Phil Goldsberry

I met with several people in the last few months in regards to India.  In one particular conversation someone said, “I am so thankful the American church is starting to chisel away at world-wide poverty.”  The phrase “chisel away” has not left me.  We may not solve or fix the world’s problems, but we could start to chisel and maybe begin an avalanche of hope and care GLOCALLY - Global and locally.

Globally we have started…………….

The Luke Foundation (which is being formed right now) is an Medical outreach to the hurting, especially those unable to have proper medical care.  It has a three-prong effect:  1.  Evangelism - taking the Good News to people who need it   2.  Medical - enabling U.S. based doctors and medical personnel to reach a heart and hand around the world   3. Entrepreneurial/ Leadership  training and partnership.  During this Christmas season we are receiving donations to help establish The Luke Foundation.  If you are interested you can give through our website:  www.christlifechurch.org or contact us at 480-777-9803.

Locally we are involving ourselves in several environments of care throughout the Phoenix Valley……………

Tempe Christian Resource Center is one of our targets for our 2008 Christmas Offering.  Last night I visited there and saw first hand the difference that a helping hand can make. See this recent article:     http://tmclife.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/pages-from-evt-tempe-christian-resource-center1.pdf

We are helping with a community lunch for over 3,000 on December 20th.  Christ Life Church  has committed to 400 pies to be delivered for the meal on that day.   Our “Angel Tree” donation tree was given out in one Sunday.

My point………in the midst of a recession - economic downturn, we can still make a difference.

Are you involved in something to make a difference?  If so let me know.   If you are not and would like to support one of the endeavors that I have mentioned, let me know.

We can make a difference!

Phil Goldsberry

It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him.
– John Steinbeck


It is amazing  how we can get caught in “ruts”.   Someone once said that a rut is a grave with both ends kicked out.  What “rut” are you allowing to dictate your greatness or the lack thereof?  Is it insecurity, lack of education, lack of motivation, physical handicap, monetary setback, etc.?

Phil Goldsberry

The best mind-altering drug is truth.
– Lily Tomlin
I’ve been talking a lot about “true north”.  What is your “true north”?  What is the trustworthy instrument that guides your life and gives you direction?  A compass, no matter the direction you stand or spin to, will always point true north.  You can be lost at sea, a forest, a snow storm or in pitch darkness and always know which way is true north by looking at your compass.  No matter how bleak the circumstances are, you can still find direction. 

The Bible is my “true north”!  God’s Word is a lamp and a light to my path.  At times when I’m just not sure where to go………..my “true north” is my hope giver!

What is yours?

Phil Goldsberry

We have all been in awe as we watch Wall Street ride the roller coaster.  There are words being used that have never been used in my lifetime…..the “D” word especially.  It is impossible to assess who is right and who is wrong in these moments.  Yet, there are some things that I DO KNOW!

When I was a kid there was a song that said, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.  Count your blessings, see what God has done……….”  I reflected on that song this morning and thought there are some things that I KNOW…………no matter what any body else says, what news channels report, what the candidates propose…………..I know I am blessed.  But have I stopped and “counted” them recently?

This past week we spent some time with some of our dearest friends.  We have been friends for nearly 30 years.  We have laughed and cried together……….we’ve watched our kids grow up and share those moments that are so precious……..we’ve shared our ministries - the good, the bad and the ugly……………….we’ve even watched each other age gracefully.  As we spent time together last week I was awestruck of the BLESSING of having true friends.   Sure, my 403B is nearly a 201B, but I am blessed.  You couldn’t purchase the friendship that we’ve enjoyed for many years!  You couldn’t put a value on knowing that there are people that will be transparent, honest, encouraging, uplifting and yes…..have a lot of fun with.

If you are feeling under the weather with the “blah” of news……………call a friend up and see how they are doing.  If you can’t think of anyone to call, make a new friend!  If you can’t think of anyone, email me……………I am always looking for new friends.

Phil Goldsberry
pastorphil@christlifechurch.org

Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.
– Gen. George S. Patton

All of us are watching and waiting as we wonder what will be the next move that our government will make.  Our democracy is defined and supported by the phrase,  “of the people, by the people and for the people”.  We have elected officials that we have voted into place………..they have acted supposedly on our behalf.  Yet, we are at fault for the times that we have blindly lived life instead of purposefully living life.  We must take responsibility for our actions…….many times we know what to do, but we fall prey to pressure and “wants” versus doing the right thing.

My prayer for you today is do what you know is right…….the ramifications of that are vast!   Surprise me.  Surprise yourself!

Let me know some areas that you are following through with what you know is the right thing to do.

PDG

To become a courageous leader, you must realize that accepting responsibility is not optional – it’s mandatory.
– David Cottrell

There is a tremendous amount of finger pointing going on now.  Everyone wants a scapegoat that they can hang their improprieties on.  Any leader can lead while times are good, but it is the courageous leader (single individual, married couple, family, business, government, etc.) that can truly navigate when times are tough.

Our government is wrestling with a $700 BILLION gorilla at this very moment.  No matter which side of the aisle you sit on…….this is serious!  These are serious times that demand all of us accepting responsibility for our actions………….it’s mandatory.  Romans 8 declares that “all things work together for the good” if we are called according to His purpose.

Be courageous and step up and seek God’s purpose so that ALL things can work together for your good.  Check your spending habits!  Check your GIVING habits!  Times like these do not call for a tightened fist and wallet.  Times like these call for giving in faith and believing for the harvest that is coming.  Farmers are some of the greatest proponents of living by faith.  They work hard in preparation and then they sow!  That is all that they can do.  They cannot make the seek grow.  They do their part and then God does His.

Be courageous and navigate through these times.

PDG

I am doing a series now called “The Table”.  It is a look at who should be sitting at the table……..the table is our church.  The premise is that a healthy church has 3 chairs present when people come to the table.   1- Mature Believer     2 - Seeker, the person who has not crossed over the line.  They know better but have not initiated…..they can parrot scripture and stories, but Christ has not become an integral part of their life.  3 - The Hell-Bounder, this is the person who knows they are lost.  They may not be proud about it, but they are not doing too much about it.

If we are not careful churches can become museums for the saved.  Showcases for the saints………..places that sinners, seekers and whoever do not feel apart.

If you are seeking or if you are hell-bound, there is room for you.  In fact we embrace you and want you to know there is a chair just for you.

See you soon,

PDG

Ukraine II 008.jpg on Flickr - Photo Sharing!