EagleHeightsChurch.com

mfriesen — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:51:58 +0000

en-cour-age-ment \in-’ker-ij-ment\ n 1: something that almost everybody wants but few know how to give

It’s more than a sympathy card. What the Bible envisions for church communities is an atmosphere that:

urges

admonishes

exhorts

cheers

inspires

charges

and yes, comforts.

Encouragement is a multi-dimensional ministry to keep us all moving forward “so that (we) would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls (us) into His own kingdom and glory.”

Have you stopped moving? How did you get stuck? Was it grief? Confusion? Indecision? Loneliness? Rebellion?

Encouragement is just the nudge you need to get out of your stuck-ness!

Listen in by clicking the links below:

Just the Nudge You Need Encourage1

Who Needs a Nudge? Encourage2

His Very Name was Nudge Encourage3

Where to Find Comfort Encourage4

The Needy Never Nudge Encourage5

You Don’t Say! Encourage6

16,000 of What Kinda Words? Encourage7

Ecclesiastes

mfriesen — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:48:12 +0000

From the PBS special “The Blues”:
On a lonely night in 1903, W.C. Handy, the African American leader of a dance orchestra, got stuck waiting for a train in the hamlet of Tutwiler, Mississippi. With hours to kill and nowhere else to go, Handy fell asleep on a hard wooden bench at the empty depot. When he awoke, a ragged black man was sitting next to him, singing about “goin’ where the Southern cross the Dog” and sliding a knife against the strings of a guitar. The musician repeated the line three times and answered with his instrument.

Intrigued, Handy asked what the line meant. It turned out that the tracks of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad, which locals called the Yellow Dog, crossed the tracks of the Southern Railroad in the town of Moorehead, where the musician was headed, and he’d put it into a song.

It was, Handy later said, “the weirdest music I had ever heard.”

Readers of the Bible might have a similar experience when they come across Ecclesiastes. Solomon definitely sounds a blue note, but what’s the effect?

I believe as we chase down the the themes of futility with Solomon’s guidance, we’ll also chase away the illusions that alienate us from God.

Life is hard to handle and impossible to hold. Let’s let the book of Ecclesiastes counteract the youthful folly that there’s meaning in life, AND maturity’s cynicism that says because there’s no inherent meaning, there can be no joy!

Chasin’ the Blues (1:1-11) Eccl1.1-11

LIfe’s Grand Buffet (1:12-2:26) Eccl1.12-2.26

Solomon’s Billboard #1 (3:1-15) Eccl3.1-15

Bite Your Tongue (3:16-5:7) Eccl3.16-5.7

Follow the Money (5:8-20 Eccl5.8-20

If You Know What’s Good For You (6:1-7:14) Eccl6-7.14

What You’ve Got Comin’ (7:15-29) Eccl7.15-29

“Da Man” Bringin’ You Down? (8:1-17) Eccl8

If I’d Only Known (9) Eccl9

What a Fool Believes, He Sees (10) Eccl10

Intrepid? or Intimidated? (11:1-6) Eccl11.1-6

Joie De Vivre (11:7-12:7) Eccl11.7-12.7

Settling on “Plan Be”

mfriesen — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:07:19 +0000

The beatitudes form the first portion of what has been called “The Sermon on the Mount.” There is probably no speech, no discourse, no sermon that has gotten more attention in all of history. It’s beauty, and it’s power are unparalleled. Jesus’ words deserve as much art as exposition. They are from another world–perhaps that is why this chanting of them in Russian is such a moving expression.

Who are these blessings for? Originally proclaimed by King Jesus to the Jewish heirs of kingdom promises, these transcendent virtues are directly applicable to believers in this church age who will, because of the cross, also participate in kingdom blessings. They represent what kingdom citizens look like now, while we continue to wait for the millennial age.

Is the blessing now or in the future? These people are to be considered blessed now for having God’s seal of approval which will ultimately be rewarded.

I’m calling this series: “Settling on Plan Be” where “Be” stands for the beatitudes. Plan “A” is where we are strong, and successful, and satisfied in ordinary terms. It’s the most natural thing in the world. But it is strangely out of order for a kingdom that’s not of this world. And so as we sit at Jesus’ feet and listen, I hope we will forget “Plan A” and settle on “Plan Be.” God’s “Plan Be” is a compelling vision for Christ’s character being formed in you. It’s you at your best–the glory of Christ shining through the uniqueness of you.

“Settling on Plan Be” planbeintro

“Blessed Desperation” planbepoor

“When God says, ‘Good Grief!’” planbemourn

“Giant Strength, Gentle Touch” planbemeek

“Happy are the Hungry” planbehungry

“Merciful Heavens!” PlanBeMerciful

“No Posers” planbepure

“The No Bull Peace Prize” PlanBePeacemaker

“When Outcast is Cool” PlanBePersecuted

“Will I Ever Be Good Enough?” PlanBeGoodEnoughmp3

God’s Routine

mfriesen — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:42:36 +0000

If I didn’t know better, I’d think God was awfully bored. After all, He’s heard it all before. Even I get tired of same ol’, same ‘ol. Same top 40 playing over and over on the radio. Same lunch routine. New movies–with the same old plot.

Things that happen to us only occasionally seem to break the routine. Even an every third month oil change can seem exotic. But I guarantee it’s not exotic to the guy in the pit at the local drive-through zippy lube. And our all-knowing everywhere God has presided over every dropped oil drain plug.

And what about that cool chorus that we haven’t sung at church in three months? God heard it three million times last Sunday. I know our worship team does it really well, but still . . . . How does an infinitely creative God bear the repetition?

I think God finds pleasure when words He’s heard almost endlessly emerge from a soul that speaks them directly, personally, sincerely. He delights in them when they flow from a “we’re having a moment here” context.

In that sense a new song can be old hat before the lyrics are written down. BUT its also true that I can sing a new song today with lyrics composed centuries ago! I hope to bring God a little pleasure today with a new song–just to give Him a little break from the routine.

Eagle Heights Church… 2008/09 Retrospective

joya — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 20:23:34 +0000

Eagle Heights March 2008 to March 2009

Presenting HeirBorn Kids

mfriesen — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:50:08 +0000

Heir-Born Kids is a Christian education curriculum under development at Eagle Heights Church whose name comes from Romans 8:17

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ”

The curriculum is divided into four courses.

Heir-Born Quest: “Lord, lead me into the adventures of faith”
Heir-Born Heritage: “Lord, inspire me with the stories of faith’s ancestors”
Heir-Born Character: “Lord, give me character to match my noble birth”
Heir-Born Creed: “Lord, teach me what is tried and true”

Course 1: Heir-Born Quest

Unit One: A Christian is a child.

“Worth Bragging About” What does a child of God want more than anything else? More than anything else, a child of God wants to know the heavenly Father
“Now Hear This” How do children of God come to know their heavenly Father? Children come to know God through hearing His voice in the Bible.
“Listen Up” How do children of God make sure they don’t miss His voice? In order to hear their heavenly Father, children learn to listen closely (be attentive).
“A Well-Built Life” How do children of God respond when they hear His voice? Children who hear the heavenly Father say, “Yes!”

Unit Two: A Christian is an athlete.

“Ready or Not” What makes a Christian athlete successful? Athletes on Jesus’ team are successful because they are always in training.
“I Will” What makes a Christian athlete successful? Athletes on Jesus’ team are successful because they set their minds on winning.
“What Can I Say” How do Christian athletes exercise? Athletes on Jesus’ team exercise by praying—because prayer is the expression of faith.
- Lesson one: Nothing you do will ever be more important than your prayers.
- Lesson two: Prayer is simply talking to God.
- Lesson three: Praying Jesus’ way will develop your prayer skills.
“A Hunger for God” How do Christian athletes exercise? Athletes on Jesus’ team exercise by fasting—because a life too full can spoil one’s appetite for God.
“Upon Closer Examination” How do Christian athletes exercise? Athletes on Jesus’ team exercise by studying God’s Word—because in the bible the voice of God is heard.
- Lesson one: Studying the lives of Bible characters teaches life lessons.
- Lesson two: Studying the themes of the Bible teaches Bible truths.
- Lesson three: Studying the books of the Bible allows God to speak.
“Now Let Me Think” How do Christian athletes exercise? Athletes on Jesus’ team exercise by meditating on God’s Word—because meditation helps to internalize and personalize the message.
“Can I Help” How do Christian athletes exercise? Athletes on Jesus’ team exercise by serving others—because one is never more like Jesus than when serving.
“I Was Wrong” How do Christian athletes exercise? Athletes on Jesus’ team exercise by confessing sin—because we only come clean when we stop covering up.

Unit Three: A Christian is a soldier.

“Hang Tough” Why do Christian soldiers patiently endure hardship? Soldiers in the Lord’s army patiently endure hardship because we cannot be holy quickly or easily.
“Yes Sir!” How does a Christian soldier advance through the ranks? Soldiers in the Lord’s army honor authority throughout their careers. (phases of life—listen/obey, observe/consider, teach/approve)
“It’s a Hard-Knock Life”
- Lesson one: (Purpose of trials) Why do Christian soldiers suffer? Soldiers of Christ suffer because a battle-tested faith brings glory to God and personal honor.
- Lesson two: (Responsibility in trials) How do Christian soldiers suffer? Soldiers of Christ suffer believing that their loving God is in control.
“They Don’t Teach That in School” When should a Christian soldier expect a fight? Soldiers of Christ should expect a fight when truth is at stake.
“Earth’s Trinkets or Heaven’s Treasure” When should Christian soldiers expect a fight? Soldeirs of Christ should expect a fight when they get the “gimmes.”
“Easy to Grab, Hard to Let Go” When should Christian soldiers expect a fight? Soldiers of Christ should expect a fight when sin tries to tangle us up.
“Fight or Flee?” How does a Christian soldier fight? Soldiers of Christ know when to resist and when to flee.

Unit Four: A Christian is a steward.

“It’s Simple But Not Easy” What is a Christian steward’s mandate (rule)? A Christian steward always does his Master’s business.
“What’s Mine is His” How do Christian stewards do the Master’s business with their money? A Christian steward plans his budget because everything he has belongs to the Master.
“Give It Up!” How do Christian stewards do the Master’s business with their money? Christ’s stewards give regularly, willingly, generously, and cheerfully to support the Lord’s work.
“Ant-idote for Time-Wasters” Why is a Christian steward careful not to waste time? Christ’s stewards guard their time because, like money, time is a precious resource.

Unit Five: A Christian is a servant.

“How Rude!” How does a Christian serve others? A servant of Christ shows humility by respecting others with good manners.
“If You Don’t Have Something Good to Say . . .” How does a Christian serve others? A servant of Christ guards his tongue because words are to be used for building others up.
“Don’t Just Forget It!” How does a Christian serve others? Christian servants can forgive when they’ve been hurt because not staying angry is a great service that God has done for us.
“Talent On Loan from God” How does a Christian serve others? Servants of Christ serve with talent on loan from God—a special ability given to each one by the Holy Spirit.

Unit Six: A Christian is an ambassador

“Spokesman for God” What does a Christian ambassador do? As an ambassador, a Christian represents the King to the people of the world.
“Under the Influence” Why is a Christian ambassador careful about friendships? An ambassador for Christ knows that friendships are a powerful force for good or evil.
“A Wordless Ambassador” What do ambassadors for Christ have to say? Christ’s ambassadors proclaim the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ

Unit Seven: A Christian is part of the body of Christ.

“Coordinated Effort” Why are Christians called the body of Christ? Christians work together in a local church like the different parts of your body.
“Pass It On” How does the body of Christ grow? The body of Christ grows when I disciple one who disciples another . . .
“Tedium or Te Deum” How does the body of Christ worship? The body of Christ worships by putting heart before art.
“Welcome the Word” Why does the body of Christ gather to hear preaching? Since God speaks through preaching, the body of Christ gathers to welcome the Word.
“Watch This!” Why are members of the body of Christ baptized? Baptism is the symbol of membership in the body.
“Remember Me” Why does the body of Christ observe communion? The body of Christ observes communion in remembrance of Jesus.

Penn Says: A Gift of a Bible

mfriesen — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:39:28 +0000

The Faith of a High School Football Coach

mfriesen — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:20:43 +0000

The Faith of a High School Football Coach
When Cheering for the Other Side Feels Better Than Winning

By RICK REILLY
Dec. 26, 2008—

Editor’s Note: This story was reported by Rick Reilly for ESPN Magazine and ESPN.com. It was originally published on Dec. 22, 2008.

They played the oddest game in high school football history last month down in Grapevine, Texas.

It was Grapevine Faith vs. Gainesville State School and everything about it was upside down. For instance, when Gainesville came out to take the field, the Faith fans made a 40-yard spirit line for them to run through.

Did you hear that? The other team’s fans?

They even made a banner for players to crash through at the end. It said, “Go Tornadoes!” Which is also weird, because Faith is the Lions.

It was rivers running uphill and cats petting dogs. More than 200 Faith fans sat on the Gainesville side and kept cheering the Gainesville players onby name.

“I never in my life thought I’d hear people cheering for us to hit their kids,” recalls Gainesville’s QB and middle linebacker, Isaiah. “I wouldn’t expect another parent to tell somebody to hit their kids. But they wanted us to!”

And even though Faith walloped them 33-14, the Gainesville kids were so happy that after the game they gave head coach Mark Williams a sideline squirt-bottle shower like he’d just won state. Gotta be the first Gatorade bath in history for an 0-9 coach.

But then you saw the 12 uniformed officers escorting the 14 Gainesville players off the field and two and two started to make four. They lined the players up in groups of fivehandcuffs ready in their back pocketsand marched them to the team bus.

That’s because Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas. Every game it plays is on the road.

This all started when Faith’s head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something kind for the Gainesville team. Faith had never played Gainesville, but he already knew the score. After all, Faith was 7-2 going into the game, Gainesville 0-8 with 2 TDs all year.

Faith has 70 kids, 11 coaches, the latest equipment and involved parents. Gainesville has a lot of kids with convictions for drugs, assault and robberymany of whose families had disowned themwearing seven-year-old shoulder pads and ancient helmets.

So Hogan had this idea. What if half of our fansfor one night onlycheered for the other team? He sent out an e-mail asking the Faithful to do just that. “Here’s the message I want you to send:” Hogan wrote. “You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth.”

Some people were naturally confused. One Faith player walked into Hogan’s office and asked, “Coach, why are we doing this?”

And Hogan said, “Imagine if you didn’t have a home life. Imagine if everybody had pretty much given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you.”

Next thing you know, the Gainesville Tornadoes were turning around on their bench to see something they never had before. Hundreds of fans. And actual cheerleaders!

“I thought maybe they were confused,” said Alex, a Gainesville lineman (only first names are released by the prison). “They started yelling ‘DEE-fense!’ when their team had the ball. I said, ‘What? Why they cheerin’ for us?’”

It was a strange experience for boys who most people cross the street to avoid. “We can tell people are a little afraid of us when we come to the games,” says Gerald, a lineman who will wind up doing more than three years. “You can see it in their eyes. They’re lookin’ at us like we’re criminals. But these people, they were yellin’ for us! By our names!”

Maybe it figures that Gainesville played better than it had all season, scoring the game’s last two touchdowns. Of course, this might be because Hogan put his third-string nose guard at safety and his third-string cornerback at defensive end. Still.

After the game, both teams gathered in the middle of the field to pray and that’s when Isaiah surprised everybody by asking to lead. “We had no idea what the kid was going to say,” remembers Coach Hogan. But Isaiah said this: “Lord, I don’t know how this happened, so I don’t know how to say thank You, but I never would’ve known there was so many people in the world that cared about us.”

And it was a good thing everybody’s heads were bowed because they might’ve seen Hogan wiping away tears.

As the Tornadoes walked back to their bus under guard, they each were handed a bag for the ride homea burger, some fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player.

The Gainesville coach saw Hogan, grabbed him hard by the shoulders and said, “You’ll never know what your people did for these kids tonight. You’ll never, ever know.”

And as the bus pulled away, all the Gainesville players crammed to one side and pressed their hands to the window, staring at these people they’d never met before, watching their waves and smiles disappearing into the night.

Anyway, with the economy six feet under and Christmas running on about three and a half reindeer, it’s nice to know that one of the best presents you can give is still absolutely free.

Hope.

Watch the video here.

Ukraine Mission Trip Video 2008

ehchurch — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:59:20 +0000

In the summer of 2008, the Ukraine mission team made another trip to Ananiev, Ukraine and assembled an informative and encouraging video discussing their trip. To maintain the audio quality, the file size is quite large (about 18 MB) and can take time to load – several minutes – before playing begins. The missions video is over 25 minutes long and is based in the Quicktime format.

[See post to watch QuickTime movie]

Do Not Trust in Man

mfriesen — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:47:25 +0000

Running Scared Chapter Fifteen
Do Not Trust in Man

One way to track fears and worries is to follow the money. Another is to follow them back to other people’s possible judgments of us (p.171). In chapter 15, Welch shifts our attention to another source of fear our craving for approval. He reminds us of his previous maxim: whatever you think you need will control you.

The author uses the story of the spies of Israel in Numbers 13 and 14 to illustrate the fear of man. This is a fear of enemies, but Welch points out that there is a correlation to our more common people fears. We too can encounter enemies that threaten our lives, but more often our enemies are those who threaten things as important to us as life itself. They have the power to both give and take away our reputation, acceptance, prestige, and love (p.177).

Welch assures us that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be loved or wanting a good reputation. The trouble comes when this desire supercedes our desire for God’s glory. The author reminds us that we have all, at times, been ashamed to stand for the Gospel.

Discussion
What did you do in high school to manage your image?
Did you think you would grow out of that insecurity?
In what ways have you NOT grown out of it?

What do you need from other people?
Where do you value people and what they can give above God?
How do you put your trust in others?