Right People, Right Place, Right Plan

Read 106 pages of a new book yesterday by an author I've never read before. It's Jentezen Franklin--Right People, Right Place, Right Plan. It's about discerning the voice of God. In my prayer time today, I focused on allowing the Holy Spirit to connect with my spirit in five ways:

1. Asking God to stir my spirit--give me a holy discontent for the lost, for ministry, for the church.
2. Asking God to lead me by my spirit--to follow the gentle nudgings of the Holy Spirit throughout the day.
3. Asking God to put help me purpose in my spirit--not just decide things in my mind, but purpose eternal things in my spirit.
4. Asking God to compel me by his spirit--to so bind me to his will for my life that I don't want to and can't break free from it.
5. Asking God to give me peace in my spirit--we make tons of decisions everyday. I need peace in my spirit t show me the right decisions.

He said something I have believed for a long time, "Just because a door is wide open, it doesn't mean you are supposed to walk through it. This is where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance." Wow. What a thought.

Powerful e2 Conference

This year's e2 Conference was over the top. We had record attendance from pastors across the state and Mark Batterson really challenged us to be lion chasers. John Palmer opened up his heart and shared with raw authenticity about "Mistakes I've Made and Lessons I'm Learning." It was powerful. Thank you to these two men for hearing for equipping and encouraging the Iowa Ministry Network.

God at the Box Office--Starting This Sunday

We launch a brand new message series this Sunday--God at the Box Office. The stained glass window of the 19th century has been replaced by the movie screen of the 21st century? Is there any room for God at the Box Office? What are the questions popular movies are asking and answering and what does the Bible have to say about those questions. We'll take a look at four movies starting this Sunday:

• Sunday, September 23 Star Wars


• Sunday, September 30 Transformers


• Sunday, October 7 Walt Disney's Meet the Robinsons


• Sunday, October 14 Pirates of the Caribbean

See you at the box office!

Worship at the River

Join us this Sunday for Worship at the River at the Simon Estes Amphitheater in downtown Des Moines. Don't forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Childcare is available in the Potomac Room in the Embassy Suites Hotel, adjacent to the amphitheater.

It's going to be a fun service with new music, drama, and the message--Cross that River.

See You There.