So, yesterday I resolved to more intentionally serve others here at the ministry council in an effort to battle pride. You know, I think Jesus was really on to something with the serving thing.
Today's a new day. Today I'm conscious of the truth of Jesus' atoning death. Without his death I cannot walk in humility. He is not only the example of humility his death and gift of the Holy Spirit are the power to walk in humility.
By the way, as always I'm blown away by the people God has used to love teens. There are people here who have given their lives to reach kids. They've been doing it for much longer than I have and God has used them in incredible ways.
It humbling to be a part.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Greatest
Pride is “a groundless thing” and “a brainless thing”. “It is the maddest thing that can exist”.
C. H. Spurgeon
It’s kind of ironic that my third post on pride vs. humility is being written on a plane rapidly moving towards San Diego. It’s ironic because there are very few situations that bring out pride more than being around other youth leaders from around the country. It would seem that people who work with student ministries should be very humble. We’re not rock stars or even senior pastors. We’re just youth pastors.
Perhaps others are far more humble than me, but inevitably when I get around others who do what I do (student ministry) there’s always comparison. I long for others to think I’m great.
“Are they better than me?” “Do they have more influence than I?” “I bet I have more experience”. When I was a little younger it was all about “I bet I have more potential”. It’s all really ugly isn’t it?
By the way, sometimes pride comes out in the opposite way. It asks questions like, I’m not as good as they are, am I? Different but still very focused on self.
The disciples really did the same thing. That gives me a little comfort. Questions like, “who is the greatest?” and “Jesus, can we sit at your right hand?” came up. I’m not quite as open with my pride. I tend to keep it a little more silent. James and John struggled with the same thoughts I do. They were interested in power and position. They longed to be famous.
Jesus’ response to James and John about who can sit at his right hand turns what most think of greatness totally upside down.
“whoever would be great among you must be your servant”.
There it is. True greatness is not about being served or famous or powerful, it really is about serving. The way to deal a fatal blow to pride and arrogance in our lives is to intentionally pursue becoming the servant of all. Jesus is not only the greatest example of this humility, he is also the one who gives the power to live it out.
So, the next 2 days in San Diego, instead of comparing I’m going to ask Jesus for the grace to serve, looking for ways to esteem others and more important.
Here's where it gets tricky. Will I become proud of the way I serve? Uhhgggg!
C. H. Spurgeon
It’s kind of ironic that my third post on pride vs. humility is being written on a plane rapidly moving towards San Diego. It’s ironic because there are very few situations that bring out pride more than being around other youth leaders from around the country. It would seem that people who work with student ministries should be very humble. We’re not rock stars or even senior pastors. We’re just youth pastors.
Perhaps others are far more humble than me, but inevitably when I get around others who do what I do (student ministry) there’s always comparison. I long for others to think I’m great.
“Are they better than me?” “Do they have more influence than I?” “I bet I have more experience”. When I was a little younger it was all about “I bet I have more potential”. It’s all really ugly isn’t it?
By the way, sometimes pride comes out in the opposite way. It asks questions like, I’m not as good as they are, am I? Different but still very focused on self.
The disciples really did the same thing. That gives me a little comfort. Questions like, “who is the greatest?” and “Jesus, can we sit at your right hand?” came up. I’m not quite as open with my pride. I tend to keep it a little more silent. James and John struggled with the same thoughts I do. They were interested in power and position. They longed to be famous.
Jesus’ response to James and John about who can sit at his right hand turns what most think of greatness totally upside down.
“whoever would be great among you must be your servant”.
There it is. True greatness is not about being served or famous or powerful, it really is about serving. The way to deal a fatal blow to pride and arrogance in our lives is to intentionally pursue becoming the servant of all. Jesus is not only the greatest example of this humility, he is also the one who gives the power to live it out.
So, the next 2 days in San Diego, instead of comparing I’m going to ask Jesus for the grace to serve, looking for ways to esteem others and more important.
Here's where it gets tricky. Will I become proud of the way I serve? Uhhgggg!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Regrets?
Yes, I'm still on the journey of meditating on humility but something grabbed my attention yesterday I had to think about.
Do you have regrets? Are there things in your life you wish you hadn't done or activities you wish you had accomplished by now? I hate the word potential and the older I get the more the word kind of bugs me.
You see, potential speaks of what might be, not of what is presently happening. It's a great word for a freshman quarterback who is going to be great when he's a junior and has more experience. The older one becomes the greater chance that person won't reach their potential. That causes regrets.
I have all kind of regrets.
I wish I had loved my kids better.
I wish I had been more pure in my thought life.
I wish I had handled money better.
I wish I had been more relational with the people I've worked with.
I wish I had spent more time alone.
I wish I had sought the heart of God more.
Regrets look at the past and cause guilt and shame. If I understand the gospel correctly it teaches that Jesus makes all things new, present tense.
Here's what caught my attention yesterday.
"I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way that HE loves me".
Jesus has loved and is loving me perfectly. I don't have time to regret. Jesus is making us new and is using us to love those around us.
May we be people who forget what is behind and press forward. We don't have time to dwell on the past, there's too much at stake in the future.
Do you have regrets? Are there things in your life you wish you hadn't done or activities you wish you had accomplished by now? I hate the word potential and the older I get the more the word kind of bugs me.
You see, potential speaks of what might be, not of what is presently happening. It's a great word for a freshman quarterback who is going to be great when he's a junior and has more experience. The older one becomes the greater chance that person won't reach their potential. That causes regrets.
I have all kind of regrets.
I wish I had loved my kids better.
I wish I had been more pure in my thought life.
I wish I had handled money better.
I wish I had been more relational with the people I've worked with.
I wish I had spent more time alone.
I wish I had sought the heart of God more.
Regrets look at the past and cause guilt and shame. If I understand the gospel correctly it teaches that Jesus makes all things new, present tense.
Here's what caught my attention yesterday.
"I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way that HE loves me".
Jesus has loved and is loving me perfectly. I don't have time to regret. Jesus is making us new and is using us to love those around us.
May we be people who forget what is behind and press forward. We don't have time to dwell on the past, there's too much at stake in the future.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Essence of All Sin
I'm taking a little time over the next few days to meditate on the issue of pride versus humility. Self love / pride has long been a struggle in my life but has recently become more evident to me. I'm not sure if I've been more arrogant or if God is graciously making me more aware of my pride. It doesn't really matter.
The catalyst for my thinking is a book by C. J. Mahaney called "Humility, True Greatness". Here are some thoughts from the second chapter - "The Peril Of Pride".
Pride and inadequacy can coexist...
I've often wondered how I can find myself so proud when I feel so inadequate. I don't mean simply not as gifted or talented but also in the middle of sin. I used to think that my life was characterized by lust OR pride. I've come to learn that even in my darkest hours of sin pride can still be right there with me. It seems crazy doesn't it? It's a reminder that self love doesn't really make sense at all. It is beyond logic. I had a pastor that used to say that sin short circuits the brain. That's absolutely true with pride.
Do I hate pride the way God hates pride?
God actively opposes the proud. He detests the one with haughty eyes. He says he hates pride and arrogance. I'm not sure I hate my pride the way God does. I must. Here's what Jonathan Edwards says...
"What a foolish, silly, miserable, blind, deceived, poor worm am I when pride works."
Why does God take pride so seriously? Mahaney says that pride is contending against God for supremacy. That puts pride in a whole different light doesn't it? Do I really want to compete with God to receive the glory that is reserved for God and God alone?
Isa 42:8
8 "I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
Today I'm asking God to give me incredible sensitivity to pride in my life. As soon as it raises it's ugly head I want see it and deal with it.
Today, may we be people who wage war against prideful thoughts and words...
The catalyst for my thinking is a book by C. J. Mahaney called "Humility, True Greatness". Here are some thoughts from the second chapter - "The Peril Of Pride".
Pride and inadequacy can coexist...
I've often wondered how I can find myself so proud when I feel so inadequate. I don't mean simply not as gifted or talented but also in the middle of sin. I used to think that my life was characterized by lust OR pride. I've come to learn that even in my darkest hours of sin pride can still be right there with me. It seems crazy doesn't it? It's a reminder that self love doesn't really make sense at all. It is beyond logic. I had a pastor that used to say that sin short circuits the brain. That's absolutely true with pride.
Do I hate pride the way God hates pride?
God actively opposes the proud. He detests the one with haughty eyes. He says he hates pride and arrogance. I'm not sure I hate my pride the way God does. I must. Here's what Jonathan Edwards says...
"What a foolish, silly, miserable, blind, deceived, poor worm am I when pride works."
Why does God take pride so seriously? Mahaney says that pride is contending against God for supremacy. That puts pride in a whole different light doesn't it? Do I really want to compete with God to receive the glory that is reserved for God and God alone?
Isa 42:8
8 "I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
Today I'm asking God to give me incredible sensitivity to pride in my life. As soon as it raises it's ugly head I want see it and deal with it.
Today, may we be people who wage war against prideful thoughts and words...
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Self Love - The greatest love of all?
I've always struggled with self love. In his song "obsession" Martin Smith admits, "I carry pride like a disease". That's me.
My pride comes out in so many ways. It comes out when I talk about myself and try to "one up" others. It comes out in my allowing others to serve me without lifting a finger to serve. It comes out when I compare myself with others. It comes out in meetings where I want my voice to be heard and people to be impressed with me. It comes out when I neglect prayer and act as if I can do life without God. I, I, I, me, me, me,.
In 2005 my friend Connie gave me a book. I know it was 2005 because in the front of the book it says, "Christmas 2005". The name of the book is "humility, true greatness". Yes, it's taken 4 years for me to pick it up. So why now?
The last couple of months I have felt this war with pride raging inside me. I don't want God to resist me, I want him to look on me and give me grace. This morning I read the 1st chapter. Here's my response.
I must repent. Repentance is God's way of bringing us back into intimacy and blessing with him. After every chapter I read I'm going to write a little about my pride and my journey to more fully embrace humility.
The next couple of weeks could be painful, but I long for God's gracious love and power in every facet of my life. With unrestrained pride experiencing God's grace is impossible.
So, here's a question, when people (my wife, kids, coworkers, friends) look at my life would they describe it as a life of humility?
May we be a people who clearly see God's holiness and our sinfulness. That's the beginning of true humility.
My pride comes out in so many ways. It comes out when I talk about myself and try to "one up" others. It comes out in my allowing others to serve me without lifting a finger to serve. It comes out when I compare myself with others. It comes out in meetings where I want my voice to be heard and people to be impressed with me. It comes out when I neglect prayer and act as if I can do life without God. I, I, I, me, me, me,.
In 2005 my friend Connie gave me a book. I know it was 2005 because in the front of the book it says, "Christmas 2005". The name of the book is "humility, true greatness". Yes, it's taken 4 years for me to pick it up. So why now?
The last couple of months I have felt this war with pride raging inside me. I don't want God to resist me, I want him to look on me and give me grace. This morning I read the 1st chapter. Here's my response.
I must repent. Repentance is God's way of bringing us back into intimacy and blessing with him. After every chapter I read I'm going to write a little about my pride and my journey to more fully embrace humility.
The next couple of weeks could be painful, but I long for God's gracious love and power in every facet of my life. With unrestrained pride experiencing God's grace is impossible.
So, here's a question, when people (my wife, kids, coworkers, friends) look at my life would they describe it as a life of humility?
May we be a people who clearly see God's holiness and our sinfulness. That's the beginning of true humility.
Friday, December 25, 2009
More than 7pd 8 oz baby Jesus
So I woke up this fine white Christmas morning thinking about how the celebration of the God child is connected with so much history from the Bible. I did a little looking around and compiled some of my favorite passages about God's loving covenant to his people. These promises were fulfilled in Jesus.
Promise made to Adam. (that was a long time ago)
Gen 2:15-17
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
Promise to Abraham
Gen 22:15-18
15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Promises made to the Children of Israel during the time of Moses.
Ex 24:7
8 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words."
To King David
2 Sam 7:16
16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'"
Prophesies through Isaiah, Jeremiah and Micah...
Isa 7:14-15
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.
Isa 9:2-5
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
Isa 55:3
3 Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
Jer 23:5-6
5 "The days are coming," declares the Lord,
"when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.
6 In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
The Lord Our Righteousness.
Mic 5:2-5
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor gives birth
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 And he will be their peace.
What it means to us today...
Gal 4:3-7
3 So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
So, this Christmas, may we remember that the celebration of the 7pd 8 oz baby Jesus is a part of the grand story of God and yes, as followers of Jesus we are a part of that story. Merry Christmas.
Promise made to Adam. (that was a long time ago)
Gen 2:15-17
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
Promise to Abraham
Gen 22:15-18
15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Promises made to the Children of Israel during the time of Moses.
Ex 24:7
8 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words."
To King David
2 Sam 7:16
16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'"
Prophesies through Isaiah, Jeremiah and Micah...
Isa 7:14-15
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.
Isa 9:2-5
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
Isa 55:3
3 Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
Jer 23:5-6
5 "The days are coming," declares the Lord,
"when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.
6 In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
The Lord Our Righteousness.
Mic 5:2-5
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor gives birth
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 And he will be their peace.
What it means to us today...
Gal 4:3-7
3 So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
So, this Christmas, may we remember that the celebration of the 7pd 8 oz baby Jesus is a part of the grand story of God and yes, as followers of Jesus we are a part of that story. Merry Christmas.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Key Questions About Adult Leaders
When thinking about student ministry (or ministry in general) I'm always wondering about where to put time, money and energy. There are so many important things to do. In fact If I'm honest there's never an end of ways to spend time. There's always another student to hang out with, another parent to call or another talk to prepare.
I've been convinced for a long time but some times I need to remind myself. More and more I'm remembering the importance of adult volunteers. They are the key to students not just learning about Jesus but experiencing Jesus. Ideally our leaders don't simply teach students information, they live out the life of Jesus in such a way that students see it and experience it first hand.
I long for our students to look at our leaders and sense their leader has been with Jesus.
So what does that have to do with how I spend time, money and energy? Some questions...
* How much time do I spend focusing on my adult leaders?
Sure, we all got into ministry to hang out and impact kids but if we're going to see life change on a broad scale it takes a lot of people. In a ministry of 30 or more students it seems the youth pastor should spend 50% of their relational time with adults. How much do I pray for my leaders? Do I know them well enough to get specific when I pray?
* Does my budget reflect caring for and developing adults?
I have to put my money where my mouth is. Is there money in my budget that is set aside to prepare and appreciate my adult leaders?
* Do my leaders feel loved or do they feel used?
It's so important to consistently and creatively communicate appreciation to our adults. Sometimes I should just call or text to let them know I appreciate them.
So, all you youth pastor type people out there. Take some time to pull back from your busy schedule and take a 30,000 foot gander. The most important things are not how many lights you have in your youth room or how amazing the video clip was in your talk last night. Take the time to simply prepare and love your leaders well. In the long run that will make the deepest and widest impact.
I've been convinced for a long time but some times I need to remind myself. More and more I'm remembering the importance of adult volunteers. They are the key to students not just learning about Jesus but experiencing Jesus. Ideally our leaders don't simply teach students information, they live out the life of Jesus in such a way that students see it and experience it first hand.
I long for our students to look at our leaders and sense their leader has been with Jesus.
So what does that have to do with how I spend time, money and energy? Some questions...
* How much time do I spend focusing on my adult leaders?
Sure, we all got into ministry to hang out and impact kids but if we're going to see life change on a broad scale it takes a lot of people. In a ministry of 30 or more students it seems the youth pastor should spend 50% of their relational time with adults. How much do I pray for my leaders? Do I know them well enough to get specific when I pray?
* Does my budget reflect caring for and developing adults?
I have to put my money where my mouth is. Is there money in my budget that is set aside to prepare and appreciate my adult leaders?
* Do my leaders feel loved or do they feel used?
It's so important to consistently and creatively communicate appreciation to our adults. Sometimes I should just call or text to let them know I appreciate them.
So, all you youth pastor type people out there. Take some time to pull back from your busy schedule and take a 30,000 foot gander. The most important things are not how many lights you have in your youth room or how amazing the video clip was in your talk last night. Take the time to simply prepare and love your leaders well. In the long run that will make the deepest and widest impact.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Strongest Man Competition
There is so much about me that wants to be strong but there's a problem.
I have no chance of being in the "world's strongest man" competition or playing any position in college football (or middle school football honestly). I don't spend much time in the weight room. OK, I don't spend any time in the weight room. Big muscles would be nice but they're probably not in my future.
Our world celebrates strength and many times that bleeds over into our spiritual leadership. Most of us feel we are expected to be strong and together. If there were a "strongest person competition" for spiritual people I often feel I should be in it and actually win!
Here's the problem. Most don't see themselves as weak and weakness is a non negotiable for spiritual leadership. We will not be effective in our leadership without weakness. Instead of showing ourselves as having it together we should live our lives and engage in conversation about our vulnerability, weakness and failure. That can be difficult when we feel people expect us to be superman. (or wonderwoman)
Someone may say, "if people see your weakness they may not respect you as a spiritual leader". Isn't the opposite true? Don't we live in a world and a culture that is crying out for leaders who are honest about their struggle? Not just their struggle of 10 years ago but maybe their struggle of 10 minutes ago? And isn't God's grace and power sufficient for our daily weakness and struggle? And isn't it more powerful to model for people the grace and compassion of Christ in the midst of our weakness instead our "having it all together" strength?
Embrace your weakness.
"For when I am weak, then I am strong" Paul
Paul actually says he delights in weakness. You see, when we accept and embrace our weakness that is when we run to Jesus who's strength is limitless.
A.W. Tozer puts it this way.
"If we are going to stand for Jesus, it is good for us to remember how strong he is and how weak we are. I tell you, I have talked to God more than I have talked to anyone else and my conferences with him have been longer than with anyone else."
How do we view ourselves? Are we weak enough to run to Jesus?
May we be people who display the grace and mercy of Jesus by being vulnerable and transparent. In your conversations look for opportunity to share struggle and failure and weakness.
1 Cor 2:3-5
3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
I have no chance of being in the "world's strongest man" competition or playing any position in college football (or middle school football honestly). I don't spend much time in the weight room. OK, I don't spend any time in the weight room. Big muscles would be nice but they're probably not in my future.
Our world celebrates strength and many times that bleeds over into our spiritual leadership. Most of us feel we are expected to be strong and together. If there were a "strongest person competition" for spiritual people I often feel I should be in it and actually win!
Here's the problem. Most don't see themselves as weak and weakness is a non negotiable for spiritual leadership. We will not be effective in our leadership without weakness. Instead of showing ourselves as having it together we should live our lives and engage in conversation about our vulnerability, weakness and failure. That can be difficult when we feel people expect us to be superman. (or wonderwoman)
Someone may say, "if people see your weakness they may not respect you as a spiritual leader". Isn't the opposite true? Don't we live in a world and a culture that is crying out for leaders who are honest about their struggle? Not just their struggle of 10 years ago but maybe their struggle of 10 minutes ago? And isn't God's grace and power sufficient for our daily weakness and struggle? And isn't it more powerful to model for people the grace and compassion of Christ in the midst of our weakness instead our "having it all together" strength?
Embrace your weakness.
"For when I am weak, then I am strong" Paul
Paul actually says he delights in weakness. You see, when we accept and embrace our weakness that is when we run to Jesus who's strength is limitless.
A.W. Tozer puts it this way.
"If we are going to stand for Jesus, it is good for us to remember how strong he is and how weak we are. I tell you, I have talked to God more than I have talked to anyone else and my conferences with him have been longer than with anyone else."
How do we view ourselves? Are we weak enough to run to Jesus?
May we be people who display the grace and mercy of Jesus by being vulnerable and transparent. In your conversations look for opportunity to share struggle and failure and weakness.
1 Cor 2:3-5
3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday
My dad says thanksgiving is the best holiday. I agree with him. Thanksgiving is the unpretentious holiday. Easter has it's eggs, Easter bunny and candy. Christmas of course has 'Old Saint Nic and all the commercialism. Thanksgiving has well, you know what I'm saying. It's just not that showy.
This year we had one of our best Thanksgivings. It was very different than what I have experienced most of my life. We were with family, but it was a different kind of family. Sure, all of my immediate family was with us, but there were really no grandparents or cousins. You see, as important as blood family is there is another kind of family that is very crucial.
4 families came together to celebrate Thanksgiving at one of our friends houses in East Texas. It was beautiful to see the backgrounds, ages and perspectives collide for a couple of days. The Murrays have just adopted a little girl while the Roeces and ourselves are continuing to try to figure out how to parent teens. I was able to teach Bryan how to fish. It was truly amazing.
Sitting around the fire there was great discussion. Whether it was about the character of God or simply trying to figure out what makes each other tick, the diverse and heart felt perspective was always engaging.
Sure we had great mesquite smoked turkey, ribs and brisket, but the food wasn't the star. It was the community. My friend Jackie says Americans don't really know what it means to live together in community. She would love for all of us to learn what it's like to live together, not like a monastery but like a mission. A place where people share what they have and reach out to others who are hurting no matter what their religious or spiritual background. I think she's on to something. Maybe we experienced a little piece of that that last few days.
Here's a little caution, community is almost never convenient or comfortable. When we are involved in each others lives it gets messy, time consuming and tiring. But consider the alternative. Aloneness is not God's design. Being one aa Jesus and the Father are one is his design.
So, happy Thanksgiving a little late. May we be people who set aside convenience for community. It's worth it.
This year we had one of our best Thanksgivings. It was very different than what I have experienced most of my life. We were with family, but it was a different kind of family. Sure, all of my immediate family was with us, but there were really no grandparents or cousins. You see, as important as blood family is there is another kind of family that is very crucial.
4 families came together to celebrate Thanksgiving at one of our friends houses in East Texas. It was beautiful to see the backgrounds, ages and perspectives collide for a couple of days. The Murrays have just adopted a little girl while the Roeces and ourselves are continuing to try to figure out how to parent teens. I was able to teach Bryan how to fish. It was truly amazing.
Sitting around the fire there was great discussion. Whether it was about the character of God or simply trying to figure out what makes each other tick, the diverse and heart felt perspective was always engaging.
Sure we had great mesquite smoked turkey, ribs and brisket, but the food wasn't the star. It was the community. My friend Jackie says Americans don't really know what it means to live together in community. She would love for all of us to learn what it's like to live together, not like a monastery but like a mission. A place where people share what they have and reach out to others who are hurting no matter what their religious or spiritual background. I think she's on to something. Maybe we experienced a little piece of that that last few days.
Here's a little caution, community is almost never convenient or comfortable. When we are involved in each others lives it gets messy, time consuming and tiring. But consider the alternative. Aloneness is not God's design. Being one aa Jesus and the Father are one is his design.
So, happy Thanksgiving a little late. May we be people who set aside convenience for community. It's worth it.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Rick and Nancy
This morning I’m sitting at Rick and Nancy Beggs house with some strange memories. I remember sitting here having some wine trying to figure out life and what God was doing with the journey we were on. In fact as I sit here there is a flood of emotion that comes from a period of deep pain but great anticipation in my life.
In this room there has been lots of laughter and most likely some tears. I haven’t been here tons of times but the times I have been here have had tons of significance.
I really love Rick and Nancy. They're are the kind of people I would like to become. They’re gracious, hospitable, transparent and authentic. They love Jesus and love others really well. Although our paths only crossed for a few years they have left and continue to leave a mark on Julie and me.
Thank God for people like them. It’s once again a fresh reminder that God never intended for us to walk alone.
May God give us the grace to encounter people and be people that love others well.
In this room there has been lots of laughter and most likely some tears. I haven’t been here tons of times but the times I have been here have had tons of significance.
I really love Rick and Nancy. They're are the kind of people I would like to become. They’re gracious, hospitable, transparent and authentic. They love Jesus and love others really well. Although our paths only crossed for a few years they have left and continue to leave a mark on Julie and me.
Thank God for people like them. It’s once again a fresh reminder that God never intended for us to walk alone.
May God give us the grace to encounter people and be people that love others well.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pause
For some reason God seems to work in unusual ways on retreats. Many of you have had a camp or retreat experience where God seemed to be closer and more active than usual. Perhaps it's because we finally hit the "pause" button. You know, we take the time to jump off the rat wheel to take a deep breath, and then exhale. Last weekend at Sky Ranch would be one of those times for our high school ministry.
As soon as students arrived you could tell something cool was happening. It seemed there was a sense of anticipation and hope about what this weekend would bring. Soon after everyone arrived every adult and student found a quite place to ask God one simple question, "God, what do you want to do in me this weekend?"
We had simply been asking God to help us connect with Him and each other in a fresh way. He did. We are still hearing stories.
One issue that is damaging to community and "togetherness" is unforgiveness. One student shared that he has to work on forgiving his father who has essentially abandoned and rejected him. That's God sized stuff. Another student said she understood and embraced the gospel for first time. She is now a Jesus follower.
When you look at us as a group it would seem we don't really "fit" with each other. There is all kinds of economic, racial, interest, religious, etc. diversity, but God seems to be melting our hearts together. Over the weekend students prayed together, shared food together, played together, and worshiped together, connecting with God and connecting with each other.
Hitting the pause button is kind of important. I wonder how often God is working and speaking but we're moving too fast to sit and listen to Him and others.
May we be people who make space in our lives to be still. Will you?
As soon as students arrived you could tell something cool was happening. It seemed there was a sense of anticipation and hope about what this weekend would bring. Soon after everyone arrived every adult and student found a quite place to ask God one simple question, "God, what do you want to do in me this weekend?"
We had simply been asking God to help us connect with Him and each other in a fresh way. He did. We are still hearing stories.
One issue that is damaging to community and "togetherness" is unforgiveness. One student shared that he has to work on forgiving his father who has essentially abandoned and rejected him. That's God sized stuff. Another student said she understood and embraced the gospel for first time. She is now a Jesus follower.
When you look at us as a group it would seem we don't really "fit" with each other. There is all kinds of economic, racial, interest, religious, etc. diversity, but God seems to be melting our hearts together. Over the weekend students prayed together, shared food together, played together, and worshiped together, connecting with God and connecting with each other.
Hitting the pause button is kind of important. I wonder how often God is working and speaking but we're moving too fast to sit and listen to Him and others.
May we be people who make space in our lives to be still. Will you?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Exxon Man
The coolest thing just happened. I was at the Exxon station here in beautiful Flower Mound Texas after hanging out with some high school kids at Chick-F-La. Out of nowhere a truck driver walked up and started talking to me.
He drove one of those huge tanker trucks that delivers gas. I know he was an Exxon man because he was wearing a hard hat that said "Exxon". I'm smart that way.
He was just nice and cheery. Not in an artificial, annoying way but in an organic natural way. He asked me a couple of questions. "Are you on your way to work or just somewhere to relax?" (I had on my sweat pants) I said "oh, neither". Then he told me he didn't want to take up any of my time. He wasn't, I was pumping gas.
Then came the big question, "I have here a gospel tract, would it be ok if I gave it to you?" Now, honestly this isn't really my style at all. I like to build relationships with people and share my life in such a way that gives me opportunity to live out the gospel before them. Kind of a share the gospel at all times and if necessary use words approach.
My response to the Exxon man? "Absolutely" He then said this, "this may be the only opportunity today for you to hear that God loves you".
It made my day! I'm so thankful I ran into him. Some of you are hoping I meditate on the tract and finally got saved. I didn't, but it did remind me that we are to boldly live out and speak the gospel in every aspect of our lives. At church, the restaurant, our work place, our school, our sports team or club and yes even the Exxon station.
May we have a whimsical, bold and gentle delivery of the gospel today, whether we wear a hard hat or not. Will we?
He drove one of those huge tanker trucks that delivers gas. I know he was an Exxon man because he was wearing a hard hat that said "Exxon". I'm smart that way.
He was just nice and cheery. Not in an artificial, annoying way but in an organic natural way. He asked me a couple of questions. "Are you on your way to work or just somewhere to relax?" (I had on my sweat pants) I said "oh, neither". Then he told me he didn't want to take up any of my time. He wasn't, I was pumping gas.
Then came the big question, "I have here a gospel tract, would it be ok if I gave it to you?" Now, honestly this isn't really my style at all. I like to build relationships with people and share my life in such a way that gives me opportunity to live out the gospel before them. Kind of a share the gospel at all times and if necessary use words approach.
My response to the Exxon man? "Absolutely" He then said this, "this may be the only opportunity today for you to hear that God loves you".
It made my day! I'm so thankful I ran into him. Some of you are hoping I meditate on the tract and finally got saved. I didn't, but it did remind me that we are to boldly live out and speak the gospel in every aspect of our lives. At church, the restaurant, our work place, our school, our sports team or club and yes even the Exxon station.
May we have a whimsical, bold and gentle delivery of the gospel today, whether we wear a hard hat or not. Will we?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Loving Much
I am a follower of Jesus which means much of my life is struggling to understand and live out what it means to love him with all my heart, soul and mind. When that happens I love those around me well. That may sound weird to those of you who don't follow him, but it really is the essence of Christianity, a love relationship with God.
This morning I'm struck by the story of the woman who anoints the feet of Jesus with her tears and continually shows affection by kissing his feet. Luke tells us she was "a woman of the city" which seems to indicate she was a known prostitute.
Jesus was dining in the home of one of the religious leaders of the day. You can imagine how tense it was when the whore came to the dinner and began to show great affection for Jesus. It seems he should have stopped her, but he didn't.
Here's what strikes me. Jesus says "her sins which are many are forgiven - for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little , loves little". I long to love much and well. I want to love Jesus well, my wife well, my kids well and everyone with whom I come in contact well.
I want to "love much".
So the question is this; how do I see my sin? Am I forgiven little or much? If I embrace the truth that my sin is much and in need of great forgiveness perhaps my love for Jesus will be great. If I neglect to see the depth of my sin perhaps I'll miss the truth that forgiveness is a very big deal.
This morning I'm taking a fresh look at my sin, not sin of 10 years ago but my sin of yesterday. As I do that my sins seem to be many, pride, lust, selfishness, control, lack of faith...
God has and continues to grant me great forgiveness. May I never miss the greatness of God's forgiveness. I long to "love much".
This morning I'm struck by the story of the woman who anoints the feet of Jesus with her tears and continually shows affection by kissing his feet. Luke tells us she was "a woman of the city" which seems to indicate she was a known prostitute.
Jesus was dining in the home of one of the religious leaders of the day. You can imagine how tense it was when the whore came to the dinner and began to show great affection for Jesus. It seems he should have stopped her, but he didn't.
Here's what strikes me. Jesus says "her sins which are many are forgiven - for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little , loves little". I long to love much and well. I want to love Jesus well, my wife well, my kids well and everyone with whom I come in contact well.
I want to "love much".
So the question is this; how do I see my sin? Am I forgiven little or much? If I embrace the truth that my sin is much and in need of great forgiveness perhaps my love for Jesus will be great. If I neglect to see the depth of my sin perhaps I'll miss the truth that forgiveness is a very big deal.
This morning I'm taking a fresh look at my sin, not sin of 10 years ago but my sin of yesterday. As I do that my sins seem to be many, pride, lust, selfishness, control, lack of faith...
God has and continues to grant me great forgiveness. May I never miss the greatness of God's forgiveness. I long to "love much".
Friday, March 13, 2009
Life feels a little more difficult than it should
Sometimes life feels a little more difficult than it should.
Even as I say that my application runs to doing more or being more. It runs to a performance driven solution. Sure, there are things I should do; prayer has not been as foundational as it should be. Running to God and begging for help has to be first on my agenda.
From car problems to Julie being frustrated, to my staff being upset, it seems like life is a little harder than it should be. This morning there are a couple ways I want to center myself on truth. In a lot of ways I’m like a boat being tossed around. Emotionally I’m kind of all over the place.
Times like these are good. It causes me to lean into Jesus a little more than I normally would. That’s a great thing.
Here’s what I’m trying to think about…
1. God is great God is good
He is in charge of all things and he loves me. There’s nothing that comes to me that isn’t first filtered through his hands. That’s a good thing.
2. Prayer is essential
I need God’s help. Apart from him I can’t do anything.
3. I must remember what is true
Many times my heart wants to believe lies. "I'm not good enough" or "I'm a failure" or "No one really loves me" are thoughts that slip into my mind. The truth is God is good enough, he is my sufficiency and he is crazy about me. That is what is true
So, gaining true perspective is key for me today. It’s good to refocus thinking. Thank God for days that feel a little difficult.
Even as I say that my application runs to doing more or being more. It runs to a performance driven solution. Sure, there are things I should do; prayer has not been as foundational as it should be. Running to God and begging for help has to be first on my agenda.
From car problems to Julie being frustrated, to my staff being upset, it seems like life is a little harder than it should be. This morning there are a couple ways I want to center myself on truth. In a lot of ways I’m like a boat being tossed around. Emotionally I’m kind of all over the place.
Times like these are good. It causes me to lean into Jesus a little more than I normally would. That’s a great thing.
Here’s what I’m trying to think about…
1. God is great God is good
He is in charge of all things and he loves me. There’s nothing that comes to me that isn’t first filtered through his hands. That’s a good thing.
2. Prayer is essential
I need God’s help. Apart from him I can’t do anything.
3. I must remember what is true
Many times my heart wants to believe lies. "I'm not good enough" or "I'm a failure" or "No one really loves me" are thoughts that slip into my mind. The truth is God is good enough, he is my sufficiency and he is crazy about me. That is what is true
So, gaining true perspective is key for me today. It’s good to refocus thinking. Thank God for days that feel a little difficult.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
iamlast
Many of you have seen or heard of the "I am Second" campaign. If you haven't you should check it out at iamsecond.com. It takes people who are famous and / or just normal and lets them tell the story of why God is first in their life and why they are "second". It's well done and I'm sure God is using it to bring many to himself.
However, this morning I'm struggling with not what it means to be second, but what it means to be last. I'm reading, meditating and studying the gospels this year in my personal worship time. Over the last couple of days in my readings, Jesus has been talking about sacrifice and if you want to be first you must be the servant of all. Jesus says he didn't come to "be served but to serve and to give his life".
I have a huge problem with all of this, my bent is not to serve but to be served. I love it when people take care of me. I don't like to sacrifice and be last. I don't even like waiting in lines. But Jesus clearly says "many who are first will be last, and the last first".
So how in the world do I reconcile my natural desire for supremacy with the clear teachings of Jesus? Who I am and what he teaches seems to be separated by this uncrossable canyon.
One option is to try harder. That's right, today as I go on my merry way I'll just decide that I'm going to be more intentional about serving others. I'll be more disciplined in my thought process and I'll stop thinking of myself more highly than I should.
Sure, that may be part of the answer but my experience has been that my effort always results into sliding back into the same selfish patterns. Here's what's really cool about the teachings of Jesus. If he teaches something he automatically provides the ability live it out.
Paul says there's a mystery, it's Christ in us. Jesus does in us what we cannot do ourselves. So this morning, by God's grace, I'm starting a "I Am Last" campaign." You won't see me on any billboards (although that would be kind of cool). Here's what I'm going to do in response to what God has been teaching me the last couple of days.
1. Repent - this isn't a very popular word today, but it's God's way of ushering us back into deeper intimacy with him. Self centeredness is sin. My only response can be to agree with him that I'm disobedience and ask for forgiveness.
2. Ask for Grace - To be last it's going to require the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit.
3. Look for opportunity - I want to look for opportunities this week to serve others, secretly. Are there ways I can serve those around me without them knowing I did it? Sometimes by serving we still end up with selfishness, and yes, I'm that screwed up. Secret service may deal a death blow to my flesh. Who is going to praise me for being such a great servant if only Jesus and I know who is doing it?
So, over the next couple of days if you think about me pray for me and I will you. What would happen if followers of Jesus everywhere followed his example of washing the feet of those around us? It would bring him great glory.
However, this morning I'm struggling with not what it means to be second, but what it means to be last. I'm reading, meditating and studying the gospels this year in my personal worship time. Over the last couple of days in my readings, Jesus has been talking about sacrifice and if you want to be first you must be the servant of all. Jesus says he didn't come to "be served but to serve and to give his life".
I have a huge problem with all of this, my bent is not to serve but to be served. I love it when people take care of me. I don't like to sacrifice and be last. I don't even like waiting in lines. But Jesus clearly says "many who are first will be last, and the last first".
So how in the world do I reconcile my natural desire for supremacy with the clear teachings of Jesus? Who I am and what he teaches seems to be separated by this uncrossable canyon.
One option is to try harder. That's right, today as I go on my merry way I'll just decide that I'm going to be more intentional about serving others. I'll be more disciplined in my thought process and I'll stop thinking of myself more highly than I should.
Sure, that may be part of the answer but my experience has been that my effort always results into sliding back into the same selfish patterns. Here's what's really cool about the teachings of Jesus. If he teaches something he automatically provides the ability live it out.
Paul says there's a mystery, it's Christ in us. Jesus does in us what we cannot do ourselves. So this morning, by God's grace, I'm starting a "I Am Last" campaign." You won't see me on any billboards (although that would be kind of cool). Here's what I'm going to do in response to what God has been teaching me the last couple of days.
1. Repent - this isn't a very popular word today, but it's God's way of ushering us back into deeper intimacy with him. Self centeredness is sin. My only response can be to agree with him that I'm disobedience and ask for forgiveness.
2. Ask for Grace - To be last it's going to require the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit.
3. Look for opportunity - I want to look for opportunities this week to serve others, secretly. Are there ways I can serve those around me without them knowing I did it? Sometimes by serving we still end up with selfishness, and yes, I'm that screwed up. Secret service may deal a death blow to my flesh. Who is going to praise me for being such a great servant if only Jesus and I know who is doing it?
So, over the next couple of days if you think about me pray for me and I will you. What would happen if followers of Jesus everywhere followed his example of washing the feet of those around us? It would bring him great glory.
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