Jeff's Blog

2012-The Jesus Experiment-take 2

2012-01-20T08:30:00.006-05:00

Hi Friends!

The next couple of weeks at Connections we'll be looking at Chapters 2-3 in The Jesus Experiment, an insightful book by Pastor and Author Bill Perkins, and our focus is "abiding" in Christ.

Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains (abides) in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15: 5 NIV).

We'll look to unpack that verse in our worship and small group ministries at Connections and claim the promise of that verse in our daily lives by purposefully taking steps to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

Allow me to address one of those steps briefly in the balance of this blog.

I was reminded recently of the story of the young boy who fell out of bed. When his mother asked what happened, he said, "Well, I think I stayed to close to where I got in."

That's why some miss the abundant life that is available to us in Jesus Christ: they stay too close to where they got in. You see, as the hymn writer reminds us: Jesus not only beckons us to know Him as our Savior and Lord, but also as our Best Friend.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

The Jesus Experiment challenges us to think, feel, speak, and act like Jesus. Prayer is a primary resource in fulfilling that challenge.

For Jesus to rule and reign in our hearts and minds and abundantly produce the fruit of His Spirit in our lives, we need to abide in Him. And to abide in Jesus, to move closer and closer to our Best Friend while never forgetting where we got in, while never forgetting He is our Savior and Lord, we need to speak with Him frequently.

Would you join me in committing or recommitting more of your time to talk to Jesus today? Would you begin by taking a moment to speak with Him just now?

The outline below is one that I often use in speaking to Jesus. I pattern it after the model prayer (the Lord's Prayer) that Jesus gave to His disciples. Perhaps this outline will bless you?

Praise Him for His goodness: for His friendship.
Confess: that apart from Him you are powerless to do good.
Ask Him: to empower you to produce good fruit for His glory.
Praise Him for His goodness: for His friendship.

Bless you my friends in Christ.

Enjoy this link: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/f/wafwhij.htm

God's Peace,
Jeff

2012-The Jesus Experiment

2012-01-06T16:22:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends!

We'll launch 2012 with a sermon series entitled "The Jesus Experiment" which finds its origin from a book I read this past fall by Author and Pastor Bill Perkins with the same title. I hope the video below whets your appetite for what I trust will be a season of spiritual renewal and heightened service for everyone who chooses to participate.

Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10) and this verse is not only the theme of this series but also one of the core values of our church.

And so please know that I am pumped on several fronts for the possibilities before us and I am most grateful to Bill for sharing his vision with pastors who are seeking to bless not only the churches we serve but our communities and spheres of influence throughout the world.

If you have ever shared in a physical experiment in a science lab then you know that this spiritual experiment will require you to mix-it-up so to speak. I am looking forward to mixing-it-up with you and our Lord and will be looking for God to stir the Spirit of all involved for His glory!!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T10:33:00.006-05:00

Hi Friends!

Please accept my apologies if the above scene serves as a bad memory or makes you anxious...the idea is to simply wish you a Merry Christmas and contrast the chaos we are far too familiar with in the picture above...with the compassion and comfort of the video I encourage you to watch below.

The Bible says that Christmas took place (not the scene above but the story in the video below) to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet (Isaiah 7:23): "The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).

Praise God that He came to be with us in the person of His Son Jesus Christ who through His death, burial and resurrection, saves us from sin and death when we put our faith in Him. We can face anything knowing Jesus is with us and is our provision for every Spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (see Ephesians 1:3).

If you are a believer I encourage you to continue to touch others with the compassion of Christ this Christmas: give special attention to people who are hurting and lonely and to widows and orphans (see James 1:27). If you have yet to put your faith in Christ: seek out a Bible believing and teaching church this Christmas and allow others to share the love of Christ with you (see Acts 2:38 ff)!

Enjoy the video below: because Christmas is truly is The Greatest Story Ever Told!

God's Peace and Merry Christmas,
Jeff

iTouch Christmas

2011-12-16T19:25:00.002-05:00

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

Hi Friends!

Imagine giving this Christmas the way God gave to us that first Christmas: God gave us His unconditional love through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ even though we were undeserving of such a wonderful gift.

Imagine giving this kind of love to someone who really gets under your skin: perhaps someone who slanders you or offends you with their attitude towards you or actions against you. Only people who have accepted God's gift of Jesus are capable of such love.

Jesus told His followers to pray for their enemies: what's that look like for you? For me that means praying for the leaders of Planned Parenthood. Nothing really gets under my skin more than watching innocent children suffer for the profit of sinful men.

I could not offer a prayer for people who hurt children were it not for the Spirit of Christmas that reminds me that Christ was born to not only save me from my sins: but Christ was born to save even my enemies from their sins.

I stand opposed to Planned Parenthood and yet in the truest sense of the season I need to gift them with the love of God this Christmas: truth is if I am not very careful I can lose sight not only of the reason for the season but my responsibility to share the reason: the gift, the unconditional love of God which is Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord.

Reflect often upon Romans 5:8 this coming week: think of someone you know and be open to those you meet who like you and me really need to be touched by the undeserved and unconditional love of God. Many are walking away from Planned Parenthood and walking towards the abundant life that is available to everyone in Christ Jesus.

I am grateful for that this Christmas and will be praying for others in Planned Parenthood to turn away from harming innocent children and turn to the innocent child born in Bethlehem centuries ago: the child named Jesus who saves us from our sins and gives us eternal life even though we are undeserving of this wonderful and precious gift.

God's Peace and Merry Christmas,
Jeff

iTouch Holidays-post 4 and 5

2011-12-09T17:30:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

Please note: I originally posted the thoughts below on December 2, 2011 and decided to leave it again this week as it is just as relevant today, December 9, 2011 as the day I first posted it.

Please know that I continue to pray for those of you who have identified specific prayer requests through our web-site at http://www.connectionscc.org/ Just click on the link and navigate to the bottom of the home page and click prayer request and type your request and a group of us will lift you and your needs up to the Lord.

May the blessings of Christmas always be yours-namely knowing that God is with us in the person of His Son Christ Jesus. Post below is from 12-02-2011.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life at Connections continues to focus on reaching out and touching widows and orphans in meaningful ways throughout the Holidays and for me one of the most meaningful ministries of Christmas is music.

Admittedly I am a bit biased about the "young" lady in the middle of row two of this photo who will singing with the May Festival Chorus in Cincinnati in the coming weeks.

Three of the five Christmas Concerts Carolyn will be singing in will be with legendary Christian singer and songwriter Sandi Patty and the Cincinnati Pops and two others will be renderings of the Christmas Classic Handel's Messiah with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

I cannot speak for all the musicians in these performances but I know that Carolyn is most grateful to God for her gift to sing and she uses her gift as unto the Lord and as such I encourage you to use these concerts as an occasion to bless a widow and/or senior and/or orphan this Christmas.

May Festival Chorus Christmas Concerts

December 9-11 with Sandi Patty in the Cincinnati Pops Holiday concerts at Music Hall

Handel’s Messiah on December 17&18 with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (note: Saturday's concert is at Christ's Church in Mason!)

http://www.mayfestival.com/upcoming.html?sourceNumber=6545

I hope you will attend and will reach out and bless a senior or child with the opportunity and please know this: our Worship Team at Connections will be sharing some awesome Christmas music throughout the month of December and the services are FREE!

Bring a friend, bring a senior, bring a child and be blessed this Christmas at Connections! I am even more grateful that Carolyn shares her gifts in singing with our Praise Team and that collectively our group of singers and musicians bless us by sharing their gifts as unto the Lord!

PSALM 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;
     come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
     It is He who made us, and we are His;
     We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
      and His courts with praise;
      give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
      His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Merry Christmas to All! And Thank You Carolyn for being my wife and for leading me and our children and our church family not only with your voice and musical gifts but with your life as unto the Lord!!

God's Peace,
Jeff

iTouch Holidays-post 3

2011-11-26T20:07:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends!

God continues to bless others through the ministry of His Church.

This past week we raised an additional $4500 to support Kid's Against Hunger and we were able to send several pounds of clothing to Master's Provision as well as several care packages to Operation Christmas Child.

I praise God for your generosity as we seek to please our Father by fulfilling the priorities outlined in the Scripture above. I am excited for what God has done and is doing and will continue to do through people who faithfully serve others through the power of Christ with His unconditional compassion.

Thanks to all who made a commitment to Adopt-A-Senior and to continue to support Kid's Against Hunger and to win at least one person to Christ by Easter 2012. The world is often polarized by differences but the church is unified in service and love and for this I am truly grateful!

Continue to pray for God to be glorified and continue to do all you do as unto the Lord!

God's Peace,
Jeff

iTouch Holidays-post 2

2011-11-18T19:48:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we'll focus on touching people with the compassion of Christ as an act of thanksgiving for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

We'll spend some time after our worship service this Sunday sharing a meal and reflecting on the Psalm of David recorded in I Chronicles 16.

We'll then look to receive a love-offering to assist the Kid's Against Hunger ministry in feeding orphans in under served areas of the world.

My hope is that one member of every family will lead their family on Thanksgiving Day in a reading and reflection of I Chronicles 16.

Why not take time to read that now? Reflect and record your gratitude for God's grace and then share that with others and encourage them to praise and thank God for their blessings as well.

In (I Chronicles 16:34) David says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." I'm most grateful that God's goodness is unwavering and His love is unchanging and eternal!

God's Peace,
Jeff

iTouch Holidays-post 1

2011-11-11T19:17:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

The headlines of this past week compel us to continue to share the compassion of Christ with a world that needs to know His goodness and grace.

Our theme verse for this new series is James 1:27 which says "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

The idea of touching others with the gospel of Jesus is not new but is as relevant today as it was a couple of thousand of years ago when Jesus came to earth to touch us with His love.

May we guard our hearts and minds and keep ourselves unpolluted from the world as we reach out to touch people with the compassion of Jesus this holiday season.

We are a sin-sick world but thanks be to God that Jesus is the Great Physician and the Bible assures us that His grace is sufficient for each of us who surrender our lives to His Will.

May people turn to Jesus this holiday season and find His love even through His church.

God's Peace,
Jeff

The Armor of God

2011-10-28T17:13:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week we celebrate "Children's Sunday" in our adult worship services at Connections. The theme for the day is "The Armor of God." Please read the Scriptures above and come prepared to be blessed as the youngest (our children) teach us about the greatest (our Savior and Lord Jesus)!!

With respect, I ask that you pray for God to give us an extra measure of wisdom as we seek to minister and bless those in need. The challenge is to bless as many as we can with the resources we have understanding the challenges are real.

Thanks for your devotion to Christ and His Church! As a mentor of mine often reminds me: "Be blessed and be a blessing!"

God's Peace,
Jeff

The Great Restoration Project-Lesson 5

2011-10-21T17:06:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

I hope to connect with you this week for our fifth lesson in the series "The Great Restoration Project." Our focus in this lesson will be on owning the opportunities God has given us to infuse His grace and truth into our areas of influence.

Looking ahead our Children will be sharing in our Worship Service on Sunday October 30 leading us to Orphan Sunday on Sunday November 6. The needs before us are great but our God is greater and I am pumped about the possibilities to serve.

Consider the words of James 1:27. May God always find our ministry to be pure and above reproach as we seek to reach out and share the abundant life of Jesus with those who are distressed in the world.

Have a blessed week!

God's Peace,
Jeff

The Great Restoration Project-Lesson 4

2011-10-14T13:54:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends!

As many of you know, last week we were blessed to have Brandon Thomas, a seminary student from Milligan University, share in our worship service. Brandon left us with this question as he concluded a great sermon from the life of Elijah: "How long will you waver?"

One of our elders reminded our leadership team last evening how contextually that fits so well with our current sermon series where the question is: DO IT? or DITCH IT? As I drove home from our meeting I was reminded of this truth.

Biblical preaching always leads us to the same question!

Now that question may be asked in different forms and ways but the essence of Biblical preaching always challenges us to ask and answer: "Are we a Christ-follower?" Or as I've asked throughout this series: "Are we being responsible with our Christian faith?"

Proverbs 11:3 assures us that "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Preparing and preaching this series continues to convict me of my own duplicity and double-mindedness. I hope it causes you to confront yours as well.

Truth is we're either a Christ-follower or we're not. There is no middle ground. Jesus despises the lukewarm more than the cold so let's Do IT? or Ditch IT? I trust you know this is sound Biblical counsel and thanks again to Brandon for sharing the same truth in a blessed way!

God's Peace,
Jeff

The Great Restoration Project-Lesson 3

2011-09-29T17:06:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

When we started this new series a couple of weeks back...one of you responded with a comment that said this OT Verse reminded you of a NT Verse from Galatians Chapter 6...and so I hope to honor that thought with some reflections in the week ahead.

I was raised in a little farm town and I learned at a young age that you not only reap what you sow...but you reap later than you sow and you reap more than you sow...several years later one of my Bible College Profs taught me much about this with regards to our spiritual nature.

I hope to pass on to you what several others have passed on to me in this next lesson...namely that God's forgiveness of sin doesn't erase the temporary consequences of sin because we reap what we sow...and the consequences of sin often come later and greater.

Therein lies the only reason we need to sow to the Spiritual nature...see Galatians 6:8 and continue to sow seeds that will produce a harvest of righteousness, joy and peace for all eternity...celebrate that even greater good will come later in Christ Jesus!

God's Peace,
Jeff

The Great Restoration Project-Lesson 2

2011-09-23T17:19:00.009-04:00

Hi Friends!

Please continue to give your attention to the theme verse of our current sermon series. Remember that integrity is contrasted contextually with duplicity in this verse.

Memorize and meditate upon this verse. Rejoice that restoration is a process that involves daily denial and discipline: that it's not a once and done deal.

Never forget that God designed you as a classic and that image is attainable through faith in Christ. Continue to lean on Jesus. He is the only One who is perfectly upright.

Allow Jesus to restore you daily to your Father's flawless design.

God's Peace,
Jeff

The Great Restoration Project

2011-09-15T14:48:00.007-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we'll launch a new lesson series entitled "The Great Restoration Project" and the theme verse will be Proverbs 11:3 which says: "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."

The series centers around an increasing burden I have to see people act responsibly in their faith. As the picture above suggests, I'll be asking people to either "do it" or "ditch it" because it is simply irresponsible to sit around and allow a classic to rot and decay.

If you're sick and tired of being sick and tired of excuses for irresponsibility in your home, school, work, church, community, nation, etc. then this series will most likely speak to you.

I'm looking to encourage people who want to own the responsibility of the classic Christian faith and if that's you, let's DO IT!!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Remembering 9-11

2011-09-02T16:39:00.013-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we will be looking at some of the Apostle Paul's instructions to his protege' Timothy.

See (I Timothy 6:11 ff) where Paul instructs Timothy to flee the false-teachings of the world and follow the the true-teachings of Jesus Christ. Paul goes so far to tell Timothy to fight for the faith and to finish the fight without wavering.

These are lessons we are teaching our young people in the series "Raising Inspiring Kid's" and they are equally applicable for all. Consider the example of the Mayor of New York who is banning Pastors and Prayers from the Tenth Anniversary Observance of 9-11 at Ground Zero.

I believe we should flee from that false-teaching and run to the true-teaching of Jesus Christ who encourages us to call upon His Father's name, especially in times of need (see Matthew 5-7). Join me in praying that others will join in the fight for the cause of Christ and be found faithful to finish without compromise.

Now the fight I am talking about is the cultural war that is going on in our country that allows any one to say anything under the agenda of "political correctness." Problem is while every one is saying anything they would like in the public square, the message of Christ and the Cross is being regulated and relegated to the privacy of one's home.

Friends, the church is the body of Christ and if you are a Christ-follower you are a part of it (see I Corinthians 12). I'm simply encouraging Christ-followers to speak freely about their worldview even as we allow and encourage others to share their worldview.

This is the fight I am talking about and the one the Apostle Paul encouraged in Scripture. He spoke freely in the public square about Jesus (see Acts 17) and he was persecuted for it (see Acts 17 and ff) and ultimately died for it.

Summary: the battle I'm talking about is a Spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of mankind, not a physical battle. The message I'm fighting to share is that Jesus loves you and died an atoning death on the cross for your sins and walked out of the grave to give you eternal life.

And so my prayers are for peace for all mankind and my sympathies are to all who lost loved ones at the hands of our nation's enemies on September 11, 2011. May we unite at the Cross and reconcile our nation and world to the peace that is only available through our great Savior and Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:11).

See www.afa.net for updates regarding the petition to allow Pastors and Prayers at the Tenth Anniversary Memorial Service of 9-11 in NYC.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Our God is an Awesome God

2011-08-20T09:59:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

The above picture was taken by my daughter this summer...frame by frame she captured a sequence of scenes where the sun looks to be literally disappearing into the ocean...awesome family memories for sure but greater still a reminder of the awesomeness of God!

Psalm 108: 5 says "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth."

Friends, I am most grateful that while we have failed God that He has never failed us...His glory is still over the earth even when we fail to glorify Him as we should...with beautiful scenes down here like the one I posted here on my blog...I can only imagine the scenes in heaven above!

I very much need to pause more frequently to simply say "Thank You God"...and so I humbly ask you to join me as we know that the beautiful scenes of the sun down here...do not even compare to the awesome scene of The Son above!

Praise be to God and may His Peace in His Son Jesus Christ continue to be yours both today and forevermore!

Jeff

August 2011

2011-08-06T00:35:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

This picture was taken on one of the highest peaks in the Smokies this past Spring and yes that is snow on the trees behind us. I'm reminded that our Creator is too big for words alone and that His creation speaks volumes about Him. Join us in pausing and pondering the awesomeness of God. Give thanks for He is good and His love endures forever and so does ours in Him and we pray yours will as well.

If you would like Carolyn and I to pray for you or for a specific need in your life, please go to http://www.connectionscc.org/ and click the prayer request link on the home page of our church. We will lift you up to our Creator trusting that He desires to bless you and to strengthen you. May you always take comfort in knowing that God is faithful (see I Corinthians 1:9) and He promises to be faithful to us in every season of life (see I Corinthians 10:13).

God's Peace,
Jeff

July 2011

2011-07-04T14:07:00.008-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week the North American Christian Convention is meeting in Cincinnati and Connections Church is praying and supporting the initiative to be "Unleashed" into the world to bless others with the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Our July Sermon Series at Connections will focus on "Raising Inspiring Kids" with an emphasis on instilling Biblical Apps in America's Youth. I hope you will pray for this series and the impact it can have in our homes and communities.

We'll be looking back at Deuteronomy 6:4-6 and looking ahead to other Scriptures with the goal of keeping Christ in the center of our lives and the lives of America's young people. I see our youth to be America's greatest asset and I see their greatest need like ours to be Jesus.

This may be my only blog for July. Please continue to reach up in prayer and out in love to people in need. May the glorious riches of the grace of Jesus continue to shine brightly in and through your life.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Remembering (part 2)

2011-06-01T19:44:00.007-04:00

Hi Friends,

The Bible tells us (see Romans 12: 13) to practice hospitality and to share with God's people who are in need. Our brothers and sisters of faith in Joplin, Missouri are in need of our hospitality, prayers, and support.

Please go to http://www.ides.org/ and learn of ways that we can bless and encourage others in our family of faith who would benefit much from our love.

Unless the Lord directs differently this will serve as my only blog for the month of June 2011. It's one that I desire to keep in front of folks in hopes of mobilizing more to pray and serve in Joplin.

Special thanks to those who share comments and send emails and other forms of correspondence in response to my blog. I pray you will continue to be encouraged by the truth that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) and one day soon He will quiet the storms of life for all.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Remembering

2011-05-28T18:13:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

I pray everyone has a blessed Memorial Day as we remember the sacrifice of those who serve and have served to protect our nation's freedom. May we all continue to lift those in our Armed Forces up to our Heavenly Father in prayer.

I am especially grateful for the eternal freedom we have in Christ Jesus and I am reminded that Jesus said: "Greater love has no man than this; that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Thank God that Jesus gave His life to set us eternally free from sin and death.

May I encourage you to watch the video below and instill the values represented therein to the next generation and the next as we remember with gratitude the sacrifice for the freedom that is ours in Christ and in this blessed nation.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Nola Hopewell

2011-05-13T15:51:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

Yesterday at Connections we honored Nola Hopewell who went home to be with the Lord earlier this week after courageously battling cancer over the past several months.

I uploaded this picture from the blog of one of our deacons who caught Nola in a place in our church building where she was fond of serving: Kidstown.

This room is also used for fellowship gatherings and with the apron attire I would guess that Nola was doing something she did very well: feed the flock.

As I said yesterday she not only fed us well physically but significantly well spiritually. She fell deeper in love with the Lord through the suffering she endured.

We miss our friend Nola and pray to honor her memory by sharing her first love (Jesus Christ) with all we are privileged to meet and know. Continued prayer for Nola's family and friends.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-06T18:19:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

The last time I wrote it was the Friday before Easter and this time it is the Friday before Mother's Day. Today is my daughter's birthday and we are thrilled with her faith and growth in our Lord. Even so my thoughts this evening are deeply centered on a family in our church whose Mother is just about to fully realize the gift of Jesus' resurrection.

Join me in praying that God would continue to strengthen the faith of the Hopewell family as their faithful Mother and our dear friend Nola is resting quietly this hour in Hospice. Share the love of Christ with all the ladies you know this Mother's Day and cherish the memories of all the ladies you know who have gone home to be with the Lord.

We mourn in death but rejoice in the life that is ours forevermore through faith in our resurrected Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son Jesus that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

God's Peace and Happy Mother's Day,

Jeff

We Can Trust Him

2011-04-22T13:43:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

Just before breathing His final breath from the cross Jesus said "Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit" (Luke 23:46).

The picture above reminds me that we can entrust our lives into God's hands too and He will be faithful to transform us from death to life in His Son Jesus.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son Jesus that whosoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Thank you God and Thank you Jesus and may the blessings of Easter be embraced by those who look to and put their faith in Jesus forevermore.

God's Peace,
Jeff

In Sync With God

2011-04-16T18:03:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

Our focus at Connections throughout the Easter season continues to be to pray as Jesus taught His disciples to pray. There's so much to learn from the model prayer that Jesus shared with us above and so much more to learn from all the gospel accounts of Jesus' personal prayer life.

I encourage you to read and reflect upon all the conversations that Jesus had with His Father as He took His final steps to and breathed His final breath from the cross of Calvary and continue to experience God's Peace even as Jesus did in the most challenging days of His life. May the blessings of Easter be yours today and forevermore!

Sincerely,

Jeff

Light for the Path

2011-04-07T19:36:00.013-04:00

Hi Friends!

The above graphic is an image I've relied on many times...especially walking out of the woods at night after the sun has set...and walking into the woods early in the morning when thick clouds covered the bulk of the moon and the stars.

But greater still is the power of God's Word to direct our steps...to protect us when adversity confronts us...to discipline us when we sin by commission or omission...to give us joy for the journey before us.

Verse 112 says "My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end." May that be true of everyone who has confessed their faith in Christ as Savior and surrendered their lives to His Lordship.

God's Peace,

Jeff

in Sync with GOD (2)

2011-03-30T17:10:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

Tommorow is Opening Day for the 2011 Cincinnati Reds and our great city is abuzz with anticipation of another banner year at the ballpark. If the forecast is correct it could very well be snowing when the first pitch is tossed around 2:30 PM but I seriously doubt that will deter a single ticket holder from braving the elements for the hometown team.

And so here's my thought: wouldn't it be great if Christians around the world were equally committed to go to their hometown churches this Lord's day? Rain or Shine? Sleet or Snow? Fridged or Thawled? I mean is anything worth more loyalty, more praise, more applause to a Christian than Jesus Christ?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him would not persish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Go Reds and God's Peace,

Jeff

in Sync with GOD

2011-03-18T19:27:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week we'll launch a new lesson series at Connections entitled "in Sync with God" as we pray to continue to live and walk in His Will for our lives.

Please continue to pray for the victims of the tsunami in Japan and look for ways to minister to those in need. Even with media it's difficult for me to imagine the suffering these people are experiencing while I type this blog from the comfort of a den.

As Easter approaches I was reminded by one of my colleagues about something Jesus told His disciples just before He went to the cross (see Mark 13: 3-8). While there isn't much good news in this passage there is a tremendous amount of good news in the passages that follow.

Jesus died for our sins and promises to redeem humanity from the penalty of eternal separation from God when we put our trust in Him. His resurrection from the grave is our hope in both quiet and turbulent times as it assures of eternal life and relationship with God when we are found faithful in our love for Him and for others.

And so please continue to love and pray and serve and encourage others to put their faith in our great Savior and Lord. Jesus said "let our lights shine before men so they will see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven."

May that continue to be true of me and you and the church.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Cincinnati-a great place to live and serve

2011-03-11T12:36:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

The above picture of Cincinnati reminds me of how beautiful it can be when light comes into darkness.

Think of a power outage at night and how the flickering flame of a single solitary candle can illuminate an entire room.

Pause and remember the impact of a night light in a child's room and the bright beam of a flashlight walking through the woods.

Light is a beautiful thing especially when it shines in the darkness.

Jesus said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Pause and reflect how good it is to be in relationship with Jesus and to have the light of life and to never have to walk in darkness again.

What makes this so compelling is that Jesus isn't talking about a candle or a bulb but a life that is transformed from selfishness and sin to love and service.

Jesus said "Let your lights so shine before men that they will see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Can you picture that?
Are you part of that picture?

Cincinnati is a beautiful place to live and serve because so many are letting their lights shine in the darkness.

I'm grateful for that!
I'm grateful for the church!

Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15).

So keep shining church and continue to make Cincinnati even more beautiful than the picture above!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Family Life and Kid's Against Hunger

2011-03-05T07:28:00.006-05:00

Hi Friends!

This weekend some couples from Connections are attending the Weekend to Remember in Cincinnati which is a ministry of Family Life that focuses on strengthening marriages in Christ.

I don't know that there is a greater need in American culture than strengthening marriages and I am most blessed to see couples from our church and from several states investing in their homes and families.

You can get more information and resources by copying and pasting the following link in your browser: www.familylife. com

And here's an update regarding our ministry with Kid's Against Hunger. Last weekend we met our goal of assisting in preparing over 1 million meals for hungry children around the world.

Read John Chapter 6 and you'll see that Jesus cares about feeding the hungry and encourages us to distribute food in His name and for His glory to those in need.

Thank you for sharing in this ministry and please continue to pray as we seek to raise a total of $18,000 through our church this year to reach hungry children with physical and spiritual food.

Continue to pray without ceasing and serve without complaining and speak the truth in love!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Million Meal Marathon

2011-02-25T17:08:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

I received word this afternoon that thus far we have raised $1500 of our $18,000 goal to support Kid's Against Hunger in their mission to provide one million meals to the children of Haiti this weekend.

I am most grateful for what the Lord has done and is doing through the hearts of His people. Our goal was very ambitious for the two week turnaround afforded so our leadership has committed to see this goal to completion as the Lord provides in the balance of the year.

100% of your donation given through Connections Christian Church goes to feed starving children in Haiti as the church covers the Pay Pal expenses and so continue to pray and support and serve and give God the glory for the ministry of His people.

Go to www.connectionscc.org and follow the links to KAH: Kid's Against Hunger

Below please find and read Psalm 27 below. This passage really blessed me in the past week and served to bless a friend of mine who consistently blesses me with his prayers, encouragement, example and accountability he brings to my life and ministry.

My prayers is that this great Psalm of David would also serve to bless you and your family and anyone you might choose to share it with in the coming days.

God's Peace,

Jeff

Psalm 27 (New International Version, ©2010)

Psalm 27

Of David.

¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me
to devour (slander) me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.

³ Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

⁵ For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

⁹ Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.

¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

¹¹ Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Pro-life Victory

2011-02-18T16:17:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends,

I just received word from Melinda Delahoyde, President of Care Net, that The United States House of Representatives voted today to defund Planned Parenthood. See the letter below from Melinda and join me in thanking Rep. Mike Pence for facilitating this victory for LIFE!

Also, please see my blog posted February 11, 2011 regarding the Million Meal Marathon for Kid's Against Hunger. To date we have raised roughly $1100 and could use your help as we seek to feed starving children in Haiti!

Please continue to pray over these and other needs and act in accordance to God's Will to bring Spiritual responses to your sphere of influence and beyond. We serve a great God and He is faithful to bless those who bring the love of Jesus to the world.

Keep praying and loving!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Pence Amendment Passes 240-185

Dear Jeff,

I am writing you to today to join Care Net in thanking Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) for introducing important legislation to protect LIFE by defunding Planned Parenthood.

On Feb. 17, 2011, Rep. Pence introduced Amendment #11 to the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (H.R. 1) which stated, “None of the funds made available by this Act may be made available for any purpose to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. or any of the following affiliates of Planned Parenthood Federation of American, Inc.” and lists all Planned Parenthood Affiliates. Today, the amendment passed 240 to 185!

As you and I know, Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the nation and receives more than $360 million dollars of taxpayer funding. With the help of taxpayer support, Planned Parenthood is enabled to spend more money marketing abortion. As a result, abortions are on the rise.

In addition, as I shared with you last week, recent discoveries made Rep. Pence’s efforts all the more urgent. Recent undercover videos have shown Planned Parenthood staff appearing to cover up instances of child abuse and facilitating in the sex trafficking of minors.

The efforts by Rep. Mike Pence to stop taxpayer dollars from going to Planned Parenthood should be applauded.

We have created a sample letter for you to send to Rep. Pence. Please take a few minutes and email or send a letter to him today. When those in Congress have the courage to stand up for life, they should be thanked.

Thank you for standing with Care Net.

Together for Life,

Melinda Delahoyde
President, Care Net

MILLION MEAL MARATHON

2011-02-11T16:44:00.015-05:00

Hi Friends!

Connections Christian Church is partnering with Kid's Against Hunger in their goal to feed ONE MILLION children in Haiti the weekend of February 25-26.

Please click on TITLE: "MILLION MEAL MARATHON" AT THE VERY TOP OF THIS PAGE ABOVE THE PICTURE to donate and 100% of your donations will be used to feed children in Haiti as Connections Christian Church will pay all processing fees associated with your donation.

You will also receive a 2011 year-end tax-receipt from Connections Christian Church for 100% of your donation. Most importantly you will be providing the children of Haiti with the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

And so pray and donate!

And then pray and double it or triple it!

And be prepared to be blessed because Jesus said "it is more blessed to give than receive."

And so whatever you can give for the least of these, I encourage you to give not at the expense of your tithes and offerings to your local church, but by sacrificially denying yourself something like a meal and a movie or some form of entertainment.

I mean, what would it look like if 1800 people gave $10 to feed the children of Haiti? It would look like $18,000 which is a truck load of rice that will help to make ONE MILLION meals which would help to save several children from starvation and death.

We love you and we need your help!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-04T13:28:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

What could be better than having a former Buckeye start at middle linebacker in the Super Bowl? Well, winning the game for one!

Hey, I'm not anti-Steelers like most people here in Cincinnati, it's just there are more former Buckeyes from THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY with the Packers than with Pittsburgh!

And speaking of my man AJ Hawk? I assume most of you know that he's from right up the road in Kettering, Ohio! I mean what's not to like!! Local boy hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after a pick-6 from Big Ben sounds great to me!

And so that's pretty much it for me this week! Go Packers cause no matter how many Buckeyes are playing for the team in Green, I think the team in Black is the team to beat! I mean let's be honest: the team in Black is the Pittsburgh Steelers! Enough said!

But just the same, if you're still with me take a moment to check out the video below and when you're finished viewing it, give your attention to the "play book" that guarantees eternal victory and continue to Celebrate God's Word today and everyday because:

"Men, even great Buckeye Warriors, will one day fade away, but the Word of the Lord Endures Forever" (I Peter 1:24-25: paraphrase by yours truly).

God's Peace,

Jeff

Celebrate God's Word 5

2011-01-27T21:21:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

Sorry I haven't posted to my blog in recent days. So much to do and so little time.

That said, we're continuing our series "Celebrate God's Word" at Connections this Sunday.

I'm excited you know that there are 66 books in the Bible but I'm more excited you are convicted that each book points to the story of Jesus.

Route 66 in the Biblical sense takes us to right relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. No better story has been shared and it's ours to retell again and again.

Speaking of retelling the story. Remember last year at this time when the hot-topic was the Focus on the Family ad for the 2010 Super Bowl featuring Tim Tebow and his mother Pam?

I've attached the clip below so you can watch it again. I'm a Buckeye who was beaten by that Gator for a National Championship, but I'm proud of this young man.

He lives to tell the story of Jesus. Follow his example. Pray that we all may be found faithful in serving Jesus and championing the cause of Christ like this young man.

God's Peace,

Jeff

Celebrate God's Word (2-3)

2011-01-11T22:04:00.006-05:00

Hi Friends!

Thanks for the positive feedback about our current lesson series. It's most encouraging to know that people are enthusiastic about God's Word.

I was thrilled when I asked "what is the value of God's Word?" in the midst of the lesson last week and someone, Patrick Berling I believe, shouted out "priceless!" Wow! That pretty much says it all!

Give your attention to Matthew 7: 21-27 if you would. While this passage isn't the focal point of this week's life lesson, it needs to be the focal point of each and every day of our lives. My prayer is that we will continue to be both hearers and doers of His Word!

Be careful to pray for one another and for the church universally to speak and serve in the midst of a conflicted world. Think of the tragedy of Tuscon and realize afresh that the world needs you to speak and be the love of Jesus!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Celebrate God's Word (1)

2011-01-03T21:45:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

I hope your New Year is off to a great start and that you'll join Connections Christian Church as we renew our commitment to CELEBRATE GOD'S WORD.

Check out the video below that illustrates how easy it is to devalue the most valuable asset in the world.

We have the assurance (I Peter 1:25) that the word of the Lord endures forever and my prayer is that you will join us as we CELEBRATE GOD'S WORD in 2011!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Keep Jesus on top of Christmas (Final)

2010-12-17T17:10:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

This very well might be my final blog for 2010...I'm sensing a need to simplify the message of Christmas in hopes of magnifying the message of Christmas...and so I'm going to post these words of Jesus...they pretty much say it all and should someone stumble on my blog who has yet to put their trust in Jesus...these words tell you why this would be the best decision of your life...and I'll also post a short video at the end of the blog not in an attempt to improve upon the words of Jesus...but very simply to magnify the message of Jesus...Merry Christmas and as always...

Wishing you God's Peace,

Jeff

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Keep Jesus on top of Christmas (1)

2010-12-02T18:51:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

The snow we enjoyed on the first day of December gives me hope that God may choose to bless us with a "white" Christmas this year. The color "white" reminds me of the purity of the One whose birth we celebrate on December 25th.

"Come now, let us reason together," declares the Lord, "Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18). Christmas reminds me that Jesus makes this possible.

The Psalmist (David) whose life was mired by sin confessed his need for God's mercy and said "Now wash me and I will be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:7). And I hope that is our desire this Christmas: to be whiter than snow because of our relationship with Jesus.

Many great things will happen throughout the holidays but nothing would be greater than a having "white" Christmas, than for the world to see and experience the purity of Jesus through the life of His church.

Join me in praying that we will "Keep Jesus on top of Christmas" and "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" so our families and friends and neighbors and co-workers and classmates will see the ultimate beauty and blessing of our great Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Thank God for God (5)

2010-11-26T22:42:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

This Sunday at Connections we continue our series "Thank God for God" and I pray you will be encouraged by both the humanity and divinity of Jesus in Luke 22:39 ff.

And beginning Wednesday at 7:00 PM we'll transition into the Christmas season with "Christmas Carols and Traditions" which will be facilitated by several CCC families.

My prayer continues to be that the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas fills us with increasing passion to share the gospel with those in our spheres of influence.

The greatest gift we can give anyone is Jesus and I pray we will make deliberate plans to give Him to family and friends and classmates and co-workers especially during this Holiday Season.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Thank God for God (4)

2010-11-18T22:01:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving quite like a piece of Pumpkin Pie...and so our youth at CCC will be delivering several Pumpkin Pies to the Senior Citizens in our church and community this weekend...in hopes of blessing those who have given us a rich heritage of faith.

Pardon the pun...but I pray everyone might share a slice of gratitude with someone this Thanksgiving...imagine the transformation that would come to our communities if we each embraced another with peace and joy that is ours in Christ Jesus.

Please join me in praying for the National Missionary Convention in Lexington, Ky...the influence of those attending spans the entire globe...and will reach every generation with the love of Jesus until He returns for His church.

We'll be studying Luke Chapter 22 this coming Lord's Day...we'll give special attention to a meal the Lord implemented that includes emblems representing His broken body and shed blood for the sins of humanity...the greatest Thanksgiving Meal ever prepared for mankind.

Enjoy the holiday and remember it's a holy day...a day where we "Thank God for God"...a day where we thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus...a day where we thank God for giving us victory over sin and death through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Thank God for God (3)

2010-11-12T18:07:00.005-05:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections our focus shifts to Luke Chapter 21: Verses 1-4...this passage of Scripture leaves us with a couple of pictures...a picture of rich people who appear to be giving much but are actually giving little...and a picture of a poor person who appears to be giving little but who is actually giving much...Jesus said "I tell you the truth, this poor widow put in more than all the others."

My question is what does your picture look like?

Are you giving much or giving little to the Lord?

In writing to the Christians in Rome (see Romans 12:1-2)...the Apostle Paul reminds us that in view of God's mercy that there is really only one way to live and give to God...and that is to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God...which the Apostle Paul says is our spiritual or reasonable act of worship.

Is your worship of God genuine?

Is it reasonable and spiritual?

Paul goes on to say "Do 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 and pleasing and perfect will."

Whether rich or poor by worldly standards...God's will is for us to sacrificially live and give in a way that says "all"...to say "all" that I am and "all" that I have is from Him and will be used to honor and glorify Him...because this is His good and pleasing and perfect will.

I pray Jesus sees us as He did this poor widow...people who are sacrificially living and giving to give their "all" to the One who gave His "all" for us...people who are giving their time, talent, and resources to honor God...people who are willingly sharing our gifts to advance the gospel to those who deserve to know the joy that is ours in Christ Jesus.

What does your picture look like?

Are you giving much or little to God?

Are you truly genuine, reasonable, spiritual?

God's Peace,

Jeff

Thank God for God (2)

2010-11-05T14:47:00.011-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week we continue our series "Thank God for God" and one of the many ways we can do that is by partnering with Samaritan's Purse and supporting "Operation Christmas Child" with gifts for under served children around the world. Please join me in bringing your gift box to the church building by Sunday November 14 as we seek to bless others as we have been blessed by God.

As the air temp drops today and the leaves blow past my office window, I'm reminded that God is really cool and colorful. And I'm really grateful for that because sometimes I tend to stagnate but God is teaching me today that transformation is continual and it's a beautiful thing when we surrender and allow the One who knows best to have His will and His way.

I encourage you to read Luke Chapter 20 in the coming days. Three different times people came to Jesus seeking to have their own way and live under their own authority and each time Jesus creatively addressed their needs in a way that assures us that we are to live under His authority as Lord of our lives.

And so my prayer today is that we all will continue to surrender our self-will to God's will for us so that He can have His way in us and through us as we serve others in His name.

Have a cool and colorful day!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Thank God for God (1b)

2010-10-29T17:37:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never receive it" (Luke 18: 16.17). I pray we celebrate that truth each and every day at Connections Christian Church and this Sunday is designed to remind us of that necessity.

We've shared some wonderful times with children through our partnership with the India Children's Choir and Kids Against Hunger and Operation Christmas Child and through our ministries of Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. And this Sunday I believe Professor Steve will re-familiarize us all with where children live and breathe.

Pray for this outreach to children!

Invite and bring a child!

Come with the heart of a child!

Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never receive it" (Luke 18: 16.17). Think about that! Continue to celebrate that! Enjoy that truth!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Thank God for God (1)

2010-10-23T16:11:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week we launch a new sermon series at Connections called Thank God for God! My hope is that we will be inspired in new ways to live a life of gratitude in response to the goodness of God!

Perhaps the highest praise we can give God is to share the gospel with those who have yet to put their faith and trust in His Son Jesus! So to start this series, we're going to look at three scenes in the life of Christ that should serve as great talking points as you share the gospel in your spheres of influence!

I encourage you to read Luke 19: 28-48 and further prepare your heart through Bible study and prayer to Thank God for God!

Have a blessed week and God's Peace,

Jeff

Eyes to See (8)

2010-10-15T10:49:00.007-04:00

Hi Friends!

I'm sure most of you have watched with anticipation as I have as 33 miners in Chile were rescued after 69 days in darkness!

As joyous as that is, when was the last time you experienced the greater joy of rescuing a lost soul from eternal darkness?

Isaiah 61: 1-2 says, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the Lord's favor."

As many of you know, Jesus was once handed the scroll of Isaiah to read in the synagogue and this is the text He chose to read. He then said, "Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21).

Think of all the people you know who are trapped, who are lost in the darkness of this world. Would you be careful to tell them how Jesus came to rescue us and to give us eternal light and joy?

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless (trapped), Christ died for the ungodly. While we were still sinners (trapped), Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6, 8).

That's a message the world needs to here...a message that transforms the certainty of eternal death into the certainty of eternal life...please share that message with another and may your joy overflow as you see people who are trapped by sin come to life in Jesus Christ!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Eyes to See (7)

2010-10-08T17:58:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

Please check the "Upcoming Events" on the "What's Happening" page of the CCC web-site at www.connectionscc.org and continue to involve yourself in the ministry of the church.

I'm pumped about the possibilities that are before us and particularly about Professor Steve coming to share the gospel for our "Bring a Child Outreach" on October 31.

Please give your attention to Luke 18: 18ff in preparation for Sunday's lesson "Eyes to See." Dominic will be sharing and I pray you will encourage him as he seeks to encourage you.

Continue to pray for those you know who are battling some significant challenges in life and continue to pray for the person or persons you might lead to a saving relationship with Jesus.

May we all take comfort in knowing that "He will never leave us or forsake us."

God's Peace,

Jeff

Eyes to See (6)

2010-09-30T18:00:00.007-04:00

Hi Friends!

As most of you know, this week at Connections we're celebrating the marriage of Patrick Berling and Melissa Hunnicutt. Congratulations to a quality young man and young lady who came to know Christ a few years back and then carefully considered their commitment to Him and one another in preparation for the eternal covenant of marriage. What a beautiful and wonderful time!!

We'll be looking at Luke 18: 15-17 this coming Sunday as we continue our lesson series "Eyes to See" and this passage is one of my favorites to teach. The reason for that is I still have much to learn about approaching Jesus with the faith and innocence of a child and Jesus says that's what is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.

And so I hope you'll come "wired to worship" this Sunday anticipating life-change that is ours in Him!!

God's Peace,

Jeff

Eyes to See (5)

2010-09-24T17:14:00.007-04:00

Hi Friends!

Special thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouragement with the recent passing of my father. I believe one of the many great benefits of being created in the image of God is that we can readily remember the best knowing the very best is yet to come in Christ. And so thanks so much again for your support which has richly blessed my family.

We will be studying Luke 18: 9-14 in our next lesson at Connections Christian Church. One observation I have made over the past several weeks is that the closer Jesus journeyed to the cross, the more He had to say about prayer and the more time He spent in prayer with His father.

As Christ-followers, Jesus commissions us to carry our cross daily and in following His example, that inspires us to pray more and to pray in ways that are pleasing to Him. As we compare the attitudes in this week's lesson, may we remember these words of Jesus: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

God's Peace and again my Gratitude,

Jeff

Eyes to See (4)

2010-09-18T21:20:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week's lesson at Connections is found in Luke 18: 1-8...in this Scripture Jesus shares a parable and opens the story by telling us why...because He wants us to pray and not give up!

The story Jesus shares about a persistent widow...reminds me that God is pleased to hear our specific concerns...and very much likes for us to speak with Him continuously.

And so one application for the week...is to pray for the "See You at the Pole" initiative that is held annually across our country...and will be implemented Wednesday September 22.

Pray for students, teachers, school administrators and supporters...pray for all who will be gathering at flag poles in school courtyards throughout America...and pray some more.

Pray knowing that we serve a great and gracious God...He simply needs to hear our voice and He will answer our prayers...according to His will and in His time.

And here's a promise to claim...in praying we can be assured that we will have a peace that passes all human understanding...a peace that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

And so pray my friends ( see Philippians 4) and may His peace be yours and those you influence in His name, both now and forevermore.

Jeff

Remembering September 11

2010-09-11T08:38:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

I simply want to encourage you to remember today...to remember the principles our nation was founded upon...and to remember those principles are under attack from without and from within.

May this be the season...the time when the church established by Jesus Christ rises up and restores the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to the fabric of American culture...may we be One Nation under One God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

That statement wasn't politically correct when it was made and it's not politically correct today...but one day history will reveal that this statement made by Jesus some 2,000 years ago... is eternally correct.

And so we Christians live each day with eternity in mind...we remember the One who died for our sins and rose from the grave to give us eternal life in heaven with our Father...and we share that truth in love in hopes of reconciling all people to a saving relationship with God.

This is the American dream...the dream that our Founding Fathers shared in crafting our constitution and the one I encourage you to remember and advance...as we honor the lives of those who have died to defend our eternal freedom in Christ.

God's Peace and my Prayers in Remembrance for September 11, 2001.

Jeff

Eyes to See (2)

2010-09-03T23:56:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

Please read Luke 16: 19-31 in preparation for our second lesson in the series "Eyes to See."

After reading this passage, may I encourage you to review my blog from last week and watch the video again?

Most of the stories that Jesus told need less explanation and more reflection that in turn leads us to repent and to seek and save the lost.

That's my focus and prayer for the church.

God's Peace,

Jeff

Eyes to See (1)

2010-08-27T17:02:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

We launch a new series at Connections this weekend called "Eyes to See" with the theme verse found in Luke 15:32.

The goal is to open our eyes wider to see more people in our circles of influence who need a saving relationship with Jesus and then to take specific steps to introduce those people to Jesus.

I hope you'll join us as we anticipate celebrating and partying like crazy as people we influence come to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

As you're watching the video below, think of all the people you pass each day and ask yourself if you care enough to share Jesus with them?

If so, then stop whatever you're doing and do it!

God's Peace,

Jeff

THE CHURCH GOD WANTS US TO BE (5)

2010-08-20T17:21:00.005-04:00

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?— Hebrews 2:3–4

Hi Friends!

The above verse pretty much summarizes my thoughts at the moment...so great a salvation in Jesus Christ...now what will we do with it?

Will we neglect it?

Will we share it?

The third option is to be neither hot or cold but to be lukewarm...Jesus says the third option makes Him want to puke (see Revelation 3:16)...and so what's it going to be?

Do you see how being on-fire for the Lord is really a function of the Holy Spirit working in and through your life...no Spirit=no fire...know Spirit=know fire.

Please don't neglect the great salvation that is ours in Christ Jesus...through the power of His Holy Spirit living in you...please share our great salvation in Christ with others...that's the church God wants us to be!

God's Peace,
Jeff

THE CHURCH GOD WANTS US TO BE (4)

2010-08-10T16:25:00.002-04:00

It's official...life is often blurred when we're going to fast...the Bible says we are to run with patience the race marked out for us (see Hebrews 12:1-3)...but truth is few of us really do that as we tend to run at a rapid pace and even mark out our own course.

God speaks (see Psalm 46:10) and says "Be still and know that I am God"...could it be that we all need to slow down and listen to God and make sure that He is marking out our course...how would your life, family, and church be different if we were all to do that?

I believe individually we would be more like the person God created us to be...and collectively we would be more like The Church God Wants Us To Be...I believe we would finish and win the race with patience that God has marked out for us.

Be still and know God's Purpose...that's my focus for the week and it has led me to Ephesians 1:17-20...in reading that I realized that I have been going so fast that I almost forgot that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead...is available to us today.

Praise God for that...and may our glorious Father continue to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better (see verse 17)...that's my pray for you and your family and for the church.

God's Peace,
Jeff

THE CHURCH GOD WANTS US TO BE (3)

2010-08-05T21:34:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

Someone sent me the above picture one day this week when I could really use a good laugh! I've seen it before, but hopefully you can look at it and laugh as well!

As you know, the government has afforded Medical Researchers allot of money over the years to simply confirm what the Bible already tells us and such is the case when it comes to laughter.

Medical Research tells us that laughter can reduce everything from stress to high blood pressure and heart disease to social dysfunction and conflict.

The Bible says (Proverbs 17:22) that "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

If the above picture brings a smile to your face, think of how much joy is availabe to each of us in the Lord!

The Bibles says (Philippians 4:4) that we Christians are to "Rejoice in the Lord always" and just in case we stumble over that, the writer says "I will say it again, Rejoice!"

Now the key as many of you know, is understanding that we can't manufacture joy, especially in difficult and trying circumstances. Whew! Have I had a few of those this week!

But we can "Rejoice in the Lord always" as it is in relationship with Jesus that joy and even laughter are possible in the midst of our greatest trials!

So seek Him!

Trust Him!

Rejoice in Him!

If you haven't laughed in awhile, look at the above picture and try again! The funniest part to me is that Moses' fishing buddy is not only fishing on dry ground, but he doesn't have any bait!

Maybe you've had a day or two like that this week! I know I have, but my joy and yours if you are a Christian, is in Jesus!

God's Peace,
Jeff

THE CHURCH GOD WANTS US TO BE (2)

2010-07-29T20:00:00.001-04:00

"Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked Him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' He said to them, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to'" (Luke 13:22-24).

Hi Friends!

How would you answer the question above if someone asked you? Would you answer it as Jesus did? Or would you answer it in a different manner?

This week at Connections we will focus on the narrow door Jesus speaks of in the above verse so we can continue to "be the church that God wants us to be."

Specifically, we'll focus on making every effort to enter through that narrow door. No, I'm not talking about earning your salvation. I'm talking about developing and deepening your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Someone once said, "the church is at its best when the actions of those in its pews mirror the love of Christ rather than the self-centeredness of the world."

So let's continue to pray that Connections will be the best church we can be: a church that is making every effort to mirror the love of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous" (Luke 14:13-14).

That's a pretty good picture of the "effort" Jesus says we need to make to be "the church God wants us to be."

And so I pray you'll focus on that picture and fulfill your purpose and reap the reward of heaven by loving others unconditionally through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Are you making every effort to develop that relationship?

Is there evidence of His love flowing from your life?

Friends, Jesus is the narrow door that opens to heaven and no matter how well you know him, you can always know him better.

Live for that relationship!

Bless others by sharing Jesus with them!

Reap the reward of the resurrection!

God's Peace,
Jeff

THE church GOD WANTS US TO BE (1-B)

2010-07-22T18:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends!

Last weekend I was blessed to spend some time with family and friends in St. Louis, Missouri, affectionately known as the Gateway to the West. The highlight (pardon the pun) of the trip for me was going 630 feet to the top of "The Arch."

Now please understand that where I come from, "The Arch" is what Coach Hayes called the only two time Heisman Trophy Winner in the history of college football, and so this was new ground, or in this case, new air for me.

That said, an image came to my mind as I looked out the small windows of "The Arch" across the beautiful city of St. Louis. I thought of another beautiful city and how it is the responsibility of the church, the saved in Christ on earth, to serve as the Gateway to that celestial city for others who have yet to put their faith in Christ.

(Revelation 21: 2-4) "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Friends, can you imagine how awesome it would be if everyone you know would see and experience the heavenly city of Jerusalem? And isn't it incredible to know that you need not take a person to the top of "The Arch in St. Louis" but simply to the foot of "The Cross of Calvary" to see and experience that city?

Let's rise up church and let's rise higher than 630 feet...let's rise up and be the Gateway from earth to heaven...and let's continue to "connect people to a loving God and each other through a relationship with Jesus!"

That's our vision statement at Connections and that's the image that came to my mind while I was apart from you in St. Louis...the image of that celestial city (the new Jerusalem)...that place where there is only peace and love and joy and harmony in relationship with Jesus!

Let's rise up and afford everyone we know the opportunity of heaven!

God's Peace,
Jeff

P.S. Did you know that "The Arch"...I'm talking about Archie Griffin, the only 2-time Heisman Trophy Winner in the history of college football from The Ohio State University...did you know that "The Arch" is a Christian and will be in that heavenly city of God? I don't know about you, but for me, that's good for a "Praise the Lord" and "Go Bucks!"

THE church GOD WANTS US TO BE (1-A)

2010-07-14T18:46:00.014-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we'll host Campus Ministers Mark and Susie Hammitt and several Student Athletes with "Athletes in Action" from Xavier University. Mark and Susie's team will be leading both in our Connect-2-Groups at 9:15 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM.

I pray you'll also join this dynamic group for a lunch hosted by CCC at the Kenwood Chipotle as we partner and fellowship together in service of our great Savior and Lord Jesus!

May the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus (John 3:16) spread to the entire world (Matthew 28: 18-20) through the ministry and encouragement of Connections Christian Church!

As one of my mentors often says to me: "Be blessed and Be a blessing!"

God's Peace,
Jeff

THE church GOD WANTS US TO BE (1)

2010-07-09T14:22:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends,

This week at Connections we'll continue our study through the gospels and the life of Christ but our focus will shift from His Lordship of our lives to His Lordship of our church.

I've titled this series "THE church GOD wants us to be" and the inspiration came to me through our Connect-2-Group Study titled "The me I want to be" by Pastor John Ortberg.

The conviction that was revitalized for me throughout Pastor Ortberg's book is that individually and collectively, Christians should "flow" not languish in God's Spirit.

And so as we continue our study through the gospels over the next several weeks, my prayer is for the Holy Spirit to enhance our collective "flow" as a church.

The Bible tells us (Colossians 3:11) that the church is "a place where Jesus is All and is in All" and so in short: that's "THE church GOD wants us to be."

The question for me is this: can we "flow" better in the Spirit of Jesus as a church?

Are we loving God with "all" our heart, soul, strength and mind as Jesus does or are we loving God with less?

Are we loving "all" others unconditionally as Jesus does or are we loving others with less?

This week we'll look at an encounter between Jesus and some religious leaders in Luke 13: 10 ff where the "flow" for God and for others was not "all" Jesus thought it should be.

According to this passage, some of the religious leaders in Jesus day had become apathetic in their love for God and their service to others and so Jesus confronted their attitude.

(Luke 13: 17) says when Jesus finished speaking, the religious leaders were humiliated, but others were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

If you read this passage, you'll see that the people who were delighted in the things that Jesus was doing were people who shared His love for God and others. People who were in the "flow."

And that's the kind of church Connections is and it's the kind of church God wants us to be. Even so, I know we can flourish more and I look forward to doing so together.

Please join me in praying for the Spirit to continue to "flow" in Connections Christian Church as we purpose to be "the church God wants us to be...a church where Jesus is All and is in All."

And remember this, especially if you feel like you're not in the "flow"of His Spirit.

Jesus said, (John 15:4) "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."

Stay connected to Jesus! Rejoice! Love! Serve!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Dive Deep (8)

2010-07-01T17:39:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we'll be joining Christians across America in a season of prayer for our nation. I mean, honestly, can you think of a greater need in our nation than prayer?

I hope you'll make the commit and say "I'm in" to "The Call-2-Fall" and join millions of others who will take a knee each day next week and ask God to heal our land.

God speaks in (2 Chronicles 7:14) and says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

And so that's my focus this week as we celebrate our freedom in America and I hope you'll join me by saying "I'm in" and that you will humble yourself and pray daily for our nation.

And remember this...God says to hear our prayers from heaven and forgive our sins and heal our land...we must turn from our wicked ways.

Would that we all would do just that...that we all would surrender our hearts to the authority of Jesus...and allow Him to shape our attitudes and actions.

Imagine a nation where Marriage and Life and Love and Liberty are once again honored as Sacred Gifts from our Creator, Redeemer, and Friend?

Friends, I'm convinced for America to move forward we must move back to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus and honor Him as Lord of All!

And so this is my prayer...for you and for our children and for our children's children and for our nation forevermore...one nation under one God that is indivisible and just for all.

See www.call2fall.org

See America's Strong Foundation

God's Peace and Happy 4th of July,
Jeff

Dive Deep (7)

2010-06-25T18:45:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

What follows is a post I put on my blog back in February of this year. While time puts some of the reference points in the past, I was reminded afresh this week that this continues to be my purpose going forward. So I hope you'll read this again, and who knows, perhaps you'll not see me as your friend and fellow servant of the Lord, but also as a great prognosticator of baseball!

From February 2010:

I admit that I have now joined the ranks of many of you who have told me you are dreaming of Spring and for me that's mostly about Baseball. Pardon the pun but Spring Training is now in "full-swing" and Opening Day is just a month away and that's an exciting time in the city of Cincinnati.

Yes I'm a Red's fan for life and I sense something special is going to happen this year in the River City. I sense the Red's are going to make a run at the play-offs and that reminds me to reach higher for some things myself.

Philippians 3:14 says "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It's still mind-boggling to me that the Apostle Paul wrote that from a Roman prison and if he could write it from there then I think I should be able to live it from here.

Each time I see a ballplayer jump or dive or slide or over extend himself for a baseball this Spring and Summer, I'm going to remind myself to reach higher--to sell-out for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

With my physical limitations that has little to nothing to do with getting my feet off the ground but everything to do with getting my body outside the church building and sharing my heart for God through service to others.

We'll be preparing meals for children in Haiti in partnership with Kid's Against Hunger on March 20, 2010--(we did that and what a great day it was) I look at it like it's Opening Day for our church to dive forward, head-long, Peter Edward Rose style, into service this Spring and Summer.

I hope you'll join us as we look to be a church that gets our padded portions off the couch and out of the pew to reach for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus--the call to to win people to Jesus so they along with us can celebrate eternal life.

Again, this was posted back in February 2010. Thanks for reading and enjoy the Red's winning ways while continuing to sell out and dive-deep for our great God!

God's Peace and Go Red's,
Jeff

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2010-06-20T09:07:00.008-04:00

Hi Friends and Happy Father's Day to All!

Christ has blessed me in countless ways and the gifts of a beautiful Spirit-led wife and children are really too awesome for words.

This week my family will be attending Summer in the Son. I am excited for them and look forward to stories of life-change when they come home.

If you're reading this and your family isn't as focused or connected as you would like it to be, I pray you'll take heart in this. I came from a divorced home and made unimaginable mistakes seeking connectedness in relationships because I was clueless that Jesus wanted me to not only know about Him but to really know Him.

So I pray for you and I hope you'll pray for me that we will continue to go to Him and surrender ourselves daily to Him (see Luke 9:23) and find life that is truly life (see John 10:10-11) that is found in relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father.

God is the best Father my kids know! He's available to each of us and meets our needs beyond our wildest expectations (see Ephesians 3:20) and I'm praying you will be as blessed by that as I am and as my family continues to be.

God's Peace,
Jeff

CCC Outdoor Worship Service

2010-06-11T16:12:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

This weekend at Connections we will be having our Annual Outdoor Worship Service followed by a picnic on the grounds to welcome our newest members!

You may recall that at last year's service one of our oldest members (91 y.o.) fell out of her chair not once, but twice, trying to snag a baseball. This year promises to bring some excitement as well!

The theme verse for the day is Proverbs 28:13 which says "He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

Reflect on that in preparation for Sunday and come prepared to catch a baseball along with a vision for the involvement of our newest members in the life of the church!

Thanks for checking-in and God's Peace,
Jeff

Dive Deep (5)

2010-06-04T13:51:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

I hope you enjoyed our Memorial Day Services last weekend and implore you to continue your prayers for our nation and your expressions of gratitude for those who serve to protect our freedom.

We resume our series "Dive Deep" this Sunday and our primary focus will be from Luke Chapter 11 where Jesus speaks candidly about prayer. This passage is packed with life-changing insights and I hope you'll give it your careful attention.

Speaking of life-change, I'm encouraged that some of our youth will be attending Summer-In-The-Son at Kentucky Christian University in the coming days. I pray they, along with you, will continue to experience the deep grace and truth of Jesus.

Have a blessed week and be a blessing!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-27T16:30:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

If you're like me, you may remember some things more readily than others, and so I want to encourage you never to forget a couple of very important things.

Let's never forget to honor the sacrifice of those who give us the freedom to pledge our allegiance to America.

And let's never forget to honor the fact that America was founded as a democratic nation under one God, the Father of our great Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

May the video below compel you to never forget and always remember to honor our nation's heroes and our great God and His Son Jesus Christ.

God's Peace and My Gratitude,
Jeff

Dive Deep (4)

2010-05-21T16:12:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

Sometimes we simply need to stop and soak it all in and that's what my focus is this week at Connections.

We'll be looking at Luke 10: 38-42 and we'll see how Jesus commends Mary for doing that very thing.

The essence of this story for me is that we always need to allow Jesus to do something in us before we can do something effectively for Him.

And so it's not that Martha did something wrong, it's just that her priorities were misplaced.

To serve with the Spirit of Jesus, we first need to soak in the Spirit of Jesus.

That often happens best for me with a walk through the farmland and into the woods with Bible in hand and allowing God to speak to me both through His word and creation.

I pray that you'll go to that place where it happens best for you and soak in His word like Mary and then get up and serve like Martha, just with a better Spirit for having soaked in Jesus.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Dive Deep (3)

2010-05-14T12:39:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we continue to "Dive Deep"...with the goal of experiencing "Authentic Christianity" (not that there's any other kind)...it's just that we're looking to plunge further in our exploration and application of God's Word.

Luke 9:23 serves as our theme verse for this series...it speaks of denying self and daily taking up our own cross of selflessness by sacrificially loving and forgiving others as Jesus loves and forgives us...and the Bible says that's unconditionally (see I Corinthians 13).

His love is always patient!
His love is always kind!
His love is never envious!
His love is never proud!
His love is never rude!
His love is never self-seeking!
His love is never easily angered!
His love never keeps a record of wrongs!
His love never delights in evil but always rejoices in truth!
His love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres!

His love never fails and since the Bible teaches that we cannot love as Jesus does without His help...without His Spirit producing His love and forgiveness in us and through us...we are seeking as Pastor John Ortberg says "to flourish rather than languish" in the Spirit of Christ.

And so down we go...deeper and deeper in the Spirit of Jesus to not only flourish but to flow and even overflow with His love and forgiveness...so that we might somehow become as authentic as the original image of our Creator, Redeemer, and Friend Jesus.

Tired of trying harder?
Tired of the guilt that comes with failing to love as you know you should?

Come and see Jesus and having seen Him make the decision to surrender your life to Him...die to selfish desires and allow the Spirit of Jesus to transform you into the person that God created you to be...and believe it or not the person you want to be.

And enjoy the dive because Jesus promises in Luke 9:24 that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it"...and that's what authentic Christianity (the only kind) is all about...it's about the salvation that is ours in Jesus Christ!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Memorial for a Friend

2010-05-07T17:27:00.003-04:00

Hello Friends,

Last night we hosted a Memorial Service at Connections for our friend Don Davis, Jr. and I would like to thank everyone who was able to attend as well as those who shared in the service and all who are praying and ministering to the Davis family during this time of need.

May the peace of Christ that passes all human understanding continue to guard our hearts and minds and may the Spirit of Christ continue to fill us with wisdom to reach out and minister to one another and to people we meet with sensitivity and compassion.

I am praying for Mother's Day to be a special day of honor for the ladies of Connections Christian Church. Please join as we hope to encourage all women-from the youngest to the oldest, single, married, widowed, divorced-to know the joy of Christ and the fellowship of His Church.

God Bless you All and may His Peace always be Yours and our friend Don's.

Sincerely,
Jeff

Dive Deep (1)

2010-04-30T14:29:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

I want to encourage you to support The National Day of Prayer by attending a community prayer service and spending time on May 6th deliberately praying for our Nation and leaders. Our Nation was founded through prayer to God in the name of His Son and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I encourage you to pray specifically for those who would attempt to degrade our heritage in this regard.

Mother's Day is May 9th and whatever your relationship is with your Mother, be it vibrant or strained or somewhere in-between, I encourage you to honor her with gratitude and grace. For those whose Mother's are deceased, I pray your memories are sweet and that perhaps you can reach out to a Mother who has lost a child and share your love with another in need.

One Mother who needs are prayers this week is Eleanor Davis, who lost her son and our friend, Don Davis Jr. this past week. Memorial Services are pending and announcements should be forth coming this weekend. Please remember the entire Davis family in your prayers as you continue to express your love and condolences in the days ahead.

We start a new lesson series at Connections this coming Sunday entitled "DIVE DEEP" and the theme verse is Luke 9: 23: Then he (Jesus) said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

The goal as we continue our study in the life of Christ is to go deeper in our understanding and application of discipleship. Simply put: it's about "Allowing Jesus to be Lord of All." May that be true of you and me and our families and this great Nation we call The United States of America.

God's Peace,
Jeff

BFF (9)

2010-04-23T09:36:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we continue our series BFF (Best Friends Forever) by exploring the life teachings of Jesus in Luke 8: 40-56. I hope you can join us and if not, that simply reading this passage might assure you of the grace and power of Jesus.

I turn my attention now to THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER which will be honored by millions on Thursday May 6, 2010. I look forward to the opportunity to share at McDonald's Commons in Madeira at 7:30 AM with members of several communities.

However, please know that I believe that recent rulings by government officials suggesting that THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER is now deemed unconstitutional, is beyond reasonable logic and a significant threat to the Christian heritage of our great country.

Add to this litigation against Mrs. Shirley Dobson and others for facilitating THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, and it is clear that we need to repent and turn again toward God before we implode from within for lack of accountability to our now current leaders.

The following is an expert from correspondence I received this week about a recent prayer of Billy Graham. As you read this, please understand that this is a pastor who once prayed with our Presidents, but today would not be invited to the White House to celebrate THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER.

Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!"

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program 'The Rest of the Story' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. I trust you share the concerns of Billy Graham and Paul Harvey and fully support the sentiments of the friend who sent this prayer by Billy Graham to me.

"With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God!'"

If so, please join me in praying on THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER for our government to turn in repentance to God and honor our Christian heritage as 'One Nation under God!' And please join me in advancing the agenda of leaders who share our Christian values.

God's Peace,
Jeff

BFF (8)

2010-04-16T17:09:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections we'll be continuing the lesson series BFF (Jesus is your best friend forever) and we'll be tackling some tough issues in our text.

Please read Luke 8:26-39 and give some thought to how Jesus ministered to a man that was possessed with multiple demons.

Most of us will never meet a man like this but we all have been exposed to evil and we are all experienced with the destruction it brings to relationships.

We're going to take a careful look at some addictive issues in our culture (check the headlines) and see how Jesus befriends and gives victory over personal demons to those who trust Him.

I also hope you'll join us for our new Connect-2-Group Study "The me I want to be" as we continue to seek to become all that God created us to be.

Remember the family of Millie Castle in your prayers. I shared in her memorial service today and was reminded both of the brevity and beauty of a life lived well in serving our Lord.

God's Peace,
Jeff

BFF (7)

2010-04-09T17:02:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

Easter was a wonderful time of celebration at Connections...we continue in that spirit this week as we resume our lesson series BFF: best friends forever!

I pray this series is serving to increase your faith in Jesus...as well as your gratitude for the relationship we enjoy with Him!

Please read Luke 8: 22-25...and then pray and reflect upon the timeless truth in this familiar passage as Jesus asks and we seek to answer the question "Where's your faith?"

Several in the church family continue to recover from challenging surgeries and situations...thank you for continuing to lift up the Lord and one another in prayer!

Be safe and enjoy God's Peace,
Jeff

Easter-hope for the future

2010-04-02T10:10:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

I am amazed anew this morning that Jesus transforms the despair of Good Friday into the glorious hope of Easter Sunday!

I praise God that Jesus chose to die for my brutal sins on Good Friday and rose from the grave on Easter Sunday because He loves me and He forgives me and He wants me to be His best friend forever!

I humbly seek to present His message of salvation in word and deed through the Spirit of His love because His transformation in my life is a gift that He freely and beautifully gives to all who place their faith in Him!

I pray you will do that this Easter weekend if you have yet to do so and having done so I pray that your life will be a living and grateful example of the blessing and hope that is ours in Christ Jesus!

Jesus said "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is my command, that you love one another" (John 15:13-14, 17).

I am amazed anew by Jesus this morning and wish you His hope and His friendship this Easter weekend and forever and ever. Amen!

God's Peace,
Jeff

BFF (4)

2010-03-26T12:30:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

Hope springs eternal as we anticipate Easter! Please join me in reflecting upon the Scripture above and by opening your Bibles and exploring other passages in the the coming week that remind us our Savior's sacrificial love for all humanity!

I look forward to this coming Sunday at Connections as we'll examine a parable in Luke Chapter 8 that reminds of our responsibility to continually invite others to share the rewards of a personal relationship with Jesus!

Nola Hopewell and Sally Leach will be having surgery in the coming days and we will be praying for them and others with considerable health concerns! There will also be an Egg Hunt for children in the morning and a Tournament Party for teens in the late afternoon!

Speaking of the tournament, hopefully the Buckeyes will be playing for a spot in the Final Four and it would be exciting if they could play one of our neighbors (West Virginia or Kentucky) in the final game next weekend to win it all! (a man can dream, right?)

Friends, listen, I'm praying for each of you by name throughout this Easter season and one of my prayers is that you will have an extra special Holy Week--as one of my mentors likes to say--be blessed and be a blessing!!

God's Peace,
Jeff

BFF (3)

2010-03-17T15:08:00.007-04:00

Hi Friends!

Throughout the 2010 Easter Season our emphasis at Connections Christian Church hasn't been so much about giving something up to honor God as it has been about praying for the Holy Spirit to increase our love for God and for others.

It's been exciting to see the difference the extra manifestations of love provided by the Holy Spirit in response to our prayers has been making in the life of our church and our homes and the communities we serve.

Our recent partnership with Matthew 25 Ministries in reaching out to the people of Haiti & Chile has been well received and inspirational to many. Our continued support of Cincinnati Pregnancy Care has helped to bring life giving and changing decisions to many more.

This week we'll be partnering with Kid's Against Hunger to help provide food for orphans in Appalachia and in Haiti and throughout the world. Others continually fill our Food Pantry which feeds several families each month.

I'm looking forward to our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday which is prepared by the ladies of our church and brings much joy to our children and to people like myself who tend to sample the goods as good parents should (peanut butter eggs are my favorite).

The message at Connections is love because 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that the highest love known to mankind was when God made His Son Jesus who had no sin to become sin on our behalf that we might be reconciled to God and once again have a right relationship with Him.

And so with all the love that's being manifest throughout this special season please join me in being mindful of our responsibility to share the highest love (the saving grace of Jesus) with every one we know and meet.

Would that you might be led by the Holy Spirit to lead another person to a saving relationship with Jesus this Easter and would that I might do so as well!

God's Peace,
Jeff

BFF (2)

2010-03-12T21:28:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

One of my Seminary Professors once told me that we have no need for Christ our Savior unless we first believe that God is our Creator. I'm facilitating a study through the book of Genesis in a Connect-2-Group on Sunday mornings at Connections and it's renewed my conviction that God is our Creator and Jesus is our Savior.

If you ever find yourself struggling with those or other issues in your Christian faith, I encourage you to involve yourself in a small group study that goes verse by verse through God's Word and discusses life issues in particular to the book of Genesis.

A couple of resources that are blessing me at the moment are a DVD study through the book of Genesis by Pastor Bob Russell that includes readings by his son Phil. Another ministry that assists me along these lines are the resources available through Answers in Genesis.

You can Google those resources on line and my prayer is that they would richly bless you in your journey with God our Creator and Jesus our Savior as they have blessed myself and the people I serve through the ministry of Connections Christian Church.

Remember to "Spring Ahead on Saturday" and God's Peace,
Jeff

BFF (1)

2010-03-03T14:19:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

My son and daughter share a goal of turning me into a techie...and even though it's entirely unrealistic for me to achieve that goal...I'm trying to be a little more relevant before technology and my children pass me completely by and leave me looking for my old rotatory phone...

We started a new sermon series at CCC last week...we're continuing our study through the gospels and we're looking at what Jesus has to say about friendship...after all the Bible says He is the ultimate BFF on the relationship menu...

Even so...one of the leaders of our church who is very geeky in nature told me that BFF would never mean "best friends forever" in his home...I was really disappointed and thought I had made a huge mistake...you see turns out BFF means "big fat fish" in his home...

When his son and daughter who are now excelling in grad school were my kids age...I guess they had some gold fish that grew to become whales...setting world records and being released from the fish tank to a garden pond...

I've heard reports that they actually sold their BFF on EBay and made a big profit...what can I say about that except this...the BFF we're talking about at CCC for the next several weeks is Jesus because Jesus said this...

In John 15: 13-17 Jesus said "No greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."

Now I g2g cuz my phone is vibrating and I think it's one of my kids...but let's keep loving others as Jesus loves us so one day when our iPhones and droids are stacked next to my old rotary phone and people can't remember if BFF means "best friends forever" or "big fat fish"...they'll still know that we are Christians by our luv...

God's Peace,
Jeff

It's All About Jesus (7)

2010-02-25T07:59:00.005-05:00

Hi Friends!

I admit that I have now joined the ranks of many of you who have told me you are dreaming of Spring and for me that's mostly about Baseball.

Pardon the pun but Spring Training is now in "full-swing" and Opening Day is just a month away and that's an exciting time in the city of Cincinnati.

Yes I'm a Red's fan for life and I sense something special is going to happen this year in the River City. I sense the Red's are going to make a run at the play-offs and that reminds me to reach higher for some things myself.

Philippians 3:14 says "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It's still mind-boggling to me that the Apostle Paul wrote that from a Roman prison and if he could write it from there then I think I should be able to live it from here.

Each time I see a ballplayer jump or dive or slide or over extend himself for a baseball this Spring and Summer, I'm going to remind myself to reach higher--to sell-out for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

With my physical limitations that has little to nothing to do with getting my feet off the ground but everything to do with getting my body outside the church building and sharing my heart for God through service to others.

We'll be preparing meals for children in Haiti in partnership with Kid's Against Hunger on March 20, 2010--I look at it like it's Opening Day for our church to dive forward, head-long, Peter Edward Rose style, into service this Spring and Summer.

I hope you'll join us as we look to be a church that gets our padded portions off the couch and out of the pew to reach for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus--the call to to win people to Jesus so they along with us can celebrate eternal life.

God's Peace and Go Red's,
Jeff

It's All About Jesus (6)

2010-02-17T11:26:00.005-05:00

Hi Friends!

Many people I've ministered to this week have told me that they're fond of snow but they're ready for Spring! I think what's being said is that we like seasons of light and life more than seasons of darkness and dying! Perhaps that describes you and if so you're in great company!

Remember Jesus said "I am the light of the world...and I am the resurrection and the life...and I have come that you might have life and have it to the full!" And while seasons change-Jesus never does-Hebrews 13:8 tells us "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!"

Join me in rejoicing in that truth-that no matter how deep the snow or our circumstances may be-Jesus is light and life and love and we can and should celebrate that in every season and every circumstance and with all people!

If you need a jump start or a word of encouragement along those lines-be sure to join other Christ-followers at Connections Cafe and in Worship each Lord's Day-if you can't attend Connections, be sure to connect and celebrate with another Bible believing church!

Hebrews 10: 19-25 says "We have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day approaching."

Celebrate Jesus my friends! Fellowship and rejoice with fellow Christ-followers and do so in every season and in every circumstance! And do so all the more as we anticipate the season of Christ's return for those who are found rejoicing in His life and light and love!

God's Peace,
Jeff

It's All About Jesus (5)

2010-02-10T16:42:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

I have a confession to make-in a week where we have watched the Saints win the Super Bowl and record snow fall in many states-I found myself struggling to see God at work.

And so I began to search the Scriptures to quiet the rumblings of my soul-and I was drawn to a passage I have been to many times before-but not for awhile.

And therein was my problem-"Be still and know that I am God" was something I needed to put back into perspective-I confess I was missing His joy in my journey.

Long and short-I purposefully moved out of the mainstream and into a place of solitude and prayer-and within moments I saw God at work again.

Understand as I am sure you do-God was at work all along and I was just missing the wonder of His works-and that got me to thinking that perhaps others might be too?

If your joy quotient has taken a dip as mine did for a day or two-find that place where I trust you've been many times before-the one that reminds you that God is at work in you.

And remember-the story of the Saints and the snow in 2010 will be good stories for years to come-but your story is forever.

God's Peace,
Jeff

It's All About Jesus (4)

2010-02-03T15:57:00.009-05:00

Hi Friends!

Do you recognize this man to the right?

My good friend and member of Connections (Bill Smith) has volunteered to Chair our Peanut Butter Drive for Haiti again this year. We partnered with Lifeline Christian Mission in 2008 to deliver over 1,000 jars of Peanut Butter to feed orphaned children and the need is even greater with respect to the devastation of the recent earthquake.

Last evening in our home group, another of our senior saints who was surrounded by mostly singles and couples in their 20's-40's said this: "Remember the Scripture that says, 'the one who knows to do good and doesn't do it, sins?'" (James 4:17) Our prayer at CCC is that knowing the good that we ought to do in Haiti and in our homes and communities and throughout the world will not give us occasion to sin, but to serve and honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Thank God for our "seniors" at Connections whose faithfulness inspires younger generations to sacrifice and minister to others with the compassion of Christ Jesus! We'll have a luncheon after Worship this Sunday to honor our "seniors" that's sponsored by one of our young couples.

I am truly humbled and blessed to be a part of such a loving fellowship! Thanks for your continued prayers and support in the ministry of Connections Christians Church!

God's Peace,
Jeff

It's All About Jesus (3)

2010-01-28T11:31:00.008-05:00

Hi Friends!

Our Connect-2-Groups at Connections have been reading and discussing the book Fearless by Max Lucado and it's been a real blessing to all. This past week we explored "The Fear of Insignificance" and the discussion in our home group was rich.

Max Lucado has such a heart for people and his exposition of Jesus' teaching about the value of the "fifth sparrow" really resonated with me. Can you ever think of a time when you felt like the fifth wheel? That expression has a whole new meaning to me in light of the lesson we shared about the fifth sparrow.

Rather than sulk with thoughts of insignificance, our application this week is to seek out others we can encourage with respect to their significance and value to God and His Kingdom.

I had the opportunity to send an email this morning to a couple of folks and do that very thing and I received the blessing of seeing someone who has been shaped to believe that the fifth sparrow has little value, begin to soar like an eagle.

And my prayer is that you would also soar today with the assurance that God made you, that He knows you, and that He loves you. And that you might be the wind of encouragement that helps another move from the fear of insignificance to the heights of God's love that is ours in Christ Jesus.

If you've yet to read the book Fearless I hope reading my blog this week will encourage you to do so! Give some careful thought to Chapter 2 and then read and reflect upon Matthew 10: 29-31 and Luke 12: 26!

And remember this: while some may make you feel like you're a fifth sparrow, that somehow you have little or no signficance, "You are God's masterpiece. He has created you anew in Christ Jesus, so you can do good things he planned for you long ago" (Ephesians 2:10 paraphrase by jh).

God's Peace and My Prayers,
Jeff

It's All About Jesus (2)

2010-01-21T09:44:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

Can you imagine the fear that must have enveloped the hearts of Haiti earthquake survivors when an aftershock hit their country yesterday? Can you imagine the images that would flash into mind of one who days before lived through such loss and devastation?

Even having ministered in Haiti in the past, I still really struggle to wrap my mind around the complexity of the needs facing these people. And yet I believe and know the deepest need of all humanity is to know and experience the peace of God that passes all human understanding in Christ Jesus.

So thank you again for your continued prayers and financial support and loving response in ministering to the deepest needs of people near and far. And may we continue to be found faithful in our Christian response to the cares and concerns and needs of all humanity.

God's Peace,
Jeff

It's All About Jesus

2010-01-13T12:51:00.008-05:00

Hi Friends!

I found this aerial photo of the recent earthquake devastation in Haiti from Reuters. The scenes on the street that are available on the web are much more graphic and telling and deserve not only our humanitarian but Christian response.

I encourage you to pray and partner with International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) at http://www.ides.org/ where 100% of your contributions earmarked Haiti will bring a response of food, clothing and medical goods with heart warming Christian compassion.

Our theme this year at Connections is "It's all about Jesus" and this is an opportunity for us to assist in taking this message to the world. Having ministered in Haiti in the past, I humbly ask for your prayers and support for this people and nation in need.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Happy New Year-2010

2010-01-05T16:10:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

I came across this picture recently and it resonated with me and I thought it might resonate with you. Each New Year it seems that we make resolutions to change and yet the transformation we need is ultimately in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!"

If you've yet to experience the life changing transformation of Jesus, I simply want to encourage you to walk with Him. If you've been on that path for awhile, I simply pray that you and I and churches far and near will continue to celebrate the journey of Jesus anew!

Have a blessed week and hopefully many of us will worship together this coming Lord's Day at Connections Christian Church as we continue our study of the gospels and encourage one another with the assurance that "Abundant life is all about Jesus!"

God's Peace,
Jeff

Happy New Year-2010

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends!

I just wanted to thank everyone from Connections Christian Church for making Christmas 2009 the best ever--the best ever because so many of you gave "The Unexpected Gift" of Jesus to your friends and families this year!

Praise God for the Gift of Jesus!
Praise Him for the privilege to share His Gift with others!

We launch our new series "It's all about Jesus" on Sunday January 3rd! It's a study through the Gospels that will encourage us to live for and like Him as we invite others to share in the joy of the awesome journey which is Jesus!

Bring your kids to Kidz Town and make sure you and your teens and your families and friends are committed to Worship each Lord's day and to a Connect-2-Group on Sunday and/or Tuesday in 2010 as we recommit ourselves to celebrate that "It's all about Jesus!"

I truly hope everyone shared in a wonderful Christmas and I want to wish everyone a Safe and Happy New Year! Please note that the Rose Bowl game starts around 5 PM EST on January 1, 2010! I hope you'll join me in saying "Go Bucks beat the Ducks!"

God's Peace,
Jeff

Christmas at Connections-Final 2009 Blog

2009-12-16T10:13:00.006-05:00

Hi Friends!

As most of you know our 2009 Christmas theme at Connections Christian Church has been "The Unexpected Gift" and in a single word "The Unexpected Gift" is IMMANUEL! We are so blessed that GOD IS WITH US and I pray as we enter the New Year that each and everyone of us will continue to listen to Him and honor Him as we minister to others!

For me, the video below really captures and clarifies the true nature of "The Unexpected Gift" of Christmas! I pray in watching it that you will be blessed and strengthen in the Lord and that you will have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Christmas at Connections-2

2009-12-10T22:23:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

This week at Connections Christian Church we continue our series "The Unexpected Gift" and our focus is to worship God with grateful hearts because He is a giver and not a taker.

Please give your attention to Philippians 2:1-11 in the days ahead which brings great clarity to the great gift God gave us in Christ Jesus.

I believe if we continue to love and serve God and others with the attitude of Jesus that we will have the best Christmas ever at Connections.

And that's my prayer for CCC-that we'll continue to be most blessed in our giving to God and others this Christmas.

God's Peace and Merry Christmas,
Jeff

Christmas at Connections

2009-12-03T20:13:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

Isn't Christmas an absolutely awesome time of year? It's the most anticipated time of the year and the most celebrated day of the year.

And who do we have to thank for that?

We thank God for the "unexpected gift" of Jesus!

To me, the best thing about the gift of Jesus is that once you've received the gift of Jesus you can immediately share the gift of Jesus with others.

Take a few moments and read and reflect on the verse above.

If you haven't memorized it, please make sure you do so.

There are many ways to share the gift of Jesus and I pray that John 3:16 might be one way that you will use to bless others this Christmas season!

Be sure to tell others about Jesus this Christmas!

Show them His love!

Friends, Connections Christian Church is dedicated to being "a place for you because of Him" this Christmas! I pray we will bless you and you will bless others with the gift of Jesus!

God's Peace,
Jeff

The Unexpected Gift

2009-11-25T07:42:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I decided to post the title for our Christmas series before Thanksgiving just to beat the rush for all things Christmas on Black Friday!

As we transition to and from one holiday to the next, I pray you will let your light shine on Black Friday and every day throughout the Holiday Season!

May we daily be grateful for the unexpected gift of Jesus and demonstrate our gratitude not just by our words, but by acts of kindness and compassion for others!

May God be honored in your home and mine and in communities and churches throughout the world as we closeout 2009!

May Jesus Christ be praised as the Savior of the World as the peace of Jesus Christ becomes evident to all in our every breath and deed!

May we join together as family and friends and communities of faith this Holiday Season and proclaim in and through our lives that a Savior has been born to us and He is Christ the Lord!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-11-20T12:20:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

We've completed the series "Life's Healing Choices" at Connections Christian Church and so now it's time for the stories to begin!

The last "healing choice" is to share your story, to "recycle your pain" if you will, for the benefit of allowing others to increase their faith in the healing power of our Savior!

This week Holly Spears will be sharing her story at 10:30 AM through testimony, art, and in concert with her band. We'll start our day with a catered Thanksgiving brunch at 9:15 AM.

Next week we'll focus on how the Apostle Paul applied these "healing choices" to his life and how beneficial his testimony and ministry is to each of us.

And then it's off to Christmas where our theme is "Unexpected Gift" and our focus will be sharing the gift of Jesus with others this Christmas.

I hope to see you at Connections throughout the holiday season and I pray you will join me in reading Psalm 100 and really surrendering yourself to giving thanks to the Lord each and every day of the year!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-11-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,

This week we wrap up the series "Life's Healing Choices" but those immersed in the study will tell you that the series never really ends. This is a series that has taught us to make daily choices to honor God and bless others while preventing relapses into our hurts, hang-ups and habits. Thanks for your positive feedback on this series and thanks again to our partners at Saddleback for sharing some resources with us.

A week from Sunday we'll be hosting Holly Spears in a Worship Concert and she will be sharing her story of how God has healed her from a childhood of heartache and abuse and given her a heart to reach out and minister to other young ladies in need. You can jump start getting to know her and her story by visiting her web-site at hollyspears.com

Please read Matthew 5:3-10; Luke 6:27 ff and I Corinthians 13 in preparation for the message and remember we are offering Life's Healing Choices for Ladies from 9 AM to 4 PM this coming Saturday and I'm praying for the group that is registered to be blessed by Sally Morgenthal's message.

Have a great weekend in the Lord!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-11-04T18:42:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

This week we're diving a little deeper into the 7th Beatitude of Jesus which says "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

I encourage you to read the following passages of Scripture in preparation for Sunday's lesson and your small group studies.

Genesis 1-3
Colossians 1:20
John 1:27
Philippians 4:7
Matthew 16:24
Romans 12:18-21
Ephesians 6:15
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Matthew 28: 19-20
2 Corinthians 5:13-15

Thanks for checking in and reading my blog. I pray the Scripture readings will strengthen your resolve to know and share the peace of God with others in the days ahead.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-10-30T09:22:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

Each day we're reminded of how fast-paced life is...signs tell us when we can cross the street...and the newer ones tell us how long we have to do it safely...and that's not much time because while some cars are parked many more are looking to accelerate...

It's a challenge to slow down in our get up and go society...but that's something I will be encouraging people to do this Sunday at CCC...to slow down and make the choice to forgive others as God has forgiven each of us...

This week's Life's Healing Choice comes from Matthew 5: 7 where Jesus said "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

Is there someone you need to forgive?
If so, will you slow down and take the time to do so?

Jesus promises supreme happiness to people who choose to forgive others the way God has forgiven each of us...so I encourage you to slow down and make the choice to forgive anyone you have yet to forgive...and to forgive them today...

You'll experience healing and safety when you choose to forgive...something we all need in the "zoom-zoom" world in which we live...healing and safety found in right-relationships with God and with His Son Jesus and with one another...

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-10-23T19:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends!

We're 5 weeks into the sermon series "Life's Healing Choices" and this week we'll be taking a careful look at the Beatitude of Jesus found in Matthew 5:6 which tells us how happy we will be if we hunger and thirst after a right relationship with God.

There's a corresponding promise in that verse that says we will not be disappointed, that we will in fact be filled and transformed by the character of God and that we will experience healing from our hurts, hang-ups, and sinful habits.

That's GREAT NEWS! Life in Christ is not about my righteousness but His! It's not about my striving, but my starving, my hunger, my appetite to know Him and worship Him and allow Him to be Lord of my life!

Take 5 minutes in week 5 to enjoy the "count-down" below. Read and reflect on the Scriptures in the "count-down" and take heart in knowing that God promises to guide those who hunger and thirst for relationship with Him and He always keeps His promises!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-10-16T14:53:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends!

Someone emailed me this week and asked me if I had lost my love for the Buckeyes or if I was sorry my Alma Mater was the second best college team in the great state of Ohio behind the Cincinnati Bearcats? The above picture is just to assure everyone that we're still flying high at THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY!

Speaking of flying high, our theme for the year at Connections is to "Live Big" and our current teaching series "Life's Healing Choices" really appears to be blessing people to that end. Thanks for your involvement and feedback, especially in our small groups, and for making the choice to allow Jesus and His church to bring healing to our hurts, hang-ups, and sinful habits!

Special thanks again to our friends at Saddleback for sharing resources with CCC and several other churches to facilitate and experience significant life change and healing in Christ Jesus! We are blessed to be hosting a "Women's Conference" on Saturday November 14 led by Professional Christian Counselor, Sandy Morgenthal, that centers in this journey of grace as well!

Speaking of a journey of grace, we launch our Kidz Town outreach on Saturday October 24 at CCC! I presented this in a community leader's meeting this past week and people were very receptive and offered prayers of support as well. Listen to local radio and check the Suburban Press next week for more information.

"Hats Off" to all who are healing and serving the Lord! Or perhaps I should say "Scabs Off" and Praise God for the power of His Spirit at work in the lives of His people in Christ Jesus! Have a blessed week and be careful to seek out others and share the love of Christ in ways that bless and encourage all!

Knowing this: "That He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it" (Philippians 1:6).

My Prayers and God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-10-08T16:31:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends,

This week we will continue to partner with churches across America in sharing the series "Life's Healing Choices."

This is our third lesson in the series and it centers on Jesus' teaching in the third Beatitude: "Blessed (supremely happy) are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

I hope to see you Sunday at CCC and that if you haven't had the opportunity, that you will join our small groups that are meeting to study, discuss and apply these teachings of Jesus to our lives in the coming week.

Also, the book by John Baker that inspired this series is available from our church. If you have yet to pick one up, just give us a call or see http://www.connectionscc.org/ for more information.

Finally, the picture above was sent to me this week by one of my accountability and prayer partners who serves as a leader in a church in the Bluegrass State. The caption next to the picture said, "This is one of the easiest ways I have heard life explained."

I'll share the short-story that accompanied the picture this coming Lord's Day. If you can't make it to CCC for worship and would like a copy of the story, post a comment to my blog or send an email to jeff@connectionscc.org and I'll share this story with you from my Wildcat friend that really served to bless me this week.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-10-02T13:25:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

We're heading into our second lesson at CCC in the series "Life's Healing Choices" and our momentum is great. The Spirit is leading, small groups are expanding, more and more people are in the Word and embracing the transforming healing of Jesus!

This week we'll look at the second Beatitude in Matthew 5:4 where Jesus tells us "blessed (supremely happy) are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Apart from faith in Jesus that makes no sense, but with faith in Jesus you'll find what everyone is looking for.

Below is a humorous attempt to show you the world's way to comfort. Come Sunday or join this study in another church that is bringing the message of transformational through the teachings of Jesus and experience that which is better than anything the world has to offer.

Speaking of that which is best: congratulations to Bryan and Kendra Clem upon the birth of their first child, a boy named Darren Stanley, born Friday October 2, 2009 at about 1:15 AM at the whopping weight of 7# 1 oz and 19 3/4" long.

For the record, I called a "boy" and I've nicknamed him "Baby Buckeye" and if you can't figure out why, call Bryan or myself and we'll teach you THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BATTLE CRY!! (get that...baby...cry) Ok...I'm done! Go Bucks and Clems!

God's Peace,
Jeff

Life's Healing Choices

2009-09-22T10:01:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!

One thing I am more convinced of today than at any other time in my life is that our world needs to experience the supernatural healing that is only available to us in Jesus Christ. That is what our new sermon series at CCC is all about and I covet your prayers for our partnership with churches around the world in reaching out to others with this life-giving and life-changing transformational message of grace and truth.

The video clip below is the testimony of one who is experiencing the healing grace and truth that is available to all in Jesus Christ. Thank God for this testimony and for thousands of other lives that have been healed from hurts, hang-ups, and habits that hinder a loving relationship with God and with one another.

This series at CCC is based (in-part) on a book by John Baker who is the founder of Celebrate Recovery, a ministry born out of Saddleback Church in California. I encourage everyone to obtain a copy of the book and to read it and search the Scriptures outlined in the book as you apply the life lessons outlined within its pages.

From my perspective, the only perfect book is the Bible and the only perfect teacher, preacher, pastor is Jesus. With that said, I highly recommend this book, in large part because it contains several written testimonies of people who have experienced the healing grace and truth of Jesus Christ that we all need and having received should be sharing with the world.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support of Connections Christian Church and for those churches and missions with whom we partner in reaching out with the abundant hope and healing of Jesus Christ. Special thanks to Pastors John Baker and Rick Warren and Saddleback Church for sharing the vision and resources to assist churches like Connections in bringing "life's healing choices" to communities around the world.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Remembering September 11, 2009

2009-09-10T14:03:00.018-04:00

"Be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
(I Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Those commands often go against my human nature. The words "always" and "continually" and "all" are the words that trip me up.

Yet knowing this is God's will for me in Christ Jesus, through the Spirit that empowers me to please Him, I desire to fulfill those commands.

If you desire this as well, would you join me in joy, prayer, and thanksgiving in remembering the events of September 11, 2001?

God doesn't ask us to be thankful "for" everything because evil is not of God; however, God does ask us to be thankful "in" everything because He continues to provide good "in" all things.

In a time when our nation is focused on everything from the economy, to education, to health care reform, let us not forget the terror caused by evil nor the good that comes from God.

Pray, give thanks, and be joyful because God is good all the time and He will reward good and punish evil in His time.

Thank you to our freedom defenders past, present and future and God's Peace to any and all who would receive or have received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

May the grace of God, the gift of Jesus, continue to be sufficient for all who put their faith in Him, especially for those who suffered in the events of September 11, 2001.

In Remembrance,
Jeff