The Promise

Christmas time is filled with the hopes and wishes of children as they are confident that their loved ones are going to surprise them with presents. Their anticipation and expectation of good things is contagious as they hold on the promise that Christmas is coming!

As Christians, we understand that God’s people waited with great anticipation for the Messiah – the Chosen One. He was going to rescue and redeem them. AND HE DID! God fulfilled His promise by sending His son Jesus. Each Christmas, we look back and celebrate the promise fulfilled.

In your business and shopping, don't rush by the manger scene too quickly. Pause and reflect on the promises of God: The Promise of Hope; The Promise of Love; The Promise of Joy; The Promise of Peace. These are God's gifts to us through His son Jesus.

John 3:16 gives us God's motivation for fulfilling these promises:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."

Enjoy the Season,
Pastor Keith

Our Live Dead Mission

The next four weeks are critical for Centerpointe Church as we focus our attention on our mission: "Live Dead." September is our missions month.

I love missions. I love hearing about what God is doing around the world through the missionaries we support. I love giving money to missions projects and missionary budgets on a regular basis and challenging others to do the same. I love going on mission trips to build, teach and pray.

Our theme this year, “Live Dead” will ask some serious questions of us, like, what if we lived our lives completely surrendered to Jesus? How would that change us? How would we respond to the world around us?

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (John 12:24 NLT-SE)

I challenge Centerpointe Church to be part of each service over the next four weeks and ask, what is God saying to us about our lives, our thinking, our communities and our resources? Will we die to ourselves and allow Jesus to live within us and through us?

I believe God is going to do something great as we surrender our lives to Him.

 

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

A Prayer for Centerpointe: People of The Book

The pace of change is incredible an increasing, which I have no problem with. I like change, especially if it makes our lives improved and more efficient; like my golf clubs. I like the improvements if it increases my chances of staying on the fairway, and if I can gain another 10 yards, well, that’s even better.

The changes that concern me though are the ones of moral consequence; the ones that tell us the behaviors that were once held in high value are no longer important or relevant. There needs to be a foundation, a standard, a boundary marker, basic principles which we can live.

For followers of Jesus, it is the Bible. The Psalmist said it this way: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalms 119:11 NLT-SE). Society may have a shifting set of values, but God’s Word remains the same. If we are not consistently meditating on it, our values will shift with the culture around us.

My prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Lord, like the Psalmist said, “Open our eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (119:18). Help us to be people of The Book. Teach us Your ways. I pray that Your Word comes to life as we read it and meditate on it. May it change us to become the people you have called us to be. 

Sick Enough of not Being Enough

We seem to talk ourselves out of so many things, mostly because we see our lack rather than God’s provision. The words “not enough” loop over and over in our mind. Here are a few “not enough” thoughts:

“I am not brave enough”

“I am not strong enough”

“I am not old enough” or “young enough”

“I am not big enough”

“I am not smart enough”

“I am not gifted enough”

“I do not have enough”

“I do not know enough of the right people”

“I do not speak well enough”

“I am not ____________ enough" (You fill in the blank.)

When are we sick enough of not being enough? Isn’t Jesus more than enough? 

My prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Jesus, I pray that your people would experience You as The Provider, the one who supplies all our needs. I pray that we understand deep in our hearts that You are more than enough. You provide health, strength, provisions, peace, hope, joy and love.

Since I am a big Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir fan, here is a great video for devotions:

We have too much history with God’s provision to allow one season to discourage us.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Do It Afraid

Yesterday, as Esther and I were talking to a Southeastern professor about our daughter, Brittany, I noticed a piece of paper hanging on the wall next to his desk, full of quotes from authors and leaders. They were there obviously because they struck a cord with him and were constant reminders to keep him focused and give him strength. One of the quotes was from Joyce Meyers. I had read this quote before and have reminded myself of it from time to time. I have even used it to encourage others throughout the years. It’s simple, short and powerful:

“Do it afraid”.

That’s it; just three little words, but with so much meaning.

It comes from the title of Joyce Myers’ book with the same title. For her blog post on this, go to:  http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=do_it_afraid.

I wonder how many times we keep ourselves from moving forward in God’s plans for our lives based on fear.

A simple search of scripture shows us that God repeatedly says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” Jesus seems to constantly remind his disciples not to fear. Why? Because he is with them. 

There is no reason for us to be afraid of what others say or do, for our God is with us.

So... if you are afraid to talk to someone, or try something new – why not just step out and do it afraid. Perhaps God wants to teach you that it is not about your feelings of fear, but about His strength in your life.

My Prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Lord, I pray for the people you have put in my care today. I pray that they will be strong and courageous. I pray they will experience your presence in such a powerful way and it would make them bold and stouthearted. May they walk in Your strength, Your power and Your authority.

Amen.

Praying for Our Nation

Yesterday, I was talking to a friend of mine who is a police officer as they were preparing to arrest someone. They shared with me that just when they thought they had seen the lowest of humanity, there is something else, or someone else, that sinks even lower.


As I am reading through the Bible, I am currently reading in the Minor Prophets, Micah and Nahum to be specific, I am reminded that wickedness permeated Israel during their time and God called them to take bold stands and speak out against it. For surely the judgement of God is on its way.


However, even in the midst of the prophetic judgements, there stands powerful messages of God's love and compassion. For example: Micah 7:18-20 says,  “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.” (NLT-SE).


This reminds me that even in the midst of wickedness, God desperately calls us to himself. He waits patiently and is ready to forgive us our sins. Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.


Yes, We should be angry at the effects of sin. It ruins lives, families and nations. But we should also be filled with hope - hope in the power of Jesus to change lives and transform nations.


This week, I performed a marriage for a couple that had been divorced. They both came to a place of repentance and God did a major work in their lives. After much prayer, confession, forgiveness, counseling and communication they came back together. What a joy it was to stand in the front of our sanctuary and see their sons beam with joy as they watched their mom and dad renew their covenant relationship. It was so cute to hear them repeat along with their parents, "I, __________, take thee..."


Now that is the power of God in the middle of a sinful world!

Intergenerational Church

In the Washington D.C. area, pastoring a diverse congregation is fairly common. People from all over the world have come to live here and almost every country is represented. Centerpointe Church reflects this diversity and I am grateful. 

However, recently, I have been thanking God for a different diversity: the diversity of generations.  

Over the last couple of weeks, Esther and I have spent time with people at Centerpointe Church from all age groups. On July 4th, our house was filled with people in their 20's. The following Sunday we were sitting in a room with "more mature" people singing old gospel hymns. Both groups loved God and live to serve Him. 

Although pastoring a church with several generations represented comes with certain challenges (worship songs and styles, decor, sermon presentation, programing, etc.), I am proud of the way our congregation is working to value each other. One young couple shared with me that the reason they chose CP is because there were older couples in the church who were willing to invest in them. It is great to watch the interaction between the generations. 

Let's continue to learn from each other and love the differences. 

Serving Together,
Pastor Keith

The Fruit of the Spirit

Esther and I enjoyed speaking to the women of Centerpointe yesterday during our Sunday School hour. To be more precise, Esther did the speaking and I did the commentary, but we had a great time.

During the morning worship service, I preached on how families are to live together in a way that exemplifies Christ. This means living under the influence of the Holy Spirit and allowing the Fruit of the Spirit to grow in each of us.

Enjoy

Great Books on Marriage and Family

Here are four books I am recommending during our series, "Ready the House Family Edition." They are meant to be a resource for you as you strive to thrive in your marriage, not just survive.  

1. Pray Big for Your Marriage is a wonderful book by Will Davis Jr. with lots of practical and specific ways to pray for your marriage and spouse. It includes a 30 day devotional guide. One chapter is specifically geared for those who have an unbelieving spouse. 

2. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerich is a classic must read for couples. It gets to the basic differences between what men and women need in a relationship. 

3. Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is another classic. It is not only helpful in marriage, but also has great insight into how people respond differently. I learned a lot about people from this book.

4. The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian is a must read for every wife. This book changed our marriage - I'll leave it at that.

Ready the House Family Edition - One Minute Prayer of Blessing

Yesterday, I encouraged husbands and wives to pray a one minute prayer of blessing over each other. Hearing words of blessing is a powerful and life changing experience. At the end of the message, Esther and I modeled this before the congregation. Here is the video of Sunday's message.

Ready the House Family Edition

Ready the House Family Edition

 

As I look over the landscape of marriages in the church, I am concerned that the people who are Christians are living in marriages no healthier than people who do not confess a relationship with Christ. I am also concerned about the models of marriage that are represented by television sitcoms and unrealistic reality shows - talk about messed up families!

On Sunday, we will begin a new sermon series called Ready the House Family Edition. Psalms 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good" (NLT). Proverbs 3:33 says that the Lord blesses the home of the upright. 

For the next seven weeks we will talk about what it means for the Lord to build our homes. There will be special sessions for husbands, wives, singles and special topics. See Ready the House Family Edition for details.

I am believing God to help families who are healthy to celebrate and grow closer together and to do miracles in families who are struggling to hold it together. 

 

He is a God of miracles.

 

52 Days of Learning

Over the last 52 days, Centerpointe Church came together to renovate, restore, remodel and upgrade the church facilities and systems. People gave generously of their time and resources to "Make it So." I am so proud of the unity and sacrifice of our people. We studied the book of Nehemiah as a congregation and we tracked along closely with the people of Israel in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the later reforms.

During this time, we have learned some valuable lessons together that are worth mentioning:

1. Working together is more about people than projects. Personalities come to surface as we are put in pressure situations, but at the end of the day, we are still a family and God gets the glory. The building simply houses the activity of God's people for a few hours a week, the rest of God's activity happens outside of the church walls.

2. We can dream what seems to be impossible dreams. In God's hands, nothing is impossible. With a church of 200, it did not make since to tackle such a project in such a short amount of time, but God specializes in things thought impossible.

3. It's amazing what can be done when God's people work together. There is no way we could have accomplished what we did if we did not have many volunteers show up and work together.

4. Although change is necessary, change is hard work. Even when people work together, it is difficult - but so worth it.

5. Doing anything for God demands courage and commitment. If you are going to do anything for God, you will take a little heat. I am so proud of the leaders of Centerpointe who took a risk to move forward. They agreed on the plan and stuck to it.

6. Vision has to be communicated over and over again for people to buy into it. Even though the staff grew tired of talking about the 52 days after the second week, the congregation was just catching on. Constant communication is critical.

7. God is willing and able. Every time something came up that we could not handle, God sent someone along at just the right time with the right skills to help. He seemed to be saying at every critical moment, "I got your back." He is not only a mighty God, He is an active God who is involved in the details of our lives. 

 

We still have a lot to learn. For one, just like the Israelites, we will have to learn how to live in a new environment. It will take a lot of love and patience. In fact, we will have to be more like Jesus than ever before, so that's a good thing.

We have "readied the house", now let's "fill the house."

 

Ready the House Video

Ready the House work Video

A Quick Lesson in Godly Leadership Found in Deuteronomy 17:18-20

It is written that any King of Israel was required to hand write a copy for himself the instructions the Lord gave Moses before inheriting The Promised Land. He then was to keep it near him and read it daily as long as he lived. In doing so, he would learn to fear the Lord, and it would prevent him from becoming proud and from turning away from God. It would also ensure that descendants would reign for many generations in Israel.

If a person is to grow in Godly leadership, one must hold the Word of God as top priority in their life. By reading and meditating on it every day, it will:

1.   Keep your heart humble

2.   Keep your path straight

3.   Ensure a Godly legacy

This is a great lesson for all leaders in any capacity.

Coaching From the Inside

Coaching From the Inside

I had the privilege of writing an article for the Enrichment Journal and it just came out today. It is an article that can help pastors apply coaching principles to their leadership team. I trust it is helpful.

"Ready the House: Make It So!"

This is a video from Glenn Reynolds, pastor of Bethel Church in Hampton, VA. What a wonderful voice of encouragement.  
"Ready the House: Make It So!"

Exciting Days Ahead

This Sunday will be an incredible day at Centeprointe Church. To start with, we will receive forty people into membership, twenty-two of which are from New Life, our Brazilian congregation. This leads me to our second celebration: the official merger of New Life and Centerpointe. Three years ago, Pastor Erivan had a dream that one day the Brazilian Flag and the American Flag would come together. God has now answered that dream. Finally, we will receive the “Ready the House” offering. We are believing God for $100,000 to renovate and upgrade the church building and ministries in order to prepare it for increase. 

This is an important week for our church family as they are praying about what God would have them give to “Ready the House”. We are asking for those who can, to be as generous as they can, and for those who are struggling, to be gracious in receiving. There is a spiritual lesson for both. Everyone however, can do something; whether it is by gift or by service. Most importantly, all of us can pray and all of us need to be obedient. God will honor each gift. 

This has been an incredible journey of enthusiasm and expectation as we have united in prayer and vision. Let us continue to dream together and work toward leading MANY people to Jesus. 

May the God of Heaven grant us success as we make His house ready for increase.

Together We Fight - Day 2 Wisdom

Today our focus is on wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” The NIV says, “…who gives generously without finding fault.” I love the idea that God is looking, not to rebuke us, but to help us.

Take some time and meditate on the following scriptures: Proverbs 24:3-7; Nehemiah 2:4-8; Ephesians 5:15-17; Matthew 11:12; Psalm 111:10 

Prayer for Self: Lord, give me wisdom to understand Your ways for my life. I want to be receptive and obedient to your voice. 

Prayer for Centerpointe Church: Lord, give the pastors, deacons, leaders and workers your wisdom to guide the church in such a way that you are honored and glorified. 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Together We Fight - Day 1

This week we are creating additional space in our lives for prayer and fasting. We are in our fourth week in Nehemiah and we must stay sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. To help us be unified in our prayers, the prayer team of Centerpointe has put together a prayer guide along with scriptures to read.

Our focus today is humbling ourselves before the Lord. Joshua 3:5, says, “Then Joshua told the people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.’”

Take some time to read and meditate on the following scriptures: Psalm 91; Galatians 5:24-26; 6:2; Nehemiah 4:20; and Ephesians 4:3-6.

Prayer for Self: Lord, I need the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I humble myself before you. Examine my life and heart to see if there is anything I need to confess and make right with you and/or others.

Prayer for Centerpointe Church: Lord, cleanse us from anything that is keeping us from serving You and our community. Reveal to us the areas that are working against unity.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Ready the House - "Make It So"

I am excited about what God is doing at Centerpointe Church. Over the last two Sundays, I have shared the vision of “Ready the House”. God has uniquely and strategically placed CP in Fairfax to make an impact for Christ, and we are making the house ready for increase by:

 - Making our facilities as exciting as our people 

 - Enhancing and securing our children and youth areas 

 - Expanding our influence through media and technology 

 - Creating space for relationships and discipleship pathways 

 - Making necessary improvements 

 - Launching a second Sunday Morning Service

Each week, I have been asking strategic leaders if they are "all in". It's been incredible to see the excitement and hopeful expectation in their eyes. They know it will take prayer, work, unity, faith and extraordinary generosity, but each one has jumped on board enthusiastically. 

I love this church!

Keith