August 24, 2010
The church as a group of believers should be making an impact on other people and as a result, changing lives for the glory of God. We know The Answer and it is our honor and obligation to share that Answer to a hurting and dying world.
“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matt. 28:19-20, NLT]
This is a call for all of us to re-evaluate our motives as a Christian. Is it to glorify God in all we do and to make his fame greater among the world? Or, is it to pump up as many items on our spiritual checklist and buy the t-shirt while doing it?
God has called us to make a difference. I believe that excellence is required to stand out and make that difference. We can no longer settle for being an average person with average, routine lives. God has called us to the extraordinary. Let’s be extraordinary for God and make a true impact in this world.
We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
What will you do to make an impact today?
Your response is everything.
dustin
August 23, 2010

We are now two weeks in to our new series, “Broken Lives & Shattered Dreams”. I know this series title seems a little depressing but the reality is that our world is filled with hurting people that have lost all hope. Who better to show them love and hope than the local church?
This is why I love our church. Our church is filled with people who genuinely care about other people. Our church is not concerned with numbers, but concerned with changed lives. Our church is full of real, friendly people. Our church is not filled with puffed up super Christians that have it all together. Our church is full of people that have real, everyday lives and all the problems that life can bring. We are a growing family. A body of believers that love having guests welcomed into the family of God. We are a church of open arms not closed fists.
Our church cares about excellence and strives to give everything we have and more back to God and His Kingdom. Our church is full of people that care about the Kingdom of God, not the Kingdom of themselves. Our church is full of creative people that thrive on connected people with the living God.
I love our church.
August 22, 2010
Here’s what we sang this morning at Friendship Church as we continued our series, “Broken Lives & Shattered Dreams”:
Say Say – B [Kristian Stanfill]
Lament – B [Robbie Seay Band] SPECIAL
Overcome – G [New Life Worship]
Lift High – D [Eddie Kirkland]
Sing Sing Sing – D [Chris Tomlin]
August 17, 2010
I remember when I was in college and I had no idea what I was supposed to do with my life, for a couple of weeks I was satisfied to wallow in the grief of the unknown. I had just ended a long relationship, hated my major, and felt I had no purpose or nothing to offer. I was content to let others feel sorry for me; in fact I welcomed it. I really felt as if all hope was lost. And that period of time was only a couple of weeks back in 2003. Before I knew it, God had opened more doors than I could have ever imagined. He gave me hope, purpose, and confidence to carry out His will for my life. I no longer would wallow in the grief, but rather bask in the glorious purpose that God had called me to.
If you are feeling like everything is up in arms and you just can’t seem to make sense of it, …
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
[2 Corinthians 4:8-9, NIV]
…know that “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it” [1 Thess. 5:24]
Don’t wallow in your grief. It is such a waste of time and God is waiting for you seek Him.
“Instead of being disappointed about where you are, be optimistic about where you are going.” – Jon Gordon
August 15, 2010
Here’s what we sang this morning at Friendship Church as we kicked off our new series, “Broken Lives & Shattered Dreams”:
Awesome Is The Lord Most High – G [Chris Tomlin]
You Never Let Go – Bb [Matt Redman]
Mighty To Save – Bb [Hillsong United]
Beautiful The Blood – Bb [FEE]
Glory To God Forever – Bb [FEE]
You Will Always Be – G [Kristian Stanfill] – SPECIAL
August 10, 2010
“Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
[Proverbs 29:20]
The old saying “think before you speak” is worth more than we realize. For most normal humans, its usually pretty damaging to say the first thing that comes to mind unless you’re in therapy. But what we don’t often realize is that our words can make a huge difference. We MUST stop and think about what we are getting ready to say and who and how it will effect others.
Your response is everything.
dustin
August 9, 2010
Yesterday I wrapped up a series at Friendship Church with a message about integrity called “Behind Closed Doors”. Here’s a recap of the main points:
- The real you will always be exposed.
- The real you can be your protection.
- The real you can bring you closer to God.
- Integrity is formed in the fire of difficulty.
I also gave two resources at the end of the message and I wanted to post those resources here for you to check out. Everyone should read these two books:


August 8, 2010
Here’s what we sang at Friendship Church this morning as we wrapped up our series, “Wisdom”.
Forever – G [Chris Tomlin]
Marvelous Light – Bb [Charlie Hall]
Everlasting God – Bb [Brenton Brown]
Glory To God Forever – Bb [FEE]
Give Us Clean Hands – G [Chris Tomlin]
Next up? “Broken Lives & Shattered Dreams”