It doesn’t matter if you are non-churched, de-churched or over churched, I want to share with you five things from a Pastor’s heart that I believe you need to know:
Don’t emphasize monuments and maintenance; emphasize momentum and movement. While it is important to remember and honor the history of your church, you can’t stay there. You also can’t stay like you are.
Too often we enjoy living on yesterday’s memories and we fail to see the potential in the fields before us. We are not called to sit in our pews when the world passes us by. They need a real, relevant, and refreshing congregation to speak life to them.
Don’t emphasize personalities and programs over power. In many churches, busyness equates to godliness; the more we do the “better” we are with God. The truth is that busyness could be indicative of a much bigger issue- a lack of power.
There is no substitute for God’s power at work in His church. Pastors have their flaws. Leaders will let you down. That is why it is imperative the church understand those who lead them are finite and capable of failure. The church must be about something greater than the persons leading it.
We may be good enough to pull off some neat ideas or fancy projects but inevitably they will run their course. Man is not good enough to accomplish only what the Holy Spirit can produce and sustain-which is total life change. Apart from Christ and abiding in Him, we can do nothing.
Keep Your Perspective. Maybe I missed the memo, but when did choosing the color of paint for the building become a more passionate emphasis than penetrating the community with the hope of Jesus? I am AMAZED at how we allow Satan to use the smallest, most insignificant issues in church to distract us from becoming a life giving place. Don’t allow the minutia to consume you. Remember, your church has a God ordained calling to fulfill. Don’t surrender that calling to issues that have no eternal significance.
Let your Leaders Lead. Let’s be honest; from time to time the leaders in your church will make mistakes. Keep in mind they, like yourself, possess great abilities to really make a mess of things! With that said, they are still the leaders that God called. Honor them. Even if you don’t agree with them, respect them. It’s ok to disagree and even tell them about it, but do it in a respectful way. Pray for them…OFTEN. Encourage them-God knows they need it. Support them-even when it’s hard. God has gifted them, the Holy Spirit has empowered them, and your church has called them so now let them lead.
Lighten up and Enjoy Life. I recently attended a conference on church leadership and one of the speakers said, “Church should be fun.” At first, I was taken aback by the comment. Church? Fun? But I thought about it for a moment: maybe he’s right. We of all people have the right to be excited…and exciting…people should see our excitement! Not only have we been rescued from death and given new life in Christ, but we have been given life and life more abundantly to share with one another! Yet, many brothers and sisters in the Lord live their life as if they are sucking on lemons. Look, life is short. The world is dying and going to hell and we’re arguing over paint colors? Somebody needs to be excited about the hope that resides within them. Who better to do that than those in the pew that have experienced that hope?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Carpe Diem
As a kid, I spent two weeks out of my summer with my grandparents. One day, grand mom loaded me and my brother in the car and we headed down to the local gas station. While inside the store, I passed by the candy aisle. Without fully thinking through the consequences, I put one piece of grape gum in my pocket for later. Yes... I was an 8 year old kleptomaniac.
When we returned home, I went to my room and popped the little treasure in my mouth. I was thoroughly enjoying the "grapesation" until I heard a knock on the door. Grand mom, not waiting for a response to her knock request, opened the door. I was caught-dead to rights. Sure, I tried to hide the gum in my cheek but there was no getting around the smell of grapes in my room; not to mention the gum wrapper laying there in all of its glory on the dresser exposing my dirty deed.
Oddly enough, she didn't freak out. She did punish me though and part of her punishment was taking me back to the scene of the crime where I was forced to confess my transgression to the store clerk.
I felt dirty. I would have given anything not to have touched that blessed gum. Who knew grape gum would cause such guilt.
To some degree, we all have a "grape gum" story. Maybe your story, like mine, is a simple, yet poor choice that you really regret. Maybe your story involves complicated decisions, interwoven with deep seeded self resentment of "how could I have been so stupid?" or “what was I thinking?”
We all have histories littered with dysfunction and disappointment. And for many, that history replays itself on the movie screen of our hearts and minds every day. It entangles us in bondage, keeping us from enjoying the FREEDOM of God's grace and forgiveness.
I love what Paul says in Philippians 3. He understood he had fallen woefully short of what God wanted for him and yet listen to his confession: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14.
In short, as a friend of mine would say, we can't live our life looking in the rear view mirror.
Today is the day! Focus your mind’s attention and heart’s affection on the GREATNESS of God's grace. Enjoy the love He has lavished on us. Capture and renounce those thoughts that bring themselves against the TRUTH of who God says you are. Kick shame to the curb, bask in the beauty of repentance and restoration, and ENJOY all God has for you today. Live in His truth, act on His Word, and watch the transformation take place. Don't delay.
Seize the Day.
When we returned home, I went to my room and popped the little treasure in my mouth. I was thoroughly enjoying the "grapesation" until I heard a knock on the door. Grand mom, not waiting for a response to her knock request, opened the door. I was caught-dead to rights. Sure, I tried to hide the gum in my cheek but there was no getting around the smell of grapes in my room; not to mention the gum wrapper laying there in all of its glory on the dresser exposing my dirty deed.
Oddly enough, she didn't freak out. She did punish me though and part of her punishment was taking me back to the scene of the crime where I was forced to confess my transgression to the store clerk.
I felt dirty. I would have given anything not to have touched that blessed gum. Who knew grape gum would cause such guilt.
To some degree, we all have a "grape gum" story. Maybe your story, like mine, is a simple, yet poor choice that you really regret. Maybe your story involves complicated decisions, interwoven with deep seeded self resentment of "how could I have been so stupid?" or “what was I thinking?”
We all have histories littered with dysfunction and disappointment. And for many, that history replays itself on the movie screen of our hearts and minds every day. It entangles us in bondage, keeping us from enjoying the FREEDOM of God's grace and forgiveness.
I love what Paul says in Philippians 3. He understood he had fallen woefully short of what God wanted for him and yet listen to his confession: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14.
In short, as a friend of mine would say, we can't live our life looking in the rear view mirror.
Today is the day! Focus your mind’s attention and heart’s affection on the GREATNESS of God's grace. Enjoy the love He has lavished on us. Capture and renounce those thoughts that bring themselves against the TRUTH of who God says you are. Kick shame to the curb, bask in the beauty of repentance and restoration, and ENJOY all God has for you today. Live in His truth, act on His Word, and watch the transformation take place. Don't delay.
Seize the Day.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Confessions of a Post Office Line Zombie
Is it me or does customer service these days really stink? Maybe inconsiderate people just seek me out but for the love of Pete it is ever before me! A few days ago I went to our local USPS branch. Granted it was lunch time so the number of people was greater than usual but I had great confidence that my government that was by the people and for the people could handle this lunch bunch.
I took my place in line waiting to mail a simple package. I knew I was in trouble when there was only one person to care for the sea of humanity gathering in the lobby. The middle aged lady behind the counter was a seasoned veteran; skilled at performing her single task with great lack of speed. Her expeditious efforts (or lack thereof) were matched only by her sincere concern for the customer (insert tongue in cheek). Moms with their kids were screaming. Business men were becoming agitated. And I waited…and I waited…and I waited. With each passing minute, I grew weary. Finally, after waiting for 20 minutes, it was my turn.
I wanted to express my concerns about the situation to the lady behind the counter. However I needed that package to go out that day and I didn’t need anything that would impede it from reaching its destination-so I kept my peace.
Let me stop here for a moment and mention something. I am low maintenance. I don’t require much. Even a simple greeting from the lady behind the counter would have sufficed. But not a word was spoken. I looked at her and she looked at me. Her steely eyes bore a hole through my soul as if to say, “Don’t tell me you just want stamps”.
I was already perturbed with the situation and my perturbedness was mounting as the stand-off continued. Why should I not be greeted? What’s wrong with a simple, “Hello sir, how can I serve you today?” Is that too much to request?
We stood locked eyes to eyes for what seemed minutes. Finally, the lady behind the counter spoke. “Yes?”. Are you kidding me? Is that all I’m worth? A simple, one word greeting? I just assumed after waiting for a half eternity, something more than a “Yes” would have been warranted. I mailed the package, walked past the line of “post office line zombies”, and sat in my car where I just shook my head and laughed.
After having some time to reflect on the event, I am reminded of the countless times I have acted like a person behind the counter. Obstinate, selfish, inconsiderate; you name it and I have acted like it. But I am also reminded of the calling we all have in life. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in the book of Philippians, chapter 2:3-4, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
God, help us view others the way you view them. Help us to live for something greater than ourselves. Give us the strength to speak to others the words of life-even when it’s hard. Empower us with Yourself and not ourselves. Amen.
I took my place in line waiting to mail a simple package. I knew I was in trouble when there was only one person to care for the sea of humanity gathering in the lobby. The middle aged lady behind the counter was a seasoned veteran; skilled at performing her single task with great lack of speed. Her expeditious efforts (or lack thereof) were matched only by her sincere concern for the customer (insert tongue in cheek). Moms with their kids were screaming. Business men were becoming agitated. And I waited…and I waited…and I waited. With each passing minute, I grew weary. Finally, after waiting for 20 minutes, it was my turn.
I wanted to express my concerns about the situation to the lady behind the counter. However I needed that package to go out that day and I didn’t need anything that would impede it from reaching its destination-so I kept my peace.
Let me stop here for a moment and mention something. I am low maintenance. I don’t require much. Even a simple greeting from the lady behind the counter would have sufficed. But not a word was spoken. I looked at her and she looked at me. Her steely eyes bore a hole through my soul as if to say, “Don’t tell me you just want stamps”.
I was already perturbed with the situation and my perturbedness was mounting as the stand-off continued. Why should I not be greeted? What’s wrong with a simple, “Hello sir, how can I serve you today?” Is that too much to request?
We stood locked eyes to eyes for what seemed minutes. Finally, the lady behind the counter spoke. “Yes?”. Are you kidding me? Is that all I’m worth? A simple, one word greeting? I just assumed after waiting for a half eternity, something more than a “Yes” would have been warranted. I mailed the package, walked past the line of “post office line zombies”, and sat in my car where I just shook my head and laughed.
After having some time to reflect on the event, I am reminded of the countless times I have acted like a person behind the counter. Obstinate, selfish, inconsiderate; you name it and I have acted like it. But I am also reminded of the calling we all have in life. Listen to what the Apostle Paul says in the book of Philippians, chapter 2:3-4, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
God, help us view others the way you view them. Help us to live for something greater than ourselves. Give us the strength to speak to others the words of life-even when it’s hard. Empower us with Yourself and not ourselves. Amen.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Living Through The Battles Part 2
As we meander through this world, battles will come. Wait long enough and you’ll find yourself staring face to face with struggle. It is in these times your mind will swim with uncertainty. Your faith will be diluted with indecision. The very things you once were certain of are now questioned.
When we go through the fire, it is hard. Life is hard. Let’s remind ourselves of the sobering words of Christ, “in this world you will have tribulation”. Hardness in life is undeniable and inevitable. The question then is how do we respond when we are on life’s battlefield?
Let’s pick up from last time…
In II Chronicles 20, a number of nations stand ready to plunder God’s people. The situation is dire. Yet, in the face of this opposition, their response was really radical. Their confessions and attitudes serve as examples for us in enjoying victory in our battles.
Fourth – Maintain Your Position. Check out verse :17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you”. Notice the progression: (1) “take up” (2) “stand firm” (3) “see”. A crucial point in seeing deliverance is not running. In fact, it is just the opposite-it’s resting! By that I do not mean passivity; rather it’s realizing the overwhelming sovereignty of God in every aspect of life and resting in that confidence! Fear runs; faith “hunkers down” in who God says He is. Take some time this week and do a little study on the phrase, “be still” found in the Bible-I think you will like what you’ll find.
If you leave the fight, you leave your position. If you leave your position, you will never enjoy God’s victory He will win for you.
Fifth – Prioritize Praise. Check out verses :18-19- Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice. Their response to the battle was to PRAISE! Wow! Can I ask you a question? When difficulty shows up in your life, what is your response?
I’m a fixer. I try to fix the difficulty myself and, in turn, usually make things much worse. What can I glean from this truth? In the heat of battle, I am to pick up my most powerful weapon…PRAISE! Our praise is based on His promises. And if I can recall and reclaim those promises with my praise, this battle will not claim me! Rehearse and remember His promises. When you face the battle, don’t rehearse defeat. We are going to most believe what we most rehearse therefore, rehearse and prioritize praise.
Our praise is to be in our confidence that God has already intervened and given the victory. Your greatest weapon in the battle is your praise.
Sixth- Watch God Work! In verse :22-24 God did it again. He showed up just in time. He has a habit of doing that for His children. Rest in Him, trust who He is, and watch what He does. If you are living through a battle right now, don’t give up! Take a step back and remind yourself who God really is. Listen to the words of Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
When we go through the fire, it is hard. Life is hard. Let’s remind ourselves of the sobering words of Christ, “in this world you will have tribulation”. Hardness in life is undeniable and inevitable. The question then is how do we respond when we are on life’s battlefield?
Let’s pick up from last time…
In II Chronicles 20, a number of nations stand ready to plunder God’s people. The situation is dire. Yet, in the face of this opposition, their response was really radical. Their confessions and attitudes serve as examples for us in enjoying victory in our battles.
Fourth – Maintain Your Position. Check out verse :17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you”. Notice the progression: (1) “take up” (2) “stand firm” (3) “see”. A crucial point in seeing deliverance is not running. In fact, it is just the opposite-it’s resting! By that I do not mean passivity; rather it’s realizing the overwhelming sovereignty of God in every aspect of life and resting in that confidence! Fear runs; faith “hunkers down” in who God says He is. Take some time this week and do a little study on the phrase, “be still” found in the Bible-I think you will like what you’ll find.
If you leave the fight, you leave your position. If you leave your position, you will never enjoy God’s victory He will win for you.
Fifth – Prioritize Praise. Check out verses :18-19- Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice. Their response to the battle was to PRAISE! Wow! Can I ask you a question? When difficulty shows up in your life, what is your response?
I’m a fixer. I try to fix the difficulty myself and, in turn, usually make things much worse. What can I glean from this truth? In the heat of battle, I am to pick up my most powerful weapon…PRAISE! Our praise is based on His promises. And if I can recall and reclaim those promises with my praise, this battle will not claim me! Rehearse and remember His promises. When you face the battle, don’t rehearse defeat. We are going to most believe what we most rehearse therefore, rehearse and prioritize praise.
Our praise is to be in our confidence that God has already intervened and given the victory. Your greatest weapon in the battle is your praise.
Sixth- Watch God Work! In verse :22-24 God did it again. He showed up just in time. He has a habit of doing that for His children. Rest in Him, trust who He is, and watch what He does. If you are living through a battle right now, don’t give up! Take a step back and remind yourself who God really is. Listen to the words of Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Living Through The Battles
Let’s face it, life can be quite the struggle at times. There will be seasons in all of our lives that will try the very epicenter of our faith. Whether they are financial, physical, relational- life can and will be a battlefield. These battles will vary in intensity but they will happen. The reality is the battles will rage. But the other reality is we can live in victory! Rather than allowing your battle to consume and destroy, wouldn’t you want to enjoy victory despite the battle? Yes you would! You and I can have “success” in the face of our battles.
I love the passage in II Chronicles 20. God’s people are confronted with what appears to be insurmountable odds. A number of nations have formed a coalition and are prepared to wipe out Judah. In the face of this impending disaster, the people and their king take an incredible course of action. Their confessions and attitudes are key for us in enjoying victory in our battles.
First- Go to God. In verses :1-4 they all seek after God! Literally, they sought His face. Instead of going to anyone or anything else, they went directly to the One who could save them-their Deliverer. In the face of what seemed impossible, they went to the God of the impossible! When God is about to do something great, He’ll often choose the difficult and impossible. E.M. Bounds said, “Prayer is a wonderful power placed by Almighty God in the hands of His saints, which may be used to accomplish great purpose and to achieve unusual results.”What’s the lesson? When you are faced with what appears to be the impossible, seek His face.
Second-Keep Your Focus. In verses :5-12. Listen to their words in verse 12-“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” Did you hear that? “Our eyes are on you!” In the face of destruction, their focus was on God. Listen my friend, we must acknowledge our complete inadequacy in these battles and at the same time acknowledge God’s complete ability. When we have nothing else but God, it is then we understand He is ALL we need. Mary Queen of Scotts said of the great reformer, John Knox, “there’s only one thing she feared: the prayers of John Knox. This man with God on his side is always in the majority.”
Third-Remember the Nature of Your Battle. Listen to the words of verse :15-“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's”. God intends for you to be victorious! Therefore, the battle belongs to Him. Let Him win! In other words, stop running interference for God. He is your defender and shield. He has a much better track record of defending us than we do!
Stay tuned for part two of “Living Through the Battles” later this week!
I love the passage in II Chronicles 20. God’s people are confronted with what appears to be insurmountable odds. A number of nations have formed a coalition and are prepared to wipe out Judah. In the face of this impending disaster, the people and their king take an incredible course of action. Their confessions and attitudes are key for us in enjoying victory in our battles.
First- Go to God. In verses :1-4 they all seek after God! Literally, they sought His face. Instead of going to anyone or anything else, they went directly to the One who could save them-their Deliverer. In the face of what seemed impossible, they went to the God of the impossible! When God is about to do something great, He’ll often choose the difficult and impossible. E.M. Bounds said, “Prayer is a wonderful power placed by Almighty God in the hands of His saints, which may be used to accomplish great purpose and to achieve unusual results.”What’s the lesson? When you are faced with what appears to be the impossible, seek His face.
Second-Keep Your Focus. In verses :5-12. Listen to their words in verse 12-“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” Did you hear that? “Our eyes are on you!” In the face of destruction, their focus was on God. Listen my friend, we must acknowledge our complete inadequacy in these battles and at the same time acknowledge God’s complete ability. When we have nothing else but God, it is then we understand He is ALL we need. Mary Queen of Scotts said of the great reformer, John Knox, “there’s only one thing she feared: the prayers of John Knox. This man with God on his side is always in the majority.”
Third-Remember the Nature of Your Battle. Listen to the words of verse :15-“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's”. God intends for you to be victorious! Therefore, the battle belongs to Him. Let Him win! In other words, stop running interference for God. He is your defender and shield. He has a much better track record of defending us than we do!
Stay tuned for part two of “Living Through the Battles” later this week!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Who's Not Here?
The church doesn't exist for us; it exists for those who aren't in it yet. One of the biggest frustrations I have with the modern church is that it has become too consumer driven. By that, I mean we take an inordinate number of steps to please and impress those who attend. From the coffee, to the lights, to the dress, to the music we go to great lengths to captivate the attendees.
Before you freak out let me explain.
We must present everything we do in life, especially church, with excellence. Mediocrity is not a spiritual gift and we should pursue relevance and modernity in all aspects of ministry. It is critical that we make efforts to meet the needs of those who attend. But is there a cost? Is it possible we spend so much effort, energy, and finances to keep those in the pew that we forget we are surrounded by a world that dies and will spend eternity apart from Christ? I am afraid that on a number of levels we are guilty-guilty of being too consumer driven and not Christ driven.
A church driven by the power of Christ is compelled to think, live, and believe beyond itself. It makes intentional efforts to penetrate a community with service and the gospel. It is not merely mission minded, it is mission active. True, this church doesn’t neglect the needs of her members but she realizes there is a greater mission that is unavoidable and undeniable. A church driven by the power of Christ and not by the power of the consumer eats and breathes Acts 1:8.
A church driven by the power of Christ abandons her innate selfish ways to the relentless and radical call of Christ to take the gospel of Christ to the uttermost parts of the world. What good does it do to have everything look great on the inside when a world around us screams for deliverance?
This Sunday, when you sit in your space at church, ask yourself, “who’s not here?”
Before you freak out let me explain.
We must present everything we do in life, especially church, with excellence. Mediocrity is not a spiritual gift and we should pursue relevance and modernity in all aspects of ministry. It is critical that we make efforts to meet the needs of those who attend. But is there a cost? Is it possible we spend so much effort, energy, and finances to keep those in the pew that we forget we are surrounded by a world that dies and will spend eternity apart from Christ? I am afraid that on a number of levels we are guilty-guilty of being too consumer driven and not Christ driven.
A church driven by the power of Christ is compelled to think, live, and believe beyond itself. It makes intentional efforts to penetrate a community with service and the gospel. It is not merely mission minded, it is mission active. True, this church doesn’t neglect the needs of her members but she realizes there is a greater mission that is unavoidable and undeniable. A church driven by the power of Christ and not by the power of the consumer eats and breathes Acts 1:8.
A church driven by the power of Christ abandons her innate selfish ways to the relentless and radical call of Christ to take the gospel of Christ to the uttermost parts of the world. What good does it do to have everything look great on the inside when a world around us screams for deliverance?
This Sunday, when you sit in your space at church, ask yourself, “who’s not here?”
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