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
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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
New LikesNew Check-ins
4 1
Talking About This Weekly Total Reach
59 +637.5% 1,184 +48.0%
See All Insights · Promote Page

--
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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More Typos for the THRIVE Team

Sory fur all th typografigal erors latly.  Eye hav nut Ben useing my proff reeder.  She jest thorowly corected my.  Wunt happin again (opps surry, I meen agian)

Thnks,
Peet
--
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!!!

I received a report yesterday that 13 children made a decision to ask Jesus into their hearts this past Sunday! It does't get any better than that! I am so thankful for our children's ministry team.  They are amazing servants who week after week, give their hearts and their love to God and our kids.  Tirelessly they set up and tear down the several areas for children's ministry.  Will you join me in praying a special blessing over all the amazing volunteers involved in our Children's department?  Also, will you let them know how much you appreciate them this sunday?  

Speaking of prayer, just a reminder that we are in Awake 21 - a period of 21 days of prayer with fasting.  How's it going?  what are you fasting?  I had a great time of prayer at my house last night.  Thanks to all who joined me.  For more info on Awake 21 - visit our webpage: http://www.thriveportorange.com/index.php/resources/awake-21

Also, Another WIN. 14 new folks joined the THRIVE Team this past Sunday by completing Growth Track: Church 101!  

Way to go Thrive Team and Partners!  I love you all and I am so thankful to be a part of this church!

Thriving 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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Monday, January 7, 2013

Another win for the Thrive team

Yesterday, there were 3 people who made decisions to follow Christ.  Way to go thrive team!  Keep praying for and inviting the lost.  We all together had a part to play in their decisions.  

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

I am so thankful to be a part of a church where hearts are being touched by God every week!

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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Clean yourself up! 1-7-13

Hey friends of Thrive Community Church!  Today's One Year Bible reading that seemed very appropriate is Matthew 6:

 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 

Thrive Church has entered a time of prayer and fasting  called Awake 21.  For more information, church our our web page:  http://thriveportorange.com/resources/awake-21.
I hope you will consider joining us in a time of prayer and fasting as we seek God's will for our families, our church, our community and our nation.  But if you do, just be sure to clean yourself up, "...comb you hair and wash your face" :-).

My Prayer for Today:  Lord, in this time of prayer and fasting, may we keep our priorities focused on you.  Give us grace as we say "No" to things we would typically say yes to!

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

Who Are You? :1-3-12


Happy New Year Friends of Thrive Community Church.  I sure am enjoying beginning the One Year Bible over again.  The verse below is one that is significant to me.  It's from Matt. 3:17 

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy."

 

The reason that it is so powerful to me is that it is foundational - This is who Jesus is and what he was created to do. It's about identity.   Everything Jesus did flowed from His concept of who He was.  Now I must ask, who are you?  When God speaks to you about you, what does He say?   I can tell you with out a doubt, it is something similar to the above words He spoke over Jesus.

 

If you are "in Christ", meaning you have asked Jesus to be Lord of you life and are attempting to walk in His way, The Father doesn't  see you, He sees Christ   After all, you are "in Him".  What does the Father say to you who are in Christ? "You are my dearly loved Son/ daughter  who brings me great joy."  

 

What about the lost, those not in Christ?  He loves them so much He would exchange Christ for them!  What does He say to them?  "You are my dearly loved Son/ daughter  who brings me great joy.   Now come Home!"

 

Even though I can tell you what God may say to you, you have to hear it in your heart, for yourself.  Today, will you take some time away and listen for His voice?  Ask the question... "When God speaks to me about me, what does He say?"  Listen for Him.  It may take some time, so be patient!

 

My Prayer for Today:  "Lord, I pray that not one of us would go another day without knowing exactly who we are - our true identity as defined by you.  Speak to us today by your Spirit. Reveal to us who we are and what we are created to do, 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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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Awake 21: 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting (1/6- 1/26)

Hi Thrive Team and Partners.  On Sunday morning, I spent some time discussing the Awake 21 campaign.  Beginning on Sunday, We are taking the next 21 days to re-prioritize our spiritual lives and get the New Year started right with prayer and fasting, both individually and as a congregation. 

 

Our Schedule: 

  • Monday through Friday, prayer will be held at my house beginning @ 7pm. You are invited to come and join some of your Thrive friends and pray with us as many times as your schedule allows. My address is 6088 Summerlake Dr, Port Orange FL. Here is Google Maps link: http://goo.gl/maps/hPVaW  
  • You may also choose to participate, but pray from your house, as your schedule permits.  That is fine, just let me know and I will add you to my "Participated in Awake 21" list for follow up, etc. (I highly encourage you to try to attend a group prayer meeting if at all possible)
  • On Saturday, we meet at the Church office @ 9am.  The office is located at 5111 S. Ridgewood, Port Orange.  Here is the Google Maps link to the office: http://goo.gl/maps/nZxeF  (please note, the picture shown on this link is not the office, the office is in the 3 story glass building just North of the building in picture shown)

In addition to 21 days of prayer, many will be fasting something.  Some may choose to fast 1 meal a day and give that time to prayer and scripture reading while others will fast all food for a time.  Some may choose to fast sweets for a time. You may choose to fast TV.  It really is up to you to do as you feel led.  

 

In case you are wondering, here's what happens at a typical  evening prayer meeting :  

Folks usually show up a few minutes before 7pm.  We spend a few minutes checking in on how everyone's week has gone. Our kids may go outside and play in the fenced in back yard or in Emma's room (although some stay in the living room and join us in our prayer time).  The others usually come and go and are typically not too distracting.  I will  have some worship music playing loud  enough for us to sing without you hearing my horrible singing voice.  I will lower the music at times so I or someone else can pray out loud.  You are free to pray out loud as well, or not.  Whatever makes you feel comfortable.  We wrap it up at 8 pm and the kids whine because they don't want to go home.   

 

Please RSVP to let me know when you are joining us.  That way I can be sure to have enough seats, copies of prayer guides, etc.  You can do that by replying to this email when you think you will be joining us or on Sunday with your connect card. RSVP is NOT required, it just really helps me out.  

 

For additional information, I added a page to our website.  Feel free to check it out, I have added some informational resources on prayer and fasting:  Here's the link: http://thriveportorange.com/resources/awake-21

 

 "The life-giving Church is a people of God, whose heart is ever a thirst for God, whose soul is ever following hard after God, whose eye is single to God, and in whom by the power of God's Spirit the flesh and the world have been crucified and the ministry is like the generous flood of a life-giving river."- E.M. Bounds



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

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

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