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Dan O'Deens
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
HELL NO! Heaven YES!
Today we started a new series: Stages of Life! The casket was at the front of the room, My funeral began. You would think that we should start with new birth! Scripture teaches that "Unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, there can be no life." It is appointed unto man, once to die and after that judgement. All of us will die! What happens when we die? Our destiny in irrevocably fixed and eternally unchangeable.
There are two roads. One is BIG and many are on it. One is small and narrow and only a few are on it. The BIG road leads to death and Hell. The narrow road to Life and Heaven.
Walking through a cemetery a tomb stone catches my eye!
Pause stranger when you pass me by
As you are now, so once was I
As I am now so you will be
So prepare for death and follow me!
I am not sure I am ready to accept this eery message, so I reply back!
To follow you, I’m not content
Until I know which way you went!
Jesus says, many will come to me on that day and say, Lord, Lord, didn't we do wonderful things in your name? He replies, Depart from me I never knew you!
Death is certain. Have you chosen the road that leads to life. You have my permission to say, "Hell No!" and "Heaven Yes"
Praise the Lord, this morning we saw 9 people say YES to Jesus. 9 people made the narrow road a little less narrow? I pray that you are on the right road. Are You?
There are two roads. One is BIG and many are on it. One is small and narrow and only a few are on it. The BIG road leads to death and Hell. The narrow road to Life and Heaven.
Walking through a cemetery a tomb stone catches my eye!
Pause stranger when you pass me by
As you are now, so once was I
As I am now so you will be
So prepare for death and follow me!
I am not sure I am ready to accept this eery message, so I reply back!
To follow you, I’m not content
Until I know which way you went!
Jesus says, many will come to me on that day and say, Lord, Lord, didn't we do wonderful things in your name? He replies, Depart from me I never knew you!
Death is certain. Have you chosen the road that leads to life. You have my permission to say, "Hell No!" and "Heaven Yes"
Praise the Lord, this morning we saw 9 people say YES to Jesus. 9 people made the narrow road a little less narrow? I pray that you are on the right road. Are You?
Friday, January 25, 2008
PASS the SALT
I don't know about you, but I a meat and potato's kind of guy. Give me steak and a baked potato any day of the week. I love a great steak. As soon as the steak hits my plate from the grill, I say, "pass the salt.' Salt is actually a taste 'enhancer.'
Since the days of refrideration we know little about the primary purpose of salt. Although it is true that salt is a taste enhancer, its greatest value is that of a food preserver. That is why Jesus said, "You are the SALT of the earth." To all believers we are the preservers of God's values in a declining, decadent culture. We have been entrusted by God to be value carriers.
We learn from the story of Lot, that a little bit of righteousness (SALT) goes a long ways. That God is in no hurry to destroy a people that He loved because they were created in his own image. That in a city like Sodom that had a population of approximately 1,000. As Abraham negotiates with God over the number of righteous people in the city, he gets God to spare the city if only 10 righteous people can be found. (That is 1% of the population). Unfortunately, there was not even a remnant of 1% who were willing to be the salt of righteousness in their culture. Sodom is no more!
Then Jesus facing the crowds shares what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount. He looks at the people and says you are the salt of the earth. Your very presence when you stand for righteousness goes a long way.
Pass the SALT! Spread it all over the planet. Sprinkle it on your family, work, neighborhood, communities, both locally and globally. We need a whole lot more SALT in the world...but just a little dab will do ya! Because a Little Bit of Salt Goes A Long Ways.
Go Be The Salt because You Are The Salt of The Earth.
Since the days of refrideration we know little about the primary purpose of salt. Although it is true that salt is a taste enhancer, its greatest value is that of a food preserver. That is why Jesus said, "You are the SALT of the earth." To all believers we are the preservers of God's values in a declining, decadent culture. We have been entrusted by God to be value carriers.
We learn from the story of Lot, that a little bit of righteousness (SALT) goes a long ways. That God is in no hurry to destroy a people that He loved because they were created in his own image. That in a city like Sodom that had a population of approximately 1,000. As Abraham negotiates with God over the number of righteous people in the city, he gets God to spare the city if only 10 righteous people can be found. (That is 1% of the population). Unfortunately, there was not even a remnant of 1% who were willing to be the salt of righteousness in their culture. Sodom is no more!
Then Jesus facing the crowds shares what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount. He looks at the people and says you are the salt of the earth. Your very presence when you stand for righteousness goes a long way.
Pass the SALT! Spread it all over the planet. Sprinkle it on your family, work, neighborhood, communities, both locally and globally. We need a whole lot more SALT in the world...but just a little dab will do ya! Because a Little Bit of Salt Goes A Long Ways.
Go Be The Salt because You Are The Salt of The Earth.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
LIVIN' LIFE IN BIBLICAL COMMUNITY
Who wants to live life alone? Not me! I remember in college I took a class called Wilderness Stress Training. Now that I think about it...I can't believe I actually paid and trained to have stress in my life. During that training I encountered one of the most difficult tasks in my life. We did a 3 day 'solo.' Our instructor took us to a remote place in the wood near a stream of water, he gave us 100' of clothes line and a piece of plastic. He allowed us to take our sleeping bag, our Bible and a bottle of water. We were not allowed to eat and we were not allowed to leave the area. We were all alone! After three days, he picked me up with the others in our group to assess. I could not share. I lost my voice from talking to myself, singing....talking to God. I learned there how much I need God, but also others.
This morning I had breakfast with one of my elders and friend, Gary! What a great time. As we spoke I said to Gary, you know Gary, Leadership is stewardship and I know few people who leverage their resources for God better than you and your wife Lisa. Gary is a fellow servant and a great friend...I don't want to live life without him.
Then there was lunch....PF Changs with my ABS partner, Mike Silliman. We do life together. He was once a member of our church, then leader in our church, the God challenged him to plant Elk Creek Church. I can go to Mike for anything, with anything. We exixt to spur one another on to greater Kingdom work! Also joining us was John Cremeans (and Gus), my newest friend. Another pastor of a kickin' church not too far from us. 3 Pastors not in competition, not jealous of one anothers successes. Just lovin' God and lovin' each other. Way too Cool.
The I got home just in time to shovel the driveway with my two sons, Chi and Si. It was good to just hang with them. Love you guys! One of these days you will catch up to me and maybe shovel half as much snow as I do!
Well I just got done spending some more time with my best friend. Jesus. I love you! Thanks for Friendship!
This morning I had breakfast with one of my elders and friend, Gary! What a great time. As we spoke I said to Gary, you know Gary, Leadership is stewardship and I know few people who leverage their resources for God better than you and your wife Lisa. Gary is a fellow servant and a great friend...I don't want to live life without him.
Then there was lunch....PF Changs with my ABS partner, Mike Silliman. We do life together. He was once a member of our church, then leader in our church, the God challenged him to plant Elk Creek Church. I can go to Mike for anything, with anything. We exixt to spur one another on to greater Kingdom work! Also joining us was John Cremeans (and Gus), my newest friend. Another pastor of a kickin' church not too far from us. 3 Pastors not in competition, not jealous of one anothers successes. Just lovin' God and lovin' each other. Way too Cool.
The I got home just in time to shovel the driveway with my two sons, Chi and Si. It was good to just hang with them. Love you guys! One of these days you will catch up to me and maybe shovel half as much snow as I do!
Well I just got done spending some more time with my best friend. Jesus. I love you! Thanks for Friendship!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
SPIRITUAL PASSION & SUCCESS
SPIRITUAL PASSION & SUCCESS
“What are the most important qualities for a minister to be successful?” When I say minister, I am not only talking about paid ministers, but also volunteer ministers. Great question. I’ll give this question a stab. Obviously, my list will not be complete. But without question, these qualities are essential:
Spiritual Passion - To be successful in ministry, perhaps above all else, a pastor must have an intense spiritual passion. Spiritual passion is not a “given” for anyone in ministry.
Those who remain spiritually fruitful over decades learn to stoke the flames of passion.
Here is what works for me:
1. Developing friendships with non-Christians
2. Staying in God’s Word
3. Living in an attitude of prayer
4. Giving extravagantly
5. Rejoicing and learning from other successful ministries and ministers
A few passages of scripture stoke my passion.
(1.) Philippians 3 I just like the whole idea that I need God. I don’t want to do it in the flesh, I have done that and it never turns out that good! AND…That God is about GOALS….I want to press on to win the prize!
(2.) Habakkuk 3:2. Lord, I have heard of your fame: I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. How cool is that! Give me some of that ‘ole time power!
(3.) Parts of Job (like “though he slay me, yet I will trust him”). Whatever it takes, whatever He asks, Wherever He leads!
(4.) 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (this is the one keeping me going right now–”…pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, stuck down but not destroyed.”) That will get anyone through the tough times!
(5.) John 6:68 Peter’s words–”where else would I go? Only you have the words of life.”
(6.) Psalm 9:9,10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. I want to bleed for those who Christ bled for….the oppressed: THIS WAS THE HEART OF JESUS…This IS Our Mandate - People: Hungry, Thirsty, Homeless, Poor, Sick and Infirmed, Prisoner, Widow and Orphans (Matt.25:31-46; James 1:27; Mal. 3:5)
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18
(7.) The whole relationship factor: That God created us for relationship…with Him and with each other. I want to love God and I want to love my family and I want to love people, I WANT TO LOVE…YOU! I do that through relationships! Not religion…not programs…not agendas….RELATIONSHIP!
I am naturally bent to spend time thinking and writing and I am one of those weirdo's that love administration….but my passion is people. I love people. This year I want to show that value by demonstrating my love for people relationally. That means a bit more out of the office….and a lot more out on the street and in your home!
I love you guys!
Dan O’Deens
“What are the most important qualities for a minister to be successful?” When I say minister, I am not only talking about paid ministers, but also volunteer ministers. Great question. I’ll give this question a stab. Obviously, my list will not be complete. But without question, these qualities are essential:
Spiritual Passion - To be successful in ministry, perhaps above all else, a pastor must have an intense spiritual passion. Spiritual passion is not a “given” for anyone in ministry.
Those who remain spiritually fruitful over decades learn to stoke the flames of passion.
Here is what works for me:
1. Developing friendships with non-Christians
2. Staying in God’s Word
3. Living in an attitude of prayer
4. Giving extravagantly
5. Rejoicing and learning from other successful ministries and ministers
A few passages of scripture stoke my passion.
(1.) Philippians 3 I just like the whole idea that I need God. I don’t want to do it in the flesh, I have done that and it never turns out that good! AND…That God is about GOALS….I want to press on to win the prize!
(2.) Habakkuk 3:2. Lord, I have heard of your fame: I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. How cool is that! Give me some of that ‘ole time power!
(3.) Parts of Job (like “though he slay me, yet I will trust him”). Whatever it takes, whatever He asks, Wherever He leads!
(4.) 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (this is the one keeping me going right now–”…pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, stuck down but not destroyed.”) That will get anyone through the tough times!
(5.) John 6:68 Peter’s words–”where else would I go? Only you have the words of life.”
(6.) Psalm 9:9,10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. I want to bleed for those who Christ bled for….the oppressed: THIS WAS THE HEART OF JESUS…This IS Our Mandate - People: Hungry, Thirsty, Homeless, Poor, Sick and Infirmed, Prisoner, Widow and Orphans (Matt.25:31-46; James 1:27; Mal. 3:5)
“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18
(7.) The whole relationship factor: That God created us for relationship…with Him and with each other. I want to love God and I want to love my family and I want to love people, I WANT TO LOVE…YOU! I do that through relationships! Not religion…not programs…not agendas….RELATIONSHIP!
I am naturally bent to spend time thinking and writing and I am one of those weirdo's that love administration….but my passion is people. I love people. This year I want to show that value by demonstrating my love for people relationally. That means a bit more out of the office….and a lot more out on the street and in your home!
I love you guys!
Dan O’Deens
Sunday, January 13, 2008
ABS PARTNERS
Well....Hope you will enjoy this blog. Your greatest success is dependant on the person you choose to live life in biblical community with. I want to possess spiritual ABS of Faith. I wouldn't mind having a 6 pack in the personal abs area either...but I am confident that God is more concerned about what is on the inside than the outside.
Each week I have an ABS Partner that I meet with...(Thanks MIKE!). Mike and I are currently working on reading through the Bible in a year with "The One Year Bible." What a fantastic resource. It's not too late. Each day has the calendar date, an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a Psalm and a Proverb.
We also love one another enough to speak into each others lives. We attempt to live authentically. Truly the only one that can keep yourself accountable is YOU....but an ABS Partner will help. It is not good that man should be alone. We are creatures of relationship. I cannot always bear the full weight of all that is going on in my life...and my ABS partner is always there to pray, encourage or even rebuke me in love with the goal of restoring my relationship to my God.
Why not invest in finding an ABS Partner. 2008 will be the year my book, ABS of FAITH is released. Watch for more information....but do not wait to begin the necessary work in your spiritual fitness program for 2008. What will you do to develop those ABS of Faith? 1Timothy 4:7
Each week I have an ABS Partner that I meet with...(Thanks MIKE!). Mike and I are currently working on reading through the Bible in a year with "The One Year Bible." What a fantastic resource. It's not too late. Each day has the calendar date, an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a Psalm and a Proverb.
We also love one another enough to speak into each others lives. We attempt to live authentically. Truly the only one that can keep yourself accountable is YOU....but an ABS Partner will help. It is not good that man should be alone. We are creatures of relationship. I cannot always bear the full weight of all that is going on in my life...and my ABS partner is always there to pray, encourage or even rebuke me in love with the goal of restoring my relationship to my God.
Why not invest in finding an ABS Partner. 2008 will be the year my book, ABS of FAITH is released. Watch for more information....but do not wait to begin the necessary work in your spiritual fitness program for 2008. What will you do to develop those ABS of Faith? 1Timothy 4:7
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