A little more on the 3 H’s…
I had a great time Tuesday night at The Church at Mirror Lake sharing some on how powerful it is when you join Happy with Holy. If you didn’t get to be there, you should listen to the podcast. Just thought I’d add some more thoughts to that…
There are tons of verses in the Bible (the B-I-B-L-E, that’s the book for me) about being happy. Just go to biblegateway.com or some other Bible search site and do a keyword search for happy. (Use the Holman Christian Standard Bible version for the search since some of the other versions change happy to other great words that mean happy). There are so many, you just get the feeling God really wants you to be happy. Seems a shame that He is so often presented as so serious and somber, almost like He’s never happy. Yet, the Bible says He is a laughing God, a dancing God, a God who moves to the sound of joyful shouting, a God who smiles over us. I mean, think about it, He named the child of promise, Isaac, “laughter.” Isaac’s Hebrew name is literally “Ha Ha.” Jesus’ name is the Greek version of “Ha Ha.” Joy is not a feeling, it is a person—Jesus! The book of Hebrews says Jesus is the exact representation of God. I can’t imagine the face of Jesus without imagining a smile. Tell me He wasn’t smiling when, after He told them to “beware the leaven of the Pharisees”, his disciples thought He wanted to know who forgot to bring the bread! I know He had a twinkle in His eye and little smile on His face when He responded to James and John wanting to call down fire by calling them the “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus is all about transforming lives. Taking us from mediocre life to amazing life, from faking it to making it. Life is better with Jesus. Even the tough times are better with Jesus. We are going to have tough times. Jesus promised us that, but He ended the promise with reminding us to be happy. The Gospel could be called the “Get Back Up” Gospel because it promises us that when we get knocked down, we won’t be knocked out. Life with Jesus means we get back up and move forward. And it means we make a choice to be happy. Holy simply happens when Jesus moves into our life. Combine it with happy and you will change the world. Happy doesn’t last long without Jesus, cause this broken world will steal it. Holy gives happy the staying power. I know I am a winner, even when it feels like I am losing, because I have Jesus—because I am holy. Not because I lived up to a bunch of rules and regulations, but because I have a relationship with a laughing God who smiles over me, even when He is bending down to pick me up out of my self-induced mess. I am holy because of Him, nothing about my performance, all about Him. Happy + Holy = Harvest. Celebrate Jesus by making the choice to be happy and watch what happens—people you care about will be drawn to great life in Him.
A Life-Giving Church for People Just Like You!
Whether you are full of questions or ready to jump right in, there is a place for you at The Church at Mirror Lake. Our church is a place where you can build relationships with others, experience God in worship, be empowered by practical, life-giving teaching from God's Word, and have fun doing it.
Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at The Church at Mirror Lake.
If you believe Jesus really meant it when He said, "I came so people can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10 Message Translation) then join us this weekend at one of our Jesus Celebrations. Until then, browse our website (a link is on the right of this page) where you'll find lots of helpful info and feel free to download one of our service messages or subscribe to our weekly podcast where you will receive the fresh, life-giving Word of God.
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
05/19/09 - The 3 H's - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore discusses "The 3 H's" in this Tuesday evening service.
The 3 H's
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
The 3 H's
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
05/17/09 - Putting on Your Socks - Intentional Servanthood - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the Dressed For Success series, discussing "Intentional Servanthood" in this Sunday service.
Intentional Servanthood
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 17, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Intentional Servanthood
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 17, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Thursday, May 14, 2009
05/12/09 - Opening The Doors To Our Community - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore discusses "Opening the Doors to Our Community" in this Tuesday evening service.
Opening the Doors to Our Community
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Opening the Doors to Our Community
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Approval or Favor?
Approval or Favor?
In today's reading of the One Year Bible in 1 Samuel 15, we read the story of Saul's actions that result in God finding and anointing David as king. At first glance, especially after reading verse 12 and its comments on Saul building a monument to himself, it looks like Saul has pride issues. But we find the real issue when God says in verse 17 that Saul "thinks too little of himself." God sees his heart and knows that insecurity is Saul's issue. It is that insecurity that taints every decision he makes, and eventually leads to his destruction. He seeks the approval of men and is even willing to sacrifice his relationship with God for it. How many times do we sacrifice the great life Jesus came to give us for the approval of men? How many times do we compromise on decisions we have made in order to please others? The approval of others is so fickle and requires hard work to maintain. It is a life filled with pressure and mistakes because what pleases others changes with every person and every day. What pleased someone today may not be what pleases them tomorrow. Whew, makes me tired just thinking about it! Thank God, Jesus is the same--yesterday, today and tomorrow. No guesswork, no pressure, just the pursuit of a great relationship. The Bible teaches that we should be seeking favor instead of approval. Luke 2:52 teaches us that if we find favor with God, we will find favor with men. Favor with God is found in Jesus--it is a gift. Walking in that favor simply means being what God designed and destined me to be--not becoming, but being. Not working to accomplish it, just being. It's not something I do, it is what I am. Instead of reading the Bible to gain God's favor, I read the Bible because I have God's favor. Instead of pursuing good works to gain God's favor, I do good works because I have God's favor. Approval is not the same as favor. Favor is influence. Even people who do not approve of my decision to follow God will give me influence because of those decisions. No pressure cooker life that requires me to jump through hoops to please others. Just a great life walking with my King and experiencing favor. And here's the kicker, not only do I have God's favor, I have his approval. What a great life!
In today's reading of the One Year Bible in 1 Samuel 15, we read the story of Saul's actions that result in God finding and anointing David as king. At first glance, especially after reading verse 12 and its comments on Saul building a monument to himself, it looks like Saul has pride issues. But we find the real issue when God says in verse 17 that Saul "thinks too little of himself." God sees his heart and knows that insecurity is Saul's issue. It is that insecurity that taints every decision he makes, and eventually leads to his destruction. He seeks the approval of men and is even willing to sacrifice his relationship with God for it. How many times do we sacrifice the great life Jesus came to give us for the approval of men? How many times do we compromise on decisions we have made in order to please others? The approval of others is so fickle and requires hard work to maintain. It is a life filled with pressure and mistakes because what pleases others changes with every person and every day. What pleased someone today may not be what pleases them tomorrow. Whew, makes me tired just thinking about it! Thank God, Jesus is the same--yesterday, today and tomorrow. No guesswork, no pressure, just the pursuit of a great relationship. The Bible teaches that we should be seeking favor instead of approval. Luke 2:52 teaches us that if we find favor with God, we will find favor with men. Favor with God is found in Jesus--it is a gift. Walking in that favor simply means being what God designed and destined me to be--not becoming, but being. Not working to accomplish it, just being. It's not something I do, it is what I am. Instead of reading the Bible to gain God's favor, I read the Bible because I have God's favor. Instead of pursuing good works to gain God's favor, I do good works because I have God's favor. Approval is not the same as favor. Favor is influence. Even people who do not approve of my decision to follow God will give me influence because of those decisions. No pressure cooker life that requires me to jump through hoops to please others. Just a great life walking with my King and experiencing favor. And here's the kicker, not only do I have God's favor, I have his approval. What a great life!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
05/10/09 - Living Good in the Motherhood - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore discusses the benefits of servanthood in "Living Good in the Motherhood" in this Mother's Day Sunday service.
Living Good in the Motherhood
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 10, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Living Good in the Motherhood
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 10, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Gentleman Wins!
I noticed a few cool things this morning in the One Year Bible reading in the book of Ruth. Naomi tells Ruth to go and lay at the feet of Boaz, their family redeemer, and then he will tell her what to do. In other words, she gave him authority to speak into her life by sitting at his feet--the position of a servant. Then he was able to give her instructions and provide a strategy for her to win. She put herself in a position to win. Humility makes us a winner!
Too often, we will not position ourselves to win because we think we have to know all the answers and have the plan. Ruth had neither, but by positioning herself as a servant she got the plan and the answers. God wants us all to win and Jesus modeled the life of a winner--it looks like a servant. Someone said it well at the ARC All Access Conference last week: "We are not leaders who serve. We are servants who have been given the opportunity to lead." Increase your influence this week by finding people to serve.
Increase your success by giving authority to the right people. Ruth doesn't just go and lay at anyone's feet, she is at the feet of a man who has proven he is a safe place. Many times we give authority to the wrong people and get burned. That's why it's called "disillusioned"--we were putting our confidence in an illusion. Ruth was putting her confidence in something real and tangible--someone who could be trusted with her life.
Boaz had earned that trust because he was a gentleman. Don't see enough of that these days. Boaz doesn't know Ruth, but sees her working in his fields trying to scratch out a living. He goes out of his way to show kindness to her, treating her with dignity and respect. In the end Boaz the gentleman gets the girl. Looks like kindness, gentleness, and servanthood are the ticket.
Too often, we will not position ourselves to win because we think we have to know all the answers and have the plan. Ruth had neither, but by positioning herself as a servant she got the plan and the answers. God wants us all to win and Jesus modeled the life of a winner--it looks like a servant. Someone said it well at the ARC All Access Conference last week: "We are not leaders who serve. We are servants who have been given the opportunity to lead." Increase your influence this week by finding people to serve.
Increase your success by giving authority to the right people. Ruth doesn't just go and lay at anyone's feet, she is at the feet of a man who has proven he is a safe place. Many times we give authority to the wrong people and get burned. That's why it's called "disillusioned"--we were putting our confidence in an illusion. Ruth was putting her confidence in something real and tangible--someone who could be trusted with her life.
Boaz had earned that trust because he was a gentleman. Don't see enough of that these days. Boaz doesn't know Ruth, but sees her working in his fields trying to scratch out a living. He goes out of his way to show kindness to her, treating her with dignity and respect. In the end Boaz the gentleman gets the girl. Looks like kindness, gentleness, and servanthood are the ticket.
05/05/09 - True Worshipers - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore discusses being a "True Worshiper" in this Tuesday message.
True Worshipers
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 5, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
True Worshipers
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 5, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
05/03/09 - From Spectator to Coach - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore recasts the vision of the Church At Mirror Lake, focusing on "From Spectator to Coach" in this Sunday service.
From Spectator to Coach
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 3, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
From Spectator to Coach
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, May 3, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
Things I Like and Things I Don't Like
My Dad's favorite singer was an old country artist named Tom T. Hall. He had a song about things he loved with lines like "I love old pick up trucks..." I was forced to listen to WPLO, the country AM station in Atlanta back in the day, while riding alongside him in his pickup truck. He had an air horn on the top of the truck that I got to pull every now and then and that was fun. But of all the old style country songs I was forced to hear, the one about things Tom T. Hall loved seems to be the one I remember most. I thought I would use it as my diving board and jump into things I like and don't like.
I like the Church. Not just my church, which happens to be the best one in the world, The Church at Mirror Lake, but I like every life-giving church in the world. I like churches that lift up Jesus, proclaim His Gospel, make Him famous in their cities, and love people. I like their leaders. I like those that are the fastest growing churches in the world and everybody knows them and those that are quietly transforming the lives of people in rural communities and nobody outside their community knows them. I just like the church. I like coming together for large meetings on the weekend and I like gathering in small groups. I like the church. I like Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Ed Young Sr. and Jr., Craig Groschel, Chris Hodges, Ben Brinkman, Hal Hodges, Chuck Angel, Troy Shaw, Pastor Cho, Tommy Barnett, Eddie Long, Creflo Dollar, Josh Roberts and all the pastors and leaders in the world that we know and don't know. I like the Church.
I don't like church bashing. I don't like blogs that bash the church. I don't like tweets that bash the church. I don't like emails, books, articles, phone calls, or any other mode of communication that puts down, ridicules, belittles, denigrates, negatively compares, or destructively criticizes the church. I don't like hearing people in the U.S. put down large gatherings and talk about how the "real church" is meeting at their house or their coffee shop. Isn't it odd that you never hear negative comments about large gatherings in buildings from people in countries where there is no freedom to gather in large gatherings in buildings owned by local churches? I don't like the "either-or" attitude. I like large gatherings in buildings owned by local churches AND I like small gatherings in homes and coffee shops. I don't like comments like "a mile wide and an inch deep" made by jealous people because somebody's church is rocking the world. How much deeper does it get than seeing lives transformed by the Gospel? I don't like seeing Christians criticize the church because we have enough opposition without attacking from within.
I like what Jesus said, "Leave them alone. If they are not against us, they are for us." (Mark 9:39-41) I like people who are for the Kingdom of God. I like reading what they write, listening to them speak and cheering them on. I like keeping my life free from static and clutter so I like not reading stuff that puts down the church, its leaders, and the Kingdom of God. I like it when Greg Surratt tells people to grow up and quit acting like 5th grade boys on their blogs, facebook and tweets. I like Greg Surratt.
I like people. I like seeing people fall in love with Jesus and with His church. I plan on spending the rest of my life on this planet helping people do that. I like other people who have that plan.
I like the Church. Not just my church, which happens to be the best one in the world, The Church at Mirror Lake, but I like every life-giving church in the world. I like churches that lift up Jesus, proclaim His Gospel, make Him famous in their cities, and love people. I like their leaders. I like those that are the fastest growing churches in the world and everybody knows them and those that are quietly transforming the lives of people in rural communities and nobody outside their community knows them. I just like the church. I like coming together for large meetings on the weekend and I like gathering in small groups. I like the church. I like Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Ed Young Sr. and Jr., Craig Groschel, Chris Hodges, Ben Brinkman, Hal Hodges, Chuck Angel, Troy Shaw, Pastor Cho, Tommy Barnett, Eddie Long, Creflo Dollar, Josh Roberts and all the pastors and leaders in the world that we know and don't know. I like the Church.
I don't like church bashing. I don't like blogs that bash the church. I don't like tweets that bash the church. I don't like emails, books, articles, phone calls, or any other mode of communication that puts down, ridicules, belittles, denigrates, negatively compares, or destructively criticizes the church. I don't like hearing people in the U.S. put down large gatherings and talk about how the "real church" is meeting at their house or their coffee shop. Isn't it odd that you never hear negative comments about large gatherings in buildings from people in countries where there is no freedom to gather in large gatherings in buildings owned by local churches? I don't like the "either-or" attitude. I like large gatherings in buildings owned by local churches AND I like small gatherings in homes and coffee shops. I don't like comments like "a mile wide and an inch deep" made by jealous people because somebody's church is rocking the world. How much deeper does it get than seeing lives transformed by the Gospel? I don't like seeing Christians criticize the church because we have enough opposition without attacking from within.
I like what Jesus said, "Leave them alone. If they are not against us, they are for us." (Mark 9:39-41) I like people who are for the Kingdom of God. I like reading what they write, listening to them speak and cheering them on. I like keeping my life free from static and clutter so I like not reading stuff that puts down the church, its leaders, and the Kingdom of God. I like it when Greg Surratt tells people to grow up and quit acting like 5th grade boys on their blogs, facebook and tweets. I like Greg Surratt.
I like people. I like seeing people fall in love with Jesus and with His church. I plan on spending the rest of my life on this planet helping people do that. I like other people who have that plan.
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