The ART of ENCOURAGEMENT

JANUARY 23rd Set List
I Will Follow Tomlin
This City Is Yours Elevation
How He Loves McMillan
Nothing but the Blood




If our tongue has the power of Life or Death(Proverbs 18:21) then what are you speaking? It seems that being an encourager is almost a gift or lost art these days. Why is it that we are more apt to tell someone what we didn't like about something rather than what we did like? A big part is because we are consumers and we want it the way we want it and leave no room for error(especially someone else's). What if next time you went to speak it was an encouraging or positive word? What if you told someone how great they did at something instead of pointing out the flaws?
Christians and the Church have mastered pointing out what we don't like. We are more known for what we are against than what we are for. I think its time for a change! What if we were known for being such amazing encouragers, speaking positive things and lifting each other up? Not looking for fault but seeing the positive? For being people of love rather than hate? Lets be the change this world needs and that people need to see. Bite your tongue if you have to. I ask you to try it. Not biting your tongue but speaking positive, speaking life! You know how you feel when someone tells you how great you did? Now go and make someone else feel that way too!

Lets think....before we speak, and lets bring back the ART of ENCOURAGEMENT!!

Can you handle it?

Sunday set (1/9/11)
Your Love Never Fails
Grace Like Rain
Beautiful
Yahweh


Ah fasting! How fun it is. Ha HA. Its hard, and at times it just plain stinks. We really see how we crave things when we have decided to stay away from different foods or drinks or whatever it is. But, in those times we really seem to lean on God. We really get focused. Our laser vision sets in and we say to ourself I need to pray or read. Lets take these moments with us after the fasting is over. When we get in our routines lets find ourself still being laser focused saying I need to pray or read!! Lets create good habits for this year. Habits that stick that will change us, our church and our community forever. We only have this short life of ours to make a difference. If we arent going to do anything revolutionary then what are we doing! Lets be the change this world needs to see! Keep it up Life Church!

Put it on Paper

God of Second Chances Carlos Whittaker
No one Higher/The Stand Fee
We have overcome Elevation Version
Mighty to Save Hillsong
Came to my Rescue Hillsong

Its a New Year!! Can you believe how fast its gone by? Wow!
Sundays message was a great way to start off the year. Craig really reminded us about putting God First! Its something we say and talk about but its not always something we do. We have good intentions of reading our bible or spending time in prayer but we( I for sure) get side tracked easily and then next thing you know the day is over! Starting off our New year with a corporate fast is an excellent way to get focused on God and prepare ourselves for the upcoming year. Today is day 2 of our 21 day fast( hows it going for you?) so we are just getting started. It is awesome to know that not only Lifers but people all over the world are fasting/praying and going after God together!
During this time I want to encourage you to journal. Its a great way to write out your thoughts and prayers. Write out what you hear God speaking to you. Its something you can go back through and see where you were during this time or what you were praying for. Be real when you write. You would be surprised how much you can write out!

Know that we are in this together! Seeking God, expecting great things and knowing that the best is yet to come!!

Jason