  Just living by the simple PRAY FIRST lifestyle has really changed so many things in me and us...

You ever have one of those "good tired" feelings?  You know, when you're exhausted but so glad for the reason you're so torched. That's how I feel.  It's not just a physical thing because of the fasting or all the extra work (and sleeplessness) this weekend...  it's spiritual too.  It's like reaching a new mark in the weight room, yeah, I feel like I've lifted more than ever before in the spiritual realm.  That's so God! So, I embrace the tenderness from the workout because I know I'm getting stronger and doing things at a level that I have not been able to in the past...  more prayer is now required.

As promised, I want to share the opening video from last night's NightLight - so, here it is for your enjoyment - I think it's amazing & powerful... let me know what you think!

Lastly, I want to leave you with the quote of the day (for me, at least)... one of our faithful attenders, whose whole family is part of our church, walked into my office this afternoon and said, after being in both services:

                "Pastor, you did a "#@&*" good job!!"   ~ ha! Classic!  (edited per request)

It's GO time!

man, we are buzzing with joy, excitement, prayer and energy.  in less than 3 minutes, the smell of Starbucks coffee will consume the air, search lights will fill the skies over our building, crowds of new faces will pack the Refuge (our sancturary), and an amazing team of prayed-up servants will take their places... then, the lights will dim, and with nervous tension, our brand new video will begin and crescendo  into the Lord's Prayer. With loud praises, tears and worship; NightLight will begin!  I've seen it already in my prayers and dreams... and I now stand on the precipice of God's "next"... I have so many emotions...  I wish I could take you all back to my back porch, almost 4 years ago, when my family and 8 others sat and dreamed about planting Real Church.  And now, here we are, launching our second church/service.

Our incredible media team (Steve, Brendan, Zach and many others), produced an amazing opening video - mentioned above - that will be shown as NightLight begins this evening.  This video and the message will be available on iTunes later tonight - and I'll post it here as soon as it's available...

Thank you for praying for us!  We love you!

Collide.

a promotional word:  for all of you that use a lot of media with your ministry - which is really a must in today's culture - you got to check out Collide Magazine.  both the print magazine and online blog provide excellent sources for inspiration, innovation and encouragement.  allow experts in technology & media to train & empower you in presenting the Truth in unique and relevant ways.

Psalm 42:1

                 

When I read this familiar verse, the word that jumps out to me is "PASSION"!  I see the deer risking everything and fighting through all dangers and distractions in his passionate pursuit of water.  What are you thirsty for?  How desperate are you to find it?  Passion is God's idea demonstrated in his unrelenting love for you.  This video was a fun way to introduce a challenging message of truth, hope, and yes... PASSION!  Check out the complete sermon and own this hillarious video for yourself by clicking earbuds (to the right) and going to the iChilly podcast. Enjoy!

 

Hey, please help us out by taking the "Bible survey" (lower left column) - it will help us
make some decisions regarding which translations we use at Real Church. Thanks!

Make it Rain

              

Video introduction for my "Mind Your Business" sermon series at Real Church.  Features Jihun Park - dancin' and singin'...  VERY funny.  To download this message for yourself, just click earbuds on the right for podcast/iTunes.

  note: this video is for part 4 of series - all four messages and all four videos are on iChilly podcast.