Hello E-News Friends,
It is amazing to me how often I have to remind myself to do something. Remember to not eat certain foods. Remember to drink more water. Remember to write a “thank you” note. Remember to answer an e-mail. Remember to be kind and understanding. The list could go on and on. What I find amazing about the list is that most of the stuff on it is not “remember to get my oil changed” (little stuff), but “remember to love my family how they need to be loved” (big stuff). That’s one of the reasons I love our church. It reminds me of the big stuff I often times forget. Stuff I knew was important but let slip in my life.
The three–week series we begin this Sunday is a reminder of how to apply love like Jesus did (big stuff). He was the professional at speaking the language of love! We can be a professional as well, we sometimes just need to be reminded.
This week we will see one of my favorite all-time dramas. It is very funny, yet has a great message. I know you will enjoy it as well. I encourage you to invite a friend this week. This series is one of those where you will sit there and say to yourself, “So and so needed to hear this.” So go for it. The coffee will be hot and the doughnuts fresh.
I remind you of the words Jesus spoke in John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Starting this Sunday that is exactly what we are going to remind each other. And it is really “big stuff” to remember!
See you at the church that shows movies during the week.
In His Grace and Love,
Tom
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
E-News from Tom: 02/12/10
Hello E-News Friends,
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8
The tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Evil? Poisonous? Those are two lousy words. The tongue can’t be tamed. Wow! What are we to do then in regards to the words we speak? Be mute for our lives? No! Fortunately God gives us some wisdom to lead us in the area of good, healthy communication. You have to come Sunday to hear what those teachings are, but I believe (if you’re like me) you’ve said enough things that you regret, which testify to the truth of James’ words about the tongue.
For many of us, this Sunday will be one of the most important wisdom teachings to apply in our lives. Our words have done too much damage or our silence has not prevented some pain which could have been avoided with the right words.
How about you? Can you use some communication wisdom? God’s Word provides some valuable gems. I hope to see you Sunday as we collect them together!
In His amazing grace and love,
Tom
PS One of the best gifts we can give our “Valentine” is better communication skills; God will take care of that this weekend. For all you men out there, you do your part and drop a dime or two on some romance (flowers, chocolates or dinner). It is the wise thing to do!
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8
The tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Evil? Poisonous? Those are two lousy words. The tongue can’t be tamed. Wow! What are we to do then in regards to the words we speak? Be mute for our lives? No! Fortunately God gives us some wisdom to lead us in the area of good, healthy communication. You have to come Sunday to hear what those teachings are, but I believe (if you’re like me) you’ve said enough things that you regret, which testify to the truth of James’ words about the tongue.
For many of us, this Sunday will be one of the most important wisdom teachings to apply in our lives. Our words have done too much damage or our silence has not prevented some pain which could have been avoided with the right words.
How about you? Can you use some communication wisdom? God’s Word provides some valuable gems. I hope to see you Sunday as we collect them together!
In His amazing grace and love,
Tom
PS One of the best gifts we can give our “Valentine” is better communication skills; God will take care of that this weekend. For all you men out there, you do your part and drop a dime or two on some romance (flowers, chocolates or dinner). It is the wise thing to do!
Friday, January 29, 2010
E-News From Tom: 01/29/10
Hello E-News Friends,
“If you’re in awe, you won’t say awwwww.” “You can’t trust your emotions.” These sum up our last two weeks of messages. If you’ve missed them, I would encourage you to go to www.oakbridgecc.com and listen to them. I think God might speak to your heart as you do. This week we continue our “Wisdom Leads” series with a message titled “What Chair Do You Sit On?” (No, it’s not about Lazy Boys or Love Seats, although the Lazy Boy is a great gift from God!) It is a must hear wisdom teaching of God. For young people this can be a make or break life message. Please be there if you can! We introduce a new song this week titled “The Stand,” and you are gonna love it. We will use it as our wisdom anthem over the next few weeks of this series.
I am pumped up about what God is doing in our lives through Oak Bridge. We had almost 1100 (Wow!) in attendance last week as people continue to seek the one who loves us most and offers the truth to a fuller life in this world (and the next). It is a privilege to be a part of what He is doing. Keep inviting people. You are making a big difference in their journey with God! Hope to see you (and your friends)Sunday!
Growing together in His wisdom and love,
Tom
“If you’re in awe, you won’t say awwwww.” “You can’t trust your emotions.” These sum up our last two weeks of messages. If you’ve missed them, I would encourage you to go to www.oakbridgecc.com and listen to them. I think God might speak to your heart as you do. This week we continue our “Wisdom Leads” series with a message titled “What Chair Do You Sit On?” (No, it’s not about Lazy Boys or Love Seats, although the Lazy Boy is a great gift from God!) It is a must hear wisdom teaching of God. For young people this can be a make or break life message. Please be there if you can! We introduce a new song this week titled “The Stand,” and you are gonna love it. We will use it as our wisdom anthem over the next few weeks of this series.
I am pumped up about what God is doing in our lives through Oak Bridge. We had almost 1100 (Wow!) in attendance last week as people continue to seek the one who loves us most and offers the truth to a fuller life in this world (and the next). It is a privilege to be a part of what He is doing. Keep inviting people. You are making a big difference in their journey with God! Hope to see you (and your friends)Sunday!
Growing together in His wisdom and love,
Tom
Friday, January 15, 2010
E-News from Tom: 01/15/10
Dear E-News Friends,
We start our new series “Wisdom Leads” this Sunday. I believe this is going to be one that helps many of us grow in wisdom. It is going to be packed with practical living advice straight from the teachings of God. Many of these have called out to me in a variety of ways. Some I have followed and reaped the benefits of, others I have ignored and paid the price. (A price I could have avoided! And so can you!) Young or old alike, we all need wisdom in every area of our lives. God offers wisdom to each of us. I pray that we follow His wisdom as it leads us in making better decisions in life!
I have been praying the past couple of days about how we can help the people of Haiti. My heart is breaking (I know yours is as well) for their sorrow and pain. This is a disaster that will have ripple effects for decades, not months, in the lives of the Haitian people. I am asking you to pray for a few things: Wise decisions by the leaders of the disaster relief teams. Hope to stay alive in the hearts of the surviving people. Extra amounts of love from the people in that area who will minister to the grief left behind in the aftermath of the earthquake. (Will you take a moment and pray for those three things right now.)
I have one more request of you. This Sunday we will take an offering to help a charity many of us support. It is “Compassion International.” (I went to Ecuador with them this past summer.) You will hear more about it this weekend, but in general they help children and families in third world countries. They sent out a request for help. They sponsor 65,000 children in Haiti with over 20,000 of them in Port-au-Prince area. Many of these children are currently unaccounted for. This organization is committed to the people of Haiti for the “long haul,” which will certainly be required. We are trying to raise $10,000 to send their way. I am asking each of you to give $20, skip a meal and remember all the people in Haiti who have and will miss many over the next days and weeks. Pray for them as you “fast” from a meal. Tonight is my dinner to skip and pray.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10
Let’s meet together this Sunday to grow in God’s wisdom and to share in His grace and love,
Tom
We start our new series “Wisdom Leads” this Sunday. I believe this is going to be one that helps many of us grow in wisdom. It is going to be packed with practical living advice straight from the teachings of God. Many of these have called out to me in a variety of ways. Some I have followed and reaped the benefits of, others I have ignored and paid the price. (A price I could have avoided! And so can you!) Young or old alike, we all need wisdom in every area of our lives. God offers wisdom to each of us. I pray that we follow His wisdom as it leads us in making better decisions in life!
I have been praying the past couple of days about how we can help the people of Haiti. My heart is breaking (I know yours is as well) for their sorrow and pain. This is a disaster that will have ripple effects for decades, not months, in the lives of the Haitian people. I am asking you to pray for a few things: Wise decisions by the leaders of the disaster relief teams. Hope to stay alive in the hearts of the surviving people. Extra amounts of love from the people in that area who will minister to the grief left behind in the aftermath of the earthquake. (Will you take a moment and pray for those three things right now.)
I have one more request of you. This Sunday we will take an offering to help a charity many of us support. It is “Compassion International.” (I went to Ecuador with them this past summer.) You will hear more about it this weekend, but in general they help children and families in third world countries. They sent out a request for help. They sponsor 65,000 children in Haiti with over 20,000 of them in Port-au-Prince area. Many of these children are currently unaccounted for. This organization is committed to the people of Haiti for the “long haul,” which will certainly be required. We are trying to raise $10,000 to send their way. I am asking each of you to give $20, skip a meal and remember all the people in Haiti who have and will miss many over the next days and weeks. Pray for them as you “fast” from a meal. Tonight is my dinner to skip and pray.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10
Let’s meet together this Sunday to grow in God’s wisdom and to share in His grace and love,
Tom
Friday, January 8, 2010
E-News from Tom: 01/08/10
Dear E-News Friends,
Whew! Back from a few days in Atlanta with 23,000 students age 18-25 who want to see the glory and fame of Jesus grow in their lives and their community. We heard some great messages, sang about 50 songs (all while standing!), shared some of our resources (gladly gave some money and time), met people from different parts of the country (slow talking southern people mostly), and froze while walking approximately 2,000 miles (at least it felt that way to me!). You might think I’m worn out from this little trip. You would be wrong. My passion and energy factor is in full gear.
Not only am I pumped up over this generation and how they can (and are!) impacting people for Jesus, but I am blown away by how God is using all of us at Oak Bridge to do the same! What an amazing privilege and honor to be part of a God-glorifying, life-changing Church! We are impacting this generation and many others as we grow together in the love, grace and truth of our Savior and King.
While I had a great time in ATL (Atlanta for you un-cool people), my thoughts were certainly on God and what He was doing at Oak Bridge much of the time. I heard you had a great service on Sunday with the only problem being the second service was overflowing with people because some (lack of faith jughead) thought the West Side wasn’t going to be necessary. God is great in mercy and grace with people like that jughead. PTL! I listened to Herc’s message on our website and thought it was super. His acronym was memorable and right on for change (SPA: “Slowdown, Plan, Act”). I noticed in the message where Herc felt my acronyms were lacking. (Here is one for him (HIS “Herc Is Stupid”)) That’s pretty memorable. All in fun!
I can’t wait to see youall (how we say it in the south.) this Sunday. We are going to delay the “Wisdom Leads” series to talk one more week about change. I believe it is a message many will relate to and a good one to invite your friends. Following our Sunday morning we have a baptism service planned for 4:00 at the Oak Bridge Center. What a great step to start the new year! Still time to sign up!
It is phenomenal to know the love, grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We need to do all we can to share that with others. That is what I’m jacked-up about! I hope you are too!
In His grace and truth,
Tom
Whew! Back from a few days in Atlanta with 23,000 students age 18-25 who want to see the glory and fame of Jesus grow in their lives and their community. We heard some great messages, sang about 50 songs (all while standing!), shared some of our resources (gladly gave some money and time), met people from different parts of the country (slow talking southern people mostly), and froze while walking approximately 2,000 miles (at least it felt that way to me!). You might think I’m worn out from this little trip. You would be wrong. My passion and energy factor is in full gear.
Not only am I pumped up over this generation and how they can (and are!) impacting people for Jesus, but I am blown away by how God is using all of us at Oak Bridge to do the same! What an amazing privilege and honor to be part of a God-glorifying, life-changing Church! We are impacting this generation and many others as we grow together in the love, grace and truth of our Savior and King.
While I had a great time in ATL (Atlanta for you un-cool people), my thoughts were certainly on God and what He was doing at Oak Bridge much of the time. I heard you had a great service on Sunday with the only problem being the second service was overflowing with people because some (lack of faith jughead) thought the West Side wasn’t going to be necessary. God is great in mercy and grace with people like that jughead. PTL! I listened to Herc’s message on our website and thought it was super. His acronym was memorable and right on for change (SPA: “Slowdown, Plan, Act”). I noticed in the message where Herc felt my acronyms were lacking. (Here is one for him (HIS “Herc Is Stupid”)) That’s pretty memorable. All in fun!
I can’t wait to see youall (how we say it in the south.) this Sunday. We are going to delay the “Wisdom Leads” series to talk one more week about change. I believe it is a message many will relate to and a good one to invite your friends. Following our Sunday morning we have a baptism service planned for 4:00 at the Oak Bridge Center. What a great step to start the new year! Still time to sign up!
It is phenomenal to know the love, grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We need to do all we can to share that with others. That is what I’m jacked-up about! I hope you are too!
In His grace and truth,
Tom
Friday, December 18, 2009
E-News from Tom: 12/18/09
Hello E-News Friends,
The whole world is aware at this time of the year of the little baby who was born 2,000 years ago, whose name we know as Jesus. Not enough know that he came full of grace and truth, wrapped in a life love. A powerful, faithful, forgiving love. It is our privilege and honor to share that knowledge with our family, friends, and community.
Christmas gives us a great opportunity to do just that.
This Sunday we celebrate that birth and His love! I hope you are as excited about that as I am. It should be a joy-filled time as we gather together once again to lift high our Savior! Now is a great time to invite someone who is missing out on the best relationship possible. This might be the season they meet the King! You just never know.
I’ve heard we have some special music and a drama to look forward to. I am always amazed how each week God works at Oak Bridge.
It only gets better as this is Christmas cookie Sunday. I’m partial to snicker-doodles and oatmeal cookies and will volunteer to taste-test yours for flavor and freshness. You can trust me; I am a professional in this area! Our leftover cookies will be taken to our friends at the Towers to help ruin their holiday diets as well.
May you have much of our King’s love in your life as you remember His birth this Christmas week!
In His awe-inspiring grace.
A fellow Love Doctor in training,
Tom
PS Our Open House for Volunteer Celebration is at the Oak Bridge Center tomorrow (Saturday) between 9:00-12:00 AM. We want to say thanks to all of you who serve our King so faithfully through the various ministries of Oak Bridge! We have a little surprise set up for you that you will enjoy! (No it’s not just coffee and doughnuts, although we will have those as well.)
One last question, what clothes have you been putting on this week? It does make a difference. Love Wins!
The whole world is aware at this time of the year of the little baby who was born 2,000 years ago, whose name we know as Jesus. Not enough know that he came full of grace and truth, wrapped in a life love. A powerful, faithful, forgiving love. It is our privilege and honor to share that knowledge with our family, friends, and community.
Christmas gives us a great opportunity to do just that.
This Sunday we celebrate that birth and His love! I hope you are as excited about that as I am. It should be a joy-filled time as we gather together once again to lift high our Savior! Now is a great time to invite someone who is missing out on the best relationship possible. This might be the season they meet the King! You just never know.
I’ve heard we have some special music and a drama to look forward to. I am always amazed how each week God works at Oak Bridge.
It only gets better as this is Christmas cookie Sunday. I’m partial to snicker-doodles and oatmeal cookies and will volunteer to taste-test yours for flavor and freshness. You can trust me; I am a professional in this area! Our leftover cookies will be taken to our friends at the Towers to help ruin their holiday diets as well.
May you have much of our King’s love in your life as you remember His birth this Christmas week!
In His awe-inspiring grace.
A fellow Love Doctor in training,
Tom
PS Our Open House for Volunteer Celebration is at the Oak Bridge Center tomorrow (Saturday) between 9:00-12:00 AM. We want to say thanks to all of you who serve our King so faithfully through the various ministries of Oak Bridge! We have a little surprise set up for you that you will enjoy! (No it’s not just coffee and doughnuts, although we will have those as well.)
One last question, what clothes have you been putting on this week? It does make a difference. Love Wins!
Monday, December 14, 2009
E-News from Tom: 12/14/09
Hello E-News Friends,
I know this is an early e-mail from what you are used to or depending on how you want to look at it, late since I didn’t get one out last week. But I wanted to urge you to be a thermostat during these next two weeks. Emotions will be running on high for many people. A thermostat sets the temperature. People that apply the love of God are thermostats. They change the feel of a room. They change the attitude of the people in a room. Jesus was a thermostat. His love certainly set the temperature of many rooms.
Thermometers reflect the temperature of the room. They do not set it. Many times we are just thermometers. If the room is full of complaining, gossip, and arrogance, we join right in. We change nothing. There is no win in that.
It will take each of us to “CK (check) our G (growth) H (health) P (plan)”…(Compassion, Kindness, Gentleness, Humility and Patience.) Put each of these on so we can remove our short tempers and learn to forgive others to allow love to win; which over time it always does! While I can’t see you, if you’re following our King, I at least know what you are wearing this week. Love is the best set of clothes possible!
From one Love Doctor in training to many others, you all look really sharp in your new clothes! Your red and white bracelet is stunning as well!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Start inviting those people God has put on your heart for this weekend. We don’t want them to miss a great divine appointment with the King!
I know this is an early e-mail from what you are used to or depending on how you want to look at it, late since I didn’t get one out last week. But I wanted to urge you to be a thermostat during these next two weeks. Emotions will be running on high for many people. A thermostat sets the temperature. People that apply the love of God are thermostats. They change the feel of a room. They change the attitude of the people in a room. Jesus was a thermostat. His love certainly set the temperature of many rooms.
Thermometers reflect the temperature of the room. They do not set it. Many times we are just thermometers. If the room is full of complaining, gossip, and arrogance, we join right in. We change nothing. There is no win in that.
It will take each of us to “CK (check) our G (growth) H (health) P (plan)”…(Compassion, Kindness, Gentleness, Humility and Patience.) Put each of these on so we can remove our short tempers and learn to forgive others to allow love to win; which over time it always does! While I can’t see you, if you’re following our King, I at least know what you are wearing this week. Love is the best set of clothes possible!
From one Love Doctor in training to many others, you all look really sharp in your new clothes! Your red and white bracelet is stunning as well!
In His Grace,
Tom
PS Start inviting those people God has put on your heart for this weekend. We don’t want them to miss a great divine appointment with the King!
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