Remodel Day Four

Well, the walls are just about complete, and I'm heading to Home Chepot to get the stuff for wiring the electric. This is a new venture for me. I have always deferred electrical work to others, but I have decided that I'm going to learn to do it myself.

This is the weirdest vacation I've ever had. I've never been more worn out on a vacation.

-Ben

Remodel -- Day Two

Today was what I anticipate to be the worst day -- Insulation Day. I hate working with insulation, but needed to get it done. I put up insulation for the room I'm finishing. I'll have to insulate each section of the basement that way. I also chose DOW Super Tuff-R for rigid insulation against the block walls. It's funny, it feels warmer in this corner of the basement already.

Here are some pictures of my handiwork.

Remodel -- Day One

Ok, so no pictures yet. I tend to be so busy working that I don't take time to take pictures. I promise I'll try to do better. Yesterday was spent moving stuff from one side of basement to the other. So thankful for help. I have a friend named Michael Martin who helped me move everything and get set up to paint. We spent a good deal of the day brushing all the blocks, getting them ready for the paint, and then painted.

Now my house has the interesting odor of the paint. I'm sure my wife is thrilled.

Today I'll be doing insulation. Insulating the joists above and the walls around. This corner that I'm focusing on will give my wife and I the perspective of how the rest of the basement will come along as the funds become available to finish the whole thing. Hopefully it will serve as a motivator too.

The reason I'm starting like this is out of necessity. I've moved my office back into my home, and really need to have a defined space for it. While I've made the adjustment back into a home setting the walls and a close-able door will really help.

I'll keep you posted.

--Ben

The Basement Remodel

I'm remodeling my basement from unfinished to finished living space. Should be a fun and long project, but first is finishing my office. Can't wait. Started today by moving everything on one side of the basement to the other. Drylocking the walls, haven't been leaking but before I cover them up I want to just add one more layer of moisture management. So scraping and etching then I'll paint this evening.

Tomorrow will be insulation (probably my least favorite part). I've taken the week off from work, to focus on this project, my goal is to get the office complete enough to move some of my essential furniture back in at the beginning of next week.

I'll keep you posted and try to be like my friend Drew and include pictures.

--Ben

Returning To An Altar

In many of the lives of great men of the Bible the altar played a significant role of faith and perseverance. Notably Abraham, the father of faith, built altars unto the Lord, and there is an interesting correlation to the fact that he pitched his tent and built his altars. He spent his time building things that would last around his faith not his fancies.

Each follower of God should have places that are reminders of the work of God in shaping their faith. For Abraham their was an altar on Mt. Moriah where he remembered a ram in the thicket. For Elijah there was an Altar on Mt. Carmel where he remembered defeating the prophets of Baal in a showdown of faith. For me there are several altars of importance, not the least of which is at Pasadena A/G church. It has been an altar that I've returned to multiple times, and I look forward to turning to in the future. It's a place where I find direction and sanctuary, regroup and go deeper in my faith. It is a place of worship, tears, laughter, and victory.

That's where I'm heading today for worship.

--Ben

Schedule Change Reminder

Just a reminder that SRC is not having service tomorrow. If you arrive on campus you'll find the gates locked. Three weeks a year we're are closed and the next two weeks are two out of three.

I hope you rest up and enjoy worship in other ways. For my family and I it will be a trip back to the church I was previously pastor of. Pasadena Assembly is a wonderful church, filled with life-long friends. I look forward to worshipping with them tomorrow. You're welcome to join me. The address is 206 Pleasantview Ave. 21122. I've been asked to speak briefly in the morning and I'll be telling the story that has unfolded over the last year.

Hope you'll be well.

--Ben

Pastor Ariel's Fundraiser Review

Today I read the following reveiw on Pastor Ariel's blog. Thought I'd let you know it's up, and give you a link to it. Like Ariel, I'm very thankful for everyone's participation. I'm looking forward to next year.

In all the hustle-bustle of the Christmas season, perhaps nowhere is as crowded and crazy as the local shopping mall. Parking spaces are at a premium, and the lines are long at cash registers as everyone tries to get their last few gifts bought.

Severn River Church participated in an outreach/fundraiser for the last two nights at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, in which we wrapped gifts...MORE

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

At Severn River Church we believe it takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people. Our setting on Anne Arundel Community College is a great place for this kind of church. However, when the campus is closed we DO NOT have service. Therefore, for the weeks of December 27th and January 3rd there is no service. We view it as a break for the end of the year; a chance to relax and enjoy the holidays. It's different, we know, from other churches, but we're a different kind of church. The people who worship regularly at Severn River Church do so because they find a genuine love for God and each other in a contemporary style that is both easy to understand and participate in. We enthusiastically welcome you to join us January 10 as we kick off 2010 at Severn River Church.

Thought This Was Great

Crazy

My own neurosis is made more evident when weekends like this occur. All at the same time I have these feelings:

• I don't want to cancel church because I've worked hard to prepare for this week's service.
• It would be nice to cancel church because I've worked hard to prepare and wouldn't mind sleeping in.
• I hate canceling church because then it seems like the devil wins.
• Church got canceled because God didn't put a force field around Anne Arundel County, He's ok with the church being closed.
• Well, maybe I should email a devotion, or record my sermon and post it on the web.
• Maybe I should go shovel the side walk again.
  
• Well, at least if AACC closes, then I can blame it on them.
• There's already ten inches of snow and the college hasn't closed, they should. This is ridiculous.
• Ok, that's it. I'm calling it off even though AACC hasn't. Well, maybe I'll call them first.
• Campus is closed. Good call Public Safety. But I had a really good message planned.
• Maybe I should invite people to get together at my house.
• I really should go shovel the sidewalk again.
• No, we just need to be closed.
• Send twitter on Benrainey account
• Send twitter on SRCband acount
• Send twitter on SevernRiver account
• Blog closing. (Also posts to twitter and facebook)
• Email closing. (Send 68, 31 read)
• Change website (misspell Chirstmas)
  
• Deep breath
• Tell my wife church is canceled and she looks at me and says, "No kidding!?!"
• Sunday morning I shovel for over four hours to dig my sidewalks and driveway out. I say to my neighbor, "Yeah, my Boss gave me the day off." He laughs. My other neighbor calls me Rabbi.
• Maybe I should have slept in.
• I wish we hadn't canceled church.
  

--Ben

Church Announcement

Weekend Service Canceled:

The AACC Campus in Arnold will be closed on Sunday, December 20 according to the AACC Department of Public Safety. Severn River Church will NOT be holding weekend services.

--Ben

Church Announcement: Snow Policy

Severn River Church's weather policy corresponds to the policy of AACC. If the campus is closed or delayed church is canceled. Feel free to check the www.severnriverchurch.com homepage for a closure announcement or check the aacc.edu site for details.

--Ben

"I Just Feel Lost"

Last night I sat with a woman and talked about a number of challenges she's facing not least of which is her desire to feel close with God. After a lengthy conversation she simply said, "I just feel lost."

Enter good news. Jesus is looking for lost things. I told her three stories that Jesus shared. It was refreshing to share them, because it they were the stories of when he found me.

• A shepherd had 100 sheep, one was lost so he went and found it.
• A woman had 5 coins, she lost one so she swept the house until she found it.
• A Father had 2 sons, one was lost but came home again.

I'm thankful that Jesus is looking for the lost. In fact, he said, "I've come to seek and save that which is lost."

One more lost one found. I prayed with her to receive forgiveness and new life in Christ.

--Ben

Twitterfeed

I use a service called twitterfeed to post my blog posts as tweets and Facebook status updates. Recently it has started only picking them up intermittently. Not sure what the problem is, but I appreciate those who still find their way to benjaminrainey.com.

--Ben

Tobiah

A couple weeks ago I was having a conversation with my friend Jay who remembered one of the best sermons he remembers me preaching. The sad part was I didn't remember it, but as he recounted it I definitely thought it was something I might have preached.

I had been preaching out of Nehemiah, one of my favorite books of the Bible, and had shared out of Nehemiah 6 the story of Sanballat and Tobiah's invitation for Nehemiah to leave his work and visit them. Sanballat and Tobiah were governors of the neighboring provinces around Judah. Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, seems really to have been the head bully; the bane of Nehemiah's existence. Tobiah on the other hand seems to just be a weasel. He was the kid that stood slightly behind the bully on the playground and parroted, "yeah, blah blah blah" Whatever the bully would say the weasel would just repeat. We even have a humorous recording of Sanballat challenging the effectiveness of the people's work on the wall of Jerusalem, and Tobiah adds, "Yeah, even if a fox jumped on your wall it would collapse." What a weak line.

Friends, beware of the bully, but beware of weasels too. Nehemiah wasn't distracted from his work, he didn't give them the time of day, and he certainly never caved to the bully or the weasel. In fact, after the work was done he returned to the service of the King Artexerxes, and after a time returned to Jerusalem only to find the weasel, Tobiah, had been given a room to live in inside the Temple of God. When Nehemiah found out he evicted Tobiah and threw all his belongings in the street. Tobiah said, "Oh yeah? Well..." but alas without the bully to follow, he just turned tail and ran away. And to take one step further Nehemiah prayed, "God, remember the weasels for the weasels that they are." (Neh. 13:29 That's the BRV)

--Ben

Worship In My Unconscious

It doesn't happen often, in fact only about twice, but it's cool when it does: Worship and prayer in my unconscious mind, while dreaming. This morning early I had a dream that was very vivid. A familiar place that I haven't been to in years, with people I knew. We were gathering for worship, but it was in a home and the expression of worship, crying out to the Lord, hearing the voice of His Spirit was awesome. There was some other guy leading songs of praise and a group of people sitting in a room in a circle worshiping Jesus. The worship leader said something, and I was so amped up I said, "Say that again." He did. It was really cool. People just kept coming in to worship.

Now a dream is a dream. We don't have much control over them, and there are plenty of things I've dreamed that I don't want to remember or would be embarrassed to write publicly. To me the best part is awaking from that dream and having a fluid movement of worship from the unconscious state to a conscious one. One moment I'm singing to the Lord in my dream, the next moment my lips are forming the words as I lay awake in my bed.

Just a cool experience. Unexpected moments/unconscious responses are a great barometer of what is happening inside. You can't predict when they're going to happen, but I try to take inventory every time it happens.

--Ben

The Code

I was thinking again this morning about the code that I live my life by. I was listening to the numbers of boys in America without fathers and it made me question how boys become men without the influence of a father. I'm sure many manage to find other role models and masculine figures to supplement, but I think there is nothing so important in the development of boys than a Father who cares for and leads his son into manhood.

I felt burdened for these boys and especially the young men who have never been taught what character is all about. I hope that my life will be an example for younger men to follow. I hope they adopt the code that I live my life by. A man should be alert, clean, honest, courageous, loyal, courteous, and spiritual.

--Ben

Daddy's Day With The Girls

Another Friday with my progeny. I really enjoy spending time with these two rascals. Sydney spends the first half the day in pre-school, then it's lunch time, play time, and then nap time (Daddy's absolute favorite!)

In light of how fast these little ones are growing up, I try to keep a good perspective of enjoying every last moment with them.

Last night I ended up double booked, an appointment with someone from church and family Christmas pictures at JCPenny. When I realized the conflict I postponed the church appointment. I didn't do it flippantly, in fact I was sad to do it, but I realized something: There will always be limitless church meetings for me to attend, but there are a limited number of family moments we'll get to spend together. It's a no-brainer.

Thoughts from a Dad I guess...

--Ben

Christmas Sunday

On December 20th we'll be hosting Christmas Sunday. The final weekend service of the year is a deay set aside to celebrate Christmas togehter. We're looking forward to a special day filled with friends and family that enjoy a service packed with fun. Several special features that day will include:

• A Professional Photographer on-site for family portraits. (Free Sittings) Check out AEVphotography's website ; Amanda Vogt Photographer
• Christmas Cookie Exchange.
• Christmas Games and contests with fabulous prizes.
• A Christ-centered message lifting people's faith in the reason for the season.

It's gonna be great, hope you'll be there.

--Ben

What I'm Reading

Leaders are learners, and much of learning comes through reading. I have been really been finding time to carve out for reading more lately, and because of my Skype conversation today I thought I'd share with you what I've been reading:

• The Pursuit Of God by A.W.Tozer -- A great book for believers in Christ on how to take your faith to a higher level. Very deep. I'll be posting a collection of thoughts from it soon.
• Love's Executioner by Irvin d. Yalom -- Found this book on a list of most influential books on another pastor's list. I'm always interested in reading "most influential books". In fact, I keep a record each year of most influential so I can share it with others. This book I hate so far. I am enduring reading it because it is written by a secular humanist, and it is so hopeless. It is a collection of psychotherapy short stories of ten patients he treated over the years. This book helps me know how others hear me when I write and speak. I understand now that all they hear is the "God" and "Jesus" belief of my life, because when I read this all I hear is the hopelessness of humanism. No where close to recommending it yet. I'll keep reading.
• Developing the Leaders Around You by John Maxwell -- This is an older book on leadership that I've never read. I am not doing a good job right now at developing leaders so I thought I'd go back to the source and learn more so I can lead more.

On the runway...
(Just got these today in fact.)

• Confessions of a Reformation Rev by Mark Driscoll -- This book has been on my wishlist for years, glad to finally have it to get into it.
• Pastors at Greater Risk by H. B. London -- A follow up to a book related to the stress, pressures and failures common to pastors.
  
• How The Mighty Fall by Jim Collins -- A business book on how great companies lose their greatness through failures to change. I think it will be very instructional for the church as well.

There's the current book list.

--Ben

What are you reading? What has been most influential lately?

Skype

I always enjoy Skype, but don't use it often enough. Today I got to skype a friend and fellow pastor. We talked for about fifteen minutes face to face thanks to the cutting edge technology of 2001. I got to give him a view of my office surroundings, and we spoke about what each other have been reading to grow as leaders. Good conversation.

For those that may not know Skype is a free VOIP (voice over internet protocol) that allows free conversations via the internet. It is 0 cents a minute and if you have a webcam you can send a live video call and receive one if the person you call is similarly equipped. All free.

Definitely more interesting than just talking on the phone.

--Ben

Change, The Only Constant

"Things they are a-changing", were the words I heard my father say over last weekend. His reference was a pile of what remained from cabinets and shelving that had been a part of my grandparent's house for the last 40 years. The new owner of the property had already started the much needed repairs and changes that had been neglected over the last several years. And there lay, in a pile on the driveway, memories. Things are indeed changing.

Of course that's a constant of life; change. And we all know that, but I find there are a few different ways people deal with change. Some will avoid change at all cost, they don't want anything to change, especially if it "ain't broke". Some will accept change after they've let others test the new model long enough to know it really works. Still others are always looking for what the next change will be.

You probably identify with at least a shade of one of those areas. I definitely do. Today another change for me. I am switching banks. I have banked with the same bank for more of my life than not. It's a nice place, with nice people, and a small town bank kind of feel. The kind of place you don't have to show ID, because they know you and your parents and siblings. It really has been a nice bank. But in a recent buyout another bank has taken ownership of my branch, and though the people haven't changed, their website has, and it drives me nuts. I'm picking a new bank based on online benefits. This is not your father's banking.

I guess it's because of my vocation, my desperate interest in and love for the local church that makes me wonder if there are different ways people are choosing to connect with churches. What might that mean for the focus we ought to place on helping people connect. For what it's worth, I tend to believe that church is a place where people are much more comfortable with things staying the same rather than changing. Sometimes I wonder if people don't try to gain sanctuary in the church from the change that is constantly occurring outside its walls. Churches that don't face and embrace change are churches that will be left behind as nice places with nice people, that just don't meet a new generation's needs.

--Ben

Just Trust Me

There are seasons when it is more difficult to hear from the Lord, but it is sweet when you can. This morning I heard clearly in my spirit the word of the Lord, "Just trust Me." There was a specific thing that He was speaking to me about, and that's between Him and me. But in a more overarching way, He was reminding me that all I am is under His leadership. I should just trust Him. He didn't lead the people of Israel into the wilderness to abandon them. He didn't lead Jesus to the cross in vain. He had a plan, and it always unfolds perfectly.

"Just trust Me."

Amen.

--Ben

Inclement Weather Policy

Severn River Church's weather policy corresponds to the policy of AACC. If the campus is closed or delayed church is canceled. Feel free to check the www.severnriverchurch.com homepage for a closure announcement or check the aacc.edu site for details.

--Ben

Man Up Announcement

Tomorrow Man Up had a scheduled skeet shoot, however the weather will be raining with a mix of snow. (Not ideal conditions for shooting.) We'll be postponing the event. I'm still inviting everyone to meet me at Bob Evans at Ritchie and Jumpers Hole tomorrow morning for breakfast; 8:00 a.m. till...


--Ben

Yard Work On A Day Off

Friday is the day I take off and for weeks I have been tied up with various and sundry other obligations. This week though I get to finally get to the lawn that has been put off for months, and all the leaves that have been piling up on top of it.

Then when Sydney gets home from school we'll be hanging some Christmas lights. Should be a good day.

--Ben

Meetings Today

Today I have a couple meetings that I'm looking forward to. This morning I'll meet with the Pastor's Growth Group at Eastern A/G church. This group is led by Gary Butler, and is an enrichment to me professionally. We have a church leadership lesson each month that Gary teaches and a lot of transparency among the pastors that attend to share how they're progressing or not.

Then I was invited to lunch by a friend named Bill. Getting some Thai food for lunch. Bill is the chaplain for the MDTA Police. Nice guy.

--Ben

Settling In

My office is feeling a bit more like an office. Each day, I unpack boxes, or throw out trash. It has been a typical moving week. I've had several now, so I am learning what to expect. This one has been much easier because I had help on Monday. But I'm sure that it will take me a few more days to really settle in.

Speaking of settling in, last night I put together a new set of bunk beds for my daughters to share. They are moving into one room to make room for the baby. It was Ellie's first night in her own big girl bed. They were so excited. Sadly, I think the mornings of the girls crawling in bed with Mommy and Daddy are coming to a close. They can now crawl into bed with each other. Sniff, sniff.

--Ben

The What Ifs

What if I get hungry and don't have any money in my wallet?

What if my bank account got frozen by mistake?

What if the government seized my bank?

What if I couldn't get any money from my savings account and lost my job?

What if it was my job to lick scabs and I didn't get paid for it?

Ok, enough what-ifs. Worry manifests itself in the form of What If questions. And the problem with that is that each What If question leads to a bigger farther reaching end. It really reminds me of a Larry Norman song called Troubles. The lyrics say, "Troubles like shadows are never as big as they seem."

Don't let worry drive your life. Remember: Don't live As If the What Ifs are reality.

--Ben

Man Up

This weekend I'm taking the men of SRC out to Churchville, MD to a skeet shoot. It's the first outing of the men's group we're calling Man Up. We're meeting Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. at Jumpers Theater on Jumpers Hole Rd. Then we'll carpool up to the farm. We'll grab lunch when we're done and return home by 1:00 p.m. If you'd like to bring your own shotgun you can, a shotgun will be provided for those that don't have one. Please bring ear protection, safety glasses will be provided.

--Ben

Home Sweet Home

Well, I'm sitting at my desk in my basement, and I'm thankful that God has called me to this ministry. Sincerely I feel blessed. This journey that I'm on is unpredictable. It reminds me of a story that I heard about the Saddleback Church. In their early years before they had permanent facilities they moved so often they said they were the best church for anyone that could find them. If you need me I'm always available through my trusty cell phone, and I'm sure that we can find a way to connect.

Thanks to Pastor Ariel and Michael Martin for helping me with my move.

--Ben

Moving Moving Moving

For the last couple months I have spent the weekends moving my grandmother out of her property. Today I'll be spending the day moving Pastor Ariel into her new place. Monday, I move the church office back into my home. It's a lot of moving, but I'm looking forward to it settling down for a while.

Congratulations Pastor Ariel on your new condo. I pray that God uses it for his glory.

--Ben

Moments

Lately I've been thinking about moments. There are times in our lives where we can only define them in a collective understanding of seasons or moments. It is not just an instant, but it's a matter of moments. Consider the life of Joseph.

Joseph was be-bopping his way to deliver a message to his brothers, decked out in his colorful coat, and in moments he was in a cistern listening to the coat torn to shreds. From the darkness of the cistern he hears his brothers plotting his death, and in moments he's hoisted up and sold to the Ishmaelites. He's in prison and in moments he's called to stand in front of Pharoah, and it's only moments later that he is second in command to the world's foremost developed civilization.

You never know what the next moments are going to bring; bottom to top or top to bottom. The most important thing is to settle what your life and faith is built on. If it is founded in God then come what may you can be sure it will be for his purposes. If it is founded on you or others, than when moments change your situation you must depend on the fickleness and instability of your center.

Because your low moments today may be setting up your high moments tomorrow, or in just a moment.

--Ben

Handwritten Notes

I remember as a child receiving a letter in the mail to my parent's house. It was addressed to "Master Eric Rainey". If I close my eyes I can still see the blue ink on that white envelope. I thought it was so cool that it said Master. I didn't know that is proper etiquette when addressing a male minor.

It was a letter from my Royal Ranger commander, Bill Lowe. It was a letter of affirmation, and it was written to me. I'll never forget how important and valued that made me feel.

When I started in ministry in 2000 I decided that I wanted to say the most important things in a special way. I would hand-write notes and letters to convey the most meaningful messages. I didn't think of it as a big deal when I would write thank you notes to my youth workers on stationary I printed myself. I used the header line: From the desk of the Quake, From the heart of Pastor Ben. Once a staffer from my youth staff commented that he loved getting the little postcards from me. I hoped that he felt like I did getting that letter from Mr. Bill.

When I started Severn River Church handwritten notes was a habit I carried forward; though not often enough. I send each guest that we host at SRC a note thanking them for attending our weekend service. I send thank you notes to people who serve the church. I send handwritten notes, on occasion, to those who have drifted away from the church. I much prefer them to 8.5 x 11 printed Word Docs. And because I want to show the respect of thinking about that person. You know it's common to say, "You're in my thoughts and prayers." or "I'm thinking about you." but when I sit down to jot a note, I really do think of that person for as long as it takes to write the note. By comparison, it is usually much longer than most people think about anyone besides themselves.

I'm not sure that handwritten notes make others feel like they make me feel, but I certainly hope they do. The people I write are so valuable to me and the Lord, that I try to communicate it in the best way I know how. Today I sent out a pile of handwritten notes. I got to think about valuable people for a while. I got to pray for them as I wrote. I got to express some things that in some cases were long overdue.

Now, if only people could read my handwriting...

--Ben

Clearing The Decks

The seasons of a Pastor's life can be pretty intense. Certain times of the year demand effort that can push me to the breaking point. That's why it is important for me to have weeks like this. The lead up to holidays usually require a big push of energy, and then when the holiday actually arrives I get a bit of a reprieve. This is a week for clearing the decks. My task list is a must do list, tying up loose ends so that I can head into ending the year strong. At the end of this month I am saying goodbye to my office, and moving all my stuff once again. So clearing out paperwork is on my list right now.

The company that I rent from is really struggling as well. The upstairs leaser has move out. The women that usually occupy the other offices haven't been in for over a week. It is very quiet. I'll miss this environment when I move.

--Ben

Talking Back

I had an experience Sunday that I wanted to share. There is a style that I try to use when preaching; I try to stay conversational. As though we're having a conversation except I'm the only one talking. I try to ask the questions the audience is asking and answer them. Occasionally, over the years, I've had people respond during my teaching and while it is usually unexpected, I always enjoy it.

Several years ago as a youth pastor I had one student in particular that would interupt my message to dialog with me. I think that many of the other students probably thought it was funny because most people stay quiet during a sermon, but I always enjoyed it. It has been a long time since I had experienced that, but on Sunday I was interrupted again and got to here someone really identifying and participating in the message. I loved it. Especially for those young in their faith, I hope that church is always a place that we can process the faith-walk together. Not just the wah wah wah of a boring sermon.

Severn River Church's sermons are available online. Click HERE.

--Ben

* The response from the audience didn't get picked up on the audio so that part was edited from the recording.

Food Drive Pics

Didn't put these up yet, thought you'd like to see what the results of our food drive looked like.

Food Delivery

Today we get to deliver the food that was collected during the food drive on Saturday. It is all loaded up in the trailer, and ready to roll. When the doors open at ten, we'll be rolling up and off-loading 166 bags of groceries.

Still filled with joy over the food drive. Thanks to everyone that helped. I'm very proud of SRC's effort.

--Ben

Marketing Compliments

Yesterday we got a really high compliment. I sub-lease an office from the Escapade Advertising company in Pasadena. When the group showed up yesterday to get the doorhangers together the Partner in charge of Art and Design stopped by the table to look at our handbills. She was very impressed and complimentary.

I felt really proud of our church and the way we're representing ourselves. When a professional sees the stuff we're producing and gives an impressed thumbs up, it's a nice compliment. Not only that but we received multiple hits to our website from the area where we did the distribution. Hope those people can connect to the ministry of Severn River Church. We love people and believe that God has a plan for them.

Thanks to those that have played a part in the design, production, and distribution of our invite tools. (doorhangers, handbills, road signs) They're all great.

- -Ben

Invite Arnold To Church

Invite Arnold To Church entered a new phase today. Doorhangers went out in several neighborhoods in Arnold. So thankful for those that came out today and helped with the distribution. Just another effort to get the word out about the church to our community. Trying to build bridges into lives that we can minister too.

--Ben

Prayer For My Dad

Today my dad is heading to see the transplant board. They'll spend the day testing him and some family members that are interested in organ donation. It will probably be a physically and emotionally draining day, so as you think of it, please pray for my dad.

Thanks,
Ben

Don't Feel Like Writing

I wanted to tell you that lately I don't feel like writing. I know my posts have slowed over the last couple weeks, and there have actually been a number of times that I have typed in titles, written one sentence and deleted them. I just don't feel like writing right now. I appreciate your patience. I will still be updating regularly, I would just be grateful for some time to come out of my writer's block.

--Ben

Yard Signs

Well, tonight yard signs went up in median strips and highway shoulders all over Arnold. Invite Arnold To Church is in full swing.

Corie and I had dinner in Arnold tonight at took time to drop our signs off (well done Corie) on our way out of town headed home. It's a very exciting and rewarding feeling. In fact I got a text message from one SRCer that put hers out and then drove by and saw it. She said she, "felt like a proud momma." So proud of all our SRCers that are inviting Arnold to church.

--Ben

Second Sunday Prayer

This week is Second Sunday Prayer. 9:00 a.m. at the church, hope to see everyone there.

--Ben

Still It Lingers

I try to be a pretty positive guy, but this sickness stuff stinks. I got sick on Sunday, and I'm still feeling washed out on Thursday. I'm tired of it. I know a lot of people have been keeping tabs on the blog and on Facebook, so I wanted to let you know that I'm still pretty weak, but gaining strength each day.

--Ben

Meditating On Jehoshaphat

Today I've been thinking about a king of Judah named Jehoshaphat. What a story. I encourage you to read it from 2 Chronicles 17-20.

The part that stood out to me is the way the favor of God impacted his life. He was a seeker of God, and he tried to lead justly. He simply did the things that leaders are supposed to do, nothing fancy. But God started pouring out gifts and bringing resources to him so that his fame and name spread. The bottom line is that nothing Jehoshaphat started with made him a very notorious king, but God started bringing the things he needed until other countries decided they had better not mess with him. There was peace while he was king.

He wasn't perfect. In fact, there were a couple of things that were the acts of a goof ball, but because of his purity of heart God granted him favor.

Does your life beckon the favor of God?

--Ben

Second Sunday Prayer

This Sunday is the second Sunday of the month and is the time we've selected to gather for a special time of prayer. Second Sunday prayer begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts about 30 minutes. All are welcome to join us. Hope to see you there.

--Ben

The Fog Is Clearing

Well, I thought I was feeling better yesterday, but today I feel even better. I look back on yesterday and realize how much of a fog I was in. Janet, from my growth group, read about my symptoms and recommended we call off the group. I agreed, but get this, I didn't even realize that my group was supposed to meet last night. I was clueless. I guess it was because I missed Monday, all the days got backed up in my mind.

Anyway, I'm still a little weak, still a little achy, but I feel sharper today. I'm compiling a list of all the things I need to catch up on. Should be a busy day.

--Ben

I Wanted To Give You This Invitation...

Been to Arnold yet? I have. Did a little change of place this morning, and grabbed breakfast from the Arnold Safeway. I gave an invitation to the cashier. I'm looking forward to doing the food drive there and at the Severna Park Giant next week.

CHANGE OF PLACE -- COP is our effort to specifically focus on the community of Arnold to invite them to church. Since many of us don't live in Arnold, we have to be intentional about getting into the area immediately surrounding the church and invite them.

One of the common refrains I've heard from people at the church over the last couple years is that they have invited every friend they have and have no one new to invite. Well, Invite Arnold To Church is a way to create new contacts, and get the word out about a good church. Help us out though change of place, it isn't convenient, but it is rewarding. If you just changed one thing like your grocery shopping for a month that would give you four trips into the community and an opportunity to invite people to church.

Hope you'll join in.

--Ben

Feeling Ill

Over the last couple days I've been feeling rather ill. In fact, it started just at the end of church on Sunday and by the evening I was down for the count. Last night I think my fever broke. I woke up this morning feeling better, but now as I get to work I'm feeling run down.

I would appreciate your prayers today.

--Ben

A Moving Tribute

Today I attended the funeral of Bob Hughes, a long-time friend. When I was a teenager in the mid-1990's I remember Brother Bob walking the aisle of the church to receive Christ, and was witness to the change that took place in his life. One of the great strengths of the church I grew up in was the connection among families, so that I spent much time at the Hughes house playing with his son and grandchildren.

Later I got to serve the church there on staff, and that gave me a perspective on his leadership in the kingdom of God. I prayed with him time and time again, heard him cry out to God, and saw him lead others to new experiences with Christ on the missions trips he led so many times.

Today's service was an uninhibited expression of Mr. Bob's life and deepest passion, his relationship with Jesus Christ.

--Ben

Budget Meeting

Just got out of our budget committee meeting, and WOW. Tough conversations tonight. I was so proud of the guys that I met with though the way they approached the issues, and their approach to decision-making.

It's definitely different than previous years. Thanks Drew and Ryan for working hard and dealing with tough questions.

--Ben

Arnold Flicks

I've got a video project that I'm working on for Invite Arnold To Church, our church-wide effort to reach out to Arnold in an unprecedented way. We gave a brief introduction last Sunday, and next Sunday we're giving the full explanation, so I hope you'll be there. My homework is to gather some Arnold Schwarzenegger flicks, and work on a little video project.

--Ben

Invite Arnold To Church

Budgets, We Don't Need No Sticking Budgets!

It's budget time, and I'm thankful to be working with Drew and Ryan on the 2010 budget. Next year is going to challenge us in ways we've never experienced before, but it is that challenge that causes us to grow forward in deeper maturity; either that or kill us. ;-)

At the beginning of 2009 we asked our partners to cut their giving by half, and to conclude it at the end of this year. In real dollars that about $1300/mo. Our goal was to see our church's giving rise to meet that deficit. This month we crossed that threshold, and if giving stays at that pace we'll be in the shape we expected to be in. But you can imagine the anxiety related to seeing our partner dollars disappear. (I would like to say an informal "thank you" to all of you that have faithfully supported us from the beginning.)

We are facing the type of future that is going to make us become more conscious, contemplative , and creative with our approach to finances next year. That's what excites me about this process. I think this years budget will serve as a vision tool to strengthen our faith. We'll need to stretch our wings a little further, and flap a little harder, but I believe that where God guides he provides. That has certainly been true thus far.

--Ben

Sad News

I was very sad to find out this morning that Bob Hughes has gone home to be with the Lord today. Brother Bob was wonderful part of Pasadena Assembly of God Church, and a supporter of Severn River Church. Over the years I got to witness his devoted love for God and his family, and hear him cry out prayers of intercession.

We will miss Brother Bob, but know that we'll join him again in Glory.

--Ben

Prayer Partners

After one week of gather prayer partners we now have over 25 signed up. I'm so grateful for those who have quickly come to my side in prayer. I've been really encouraged by a number who have told me that they haven't stopped praying for us since their involvement three years ago in our Prayer Partner effort.

I want to invite you to join our effort as well. If you would like to become a Prayer Partner with SRC for our prayer initiative over the next year please click the link to sign up:

CLICK HERE

Invite Arnold To Church

Tomorrow we are going to be sharing an introduction to an outreach effort called, "Invite Arnold To Church." I can't wait. We're heading into a season of an unprecedented effort to reach out to Arnold. Can't wait to start sharing the details tomorrow morning. Catch Pastor Ariel's announcement first thing in tomorrow's service.

--Ben

Tips On Saving Money

Got an email today from a friend who is trying to save money, and not been doing real well at it. I sent him three tips on saving money, that I thought I'd post here:

Here are some tips on Saving Money:
1. Save Automatically: set your account up online so that it automatically takes money out each month. That way you don't have to trust yourself to save as much. Set it and forget it.
2. Don't save in the same bank you check with: You may want to keep some money there to cover accidental overdrafts, but if you use an online bank like INGdirect or others, then you aren't as likely to raid your savings.
3. Start with smaller amounts: Start with $50/mo, then in January increase it to $75, then in June increase it to $85. You'll notice that you will naturally adjust to spending less money and will live accordingly.

Hope this helps.

--Ben

Big News

Well, I have some news of the personal nature. Yesterday Corie and I went to her doctor, and found out that we are going to be adding a new child to our collection in seven months or so. I know there was some speculation, and we've known for several weeks, but until we had been to the doctor and seen the sonogram we didn't want to make it public.

We told our girls this morning before work, and when I left they were all on the couch looking through Sydney and Ellie's baby books.

Expanding Prayer

We're launching a prayer initiative for the next year at Severn River Church. It involves connecting 100 Prayer Partners to a coordinated prayer effort. It started last week when Rev. Ken Burtram offered some insight as to where we needed to go as a church. It is the type of movement that can only be accomplished through the power and favor of God. Ken volunteered to be the first to start praying for us over the next year. I left that meeting energized, but knowing that I had to have much more prayer support to see the vision become a reality. So I've begun soliciting Prayer Partners to join us. So far 14 people have agreed to partner with me in prayer. But we need more. I'm putting out the offer here to ask you to become part of our Prayer Partner Team.

We are raising 100 Prayer Partners to join us for a specific prayer initiative over the next year. Will you join the effort? We're looking for: 1. Regular Prayer (5 or more times a week), 2. Contact Info (So we can keep you informed of how to pray), 3. A One Year Commitment. If you're interested, please sign-up below. NO INFORMATION WILL BE SEEN PUBLICLY. I will be the only one gathering names and information. Thanks for your help.

SIGN-UP CLICK HERE

--Ben

Understanding Evangelism

In church circles we are very comfortable with the term evangelism. It is the act of carrying the good news of Christ to the world around. It is the marketing department of the church. Getting the message out, pushing our product.

Do you remember those fundraiser sales that your school used to make you do? Selling candy or wrapping paper door to door, calling grandma and grandpa, and hating every minute of it? Well, not everyone did; some people were really motivated by that incentive flyer that came with the sale. The people who really liked it now work in sales, the rest of us have plainer jobs.

The fact is Evangelism is not my first language. It's not what fires me up, and my efforts to share my faith with others doesn't often lead to the types of dramatic changes in people's lives that set the church on fire. But all of us are called to share the gospel of Christ with others. So how do we approach Evangelism if we're not salesmen by nature.

It is helping me to think in terms of three phases of evangelism: Presence, Proclamation, and Persuasion Evangelism.

Presence: There is a part of evangelism that is just about being among people and meeting their needs. It's the principle of giving a cup of cold water in Jesus' name. It is not about verbalizing our faith, it is about demonstrating our faith.

Proclamation: This is the phase where a relationship has developed with those we've been serving when they begin to ask questions about faith, and we verbalize the answers. We begin to proclaim the gospel to those we've had a presence with.

Persuasion: This is a setting when those questions have been drawing those we've been with and shared our faith with confronts them with a choice for them to embrace Christ for themselves.

You may be like me and feel that you're weak with the Persuasion phase, but that is probably because we only try to work in that phase. Perhaps we'd be better served to make sure we start with presence evangelism. Each time you're around a Friend, Business Associate, Family Member, or Neighbor pray that Christ will be with you, serve them, and meet their needs. Doing that while praying over time will prepare you and them for the proclamation phase. When they get there they'll be on their way to a time of being persuaded to follow Christ.

This is helping me, I hope it helps you as well.

--Ben

LinkedIn

I was invited to join LinkedIn today. I saw it on a Sprint commercial, but hadn't really checked it out. It is an online networking tool that connects business people. Interesting tool. I just signed up, but I'm not sure how I'll use it.

I'll keep you posted.

How do you use LinkedIn?

--Ben

Dollar For Dollar

This morning I heard about a consultant who is a devoted member of his church. He travels constantly for his business, but always arranges to fly home on Saturday night so that he can attend his church. He attends the first morning service, attends Sunday School, and then stays for part of the second service before driving to BWI to fly out on business again.

Why would somebody make that kind of effort and go through that kind of inconvenience?

Because he says, "Nowhere else in the world is there an organization that gets this kind of bang for the buck." He observes that dollar for dollar there is no other organization in the world that makes the difference and develops people the way that the Church does on the resources it brings in. It is worthwhile.

Thought it was an interesting perspective.

--Ben

It's Cohort Time Again

I've been privileged to participate in the Church Life Cohort over the last year. This week I'm rejoining the group for our last session. Today we'll be covering Discipleship and Ministries, and then tomorrow we're covering Evangelism and Public Relations.

I'm looking forward to the discussion and learning. I'll probably be posting quotes that I hear throughout today and tomorrow through Twitter.

--Ben

Good Lord WIlling And The Creek Don't Rise

There is an old saying that country folk say, "Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise." It's a statement that basically accompanies an RSVP. Some credit Benjamin Hawkins with being the first to use it, and it turns out the Creek is a reference to the Creek-Indian nation. But others differ. You can read more CLICK HERE. Most of us would probably think of creeks rising and flash floods.

I expect there are a lot of flooding creeks right now, but I wanted you to know how excited I am about preaching tomorrow at Severn River Church. We're going to be moving into the central part of the book of Genesis and looking at the life of Abraham tomorrow. Don't let the rain keep you away. Come out and worship God with us tomorrow.

--Ben

Ethics And Morality

My FORTUNE magazine came in the mail yesterday, I got to tear it apart this afternoon and digest it. In another go around at life I may have enjoyed a carreer in the financial industry. (I like to pretend sometimes and for that FORTUNE serves as a platform.)

This week there was an article by David A. Kaplan entitled "MBAs Get Schooled in Ethics". It brought up an issue that I have heard a lot about since the financial collapse that started a year and a half ago; namely business schools should be teaching ethics and morality. Perhaps if you live in the greater Baltimore area you've heard the radio ads by Loyola's MBA fellows program claiming that ethics has been part of their culture and curriculum since the school was founded by Jesuits. Ethics is becoming a buzzword it seems around the business world. And many people looked at those in the Big Business America and harbored resentment for what they see as an obvious lack of moral direction that resulted in the recession that we've been enduring.

Ethics is not a new part of many business school's curriculum. My father several years ago drove the buss for a U of MD business class that went to visit imprisoned white collar criminals to warn them against breaking the law in business. But now there is a call that comes from many angered people for more, more, more instruction in ethics and morality.

Here's the thing that gets me. Why is it so easy in our society to point fingers and blame everybody else. It seems that the same crowd that is hollering for more ethics and morality education for MBAs is the same crowd that would say, "You can't legislate morality".1 Do you really think that if people are simply taught morality at their graduate school these things wouldn't have happened? Perhaps we should be more concerned that people are not learning morality in their homes, from committed parents, and churches. Just sayin'.

Ok, that's the rant that came from reading FOTUNE mag. I enjoyed the column btw, Mr. Kaplan.

--Ben

1 I wanted to mention that the statement, "you can't legislate morality" is something that I have said, and perhaps have even written at an earlier date on this blog. However, I have come to realize how absurd a statement it is. In fact, all legislation is an effort to legislate morality. It is a means of expressing what we believe to be the right and moral way for a society to function. Our laws may not reflect biblical morality, but it is a reflection of societal morality. For example, what are civil rights laws if not an effort to legislate morality and prohibit immorality.

Invite Arnold To Church

In a couple weeks we're launching an initiative called, "Invite Arnold To Church". I'm not going to go into all the particulars right now, but I wanted to break the ice and let you know it is coming. It is going to go along with our series, "Deep And Wide" during the month of November.

I'm really excited to work with Pastor Ariel on putting it together, and as I've shared it with some small groups, and SRCers seem to be energized by it. I can't wait.

--Ben

The Office

I had an office once that was static. It seemed exactly the same every day. The angle of the building related to the path of the sun kept the light pretty even year round, so I was used to the florescent glow that filled the room when I flipped the switch upon entering.

Then I moved into my home office, and for those of you that don't know, that was three different places in my home over the course of three years. That office experience was always changing. I could never count on how warm or cold I'd be, whether crickets would chirp at me, or if a bird might fly in through a window.

So I've experienced an office setting where nothing really changes, and one where everything changed all the time. My office right now is showing me that it is in between. The seasonal change has had a big impact on my office. I am surrounded by windows and I love that, but the daylight change has made the sun pass my side of the building much quicker than it used to. I think I'll need to bring in a lamp to insure that I have enough light, especially on overcast days like this.

I can't say how much I appreciate having this office. It provides me a place to really focus on the things I'm working on and for meeting people. It has been a great step for moving my best to a higher level for the church.

--Ben

Prayer Partners

Three years ago when I started SRC I found a group of people that committed to pray for me. I did an occasional correspondence with them, and many were very faithful, and I'd go so far as to say that some still pray for us regularly.

As I look back on that I think I did it because I was told that it was something I was supposed to do, but I wonder if I really sensed the desperation of needing that prayer support like I do right now? This week I was given a very specific directive by an advisor, and it was coupled with a call to prayer. The bottom line is if I don't have the steady, faithful, and timely prayer of my prayer partners releasing the favor of God, I can't do what I've been called to do. I'm more fervent now than ever in seeking partners to pray for me. I feel a much greater need to stay in touch with them and really keep them informed of how to pray.

To that end, I'm going to be re-enlisting prayer partners to join with me in a very specific prayer project. If you would like to volunteer please send me an email at ben(at) severnriverchurch.com.

--Ben

Signature Cafe

This morning I attended the Signature Cafe at Severna Park High School. It was my pleasure to meet so many from the community, and lend whatever I could to the cause. Each school in the county is trying to coalesce their curriculum around one common theme, or Signature, that will serve as the common trait of the students they produce.

After a year and a half of preliminary studies the group met this morning to brainstorm about narrowing the themes. The Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce was invited, so there was definitely a strong representation of business oriented opinions. The most prominent theme that has emerged from the previous discussions is Leadership. However, what I heard at the tables was more about personal development of life skills than Leadership. The term Leadership is ambiguous enough to encompass many of the skills that people want their children to learn: character, critical thinking, learning, expression of passions. But the exhaustive list of skills leaves me scratching my head a bit asking, "Doesn't everyone want these things for their child?" And perhaps most perplexingly, "Is Leadership really congruent with all the skills?"

There is a lot of overlay with Leadership skills and the life skills that I heard expressed around the tables today, but creating a concise term to cover those life skills is difficult. I would just hate to see the school settle for a term like Leadership that doesn't truly represent the product that we hope to create for our children.

I always enjoy the process of these focus groups, I learned a lot from observing the professionals from the Board of Education, and I hope to be involved in the future with the development of this Signature.

--Ben

Leakin and Creakin

After 10 years of service my HP inkjet is starting to show signs of retirement. Ink is leaking out of it, and as the pages run through they are making the machine creak like my father's remaining natural joints. ;-)

Everything wears out I suppose, but what a hassle to have to replace this machine.

--Ben

Voices

Are there voices in your life that you can trust? In our society we are very familiar with the idea of schizophrenia and the voices in people's heads that influence them to behavior that we deem not normal. I've even seen t-shirts that make clever jokes about what these voices are telling the person wearing the shirt.

What voices do you listen to? There are, I suppose, those who don't listen to anyone. Mainly, I expect, there are voices that we will listen to and some of us seek the voice of someone that is trustworthy that can express to us advice, correction, instruction and a number of other valuable things.

Today I went and met a man whose voice I trust. He is an older man now, and his wealth of experience is something from which I can benefit. He has lived the kind of life I live, and approached it with similar values. His is a voice of "been there, done that and this is what I know because of it". But he shared it with a constant inquiry so that he could understand where I uniquely am coming from.

I'm thankful for a trusted adviser like that. I would encourage everyone to find someone that they can enjoy the same kind of conversation with. Those voices are out there if you'll listen.

--Ben

Apple Picking Postponed

The ladies apple picking event has been postponed due to the coming weather. For more details tune in Sunday and hear from Sarah Gilt.

Thanks,
--Ben

Quiet Time

Do you have a regular quiet time in your day? A time to get alone with God? A time of prayer, meditation, study? I do, and I find it to really help me keep my balance. When things get swirling, I get closer to God.

There seems to be so much going on right now, and so much that it seems God is about to do, that I'm taking more time than ever to grew closer to Him, know him better, and recognize His voice.

Here's the deal: He must increase, I must decrease. That's the simple truth always has been, always will be.

--Ben

Coming Soon: Food Drive

I was so excited to get back from my trip and hear from Pastor Ariel that the Food Drive has been scheduled. Last time we did it we filled the back of a Ford F150 pick-up truck and the food pantry that we donate it too had to squeeze it into nooks and crannies. They ended up sharing some of it with another local food bank.

In November we'll be partnering with the local Giant supermarket to collect donations for those in need. More details to come.

--Ben

Jabez

While reading 1 Choronicles 4:9-10 last week, I came across a familiar passage. It is the story and prayer of Jabez. Until the late 1990s Jabez was as familiar a character in the Bible as Shamgar or Peleg. No one knew who Jabez was. Then a book was published called The Prayer Of Jabez, and suddenly everyone in church circles knew his story, prayed his prayer, and gave the book to each other as gifts.

Now years later when I read this passage it is set in my mind in the context of all that hubbub. But this time when I read it I came away with a very different sense of it then ever before. Jabez was given his name because his mother said that he was a pain in childbirth. Can you imagine having a name like, "You hurt me" or "Painful"? Or introducing yourself, "Hello, my name is Pain In The Neck"? Or hearing your name called each morning at school during roll call, "Head, Melon" and you answer, "Here"?

Jabez's whole life was marked with a reminder of something that he had no control over. Did you know that a person's name is the key to unlock their heart? Learning someone's name and addressing them by name makes them instinctively respond differently in conversation. There are few things more personal than your name. You have written it thousands of times, even practiced how you want it to look. You've said it over and over when introducing yourself, and you've thought about the proper way it should be said. Perhaps you've come up with some clever way of associating it so that when you tell someone your name they'll remember it. (i.e. "Rainey" like the weather.)

That most personal expression in Jabez's life was the impression of a mother at childbirth. When I was born they had to break my collar bone to get me out of my mother. I'm glad she didn't name me "Wide Load". (No matter how appropriate that might have been.)

Here's the thing that really struck me: Jabez chose not to be defined by the label of his past, instead he relied on the grace of God. When his story is told it is noted that he was more honorable than his brothers. He may have come from a birth story of pain, but his mother got it wrong. "Child of pain"should have been called "Most honorable son".

What label do you carry around? Alcoholic, Divorced, Angry, Incompetent? Jabez's life serves as an example your heritage, past, or label can't hold back the grace of God. Receive God's grace, and He'll rename your future.

--Ben

The Message

I've adopted The Message for my Bible reading this year. Each year I try to read through the Bible at least once. It always speaks to me, and at times of my greatest desperation comforts me. Usually I pick a different version each time I read through.

The Message has been particularly enjoyable to read. I am constantly coming away from the reading with new insights, or thinking about the scripture in a new way. Often I'll read it and go back to the NIV or KJV to read it again to see if those texts agree. It has created a wonderful parallel for my bible knowledge and understanding.

If you are not reading the Bible regularly, I think you're missing out. It is one of the daily habits of spiritual discipline that believers have practiced since the printing press made the Bible available. Even before that scripture meditation was practiced by devout followers of Jesus.

I would recommend The Message if you've had difficulty understanding another version of the Bible. It is written in understandable language and is formatted like any other book you would read today.

Read the Bible, it will change your life.

--Ben

The Cough

Apparently a lot of people have been tracking my health on my blog, twitter, and Facebook. I'm asked regularly if I'm doing alright. I thought I'd pop on and let you know that I'm fit as a fiddle with a cough. I feel great, and have no virus in my system. But I do continue to cough. I think that there is something in my bronchial tube that agitates when I breathe. Not sure how to get it out, but I'll be meeting up with the doctor later this week or next to discuss it further.

Thanks for your concern.

--Ben

Weekend

The weekend is coming, and I can feel the anticipation growing for a great day on Sunday. I hope that you'll join us. Remember that this weekend is Friend Day and we're starting a new series called: Genesis: First Book Of Second Beginnings.

Hope to see you there.

--Ben

This Sunday

This Sunday is going to be great at Severn River Church. I can't wait for the weekend. We're starting a new series called, "Genesis: First Book Of Second Beginnings". To kick it off we've made it a Friend Day and have some really cool elements planned for the service.

One that I'm particularly excited about is the dedication of Abbi Harrah. It is thrilling to see God's hand on the Harrah family, and they have a crew of people coming out for this special part of our service.

It's going to be great so here's what to do:

Invite your friends, come to AACC on Sunday morning, and enjoy one the best services of the year.

--Ben

Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce Meeting

This afternoon I enjoyed attending the annual membership meeting of the GSPCC. This was my first opportunity to attend. It was very nice at the Chartwell Country Club in Severna Park. I got to meet and network with a number of people.

Ed Reilly the State Senator was the keynote speaker.

It's nice to establish new friendships in the community. Severna Park is a great community. I'm glad to serve it.

--Ben

Success

When I was in High School I played on the basketball team. One time I had double digit points in a game. The rest of the time I was just the weak link on the floor while our better players were taking a rest. I was not one of the good players, but I went to a school small enough to not have cuts, so I took advantage of it to get out of class on game days.

One thing that I remember from my senior year was something my coach said over and over: "Leave it all on the floor." His point was there should be nothing held back, nothing kept in reserve. We should walk off the court at the end of the game having done everything we possibly could to win the game. I always did my best to give the game everything I had.

That's the pathway to success. Success on a personal level is when we can honestly look back at our effort and know it was our level best. I should point our that success doesn't always equal victory. Victory is another attribute that often holds hands with success.

In recent reflection I've come to see success as the equation

E^B x T = S

Effort to your Best power, times Time equals Success.

Strive for your best my friends.

--Ben

Dumb Enough

Dumb enough to believe that anything is possible.
Dumb enough to try things that others wouldn't.
Dumb enough to jump in with both feet into the deep end, and dumb enough to believe that I'll be alright.
Dumb enough to dream things that may never happen, and knowing that they're nearly impossible, dumb enough to tell people about my dreams anyway.
Dumb enough to not have answers to the questions, solutions for the problems, and head out on a journey to a place I've never seen on a map.
Dumb enough to laugh off miscues, mistakes, and miscellaneous other things, so long as I'm dumb enough to try again.
Dumb enough to see something come from nothing.

I'm dumb enough.

Smart enough to try things that others wouldn't.
Smart enough to jump in with both feet into the deep end, and smart enough to believe that I'll be alright.
Smart enough to dream things that may never happen, and knowing that they're nearly impossible, smart enough to tell people about my dreams anyway.
Smart enough to not have answers to the questions, solutions for the problems, and head out on a journey to a place I've never seen on a map.
Smart enough to laugh off miscues, mistakes, and miscellaneous other things, so long as I'm smart enough to try again.
Smart enough to see something come from nothing.

I'm dumb enough to think I might be smart enough.

--Ben

Aging

Almost two years ago I had a trusted friend recommend that I see a doctor. There wasn't anything wrong, but he suggested that since I was turning thirty it would be a good time to establish a relationship with a doctor. By that point I had established a relationship with a contractor for my house, lender for financing, Realtor, pastor for my soul, but for my body I needed a doctor.

Yesterday presented the moment of action. I found a doctor in my insurance program, and set up an appointment. He turns out to be very nice, and I'm glad to have found him. Now I start letting him run blood tests and get to know my human machine. When I got there I had to fill out a form with all kinds of information and consents. One asked for a list of doctors, I told them that I had visited one doctor since high school, and I didn't remember his name or address.

It is just one of those things that comes with aging. There are experiences that come at intervals in our lives that open the gateway to the next age. It's just part of growing up.

--Ben

Health Update

Well, I got into the Dr.'s today and got checked out. No Pneumonia, just some bronchial problems, but they should be cleared up in a couple days. The Doc gave me some meds to take.

Overall I'm glad it's not worse, but I'm tired of being sick. Thought I'd let you all know.

--Ben

Momentum

We had the best summer at SRC that we have ever had. The God In The Great Outdoors services were a huge blessing that really were a God thing.

This fall we switched gears into a new series that for one reason or another hasn't gotten off the ground. Consequently we have been feeling a drop in momentum. It reminded me of something that I learned years ago: Everything appears better than it is when you have momentum, and when you don't have momentum everything appears worse than it is.

Maybe God is just giving us a breather before the momentum picks up again.

--Ben

Weekend Update

As I head into the new week, I want to pause and reflect on the weekend that was. This is a recap of the things that happened this weekend:

• Saturday the band got together to practice. Special thanks to PAG for the use of the hall.
  
• Saturday evening I called Ariel to speak for me on Sunday morning, because my voice was so shot.
• Early Sunday morning I put out a prayer request on Facebook. I appreciate the prayers.
• Then it was setup and prayer followed by a breakneck drive back to my office and back to get the books for the Growth Group leaders.
  
• I really thought that the rehearsal paid off for the band, they were great, and such a sense of the Spirit there.
• Ariel preached a good message on the parable of the sower. I took notes on: The Road Crew, The Rock Band, The Weedeaters, The Mathletes (They multiply in big numbers).
• We kicked off groups yesterday. It's not too late to sign-up.
  
• Then last night we had a Members Mtg at the church office.

So it was a busy weekend, but a good one. Makes my look forward to next week.

--Ben

Anything More Important?

Today I was challenged by a pastor that said, "Is there anything more important than hearing the whispers of the Holy Spirit?" That is certainly true for any pastor, but even to the greater degree every follower of Christ. God is interested in speaking to us, and He gave us His Spirit for that purpose. In fact, Jesus told His followers that it was more beneficial for Him to go away that way the Holy Spirit could come.

Are you putting yourself in a position to hear the Holy Spirit whisper to you in prayer?

--Ben

What Are You Known For?

While reading the Bible yesterday I came across a statement that I found particularly challenging: "Your task is to be true, not popular." Luke 6:25 Msg.

It seems like there was a day when things were simpler. Ben Matlock told a story that convinced the judge, jury, and all of the TV viewers that the witness on the stand was the real murderer, and then he had a hot dog and never quite got the girl.

Those days have been replaced with reality shows that feature two-faced exchanges between contestants with private confessionals and commentators. Youtube provides another venue where we can track politicians and hear exactly what they said to which group they happened to be speaking to that day. It's a world of parsing words, soundbites, and clever manipulation of words to avoid saying anything of substance.

No wonder many struggle with the idea of truth, not whether it exists, but which truth should be believed. We've been programmed to believe truth depends on whether we've separated it from the lie.

Jesus told his followers that ours is a task of truth. Be true.

--Ben

Fundamental Rule Of Leadership

Announcements and sign-ups don't fill groups or teams. Leaders fill groups and teams. Don't cop out or whine about a lack of participation, it's up to you, leader.

--Ben

Because You Have A Boo Boo

Prayer is your chance to tell the God of the universe whatever is on your mind or heart. It is a gut check to help calibrate yourself on what you know should be on your mind and heart. It is a chance to listen to God and receive a new mind and heart.

Sunday morning amid a tumultuous morning in which many key contributors to getting SRC setup were away, including myself, Pastor Ariel found her way into Rm 101 at 9:00 a.m. for Second Sunday prayer. During the prayer time, she was interrupted by my niece who came in the room and saw Ariel with head bowed. She asked, "What are you doing?" and Ariel replied, "I'm praying."
My niece responded, "Oh do you have a boo boo?"

It is delightful when children boil the world down to simplistic ideas, but telling when I think that many adults have the same thought regarding prayer. They pray when they need something. "God do this for me." "God do that for me." Like rubbing the lamp and commanding a genie.

Prayer is much more than that, and so is the relationship that God wants to grow with you through prayer.

Pray when you have boo boos; just don't only pray when you have boo boos.

--Ben

Time Management Tip

Been working through the task list a bit today, and was just thinking about a time management tip that I thought I'd share. I hope it's helpful to you.

In football there is a fundamental cliche: "You've got to move the chains." That is because football is not just measured by points, but also by smaller increments measured by a ten yard chain. Every time a team moves the ball past the end of the chain, the chain moves and they get another 4 plays to get past the chain again.

Your daily success is not a usually a sprint, all out, running like a chicken with no head. It is usually the collection of incremental tasks that are accomplished moving a little bit at a time. And since it's football season (and the Ravens are at the top of their division) I'll borrow one more football thought. A team has a number of plays they can pick from, a variety of people to carry the ball forward, and professional athletes strong enough to compete. But they also have eleven obstacles on the other side of the ball trying to stop them. Someone has to look at how the defense is lined up and pick the right play, to the right ball-carrier, to the right hole in the coverage so they can move the chains.

Your ability to succeed for today is based not only on being able to accomplish tasks, but also on your ability to identify which tasks need to get done in which order.

If you feel like your days are spent chasing your tail, or if you feel like you move from crisis to crisis, you need to learn to coordinate your tasks to help you move the chains forward and make progress. Here are a few tips that help me:

• Make a list. I make a list and even break up tasks by how long I think it will take to accomplish them. (15 min, 1 hour, 2+ hours) I include all my tasks personal, professional, and volunteer commitments all on one list.
• Review the list for things other people should be doing. Delegate appropriately.
  
• Identify and prioritize the tasks.
• Do easy tasks first to gain momentum.
• Set whisker goals for tasks that I don't feel like doing. (If I just do one or two things on a task it usually leads to getting it done.)
  
• I review the list throughout the day, and cross off tasks completed.

Certainly not comprehensive advice, but good advice for making progress in your day.

--Ben

Motivation

I've been six credits shy of completing my Masters degree for a year now. The really bad part is that I've completed the course work, now its just a matter of registering and writing.

I just haven't responded well. I would rather go to classes, and have a syllabus.

I suppose I'm posting this to try and garner some motivation, and support.

--Ben

The Cricket

Last Sunday when I arrived at the campus to set up for our weekend service I was greeted by a cricket chirping away in the lecture hall where we meet. And I thought it was inconvenient, but that thing chirped all morning and is captured in our recording of last Sunday's message.

Yesterday I was ill and missed the service. My dad preached in my place, I'm listening to it now, and guess who's back? The cricket.

I contacted the school and asked them to have the room sprayed. My email received this reply:

I put in a work order for this as soon as I received your note. I hope it is resolved for this coming Sunday. One thing’s for sure…he must love your service because has made it to church two Sunday’s in a row :0

Nice!

--Ben

What A Weekend

Saturday morning we played our first Tot 4 soccer game. I will admit to you that at our first practice, I was not very optimistic about our chances this season. But Saturday, when the whistle blew, my team came out to play. They were fantastic. I was really proud of them. Almost every kid got a goal.

Saturday evening I started developing sniffles, and thought it must be allergies. When I laid down my nose was constantly running, and I started to cough, so I got up and slept on the couch. I didn't sleep too well, because of the constant drainage. By the morning my throat was so sore I knew that I couldn't preach or sing (I was lined up to do both), so I had to make other plans on the fly. So thankful for my dad filling the pulpit for me. I heard he did a great job. I'll get to listen later when the sermon is uploaded on the website.

I did manage to hold myself together long enough to meet up with SRC for the baptism at the Harps house. I wouldn't have missed baptizing Tommy for anything. It was awesome. There are few things that bring the type of joy that baptizing does, and I was privileged to be part of it.

Then I headed back home and back to the couch for the rest of the day and evening. I slept much better last night, but today am still feeling under the weather. It's just a matter of time now though till my body gets back to 100%.

--Ben

Bye Bye Summer

This has been a big summer for the Rainey household. Sydney learned to ride a bike, Ellie is potty training, Syd is learning to tie her shoes, started school, and a bunch of other things. It is amazing how things change in just a few months.

This summer stood out for SRC as a big time as well. Doing the God In The Great Outdoors services each month really helped keep us focused on reaching out and moving forward as a church rather than giving in to the summer slump.

As we see the summer slipping away, I am filled with anticipation of what lies ahead for this fall. It's gonna be a good one.

--Ben

Starting This Sunday

The Dangers Of Personal Faith

Historically speaking the idea of a "personal" relationship with God is relatively young in the Christian faith. It is an idea that grew out of the a modern interpretation of the scripture that looked for a formula for salvation. Supreme in that endeavor Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." It's syllogistic nature was seized upon and hermeneutically (approach to interpreting scripture) applied through the lens of a western worldview. In the 1900s the movement of evangelistic crusades, like Billy Graham held, led to the invitation to the altar to receive Christ as one's "personal" Lord and Savior.

And as a westerner in worldview and experience I have used that same approach when sharing my faith, and calling others to faith. When it comes to helping someone cross the line from separation from God to salvation in God, Romans 10:9 gives a great template.

Today,, though, my thoughts returned to this idea of a "personal" faith as I read 2 Kings 16. Ahaz becomes the king in Judah and is not at all like his ancestor David. In fact, Ahaz is shown to have a "personal" faith, that leads to God despising him as king. Though Ahaz lives in Jerusalem, a holy city and one time dwelling place of God's Spirit, he chooses to add the practices of pagans to his "personal" faith. When his city is about to be conquered by Aram, he appeals to Assyria for help instead of his God. And while his nation is saved he goes further down the path of "personal" faith and loots the temple treasuries as a means of paying off the Assyrians. Then he plunders the temple for his personal use. Enamored by a pagan altar in Damascus, he sends architectural plans back to the priest in Jerusalem to replace the altar God had designed. And seals his personal faith when he goes through and removes all distinctive features from the temple that might offend the King of Assyria.

Talk about a sell out. But more and more I find people on spiritual journeys that think they can have a "personal" faith, like a smorgasbord of choices when it comes to shaping their religious faith. The story of Ahaz reminds me that our relationship with God is not about what we want out of it, it's about what He wants out of it. We aren't redeemed by God because of our value, but because of the value of His Son. The Christian faith is not about the Christians, it's about the Christ. We don't shape Him, He shapes us.

Don't try to build your "personal" faith like Ahaz, embrace God in His distinctives, His holiness, His way.

--Ben

Runs Like That

When I was in high school I played on the basketball team. I remember my Sr. year for the training that we did. That was the year we started running to the gym from our school. Now that probably sounds odd to all of you that had a gymnasium on your school property, but for the Knights, we required a middle school gym about a mile away. So we would run over there, then we would run sprints in the gym. Of course everyone that has played is familiar with Suicides. They are sprints that run from endline to foul line and back, endline to half-court and back, endline to far foul line and back, endline to endline and back; with no stopping. They are intense. I remember that my friend Tres would always run them, and as soon as he got back the final time he would run straight out of the gym and to the restroom to vomit.

I just got back from a run this morning and it was the worst outing I've had in a long time. Not sure why. Fatigue? Oncoming illness (my inlaws have been sick all week)? Dehydration? I don't know, but for whatever reason I was only running at 60% today. Then to top it off, during my second interval, I had to stop twice to vomit. Otherwise I didn't feel sick, but I don't know. I thought I might share this, and some of you will probably think this is TMI, but runs like that make me want to go out again this evening and give it another shot, it can't get worse. Can it?

--Ben

The Nines Conference

Today (09/09/09) is The Nines conference put on by Leadership Network. It started at 9:00 a.m. and is running all day. The content is filled with nine minute teachings by pastors and leaders from around the world. It is all online. You just log on and watch. It is all streamed and there are thousands around the USA that are tuning in. Additionally it is free. I've got too much work to do to allow me to watch it exclusive, but I've turned it on, and am listening as I work. They are offering the videos for free starting tomorrow.

I'm really thankful for the format, and enjoying it.

--Ben

Sometimes I Miss Living In PA

Did anyone catch this story?

Pa. Man Fires Cannon, Hits Neighbor's House

My bad, buddy

Updated 1:41 PM EDT, Tue, Sep 8, 2009

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AP

A Pennsylvania history buff who recreates firearms from old wars accidentally fired a 2-pound cannonball through the wall of his neighbor's home in Uniontown, Pa.

William Maser, 54, fired a cannonball Wednesday evening outside his home in Georges Township that ricocheted and hit a house 400 yards away. The cannonball, about two inches in diameter, smashed through a window and a wall before landing in a closet. Authorities said nobody was hurt.

State police charged Maser with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.