nehemiah: reforming our lives in order to rebuild our communities

This past Sunday we started our REBUILD preaching series from the book of Nehemiah. One of the main teaching portions of this book is that God has called Nehemiah to be a catalyst for rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem which was a city for God's people and glory. This seemed to be an impossible task, since Nehemiah lived 800 miles away, the walls had been broken for mnay years and the wall was 4.5 miles long. The walls also covered 960 acres, which is about 1. 5 square miles. This task that Nehemiah had for leadership was incredible. Tons of people challenges, money needs, families represented, cultural understandings, opinions by multiple generations, expectations from thousands, enemies at bay, etc... What is really incredible is the task was accomplished in 52 days! Wow. However, when I think about how impossible this task was and yet it was accomplished by God through people in 52 days, that has me thinking. What could we accomplish if we set our minds, hearts, and souls toward over the next 52 days. What might God want to do amongst us and within us over the next 52 days? God could save a marriage over the next 52 days if we were willing to be led by God and serve our spouse. God could reorganize our finances in 52 days and take us from drowning in debt, to setting a new course, and having a new plan of action. God could enable us to forgive something or someone that we have been bitter towards for years in just 52 days. God may even want us to see more life change in the next 52 days than we have seen in the last 52 months? Who knows what God will do, if only we will set our hearts toward His plan over the next 52 days! -casey

My son, Candry and prayer

I love praying with my family-I love praying with my kids. Last night, God just blew me away by impressing these words upon my 4 year old son Candry, he prayed:
Dear Jesus we thank you that you have power over DEATH, that you are THE LIFE, that you suffered, died and rose again for us. The wine reminds us of your blood and the bread reminds us of your body, because of you we can live in heaven...Jesus come back for us, come quickly jesus, come quickly!

When was the last time you stopped to pray with your family? Never underestimate the power of God in prayer and the ability of your children, kids, or family to pray God sized prayers! -casey c.

even more God moments over the first 100 Days

We got to encourage nearly 150 people that there is still hope even during tough economic times. Thanks to www.townhallforhope.com and the live video simulcast of Dave Ramsey, we were all encouraged to stay focused on our stewardship and place our hope in Christ.

We have launched seven new weekly bible studies and many of them are connecting new adults through regular bible teaching and prayer.

We have 6-10 people who meet every Sunday morning to pray for both campuses and for God's Spirit to be evident during our services and in our lives.

We now have several families considering permanently adopting a child for the first time or going through the adoption process again!

Many people have lost their jobs over the last few months but God has already provided new jobs for a lpt of them.

Our student ministry has been regularly helping the homeless in downtown Tulsa. Each month there are 30-50 students who show the love of Christ to people in need, and without a permanent home.

Last week we launched a brand new benevolence/food pantry ministry called "Neighbors in Need". Both campuses will be regularly involved in this ministry for our community. Last Sunday we had over 250 grocery bags picked up to be filled with groceries for those in need.

Keep Rejoicing-another 100 Days to come! -Casey C.

first 100 Days at Rejoice South pt 2

We have see over 40 more people serve for the first time in a local church ministry.

We have had more than 25 different families bring a first time guest to church. (2 different families have brought more than 8 families each)

We have seen 20 families give for the first time to the kingdom through Rejoice Church.

We have seen several families receive the joy/blessing of a newborn child.

We have almost 20 families dedicated themselves and their children to the Lord. (including this Sunday at Mother's Day!)

How has God worked in your life over the last 100 days? What has God been teaching you? In what ways are you learning to trust God in greater ways? -casey

first 100 Days at Rejoice South

Recently, there has been a lot of media news concerning our President's and his cabinet, in their first 100 Days in office. When you study the history of our Presidents' you find that the first 100 Days is significant in the tenure of their leadership. Just a few weeks ago, Rejoice Church South Campus passed its (our) first 100 days. This week we will be spending time reflecting and thanking God for all that He has done and is doing amongst us.
Today's top 5:
We have seen several people give their lives to Christ! It's been amazing seeing kids, students, and adults all have their hearts changed by the grace of God.

We have seen over 100 new people-first time guests-visit our church in the first 100 days.

Almost half (50%) of the people who of our first time guests have not regularly attended a church in the last 5-10 years.

We have seen many people recommit their life and family to Christ and follow Him in more intentional ways.

We have had several marriages that have been changed and/or saved.

What have you seen God do? How is God using Rejoice Church and the south campus to impact your life? Who has God brought into your life to disciple over the next 100 days? -Casey C.