Preview for Pinflow Tonight

IN DESPERATE NEED OF A SAVIOR

We can never comprehend the containment of true love that was held captive in Christ’ heart. He lifted the burden of all of man kind and took the sins, the grief and the sorrow upon himself so that we might be redeemed and reconstructed for His Glory.

We don’t need Christ to fulfill our wants in this world, but rather our needs. Salvation is such a necessary need in this world but is taken for granted by the majority unless there is great distress or drama in our lives.

Scripture Reference:
Matthew 2:9-7

What drives you?

Last night I was at cell meeting (a community group meeting) at my church and I was really contemplating what drives me to be the guy that I am... the good and the bad. I was telling the guys, as they know, that I am one of those guys who can go in and get the crowd energized about whatever I am excited about. Whether it be a new business adventure, a trip or just motivation to do the normal things in life, I can make them sound exciting. My great battle with that is that I also know how to kill the crowd haha. I can get you to the peak of believing that what I am saying is actually going to go forward (funny enough is that I believe it too) and then in a week or month from now I would have dropped the idea all together. Haha, so I can be the hype-man and the next minute the letdown guy. That comes with it's benefits and setbacks and it's all part of the bigger picture.

We have to learn how to hone the gifts that Christ has given to us, and not condemn ourselves to failure in Him. He has made us this way for a reason and its not to keep it all to ourselves. Luk 12:48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more"

Forgiven for our sinful nature...

I just can't believe how forgiven we are. Haha, as if there is any measure to the grace that God bestows upon those who follow after Him and choose His name. I am very blessed and I realize that I shouldn't have a leg to stand on (based on my past, doubt and faithfulness) but yet when I get on my knees and cry out to my Father that He hears my cry and is faithful to answer it. We serve an awesome God.

Wow

God constantly "wows" me with giving me so many chances to be His servant. The promises of God constantly remind me how much He loves me and how much I am in Him. It's amazing.

Aloney Time

Sometimes I just wanna drift off into some serious sabbatical times with God and get away from everyone haha. As funny as that sounds, sometimes I just feel that I'm way outta place in this world. I'm sure I'm speaking to someone out there...

I do very much wish for reliance on God to increase as the good and the bad things in this world can be overwhelming and confusing but alas, that is another thought for another day. Yes we must decrease and he must increase!

On a more personal and reality check note, I have some things In ministry that I'm working on and need some encouragement and affirmation on from the Almighty good God that I love.

Wow, really old post from my XANGA site (http://www.xanga.com/freeosin)

Friday, October 21, 2005

Currently ListeningGloBy Delirious?see related- Majesty
Majesty (Here I Am)Here I am humbled by your MajestyCovered by your grace so freeHere I am, knowing I'm a sinful manCovered by the blood of the LambNow I've found the greatest love of all is mineSince you laid down your lifeThe greatest sacrificeMajesty, MajestyYour grace has found me just as I amEmpty handed, but alive in your handsMajesty, MajestyForever I am changed by your loveIn the presence of your MajestyHere I am humbled by the love that you giveForgiven so that I can forgiveHere I stand, knowing that I'm your desireSanctified by glory and fireNow I've found the greatest love of all is mineSince you laid down your lifeThe greatest sacrifice
What am I here for? Its funny when things of this world dont affect you like people want them to. Its cool just to sit back and realize, "God, i want my will to be yours", and see him take you places that you have never been. But what does it take for us to take that leap into his complete grace and love? So many times i have sat back and worried about things of this world when they mean nothing. Thank God that i feel empowered and astounded in him. Though we sit around and hear things of this world and concentrate on getting it "just right", we are wasting so much time. Who needs the things of this world? Why do we have the right to these things? Why do we have the right to anything? We dont... God is amazing and yes he will bless, but wants his honor restored in our hearts. Jamie and I were talking about this the other night; where is the Fear of the Lord anymore? We dont have it, we go around doing whatever we want, sinning, and living our lives, but we just feel conviction; not respect or fear for our Lord or Majesty. I have just thought about this last night before i went to bed, and its kinda be resounding in my heart and thoughts this morning.
This weekend we are going to Macon to play music and lead worship. Keep us in your prayers.
- john

Where are the ones walking the Opposite Way?

"Opposite Way" - Leeland

Living in the same town
For all these years
Doing the same old things
Hanging with the same crowd
And it’s starting to get crippling
You’ve never felt in place
And you tell yourself it’s all okay
But something’s different today
You want to run the opposite way

And it seems like you’re locked in a cage
And you need to find a way of escape
When everyone is setting the pace
It’s okay to run the opposite way

The Father sent His Son down
The light of men
The cross He bore was crippling
Rejected in His own town
They couldn’t see the sun shining
He knelt in the garden and prayed
Father, let this cup pass from me
It’s not Your will for me to stay
Your will for me is the opposite way

And it seemed like He was locked in a cage
And He couldn’t find away of escape
But through the cross He conquered the grave
My Jesus ran the opposite way

Oh, and through the cross He conquered the grave
Oh, He ran the opposite way
Yeah, through the cross He conquered the grave
So you could run the opposite way

---------------------------------------------------------------
Man... that song speaks a million words to me right now. Sometimes
when I feel like noone is willing to stand with me, God proves that we are
so much more infinitely different than all the others around us. What a
sincere and crippling Love that God has for us. It just breaks my heart
every time I realize that I am trying to do this on my own. God sent His
son that you and I might have real life. Please don't give that up. I love you
guys and girls and I am praying that we would all hit a real awakening.
Though I wish I wrote the lyrics above, I agree that I am no poet or lyricist.
God has set in motion great opportunity in our lives... are we going
to take it?

In much love, but far much more offered by my Father.

-john

Thank God.

Just suppose this old car sputtered down the road...Just suppose this old car--It refused to go...Wouldn't you hope that someone would care enough to stop...And help you out...I'd like to think that someone would take the time to stop...And help you out ~ It's the code, it's the code it's the Code of the Road...It's the code, it's the Code of the Road...On the side of the road maybe you'd like to know...A Hand is there, a Hand that cares...It's the Code of the Road ~ Don't you know--everyone breaks down along the road...Don't you know--everybody hurts along the road... Wouldn't you hope that someone would care enough to stop...And help you out...I'd like to think that someone would care enough to stop...And help you out ~ In my weakness, Jesus cared enough to stop...And help me out.

-Bleach

Thank God that He sent His Son to stop and help me out. We serve a Great God.
"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear." - Isaiah 59:1

Pinflow - Message - Feb. 21st 2008

Just a recap of the message last night incase you were interested in the scriptures used or jist of the message.

"Defining Spiritual Purity" - Spring Quarter 2008 - [Stirring Passion]

Scripture References :
Psalms 24:3-4
Psalms 12:6
Romans 8:1-13
Galations 5:16
1 Cornithians 13:11
James 3:5-8
Job 6:24, 27:4
Psalms 34:13
James 1:26

Love you guys,

IN CHRIST-john

[**OLD POST** Re-posted because you guys contributed!]

Question 1 on Disciple-ship (IMPACT COURSE) – synopsis John C. Howard
You were asked the following: "As a Christian, what is one thing you can personally improve on to better serve others, and do the True CHRIST-WALK."

I received a plethora of answers and am compelled to know the different struggles that we all face. I sincerely and whole-heartedly believe that we need to keep each other accountable and lift each other up during our weakness. That is why Christ never denied, but rather encouraged accountability (JAMES 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.). Below I will address the different issues that you guys/girls face, and maybe give us all a better answer to what we need to discover in ourselves. Do remember though; that we all must make these changes, as our God gives us free will. However, we must fully give our lives over to Him in order for these changes to take place through Him.

Reading the Word: I saw quite a few people mention about reading God's Word on a more consistent basis. It's the life of God (JOHN 1:1 – In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.). Delve into the Word and allow it to give you the full view of what those before you have seen, and every one of the scriptures can open up a new view on how Christ wants to work in You.

Remaining Steadfast and Strong: I know this has always been a consistent need, in my life especially. You feel as though you have to remain Strong in order to lead, or to nurture some kind of gift to yourself or someone around you. What is so amazing is that God's Strength is made PERFECT in our weakness. Just allow God to take over your life, and you will find your strength and consistency in Him.

Self Condemnation for Lack of Progress: It seems like every time we mess up we want to beat ourselves up about it, or feel like we have to completely start over with Christ. That isn't true, nor does God want us to live in a life of Condemnation (ROM 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.). Walk in God's spirit, and don't let those in the Flesh, nor yourselves live defeated.
Faith and Trust in Him: For lack of Faith and Trust, is why we consistently don't see consistency in our lives and spiritual growth in the first place. If we really Trusted in Christ, and believed or had Faith in what He teaches, we would put just as much effort into serving, making disciples, and growing in Him as we would anything else. This isn't to discourage you though, but to empower you to go out and begin to change yours and other's lives. We are given certain personalities for a reason, and that just makes it that much more rewarding to completely give over to God and see what He is going to do through us (HEBREWS 11:6 – But without Faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.).

Sluggish or Laziness: I believe every one of us can attest to this one; to come up with an idea, or get excited about something, only to turn around after the excitement is gone, and realize too much time has gone by to actually start – or sometimes finish the task at hand. This could be as simple as spending time with God or cleaning your room (can I get an Amen? Haha.) To starting a business, or finishing school. We must consistently keep ourselves accountable with others in order to do some of these Worldly tasks, but when it comes to our communion with Christ, we must Want it. He is a jealous God, and wants us to consistently seek after His face. It's not a chore, nor should it ever feel like one. It's a process of amazing growth and a life not attainable through anything you could ever do. Don't let that give you a reason for "slacking" in your other daily tasks, because God wants consistency in everything you do, as if it was done to the Lord Himself (1 COR 10:31 – Whether therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.).

Witnessing, "Shining the Light": This is something we are all called to do, whether its on a small or large basis, it's still up to us to take on. It's not a duty though, its an amazing gift and second or third or millionth chance that we are now able to share with our friends, family, or complete stranger. The biggest thing with this, especially in today's society, it not to skew or change the Gospel, but just be "Real" with people. Don't shove the Gospel(belief that Jesus was the Son of God, died for our sins, and gave us advocation with the Father) down people's throats. Just be real, and allow God to work through you. People are struggling in this world to find something, and we just aren't giving it to them. We all can just be ourselves, live holy lives, live Real and Engaging lives, and God will give us what to say and do. Don't compromise your Faith or Belief in Him to help someone understand, EVER. Don't expect to be able to relate to everyone either, but don't let that be a deterrent from trying. Remember sometimes, your just a seed planter, or sometimes you're the Harvester (1 CHRONICLES 3:6 – I have planted, Apollos Watered; But God gave the increase.).

Showing Patience and/or in LOVE: I decided to combine these for both lack of extended text, but also because they can be intertwined, and are both needed to coexist to be of Good Fruit in Christ. Too many times our lack of Patience in what we are doing, leads us to miss out on God's true intentions, or on what drove us towards that goal in the first place. Sometimes it takes just "waiting on the Lord"; as that in itself will drive us toward the answer. LOVE is what God exemplifies in everything He does, and without it, we are nothing. We can't back up anything Christ has done in our lives, nor spread it to others, if we can't show love to even our enemies (1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.).

CONCLUSION – All these things we need to work on, and work towards encouraging each other in. This is obviously not a BRIEF SYNOPSIS (by any means haha) but hopefully a better direction in which to drive ourselves to. I hope you each took time to read this, as quite a few of you contributed to the thoughts that guided it. If you have any questions feel free to hit me up on IM on AOL @ FREEOSIN.

Now – Further Engage your Mind and go answer question 2 which is now posted on my blog.
In CHRIST,

John C. Howard

Pinflow - Message - Feb. 7th 2008

Just a recap of the message last night incase you were interested in the scriptures used or jist of the message.

"Are we even Worthy? - Standing on Ground Level" - Spring Quarter 2008 - [Stirring Passion]

Scripture References :
Matthew 26:36 - 26:44 - Christ' Mercy, Forgiveness and continued willingness to use us.
Matthew 25:34 - 25:40 - Being Used by Christ at the most "basic" level is Reaching Christ at the most intimate of levels
Romans 10:15 - The honor to be used by our King.

Used a reference reading from C.S. Lewis' "The Great Divorce":
Preface: Pages VIII - IX.

Love you guys,

IN CHRIST

-john

Are we even so worthy?!

Rom 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[fn7]

Wow. Im speechless. We have been chosen by a King of Kings, a Lord of Lords, and the Prince of Peace. We serve an amazing God. I am so humbled that He would choose someone like me to carry His message.

We serve a Great God.

-john

This is an emergency

I love that line from the song "Tears of the Saints" by Leeland. If you haven't heard it or heard of them you need to check them out. Great band and great hearts.

I know that God is bringing us all through so much now, and I just want to encourage you all to perservere. When it seems terrible it could always be worse, and we have an amazing chance to reach out to God and be broken.

I want to also to encourage each one of you to really open up communication with God. He desires open communcation with His Church just like any relationship does. There should be no walls, and if there are we need to do what we can and be broken and rectify any issues. He is a Loving God and He desires to be with each one of you.

We are getting there

in Christ
john

The new Pinflow, finally has come. (Thursday FEB 7th!)

Im very excited that after many visions, many failures and many delays that the new Project Inflow has finally arrived. We have been in much prayer that it would go as smooth as possible and God has worked many miracles to see this come to fruition. I am so excited for all the possiblities of messing this thing up.. you wanna know why? Because that means that only God can make it work out. All we can do is be obedient to His call. There are sooo many opportunities available to you guys who choose to be with us on thursdays. I think that is my greatest excitement. It seems that alot of churches have forgotten that after you leave the teenage status (high school) and venture off to college that you still need a core of believers who are emphatically seeking after Christ on a daily basis. I hope that Project Inflow can facilitate that need for each one of us (including myself). I am at peace as to what God is doing and i find it remarkable that we have made it this far. God has so many great things planned for His followers and I cannot wait for them to be unveiled! Anyways, here is a quick FYI for the new Pinflow:

1. Take place EVERY Thursday from 7:00 to 8:30
2. Speakers will alternate each week. (Dusty Lolley, John Howard)
3. This is open to anyone who has graduated High School and is now in a college or career field. You DO NOT have to be in college, so if you are in the 18 and up crowd you are more than welcome to attend.
4. Come with an open heart to Seek after Christ in a way that you never have before. We are all tired of the status-quo go to church and thats it cycle. We want to see DEVELOPING, Growing relationships with Christ take place.
5. Please come with an open heart to get involved in SOME way with this ministry. We have a place for everyone and this is constantly a growing field. If you're asking us.. "what can I do?!" Believe me we have something. This was the vision laid on our hearts, that EVERYONE have an opportunity to get involved with the ministry in a powerful way!
6. Please leave all judgement at the door. We want to give everyone an opportunity to reach Christ. None of us are any more worthy of Christ's Death. He died that we might ALL be Saved and have eternal life, hope, joy and peace.
7. Come with an excitement and anticipation that every thursday and through the week that God is going to use us all to keep eachother accountable and lift each other up!
8. Bring love and a humble heart. Without these we are only further separating people from the opportunity to reach Christ.

Schedule is below:
7:00 opening
7:05 worship
7:20 message
7:45 small group
8:20 - 8:30 closing/fellowship

I love you guys and girls more than you know, but our Christ so far exceeds that. We serve such an amazing God. If you do not know Him, or want to know Him DEEPER and in a more intimate way.. Please come visit us starting Thursday, FEB 7th!)

The Simplicity of HOPE.

I was talking to Rachel today on the phone and realized the simplicity in the difference and draw that Christ has for un-believers even when we dont know what to say. Offer them Hope. Give them something that will fill the void the world can't. I know through all the trouble, struggles and enemy I seem to face I know that I can turn to someone who can get me through. I have only been able to find this because I have come to one conclusion; I am doomed to fail.. haha. Don't let that get you down, I have a great life and I am proud of where God has taken me, but again that's where God has taken me. When I get lost with Him and in His Prescence I cant help but to hate this world and what is in it. However, God will turn our world upside down and bring to rememberence what He died for, and the AMAZING opportunity He has given us to spread this and to bring a hope that passes over any circumstance. We serve an amazing LIFE-giving God who Loves each and every one of us with an eternal Love that doesnt grow old, quench, or die out. Be encouraged fellow believers and keep moving towards the High Calling in Christ Jesus!

IN CHRIST

May this world continue to grow strangely dim..

-john