Sunday, March 22, 2009

Oasis Sunday Night Reflections

Hard to believe that I've not made an entry to this blog for over a month! Seems like the manic Monday sent me over the edge - not really but life has been a blur since that time!

It's Sunday night and Caryl is putting Johnny to sleep after a very long day. Here are just a few reflections for a Sunday night:
  • God is working in our midst!
  • Today was a powerful and awesome conclusion to our series "Sexual Revolution"
  • Response time was incredible today as dozens posted their shame on the cross, lit a candle for purity in their lives, were anointed for healing and received communion!
  • Seeing people get "shame off of them" is worth it
  • This sexual revolution that has begun between our ears and not between the sheets needs to continue from generation to generation!
  • Can I just say that my wife gave one of the best talks about sex ever last week! Men and women alike need to listen to this! Here's a link - http://tinyurl.com/ca2d7u
  • I don't know about you but I'll forever think of the hand motions to "Trading My Sorrow" to be equated with the phrase "shame off you"
  • We are seeing a lot of visitors this year! Praise God and by the way it seems like "Google" is one of the main way people find us in Maricopa!
  • Six people baptized today in a beautiful ceremony in the pool of Daniel & Susi Wagner!
  • What incredible testimonies we heard from all of them!
  • And nearly 100 people came to eat, hang out and witness this incredible event!
  • Baptism is one of my favorite things we get to do in the church - cutting off the old man and moving forward in what God has for us has so much meaning!
  • Windy - can you say windy this afternoon?
  • The wind always reminds me of the Holy Spirit. And - the Holy Spirit is moving in our midst - bringing us peace and freedom, hope and life!
  • I think a few people may have missed out on an incredible day because of March Madness and the playoffs! - Anyway - God still has something for you too!
  • Can you believe that next week we start the series that will lead us into Easter?
  • The series will be "Famous Last Words" - as we explore the last 16 Words of Jesus as he hung on the cross - powerful, life changing!
  • Didn't realize that the youth leaders would get about an hours rest before they had to be at Hydrate - oops - we'll have to do something different next time we have baptism.
  • Thank you for all the prayers for our brother-in-law, David Sharp. He had quadruple bypass surgery in Panama City, FL on Friday and we just learned that he got out of ICU this afternoon. Hopefully he'll be going home very soon!
  • Please pray for the finances of the church - like everywhere - things are tight and we trust God for all our needs. Pray that he will release the financial blessings that he has in store for us all!
  • Caryl, Susan, Josh, Emily, Sean, Cheryl, Brandon, David, Carrie and so many others - thank you for the time, energy and passion you devote to this ministry! You are making a difference! I love you all!
  • Turning 44 this week - Yikes! But as my 100 yr old great grandmother used to say "Age is a matter of the mind." If you don't mind - it doesn't matter!
  • Have an awesome week and here is to believing it won't take another months until I post again!

Ok - time to relax and get some much needed sleep - Blessings - Pastor Scott

Great Books to Check Out

  • The Fine Line - Kary Oberbrunner
  • Fasting - Jentezen Franklin
  • The Shack
  • Under The Overpass by Mike Yankoski
  • Heaven Is In This House - Bobbie Houston
  • Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels
  • UnChristian by David Kinnaman