FLOOD Christmas

Our FLOOD Christmas service was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! I am still in awe of how awesome it was. The music was outstanding. The special music of, "O Holy Night" sung by Jarret Lemaster and Jessica Cabral was unbelievable!!! Jesus was exalted and worshipped. I am so thankful for what I was able to be a part of. Thank you for praying.

Merry Christmas.

Please Pray for Tonight

My Bible and notes for tonight.
I FEEL LIKE PREACHING A BIT!!!

I'm in my office as I write this - reading, praying, and going over Luke 2:1-20 to preach tonight at FLOOD Christmas. As I keep reading it over and over I just get more and more excited. The thing is: MY THOUGHTS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE. I want clarity. I want to proclaim God's truth in a way that people get and understand. I want GOD'S MESSAGE to be proclaimed loud and clear.

And even as I write that, there is one key thing that keeps coming to mind (which is actually the title of the message for tonight): "The Message in the Manger." Here are key words that I believe are found in the message in that manger: humble King, good news, great joy, for all the people, peace, hope, help, God's plan. It is amazing!!! I would love to see you join us in person at FLOOD tonight if you can make it (PFB Church - 601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767), or you can join us live online at www.floodnow.com.

Please pray for me as I continue to prep, plan, and pray through this message for tonight. Then please pray as I preach it.

About what else to pray for, I am on vacation starting on Sunday for a week and a half.  However, I will be speaking/teaching at a church retreat in the San Jose area December 30-January 1 while I'm gone. Please be praying for me for that trip. I'm pretty excited.

Thank you all for praying. Merry Christmas to each one of you.

I'm A Fan

Just Fill the Jars...

This is the message that I preached at PFB this past Sunday morning at all of the morning services. I share this not because I am needing people to see me preach, but because I'm convinced that this message is a message that needs to be embraced. It is still freeing me from the feeling of not doing enough.

I don't think I have ever had as big a response to a message as I did this one. If you watch, be blessed. If  you don't, be blessed as well. :)

12/11/11 from Pomona First Baptist on Vimeo.

Prayer and Update...

Hi all,
Thank you so much for praying for me last week. Here are a few of the updates from Wednesday night at FLOOD and Sunday morning at PFB Church:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT FLOOD:
We saw two girls get baptized.

SUNDAY MORNING:
At the 11:11 service we saw a woman stand up in front of everyone and surrender to Jesus. THAT NEVER GETS OLD!!!

Here's how you can pray for me this week:

This Wednesday night I am preaching at FLOOD out of Philippians 1:12-18. So far the topic that is popping out is the fact that perspective is the necessary ingredient in getting through difficult situations. We all face trials. God has a way to get us through those times every time. Join us in person if you can (7:00 pm @ PFB Church; 601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767) or watch live online (www.floodnow.com).

Thank you so much for praying. God has been blowing me away lately with what he has been doing. The best is yet to come. I'm convinced of it.

It's All About Perspective

This coming Wednesday night we are starting a mini-series within in the Philippians study that we are going through at FLOOD. The title for this mini-series is called, "Perspective." Notice this verse that Paul writes:

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really serve to advance the gospel,..." — Philippians 1:12, ESV

What was it that had happened to Paul? He was arrested. He was sitting under house-arrest, possibly chained to a Roman guard, penning this letter of joy to the Philippian Christians. Paul was wrongfully imprisoned because of the fact that he loved Jesus. And what was his response? He saw that his imprisonment was actually a good thing for the cause of Christ.

Perspective changes everything. It impacts your life in so many ways. I'm convinced that perspective is one of the key ingredients necessary to experiencing joy in life no matter what circumstances a person may be facing. Do not miss this mini-series. And please invite someone with you to FLOOD next week. We all know someone who is facing a difficult situation that I am convinced will be blessed so much as we look at God's word.

I love you all. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your pastor. You are such a blessing to me.

What a ride,

Brian ("Big B Holla"; Pastor B)

FLOOD: Wednesday nights at 7:00pm

Join us at FLOOD in person (PFB Church - 601 N. Garey Avenue, Pomona, 91767)

Join us at FLOOD online (www.floodnow.com)

6 More Months... Again

I just wanted to thank Jesus publicly: Kelley had her blood work results appointment yesterday. The results came back showing that she is still free from thyroid cancer. We are so thankful. This is always the best Christmas present every year.

Thank you for praying.

The Equation of Hope

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. — Romans 15:4, ESV


According to this verse, there are two things that are necessary for hope to be a reality in the life of a Christian.

1).  ENDURANCE. I'm not sure if you've noticed this, but being a Christian is tough. For those that say it takes no effort, I'm guessing that they've come to that conclusion for one of the following reasons:

• They aren't really a Christian.
• They aren't trying to live a life that is set apart for Christ, but rather have bought into a mindset that Christ came so that they could do whatever they wanted.
• They aren't being honest.

It's tough. We have to expect that it is, while at the same time not playing the role of over-dramatic and helpless victim. And on top of that, life comes with trials and tough situations that we have to face and go through. But in all of it, God is sovereign and has a plan. Our job: keep going. Just one step in front of the other.

2).  ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES. We MUST be in the Bible on a regular basis. We have to spend time with God, sitting and meditating on his word. Realize this: every time that you open the Bible, you are spending time with God. He is speaking. Are you listening? 

Both of these things are necessary. You cannot find hope in just positive thinking. It's not a mind-over-matter type of thing. Scripture gives us the ingredients for hope.

ENDURANCE + ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES = HOPE

Hang in there. Hang out with God. Experience hope.

Prayer for this Week...

Hey all,
Here's how you can pray this week:

1).  On Wednesday night I am teaching at FLOOD at PFB Church. We are continuing through the book of Philippians. Please pray as I prep, pray and preach this message.

2).  This weekend we are having our huge Christmas outreach at PFB Church ("Come Celebrate Christmas" and "Bethlehem Marketplace"). We usually have around 10,000 people step on our campus for this event over the course of the weekend. This is a huge opportunity for us to reach people for Christ.

3).  This Sunday morning I am preaching at all of the morning services at PFB Church. Please pray as I prep, pray and preach this message.

Thank you so much.

Prayer for this week...

Hey all,
Here are the ways that you could pray for me this week.  As I always say, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your faithfulness to pray for me.

1.  This Wednesday night I am teaching at FLOOD out Philippians 1. We are continuing in our series in the book of Philippians (series called, "JOY").

2.  On Thursday morning I am speaking at Crossroads Junior High in Corona. I always love my time hanging with those students.

3.  On Thursday at noon I am speaking at Western Christian High School. This time at Western is always a joy for me (I graduated from Western in 1992). Plus we have some amazing high school students from FLOOD who go to Western.

Prayer for This Week

Hey all,
Here is what I'm up to this week. Thank you for praying.

1).  Tonight I am hanging out with a few graduate students for the Graduate Chapel at Azusa Pacific.

2). On Wednesday at 11am I am officiating the graveside service for a sister of a member here at PFB Church. I am meeting with him today at 3:30 to go over the details.

3). On Wednesday night at FLOOD I am teaching at our Thanksgiving Eve service here at PFB Church. I will be teaching from Luke 17:11-19. You are more than welcome to join us on Wednesday night at 7pm (601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona or live online at www.floodnow.com).

That's it for this week. But if you wouldn't mind, could you please pray for my health. I am battling the flu this week.

Thank you again.

An ACCEPTABLE Sacrifice

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. — Romans 12:1, ESV

I read this verse in my time with Jesus this morning. The thing is that I have read this verse often. This is not a new verse, but a very familiar one to me. And yet God had something to remind me of that was so profound I wanted to share it with you.

1. It is all because of his mercy. Romans 9–11 are 2 of the deepest theological chapters in the Bible (in my humble opinion of course). Paul finishes Chapter 11 with these words: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?' 'Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen."

After that declaration of the majesty and glory of God, Paul then begins to teach about what our response to that God should be. And the first thing that he must remind us of is that anything that we do in response to the greatness of God can only be done because of the mercies of God. The fact that I'm even alive to write these words down is only because of God's mercy. It all comes to God's mercy, always.

2. I have a responsibility. Scripture teaches me here in this verse that I am to present my body as a living sacrifice. This is not something that I sit around and wait for Jesus to do. Rather, it is something that I am to do. I am to present a sacrifice, which is myself, to God. The thing about a sacrifice is that it costs something. In fact, I am convinced of this: if a sacrifice cost you nothing, than it is not a sacrifice.

3. The sacrifice is for God. I do not get to come before God with a sacrifice that is based upon my personal preference or level of comfortability. It is not acceptable to give God leftovers and claim that we are giving him our best because we would rather serve the god of laziness or convenience instead of the God of the universe. We cannot forget that anything that is given as a sacrifice to Jesus should be given in a manner that is worthy of Jesus, not in a manner worship of me. A “good enough” sacrifice is truly no sacrifice.

4. This is worship. Worship is more than singing a song. Worship is an all-encompassing life-style dedicated as a living sacrifice to Jesus. It includes singing songs to Jesus, spending time with him in his word, praying to him, practicing the spiritual disciplines, etc... But it also includes my everyday life. How I love my wife and my boys should be done in a manner that is worthy of Jesus. How hard I work should be a sacrifice to God, holy and acceptable to him. How I greet my neighbors. How I love my friends. How I love my enemies. How I pray for my persecutors. How I reach out to the broken and the needy. How well I treat the server at any restaurant that I go to for dinner. It is all worship. It is all done as an act of worship to God who is worthy of my best.

It's all worship. Every bit of it. And he deserves our best.

Update from FLOOD

This past Wednesday night was UNBELIEVABLE! How can I be sure of this? Because I'm speechless about how to completely describe it. Here are some highlights, however:

1). The FLOOD family came in READY TO WORSHIP!!! Seriously. From the first note the people were in worship. It was beautiful to watch.

2). The message that came out of my mouth blew me away. When I finished preaching, I was absolutely and uncontrollable overwhelmed by what God just finished saying that I walked off to the side of the worship center and laid face-down on the carpet. I was utterly and completely humbled by the work that the Holy Spirit did as he pointed us to Jesus.

3). A woman stood up to surrender her life to Jesus (AND THIS NEVER GETS OLD).

4). The conversations that I had with people after the worship time were anointed times. I truly loved every conversation as God exhorted and comforted.

Jesus was exalted. He was praised and prized the whole evening. We studied his word (Philippians 1:1-2). I'm as excited as a little kid on Christmas Eve who can't wait to open his presents the next day. I am freaking out about what God is going to do through our journey through the book of Philippians.

His Presence Matters

Please watch this. It's just under five minutes but it is so powerful. God's presence matters.

Prayer Update for this Week

Hey all,
Here are the ways that you can be praying for me this week:

1). Tonight I get to share about the wonders of ministry with a bunch of youth ministry grad students at Azusa Pacific University. I love getting to share with people that the longer I follow Jesus in ministry, the less I feel like I have a clue what I'm doing. :)

2). On Wednesday night I am continuing in our study through the book of Philippians at FLOOD. Last week we made it through the first half of verse one. That's right now. This week, we will be looking at Philippians 1:1-2. It was powerful last week as we looked at the role that we as Christians must embrace if we are to experience the joy of Christ and to be used in the work of his kingdom: the role of slave of Jesus.

3). On Thursday at noon I am speaking at the Glendora High School Christian Club.

4). On Thursday evening I am speaking to a gathering of graduate students at the LA Campus of Azusa Pacific University.

5). On Saturday morning I am speaking at a men's breakfast at Pasadena Nazarene Church.

6). On Saturday afternoon I have the honor of performing the wedding of Anna Lemus and Robert Lloyd.

7). And if you could please be praying for FLOOD. There is an event that the community outreach team of FLOOD is holding downtown in Pomona this Friday and Saturday nights called, "Consumed." You can read all about it by clicking here.

Thank you so much for praying.

Baptism at FLOOD

Here is the baptism that happened on November 2nd at FLOOD. Be blessed.

It All Starts in the Mind

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." — Romans 8:5-6, ESV

It is easier to focus on the issues rather than dealing with the root of those issues. It is easier to deal with symptoms than it is to face the real problem that the symptoms all spring out of. The problem with this is that we never really settle anything. Nothing is changed until the root is taken care of.

I was spending time with Jesus this morning and this passage from Romans made me stop. I was not able to go on until I chewed on it for a bit. And here's the line that came to me: it all starts in the mind. The battle for us begins in the mind. This is why Paul, later in his letter to the Christians in Rome, says this, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our mind,…" (Romans 12:2a, ESV).  It all starts in the mind.

Every decision that we make begins with a willful decision in the mind to move forward with that decision. Whether we decide to do something virtuous or destructive, it all begins in the mind. We think about it. We think through it. But what exactly is the mind? As the picture shows, we think the mind to be something in our brains. Because all of our thinking happens in the brain, the mind must be there. However, the mind is more than the thinking part in the brain. Rather, the mind is the thoughts/emotions/passions/convictions of the person.

Jesus would refer to this all-inclusiveness of the person as the heart. Jesus said, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45, ESV). From within my person will come the words and actions that coincide with my person.

But so what? Why does this matter? Christians: are we involved in a purposed process of renewing our minds on a continual basis. The battle begins in the mind, not in our actions. The battle begins in the "heart" of man, not in outside appearances. The battle has been waged and is raging. 

Are we experiencing victory? Are we experiencing life and peace? Are we in the fight? We must continue in the fight. We proclaim that Jesus changes and transforms lives. Do our lives show that? Are we walking and breathing testimonies of the faithfulness and life-changing power of Christ? Our answer is dependent upon this: what we set our minds on. Period. It all starts in the mind.

I'm Not Batman

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,... — Philippians 1:1a

Last night was a powerful night at FLOOD. It was our kick-off in our new study through the book of Philippians. And we are off to a blazing start. We got through the whole first half of verse one of chapter one. Yep. That's it. But it was UNBELIEVABLE what Jesus had for us to focus on. The key point: we, Christians, are SLAVES of Christ. Now, some of you are quick to point out that if we have surrendered to Christ then we are children of God. And you couldn't be more right. However, we are also SLAVES of Jesus. This is one of the titles that Paul gives himself in almost all of his epistles. We belong to Jesus and are called to simply do what he says.

This made me think of Batman (I know - my brain works in some really weird ways). I thought about how much I have enjoyed growing up watching Batman, playing with with Batman action figures and video games, and now watching my boys doing the same thing. I can remember wanting to be Batman. He had all of the cool gadgets and tricks. He was the guy that could take care of anyone and everyone. He was the person who people called on when they were in trouble. And he always saved the day.
Here's the problem: too often I see myself playing the role of Batman as I stroke the ego of my "savior-complex". As I live out the mission that Jesus has for me, I picture myself in the role of Batman. The one who always saves the day. The one that everyone calls on. But here's the reality: I'm not that guy who saves the day. I'm not the guy that people need to call on. I'm not Batman. In fact: do you know the role that I have realized belongs to me from the movie, "Batman"? Here it is. It's going to change your life. The answer: Alfred (the butler). That's it.

My job is to do what Jesus says, every time. He's the one that saves the day. I cannot live my life as if I'm the man. Rather, I must embrace my role as servant and slave of Christ Jesus. People need Jesus. My job is to do whatever it takes to introduce people to him. That's it.

God's Mercy Is That Good

"Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me." — Psalm 69:16, ESV

Do you ever find yourself living in a constant state of expectation? Let me explain further. I am not talking about expecting God to do great things were expecting God to do even more than you have seen him do before. I believe that God still loves to show off. What I am talking about is an attitude where we expect God to pay attention to us because of who we are, a “spoiled” mentality and demeanor based on who we think we are rather than who we know God to be.

A few days ago I was reading through Psalm 69 and this verse popped out at me. It was as if the Holy Spirit was trying to get my attention, reminding me about the necessity of the mercy of God for every single aspect of my life. As David wrote this song, he knew that God would turn to him as he prayed to him, but it was according to the mercy of God, not the right that he thought that he had because of the relationship that he enjoyed with the Creator. That means that as I pray to God, he “turns” to me not because of me. Rather, he turns to me because of his great mercy. I don't deserve him. I don't deserve his attention or affection, but I have it. And it's because of his mercy.

So yes, it is the mercy of God that causes God to turn to us in our time of need. But here is the amazing thing about the mercy of God: it never ends. Jeremiah worded it this way: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV).

It all comes down to God's mercy: the unceasing and never-ending mercies of God. God is so good.

Please Be Praying...

Hey all,
Well, I'm back. The wisdom teeth are out. Actually, I am doing fairly well with the healing process. Hardly any swelling and actually taught in the young adults life group today (TOGETHER). Still tender and sore but doing well nonetheless.

Here's how you can be praying for me this week:

1).  On Monday night I will be sharing with graduate students who attend the graduate chapel at Azusa Pacific.

2).  On Wednesday night at FLOOD I am starting a new series called, "Joy".  It's a verse-by-verse look at the book of Philippians. I am SO excited about this. Please pray for my prep and preaching throughout this series. Join us for any part that you can either in person or online (www.floodnow.com; 7:00pm).

3).  On Thursday morning I will be preaching to the high school students at Upland Christian Academy in Rancho Cucamonga. I LOVE GOING TO UCA to teach. It is always so much fun. Please pray as I pray through, prep, and preach.

Thank you so much.  Love you all.

Prayer for this Week

Hey all,
Here is the update for this week for prayer.  This week I am actually not teaching at all.  The reason: I have to get my wisdom teeth yanked out of my head tomorrow afternoon. I'm not looking forward to that but from what I was told, it is time.

There is a ministry opportunity that is coming up over November 18-19 that I would appreciate you praying about. It is called "CONSUMED." Click here to read about it. If you're interested in helping, either fill out the registration form at the bottom of the page for consumed or send an email to consumed@floodnow.com.

So, that's it.  :) Thanks for praying.

UPDATE FROM LAST WEEK...

Last week at FLOOD we had our I WILL FOLLOW event. It was EXPLOSIVE. I try to be very careful about updates, making sure that I don't sound like everything is always amazing and no challenges every hit our ministry. But last week was AWESOME! At the end of the evening I challenged everyone there to get involved in ministry. The response was outstanding as we saw a huge amount of people (I haven't heard the exact amount of cards that were handed in) turn in their cards stating that they wanted to get involved in ministry. It was amazing.

Click here and read a quote that I shared from the message from I WILL FOLLOW. I'm convinced that the best is yet to come.

Please Be Praying...

Hey all,
Here's how you can be praying for me this week.

Tomorrow night I am teaching at FLOOD out of 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 for our I WILL FOLLOW event. We are SO excited for this. Here's the purpose of the evening:

to challenge the FLOOD community to accept Christ's specific mission for our lives and to actively advance his kingdom according to the gift of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God.


Please be praying for this. We are praying and expecting the Holy Spirit to move in a great way. Thank you so much.

UPDATE FROM FLOOD LAST NIGHT

HEY PRAYER TEAM:

I just posted an update on the FLOOD website about last night, challenging and encouraging the people of FLOOD. Click here to read all about it.

However, I wanted to let you know about this. Last night, after preaching from Luke 15:1–7, I did two things. First, I called those who do not have a relationship with Jesus to surrender their lives to him. No one stood up. However, the second “invitation” was this: I called them to stand up if they had been “lost” but had realized that they were home. I gave that invitation and all of a sudden, and all at once with no hesitation, between 8–12 people stood up confessing that they were lost and were now home. IT BLEW MY MIND!!!

That never gets old. God is on the move. Thank you for always praying. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate and love you.

When We're Proud of Dad

A few weeks ago I experienced the most draining and exhausting hour of my life. It wasn't me working out with Insanity. It wasn't me running a marathon. It was me volunteering in my boy's kindergarten class. OH MY!!! Kindergarten teachers - you are my heroes.  :)

As all of the kids sat on the carpet in their squares, I was sitting on a counter in the back of the room.  My boy's teacher said, "Now we have some helpers here today that have never helped before."  There was another woman who was volunteering as well.  The teacher had this woman stand up and asked, "Now who does she belong to?" A little girl stood up and told everyone that she was her grandma. It was cute. And then it was my turn. There I was, all 6'5", 250 pounds of me standing before a group of kindergarteners.  The thing is: I think I was more nervous of them than they were of me.  She then asked the questions, "Now who does he belong to?"  My boy, Dylan, shot up.  She then asked him, "Well who is he"? Dylan, without any hesitation and with all confidence and excitement said, "That's my dad."

My heart melted. My boy was proud of me. My boy was proud that I was his dad. He was so proud that he told the whole classroom that he and I were together.

After finishing that morning, I walked to the car still thinking about what had happened. I was so touched by the fact that my boy wanted everyone else to know that I was his dad. And then it happened. As I walked I heard the Holy Spirit say, "That's what I feel like when you stand up for me."

Realize this: when we stand up for our Heavenly Father, uniting ourselves to him and saying that we belong to him in Christ, I am convinced that he is touched by the fact that his children are willing to stand and say, "That's my dad."

Be blessed today, and look for ways to be a blessing to Jesus.

At the Driving Range

Enjoy the unbelievable form and power of me at the driving range.  Now please understand this: I haven't swung a golf club in 6 years.  I used to play (not well at all but I still played) and then kids came and life got crazy with everything on top of being a dad and husband.  But I needed some time to rest and relax - to do nothing.  So, I went to the driving range with Ryan Hall and did this.

Now notice two key things here: 1). The length of my legs when I bend over to put a ball on the tee.  I'm 6'5" and I believe that 80% of my height is in my legs.  2). On the second swing I incorporated more power by adding a karate yell. Enjoy. :)

Please Be Praying...

Here's the update for this week.

1).  Tonight I will be teaching at the Graduate Chapel for Azusa Pacific University.  This chapel is designed to create a spiritual connection with graduate students at APU and to make a difference in their lives spiritually.

2).  This Wednesday morning I am speaking to the high school students at Ontario Christian.  The topic is worshipping God in spirit and in truth: worship as a lifestyle.  Please pray for me as I prep this one.  I'm excited.

3).  On Wednesday night at FLOOD we are finishing our UPGRADE series with the topic, "Second Chances."  OH MY GOODNESS I'M EXCITED!!!

Thank you so much for praying.

How To Be Successful

I pray that this teaching is helpful to you.

This teaching was taken from Perry Noble's message from Newspring Church.
It BLEW me away!!!

Sinners Liked Jesus

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “this man receives sinners and eats with them.” — Luke 15:1,2 (ESV)

Notice the contrast in these 2 verses. The contrast is between the “tax collectors and sinners” and the “Pharisees and scribes.” In other words, it is between the sinners and the religious. Now notice what each group does with Jesus.

The “sinners” are the ones who were “drawing near to him.” They wanted to be around Jesus. They were not running from him, but were rather drawing near to him. There is an account in Matthew's gospel where he shares his story of how he met Jesus. And after that 1st encounter, Matthew threw a party at his house that Jesus attended. That's right. Jesus hung out with a bunch of “sinners and tax collectors” at a party. They loved Jesus. Why? My guess is because they knew he loved them and because he treated them as valuable.

In contrast, the Pharisees and scribes sat together in a huddled little group and grumbled and complained about Jesus. They did not like what he was doing. What exactly was he doing? Accepting and eating with “sinners.” They did not like the fact that he kept company with those, who in their minds, were not worthy. These were people who were broken, confused, and even rebellious. These were people who did not make the cut or hold up to the standard set up by those with religious power. In other words, they were just like us.

As you read these 2 verses, you should be able to relate with one of 2 sides. Either you realize that you are a sinner who can be (or has been) saved by the grace of God because you have surrendered to Jesus - receiving his gift of salvation, and nothing else, and therefore, have a new identity in Christ as a son or daughter of the King, or you are religiously arrogant and cannot stand it when Jesus does things outside of your level of comfort. If you find yourself in the 2nd category, please know this: you are dearly loved by Jesus. However, realize that you bring him much frustration as did the Pharisees in his day. But he does love you. And he wants to free you from religion so you that you can experience the reality that comes with a relationship with Jesus. Trust me: I am a recovering legalist. I have learned the scandal of grace and the freedom that comes with actually loving and being in a relationship with Jesus.

Let us draw near to Jesus. He has invited us to do so. He welcomes us to do so. May we not lose our relationship with Jesus in the confusion and the emptiness of religion. And may we have a heart like Jesus for those who “just don't make the cut.” May we love them so well that they cannot help but draw near to us, Christ's followers, because they mistook us for Jesus.

BAPTISMS AT FLOOD - This never gets old!!!

Time to Pray...

Right now I am sitting on the floor of the Vancouver airport waiting for my flight home. It was a great few days up here speaking and hanging with a youth pastor buddy of mine.

UPDATE FROM CANADA:
On Thursday night I preached through Ephesians 2:8-10 in detail. At the end of the message I called people to surrender to Jesus. It was silent for about 10 seconds, and then Victoria stood up to surrender to Jesus. After that, around 200 people stood up to proclaim to Christ that they were all-in for his mission. AWESOME!!!

PLEASE PRAY:
1). On Wednesday night I will be preaching at FLOOD, continuing through the series called, "UPGRADE." The topic for Wednesday night: "The Right Lord." Please pray for me as I prep, pray through, and preach this message. God has been doing great things through this series. Last week we saw two young ladies proclaim their faith in Christ through believer's baptism.

2). On Thursday morning I am preaching to the high schoolers at Maranatha High School in Pasadena.

3). Thursday night I will be finishing up a series on the Holy Spirit for a small group of people from Pomona First Baptist. It has been a great time but, as always, I am still very overwhelmed by the topic.

Thank you for praying. I am looking forward to being home.

Did You Hear Heaven?

I just wanted to give an update about what's been going on the past couple of days.

AT FLOOD ON WEDNESDAY...
This past Wednesday night was a wonderful time of unexpected celebration. It was unexpected for this reason: no one was on the docket to get baptized, but God had other things in mind.  The first Wednesday of every month at FLOOD is baptism.  Like I said, no one was scheduled to get baptized.  But before the worship service started, two young ladies came up and told me that they wanted to get baptized.  One of them had come to Christ at FLOOD a couple of weeks ago.  Baptism was sweet!!!

IN CANADA...
Last night I spoke in a horse ring.  That`s right.  You heard correctly.  A covered horse ring.  That`s how they do worship nights up her in Abbotsford, Canada.  :)

I spoke out of Ephesians 2:8-10.  At the end of the message, I called people to two things:

1).  Stand up if they wanted to surrender to Christ.  It was silent for about 10 seconds until Victoria stood up in front of everyone and everyone cheered for her.  Victoria surrendered to Christ and is now a daughter of the King.

2).  Stand up if they were ``all in`` to follow and serve Christ in Abbotsford.  Almost the whole place stood up.  I can`t wait to hear about what God does through the 200 or so people that came out for this worship event.

So there you have it.  Thank you so much for praying.  I love getting to be a part of what God is doing.  And actually my part: not that impressive.  It really is all about Jesus.

Love you all.

Prayer for this Week

Hi all,
Here is how you an be praying for me this week as God has me out teaching.

1).  This Wednesday night at FLOOD we are continuing through the series called, "UPGRADE". The topic this week: How To Be Successful.  This is not a name-it-and-claim-it message, but Scripture does give us principles that lead us toward being successful.  Of course there's a catch but I will be sharing that on Wednesday night. :) (Join us in person if you can [601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona] or watch live online [www.floodnow.com]).

2).  On Thursday morning, I catch a flight out of LAX at 7am for Canada.  I'm going to be spending time teaching up there on Thursday evening and on Sunday morning a buddy's church.  I am very excited about this opportunity.  Thursday night is a youth gathering/worship service and Sunday morning is their main worship service.  Please pray for God's clarity as I seek him about what he wants me to teach.

UPDATE ABOUT IGNITE:
I prayed one thing for IGNITE: God, do something so amazing that the English language would fail in its ability to describe what happened.  He answered my prayers.  There were around 500-600 people who showed up for this and it was absolutely MIND-BLOWING!!! Three people surrendered to Jesus, receiving him as their Lord.  And about 95% of the people that were there stood up proclaiming to Christ that they were all in for his mission and for his kingdom.  AWESOME!!!

March 3rd is the next Ignite event.

Thank you all so much.  You're unbelievable!!! So thankful for you.

IGNITE is Almost Here

I know that I have posted this before but I just can't help it.  I am SOOOOO excited about this.  Ignite is coming, October 1 (this Saturday) from 5-8pm at PFB Church (601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767).  If you can't join us in person, join us online at www.pfblive.tv.

If you get here at 4:30, you can actually get some free grilled-cheese sandwiches and be eligible for some sweet giveaways.  Check out the video of the last IGNITE in April.

Prayer for this Week

Hey Prayer Team,

Here is how you can be praying for me this week.

1. Tonight I will be in LA for Azusa Pacific University. I am a part-time chaplain for APU and tonight I will be speaking to the graduate students that I am responsible for on APU's LA campus.

2. On Wednesday night at FLOOD we will be continuing our series called, “UPGRADE". The topic for this week is impact. Last week we were able to see a college student surrender her life to Jesus (read about about it here). We are praying for that, and even more, for this week. Please come out and join us if you can. It would be great to see you there.

3. On Thursday night I'll be teaching in a small group Bible study on the topic of the Holy Spirit. Again, as I felt while teaching on the topic of the Holy Spirit at FLOOD during the month of August, I am intimidated. Please pray for me as I prep, pray, and lead the discussion.

4. Please pray for IGNITE. It is this Saturday. I cannot put into words what we experienced last time, and I am expecting and anticipating the same and even more for this time. We finish up the planning tomorrow night. Please pray for that time. Please also pray for me and my cousin, Megan, as we prep, pray, and preach the messages on Saturday. Click here to go to the ignite website and see the pictures from the last IGNITE event back in April.

Thank you for praying. It will be a busy week but I'm excited.

ASSEMBLED CHALLENGE: Week 3

SEPTEMBER 26-30 — UNPACK
When we humble ourselves to seek God and to reveal the condition of our hearts, other people may be involved (confession, forgiveness, restoration, thanks).  Take inventory of what God shows to you and what may be required.  Write down these things and be prepared to repent and restore (Matthew 5:23-24).

ARE YOU IN?
This may be very difficult for some of you, but as I've preached so often lately: God wants you to be truly free.  If you commit to "unpacking" this week and joining us for prayer this Friday night from 7-9pm in C101 of the worship center, write your name below on the comment section of this blog, or email Calli (calli@pfblive.tv) and tell her that you're committing to week three of the Assembled Challenge.

I am so thankful for you.  Get ready for what God's about to do.

You Will Find What You Seek After

I sought the LORD, and he answer me and delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4 (ESV)

It takes effort. It takes effort to follow Jesus. It takes effort on our part to grow in intimacy and relationship with our Savior. It is not about merely praying a prayer and then expecting God to do everything else while we sit back and do nothing. David is very clear in this verse. He told us that he sought the Lord and that God answered. He sought the Lord and God responded. So I'm thinking that the opposite can be said: if he had not sought the Lord, then God would not have answered and would not have responded. But look at the verse again: he sought God and God responded.

Are you experiencing God's response? It blows my mind that, first, God would even allow us to approach him with anything. But it blows my mind even more to know that God will respond to me when I seek after him. But I have to seek. You have to seek. He even gives this promise to the prophet Jeremiah to share with the people of Israel when he says, “then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord,…” (Jeremiah 29:12-14a).

So if you are seeking after God, you can be sure that he will and is responding. However, if you are not seeking after God, then you cannot blame him for not “showing up” whenever you feel like he should. It is about a relationship with God, not a relationship with the waiter.

Do You Like To Party?

Jesus did the miraculous last night at FLOOD. The worship time was intense, a time when Jesus was truly exalted as the greatest. We had a guest music artist as well, Dana Jorgensen who blessed us and ministered to us. He was so well received and did an incredible job.

I spoke on the topic of weakness and strength out of 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. It is the passage where Paul talks about the fact that he will boast in his weakness so that Christ's power may rest on him. The humbling truth is that Paul would rather embrace pain and suffering in order that he could experience the power of Christ over not having any suffering but not experiencing Christ's power and strength. I sure do have a long way to go. :-)

I called people to a commitment to Jesus, inviting them to surrender to him and receive him as Lord. Devon stood up. She stood up and the place went nuts. Devon surrendered to Jesus last night, and her eternity is forever changed. We saw the greatest miracle that anyone could ever witness last night at FLOOD.

And what added to the blessing was when her cousin came up, excited beyond belief, because she was there to witness the salvation of her cousin. It brought joy to my heart.

Thank you so much for praying. God is on the move. Again, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for you.

Megan Marshman: Father/Daughter Dance at her Wedding

This made the whole family proud!

Father Daughter Dance 12-11-10 from megan fate on Vimeo.

Please Be Praying...

Hi there,

here is how you can be praying for me from this week with the opportunities that God has given me to teach his word:

1. Tonight, I will be preaching at the graduate Chapel at Azusa Pacific University. It is a new chapel that APU is trying to get going in order to make a spiritual impact on their graduate student population. We had our 1st one last week, however, only one person showed up. We had a great time of prayer with him, but we are asking for God to provide even more people tonight.

2. On Tuesday night, I'll be preaching to the graduate students at the LA campus of Azusa Pacific University. Please pray that God makes it very clear what I'm supposed to preach about.

3. This Wednesday night at FLOOD, we are looking at the 3rd part of our series called, “Upgrade.” The topic for this Wednesday is strength. The key passage that we will be looking at is 2 Corinthians 7:7–10, where Paul confesses that when he is weak then he is truly strong. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen us to confess our weaknesses so we may truly boast in the strength of Jesus.

4. This Thursday I'll be speaking at the chapel of Western Christian high school. I absolutely love getting the opportunity to teach the students that go there. Please pray for my prep, my planning, and my preaching on that day. Please pray for the students, for many of them are attending Western “studying abroad” and do not know Jesus.

Thank you so much for praying. It will be a busy week, but I am excited about what it is that God will do. I'm so thankful for you.

ASSEMBLED CHALLENGE: Week 2

SEPTEMBER 19-25 — UNLOAD
Be aware of what we eat or drink (1 Corinthians 10:31).  If our bodies are a temple, are we bringing our very best to the alter? God may call you to a fast during this time.

ARE YOU IN?

If you are accepting this challenge and committing to a week of fasting from food or drink that God may be calling you to give up, sign your name below in the comments section, or email Calli (calli@pfblive.tv) and let her know that you are committing to week two of Assembled Challenge.

I love you all.

God Still Speaks...

“These are the words of God, the God of Israel, to you, Baruch." - Jeremiah 45:2, ESV

I remember reading this verse and it struck me. It is probably something that we overlook so very often when reading the Bible, but it stood out to me in such a strong way that I believe that it was God reminding me of this simple, yet profound, truth: God still speaks to me, personally. God still speaks to you, personally.

Look at the verse again. This was something that God wanted to pass on to one individual. Throughout most of the book of Jeremiah, God spends most of his time passing along his message to the people of Israel through his prophet, Jeremiah. It was a message for all of the people to repent and turn back to God. However, in this one verse, God has a specific message for one person: Baruch.

Please understand me when I say this: God is still in the habit of speaking personally to his people by his Holy Spirit who lives in each follower of Christ. God has specific messages for specific people and has not turned mute just because he finished writing his Bible. However, I am convinced, that God gave us the Bible as a way for us to decipher his voice from all of the other “voices” that cross our minds. The Bible is the filter by which we decipher and discern every thought to make sure that we are in line with God's will. But, do not miss out on the personal conversations that God is desiring to have with you because of your unwillingness to listen to his personal message for you.

As I said before, I read this verse and was immediately convicted, encouraged, and excited about the fact that God:

1). Sees me as an individual within a community, and

2). God wants to speak to me personally.

Oh how I pray that you, too, are blown away by the fact that the God of the universe is passionately personal with you. Be blessed.

God,

Speak, for your servant is listening.

HEY FLOOD: Some Spurgeon To Spur You On

Nicole Padilla passed this message on to me.  I wanted to share this with you.

"Awww man this is sooooo good! It reminded me of our call at FLOOD and our purpose on earth."
                — NICOLE PADILLA, FLOOD Owner — 

"And when they could not come night unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they led down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay." — Mark 2:4


"Faith is full of inventions.  The house was full, a crowd blocked up the door, but faith found a way of getting at the Lord and placing the palsied man before him.  If we cannot get sinners where Jesus is by ordinary methods we must use extraordinary ones.  It seems, according to Luke 5:19, that a tiling had to be removed, which would make dust and cause measure of danger to those below, but where the case is very urgent we must not mind running some risks and shocking some properties.  Jesus was there to heal, and therefore fall what might, faith ventured all so that her poor paralyzed charge might have his sins forgiven.  O that we had more daring faith among us! Cannot we, dear reader, seek it this morning for ourselves and for our fellow-workers, and will we not try to-day to perform some gallant act for the love of souls and the glory of the Lord.  The world is constantly inventing; genius serves all the purposes of human desire: cannot faith invent too, and reach by some new means the outcasts who lie perishing around us? It was the presence of Jesus which excited victorious courage in the four bearers of the palsied man: is not the Lord among us now? Have we seen his face for ourselves this morning? Have we felt his healing power in our souls? If so, then through door, through window, or through roof, let us, breaking through all impediments, labour to bring poor souls to Jesus.  All means are good and decorous when faith and love are truly set on winning souls.  If hunger for bread can break through stone walls, surely hunger for souls is not to be hindered in its efforts.  O Lord, make us quick to suggest methods of reaching thy poor sin-sick ones, and bold to carry them out at all hazards." 


                        — CHARLES SPURGEON —

GHOST: Part 3

Here's the last part of the GHOST series - a study of the Holy Spirit.  I pray you're blessed.

Please Be Praying

Hey all, Could you please be praying for me on Thursday night? I'm going to be teaching on the topic of the Holy Spirit to a small group of people from PFB Church. I just finished teaching on the Holy Spirit at the end of August, feeling completely inadequate to be teaching about him. Well, nothing has changed. I still feel the same inadequacies.  I would appreciate your prayers. Thank you so much. 

Teaching Opportunities For This Week - Please Pray

Hi there,
Thank you so much for praying.  I know that I say it every week but it's true and really all that I know to say, so thank you.  Here's how you can pray for me this week.

• This Wednesday night we are in week-2 of "UPGRADE".  The topic: greed.  Greed affects us in more ways than just money.  I'm praying for freedom and an ability for us to do what Paul penned in Philippians: "...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" (Philippians 4:11, ESV).
• On Sunday morning I get the opportunity, once again, to hang with the people of TOGETHER!!! 9:45 at PFB Church in G102.  If you're between the ages of 18 and 25, please come join us as we continue studying the book of Mark, and get to know each other even more.
• Also, please be praying for IGNITE (www.igniteusnow.com).  It is coming up on October 1st.  We are in the final phases of planning for it.  I would love to invite you out to join us if you would like to join us.  Here's the promo for Ignite to give you a quick glimpse of what to expect WHEN you come. :)

Thank you so much for praying.  God is on the move.  

ASSEMBLED CHALLENGE: Week One

September 12-18 — UNPLUG:
Minimize interactions and use of TV, internet and technology that may be a distraction from your focus on God (Matthew 6:22).  When our eyes and minds are occupied with anything other than the things of God, his voice cannot be heard.


ARE YOU IN?
If you are accepting this challenge and committing to a week of fasting from technology that takes you away from time spent with Jesus, sign your name below in the comments section, or email Calli (calli@pfblive.tv) and let her know that you are committing to week one of Assembled Challenge.

I love you guys.  I'm getting so pumped about what is coming.  Get ready!!! As I always say, I say again: the best is yet to come.

REMEMBER: Our SOLEMN ASSEMBLY (prayer) time is Friday, September 30th, from 7-9pm in C101 at PFB Church.

A Call to a Solemn Assembly

HEY FLOOD,
This is for you from one of you.  This is not something that I brought about on my own.  This is one of you emailing this and challenging us to do this.  And you know what: he's right.  As God is beginning to do new and amazing things within FLOOD, we need to prepare ourselves by being people of PRAYER. Here's what he is challenging all of us with, and what I am agreeing and signing my own name to:

"'...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.  For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever.  My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.' — 2 Chronicles 7:14-16, ESV — 

"Dear FLOOD,

"As we come nearer to the day of IGNITE on Oct. 1, our expectation should be nothing less than a direct and personal encounter with the living God.  This should terrify us.  If it does not, I humbly submit that you do not yet grasp the truth and consequences of His Holiness.
We must be united in prayer and humbly submitted to completely turning over our hearts to Him who saved us from the pit of hell.  We are at war for the souls of men.  Divided hearts cannot claim the power, nor realize the promised victory we have in Christ Jesus to reach the lost.

"God cannot accept anything less than our complete submission.  His Holiness and the work of Jesus on the cross will not accept the stained sacrifice of partial obedience.  Make no mistake, such an offering is detestable in the eyes of God. 

"Read Deuteronomy 17:1-5 

"The truth of this passage will reveal the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).  To those whose hearts are His, abundant thanks and fearful joy will fill your soul.  Any sting of conviction should prayerfully considered and brought before the throne of Grace. 

"On Friday night September 30 in the Main Sanctuary from 7-9 pm, we are calling a Solemn Assembly to prepare our hearts and clear the way for the Holy Spirit to baptize our service and sanctify our hearts with His presence on Saturday night.   In the days leading up to our time together, we are issuing a challenge.  It is intended to prepare us for what will be a time of Holy Communion with our Lord.
 "PREPARE OUR HEARTS."

 I would like to apply this prayer time for IGNITE as well as for FLOOD.  We must be people of prayer.  We must be people who worry more about spending time with God in prayer than spending time with each other trying to think of the next clever sermon series title or graphic.  This is a call.  This is a challenge.  On Monday, September 12th I will send out part one of this challenge.  I will then send out another challenge on the next two Mondays leading up to IGNITE.

If you will join us for prayer on September 30th from 7-9pm in the worship center at PFB, please leave your name on the comment section of this blog.  COME ON, FLOOD!!! This is the first step before God unleashes his FLOOD.

Prayer Grasps Eternity - Leonard Ravenhill

I was given this by a good friend of mine, a member of the FLOOD Lead Team and I had to pass it along.  It made me stop in my tracks and ask where I'm at with this.

"No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. The pulpit can be a shopwindow to display one's talents; the prayer closet allows no showing off.

"Poverty-stricken as the Church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of praver. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.

"The two prerequisites to successful Christian living are vision and passion, both of which are born in and maintained by prayer. The ministry of preaching is open to few; the ministry of prayer-the highest ministry of all human offices-is open to all. Spiritual adolescents say, "I'll not go tonight, it's only the prayer meeting." It may be that Satan has little cause to fear most preaching. Yet past experiences sting him to rally all his infernal army to fight against God's people praying. Modern Christians know little of "binding and loosing," though the onus is on us-"Whatsoever ye shall bind...” Have you done any of this lately? God is not prodigal with His power; but to be much for God, we must be much with God.

"This world hits the trail for hell with a speed that makes our fastest plane look like a tortoise; yet alas, few of us can remember the last time we missed our bed for a night of waiting upon God for a world-shaking revival. Our compassions are not moved. We mistake the scaffolding for the building. Present-day preaching, with its pale interpretation of divine truths, causes us to mistake action for unction, commotion for creation, and rattles for revivals.

"The secret of praying is praying in secret. A sinning man will stop praying, and a praying man will stop sinning. We are beggared and bankrupt, but not broken, nor even bent.

"Prayer is profoundly simple and simply profound. "Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try," and yet so sublime that it outranges all speech and exhausts man's vocabulary. A Niagara of burning words does not mean that God is either impressed or moved. One of the most profound of Old Testament intercessors had no language "Her lips moved, but her voice was not heard." No linguist here! There are groanings which cannot be uttered."

"Are we so substandard to New Testament Christianity that we know not the historical faith of our fathers (with its implications and operations), but only the hysterical faith of our fellows? Prayer is to the believer what capital is to the business man.

"Can any deny that in the modern church setup the main cause of anxiety is money? Yet that which tries the modern churches the most, troubled the New Testament Church the least. Our accent is on paying, theirs was on praying. When we have paid, the place is taken; when they had prayed, the place was shaken!

"In the matter of New Testament, Spirit-inspired, hell-shaking, world-breaking prayer, never has so much been left by so many to so few. For this kind of prayer there is no substitute. We do it--or die!"  — Leonard Ravenhill —

FLOOD FAMILY...
Be prepared for the challenge.  I'll be posting it on here over the next few days and weeks.  The FLOOD is coming, and it starts by us hitting our knees and calling out for God to revive.  GET READY!!! The best is yet to come.

UPDATE from FLOOD

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

That's how this update has to start off.  Last night absolutely frickin' BLEW MY MIND!!! We started a new series called, "UPGRADE", with the first topic being forgiveness.  We looked at how we need to receive God's forgiveness, but also how are called to forgive others.  Here are a few of the highlights:

• Our attendance was back up.  I don't know exactly how many but I would guess that we saw between 250 and 275 at worship last night.  That's about 125-150 more than the week previous.
• I called people to come forward for one of the following: a). Come forward to surrender to Christ as their Lord and receive his salvation for the first time.  b).  Come forward and confess to God their need for his help in forgiving someone.  Between 20 and 30 people came forward.
• We baptized four people.
• We celebrated after the worship service with THE ENCORE - the party that we always have on baptism nights.
• The high school ministry brought in a ton of new people, and then had a luau after the worship service (and what luau would be complete without the roasted big).

See "Babe" the pig at the bottom of the screen.

I am still absolutely in awe of what I saw happen last night at FLOOD.  I even saw Kristin, Lauren, and Bradley all show up to worship.  You have no idea who these three people are, but I do.  I met them last week when I was preaching at Hume Lake.  They were up there with their parents for something their dad was involved in.  Small world.

Thank you so much for praying.  God is on the move.  Seriously.  There is a momentum building within the next gen ministries at PFB Church that I have not been a part of, but I am so thankful that I get to be part of it now.

IGNITE IS COMING!!!! (Promo Video)

OCTOBER 1st, 2011; 5-8pm (food and giveaways at 4:30)

at PFB Church and live online

601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, CA. 91768; 909-629-5277

www.pfblive.tv

NEEDED: FLOOD Phone Callers

Hey FLOOD,
This is a message just for you.  We are needing some people who can come in to the church office on Wednesday afternoons and do some phone work.  Yesterday, the legendary Matt Donahue came in and made a bunch of phone calls inviting people to FLOOD.  Last night, we saw a whole lot of people.  Part of that is because Wednesday nights over the years usually grow in attendance the Wednesday after Labor Day.  However, I'm also convinced that a big part of that is because Matt worked the phones.

Can you help? Can you come in and make phone calls to people that are part of FLOOD, encouraging them to make it worship that night? If so, can you do me a favor and contact the following people:

YOUNG ADULTS: Calli Dye-Schmidt
p: 909-629-5277, ext. 3044
e: calli@floodnow.com

HIGH SCHOOL: Courtney Romero
p: 909-629-5277, ext. 3038
e: courtney@floodnow.com

We need your help.  We want to be all about our vision statement that God has given this ministry:


To reach and equip as many people as possible to change their world for Christ.


This is vital to that.  Thanks.  Love you guys.  I can't believe that I get to partner with you all for Jesus.


What a ride,
Brian
"BigBHolla"

IGNITE IS COMING!!!!

OCTOBER 1st, 2011; 5:00-8:00pm
@ PFB Church (601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, CA. 91768)

IT IS ALMOST HERE!!!

Check out www.igniteusnow.com 

or call 909-938-4737

for all of the details.

IN SHORT:

Worship led by Ryan Hall

Teaching: Brian Holland & Megan Marshman

The theme for IGNITE IS:

Prayer Update for This Week

Hey all,
I just wanted to thank you for praying for me for last week while I was away at Hume Lake.  In cast you didn't see the updates from my time there, here they are:

• IT HAPPENED.
• BROKEN AND HEALED

It was absolutely amazing to be part of what God is doing up at Hume Lake.  It was a twenty-year dream come true for me.

Here's how you can be praying for me this week:

1).  This Wednesday night at FLOOD we are starting a new series called, "UPGRADE".  We are looking at eight key topics that will change the lives of Christ's followers right now if we actually apply them by the help and power of the Holy Spirit.  I am SO excited for this series.  Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm if your can (601 N. Garey Ave, Pomona; watch live online at www.pfblive.tv).

2).  This Friday night I am speaking at a young adults/singles event at PFB Church.  

3).  On Saturday I have the honor of performing the wedding of Brett Lemster and "Kate" Hall.  This couple loves Jesus and has honored Jesus in their dating relationship.  This will be such a great wedding to be part of.

4).  On Sunday morning I get to teach the young adults of the TOGETHER community life group at PFB Church.  This group is such a blessing to me.