Red Balloon

nospam@example.com (jOey saxtOn) — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:26:55 -0400

The Motion - Matthew West

nospam@example.com (jOey saxtOn) — Fri, 01 May 2009 23:16:05 -0400

Upside down faith

nospam@example.com (jOey saxtOn) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 22:48:13 -0400

Consider the following

nospam@example.com (jOey saxtOn) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:35:26 -0400

During the past 10 years, approximately 50 million Christians left the church. In fact, the percentage of American adults who attend religious services has dropped from 49% to less than 32%. And more recent studies have shown that the problem of the decline in church attendance is actually getting much worse.

In addition, a recent USA Today/Gallop poll reported that almost half of all Americans appear to be alienated from any form of organized religion.

If the current trend continues, most Americans will not call themselves religious in just a few years.

Of the roughly 140 million Americans who do make their way to church on any given weekend, an amazing 74% are not engaged in their church at all.

Moreover, a study from the Barna Institute concluded that by the end of the next decade, up to 40% of all church-attending Christians will be worshipping God, serving others, studying the Bible, etc., outside of a congregational church setting.

To quote a summary of the decline:

“We find these developments truly remarkable! Some factor appears to be actively driving church-goers away from organized religion. And yet, this is happening at a time when Americans have an unprecedented interest in spirituality.”

Did you ever wonder what factor is actively driving people away from church?

My dear friend at work...

nospam@example.com (jOey saxtOn) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:05:11 -0400

...lost his father to cancer the week before Easter. The family became aware that something was wrong after the first of the year. The cancer was a very aggressive type and he died the first part of April. He was 67.

Helping him deal with everything forced me to relieve a lot of memories. My dad was also 67 when he died. It was April as well (right around Easter). Emotions have been stirred anew....

However, throughout this process I have found a renewed sense of God. I have dug deeper...searched harder...prayed more earnestly...than in recent memory. And everywhere I turned, the revival that is part of Easter was so evident. The flowers look more vibrant this year. The air smells sweeter. The Easter music became such a part of my daily routine...the words ministering to me over and over.

Usually after most holidays there is a bit of a let down. We have all seen and experienced it. But for me this year, there seems to be a heightened anticipation of God doing something in our worship following this Easter holiday. To be in the center of his pouring out is my greatest desire...

My prayer is that you will join me in this journey.....

Until we are finally HOME,
jOey

Glorious / Our God Reigns

nospam@example.com (jOey saxtOn) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:27:49 -0400

getting ready for church

nospam@example.com (jOey saxtOn) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:17:50 -0500