Lorin Foster

I am on my journey of reading through the Bible in one year. I am determined that 08′ will be different than ever before.

Spiritually this is one of my goals.

Starting off with Genesis, has really inspired me. When you really read and soak in the vibe that God is the ultimate Creator…it puts me into a really good position. I can lean on God…instead of my own creativity. God inspired everything. He made everything from scratch. He is the ultimate architect.

There are times when I wonder why God has placed me where I am at. I mean, I feel that there are many people who are more creative, or better suited for “creating” stuff, but then I remember what I have been reading. It’s about allowing God to work through you, rather than pulling on your own ability.

I believe this goes for anything you do in church. Greeter, pastor, musician, teacher, we are all designed to mimic the Creator. I rest in this when I need an idea, thought, perspective and I realize that God’s already designed the answer…all I have to do is let Him draw it out.

1.) American Gladiators is awful. When you have a gladiator named “Wolf”….you’re reaching for the bottom rung. And note to Hulk Hogan…time for you to quit your entertainment career and “tanning”.

2.) Is it just me, or are the American Idol contestants even more cracked out than usual? What the heck…

3.) Prison Break is back….please God let them get out of Panama before the next five episodes. I can’t stand every actor on that show sweating in every scene.

4.) My wife just posted about our new show addiction. Believe me, once you watch one episode…you will want to stop eating.

5.) Once Keifer gets out of prison, I am hoping I will get my “24″ back.

6.) Any reality show on VH1 is a disaster.

7.) I wish they would stop making “Dancing with the stars”. No one on that show is a “star” anymore. They are barely remembered and CANT DANCE.

8.) Joey Fatone was not a good boy-band addition, and he makes a lousy host.

9.) I have the Sarah Connor Chronicles on my DVR. Hoping I don’t waste my time.

10.) I actually really like “30 Rock”. Smart, unique, and funny.

Hopefully something new and original will be developed soon….

* You start to dislike going to church rather than anticipating it…

* Your relationship with God is an obligation rather than a connection

* Your relationship with your spouse/kids begins to suck

* You’re increasingly critical and bitter…usually about everything and everyone

* You wonder “what’s the point”?

* You’re constantly tired instead of inspired

* You think you can change anything and everything (ha)

* You think people are against you and your ideas

* You begin to dislike people and their feedback

* You wish you didn’t work in the “church” realm

* You lose your passion

Long list. Don’t know if you are feeling any of these symptoms, but I have at some point. Remember that w/out a regular connection with God, all the other stuff is pointless. I love the quote from Bill Hybels…. “The work of God was destroying the work of God in me”.

Help us God, never to get to that point.

I KNOW that how you package church determines how people respond.

What you do either draws people in, or keeps them at a distance.

I was comparing some numbers yesterday and was extremely encouraged. This series I have been curious as to what our impact has been with the mailer that was sent, the theme of the series, and the overall vibe.

Check out these stats:

* Attendance up over 12% from this time last year

* More salvations during the beginning of the year

* 2nd service topping a number I have never seen reached on a regular Sunday (this includes Easter and Christmas)

Now I know that it’s not about the numbers, but I am encouraged! More people in seats, means more opportunity to reach individuals with the life changing power of Christ. More salvations means less going to hell. A full service means more room is needed.

God is so good.

**The guy with the tennis racket just looked so excited!!**

I am PUMPED!

I received an email today, letting me know that I was selected to help review Tim Stevens new book titled, “Pop Goes The Church”.

I am a big fan of Tim’s writing after a good friend of mine introduced me to his stuff a couple of years ago. This guy knows what Church, culture, atmosphere, and relevancy is all about. His contribution to GCC is off the charts.

My transcript comes via e-mail tomorrow, and I have one week to give some hardcore feedback prior to the book going to print. I am looking forward to diving in and blogging some very positive feedback.