Sunday, March 29, 2009
i am second
It is sometimes to easy to feel alone when you are going through the tough crap that this world put in our lives but I have a website that my friend Seth put on his blog some time ago and to this day it still blesses me to watch the videos of these people that go through similar stuff and knowing that you are not the only one... check it out at http://iamsecond.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
my first impressions were to laugh hysterically
do you want a good laugh? Here ya go... sings "fat guy in a little car, fat guy in a little car"
I will be honest... I really was not impressed at all with the SmartforTwo by Smart Car, but after driving it I couldn't help but laugh hysterically!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
the prayer wall
Hello everyone...
Here is a link to our prayer wall.
The idea is that this will be a place where we as believers in Christ bring our prayer requests so that we might be able to pray for one another as instructed in numerous places throughout the bible.
My name is Tim Reed, I help lead and pastor a group in Gresham, Oregon. Every week, a team and myself will add to this list of prayer requests that I receive in person or emailed to me at greshamcampuslhc@gmail.com .
If you would like prayer, send us an email right now and we will get it up within 24hrs. You may put a name on it if you'd like or we can keep it anonymous.We pray that this will bless and minister to all who read it and pray. I will also post praises and answered prayer requests as well. I can't wait to see what God will do with this part of our ministry
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Gravity
Why is it that whenever things get tough in life we turn around ask ourselves "where is God when I need him???" Have you ever asked this question?
It seems like every time we take 3 steps forward we can tend to take 2 steps back. It is so easy to get discouraged and be pulled down like 'Gravity' .
I know that I don't want to fall away from God but some times that gravity just feels so strong. This is why we need our brothers and sisters to help to encourage us. So many people have the misconception that the church is a country club when in fact it is more like a hospital. To me there is nothing worse then taking life's challenges alone. Jesus put the church in place so that we might have each other, broken and humbled... so that we would can grow and do life together.
Just recently we had one of our managers let go at work and I the way I see it is that he is a friend to me not just my manager. With one being let go, one comes in to replace. In my case I feel that this new manager and I don't really see things the same and in turn it makes for a really stressful environment at work.
Maybe you have had a similar type of situation happen at your work, or maybe something at school?? This situation is trying me hard. I am having a hard time with it all, just being honest here... I am writing this blog that you might pray for me, but also that you might feel encouraged to tell someone your stuff that's going on so you can get some prayer and encouragement...
God does not make it easy, but what He does do is make a person stronger in his/her faith. Trial and tribulations shouldn't make us depressed or stressed but rather we should consider it pure Joy as James says in 'James chapter 1:2'... it is a time to grow and a time to spiritually mature. So take Joy in times of crap, it just means we are closer to glorification. And remember the story of the footprints in the sand...
It seems like every time we take 3 steps forward we can tend to take 2 steps back. It is so easy to get discouraged and be pulled down like 'Gravity' .
I know that I don't want to fall away from God but some times that gravity just feels so strong. This is why we need our brothers and sisters to help to encourage us. So many people have the misconception that the church is a country club when in fact it is more like a hospital. To me there is nothing worse then taking life's challenges alone. Jesus put the church in place so that we might have each other, broken and humbled... so that we would can grow and do life together.
Just recently we had one of our managers let go at work and I the way I see it is that he is a friend to me not just my manager. With one being let go, one comes in to replace. In my case I feel that this new manager and I don't really see things the same and in turn it makes for a really stressful environment at work.
Maybe you have had a similar type of situation happen at your work, or maybe something at school?? This situation is trying me hard. I am having a hard time with it all, just being honest here... I am writing this blog that you might pray for me, but also that you might feel encouraged to tell someone your stuff that's going on so you can get some prayer and encouragement...
God does not make it easy, but what He does do is make a person stronger in his/her faith. Trial and tribulations shouldn't make us depressed or stressed but rather we should consider it pure Joy as James says in 'James chapter 1:2'... it is a time to grow and a time to spiritually mature. So take Joy in times of crap, it just means we are closer to glorification. And remember the story of the footprints in the sand...
Monday, March 16, 2009
Beloved
I got to tell ya, recently our new bible studies have just been awesome. We have been talking about different types of prayers that have traditional Christian history behind them, but what we are doing is taking them a step further. Going from boring tradition/religion and taking them to a relationship. To not just expressing how we feel and how we are doing but also communing with Jesus. Learning to hear His voice even with all the noise of the world around us. We talked about the prayer of Examin last week which looks like this;
Taking a look at the last 24-hrs of your life and #1 expressing gratitude for everything and everybody in your life. Then you reflect on how God's presence has been or might have been made tangible in that time (24-hr). Then finally #3 confessing failure; this is the time to grow and to realize that we are human and we make mistakes but it is also a time to allow Jesus in and allow Him to shape and mold our lives so that we can be who He wants us to be.
This week we talked about the prayer "Lectio Divina" which is Latin for "Devine Reading." I know this sounds like a typical bible study versus a prayer but it isn't... it is a time where you sit by yourself with God and read a scripture that pertains to a life instance, and what it is designed by God to do (Isaiah 55: 10-11) is to take Gods Word and make it REAL in your life by listening to the quiet Voice of God. Then after reading and reflecting then it is time to RESPOND to what God is telling you, or showing you. Rest in it, or as I told my friends- "marinate" in it (God's Presence)... the idea is that you take the time to listen, which takes patience and willingness to let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to God's shaping. Once we have heard from God we are naturally drawn to prayer and that brings us closer to Him, and His will for our lives.
I know that this is a lot to take in but try it and see if it doesn't make Jesus Christ way more evident in your life.
Oh and one more thing, I have been listening to this song called "Beloved" a song written and performed by Tenth Avenue North... I love, love, love this song. I have the lyrics below. Go download it on your itunes or something, it is well worth it and it will minister to your life.
Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
Give me your life
The Lust and the lies
The past you're afraid I might see
You've been running away from me
You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and It binds you to me
It's a mystery
Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
I am the giver of life
I'll clothe you in white
My immaculate bride you will be
Oh come running home to me
You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and It binds you to me
Well you've been a mistress, my wife
You Chasing lovers it won't satisfy
Won't you let me make you my bride
You will drink of my lips
And you'll taste new life
Cause you're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and it binds you to me
You're my beloved
Forever we'll be
Our love it unites us
And it binds you to me
It's a mystery
Taking a look at the last 24-hrs of your life and #1 expressing gratitude for everything and everybody in your life. Then you reflect on how God's presence has been or might have been made tangible in that time (24-hr). Then finally #3 confessing failure; this is the time to grow and to realize that we are human and we make mistakes but it is also a time to allow Jesus in and allow Him to shape and mold our lives so that we can be who He wants us to be.
This week we talked about the prayer "Lectio Divina" which is Latin for "Devine Reading." I know this sounds like a typical bible study versus a prayer but it isn't... it is a time where you sit by yourself with God and read a scripture that pertains to a life instance, and what it is designed by God to do (Isaiah 55: 10-11) is to take Gods Word and make it REAL in your life by listening to the quiet Voice of God. Then after reading and reflecting then it is time to RESPOND to what God is telling you, or showing you. Rest in it, or as I told my friends- "marinate" in it (God's Presence)... the idea is that you take the time to listen, which takes patience and willingness to let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to God's shaping. Once we have heard from God we are naturally drawn to prayer and that brings us closer to Him, and His will for our lives.
I know that this is a lot to take in but try it and see if it doesn't make Jesus Christ way more evident in your life.
Oh and one more thing, I have been listening to this song called "Beloved" a song written and performed by Tenth Avenue North... I love, love, love this song. I have the lyrics below. Go download it on your itunes or something, it is well worth it and it will minister to your life.
Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
Give me your life
The Lust and the lies
The past you're afraid I might see
You've been running away from me
You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and It binds you to me
It's a mystery
Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
I am the giver of life
I'll clothe you in white
My immaculate bride you will be
Oh come running home to me
You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and It binds you to me
Well you've been a mistress, my wife
You Chasing lovers it won't satisfy
Won't you let me make you my bride
You will drink of my lips
And you'll taste new life
Cause you're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
and it binds you to me
You're my beloved
Forever we'll be
Our love it unites us
And it binds you to me
It's a mystery
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
a more personal blog...
I noticed something... I get cranky when hungry and tired. Anyone else notice that about me?
That isn't really what this blog is about, just a side note really. So here is what happened today... this morning I woke up at dark:3o in the morning and got up, took a shower put my clothes on and went to work.
You want to know what else happened??? When I got to work I found that I need to sell more to make more money. But my eyes were opened. We had a "lot attendant" position available at work, which normally brings about 5 applicants or so... You want to guess how many applicants we actually ended up with??? 86 people wanted to be Lithia's Lot Attendant. WOW, that is unheard of. It really shows the sign of the times in this economy. I guess I am just extremely grateful to even have a job.
It really goes to show that more I try to hang on, the less control I really have. That was confirmed when I went to LSM (Living Student Ministries) at church tonight. Chris Potter was speaking about moving on and about the fact that he and Heather were going to resign as the Youth Pastors at the church and move on to help Danny Clinton start a church in NZ... (I hope I have that part of the story right)
Chris used a verse found in Matthew 16 this is how it reads...
Matthew 16:24-26 (New International Version)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Powerful Verse and I believe this is how we are supposed to live life... and so did about 60 youth that accepted God as there Leader and Saviour tonight at LSM. ONLY GOD.
Now Crys and I will be eating dinner tonight and just relaxing, and as for tomorrow, we will see what God will bring then!
That isn't really what this blog is about, just a side note really. So here is what happened today... this morning I woke up at dark:3o in the morning and got up, took a shower put my clothes on and went to work.
You want to know what else happened??? When I got to work I found that I need to sell more to make more money. But my eyes were opened. We had a "lot attendant" position available at work, which normally brings about 5 applicants or so... You want to guess how many applicants we actually ended up with??? 86 people wanted to be Lithia's Lot Attendant. WOW, that is unheard of. It really shows the sign of the times in this economy. I guess I am just extremely grateful to even have a job.
It really goes to show that more I try to hang on, the less control I really have. That was confirmed when I went to LSM (Living Student Ministries) at church tonight. Chris Potter was speaking about moving on and about the fact that he and Heather were going to resign as the Youth Pastors at the church and move on to help Danny Clinton start a church in NZ... (I hope I have that part of the story right)
Chris used a verse found in Matthew 16 this is how it reads...
Matthew 16:24-26 (New International Version)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Powerful Verse and I believe this is how we are supposed to live life... and so did about 60 youth that accepted God as there Leader and Saviour tonight at LSM. ONLY GOD.
Now Crys and I will be eating dinner tonight and just relaxing, and as for tomorrow, we will see what God will bring then!
Friday, February 20, 2009
New Date and Time!
Crys says I am "neglecting my blog," for that I apologize. I will also apologize for not informing you quicker of a few new things here at "the upper room."
We have decided to move our gathering time to Monday's at 7:00pm, and are now considered a Life Group. I would highly recommend going to one of the other service times at one of the other campus' just to experience that if you haven't recently. Our church website is http://www.livinghopechurch.com/ . I hope you find a way to get connected if you haven't already.
If your new, this is who we are...
We are a family of college-age people who join together to “Love God with everything we’ve got, to Love People with everything He gives us, and to Reach the World in need.” We meet at "the upper room" at 7:00pm on Monday Nights, to worship and learn from God, and love each other. We hope to see you soon!
P.S.
Don't forget to put my brother's band's show on your calender. It is Friday the 27th of Feb. at River Hills Church. You can get more info at there band website http://myspace.com/dwell22
AND THE BEST PART IS THAT IT IS FREE, BUT BRING MONEY ANYWAY SO YOU CAN BUY MERCH!
We have decided to move our gathering time to Monday's at 7:00pm, and are now considered a Life Group. I would highly recommend going to one of the other service times at one of the other campus' just to experience that if you haven't recently. Our church website is http://www.livinghopechurch.com/ . I hope you find a way to get connected if you haven't already.
If your new, this is who we are...
We are a family of college-age people who join together to “Love God with everything we’ve got, to Love People with everything He gives us, and to Reach the World in need.” We meet at "the upper room" at 7:00pm on Monday Nights, to worship and learn from God, and love each other. We hope to see you soon!
P.S.
Don't forget to put my brother's band's show on your calender. It is Friday the 27th of Feb. at River Hills Church. You can get more info at there band website http://myspace.com/dwell22
AND THE BEST PART IS THAT IT IS FREE, BUT BRING MONEY ANYWAY SO YOU CAN BUY MERCH!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
my bucket list!!! - a blog inspired by my good friend Seth McRae
So I have created a short list of the top 10 things that I would like to do before I "Kick the Bucket".
1. Go to Israel with Crys
2. Be a Pastor at a Church, or start a Church
3. Have 2 God Serving Children
4. Baptize my 2 God Serving Children
5. Buy my dream House, and pay it off
6. Travel the rest of the world with Crys
7. Go to Outerspace ( I really think I can in my lifetime)
8. Meet the President of the United States
9. Be Debt Free
10. Die a happy man!
1. Go to Israel with Crys
2. Be a Pastor at a Church, or start a Church
3. Have 2 God Serving Children
4. Baptize my 2 God Serving Children
5. Buy my dream House, and pay it off
6. Travel the rest of the world with Crys
7. Go to Outerspace ( I really think I can in my lifetime)
8. Meet the President of the United States
9. Be Debt Free
10. Die a happy man!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mark Driscoll's vid from "nightline"
Hey all,
If you didn't get a chance to catch Mark Driscoll's interview on Nightline you should check it out. Here is the link to the youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oyHtsU5z9U
-Me
If you didn't get a chance to catch Mark Driscoll's interview on Nightline you should check it out. Here is the link to the youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oyHtsU5z9U
-Me
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
one decision...
I wonder how many of my fellow bloggers write in the subject line before writing in the actual blog itself???
For me it can go either way. There are times where I am sitting here listening to music and hear God speak through the music then I just start to write... and what you get as an end result can be bad grammar, spelling and random ramblings kinda like this one. :)
Other times, I know exactly what I am going to say even before I start typing and the subject line then becomes in essence the entire basis for the blog.
Well since this is the "random ramblings" type I am not quite sure where this is all going...
thinking....
Listening...
ok, time to start typing...
Have you ever had a desire for something great???
I think everyone has some desire for something great. Some have more desire than others. I think for me I have a desire to be a great pastor one day but I know that if I don't take Risks than I will never know what I will amount to. It all comes down to one decision really. To risk it all...
Let me tell you a story.
When I was a senior in high school, I went to a school dance with Crystal (who later became my wife)... it was homecoming. At that time we were not dating... but I knew that I loved her from a previous time that we had dated earlier in high school. I dreamed of some day marrying her and settling down with her (I know kinda weird for a senior boy in high school). I knew that if I didn't at some point step up to the plate and tell her how I felt about her, or my case show it, that I could maybe lose her to some other guy. Well something inside gave me enough courage to go for it... and I did! I kissed her, it never felt so good, or so right. From that point forward I think we kinda both knew that we were made for each other. Maybe not, but it was a great start to an amazing relationship that believe me, has had some trying times and trials... but none the less, we have made it through and I don't think anything could come between us now.
But what I am getting at here is that some people have choices in there life both big and small. If I hadn't continued that dream and at some point ended up elsewhere, would I still be sitting in this chair. If I had not kissed Crystal that night at Homecoming senior year, would we have still got married?
One decision could have and probably would have changed many things. I risked and it paid off.... I got the love of my life and now I get to spend my entire life with her.
Think about the daily decisions you make, what will the result be.
I love life and it can be so exciting, yes trying at times but in the end it can be so fulfilling if we just make good decisions. I guess that is the point of this blog- to risk, to think, to make good decisions.
What will your story be?
-Tim
For me it can go either way. There are times where I am sitting here listening to music and hear God speak through the music then I just start to write... and what you get as an end result can be bad grammar, spelling and random ramblings kinda like this one. :)
Other times, I know exactly what I am going to say even before I start typing and the subject line then becomes in essence the entire basis for the blog.
Well since this is the "random ramblings" type I am not quite sure where this is all going...
thinking....
Listening...
ok, time to start typing...
Have you ever had a desire for something great???
I think everyone has some desire for something great. Some have more desire than others. I think for me I have a desire to be a great pastor one day but I know that if I don't take Risks than I will never know what I will amount to. It all comes down to one decision really. To risk it all...
Let me tell you a story.
When I was a senior in high school, I went to a school dance with Crystal (who later became my wife)... it was homecoming. At that time we were not dating... but I knew that I loved her from a previous time that we had dated earlier in high school. I dreamed of some day marrying her and settling down with her (I know kinda weird for a senior boy in high school). I knew that if I didn't at some point step up to the plate and tell her how I felt about her, or my case show it, that I could maybe lose her to some other guy. Well something inside gave me enough courage to go for it... and I did! I kissed her, it never felt so good, or so right. From that point forward I think we kinda both knew that we were made for each other. Maybe not, but it was a great start to an amazing relationship that believe me, has had some trying times and trials... but none the less, we have made it through and I don't think anything could come between us now.
But what I am getting at here is that some people have choices in there life both big and small. If I hadn't continued that dream and at some point ended up elsewhere, would I still be sitting in this chair. If I had not kissed Crystal that night at Homecoming senior year, would we have still got married?
One decision could have and probably would have changed many things. I risked and it paid off.... I got the love of my life and now I get to spend my entire life with her.
Think about the daily decisions you make, what will the result be.
I love life and it can be so exciting, yes trying at times but in the end it can be so fulfilling if we just make good decisions. I guess that is the point of this blog- to risk, to think, to make good decisions.
What will your story be?
-Tim
Thursday, January 15, 2009
the upper room... a new thing
recently God has put on my heart a little bit of clarity on something that I am willingly going to share with you.
Since we started the Gresham Campus of Living Hope Church, (which isn't a campus really; it is actually a house church) aka "the upper room" last summer, we have tried to be something that we are not...
What do I mean???
I am talking about an identity crisis. I am saying that when you walk into Living Hope Church Brush Prairie, you feel like you are walking into a church... cuz you are. So what am I getting at here???
If we carry the name "Living Hope Church" then some things are bound to be similar, mostly just the worship and the message, but we went as far as to use the same white chairs that they have at most of the other campus'. I agree with my wife when she said that "the chairs suck."
So in short, this blog is about chairs... you read it right... about chairs.
I think it is time that we get rid of the white and brown chairs and go with the comfy sofa's and bar table and chairs. Agreed???
If you have a brown, tan, beige, taupe or black sofa and would like to donate it to "the upper room." Please contact me at 503.329.5203.
If you would like to donate $ to the cause then please also call.
We are destined to make our House Church, "the upper room", one that you will not only want to come on a sunday and hang out, but that you will want to come over during the week and share a cup o' joe up there too!
If your new, this is who we are...
We are a family of college-age people who join together to “Love God with everything we’ve got, to Love People with everything He gives us, and to Reach the World in need.” We meet at "the upper room" at 7:00pm on Sunday Nights, to worship and learn from God, and love each other. We hope to see you soon!
Please visit Livinghopechurch.com for any questions, to get connected, or if you just want to talk to someone... and visit our page - http://myspace.com/greshamcampuslhc or email us at greshamcampuslhc@gmail.com
your friend and brother,
Tim Reed
Since we started the Gresham Campus of Living Hope Church, (which isn't a campus really; it is actually a house church) aka "the upper room" last summer, we have tried to be something that we are not...
What do I mean???
I am talking about an identity crisis. I am saying that when you walk into Living Hope Church Brush Prairie, you feel like you are walking into a church... cuz you are. So what am I getting at here???
If we carry the name "Living Hope Church" then some things are bound to be similar, mostly just the worship and the message, but we went as far as to use the same white chairs that they have at most of the other campus'. I agree with my wife when she said that "the chairs suck."
So in short, this blog is about chairs... you read it right... about chairs.
I think it is time that we get rid of the white and brown chairs and go with the comfy sofa's and bar table and chairs. Agreed???
If you have a brown, tan, beige, taupe or black sofa and would like to donate it to "the upper room." Please contact me at 503.329.5203.
If you would like to donate $ to the cause then please also call.
We are destined to make our House Church, "the upper room", one that you will not only want to come on a sunday and hang out, but that you will want to come over during the week and share a cup o' joe up there too!
If your new, this is who we are...
We are a family of college-age people who join together to “Love God with everything we’ve got, to Love People with everything He gives us, and to Reach the World in need.” We meet at "the upper room" at 7:00pm on Sunday Nights, to worship and learn from God, and love each other. We hope to see you soon!
Please visit Livinghopechurch.com for any questions, to get connected, or if you just want to talk to someone... and visit our page - http://myspace.com/greshamcampuslhc or email us at greshamcampuslhc@gmail.com
your friend and brother,
Tim Reed
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It's gunna be fun!
Thanks to Heather, my sister-in-law, she has (with her blog) inspired my next bible study... which I won't cancel this week... I promise!!! You should make sure and be here if you can. We meet and Aaron and Heather's place on mondays at 7:30pm. It is a way that we can grow closer together, and closer to God...
Come to think of it, that is actually what my next bible study will be all about. It's gunna be fun!
Be there!!! Just do it! (swoosh)
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.
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
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 20, 2008
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
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
“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
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