RELATIONSHIPS OR RELATIONSLIPS?

Have you ever met someone that is so smart or opinionated you can’t get close to them?

Someone so brilliant or so set in THEIR way that not even God is allowed into their world?

I have a personal theory as to why some people cannot stay in a long term relationship.

It might be that selfishness is in the way of allowing others to be included… (Ya think?)

If we have no room for God in our lives, we most likely at some point will not allow anyone else in our lives either.
Here is a diagram that I drew on a napkin for someone once to help explain how every relationship we have here on earth has to be a “relationship triangle” or it won’t work. This applies to every relationship; husband & wife, boyfriend & girlfriend, parent & child, brother & sister, etc. No matter how hard you try to get close to each other, you will never get closer than the opposite sides of the wall that divides you. The only way to get truly close to each other is if each person in the relationship is focusing on their personal relationship with God. As you both grow closer to God, you will both grow closer to each other.

The closer each person is to God, the closer they get to each other.

The further away each person is from God the further away they get from each other.

God has a way of ridding us of selfishness and therefore we become more compassionate of the differences in the people we have in our lives.

A real smart guy said it this way. “My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” –

“Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.”
“I want to know God’s thoughts; the rest are details.”

Albert Einstein

Just sayin.

Steve

Ministry

SIMPLICTY part 2

Here is the simple outline from the message Simplicity part 2

SIMPLICITY
No Bells Or Whistles
Pastor Steve Lummer

A zeal for your house consumes me Psalm 69:9 niv

A SIMPLE FELLOWSHIP HAS

Clarity – Movement – Alignment – Focus.

Clarity is the ability of the process to be communicated and understood by the people. Before the process can be clear to the people in the church, it must first be clear to the leaders. A lack of clarity ultimately leads to confusion and complexity because there is no coherent direction.
Movement is the sequential steps in the process that cause people to move to greater areas of commitment. Movement is about flow. Movement is the most difficult simple church element to understand. Assimilation effectiveness is more important than programmatic effectiveness.
Alignment is the arrangement of all ministries and staff around the same simple process. Alignment ensures the entire church body is moving in the direction, and in the same manner. In a church that lacks alignment, everyone is competing for the same space, resources, volunteers, and time on the calendar. All churches naturally drift away from alignment. Without alignment, complexity is certain.

Focus is the commitment to abandon everything that falls outside of the simple ministry process. Focus is the most difficult element to implement. Focus is the element that gives power and energy to clarity, movement, and alignment. In many churches the original tools for life change have created too much clutter. Instead of uniting, they divide focus. The programs have become ends in themselves.

In a museum at Greenfield Village, Detroit, Michigan, there is a huge steam locomotive. Beside this complicated piece of machinery is a sign showing boiler pressure, size and number of wheels, horsepower, lengths, weight and more. The bottom line indicates that 96% of the power generated was used to move the locomotive and only 4% was left to pull the load. Some churches are like that.

1. Gladness not Sadness
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

2. Focus not Frustration.
Philippians 3:13 – But one thing I do

3. Simplicity not Complexity.
And I will give them singleness of heart… Ezekiel 11:19
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Acts 2:46 kjv

4. Eliminate not Accumulate .
Hebrews 12:1 let us strip off every weight that slows us down

LEWIS AND CLARK

Lewis and Clark September Entry

Today Lewis Weighed in @ 70.8 lbs and Clark Weighed in @ 80 lbs.

That is a lot of Golden Retriever puppy.

The are six months old this month and a barrel of fun.

Here are the pics from September 2010.

Pups with pops in Flagstaff at Mt Humpreys.

Lewis reminds us so much of Cody.

Lewis working.

Funny pic.

Lewis.

Clark at Granite Basin in September.

I love this pic of Lewis, Clark and Bella in the background.

Thanks Caleb for the awesome pics.

Can’t wait for October’s edition of Lewis and Clark Lummer.

cycling, Mountain biking, outdoors, Prescott

Ride The Divide

My friend Patrick Fraher ask if I would post
this.

Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance is sponsoring in six days the special
Prescott screening of RIDE THE DIVIDE. Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible film. This movie is selling out everywhere it’s being shown, Prescott should be no exception!Mon night Oct 4th, 7 pm… at Prescott 1st Assembly of God Community Room-1455 Willow Creek Rd. Prescott Arizona.

Should be a great night for the Prescott mountain biking community! Lets make Prescott a hit with the ride the divide team.

http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/

An award-winning feature film about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, which traverses over 2700 miles along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The film weaves the story of three characters’ experiences with immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to pedal from Banff, Canada to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border.

Doors open at 6:00 P.M.

The fee is $10.00 per person.

Ministry

SIMPLICITY – NEWEST TEACHING SERIES

I love the quote by Karl Barth –

“The Word became flesh–and then through theologians it became words again. ”

The world, (my world) is way too complicated.

In this new series we will be looking at Simple Faith, Simple Church, Simple Marriages, and Simple Living.

I am really attempting to make the profound simple and the simple profound lately.

These messages are part of that attempt.

Here is the outline to the first in our series called simply, SIMPLICITY.

SIMPLICITY
Pastor Steve
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Cor. 2:1-5

WHO IS JESUS?

Simply ASK.
Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him Exodus 5:2
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” Matthew 21:10
Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. Acts 9:5

Simply LOOK

Look at his FRIENDS.
Look at the HYMNS.
Look at the BIBLE.
Look at the RESULTS.

Simply REMAIN
John 15 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

How do I remain in Jesus?

1. Remain HUNGRY for him.
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

2. Remain REPENTANT before him
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:8

3. Remain DAILY in him
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Psalm 84:1,2

4. Remain READY for him
This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

Richard Foster’s Guidelines for Simplicity

Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status
Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you
Develop a habit of giving things away
Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry
Learn to enjoy things without owning them
Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation
Look with a healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes
Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech
Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others
Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God

“May God give you – and me- the courage, the wisdom, the strength always to hold the kingdom of God as the number one priority of our lives. To do so, is to live in simplicity”

–Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

family, Ministry

Family Field Guide Pt 2

Here is the outline to Wednesday nights teaching part 2.

A FAMILY FIELD GUIDE
Pastor Steve
What Every Kid Needs In A Dad
THE DIFFERENCE A DAD MAKES

How to spell love: TIME.

1. FOUR ROLES OF FATHER.

The Nurturer (The example of David)
The Lawgiver (The example of Nathan the prophet)
Kids needs boundaries like river need banks
The Protector (The example of Saul)
The Spiritual Mentor (The example of Amaziah)

2. FOUR MESSAGES EVERY CHILD NEEDS.
“I love you.”
Matthew 3.17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

“I believe in you!”
Matthew 17.5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

“I am proud of you!”
Mark 1.11 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”

“I am sorry!”

3. FOUR PRACTICAL WAYS TO GET STARTED.

Pray for them.
Invest time with them.
Give them responsibility.
Give them a sense of identity

family, Ministry

FAMILY FIELD GUIDE part 1

Here is the outline to last Wednesday nights teaching

WHAT EVERY KID NEEDS IN A PARENT

1. THE FOUR SPIRITUAL FLAWS (WHAT KIDS DON’T NEED)

RESCUING – “I don’t want to hurt my kids.” These are “helicopter parents “.
“His father had never interfered with him by asking, ‘Why do you behave as you do?’” 1 Kings 1:6 (NIV)

AVOIDING – “If I ignore it, it’ll go away.”
“Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.” Proverbs 22:15 (The Message)

MINIMIZING – “It’s harmless kid’s stuff.”
“Discipline your children while they are young enough to learn. If you don’t you are helping them destroy themselves.” Proverbs 19:18 (Good News)

OVERREACTING – “Because I’m the Dad…or Mom.”
“Fathers don’t scold your children so much that they become discouraged and quit trying.” Colossians 3:21 (Living Bible)

2. KIDS NEED DISCIPLINE, NOT PUNISHMENT .

“the Lord disciplines those he loves” Hebrews. 12:5-11

Discipline and punishment are not the same things.
Why discipline is essential

Punishment focuses on the past …discipline focuses on the future.
Punishment is driven by anger …discipline is driven by love.

3. APPLYING THESE PRINCIPLES IN REAL LIFE
Kids need parents that model self-control.
Kids need consistency they can count on.

Ministry

SCAR WARS part 4

Here is the outline to the final message in our series called Scar Wars.

SCAR WARS
Pastor Steve Lummer

Introduction:
The wounds of our nation are still very evident and painful from the 9/11 tragedy even after nine years.

“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” John 20:25 (NIV)

JESUS SCARS

1. JESUS SCARS SERVE AS PROOF.
“He showed them his hands and his feet.”—Luke 24:40.

That he went into battle for us. That he cares for us That he was not defeated by death.

2. JESUS SCARS SHOW US THE HUMAN AND DIVINE NATURE OF GOD.
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

3. JESUS SCARS SHOW US HOW GOD CAN RELATE TO OUR PAIN.
For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

OUR SCARS

From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. Galations 6:17 NLT

WE ARE FRAGILE

WE MAKE MISTAKES

WE ALL HAVE A STORY

WE HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH EVERYONE.

Life experiences, nation

New York City 1978

In 1978 I was part of an ministry team to New York City and New Jersey.

The ministry experience was awesome and as I remember the entire trip was a memory maker for me and my friends.

I remember standing between the Twin Towers on our day off and thinking to myself how great it was to be standing in such a fantastic place.

Then 23 years later on September 11th things drastically changed for all of us. I remember like every other American how evil has such a devastating effect on the planet.

Today September 11th, 2010 I am still reminded that evil does exist and it is very powerful.

I am also reminded that there always has been evil but “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Saturday morning there will be memorials that take place all over the country. As we as a nation remember and pray, I will pray for not criticize the leadership of this nation.

My prayers are also with one of the spiritual sons of our church. .. Bobby Snyder is serving in in the middle east and needs our prayers. Yes both Bobby and the middle east need our prayers.

Today I will pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Arizona, Prescott

# 5

Prescott Az comes in at # 5 for the top places to retire in the U.S.

http://www.walletpop.com/retirement/best-places-to-retire/?icid=main|main|dl3|sec1_lnk3|169412

No. 5: Prescott, Ariz.

Population: 42,265
% over 50: 49%
Median home price: $230,500
Where to take classes: Yavapai College

Prescott, a popular retiree destination 100 miles north of Phoenix, is dotted with Victorian homes, 19th-century Whisky Row saloons, and a leafy Courthouse Plaza. With the world’s oldest rodeo and more than 70 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the town’s cowboy heritage is hard to miss. Yavapai College’s 17-year-old lifelong learning program offers roughly 200 classes a year.

The area has plenty to offer outside of academia, including 650 miles of trails in the adjacent 1.25-million-acre Prescott National Forest, half a dozen golf courses, and a revolving door of art shows, film festivals, craft fairs, and outdoor concerts. The weather is hard to beat: plentiful sunny days, but also four distinct seasons, thanks to the town’s elevation at 5,400 feet. Until recently, high home prices were a drawback. But with the market down 35% since 2007, Prescott has become a decidedly more affordable retirement haven.

Here is the list of the top 25 place to retire in the U.S.