tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23939895144991477322024-02-19T09:09:22.112-08:00Direction DefinedPastor Darin Sargent from North Point Worship Center of Escondido, Ca.Pastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-5157691353716816332009-02-21T00:40:00.000-08:002009-02-21T00:43:24.329-08:00The i-LIMB in ActionBeen posting most of my stuff about the i-LIMB on my own blog that I created for it - <a href="http://theadventuresoftheilimb.wordpress.com">The Adventures of the i-LIMB</a> but I thought I would include one of my videos that many of you have been viewing and requesting.<br /><br />Here it is and thanks for all the comments and support. This has been quite an adventure.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QjXjtHR1b8o&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QjXjtHR1b8o&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Pastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-85051637815663978922009-02-19T14:35:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:41:38.814-08:00The Adventures of the i-LIMB<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OPInwJE9gwzJDgQkjNttCVQ5s2gplCRGSoel9pH9EugoGeHURsEwsv_PkWnaKYmdpoI9bzL7-7cLHJ8v32pqx-xmtyvSFSc-brlnqYTC6-fPhx71Sr34g6hnZAcLHtrmYtflN64wbwHo/s1600-h/2594766.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OPInwJE9gwzJDgQkjNttCVQ5s2gplCRGSoel9pH9EugoGeHURsEwsv_PkWnaKYmdpoI9bzL7-7cLHJ8v32pqx-xmtyvSFSc-brlnqYTC6-fPhx71Sr34g6hnZAcLHtrmYtflN64wbwHo/s200/2594766.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304641662731782370" /></a><br />It is official. I am now the proud owner of the i-LIMB. I have been journaling the experience at <a href="http://theadventuresoftheilimb.wordpress.com">The Adventures of the i-LIMB</a><br /><br />This has been a really cool adventure - check it out.<br /><br />Also make sure to check out my official <a href="http://blog.darinsargent.com">Darin Sargent blog</a>Pastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-41312227480448430482009-02-08T08:36:00.001-08:002009-02-08T08:36:47.594-08:00This is the dayToday begins a brand new day for the rest of your life. The potential and power for you to achieve your greatest dream is totally wrapped up in this day. It is all a matter of how you look at this day that God has given to you. You can approach it in one of two ways - with fear or with faith!<br /><br />Fear will lock you down and keep you sequestered in your past but faith steps beyond the barriers of yesterdays mistakes and into the promise of all God has in store. Others chose to see a giant in the story nestled within Israel's early history but David saw Goliath as an enemy that God could equip him to overcome.<br /><br />Everything depends on how you look at it. You can choose to see the odds as something you cannot overcome or you can choose to see the size of your God that promises to be on your side.<br /><br />I choose to believe that this is the day that the Lord has made - I will rejoice and be glad in it! My attitude determines my direction - I am going after it!<br /><br />Enjoy your day.<br /><br />ds<br /><br />check out my other blog @ http://blog.darinsargent.comPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-25653096309735062212009-02-05T09:05:00.001-08:002009-02-05T09:06:01.631-08:00OUR WORDSI sit once again in one of my favorite places in all of the world - Starbucks! It seems that either the caffeine or the atmosphere provide me with a perspective on things that help me write a little bit better. In any case I thought of something earlier today as I was dropping my daughter off at her Kindergarten class.<br /><br />As I was walking back to my car I overheard a young boy shout out to a girl, that he no doubt really has a crush on, and say to her - Miranda I can smell you from here! I about lost my Peanut Butter Capn Crunch!<br /><br />Though it was humorous it got me to thinking how impacting our words really are. I can remember being in school as a child and hearing the words that were spoken about my arm and the hurt that I felt. It is amazing how cruel people can actually be. <br /><br />The trouble with all of this is that it really never stops. I even received an email yesterday from someone who felt it in their best interest to cut me down throughout the email. And this person is a lot older than the 7 year old boy I heard this morning.<br /><br />Why do we find it necessary to destroy people with our words? What pleasure does one get in tearing someone down no matter how justified they feel they are in doing it? When you really think about it, isn't it just a little childish? <br /><br />How we speak to each other and how we even speak to ourselves holds such power. <br /><br />I am encouraged today to watch how I speak to others. You never know what impact you are making.<br /><br />Probably the reason we have been give 2 ears and only 1 mouth - listen before we speak.<br /><br />I'm out!<br /><br />DS<br /><br />PS - You can find this post and more at www.darinsargent.comPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-53186356171581587762009-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:002009-01-23T09:17:57.570-08:00Craving CommunityI am sitting in one of my favorite places outside of being home with my family - Starbucks! I know, I know, overpriced coffee and all that but I love the vibe of these places. I primarily go to Starbucks to get myself thinking outside the box of the four walls of my office. Each time I spend time in a coffee shop like this, I walk away with a new understanding of people. People are my business so I want to know all that I can about them.<br /><br />This morning as I sit here, I realized all over again how much people crave community. Every table except the one I am at and maybe one other has 2 or more people sitting at it. It comes back to the very beginning statement that God made concerning man - It is not good that man be alone. We need each other. <br /><br />This leads me to the belief that this is the church's greatest hour. If we truly are the church that we are called to be our places of worship should reflect that atmosphere of community. There is something about being connected to others, it makes the journey of life a lot more enjoyable.<br /><br />Sharing stories, encouraging one another, helping when there is a need - these are all a part of what community is all about. I am not interesting in living a life that is invisible! I want to reach out and connect with others, make a difference in their lives. <br /><br />Take today and recognize that there are people around you! You are not the only one living on this planet. I know for some that is going to be hard to fathom but it is true. Help someone today - invest something in someone else's life. You would be surprised what a difference you can make.<br /><br />Gotta roll - someone is asking for the empty chair at my table.<br /><br />DS<br /><br />ps. this is posted on my new blog <a href="http://blog.darinsargent.com">DS BLOG</a>Pastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-58697439744538111552008-12-09T18:47:00.000-08:002008-12-09T18:49:56.438-08:00New BlogHey everyone - just wanted to let you know about a new blog that I have put up that is linked to my personal web site. I will try my best to update both but I wanted to give you the address to the new one. Give me some feedback at what you think.<br /><br />God bless<br />DS<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.darinsargent.com">Darin Sargent Blog</a>Pastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-47333292126793462008-11-12T07:28:00.000-08:002008-11-12T07:29:09.363-08:00Still on the JourneyBeen a long time since I have written a post in my blog. It is not that I haven’t had anything to write, it has just been a very busy but introspective time in my life. Through this time in my life, I have realized a few things that I thought I would put down in this blog and get some of your feedback on.<br /><br />First of all - and this is not something new or profound but - life is really not all about the destination - IT IS ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY. Don’t get me wrong, where we end up is very vital, but if all we think about is the destination we can never learn from the journey we are on. We will spend our time focusing so much on the end result instead of being shaped by the process of the journey. It is in the journey that we find what we are truly made up of and how we are being shaped for where we will end up.<br /><br />Enjoy the journey - learn to live in the moment. Look around where you are and see what God is doing in the now. Get the vision of where He wants you to go but in your “going” pick up some tid bits of life and the lessons it brings along the way.<br /><br />Just some thoughts that have been on my mind. I’ll write some more on the journey.<br /><br />Still traveling<br /><br />DSPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-82509337967328856602008-09-28T09:06:00.000-07:002008-09-28T09:14:37.553-07:00Familiar SoundsI sit in my office on this Sunday morning hearing the familiar sounds of the praise team as they practice for our upcoming service. It is about 25 minutes till we will enter into the prayer room and there I will hear the familiar sounds of prayer as the saints of God began to call upon the Lord to help us in our services we are having today.<br /><br />Familiar sounds - sounds I have grown up with - sounds that I am accustomed to. I trust that today during our worship and during our prayer and in our altar, I will hear the sounds of a brand new babe in Christ call out to the Creator of all things. I want to hear the sound of the lost find their way, the sound of an addict receive deliverance, the sound of a blind man see for the first time, the sound of deaf ears being unstopped, the sound of the wounded and broken recognize that He is the restorer of life. <br /><br />These are the familiar sounds that I have come to love - sounds that I expect to hear each and every time we get together in the House of God. I trust that all over our nation and our world on this Sunday morning these will be the sounds we hear.<br /><br />Let it rip!!<br /><br />Pastor Darin SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-9697988482498445962008-09-23T07:51:00.001-07:002008-09-23T21:53:57.718-07:00God Gave Me the Gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWauS73KnkmBJIkvu61kNQt_8kzjC4TWEndOKGExJ-46JDw9kOQQnWS7-gWjrAL9Mf1fk4ud3JcATFfGxUkZcbM_NVZJwuiuBA35NPP7iXMVPdcNO8oYqAw-HRvlAfsKTmmp_eM5JLT6Zy/s1600-h/IMG_0347.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWauS73KnkmBJIkvu61kNQt_8kzjC4TWEndOKGExJ-46JDw9kOQQnWS7-gWjrAL9Mf1fk4ud3JcATFfGxUkZcbM_NVZJwuiuBA35NPP7iXMVPdcNO8oYqAw-HRvlAfsKTmmp_eM5JLT6Zy/s200/IMG_0347.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249229912573316194" /></a><br />Yesterday my 5 year old little girl Averie, helped me take out the trash. As we were heading back to the house I asked her if she wanted to race. As any good dad would do, I let her take the lead and acted as if I was not able to catch her. As we were running I shouted out to her - “Wow you are winning! How do you run so fast? ” Through gritted teeth and gasping breath she replied - GOD GAVE ME THE GIFT!!<br /><br /> I came into the house very amused as she confidently declared that the reason she was able to run so quickly was that God gave her the gift. I think that there is a lesson to learn in this story. How often do we go through life defeated by the obstacles that are in front of us, unsure if we can overcome challenges in our life. Maybe we ought to learn from a lesson from a 5 year old little girl who recognized that what she had, in her the ability to outpace her dad, was nothing short of a gift.<br /><br />Each of us have been gifted by God. We have been gifted to be overcomers. We have been gifted to live abundantly - with purpose and passion. To accept each day and the opportunities that come with that day as gifts from God. You have been gifted - gifted to make an impact and gifted to make a difference in the people that are around you. Take the challenge, recognize where your strength comes from and RUN - run the race that is set before you - take advantage of every moment you have been given because God gave you the gift to do so.<br /><br />Happy Running!!<br /><br />Darin Sargent<br />PS Visit me @ <a href="http://www.darinsargent.com">www.darinsargent.com</a>Pastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-20071509976299702862008-09-15T07:59:00.000-07:002008-09-15T08:19:19.921-07:00Blogs Blogs Blogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuBslxxyGMuFVoEIsApqzXYSWND0IDyVlCy_nbS22pPpiu-TaKXr4h6lo3GoHfuIVH3xBZIhBcqTmioqGSWTd8FZgINERj_oqI4vSwwoWRb012jdUiS0weDb0mOG0bHp4sGOfvr9oQk87/s1600-h/iStock_000007024522XSmall.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuBslxxyGMuFVoEIsApqzXYSWND0IDyVlCy_nbS22pPpiu-TaKXr4h6lo3GoHfuIVH3xBZIhBcqTmioqGSWTd8FZgINERj_oqI4vSwwoWRb012jdUiS0weDb0mOG0bHp4sGOfvr9oQk87/s200/iStock_000007024522XSmall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246267922317228226" /></a><br />Everyone is blogging! It is the thing to do and it is quite therapeutic (I think, let me ask my counselor LOL). No seriouly blogging is something that is enjoyable and allows others to connect with what your church, your ministry or your family is up to. I subscribe to several different blogs that are out there. I read some of them every morning and some once a week. It gives me some perspective on what is transpiring with others.<br /><br />I recently launched a brand new website that I would like you all to check out and give me some feedback on. On the website there is a link to my brand new blog. Please check that also and leave me some comments on what you think.<br /><br />The website is <a href="http://www.darinsargent.com">www.darinsargent.com</a> and the blog can be accessed through that site or you can go straight to <a href="http://blog.darinsargent.com">blog.darinsargent.com</a><br /><br />Give me some feedback and if you have a blog you want me to check out, let me know.<br />God bless<br />DSPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-66011540172511194522008-09-14T02:56:00.000-07:002008-09-14T02:58:09.483-07:00Justin JonesThe funeral that was scheduled for Justin Jones has been postponed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Please visit <a href="http://blog.npwconline.com">blog.npwconline.com</a> for more information on when the memorial service will be held.<br /><br />thank you<br />pastor darin sargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-57912678517596348032008-09-13T18:26:00.001-07:002008-09-13T18:28:35.959-07:00church blogplease go to blog.npwconline.com for updated information on the Justin Jones funeral. It will be updated as information comes in if possible. Thanks<br /><br />PastorPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-70877025838166229152008-09-10T10:21:00.001-07:002008-09-10T10:22:22.251-07:00Continue in PrayerPlease continue to be in prayer for the Jones family. They need the strength and peace of God during this difficult time. I will be in contact as more news comes to me. Thanks so much. May God bless each of you.<br /><br />Pastor SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-79556692332461103472008-09-07T08:48:00.000-07:002008-09-07T09:19:04.195-07:00It's Always A New DayI awoke this morning with a very simple thought trying to work its way through the pre-caffeinated fog of my brain. The thought was simply this - Today is a brand new day!! WOW!! Powerful!! I know you are falling over with such amazement at the depth of that revelation but allow me to expound just a bit.<br /><br />You see I cant do anything about yesterday! It is over, finished, done. But I do have the opportunity to do something with this day that I very much a part of right now. Some people spend their lives living with regrets about what they did yesterday. Our past can be so detrimental to the direction of our future. The key is to face each day as if it is your first day for the rest of your life. Face it with purpose, determination and focus. Face it with a clear understanding - This is the day that the Lord has made - I will rejoice and be glad in it.<br /><br />Enjoy your day<br /><br />Pastor Darin SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-54877464151649751052008-08-25T08:49:00.001-07:002008-08-25T09:04:08.057-07:00God never ceases to amaze!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10nExBzwEQL2MSnZNAyLOazNNvjSjc6FqIvGmLnTiiitJqsZHG4fdAOdMZoNACRwMGjVlohP2vi7KukL4WDaR3UgBRC6pBGZbDTB27_XS53mGVM_-fywlTWOJzK9dKpBAmswoPgmDDqpV/s1600-h/IMG_0371.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10nExBzwEQL2MSnZNAyLOazNNvjSjc6FqIvGmLnTiiitJqsZHG4fdAOdMZoNACRwMGjVlohP2vi7KukL4WDaR3UgBRC6pBGZbDTB27_XS53mGVM_-fywlTWOJzK9dKpBAmswoPgmDDqpV/s200/IMG_0371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238486507251266258" /></a><br />Another productive powerful day @ The Point this past Sunday. (for more info go to <a href="http://www.npwconline.com">www.npwconline.com</a>) It was jammed packed once again as God began to do an awesome work in both of our services.<br /><br />It was great to have my parents with us yesterday. My father spoke in our Navigate class and did an exceptional job. His topic was "You got to have a song." It was great to have them @ The Point and let them have the opportunity to see what God is doing. <br /><br />In our Sunday Morning Experience service the place was jammed from side to side and front to back. As we began to worship I was amazed at the people God is working in. Lives are being transformed. That is what this is all about. Letting the power of God work in someone's life. It has always been something that amazes me about God. His ability to turn an addict into an usher, a suicidal teenager into a worship leader, a homeless individual into a preacher!! I love it!<br /><br />As the preaching went forth about "Standing Faith" God began to do His thing once again. If you run out of things to pray - pray for The Point that God will give us His direction over the next few months. <br /><br />For His Cause,<br /><br />Pastor Darin SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-56610232069410398932008-08-12T08:33:00.000-07:002008-08-12T08:43:43.927-07:00Enjoyed the time but glad to be home!Last week we attended the final camp meeting for the state of California and Nevada. It was a combined camp for the Western District and the newly formed So Cal District. I must say that this was one the best camps I have attended in many years. Every service had a powerful touch from God upon it and we saw many receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and many others receive miracles in their lives.<br /><br />I am thankful for these times when the people of God can get together. There is nothing better than fellowship and enjoying friends that you only get to see a couple of times a year. Having friends that are of like mind and like faith is important in this journey. We are all busy - that is life! And to have those moments in your life where you can worship, pray and have fun with fellow ministers and families makes the busy times of life worth going through.<br /><br />I thank God for the fellowship! I thank God for friends that will pray and seek God with me for the things that I am facing in my life and ministry.<br /><br />Many say that camps are the things of the past - Bologna - They are a part of who we are and they need to continue! They are a source of encouragement, strength, friendships, and fellowship. This is just my 2 cents on the matter. <br /><br />I thank God for these moments in my life.<br /><br />Enjoying the journey,<br /><br />Darin SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-61026989489159055782008-07-30T07:53:00.000-07:002008-07-30T09:02:35.114-07:00I Hope He Will Never Forget<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_rTZvJjjwPdOfg2i43vzBgilynwbXIHf7QXaTm6bIipcSxWLnIv7tGxB2_NS0z6GH-_lg-DP-HQUhfGJTzecz9TyGHLke_GR1Dg3ByCUCgpcg7JztLt_5mhyAPCooTHz32k_Jr-mwXOp/s1600-h/IMG_0338.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_rTZvJjjwPdOfg2i43vzBgilynwbXIHf7QXaTm6bIipcSxWLnIv7tGxB2_NS0z6GH-_lg-DP-HQUhfGJTzecz9TyGHLke_GR1Dg3ByCUCgpcg7JztLt_5mhyAPCooTHz32k_Jr-mwXOp/s200/IMG_0338.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228838135344960002" /></a><br />Yesterday, July 29th, was my son Carson's 12th birthday. I am blessed to have such a great young man to call a son. I wanted to do something special for him, something that he would never forget. To be honest with you this was a tough one for me. I am a big sap when it comes to my kids and milestones in their life.<br /><br />I decided to take him to Ruth's Chris steakhouse along with his Youth Pastor, David McGovern and our Children's Pastor Mike Gonzales. I read a letter that I had written to Carson then I had each of them speak to my son and it was incredible. I was a wreck emotionally as these two anointed men spoke into my sons life. <br /><br />I know that this will be a moment that Carson will never forget. The impact that this evening had in his life will forever be etched in his mind and mine. Children are a gift from God. I am thankful God gave me such a great gift.<br /><br />A proud dad,<br /><br />Darin SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-70108398262622509692008-07-27T09:07:00.000-07:002008-07-27T09:13:42.500-07:00Sunday Morning ThoughtsI am sitting in my office on this Sunday morning so desperate for God to rattle the cages so to speak. I once heard a statement - I'm hungry for an outpour and I am desperate for a downpour! That is my feelings this morning. God has done so many remarkable things for his people here at The Point. It is amazing to see His hand at work in the lives of families and individuals. Yet there is something in me that is not quite satisfied.<br /><br />I want everything that God has in store for us as His people. The power, the anointing, the glory of His presence are things that I am so hungry and desperate for. Show us your glory Lord is my prayer on this Sunday morning. Rain down on us and shower us with what you have for us and most of all CHANGE US GOD!!<br /><br />Just some thoughts<br /><br />Pastor SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-35625422078305379092008-07-18T08:07:00.000-07:002008-07-18T08:24:12.841-07:00I really am trying!!I am trying to be a better blogger. I think that I get writers block sometimes and cannot seem to figure out what to write. But I am trying and that should count for something! It reminds me of what I read this morning in the Book of Romans. Paul seems to be having the same issues - not about writing but about life. <br /><br />He goes on in Chapter 6 how grace is not a license to sin but it is an overcoming force to help you not sin. He makes statements like - "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" God forbid!! Grace is not given for you and I to freely continue to sin, it is given so that we may have power over sin - "how shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"<br /><br />He discusses this subject for a few verses then in Chapter 7 he begins to discuss the struggle against sin that humanity faces. He opens up a segment of his life for all to see and reveals that - I really am trying to do right, but I find that it is difficult at times. In my mind I know the right thing to do but in my body I do not do it. <br /><br />Wow what an insight - we all will constantly struggle against the flesh - it is part of human nature. But God gives us the victory through the power of the Spirit. Keep your head up, your knees in the altar, your eyes fixed on Jesus, and your heart open to his way and He will give you the power to overcome.<br /><br />Just some thoughts - not sure they make sense - but hey I am trying!!<br />Have a great day<br /><br />Pastor Darin SargentPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-68071591770479392052008-06-28T08:25:00.001-07:002008-06-28T08:34:53.872-07:00Jr. Camp Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GGMwlptFUperJVrQVouUY6K6GZ84tQdS9EI9djHjH7rFafFD8ZrntSsUGSYEYVpqWUqqu5exbOwCnuF6WEwA7Z2SgYYlo6za4MJ6aAfO4oP2Ke5bji1XFwY2_q_N3iMyPy61aJQoaSto/s1600-h/IMG_0249.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GGMwlptFUperJVrQVouUY6K6GZ84tQdS9EI9djHjH7rFafFD8ZrntSsUGSYEYVpqWUqqu5exbOwCnuF6WEwA7Z2SgYYlo6za4MJ6aAfO4oP2Ke5bji1XFwY2_q_N3iMyPy61aJQoaSto/s200/IMG_0249.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216956204826673986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTIB9pp7bA4D93zsSi1NaDA_mLD88C_iYenjepBW3BckrB6ZGWJTxF-GtyJnBZ9v270G-vmY5Gd4lw4sYt_n-HBQljX964VpuUr-Hzoy4MC3yrUY1L6FaGa3U9XVd9l0lEwc1bJvmZh4W/s1600-h/IMG_0264.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTIB9pp7bA4D93zsSi1NaDA_mLD88C_iYenjepBW3BckrB6ZGWJTxF-GtyJnBZ9v270G-vmY5Gd4lw4sYt_n-HBQljX964VpuUr-Hzoy4MC3yrUY1L6FaGa3U9XVd9l0lEwc1bJvmZh4W/s200/IMG_0264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216953995677564210" /></a><br /><br /><br />I just returned from the So Cal District Jr. Camp and wow what a time. I stand amazed at how God pours out His Spirit at these camps. Close to 50 kids received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. It was awesome.<br /><br />On the last night I stood in the altar and watched as over 200 kids were dancing, lost in the spirit, receiving victory and just enjoying the presence of the Lord. It got me to thinking. There is nothing like the experience of the Holy Ghost. I was raised on this experience. You cannot tell me it is not real.<br /><br />In the culture and society in which we live - we need the power of the Holy Ghost like never before. It transforms lives. I am so thankful that what I experienced at camps as a kid is still being experienced today.<br /><br />Thank God for dedicated men and women that take the time to see that the kids of this generation can experience the power of the Spirit of God at work in their lives.<br /><br />I'll write more later.<br />Enjoying the experience!!<br /><br />DSPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-89364732589859584102008-06-12T14:57:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:05:26.231-07:00Even On VacationWell my family and I have been on vacation for close to two weeks now and we will be heading home in the next couple of days. It has been a great time of rest, relaxation and hysterical fun. My kids are hilarious. We have laughed and enjoyed the much needed time that we have had together as a family. But even in the midst of the frivolity it seems that God has a way of speaking to you.<br /><br />As a pastor it is so great to have the time off and recoup. As I awoke this morning I felt that familiar pull to spend some time with my Maker. Vacations are fun and needed but there is nothing like being in His presence. I left the time together refreshed in my spirit.<br /><br />I am going to enjoy the next few final days of my vacation but I am so excited for the weekend back in the pulpit of the church i have been called to pastor.<br /><br />Hope to have more to write later.<br /><br />On vacation and not answering many phone calls!!<br /><br />dsPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-74051510397620256252008-05-13T08:59:00.000-07:002008-05-13T09:12:57.143-07:00God Always Has A WayI awoke with a simple but profound thought - God always has a way!! When Jesus proclaimed that He was THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE it was settled that no matter what you face in life HE IS THE WAY. Though Christ was primarily referring to Salvation, I think it is safe to say that HE IS THE WAY through the many situations that we find ourselves in in our lives. <br /><br />A couple of months ago I drove to the LA area to have my taxes done. I use a company that specializes in doing taxes for clergy members. As I walked into their offices and walked back to the office of my accountant that I barely know, he began to read my mail!! I was completely blown away - I went to get my taxes done and ended up weeping as my accountant began to speak a word into my life. <br /><br />Now you have to understand something, my accountant is not on my speed dial list. He is not in my favorites on my iPhone, he is just an individual that the IRS requires me to see at the most once a year. When I stepped into his office he said, "I have been waiting for you to get here! The Lord spoke to me to tell you...." And for 20 minutes he began to tell me things that he had no idea were going on in my life or the life of the church that I pastor.<br /><br />Now I will be honest - As for as I know this man isn't "one of us" - You know a Pentecostal!! I know - some of you just stopped reading because - if you were like me at this moment, you thought - how could God speak through someone that may not be just like I am???? <br /><br />This man spoke some things into my life in areas that only my wife and I had spoken about. Things in our hearts for the church we pastor, things for our personal lives and ministry - I began to weep as I thought - God you know exactly what I need when I need it. <br /><br />I left knowing I was getting a refund but more importantly realizing GOD WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY. <br /><br />If we are willing to listen I believe that God can speak to us in a variety of ways, outside the four walls of church!! I know I pushing the edge here for some of you but think about it - Balaam was given the word of God through a DONKEY!! Now dont get me wrong - I am not calling my accountant a donkey - (dude I got a refund, he is not a donkey) - I am just trying to get us to understand that God will do whatever He needs to do to speak to us and give us direction in our lives.<br /><br />I trust that we will slow down long enough to hear Him talking to us in moments we might miss if we are not careful. <br /><br />Enjoy your week and go see your accountant!!<br /><br />DSPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-31909547259857840492008-05-01T07:40:00.001-07:002008-05-01T07:45:53.552-07:00I WILL BE BACKTo all of you who have been emailing wondering if I was stepping out of the Blog world - I will be back!! Just taking some time to focus on other things right now - reading, writing, arithmetic LOL No seriously, I have been meaning to jot some things down but have just been extremely busy with everything going on. <br /><br />Each stage of life provides new challenges that must be conquered to step into the next arena. I have been challenged as of late to tackle the stage of life we are in as a church and see what God has for us in the next phase. It is exciting and frightening at the same time. Faith always requires trust - seeing beyond what is to what could be. <br /><br />But I will write more of that later. Stay tuned - I will be back<br /><br />DSPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-75434927180012041892008-04-04T09:03:00.000-07:002008-04-04T09:10:44.384-07:00Busy TimeWell it has been over a week since I last posted on my blog. Things have been insanely busy. Sometimes you have to stop and re-prioritize life because it will get away from you if you are not careful. Life pushes us in so many directions sometimes we feel like we are standing at a New York City intersection trying to figure out which way we need to go next.<br /><br />There is a scripture that I think about on these crazy occasions - BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.... All of us have got to learn to just stop long enough to know that there is a God that invites us into a closer fellowship with him. In the middle of the madness take time to BE STILL - <br /><br />I just finished one of my classes back in PA and part of the post session assignment is to take a day without any electronic communication devices and untangle myself from society. The only thing I am allowed to take with me is my bible a pen and a notebook. A complete day with no email, cell phone or internet - WHAT AM I GOING TO DO? LOL <br /><br />To be honest with you - I cant wait to go on this one day journey into silence. It may become a weekly event in my life. I am convinced God wants to speak to us on a more consistent basis but we are so bombarded by the voices of our culture continually that it is hard to hear what He is saying.<br /><br />Trying to get untangled,<br /><br /><br />Darin SPastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2393989514499147732.post-49482956278052261222008-03-27T06:52:00.000-07:002008-03-27T07:00:45.541-07:00Four Days In<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG5e2dEjJYcWvotQV41hzlgU8sS9LTTOGM3fffKqF6CWRRE5H3P2TopMN4Tsn2cOALaaatc8LBxBmKiOk7LYgJiiDKmoJqVPX5vWwi0iTmGKWzqMdECLx092WQydpIzosWcdqoepw-mPx/s1600-h/100_0007.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG5e2dEjJYcWvotQV41hzlgU8sS9LTTOGM3fffKqF6CWRRE5H3P2TopMN4Tsn2cOALaaatc8LBxBmKiOk7LYgJiiDKmoJqVPX5vWwi0iTmGKWzqMdECLx092WQydpIzosWcdqoepw-mPx/s200/100_0007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182420803104267442" /></a><br />Well I am into the fourth day of a class that I am taking here in Valley Forge, PA. The class is entitled "The Spiritual Formation of the Minister" It has been a great class and I am being stretched in my learning. It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks - LOL It has been challenging but good. I will post more comments and pics when I can.<br /><br />I'm Out!!<br />Darin S.Pastor Darin Sargenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543070574892918665noreply@blogger.com2