Sunday reflections

I’m typing this post from O’Hare, where Chris & I will soon be boarding a flight to Vancouver, British Columbia to connect with our flight to the Philippines later tonight.  (Yep, that means I won’t be watching the Super Bowl for the first time in many years….although I’m hoping the pilot will give us updates enroute). Here’s my reflections on another good day at CLC:

• while our attendance was down today compared to last  week’s ‘non-holiday’ record, everything else was UP and to the RIGHT!
• In Tinley Park, worship was wonderful (as usual) and Sandra Norris‘ solo was the bomb!  Wow, that girl can sang!
• Had as much fun teaching today as…..well, since the last time I preached in TP!
• Loved the response to our “Read thru the NT in 50 Days” challenge – in TP, it looked unanimous from where I sat!
• So excited about what God is going to speak to us individually over the next 50 days!
• And we had salvation decisions after the last 2 services – that never, ever gets old!
• At our livestream today, our Media Director tells me that 199 people joined us from 15 different metro areas, and several of them accepted the challenge to read thru the NT with us!
• In Lisle (soon to be Downer’s Grove campus), Pastor Eric reports 2 salvations decision, 1 person healed, several first-time guests & an exciting day!
• In South Bend, Pastor Doug Neal reports a great service and effective ministry.
• In our Hispanic campus, Pastor Jaime Flores is excited about 3 brand-new families visiting today – and each promised to return!
• At our Shorewood campus, this was a historic day – in part because it marked 3 years since our opening service there, but more importantly, because all of us witnessed a testimony of God’s grace & restoration, as Pastor Dan Johnson returned to the pulpit to preach the Word there.  He was received with a standing ovation, as the congregation poured out their love & acceptance to the point that he said he’s speechless.  But he did preach, and the vast majority there are committed to read thru the NT with us!  I’m still marveling……only God!

I say again: I’m just SO excited about what God is going to be speaking to us as we “work the Word into our lives” over the next 50 days!  If you need the guide to help your reading, click here.

NEWS FLASH: I just had a phone call from Pastor Jim that our KidsTown ministry signed up 19 new volunteers to serve our children’s ministry! Woo-hoo…..am I ever ready for the Philippines!!!

Now, somebody watch the big game for me, and especially the commercials – I wanna hear all about it when I get back!