I've been looking forward to beginning this series for quite some time.  I really believe that the message of the woman at the well has HUGE significance for every person.  If you didn't hear the message today, you can find it on the website in the next day or two.  Some of my highlights from the weekend:

• First, Cody and Dan were really, really good!  Cody sang, "I will rise" by Chris Tomlin.  I heard it 5 times and it got better each time.  I've known Cody for 5 years and I'm so proud of the husband and leader he has become.  If you've got J Highers, get them plugged in!
• I pray that every Christian (I know I am) was convicted to evaluate their willingness to "go where the harvest is" even if it moves us outside of our religious preferences.
• Fawn and I were reacquainted with a gal who started coming to church 10 years ago when we were the college leaders.  We love that she's getting plugged in again!
• Don't believe the lie that your past failure disqualifies you from His abundance!
• Jesus wants to deal with our spiritual problems, then our physical problems. 
• When you encounter Jesus face to face, someone else's testimony can become your EXPERIENCE.
• Literally DOZENS of people responded to the call to release something to Jesus that they've been holding back and embrace His abundance.

I love you church!  It's an honor to serve and get to be a part of what God is doing.  Don't hold anything back from Jesus this week.  Let His abundance overflow and impact the people you encounter.

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Today was an amazing day at Living Water.  Not only did we celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus, but dozens, that's right, dozens of people gave their lives to Christ.  Here are some of my highlights:

• The Youth Choir was really, really good!  Props to Daniel, Cody and Pastor Shane for discipling young people to worship!  The church loved it and I think Jesus was pleased as well.
• As we studied the beginning of this Historically and Spiritually significant week, we saw how Jesus accomplished not only living a sinless life, but also a life lived under and with AUTHORITY.
• I heard a story of someone who had recently lost their job and was discouraged coming to church on Saturday.  After hearing that Jesus doesn't always take the PATH we desire but He will 

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 Last week I spent 4 1/2 days with 25 other pastors from around the world.  Our motivation to be together was to sit under the teaching of Dr. Jack Hayford at the college and seminary he founded in Van Nuys CA.  Pastor Jack consistently sets aside weeks throughout the year to mentor pastors of all ages and backgrounds.  Someone asked me, "Isn't he kind of old to be giving advice about the contemporary church?"  My response, "The church isn't anything new, nor are the principals and TRUTHS that make her the most powerful community on the planet."

What Pastor Jack brings to the table does not fall into the categories of trend or style.  Because of his vast experience and fruitful ministry, he focuses on the theology and experience that he has gained over 50+ years.  

Some of my take-aways:

• I love that he still LOVES and HONORS his

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 It seems to me that "busy" has become a popular state of existence.  There are a lot of people who are legitimately busy, but I wonder, "Do we secretly feel more valuable the more busy we are?"  A couple thoughts about being busy:

1. The definition of "busy" is: having a great deal to do. The opposite then is: having very little to do. WHY WOULD ANYONE WHO CAN HONESTLY SEE THE NEEDS AROUND THEM NOT WANT TO BE BUSY MAKING A DIFFERENCE?!  I think the problem is when people get busy doing stupid and pointless things.  Look at your last 48 hours, what was really WORTH the energy & time you gave it.  Watching TV, Facebook, Tweeting…

2. God never said we wouldn't be busy, but He did tell us we needed a rhythm that included a Sabbath.  Not taking a Sabbath will ruin anyone.  I don't care how important you are or what world changing activities you are a part of – God rested, so should we.

3. THIS IS ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE IN MINISTRY.  Don't believe the deception that you can go at an unhealthy pace at the expense of Sabbath and family because it is just a "season".  It is so easy to justify when you are in ministry and your job is to take of people in the name of Jesus.  How could you ever say no? But busy ministry seasons never end and it does not honor God when we get burned out and leave our families in the dust.  (If you are married ask your wife how many times you have used the term "busy season" in the last month.  If she says more than 4, you need to reevaluate.)

4. Being busy is not a bad thing, but let's not feel more worthy because we have more to do.  If we are busy doing things that honor God – BE THANKFUL that your life is making a difference.  If we are busy doing things that are time wasters – STOP…NOW – you have the potential to be great in Jesus.

5. Let's work together to do the RIGHT things, but keep it in balance with God centered rest and rhythm.

6. Remember, if you are married, your spouse is your thermometer.  Ask often and listen well to what they have to say.  You can always get a new job, you can't get a new spouse or children.

Come join us and Encounter the Savior at this years Easter Services.  For more info click here.   

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