tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51368088774047257032024-03-04T01:43:27.612-05:00Running with ScissorsStories about my family, God, Church, Politics, and life, in no particular order. Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.comBlogger536125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-18389825491788570372012-10-10T15:37:00.001-04:002012-10-10T15:38:54.041-04:00The Darker Side...<div class="pccLeft">
A GREAT post by Tony Morgan...it's true of all people...not just pastors. <a href="http://tonymorganlive.com/2012/10/10/the-dark-side-of-pastor-appreciation-month/">Tony Morgan's page...</a><br />
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The Dark Side of Pastor Appreciation Month</h1>
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I always blame Hallmark for the “holidays” that nobody ever heard
of that suddenly pop up on the radar. I’m sure it’s just a vast
right-wing conspiracy to sell more greeting cards.<br />
“Pastor Appreciation Month” probably wasn’t a Hallmark invention, but
it sometimes it feels a lot like Grandparents Day or Sweetest Day or
many of those other invented holidays where the prospective
gift-receiver is left wondering, “If people don’t recognize me, do they
really love me?”<br />
I appreciate pastors. I really do. Many of my best friends are
pastors. My brother’s a pastor. I was a pastor. You don’t have to
convince me that pastors have a challenging role with unique stresses
and rewards.<br />
Having worked with hundreds of pastors across the country, though, I
know you. I know your tendencies. I know your vulnerabilities.<br />
With that, here are some things to consider…<br />
<ul>
<li><b>You’re setting yourself up for disappointment if you are expecting appreciation.</b>
When we our surprised by someone’s kind word or gesture, it has a
bigger impact. When it’s expected, you’ll never know if it’s genuine and
it’s unlikely it’ll ever meet your expectations.</li>
<li><b>You think you have a tough job, but there are people in your congregation that have tougher circumstances.</b>
You are not unique. If you ever get to a place where you think your
circumstances are far more difficult than anyone else’s, that’s a sure
sign that you need to see a counselor.</li>
<li><b>You may be pushing people away who don’t have appreciation months.</b>
There are factory workers, administrative assistants, CEOs, food
service workers, homemakers, insurance salespeople and many other
professions that don’t get entire months to be appreciated. Don’t
alienate the people you are trying to reach by expecting appreciation
that they will never see.</li>
<li><b>If your church appreciates you, I sure hope you’re effectively appreciating them.</b> Remember, <a href="http://tonymorganlive.com/2011/03/31/honor/">God designed honor to go both ways</a>.
What are your strategies and systems to make sure the people in your
church are honored in the same way you feel honored every October?</li>
<li><b>When we spotlight the role of the pastor, it downplays the role of God’s people doing the work of God.</b>Lifting
up the role of the pastor can be a dangerous thing if it deviates the
church from embracing the priesthood of the believers. We need to be
careful that we don’t embrace a practice that reinforces poor doctrine.</li>
</ul>
For all the pastors out there who are reading this, know that I <i>do</i>
appreciate you. Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for your
leadership. Thank you for your teaching. Thank you for helping hurting
people. Thank you for loving people enough that you don’t want to leave
them where they are.Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-29158033397801776772012-09-30T06:57:00.001-04:002012-09-30T06:57:34.761-04:00It's Been a WhileFor a season I took my blog off line. I wasn't sure I wanted to keep blogging, I wasn't keeping up with the page, and honestly, blogging is sort of a thing from the past. I mean seriously? Who is blogging these days? <br />
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Over the last few days God has made a few things clearer in my life and one of them is that he wants me to expand my duties and increase my spiritual influence as a writer and speaker. I'm not all that certain as to what that is going to look like, but for now, I'll bring the blog back to life and allow God to speak through me via this tool. I'm not sure how often I'll post, but I'll post more frequently than I have over the last year. <br />
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God has take April and I through some incredible things and I'll begin sharing those very soon.Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-13490141197852475302012-04-19T16:49:00.001-04:002012-04-19T16:51:35.402-04:00Stuff the Church has to Deal With...<h3 id="post-4731"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Saw this post by Perry Noble and had to paste it...you can click on the title and read it on his blog or here :)</span><br /></h3><h3 id="post-4731"><a href="http://www.perrynoble.com/2012/04/19/four-problems-the-church-has-got-to-deal-with/" title="Four Problems The Church Has GOT To Deal With!">Four Problems The Church Has GOT To Deal With!</a> April 19, 2012</h3> <p><strong>#1 – We are answering questions that no one else is asking. </strong></p> <p>I’m glad that we can debate theology and know terms that make us seem intelligent and cause other people to scratch their heads; however, at the end of the day people are not asking about the five points of Calvinism, the trichotomy or dichotomy of the Spirit or the peccability/impeccability of Christ! They are asking “why is my life falling apart?” Or, “how do I get past the fact that I was sexually molested when I was eight?” Or, “how do I, as a single mom, lead and provide for my family?”</p> <p>Too many people are so obsessed with their theological labels, I believe, so that they don’t actually have to do real ministry!</p> <p><strong>#2 – We call laziness “authenticity!” </strong></p> <p>The church is the bride of Christ–established by Him, purchased by Him and pursued by Him! We have the promises of God and have been empowered by HIS HOLY SPIRIT! We should be doing things BETTER than Apple, BETTER than Disney and BETTER than Google! There is WAY more at stake with what God has called us to! And “Spirit Filled” should not equal poorly planned, thrown together and poorly executed! And…no one should say, “I’m doing this for Jesus” and then follow it up with a half-hearted, piss poor effort. When it came to redeeming mankind Jesus did not search the back corners of heaven to find some under-challenged angel who had nothing to do…HE came, HE did it, HE paid for the sin of the world!!! HE GAVE HIS BEST…His followers should do the same!</p> <p><strong>#3 – We use “discipleship” as an excuse to not do evangelism. </strong></p> <p>I’ve heard too many churches say that they are not reaching people because they are too busy making disciples. A few things to consider here…</p> <p>ONE – EVERY disciple in the Bible was an evangelist!!! There is not one example of one of the original disciples that formed some sort of holy huddle and gave the rest of the world the middle finger! It is IMPOSSIBLE to become a DISCIPLE if EVANGELISM isn’t a part of the process!</p> <p>TWO – I have found that every time people in a church says something like what was mentioned above it is simply because they do not know anyone that is lost!!</p> <p><strong>#4 – We are becoming political and neglecting the prophetic. </strong></p> <p>Let me be very clear…Christians can and should have political opinions! (Have you ever noticed that those who criticize Christians for having a political opinion always seem to have their own political opinion?) We should vote (and if you don’t then keep your mouth shut when it comes to our country and how it is led!) We should pray for our leaders as the Scriptures clearly teach.</p> <p>However, the churches main goal should be to declare the Gospel, NOT advance an agenda of a particular political party!!! We should declare God’s message, God’s Word, God’s truth and in God’s way (see <a href="http://biblegateway.com/bible?version=31&passage=John+13%3A34-35" class="bibleref" title="NIV John 13:34-35" target="_new">John 13:34-35</a>!) Churches than get in bed with politics always wake up the next morning to find their lover gone!!! We should NEVER use the platform God has given us for an agenda other than HIS!!!</p>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-80065347435404376072012-03-12T19:22:00.005-04:002012-03-12T19:37:03.769-04:00Politics and the Church..Some RamblingsI enjoy Facebook. I like being able to keep up with friends some close to me now and others I once enjoyed the company of on a more regular basis. One thing I am not looking forward to is the soon to be coming onslaught of political speak that is sure to increase with the upcoming Presidential election. I enjoy politics, I enjoy a healthy debate on issues, and I detest name calling and belittling over disagreements. I can say this much, there are good people on both sides of the political isle that I care very much about....with that in mind here are a few of my thoughts about politics and the church:<br /><ul><li>My faith will NEVER be in any candidate or political party.<br /></li><li>Collectively the church, I believe, does itself a disservice by investing itself so heavily in the process during Presidential elections...these are just men (and women) as Benjamin Franklin once said "we are not demi-gods."<br /></li><li>Until hearts and minds are broken for the things of God, any victories it gets in the process are fleeting at best.</li><li>Jesus did not come to the earth to score political victories.<br /></li><li>Will I vote? Yes, in fact, I just did in last weeks primaries...but I don't ever...ever want to get to the place where my faith, hope, and dreams rest in the hands of any politician or party.</li><li>I will say I am praying for the country, but not for a candidate to win.<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-36610532941227848032012-03-11T16:31:00.002-04:002012-03-11T16:39:09.791-04:00Sunday Mind DumpWhat a nice day out there! Started out with a great church service, moved to lunch with my daughter, a two hour nap, and now the best weather in about 6 months....that is a Sunday right there! So let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Finished up our series on parenting with a discussion about prodigals today. <br /></li><li>Couple things to keep in mind if you want to reach a prodigal: Get serious with your prayer life...some things to pray for: the right friends, pray they get caught when doing wrong, and pray god will do whatever it takes to get their attention.</li><li>Learn to have unending patience! It's hard I know...</li><li>Love unconditionally.</li><li>Next week we are going to start a new series looking at some of the miracles Jesus performed and what that means to us....promise you're gonna like it!</li><li>We can't meet at the Lighthouse on March 25th-so we are going to meet at the Greek Garden....just for that one day :)</li><li>I am so excited about what God is going to do at 242 Church I can hardly contain myself! We are believing for some big big things!</li><li>Next week we are going to do a new song hand picked by your's truly as the theme for the series! Hope it grows on you!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-24293918391370077622012-03-04T18:10:00.004-05:002012-03-04T21:12:25.203-05:00Sunday Mind DumpWhat a great weekend! It was honestly off the charts good! So let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Best Chili Cook Off ever! A great turn out...good food...and so funny!</li><li>The highlight of the night was the comedian...Will McDaniel was very funny and the kids had a ball!</li><li>Congrats to Tina Lamb! She had the chili with the most points and won the contest.</li><li>The night was topped off with a lock in for the kids...Shout outs to John, Kelli, The Emily's, and JT for staying up all night with the kiddos!</li><li>Message this morning on disciplining our kids. So important. A couple of things.</li><li>Allow your kids to feel the consequences of their actions...it teaches them the concept of reaping and sowing.</li><li>Never discipline you kids when you're angry...Ephesians reminds us "in your anger do not sin." As parents, it can be easy to cross the line if we are disciplining when we are angry.</li><li>Next weekend we'll talk about how to reach our kids when all seems lost.</li></ul><br />I am outta here!Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-19044975426353109282012-02-26T14:06:00.003-05:002012-02-26T14:10:46.933-05:00Sunday Mind DumpIt's Sunday...that can only mean one thing...it's mind dump time! So, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>John taught this morning on the subject of what our kids really need. He did a great job on it too!</li><li>I am enjoying playing the drums every week. Still getting used to it though...I've always been a guitar player or a bass player and now...adding being a drummer into the mix is a tad weird...but, if it brings glory to God and helps build his church I am all over it!</li><li>Next weekend is the Chili Cook Off....really excited about that...should be a hoot!</li><li>Also...we are bringing in a comedian for the event! That will be fun !</li><li>Better get back to my Sunday afternoon laying around time...I never get that any other day...not at anyone else does either :)</li></ul><p><br /></p>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-13637895001666367932012-02-19T20:21:00.002-05:002012-02-19T20:28:46.409-05:00Sunday Mind DumpWhat a great Sunday! Let's Dump!!<br /><ul><li>For starters we had our first Pancake and Sausage breakfast...A huge thank you to Kala, Alisa, JT, and Dennis for making it happen...you guys are the BOMB!</li><li>Love where we are as a church right now. God has some great things on the radar...couldn't be more excited about them.</li><li>Started a new series today....talking about parenting...Could be one of the most important topics we cover all year.</li><li>We talked about two things today...first, we have the ability to change our families for generations if we do two things: Love our God and Lead our families.</li><li>Be intentional about it!</li><li>Really enjoying playing drums at church. It's been a long time since I've played them and it's a little slow getting the grove back but it's coming back slowly but surely!</li><li>April missed church today because she was working on an appeals court brief...talk about a boring pain in the rear! I love her though and she's great at what she does!</li><li>Better get off this crazy computer!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-63177763626638800122012-01-29T16:16:00.002-05:002012-01-29T16:23:14.349-05:00Sunday Mind DumpI love Potluck Sundays! So much food and fellowship...they really are a great time....although it was funny...as soon as we left church April was telling me she was already hungry again...She is a trip! So let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Great food and fellowship...I know I already mentioned it but you can't say it enough!</li><li>Had our church business meeting today, approved a budget, and talked last years finances. <br /></li><li>Also...we announced today that we have raised the initial $15,000 for our matching $15,000 grant. Can I just say right now how awesome that is! God provides!!</li><li>So many big things on the agenda for this year...I am really excited about where we are as a church.</li><li>Working on some new message series...I can promise you this...it won't be dull :)</li><li>Someone (to remain nameless in order to prevent a liable suit) was taking pictures of me today in order to highlight the fact I wear Hawaiian shirts and sandals in the winter in Ohio...like that is so strange!</li><li>I better get back to work. The rest of the MythBuster series isn't going to write itself!!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-68919325536399872092012-01-22T16:47:00.002-05:002012-01-22T16:52:57.209-05:00Sunday Mind DumpSome days you feel great teaching and some days you don't. For me, today was one of those days I felt like I had tunnel vision and wasn't thinking as clearly as when I wrote the messages. Some days are just plain better than others! So, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>A heavy teaching day...the MythBusters subjects were very difficult and the room was fairly split on how they felt about the questions before I presented my answers...That makes for a tricky answer! No matter what you say someone isn't going to agree with it!</li><li>I do want to say a huge thank you to everyone who volunteers and makes 242 possible....you guys are awesome :)</li><li>Next week is our 5th Sunday potluck...no message...just fellowship...I love it!</li><li>Also, we will have our all church business meeting after the potluck. We'll go over the finances from last year and talk about this years budget. We'll also talk about a few things we want to do this year....should be fun!</li><li>Took a 2 hour nap today after church...that ALMOST never happens!</li><li>Now, on to some Chili and Football!!!</li><li>I am out!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-82879312649828989482012-01-16T08:10:00.002-05:002012-01-16T08:18:44.125-05:00Sunday Mind Dump ( Monday Edition)Yesterday we kicked off a new teaching series called "MythBusters". As part of this series, I am answering the questions asked by members of 242 church. It was a lot of fun answering the questions and honestly, messages like this help keep me theologically and intellectually sharper...so, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Question 1: Does God still speak to us: Yes, primarily through the Bible, Occasionally through visions, dreams, circumstances, and people, and very rarely audibly.</li><li>Question 2: What does the Bible say about race: We are all one people. Genetically speaking the different racial characteristics are a very small part of our genes. <br /></li><li>Question 3: Does the Bible mention dinosaurs: I believe it does. See Job 40...</li><li>Question 4: Can a person partake in communion without being baptized? Yes...</li><li>Question 5: Can God create a rock so large he cannot lift it? No, not because he's not powerful enough, but because it would go against his nature...</li><li>If weren't in church I suggest you go to the web site (www.findlay242.org) and give the message a listen...I think you'll enjoy the message and perhaps learn something!</li><li>Great day all around for us....love it when we have to pull out extra tables and chairs to seat everyone!!!</li><li>Next week we have more difficult subjects....I can't wait!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-595719040554697322012-01-08T15:32:00.002-05:002012-01-08T15:38:48.718-05:00Sunday Mind DumpSome days I just love being able to teach...today was one of those days! There is just something awesome about standing before God's people and allowing God to speak through you in a way that buildts peoples faith in him. It's awesome and very humbling....so let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Talked this morning about what do we do when God has promised us something but it doesn't seem like it's happening...in fact, many times, it seems like it's getting worse and not better.</li><li>It's at times like that we need to remember our circumstances do not have to be at 100% for our faith to be at 100%. We trust God in spite of what is going on around us.</li><li>Next week we are starting our mythbusters series...I can promise you this....it's going to be fun!!</li><li>I think this morning was the best the band has sounded in a long time...we played and sang well...you guys are awesome!</li><li>Looking forward to the end of the month....yep, you guessed it, it's potluck Sunday!</li><li>Loved seeing people singing, raising hands, and worshiping this morning...Awesome!</li><li>Time to watch some football!</li><li>See ya!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-32332268160638809002012-01-05T19:58:00.004-05:002012-01-05T20:04:19.102-05:00What's more important-Knowledge or love?Every now and then I read something that I just fall in love with and today was one of those days. Here is an article written by Francis Chan (one of the best Bible teachers out there)! Enjoy!<br />I've enclosed the link at the bottom of the story if you want to check in out at it's original source.<br /><h1><br /></h1> <h1>Francis Chan: What's More Important—Knowledge or Love?</h1> <div class="article_metadata"> <div class="article_author_name"> <a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/author/FrancisChan/" title="More from Francis Chan">by Francis Chan</a></div> </div> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style article_top"> <a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/#" title="Email" class="addthis_button_email at300b"><img src="http://www.churchleaders.com/files/images/email_this_btn.gif" alt="Email" border="0" height="22" width="86" /></a> <a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/#" title="Send to Facebook_like" class="addthis_button_facebook_like at300b"><span></span></a> </div> <div class="article_image_and_abstract"> <div class="article_abstract_image"> <img src="http://www.churchleaders.com/thumbnail.php?file=article_images/12.6.KnowledgeOrLove_101222748.jpg&size=article_large" alt="Francis Chan: What's More Important—Knowledge or Love?" /> </div> <div class="article_abstract">Your brilliance is worthless if you’re not building up your brother—and even worse if you’re destroying him with your knowledge.</div> </div> <p class="article_text_spacer"> </p> <p>Knowledge is essential, but it’s not sufficient. It takes knowledge for me to write this. We need to think. We must know the truth.</p> <p>But knowledge alone is not sufficient for the Christian life. It’s not enough just to have knowledge. That’s why Paul says in <a href="http://www.esvonline.org/1+Corinthians%2013.2" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:2</a>: “If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” <em>Think hard</em>. But know that it’s not enough. Paul says even if he had all knowledge but didn’t love, he would amount to nothing. In other words, you can be brilliant and worthless.</p> <p>It would be like a great basketball player who never misses a shot but keeps shooting into the opponent’s basket. He may say, “I was five for five today from the three-point line,” but his teammates would respond, “But you’re killing our team! You’re shooting at the wrong basket!” He answers confidently, “But I did not miss.” That is the kind of attitude that Paul is confronting here. <em>You might be brilliant, but you’re killing our team. You’re not building up the brothers; you’re making them feel dumb and wounding their conscience. You’re not stirring them up to love and good deeds. You just keep making them feel inadequate. By your knowledge, this weaker brother is being destroyed!</em></p> <p>Your brilliance is worthless if you’re not building up your brother—and even worse if you’re destroying him with your knowledge. So when you look at people, do you love them? Do you think, <em>Let me use my knowledge to build this person up?</em></p> <h3>What Christians Say to Each Other</h3> <p>So often when I read statements on blogs (or tweets)—comments that brothers will write to those who are supposed to be fellow brothers—I think, “Where is the love?” It burdens me. I can’t believe some of the things Christians say to each other in person—and maybe especially online (when you don’t have to look them in the face). How is what you’re saying supposed to build that brother—or anyone else who hears it or reads it? Our knowledge should be pressed into the service of love. It should serve to build each other up. That’s what love does. It builds up. It looks to help others, not hurt them.</p> <p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong>True Knowledge</p> <p>It is such a danger to puff yourself up and imagine that you’re a brilliant person. It’s like the school bully who imagines himself as the hero because he is the strongest. He can beat anyone up. But everyone else knows that he’s not a hero but a jerk. If he were a real hero, he would defend the weak. He would be lifting them up, using his strength to care for them and protect them, not to bully them.</p> <p>In the same way, with biblical and theological “knowledge” come the intellectual bullies who seem to know so much and imagine themselves to be so knowledgeable. But Paul is saying that they may be only imagining that they are knowledgeable, because if they really knew, they would use their knowledge not to weaken others but to strengthen them. Not to tear them down but to build people up. That’s what love does.</p> <h3>A Closing Challenge to Thinkers</h3> <p>Thinkers, let’s not fool ourselves: To “be conformed to the image of [Christ]” is what we were predestined for, right (<a href="http://www.esvonline.org/Rom.+8.29" target="_blank">Rom. 8:29</a>)? We’ve been predestined to walk as Jesus walked. It’s great if we have thought hard about Jesus and wrestled with doctrines such as predestination, but my prayer is that this information becomes true knowledge and that we actually become like him and that our knowledge doesn’t make us arrogant so that we gloat about it and show off what we know. My prayer for me, and for you, is that everyone we come in contact with would feel our love for them and be built up. That they would see the fruit of our having said, “How can I lift them up with this knowledge that I have?”</p> <p>Let’s not fool ourselves and imagine that we know so much. Maybe we don’t know anything at all. Maybe some of us have been using our knowledge to tear our brother down and hurt that brother for whom Christ died. Let’s not be guilty of the Corinthian error.</p> <p>So I’m asking God even right now as I write these final words that he would give me love for others. <em>Oh, God, let me believe what I’m saying</em>. And I hope that you would think through your words and how you can build others up and think about others as brothers and sisters in Christ—so much so that when unbelievers see it, they will have a glimpse of God.</p><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/157071-francis_chan_whats_more_important_knowledge_or_love.html#.TwZGyeTlxX0.email">http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/157071-francis_chan_whats_more_important_knowledge_or_love.html#.TwZGyeTlxX0.email</a>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-29613389096749178582012-01-01T17:47:00.002-05:002012-01-01T17:53:35.181-05:00Sunday Mind Dump ( Monday Edition)What a cold and windy day to start off a new year! That said, it was still a great day...so, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Started a new 2 week series based on the book Sun Stand Still. One of my favorite stories and prayers found in Joshua 10. Awesome God sized miracles and faith!</li><li>We talked about the notion today that if their is something in our lives that's too big for us to do it's just the right size for God. <br /></li><li>Praying a Sun Stand Still prayer means you might have to march (or pray) all night long for it to come through. God wants to see our faith before he turns on his power.</li><li>Next week we'll look at what do we do when we have a Sun Stand Still type of prayer but we haven't yet seen God move? What then?</li><li>Some really cool things on the agenda. 242 is going to have a huge 2012!</li><li>Over the next month I'll share some of my Sun Stand Still prayers for 242.</li><li>I am out!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-61705099093244721252011-12-26T08:55:00.002-05:002011-12-26T09:01:52.375-05:00Sunday Mind Dump ( Monday Edition)What a great Christmas day! It wasn't a white Christmas, but any day spent with family is ok in my book...so, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Glad to be back from our vacation. We went to Southern California for a few days. We love the weather and scenery there, but it's always nice to be home.</li><li>Yesterday we talked about Jesus being our Light at Christmas. He came into this world to light up our lives and that was the best gift God could have ever given.</li><li>I was amazed at the crowd we had yesterday. Honestly, I thought no one would show up for Church on Christmas morning!</li><li>For the next two weekends we are going to take a look at one of the boldest prayers ever uttered and what it means for us. It's based on a book called "Sun Stand Still" and the prayer was uttered by Joshua....it's going to be good :)<br /></li><li> The second week of the two week message I'll share my "Sun Stand Still" prayers for our church.</li><li>Better get off this computer!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-60110215476602215402011-12-24T07:58:00.002-05:002011-12-24T08:07:11.933-05:00While you're awaySo, for the last week April and I have been on the west coast with a little get away I had promised her before she started law school. I love traveling because, for me, I can leave my work behind (for the most part) and just veg out a little. Many times, I'll take a book with me and read that, but this time I didn't even do that! I just wanted to get away, pray, and listen to what God had to say to me. <br /><br />It's interesting how God speaks. Here we were in one of the most traffic laden places on the planet (LA) and in the midst of all the sights, sounds, and life that is LA I found myself spending time alone with God. I started praying that God would reveal himself to me and speak to me. I can honestly say he did just that....The message was a private one, but something I really needed to hear from him.<br /><br />I would encourage each of you to do whatever you can to get away for a while. Maybe you don't need or can't take a trip across the country. But, you can turn off the computer, TV, and buzz of the cell phone for a few hours on a Saturday and just listen to what God is saying with his still small voice. I promise you that when you do, it's amazing and you'll leave that experience with God a better person and feeling like a million bucks :)Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-80495544893320240542011-12-11T17:45:00.002-05:002011-12-11T17:53:09.143-05:00Sunday Mind DumpWhat a great day. I had a ball teaching this morning....so, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>This morning we had sort of a Pre-Christmas message. We talked about how Jesus is the Way, The Truth, and the Life.<br /></li><li>One thing we talked about it detail was the concept of seeking and asking questions. If you're not sure I encourage you to seek. But, do it with integrity. Don't preform an opinion about God then only look for things that support your opinion. Search with an open mind and be willing to accept God for who he is, not what you want to make him.</li><li>Played Bongo's again today...how fun is that!</li><li>April is studying herself to death! The poor girl hasn't slept more than a few hours a night for the last week. Exams are over Thursday....I expect she'll collapse after the last one!!</li><li>Thank you to everyone who serves at 242. You guys make my job so fun!!</li><li>Remember....Stacy Lauer is opening her house up on Christmas eve at 5 for time of fellowship and fun....hope to see you there!</li><li>Thank you to everyone who wished me happy birthday yesterday!! Didn't really get to celebrate it since April is in exam mode....we will soon though!</li><li>Had my last class Thursday....one last paper to proofread and turn in then I am done with my Ed.S. program....Graduation is next weekend!</li><li>I am out!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-66891041009469675672011-12-04T16:27:00.002-05:002011-12-04T16:35:49.405-05:00Sunday Mind DumpSome days being a pastor is more fun than other days. Today was a fun day! So, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>This was the last weekend of our People of the Second Chance series. This morning we talked about learning how to forgive ourselves and move past our regret. Satan is a very real enemy and he would like nothing more than for you to swim in a sea of guilt. Don't do it.</li><li>We were pretty full this morning. I saw a few guys going to get extra chairs....love seeing that!</li><li>Got to play the bongo's this morning. That was fun...I've never really played them....I can play drums but bongos...we'll I guess after today I can add those to my list of things I can play.</li><li>Not sure what the message is going to be about next week. I know what I am doing for Christmas....but the next two weeks....I am clueless....I guess I'll just sit down and see what comes out!</li><li>April is in full on exam prep mode. She's got 2 this week and 2 next week....they are very hard and constitute 100% of your grade for that class....needless to say she is in freakout mode....but I have complete confidence in her....not only is she pretty...she's very smart...she's going to do great!</li><li>Got a lot of good series coming up after Christmas. Hold onto your forks....what's coming next is going to be good :)</li><li>I am outta here!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-13664115870348899362011-11-27T15:24:00.003-05:002011-11-27T15:32:48.037-05:00Sunday Mind DumpWell...this has been a really great long Thanksgiving weekend for me. I got lots of work done and even slept in a little! So, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Week three of our People of the Second Chance today. We talked about apologizing and seeking forgiveness from those we've hurt. It's really easy to see ourselves as a victim...it's much harder to look in the mirror and see the hurt we've caused others.</li><li>Fun Fact: I love Christmas time. </li><li>April reminded me on the way home today that I forgot to lead communion....I guess that means one one thing...We are doing communion twice next week!</li><li>Next week we are going to take a long hard look at learning to forgive ourselves and embrace the future that God has for us....I promise...it'll be good!</li><li>Got some really fun stuff coming up over the next few months.</li><li>I never would have thought so many people would want one of our People of the Second Chance Tee Shirts!! I am sorry I didn't order more! We got them for the people on stage and everyone who works with the kids...next time I do something like this we'll have to order more....if you didn't get one...please accept my apologies....we were just trying to keep the costs down.</li><li>So much on the agenda....I'll fill ya'll in later!! I Am outta here!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-46800752996947921232011-11-20T18:23:00.002-05:002011-11-20T18:30:21.280-05:00Sunday Mind DumpSo here we are...it was week 2 of People of the Second Chance. Having a great time with this series...I know this morning subject was difficult...but something each of us have to do....so let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Talked about Forgiveness this morning. Difficult subject...very hard to do but we have to...</li><li>Just want to say thank you to everyone who is helping out at 242...you guys are awesome.</li><li>Felt weird to be on stage singing today...Feel almost naked without a guitar in my hands!!!</li><li>Looking forward to Thanksgiving...going to try cooking a turkey on the grill this year....unless the weather gets in the way!</li><li>Played tennis this afternoon...now I am sore!</li><li>Only a few more weeks and assignments until I am done with all my classes...can't come fast enough I can tell you that much.</li><li>I am out of here!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-56354839095305178832011-11-13T15:18:00.003-05:002011-11-13T15:23:54.050-05:00Sunday Mind DumpWhat a great day. April told me that today was her favorite message ever...So you know it must have been OK :) So, let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Started People of the Second Chance this morning. I was really excited about it and I had several people come up to me with tears in their eyes telling me how much they needed to hear the message today. Simply Awesome!!</li><li>Today we talked about not listening to what others say you are but listening to what God says about you. If you ask him, he'll give you a new name and a new purpose in life...</li><li>Love seeing all the new faces at church. Let's pray it's only the start.</li><li>Had fun playing guitar today. I am slowly getting more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">comfortable</span> playing again.</li><li>Lot's of people gone today but we were still full....that is awesome!</li><li>Playing around with communion. Might try something different next week.</li><li>Great questions coming in for our Mythbusters series....I can't wait!</li><li>Took a great nap today...that almost never happens!</li><li>Loving where God has us right now....</li><li>Time to get off this computer....peace out!<br /></li></ul>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-62347709852234466772011-11-06T16:22:00.002-05:002011-11-06T16:35:50.718-05:00Sunday Mind DumpWhat a great day out there. It's November and it's Sunny and in the 60's in Ohio....you just can't complain about that! So let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Taught today on a tough subject....How to quit playing God. We play God by judging those around us when God just wants us to love on them and leave the judgement to him. It's easier said than done I know...but that is the challenge we all have.</li><li>Today was the last of the B2B series. I've really enjoyed this series but I am ready to move on! <br /></li><li>Next week we are starting the series People Of The Second Chance. I can promise you this, it's going to be one of the most positive and uplifting series you've ever been in. If you've got a friend or family member struggling with the regrets of the past....DO WHATEVER you can to get them in church...they won't be disappointed.</li><li>We are trying to expand our worship area so Myself and John are going to start playing with Cori. We need some additional people up there playing instruments and singing...If you know a singer looking for a church home, send them our way!</li><li>I am constantly amazed at how God provides for his church and his people. It's amazing!</li><li>If you are looking for ways to pray for your church here are a few things we need: Pray God continues to bring new people/families into 242, pray for the health and welfare of our volunteers and staff, pray that God continues to bless us financially, pray God provides the right location at the right time when it's time for us to move on.</li><li>We are not doing a Christmas Eve service this year....Stacy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lauer</span> has offered to open up her home for an open house....we'll have a time for prayer and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Communion</span>...times will follow.</li><li>It was nice to play my guitar again today....I am rusty but it's still nice!</li></ul>I am out of here!Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-30869916022640046502011-11-04T07:27:00.002-04:002011-11-04T07:32:09.342-04:00An Ounce of Anointing<span style="font-weight: bold;">I loved this blog post by Pastor Steven Furtick....thought I would share it with you....if you want to see the original check out www.stevenfurtick.com.</span> <div class="post-padding"><div class="post-content clearfix"><p>An ounce of anointing is more precious than a thousand tons of talent. </p> <p>When I say anointing, I’m talking about the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit. </p> <p>If you’ve got it, you’ll do greater things for God than you can imagine, and live a remarkable life for His glory. </p> <p>If you don’t, you won’t. </p> <p>If you’re anointed by God, you’ll do things far beyond your capability. You’ll live in a constant state of humility, because you need the Lord for every step, every breath, every situation. You’ll live in constant amazement at all the ways He comes through for you. </p> <p>If you’re not anointed by God, even your strengths will become weaknesses in time. You’ll still do good stuff, maybe even impressive stuff. But it won’t have eternal power in it, and it will be just a small slice of what you could have done, if the Lord was doing it through you. </p> <p>Talent is a great thing to have. It’s a gift from God.<br />But having talent without anointing is kind of like having seatwarmers in a car but not having an engine under the hood. </p> <p>God can work in spite of our lack of talent. Through the anointing, even our weakness can become a playing field for the Lord to show off His strength.<br />Ask Moses. </p> <p>But talent alone isn’t enough to get the job done if you don’t have God’s power behind it. You’ll come up short in the end.<br />Ask Samson. </p> <p>I’m asking God today for a fresh anointing on my life. </p> </div></div>Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-32487093998876962142011-11-01T20:07:00.003-04:002011-11-01T20:12:22.702-04:00One Month To GoI haven't said much about it because I didn't want to sound like I was complaining but I can say I will be as happy as a clam in a month. I have been so busy it's not even funny for the last two months. On top of taking on the church again at the start of Sept, I began my new job at TPS. I love it but its been a ton of work and a major adjustment to my schedule. To top all that off, I am taking the last two classes for my Ed.S. degree and they are kicking my rear too!!<br /><br />Come on December....let's get here so I can get the classes off my plate and spend more time on church and the other job!!Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136808877404725703.post-35022520345993887542011-10-30T16:22:00.003-04:002011-10-30T16:27:20.289-04:00Sunday Mind DumpHad a fun time this morning! I love 5 Sunday months...who doesn't love a good potluck? So let's dump:<br /><ul><li>Had our potluck this morning. I ate a lot of food...I am using that as my excuse for getting beat on the tennis court today...I was too full to move!</li><li>Enjoying some quality football this afternoon.</li><li>In two weeks we are starting our new teaching series called People of the Second Chance...I can't speak for you but I am glad God keeps giving me second chances!</li><li>Also talked about a series we are going to start in January called MythBusters. I did this once before at our church in Toledo and it was a ton of fun...Looking forward to it again. <br /></li><li>As a part of Mythbusters I need your help...The only way the series works is if you ask questions for me to answer...so if you've got a question you need/want answered...let me know!</li><li>Time to enjoy a few hours of down time!</li></ul>See ya!Jeff Rennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14809118775495810810noreply@blogger.com0