With 6 steps under our belt, it comes time for us to address what it takes to maintain the changes that have come about in our lives. Of course, maintaining change is generally more difficult than making changes, but as Pastor Jeff reveals, that’s because we have the idea of maintenance backward. In order to keep any change, you must invest in your soul. Pastor Jeff challenges us to put the simple practice of daily time with God into our lives so that God can work change in us that lasts.

In this our sixth message in this series, Pastor Jeff talks about the first truly active step in our process of recovery. It is the step of reconciliation through the practice of offering forgiveness and making amends. There is perhaps no more important thing to the heart of God than when broken relationships are reconciled. Learn how this powerful truth can take you one step further on your path to wholeness and holiness.

I just want to post a public apology for something I said in my sermon on Sunday. In telling a story about some irresponsible behavior from my youth, I described my behavior as “crippled” and “retarded.” Since my teen years, I’ve learned that those words are offensive to many and don’t accurately communicate the worth of people who face physical or mental challenges. I just don’t think it was the right thing to say, so I’m sorry for it.

Of course, the irony is that the morning’s message was all about forgiving people for wrong they’ve done and making amends to those we’ve hurt. So I thank God for his grace in forgiving me for my many, many foibles, and I thank the people in this church for their grace and the encouragement they regularly give me in this ministry. But I also want to make amends to anyone I’ve injured or hurt. If you read this message and were offended by what I said on Sunday, please call or email so I can personally apologize to you.

We live by His grace.

We are looking for talented musicians (or those willing to work hard to become so) to join our modern-rock style worship band. Members will rotate through the band for Sunday Services, but the best will have opportunities to play gigs around town covering secular songs as well as playing Christian music.

We have a specific need for drummers and worship leaders, but men and women of any musical talent are encouraged to apply.

To apply, simply email Pastor Jeff by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab in the menu above or by filling out this form:

Contact Form

For anyone who wasn’t there on Sunday, I’m officially announcing the start of our Lafayette Community Church God Time Competition Second Wind!

On January 9 this year, I challenged everyone in our church to compete with me on how many days they could rack up this year spending at least 10 minutes with God. To spark your second wind, and also because many people have joined our church since January, I’m creating a special challenge for the month of May. The person who racks up the most consecutive days with a God time will receive a Christian music CD selected by them, but purchased by me.

Here are the specific rules to follow.

Rules

In order to qualify, a “God Time” must meet these qualifications.

• It lasted ten minutes (longer is acceptable, but not necessary).
• You read something from the Bible.
• You wrote something in a journal (a prayer, a thought, questions for God, reflections on your day, etc.)
• You prayed (quieting your heart to bring your concerns to God and listening to see what concerns he brings to your mind.)

Who can make it all month long? If you want, you can track your progress here by leaving a comment, or on our facebook group discussion board.