Gilbert Thurston

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Archives for May 2009

Inside Today’s Experiences

May 31, 2009 by Gilbert Leave a Comment

Brian Chrissy Proposal

  • Really fun day.
  • Not having to preach but yet still attend was great.
  • Hectic morning getting everything set-up because of all the elements in the Experience but we got it done.
  • The worship team knocked it out of the park on both the worships songs and also with the specials…great job everyone!
  • Really proud of Josh…can’t wait to see what God has in store for him in the future.
  • Selfishly I hope it’s something with us, but my prayer is that God’s will be done.
  • He brought a great message for the close of the Hostage series.
  • Go get your crew!
  • My only real responsibility today was to do the announcements and not mess up Brian’s surprise.
  • For those that were in the 9:15 you got to experience something really cool.
  • Brian Miller who was my intern two summers ago and to this day is sort of my right hand man, FINALLY got up the nerve to propose to his long-term girlfriend Chrissy Weaver.
  • We were able to set it up perfectly so that even Chrissy’s parents who live a few hours away were able to be there without arousing any suspicion.
  • I typically don’t get nervous but I was for the whole set-up and getting Chrissy on to the stage without giving it away.
  • It was awesome watching her as the lightbulb came on to what was happening.
  • When she turned around (picture above) and Brian was down on one knee there on the stage it was awesome.
  • I looked out and everyone was crying…which was hard for me to see because I was bawling.
  • Brian and Chrissy mean so much to Lisa and I…we couldn’t be proudier of “our kids”.
  • So 10:45 crowd you really missed out…
  • Hey speaking of…for the first time ever the 9:15 crowd was larger than the 10:45…that’s really cool!
  • Well as soon as I post this, I’m offically on vacation!
  • I’ll miss you guys, but I’m definetely ready for a break.
  • Next week Craig Groeshcel (Lifechurch.tv) one of the greatest pastors and communicators in the country will be speaking to the United crowd as we begin the One Prayer series with the message, God is Love.
  • I may check in from time to time to blog about what’s happening on vacation, but don’t count on it.
  • If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call (717-263-9523)  or e-mail (office@mycfcog.org)  the church office.
  • See you in a few!
  • Filed Under: Hostage, Inside Today's Experience's, Sermon Series Tagged With: Brian Miller, Chrissy Weaver, Craig Groeschel, crew, gilbert thurston, Hostage, Josh Schlotterbeck, Lisa Thurston, United Worship Experience, vacation

    Who Gets the Glory

    May 28, 2009 by Gilbert Leave a Comment

    Do people stand amazed by your life? In other words do people in your life see something supernatural at work?

    Often times when it comes to living for and serving God we tend to look at what we’re good at and what we like to do and then serve according to our ability. The result is we tend to not rely on God and the power of his spirit because we think we have everything under control.

    The world therefore sees good people doing good things for their God, but they don’t see the power of God working through His people to accomplish what only He can do. The problem with that is if we function according to our ability alone,we get the glory. If however we function according to the power of His Spirit within us then He gets the glory.

    So how about it…are you living for your glory or His?

    Filed Under: Theology Tagged With: glory, spirit, supernatural

    How to Plan Your Week

    May 27, 2009 by Gilbert Leave a Comment

    When I was in college my professor for preaching (which is what I got my degree in, thus I had him for a number of classes) was the famous preacher Stephen F. Olford.  This morning I came across something of his that I thought might be helpful for all of us in planning out our weeks.

    Basically he breaks it into 4 categories.  Assignments, Appointments, Adjustments and Assessments.  Now he did this in light of being a pastor but I think these apply to just about anything.  In fact I’ll change things just a bit to make it more family and business oriented.

    You start by looking at every APPOINTMENT (whether it be a meeting or task) you potentiallly have for the week up-coming.  The question then becomes do I need really need to accomplish this this week or can it wait.  If it need to do be done then determine can I ASSIGN it to someone else or do I need to make it one of my APPOINTMENTS.

    Now that the week is laid out (he suggested in 15 minute blocks at a time) you proceed with your week.  ADJUSTMENTS of course are major disruptions to your plans.  The key is to deal with it and then as quickly as possible get back into your schedule (side-note from me:  keep in mind that people are always more important than tasks so use caution that you don’t get so locked into the schedule that you jeopardize your relationships). 

    The final step then is at the end of the week make ASSESSMENTS of how you did.  What did I set out this week to do?  What did I actually accomplish?  Where did I mess up?  How can that be fixed in the future? 

    This would be a good time to pray and ask God to forgive you of your short-comings and to lead you as you begin the process all over again.  Hope this has been helpful. 

    I’ll leave you with a scripture…

    Act like people with good sense and not like fools. These are evil times, so make every minute count.  -Ephesians 5:15-16

    Filed Under: Goals Tagged With: Adjustment, Appointment, Assessment, Assignment, gilbert thurston, schedule, Stephen F. Olford, time management

    Inside Today’s Experiences

    May 24, 2009 by Gilbert Leave a Comment

  • Another good day!
  • Disappointed with attendance though…guess people think that a holiday weekend means God is on vacation as well.  🙂
  • Really proud of Alex for coming in and drumming for us even though he didn’t get home from his trip until 3:30 this morning.
  • Considering he only had 4 hours of sleep, he did awesome.
  • Everything else from a technical standpoint went well…couldn’t have asked for a smoother day.
  • Really enjoyed the band’s version of “Came to the Rescue”.
  • After last week’s message and response, it felt a bit anti-climatic preaching today, but all in all I was pleased and hopefully we further cemented the fact we can live free.
  • Spekaing of…I met an active duty Marine after the 9:15 who was visiting and he was really appreciative that we took a few moments out of the Experience to recognize not just those who have given there lives but our current troops as well.
  • For the first time in awhile we were early getting done.
  • In fact we were so early, the guest reception wasn’t even ready by the time I got there…now that’s early.
  • Looking forward to hearing Josh’s message next week as we wrap up the Hostage series…make sure you invite someone.
  • As I said in the message, one of the best things you can do is be a part of a small group…tonight our full group will be together…love my peeps!
  • Filed Under: Hostage, Inside Today's Experience's, Sermon Series Tagged With: Alex Swisher, gilbert thurston, Josh Schlotterbeck, Memorial Day, United Worship Experience

    HERO: Becoming the Man She Desires

    May 21, 2009 by Gilbert Leave a Comment

    HeroDuring our Re:Married series I mentioned the book Every Man’s Battle by Fred Stoeker and Mike Yorkey. It covers sexual purity for a man and is very good. Their lastest book, HERO: Becoming the Man She Desires, includes Fred’s son Jasen in the writings.

    Written primarily for single men, this book can be read in two or three nights because the 16 chapters are captivating and fast moving. This doesn’t mean though that married guys can’t learn from this book…the guys give very practical examples from their lives and others in how to become the not just man, but man of God that will make you desirable to a woman. Essentially the book looks at 9 modern day myths that guys believe about marriage, dating, relationships and sex. Written in many ways to tell the story of Jasen growing up, then meeting his wife Rose and doing it all in a pure way, this book is a full of ideas that will challenge your thinking. I also liked that Rose from time to time writes a little to give the female perspective on what’s being discussed.

    Released just last month, this book would make an excellent gift for graduates or any guy who has the rest of the Every Man series. Highly recommended.

    Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Hero, marriage, purity, review, singles

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