Sunday Remix

-The launch of the Wild Wild West Series seemed to be a little flat, but I think the majority of that was just in my head.

-I felt like my head was in a fog the whole day. Thank God when we're in a fog He still sees clearly. God really use the day to stir people to embrace adventurous faith in God and God's plan for our lives.

-We didn't have anything in the foyer showing that we were doing a Wild West Series. I think this brought an awkwardness for guests because our pre-service music included some old western songs from movies and for some reason Hank Williams "And we'll go Honky Tonkin' Honkey Tonkin" got in the mix. I could see on the face of one guest not familiar "with our ways" (sinister laugh) that she just wasn't quite sure what she got herself into. By the end of the day she was lovin' it.

-I presented the thought that our heart is a Wild Wild West that God desires to win, but if that's going to happen then we will have to deal with some outlaws. Over the next three weeks we will look at three different outlaws that keep us from experiencing great adventures and discoveries in our faith.

If the west was to be one then: #1 The law had to be laid down. every town needs a sheriff. Dodge City had Bat Masterson. Tombstone had Wyatt Earp, and we has Christ followers have God's word both written and etched into our hearts by His Spirit.

#2 If the west was to be won then the outlaws had to be dealt with. Every outlaw needs a high noon. Jesse and Frank James, the Dalton gang all were dealt with so that the west could be one. There are outlaws in our life that need a high noon. They need brought into the light and dealt with. Outlaws like doubt, fear, envy, whatever threatens to stake claim to your territory, treasure, or testimony.

#3 While conquering the west always remember that a man alone was a dead man. Every cowboy needs a posse. We encourage people to get into small groups over the next five weeks as we look at conquering the Wild Wild West in our lives. This was we can see God bring us into new experiences, discoveries, and adventures with Him.

-When I recapped the every's of the sermon: every town needs a sherif, every outlaw needs a high noon and every cowboy needs a posse; it popped into my head the old song from Poison "Every Rose"

It was hilarious hearing everybody sing "every rose has it's thorn, just like every night has it's dawn, every cowboy sings a sad sad song.... every rose has it's thorns." I love emc!!!

-After service we did a Journey Group Connect so people could get linked with a group for the next 5 weeks.

-Finished the night with a group of leaders at our house having our final and fourth week in Discipleship for Leadership. Those who were able to make it, it was a great time spent with you all I am so thankful that God has all of us in this journey together. Let's take 1000's with us over the decades to come!!!