Sunday, January 11, 2009

Romans 12:2

It's kinda funny that sometimes the little things you do to change a room makes it so inviting. Crys and I bought some lamps and created symmetry with these lamps... we also created light. And well with the combination of the two, symmetry and light, it made the room much more inviting. And as Crystal said earlier, it's not just a place where we have to go and sleep, it is now a 'living space' and all because of straighting somethings out and adding light.

I don't know why I just told you all that. I guess it just made for a good start to a blog.

Now to "segway" to something that is really on my heart.

Hum, where to start....

A few months ago pastor John talked about a "spiritual agitation." When you feel in your heart that something is not right, and that "something" needs to change. His words have been resonating in my heart for a long time, and I am just now starting to see what God was trying to show me.

This several month process is kinda like my room... I wasn't happy with it, I was agitated that our room didn't look good. And just like my room I guess I just needed to straighten some things out and I needed to shine a little light on the depths of depravity in my own life.

There would be absolutely no time in this blog to write all this stuff down. But let me share with you just something briefly.

There on many great teachers of our day. Billy Graham, Mark Driscoll, our very own John Bishop, John Mark Comer, Phil Baker and well the list goes on and on...

Ever since I felt a calling on my life to become a pastor my #1 goal was to see lost people come to Christ, to see families healed, to see relationships grow, to see people of all ages and types get "on fire" for God... one problem. Myself.

God has recently shined down on this area of my life called "Selfishness." So while I am studying to be this "great teacher" and pastor, I am noticing this small hint of selfishness... like at some point i would like to see my face on a bill board or a poster or something. The problem is with that is that it is not about me, it is about God and His Glory alone.

I kinda feel that this is the reason that God has not been able to use this ministry that we have here in Gresham to it's fullest capacity. So I have decided to change... to start, I am writing this blog. To share my depravity with others and ask for forgiveness is the first step. I am praying that God takes this "selfishness" out of my life and I pray that He will heal me and help me to grow and learn to be a better teacher and pastor.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

what an amazing book...

"I apologize."


I have not done a recent blog in over two weeks... please forgive me. Let me just share with you about a book that both Crystal and I have read... she read it first then like 6 months later I finally got around to reading it...


The book:


The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity
by William P. Young



This book has got to be one of the best books that I have ever read... now it is true, I don't read a ton of books, but even if I did, I would still say that this is one of the best books out there today. There is a a reason that there is over 1 million copies sold!

Brief Review:

The book is a story of a man (a Christian) who loses one of his young daughters in a very tragic, horrible, evil situation. I won't give the specifics, but imagine the worst and you're there. He becomes a sad, angry man.
The story is the Trinity inviting him to a meeting at the place (The Shack) which is where the evil took place... I got through the first 5 chapters and that is where it gets intense and you won't want to put it down. Long story short this book is about the "relationship vs. religion" in a very real, and certainly could be true, story. It has so much imagery that really this book could and should be turned into a Hollywood movie. If done right it could save so many lives.

Well that is all I will say about it, you will HAVE to go get it and read it for yourself if you haven't already.

Love you all and hope you all are doing well.

-Tim

P.S. If you think about it, I could really use prayer right now for a number of things. You don't have to know exactly what about, God does... and that is all that matters. :)

Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Rhinelander Restaurant

Hello Everyone,

So Crystal and I wanted to do something fun all together as one big happy family. We wanted to go to The Rhinelander restaurant in Portland on the 29th of December (a Monday) for a fun filled big dinner party in one of the really cool themed rooms. This will take place of the Bible Study that we normally have on Mondays. We need to make the reservation for the dinner ASAP so we need to know who all is going by December 17th. Please let me know if you are coming and if you want to bring somebody else. It is “BYO”…. That means “Buy Your Own.” Dinners can range from $15-$40 per person. It is going to be a more formal dinner for fun so you’re going to want to make sure and dress accordingly. I don’t know what time it will be until the reservation is made but we will try to make it some where between 6-7:30pm. Let me know if you can make it as soon as possible.

Much love,



Tim Reed
Living Hope Church
503-329-5203

Monday, December 8, 2008

My Letter to the pastors and leaders of Living Hope.

Here it the letter that I just recently sent to the pastors and leaders of Living Hope Church about "the upper room" Gresham Living Hope!





“the upper room”

Living Hope Church
- gresham -

Dear Pastors and Leaders

Here is a quick update so that you might keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Our Gresham “house church” location has been meeting every Sunday at 7:00pm for nearly ten months now. We have been able to act as if a campus on most levels even though we almost always have less than 20 people attending on a regular basis. I still feel encouraged, excited and blessed to lead such an amazing and inspirational group of Christ followers.

This group of individuals is mostly in the college age and I believe is part of the next generation of new leaders... They are passionate for God and have an amazing love for this church that we call “Living Hope”.

From August 2007 to May 2008 I helped pastor and assist at Fishers Landing with Seth while his time there. He encouraged me to start a group in Gresham. That began “the upper room” starting on Easter, 2008. At that time my goal was for this “house church” would grow rapidly into a good sized “campus” by September of 2008. What I slowly found out was that it was not God’s plan now. As frustrated and annoyed as I was, I was humbled and brought to my knees. I prayed that God would give me clarity in every step of the way, whether those steps are “baby steps” or “great big leaps.”

God works in such mystery and majesty. I should never question what He has for this group OR for me. Just like in Jer. 29:11 - God’s plan is for HOPE and a Future…. I know that He has great things for all of us and I am giving my one life to lead and pastor the best that I know how for this group. I pray that God will continue His work in me and that I continue to grow in the leadership of this church and the community that it brings. As for now, we will continue steadfastly in prayer and supplication, and meeting at “the upper room” Sunday’s at 7:00. Thank you for risking and praying!

ONLY GOD.

Tim Reed
Living Hope Church
Gresham – Volunteer Pastor
503-329-5203

Monday, December 1, 2008

a date has been set!

so put it on your calenders, december (monday) the 22nd. 7:00pm - this is the date and time of the "white elephant gift exchange." It's gunna be fun. and you better be there.



The rules: You can NOT spend more than $10. but the value must be truly more than a $1...



We are still deciding on a date and time for the movie night. I will keep you posted.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

great things.

So here it's come and here it's gone... thanksgiving was great this year. I hope all of my readers had a great one. Now we have Christmas just around the corner. In fact 25 days away. I am trying not to be overwhelmed with how soon this holiday is approaching. We are planning a few fun events here at "the upper room". I think we will have a "white elephant" gift exchange and a movie night pretty soon. Have you seen "the nativity story" movie that came out a few years ago? It a excellent portrayal of how I believe the birth story really happened. I think we will have that as our movie of choice. As soon as we have some dates set I will post it online. Until then have a great week.... listen to Christmas music, decorate the tree, drink your white peppermint mocha and have some fun! See ya later. Blessings.

-Tim

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Big Thanksgiving Bash... read below for more info


The big "upper room" Thanksgiving Bash!!!


When: This Sunday at 6:00pm 11/23/08

Where: "the upper room"


So we are having our first ever Thanksgiving dinner bash this Sunday!!! We have several confirmed people coming and have signed up to bring something since it is potluck style. If you didn't get an email from me than call me and let me know what your bringing and how many guests so that we can plan accordingly. It is going to be awesome and I can't wait!


Love ya all and look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 6:00pm.


Oh yeah and after the meal we will have our normal service with the message and an acoustic worship set afterwards with Joe and the gang, aka "Dwell".


-Tim Reed

Living Hope Church - Gresham

503-329-5203 txt capable.
Oh one more thing.. Here is what has already been volunteered to be brought
Turkey
Mashed Taters
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Yams
Biscuits
Apple and Egg Appetizers
Pecan and Pumpkin Pie
Sparkling Apple Cider

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Holiday Season is upon us...

The holidays are so much fun.... this sunday we are having a thanksgiving potluck with "the upper room" goers. What a great way to kick off the holiday season. Though I must say it is sick that they have christmas stuff out the day before halloween but it kinda grows on you the first or second week of november. I am already listening to christmas music. Some of you might think that i am sick for that, well deal with it! LOL. *sings* "have a holly jolly christmas, in case you didn't hear, oh by golly have a holly jolly christmas this year!!!" ... Though Crys won't let me listen to christmas music until December 1st. So I listen to it when she isn't home or when I want to plug in the headphones, which by the way don't stay in my right ear... the little ear bud does not want to stick in it. Drives me crazy. sorry side note.


That said, I am about ready to go to bed. I just thought I'd share my excitment level with you!


(: Good night and have a great Wednesday!!! :)


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Gresham Times


“the upper room”
living hope church gresham
11-12-08

HOPE: verb - to expect with confidence.

As we are go through this new series “hope” I can’t help but think about all the times in my life where the only thing I had to go on was Hope, Faith and Confidence in the Lord. He is always there; He has been there for me in times of trouble, times of excitement, times of discouragement and times of frustration.
Isn’t it true that we all go through times like that; where we aren’t sure what to do in times of uncertainty or discouragement? Maybe we’re not sure what God’s plan is. I have felt numerous times that I wasn’t sure what God is doing in certain situations. Though every time I come out of those times of struggle I can look back and can see where God was there beside me, and the times He carried me because I was too weak to even keep going.

I believe whole heartedly that this series was meant to happen right now. With the economic crisis and all the junk that we all seem to be in right now it can sometimes be hard to see where God is in it all, but trust in Him. We have got this far, He wouldn’t let us down. For He is never changing, “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. And not only does he not change; He also has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says so!

Take heart and don’t lose hope! Come be encouraged as we continue this amazing series this weekend. Don’t forget that we switched our time back to 7:00pm on Sundays. The people are warm, and the coffee is warmer. I hope you can make it this weekend.

ONLY GOD.

-Tim Reed
Living Hope Church
Gresham


Sunday, November 2, 2008

Hope Series at LH


So we are starting a new series at Living Hope... it's all about "hope" and strangely enough that is what my entire blog was about last week... It really is cool how God confirms what He is trying to show us time and time again. Though I must admit sometimes I'm an idiot and don't listen.... sometimes.... well maybe more often than sometimes but none the less I do still enjoy a little confirmation every once and a while.

I work in sales in a retail store (subaru to be exact), and believe me when I say I am feeling what the market is doing.. My pocket book feels it when the market is down... I have been selling cars for over 5 yrs now and I have been through more than a couple of down times, but none that have lasted as long as this. I can say that I HOPE and believe God will work through this for our benefit.

I am a firm believer in the fact that God tests us and tests our willingness to continue to serve Him even when times are crappy. It strengthens us. And we need strengthening. Americans in general have it easy when you compare us to the rest of the world. My prayer is that we won't be blind to the rest of the world while we are going through this down time in our country. No matter what happens I am reminded that God has a better eternal life for us soon and we can not get so caught up in this mess of things that we loose sight of the ultimate goal and that is growing close the One that made us and bringing lost people to Christ.

So that is my story today and I hope to see you tonight in the upper room- 7:00pm in case you forgot.

-Blessings-
Tim

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Hope...

So in this blog I wanted to find the most encouraging words/scriptures in the bible. I briefly talked to John Bishop last night and the one thing that stuck in my mind about our conversation was that he said "don't lose hope" ... So here is what I found in my library, the bible. - by the way there hundreds of amazing texts... i simply chose my favs.

Psalms 71:5 For You are my hope, O Lord GOD;You are my trust from my youth.

Psalms 71:14 But I will hope continually,And will praise You yet more and more.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Acts 2:26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

Acts 17:27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

Romans 4:18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

Romans 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

2 Corinthians 3:12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—

Lord God, give us hope, give us faith and let us love... Thank you for being such an amazing God. We love you and we praise You!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Vision

Someone once said that "it would be easier to get to your destination if you knew the path in front of you" ... I think that is true when it comes to goals and vision. More importantly vision.

I would just like to share with you the vision that John Bishop shared on his blog and I would like to just pass it on to you - my readers.

VISION for Living Hope Church

A church that reaches lost people.

A church that gets and gives grace.

A church that is about the "pure and simple devotion to Jesus Christ" 2 Cor 11:3.

A church that releases the next generation to change the world. (Us)

A church that helps people connect with others.

A church that is SAFE for people to bring their friends to hear the most dangerous message of their life.

This is truly the description of Living Hope... I can safely say that I am glad to be part of this amazing thing that God is doing here in our church. Yeah God!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

October Newsletter

Hello Everyone-

I hope everyone is enjoying this awesome October that we have been having so far. Even as I sit here writing this newsletter I can’t help but think how amazing God is and how amazing His artwork is, the colors on the trees, the gorgeous sunset that I saw last night, the amazing creations that He has put in my life, my friends, my family, my church….

As we go into this time of the year where it seems like nothing is at a standstill, that everything is moving and everything seems like it is changing I can’t help but get excited to see what this new season brings for us. Let me share with you briefly what God is doing here.

I’ve recently been inspired by the early Acts church… a church that lives and breathes God’s word and His Simplicity. Let us be a house church, after all we meet in the upper room of my home. Just like in the book of Acts with 120 people and nothing in common but Jesus learning, worshiping and praising Him in “the upper room”… we want to be like that! Let us get back to the basics of what the church is all about; connection with Christ, simplicity, and authenticity in relationships. As a Christ follower I have 3 goals in mind… upward, inward, and outward. Love God with all your heart and mind. Let the spirit of God work through you. And Let the spirit of God use you to touch the world for the One that made you!

With that in mind, the best way that this house church will work is touching the most lives possible, and right now going back to a 7:00pm service – where more of our group can meet and grow together – is the best thing… so starting this weekend we will go back to our original 7:00pm service. I am excited to see where God is taking us, and I hope you are too!

-Tim 503.329.5203

Sunday, October 19, 2008

things happening in the upper room!

So tonight we had a potluck with "the upper room" goers. It was a blast to hang with friends of old, and new ones that I have only met a couple of times. God has really blessed me with the opportunity to lead this amazing group into a time of spiritual growth. We all want to grow together, and reach the community around us... with this common goal God will do great things through us for His Kingdom and His Glory alone! I am truly excited to see where God is taking us.

Last month we switched over from a sunday evening service to a sunday morning service... As it turns out I don't think that was the right time for this switch to happen. We have now decided to go back to meeting again in the evenings. This will allow a few people the chance to come back and be blessed. So I think next week we will be going to a 7:30pm service. It works well for our age group and you know, we like to light the candles and dim the lights down low. It's how we roll. Well thats all for tonight... I am sure I will update again soon.

-Me

Friday, October 10, 2008

"The Sloganizer"

First off, Seth don't be mad... I had to take your idea just cuz it was awesome!

Now that that is off my chest I can go on with my blog. I entitled this blog "the sloganizer" because of my very good friend Seth, and his findings. He found this crazy website called "the sloganizer"... It is pretty self explanatory but what it does is you put in a word or someones name and it pops out slogans with it. Here is a few of my examples that you will probably laugh at... and if you don't well than get a sense of humor.

Got Tim Reed?
Sweet as the moment when the “Tim Reed” went POP.
Don’t get mad, get Tim Reed.
How Refreshing! How Tim Reed!

just a few of my favs. Thanks for sharing Seth!!!


"The Sloganizer"
http://thesurrealist.co.uk/slogan.cgi

now when you go there, come back and comment on some of the ones that you came up with.

fun fun fun.
-peace

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

following me on twitter!

If you look over to the left of this specific blog you will notice that I have added my "twitter" widget. you should join twitter and start twittering. Everyones doing it therefore you should do it! LOL. I say that a lot I think?!


Anywho, let me know if you join up on twitter... ( http://www.twitter.com/ )


P.S. Things are going good. WE had a good bible study on monday. You should have been there if you weren't. My brother and his lovely wife headed last weeks up and did a great job. Next week joe is leading it. Should be a blast can't wait. Oh and this sunday is "worship sunday" so if you like to worship, this is your week to come hang out at our campus. Can't wait.


Love ya!Peace.