If you are interested in meeting the people of Grace Church and hearing our story, we'd love to meet you this Sunday night at the Rio Vista Recreation Center in Peoria (Thunderbird/101). Just show up and we'll do the rest! We are meeting at Ramada 5 - right by the children's play area.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Christian Atheism
Too many moments of our days are lived as atheists.
I was driving down the freeway yesterday and began rubbing my eye (allergy season!). I lost track of my speed and after about 15 seconds, I realized that I was going too fast. I stepped on the brakes, just in time to have my friend inform me that I was tagged by photo radar for speeding. Immediately, I could feel anger rise up in my heart. "WHY?" I was mad because I didn't intend to speed - where is motive taken into account? I was mad because I didn't want to waste my money on paying for a ticket. I was mad because I did something stupid - and it confronted my very well established image of myself as an intelligent, competent, person who doesn't get tickets.
We read in the Bible that God works all things together for our good, yet we respond with anger when we don't like what's happening to us. Why? We have forgotten God's promises to us in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We redefine reality with an interpretation that leaves out God. We function as if God doesn't exist, or as if He's not good or sovereign or wise or loving.
It's not that we set out to do this - its a part of our indwelling sin. And our daily battle must be to remember God and to BELIEVE His truth and promises instead of our atheistic reinterpretations.
He is good. He is wise. He is loving. He is sovereign. He uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He uses evil for good. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be with us always to the end of the age. He will give the crown of life to those who have stood the test. His grace is perfected in our weakness. He will give us eternal life with Him forever. He will resurrect our bodies on the last day. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
Not the least of which - speeding tickets.
I was driving down the freeway yesterday and began rubbing my eye (allergy season!). I lost track of my speed and after about 15 seconds, I realized that I was going too fast. I stepped on the brakes, just in time to have my friend inform me that I was tagged by photo radar for speeding. Immediately, I could feel anger rise up in my heart. "WHY?" I was mad because I didn't intend to speed - where is motive taken into account? I was mad because I didn't want to waste my money on paying for a ticket. I was mad because I did something stupid - and it confronted my very well established image of myself as an intelligent, competent, person who doesn't get tickets.
We read in the Bible that God works all things together for our good, yet we respond with anger when we don't like what's happening to us. Why? We have forgotten God's promises to us in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We redefine reality with an interpretation that leaves out God. We function as if God doesn't exist, or as if He's not good or sovereign or wise or loving.
It's not that we set out to do this - its a part of our indwelling sin. And our daily battle must be to remember God and to BELIEVE His truth and promises instead of our atheistic reinterpretations.
He is good. He is wise. He is loving. He is sovereign. He uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He uses evil for good. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be with us always to the end of the age. He will give the crown of life to those who have stood the test. His grace is perfected in our weakness. He will give us eternal life with Him forever. He will resurrect our bodies on the last day. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
Not the least of which - speeding tickets.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Like-minded brothers in Christ
I just got back from a great lunch today. I met up with three other men who are pastoring churches that have recently been planted in the West Valley. All three of these guys love the gospel and are building churches that are built on the foundation of Christ. We were able to share our vision and heart for the city as well as encourage one another in the Lord. I hope we are able to do this again soon!
Please pray for Aaron Dailey of Life Connection Church, Brent Thomas of Church of the Cross, and Scott Gourley of The Way Fellowship Church.
Please pray for Aaron Dailey of Life Connection Church, Brent Thomas of Church of the Cross, and Scott Gourley of The Way Fellowship Church.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
My daughter's first solo
Happy Easter all! He is risen indeed!
Our daughter was asked to do a solo at church - she did great! We've been working with her on humility...especially when it comes to performing. She is quick to be critical of herself unless she is absolutely perfect. I was most proud of her for exercising humble faith to do it - knowing that it wasn't about her ultimately, but about the one who came down to earth to forgive our sins.
You can watch a clip of it at www.taradaukas.blogspot.com.
Our daughter was asked to do a solo at church - she did great! We've been working with her on humility...especially when it comes to performing. She is quick to be critical of herself unless she is absolutely perfect. I was most proud of her for exercising humble faith to do it - knowing that it wasn't about her ultimately, but about the one who came down to earth to forgive our sins.
You can watch a clip of it at www.taradaukas.blogspot.com.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
What an amazing conference!
I’ve been to a lot of conferences in my day – always good teaching, good times of fellowship with old friends. But this conference was different. This conference was graced with the gift of leadership, vision, clarity, correction, and encouragement as shepherds within Sovereign Grace. I am left with the unspeakable privilege to be the pastor of Grace Church. There’s no other group of men or women that I would rather give my life to teaching, counseling, and loving.
We can’t wait to be reunited with you all!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Leaders Conference
Please pray as Tara and I travel to the Leaders Conference this week - this is always a refreshing and equipping time for us. Pray that God would minister to us and teach us much - and we'll be sure to bring it back home to Grace Church.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Now we're starting to roll....
....Grace Church of Peoria, Inc. came into legal existence on Friday. We got our articles of incorporation back APPROVED and I received an employer identification number. Monday, I can go down and open a business bank account, and away we go!
PLUS, Jay Cutler got traded to the Bears - I know he's a whiner, but he's GOOD. And I'll take good and whiny (Cutler) over bad and whiny (me).
PLUS, Jay Cutler got traded to the Bears - I know he's a whiner, but he's GOOD. And I'll take good and whiny (Cutler) over bad and whiny (me).
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