Do you ask yourself- why should I pray?

This weekend I’m talking about prayer. Prayer can often be confusing and anxiety-filled because we wonder if we are “doing it right” and “what it should feel like”.

I’ve been thinking about two questions in particular:

1. If God knows everything…WHY SHOULD I PRAY?
2. Does anything actually happen, or change, as a result of prayer?

I am so looking forward to this weekend!

See ya soon,
Pastor Ken

My suggested reading list from my “interesting conversation” blog post yesterday…

A couple people have asked what books I recommended for our “reluctant atheist” to read. I will share the books I suggested but, as always, the content of the books should match the questions or the personal quest you are on. For example, I’m not sure this would be the suggested reading list for someone struggling in a particular relationship, issues of forgiveness, etc.

Here is the list:

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Reaching for the Invisible God by Philip Yancey
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Happy reading and be sure to look for those “God orchestrated” appointments today that you had no idea would happen…but God had it planned before time even began.

Have a great rest of your week,
Pastor Ken

I just had the most interesting conversation...

I briefly met a guy a month or so ago who asked if we could sit down and talk sometime. My responsibilities as Senior Pastor do not allow a great deal of time for me to meet individually with people but, as we talked, I sensed the Holy Spirit’s gentle whisper saying, “Make time for this guy.” Today was the first time both of our schedules lined up.

My new friend described himself as a “reluctant atheist” who has been faithfully attending Cypress for the past two years. He said during these past two years he has missed maybe four weekends but caught up online the very next week (funny side note- this shows again how “powerful” my preaching is that this guy has not missed a week in two years and still considers himself an atheistJ). We had a great conversation about his spiritual journey and questions that are arising in his mind. I recommended a couple of books he may enjoy reading as he continues down his spiritual path of discovery and I told him we will meet again in a month or two after he rolls through the reading list I provided.

As he left my office, I was reminded again…it’s ALL ABOUT THE HARVEST!

P.S. He also thanked me for letting him off the hook on tithing since he doesn’t believe yet, but he did want me to know he brought in a backpack! I told him that was awesome and we are so thankful he is here and a part of what’s happening.

P.S.S. I leave you with this…SMILE EXTRA BIG this weekend when you come to church…you just might rub shoulders with or end up sitting next to “our reluctant atheist” who is searching for answers and truth to the biggest questions of life- God may use you to plant a seedJ

My family loves to go to...

This is the time of year my family loves to go to the farmers’ market. Okay, truth be known, my boys and I love for Serena to go and bring home good stuff to eatJ This weekend we are talking about THE HARVEST. I have learned so much in my preparation for this weekend’s teaching. Get ready to talk about and ENJOY the HARVEST seasons of life!

See ya soon,

Pastor Ken

THREE things I'm asking of you...

I will keep this short. As I’ve been praying, I believe this weekend’s message could be the most important message I’ve given all summer. I’ve seen things in Scripture that I haven’t noticed before and I believe the Lord has given me a message to pass on.

Here is what I’m asking of you:
1. Pray between now and this weekend for the services
2. Be sure to come for worship
3. Bring a friend you think could use some encouragement

See you soon,
Pastor Ken

Two things that are guaranteed in life...

While watching the first GOP debate last night (I must be getting oldJ), I was reminded of something I heard years earlier…there are only two guarantees in life- Death & Taxes! When it comes to politics, I tend to agree. These are two things we can count on regardless of who the next President of the United States is. We will be paying taxes until the day we die. But, what if there were some guarantees for the living of life beyond politics? God reveals in scripture several promises and life principles which are always true. It is truth that can become a foundation to build your life on that will never give way.

A Seed of Love vs. a Seed of Hate
A Seed of Encouragement vs. a Seed of Discouragement
A Seed planted, taking root, will produce certain fruit…I promise!

This weekend we dive into what the Bible has to say about planting good seeds in our life and the lives of those around us.

See you this weekend,

Pastor Ken

FIVE things you need to know this summer!

As we hit the halfway point for summer, I hope you have had the opportunity to make some great memories with family and friends. If you haven’t, you still have a little time before the fall routine kicks into high gear.

Today as I sit here in my quiet time of reflection and prayer, I am encouraged by the many men and women who are a part of Cypress. It is through individuals like yourself that we are able to influence a healthier and brighter future for our kids, families, and communities around central Ohio. Therefore, if you would like to see what great things are coming, I invite you to keep reading and join us!

1. We continue to celebrate changed lives for Christ through baptism. June and July have been huge celebration months for us as we hear the stories of life change through Christ! If you have a story that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear it (please email us at cypress@cypresschurch.tv).
   
2. Sometimes summer can “throw off” our regular schedule. When you travel out of town for kid’s sports, family reunions, vacations, etc…stay connected to the church by watching online. Nothing can replace the connection of being with people and singing God’s praise with others, but in a busy world, this is a great option to stay connected.
   
3. If there is a way we could pray for you or your family, we would love the opportunity to do that as a staff and prayer team. You can reach us at cypressprayer@cypresschurch.tv.
   
4. There is a fresh wave rising for the next season of life and ministry. The staff and leaders at Cypress believe we are approaching our best and most fruitful days of ministry yet and want you to be informed and invite you to be a part of it. Be praying with us and preparing yourself for whatever it is God may desire and long to do in your life and family in the coming year. We will be rolling out the plan and next steps in September…stay tuned!
   
5. Our vision is to impact this generation for Christ while preparing the next generation of leaders to serve His church. Our church is ONE family that meets in multiple locations. Currently there are two sites (Alton Darby & Dublin campuses), and we are already making preparations for the third campus in the coming year.

Even though we have had six years of record-setting attendance and finance, we believe we are just scratching the surface of experiencing our full potential for what it means to be a church that changes lives, families, communities and the world!

Those of you who live in Dublin, or in the surrounding area, you will be receiving a follow up note from Pastor Drew, our Dublin Campus Pastor, and a personal contact to let you know about the exciting things happening in and through our Dublin Campus. I heard one person recently say Dublin provides their family all of the personal care of a medium size church with all of the opportunities of a church of 4,000+.

I just wanted to reach out and remind you we love you and are honored to do life together with you. These are exciting days and I believe for our church and for you and your family, we are just getting started…the best is yet to come.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and see ya soon,
Pastor Ken

P.S. I asked a good friend of mine to share his personal story of God's faithfulness through one of life’s greatest storms that he had ever been through. Anyone needing hope and encouragement, be sure to bring them with you this upcoming weekend!