Pastor's Blog

You Play, You Stay

2012-02-15T11:56:00.000-06:00

I had the privilege last week of being on a short cruise. (No, I don't feel badly about it. Walk a mile in man's shoes before you criticize.) It was sponsored by K-LOVE network so other artists were on board: Newsboys, Mandisa, Chris Tomlin and more.

Pastor Bryan Loritts (of Memphis, TN) was the devotional speaker. One morning he told a story about his father signing them up for little league. When they signed in, his father gave them a little sermon that could be summed up like this: "I don't make a lot of money. But I want you boys to enjoy this so I'm signing you up. There is one condition: you play and you stay. No whining. No quitting. Understood?"

That father was smart. He was instilling an important value in his sons. Count the cost before you start something and finish. You play, you stay.

As we remember the life and gift of Whitney Houston, some may forget the hours of practice, singing with the church choir, being mentored by her Mom, Cissy Houston. Yes, she had a gift--a unique set of vocal chords fashioned by her Maker--but that gift had to be exercised with perseverance. You can look at the so-called lucky break of being born in a musical family, but don't forget the hours of singing as a little girl in her bedroom.

Entitlement says, "Some people get all the breaks. Life isn't fair. You're born into greatness or you aren't." Others work hard, finding joy in becoming. They play and they stay. They don't quit.

The author, Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers), has said that extraordinary people are made, not born. He cites the 10,000 hour rule. He contends that masters of different disciplines are there because they have logged 10,000 hours in practice. You must practice to become great. Not become great, then practice. In other words, you play and you stay.

Are you sitting waiting for a break? Or are you diligently honing, practicing, reading, studying, playing so that you rise above mediocrity? What are you doing daily to improve your skills and God-given ability? You play, you stay.

Excuse Me?

2012-02-01T11:01:00.001-06:00

A recent survey revealed some of the most popular excuses for lateness: traffic delays (31%) lack of sleep (18%), bad weather (11%). However some of the more bizarre excuses included: "My cat had the hiccups” and “I thought I won the lottery” as well as “A fox stole my car keys.”

The first thing I teach our elders to say when people are seeking advice is, "What does the Bible say about this?" Without the Bible, there are only platitudes, philosophy, my subjective feelings and flawed EXCUSES. Which one of us hasn't tried to justify ourselves in some sin?

Here are just a few of the excuses I've heard as a pastor:

I know what the Bible says, but I have prayed and God has given me peace about this.
Doesn't God want me to be happy?
We sinned sexually, so now I'm obligated to marry this man even though I'm not sure if he's a believer
You don't know what it's like to suffer as long as I have. My situation is different.
I know what the Bible says, but don't you think Jesus would understand? Surely, He wouldn't make such demands in this special case.

Here's what I know about myself and about human nature: once I've headed down this path in my thoughts, it's only a matter of time before I act on it. It is human to excuse ourselves and it's Satan's great trick to help us justify those excuses. It's the oldest play in the book: "Did God really say you must not from any tree in the Garden?" (Gen. 3.1) Yes, Satan was twisting what God said, but he was also playing to Eve's self-justification.

Know the Book. Live the book. That is the way to stand when temptation or storms come. What did God say? That is the question.

Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. (Luke 6:47-48 ESV)

Talk with God Everyday

2012-01-24T12:49:00.000-06:00

Today I got one of those letters that made my day. The sum is this: "I had become lax in my time with God. The Bible was gathering dust. But being reminded that Jesus said, 'one thing is needful', I have recommitted to talking with God everyday--first thing in the morning. My life is back on track and I can feel the difference!"

Wow. That's what it means to grow as a follower of Christ--putting into practice what you're learning.

For anyone who may have missed Sunday the 16th, I'll include some of the action points here on daily time with God in prayer:

TALK WITH GOD EVERYDAY

A good place to start with personal prayer is on the pattern below. Remember each point of prayer with a different finger of your hand. Spend a few minutes on each one:

1) Thumb – THANKFULNESS. Thank God for at least 10 things that happened yesterday and more.

2) Forefinger – AUTHORITIES. Pray for leaders (government, pastors, employer and anyone who is an authority in your life.)

3) Middle finger – WORLD. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122.6) and for missions around the world, especially those who are in relationship with Crosspoint.

4) Ring finger – FAMILY. Pray for family and loved ones that they will know Jesus and those that don’t will repent.

5) Little finger – YOU! Pray that God will root out the sin in your heart, make you the person you need to be who loves God’s Word, His people and His presence. Take time to ask God to speak to you. Wait and listen.

Happy Birthday Dr. King

2012-01-16T21:14:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite quotes by the late Dr. King: "If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper...sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will have to pause and say, 'Here lived a great sweeper who did his job well."

This demonstrates that the equality Dr. King called for was not socialism. He understood that we have different callings, different roles, different stations in life that we occupy. But wherever we are placed, that we should do our job like heaven and earth is watching because they are.

Today, I joined many of our elders and deacons, along with our pastors in fasting and prayer. As we prayed, it shouldn't have surprised me that our prayers took a turn about an hour so into our time. We began to pray concerning our prejudice--even the kind that flies under the radar. The kind that you may feel when you enter a certain store and look at someone who is different than you. The prejudice may not be based on skin color but on style or lack thereof. It may be based on some profile that triggers a memory and suddenly we are feeling those memories like they happened yesterday.

There really is no room for racism, stereotypes and prejudice in a Christian's heart. Why? Because Jesus wasn't that way. He loved the lepers and the prostitutes. He loved those with hangups, habits and hurts.

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

The Red Zone

2012-01-09T10:43:00.000-06:00

It's a tragedy to lose but especially in the red zone, to come so close to winning but falling short of the goal.

In football, there is an area called the red zone. It's the 20 yards just outside the other team's goal line. In the red zone, things usually heat up. The defense works harder to stop the advance of the opposing team. The offense pushes to finish the drive and get a touchdown. A winning team needs a high "red zone percentage."

Are you in the red zone today? Are you close to a personal victory but about to quit? There can be many reasons:

You fumbled the ball and can't forget it. A costly failure has you replaying the mistake: a bad financial decision, a lapse of integrity, a missed opportunity.
Fatigue has taken a toll on you. A long-term struggle has you inches from quitting: months of counseling, a child that just won't listen, a bout with cancer, a family battle that's been years in the making
The opposition is intimidating. The latest news has knocked the wind out of you: your old lover has taken a job down the hall, your spouse lost their job again, the market is down, the illness is back full strength

Paul writes in Galatians: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Gal. 6:9 NIV, emphasis mine). Why does Paul include those last six words, "if we do not give up?" Because so many are tempted to give up just before the harvest, the victory, the touchdown, the win.

Are you in the red zone? Student, pastor, Mom, Dad, husband, wife? Push on. Don't quit. Stay at it. Don't become weary about doing good. You might be inches away from breaking through to a victory.

The Book that Keeps on Giving

2012-01-05T10:01:00.000-06:00

I don't buy many movies. Why? Because once you've seen it, you know how the story goes and it takes the punch out it.

Not so with the Bible. It keeps on giving. Regular reading will prove this: the Bible is the one book that keeps on giving. Any student of scripture will tell you how often you read the verses you've read before but it comes alive to you in a way that it didn't before. It keeps on giving. That's another reason why I keep on reading it year after year.

Now is the time to renew commitment to reading God's Word daily. I renew my commitment every year to have a daily dose of scripture. Sometimes I skip it and I regret it. But I get up the next day and start over. I don't quit.

Even if you miss a day, don't quit. What if you fail on a promise to kiss your wife everyday? Just because you miss a day, you don't say, "Well, I failed to remember to kiss my wife today. So I quit." No, you renew your commitment the next day! Simple illustration but it works!

What I like about our Crosspoint reading plan is that Sunday is a day off and it's a two-year plan so it's not quite as daunting for beginners. (See the plan HERE.) Since most of us attend church on Sunday, we hear God's Word there. So when you forget to read the Bible like I do sometimes, I simply start again on the day's reading and try to make up yesterday's reading on Sunday. The important thing is to stay at it and don't quit. It's the book that keeps on giving.

Billions Served

2011-12-20T15:59:00.000-06:00

Once at a wedding in which I was officiating, I challenged the couple right before the service: "You'll enjoy this wedding a lot if you guys take the attitude, 'This isn't about me. I'm here to serve.'" Seems ironic doesn't it? Isn't the wedding all about the bride and maybe a little bit about the groom? Yes and no. Everyone there has something they want out of it: parents, friends, family--everyone has hopes. It may be the acknowledgment of a gift, a kiss from the bride, communication of affection, or even just a big piece of cake! But they all have expectations.

I know as Christians, we sometimes get flustered: "Christmas is all about Jesus. It's been hijacked by pop culture." I lament over the loss too. It's not fair to Jesus. But in a way, some of the hullabaloo reiterates the truth of Christmas: God came to serve, not be served. (See Mat. 20.28) We've even found a way to serve ourselves on His birthday! Oh, the selfishness of man!

But God is love and Jesus is still serving up joy and celebration to mankind on the day we mark as His birthday. What a Savior we have!

What would it take to get you to fight?

2011-12-07T14:38:00.000-06:00

What would it take to get you to fight? I mean is there a line where you say, "No more?"

I know we all have a line, that with enough provocation, we will make some attempt at decking someone. But as a pastor it's heartbreaking to watch people roll over when it comes to life--especially, passive men. I've watched people give up on things worth fighting for:

a man and wife won't spend the money for counseling because it "costs too much." (How much will divorce cost you?)
a man won't go after a ministry dream because he's gotten use to a style of living and can't imagine downsizing
a student won't finish his degree because she's intimidated by two classes on economics
a guy gives up on his dream of marrying a girl because her Daddy said, "Not until you get a real job."

Faith is something to fight for. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Fight the good fight of faith..." 1 Tim. 6:12. Last time I checked, a fight means that there's one who is facing opposition! That resistance may come from well-meaning family, church members, and the Enemy himself--the one who roars and intimidates you with lion noises (see 1 Peter 5:8).

What would it take to get you fired up enough to fight? Come on.

There's Gold in Those Pages

2011-11-29T11:18:00.000-06:00

It's still reverberating in me...the importance of Scripture to a family foundation. Some questions I asked on Sunday:

• If Scriptures were gold, and your heart is a bank, how rich are you? (Lu 6:45; Ps 19:10) The Psalmist says that God's Word is "more precious than gold."
• Are you as diligent about training your children in the Bible as training as an athlete? (hours in study vs hours in practice)
• Which do you encourage more: cleaning their room or cleaning their mind?
• If someone asked your spouse or your children for a list of your most-read books, would the Bible be on the list?

No book compares to the Bible. The Scriptures are more precious than gold. How rich are you?

Here are some resources to consider for memorization:

1. Navigator's Topical Memory System - This resource helps you memorize 60 verses on important topics like discipleship, relying on God's resources, and growing in Christ. Great tool. Here's a more detailed description.

2. APP! Another cool tool is an app for your phone that helps you memorize. Check this out!

Don't forget to celebrate

2011-11-25T17:05:00.000-06:00

Joey, my nephew, when he was four, got intrigued with dancing. “You play. I dance.” I call it dance but it was more like a combo of gymnastics and some kind of a seizure—gyrating, jumping, leaping, with a few brake dance moves thrown in. One thing it was though was a moment of abandoning himself to unconstrained, unhindered, free-style celebration. But after kindergarten, he decided he was too mature and grown-up for such behavior. Can’t get him to dance anymore. Now he’s entered that stage where everything is about competing with brothers and avoiding adults.

And there is something sad about it. Because he does what it seems we all do. We start out carefree, not worried about what people think about us, usually ready to celebrate—only to grow up, grow old, and quickly learn how to worry about what people think of us. We forget how to celebrate.

Seriousness has replaced celebration--introspection, emo...“I just wanna be real and how can I celebrate since there is so much suffering in the world?” Like one should cancel out the other completely. And there are some Christians who say, “Everyday is Thanksgiving so we shouldn’t celebrate a day.”

But why not take every opportunity to celebrate? I count at least 15x in the O.T. that God says, "You shall celebrate." This was in reference to special festivals His people celebrated. I think God knows our tendency about forgetting to celebrate.

You, who obey the other commandments, don't forget this one: "You shall celebrate."

Belated Veteran's Day Thanks

2011-11-14T21:46:00.000-06:00

Something I wrote last week and said on Sunday...meant to post it (but just now getting to it):

I've heard it said: "Victory belongs to those who show up."
When Hitler threatened to kill the spread of liberty, they showed up
When the bullies of the world preyed upon the weak, they showed up
When terror threatened the powerless, they showed up
In the foxholes of Germany, on the beaches of Normandy, the swamps of Vietnam, and the shores of Tripoli…they showed up.

Although words seem inadequate and our 'thank yous' sound hollow…I for one, want to thank you ,Veteran of the U.S.A., for showing up.

Hope is Your Responsibility

2011-11-01T12:19:00.000-05:00

As a leader, some things are not your responsibility. You're not responsible for the weather. You're not responsible for the downturn in the economy. You're not responsible to answer for everything that God does or doesn't do. But whether you're a Dad, a CEO, a daycare supervisor, a financial consultant, you are responsible for maintaining an hopeful attitude.

Hope is critical, especially in times of crisis and in times when we need to persevere. It's what keeps us going when we feel like quitting. It's what helps us endure the tragedy in a movie: "Just hold on. I know the ending."

Someone was responsible for a hopeful attitude when the Cardinals were 10 games out of first place in August. The manager, LaRussa had to inspire hope. The team had to embrace it. Why are leaders responsible for that?

Because there are hope drainers. It might be the discouraging business report. It might be the Eyores in your organization or family. It may be an unexpected crisis. We all have them--the 9/11's of life, when the wheels come off, when the sales report is abysmal, when the unexpected happens. And as Christians, there is also the problem of sin in all of us which can bend our attitude toward despair.

Hope can give way to hopelessness which means, “having no expectation of good or success.” They say, "Man can live about forty days without food, About three days without water, About eight minutes without air, But only one second without hope."

That's why you are responsible for hope. If you as a leader don't maintain and protect hope in an organization, you're sunk. John Ortberg says it well, "The church is in the hope business...you can’t delegate hope.1

How can we inspire hope? Paul the apostle says we are to rejoice in hope and be patient in crisis. (see Romans 12:12). As Christians, we can lead with hope because:

1. We believe crisis has the potential to grow us. "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces HOPE." (Romans 5.3,4, emphasis added) What produces hope? Hope is four steps away from suffering. You as a leader can help someone see,

"This crisis in our marriage is difficult but I have hope that beyond this is a stronger, deeper relationship.
"This economic downturn is hard, but can make us learn how to be frugal yet strategic."

2. We believe that even in the bleakest of circumstance there is often the possibility of a good outcome. As leaders, we don't ignore the facts. That's stupid. But neither do we ignore the possibilities because "with God, all things are possible."

"You failed the exam, but is it possible for you to take it again?"
"You didn't get the job, but is there another option for you?"
"The doctor's report is not good. But God is mighty."

Again, we don't ignore the facts. But neither should you ignore the possibilities.

3. As Christians, we believe Hope is a Person. Not a feeling. Not optimism. But our hope is rooted in the Person of Jesus, the One who triumphed over the ultimate weapon of hopelessness, Death, by rising from the dead!

“What you’re clinging to is not the answer." (Meth, a loser, a job) Hope is found in Jesus.
"Even if we die, we have an eternal hope if we are in Christ, which cannot be destroyed." (see 1 Peter 1:23)

Leader, you're responsible for hope. Christian, you have a hope. This hope is Jesus Christ.

1. John Ortberg in LeadershipJournal.net, 2/11/2008. http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/currenttrendscolumns/leadershipweekly/cln80211.html (Accessed 2/11/2011).

A Dream Will Cost You

2011-10-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

As a kid, we would often head to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving. It was 800 miles so sometimes we would leave at night. It was fun to be carried to the car half asleep and wake up the next morning almost half way there. We closed our eyes at home and opened them over 400 miles away. Cool.

Some people think about their future like that:

I can't wait for my dream job. It's gonna be fun when I can afford the flat screen, the new car, the boat...
I'm praying and hoping for my future. I know God has big plans for me. I know it's on the way!
Someday, I'll have a wonderful family with a spouse that loves me. I can't wait.
I have my phone on because I'm expecting that call that will change my life!

As people get older, sometimes disillusionment sets in. People get discouraged and sometimes give up. We soon begin to realize that a destiny is not a destination. Dreams don't just come true without effort. Diligence is required. Dreams cost something.

Your dream job may mean going back to school. That will cost you money, time and sleep.
God's big plans for you may cost you some years in obscurity like Moses, David and Paul.
Your "dreamy" family will cost diligent effort to maintain healthy and loving relationships. Otherwise, your dream may become a nightmare!

Dreams will cost you something. The bigger the dream, often the higher the price will be. But it's the journey that God wants us to enjoy. Don't just close your eyes and hope for the best. Keep your eyes wide open all along the way. Every mile there's something to learn about Jesus and His friendship with us. And whatever the cost is, as long as you're walking with Jesus it's worth it all!

How about a little kindness?

2011-10-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

Percentage of Americans who:

Think being uncivil is a serious problem: 89.

Think mean-spirited political campaigns are to blame: 73

Think rock music is to blame: 67.

Think talk radio is to blame: 52.

Think their own behavior is uncivil: 1.

Typical isn't it? We think everyone else is the problem! But Jesus' people are called to be kind. (Eph. 4:32, Romans 12:10.)

It's not just a world problem; it can be a church problem. Why? Because it’s a human problem. I talked with a daycare supervisor who told me she had been slapped by a 3-yr old and cussed out. It’s a human problem. It’s in the old DNA.

But the Bible says, we should clothe ourselves with kindness. (Col. 3:12). Plus, it’s the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22)

As one who occasionally gets to meet high profile Christian leaders, I've noticed something the majority of them have in common: the greater the leader, the more they give honor and kindness to others. It's the insecure leader that is always thinking, "Why aren't people more kind to me?"

Objections?

1. People aren’t kind to me – They probably aren't because we get the seeds we plant. Plant kindness, you’ll reap kindness. No you won’t change every grouchy person in your life but you’ll begin to reap kindness where you haven’t planted.

2. I’m not the “kind, outgoing type.” It may not be in your genes but is it in your spiritual DNA? Is Christ in you? The Holy Spirit? The fruit of the Holy Spirit is “gentleness, goodness."

3. “I don’t want to lie. I want to be real.” Saying “thank you” is not lying. It’s being grateful.

Do you exhibit kindness? What attitude would people observe if someone were:

• to follow you as you drive to work,

• as you bought soda at the gas station,

• as you walked in the office in the morning

• when you picked up your medicine at the drugstore

• When you bought your groceries

• When you greeted your children at the end of the day?

Stat: U.S. News & World Report (4/22/96). Leadership, "To Verify."

Manifesto

2011-10-11T11:44:00.000-05:00

While at the Billy Graham Training Center last week,all around me I saw the evidence of a life well-lived. Billy is in his 90's. Shea and Barrows, his ministry partners, are still around and the thing they share in common is life with character intact--as far as I can see. How?

One of the things they did in the early years that proved to be key to ministry integrity was the so-called "Modesto Manifesto." It was while in Modesto that they pledged to each other these four commitments. They had observed the bankrupt character of some other ministries and wanted to protect the same thing from happening to them.

Here's an abbreviation of the Manifesto:

1) We will never criticize, condemn or speak negatively about others.
2) We will be accountable, especially in finances, with integrity according to the highest standards.
3) We will tell the truth, be totally honest, especially in reporting statistics.
4) We will be exemplary in morals__careful to avoid the very appearance of any impropriety.

By the grace of God, they attempted to live by these and as a result they are leaving a legacy of strong character.

What is your Manifesto?

The Solution for Dull Worship

2011-09-28T11:31:00.000-05:00

The reason the worship of God is insipid and dull is that our view of God has dulled into a pale resemblance of the Real. We have settled for bones, dust and artifacts. The hour of worship has become an hour at the museum. If we want to amp up the passion in worship then we must amp up our vision of the living God. This is the solution to dull worship.

Don't Let it Die with You

2011-09-21T10:38:00.000-05:00

It's a sad sight to watch a great organization, a church, a ministry die simply because it was all centered around one person's gifts. Why does it happen? Many times it's because of insecure leadership:

"No one can do it like me."
"If I'm not there, it won't succeed."
"Greatness of this organization begins and ends with me."

At the root of these is insecurity: "If they can do it without me, then why am I here?"

Of course, great leadership is needed and essential. An organization, church, ministry needs someone who leads courageously. But he/she needs to lead with a vision for the next generation--not just until you retire. God's kingdom is supposed to go on after you're off the scene. To have something die without you, means that you failed to pass it on.

So don't do it alone. Are you passing on what you know? Do you have an apprentice? Are you showing someone how to do what you can do well? Barnabas had Mark. Jesus had Peter, James, John. Moses had Joshua. Aquila had Apollos. Paul had Timothy.

They didn't let it die with them. You shouldn't either.

Kindergarten Principles Still Apply

2011-09-08T15:52:00.001-05:00

I was re-reading excerpts from a fav book from years ago: "All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten." Great stuff. This isn't a complete list, but here are my top ten from Fulghum's list:

Share everything. Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Clean up your own mess.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and milk are good for you.
Take a nap every afternoon.
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Don't you wish more people put these into practice? Especially Christians?

I Was Born this Way

2011-08-24T10:22:00.000-05:00

Poet Joanne Germanotta penned these words,
"I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way"

Of course, her stage name is Lady Gaga and the album went platinum the first week. Many relate to those words because we believe that whatever is instinctive, whatever is "natural" is good and shouldn't be altered or restricted. This is Gaga's message and it is the core of postmodern thought: Man is basically good and he/she should be accepted as is. "Accept me for what I am not for what you want me to be." This sounds good but it couldn't be further from the truth.

God's Word concerning Joanne Germanotta, Me, You and every "innocent" baby born is that we are all born as rebels of God (see Psalm 51.5). We aren't basically good. We're all born rebels and the only solution for the "way we were born" is to be born from above. This is no slam against Lady Gaga. It's universal.

The good news is that God the Father's DNA is powerful enough to restructure our DNA so that rebels become sons and daughters of God. Wow.

Supernatural Singing

2011-08-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

Songs move us. My youngest brother Bryson proved it. When he was about a year old or less, we discovered that if we sang certain songs he would pucker up. I used to line up my buddies and I would sing a couple of lines and say, “Watch this.” Songs move us.

Songs go deeper than thought. They touch the heart. History reveals it. We know it’s true. That’s why the earliest military endeavors included songs and music as a part of war. They learned that when spirits were low and the outlook was bleak, a couple of drums and a flute could lift the spirits. Hope could be restored. It’s why virtually every nation and kingdom has a national anthem. It inspires pride and hope. Who hasn’t at some point in their life, gotten a lump in their throat when the flag passed by and they sang the Star Spangled Banner? It’s why High Schools have marching bands and smart marketing ads use music. Because songs move us.

But with Christians, it's even bigger than this. Songs as worship to God can actually change the atmosphere. A quick read of Acts 16 will prove it. Imagine Paul and Silas, beaten, bloody, chained up in a cell. And these cells didn't have A/C and a TV like ours today. They were dark, dank and gloomy places. But what did Paul and Silas decide to do at midnight? Sing and glorify God. I can imagine Paul saying to Silas, "Okay, Silas. We've prayed. We've prayed some more. We've talked and witnessed to these guards. What now? How about singing?" So they do and God hears their singing and the walls begin to shake and the chains fall off and soon revival breaks out! The head guard and his family are baptized. And so the church at Philippi grew as Jesus used a couple of guys singing praise in a jail cell! No, it's not magic and not everyone who is in a crisis can sing their way out. But before you say, "God doesn't do that anymore" don't discount it either. Praise still paves the way for God's supernatural intervention.

Are you in a prison of doubt? of discouragement? of temptation? of hopelessness? Ramp up the praise. Perhaps God will use that as an opportunity to break in and loose the chains on your soul.

Fruit that Remains

2011-08-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

I planted two cherry trees two years ago. This year there was "fruit!" Well sort of. There was actually one cherry. That one cherry didn't ripen but fell to the ground still green. I'm disappointed but I'm not destroyed because I know something about trees and fruit: two years is not long enough to see whether a tree is going to bear fruit. It takes more patience than that. They tell me that it can take 5-7 years before a tree starts bearing! So, I'm not giving up...yet.

Jesus had hope for fruit from his followers too: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." Their early ministry with Him, was "sort of" fruitful. There were glimpses of glory but there were other times when Jesus was exasperated with their progress. (Remember hearing Him say, "Have I been so long with you and yet..." Jn. 14.9). But later there was fruit that remained. In fact it's still remaining: a world-wide movement that is alive and well on every continent!

So don't give up! Fruit may yet come:

from changing diapers and piles of laundry
from prayer to find that someone to share life with
from a business venture that you love and are faithfully serving others with it
from generosity you have sown into God's Kingdom
from teaching God's Word to blank stares in your living room
from hours of marriage counseling together
from a 100+ resumes

I'm not giving up on my dream of a cherry pie from my backyard...yet. Maybe it's not time for you to give up either.

Helping Somalia

2011-07-25T13:41:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you know the news of the crisis in Somalia. If not, here's some heartbreaking details. Brings perspective on our complaining about the heat.

Some have asked how they might respond. I can't speak for every organization, but here's one that I recommend. Food for the Hungry is a member of ECFA which means that they open their books to scrutiny. They have a presence in Kenya and are seeking some long-term solutions to the crisis in the region. You might consider giving to this reputable work. See some of what they are doing HERE.

Money Margin

2011-07-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

Thinking more about money margin today...Richard Foster has some points to ponder in his chapter on Simplicity in "Celebration of Discipline." I was considering them Saturday as checkpoints in my own life. Why not look at these and rate how well you're doing:

(Adapted from Celebration of Discipline)

___ Give generously. The more difficult it is for me to be generous, is usually an indication of how much I love money and want to spend it on me.

___ Spend less than you make. Yes, there may be seasons when this is necessary and you have to dip into emergency cash. But consistently spending more than you make is the prelude to poverty.

___ Build an emergency fund. DR recommends starting with $1000 then move to minimum of 3 mos personal expense. Average job loss lasts one year.
___ Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status. When you buy, ask yourself, is this about usefulness or prestige?

___ Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. Learn to distinguish between a real psychological need, like cheerful surroundings, and an addiction. Any of the media that you find you cannot do without, get rid of. If money has a grip on your heart, give some away and feel the inner release.

___ Develop a habit of giving things away. If you find that you are becoming attached to some possession, consider giving it to someone who needs it. De-accumulate! Masses of things that are not needed complicate life. They must be sorted and stored and dusted and resorted and restored ad nauseum.

___ Don’t fall for the propaganda regarding the latest modern gadgets. Most gadgets are built to break down and wear out and so complicate our lives rather than enhance them. Usually gadgets are an unnecessary drain on the energy resources of the world. Environmental responsibility alone should keep us from buying the majority of the gadgets produced today.

___ Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Owning things is an obsession in our culture. If we own it, we feel we can control it; and if we can control it, we feel it will give us more pleasure. The idea is an illusion. Enjoy the lake without feeling you have to buy a piece of it. Borrow books. Enjoy libraries, zoos, parks, the lake, the beach.

___ Reject all ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes. They are a trap and only deepen your bondage. Certainly prudence, as well as simplicity, demands that we use extreme caution before incurring debt.

___ Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God. It is so easy to lose focus in the pursuit of legitimate, even good things. Job, position, status, family, friends, security—these and many more can all too quickly become the center of attention.

Overloaded? Any of these a picture of your life?

2011-07-18T16:05:00.000-05:00

Marginal Living

2011-07-18T15:47:00.001-05:00

She asked me this morning, "How did you sleep?" Why? Because my wife and I know that not all sleep is equal. Ever had restless sleep? I have. Your eyes are closed, you're lying down and you're in that semi-conscious zone but you have these nightmares of running while someone is chasing you. So you wake up without feeling rested. Drat.

It's the same way with our souls. Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Mat 11:28-29 esv). All rest is not equal.

Here, Jesus promises rest for the overloaded life. A lot of the baggage we carry, we weren't meant to carry and it's depleting our reserves--whether it's the baggage of:

Guilt - I should have done more. Now it's too late. My daughter is grown. My Dad has passed. Etc.
Grudges - I can't forget what they did.
Penance - I must do more or God might not let me into Heaven
Anger at God - I've been faithful all my life and so far God has not kept His part of the deal
Savior-mentality - It's all up to me. I must solve the world's problems. I must win my family to Christ. I must heal the world.

All of these are rooted in the idol of self. Notice how they all start with "I". Real Christianity does include responsibility. But it's a partnership: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me...you will find rest..." This kind of rest is one that is "found"--not obtained by straining in a solo effort. But found in relationship with Jesus.

So unload your baggage and take His yoke. It's easy by comparison.

Another Reason to Text: Encourage People

2011-07-16T15:01:00.000-05:00

Interesting article about some research that showed how sending encouraging text messages to people who were trying to quit smoking actually helped. Smokers were twice as likely to succeed if they received encouragement via text.(You can read the original article here.)

Here's more proof that encouragement is powerful. Maybe that's why we like to hang around people who cheer us on and don't tear us down. It's why loneliness can be debilitating and even dangerous. It's why Christians should get together often on weekends and at other times ..."not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Heb 10.25 ESV).

Harvest-time is coming

2011-07-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

Becki picked the first cucumber from the garden today. Hopefully one of many to come. Plants are loaded with blooms but it seems like they will never come.

Same is true in life isn't it?
• have you been in counseling but don't see any fruit?
• in a Bible study but you don't see any personal victory?
• pastoring, loving, leading but problems abound?
• praying for your rebel daughter but no change?

There's a long gap between planting and harvest. Seems like it will never come. But have patience. Keep praying, studying, loving, digging, watering. Harvest time is coming! Be faithful bro! Stay at it sis!

Protecting Margin

2011-07-06T15:18:00.000-05:00

My study break is officially over and I've jumped into full-prep mode for the weekend. It's been a great few weeks and while I wasn't completely out-of-pocket the whole time, I feel revived. I did it because I knew I needed it. Even though, no one was begging me to leave! It's true--nobody else will protect your margin. You have to protect it.

Your boss will protect your "work time"
Your spouse will remind you of your "family time"
Your government will remind you of your "jury time"
Your kid will remind you of "game time"

But usually it's only you who can protect the margin--that "in-between" time that we all need to regroup, refresh, revive.

Yeah, I know the vast majority of you cannot break away for days by yourself. But do you really have to work 7-day weeks? Do you have to do that overtime? Do you really need another commitment, Mom? Do you really have to scrub the floors EVERY Saturday? Student, do you really need to kill yourself with 17 credits per semester so you can graduate early?

You weren't made to be on 24-7. Everything needs a rest, a break. Only you can make that happen.

"The Bible Found Me"

2011-06-14T16:59:00.000-05:00

This week I entered a study break. It's been great to get away from the normal setting. I'm a little closer to nature and it's amazing how the simple things become beautiful again--just by simply stepping outside of routine for a few days.

I've been reading G. Campbell Morgan's biography for one thing. I've admired this man's legacy but haven't known much about this man whose ministry spanned roughly 50 years (~1890-1940). One scene that should help anyone who wrestles with doubt happened in his 20's. Bombarded by the liberal mindset that was already taking root in England in the late 1800's, he wrestled with assurance on the authority of God's Word, the Bible: “I am no longer sure…but of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God and I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself.”

Later he writes of that battle, "That Bible found me….in 1883. I have been a student ever since and I still am (in 1938)!"

Simply awesome.

Update on Joplin

2011-05-26T15:04:00.000-05:00

The pickup for supplies at Crosspoint (for Joplin disaster relief) has been moved up. Please have your items here by Wednesday evening, June 1. Drop off at bins IN STUDENT MINISTRIES. (See this LINK for more info.)

Joplin Relief

2011-05-26T09:34:00.001-05:00

Two opportunities for folks to get involved in relief efforts...

One Student Ministries is sponsoring a pickup here at Crosspoint. Deliver items by 5/29. See this link for more info.

Also, our friends at Midwest Aerials are providing a tractor trailer on Friday the 3rd, loading collected supplies to go to their Springfield MO location for Joplin Relief. We have a connection in the Joplin area and are working with a church there. Below are items we are looking for. They are asking people to box the items in a strong box and mark the box to show what is in it to expedite delivery.

Batteries
Flashlights
Rain gear
Tarps
Work gloves
Sunscreen/Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Tents
Air Mattress
Pet Food
Sleeping bags Blankets (new or used)
Flip flop sandals (new or used ALL sizes)
Bottled water or Gatorade
Baby supplies (diapers, wet ones, formula, baby food)
Non-perishable items (canned foods)
Toiletry items (Tooth paste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, Kleenex, Deodorant, Razors)
Woman's personal items

Thanks everyone for your participation.

Vertical Church

2011-05-16T13:02:00.000-05:00

Had a great time with the Pastors and wives at Harvest U last week. James MacDonald and Harvest has 6 locations in Chicago area with 13,000+. Fellowship has about 70+ churches worldwide. Learned a lot. Inspired.

He showed this clip which we included yesterday. Check it out.

Jesus loves the church

2011-05-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, I've seen some bad stuff under the name of "church." Here's a few: abuse, division, quackery, mishandled funds, affairs and more. For this reason, some have said, "I'm a part of the invisible church." Or, "I don't believe in organized religion." Behind every statement like that is a hurt or disappointment. Someone somewhere in the church let them down.

But I've also seen some amazing, miraculous things in the "church." Just this weekend, here are a few stories from people. (Names changes to protect identity):

T.S. - former alcoholic, suicidal, marriage "on the rocks." Now? marriage restored, secure in Christ, solid Bible teacher
K.W. - rape victim, suicidal, raised by single parent. Now? secure in Christ, great leader, financially stable
R.K. - sexually abused as a child, disappointed and hurt by church leadership, struggled with homosexuality. Now? secure in Christ, training for vocational ministry, leading and helping others.

For every bad story about church, I could give you several good ones. No wonder Jesus loves the church and gave Himself for it.

You need to love it too. Don't love Jesus and dis' His bride. (see Eph. 5.25, 1 Cor. 3:16-17)

Sunday's Coming

2011-04-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

It's Friday but Sunday's coming. That ought to be the mantra of the Christian. Jesus was dead on Friday, but it's only Friday. Resurrection Sunday is the hope in every dark night that a Christian faces. All suffering, despair and tragedy should be viewed in the light of Easter. There it looks totally different. Wow, I can't wait to celebrate this. Think I'll start now.

If you haven't seen this clip of "It's Friday" by S.M. Lockridge, or even if you've seen it before, watch it again and get some hope.

No commitment?

2011-04-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

What is friendship without commitment? Just an acquaintance. What happens to a marriage without commitment? Divorce. What are team members without commitment? Losers. Not much can be accomplished without commitment.

Some friends of mine have marked their calendars for a sprint triathlon which is a shorter version of the swim, bike, run competition. But without "commitment to training" they will not finish. They will pass out, fall short or permanently impair their body. Marking your calendar for a competition is useless if you don't commit to training.

How many marriages don't go the distance simply because there is no "renewed commitment" daily, weekly, monthly?
How many churches close their doors because there is no commitment to the next generation of leaders? The church dies because there is only a commitment to "now."
How many jobs are lost simply because there is little commitment to excellence, but rather simply a commitment to "get my check"?

If you want to finish the race, you must commit to training. I found a quote attributed to marathoner Frank Shorter. Frank finished second in the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Moments after, a reporter asked him, "I know you must be disappointed...Do you plan to go for the gold medal again in 1980?" The Olympian calmly looked back at the reporter and said, "Well, of course I wanted to win the gold medal. But the question I have to ask myself now is, "Will I commit myself to running 10 miles per day, every day, for the next 4 years?"

Jesus said, "A wise man hears my words and puts them into practice." (Matthew 7:24)

When they heard "this"

2011-03-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

Great time this morning with staff and interns on a mark of a healthy church as found in Acts 2: spirit-empowered gospel preaching. "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”Acts 2:37. What does "this" refer to? Peter's spirit-empowered gospel message. The message cut through to the heart. What else can do this!!!

On the same day, I see this video on the power of God's Word. You've got to see THIS!

The Meek shall inherit...

2011-03-21T16:46:00.000-05:00

You may despise PBS. You may never have been a fan of Fred Rogers, a.k.a. "Mister Rogers." But this clip of him testifying at a Senate hearing in 1969 demonstrates passion and more; perhaps we see why Jesus said the meek will inherit the earth. Strength and passion come in different models. God led 2M+ through the leadership of the meekest man. "Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth" (Numbers 2.3 ESV).

Who is our God?

2011-03-01T21:26:00.000-06:00

This is something I wish I'd said:

It is madness to wear ladies' straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping God may wake someday ... (Annie Dillard in Teaching a Stone to Talk)

Renew our vision of the true and living God:

....the still small voice (1 Ki 19:12)
... Presence that melts the mountains like wax (Ps 97.5)
... a God who is jealous (Deu 4.24)
... His voice splits the cedars (Ps 29.5)
... the One who makes the clouds His chariot (Ps 104.3)
... the One whose eyes are blazing fire and on His head many crowns (Rev 19:12)

This is our God.

Jesus IS Coming. Is it May 21?

2011-02-16T16:33:00.001-06:00

According to this website, they have discovered the date, May 21, 2011. Billboards are coming to a city near you.

Should we expect, long for and hope for Christ's return? No question. Titus 2:13 makes that clear. And I am. I long for and am looking for the return of Jesus.

But is date setting helpful? No.When the disciples wanted to know a date, this was Jesus' response: "...It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority." Acts 1:7. (I know they have a retort for this scripture but I don't buy their hermeneutic.)

If Jesus is returning on May 21, will someone be saved simply because they heard that warning? It didn't work for Noah. It won't work now. I wish it would. But if He doesn't return May 21? Many more will become skeptics.

Rather, let's choose to live like He is returning soon. Preach like He's returning soon. Love like He's returning soon.

Stuff I'm Reading

2011-02-04T22:33:00.000-06:00

Maybe you don't care, but in case somebody does, here's a few things I've been reading:

Living By the Book. LBTB is a great book for anyone who wants to get more out of personal Bible Study. It will fire up your devotional time! This is a supplemental text I'm using in the C3mi class I'm teaching on Hermeneutics (which means to interpret/translate). Howard Hendricks known as "Prof" at DTS is widely respected and has taught many well-known speakers like Chuck Swindoll, Andy Stanley and Chip Ingram. (How about having that list as people you've influenced!)
Between Two Worlds. BTW is a great book for anyone who communicates through preaching/teaching. One thing John recommends is having a resource group that reads a book a month that represents contemporary issues. In the meeting, they discuss the Christian implications/response. Great idea. This man has a passion to get the message across. John W Stott is respected world-wide by many Christian pastors. A faithful, man of integrity who pastored All Souls Church in London most of his life. He turns 80 this year.
What Your Contractor Can't Tell You by Amy Johnson. Becki and I have looked at remodeling or building and this book is amazing. It arms you with the background info you need when talking to a contractor or architect. If you're building something, you need this book.
Act Like a Lady, Think like a Man by Steve Harvey. Months ago, I knew I'd be doing a series on Original Design and God's Good Gift so I picked up this book. Not really for advice obviously, but to hear another contemporary perspective on male/female issues. He's a funny guy. Not always appropriate. But I did find the book helpful as a window into another guy's mind.

I'm looking for a great fiction or a book on a contemporary issue. If you have a great suggestion, shoot it my way.

Behold the What?

2011-01-27T17:20:00.000-06:00

As Christians in America, with multiple translations at our fingertips, we often don't appreciate the sacrificial efforts of those who came before us. Read the bios of William Tyndale and John Wycliffe and you get a taste of what men went through to give us the Bible in the language of the people.

The work continues around the world and it's not always easy as we discussed in class this morning: How do you translate the "Lamb of God" in a culture that had no sheep? Read scholar Craig Keener's thoughts below:

"When Bible translators go into other cultures they face difficult questions regarding the meanings of words and phrases. For instance, some translators had to explain “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (Jn 1:29) for a culture that had no sheep and thus no words for lambs. The culture did, however, have pigs, and used them for sacrifices. But if they translated it “Behold, the Pig of God!” (which does not ring nicely to our American ears, and certainly would have offended ancient Jewish sensibilities even more), what would happen when they had to translate passages in the Old Testament where pigs were unclean but sheep were not? Perhaps they could best solve the issue by putting a footnote in the text and by translating with some combination of words that communicated the concepts best as possible in their language, like “hairy pig.”" [The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener, InterVarsity Press, p.33]

Some things don't go with Starbucks

2011-01-24T21:33:00.001-06:00

It's hard for me to picture the apostle Paul teaching this verse with a cup of Starbucks in his hand: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8,9).

Before you shut me down, please hear me. I love coffee. My wife converted me to it after only being a social java imbiber. One of my favorite memories is sipping the local brew near Costa Rica. There in a roadside cafe, they used one of those well-used filters that looked like a dirty sock. It was the best coffee I've ever had, as I sat with my missionary friend, Ken Schmitt, and looked out the window over the acres of coffee in the foothills near San Jose. So I'm not a coffee snob, but I can tell the difference between the cheap stuff and the good stuff.

That being said, there are just some things that don't seem to go with Starbucks for me. Teaching certain texts is one of them. Maybe it's those pictures from the old Bible story books of the Apostle Paul after being flogged that is hanging me up. I.d.k.

Rescue at the Gap

2011-01-20T11:33:00.000-06:00

Heartwarming story about a man who turns people away from ending it all with a cup of tea. This Aussie bought a home near Sydney Harbor and soon found that the cliffs were the hot spot for suicide. This guy who's 80+ refuses to just sit in his rocking chair. (Read more about him here.)

I don't know this guy's faith, but can't help but compare it to the passion we ought to have in turning people around! James says it like this: "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." (Jas 5:19,20)

The Duct Tape of Marriage

2011-01-12T10:04:00.001-06:00

Duct tape doesn't fix anything, but it CAN hold things together until they are.

Last Sunday night, we talked about "God's Good Gift." The focus of our talk was about how God makes us one in marriage. We looked at the first time this is mentioned in Genesis and Jesus' echo of this in Matt 19 verse 6, where Jesus mentions the phrase, "what God has joined together." When a couple makes the covenant in a wedding ceremony and then affirms that covenant when they are first united physically, God makes 'one out of two', both physically and emotionally. Somehow, I believe the Bible also confirms there is a linking of spirits as well, whether good or bad. (See 1 Corinthians 6:16.)

We don't understand covenant these days. But in the Bible, covenant is a big deal. Every covenant had a seal that was an outward symbol of the agreement: Abrahamic Covenant (circumcision), Noahic covenant (rainbow), Christian (baptism, communion). I believe that sex is the seal of marriage. Every time they are physically intimate they reaffirm their covenant.

No, "God's Good Gift" doesn't solve all the problems in marriage such as poor communication, lack of romance, mistrust, lack of encouragement, baggage from previous relationships. But it does help keep the marriage together in tough times. Just like duct tape doesn't fix problems, it can hold things together until it's really fixed.

Upcoming Series...Original Design and God's Good Gift

2011-01-07T16:40:00.000-06:00

Pumped about next series. Sunday morning we'll be talking about "Original Design"--going back to the future by seeing things as God intended in Genesis.

Then beginning Sunday night at 6 p.m., I'll be sharing for the next three weeks on, "Sex: God's Good Gift." Who is this for? While it's most beneficial to those who are married or engaged, it's also open to singles who want to hear what God has to say about sex. And btw, He's not against it as you can see by the title.

Child-care provided for a reasonable fee. Use the South entrance of the building since the teaching will be in the Youth Auditorium.

Melted by Grace

2011-01-03T20:25:00.000-06:00

Christmas joy continues. I'm still opening a few late-arriving cards. Did you receive any gifts this year that melted you? Something that made your heart leap? I did. It wasn't a Hyundai. (Although I think their commercials are clever.) Not a cruise or a iPad. It wasn't even one of those how-did-you-know-it's-what-I-always-wanted gifts. It was a small gift from someone I knew doesn't really have it to give. In fact, it was someone who was on my "I'd really like to help them out" list. The thing that melted my heart was that, I failed to do what I was prompted to do. And I missed it, a golden opportunity. But their small gift reminded me of what grace is...when someone gives you something that costs them a lot and you really don't deserve it.

Someone said, "We are never more like God than when we are giving."

Last concert for awhile...

2010-12-20T13:03:00.000-06:00

Just wrapped up four days with our friends Point of Grace: Green Bay, Minneapolis, Chicago and last one was Baltimore in the beautiful Hippodrome. Here's a pic as I was leaving the hall. Beautiful moments celebrating Christmas and a great way to start a break from travel. Here's one...PCD singing "God bless us."

I'm taking a 6-mos leave from PCD starting in January. Just need some time to focus on the amazing things God is doing at SCCC: a growing church and our third semester of C3 Ministry Institute for starters. Here we go!

Joy of Repentance

2010-11-16T11:30:00.000-06:00

The truly great are quick to own up to mistakes. "The buck stops here." They make much of the gospel and this truth captivates them more than anything else: "God loves me and has forgiven me."

Leaders who are evasive and defensive when confronted with mistakes and shortcomings, haven't learned this secret: There is joy in repentance! Instead of participating in this joy, they are short-changed, missing out on buckets of mercy and rivers of grace.

I've included a quote below from respected pastor/leader Tim Keller (author of "The Prodigal God"). I'm making the following suggestion part of how we choose future leaders:

Most churches make the mistake of selecting as leaders the confident, the competent and the successful, but what you most need in a leader is someone whose been broken by his or her sin and even greater knowledge of Jesus costly grace. So the number one leaders in every church ought to be the people who repent the most fully without excuses ('cos you don't need any now), the most easily without bitterness, the most publicly and the most joyfully - they know their standing isn't based on their performance. And therefore all of life is repentance and repentance increases joy, in other words if you understand the gospel repentance isn't occasional and wounding but its constant and its healing.

Tim Keller, EMA 2007

Defining Immaturity

2010-11-10T11:55:00.000-06:00

How do you know someone is stuck in immaturity? Choices all begin with self. Their view of the world, of life, of friends is all about how it impacts me, myself, and I. This is why marriages fall apart, why friends get at odds, and the largest reason behind most civil wars: people think, "My needs first."

"What is the cause of wars and fighting among you? Is it not in your desires which are at war in your bodies?" (James 4:1 BBE).

Babies don't care if it's 3 a.m. or 10 a.m. "I want my diaper changed now!" Mature people consider others' need for rest.

Babies don't care if their crying is disturbing worship. They want to disturb you! Grown-ups consider others' experience in worship.
Babies don't say, "Thanks for feeding me." Mature people say, "Thank you. That means a lot."
Babies are jealous of your time with others. Grown-ups understand that there's enough love to go around.
Babies are hyper-sensitive. Mature people aren't. (Remember the quote: "I knew I had grown up the first day I had a good laugh at myself.")

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. (1 Cor. 14:20 ESV)

Your goal today: Try talking to someone for 5 minutes without the pronouns "I, me, myself, my, mine."

Yes, I will vote. I will be a responsible citizen of two kingdoms

2010-11-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

It was Augustine who gave us the work on the two cities: the earthly and the heavenly. People of God are citizens of both kingdoms.

That's why I will be voting tomorrow. "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's." What belongs to the Republic of this land? The votes of its citizens.

I'm hoping you will do the same. Be informed. You may find this link at least informative. Look for those who seem to exhibit integrity, a sense of justice, and a good level of competence! Don't tell me why you disagree with a position on a candidate or issue--but do commit to vote.

Can you find 10 people besides yourself who you will challenge to vote?

Whine Free

2010-10-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I began the 30-day journey toward "Whine Free Living." Based on Php 2:14, we have a command to "do all things without complaining." I have my green "whine free" bracelet on as a reminder. Here's what I'm discovering so far:

This is an impossible task in my own strength. The only way I can "do things" without complaining is for God to change my heart!
I'm finding that I'm thinking before I speak so much more than I did, sifting through my comments before I say anything!
I'm discovering how easy it is to try and excuse myself about complaining. In other words, I can justify my own complaints which is the definition of the second word in Paul's command: disputing. (Disputing is complaints supported by my own reasoning.

Can I take the bracelet off and complain awhile? Just kidding.

Future Impact Begins with Faith in People

2010-09-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

Howard Hendricks was born into a broken home from birth. He became a troublemaker and in the 5th grade it peaked. His teacher had predicted 5 kids in her class would end up in prison. He was supposed to be one of them. Once, the Teacher even tied him to his seat and taped his mouth! When he entered 6th grade, his teacher Miss Noe said, ‘I’ve heard about you. I’ve been warned. I’ve heard you’re a troublemaker. I want you to know…I don’t believe a word of it.’ Today he says, that one teacher made him feel like someone really cared about him and it changed his life. He went on to become one of the most well-known profs at Dallas Theological Seminary. Some of the greatest Christian leaders of our day credit him as having the greatest impact on their lives: pastors like Tony Evans, Chuck Swindoll, and Andy Stanley. Before he retired, he spent 52 years as a professor. He says today, “People are always looking for someone to say, “Hey I believe in you.”

For Howard Hendricks, it was a 6th grade teacher. For me it was my Sunday School teachers who believed in me enough to encourage me to participate in music in the church by the 5th grade and preaching my first sermon in children’s church about the same age!

Impact is only as good as it plays out in future generations – David Jeremiah

New Mission Link

2010-09-27T14:28:00.001-05:00

Hey SCCC community! Just wanted to let you know about a new link that provides some updates regarding our current mission efforts. Michael Reed, one of our rockin' interns, is updating the blog with any mission news--whether it's our orphanage in Guntur or a current mission partner we're featuring.

Sofa Series

2010-09-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

Yes it's true. JoyFM is using our campus for their Sofa Concert Series! New artists like Revive, Kerrie Roberts (#5 single "No Matter What"), Chris Sligh are part of the series. Should be great.

I realize this will impact some Secret to Joy groups. But I'm hopeful our church folks will realize we're not holding these concerts to give them something else to do. Rather we are hopeful that people who AREN'T connected to a church may find us a welcoming place to be. I just heard from one of our partners last night, that several of her office friends who aren't born again listen to JOYFM! This is opportunity!

Joy Overflowing

2010-09-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

Enjoyed unpacking the idea of joy in the Bible and especially as it relates to the Apostle Paul and his letter to believers at Philippi. Had a great first session with my STJ group last night. Good discussion and the beginning of new friendship.

Here's the clip many of you have seen. Showed it on Sunday. This will get some joy going on the inside.

Is Burning the Quran the Answer?

2010-09-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

It's international news. A church in Florida is calling on people throughout the nation to send copies of the Quran for public burning. The Washington Post has a related article HERE.

Is this the answer? How do we defend the Gospel against other claims such as Islam?

Some people hold that according to the book of Acts, a public burning is a proper response. There in Acts 19:19 believers gathered occultic books and burned them in the sight of everyone. But why? "Many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds." (Acts 19:18). This was part of their repentance. They had turned to Christ now they were cleansing their house. It was Spirit-prompted confession.

HOWEVER, what preceded this cleansing was an attention to the Scripture. Paul had been teaching and reasoning with those in Asia concerning the Gospel, "the Way" as it was called. This resulted in conversions and many miracles. This is where revival that leads to repentance begins: turning to the Scriptures, baptisms, deliverance, and the hope of the Gospel. Then if as a result of that, people burn any books that have contributed to their bondage, it is a Spiritually-prompted confession and repentance.

Let's pray for a genuine Awakening to the Gospel. Let's learn what's in the Bible first before we go to the public square and call the nation to repentance. When 59% of American Christians aren't sure whether Satan even exists and only one-third believe in a living Holy Spirit, shouldn't we worry first about the "Christian house" before we examine these things in the public square?

Encounter Week Recap

2010-08-30T13:53:00.000-05:00

Encounter Week exceeded my hopes. I wasn't sure how things would go with mostly home-team ministry, but real encounters took place.

Public reading of Scripture - We made it through the Bible as one by one, people came and read the Bible openly in the sanctuary. It took us ~57 hours. We couldn't have finished without Jeff LaMotte who when he came at 5:30 on Saturday, we were only at Eph. 1! He finished the Bible even though it took him over four hours!
Elder-led prayer on Wednesday - I was grateful for the leadership our elders demonstrated. At different points, I found myself thanking God for depth of devotion and attention to Scripture that they modeled, as well as humility and transparency--such an important value for us here at SCCC.
Night of Praise - Pr. Scott and the team led us into a evening of passionate praise and worship. We ended with our shoes off in worship. What a night.
Sunday morning w/ Pr. Jim Stern - Jim's message on Building a culture of encountering God was right in line with what God has been saying to us. What an energetic guy! Glad to have him in St Louis leading a great church in West County.
Holy Spirit Service (Sun. eve) - As so often happens, good things come to those who wait. After many came forward to receive fullness of the Spirit, some lingered. The band played for another 1.5 hrs! People were changed, impacted and filled.

Many thanks to our C.M. teams and Music and a/v teams who pulled long hours this week.You made a difference for eternity!

I've heard many reports of God-encounters in the Word and Spirit. If you've heard any good reports, let me hear from you.

The Mishpaha

2010-08-17T16:56:00.000-05:00

There is a danger in the dominant theme of modern Christianity with the emphasis on individualism. We emphasize the freedom of conscience, individual priesthood, personal devotion, private confession—could it be that we have come to see ourselves as self-sufficient believers? The end result can be this: “The Lord spoke to me…and you shouldn’t question it.”

I recently picked a book back up: "Our Father Abraham: The Jewish roots of Christian Faith" by Marvin Wilson. In it he talks about the Hebrew word for family: mishpaha. For the Hebrews, this was more than Mom and Dad. It included the larger family: distant cousins, uncles and aunts. Wilson's premise is that Christianity has lost this idea in its western pursuit for individualism.

I had the mishpaha who helped me learn what it meant to follow Christ. That being said, I grew up in a church where grace was not really understood. Some parts of it weren’t healthy. But other parts were. There were older women who knew Jesus, who loved His Word and His presence. They knew God was holy and they had a passion to please Jesus. They walked as an example and even though I never told them, I watched them. Their input into my life was real. There was sacred influence and my eyes were on them.

I can remember specifics. I remember Ronnie who taught the Jr. High boys class during VBS. I remember how when we made a mess in the front lawn of the church, and the pastor was irritated, Ronnie helped us clean up the mess and said, "Pastor, we'll take care of it." He covered for us. I remember Sis. Latham (I still don't know her first name!) my S.S. teacher who taught us how important it was to memorize scripture, how she had the S.S. class to her house and played board games with us and laughing so hard she would cry. I remember my parents too. But I remember my Jr. High class and the teacher who taught us to pursue the Lord’s presence. I remember one prayer meeting I can never forget where I was changed. I can remember the room, where my teacher knelt in prayer. I can see my buddies crying out to the Lord. Here’s what I mean friends: We're not individuals. We're in desperate need of the mishpaha. Paul: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” That’s what I did. That’s what they are doing. And that’s what we should do.

Are you living in a way that those who watch should imitate? If the next generation imitates and follows your example, what kind of church will there be?

The Gospel and Prop 8

2010-08-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

Recently I tweeted a link about Christians in California and Prop 8. The message of the linked article focused on Christians and their shifting point of view on whether a homosexual marriage should be upheld by law. My purpose was not to moan, "What is this world coming to!" but more to look at "How is the church responding?" The church seems to be all over the map in what scripture teaches.

Let me say it bluntly: We should not be surprised that the world and its courts don't get the issue because the church doesn't get it.

We cannot change the world by making laws. The laws are simply reflecting the heart of our culture which has slowly yet steadily slid down a slippery slope of immorality. We have been on this course as a nation for decades now. It did not happen overnight. And the church is partly responsible. We (the church) have lost our capacity to reason for purity because of our own ambivalence:

Are we equally disturbed over sex outside of marriage in the church?
Are we as alarmed by the number of "no-fault" divorces in the church and among pastors?
Are we disturbed by the lack of true Biblical understanding about purity and holiness in what we pipe into our home via cable and internet?
Are we surprised by the numbers of Christians and pastors who are addicted to porn? (Some stats show these percentages are as 37% among pastors)

Considering this, why are we surprised that the nation and our culture are confused about sexuality?

An article in Christianity Today has some excellent responses on how the Gospel speaks to this current issue. Professor Andreas J. Köstenberger says it well:

"The ruling shows that as Christians, we should not look for a political solution to the crisis surrounding marriage and the family in our culture. The only true and lasting solution is found in a return to our spiritual foundations. The Bible makes clear that marriage is God's idea rather than a social contract that we are free to renegotiate based on changing social trends. But we can't expect the unbelieving world or any government or judicial system to understand or reinforce that. For this reason we should focus our efforts not on swaying political opinion but on teaching people what the Bible says about God's plan for marriage and the family."

Wow. Well said, Prof.

(Professor Andreas J. Köstenberger is author of "God, Marriage, and Family" and professor of New Testament and biblical theology and director of Ph.D. studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)

Breathe

2010-08-11T10:39:00.000-05:00

A retired pastor friend and I were discussing life and ministry. I'll paraphrase but he said something like, "Few churches know the importance of breathing." I've thought about that a lot since then--especially as I've jogged a few times in the summer humidity. You can't run fast for expended periods. You have to take time to breathe.

Do you do that? Where's the finish line for you?

How often do you come to a full stop daily, weekly, monthly, yearly?
Do you and your family take time to breathe?
Where's the full stop in your business? your work week?
Where's the "breathing" in your spiritual walk? Or is it always a sprint

No one can sustain a fast pace long-term without breathing deeply. This is another reason why I'm stressing the importance of Encounter week for our church as a time to listen, to pray, to confess our sin, and to be filled with the air we really need: the Holy Spirit.

Abandon the planet?

2010-08-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

The brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking is suggesting that we may have less than a 100 years to survive on this planet. He cites numerous factors like self-destructing behavior such as nuclear or biological warfare. At the heart of his observations, there seems to be the focus of insuring the survival of the human species. Interesting article. I find it fascinating that one of the most respected physicist's is suggesting such a mission.

As the author Alan Boyle writes, "Considering all the trouble that NASA has been having with human spaceflight lately, how much do you think we can get done by 2110?"

Secret to Joy

2010-08-09T13:24:00.000-05:00

Groups forming now! Instead of our usual selection of common interest groups, this semester we will focus on a Bible study on the theme of “Secret to Joy.” Beginning September 12 for seven (7) weeks, there will be multiple opportunities for you to connect with others around God’s Word. I will lead our study on Sundays in this series based on the book of Philippians. Then during the week, all over the city, nearly 100 groups will be meeting all over metro St. Louis in homes, coffee shops and places of business. Registration is beginning now and will officially kick-off on Aug. 15. During our ministry fair, Aug. 22 & 29, you’ll have additional opportunities to find a group and register. I’m certain there is a place for you to connect and grow in relationship as we discover together the secret to joy.

What Were You Thinking?

2010-07-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

"What were you thinking?", Mom would ask after one of those dumb moves I made as a kid. Usually, the issue was that I wasn't thinking. That was exactly the problem. When I decided as a 5 year old to take wax paper and line the hallway with it, smearing it with Crisco. I wasn't thinking...at least about the consequences.

It's the same way after we become followers of Christ. I look at some and want to say:

What were you thinking when you took your 4-year old to see a PG movie filled with violence and sexual innuendo?
What were you thinking when you (man) went to lunch with her (someone's wife) by yourself?
What were you thinking when you agreed to go out with him knowing he's left two marriages on the rocks?
What were you thinking when you bought a new car with payments higher than your house payment?
What were you thinking when you told your wife how pretty the new assistant was?

Here's the reality: you weren't thinking. At least, you weren't thinking clearly or scripturally. Just because you're born again doesn't mean that your mind is born again. You still have choices and they begin with choosing wisdom. Listen to the NLT version of Eph. 5:17: "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." Come on! Think about it! Understand what the Lord desires and choose wisely.

How many days until harvest?

2010-07-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I looked at the garden where not much was happening. Things were growing but nothing to pick. For a moment, I could imagine just giving up. "Don't see anything happening. What's the point?" But now I'm eating those great summer tomatoes and blackeye peas. Yesssss.

One of the guys here on staff recently said, "I feel like I'm in tilling time." What he meant was that he didn't see much happening as far as results go--it's simply a time of working the soil, planting, watering and hoping things will grow and develop strong roots. The day will come when we can celebrate the results both in the here and now and in eternity.

Do you feel like you're in a tilling time or harvest time?

Your small group is growing smaller even though you're doing all the right stuff
Your son has drifted away although he was taught the right way
Your marriage has hit the skids but you keep your date night
You're going to college and working nights and cash is short

Just as the farmer tills the ground with hope and a smile because he sees the harvest in his dreams, why not us? "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains."(Jas. 5.7)

Tilling time is reason for celebration according to James. That's what patience is. It's waiting with hope and expectancy. You may not know how long it will take to see the harvest but keep tilling!

The Hinge

2010-07-15T10:14:00.000-05:00

There are hinge words in sentences. Consider these:

"I can't stand him BECAUSE of what he did 11 years ago."
"I love her BUT I don't trust her."
"We know we love God's children IF we love God and obey his commandments."

Like a door, the weight is carried on a hinge point. It swings on one little word. Here's one more:
"and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." What is the hinge? The little word, "AS". Eleven words in the sentence but on this one word the weight of the whole sentence swings. We are praying in other words, "God deal with me AS I deal with others." Imagine saying, "God, I can't stand that person. They are so arrogant after all I've done for them. I want to clock them. Now Lord, deal with me the same way." Wow. Is that what we want? Do we really mean that prayer? More often what we really want is this: "God, when you're dealing with me, give me mercy and forgive me. But don't expect me to treat others that way." But we can't have it both ways. We must forgive others if we want forgiveness. And the hinge word there is "IF."

Avoiding a Wreck

2010-07-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

Have you ever looked on at the choices someone is making and say, "Wow. There's a wreck ahead." Especially with the young, you want so badly to help them avoid pain. Becki and I don't have children but we often ask each other, "What would we do if that was our child?" (I admit. It's easier to imagine solutions when it's not your kid!) Most of the time, we look at each other and say, "I don't know. And that would sure hurt to watch." Because most of the time they won't listen to you once they get old enough to make their own choices.

"Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD." Psalm 34:11. This verse from King David's psalm is an interesting one. Why not:

I will teach you the love of the Lord
I will teach you the joy of the Lord
I will teach you the compassion of the Lord

No, it's "I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Why? This is the beginning of wisdom. If we teach our children the love, joy, peace or compassion of the Lord without the fear of the Lord, they will not experience God's love, joy or peace in its fulness. It is the fear of the Lord that makes God's love exhilarating.

I know there is a great resistance to the concept of "fearing God" in many Christian circles to this but either the Bible is true and there's something we don't understand or the Bible isn't true. If fearing God is the "beginning of wisdom" (Pro. 9:10) then we need to figure out how to teach that. Some have said the answer is to say, "The Bible doesn't mean fear like we use it today." Or, "fearing the Lord is the beginning but it's not the end." But is this true?

What we can say is that fear should not be our exclusive response to God. Why do we know that is true? Because of what Jesus refers to as the greatest commandment in Matt. 22:36,37: "Love God with all..." So we must love Him too.

Fear without love leads us to terror. Fear with love calls us to worship and obedience. Listen to David's words again: ""Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD." If we begin there, we might avoid a lot of pain both for ourselves and our children. Fear pain and you don't drive recklessly. Fear prison and you will pay your traffic tickets. Fear God and you will keep His commandments. But love Him too.

Men don't read?

2010-06-01T11:15:00.000-05:00

A couple of years ago, Wired magazine had a report on what men between the ages of 18-34 do and do not do. They love the internet and short forms of non human communication (66%) and video games (60%) and do not like to read books (46%) or magazines (43%) or go to bars (33%) or see movies (20%). So essentially it seems that men prefer e-media and men who read books are a rare sector. Is this true?

living like slaves

2010-06-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

Pr Ryan spoke on the freedom that Jesus offers yet how many continue to live like slaves. One great illustration was the ball and chain and how the chain is in our hands. We have to choose freedom even though it's been provided. Reminded me of this true story.

New York Times reporter Nicholas Kristof chose two Cambodian prostitutes and attempted to buy their freedom from their brothel owners. He selected young women who were there against their will, willing to tell their story, and actually wanted to leave prostitution. The first woman, Srey, was simple. For $150, Kristof left with the girl and a receipt. Srey Mom's situation proved more difficult, since the brothel owner demanded more money. Kristof writes: "After some grumpy negotiation, the owner accepted $203 as the price for Srey Mom's freedom. But then Srey Mom told me that she had pawned her cellphone and needed $55 to get it back.

"Forget about your cellphone," I said. "We've got to get out of here." Srey Mom started crying. I told her that she had to choose her cellphone or her freedom, and she ran back to her tiny room in the brothel and locked the door. Even the owner of the brothel begged her to "Grab this chance while you can," but Srey's Mom refused to leave.

What freedom do you continue to refuse because of the "comfort" of the vice? "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..." Gal 5.1.

God's will

2010-05-27T16:23:00.000-05:00

How can I know God's will for me? Am I in the center of what God has for me? So many people wrestle with this question constantly. They can never relax anywhere because they are worried that they aren't doing God's will. While there should be an attitude of surrender regarding our plans, an incessant worrying attitude represents another problem: pride.

At the center of many of our questions concerning God's will is a foundational flaw. We so often see ourselves at the center of God's universe. The argument goes like this: "Since God is a good God and He loves me, He has a detailed plan for my life. So I want to make sure that I don't miss any cues." You and I aren't at the center of the universe--God is. He is seeking to glorify Himself.

Here's a better way: Obey God everyday and you won't have to worry whether you are in God's will. The will of God is the glory of God and God is glorified when we live by faith, depending on Him, and seeking to glorify Him with our lives. How? Here are two commands that make God's will very clear:

Be thankful - "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will..." 1 Thes. 5.18

Live godly - "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality" 1 Thes. 4.3

What is God's will? God's will is for you to be thankful. God's will is that you are sanctified--in other words that you are becoming more like Jesus by living a "set apart" life--one step of which is to 'avoid sexual immorality.'

Do this everyday and God will get you where you need to be on time. If He has a specific assignment for you, you will know it. You will be there at just the right time because you are being thankful and living godly everyday.

Apply: How will this glorify God? Will this make me more like Jesus? Will it move me closer to immorality or away from it? Can I be thankful in this decision?

Fences

2010-05-25T20:03:00.000-05:00

Everybody needs fences. Great article by Pastor James MacDonald.

5 Moral Fences

Back Home from Canada eh!

2010-05-24T11:13:00.002-05:00

On Thursday and Friday last week, I was in Fredericton NB and Bangor ME. We didn't know what it would be like since PCD isn't in the NE very often. I was overwhelmed by the packed house in both places. People came hungry to worship!

BTW, I didn't know robins were so big in Canada!

Wounded Healers, contd.

2010-05-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

Last week I spoke about wounded healers here at home. On Friday, I met another one, a lady I'll call Lily. About 19 years ago, Lily's husband abandoned the marriage and left her alone with children. For 17 years she was a single Mom. Then she met a godly man and soon after they were married. And their ministry? To people recovering from divorce. She told me how they have ministered to at least 200 who have completed the divorce recovery course. God uses the broken places of our lives to heal others. That's what being a wounded healer is all about. Go Lily!

John Maxwell: “Want to impress others? Talk about your successes. Want to impact others? Talk about your failures.…”

Wounded Healers

2010-05-11T10:02:00.000-05:00

I saw a quote today by the great G.C. Morgan, "To call a man evangelical who is not evangelistic is an utter contradiction." (G. Morgan)

The message Sunday has been working on me still. So much more I wanted to say and so much from John 4 that could take weeks to unpack. But the point I keep mulling over is that our wounds become a conduit of healing for others. God uses the scars we have to show the world how God has healed us and how He might heal them too.

"'...The fields are ready..." (Jn4.35) Jesus said to His disciples.The mission was not somewhere out there. It is here and now and this one woman in John 4, a nameless woman with a scarred past, became the evangelist. "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did..." (John 4:29). She shows us that you don't need a theology degree to point people to Jesus. We all have a story of how God healed our wounds and we just need to find a way to tell that wherever we happen to be...now.

I know so many in our family of faith who have been wounded by life, by sin, and by suffering. I am so proud of how they have endured the fire, some still in it, but are using those experiences to be healers by showing others Who the real Healer is. How does God want to use what you have been through, your scars, to tell how God heals?

Classic Books Every Christ-Follower Should Read Besides the Bible

2010-04-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

In no particular order...

The Pursuit of God (A.W. Tozer)
Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis)
The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
The Knowledge of the Holy (A.W. Tozer)
How to Pray (R.A. Torrey)
Abide in Christ (Andrew Murray)
The Practice of the Presence of God (Brother Lawrence)
My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers)

Do you have any classics you would add? (By definition, it needs to be ~50 years old)

A good correction

2010-04-12T11:25:00.001-05:00

According to one report, the average American is three weeks away from bankruptcy and has little or no savings. Yet, in a 2006 report, household wealth in this country had increased from $13 trillion in 1990 to $50 trillion.

I want to give some props to Crown Financial Ministries. Yesterday, I mis-quoted some numbers and want to offer a correction. I mis-stated the amount of debt reduction and income savings. The actual amounts according to Howard Dayton (CFM) households that participate in Crown Financial Ministries' small groups pay off an average of $20,000 in debt and increase savings by $10,000 within three years!

Think what we could do for the Kingdom with these kind of adjustments!

A Higher Law

2010-04-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

The law cannot make you do the right thing. It cannot make you free.

Isn’t this true? Even though there are signs all over the freeway reminding you of the law, if I hold to the speed limit, I'll be passed by every other car! The law says the speed limit is 55? I’m assuming people can read. They see the signs. Yet there are people everywhere driving over the speed limit. More signs aren’t the answer. The law itself cannot make us do the right thing. Consequences can slow it down but it can’t free you from the desire.

"The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do..." (Rom. 8:3 NLT)

For those who are breaking the commandments (the law) which says, “Don’t covet.” Yet you do covet. You’re not happy with the car you have, the husband you have, the wife you have, the kids you have. You don’t need another reminder of the law. I don’t need to remind you not to covet. You don’t need more signs.

For those who are breaking the commandment “Don’t lie.” Yet someone asked you to pray but you forgot. Then they ask you, “Did you pray for me?” What you need is not someone else to add to your guilt by giving you more law or reminding you of the commandment.

What we need is to be free to do what the law says. What is the reason behind not loving the wife you have, the kids you have? It isn’t knowledge of the law. It isn’t, “Well I just didn’t know the commandment.” There must be someone or some thing that can free us from that cycle of commandment, law, breaking the law, guilt.

It’s like the law of gravity. What goes up, must come down. That’s the law. You can try hard to jump high enough but what goes up will come down. Our sags are proof. There’s no way to be free from that. But there is another law. The law of aerodynamics that says with the right amount of power and thrust, a tube of metal, a jet, can lift you up where you weren’t before, where the law of gravity doesn’t pull you down. It’s not that the law of gravity is not there. It’s that it doesn’t control you. I am freed from the power of it. There is another higher law that is in control when you fly.

That is the way it is with the law of the flesh and the law of the Spirit. The law of the flesh says, “Don’t covet.” And if you do covet, what you need is more reminders, “Don’t covet.” Do you need someone to get in your face? “If you covet, you are a no good, bad person.” No, that won’t help you do the right thing. But there is another law that can free you, the law of the Spirit. "And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." (Rom. 8:2 NLT) Through Christ’s death and resurrection, there is another law that says to you, “You can be free from covetousness even though the law of the sinful nature says you can’t.” The Spirit will do in you what you cannot do by yourself. That’s another reason why we call the gospel the POWER of God unto salvation. It can free us from what we cannot free ourselves from. The law of sin is still there but it doesn’t control us anymore. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

So as we come to the table of the Lord, we come knowing that we don’t have the power in ourselves to obey God. We don’t need another sermon to remind us that. What we need is a greater power than our own, that can lift us up to where the law of sin doesn’t control us.

“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." (Lu. 22:20) Jesus is saying, “I give you a new meaning to the cup…” The new meaning is this: 'This represents my blood, my body which will give you supernatural life.' The law of sin, the temptations will be there. But if you will drink to this and place your faith in Christ, that law will not control you. I will lift you up where those things will not control your life. So we come again to the table to say, “I can’t free myself. But you can free me.”

Blessed good Friday!

On the Shelf...

2010-03-25T16:13:00.001-05:00

About a week ago, I finished Dallas Willard's "Knowing Christ Today." Willard is never an easy read for me but maybe that's just me. Yet I find his thinking strengthens my brain muscles which can get flabby from internet speed reading and magazines.

Willard helps us see that faith and reason are not contradictory. Although I don't think of Willard as an apologist, at least in the category of William Lane Craig and others, his arguments concerning Christ are lucid and convincing.

But don't conclude that this book is all about apologetics. It's more and as always I recommend Willard's books to be on your shelf.

I'm also reading, Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit, by Charles Swindoll. It was one of my wife's books that she had read and I confiscated it! Who can't be inspired by Swindoll's imagery! Here's an example where Swindoll tells about Paul's visit to Athens: "Between the furrowed lines on the faces of the brilliant and thoughtful intellectuals...Paul could read messages of confusion and despair. As the churning subsided, a sermon began to brew within him." Wow. I can see it! There is a very helpful chapter for preachers in this book, "Preaching as Paul Preached."

As we're studying Romans right now on Wednesdays, I've found myself reading two helpful commentaries. One by Cranfield called simply, Romans and another by Leon Morris mostly accessed via Google Books, The Epistle to the Romans.

Happy reading!

What Is Power?

2010-03-25T13:12:00.000-05:00

Pictures of power: CEO behind a desk, North Korean army "goose-stepping", Hurricane Katrina, Volcano, the Gospel.

I know it was popular a few years ago to talk about "dunamis" being the word behind the word "power" in the New Testament--"dunamis" being related to the word dynamite. The preachers would say, "God has dynamite power." Many times, this power was spoken of as being separate or distinctive, like it was one attribute of a sovereign God sort of like "the force" for Star Wars fans.

I've been mulling over the text from a week ago Wednesday which also was our memory verse this week: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power..." (Rom. 1.16). This power isn't isolated from who God is and more than that it is inherent within the Gospel. The Gospel is not simply, "Jesus loves you and has a plan for your life." It is the power of God, revealed and released. If God says this is power, perhaps we need to redefine our ideas and our pictures of what power is.

Leon Morris in his excellent commentary on the book of Romans: “The gospel is not advice to people, suggesting that they lift themselves. It is power. It lifts them up. Paul does not say that the gospel brings power, but that it is power, and God’s power at that.”

Terrifying Responsibility

2010-03-16T16:38:00.000-05:00

Those who open God's Word to speak to others have a weighty responsibility. It shouldn't be taken lightly. And I'm guilty of not always thinking of the gravity of this.

In John 17:8, Jesus prays, acknowledging that He only gave the Word that His Father gave Him. What is true of Him should be true of us. Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones says it well,

"There is something terrifying about this. If that is true of the preaching of the only begotten Son of God, how much more should it be true of our preaching. The business of a man standing in a pulpit is not to speak his own words but to be biblical. He must expound this word because it is God's word..." (The Assurance of our Salvation, 203).

God help me.

Back in StL

2010-03-15T10:17:00.000-05:00

Last week I took a break from technology and work. It was great for Beck and I to get away for a few days on the slopes near Boise and to be with family. Few things I enjoy more even though I'm not that great of a skier and as you can see not much of a photographer...the caption should read, "How does this thing work?"

Anyway, great to be back. A refreshing time yesterday with God's people in worship. We got to hear from our missionary friend, Ken Schmitt, who directs translation projects in Asia. Wow. Inspiring.

Joy FM B-day with PCD

2010-03-04T22:39:00.000-06:00

Laura Story, Johnny Diaz and PCD performed in front of a sold-out crowd in St. Louis MO this past Friday night for JOY FM's 9th birthday. Laura could do stand-up. Got quite a few laughs. Especially when she said about PCD... "they're like grandfathers to me. It's like when you're around your grandfather and you don't know what he's talking about but you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside." Ouch. But it does make you wonder when you realize that when we started she was only about 10 years old? Oh boy.

the gift of elders

2010-03-04T22:28:00.000-06:00

Met with the Servant's Council tonight. Impromptu time of prayer and chat. What a gift! I always leave those meetings charged up with their faith and prayers. I remarked to my wife, "Those folks live up to their name: servants." I know some churches have nightmarish council meetings. My heart goes out to them. I'm glad that isn't the case here. SCCC is blessed with some wonderful servants.

R-e-s-p-e-c-t

2010-02-22T11:08:00.002-06:00

Great day yesterday talking with the ladies about how a man spells love: r-e-s-p-e-c-t. I mentioned this from Dr. Emerson Eggerich, pastor and author of "Love and Respect." 400 men were asked the question, “Which would you prefer?

1. to be left alone and unloved in the world

2. to feel inadequate and disrespected by everyone

74% said if they were forced to choose, they would prefer being alone and unloved (Eggerich, 49).

Harley in his book, "His Needs, Her Needs" calls it admiration. Gary Rosberg calls it encouragement and affirmation. The Apostle Paul calls it respect in Eph. 5:33.

Nothing stokes a guy more than seeing his wife's eyes light up with admiration. And nothing tears at his soul like contempt and disrespect.

Additional reading resources:
Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas
Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerich
Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

"Every Word"

2010-02-16T11:49:00.000-06:00

Question: Is the Scripture inspired by God? Then are the actual words inspired by God?

I'm not a scholar. I can read the Greek manuscripts of the NT but not very well. But I'm continually amazed not only at God's Word but the actual words God has preserved for us.

Dr. Martin-Lloyd Jones was the first one I heard talk about this and I believe this is true: God did not only "breathe" the principles and ideas of Scripture. He breathed the specific words.

As we looked at 1 Peter 3:7 on Sunday, I was reminded of this again. Peter is talking about how the way we treat our wives affects answered prayer. Peter uses the word ἐγκόπτω (pronounced eng-kop'-to). It's only used a few times in the NT and it means 'to cut-off.' It is related to a military term that means to dig a trench. In effect, Peter is saying, "If you treat your wife with disrespect or abuse her, your prayers will be intercepted." Like having call-waiting...the prayers will be cut-off by enemy traffic. Wow. What a picture.

I believe that God chose Peter and used his specific vocabulary to preserve not only this principle for us, but the actually word ἐγκόπτω. Think how Jesus responded to Satan in the wilderness, "But he answered and said It is written Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" Every word.

Wow. God's word(s) are amazing.

Be Part of the Solution

2010-02-02T11:13:00.001-06:00

January 24 was Sanctity of Life Sunday. It's a time to remember another indicator of our broken world. How do we address the horror of abortion? If we are pro-life, what should we be doing besides saying, "Don't have an abortion?"

I'm grateful for local centers like Hand 'n Hand Pregnancy Help Center, one of our ministry partners. They are becoming part of the solution by giving real assistance to single Moms who think the only option is abortion. Joan Meyers one of our C3 partners here at SCCC shared some good news with me about 2009:

"As a result of His working thru me leading literally hundreds in this church who gave or volunteered time and countless resources..6 babies are confirmed saved from abortion thru the ministry and folks at Hand n Hand. And that is what God affirmed to me, that He would guide and protect me ..it is not and never has been about the Baby bottle campaign, picnic, toy drive, baby shower, life chain, baby changing station, prayer warriors ...all those outreach efforts served one purpose - to bring the good news of Jesus to all who entered the doors of Hand n Hand and save babies from being aborted!

Wow. Way to go, Joan! This is a picture of grace and truth.

Updates for Dave Dickman

2010-02-01T11:08:00.000-06:00

The hospital office at St. Anthony's has contacted us to ask for relief. They've been overwhelmed with calls. For updates on Dave Dickman, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davedickman instead of calls.Thanks for caring and praying everyone.

Vision Weekend

2010-02-01T11:05:00.000-06:00

What a super day yesterday! Baptisms, parade of ministries, C3 celebration, ministry fair. It was chaotic but what joy. Great vision weekend. Thanks to our C3 partners for a big day!

Let Your Words Be Few

2010-01-27T13:02:00.000-06:00

In times like these, we have more questions than answers. The best response, however, is to 'let your words be few.' Things will unfold in time and we need to avoid speculation and drawing conclusions. As much as our curiosity peaks around circumstances like these, we should show restraint and respond with what is needed most: prayer for Dave's survival and recovery and mercy and sustaining grace for Jen and Marissa.

Because of Dave being in ICU, there isn't anything that you can do at the hospital. Only immediate family and clergy is allowed to see him right now. Because of this, please refrain from calling or visiting the hospital until further notice is given. We ask that you pray for Dave's complete recovery and for the strength of his family.

The Armorbearers Leadership team (Men's ministry) will have at least two reps at the hospital for the next 2 days, to regulate the amount of visitors from SCCC. If you could take a time slot for this it would be greatly appreciated. You may call Ed Earll or Dan Dittman at the numbers listed below.

Ed Earll 314-581-7538
Dan Dittman 314-488-8016

Dave Dickman

2010-01-27T11:30:00.000-06:00

Just returned from the hospital. I got to see Dave for a few minutes and prayed for his complete recovery. He is is still in critical condition. Join us for prayer tonight at 7 p.m. There is much to pray for.

Guatemala

2010-01-27T11:29:00.000-06:00

I heard from George and the team in Guatemala. They finished one house in spite of much sickness. Way to go, team! Check out their blog for more updates.
http://guatemalablog.projectguatemala.org/2010/01/26/day-4-guatemala-mission-trip/

Urgent Prayer for Dave Dickman and Guatemala Team

2010-01-26T16:27:00.000-06:00

Our friend and brother, Dave Dickman was shot 5 times earlier today. He underwent surgery at approximately 10 a.m. He is out of surgery and currently in critical condition. Specific details of the shooting are not known but police are investigating. Please refrain from calling or visiting the hospital until further notice is given. We ask that you pray for Dave's complete recovery and strength for his family.
Several members of our Guatemala Mission team have been very sick since arriving in Guatemala. As well, access to the building sites is very difficult. Please pray for their recovery and strength.

Pastor Shawn & SCCC Staff

Breaking a Fast

2010-01-20T10:54:00.000-06:00

For those that have joined us in a 3-day fast, it's very important to consider how you will break it. Often while I'm fasting, I may think of particular foods that I enjoy and want to eat: pasta, burgers, ice cream. This can be dangerous!

I'm not a physician, so I offer the following as a fellow student, as one who has had some good and bad experiences in breaking a fast including having a gall-bladder attack after a 3-day fast.

Remember that your digestive system has gone on complete rest. The organs such as the liver and kidney have continued on a slower pace in an effort to cleanse the body of toxins and putrefied food remaining in your body. So it's important to "wake up" your system gradually.

Breaking a water-only fast
1. Above all, do not break your fast on greasy, spicy foods. This can shock your system in trying to digest more difficult foods. I've known of a few people who had to enter the hospital because they ate such foods after an extended fast.
2. Begin waking up your system with diluted juice and fresh fruit. Eat small servings the first day. Perhaps add servings of raw vegetables later. The broth of potatoes, carrots and a few other raw vegetables will feel good to your system. Don't mix fresh fruit and cooked vegetables at the same meal.
3. The next day consider eating steamed vegetables and/or baked potato (no butter and sour cream).
4. Gradually return to a normal diet.

Breaking a juice fast
1. Breaking a juice fast is somewhat easier. But solid, greasy foods will shock your system. Avoid pizza, cheese, meat for a few days.
2. Eat smaller servings of more solid foods several times a day such as fruit, salad, raw vegetables, steamed vegetables (preferrably less starchy ones).
3. Gradually return to a normal diet.

Blessings as you continue to encounter Him.

Helpful resource for fasting

2010-01-18T12:41:00.000-06:00

I thought this resource might be helpful to anyone fasting this week. The "kingdom keys" aspect is an important concept and the tips on fasting with prayer are good too. Here we go!

It's Time to Fast by Pastor Jack Hayford

Fasting Feeds our Hunger

2010-01-18T12:38:00.000-06:00

Here we go. Yesterday, we called on our leaders here to begin a 3-day fast and everyone that will to participate in a 24-hr fast. We gave out $1 at the door to everyone in the sanctuary to remind us all that 1 in 6 in the world live on ~$1/day-- an estimated 980 million survive on less than we pay for a cup of coffee. Those dollars will go to help Christians who are hungry in Haiti. This is one reason we fast.

Fasting reminds me of the hunger that many in the world experience everyday. I really have no concept of hunger except when I fast.

Isaiah confirmed this in Isa. 58:6,7 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen...Is it not to share your bread with the hungry?" When we fast, we share in the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Haiti, India, and Malawi.

As I fast, I have a "growl" from the stomach now and then. It's a reminder of what many others are experiencing around the world.

God and Haiti

2010-01-15T12:35:00.002-06:00

Look at the ruins of Haiti. Where is God?? He is the arms reaching through the rubble, the hands giving water, the voice saying, "I am here"

Normal Christianity

2010-01-06T12:41:00.000-06:00

What is normal Christianity?

I talked with a friend in our church about prophecy and spiritual gifts. She said she had done a "google search" on a couple of authors and there was some controversy attached to their name. As a result, she wondered if what they had to say about spiritual gifts would be unhelpful.

Anyone who exercises faith in spiritual gifts will be considered “controversial," I’m afraid. It’s unfortunate that so much of the church relegates spiritual ministry such as prophecy or deliverance to something that is divisive and weird. It should be normal Christianity.

That being said, there are some valid concerns over certain ministries that emphasize spiritual gifts too much. Rather than seeing gifts as something that should be normative, these ministries chase after the phenomena instead of the fruitfulness of those gifts. For example, they will "ooh and aah" over the latest prophecy or tongues/interpretation but downplay the multitude of passages in the Bible on the subject of worship, attitudes, greed, heaven, hell, suffering, and relationships.

So, all that to say, that yes, we should have concerns about some authors and teachers because of their areas of emphasis. HOWEVER, they may have information that is worthy of study, but I won't swallow everything they say as God's Word. The symbol that comes to mind is the one I used when we were fishing as kids when a fish swallowed everything---“hook, line and sinker.” We need discerning hearts and minds that carefully judge every ministry and gift by God's Word.

But normal Christianity is a para-normal existence. That is, the Christian life is not a scientific life. It is a spiritual life. Some of what we do may be proven scientifically. But science is not the foundation of the Christian life. Faith is.

Fresh Encounter

2010-01-05T13:21:00.000-06:00

Experiences fade over time. I can remember the first time I saw Niagara Falls. Coming over the Peace Bridge into Canada, and the back seat filled with me and the Craig boys, we all got the first glimpse together. There were gasps and wows as we gaped through the now open window into the misty view of the Falls.

I went a few years later and stood by the Falls again with my wife. I remember saying something like, "Wow. I forgot how massive they are." Experiences and encounters fade.

This is why we return to places, to remember and recall the initial encounter or experience. It's why couples go back to the place where they got engaged, the site of the first date, or where they first kissed. I've found that when I ask any couple about how they met, where they hung out, and when they knew they were in love, their eyes will light up and the conversation gets more animated--even if they are experiencing present difficulties and stress in their relationship. It's even more real, when you actually go there. Something about going back to remember can renew the experience of love.

It's helpful for Christ-followers too:

renewing mission by going back to remember why you do what you do
going back to the place where you made a decision for Christ
recalling encounters with God noted in your journal

Maybe this is what Jesus is saying in Revelation to those followers in Ephesus: "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first" (Rev. 2:4,5a NIV). The encounter of first love has faded.

I want a fresh encounter with God, a freshness in my love for Him, a fresh vision for this year. Bring it on.

Pursuing Peace

2009-12-14T12:23:00.001-06:00

Someone said, “I could be happy if it just weren't for people.” I saw an article telling about renewed interest in monasticism--people in a effort to be holy are retreating from society to live in the desert or somewhere away from people or in small exclusive communities. I think most people would agree today that sometimes life would be much more peaceful if it just weren’t for the people.

But is that making peace? Peacemaking takes more than one person. Conflict is a part of living around people. Any time and anywhere that there is a group, there are going to be times when peace breaks down and there is conflict.

I did a quick search. There were over 583,000 books on conflict at Amazon.com including one with this title: "Tongue Fu. How to deflect, disarm and disfuse any verbal conflict"

And over 500 books with the words making peace in the title such as these:

1. Making peace with money

2. Making peace with food

3. Making peace with your thighs

It’s a lot easier to make peace with food or your thighs than it is with people. Yet it’s something the Bible calls us to. And as Christmas comes, we are reminded of the call for peace, the struggle for peace and the Savior who Isaiah said would be called, “Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace…” Yet our reality is often something different which is echoed in the words of one Christmas carol, “I heard the bells on Christmas Day”:

“And in despair I bowed my head, there is no peace on earth I said,

For hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth goodwill to men.”

But as followers of Christ, we are called to be peace makers. “Blessed are the peace makers.” Not blessed are the peace lovers. Everybody loves peace. Not blessed are the peace breakers. That’s an easy thing to do. Nor is it blessed are the peaceful who are never troubled. No, it is blessed are those who make peace—who actively pursue peace and resolve conflict.

What are you doing to pursue peace in your relationships? Do you ever initiate peace? Although peace is not possible with everyone, we have a responsibility to pursue it..."as much as depends on you" (Rom. 12.18).

Shalom ya'll.

Salad Bar Christians

2009-11-30T18:47:00.000-06:00

Jesus used the analogy of the Shepherd and the sheep to speak of His followers more than any other. And sheep, well, they are not the smartest of the animal kingdom. When compared to horses that run with beauty, muscles rippling, nostrils flared, the sheep seem less than noble. They are defenseless. They don't run well. They amble. They have a tendency to wander...and get lost.

Sheep don't set out to get lost. They simply munch their way to "lostness" which gives us a clue on why Jesus would use them as an example. The lessons for us in the analogy are many--especially in a culture of individualism and the politically-correct statement that "everything is relative." But sheep, lose their way as they are munching a bit of this and a tuft of that.

For followers of Christ, it's good to remind ourselves then, that the Bible is not a salad bar and Christianity is not a food court. Not that I have anything against either one. I like salad bars and I like food courts. (Even if they are on the church campus!) But I can't pick and choose what I like when it comes to the Bible. And I can't pick and choose what kind of people I allow around the table. Culturally different church? Yes. Stylistically different? Yes. Different truth? No. Different gospel? No. Some things are not optional.

Healthy Community?

2009-11-24T11:15:00.000-06:00

Sunday night we celebrated our C3 partners. Great night. Everything felt fresh. The youth did a fun dance-off with excerpts of songs through the decades.

I talked about our reaffirming our C3 values of connection, commitment and contribution and how we can do better at helping people with the first one--connection. A healthy community is a place where people connect to Christ and deeply in relationships with others. But what does that look like?

Someone said that community must include accountability, belonging and caring (ABC). What is an organization with some but not all? Name a community that has a sense of belonging but no accountability? A club. How about an org with accountablity and no sense of care? The IRS. The church needs all three. We need to communicate care but with accountability. We need accountability but with a healthy sense of belonging.

What about your circle of friends? Which is lacking?