Bobby Lepinay

Clipped Out

Since we started Harvest, we have been using movie clips to illustrate truths we were teaching.  Some have been great. 

Some have been flat out 'duds'.

I have to be honest:  I am getting pretty well "clipped out".  In this season, I am looking for something more than 'that was cute' to lead into our messages. 

This past Monday, I came into our Creative Team meeting and announced that I was 'clipped out', and that we needed to try to do something more 'visceral', more cut-to-the-bone,......something more organic and original.

What was cool was that immediately, Jennifer, who leads our Harvest Actors Guild :), piped up and said that the Lord has been stirring her as well and she is writing, writing, writing away for series we have upcoming!  Very, very cool indeed....!

We will of course have to use clips for the God @ The Box Office series next month, but after that, we are going to give it a rest and do live stuff.  This morning, I read this quote from John Ortberg that really sealed it for me:

"We get so used to the Bible, we miss its edginess. The prophets were the original street performance artists. What they did was much more like radical street theater than it was like a church service."

We HAVE to go here...!!! :)  Pray for Jennifer and her stable of actors/actresses.  We are believing for anointing in this realm, that like the prophets of old, cut to the core and provoke people to LISTEN TO GOD.

To the future..!

PB

Out of the Box Initiatives

There is a verse in 2 Thess 1:11 I absolutely LOVE and really try to keep before our church at all times:

"....that by His power, he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith."

I love that verse!!!

It tells me that God is just WAITING to bless those who will step out in "acts of faith"!  "...may he fulfill EVERY good purpose.....EVERY act prompted by our faith..."!!

This is where we are with Craig going up to Norfolk.  If you weren't in our CORE meeting a few Fridays ago, here is what we are attempting, working with the church elders and district supervisors up there who are ready to step out with us at Harvest:

• Nothing will change as to our 'ministry flow'.  Our 2 churches will be doing the same series at the same time and Craig will be leading via Skype (which we have set up) our Monday Creative Team meetings.  We will continue to do our annual fasting retreat, seeking to pray and plan out the next preaching year, as we have done for 2008.
• We are putting in a professional grade camera and lighting up in the church in Norfolk.  They will film Pastor Craig's messages, which will then be sent down here on Mondays to be edited for use on the weekends.  He will be moving up there June 1 and as of our meeting yesterday, he will be on video for the series we are starting in a few weeks (Harvest @5) "God's Will".  We will try to give about a month for them to get adjusted up there, then starting in the end of July, he will do a 4 week series that we will do at the Harvest @ 5 service called "Friendship with the Holy Spirit".
• We are committed to this direction, as we see this as a great opportunity to expand our influence.  All we are asking is that you really give it a chance, and let us know your perspective as we enter into this new initiative.  We have never played conservatively at Harvest.  We never will.  But....we will play smart,.... listening, .... adapting... as we need to.  We want whatever will make us the most effective for King Jesus!

I am headed out to a lunch at Marcus Pointe Baptist, so gotta run.  We will try hard to communicate, communicate, communicate as we go.......!

1 Tim 1:11....!

PB

Weekend Review 4/28

• The trip down to Lakeland was EXPENSIVE!!! $340 spent on gas up and back.....TIS GAR PLEN!!!  Went to the Theater Church exhibition held at the Millenial Cinemas and all I can say is that Harvest is doing a FANTASTIC job at doing church in a theater!!
• Tried to get into the revival at Ignite Church in Lakeland and no go.......too full to get in.  The guy sounded exactly like Steve Hill over the speakers outside.  People definitely seemed excited!
• Packed up Michael's stuff Thursday morning and drove over to Tampa to have lunch with Roger's parents. They are GREAT folk, very kind.  Rog's dad was waiting in the drive way with his camera to see his son drive up, as Roger had not been home in about 4 years since moving back to the States.  Did I say SWEET people???!?!  Great lunch as well......!
• Had a neat time at Sonny's barbeque in Tallahassee.  I talked about it Sunday night in my message on "Joy:  It's All In Your Mind".  Listen to the podcast here:  www.harvestpensacola.com
• Sunday morning service at the RAVE was great.  Good crowd, the message Craig shared on Peace in Your Relationships was a home run!  Again, you can hear it here:  www.harvestpensacola.com
• Pastor Craig and his family will be moving to Norfolk, VA, June 1st.  I will be talking and posting more about the tremendous changes coming over the next few months, but let me say on a personal level, that it is hard to imagine not having Craig and Lezlie Walker, our dear friends and co-laborers, here with us.  We all know this is a God thing for them to move up to Norfolk to take the helm at Living Word Church, but for all of us, it is for sure taking up the Cross and just being obedient.  More to come, but enough for now....:(  Please keep this in prayer, as the church up there is facing big changes as we seek to work together to preach the same series, do video, etc... For Harvest, this is easy, as we are an extremely flexible church, doing whatever it takes to reach people, ie, adopting new technologies, etc...  Again, thanks for the prayer this way!

To grace.....

PB

Tis Gar Plen

Had a ball last night teaching...! 

"Tis gar plen"......! :)

For those of you who may be wondering, tis gar plen is the Greek phrase the Apostle Paul used when he was informed of the 'super-apostles' who were taking advantage of the fact he was in prison to build up their own following.  He says......

" It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."   (Philippians 1:15-18)

The phrase in Gk is "tis gar plen"........translated....."SO WHAT??????"

I had so much fun with this Sunday night! If you want to hear it, go to the Harvest website and go to media www.harvestpensacola.com . 

Tis gar plen is what we say to the irritations of life.....those speeding tickets (yes, I DID get a ticket on Garden St., folks.....$215 of one..!).....when people cut you off on the highway....when your car breaks down.....

TIS GAR PLEN!!! 

SO WHAT????  What will this matter in 100 years? What will this matter in eternity? 

Heck, what will this matter next month????

Tis gar plen!! 

SO WHAT???

There are big things we need to bring to the Lord and seek Him earnestly over.  But most of life is the small stuff, the daily stuff, the little irritations of life.....the "Tis Gar Plen Stuff"...the stuff we should, like Paul, say....SO WHAT???  Big whooppie....! I am not going to lose my joy over it!

Hope that makes sense...

Grace...and TIS GAR PLEN your irritations today..:)  !

PB

The Power of a Crucified Life

Sunday night, we are starting a new message series called "Joy" based out of the book of Philippians.  I have been reading and rereading the book, and will continue to do so, letting it saturate my mind and heart over the next month.

Let me just say......We ALL need to do this every so often. It is amazing how renewing this practice is!

Anyway, one thing has been rising to the surface more and more:  The apostle Paul knew the 'crucified life'.  He wasnt trying to suck all he could out of THIS world, striving for more, more, more.  His heart was WITH CHRIST. 

"I am torn", he states, "between 2 desires:  I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.  But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live."....."For me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.  But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ.  So I really don't know which is better...."  (Philippians 1:20-24)

This stuff is really challenging me.  Most of us live in fear.  We live with depression.  We live with discontentment.  We live with anxiety over the future. 

We live with alot of things people who 'live crucified' don't live with.

And btw, dont forget: Paul was in a Roman dungeon for 2 years at the point he wrote this...!

I will talk more about this Sunday night as we start our series "Joy".  I saw this 2:20 minute news piece this morning that you really need to take the time to watch. 

THIS DEAR LADY KNOWS THE CRUCIFIED LIFE!!

Deliver us from ourselves, dear Lord...

PB

ARC Conference

We had a great weekend at Harvest!  GREAT crowd Sunday morning, with the front section almost full,....which almost never happens.  One of the things bringing me great joy in this season is how you can literally feel the people receiving the Word of God.  You can sense the work of the Spirit during the service, implanting the Word of God in hungry hearts......

....as Gandalf said to Frodo in LOR, "And THAT is an encouraging thought!"  Why? 

Because you know it is only a matter of time before good fruit is bourne.  That is the natural result of seed taking root.  It grows.

Pastor Roger and myself are headed out this morning to drive to Birmingham to attend the ARC conference. Association of Related Churches I am excited, as some of the fastest growing churches in the US will be there and it is a great time to LEARN from fellow leader!

Until Thursday, I am checking out of the blogosphere. May God's favor chase us all down this week, eh??

PB

Facing Off With Fear

Over the past few weeks, I have talked to more than a few folk who are genuinely fearful about the future. I opened up the paper this morning and on page 2....what was the headline?.... 

"Study show middle-class fearful about economy".

Fear is a real thing, folks.  When it seizes you, it can do some real damage.

This Sunday, we are starting a new series at Harvest called "Real Fear:  Real Peace".  I believe this is a very timely series, one that people need to hear.  So invite anyone you know that needs to hear this subject, anyone who needs to be encouraged!! 

Remember:  Harvest is a SAFE place to hear a DANGEROUS message.....one that can change your life!

I appreciate your prayers for me as I prepare for the 1st message this coming Sunday.  I really feel the Lord is going to meet us in a special way and hearts will be lifted up and encouraged. 

Also, Pastor Craig will be teaching on "Jesus The Healer" Sunday night.  Our intercessors have been praying for God to do miracles Sunday night, as faith connects with the Word of God.

Love you guys....and see you Sunday....!

PB

The Church of Oprah

A few people sent this piece on Oprah Winfrey this week.  It seems she has really latched on to Eckart teaching, which is recycled, "new age", goop that basically tells people that YOU are God. 

No sin......no cross....no heaven....no hell....

Scary.

Back when I 1st became a Christian, Eckart teaching was being pushed in the college I attended.  I attended a seminar, and within 10 minutes knew it was heretical garbage, and promptly left.  But I was shocked at how many stayed and listened.  At least 500.

The Bible says that in the last days, there will be "seducing spirits, teaching 'doctrines of demons'".  Oprah does a lot of good things and is by far and away one of the best communicators in the world.  But hooking up with Eckart and promoting this hellish lie, ......assisting to deceive millions......

"What sorrow awaits those who lead people into sin.  Temptations are bound to come, but what sorrow awaits that person who does the tempting.  It would be better to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sin than to lead one of those little ones who trusts in Me to fall away...."  (Matt 18)

Jesus' words.  Not mine.

Take the 6 minutes to watch this piece on what is happening.....

To being wise as serpents, harmless as doves,

PB

Commitment

Recently, I had a conversation with someone that really got me thinking about what marks successful people from unsuccessful people. 

Most of us,.... if you cut down into the fiber of our being, ....aren't really committed to do whatever it takes to succeed.  We want to lose weight......but not at the expense of cutting out sugar, starch, whatever.  We set career goals.......but if it takes away too much from our social life, ...well.....I will just switch majors to something not so strenuous.

The bottom line?  We just don't WANT things bad enough.

In reference to the above, I have been personally thinking about this as regards to my prayer life. How much do I, do you, do any of us, really WANT that deep, abiding intimacy with the Lord??? 

There is a verse that is resonating within me...."I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach Me, for who is he who would devote himself to be close to Me, says the Lord??"  (Jer 30:21)

Here is a challenging thought:  Tiger Woods has DEVOTED himself to one thing; being the greatest golfer ever. 

How bad does he WANT it? 

I heard another pro talk about Tiger, saying the difference between him and everyone else is simple:  Tiger is more COMMITTED.  He works harder, ....is more focused, .... sacrifices more.......

Tiger is DEVOTED.

How devoted..?????  Take a look at this, then ask yourself as I did, ....."If he is that committed to a game, golf, with no eternal consequences,......."

You get the point.

Enjoy....PB

Random Thoughts on a Monday Morning

• There is money well-spent and money poorly spent.  The goal is to have more of the 1st category, less of the 2nd.  We had a blast in Chicago for our #24 Anniversary weekend, but for all the $ I saved on the hotel and air, I wasted on renting a car. 
• Rented a car for 2 days @ $84.  The hotel parking fee was......get this.....$42 a DAY!!!! So....we rent a car to get from the airport to the hotel, pay $84 for parking fees, plus $84 on rental......all to have the car sit til we drive back to the airport.  GRRRRHHHHH (angry at myself..).....:)...$170 spent, plus $5 to the valet to park it.....when we could have taken a cab for a roundtrip total of $60.  Again....DUMB-MONEY spent...!!
• Money WELL-spent??  Taking a cab when your feet are bone-tired and you have 10 blocks to go.  Spending $ 50 more for a truly MEMORABLE meal than a bit less for something just above average.  There is a time to skinch pennies, and a time to relax and not be a penny pincher.  This weekend was the later....!
• Ralph Lauren's Restaurant Ralph Lauren Restaurant - RLRestaurant.com was the BEST we have been to!  Great food, great atmosphere, great service, great location.  We went up to the top of the John Hancock tower (96th floor) afterward and enjoyed a great evening together......fun times!
• Went for breakfast to a great little Italian cafe called Caffe Baci.  Cheap, great food, great coffee.  The couple next to us was loudly discussing religion.  It was quite interesting and I ALMOST jumped in, but Deb held me back! :)  Bottom line:  We as 'Christians' are all lumped in with the money scamming televangelists, the sign carrying fundamentalists,......The message of JESUS and WHO HE REALLY WAS is definitely being lost out there.  People can't see the Message because of the MESSENGERS.  More on that later, as it stirred me......
• The economy is without question in major recession.  Talking to the waiters in Chicago where we ate, they are WAY OFF on business.  Businesses arent doing major conventions, people are cutting back on eating out.  Also, our flight back to Pcola got cancelled and we had to take a much earlier flight.  Seems the airlines are cutting back the number of flights, packing the planes full, doing all they can to not go under (3 airlines declared bankrupcy last week).  I will be talking about "Facing Fear in your Finances" this Sunday.  A VERY "NOW" TOPIC FOR SURE!!
• I heard Harvest @ The Rave was great Sunday morning, good crowd, great worship, excellent message.  We had a big "WIN" with the 1st Sunday Front Door, with 14 new people showing up, with lively conversation.  We are doing all we can to help people connect.  Kudos to our Staff for coming up with that idea....way to go guys!! :)
• I am LOVING my IPhone, now that I am getting the hang of it!  Emailing myself notes is the best part.  I MAY even be cutting down on writing on my hand now.......wow......just typing that makes me start to feel withdrawals..... :)

Have an EXCELLENT week...~

pb