LIFEsync

MISSION: CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

IT IS CHRISTMAS EVE AND I AM ON A MISSION.  I AM SITTING IN MY TRADITIONAL CHAIR AT MY PARENT'S HOME SURROUNDED BY THINGS THAT BRING ME PEACE ON EARTH.  ALL OF THE ELEMENTS ARE HERE...MY DAD, MOM, MIQUELL, EVA, AND GIBSON.  I AM ON A MISSION TO CREATE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOR A LIFETIME.  

A LIFETIME DOESN'T SEEM VERY LONG WHEN YOU'RE COUNTING MEMORIES.  I AM 36 YEARS OLD!  HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? WHERE DID TIME GO?  MY FATHER IS 62 YEARS OLD.  WHEN YOU ARE BATTLING CANCER, OR JUST DEALING WITH "LIFE", TIME IS A COMMODITY MORE VALUABLE THAN THE "TRESKILLING YELLOW STAMP" FROM SWEDEN.  THE STAMP IS PROBABLY THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND.  IT HAS A CURRENT VALUE OF MORE THAN $2 MILLION DOLLARS.   THE STAMP IS INSURED FOR $15 MILLION DOLLARS!  AMAZING...IT IS MADE OF PAPER!  HOWEVER, VALUE ISN'T WHAT SOMETHING COSTS TO PRODUCE, IT IS WHAT SOMEONE IS WILLING TO PAY FOR IT.

WHAT VALUE DO YOU PLACE ON HEALTH?  WHAT VALUE DO YOU PLACE ON CREATING MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY? WHAT WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO PAY FOR PEACE IN YOUR SOUL? IS THERE ANYTHING MORE VALUABLE THAN DOING THE RIGHT THING?

OUR GOD WAS ON A MISSION.  AT CHRISTMAS, WE CELEBRATE THE WORLD'S GREATEST GIFT.  I AM THANKFUL THAT JESUS WAS NOT A GIFT FOR THE SHORT-TERM.  HE DID NOT MAKE A ONE TIME APPEARANCE ON EARTH, LIVE AND MINISTER FOR 33 YEARS, AND THEN RETURN TO HEAVEN TO WATCH WHAT HAPPENS TO HUMANITY. 

JESUS IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL.  BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, HE CONTINUES TO LIVE AMONG US TODAY. HE IS STILL DOING WHAT HE DID WHEN HE WALKED THE EARTH IN THE FLESH.

HE IS STILL HEALING THE SICK.
    HE IS STILL OPENING BLIND EYES.
       HE IS STILL SETTING FREE CAPTIVE AND TORMENTED SOULS.
           HE IS STILL DECLARING LIBERTY TO ALL THAT ARE IN BONDAGE.
                HE IS STILL RESTORING WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS LOST.
                    HE IS STILL RESURRECTING DREAMS AND DIRECTING DESTINIES.
                        HE IS STILL SPEAKING WORDS OF LIFE.

HE IS THE STAR THAT OUTSHINES EVERYTHING THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER.  HE IS THE PEACE GIVER!
HE IS THE ONE WHO TOSSES A BLANKET OF CALM OVER THE CHAOS AND SPEAKS TO OUR PERSONAL STORMS “PEACE BE STILL”!  THE GIFT THAT LIVES INSIDE OF US DOES NOT SPEND 11 MONTHS IN A BOX AND THEN COME OUT FOR THIS SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR.  HE TAKES UP RESIDENCE INSIDE OF US.  HIS TRANSFORMING POWER CHANGES EVERYTHING ABOUT US.  THE GIFT DESIRES TO FLOW WITHIN YOU, AND FILL YOU, SO THAT HE JUST SPILLS OUT OF YOU!

THE SPIRIT OF GOD INSIDE YOU COMES OUT WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES ARE OUT OF CONTROL.  YOU FIND AN INNER STRENGTH THAT TAKES CONTROL.  WHEN YOU’RE STRENGTH IS WEAK, HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT.  HE WAS ON A MISSION TO CREATE MEMORIES FOR ETERNITY. 

TODAY, I WILL CREATE MEMORIES WITH MY FAMILY THAT WILL LAST FOR A LIFETIME.  BECAUSE OF WHAT CHRIST DID FOR ME, I CAN ENJOY THESE MEMORIES FOR ETERNITY.  MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS WITH YOUR FAMILY.  THANKS FOR BEING ON THIS JOURNEY WITH ME. 

ON A MISSION TO SAVE MY WORLD,

JEFF

Colossal Spiritual Climate Shift @ ALC!

Today, I have been reflecting about the recent amazing ALC Worship Experiences.  Our inspirational DREAM statement concludes with our vision to experience the "manifest presence of God" at every gathering.  It has been apparent that the Spirit of God has been available to His people in an authentic way.

This past weekend, we were blessed with record attendance and powerful baptism experiences.  I will never forget the beautiful public confession that one of our baptismal candidates had written to precede her baptism.  In fact, we are thinking about asking every future candidate to write a short public confession to be read preceding baptism.  That would be absolutely powerful...don't you think? 

This past Sunday was truly historic!  From the opening worship song to the closing prayer, we experienced God in fresh ways.  Pastor Anthony Mangun challenged us to consecrate our homes.  I have received heart-warming reports about the special time of communion that our ALC Lifer's have had with their families this week.  I strongly encourage each of you to connect your home to what God is doing in the church by leading your family in a time of consecration and communion.  (You can pick up communion supplies at the Information Center at ALC)  I believe we are experiencing a colossal shift in the spiritual climate of our church family.  I am confident that this weekend's events will lead us even closer to our divine destiny!  I'd love to see you and your family at our Prayer Gathering on Saturday (@noon) and on Sunday for Worship.  Bishop T.F. Tenney will be our guest speaker.

I'm living and loving His DREAM!

New ALC Family Month Series: Generations

I am stoked about our the new message series for Family Month.  This new series launches October 5, 2008.  I really believe this will be a series of messages that will impact the families of ALC for eternity. 

There is a really great "October Surprise" in Week #2 that I can't wait to share.  This exciting month will include Baby Dedications on October 5th, the Community Water Baptism Experience on October 19th, and Friend's Day on October 26th.  If you are an ALC Lifer, make plans to be in a Worship Experience every weekend! 

We will wrap this series up on November 2nd at our "Mosaic" Worship Experience.  At Mosaic, we celebrate the numerous cultures that worship at ALC every week.  Jared Howell, our dear friend, will be the Guest Speaker on that Sunday.  Trust me, the next five weeks are going to be amazing!

You are invited to join us and experience the "God" story that this generation is declaring together.  We are believing God for his "mighty acts" to be manifest in our Worship Experiences!

A Call to Prayer and Fasting for Dad

Greeting Blog-friends! 

I have been on a "posting" hiatus.  The last few weeks have been full of twists and turns that have required my full attention to navigate.

As many of you know, my father has returned to M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas for cancer treatment.  Our fight began in 2006 with a diagnosis of colon cancer.  This battle has tested the mettle of the strongest man and woman I know, my mother and father.  I can't express how thankful we are for the hundreds and thousands of people who have been praying and believing for a miracle.  

The church family that my Dad has pastored for all but 10 years of my life has been an incredible support to my parents. We love you TPC DeQuincy!  The church that I pastor, Abundant Life Church, has been so understanding of this season and has stood by our family with prayer and fasting.  

My father is in need of a miracle from God.  I have be challenged in my spirit to coordinate another focused season of prayer and fasting for his healing.  Beginning August 20, I will personally be fasting and praying strategically for my father.  If you would be willing to join me for any part of this, I'd love to hear from you.  Post a comment!  I'll be sharing your thoughts with my father.  Please forward this email to everyone you know that will pray in faith with us.  

If you have any "David Hennigan" thoughts that would be an encouragement to him, please post so that I can share with Dad.  We are going to join together believing God for a supernatural work in his body.

I appreciate you.  Thanks for your love, support, friendship, prayer, and faith.

Jeff

This Sunday will be BIG!

This week I was reflecting on my childhood.  I remember so many special times that I shared with my Mom and Dad on our family vacations.  My parents always put a high priority on "the family trip"!  I always knew my Dad was in "vacation mode" when he put on his Hawaiian shirt, khaki pants, and new K-swiss tennis shoes.  I can't wait to take another trip with Dad and Mom when he feels better so I can see the "vacation garb" again! 

I am pretty certain that I drove my parents nuts with the famous question that every kid asks from the back seat..."Are we there yet?"  The concept of travel time to me as a kid was not a reality.  Minutes seemed like hours, and hours seemed like days.  My Dad would always break the boredom by reaching behind the seat and tickling my feet until I would beg for him to stop.  Of course, he wouldn't stop until I was basically breathless with laughter. 

We are all on the spiritual trip of our lives.  God has a destiny for all of us!  That famous question has been posed again in my heart...Are we there yet?  Where is God leading me...us?  What will it feel like when we arrive?  Does it always take this long to get there?  Is that my exit?  What should I pack? What should I leave behind?  Is a "truth trip" always this hard?  Questions...

This Sunday, I will be trying to deliver a message that God has driven deep into my soul.  If you are an ALC Lifer or Investor, please make it a priority to be there.  I really believe God wants to do something big in our lives.  What if he wanted to start this Sunday?  Don't miss it!

Planes, Pains, and Hospital Rooms

Priceless Moments

This is one moment our family never imagined we would experience together.  The value I place on such moments at this point in my life is...priceless.

After an extremely busy and hectic start to the week, our family traveled to Central Louisiana to visit family, attend the traditional Family Campmeeting, hear my father in law minister, celebrate July 4th, and check on my father. We had driven most of the day on Wednesday to arrive just in time for the start of the evening service. The Usher escorted us to our seat and we settled in for the usual parade of public officials, that included the Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal.  

My attention was arrested with a good friend gesturing for us to follow him backstage to receive a phone call. This type of unusual disruption maginified my suspicions.  Our family has been "acquainted with grief" the last few months and I was immediately alarmed. What was going on?  Was it Eva? How about Gibson? Is he okay?  Dad...what has happened to my father?    What news would the phone call bring?

My mother?  What?  You must be mistaken.  My mother is "Superwoman!"  She can't...we need her..Dad needs her!  She is in severe pain?  Don't know the cause? She is on the way to the hospital?  Okay, I'm on my way.  

At the time of this writing, I am relieved to report that my Mom has made it through the surgery to remove her gallbladder.  We have all slept about 8 of the last 72 hours.  The balancing act of caring for my father during his cancer battle and for my mother during this gallbladder attack has been challenging.  Tony Clark, Jackie Browning, Sandy Dykes, Scotty Grove aka "The Grove Gardener", and Michael Braswell are just a few of the "everyday heroes" that have provided help to my Parents.  You are now all official "Hennigan's!" (I'm not sure that is a compliment. Ha. Ha.)

I want to thank everyone who is holding up our family in prayer.  We certainly need your prayers like never before. Please continue to lift my mother and father up in your personal and corporate times of prayer.  

A "moment" is often undervalued.  The picture of my parents sharing that intimate moment before surgery is eternally stored in my soul.  It was priceless.  I am now driven to creatively produce priceless pictures with my wife and kids.  

Pirates of Patmos premieres tonight at ALC!

THE PIRATES ARRIVE TONIGHT AT ALC!

BRING THE FAMILY and ENJOY THE SHOW!

The Weight On My Shoulders

Erma Bombeck wrote:  "Then God molded long legs and broad shoulders. The angel nearby said "Do You realize You just made a father without a lap? How will he pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?" God smiled, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."  

My father has always had strong shoulders.  Recently I was visiting my hometown, the "Ground Zero" of his battle with cancer.  When I pulled into the driveway, I was greeted by my Queen Mother and led into the war zone where my father was engaged in the fight.  As I turned the corner, my attention was drawn to the man in the corner of the ring.  For just a moment, I could almost hear the bell ring and hear the announcer say..."And now in this corner, David Hennigan, ready...fight!" Upon reaching his side, I knelt down and gave my Dad, a hug.  

I wasn't prepared for that moment in my heart.  It wasn't something I had ever considered in the realm of possibility.  What is going on?  My Dad's shoulders are not supposed to change!  An enormous tide of emotions overwhelmed me.  That moment only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.  My hero, my strength, my mentor, my friend, my Dad's shoulders were noticeably weakened by the heavy burden he has carried for years.  During this battle against cancer, I am often asked about my Dad.  When asked how my father is doing, my immediate response now is..."weaker frame, stronger heart!"  

For years, my father's broad shoulders have carried me, Mom, Miquell, Eva, Gibson, a great church, and anything else he could get his big hands around.  There is a "legacy" on his shoulders and in that moment...I sensed it's weight.  I felt my shoulders grow.  Something happened in my spirit that is beyond explanation.  

I don't know too many people who could give cancer the fight that my parents are giving. The discipline, valor, and courage that my parents are displaying is truly inspiring. Every hour of the day seems filled with another treatment, organic meal, IV session, or nutraceutical concoction.  It is a mind-numbing regimen.  I have watched my mother and father handle it all with confidence and class.  I give honor to my Parents!  

Today, I took a moment to look out the rear and side-view mirrors of my life. Where have I come from?  Where am I going?  How am I doing on the journey? There are a few facts... I am a 36 year old, husband, father, son, and Pastor.  I often feel the "weight" that each role adds to my shoulders.  Many days I wonder if I can carry the load.  Miquell, Eva, and Gib must find strength and resolve in my spirit.  My wife needs a shoulder to lean on and my kids need a shoulder to hold tight when other things seem fleeting.  

The church I Pastor is filled with amazing people.  God has blown our minds the last few years.  There is a paradox of being a "Pastor" that is often overwhelming. The moment you find yourself thinking..."were on track", "everything is coming together", "that family is rock-solid", "God just sent us help"... and then life happens, the people that you worked tirelessly to show the love of Christ to just walks away from the church (Yes, I know its not personal, but it still feels personal!), and within weeks you can experience an array of emotions that can leave even the most prayerful Pastor discouraged.  There are just times when the "weight" seems overwhelming.  However, I am feeling my shoulders getting stronger.  

Dad - I'm certain there is no one any stronger in the world than you.  We can win this fight!

Mom - You're strength is a showcase for the God you faithfully serve.

Miquell - I think I have my Dad's shoulders.  You can lean on me!

Eva - I'll carry you on one side.

Gib - I'll carry you on the other.

ALC - God put us all together to reach this city.  Let's stand shoulder to shoulder!

Scott Wesley Brown wrote a song many years ago that has been on my mind lately.  I hope you hear these lyrics speak to weight you are carrying also…

There is no problem too big

God cannot solve

There is no mountain too tall

He cannot move

There is no storm too dark

God cannot calm

There is no sorrow too deep 

He cannot soothe

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my brother that He will carry you

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my sister that He will carry you

God is molding strong shoulders on me.  The weight is often heavy but we trust God through it all. My earthly Father is strongest man I have ever known.  If my Dad's shoulders are that strong, I can only imagine how strong my Heavenly Father's shoulders must be.  I pray that you feel the weight that is on your shoulders being shifted from you to your Father.  I must confess...the shoulders seem stronger and the burden seems lighter.  

Choosing to cheat changed my life!

We are giving away copies of this book to every man who walks through our doors on Sunday.  It is our "investment" into the lives of the men who have trusted us to adventure with them on this great adventure with God.  

I read this book several years ago and it impacted everything in my life as a young husband and father.   I have a vision to see the men who call ALC "home" become great fathers, husbands, and leaders.  

If you are planning to be in a Worship Experience on Sunday at ALC, please get your copy!  Let's have a great Father's Day!  I look forward to the message I am preparing to speak!  

Gonna get my preach on.

Jeff