tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3268993700380849072024-02-20T18:21:32.085-08:00James Laing's BlogJameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-91225712524674706252013-06-07T16:00:00.001-07:002013-06-07T16:08:20.697-07:00Job Search HelpLooking for a new job or career path?<br />
Get this book by Dan Miller:<br />
<br />
<br />
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James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-9728446007331406122012-09-29T10:03:00.002-07:002012-09-29T10:05:54.808-07:00Sept 30, 2012 Set ListSet list at the 11am service at www.christ-first.org tomorrow. Click on each song title to listen and come ready to sing. See you there!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lS-OmI3h2E" target="_blank">Say Say</a>, Kristian Stanfill<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGBPKoKZipc&feature=related" target="_blank">Rise and Sing</a>, Steve Fee<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvHMpkLNChw" target="_blank">Endless Light</a>, Hillsong<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM" target="_blank">10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)</a>, Matt RedmanJames Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-68356014593856188862012-09-06T11:25:00.000-07:002012-09-06T11:25:22.151-07:00Set List September 9, 2012Excited for the set list this Sunday 11am at christ-first.org. Bethany Jepsen is back and will sing lead on Hosanna. Come early to grab a good seat and bring a friend! <br />
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<br />
All My Fountains by Chris Tomlin<br />
Awesome Is The Lord Most High by Chris Tomlin<br />
Everlasting God by Benton Brown<br />
Hosanna by Hillsong UnitedJames Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-11859599558867289992012-06-14T11:19:00.003-07:002012-06-14T11:19:49.508-07:00June 17 Set ListThis Sunday is Father's Day and it's going to be a great morning at <a href="http://christ-first.org/">christ-first.org</a>! I'm excited to pull "Meet With Me" out of the vault this weekend. This song by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Shekel_Shirt" target="_blank">Ten Shekel Shirt</a> was released in 2001 and quickly became a popular worship favorite. The album "Much" was nominated for a Dove award in 2002. Click on the songs below to listen and come ready to worship this Sunday at 11am.<br />
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<u><b>June 17, 2012 Set List</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9zEjO-7Gf8&list=AL94UKMTqg-9An67GUsxNaU1HBW2nTVdpI&index=3&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Savior of the World</a> by Ben Cantelon<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQEAM7hwUEI" target="_blank">Where The Spirit of the Lord Is</a> by Chris Tomlin<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMb3xBsGiZU" target="_blank">Meet with Me</a> by Ten Shekel Shirt<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAQ61KH7qRc" target="_blank">The Stand</a> by Hillsong United<br />
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<br />James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-23240710949489300202012-06-09T21:09:00.002-07:002012-06-09T21:09:36.994-07:00June 10 Set ListExcited to play these songs tomorrow. 100,000 points to the person who correctly guesses the theme in these songs first. (Hint: You'll have to look up the lyrics.)<br />
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<u><b>Set List</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaLckqfvZHQ" target="_blank">Let God Arise</a> by Chris Tomlin<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfA4cxmOgTU" target="_blank">Saviour of The World</a> by Ben Cantelon <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5_Z3ZZYLDc" target="_blank">Sweetly Broken</a> by Jeremy Riddle<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7BQzic-zLs" target="_blank">Saviour King</a> by HillsongJames Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-75503336527212138032012-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:002012-01-13T13:35:16.030-08:00New Service!We are excited to have started a 2nd Modern Worship Service at www.christ-first.org! At 9am you now have a choice between our Classic service and our new Modern service. Kidstuf starts at a new time: 10:15am followed by the 11am Modern Service.<br />
<u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
<u><b>Modern Worship setlist this Sunday:</b></u><br />
1. Happy Day by Kristian Stanfill<br />
2. Water by Matt Brouwer<br />
3. God is Able by Hillsong<br />
4. Our God by Chris Tomlin<br />
<br />
If any are unfamiliar to you you can find them on iTunes, Amazon or probably for free on YouTube. Get familiar with them... it's always a better experience to have everyone singing out <i><b>LOUD</b></i> at church! Invite a friend this weekend as we kick off a brand new sermon series.James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-45779135374574598372011-11-03T11:40:00.000-07:002011-11-03T11:50:28.431-07:00Louis ZamperiniI am typically reading two books at a time. A leisure book and something that will advance me... usually some kind of leadership book. The leisure book I'm reading now is blowing me away. It's about this Olympic athlete named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Zamperini" target="_blank">Louis Zamperini</a>. He was a WWII prisoner of war survivor who spent 47 days afloat in the pacific after crashing his bomber and then was picked up by the Japanese and sent to a POW camp. I was reading it late late last time (again!) and I'm 90% through it... this book is written so well and the story so gripping that I woke up and told my wife I feel like I just got freed from a POW camp!<br />
<br />
I actually started reading this book in the summer. I couldn't put it down... and then I did something totally stupid. I left it at this campground near <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson,_BC" target="_blank">Nelson</a>. I was so mad!!! I was planning on buying another copy because it was that good and just last week I see it sitting on my boss' shelf... I quickly asked to borrow it and actually found where I left off two months later.<br />
<br />
Anyway, if you're whining about life and feeling sorry for yourself pick up this book. It'll smack you upside the head and remind you to lean into your (small) challenges in life. If Louie could get through what he did (with God's help!) so can you.<br />
<br />
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</script> <noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_mfw&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fjamesblo03-20%2F8001%2F308a0f1e-1b77-4abe-9d1e-4715d5a27fa3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Operation=NoScript"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Amazon.com Widgets&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/A&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-67059123359063067352011-10-21T22:36:00.000-07:002011-10-21T22:37:45.598-07:00How Do You Make New Friends?Recently I've worked with a few adults and children on the process of making new friends. <br />
<br />
Feeling lonely is hard. Making a new friend can be harder. Actually, most of the time it's quite impossible. What I mean is that when people go about trying to <i>make</i> a friend they often end up being awkward by being too forward and overbearing. And who wants to be a friend with someone acting desperate?<br />
<br />
Think about a close friend of yours. How did you make that friend? It's likely that you didn't make a plan one morning to go <i>make</i> a friend and that same day you actually <i>caught</i> him/her. Most people don't <i>make</i> friends. Most people <i>become</i> friends. In fact I would never recommend anyone to go and <i>make</i> a friend because at the end of the day if you didn't <i>make</i> a friend you have failed... or at least you feel like a failure. As the days without <i>making</i> a friend string together discouragement sets in and your focus turns inward with thoughts like, "Why doesn't anyone like me?" or "What's wrong with me?" At this point you've become your worst enemy in the process of trying to develop new friends because you're even less attractive to others as you wallow in negativity and self-pity. Walking into a room with negative expectations often is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You expect the worse, the worse happens. So suck it up and cheer up because I want to give you the simple tools that will dramatically increase your chance of developing new friendships.<br />
<br />
The process of <i>making</i> friends is the same whether you're seven or forty-seven years old.<br />
<br />
Instead of <i>making</i> a friend you should simply focus on <i>being</i> a friend. To be a friend is to simply express loving kindness to people around you and patiently wait. Then get up the next day and repeat. Get up the next day and... you guessed it, REPEAT!<br />
<br />
K + P = > chance of 1 + 1<br />
Kindness + Patience = a greater chance of making a friend.<br />
<br />
Becoming friends with someone is never guaranteed. It's still a risk and not easy. Sometimes when you think you've become friends the other person shuts you out. That hurts. You cannot force someone to be a committed friend. God is the one who knits hearts together. That's God's department alone. So if you didn't make a friend today GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. That's not your job! But what you are responsible for is being friendly. Being kind and serving the people God has placed around you at your job, in your neighborhood, at the grocery store, hair salon, etc...<br />
<br />
<br />
So quit <i>playing</i> God by trying to make friends.<br />
Simply love others, be kind and have patience.<br />
<br />
It's worth the wait.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Love is patient. Love is kind."</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Corinthians 13:4</div>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-29631572533498337092011-10-14T18:41:00.000-07:002011-10-15T13:59:53.043-07:00Why You Always Wear a Helmet.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S2oymHHyV1M" width="560"></iframe>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-23013459046127941472011-10-13T16:12:00.000-07:002011-10-13T16:17:56.004-07:00To Start or Not to StartI just had a great conversation with a friend who is considering starting a business. Starting takes guts. Starting means stepping into the unknown and taking a risk. It also means taking initiative to make new friends. A lot of them. And providing something that adds value to their lives. So much value that they keep coming back to pay for your service. A key to starting well is having a coach. Someone who has <i>been there and done that</i>. A warm body is ideal but ink and paper is also valuable because you can't underline and highlight a warm body. And you can't pick their brain at 3am when you're anxiously seeking wisdom on what to do next.<br />
<br />
Having trouble starting? Always dreaming?<br />
I like <a href="http://www.stevenfurtick.com/personal-development/one-day/">Pastor Steven's</a> post about about always dreaming but never starting.<br />
<br />
Here are a few good coaches you can learn from any hour of the day. You'll want them in your corner:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Next Generation Leader:</b></span> The heart of this book and your business should be character out of which flows courage, competence, clarity and coach-ability. A must read for any potential leader.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership:</b></span> There is so much leadership goodness in this book you'll refer back to it for years.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. EntreLeadership:</b></span> I am halfway done with this new gem from <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey</a>. Practical wisdom from a guy who built a national brand from a card table at home.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Good to Great:</b></span> You'll be surprised at what qualities in a leader can cause a business to go from just being good to becoming great and sustaining greatness for the long haul.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Quitter:</b></span> How do you make the leap from being an employee to running your own business without dragging you and your family through poverty in the process? Acuff has the experience and wisdom to get you through.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Guerrilla Marketing:</b></span> Need to get the word out about you and your company? Get this book, do what it says and repeat.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:</b></span> A classic book on personal leadership that will define all your daily habits. Knowing how to define your habits will light a fire in you to align them to leverage the years you have left in life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="200px" id="Player_2d0a4a53-3c55-40cc-a1e8-2bd0874887f3" width="600px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fjamesblo03-20%2F8010%2F2d0a4a53-3c55-40cc-a1e8-2bd0874887f3&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fjamesblo03-20%2F8010%2F2d0a4a53-3c55-40cc-a1e8-2bd0874887f3&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_2d0a4a53-3c55-40cc-a1e8-2bd0874887f3" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_2d0a4a53-3c55-40cc-a1e8-2bd0874887f3" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="200px" width="600px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fjamesblo03-20%2F8010%2F2d0a4a53-3c55-40cc-a1e8-2bd0874887f3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Operation=NoScript"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Amazon.com Widgets&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/A&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-8758879557319621062011-09-01T15:16:00.000-07:002011-09-01T16:22:00.473-07:00Sunday Sept 4 Set ListSet list for <a href="http://christ-first.org/">christ-first.org</a> this Sunday Sept 4 at our 11am service. <br />
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<b>No Chains on Me</b>, by Chris Tomlin from And if Our God is For Us<br />
<b>Jesus Saves</b>, by Jeremy Camp from We Cry Out: The Worship Project<br />
<b>Forever Reign</b>, by Hillsong Live from A Beautiful Exchange<br />
<b>Desert Song</b>, by Hillsong United from Across the Earth<br />
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All songs are available for purchase on iTunes. Check them out and come ready to sing! <br />
<br />
Also, Pastor Chad will be starting a brand new two-part series called "Soul Stealers". Come early to get a good seat!James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-16920742882744730352011-01-05T15:11:00.000-08:002011-01-05T15:11:01.900-08:00God of 2nd chancesGod always allows 2nd chances to everyone. This is an amazing story of just that.<br />
<br />
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7OveymUBVn4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7OveymUBVn4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-33447620689502227622010-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:002010-12-14T08:31:14.721-08:00The Narrow WayChristmas is a reminder about what the Bible calls the narrow way to eternal life; aka: heaven. It's really offensive to those who would rather blaze their own trail... but the offer is still on the table for even those people while they still have breath in their lungs. Congress proclaimed Christmas a federal holiday (Holy Day) in 1870. As a nation we have chosen to take a day off of work to commemorate the birth of the narrow way; aka Jesus Christ. Pastor Stephen Furtick has written a short article with good insight on the narrow way Jesus saw the world. Read it <a href="http://www.stevenfurtick.com/ministry-perspective/a-narrow-way-to-see-the-world/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I haven't read his book yet... but I'm going to soon. I'm sure it's great. Look at all the positive reviews it has on amazon:<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jamesblo03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1601423225&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-38864468868082128482010-12-13T14:32:00.000-08:002010-12-13T14:32:53.200-08:00Evil & SinI am reading Doctrine by Mark Driscoll. Here is a great summary paragraph of four essential Biblical truths on evil and sin:<br />
<br />
1. God is fully and continually all-powerful.<br />
2. God is altogether good and there is no evil in him whatsoever.<br />
3. Evil and sin really do exist.<br />
4. Sinners are fully responsible for their sin.<br />
<br />
I think if God did not author the Bible at least one of these four truths would be omitted. That way we could either keep a handle on God or our sin problem. Since I can not do either I'll raise a white flag of surrender and rely on God's solution to sin. Mary delivered a baby in a dirty manger and that baby delivers sinners from the wages of their dirty sin. Hmm... that's the true meaning of Christmas!<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jamesblo03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1433506254&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-3605469764848002222010-10-31T23:36:00.000-07:002010-10-31T23:36:21.321-07:00HalloweenVery cool article on the history of and a Christ followers response to Halloween: <a href="http://blog.marshillchurch.org/2009/10/29/the-history-of-halloween-revisted">http://blog.marshillchurch.org/2009/10/29/the-history-of-halloween-revisted</a>/James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-9520609039707106992010-10-28T22:20:00.000-07:002010-11-04T21:59:54.686-07:00Currently Reading<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jamesblo03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=160006017X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I am currently reading a book titled: "How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex" by Stan and Brenna Jones. If you are a parent this is a <i>must read</i>. It will help you have the 'sex talk' with your kids and will guide you on what to say at the right time. There is a series of smaller books (yellow, red and green books below) that you can read to your children beginning at age three. I'm reading them to mine. It's important that my kids learn about the specific details of human sexuality from me and my wife BEFORE the other kids in their elementary schools. And yes, this is a hot topic amongst kids... I remember kids talking about it when I was in Kindergarten and 1st grade. I know this well because I was one of the kids bringing it up.<br />
<br />
The importance of this topic stared me in the face today. On the cover of a local Azusa newspaper is a picture of a room full of teen (14-19 year old) moms. I applaud them for their courage in taking on the challenge of being a single parent and rejecting abortion but I bet most of them would prefer a different context for their baby. Our kids are being sold a ridiculous lie from our culture and they are buying it at an alarming rate. Just last week I was volunteering in a 1st grade class. A girl said as a joke after eating pancakes, "My tummy is so full! I have a baby in there." A boy in her class said, "No you're not. You need a boyfriend." I was floored.<br />
<br />
This is a topic you need to address with your kids. Yes you will open up a flood gate of questions that might make you feel uncomfortable BUT as a parent you must equip your kids with a healthy and moral view of sex. There is too much at stake here. There are executives making six figures in media offices coming up with powerful and creative ways to tell your kids to become sexually active. Our media talks about sex A LOT!!! Every time the media addresses this topic there is a principle being sold to your kids. Parents must combat these unhealthy messages with continuous positive ones. Saying nothing is wrong. These books can help. I bought them and they're worth every penny.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jamesblo03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1600060145&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jamesblo03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1600060137&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=jamesblo03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1600060153&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>James Lainghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02901918044855604135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-9631538103015167972010-10-14T15:29:00.000-07:002010-10-14T15:48:02.056-07:00Recruiting New Volunteers<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">[Please don't tell anybody in my church that I use this strategy. :) ]</span><br /><br />I have learned and used this principle over the last couple years. I have always struggled to 'sell' any volunteer opportunities that have a long time commitment. So I started doing something new a couple years ago and have had more success. <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: italic;">The best way to recruit new volunteers is to not recruit new volunteers. :)</span><br /><br />If I know of a potentially great youth volunteer I won't even mention volunteering. Even hinting at a time commitment is something I stay <span style="font-weight: bold;">FAR</span> away from. BUT I will ask if he/she can come and help do X at our Youth Ministry one time. Often the conversation might be, "Hey Jim, can you come and help set up some equipment on Wednesday night? My regular guy is away and I could use you to fill in." Jim is way more likely to say "yes" to this question compared to this one: "Hey Jim, I think you'd be a great youth leader. Would you consider joining our team?" That's way too big of a sell.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">One night + easy service opportunity = Very easy sell.</span><br /><br />Then, if I felt Jim had a great time and we enjoyed having him, I may ask him to come back again another time. After that I may go in for the "kill" (ask for longer commitment). But that ask is always after he has had a couple times to experience our ministry. Let the Youth Ministry sell itself by getting Jim there once.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >The principle: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" >Never sell a commitment without a context.</span><blockquote style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></blockquote></div><br /><br />Get your whole team doing this and watch your new potential volunteers come to you!<br /><br />Have you struggled to sell a commitment?Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-78711483995928789482010-09-05T20:17:00.001-07:002010-09-05T20:51:51.731-07:00Finally, a new Post!!!Wow!!! It's been like 8 months since I've blogged... it's good I don't do this for a living or I'd be broke! ;) My family has been on quite the journey over the past 9 months and we are so thankful for where we have landed. In February I transitioned away from a <a href="http://northpointpartners.org/">North Point strategic partner</a> church in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventura_County,_California">Ventura County</a> to a <a href="www.christ-first.org">113 year old "church plant in the making"</a> in the San Gabriel Valley. This transition came with many challenges including transitioning away from an amazing church planting team, 2.5 month commute of 90 miles one way, moving away from great friends, moving our kids to a different school, being forced into short-selling our home (and trashing our credit!) and living in an extremely small apartment. It has not been the easiest year. On top of all that, this summer Shanna had a miscarriage in her 7th week of pregnancy. (Heaven will be that much sweeter because when we get there we'll get to meet our third child!)<br /><br />BUT I sit here tonight with huge appreciation for God never leaving us or forsaking us this year. He has blessed us beyond what we deserve with new friends, an amazing staff team focused on transforming our community, a loving church family, an amazing house that we moved into this past week and the opportunity to live closer to our family.<br /><br /><br />This morning I had the privilege of preaching my first sermon at <a href="http://christ-first.org">Christ First Baptist Covina</a>. I am the worship leader at our modern service so I was out of my element without my guitar and more than a little nervous. The passage was Phil 2:3-8 and the topic was serving with humility. Humility is an interesting concept. Not something you'd think you should pursue. It's not very humble to stand before people and inform them that you are humble. BUT the bible does speak to our responsibility to pursue humility in the way we live.<br /><br />James 4:10 <span class="verse Jas_4_10">"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."<br /><br />We are given a specific description of how to pursue humility here:<br /><br />Phil </span><span style="" class="verse Phil_2_3">2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."<br /><br />In what ways can you consider others better than yourselves?<br /></span>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-87144230515786016362010-01-18T10:58:00.000-08:002010-01-18T11:13:45.240-08:00"His Energy"I've been camped in the book of Colossians lately. A verse I've been thinking a lot about is 1:29. "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."<br /><br />All His energy.<br /><br />What does that mean... what does that mean to you? I think it's a phrase that points out an important fact. It's a fact that some of us recognize and some not. When was the last time you sat in a quiet room with little to no ambient noise? What did you hear? If you're reading this, and I'm assuming alive, I know you heard at least two things. You heard your heart beating and your lungs breathing. Did you will that to happen? Nope. It's your creator who causes you lungs to fill with life giving oxygen and your heart to continually pump that oxygen rich blood through your body. That's "His energy"!<br /><br />Be still and know that Christ is your energy. Start your day with that understanding. Take that first step out of bed and each following step acknowledging that God is with you and will never forsake you and longs to give you the desires of your heart as you serve Him. Knowing it's His energy I pray you'd have a heart for what God has a heart for... loving and serving those around you proactively and praying they end up asking you what the source of your energetic service originates.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-36340803718794457962009-12-15T07:52:00.000-08:002009-12-15T07:56:14.533-08:00Have any cussers @ your church?Love this story: <a href="http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/12/14/this-sh_t-is-awesome/">Story</a>.<br /><br />How would people react in your church if a first timer cussed?Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-164108729344941652009-11-20T14:03:00.000-08:002009-11-20T14:04:18.046-08:00Need a Moble Home? (Funny!)<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q-RLqLx1iYI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q-RLqLx1iYI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-49537471561188320602009-11-03T20:55:00.000-08:002009-11-03T22:25:05.423-08:00Upcoming ShowsI am looking forward to the next couple months. I get the privilege of leading worship with a lot of very talented musicians at some awesome venues in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventura_County,_California">Ventura County</a>.<br /><br />Here is what's ahead:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekly</span><br />I lead worship at the best church venue in the county every Sunday morning at <a href="http://riverparkcc.com/">www.riverparkcc.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">December 11</span><br />Leading a worship set at <a href="http://www.epicventura.com/anepicnight">"An EPIC Night of Worship"</a> in Ventura, CA. There will be four other bands playing. Music starts at 6pm and I'm on at 9pm.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">December 22, 23 & 24</span><br />Playing with the band and leading a couple Christmas songs at <a href="http://www.camarillocommunitychurch.com/">Camarillo Community Church's</a> family Christmas event called "Gifts". <a href="http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/">Nick Vujicic</a> will be speaking. Each show is expected to sell out with 1,000 people in attendance. I heard Nick speak this past spring at <a href="http://www.catalystwestcoast.com/">Catalyst West Coast</a>. This guy is an incredible communicator and God has opened doors for him to speak to millions of people around the globe. Check out his website and learn more about him! Here is a <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=4530499">2 minute clip</a> of him on 20/20.<br /><br />Hope to see you at these events! If you need a great worship band for your next event email me at jameslaingmusic@gmail.com. Listen to a few songs I recorded a while back and check out my <a href="http://www.ourstage.com/epk/jameslaing">EPK</a> (Electronic Press Kit).Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-27816038893909228812009-11-02T06:10:00.000-08:002009-11-02T06:48:34.362-08:00Eph 4:16<p>"...according to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">effectual working</span> in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Eph 4:16</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Effectual:</span> producing or capable of producing an intended effect; adequate.</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Strongs Concordance:</p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0011;">Word: </span> <span style="font-family:Koine-Medium;font-size:130%;color:#1100cc;"> energeia</span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0011;"> Pronounce: </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><i> en-erg'-i-ah</i></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0011;"> Strongs Number: </span> <a href="http://www.godrules.net/library/strongs2b/gre1753.htm"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#1100aa;">G1753</span></a> </p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0011;"> Orig: </span> from 1756; efficiency ("energy"):--operation, strong, (effectual) working.<br /><br />Are you producing an intended effect where you sit? If not you may be decreasing the body from building itself up in love. That's a sobering thought. We can read a lot from what we produce. We can choose to <span style="font-style: italic;">read into</span> what we produce instead of reading <span style="font-style: italic;">what</span> we produce. Every situation does have a context but we need to be self-aware as to whether we are painting our own context or really seeing the context at hand. Speaking the truth in love to ourselves is an opportunity to "grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (Eph 4:15)<br /><br />Healthy community can help to diminish our own self deception. A community infused with trust, with invitations to evaluate on a macro level <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> personal level. This level of vulnerability is not easy but it's worth it. Imagine a whole community functioning on this level of vulnerability. Every part playing the role it was designed to play. Every part NOT playing the role it was NOT designed to play.<br /><br />God calls all of us to speak the truth in love to ourselves and honestly evaluate what we produce in our personal, family and vocational roles.<br /><br />Just a few thoughts God has brought to mind to kick off my week. Does your team communicate on this level? How can you contribute towards this level of health this week in your life, family and work?Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-46505648603246656902009-10-20T21:38:00.000-07:002009-10-20T21:42:32.303-07:0066% of You Would Choose the Hard WayWhat if they did this on the streets? Would people drive less? ;)<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xJMOI5_FKwg&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xJMOI5_FKwg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326899370038084907.post-53529260769055745132009-10-11T18:32:00.000-07:002009-10-11T18:45:40.698-07:00Get In the Ring!Had a great community group tonight. We discussed <a href="http://www.youversion.com/bible/niv/rom/12/18">Rom 12:18</a> in the context of family relationships. Every family has some level of dysfunction in it. There are no perfect people, no perfect families. The bottom line of our conversation and the DVD we watched is that within our imperfect families it's always worth fighting for relationship. Even when it will turn out to be a losing fight is still WORTH the fight! Too many family members give up and stop fighting, they quit pursuing relationship and before they know it it's multiple years without communicating and something inside of them feels dead.<br /><br />I know there are some relationships where physical or psychological abuse is taking place and those relationships just need to stop. But when personality differences, annoying idiosyncrasies, or pride cause friction you've got to stay in the ring. Even if you're the only one fighting, even though who you're fighting for has no interest in reciprocating any kind of relationship... it's worth the fight.<br /><br />A great application tonight was writing a letter to a parent or child with one goal in that letter: To share all the good memories with that person. Even in all the mess, there is usually something redeemable. There may be tons of dirt between you but it's worth digging through all that to find the gold of great memories. And gold always shines a little brighter when shared with another.<br /><br />What are you waiting for? Go write that letter.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043568273292691791noreply@blogger.com0