19north

Freedom From Religion (Zack Blair)

Josh — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:41:27 +0000

The Comforter (Zack Blair)

Josh — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:30:13 +0000

Properly “Staffed” (via Zack Blair)

Zack Blair — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:50:38 +0000

Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A Staff.” (Exodus 4:1-2)

When it comes to evaluating our overall effectiveness and establishing goals in life, we all tend to focus on what we don’t have. It’s easy to think, “I don’t have the proper education, the people skills, the looks, the talent, or the same opportunity as so many other people in life.” In this dialogue between Moses and God, this was exactly what Moses was doing–focusing on what he DIDN’T have.

Here’s what we can take away from this conversation. God uses what we ALREADY have–he doesn’t have to give us anything new, he doesn’t have to give us anything mystical; rather, he uses what we have. If you read the next couple of chapters of Exodus, you’ll notice it was that same staff that Moses lifted to part the Red Sea. It was that same staff that Moses used to perform other miracles, and to lead the Israelite captives from the Egyptians.

Instead of focusing on what you DON’T have, why not start at what you ALREADY have? You may not have the proper education, but God can use your creative mind to take you to places you’ve never dreamed. You may not have the people skills, but you probably have the common sense to deal wisely with people. When it comes to manning volunteer teams and leading the people around us, it’s easy to think, “Wow, are we UNDER-STAFFED!” But even in those teams, you probably have the answer to your concerns in your right hand, just like Moses did.

In leadership and in dealing with feelings of inadequacy, I’ve learned it’s when we focus on what we ALREADY have that we point to the grace of God in our lives. So here’s my encouragement: If we really had everything it takes to get to where God is calling us to go, we wouldn’t need him much, would we?

Pursue an education, grow spiritually and in leadership development to add to your weakness. However, I encourage you, when you look at your weaknesses, view them in light of God’s strength. You may not HAVE much, but God will take what you ALREADY have to fulfill his purpose for your life.

Original Freedom

Anna — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:00:50 +0000

There was an apple, a snake, and deception. This was the beginning of original sin. But this wasn’t God’s plan for us. In the garden of Eden we were meant to live free. Free from sin, free from fear, free in love. And through Jesus Christ, we still can be free. Join 19North, starting May 12th, to explore our ‘Original Freedom.’

The Guide (Zack Blair)

Josh — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:54:29 +0000

First: Humble Pie (Zack Blair)

Josh — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:39:04 +0000

Fun Fore All

Anna — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:17:21 +0000

Saturday April 28th we’re going to Fun Fore All after 19north!

Date: April 28, 2012

Time: 10:15 PM – 12 AM

What: Have access to all Fun Fore All activities (ie. Go Karts, Batting cages, arcade, mini golf)

Cost: $5 per person

Address: 8 Progress Ave, Cranberry Township, Pa, 16066

(on Rt. 19 across from Dairy Queen)

If you want to come have some fun fill out the registration form below!

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4 Reasons I’m Starting to Blog…Again

Zack Blair — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:05:30 +0000

4 Reasons I’m Starting to Blog…Again

We all go through the ebbs and flows of life in which we need to cut the fat in our schedules, and for past two years, my “fat” was my personal online presence. Welp… I’m back and for three simple reasons.

1. It will benefit the people I get to lead: Before, I didn’t quite specify who I was writing to. Now, very plainly, I can say, I am writing to those whom God has called me to lead… Thrive and 19north! I’ll be writing out broad leadership topics for our leaders and spiritual encouragement for everyone. Because of this, I will not be posting blogs to my personal Facebook account in order to “market” myself; rather, I will do my best to send my updates directly to my target audience.

2. I know the purpose of my blogging: A couple times, I have found that I have had the same conversations with different people, and as the scope of our leadership continues to grow, I feel a genuine burden to communicate those principles on a broader scope.

3. My wife thinks I should blog: Here’s the biggest one… Lauren said so! What she wants carrying my daughter and taking care of my son all day long, SHE GETS! She enjoys reading what I write, and personally, if she’s the only person reading my blog, I would be quite fine with that.

4. Blogging is good for me: By no means do I want to make it seem I am an expert on any matter–I truly desire to be a lifelong learner. Personally, I tend to chew on subjects, and process them more thoroughly when I write. A lot of times, I will be writing about what I am learning–the simple act of typing helps me to process it better in my own life.

And thus, my friends, the journey begins… again. You’ll find my updates on Facebook.com/19north or Facebook.com/thriveatvictory

No 19north – Saturday Easter Service!

Anna — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:13:40 +0000

Hey 19Northers!

There will be NO 19north this weekend.

We’re going to join the SATURDAY EASTER SERVICE (6pm) and sit together as a 19north family!

Please RSVP on the facebook page here: Saturday Easter Service …We will save seats accordingly.

If you can’t make it, enjoy the weekend with your loved ones and we’ll see you next Saturday!

Weaver Makes a Great Impact

Zack Blair — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:30:34 +0000

Last night, I was checking through my email and was OVERJOYED to see the attached message in my inbox. If you’ve come to 19north, you’ve heard our vision “impact to impact,” and I pray that this will lift the level of expectation you’ve had for your life.

Sarah Weaver served as our Impact Team Coordinator, among other roles at 19north (as a volunteer) for several years. There came a point where Sarah knew she had to move on–we always say that 19north is not a destination for anyone, just a stop in the journey. When she left the comfort of Cranberry and began to serve with Christopher Alam in Africa, we all knew God was going to do something great through her there. Here is the message I received from Christopher Alam about Sarah! When Christopher uses “multitude,” just realize, he is saying that there were too many to count…

Kadoma, ZIMBABWE, 1st Night:

Our Crusade started tonight. A HUGE Crowd was in place. I came in straight to Kadoma, driving 2.5 hours from Harare Airport after flying in from Zambia. I asked my team-mate Sarah Weaver to preach tonight and then I would pray for the sick. Sarah is very soft-spoken, so I told her to “Preach like Schambach”. She did a great job. A huge multitude received Jesus. Many miracles…. several people had their deaf ears opened; a lady had a painful tumor in her breast that disappeared; a boy who could not use hands after suffering injuries as a result of a fall from a tree was healed; a lady who had great difficulties standing or moving ran and danced for joy….. What a Wonderful Savior we Serve! Hallelujah!

This is Harvest-time in Africa, and we are Thankful to the Lord for every opportunity that is given to us to proclaim this Glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Thank you for standing with us through you love, support and your prayers!

Christopher Alam