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You have to know, Central Life

02/10/2012 8:47 pm
By alonso, randy

You have to know that we are so ready to take it to the next level and it's about time! Audacious Faith is in order. Simplicity that leads to Excellence is taking hold. Out not In means we are tenacious about reaching our lost friends and family. Now!

You have to know that what we witnessed last weekend was nothing short of life changing with an eternal impact - 15 people inviting Jesus to be their Master. It is imperative that all of us realize that there is a great need to 'press in' to God in prayer for more of the same.

You have to know that this weekend we are going to see Christ followers SET FREE from so many of the ills that are hindering the explosive growth every church is capable of and every family deserves!

You have to know that what God is doing at Pineda Pointe by moving us onto the site of Temple Beth Sholom is a modern day miracle and a fulfillment of the great vision God birthed in us in 2008. You can read that 25 Year Vision at centralLIFE.org, click First Time.

You have to know that our Staff, Elders, and Teams of leaders are doing an amazing job doing the work of the ministry. From painting and cleaning at Pineda this week for our Grand Re-Opening, to Guest Services, LIFEGroups, Musicians and Production, Celebrate Recovery, Sister City, Kidz and Students, and on and on.

What do you say to a church family that is on the brink of great spiritual explosive growth?

You have to know...KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS because if He is not in what we are doing and BECOMING, then we should get out.

I love my church. I love what I do. All for a risen, coming, King!

Let the Critics Whine

01/25/2012 11:47 am
By alonso, randy

One of my favorite leadership lessons comes from Nehemiah. He was busy about the work God had called him to do - the work of keeping the barbarians out of Jerusalem as he rebuilt the walls of protection for his people.  Enemies rose up against Nehemiah as he was giving them a swift kick in the gluteus by God's authority.  In a ploy to distract him, his enemies invited him to a powwow
of sorts outside the city in the plain of Ono. ("Oh no!" is exactly what his enemies were saying by the time the job was done.) 

His response contains a life lesson for all leaders. "They intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them saying, 'I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?'"  Nehemiah 6:2b-3.

The antidote to the advances of life's most toxic people (those in the form of the negative and faithless) is to have a great understanding of your purpose and calling in life. Nehemiah had it! He knew it was foolish to waste time with people who wanted to argue and drain energy that could otherwise be used for what was really important. I've had a few nights of sleep cut short by listening too much to the enemies' advances.

So when it comes to staying true to your vision here is a sure way to make constant progress.  Listen carefully, evaluate promptly. Be wise to accept constructive criticism and wise counsel with a discerning heart. God's Spirit will guide you in
this skill based on your work and your need for focus. If however, what you are listening to is mental clutter from a toxic people then don't listen to the same verse twice. Let the critics whine like Nehemiah did and put your head down and finish the work at hand. Be faithful to the One who is faithful.

How important is the work God has called you to? Remind yourself of the eternal value of your calling. Check off the vision killers and move on. God will be honored and lives will be changed because you stayed on task by remembering what is most important.

Remembering a Simple Christmas Spirit

12/22/2011 5:28 pm
By alonso, randy

At Central Life we began to model the simplicity of our existence more intently a couple years ago by keeping church life simple. We only try to do a few things in relation to life and eternity and we trust we are doing them well. We have begun to see the fruit of this effort and our approach to Christmas is one of those attempts. With that in mind I trust the following will encourage you.

Love -  the foundation of grace.

Simple random acts of kindness, the ones most undeserved, get us to the core of a simple Christmas. It's the unexpected gift, an encouraging word, a kind gesture that means so much. Do you by chance have a small gift you have kept from over the years? Maybe one your child gave you. If you do, you cherish it, don’t you? It represents a simple and pure love. Those little gifts, in all their imperfection, help you slow down, smile, and remember what really matters. Jesus' gift of love to us is perfect, and we receive it despite our imperfection. In fact that's what makes His love so powerful - grace at its best!

Reflect on God's love for you - not the complex deep theological truth - but the simple idea that He loves you just the way you are. You don't deserve it and neither do I. We don't need to overcomplicate grace. Slow down, soak it in, and give it generously to others.

Joy – the expression of gratitude.

We all know a Scrooge or two. They are no fun to be around and really no fun during the holidays. A Christ-follower without joy is a poor reflection. Someone once said, “I’m smiling on the inside”. Someone else said, "Then tell your face!” If we really believe that Jesus is who He says He is and that salvation is real and that He has prepared a place for us, then joy should show. If not, we’re missing the big picture. When you don't see the big picture, your perspective becomes skewed and gratitude can turn to grumbling. Joy is gone.

When you focus on all the good gifts that God has given (even in the midst of the difficulties life can throw your way) gratitude rises up, and your joy returns!

Peace -  the result of conquering fear and anxiety.

Is anyone out there under pressure? Sure, the pressure is on. Money is tight; family is arriving; food needs prepared; and gifts aren’t wrapped. On top of that someone is really upset with you.

There is a reality to all this that is merely part of being human, and for some instances we need to just keep going and press through. There is another level, however, that is about a deep, inner peace. That deeply abiding inner peace is needed for your life for the long haul. That kind of peace is not gained by smarts, solving problems, or getting everything just right for everyone else. It is realized by simply sitting at the feet of Jesus and remembering the fact that "He's got it" and is willing to share it with you. Just stop and listen. It's His family and He cares even more than you do. In the end, your family is not going to fail. In the end, the success you experience is because of God's favor. There is great peace in knowing and resting in that truth.

With that in mind sit back and enjoy the Christmas story, Luke 2:8-14.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

There is simplicity to Christmas. Christ has come for you! When our focus is on Jesus, life doesn't necessarily become easy, but it does become simple. We don’t need to complicate Christmas. We need to enjoy it.

Everyone Needs A Lift

11/02/2011 7:31 am
By alonso, randy

Here are three easy ways for you to let someone in your life know how much you appreciate their hard work, sacrifice, and service to you. Candidates for your kindness may be your mom, boss, neighbor, friend, coach, a staff member at your church, or a child.

Pray for them - Pray specifically. Ask God to protect them, encourage them, and care for them. Pray for their rest at night, their current challenges, and that the Word of God will be more alive in their life than ever.

Give a gift – As a Christ Follower it is our nature to give. When you give it works both ways. God blesses you for your generosity and the person you focus on feels special, appreciated, and loved. Win, win!  Many people feel unappreciated. Since YOU are the church do what the church is supposed to do. Give and share.  A $5 Starbucks card can be the lift someone really needs today. A surprise lunch at school for your student. A gift card to a local restaurant. It doesn’t take much but means a whole lot.  How about a hand written note or verbal thank you?

Walk in their shoes – Think through the person’s situation and feel their challenges. Understand what they are dealing with and the pressures they are under. Choose to be their advocate, friend, encourager, and prayer warrior. Assume the best and always give them the benefit of the doubt.

Do this often and allow it to become a great habit. Romans 12:9-10, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

Burden Me, Crazy!

09/19/2011 4:05 pm
By alonso, randy

If someone offered you ONE MILLION dollars ($1,000,000) and you only had to do one thing each week for one year to collect, does that sound like an offer you would feel pretty good about pulling off? I mean, just one thing, once a week, fifty two times. Done! Then bank your Benjamin’s.

I know you are wondering, “What’s that one thing once a week for one year?” Answer? “Having one guest once a week for one year at church in the seat next to you.” Most people, I assume, would say; “Consider it done! There is no way in heaven or earth that I could not get one person a week to church with me for a year in order to collect $1,000,000. That would be the best year of my life!”

What an amazing thought! Think how incredible the unexpected blessings would be if you and I did something so astounding. What if 10, of those 52, people received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and became audacious faith followers? What if those 10, each brought 10, more to church in the same year? Could you imagine what would be going on in our church?

Just for kicks, look what happens when you do the math on three hundred people doing that very thing.

We would have that many guests in one year. 15,600!!! What if ten percent of them became part of the church family? That would be 1,560 new people! Add the original 300 and we have 1,860 in weekly attendance in one year’s time! What if those 1,560 just brought one other person each who became part of the church family in that year? Double it…
It’s just plain crazy isn’t it? Or is it? Of course the whole idea behind this off-the-wall "Burden Me, Crazy" blog is… shouldn’t we be doing something like this anyway? You certainly don’t need a sermon about reaching others for Christ. We know what we are supposed to be doing, right? Enough talk; let’s get with the program for the heavenly reward. There’s an old song that says, “Drops of grief can never repay the debt of love I owe.”

The Apostle Paul said it this way, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and Barbarians, both to wise and the unwise...For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” Romans 1:14, 16

I learned a long time ago, “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me”. Which is another way to say, lead by example. So I am going to go public with something on this date September 19, 2011.

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?”  Luke 15:4

For the love!

A MUST read for our church family

09/01/2011 6:40 am
By alonso, randy

The Holy Spirit was evident in all our weekend experiences Saturday and Sunday. Two people gave their lives to Jesus by inviting Him into their heart for the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life!  Many, many others made commitments and decisions with regard to their lives.

In addition, the Holy Spirit was pressing in on the believers to the point that I believe He wanted to break into our church in the most beautiful of ways. He wanted to take us to a NEW LEVEL in the NEW MAN! A greater awareness and power, folks!  We almost witnessed an outpouring of the power of God. That's not to say He didn't work. He did.  However, there was more He wanted to do in manifesting His mighty presence in our midst.  He was about to unleash on the entire church family!

At Pineda Pointe He did and we experienced great joy and liberty as the tip of the iceberg was touched, but there was more He wanted to do. As honestly as I know how, I am sharing with you that I sensed a ‘lid of oppression’ at Central’s 1st service Sunday morning - not so much in the second service. I want you to hear me clearly and be encouraged by what I am sharing with you. This weekend we are having one worship experience at the Central campus at 10 am. An opportunity awaits us!

Jesus said in John 16:7b-9, 13a, "...I will send Him (Holy Spirit) to you. And when He comes, He will convict the world of sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world's sin is that it refuses to believe in me....When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth..."

Absolute trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us through the written Word and His witness in the NEW MAN will allow a mighty move of the Spirit on our entire church family.  No longer will we be intimidated by the prince of the air!  He is defeated and has no authority over you!  You can drop the sin, the fears, and the anxieties.  You don't have to live under them when you are already victorious over them in Christ! 

As I have considered what I believe the Holy Spirit desired last weekend, it is a combination of things - the final outcome being an outpouring of grace resulting in great freedom and liberty in your lives and consequently in the life of our fellowship.

When the Holy Spirit moves like He did, He wants to guide us into a greater awareness and realization of truth. I believe as a church family there is resistance to the liberating truth of God's Word. To begin with, it usually means repentance and brokenness over sin will accompany His visitation.

I love you all so dearly and the breakthroughs that our God wants to see in us as a church family means captives will be set free! Captives not as in the lost, but us!  I firmly believe that when revival hits the church, the lost world around us are going to be the first to know.

Please consider for the rest of this week what specific area the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about. Give it to Him. Allow Him the freedom to capture your heart and by faith give Him whatever you are hurting over or are in denial about. It could be…

• Relationships that are strained or broken.
• Ministry that is not seeing fruitfulness.
• Discipline not being exercised.
• Finances not being trusted for.
• Dreams being hindered.

Many believers are currently bound by fears due to the economy and bound by inhibitions related to the power of praise and worship. Our God is ready and willing to deliver us. My heart goes out to all. When you come to church this weekend, bring someone with you as a guest who needs Jesus as Savior and prepare to open your heart in prayer immediately as you enter the Worship Center.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You.”  What a promise! A breakthrough by the Holy Spirit is imminent as we collectively keep our minds fixed on the Holy One. We are not as free as we could be but we will be.

I believe a shake up in our NEW MAN is in order. A great step of faith by all is required. Will you pray for the lid to come off so we can kick the enemy out and experience the victory that is already ours in Christ?

CHANGE; What makes the difference?

08/27/2011 8:04 am
By alonso, randy

Years ago I heard an interesting statement about change. It went something like this; “The only difference in me five years from now will be the books I read and the people I meet.” That’s pretty simple and very true.

In a growing ministry a leader is usually a great reader and in a growing ministry new people come into your life constantly. The end result for me is waking up daily with a plan for the future that ‘lights me up’. That thing we often call, passion. Not only do we want it, we need it. We can’t avoid the fact that we as humans are designed by our Creator this way.

We do not do well without faith, hope, and love for the future (I Cor. 13:13). When we don’t have direction, purposeful work, and positive relationships, we become dull people. In the spirit of change, I want to ask you…

What is your Intake? Are you desperate for HIM, only? Our lives - without Jesus Christ as Lord and acknowledging every truth in the Bible about HIM - are futile (John 1:1-5. Colossians 1:15-18). What God has mercifully and graciously done in my life has nothing to do with me and everything to do with HIM. The best book you will ever read that will change your life in the next five years, hands down with no rival, absolutely and positively, is the WORD of GOD.

I have read many amazing books on church growth and the Christian life. That’s what I do. The best one on both subjects is the Bible. I cannot afford to only read about the Bible, I must read THE Bible. On a daily basis I am prone to the relentless discouragement the Devil is trying to heap on me. I am also prone to sin if my heart is not set on affections above. In short, I am a wreck without God.

What makes us think we can operate supernaturally without supernatural intervention? God’s Word and the Holy Spirit are the weapons of our warfare, our WMD’s.

Understand, I am not looking to just mosey through life and settle for average. This blog is not for you if that’s the case. When this life is done I want nothing left on the field or in my accounts. All spent, all gone for His GLORY!

One day I am going to stand before the Creator who saw fit to redeem me by the blood of His own Son. Are you kidding me? That appointment is already set. Procrastination is not an option. There are some days I just have to wake up and remind myself to quit making excuses or feeling sorry for myself.  “…I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him UNTIL THAT DAY.” II Timothy 1:12.

You and I must repeat the basics of the Christian life daily like any good soldier would do.

• Read God’s Word.
• Pray (all day).
• Talk with, meet with, people who love God with all their heart.
• Practice generosity everyday.
• Share my faith.

What is your Outreach? There can be no vibrancy in my Christ following without reaching out. If all we ever do is sit in a classroom all our life reading and hearing about a certain subject, memorizing lists and taking quizzes and tests, you and I would be some pretty empty, bored people.

If all you ever do is attend church, that’s not reaching out and activating your faith. That’s just the start. Nothing will cause you to be changed more than serving and sharing your faith. A Christ follower who is not serving is dead in the water. Christians can’t cocoon.

If you are a Christ follower connected to our fellowship you are constantly representing Jesus and His church. His reputation is on the line. A simple phrase we repeat often is, ‘Invest & Invite’. This should be on all our minds everyday. Who am I investing in spiritually by praying for their salvation and when is the moment the Holy Spirit will give me to make the invite?

There are 400 plus people now connected to our church. If we are a growing, changing people, there is no reason why that will not become 800-1000 people in the next twelve months. I love you dearly as a fellow Christ follower and I am praying for you!

“Father, I pray for my church family. You love them so much! May your Holy Spirit fire us up today for the joy you have set before us. To lay our lives down like Jesus did for the glory of God and the good of others. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Rock the Marriage Altar

08/16/2011 3:56 pm
By alonso, randy

Let’s not kid ourselves. Married life can become so ho-hum, mundane, and lack luster that even your dog needs counseling. Some guys have the romantic flare of Attila the Hun and some girls have the sexiness of the phone book. Yeah, I want to get your attention. What are you all thinking? Where’s the spark, the passion, the wonder and discovery? Is the thrill gone?

The marriage vows are too sacred and powerful to let lie in a heap of complacency. Neglect, a marriage does not make. Lack of communication about sex, money, work, in-laws, ministry, life goals, and kids will spoil any marriage. Great marriages have a healthy dose of friction, intrigue, romance, and unwavering commitment. I said, ‘Great marriages’!

You can have ‘a’ marriage that is average, awful, aimless, and apathetic. Or, you can invest, plan, love, look each other in the eyes often and kiss passionately at least once day, and have a great marriage!

It’s time we get our act together. Come on, you’ve got what it takes. You’ve proven it when you fell in love. Check this out…

She is your Lady. Treat her like one and she will constantly make you proud.

She is your Confidant. Tell her everything and she will give you her all, always.

She is your Lover. Romance her and she will always have “somethin’ cookin’”, and I’m not talking in the kitchen.

She is your biggest Fan. Take care of yourself and she will sing your praises.

She is your Reason. Make sure your world revolves around her only, and she will be her best for you only.


He is your Man. Treat him like a champion and he will be that man.

He is your Rock. Believe in him, tell him, and he will fortify your home.

He is your Stud. Take care of yourself and he will have eyes only for you.

He is your Velvet. Make your home beautiful with the spirit and he will hear your heart.

He is your Lion. Give him all of you and pity the fool who tries anything with you.

I went into my personal well of life experience and thought about these things. D’anae and I have been married for 32 years and I love her more today than the first day I ever saw here. That happened to be Saturday, February 1, 1975. It is also the day I received Christ as my Lord and Savior. That was an EPIC day!

I tell you all this having traveled a rocky road in marriage. Our marriage is far from perfect and I am the main reason. But the longer I love her and the longer she loves me the more passionate we have become. We’ve paid too high of a price to get this far and not cash in. Everyday is sweeter than the day before. When two are one in Christ, it is impossible to lose in life and eternity.

Read the Song of Solomon, I Corinthians 13:4-7, & Proverbs 31:10-31 this week with your love. Then pray together, and live big!

It's Time to Step Up and Be the Church

08/05/2011 11:50 pm
By alonso, randy

Central Ministries is one church in two locations. Pineda Pointe campus and our Cocoa campus.

I have just completed sermon preparation for this week’s message “Konnekt”, we value relationships. I want every member of Central Ministries to read this blog. As school starts and we get into the fall season (which is hardly imaginable when it’s 916 degrees outside), each one of us has a huge opportunity and responsibility to step up in the church family.

Getting Konnekted is in reference to joining a LifeGroup. And in some cases being a leader. I want to speak to both. LifeGroups are such a high priority for us that we focus and streamline our ministry in such a way that everyone can get involved. Even our Kidz and Students ministries have a small group element. When someone gets involved it simply means they are going to be in community with other believers. Everyone who is a Christ follower should be anyway, right?

The very first scripture we share with people in The Code, 101, class for membership is; Ephesians 2:19, “…You are a member of God’s very own family…and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (LB) We are Konnekted in our church family because we make it high priority! But like any family it requires some degree of concentrated effort and time on the part of each individual. That’s why we pay attention to the busy lives most people lead and do less for more.

At Central Ministries we put our highest priority on three purposes; Weekend Worship Experiences, LifeGroups, and Serving. We don’t overload the weekly schedule and expect people to be at the church building several nights or days a week. Ministry occurs best in your homes, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

When you Konnekt in a LifeGroup you meet at a leader’s home once a week through the fall semester, take a break at the Holidays, and meet again through the spring semester beginning in January. It works out to be thirty weeks a year. Groups can throw in some extra activities if they like, and that’s about it.

We commonly tell our people that LifeGroups are the backbone of the church’s ministry, and they are! In LifeGroup you will find friendship, love, support, encouragement, the Word, and probably some great eats. Acts 2:42-47 is an awesome Bible template laid out for groups right at the start of the first church in Jerusalem. Check it out.

In addition to participating by attending is the opportunity to lead. Let me ask you a question, “What’s the buzz going around about your faith? Anyone noticing you audacious faith life?” For some of you reading this it represents the perfect challenge to step up and allow more people to follow you by leading or hosting a group in your own home. God has shaped you to lead and share. It’s your time and our LifeGroup system is the place we are asking you to thrive by exercising your gift to lead.

So be ready, I’m calling everyone out this weekend to participate. And you know why? It’s about people receiving the life changing power of the Holy Spirit in order to live exceptional lives. Jesus wants to shake the Space Coast and it begins with lives formed in circles in someone’s home, gaining strength and confidence in order to revolutionize the spiritual life of our community.

Giving Fatigue

07/14/2011 8:54 pm
By alonso, randy

It’s hard for me to write the title to this blog. As a Pastor of a growing local church in an economic downturn it simply means the needs are greater than the resources.

When I say ‘giving fatigue’ I am thinking of a man who received $250,000 this past year and attended our Bible Study looking for encouragement. I gave him $10 for gas. Really? How did that happen? Giving fatigue and poor management. When word got out that he had come into this sizable amount of money the calls and requests from his church family (not ours) proceeded to drain him. Beware.

He gave and gave to a line of bold requests literally knocking at his door, often neglecting his own family. He succumbed to the pressure and told me his home is about to go into foreclosure. How awful! When he first received the money twelve months ago he told me he was going to pay off his house. It never happened. In retrospect he just needed some fortitude to say ‘No’, graciously. Sad story. He is a broke, and a broken man.

As a Pastor I hear all the worst of life’s dilemmas and tragedies. It does wear you down if you are not anchored in dependence on God for strength and wisdom. In the last twelve months particularly the financial pull has become more constant than at any other time in my thirty years of service to God’s church. People are hurting and some have become desperate.

On the other side is the financial crunch we are experiencing in our ministry. We believe God for greater things regardless of the economy. It’s definitely a double edged sword cutting both ways. Our own Strategic Partners locally and globally are feeling it from us because our giving to support them is down by 47% from a year ago. I don’t like being the bearer of bad news but it is a reality the church family needs to know.  And this is not a plea for money.  I just want you to know I understand what's going on. It's everywhere including the church.

On one hand you want to meet every need and even feel guilty when you can’t.  The requests are constant. Then on the other is your own financial tension trying to run a growing ministry with resources being painfully stretched.

But be encouraged! God is faithful when we honor Him with the first.  He loves to redeem the rest. Romans 11:16 says, "For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy...".  Give God what is first and thereby honor Him. When you do He promises to make the rest holy.  

Here is one antidote to ‘giving fatigue’ that we all can participate in. GIVE YOURSELF. Read the following example (II Corinthians 8:1-5). Give time. Give by serving. Give God your heart!  After all, we are saved to serve. Many of you do. Thank you very much from a grateful Pastor.

We have five amazing Teams you can give to by simply serving for the fall semester. Think of it as a great commitment for a short time. God will show you the way once you step in.
• Kidz Central
• Students
• Weekend Production
• V.I.P. (guest services)
• LifeGroups (home bible study host and teachers)

Join one this weekend!  Lose yourself in loving service to Your King. It truly is more blessed to ‘give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35), and there are many ways to do it. This is a supernatural outlet for Christ followers.  In fact, we must serve or grow stagnant.  People who do nothing become ingrown, selfish, and cranky. Serving creates spiritual growth in you.

Our church ministry is run on a two semester school calendar. We train all our leaders in the various areas of service. We’re ready for you, are you ready for us?

Giving fatigue can now be turned into Giving RELIEF. God bless you as you find your place in Kingdom service.

From Simple Life to the Good Life

06/13/2011 9:25 pm
By alonso, randy

(This is a follow up on Simplicity from our "Simply Odd" series)

Ordering our lives in the spirit of simplicity sets the table for the good life God intends for us to live. James 1:17 says, “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father…”  It’s difficult to receive all that the Father intends for us if our lives are hurried and cluttered. We can easily miss the good and perfect.

In referring to finances Michael Chitwood (church tax law expert) says, “God can’t bless a mess”.   If it’s true of finances it’s certainly true of our lives.  I want to share three safeguards with you as you simplify in order to maximize, the good life. “Finally my brothers, rejoice in the lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same thing to you again, and it is a safe guard for you.” (Philippians 3:1)  With our hearts and minds fixed on the joy that comes from Jesus we have a safe guard. So we can….

Resist destructive attitudes.  We must constantly be aware of the things that damage and destroy the good life.  A healthy ‘attitude check’ is a great way to start your day.  A non-joyful believer is a poor testimony.  First, it hurts us when we display a poor attitude and then second, it automatically has a ripple affect toward everyone and everything we influence.

The key is realizing that this is a conscience choice.  I choose to ‘nip in the bud’ the errant and unhealthy attitudes that try to infiltrate my mind. We must hold up our 'shield of faith' (Eph 6)  in order to extinguish the fiery accusations of the enemy.  It is a discipline. Fortunately, with practice it becomes a more natural routine in our supernatural existence. The devil will be after you relentlessly every day. We are not afforded the luxury of letting our guard down.

Safe guard #1 – If you want to live in the joy of the good life then choose to have a great attitude.

Re-evaluate our activities. We all have more opportunities than we should say ‘yes’ to.   It’s a matter of choosing the best not the most.  It’s a matter of focus over free lancing when it comes to our daily activities.  Who is setting your agenda, you or circumstances?  What one thing if given your best effort without distraction will pay you back the most in fulfillment and fruitfulness?  Pay attention. Busyness does not mean you are producing.

Here are some examples. A stay at home mom with two children during the summer must schedule her day very constructively in order to accomplish the best things for her family.  A supervisor over several employees with deadlines coming up must plan and prepare well in advance in order to avoid unnecessary pressure and stress at the last hour. It will require more intention right now in order to create greater margin later.  Good bye procrastination.

Safe guard #2 – If you want to avoid the pressure that kills the good life, then keep you priorities in perspective.

Refocus our ambitions.  Too often we equate blessings with, ‘What good thing has God given me today?’  It’s good to be reminded that the greatest blessing we ever receive, is God giving us Himself.  If my daily ambition is to know Him better I will have aligned myself properly for anything that follows.  My life is an act of worship.  I live in gratitude to God.  Talk about taking the pressure off.

So when it comes to ambition make sure you spend the best part of your day talking (praying) with the One who can fuel the rest of your life.  When you do you will find yourself detached from the pressures of the outside world because your inward reality is peace, power, and pleasure in the only One that you will ever answer to for the affairs of your life.

Safe guard #3 – If you want to realize your greatest blessing in the good life, then live for an audience of One.

I trust you are as determined to live the abundant life (John 10:10) Jesus desires for you, as you have ever been.  I’m excited to be doing it with you.

SImple Life

06/09/2011 5:52 pm
By alonso, randy

Wasn’t it Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie who had the short-lived television program, “The Simple Life”? Why do I mention that? Just to get your attention. Don’t judge.

The word simple however is relevant. I meet a lot of people these days who have ADD; and it’s not a neurological problem it is a complexity problem. Their lives have drifted toward complexity. Over the course of my adult life (if thirty years has any value) I have witnessed the advent of the technological, information age that I believe, in part, was intended to streamline and simplify our lives.

One of the by-products is social media which I utilize and enjoy for the most part. In a several-minute period of time I may check my emails, text messages, facebook, twitter, and voicemail. I can Skype worldwide on my iPhone and not only talk to but also see in full color my friends in South Africa, Brasil, or Israel. And it’s free! This is a far cry from the first time a missionary came by our church in 1991 and couldn’t wait to get on one of our computers to check his first crack at doing an email. Does anyone remember MS-Dos?

Many times things that are intended to simplify end up cluttering. But here’s the real problem. It’s not that any one of those things is complex; they are simple and can expedite information quickly as they are intended and thereby simplify our lives. It’s when we pile one on top of the other always adding but never subtracting that it becomes a problem. We create layer upon layer of things that feel necessary but in actuality only complicates matters. Hence, the drift is on! The shift toward complexity is very subtle and rarely intentional but it happens all the time.

Two things I want you to consider. First, is our own ministry. We want to model for you at Central Ministries (Central Community & Pineda POINTE) a lifestyle of simplicity. Most churches are doing too much. While they are trying to reach the world they are losing their people and their communities. Instead of being strong in a few things they are weak at many things. This has been a difficult transition over time even in our own ministry. It was not so long ago we boasted eighteen ministries. I’ve been in mega churches that have one hundred and fifty ministries!

We focus our ministry these days in five environments and we are currently developing appropriate systems that allow people to rise to excellence within them from children to adults. This feels really good for several reasons. Once you get over the feeling and sometimes guilt of ‘are we doing enough?’, you begin to enjoy the fact that the few things you are doing are becoming increasingly more effective. Result – changed lives and greater fulfillment.

Second, what about your personal life, work, and home? Have you drifted into complexity? Do you have thoughts of being overwhelmed? Do you find yourself in escapism? These are all sure signs you are on the lonely road of “devoting a little of yourself to everything and a great deal of yourself to nothing”, in the words of Andy Stanley. So here is the one and only one antidote I will suggest to you in the spirit of simplicity. You don’t have time for more than one at this point anyway. Are you ready? Of course you are.

So what will you graciously say ‘No’ to today? Now catch yourself before you re-enter the Messiah syndrome. You are not the Savior of the world. You are not Atlas holding the weight of the world on your shoulders. You may be pleasantly surprised if you just stop doing something and realize someone else will pick it up if it is that important, or it just goes away because it was not that important. Simplify. Period.

For inspiration remember this; Jesus lived a simple life. He narrowed His focus. He did not come to please the masses. He worked directly with a small group of leaders He personally trained. He answered to the Father not a crowd. And remember, for you and me He is the vine (our strength and nourishment) - we are the branches. John 15:1-8.

Not feeling it?

05/25/2011 9:13 am
By alonso, randy

There are many wonderful facets to the life of faith. We know that it is impossible to please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). That of course is the starting point for all things, but what about those days when you’re just not feeling it? Sometimes people say, “I got up on the wrong side of the bed”. If it were as simple as getting up on the wrong side then getting back in and getting out on the other side would fix it, right? It doesn’t work that way. So what’s really going on? There’s an internal adjustment that needs to take place.

So if feeling funky is a way of communicating I just don’t ‘have it’ today, what should we do? Here’s one proven principle from God’s cache of truth. Faith is persisting when I don’t feel like it. Persistence is a great character quality, wouldn’t you agree? In our culture, we are too often taught to do things based on feelings and emotions. If it feels good, do it. We often fool ourselves by falling into the trap of “What’s in it for me?” Fact is, life isn’t about me. As hard as it is to get over ourselves, the life of faith is about Jesus in me. The words ‘in Christ’ are prevalent in the New Testament.

Mature people live by their commitments not their moods. Here’s a question for you. Is Satan going to hassle you today, Yes or No? What do you do when he hassles you? One wise thing is to persist. Keep doing the right thing no matter how it feels.

How do you develop persistence? “It was by faith that Moses left Egypt and was not afraid of the King’s anger. He held to his purpose like a man who could see the invisible.” Hebrews 11:27.  I will hold to my purpose, because I am someone who can see the invisible! God has you in that marriage even though you’re going through a rough spot. He’s called you to that ministry even though you are not seeing the fruit of your labors yet. He led you to that school and yes it seems long and unending. He gave you that dream even though is seems like nothing is happening. Hold to your purpose! God is faithful. If you don’t quit, you will arrive.

He formed us before the foundation of the world and has led us to this moment in our journey using everything that has happened in our lives for the express purpose of bringing honor to Him by walking in His will for your life.

So we keep believing even when… we don’t see it or feel it… we don’t understand it… and we don’t have it. Never focus on your problems or obstacles - you’ll be overwhelmed. Keep your eyes on God. He’s still working on you and in you. Focus on Him who is “able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you ask or imagine!” (Ephesians 3:20).

Values

04/07/2011 7:03 am
By alonso, randy

I have become increasingly more aware of how important values are to the vision and direction of our ministry.  And, with the advent of multiple site church campuses it is even more crucial that the church family understands our values. Values verbalize what is most important to us. Values are principles that we have internalized. They are crucial to success. Without great values we will shrink and shrivel when tough times come. 

Now keep in mind that the greatest strength of Central ministries today is it's 25 year Vision.  We are only in our third year and so it still seems like we have just begun. However, there are, will, and already have been many opportunities to be distracted and/or deterred from our Vision.  Our values keep us in line and moving forward.  Read through the following values we feel God has lead us to articulate for the benefit of all who see what we see when it comes to fulfilling our goal of being a Great Commission church, (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). 

Audacious Faith - We think Big! We serve a God who delights in the impossible.

Honesty – We share the truth in love. Pretending leads to dysfunction.

Out not In - We are more concerned with the people we are trying to reach than the people we are trying to keep.

Simplicity – Simplicity enables excellence. We place a disproportionate value on creating a worship experience that boldly celebrates Jesus and attracts people who don’t know God yet.

Radical Generosity – Our staff and church will go above and beyond to give generously to the work of God.

Unity by Vision – God birthed a Vision in us. It is our north star. Disunity insults our Creator. We have only one agenda and its God’s.

We Are Known for What We Are For – We will speak vision and life over our people. We will lift up the salvation of Jesus rather than using our platform to condemn.

We Take Nothing for Granted – This is the highest calling, and we will remain grateful for God’s hand of favor. What we are doing is not natural, it is supernatural.

We have made the decision to embrace and practice our values daily.  And be sure, the list is far from being comprehensive.  You may have already thought of one or two that would make good sense.  It doesn't mean we will not add more.  These serve as a kind of North Star.  Fact is, our church is constantly changing.  We acquire new skills, disciplines, and habits continually.  If we are not changing we run the risk of loosing sight of what is most sacred; our deep commitment to honor and love God.  I encourage you to read and reread these values.  You will hear them taught in our various environments to include, leaders training, the Code, and weekend worship experiences.

Values remind us to give our best an offer excellence in all we do.  Colossians 3:23-24, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember, that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." 

Radical Generosity coming soon!

02/24/2011 4:09 pm
By alonso, randy

We have yet to hit our stride in the area of radical generosity as a church family. The surrendered life is easy to hear about in a message or song but can easily go in one ear and out the other. Practical application often gives way to daydreams and distractions.  I want to share an example of what happens when we listen closely to inner promptings.

This past weekend I received $150 for doing a wedding.  It was a generous act on behalf of the young couple.   It certainly was not expected.  When I got home I told D’anae to put $50 of it in the offering on Sunday.  The other $100 I felt God whisper a certain person’s name in my ear and that I should give it to them. On Wednesday I put it in a card and gave it with joy. On Wednesday evening a former church member called from out of state to say hello and informed me that while she was still looking for a new church home God impressed her to send her tithe back to Central - $1,300.

I don’t know about you, but the way my mind works is I gave a gift that morning and God gave back 13 fold that night!  If that had been the only time something like that had ever happened some might say it was a coincidence.  But you know better, don't you?  That has happened hundreds of times to me and D'anae over the last 30 years doing God's work, God's way.  Think about it this way.  An appreciative couple shares a financial gift, $150.  God's receives an offering in His church of $50.  The couple gets blessed in the joy of giving.  Another person gets blessed unexpectedly with $100. Who knows what that will turn into?  God's work gets blessed again with $1,300.  I get blessed in sharing what God so generously gave me to begin with.  I see multiplication all over this. Exponential!  God is gooood!!!

On March 13th we are stepping into a new level of generosity when we celebrate our Extravagant Giving Party. God has already impressed D’anae and me with an amount to give because we prayed and this is what God spoke to us about. I don’t mind telling you I have already asked God to do something in return. That’s right. I have learned through experience that God delights in our honest conversation with Him over matters like this and others.

You may think that’s pretty bold, to ask God to do something in return when I am willing to give generously above our tithe and regular offerings. But you see, ‘My Father is rich in houses and lands He holds the wealth of the world in His hands’ to quote an old song. And He loves it when His children get audacious in their faith.

Remember last week I shared with you how that our children do not limit their requests of us? They are often selfish and outlandish. We would be sad if they were afraid to ask and we don’t mind channeling their desires. So it is with God. God’s storehouse is full and He awaits His children to open their mouths and ask. After all, it’s for Kingdom sake anyway!

Many Christians are afraid to ask God what would be an extravagant gift to give because they don’t want to hear what He would say. Think about that. When that still small voice is allowed to speak it will shake you. I believe we miss God’s best when we shrug off His promptings like some ridiculous interruption to our normalcy. The Holy Spirit is all about full surrender. Do you feel me church? We’re looking for people ready and willing to believe an audacious dream and grab hold of the Space Coast and rock it like the Space shuttle that went off today, February 24th, 2011. Since this is among the last shuttles to go off, let’s pick up as a church and create a different kind of rumble for the next 25 years.

Mark 12:41-44

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