Johnny Cash Song
Josh mentioned that we might have been the only church in the area to start our service with a Johnny Cash song. I agree, but a little disappointed he didn’t wear his black shirt. The band did a great job setting the mood and worship was off the charts. The freedom theme through out worship with a time to personally express our love for Christ was priceless!

Volunteer of the Day
During set up, a junior higher comes up to me with the idea of starting a band for Kidzrock. His dad plays on the band, but Austin plays the drums and fired up about his friend Nate learning the guitar. I felt like I was looking into the eyes of guys who would be leading me in worship soon. I pray their never lose this passion and the knowledge that ANYTHING is possible.

The Game
Team Johnny won our game today. In our quest for church never to be boring, we divided our room into two teams to finish well known Cash songs.

Amphibian in the Suitcase
IT finally happened today. At the low point of Cash’s career, he was arrested for smuggling amphetamines in his guitar case. Unfortunately, I said amphibians. It was one of those moments where I could address the fact there was not a big frog in his guitar or that it is not illegal to store reptiles in your luggage, but I just kept moving forward.

12 steps
At the defining moment in Johnny’s life, he claimed this scripture. If you use your lives to do the wrong things your sinful selves want, you will die spiritually. But if you use the Spirit’s help to stop doing the wrong things you do with your body, you will have true life. Romans 8:13 Dr. Bob Smith was the co-founder of the 12 step program in 1939 that unfortunately has become a little too humanistic by some organizations today. Each of us can find a place on this journey as we discover true freedom through these 12 steps for a Christ follower. It was a difficult message to deliver because I’m sure it was uncomfortable for many of us to hear the truth about the devastating consequences sin can have in our lives.
1. Recognize the brutal facts
2. Believe that God loves us
3. Make a decision to let God be in charge of our lives
4. Take inventory – Fearlessly examine ourselves with honesty
5. Confess – Admit to ourselves, God, and someone else our struggle
6. Repent
7. Accountability
8. Make a list of people we have hurt
9. Restore those relationships through repentence and forgiveness
10. Stick with the process to recovery even if you slip up.
11. Spend time with God daily
12. Volunteer – Often times the road to healing begins with serving.

The Ride
Eight of us hit the trails this evening (two soon to be mountain bikers ran). My favorite part was when Sherry and her son introduced themselves to me after visiting us for the first time this morning. They recently moved from Austin and was recommended to Gateway by a friend and bike shop owner in town. I’m glad we can share a passion for Christ and mountain biking to build a friendship on. Very cool to have them join us for the ride.