For the millions of people, well maybe the thousands.  Alright, for the hundreds who read this blog.  Let's be honest, for the five or six who actually read my blog let me explain why I haven't written lately.  I've been at youth camp with our young people the past few days.  During this time I realized a few things:
1. I'm not as young as I use to be
2. Going all day with young people and staying up late is a lot harder than it was ten years ago
3. Teens today are dealing with some tough stuff
4. I miss working with teens on a regular basis
5. We have some pretty cool young people at 5 Point
6. Really enjoyed hanging out and speaking to our teens.
7. Praying that what we discussed sticks and God uses these young people

Couple of things:
1. This will be my last blog until July 7th
2. The Herman family getting away for a few days
3. 4th of July is getting close.  Remember to bring drinks on Sundays and helping on the fourth
4. Really looking forward to this Sunday.  Explain later.

There is so much going on in my life and ministry right now.  Want to share what is running through my mind:
* Performed a wedding ceremony Saturday, left for another wedding and stopped at the reception of another
    wedding on the way home.  Performing another wedding this Friday afternoon.  HOLY COW!
* With all these weddings and the counseling 'I've done lately I've realized something, people need help with their
   marriages more today than ever.  Praying about starting a marriage home group/enrichment group on Sunday
   evenings.  It would basically be a never ending marriage series. 
* Met with Tommy Holcombe this morning.  City Councilman.  He can help us get the old Wal-MArt building.  Great
   meeting.  As I walked in I bumped into the mayor and spoke for a while.  Getting to know the leadership of our
   community is going to help us reach our community.
* Lunch with a another pastor next week.  I'd love to be the church to try and bring ALL churches together.
* Youth camp starts this Sunday evening.  Working on getting everything ready.
* Our children are at camp this week.  Praying for God to move in their lives.
* Continue to pray for God to make our church BOLD.
* Prayed over every name turned in this past Sunday.  Finished today.  We all need BOLDNESS to stand for Christ.
* Michelle's first ultra sound went well.  Gonna be a Grandpa again in January.
* 4th of July is getting close.  We need:
        more people involved in serving the community.
        as much water and drinks brought to church as possible to give away.
        prayer about this event
* July 13th is baptism.  If you need to be baptized sign up on your connect card.
* Only one service on this day.
* Really looking forward to vacation.  Going to Garden City for a week.  Speaking at my pastor for 14 years church.
   Always a little nervous speaking for the man who led me to Christ, mentored me and helped me learn how to
   teach God's Word.
* Working hard on our next series, Super Natural.  Talking about the dark side of Christianity.  Satan, demons,
   fighting our flesh, world and the enemy.  People are oblivious to spiritual warfare.  Tough series to prepare for.
   This will begin July 20th.  A lot more info coming.
* Taking my wife to Lake Jocassee tonight for dinner on the boat.  Can't wait!  For the first time in 27 years we
   have an empty house.  Jacob at camp, Andrew in school and Michelle is obviously at her house.  I'm calling it
   date week.  KFC chicken on the boat at beautiful Lake Jocassee, don't get no better.

Enough for today!

        

This past Sunday (Fathers Day) I was having lunch with my family at Pizza Inn.  We were headed to the lake so we wanted to eat somewhere fast (and healthy).  All of us were eating except for Andrew who had gone to the hospital with Liz to see her Grand Father and then eat with her family since they were planning on going to the lake with us.  We were about done when Deb's cell phone rang and it was Andrew.  He had been pulled over and wanted to know where the registration for her jeep was.  After telling him she asked where he got pulled over.  His response, "look out the window."  Sure enough, not 75 yards from Pizza Inn my son was sitting in the parking lot with two police officers looking into his window.  I was furious because I've told him if he ever gets a speeding ticket I wouldn't pay for his insurance any longer.  Deb told me to calm down, it was for not wearing his seat belt. 

Andrew had gone by Easley High School and the police officers saw that he wasn't wearing his seat belt.  He wasn't speeding, he wasn't driving reckless, he wasn't texting on the phone (not at that time anyway - another topic for another day) he was slowly driving towards his girl friends house after visiting someone in the hospital.

This was a great reminder to me that the little things in life matter.  So often we think everything is alright long as we don't get caught, but the truth of the matter is our Heavenly Father is watching us all the time.  I firmly believe God is waiting on us to make the little things matter so He can give us BIGGER challenges and BIGGER blessings.

Andrew will be paying for his own $25.00 ticket, but I bet he begins to make an effort to buckle up soon as he gets into the car.  Funny thing, as we left for the lake Andrew had his seat belt on and told me to put mine on.

As children of God we need to make an effort to watch what we say and do because just as the police were watching Andrew, others are watching us.

Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 

Acts 4:13 is one of my favorite verses in scripture.  Two ordinary guys are impressing the church people because of their boldness for Jesus, and they're no different from me.  And that is exactly what we discussed yesterday morning. 

My "One Prayer" for 5 Point is that we would become bold about our faith once again.  The church has lost its courage and began to worry about comfort.  The vision God has laid on my heart has nothing to do with comfort but with courage and that was the prayer of the first church.

Acts 4:29 
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

Worship was great yesterday.  Our prayer time for other churches really hit home with me.  I so desire to see churches unite and become one.  If you were one of those who took a card and agreed to pray and write a sister church, please do so.  The message wasn't one of those I particularly looked forward to because it challenges all of us to get out of our comfort zones.  Please give us courage an boldness Lord Jesus.

Attendance is always down for us on Father's or Mother's Day.  Many of our people travel to worship with their parents.

Father's Day are always a little tough because my Dad is no longer here.  I do always reflect on all the incredible memories I have of Dad.  Miss you Dad.

I spent the afternoon with my family at the lake.  It was awesome.  We stayed until 8:00 pm.  Ate a taco from taco bell and watched the remainder of the US Open.  I enjoyed my Father's Day.

I have been reading the first four chapters of Acts a lot this week.  Something really hit me about the first church.  Read the following verses.

Acts 2:44-47
All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Did you notice anything different with this church and the majority of churches in America today?

1.  ALL the believers we're together
2.  They we're willing to sell their possessions to help others
3.  Met together every day
4.  Hung out with each other
5.  People getting saved every day

WOW!  Would that not be awesome if we saw this in our church?  I believe with all my heart that was and still is God's desire and plan for the church.  As we continue with "One Prayer" this week, my heart is to reveal God's plan for our church!

This morning started out really well.  Got up and read my Bible and hung out with God.  Took a shower, took Jacob to Michelle's, stopped and got MORE gas and came to work.  Got here around 8:30.  Since that time five people have called the church with heart breaking news.

Call number 1
A woman called and just left the phone on the table.  We could hear the arguing and fighting.  Ann finally called the police in fear of violence breaking out.  I know this couple and my heart hurts for them.

Call number 2
My sister called incredibly upset.  She had gone by and told a woman she would come today and move into a trailer.  She packed her stuff up yesterday and as she arrived to the trailer park, someone was in the trailer.  The land lord had told her she would keep the trailer, but someone else showed up with money in hand.  She has no where to go and is hurting.  My heart is broken for her.

Call number 3
A woman had tried to call me last night while I was in a Africa mission trip meeting.  I returned the call this morning to only find out she is addicted to Lora tab and her husband is about to leave.  She was hysterical and doesn't know what to do.  My heart aches for her and the pain she is dealing with.

Call number 4
A grandfather of someone I care for just had a heart attack.  They love their Grandpa and are worried for him.  I've been through this, my heart hurts for this entire family.  Losing a Dad is so hard.

Call number 5
One of my best friends tried to call last night but used a different phone.  I called the number this morning and spoke to his wife.  A pastor friend's wife was hit by a truck (neighbor hit her) and killed her instantly.  The church and this pastor are devastated.  My heart hurts for this church and pastor.

So many people are hurting all across our planet.  So many people just in our church are hurting.  But, none of this is catching God by surprise.

Psalm 55:22 
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

I love what god has called me to do, but there are days I long too hear good news.  Today is one of those days. 
I don't understand how people deal with life without Jesus!

Lord Jesus, please comfort each of these families.  I know you are in control, but they need you to minister in their life in a very real way.  Please give them an assurance that you are in complete control.  A-men!

Yesterday evening I spoke at the city council meeting to share with the city leaders just how badly I want our church to begin making a difference in this community.  Thought you might enjoy reading what I shared.

                                                                    City Council Meeting
My name is Dean Herman and I’m the pastor of 5 Point Fellowship located in the Colony Theater.  We are a church plant and have spent the past three years in the Colony.  During the past month I’ve met with the mayor, chief of police and city administrator.  It was suggested that I come and speak to all of you this evening also. 
Please understand I’m not asking anything from any of you.  All I want is for you to understand my heart in making a difference in this community.  
 
I want to read a few verses of scripture very quickly.  This comes form the gospel of John and Jesus is just about to be taken captive and crucified.  In the previous chapters you will find Jesus preparing his disciples for what is about to happen.  In chapter 17 Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for all his believers.  (read from here)

John 17:20-23
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: [23] I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

I believe it is past time that we continue praying for Jesus to answer our prayers and we begin to be the answer to his. 

[20] "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,

So many times churches open their doors and ask people to come in, including ourselves.  But Jesus never said wait and ask people to come.  He told us to go.  The word go appears 1,352 times in the Bible.  I want to GO.  I want to begin to show people the love of Jesus and not just talk about it.  I’m tired of fighting with other churches and church people about church problems.  I want to show people Jesus loves them so they can believe in his message.  That was Jesus prayer for me and all his children.

I’m just not sure how to do this.  I’m asking for suggestions.  Here are a few we've thought of:
1. 4th of July – coordinating with city officials
2. Begin taking people from Bi-Lo to Ingles and give them a ride back
3. Begin some kind of help for the thousands of men addicted to porn
4. Want to create some type of a teen center to provide a safe environment for our teens.  Number one time kids are getting pregnant is from 3:00 – 5:00.
5. Free events for the families
6. Marriage enrichment for the community not just the church people
ALL FREE

Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

We kicked off our One Prayer series yesterday morning with over 1,400 other churches and close to a million people.  This many churches coming together with the same goal has never happened before.  Craig Groshell (Pastor of lifechurch.tv in Oklahoma) did an awesome job talking about churches coming together and being one.  Can you imagine the people we could reach for Jesus if we came together as one?  WOW! 

I want to encourage you to engage in the conversation with hundreds of thousands of believers on the OnePrayer website during this series.  You will also find a special One Prayer devotional.
The schedule for this coming week is:
Monday: What did God do in your Church? Share what God is doing in your church and celebrate with other believers.
Tuesday: We will fast together and pray for salvations. Go to the website to write the first name of someone you are praying will come to know Christ.  If you can't fast, you might devote an hour to praying for salvations by sacrificing your time from the TV or another activity.
Wednesday: What is your One Prayer? If you could pray one prayer for the Church, what would it be?
Thursday: How can we pray for each other? Share requests with each other, and lift each other up in prayer.
Friday: Pray for your church this weekend. Pray specifically for your church and the upcoming weekend.

This Sunday I'll be teaching on the one prayer God has laid on my heart for our church.  It will be a very emotional message for me because I'll also be sharing so much of the vision God has impressed upon me. 

Couple of other thoughts:
* Had two guest musicians this Sunday.  Corey Miller (drums) & Gene Lollis (guitar).  They both played in the
   band at H20.  It was great having them at 5 Point.  Thanks guys!
* Is it hot or what?  Glad I work in doors right at this moment!
* Speaking at City Council tonight about the vision of our church.
* Michelle is pregnant again.  YES!  I'm gonna be a Grandpa again!  YES!

Picking up right where we left off yesterday, "How can I find that passion for Jesus?"

2.  Pray - conversing with God

One of the primary ways we get to know someone on a very intimate level is by conversing with them.  Talking to and listening to.  God has given us that opportunity to converse with Christ and it is called prayer.  So many people do not understand the power and privilege of prayer.  Without it, you'll never know Jesus in an intimate manner.

Many young believers ask, "how do I pray?"  Great question.  In fact the disciples asked that very question.

Luke 11:1a 
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray,"

Jesus taught his disciples what we call today the "Lord's Prayer."  When asked how I pray or in teaching others to pray, I use the example of Jesus Christ.  It is very simple"
P raise
R repent
A sk
Y yield

Here is the Lord's Prayer.  I like the way Matthew records it.

Matthew 6:9-13

" 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,    (Praise)
[10] your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.     (Yield)
[11] Give us today our daily bread.     (Ask)
[12] Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.    (Repent)
[13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'

Jesus  didn't  use an acrostic but this helps us understand how to pray like Jesus.  Is this the only way to pray?  Absolutely not, but it is a great way to get started.  The point is to hang out with God.  Talk to Him, listen to Him, allow Jesus to become your best friend.

I've had several comments and responses to yesterdays post about Pizza Inn.  Let me assure you that Miss Amanda (owner of Pizza Inn) called this morning oblivious of the situation.  She had no idea that this had happened.  She quickly apologized and put a check in the mail.  We discussed our walk with Christ and desire to please him while doing business.  In fact, she was very appreciative of my making the effort to let her know about the situation.

So, I encourage everyone to go by Pizza Inn and thank them for allowing us to host our fund raiser in their establishment.  Thank Shane (manager on duty) for being so professional and helping solve the problem so quickly.  I don't need to eat at Pizza Inn for dietary reasons, but next time I eat Pizza, it'll be in Pizza Inn of Easley.  We made over $800.  Thanks to everyone!

During our home group this past Sunday night the question was asked, "How can I fall head over heels in love with Jesus?"  "How can I become passionate about my walk?"  Great question by someone who is trying to grow in her walk.  In the next couple of days I want to share with you my response to her question and the incredible conversation that took place on the Herman deck.

How to become passionate about Jesus:
1.  It all begins with the Word of God

John 1:1-2 
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning.

From the very beginning of time God was.  He then allowed us a glimpse into who He is by giving us the Word. 
Our walk, our relationship, our passion all starts with the Word of God.  We can not and will not become what God desires for each of us without the Word of God playing a vital part of our every day life.

During our conversation I asked the question, "How do you get to know someone really well?"  Response, "hanging out with them."  EXACTLY!  To know Christ in a very real way you've got to hang out with Him and there is no better place to start than with God's Word.

Let me encourage you to turn the tv off and hang out with God.  In fact, I would encourage everyone to start their day by hanging out with God.  Start by getting up a few minutes early and open the pages of scripture.  I promise you, it will change your life.

Number 2 & 3 tomorrow