A few quick thoughts today:
Loved having the kids open the service with a couple of songs. They bring so much energy and life with them. No too mention we actually have a full room at 10 am. ;-)
Nathan and the band are moving forward well. Great worship today.
We announced today that Nathan is changing roles a bit. He is moving from youth to creative arts. Basically, it means he has more responsibilities. He will be overseeing music, video, drama, web & print, and the other creative aspects we do. He will be working with children, youth, and adults in these areas. His job will be to assemble teams of people in each of the areas for the projects and events and activities as needed.
For the youth this means a few things. Nothing will change until August. Then the volunteer leaders will start taking on a bit more responsibility within the ministry. We will move to a more small groups based format week to week on Wednesdays. Once or twice a month, I will speak to the youth. We will be giving the youth more opportunity to be involved.
There are a few reasons for the change. One, I believe this puts Nathan closer to his "sweet spot" in ministry given his giftings and passions. Also, it moves us closer as a church to where we need to go. This will help bring us closer to cohesive and continuous ministry across generations.
There is another reason. I believe that one of the reasons the church as a whole is losing 9 out of 10 of our youth when they graduate high school, is we don't effectively connect them to a church. They are connected to a youth group, but not a church. With the changes we are enacting and other things we will do in the future, I believe we can do our part to reverse this trend.
This is the direction we are going now and will adjust as needed along the way.
We also took time today to highlight missions and give those who are not currently giving to missions on a regular basis to partner with us. Great response!
Here is the podcast from today.
A quick side note:
The new AC units are in place and almost fully hooked up. We replaced the eight units which were still original to the building. The work on the parking lot has begun and should be complete in a couple of weeks. The ditch in the front of the building is being filled in to give that a nice finished look, and we will have a new sign in June or July. Finally, the work on the cafe should begin soon.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Choose
Don't know where this came from as I am sure it is not original.
You cannot choose your birth.
You cannot choose your death.
You MUST choose your life.
I have always been a proactive person and followed the carpe diem model of living. It has worked well for me for the most part and only gotten me in trouble a few times. :-)
However, I haven't always been intentional about the way or what means I use to seize the day. Sometimes I just grabbed what was and went with it. Other times I just went without looking. There have even been the times when I just flat missed it.
In life, we must make choices daily. Those choices compound and grow and set us up for the next day and beyond. Too many are just going through life waiting for each day to happen and waiting before they act or engage life. A reactionary life is one that will never be fulfilled because it will always be "victim" to time and circumstances and emotions. While the above statement says we MUST choose life, many are choosing to let life be whatever. By not intentionally choosing, they are choosing to let others decide for them.
God has a better way. He has laid before us a plan and a design that will bring fulfillment and purpose and understanding. He has given us a way to live that is effective and powerful. We must choose it. It takes effort. It takes intention. It takes daily choices that build and lead us closer to that image of Him in which we were originally created.
What choices need to be made today to choose the life that God has?
Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts.
You cannot choose your birth.
You cannot choose your death.
You MUST choose your life.
I have always been a proactive person and followed the carpe diem model of living. It has worked well for me for the most part and only gotten me in trouble a few times. :-)
However, I haven't always been intentional about the way or what means I use to seize the day. Sometimes I just grabbed what was and went with it. Other times I just went without looking. There have even been the times when I just flat missed it.
In life, we must make choices daily. Those choices compound and grow and set us up for the next day and beyond. Too many are just going through life waiting for each day to happen and waiting before they act or engage life. A reactionary life is one that will never be fulfilled because it will always be "victim" to time and circumstances and emotions. While the above statement says we MUST choose life, many are choosing to let life be whatever. By not intentionally choosing, they are choosing to let others decide for them.
God has a better way. He has laid before us a plan and a design that will bring fulfillment and purpose and understanding. He has given us a way to live that is effective and powerful. We must choose it. It takes effort. It takes intention. It takes daily choices that build and lead us closer to that image of Him in which we were originally created.
What choices need to be made today to choose the life that God has?
Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Power to Change
“What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
In ministry I have encountered people of all ages in some of the darkest struggles of their life; suicide, cutting, abuse, eating disorders, unwed pregnancy, uncaring parents, family conflicts, death, divorce, and the list goes on. In all of this, there has been one theme that we have endeavored to make clear; only God has the power needed to change their situation. While many of these are still walking through the valley of their current circumstance and struggle, some have experienced God’s power to change, which has brought them freedom and victory. One who has struggled with an area for many years was touched in a marvelous way and is now a testimony to the healing power of God. Another young person recently gave their heart to the Lord out of a great trial in their life as they let faith replace unanswerable questions and doubt.
Each one of us has a past riddled with mistakes and regretted decisions. Thanks to a God who loves us, we can count those things as behind and leave them there. We have no reason to go back and relive the past. As Paul stated in Philippians 3:13, “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,” (HCSB). Once we have been touched by the power of God to change our hearts and lives we are a different person. When people come to us with such dark and impossible issues, Christian cliches and pithy words won't do them any good. They do not need pat answers or quick fix solutions. Offering human centered advice won't cut it. They need faith in God that will sustain even without having the answers to "Why?".
It is only in the Word of God that we can offer them any hope. Anything else would be hollow and worthless.
Only Jesus can give the power to change.
In ministry I have encountered people of all ages in some of the darkest struggles of their life; suicide, cutting, abuse, eating disorders, unwed pregnancy, uncaring parents, family conflicts, death, divorce, and the list goes on. In all of this, there has been one theme that we have endeavored to make clear; only God has the power needed to change their situation. While many of these are still walking through the valley of their current circumstance and struggle, some have experienced God’s power to change, which has brought them freedom and victory. One who has struggled with an area for many years was touched in a marvelous way and is now a testimony to the healing power of God. Another young person recently gave their heart to the Lord out of a great trial in their life as they let faith replace unanswerable questions and doubt.
Each one of us has a past riddled with mistakes and regretted decisions. Thanks to a God who loves us, we can count those things as behind and leave them there. We have no reason to go back and relive the past. As Paul stated in Philippians 3:13, “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,” (HCSB). Once we have been touched by the power of God to change our hearts and lives we are a different person. When people come to us with such dark and impossible issues, Christian cliches and pithy words won't do them any good. They do not need pat answers or quick fix solutions. Offering human centered advice won't cut it. They need faith in God that will sustain even without having the answers to "Why?".
It is only in the Word of God that we can offer them any hope. Anything else would be hollow and worthless.
Only Jesus can give the power to change.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday Unwind
Absolutely awesome day! Yet a complete struggle at the same time.
Woke up with some pain in my gut that just got worse.
By the time I got to the church I was lightheaded and suffering greatly. I have never missed preaching because I was sick, but I really thought today was going to be the first. I started making plans for the service to go on without me.
After some prayer and rest, I was able to make it to service.
Still not sure what it was, either God healed me or it was spiritual warfare and God intervened. Whichever, God gets all the glory!
We opened with a memorial day tribute using the Toby Keith song, "American Soldier". Love that song. Moving video, gets me everytime.
Once service started I became stronger as the worship went on. The team did a fantastic job in worship. My wife is a great worship leader! I am very proud of her! There was a sense of significance almost immediately. The congregation engaged and jumped right in with both feet.
The Spirit of God was speaking and broke into the day and significantly started touching lives. It was powerful. It was clear what God was speaking, He is all we need, more than enough. No matter the circumstances we face or what we lack, He isn’t just what we need, He’s more.
There were a couple of people who made significant steps forward. Literally. It NEVER gets old seeing someone boldly surrender their lives to God and allow Him to work. It was powerful to see so evidently that God was moving so mightily.
Today was the second installment of our series on the Third Person of the Godhead Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Changed the message up a lot in the last couple of days. Look at the fruit of the Spirit out of Galatians 5. I really don’t care what someone believes about speaking in tongues or some of the other things associated with Pentecostals, if there is none of the fruit working in their lives, the Holy Spirit is not at work in them.
The Spirit leads us away from sin and away from the pleasures of self. It leads us into lives that bring glory to God. It leads us to live lives that are effective and impacting producing evidence of His work.
I find it interesting that this passage includes dissension, discord, envy, & selfish ambition with drunkenness and orgies and calls them all obvious sins of the flesh.
The full podcast is here.
God is working. He is guiding. He is speaking. He has great things in store.
The best is yet to come!
Woke up with some pain in my gut that just got worse.
By the time I got to the church I was lightheaded and suffering greatly. I have never missed preaching because I was sick, but I really thought today was going to be the first. I started making plans for the service to go on without me.
After some prayer and rest, I was able to make it to service.
Still not sure what it was, either God healed me or it was spiritual warfare and God intervened. Whichever, God gets all the glory!
We opened with a memorial day tribute using the Toby Keith song, "American Soldier". Love that song. Moving video, gets me everytime.
Once service started I became stronger as the worship went on. The team did a fantastic job in worship. My wife is a great worship leader! I am very proud of her! There was a sense of significance almost immediately. The congregation engaged and jumped right in with both feet.
The Spirit of God was speaking and broke into the day and significantly started touching lives. It was powerful. It was clear what God was speaking, He is all we need, more than enough. No matter the circumstances we face or what we lack, He isn’t just what we need, He’s more.
There were a couple of people who made significant steps forward. Literally. It NEVER gets old seeing someone boldly surrender their lives to God and allow Him to work. It was powerful to see so evidently that God was moving so mightily.
Today was the second installment of our series on the Third Person of the Godhead Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Changed the message up a lot in the last couple of days. Look at the fruit of the Spirit out of Galatians 5. I really don’t care what someone believes about speaking in tongues or some of the other things associated with Pentecostals, if there is none of the fruit working in their lives, the Holy Spirit is not at work in them.
The Spirit leads us away from sin and away from the pleasures of self. It leads us into lives that bring glory to God. It leads us to live lives that are effective and impacting producing evidence of His work.
I find it interesting that this passage includes dissension, discord, envy, & selfish ambition with drunkenness and orgies and calls them all obvious sins of the flesh.
The full podcast is here.
God is working. He is guiding. He is speaking. He has great things in store.
The best is yet to come!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Holy Spirit Baptism
I'm going to go out a limb here a bit. I received an email with a question from this past Sunday's service. I will post the original email and then my response unedited except for greetings and names. Feel free to weigh in with comments
Original Email
I just wanted to send you a note to let you know how encouraged I am that you are sharing on the topic of the Holy Spirit.
In my personal search for "that single point of truth" there is one scripture concerning the forementioned topic that I would like your input on
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 Says:
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[a]? Do all interpret?
My questions is: Is the gift of tongues the only evidence that one has recieved the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Can someone have the baptism without speaking in tongues?
I look at the impact that many ministries (across denominations) have had on reaching the lost and can't help but to believe that although not all of the practice the gift of tongues, many have experienced fruitful ministries like that mentioned in the book of Acts (i.e. Billy Graham Ministries)
Many of the old Penticostals refuse to believe that you can have the baptism of the Holy Spirit without the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Can you share your viewpoint on this?
My response:
Great question and one that has been asked many times.
I may or may not get to it directly in the next two weeks, so I 'll answer it some right now.
The passage in 1 Cor. 12 is speaking to special gifts of the Spirit. Most scholars and theologians agree this is not a statement regarding all tongues, just the gift of tongues used in public settings or where one speaks fluently a human language they have not learned for the benefit of another. The gift of tongues and the personal edification tongues spoken of in 1 Cor. 14:4 and much of Acts.
In the AG our doctrines state that speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence and much of the accounts of Acts seems to support this. However, tongues is not the baptism and should not be the focus. I do believe the AG (in practice more than doctrine) is a bit (or a lot) out of balance in this area as too much emphasis is on tongues. I think it can in some circumstances border on the case of Simon the Magician liking the show of it and seeking the power to make it happen. Too me the real evidence is in the things you mentioned of people reaching the lost, loving, caring, leading, etc according to the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 as well as the gifts in 1 Cor. If there is no t love and a desire or striving for unity, then I have a hard time believing the Spirit is actively working in someone's life no matter how much they speak in tongues, dance, shout, or what have you. 1 Cor. 13:1
I was a little on the fence about my Wednesday night topic coming up this summer, but the response to this past Sunday may have just solidified it as a teaching on the spiritual gifts.
Original Email
I just wanted to send you a note to let you know how encouraged I am that you are sharing on the topic of the Holy Spirit.
In my personal search for "that single point of truth" there is one scripture concerning the forementioned topic that I would like your input on
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 Says:
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[a]? Do all interpret?
My questions is: Is the gift of tongues the only evidence that one has recieved the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Can someone have the baptism without speaking in tongues?
I look at the impact that many ministries (across denominations) have had on reaching the lost and can't help but to believe that although not all of the practice the gift of tongues, many have experienced fruitful ministries like that mentioned in the book of Acts (i.e. Billy Graham Ministries)
Many of the old Penticostals refuse to believe that you can have the baptism of the Holy Spirit without the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Can you share your viewpoint on this?
My response:
Great question and one that has been asked many times.
I may or may not get to it directly in the next two weeks, so I 'll answer it some right now.
The passage in 1 Cor. 12 is speaking to special gifts of the Spirit. Most scholars and theologians agree this is not a statement regarding all tongues, just the gift of tongues used in public settings or where one speaks fluently a human language they have not learned for the benefit of another. The gift of tongues and the personal edification tongues spoken of in 1 Cor. 14:4 and much of Acts.
In the AG our doctrines state that speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence and much of the accounts of Acts seems to support this. However, tongues is not the baptism and should not be the focus. I do believe the AG (in practice more than doctrine) is a bit (or a lot) out of balance in this area as too much emphasis is on tongues. I think it can in some circumstances border on the case of Simon the Magician liking the show of it and seeking the power to make it happen. Too me the real evidence is in the things you mentioned of people reaching the lost, loving, caring, leading, etc according to the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 as well as the gifts in 1 Cor. If there is no t love and a desire or striving for unity, then I have a hard time believing the Spirit is actively working in someone's life no matter how much they speak in tongues, dance, shout, or what have you. 1 Cor. 13:1
I was a little on the fence about my Wednesday night topic coming up this summer, but the response to this past Sunday may have just solidified it as a teaching on the spiritual gifts.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday Unwind
It never gets old! I love what I do! I love the people of Capital City Church!
Our new pattern of service prep for the worship team is settling in. Great time of prayer before service and great time of worship during. We've got an announcement coming soon regarding our music and arts program. Looking forward to what God is going to do in this area.
I always anticipate baptism days. It is one of my favorite things I get to do as a pastor. We had three baptized today. Awesome! Great testimonies of God working in their lives.
We started a new series today called "Third Person." This series about the Holy Spirit will address some myths and some misunderstanding about who the He is and His purposes and workings in us. We will be looking at what the Bible says and hopefully bring some clarity. Ultimately, each person must decide how much they will allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives.
The question comes down to, do we trust God to do everything He wants to do in us?
Too many have taken the things of the Spirit and caused confusion and division with their own goofiness. The Holy Spirit is not weird or goofy or scary. He is real and very much a relevant part of our practical and daily lives.
We discussed two major purposes the Spirit has in our lives:
The first is to glorify God. Everything the Spirit does is for this. If something is bringing glory to a person, it is not the Holy Spirit's work. He brings glory to Jesus and the Father.
The second is to guide us into truth. He brings understanding and clarity as we read the Bible and He guides us in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit is God. If we follow Him, we follow God.
Several responded to say yes to God today. Some to something that the Holy Spirit has been guiding them in already and they have not fully surrendered, others were giving their lives in surrender to God to follow His journey for their lives.
You can hear the full podcast by clicking here.
I can't wait to see what else God is going to do over the next few weeks!
Our new pattern of service prep for the worship team is settling in. Great time of prayer before service and great time of worship during. We've got an announcement coming soon regarding our music and arts program. Looking forward to what God is going to do in this area.
I always anticipate baptism days. It is one of my favorite things I get to do as a pastor. We had three baptized today. Awesome! Great testimonies of God working in their lives.
We started a new series today called "Third Person." This series about the Holy Spirit will address some myths and some misunderstanding about who the He is and His purposes and workings in us. We will be looking at what the Bible says and hopefully bring some clarity. Ultimately, each person must decide how much they will allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives.
The question comes down to, do we trust God to do everything He wants to do in us?
Too many have taken the things of the Spirit and caused confusion and division with their own goofiness. The Holy Spirit is not weird or goofy or scary. He is real and very much a relevant part of our practical and daily lives.
We discussed two major purposes the Spirit has in our lives:
The first is to glorify God. Everything the Spirit does is for this. If something is bringing glory to a person, it is not the Holy Spirit's work. He brings glory to Jesus and the Father.
The second is to guide us into truth. He brings understanding and clarity as we read the Bible and He guides us in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit is God. If we follow Him, we follow God.
Several responded to say yes to God today. Some to something that the Holy Spirit has been guiding them in already and they have not fully surrendered, others were giving their lives in surrender to God to follow His journey for their lives.
You can hear the full podcast by clicking here.
I can't wait to see what else God is going to do over the next few weeks!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Legislative Action
I don't usually use my platforms for political issues, but this is one exception.
The article I am linking below is about a bill recently passed on Congress and is now before the Senate. Read it and make up your mind whether or not you need to act, but I have already contacted the Senators from Ohio asking them to vote NO.
Freedom of speech and religion are foundational to our country. We have plenty of laws that make acts of violence against any human being illegal. There is no reason to give special treatment to a group in this category that makes it more illegal to commit acts of violence on them than any one else. By giving any one a greater class of protection we take away some protection and safety from the rest of society. This is just setting up a hierarchy where those who have made a choice to live a certain way have greater power and position due to their sin. The more we sit back and do nothing, the more government and special interest groups promoting sin will intrude into everyone's rights until only a select few elites among us will have any rights.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=96595
The article I am linking below is about a bill recently passed on Congress and is now before the Senate. Read it and make up your mind whether or not you need to act, but I have already contacted the Senators from Ohio asking them to vote NO.
Freedom of speech and religion are foundational to our country. We have plenty of laws that make acts of violence against any human being illegal. There is no reason to give special treatment to a group in this category that makes it more illegal to commit acts of violence on them than any one else. By giving any one a greater class of protection we take away some protection and safety from the rest of society. This is just setting up a hierarchy where those who have made a choice to live a certain way have greater power and position due to their sin. The more we sit back and do nothing, the more government and special interest groups promoting sin will intrude into everyone's rights until only a select few elites among us will have any rights.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=96595
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday Unwind Mother's Day Style
I trust all the moms reading this had a good day. And, I also trust that everyone who could called their mom or saw her today. Moms take a lot from us and deserve honor and more than just on a designated day!
Quick run down of the day:
- Proud of Nathan and the worship team. They are taking some good steps forward. We have changed a few things up in their preparation (mentioned that last week) and there are a few more changes in the works and they are stepping up.
- Great spirit of worship in the room today. Seemed like much of the congregation was connected. It was quiet and peaceful and very real. I like it both ways. The loud and driving and exuberant is great; so was this. Both are important and good.
- Through a couple of curve balls at the tech crew by changing up a bit, but they rolled with it. Those guys do a great job! They are usually only recognized when something goes wrong.
- We dedicated a baby today. That is always a treat! This one happens to be the first CapCity baby born after I moved here. I think we had been in town just a week or two when she came along. Beautiful family that God is definitely working in. The dad is going to baptized next Sunday! I love baptisms!
- Gave everybody a treat today, I didn't preach! Instead, I turned it over to Elena. She brought a great message about being a Proverbs 31 woman and used Ruth as an example. There were even some words in there for the men! ;-)
- One guy told me after service that he took more notes from her than he does from me. Thought that was funny.
- I am very proud of my wife! She did a great job today! More than that she is more than I deserve and she keeps me grounded. She is a Proverbs 31 woman.
- The podcast can be found here.
- Next week we not only have our baptisms, but we will begin a new series called "Third Person" about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Until...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Personal Journey
I'm going to share a little bit of what is happening in me right now. Just decided to offer some transparency here as well as continue processing through some of this. By the way, it's all good. Well, it's moving towards good, at least. Some of it is difficult and even painful as I confront things in me and change and refocus and learn and grow.
Too often I think we see growth as this fun and exciting thing with great benefits and wonderful outcomes. While those elements are involved in stages of growth, more often than not there is also pain and conflict and upheaval involved in growth. Like a plant pushing through the soil, personal growth means things get pushed back, pushed out, displaced, moved, changed, choked out, taken over, and on it goes.
That said, here are some issues, ideas, concepts, etc. that are in upheaval in my life.
I have been rethinking ministry for some time. Let me clarify to try and head off confusion. I have been rethinking ministry roles and definitions for some time, not God's call. I am very sure of God's calling, just working through the details of some aspects of that calling. As life and ministry move forward, my role is changing and the way that I go about things needs to change. My girls are growing up faster than I want them to, health issues are a factor now, and the list continues. Capital City is unlike any place or position I have been in before and so the way I approach it must be different as well. All of this factors in.
Beyond all of it, God is speaking. He is pruning, He is working and molding. He is doing what He does. It's awesome, but it isn't easy. It isn't always fun. In fact, it is hard work. It is demanding. It requires much. Because of this I am going through a change in my routines and my approach to things. All of this is still very much a work in progress and I am more convinced than ever it always will be.
One specific area that I am being challenged in is health. A few years ago, I lost a substantial amount of weight, though I never reached my final goal. I have a gained a portion of that back. And I am not in the physical condition I should be. How I remedy that is one of the things I am working through. A regular exercise regimen will be a part of it though. This is not a diet, it is a mindset I am changing.
Another area is time management. I have become lax in this area and even allowed some laziness to set in. That is painful to face and admit, but it is there. I waste time that I should redeem. I'm not talking about working crazy hours and not relaxing; been there bought the t-shirt and almost lost more than it was worth. Anyway, I am speaking of making better use of time. Working smarter and more effectively. Being intentional with my schedule at the office and at home.
The way I lead is also undergoing a shift. I am spending more time in planning and working out systems and structure and vision. I am trying to do less and empower others more. Ironic thing is that makes my schedule busier. The standard is being raised and the expectations are greater for me and the team around me.
I am also journaling and reading a lot more right now. Prayer is a bigger and more significant part of my life and time. Bible study is taking on a different light as it has become even deeper. Things are becoming more focused and more simple.
Yes, I said simple. Really this isn't complicated and neither is life. We make things complicated. Sin complicates things. Lazy and apathy muddy the waters. God and His Word brings things into focus and makes them clear. He simplifies everything down to faith, hope, and love.
The funny thing is, simple isn't always easy.
Would love to hear some of what God is speaking and challenging in you...
Too often I think we see growth as this fun and exciting thing with great benefits and wonderful outcomes. While those elements are involved in stages of growth, more often than not there is also pain and conflict and upheaval involved in growth. Like a plant pushing through the soil, personal growth means things get pushed back, pushed out, displaced, moved, changed, choked out, taken over, and on it goes.
That said, here are some issues, ideas, concepts, etc. that are in upheaval in my life.
I have been rethinking ministry for some time. Let me clarify to try and head off confusion. I have been rethinking ministry roles and definitions for some time, not God's call. I am very sure of God's calling, just working through the details of some aspects of that calling. As life and ministry move forward, my role is changing and the way that I go about things needs to change. My girls are growing up faster than I want them to, health issues are a factor now, and the list continues. Capital City is unlike any place or position I have been in before and so the way I approach it must be different as well. All of this factors in.
Beyond all of it, God is speaking. He is pruning, He is working and molding. He is doing what He does. It's awesome, but it isn't easy. It isn't always fun. In fact, it is hard work. It is demanding. It requires much. Because of this I am going through a change in my routines and my approach to things. All of this is still very much a work in progress and I am more convinced than ever it always will be.
One specific area that I am being challenged in is health. A few years ago, I lost a substantial amount of weight, though I never reached my final goal. I have a gained a portion of that back. And I am not in the physical condition I should be. How I remedy that is one of the things I am working through. A regular exercise regimen will be a part of it though. This is not a diet, it is a mindset I am changing.
Another area is time management. I have become lax in this area and even allowed some laziness to set in. That is painful to face and admit, but it is there. I waste time that I should redeem. I'm not talking about working crazy hours and not relaxing; been there bought the t-shirt and almost lost more than it was worth. Anyway, I am speaking of making better use of time. Working smarter and more effectively. Being intentional with my schedule at the office and at home.
The way I lead is also undergoing a shift. I am spending more time in planning and working out systems and structure and vision. I am trying to do less and empower others more. Ironic thing is that makes my schedule busier. The standard is being raised and the expectations are greater for me and the team around me.
I am also journaling and reading a lot more right now. Prayer is a bigger and more significant part of my life and time. Bible study is taking on a different light as it has become even deeper. Things are becoming more focused and more simple.
Yes, I said simple. Really this isn't complicated and neither is life. We make things complicated. Sin complicates things. Lazy and apathy muddy the waters. God and His Word brings things into focus and makes them clear. He simplifies everything down to faith, hope, and love.
The funny thing is, simple isn't always easy.
Would love to hear some of what God is speaking and challenging in you...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Yes & Amen
But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." - 2 Corinthians 1:18
I was going to share this with our staff this morning, but circumstances changed our plans a bit.
Paul is addressing a change of plans himself in this passage. (To be honest the irony of this just dawned on me. You'll have to trust me that this was not thought out this way. I'm not that clever.) Anyway, there were some that were questioning Paul's integrity or at least his sincerity when he had shared his planned itinerary to be there at a certain time. He wanted to make sure that they understood the truth and that the message that was preached was true.
So many times in life we send conflicting messages. While there are times this is unavoidable, as in the case of Paul, most of the time it is simple carelessness or a looseness on our part that causes this. I'm not going to touch on the side where intentional deception comes in, we know that lying is clear cut sin. We can be very flippant with our promises and our words so easily. If we are not careful, we can even do this in spiritual matters. "I'll pray for you," yet, we never get around to it. "I was thinking of you recently," yeah, the moment we saw them or their name popped up on caller ID. "I felt God leading me..." the second we wanted to do something else or got uncomfortable with a situation. On and on it goes.
So quickly our lives and our message becomes "yes" and "no". Our message should be the same as Christ's. His was "Yes." Meaning, His message was sure and it was consistent, and it brought hope and life to all who heard and accepted. Paul continues in this passage and says that our message is to be "Amen". Most of us know that "amen" means "so be it." It is not actually a statement of completion or ending, it is a statement of agreement and alignment.
"Amen" became the ending to prayers out of a desire to express agreement with the prayer just prayed by another. It is an affirmation of what has just been proclaimed or petitioned. The word also means "believe" or "truly". Amen is not a conclusion it is a declaration of faith and faithfulness. When our words and our lives are "Yes" and "Amen" we are aligning ourselves with the Word of God, the message of peace and salvation, and with great faith in the sovereignty of an Almighty God. May our words and our actions consistently portray this to the best of our ability as we live intentionally for Him and for His glory.
I was going to share this with our staff this morning, but circumstances changed our plans a bit.
Paul is addressing a change of plans himself in this passage. (To be honest the irony of this just dawned on me. You'll have to trust me that this was not thought out this way. I'm not that clever.) Anyway, there were some that were questioning Paul's integrity or at least his sincerity when he had shared his planned itinerary to be there at a certain time. He wanted to make sure that they understood the truth and that the message that was preached was true.
So many times in life we send conflicting messages. While there are times this is unavoidable, as in the case of Paul, most of the time it is simple carelessness or a looseness on our part that causes this. I'm not going to touch on the side where intentional deception comes in, we know that lying is clear cut sin. We can be very flippant with our promises and our words so easily. If we are not careful, we can even do this in spiritual matters. "I'll pray for you," yet, we never get around to it. "I was thinking of you recently," yeah, the moment we saw them or their name popped up on caller ID. "I felt God leading me..." the second we wanted to do something else or got uncomfortable with a situation. On and on it goes.
So quickly our lives and our message becomes "yes" and "no". Our message should be the same as Christ's. His was "Yes." Meaning, His message was sure and it was consistent, and it brought hope and life to all who heard and accepted. Paul continues in this passage and says that our message is to be "Amen". Most of us know that "amen" means "so be it." It is not actually a statement of completion or ending, it is a statement of agreement and alignment.
"Amen" became the ending to prayers out of a desire to express agreement with the prayer just prayed by another. It is an affirmation of what has just been proclaimed or petitioned. The word also means "believe" or "truly". Amen is not a conclusion it is a declaration of faith and faithfulness. When our words and our lives are "Yes" and "Amen" we are aligning ourselves with the Word of God, the message of peace and salvation, and with great faith in the sovereignty of an Almighty God. May our words and our actions consistently portray this to the best of our ability as we live intentionally for Him and for His glory.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday Unwind
I am spent. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, completely spent, yet I am also mostly content. I say mostly because I do still have a preaching headache.
Let me start from the beginning.
- Woke up at 5 am with pain in my back and in my gut (not swine flu though, don't panic: leave that to the media. :-P). Anyway, I could not go back to sleep so I got up. Really felt like it was spiritual more than anything physical happening. Spent some time praying and just trying to get in tune as much as I could with what was really going on. Mostly, just trusted God and sought Him for what He wanted to do and say today.
- Got to the office about normal time and just went over the sermon one last time and checked on the tech elements. There was a weight about the day in every step. It wasn't a struggle to do or get through, just a sense of something significant.
- We changed the preservice schedule and routine of our worship band today. I like what we are doing now, but it will take some time for them to find this new preparation groove. Giving them more time to focus and get in tune spiritually.
- The twitterverse was teaming this morning with some great quotes and encouragement. The weight of the day wasn't just at CapCity, it seemed to be many places. God is setting His Church up for soemthing amazing. May each of us be ready for it when it comes.
- Coming out of prayer with the team, I saw some friends from our neighborhood walk in. What a treat to have them in service today!
- Love taking communion as part of the worship set! Again, there was a weight in the room during that time as the Spirit was just doing His thing.
- Took a few minutes to launch a fundraising campaign to complete our café area. This is not a normal effort. Someone stepped forward recently and offered $10,000 in matching money for this project. After presenting it and giving some instruction on timing and response, CapCity once again stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park! I haven't seen the full numbers yet, but nearly a third has already been pledged or given. That is just preliminary of what I know from direct contact!
- I settled right in "the groove" today during the message. We wrapped up the series, "What's In Your Bag?" Today I took a lesser known parable out of Matthew 21 of the two sons and talked about follow-thru. In golf, as in many sports, the follow thru motion is at least as important if not more important than anything else. In life, we have to follow thru. It's not enough to start well if we don't finish. Jesus said, "Well done..." not "well started..."
- I broke off for a few minutes and talked about forgiveness, that wasn't planned but really felt compelled of the Spirit to do so.
- I did say that teh church does NOT have a follow up problem at all. We do not NEED another discipleship program or curriculum. There is nothign wrong with soemone writing one, it is just not needed for us to move forward, we have plenty. No our problem in the church is not a problem with follow up, our problem is follow through. We don't finish. We don't walk the journey with people over the long term. We want them to finish a course and get a certificate and think it is done. Acts 2:42 tells us that those who had just been added to the believers "devoted themselves" to the teaching and to prayer. We do not do a good job of helping people to devote themselves. We try to do it all for them.
- There are some who have been saying "No" to God, but are ready to change and say "Yes." There are also some who have said "Yes" but have yet to actually follow thru and obey.
- Had another salvation today! That is ALWAYS awesome. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me but it takes us to around 20 on the year! We have a wasy to go, but I will NEVER complain in any way about any number of people givign their hearts to God!
- We're working on a few things that we are tweaking in our follow through as a church. You'll see these come in to play in various ways.
- Let me tell you, God is setting us up for a move that is far beyond anything we have ever experienced!
- Got together with another family and cooked out lunch today. Love brats and burgers on the grill!
- Played golf this evening. 9 holes with a couple of guys and then 9 on my own. Normally, I try to rest on Sundays, just didn't happen today, might pay for it tomorrow. But I very much enjoyed being out on the course. Took my own advice from the service this morning and worked on my follow through and was hitting the ball much better. Enough about that.
- Like I said, I'm spent. Until...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Unique
I am sitting here going through my notes from Thr3e this past Tuesday. One of the statements made by Steven Furtick was, "The thing that makes you unique makes you powerful." I have heard this concept espoused in various forms before, so it is by no means exclusive or new with Furtick.
However, it is a compelling statement and one that needs to be heard and lived more in the church world. Especially in the church conference and leadership realm. Way too often we go to conferences or seminars or just visit other churches looking for a formula to copy. We download sermons and copy them word for word thinking that is the answer cause it worked elsewhere. We change our look, our style, even our personality to try and emulate someone else who we see as successful. I say "we" because I have fallen prey to this at times too. It is easy to do.
Now, I am not espousing that attending these events or using the resources of others is wrong in any way. The exact opposite as a matter of fact. There is so much out there that is good that we need to use what others are offering as helps and starters and even springboards for messages and ministry. It is good stewardship to share what we have and share what others are offering to make all of us better. Lifechurch.tv gets this as well or better than anyone else.
However, when we do use these resources we must do so with the individual flair of who God is molding us to be. We must be DEVOTED to prayer and preaching of the Word. That means we get our context from God even when we are filling it with content from other sources. Only in prayer will the vision and ideas and all that is needed to please God where we are as who we are come out and be revealed. It may happen at a conference or some other place, but it is not because of or from the speaker(s) or church(es) involved. They may have been used by God to spark something, but the origin is God, or at least it needs to be. In His prayer Steven said it this way, "God take what I say and turn it into what needs to be heard by the time it gets to the heart."
Everyone of us needs a direct encounter with God to know the direction we are to go. We need to hear from the Holy Spirit what it is we are to say and proclaim. Once we hear from the Source, then we can sift among the abundance of resources available to get that message that God is burning in us out to those He has placed before us. We do so using the uniqueness of who He has created us to be.
I can't be you and you need to thank God you can't be me. So let us leverage our uniqueness and accomplish what God has for us.
However, it is a compelling statement and one that needs to be heard and lived more in the church world. Especially in the church conference and leadership realm. Way too often we go to conferences or seminars or just visit other churches looking for a formula to copy. We download sermons and copy them word for word thinking that is the answer cause it worked elsewhere. We change our look, our style, even our personality to try and emulate someone else who we see as successful. I say "we" because I have fallen prey to this at times too. It is easy to do.
Now, I am not espousing that attending these events or using the resources of others is wrong in any way. The exact opposite as a matter of fact. There is so much out there that is good that we need to use what others are offering as helps and starters and even springboards for messages and ministry. It is good stewardship to share what we have and share what others are offering to make all of us better. Lifechurch.tv gets this as well or better than anyone else.
However, when we do use these resources we must do so with the individual flair of who God is molding us to be. We must be DEVOTED to prayer and preaching of the Word. That means we get our context from God even when we are filling it with content from other sources. Only in prayer will the vision and ideas and all that is needed to please God where we are as who we are come out and be revealed. It may happen at a conference or some other place, but it is not because of or from the speaker(s) or church(es) involved. They may have been used by God to spark something, but the origin is God, or at least it needs to be. In His prayer Steven said it this way, "God take what I say and turn it into what needs to be heard by the time it gets to the heart."
Everyone of us needs a direct encounter with God to know the direction we are to go. We need to hear from the Holy Spirit what it is we are to say and proclaim. Once we hear from the Source, then we can sift among the abundance of resources available to get that message that God is burning in us out to those He has placed before us. We do so using the uniqueness of who He has created us to be.
I can't be you and you need to thank God you can't be me. So let us leverage our uniqueness and accomplish what God has for us.
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