Boom Boom Pow… Snow of 2010!

(have trouble seeing the video? Click Here)

As you can see… we had a great time!

I sure love my family!

Here are the rest of the pictures from last night and today on Facebook!

I Dare You!

You read that right. I dare you to pray this prayer with me!

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, hard hearts, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live from deep within your heart where God’s Spirit dwells.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world and in your neighborhood, so that you will courageously try what you don’t think you can do, but in Jesus Christ you’ll have the strength necessary to do.

May God bless you so that you remember we are all called to continue God’s redemptive work of love and healing in God’s place, in and through God’s name, in God’s Spirit, continually creating and breathing new life and grace into everything and everyone we touch.

That was easy to read… but I bet it was hard to pray! Take a minute to go back and pray through it.

So often, we don’t see hurt, pain, and disappointments as blessing. We so desire our lives to be easy so we can coast through it with little to no emotional nor physical commitment.

As many know, Susanne and I are in a stage of our lives that is new for us. A time of healing, recovering, and being renewed.

Susanne and I are clinging to the hope found in Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE”.

Over the next few blog posts, I will be sharing how God is working in my life, and the lives of the 5 Reeders!

For all the latest happenings at ChrisReeder.com, you can keep updated by subscribing by email or rss.

Primal

A while back, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Mark Batterson. One take away I had was how humble he appeared. He is the kind of guy that you can’t help but like.

I am currently reading his latest book titled Primal. Mark encourages us to strip away every distraction and complication, focusing on the essence of Christianity, the Great Commandment. In Primal, he explores the foundational elements of loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Though I am not done reading it yet… what I have read is pretty good!

“Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

To download a free sample chapter, visit www.theprimalmovement.com

Mark is also the author of one of my most favorite books I have ever read…

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars (would encourage anyone to read this one too)

You can check out Mark speaking about being primal here.

By law… I am required to let you know that this was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Letting Go…

As you all know, it has been almost three years since Susanne and I accepted God’s call on our lives to start a new work in Florence, SC.  As we prayerfully began this process we were both energized and enthusiastic about what God had in store for us.  After much prayer, testing of our faith, and examining our gifts and skills, Revolution Church was born in September of 2008.

We had a vision to make disciples and “be the church” in our community.  God honored that dream, and we have seen 13 people come to Christ, 11 baptisms, and 17 make renewed commitments to Jesus and pledge to make a difference in our city.  We’ve reached out to schools, neighborhoods, and other ministries in our community.  In the last 15-18 months, we’ve seen God show up and show out in many ways.

As I reflect upon these things, it gives me a great sense of purpose in knowing that God can use a flawed human being like me to assist in furthering his Kingdom.  It also makes what I am about to announce very difficult.

Revolution Church held its last meeting tonight, January 6, 2010.

The Bible is very clear that we are to love Christ with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength… after this to love our neighbor as ourselves.  It also gives many examples of leadership that can only be successful if priorities are in the correct order.  (I am thinking of Moses, King David, and Peter to name a few…) The formula for a successful ministry, more importantly a full and abundant life, is as follows: Jesus first, family second and church/ministry third.  I must admit to you that for almost a year now, this has not been the case in my life.  God has shown me that I cannot be the man that He has called me to be until I get my priorities in order.

Susanne and I have worked very hard, too hard really, to make sure the ministry of Revolution would be successful.  We have neglected our health, in many instances our marriage, and our parenting responsibilities to see Revolution grow.  This is not biblical. 

We know that God is not finished with us, and that there is much ministry left to do, but we feel ill equipped to continue the ministry of Revolution Church. Though it is hard to let go, we will be forever grateful for the real revolution that God performed in our own hearts and lives through this process.  We have been forever changed by this call, and we have learned a lot in the journey.   Our small core has been through a lot together, and we pray that as we fervently seek Him in the coming days, weeks, and months that God will show us, each one, the paths that he would have us walk.

We are clinging to the hope found in Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE”.

Susanne and I would like to ask you now to please be respectful of this decision and bathe our family in your prayers.  There is much healing, revival, and restoration to be done.  We will be “unplugging” for a while so that we can just be quiet before the Lord, cling to Jesus, and take some time to love on each other and our children.

Thank you all for being faithful followers/supporters/prayer warriors in this process.  We love and appreciate each one of you more than you could ever know.

Guest Blogger Emilee Reeder

In case you did not know, my daughter blogs (but it is set to private for family only). She wrote a post the other day that I thought I would share…

Sam’s cut by Gigi

Well it all started by Gigi (Dads mom) cutting Paw-Paws hair and well it turned out sooooo good that Sam by brother wanted to get his hair cut just like it. Well… Gigi and I took a good laugh out of it or you could say we cracked our self up. We didn’t know what our Mom and Dad would say about it so we called. While the phone was ringing I was thinking of 4 reasons why he couldn’t.

1. Dad is gonna say no
2. Sam wouldn’t like it anyway
3. We would all laugh
4. and most of all Lord knows about how many people are gonna say he’s cute. If you were me you would not want to put up with that.

Well I almost passed out when Dad and Mom said it was ok. So it’s over with and well I’m kind of glad he did that because he is just adorable. Hehe, I’d never think I’d catch myself saying that. Now don’t tell no one about that ya hear. Peace Out people!!!

Wasn’t that just the cutest blog post ever

Seven in 2010

Over the second half of 2009, this blog has been a dead man’s land… Not much going on at all.

I have been praying a lot lately about life, family, and my pursuit of being more like Jesus Christ. Here are some goals that I pray will help strengthen me in 2010!

1. Go on a date night with Susanne at least once a month!
2. Go on a date with one of the kids each month!
3. Grow in my knowledge of God’s Word by reading through the New Testament & Nehemiah. (always wanted to read Nehemiah, just never have)
4. Live a healthier life. (you knew that one had to be on here didn’t ya)
5. Continue to attack debt with Gazelle intensity (did that sound like Dave Ramsey… Chris Craft would be so proud!)
6. Read at least 4 books (listen to many more): Leaning toward a few of these…
   1. Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity
   2. Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit
   3. Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion
   4. Chemistry of the Blood
   5. Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God
7. Learn how to be a better leader by working through this book by John Maxwell: Leadership Promises for Your Week

There ya have it… I would personally appreciate your prayers over these goals! Prayer is very powerful… and much needed…

Have a Blessed 2010!

Book Give Away

Many of you who follow me on Twitter already know I finally have my book collection cataloged and online… In honor of finally completing this task… I have two books to give away.

2 copies of Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples by Thom S. Rainer & Eric Geiger for two people.

I know this is an older book but… it is still a great resource for anyone involved in church… weather leader or lay person!

To Register for the book give away, simply leave a comment on this blog post with your twitter username & tell me how you found out about this giveaway! If you don’t use twitter… hum… just leave how you found out about the giveaway.

Please help others find out about the opportunity to win this free book by tweeting about it!

I will announce the winners Friday Dec 4th.

For all the latest happenings at ChrisReeder.com, you can keep updated by subscribing by email or rss.

habit Day 19

habit Day 19 (November 19th)

Malachi 3:6-12

6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

What does this passage say?

Ouch. When we don’t give a tenth of God’s money back to Him, He considers it stealing! This is only passage I know of that God tell us to test Him with the tithe… He says that He will pour out blessings until there is no more need! This blessing does not necessarily equal money. It also says that we are cursed for robbing God… This means that we will never see God’s hand on our lives until we surrender fully.

Why is it in the Bible?

To teach us the severity of not giving back a tenth of what God gives. When we don’t give, we are robbing God of what is rightfully His.

What should I do about it?

Never stop tithing! Trust Him to continue to pour out His blessings on me and my family!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!!

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habit Day 18

habit Day 18 (November 18th)

1 Chronicles 29:11-17

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 15 For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. 16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.

What does this passage say?

Because everything belongs to God; that should enable us to give freely and joyously. God rules over all… Our strength comes from Him.

"all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name": reminds me of why I give… to bring honor to His name.

Why is it in the Bible?

Reminds me to give back to God a portion of what He has blessed me with… willingly…

What should I do about it?

Never forget that everything comes from God and everything is His. I am nothing more than a steward of His possessions.

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!!

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 17

habit Day 17 (November 17th)

Luke 12:13-21

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

What does this passage say?

Use what God blesses you with to bless others! Be about The Kingdom and not yourself!

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us that you never see a hearse pulling a u-haul!

What should I do about it?

Bless others through my blessings!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! One more week remaining!

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!