Thursday, April 4, 2013

God's "Glory Enhancers" : 4-4-13

Hi friends! This verse from today's One Year Bible reading stood out to me. It's from Psalm 76:10.

http://bible.us/116/PSA76.10.NLT "Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon."

I like it because there are a lot of people who are in defiance to God's plan  for their lives. Often, we worry about them if they are a family member or friend.  However, this verse is clearly indicating that their defiance is actually Going to help God!  The more defiance, the more God will use it for His glory.

So, take heart! your kids rebellion, your family members rejection of the faith and your friends spiritual apathy is all working in their favor to break down the wall between them and God. Their rebellion is His glory enhancer!

My Prayer for Today: Lord I again pray over those who need to surrender their lives to you.  May today be the day when their rebellion becomes the catalyst for your glory.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

One year Bible 4-2-13

Today's One Year Bible reading had the following verse from Luke 10:2.

http://bible.us/116/LUK10.2.NLT These were his instructions to them: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."

I think this verse is for us here at Thrive. There is such a great need in our community.  Statistically, there are over 30,000 people living without the joy of a thriving relationship with Jesus.  It's my prayer that we on the Thrive Team would not rest until all have had an opportunity to hear how amazing a life with Jesus is.  However, this verse is not about the harvest of lost souls as much as it is a plea for prayer. Specifically, a prayer for workers or servant's to do God's work.

So to translate for our context... Pray that the Thrive Dream Team would grow into a mighty army, turning the world upside down for Jesus! 

Would you join me in that prayer and also pray that God would send us some help?  Will you pray that He would  radically increase the size of the Dream Team? 

My Prayer for Today: Lord, your word tells us to pray for workers for the harvest. I do that now. Expand the Dream Team. May we double in size over the next three months. May our growth track maintain a minimum of 17 new people per month over the next 3 months. Above all, may we stay focused on the mission, reaching the lost.

Amen



--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

I Don't Understand: 4-1-13

Hello Thrive team! Once again, thank you so much for your participation in our first Easter service! 

The following verse from yesterday's  One Year Bible reading stood out to me. It's from Luke 9:45.

http://bible.us/116/LUK9.45.NLT  "But they didn't know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn't understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it."

I find it interesting that a lack of understanding was instituted by God himself.  I guess it is because understanding and faith do not coexist.  In fact, true faith is a decision to believe without the answers.  Therefore, if God wants to increase our faith, He puts us in situations where we have an inability to comprehend what is going on!

My Prayer for Today: Lord, I can't stand it when I don't understand! Yet I know that it is your perfect plan to allow me to grow through that discomfort and develop my faith. May today be the day I give up trying to figure you out. In Jesus Name,


 Amen.


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Monday, April 1, 2013

The numbers are in....

By all accounts, our 1st Easter service was a big success!  5 people made life changing decisions for Christ this Easter!   That's 5  lives... 5 families that will forever be altered.  In addition, 379 people worshiped with us this Easter!  Attached is a picture of families making their way to the Easter Egg hunt.  If you have any other pics, will you send them to me.

I am looking forward to another awesome worship experience this Sunday.  Please pray over all the participants of the NEXT Generation service on Sunday.  I'm looking forward to having kids actively participating in the service.

So blessed to be doing life with you!

pete
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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Amazing 1st Easter service!

Thrive Team, you did it!!!! It was an amazing 1st Easter service.  I will get some data to you tomorrow about decisions, but I know I saw hands go up at the decision point.  I also heard a lot of positive responses from people during the Easter Egg Hunt.  You all made our 1st Easter service completely outstanding!  I am so proud to be a part of this team.  I love doing life with you all!

Living the Dream with you!
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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Company is coming!

I don't know about you, but  it's not uncommon that when we are having friends over, my wife and I scramble to get the house cleaned up a bit before they arrive.  We always want to put our best foot forward for the people we care about.  

 

With that in mind, on Sunday we will have a lot of first time guests.  Folks we have been praying for all week will be arriving, looking around... wondering  what Thrive is all about.  Let's show them!  Let's show them love, care and concern.  I hereby deputize you ALL asgreeters.  Whether it's at child check in,  at  the cafe'  or finding a seat in the auditorium, be a friend to the new family.

 

I do have a few specific requests that will make the 1st time guests visit even nicer.  If you are dropping off children to Grow Kids back in the School's cafeteria, please use the newly opened auditorium entrance on the south side of the auditorium to come into the worship center.  It really is a short cut!  Also, please consider sitting in towards the center and not leaving a large gap of empty seats in the middle of a row.  We will have a full house and leaving end seats available makes it easier for everyone to find a seat.  

 

The message for Sunday is done- The concept is about redemption.  It will focus on the mistakes of both Peter and Judas and how God deals with feelings of regret.  I cried twice as I was developing the message just thinking about how God has redeemed me from my past.  I believe there will be a mighty outpouring of God's healing in the hearts and souls of all who attend.

 

I will be praying at the office this Saturday @ 9:00.  Feel free to join me and my son Christian as we continue to intercede over the names listed on the connect cards this past Sunday.

 

Living the Dream with you!

 

pete


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Another WIN for the Thrive Team!!!


Thrive Community Church, Port Orange
New LikesNew Check-ins
5 7
Talking About This Weekly Total Reach
34 +61.9% 3,056 +24.3%
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Above are our face book stats for the week.  Look at the total weekly reach!  3,056!!! way to go Thrive Team!  Keep spreading the Word, God is at work and we are currently  preparing  for the largest attended service in our History!  

Keep spreading the word, keep inviting and above all keep praying over the weekend!


Living the Dream with you!
p

--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Don't stop .... Believin' (Journey tunes in the Background)

Hello Thrive Community Church! The following verse jumped out to me in today's reading from the One Year Bible. It's Luke 1:45

http://bible.us/116/LUK1.45.NLT        "You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said."

Of all the things we think we "should" do for God, really there is only one, believe!  Believe does not simply mean to believe that there is a God, but believe He is who He says He is. Believe He can do what He says He can do. Believe you are who He says you are!

My Prayer for Today :Lord I know that the blessing comes when we believe, yet so often I doubt. Help me in my unbelief. May today be the day I make a decision to believe once and for all.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Another new RECORD WIN for the Thrive Team

It finally happened!  It's a new record!  I have been monitoring our website traffic for the past month.  The most 1st time visits to our website occurred during our 1st quarter of our operation, july - Sept 2012.... until now!  With 3 weeks to go in the quarter, we have already set a new record for 1st time visits!  1,830 people visited our website for the very 1st time since January.     Way to go Thrive Team!  This happens because we are all spreading the word, talking about our church and sharing via facebook, etc.  

Keep up the great work & keep spreading the word - 

Blessings!
p


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Guest feedback for the Thrive Team

I want to give a special shout out to the nursery team.  Way to go Caroline and Ursula !  Guest feedback survey said the following:

4. Based on your observation and/or child feedback, how would you rate the children's ministry?
Above average. My kids would return.
My daughter was in the nursery, the staff was very friendly.

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Risky Business

Good Morning Thrive! The following verse from today's One Year Bible reading stood out to me.

http://bible.us/116/MRK15.43.NLT  Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)

I love the phrase,  "took a risk". His faith compelled him to take a risk.  Because of his risk,Joseph has the most famous tomb in history; the one that housed the resurrection! 

How about you? Is your faith pressing you forward? Is there any risk in your spiritual walk? Where are you being compelled to take a "leap of faith"? After all, a life of faith can be risky business.

My Prayer for Today :Lord, I pray against fear and doubt in the Thrive church family. May we be known as a people willing to risk it all for our faith. May trust and belief be what we are known for.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Another Amazing Weekend for the Thrive Team

I had some stats from this weekend come in... 

We had 11 decisions for Christ the past Sunday!   We also had 23 people in Growth Track 101!  It's a new post-launch record!  Way to Go thrive team - 

It's a honor to serve beside you - Man I love this church!

--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Monday, March 4, 2013

Let's clap! 3-4-13

Hello Thrive Team. Today's verse from the One Year Bible reading that stood out to me was the following :
http://bible.us/116/PSA47.1.NLT "Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise!" Psalm 47:1

The past Sunday I introduced the 6 characteristics of healthy, growing people. One of the six is going to be this Sunday's topic of discussion, "Inspired in worship".  In the above verse, we see people who are active participants in the worship process.  They are not watching the show, they are engaged.

This Sunday, will you make a commitment to be an active participant in  worship ? Will you "clap your hands and shout to God with joyful praise"?

My Prayer for Today : Lord I pray that every Sunday, we at Thrive would set a new standard for congregational worship. I pray that as one body, both musicians and congregation, we would make every effort to connect with you.

Amen 

--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Friday, March 1, 2013

Great Job Today! 3/1/13

Hello Thrive Team!  The following verse from the One Year Bible reading meant something to me

http://bible.us/116/PRO10.21.NLT "The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense."

The verse says that Godly words are encouraging. Often we think Godly words are phrases like, "praise the Lord" or "hallelujah".  But how about this Godly phrase,  "Great job today" or "I appreciate you".

Godly words make people feel valued. How about joining me in trying to speak to my fellow Thrive Team members with Godly encouragement? Will you commit to encourage 5 people a day for the next 3 days?

My Prayer for Today : Lord I pray that you grant me insight to see who needs an encouraging word today.  May I never forget how powerful Godly words of encouragement are.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Bible: A New series beginning on 3/3/13

I thought you might like to know that there is a new series on the History Channel  called "The Bible".
 

Check it out, I know I will!

p
--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

He can do it! 2-27-13

Hi Thrive Team!  The following verse in the One Year Bible reading for today stood out to me.

http://bible.us/116/MRK9.23.NLT  Mark 9:23,"What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."

Jesus can do it. Whatever it is, He can! Will you take a few moments today and ask Him for something special? Once you do that, will you join me in asking Him for a few special things for Thrive?

My Prayer for Today : Lord I pray that you fill every empty seat in our auditorium with a lost soul in need of a savior. May they not simply become new converts, but true disciples.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Hi partners of Thrive! I just wanted to let you know that there will be intercessory prayer and worship at the church office this Saturday, 9am.  Since Awake 21, prayer has been held every weekend.  We have been praying for God's mighty moving during the Sunday Worship Experience.  We have also been praying for the lost in our community and their impending encounter with God!

 

You  now officially have a standing invitation to join me on any Saturday of your choosing for prayer.  The office is located at 5111 S. Ridgewood, Port Orange FL 32127.  We are on the second floor, when you come out of the elevator, go left then right. 

 

Looking forward to praying with you!

pete


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Skilled Labor Wanted! 2-13-13

Good morning Thrive!   The verse in the One Year Bible reading for today that stood out to me is below.

http://bible.us/116/EXO35.10.NLT "Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the Lord has commanded"

Notice that the call to build the temple is not to all people, but specific people with a specific skill set who were good at what they do.  

I believe the same holds true for us today.  God's temple, the church, is still being built by skilled people - You! In our Growth Track 101, we make the statement, "Everyone is a 10 somewhere." Where are you a ten? Where are you skillful and more importantly, how can God use it?

You don't have to be good at everything, just what God created you for. What is that? Just look at what you are good at!  Isn't it cool how that works out like that?

My Prayer for Today : Lord,  You are calling for craftsmen to help build your temple. Today I make a decision to surrender my gifts to you. Use them as you see fit. May I soon know the joy of a job well done in service to you.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

He Understands: 2-13-13

Hi friends of Thrive Community Church and partners!  The following verse from today's One Year Bible reading really spoke to my heart.

http://bible.us/116/PSA33.15.NLT
"He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do."

I love the concept that God made me, so He understands.  It doesn't give me liberty to be completely lawless, but it does give me comfort to know that He doesn't require or expect perfection.

Why don't I do what I know I really should? I have no idea, but thankfully He understands.  Why do I lose my cool so quickly? I wish I could answer, but thankfully He understands!

My Prayer for Today : Lord, I am so glad you understand me, because I sure don't! Today, speak to my heart. lead me by your Spirit and help me understand me!

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Friday, February 8, 2013

Go a little further: 2-8-13

Hey friends of Thrive Community Church.  The following verse stuck out to me in today's reading from the One Year Bible.

http://bible.us/116/MAT26.39.NLT "He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Matthew 26:39

The phrase that struck me was, "He went a little farther."  I get a sense that there is more to this sentence than just a few extra steps. I think God is asking us all to go a little farther.... to press ourselves a little more in our pursuit of Him.

This Sunday as we gather for worship, can we go a little farther?  Can we have a little more zeal? Can we have a little more expectation about what God is going to do?

My Prayer for Today : Lord, I pray that I would have the courage to take the next steps in my faith. By your Spirit, may I go a little farther in my devotions and my pursuit of you.  Lead me and strengthen me along the way, I pray.

Amen 


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Monday, February 4, 2013

Boundaries: 2-4-13

Hey friends of Thrive!  The verse from today's one year Bible reading that stuck out to me is the following from Exodus 19:21

21 Then the Lord told Moses, "Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die."

The word that struck me is the word "boundaries".  It makes me think of the boundaries in relationships, which is what we will be studying this coming Sunday morning as a part of our series, "February-  The Month of Love".   When we cross boundaries in our relationships, usually something unhealthy happens.   In the above scripture's case, it was death!  Thankfully, that is not the typical response!  

This Sunday we will be talking about boundaries within families.  The role that the family plays in our society is significant.  I guess that's why in the 10 commands, we have "don't murder", right next to "honor you father and mother".  I encourage you today to examine the quality of the relationships within your family.  Will you join me in making a commitment to ask yourself "what do I need to do to deepen my family relationships"?

My Prayer for Today: Lord, may your Spirit guide me today as I examine how I manage my boundaries with my family and friends.  Correct me for crossing the line or taking advantage.  Correct me also for allowing others to cross my personal boundaries.  Forgive me for saying, "Yes"  when I probably should say "no"

Amen 
--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Month of Love: 1-29-13

The following verse from today's One Year Bible reading is for Thrive!

http://bible.us/Matt19.19.NLT 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

February is the month of Love.  We at Thrive will be taking the whole month to study "love".  On the 3rd we will talk about God's love. On the 10th, we will discuss love within family relationships. Then, on the 17th, we will discuss love within the Body of Christ and specifically, how we ought to act towards other believers. Finally on the last Sunday, we will talk about how to love and deal with difficult people.

My Prayer for Today : Lord teach us to love one another like you love us.  May our hearts be softened for the difficult people in our lives. Above all may our love for those closest to us be more today than yesterday.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Another Win for the Thrive team (actually 7 of them)

I knew I saw quite a few hands go up yesterday at our decision point. Seven people marked their connect card as making a decision to rededicate their life to Christ!   Woohoo!!!! In addition, one person said that they are considering Christ, and are just not sure yet.  Join me in prayer and let's pray for the person "considering Christ" to become a committed and devoted follower.

So thankful to have you involved in the miracles God is doing!

Way to go Thrive Team!


P


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Monday, January 28, 2013

He's After You! 1-28-13

 Hi friends of Thrive Community Church. The verse from today's One Year Bible reading is pretty appropriate for the upcoming teaching series.

http://bible.us/Ps23.6.NLT 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

For the month of February, the teaching series will be about love.  This Sunday we will discuss the amazing, unquenchable love of God.   The above verse says God's love will pursue us.   What a wonderful word picture.

 Did you feel hunted down today? God, consumed by His love for you,  is chasing after you - and He is better than any bloodhound at apprehending what He is after!  Might as well give up on running from His love and accept it. 

My Prayer for Today : Lord I am amazed and humbled by the faithfulness of your love. Fill me to overflowing that I may be a vessel of your love for the world.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
FaceBook.com/ThrivePortOrange
Thriving Life Daily Devotional  
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Another WIN for the Thrive Team!

Way to go Thrive!  Your love, prayer, passion and diligence in spreading the word is paying off!  We had a post-launch record attendance yesterday!!!!  238 people worshipped with us, which is even more than we had on Christmas Eve!  We also had a lot of decisions yesterday - I saw quite a few hands go up!  We are processing the info today so I will fill ya in tomorrow.  

Keep spreading the word & keep praying for the lost.  

Man, I love this Church!
p
--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Friday, January 25, 2013

Our last Prayer & worship meeting of Awake 21 is TOMORROW

You are invited to join me tomorrow for the culmination of our 21 days of Prayer and fasting.  Prayer will be held at the church office, located @ 5111 S. Ridgewood, Port Orange.  We are in the 2nd floor of the Clark office Building.  Prayer starts promptly @ 9am.  The office building has a sliding glass door that needs a key to get in, so that's why it's important to be there at or before 9am (so I can let you in).  It's been an amazing and fruitful 3 weeks! I am looking forward to our grand finale tomorrow and the final AMEN of Awake 21.

Thriving with you!
pete

--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Celebrate! 1-25-13

Hip hip horray! Our mailers are hitting the mailboxes this week! Anticipate a lot of visitors over the next few weeks. If you are at Thrive, you are hereby deputized as greeters! Let's try to make the new comers feel like family,

The following verse from today's One Year Bible reading is pretty appropriate for us.

http://bible.us/Ps21.13.NLT 13 Rise up, O LORD, in all your power.
With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.

The word that sticks out to me is celebrate. That is what I hope we can do on a Sunday morning! With music and singing, let's be intentional in connecting with God. Let's rejoice this Sunday in His mighty acts!

My Prayer for Today : Lord, you have done so many great things in my life. Celebration should come naturally, but sometimes it doesn't. I pray that this Sunday a mindset of celebrating would flow through our worship experience, and may I be the lead "celebrator". 

Amen

--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

This Sunday's Teaching and a Head's up on February 3rd's Message

Hey Thrive friends!  This Sunday I will be concluding the Margin Series with Time Margin- "Eliminating the Hectic Feelings of a Busy Life".  Attached is a 5 page article I pulled off the internet by christian writer, Charles Hummel.  I found it to be exactly what I needed to hear!    I thought I would forward it to you for your review.   Let me know what you think.

Also, I wanted to mention the message I will be delivering on February 3rd.  The  topic is from 1 Jn. 4:8, God is Love.  It will be a clear presentation of the Gospel and God's great love for us.  This would be one of those messages you want to be sure to invite your non-church going friends to.  

Another WIN for the Thrive Team- Way to go Spreadin' D Word on Facebook!

Thrive Community Church, Port Orange
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4 1
Talking About This Weekly Total Reach
59 +637.5% 1,184 +48.0%
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--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Surprise! 1-23-13

Hey friends of Thrive Community Church. I found this verse interesting in today's reading from the One Year Bible. 

Genesis 46:3 NLT
3 "I am God, the God of your father," the voice said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation."

What I found interesting is God seemed to have left out a few details about the whole stay in Egypt. For example, the stay in Egypt would be 400 years and would include slavery!

God doesn't always give us clarity about the path we must walk. I think if He did, most of us would back out before we ever got started.

Nevertheless, although the stay in Egypt wasn't a vacation, God was at work. It is estimated up to two million people left Egypt after the 400 years. Pretty amazing considering Only 70 went into Egypt originally.

You might feel surprised by the path you are on. But just keep following His leading, and you too will be the recipient of an amazing turn around.

My Prayer for Today : Lord, lately the path I have been on has had some surprises. Yet, I know you are in charge. Today I make a decision to trust you. I don't need all the answers, just your leadership. Guide me today I pray.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Friday, January 18, 2013

A lot of AMAZING WINS for the Thrive Team!

 

Over the past week, a lot of great things have happened.

  • This past Sunday, at least 4 people made decisions to start over with Jesus!  In addition... 
  • In November and December, we were averaging about 4 new people a day visiting the web site to check us out.  Since Christians Eve, that has gone up to over 20 people per day interested enough in Thrive to go to the website - 249 1st time visitors to the website this week alone!!!  
  • We are Baptizing 10 people this Sunday at the beach, hope you can attend!  
  • Awake 21 is going strong with many of the Thrive Family fasting and praying for Thrive's congregation to Thrive in 2013!  Continued Prayer and Worship will be held at the Church offices tomorrow @ 9am.
  • Our mailers are hitting 30,000 mail boxes over the next week, so anticipate a lot of visitors!  I hereby deputize you all as greeters.  Smile and say "Hi- glad you're here!" to the new faces as they come in. 
  • We have 12 life groups in place to provide care for you and all the great people God will be adding to the Thrive Family over the next few months. 

WOW!  What a rocket ride we are on!  So thankful to be doing it with you--- couldn't be doing it without you!   Man, I love this church!  

 

see ya soon!


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Feelings! 1-18-13

Hey friends of Thrive! In today's One Year Bible reading, I found this verse encouraging.

http://bible.us/Ps16.8.NLT 8 I know the LORD is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

It is so good to know that I will not be shaken. Wait a minute, I have often felt shaken! Humm, maybe what I was feeling wasn't shaking.   Maybe it was fear of the unknown ?
It's also good to know God is right beside me.  Wait a minute (one more time), sometimes I feel lost and alone! Humm, maybe what I am feeling isn't distance from God. Maybe it is doubt and unbelief?

Wow! Seems like my feelings don't always line up with the reality of scripture.

My Prayer for Today: Lord it appears my feelings can lie to me. I often feel things that are contrary to Psalm 16:8. I pray that you would remind me today , by your Spirit, that whatever emotion I happen to be feeling is not necessarily true.  Help me fight those feelings. In addition, may I never forget the truth... You are with me.

Amen


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Hair: 1-15-13


Hey friends of Thrive.  Today's One Year Bible Reading had the following verse in Matt. 10:30 that meant a lot to me.

30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 

God is so intimately aware of what's going on in our lives, knowing us in and out, that even our hairs are numbered.  If He has that trivial detail covered, how much more  does He have the really big things in my life covered.  To me, the verse means that nothing is taking God by surprise - NOTHING!  So, if I am in a surprisingly unpleasant situation, I have to trust that I and the world around me will benefit from it.

My Prayer for today:  Lord, give me perspective. Help keep me aware that you are a God who is large and in charge.  I surrender all the details in my life to your hands today, trusting that you have it all under control.

Amen
--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Our Secret Shopper, Life Groups & Awake 21

Hey Thrive Team!  I hope you are having and amazing Tuesday.  I wanted to mention to you all how humbled I am to lead a congregation that "gets it" like you all do.  You understand that Life groups are how we pastor you, and as such, our life group attendance is growing at an amazing rate.  Just remember life groups are like churches.  They are all different and God has the right one for you.   There is nothing wrong with shopping around a bit to find your group and the people that God has for you to make divine connections with.    If for some reason you have not registered for your life groups yet, please don't hesitate.  To quote our website, "You  can never experience all that Thrive is until you are involved in a Life Group".   You can register online for a life group here : Browse Life Groups or visit our website www.thriveportorange.com  
 
Awake 21 is Thrive's time to seek God's direction for the upcoming year with prayer and fasting.   Many, many thanks to all of you  that are participating.  The blessings at Thrive that we are currently enjoying is the result of a time of prayer in January of 2012.  There was just a handful of us praying back then and look what God is doing now.  Imagine what Thrive will look like at this time next year!  If you have not gotten involved in joining your church family in Awake 21, it's not too late.  For more information check out our website: http://www.thriveportorange.com/awake-21
 
This past Sunday, we had a "Secret Shopper".  His name is Joey Brasher.  He is a coach with the GROW Network which is a part of the church planting organization that helped us get started (ARC - Association of Related Churches).  He is based out of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham Alabama, a church of over 15,000 , and he coaches churches across the country.  I asked him to come while we were still very young as a church so that we can get some feedback early on and make any necessary improvement while we are still young as a congregation.  He was completely impressed!  For a church as new as Thrive, we seem to be doing a great job!  He said he felt welcomed from the moment he was pulling into our parking lot.   He said we reminded him of a church he worked with in New Jersey - that quadrupled in size over the past year! Way to Go THRIVE!!!
 
Man, I love this Church!  So exited to see what God is doing!
 
Honored to be your Pastor!

--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Monday, January 14, 2013

Purified: 1-14-13

Hey friends of Thrive!  Today's One Year bible has the following verse from Psalm 12 that I really liked.

6 The Lord's promises are pure,
      like silver refined in a furnace,
      purified seven times over.

To me it means two things.  First, God's promises are precious, and extravagant like high grade silver.  So whatever promises you have from God, cling to them as though they were costly silver family heirlooms.    Secondly, the promise being refined in a furnace means that His promises to us are tried and tested.  Will we believe when it seems like God has forgotten about us?  Will we believe when circumstances to the contrary scream at us? If we are willing to do that, we will see that God's greatest delight is  making good on His promises.  After all, they are  like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.

My Prayer for today:  Lord, I choose to believe, in spite of what I feel.  Your promises are secure and true.  You can not lie.  Forgive me for my times and seasons of doubt and now I cling to your promises once again, as though they were precious silver.


--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Prayer Works!: 1-9-13

Hey friends of Thrive Community Church. Last night I enjoyed an amazing time of prayer and worship with some good friends. They joined me for Awake21, Thrive's 21 day call to prayer and fasting.  We have been in this time of prayer and fasting as a congregation because prayer works!  That's what we see in today's reading from the One Year Bible. It's from Genesis and is about prayer.

Genesis 20:17 NLT

17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, so they could have children.

Prayer works! It changes us from the inside out. Let me ask you a personal question.  How is your prayer life?  Let me ask you an even tougher question, does your time in prayer change you?

Abraham was a person of great faith, but the faith did not come out of the blue. It was a result of time seeking God.  The more time he spent with God in prayer, the more he changed. And the more Abraham changed the more God could change others through him.

You, like Abraham,  can be used by God to change a family. Simply spend time in prayer for them. As you do God will change you both.

My prayer for today: Lord, I pray that Awake21 would have a profound effect on the members of the Thrive family. As change takes place in us through prayer may we become your vessels to bring about miracles for the families in our community.

Amen

http://www.thriveportorange.com/resources/awake-21




--
Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!
Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30
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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Knock, knock... 1-8-13

Today's One Year Bible had the following verse that I thought was very appropriate for us on the Thrive Team who are in a season of prayer and fasting called Awake 21.  More about that later, but for now, here's the verse -  Matthew 7:8 

 

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.


Over the past few months, I have been trying to explain to Emma the concept of a knock, knock joke.  I think that the process has been more hilarious  than the actual jokes.  As simple  as the jokes are, the 4 yr old brain just doesn't seem to get it.  I wonder if it's the same for us?  When it comes to prayer, do we make it harder than it is?  Is it possible that it's as simple as a knock knock joke?

 

Let's find out, shall we?  Will you join me in Awake 21?

 

 

My Prayer for Today:  Lord, we know your promise to us is so simple: ask, seek & knock.  May we believe with childlike faith that you are a God who longs to answer prayer.  

 

Amen

 

--

Thrive is a Life-Giving church, developing families that THRIVE!

Meeting @ Spruce Creek High School. Sundays, 10:30

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