Direction Defined

The i-LIMB in Action

2009-02-21T00:40:00.000-08:00

Been posting most of my stuff about the i-LIMB on my own blog that I created for it - The Adventures of the i-LIMB but I thought I would include one of my videos that many of you have been viewing and requesting.

Here it is and thanks for all the comments and support. This has been quite an adventure.

The Adventures of the i-LIMB

2009-02-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

It is official. I am now the proud owner of the i-LIMB. I have been journaling the experience at The Adventures of the i-LIMB

This has been a really cool adventure - check it out.

Also make sure to check out my official Darin Sargent blog

This is the day

2009-02-08T08:36:00.001-08:00

Today 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!

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.

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.

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!

Enjoy your day.

ds

check out my other blog @ http://blog.darinsargent.com

OUR WORDS

2009-02-05T09:05:00.001-08:00

I 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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

How we speak to each other and how we even speak to ourselves holds such power.

I am encouraged today to watch how I speak to others. You never know what impact you are making.

Probably the reason we have been give 2 ears and only 1 mouth - listen before we speak.

I'm out!

DS

PS - You can find this post and more at www.darinsargent.com

Craving Community

2009-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

I 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gotta roll - someone is asking for the empty chair at my table.

DS

ps. this is posted on my new blog DS BLOG

New Blog

2008-12-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hey 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.

God bless
DS

Darin Sargent Blog

Still on the Journey

2008-11-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Been 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.

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.

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.

Just some thoughts that have been on my mind. I’ll write some more on the journey.

Still traveling

DS

Familiar Sounds

2008-09-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

I 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.

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.

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.

Let it rip!!

Pastor Darin Sargent

God Gave Me the Gift

2008-09-23T07:51:00.001-07:00

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!!

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.

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.

Happy Running!!

Darin Sargent
PS Visit me @ www.darinsargent.com

Blogs Blogs Blogs

2008-09-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

The website is www.darinsargent.com and the blog can be accessed through that site or you can go straight to blog.darinsargent.com

Give me some feedback and if you have a blog you want me to check out, let me know.
God bless
DS

Justin Jones

2008-09-14T02:56:00.000-07:00

The funeral that was scheduled for Justin Jones has been postponed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Please visit blog.npwconline.com for more information on when the memorial service will be held.

thank you
pastor darin sargent

church blog

2008-09-13T18:26:00.001-07:00

please go to blog.npwconline.com for updated information on the Justin Jones funeral. It will be updated as information comes in if possible. Thanks

Pastor

Continue in Prayer

2008-09-10T10:21:00.001-07:00

Please 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.

Pastor Sargent

It's Always A New Day

2008-09-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

I 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.

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.

Enjoy your day

Pastor Darin Sargent

God never ceases to amaze!!

2008-08-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

Another productive powerful day @ The Point this past Sunday. (for more info go to www.npwconline.com) It was jammed packed once again as God began to do an awesome work in both of our services.

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.

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!

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.

For His Cause,

Pastor Darin Sargent

Enjoyed the time but glad to be home!

2008-08-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

I thank God for these moments in my life.

Enjoying the journey,

Darin Sargent

I Hope He Will Never Forget

2008-07-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

A proud dad,

Darin Sargent

Sunday Morning Thoughts

2008-07-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

I 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.

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!!

Just some thoughts

Pastor Sargent

I really am trying!!

2008-07-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

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.

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?"

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.

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.

Just some thoughts - not sure they make sense - but hey I am trying!!
Have a great day

Pastor Darin Sargent

Jr. Camp Update

2008-06-28T08:25:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

I'll write more later.
Enjoying the experience!!

DS

Even On Vacation

2008-06-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well 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.

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.

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.

Hope to have more to write later.

On vacation and not answering many phone calls!!

ds

God Always Has A Way

2008-05-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

I 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.

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.

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.

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????

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.

I left knowing I was getting a refund but more importantly realizing GOD WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY.

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.

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.

Enjoy your week and go see your accountant!!

DS

I WILL BE BACK

2008-05-01T07:40:00.001-07:00

To 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.

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.

But I will write more of that later. Stay tuned - I will be back

DS

Busy Time

2008-04-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well 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.

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 -

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

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.

Trying to get untangled,

Darin S

Four Days In

2008-03-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

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.

I'm Out!!
Darin S.

What A Difference One Day Can Make

2008-03-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

What must it have been like that morning that Jesus conquered this thing called death? It is hard to imagine what must of raced through the minds of the disciples and those that viewed an empty tomb. It is amazing to me what difference one day can make. One day all those that had placed their trust in Christ are mourning - the next day - celebration! What a difference one day can make. One day hell is throwing a party - the next day - their keys are taken from them. What a difference one day can make.

I am so thankful for this season of celebrating the Death, Burial and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I hope today will be that one day that will make a difference in someone's life.

Happy Resurrection Morning
DS

Early Morning Sounds

2008-03-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

I love the mornings!! For the most part, I am an early riser. There is nothing quite like that early morning feeling, that feeling that comes when the sun is peeking over the horizon, that feeling that comes when birds start their chirping - you know that before 5:30 AM feeling. I find myself in my office at home, just returned from the church and drinking my cup of joe and I start to hear the shuffling of feet and the creak of my kids beds as they start to rise for their day. Our little one is the first to rise (as always) and she comes bouncing down the stair with a big GOOD MORNING DADDY - she loves life and I am glad she does. Sure makes my life a little easier.

As I think about all this I can't help but think that God must love mornings also. The Bible says that EACH MORNING HIS MERCIES ARE NEW!! Wow!! In a world like ours that has so many limits it is hard for us to imagine that there is a God that never runs out of mercy - each and every morning His mercies start all over again. In a world that is defined by time we serve a God that never worries about the clock, you never find him stressed out over situations, He is never deterred by circumstances - each day is a brand new day for Him to do something great in our lives.

Well I better stop for now - I need a second cup!!

Enjoying the morning -
DS

this is the view I get to wake up to every morning!! awesome!!

Cornerstone Rocks!!

2008-03-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege at the end of our trip in Washington last week, to drive over to Spokane to preach for a long time friend, Rick Mayo. 14 years ago Bro. & Sis. Mayo went to Spokane and started a church from nothing and today they are running well over 200 people. It was great to be back at Cornerstone and see what God is doing there. It is amazing what Preaching can do!! Bro. Mayo has raised up a church through the power of preaching the Word of God. I was impressed with the number of young people and young couples so excited about revival and what God is doing there at Cornerstone.

I began preaching for Cornerstone over 10 years ago and have seen them in every phase of the church. From the storefront to the building that they are too large for now, Bro. Mayo enthusiastically showed me the plans for the next step that Cornerstone is taking - building a new facility on property they own off the interstate!! I have watched God raise up a powerfully Apostolic church in the heart of Spokane Valley. It was such a delight to be with them and to experience what God is doing. Here are some pictures of the service. God bless!!

Heritage

2008-03-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

Having the opportunity to be in Washington this past week, gave me the chance to go see my Grandmother Sargent who will be 94 in just a few weeks. I took Carson with me and it was an awesome time. She told us about her experience in receiving the Holy Ghost many years ago. It was incredible to hear her tell how real the Holy Ghost still is and how much she needs it in her life - SHE IS ALMOST 94 - WOW!!

I had her lay hands on Carson before we left and the power of God came down in her apartment as she began to pray and prophesy over my son. I will never forget those few hours we spent together last Friday with one of my heroes in life. I have been given such an awesome heritage and I want to pass it down to my children.

This Present World

2008-03-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with this thought on my mind for today. The Bible says that Paul was forsaken by Demas because Demas loved this PRESENT world. The thought grabbed me this morning that Demas was so in love with what IS whereas Paul was in love with what IS TO COME!

Can we become so enamored with the present, the tangible, the same o same o that we neglect to live our lives for what is to come? Are we so comfortable in the present that we refuse to step into the future because we have grown accustomed to our surroundings, afraid to venture beyond here - afraid to commit to the unseen beyond.

Everything in God's economy is measured by two things - FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. The Word of God says that obedience is better than sacrifice and it says of faith that without it - we are unable to please God - two non tangible things that are required to venture beyond where we currently are to where God is instructing us to go.

Abraham BELIEVED GOD and it was counted unto him for righteousness - HE simply BELIEVED God was taking him beyond the here and now, even though he couldn't see it, to the place of promise for his life.

I want to believe and I want to obey whatever it is God is asking of me. That is the only way we will ever get a glimpse of the unseen future!

Just a thought,

DS

THANK YOU WASHINGTON!!

2008-03-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

I want to say thanks to the leadership of the youth department of the WA District. You guys and gals - did an excellent job putting on a great youth convention. To all the young people - thank you so much for responding the way you did, flowing in the spirit, and allowing God to challenge you for the future. I believe in each of you and I look forward to hearing some great reports coming out of this group.

Thanks for your kindness and hospitality. I will forever be impacted by what we experienced together in the realms of glory. Let God continue to use and guide your lives.

For Young People,

Darin S.

Washington Youth Convention First Night

2008-03-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Wow! God is good. We had an awesome service last night and I am thankful for what God did on the very first night. I have included a short video to show you the altar time of the service. Some great kids up here hungry for God to work in their lives. Stay tuned.

On Our Way

2008-03-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

Carson and I are on our way to Washington to preach the Wa Dist. Youth Convention and this is what we look like having to get up at 4:45am. Stay tuned for updates throughout the week and a report of all that God is going to do this week.

God bless

DS & CS

What's On Your Mind?

2008-03-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

I have recently been intrigued by the portion of scripture that says "Let this mind be in you as it was in Christ Jesus." It is clear by looking into God's Word that it is His divine desire that we have The Mind of Christ.

What does it mean to have His mind? Paul talked about this in Romans when he mentioned that in order for us to remain unconformed from this world we must allow ourselves to be transormed BY THE RENEWING OF OUR MINDS!

There is such a battle in the generation that you and I are a part of to keep our minds unfettered. Daily there are countless darts thrown that distract us from what our main purpose is - To have the mind of Christ.

I want my mind to be what God wants it to be. In a time where there are so many distractions, take time to renew your mind. Take time to ask God to give you His mind for the things you are dealing with daily. Paul seems to tie in with the fact that if we renew our minds and allow the transforming power of God's spirit, we will have the ability to determine the will of God for our lives.

Now that is what I want on my mind!

Changes

2008-02-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Change is good! I never said it was easy I just said it is good. I am often amazed how people respond to change. That sort of change that attacks the status quo, change that ruffles the feathers of life and challenges you to dig a little deeper in your relationship with God. I have watched people resist change and I have many times wondered why. The benefit that change brings into ones life is usually much better than the rut they were in.

But suffice it to say change is hard. We grow comfortable where we are. We like the familiar, we take comfort in the same surroundings and when God comes along and says - Can I take you higher? We often dismiss the voice because it requires us to leave where we are to where He wants us to be.

In my life, I do not want to be resistant to change. I want to grow, I want to become, I want to prosper in my relationship with God and with others so I must learn to adapt to the moving of the Spirit. I must remember that God is not a MONUMENT - HE IS A MOVEMENT! He has been moving since the beginning of time as we know it.

Genesis describes that "The Spirit of the Lord MOVED upon the face of the deep." When God gets to moving and working things start to change - things that had no shape begin to be shaped. He brings light into dark situations. Oh what change can do!

The eagle is majestic. Watching an eagle fly is something that is awe inspiring to me. But that eagle did not always fly like that. There was a day that that eagle was just an eaglet in the comfort of the nest till Mama eagle decided to make the nest a little uncomfortable. Uncomfortable to the point that the baby eagle makes his way to the edge only to be pushed over the edge by the mother eagle. Sounds cruel but it is the only way that little eaglet is going to learn to fly.

I guess there are times God has to make things uncomfortable in our lives to teach us how to fly. Well these are just my thoughts this morning. God bless!!

Order Yours Today

2008-02-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

Well the wait is finally over. You can order the Special Edition Pre-Release DVD of Clergy Comedy now. Go to www.clergycomedy.com for yours!

Thanks for all the support that we are receiving across the nation. To every one of you that have emailed and already ordered your copy we say THANKS - THUMB UP!!

Hope you laugh so hard your stomach hurts the day after watching it!!

God bless

Getting Closer!

2008-02-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

Clergy Comedy is becoming quite a ride. Kelly V and myself recently met in Los Angeles with our editing team to put the finishing touches on the project. It is causing some stir which is exciting. We are receiving a lot of hits on our website, blogs and emails in anticipation of when this project will be released. To order your copy go to www.clergycomedy.com

With all that said I have been asking God that He would use this approach to His glory. Something like this is different than anything else I have ever been a part of and I want to make sure that we are doing the right thing. I guess sometimes you just walk through doors that open and pray that God will give you the courage to make the right decisions. I know we are living in a world that is hurting, a world that needs some thing to lift them up above the pain of life. Maybe this will be an inroad into lives like that, an opportunity to share the gospel with people that may not darken the doors of a church right away.

I would ask each of you that read this blog today that you would pray for Kelly and myself. Pray that God would lead us and give us the direction for this endeavor. There is a fear within me that this will not be perceived in the right light, that some will think it is stupid or uncalled for. I guess that we will do our best to follow God and submit ourselves to the right authorities in our life for counsel and guidance.

Thanks to each of you for your excitement, encourageing words and emails. I promise that you will enjoy what you see - PRETTY FUNNY STUFF!!

THUMB UP!!

DS

The Challenge of Crossing Over

2008-02-06T16:38:00.001-08:00

Sunday NPWC had one of those services. The kind of service that people do not want to leave. It has been that way the last few months and I am so excited about what is going on @ "The Point." But every victory comes at some expense. The battles that many are facing and our church is facing have been difficult. There is always a challenge in crossing over and it has to be that way. You will never appreciate the beauty of what lies beyond unless you have to work for it.

I remember when I was 14 years old. I wanted a Mongoose Californian BMX bike. I wanted it bad! I remember going by the bike shop and drooling over that chrome BMX dream machine. The jumps I could do, the trails I could ride, the races I could win - they were all wrapped up in that bike with the white tires. We lived in Idaho and money wasn't something that grew on trees for the Sargent family so if I wanted that bike I needed to work for it. I saved up my money, money that I made working in the farmers fields near our house - pulling cockleburs. We would get up early and head out and believe me it was not fun. What 13-14 year old boy wants to spend his summer mornings walking through the rows of beans pulling weeds to make a couple of bucks an hour. But what used to keep me motivated is that I kept a picture of that bike in my wallet. I had cut it out of a newspaper and stuffed it between the empty pieces of my velcro (cool velcro checkered money carrier by the way) wallet.

I finally saved up the money I needed and I got that bike and boy was it sweet. The work it took to get there was worth it because I had what I spent many days dreaming about.

What are you dreaming about? Has life and the struggle dimmed the view of what could be on the other side of what you are dealing with? Has the challenge grown larger than the crown? I think from time to time we all need to recognize that the harder it is in getting over the greater it will be in receiving what is over there. Sometimes you have to put a picture in your wallet so to speak, and look at it every once in a while. This is why I am enduring the hardship, this is why I am wrestling through the things of life.

May your challenges prepare you for your crowns!

Darin Sargent

CLERGY COMEDY IS ALMOST HERE

2008-01-24T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything up on our blog. There has been so much going on it is hard to keep up with it all. Many of you know that Bro. Kelly Ventura and I did a live comedy event that will be out on DVD soon. This was a blast and we are excited about the project coming out sometime in the next couple of weeks. Until then you can check us out on youtube under clergy comedy. I have included some of the clips from the live event that we currently have up on youtube. There is still a lot of work that is going into this project but we trust that it will be worth it all when it is finished. Give us your feedback and let us know what you think. Hope you enjoy.

A Compelling Message

2007-11-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

I recently pulled one of my many bibles down from one of the shelves in my office and came across something I had written in the back. I do not remember when I put this in there but it stirred me once again as I read the words of this famous quote from Sir Francis Drake written in 1577:

Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Enough Said!!

DS

Anticipation!!

2007-10-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday morning! I always wake up early anticipating what is going to happen today. I know God doesn't just work on Sunday's, but for a pastor Sunday is a day of expectation. I know God works everyday of the week but I really look forward to when the doors of the church start swinging open and people from all walks of life start pouring in. The needs, the desire, the hearts yearning for a change, make my faith reach up to heaven believing that there is a God that is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Since I was kid Sunday has always been a special day.

I hope you wake up today with more than sleep in your eyes. I hope you wake up today with a faith filled anticipation - THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE!! Let's see what can happen.

May all your days be SUNDAYS!
DS

So thankful

2007-10-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

I woke up earlier than I wanted to this morning. It was the first night in my own bed this week due to the fires around us. The first thought on my brain was how thankful I am for God's hand of protection upon our family and the Escondido church family. We are so blessed. One of our newest members of the church lives in Rancho Bernardo where a lot of the damage has been caused by the fires. I spoke with him yesterday, knowing he had to evacuate and asked how things were. He told me that the house behind him and the house beside him was destroyed but his place remains standing. Our prayers continue to go out to the many that are hurting during this time. If you read this I would ask you to pray for us that we will have God's direction in reaching out to our community during this time.

Thankful that I know HIM!

DS

First day of fire

2007-10-25T21:23:00.001-07:00

I have posted some pictures of the fire in our area. I will post as many as I can for you to look at. God is good.

We are back in our home

2007-10-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

What a wild week. God kept his hand on the Sargent family and the NPWC church family. We are thankful that our home was not destroyed and that no one in our church experienced any loss of property. Below is the footage taken on Monday, the day we had to evacuate, and the days following. We are now back in our home and are thankful for that. No one in our neighborhood experienced any damage that we know of even though the fire came right up to our subdivision. Please continue to pray for many that have experienced the tragedy that this fire has caused.

Where Did the Summer Go?

2007-10-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? My last post to this blog talked about the first day of Summer and all that Summer brings to us and now here I am sitting in my kitchen on the 3rd day of October wondering how in the world I missed most of this great season. I vaguely remember kids being out of school wanting to dive in the pool the minute they woke up (at 6 am). I kind of remember the vacation we went on and the fun we had. It all happened so fast I feel like I missed it.

At this stage of my life, long gone are those days where it seemed would never end. Life happens and if we are not careful it will be here and be gone before we know it. I guess what I really am trying to say is - Dont let life pass you by without enjoying the things that have been placed in your life - take time to enjoy a sunset - take time to laugh with your kids - take time to remember why you were placed on this earth. Stop long enough to breath in and be reminded of the goodness that God gives to each of us.

I dont want to be 99 years old and wonder what I have done with my life. I want to seize every moment like it was my very last and live to the fullest of the potential that God has placed within me - I want to have an impact on my generation, my friends, my neighbors, my family and my church.

I refuse to let life pass me by and look back one day and say where did it go? I read a book one time that challenged me, it was called CARPE MANANA - seize tomorrow - Makes sense to me! Lets do it - lets live for today with tomorrow in our grasp.

For more summers (and falls, winters, and springs) filled with fun and ice cream,

DS

Those Summer Days and Nights

2007-06-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well the first day of summer has arrived - it is official! Summer is here. Summer always brings those nostaligic feelings of days gone by. As kids we use to get up early, run outside and stay there till it seemed the sun would drop out of the sky. What memories!

For a lot of people living in yesterday is a way of life. All they do is think of what has happened and they live in the past and still react to life based on those experiences. You must remember "there is no future in the past." I am thankful for all those experiences - they brought me to where I am today but I cant live my life thinking about all that. The Apostle Paul said that he had to forget those things that were behind him and he had to move forward so to speak. Pretty good stuff.

I have to face TODAY. I have to live in the NOW. I cant spend my time worrying about what could of been or "if only...." Life is full of things to work on right now. Jesus said HE promised to bring ABUNDANT LIFE! I think that is something I can have for today. So enjoy your summer but be ready for your TOMORROW - It is going to be good!

Have a great summer

Pastor Sargent

God, Help me to make a difference!

2007-06-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

I want to make an impact. I will just be honest and tell you - I want my life to count! I heard it said one time that if you want to make an impact you have to be committed to the collision. I want to make a difference in the life of my children. I want to make a difference in the people I meet on an ordinary day around town. I want to make a difference in the life of the people that God has blessed me to pastor.

It is so easy to live life and never understand that you were created for so much more than just existing. I want to show others that there is a better way to fulfill the purpose of life God has given to each one of us. So I awoke this morning with all this running through my brain (as small as it is) and I just wonder if I am living my life in such a way that others are impacted.

I definitely do not want to get to the other end of my life and realize then that I just lived never really "Living." Jesus said that He came to give ABUNDANT LIFE! That sounds pretty good but I fear sometimes we get used to "life" and do not really go after the abundance Jesus spoke of. I want to stand out in a crowd! I want to speak in a way that brings people closer to the things of God and God himself. I dont want to just float through life because that is what others are doing. I want my kids to see I believe in God and I believe in His word and that it is what we do for Christ that will last. I dont know, maybe I am not making sense but I have tasted of the good things to come and I cant settle for normalcy, lets just get by, why rock the boat mentality. I want to LIVE and I want God to LIVE in me and I want to make a difference. Thanks for reading if you get this far.
DS

When Tragedy Strikes

2007-04-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

I sit here in the early morning hours of this Sunday contemplating a week of tragedy that has shaken our nation. I prayed for the families of those that were effected by the Virginia massacre and couldnt help but feel helpless as I sit here miles away from the event.

Once again our nation is asking the questions of why. Why did this happen? Why would God allow this to go on? Questions that could be asked for days but are difficult to answer. I think the question of "why does evil exist" should be left for another time and our focus needs to be on the fact that during these times there is a God that is there for the hurting. Evil is everywhere we turn but there is a God that does work in miraculous ways in the aftermath of destruction.

I once read a book entitled "God works the night shift" and how true that is. When it seems that everything that could go wrong does - God is able to turn it for good. We often look at what is and have a difficult time seeing anything good come out of it but God has proven time and time again that joy can come in the morning.

If you are reading this and in your heart there are questions and you are hurting - I want to reassure you that God is close. He is not some religious icon - He is alive and He is real! All you have to do is call out to Him and He will be there.

May God bless you!

Pastor D. Sargent

IS SILENCE GOLDEN?

2007-03-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Does this color look good on me? Do I look pudgy in this outfit? Ok lets be honest guys, when your wife throws you these questions there really is no good answer. You really dont come out of the conversation with any brownie points if you try to answer. Silence is golden at these moments.

Can you imagine if God were like some of us? Can you imagine if God was silent when you had a question that wasn't the most eloquent? What if God never responded when you said things like - Why do I fail so often? I am such a loser aren't I? I could go on and on but when it comes to God at these times of our lives silence is not golden! We need to be reminded what He says about us in His word - You are more than a conqueror! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! You are fearfully and wonderfully made! You are a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people...etc.

I trust that you can hear what God is saying about you instead of what the enemy has been telling you. I trust that today you can be encouraged with what His Word has already declared you to be when your situation is looking hopeless and the sky is cloudy.

He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. He said I am with you always. God is not silent about how He feels about you and I. We just need to listen closely and be encouraged in the fact that He loves us so much.

May God break through in your life today!

D. Sargent

How Do You Soar?

2007-01-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Just a simple thought that came across my brain the last few days. Life is full of surprises - some good some not so good. The not so good ones many times are called trials or storms that come and test us. It is hard to understand this but those times really do make us better people. There is something about a trial, a storm that has the ability to strengthen our resolve to continue through the moment believing that something better is around the next bend.

I live in a lovely place surrounded by an Avocado orchard. When it is stormy outside I enjoy stepping out onto my back patio and watching the hawks and how they relate to the storm. You never find them hiding or staying close to the ground during a storm. You know where you find them? You find them riding, soaring on the currents of the storm. They are taking what many would consider something bad and using it to soar high above.

I think, which is hard to do sometimes, that we could learn a lesson from some fowl. It is time we "mount up with wings as eagles." Learn to soar. Learn to fly. Learn to rise above the problems that are keeping you down.

In the words of a famous song - "I believe I can fly"

Soaring

Pastor Sargent

It has begun

2007-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

We are officially into the New Year. Resolutions made are probably close to being forgotten and life will carry on as usual for most. I like the New Year, I always have. I quit making resolutions years ago but I do like the opportunity to forget last year and start with a clean slate in the New.

There is something kinda cool about the chance to learn from last years mistakes and try again. Making this year better than the last is always challenging and exciting. With God it is even better because He is the creator of the NEW. His mercies are NEW each and every morning, He promises to give us a NEW heart, He even went so far to put in His Word that old things are passed away and all things become NEW. I like that. I am a NEW creature in Christ.

I am not sure about you but that is great stuff when you think about it.
Till next time -

Pastor Darin S.

The Journey of a Lifetime

2006-12-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

I recently was enrolled in my first Seminary class and had to fly to Pennsylvania to take the class. The class was on discipleship and it was very challenging. It is amazing what comes out about yourself when you spend some time really focusing on areas of your life that you know need correction.

As a result of taking this class, I was instructed for my homework assignment, to create a personal discipleship program addressing the areas of my life and personality that needed the most attention. Wow - what a journey. I have always strived to have a devotional life, spending quality time in prayer and study, but this plan that i created is going to push me beyond what is comfortable.

I realized from the beginning of starting this plan that this is going to be the journey of a lifetime and I am anxious to see what God is going to do.

On the journey,

Darin Sargent

The Journey into Blogging

2006-12-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is my first entry. Seeing that blogging is the latest craze I thought it might be interesting to see how I could jump in and become a part of it. I also wanted a place to discuss what God is doing at North Point Worship Center in Escondido, CA. The greatest church in the world that God has given me the privilege to pastor. So stay tuned as we discuss issues, look at current events, and basically journey together to a place where Direction is Defined.

Have a great day,

Darin Sargent