Honoring Authority

In a time when Rome ruled the world, the Church was born. In the midst of an immoral pagan society, followers of the Way arose. If we aren't careful, we will miss the importance of this. These early believers had to deal with Jewish & Roman law. Two distinct cultures. Two opposing worldviews. One major obstacle to deal with. How would they live out their beliefs? How would they deal with the oppression on every side? How would they engage the culture?

There are a couple of things about Paul's writings that I would like to point out. Things that were often implied in his teachings but not necessarily stated. For obvious reasons. One of the main reasons is that you didn't do anything that would seem to conflict with the "peace of Rome." However, if you pay close attention, you will discover that Paul wants to make some statements that these new believers needed to understand. #1 - Jesus is Lord, not Caesar. #2 - The Kingdom of Heaven dictates our lifestyle, not the state.

These are some important principles. And right in the midst of this worldview is Paul's instruction to honor those in authority. Which begs the question: "How do we honor those in authority and honor the Lord at the same time?" I'm glad you asked.

Before I answer that question, I want us to consider how this worldview should be lived out in our Western Culture. How does the Church in America honor those in authority, especially when those in authority do things with which we do not agree? Jesus is Lord, not the President. The Kingdom of Heaven dictates our lifestyle, not the state. Over the last few years our courts and our legislature has passed laws that do not agree with our worldview. How do we respond? Do we preach messages against the government? Do we take to the streets in protest? Do we flood the offices of our Congressmen and Senators with letters and emails stating our position? Do we rail against the culture? I'm not here to argue our right to do any of these things. I'm here to ask what is the best response. Is there a better way?

Paul's instruction is timeless. We can still honor those in authority. We can still recognize their God given office. We can live out our beliefs in full view of the world. And we can stand strong in the face of any persecution that may come our way.

Roman culture was perverse. It's religion was polytheistic. It's practices immoral. What Paul teaches the Church is not unlike what Jesus tried to convey to the Jews. Going the extra mile, giving of yourself, blessing those who curse you, praying for those who use you, and loving your enemy are all ways in which He was trying to help the people of God understand how they should live within the culture. We don't allow the culture to shape what we believe nor determine how we behave. While the state may issue laws that go against our beliefs, what we practice will be consistent with the teachings of our Lord.

With all of that being said, I want to suggest that there are some things we can do that may seem small (maybe even impotent) but hold great rewards:

WE CAN PRAY
How quickly we forget the power of prayer. We talk about it. We say we believe in it. But when it's time for the rubber to meet the road, do we practice it?
Prayer is still an amazingly powerful weapon. What it does in us is remarkable. What it can do for others is breathtaking.
In the midst of a culture that seems to be void of God, may we not act accordingly.

WE CAN HONOR
Honor is incredibly powerful. I have heard countless stories through the years where the Church chose to honor those in authority and what it created within these individuals. Favor was granted. Platforms for influence were created. Doors were opened. Think about it. Have you ever wondered how someone like Billy Graham was granted visits to the White House? Why does the Pope get to meet with Heads of State? There is something about honor that we have yet to tap into. Even Paul honored people like Felix and Agrippa and was given an audience before them.

WE CAN STAND
One of the greatest admonishments that Paul gave to the Church was that they should stand fast, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
In the midst of severe persecution. In the midst of losing homes, businesses, and social status. In the midst of being misunderstood, degraded, and insulted. The Church stood strong. Even when what they held to meant they would face the lions, these godly men and women did not bow down. And their impact upon the culture stands to this day.

Nowhere does the Bible say that we have to agree with everything that comes down from those in authority. Nowhere does it state that we have to carry out the practices of the state. However, what we do see plainly in the Scriptures is that honor and respect should be named among us. We still "Give unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar", but most importantly we "Give unto God the things that belong to God."

Walking in Reality

"Now faith..." How often have we heard this verse quoted? How often have we focused on what we do not yet see? While faith is an absolutely essential part of our spiritual life, there is also a need to walk in the reality of the Kingdom. Walking in Faith should eventually lead to Walking in Reality.

The best religion can do is keep you plugged into the machine. Keep you tied to the types and shadows of things rather than the reality of them. Even though Jesus Himself announced the arrival of the Kingdom, and even though Hebrews tells us that Christ was the substance of these things, there are so many within the Church who have yet to experience the realities. All of their hope is tied to the future. Quoting Bible verses (at least part of them) that talk about eyes not seeing and ears not hearing what God has promised. Missing out on the remainder of the verse that says that God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.

The Spirit of the Father longs to reveal what is within His heart. He doesn't want us always looking forward to the Kingdom but actually realizing it here and now. He wants this Kingdom to manifest. He wants it to advance. There is a reason why Jesus told His disciples that the Kingdom of God was/is within them. "On Earth as it is in Heaven" is more than a prayer. It's an awareness.

When ministering to others, our focus needs to be upon the manifestation of the Kingdom in the situations we face.
When walking into work, dealing with things in our families, and gathering with other believers, this Kingdom readily available.
Faith allows us to see it, which is necessary. However, faith should also move us toward an actual encounter.

Some people don't like this approach. They aren't quite as comfortable in moving people towards an experience. The fear of nothing happening cripples them. Imagine if we took that approach to the sharing of the Gospel. While most people would find that abhorrent, when it comes to the manifestation of the Kingdom we easily shrink back. "If it comes it comes." "If something happens it happens." And this approach has kept us from being bold in our expectancy.

Walking in the reality of the Kingdom is no different than walking in the assurance of the Gospel. What did Paul say about that? "I am not ashamed of the Gospel...it is the power of God unto salvation." He recognized that within the Gospel was the power to bring wholeness. It wasn't in himself. It wasn't in his delivery. The power is within the Gospel itself. The Kingdom is no different. Our assurance is not in us, but in a God who loves to reveal Himself in our midst. A Father who enjoys seeing His children experience the reality of His domain.

We need faith. We need hope. These are essential. However, we also need the realities. Which is why it is vitally important that we walk in the maturity of sons. Knowing our Father, Knowing who we are, and Knowing that the Kingdom of God is within are all part of the journey. The world needs a manifestation, and this manifestation comes through us as we partner with Him. Walking with the awareness that from Heaven to Earth is possible.

Many of the things that I challenge you with in this blog are nothing more than manifestations of His Kingdom.
Allowing Him to rule and reign in our hearts gives Him permission to exercise His dominion. He has chosen to partner with us. He always has. Yes, there will be a time when the Kingdom is fully visible. Until then, we are the laborers in His field. May we walk in His reality and make it our own. May we do more than see and hear. May we fully realize this Kingdom. The Earth is groaning for the sons to be revealed. Let's do this!

Getting Rid of a Critical Spirit

Several years ago I made a decision to stop being so critical of others. Though it hasn't always been easy, I have tried to grant them the same mercy and grace that I would want to receive. While this sounds like a basic rule for life, the reality is that we have been conditioned to be critical. Some more than others. Have you ever been around someone who never had anything positive to say about anyone? Have you had to bow out of a conversation that was steeped in negativity? Does the constant criticism of people get under your skin? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, you are well on your way to ridding yourself of a critical spirit.

Jesus had plenty to say about our judgement of other people. How we are all to willing to point out the speck in our brother's eye while ignoring the beam in our own. I'm sure we have all been there at some point. Believing we had a right/a duty to tell someone about the issues we see in their life and they quickly turn to ours. It's a rather humbling experience. While I do believe there is a place for criticism - in relationship, I also believe that we should never engage someone critically unless we have first spoken with the Lord. Hear these words from Jesus: Matthew 7:1-2, "Don’t criticize people, and you will not be criticized. For you will be judged by the way you criticize others, and the measure you give will be the measure you receive." Phillips Translation

First of all, allow me to say that I can easily be one of the most critical people in the room. It comes rather naturally. Judging people by their actions, comparing them to my own sense of holiness, and questioning their motives are all attitudes that I picked up somewhere along the way. So for me to say to you that I'm trying to give to others what I would like to receive is not a way to place myself upon a platform. I'm simply sharing with you the work of grace in my own life. It took years to get here. It took years to recognize how selfish I could be. It took years to deal with my own insecurities and realize how I allowed criticism of others to make me feel better about myself. It was the verses that I posted up above that the Holy Spirit used to finally get my attention.

If I take the words of Jesus seriously. And I do. Then how can I sit in judgement of others? How can I possibly consider pointing out their issues if I haven't been willing to deal with my own? This is exactly what Jesus is talking about. He's not saying that we shouldn't talk to people when their choices are hurting them and others. He's not asking us to sit back and allow people to destroy their lives. What He is dealing with is the position we often take where we believe ourselves to be better than someone else. It's when our critique of them is founded solely upon our own sense of holiness. When we never take into account our own problems, our own sin, or our own issues.

There have been times that I have been critical of the church. Critical of church leadership. Critical about our failures when it comes to reaching this generation. If you didn't know my heart, it would be easy to think that I have some kind of issue with the church. I do not. Over the last 22 years I have devoted my life to ministry within the church. It has been my heart to see the Bride of Christ be everything she was created to become. I love the church. I desperately want to be a part of the solution. I want to see all of the individual members come together. I want us to grow in love. I want to see the manifestation of the Kingdom of God through us. Any and all criticism is meant for us to see deeper into ourselves. To ask if we are living up to our identity.

Right there is the issue folks. When we are talking with someone and we discover that they have wandered away from their identity in Christ, that is when we can speak to them. Rather than focusing upon the speck in their eye, we go to the root of the problem. As long as we are dealing with specks, we never get to the heart of the matter. I was having this discussion last night. When our focus is on sin as a behavior, we think we can fix the problem by stopping the behavior. What we have learned over the years is that Christianity is not about behavior modification. It's about a radical transformation in our lives. Experiencing the love of God in Jesus. Seeing ourselves for who we were meant to be, and living out our identity in Christ. Our behavior will change, but only when what we believe changes first. Behavior always follows beliefs.

I take this approach with my children. I want them to understand first and foremost that their identity is one of a son. A maturing child of God. We are taking the steps we need to as parents to raise our daughter as a Queen and our son as a King. Whenever their behavior steps out of this identity, we remind them of who they are. We ask questions related to this identity. We try to discover what it was in the first place that caused them to act outside of character. This is an area where the church can do a much better job. We have been all to willing to simply identify people based upon their particular sins. We say things like, "Well Paul talked about everyone falling short of the glory of God." We use the Bible to justify our criticism. However, if you look closely to what Paul is saying, you will discover that he is not making these statements to leave people in that place. He is saying that the same people who have fallen short have received grace through the redemption that is in Jesus. Therefore, it is not enough to deal with people on the basis of their sins. We are to deal with them based upon the redemption we have found in Jesus.

I realize that this approach is quite different than what we are used to seeing and hearing, but I want you to consider the changes that will be created in your own heart. Think about Jesus statement again: "the measure you use will be measured back to you." What if you determined to give nothing but grace? What if you determined to show nothing but mercy? What if you choose love over hate, compassion over criticism, empathy over anger? Imagine how open your heart would be to others. Imagine ridding yourself completely of a critical spirit. Not only would you discover grace for yourself, but you would discover an incredible amount of grace for others.

This is the liberty and love we discover in the Gospel. This is the nature of the Father that we see on display in Jesus. "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench." Finally, the New Living Translation says, He will cause justice to be victorious. How can we read these statements and not be in awe of the nature of our Heavenly Father? How can we read these statements and not realize the changes we could make in how we deal with people? It's possible...when we get rid of our criticism. When we lay aside our negativity. When we choose to see the world through the judgement of love.

Living On Purpose

There's at least one Old Testament verse that speaks to the life of every person. One verse that remedies our disagreements and stances. One verse that puts the ball squarely in our court and points to a greater human existence. "Do justly, Love mercy, Walk humbly with your God." [Micah 6:8]

This verse answers the age old question, "What does God want me to do with my life?" It reminds us that a life well lived is wrapped up in simplicity. That so much of our faith is expressed in what is often viewed as the small things. Things like humility, justice, and mercy. It also reminds us that is all too easy to get our focus on things that really don't matter. That living a life on purpose requires a little more concentration.

DOING WHAT IS RIGHT
I'm always amazed at how difficult we make this. How often have we turned to our kids and said, "You know what the right the thing to do is." We never give it a second thought. But when we are placed in a situation where people on each side of the equation will be affected, we struggle to make the decision.

There comes a time in each of our lives where we have to trust our conscience. That little voice inside of us that always speaks to the value system we carry. Our conscience along with the Holy Spirit are incredible guides into Truth. Typically when we are struggling it's because to do the right thing means we have to change our focus. We have to alter the way we look at things. We have to be willing to give of ourselves.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" has to be more than a nice mantra.
"Love one another as I have loved you" has to be more than a lofty ideal."
This is where the rubber meets the road. Are we willing to do what is right?

LOVE MERCY
Not just the experience of mercy, but the expression of mercy.

There's not a one of us reading this blog right now who is not thankful for the mercy we have received from our Heavenly Father. Then why would we every withhold it from someone else? Why would we retain bitterness, envy, or jealousy? Why would we want "justice" for someone when we would rather have mercy in our own life? Think about it.

"I forgive you"
"I hold nothing against you"
"I choose to love you and bless your life"
Are all incredible expressions of mercy. All wonderful experiences of mercy that we have received. There's grace for this. We can give just as we have received. Freely.

WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD
Would anyone doubt that humility was a well noted characteristic of the nature of Christ? Why would the church that bears His name be any different?

Humility is the great peacemaker. Which very well may be the reason why there is a lack of it among so many. Our need to be right, first, and followed often trumps this powerful tool. I have often wondered who I lost when I won an argument? How many bridges get burned in the process? What would the outcome have looked like if I would have humbled myself?

Humility with God recognizes who He is.
Humility with others recognizes who they are.
While most of us would shrink back from the idea that we would put ourselves on the same playing field as God, that is exactly what pride does in our life. In each instance. Our view of self gets out of control. Relationships are left lying in the wake. Humility with the Father is seen in our humility with one another.

LIVING ON PURPOSE
What does all of this have to do with living on purpose?

It's simple really. When we choose to live this type of life, we discover a grace that is all too willing to empower us. To do what is right is never questioned. To withhold mercy isn't even an option. To walk humbly with God is our practice.

Over the years I have shared from this verse in different ways. Usually handling each category individually as I did above. However, I'm starting to see that they go together seamlessly.
To do what is right is to love mercy and walk humbly with God.
To walk humbly with God is to do what is right and to love mercy.
To love mercy is the right thing when we are walking humbly with God.
All a part of the life that the Father wants us to enjoy. All an expression of a simple faith. All an experience of a life lived on purpose. In the end, do you really believe that God would have a problem with you acting in justice? Do you believe that your Heavenly Father will scold you for giving too much mercy? Don't you believe that He would enjoy you coming before Him in humility and simply seeking to walk with Him?

This is the life you were meant to live. This is the life of a person devoted to the nature and character of God. This is image and likeness on full display. All things our Heavenly Father has been willing to do on our behalf. Now they are finding expression in you.

Let Each One Be Fully Convinced

Romans 14:5 finishes with this statement: "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." It's a powerful statement. One that adequately describes the type of maturity we are meant to walk in. Paul was talking about the differences between believers concerning meat, drink, and holy days. Rather than tell them what they should believe, he went on to tell them how they should behave.

The interesting thing about this statement by Paul is that I was rarely (if ever) told to work out some of my own beliefs. While I was never forced to think like everyone around me, there was always the sense that we should simply fall in line with church practice. I'm not against this type of faith per se, but I do think that many believers in today's church are looking for a greater expression. The need to know why they believe what they believe, or why they practice what they practice, is dominant in this generation. Rather than see this as a good thing, many have questioned the motives behind it. However, I believe we have an incredible opportunity to raise up mature sons and daughters in the faith.

I said earlier that Paul instructed the early church in how they should behave in regards to these particular things rather than tell them what to believe. It's a bold move. It meant that he trusted the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It also means that he viewed some of these things as non-essential elements of the faith. The most important aspect of this teaching was to demonstrate how we should interact with one another. How we could live in peace and unity. How our focus could always be upon mutual edification.

Unfortunately, this often gets lost in church life. We have our lists. We have our way of doing things. And rather than see the Lord in an individual that thinks or believes differently than we do, it's much easier to reject them. Poke holes in their beliefs and practices. Slander them. Or even demonize. This is not the way the church was meant to behave. Paul explicitly told the Church in Rome that they SHOULD NOT judge others in their practice. That each of them should be fully convinced in their our own mind.

While we typically only value this teaching in the areas of Christian liberty (ie eating, drinking, etc.), the reality is that this approach can be used on a much broader scale. There are certain aspects of our faith which are, in a sense, etched in stone. Paul held beliefs about the Gospel that were so solid that he believed any other gospel wasn't a gospel at all. Then there were areas where he taught out of his own opinion, believing that he had the Lord's heart on the matter. The point being that each and every one of us should hold some deep convictions about certain aspects of our own faith, and at the same time hold some loosely while being convinced in our understanding.

It has been my experience that this type of faith experience leads to incredible maturity. A willingness to wrestle with our own beliefs will enable us to be strengthened, confident, and able to adequately express our faith. Several years ago I started this journey in my own life. I had been a believer for many years. I had preached, taught, and shared my faith with many. But it was in this process where I began to own my faith. Rather than go to the Scriptures to defend what I already believed, I began to ask the Lord to teach me. A journey that was encouraged by the leadership of the church where I was on staff. There was a discussion we had about a particular topic where my opinion was very different than the one they held. They simply asked that I look into it myself. Find all the verses in the Bible where this is mentioned and seek the Lord for understanding. My mind was not only blown away through this process, but it was changed. I had discovered something in the Bible that I had missed all those years. A few years down the road I was challenged in another area. I decided to take the same approach. Once again, my mind was changed. After going through this process a few times I figured out why Jesus told people to Repent. If we aren't willing to change our mind, then it will always prove difficult to accept the Truth.

Questions should not shake our faith but be a natural part of helping us go deeper into the Truth. I remember some time ago reading about people who had left different faith backgrounds. One of the things that always bothered them was the general rule that you could not ask questions regarding their particular faith. You could look into others, read books, and question them; but you better not question your own religion. I don't know about you, but I've always believed that if we had the answer then we should never mind the question. The Christian faith has outlasted so many others, persevered through incredible persecution, and continues to be the largest "religion" in the world. While there are many different expressions of our faith, it continues to spread like wildfire.

Think about it this way:
There are libraries filled with thousands of books written to express Christian thought. Many brilliant minds have wrestled with theology to have an understanding of what the Apostles taught, and what the early church believed. When we go back and read about the formation of the Nicene Creed, how the Early Church Fathers worked to bring the Bible into reality, and even some of the discussions that these councils engaged in, we discover that our faith has come a long way. Men and women have worked through various opinions, discussed various practices, held some very heated debates. All as a means of understanding/communicating the faith, and seeking a deeper understanding. This has held true even in my lifetime. Why? So each of us can be fully convinced.

Be convinced of your beliefs.
Be convinced of your practices.
Both are necessary.
But in the process, honor every member of the household of faith.
Believe that the Lord is able to make each person to stand.
This was the instruction of Paul to a group of early believers. It should be the practice of the church today.

It's all a part of maturing as a son. The way in which we can be confident in who He is and who we are. This is your journey. Enjoy it!

Lessons Learned (Part 2)

Let's refresh the quote from yesterday:
"You can't force people to be where you are spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. You can invite them. You can create a safe environment. You can honor them where they are. And you can always love."
Yesterday we looked at the "WHAT" of what I have learned. Today we will go deeper into the "WHY?".

Kris Vallotton has written extensively about the need for this type of shift within the church. In particular, he talks about us moving from a denominational mindset into one of apostleship. Here's how he explains it: "In denominationalism, believers gather around doctrine and divide when they disagree. In apostleships, believers rally around fathers, mothers and families." When the church becomes centered around the relationships that the Father has given to us, we are less likely to divide over differences. This does not mean that a particular church will not have essential doctrines, it simply means that we will possess a core value centered around one another.


Why? Why is it important for us to understand that we cannot force people to be where we are? Why is there a need to create safe environments? Why do we need to honor one another? Why is all of this important?

#1 - The reality is that each of us are a different places in the process. Several factors determine where we are personally. Depending upon your church background, how long you have been a believer, and the focus of your spiritual life, are just some of the things that have to be understood. Rather than force people to be where we are, we are creating an environment of love, honor, and unity. We are learning to center our lives upon Jesus and one another. It is critical that we, the church, keep this from becoming some sort of christianese (a popular saying) but an abiding reality. Loving God and Loving Others needs to be a concrete mindset within our fellowship.

#2 - The safe environments that we create means that people can come into relationship and ask questions. They can honestly seek understanding because they realize that in relationship these things are possible. Too many churches become so centered upon doctrine/theology that relationship takes a back seat to everything else. It means that different opinions about spiritual matters can become something that brings division rather than an opportunity for us to walk in honor and humility. The need to be right trumps the desire of the Spirit for us to be in unity. Far too often, the world has watched this scenario play out time and time again. Many times these "differences" did nothing to go against the essentials of a church. They may have challenged an individual, or a particular group of people, but the reality is that many of these differences could exist side by side.

#3 - The reason why it is important for us to walk out these truths is because it demonstrates to the world that love will be the core value among us. When people know they are loved, it means they can be themselves. They can live in authenticity. Unity, not uniformity, is birthed within our fellowship. It also puts each of us at a place where we have to dig deeper. Seeking to understand the reasoning of another. Recognizing the heart of an individual. Trusting the Lord's ability to shape and conform each of us into His image. It's quite amazing actually. A process that unfortunately has only played out among a small percentage of the church population.

Several years ago we had someone come into our fellowship that really struggled with one of our essential doctrines. My advice to this person was to honor it. To seek understanding. To trust our heart in the matter. This particular belief was contrary to this person's church background. You can imagine the difficulty. On the one hand there was a need within this person to be in relationship. On the other was the need to preserve his own belief system. In the end, this person chose relationship. He knew that this was a safe place to work it all out. Over the course of the next few months, maybe even a year, this person came to understand why we believed what we believed. The Lord did a work in this person's heart to not only understand, but to accept this particular doctrine as truth. We never pressed the issue. We never asked how they were doing in regard to this particular belief. All we did was walk with him. When questions were asked, we answered. We prayed. We trusted the Lord's ability in the process.

This is not a small task. It requires incredible commitment. Some have tried to walk this path, but gave up somewhere along the way. They chose the wider path of destruction. Gave up on relationships. Chose division over understanding. Chose to be right in their own opinions rather than choosing to walk in unity. It is difficult. Especially difficult if what you believe personally is what defines you.

Creating this type of an environment, a true family environment, allows people to develop deep relationships with one another. Walls of insecurity are thrown down. Every high thing that would exalt itself against the knowledge of God is destroyed. Competition is done away with while we learn to be complete in Him. There is such a level of commitment to this type of living that we no longer think of relationship with God and one another as separate goals to be achieved, but a way of life to be embraced. An environment where we recognize us in Him and Him in us.

Here is where we discover 1 Corinthians 13 lived out in the flesh.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Why is this important? It's important because you begin to realize the importance of those around you. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the children of God." These people...they are family.

Lessons Learned (Part 1)

While I could probably fill this blog up with some of the lessons I have learned through the years, there's at least a couple that I want to share with you over the next couple of days. Part 1 in this mini-series is a lesson that I must continually remind myself of as I lead and disciple people. Lesson learned: You can't force people to be where you are spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. You can invite them. You can create a safe environment. You can honor where they are. And you can always love.

The life and ministry of Jesus was one GREAT BIG INVITATION. You continually see Him in the Scriptures inviting people to join Him, walk with Him, and learn from Him. While He didn't mind telling them that they needed to repent in order to do so, even that was an invitation to begin to see life through another perspective. Even when you see Him pressing the rich young ruler for "one more thing", you find that Jesus loved him in the invitation. And I believe that He loved him as He walked away. The question we must ask ourselves is, what are we doing to build relationships?

Inviting Others to Join You

While this may seem like an easy task, the reality is that we have to open ourselves up to people. We must be willing to endure rejection. We must also be able to walk with those who accept. Much has been documented and said regarding the disciples of Jesus. When you read about them in the Gospels, you discover that they didn't have it all together. Not even remotely close. It was in the walking with Jesus that they were able to open their minds to the truth, discover the power that they held within themselves, and figure out in relationship what it meant to walk out this Kingdom of Heaven thing.

Jesus didn't invite people who were at the same level as Him. Nor did He force them to be. He simply invited them into the process of becoming. He demonstrated to them what the love, peace, and message of the Kingdom was all about. He invited them to understand the Father as He did. It's an incredible lesson in discipleship. The invitation, in and of itself, is empowering. And it was granted to all. Even the most unbecoming among them.

Creating a Safe Environment

By safe, I don't mean without risk. The disciples of Jesus risked everything to be with Him. They walked away from businesses, parents, and prestige within the community. In fact, their willingness to walk with Jesus also meant being despised and rejected. When I talk about a safe environment, I talking about the environment we create within relationship.

The disciples could ask questions.
They could fail.
They could be taught, rebuked, and encouraged.
They could even challenge some of the things that Jesus said and did. All the while still loved and led in the direction He was going.

This is one of the most difficult processes for most people. We tend to struggle with those who think and/or believe differently. We put so much emphasis on people getting to where we are, that we forget to remember how long it took us. Creating a safe environment is crucial in the development of others. They need to know that any criticism is critical, every admonishment is done in love, and every instruction is meant for their betterment.

Honoring Where They Are

While this is part of creating the safe environment, I felt that we needed to understand this a bit deeper.

Honoring someone where they are requires seeing them for who they are. There is no doubt that Jesus could see the finished product, but He had to be willing to deal with what had yet to be done in their lives. He had to bring them along in relationship. It wasn't enough to bark commands and give orders. He demonstrated Kingdom life.

Think about all the things He knew:
They would jockey for position
They would get out in front sometimes
They would often revert to the old way of doing things
They would get caught up in the old way of thinking
They would struggle, fall asleep, and eventually abandon Him
But in the end they would return to carry out the mission.

Honor can be a messy thing. However, it is well worth the wait.

You Can Always Love

If love isn't at the root of all that you are doing, it would be best if you stopped right now. People were not created to be manipulated, controlled, or coerced. They are meant to be loved, encouraged, and built up. If we fail to keep our love on, then we will not honor them. If we fail to keep our love on, then we will not create a safe environment. If we fail to keep our love on, then the invitation is not into relationship.

That's the difference make in my opinion. Discipleship, Mentoring, Leading, whatever you want to call it; it all has to be built on the basis of relationship. Even though some of the Jewish leaders were called Rabbit (which we tend to translate as Teacher), their disciples were often referred to as sons. What you have here, in essence, are Spiritual Fathers with Spiritual Children. They walk, talk, share, and commune together. This is all about relationship. Therefore, love has to be the foundation.

In the end, you will see a mature group of men and women who are ready to carry the torch. Sons and Daughters who will not shrink back from their responsibility. Fathers and Mothers who will rise to lead the next generation. This is what we need. And this is what it takes to shape the next generation of world changers. Open, safe, honoring, and loving environments where they can become. It's not easy. It's not without losses along the way. But it is the relational culture that we desperately need to see emerge within the Church.

This is the "WHAT" of what I have learned. Tomorrow we will focus on the "WHY?". Until then, Enjoy the Journey.

The Friendships You Need

It is much easier to trust the heart of those around you when you learn to trust the heart of the Lord for you. What do I mean by that? I see far too many people who never get comfortable in their relationship with the Lord. It's one of the reasons why they never press in to know Him better. Unsure of how the Lord will relate to them. Insecure in their standing and in His nature. This lack of friendship (if you will) with the Lord typically translates into very loose friendships with the people around you.

We need to develop the types of relationships where people can speak into our lives. To go deep enough that they can share the things necessary to build us up. These may be words of discernment, knowledge, encouragement, admonishment, and even correction. To keep ourselves at a distance means that we will never allow anyone close enough to really make a difference. What some could mean as encouragement could be perceived as deception. What others would mean by constructive criticism could be perceived as character assassination. It's all about the distance. The lack of intimacy that we have with one another.

Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend
Many of us have been hurt by others. We have had people in and out of our lives that never meant to get close. Always critical. Not really for us. Maintaining enough distance to never carry your heart, but close enough to inflict pain. We have also had people who have been extremely close to us, but for one reason or another left in a hurry. They believed it best to end the friendship. Do damage to the people around them. Never really considering the cost of burning bridges.

The faithful wounds of a friend are not the ones inflicted by those who leave. They are the wounds that are created by those who stay. Those who have no intention of hurting you, but are willing to bring healing where the wounds appear. They are honest and faithful. They truly have your best intention at heart. They are close enough to see the things that are stunting your growth, impeding your progress, and wreaking havoc on your identity. While they may be the one to reveal these things, you can be assured that they will stick with you during the process of wholeness.

Profuse are the Kisses of an Enemy
While the wounds of a friend are faithful, the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Is there any greater form of betrayal? Our Lord was betrayed with a kiss. And He knew it. Which shows us the type of discernment that we need to live in. How many times have we grown to despise the truth from those who love us, and embraced the endearment of those who were simply using us? And while we have experienced this in the relationships we have entered into, the reality is that there is a greater enemy at work.

Insecurity is not your friend. Oh, how it loves to kiss you. How it loves to deceive you into thinking that people really don't have your best intention at heart. While a friend is more than willing to tell you the truth, insecurity will lie to your face. Cause you to doubt the people around you. Keep you at a distance. At least far enough from really allowing people into your heart and life.

Is there a Solution?
I believe there is. I believe that if we will find security in our Heavenly Father, then we will discover security in our relationships.

THIS WILL TAKE TIME! People rarely develop insecurities overnight. It tends to be a lengthy process. A hurt here. A lie there. Betrayal. Unmet expectations. The fall of a hero. These are just some of the things that can create insecurity. Then insecurity begins to build a wall around our heart. Over time we have created an impenetrable fortress. Walls that only we can deconstruct.

This is why I always encourage people to get alone with the Lord first. He is to be our High Tower, not a wall that we have constructed. He is to be our fortress, not the insecurity that we live in. Through prayer, meditation, and seeking the Lord, we can begin to strip away the lies that have kept us at arms length with so many. Building once again upon the foundation of our identity in Christ, we can start to trust. We can learn how to open our hearts rather than keep them hidden. We can allow others into our lives.

Can you imagine the environment within the church when we begin to tear down our walls? Take off our masks? Begin to open ourselves to one another?
Can you imagine the depth of our relationships when we have the strength to live authentically? Never needing to hide who we really are? Willing to live in complete honesty?
Is there anyone out there among us who doesn't want this kind of life?

I am so grateful that the Bible tells us that we can be perfected in love, and that in that perfection fear is removed. Fear is the root of it all. It branches out into insecurity, falsehoods, and skepticism. Leaving no room for trust. And the rotten fruit that comes from this type of life is isolation and bitterness. I don't know about you, but I think it is time to take the axe to the root. Stop trying to deal with the fruit and just take care of the root. Be amazed at how the Lord will begin to open you up.

I want and need people in my life that I can trust. I want and need people who can speak into my life. What I don't need is people who need a Bible verse to justify their nastiness. I need people who can come alongside of me and say, "I'm here to walk through this with you." We all need it. The question is: Do We Want It?

Let Peace Reign

Colossians 3:15 says to "let the peace of Christ rule (reign) in your hearts." A verse that I have been focusing a lot of attention upon in the last few days. It's a reminder of His continued presence, favor, and work in my life. Substance for my soul.

The Dove has been an enduring symbol throughout the world of peace. According to archaeology, before the Cross rose to prominence in the 4th Century, the Dove was one of the symbols that represented Christianity among the brethren. Those familiar with our faith heritage can recall Noah using a dove to ensure the flood waters had receded. We also remember that at the baptism of Jesus the Holy Spirit rested upon Him as a dove. Over and over again in Scripture we see the imagery and are forced to understand the symbolism. Doves were also used within the sacrificial system of Israel as a guilt offering, and a means of purifying oneself after a period of ritual impurity (including the birth of a child). Which carries considerable implication when you think of the finished work of Christ.

As I drove up to the church property this morning, I was greeted by a dove sitting on top of our fellowship hall. She didn't move when I pulled up and came to a stop. Didn't flinch when I got out of the vehicle to gather my things. She stood tall and secure in her place. I'm typically not one to just grab at every little thing as a means of encouragement. However, this dove represented something to me. I knew her place on top of that building was a gentle reminder of the Lord's presence among our people. I felt the peace of this moment.

Yesterday I put up a status on Facebook that read: "Pay attention to when & how the Lord encourages you. Sometimes He is subtle. Sometimes He is extravagant. But He is ALWAYS faithful." It was that thought that entered into my mind this morning as I watch this dove. An encouragement that I needed in this moment. A reminder of His peace that I'm allowing to reign in my heart.

If I can be completely honest with you all, many people don't know the things that a pastor often goes through. Our lives seem to be seen through the lens of everything is perfect. We seem to have it all together don't we? While we may experience some tough seasons, for the most part people believe that we have it all together. Our emotions are never out of balance, our families are always in tune, and our thoughts are always pure. At least...to those looking in. I can tell you from personal experience that this isn't always the case. The Apostle Paul spoke of the things he endured and the constant weight he carried concerning the church. I'm sure there were times that his heart was heavy. Physical ailments, exposure to so many perils, and the needs of these new believers that he constantly ministered to. Where do we find our strength? Who leads the leaders? Who pastors the pastor?

I'm here to tell you that the Lord is faithful! I'm continually amazed at the people who come alongside me for the purpose of bringing encouragement. I'm blessed to know men and women who care about my own well being. Notes, cards, emails, and texts are some of the ways the Lord continues to bring encouragement into my life. I have a great spiritual family. But then there are those moments like today. Along with moments that I have experienced over the last couple of weeks where the Lord really shows Himself. Moments when you hear that still small voice echoing within your spirit. Oh, how His peace can reign in our hearts.

The dove I saw this morning was a natural phenomenon. What it did in my heart was profound. I could hear the Lord saying, "My peace is upon this fellowship." There were no fireworks. No trances. No weirdness. Just absolute reassurance of His goodness.

What has the Lord been saying to you lately?
How has He been trying to get your attention?
Are there areas in your life where you need to know His peace?
Rest assured that the Lord will encourage you. Allowing His peace to reign in your heart.
Until then, why not allow the peace He has already given you to take its place? May your heart not be troubled. He is with you.

As We Remember 9-11

Sitting at a JV Football game the other night when someone made this comment: "It's strange to think that not one of the players on that field were born before 9-11." It's hard to imagine that it has been that long since we experienced one of the most horrific days in American history. But this reality reminds us that we must be faithful to pass the baton of freedom to the next generation. To ensure that our children, and our children's children, are reminded of the courage and bravery of those who have gone before.

As I was searching through images of the many memorial to 9-11, I came across this beautiful quote. It stirred up another quote that I have often used (a quote that has seen some changes over time): "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." What a sobering thought. The terror that came against this country revealed glaring weaknesses in our national security. We were asleep at the wheel. However, what I would like to focus upon this morning is our response to 9-11. How in the aftermath of destruction we experienced the best of America.
We remember.

A few days after the planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, along with the downed plane in Pennsylvania, an ecumenical prayer service was called to bring a nation together. In that moment I was reminded of the greatness of America. I was reminded of the religious liberty that the founders of our nation longed to experience. I watched in amazement as men and women of various religious backgrounds, social status, political parties, etc. came together to seek healing, wisdom, and protection. The road to recovery would be long and difficult, but America would rise from the ashes.
We remember.

Immediately following the attacks, normal men and women gave of their time, their blood, and their resources to aid in the rescue attempts. Images of First Responders, Medical Professionals, Construction Workers, Feeding Ministries, and those who simply carried water to those amazing people flooded our televisions, computer screens, and newspapers. America. One Nation Under God. A people united in the midst of grief, but carrying an incredible hope for the future.
We remember.

What is it about grief that brings us together?
Is it then that we are reminded of our commonality? Is it the frailty of human life that gets our attention?
Here we are 15 years later and I pray to see this type of unity within our nation. That we would remember the best of humanity from moments like these, and determine within our hearts to never forget. That we would seek the betterment of our fellow man. And that we would see one another for who we truly are. Because...in those moments after 9-11...political parties meant nothing. Economic and social status did not matter. What mattered is that we were one.
We remember.

I do hope that one day we can look back on this day and see lasting changes that were made in our country and around the world. I pray that we will find a way to live in peace. That we will be able to look out to the nations and see children of the same God, images of the same Creator. That we will stop looking for ways to divide, and discover a way to unite. It should not take a catastrophic event to bring us together. There's more to humanity than this.

May we remember.

Father,

We pray for those who continue to grieve the loss of family and friends. We trust that they will experience your peace and comfort today in a special way.
We pray for our nation to be united. To discover the best of humanity and strive to bring it to the surface in every person. May we seek ways in which we can come together rather than dwelling on the things which bring division.
I pray for the Church in the midst of it all. May we be carriers of hope, peace, and love. May the Kingdom of Heaven be manifest through us. In love may we serve the needs of our fellow man.
I pray for the world during this day of remembrance. That we will know you in our grief and recognize how you are with us. That you long to bring healing into every heart, and every nation.

In Jesus' Name

Growing Up Into Him

Below you will see an image with a quote from Francis Chan. "What is the point of all of this if you aren't going to let it change you?" Powerful quote. When we talk about faith, being conformed into the image of Christ, and/or growing up into Him in all things, are you experiencing any of it? Have we come to the place within many of our churches where Christianity is nothing more than a ritual or routine without any lasting change in our lives?

There's a couple of things I want to say about this before we proceed.
#1 - I believe that all change comes from the Lord. This is the work of God's grace in my life. Too often we set out to change themselves in our own strength. It's ambitious, but what happens when you get tired?
#2 - I believe that we create the environment for change within our heart. I've always said that nobody changes unless they want to. Whenever there is resistance to change in a person's life, then change will not happen.

What I love about many of the Bible verses that we can look to for encouragement in this area, we discover that the grace of God is the agent of change within our lives. Being Conformed Into The Image Of The Son, Growing Up Into Him In All Things, Being Filled With The Fullness of God, are all a part of the work of our Heavenly Father. Being Transformed By The Renewing Of Our Mind is ours.

Renewing the mind is all part of creating the environment. The Holy Spirit works within our lives to remind us of our identity in Christ. He points out the reality that we can experience. As we renew our mind to these truths, we give the grace of God an open door to work out what Jesus has already worked within us. He brings these things to the surface so that we flesh out what our faith has believed. It's a beautiful thing.

Last night we were discussing the "Milk" and "Meat" of the Word. We took time to identify certain topics in each area. It was a wonderful discussion. We talked about the necessity of both in our lives depending up the season we find ourselves. Both work to bring us toward maturity. As we finished up, I asked the group about some of the meaty things they have been chewing on lately. It was fascinating to hear the things they were thinking upon, praying over, and seeking the Lord about in their lives. As they continue to meditate upon these things, and as the Lord gives them understanding, the natural process is that they would begin to change in these areas. The Holy Spirit begins to call these things forth in their lives. It's not enough that they know the information. The Lord longs to bring us into the experience of truth. This is His work allowing us to Grow Up into Him in all things.

The challenge we often face in this area is when we begin to get frustrated. Some actually believe the Lord is frustrated as well. But I have discovered Him to be incredibly patient in our lives. How can we frustrate someone who knows exactly what we will do? Knows exactly how long it will take for us to have a revelation? Knows exactly what He is doing to conform us into the image of His Son? When you believe that Lord is continually working in your life, and you trust that He will give you the understanding, then maybe you will also learn to give yourself a break. Maybe you will learn to be patient with your own development. The thing you need to focus on is that you want to grow, you want to change, and you want to come into His fullness. This is what you control.

One of the problems within the Church right now is that there are some who don't want to change. Knowing they are forgiven seems to be enough for them. Going through the motions seems to bring some sort of satisfaction. Is it an identity thing? Is it the way that we present the faith? Is it just laziness? I don't know that I have the complete answer. All I know is that when you know that you are a son of God, it definitely changes the atmosphere around you. Being a child in the faith can no longer satisfy. Wanting to mature, take on a greater role in the family, and experience more of Him should be the norm for every believer. Could it be that fear keeps so many from pressing in? Scared that God will ask them to do something they really don't want to do? I'm not sure. I just know that with so many professing Christians in the world, we should be making a bigger dent with the Kingdom all over the planet.

The good news in all of this: the Spirit intercedes for you according to the will of God.
I read this verse again today and it excited me. For all the things I want to experience, the Spirit intercedes according to the will of God. For all the things I want to know, the Spirit intercedes according to the will of God. For all the things that I want to carry, to see happen in my own life, to see manifest in the Earth, the Spirit intercedes FOR ME according to the will of God. How can I fail? Think about it. If God is for us, who (or what) can be against us?

WE ARE growing up into Him in all things.
WE ARE being conformed into the image of Christ.
WE ARE being filled with all the fullness of God.
Will we allow ourselves to be patient with the Lord as He is patient with us?

It's an incredible journey. Let's enjoy it.

To Carry His Heart

One of my favorite descriptions of why Jesus came is found in John 3:17. In Jesus' words no less: "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it."

Of all the people who could have condemned the world, couldn't it have been Jesus? Think about it. He came as the true expression of the Father. He knew the Father's heart. He longed to see the fulfillment of the Father's plan and purpose in the Earth. Why not condemn it? Why not simply bring judgement and start all over? The only answer that we can derive from what Jesus has said is that it wasn't the Father's heart. He did not want to condemn. He did not want to judge. He longed to save.

It is my belief that the heart of the Father became the cornerstone upon which Jesus built the foundation of His ministry and sacrificial life. Through everything He would face, everything that He would experience, and amidst the denial and criticism He would endure, the Father's heart continued to beat heavily within His chest. He never wavered. He never pulled back. He saw the Father's heart through to the end. And we now stand to build upon Him. Jesus Christ, the resurrected Lord, becoming the cornerstone of our faith. Each of us allowing His heart to beat within our chests.

If it was/is the heart of the Father to save the world rather than condemn it...
If it was/is the heart of the Son to save the world rather than condemn it...
If it was/is the heart of the Holy Spirit to save the world rather than condemn it...
What should our heart be?

Is it not our heart to see people set free? Is it not our heart to see people come to know the love of their Heavenly Father? Is it not our heart to ensure that people experience the exact representation of the Father's glory that the Son carried? If that is the case, I believe that we must come down from the high horses of condemnation and discover what it means for us to see the complete salvation of the world.

Paul referred to himself and the other Apostles as Ambassadors for Christ. Those who go out in the name and authority of a Heavenly Kingdom. It was their job, their commission, and even their calling to be ministers of reconciliation. "As though God were pleading through us..." were the words of Paul. He recognized his ministry as embodying the very heartbeat of Jesus. That just as God was in Christ bringing about reconciliation, Christ is in us to help others be reconciled within themselves. To communicate to others the reality of all that Jesus accomplished, and to aid in the affirmation of this faith in every man. A ministry that is fueled by the heart of the Father as embodied by Jesus: Not here to condemn, but here to save.

I, for one, am grateful to live in this reality. I have participated with those who have felt the need to condemn this world. I have done missions and ministry with those who believe that there is this constant need of pronouncing judgement. While it may have helped gain a few decisions, it did very little to create true disciples of Christ. I love being able to enter into another country without judgement and without condemnation. I love to be able to sit across from another person with absolute confidence in my heart about the Father's heart for that individual. To know that the Lord did not show up through me for condemnation, but as a minister towards their salvation. What a joy to share the story of God's unconditional love. What excitement to help them understand all that Jesus did for us. What an invitation to give to a person who has never heard, an invitation to experience the love, forgiveness, and acceptance of the Father through Jesus.

This is not just something I carry overseas. I want to the people of my own nation, my homeland, to experience this as well. I want to help people be able to reconcile themselves to this amazing Gospel. To help them be in awe of the love of our Creator. To share with them what it means to enter into a genuine and authentic relationship with a God who is love.

It's about carrying His heart for all of the people within this world. To see creation itself through His eyes. To feel the Father's longing for each and every person. To know that He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to a place of repentance." A place of acceptance. A place of having their minds changed regarding our Father.

The Bible makes this statement:
"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"
This statement is what fuels my passion for all people to hear and experience the salvation that God has provided. They will never call on Him if they do not believe, and they will never believe until they have heard.
We have the privilege of opening eyes, ears, hearts, and minds. And we get to share in this ministry with absolutely no condemnation.

May we carry His heart. May the world see Him in us. May we carry no condemnation. May we bear the Good News of His Kingdom.

The Gospel and Life

My conversation this morning with my wife revolved around the beauty of the Gospel. In particular, we talked about misconceptions of the Gospel that cause us to miss out on the impact we should experience in our lives. The Good News of Jesus has been overly simplified. In essence, we have said to believe the Gospel means going to Heaven while rejecting the Gospel means going to Hell. I honestly do not believe that is what the Lord or the Apostles were teaching. I believe that the beauty of the Gospel is reflected in how we live life.

I read a blog entry recently where the writer was talking about how Christians need the Gospel. This type of thinking blows the mind of the normative believer. If all the Gospel has anything to do with is our postmortem standing, then I can understand the disconnect. The reality is, however, that the Gospel has WAY MORE to say about how we live life together. How we experience the reality of the Father's love NOW and how we share that love with one another. The Good News produces a quality of life within us. It's time to stop thinking that once we have come to faith in Jesus that we do not need the Gospel. On the contrary, we need it now more than ever.

I do want to clear up something. Does the Gospel give us hope for life after life? Yes! Absolutely! 100%! The Gospel offers us absolute assurance of the Father's heart for us and our relationship with Him. I do not want to take any of that away. My concern is when the Gospel is simply conveyed only in light of eternity. That its greatest affect occurs when we pass from this life to the next. If that were the case, why wouldn't we simply be translated into Heaven? Why not make it easier? Unless...unless the Father has a greater plan. What if...God...believes that the Gospel has a way of impacting what we experience in this life? What if the redemption and reconciliation provided by the Father through the Son has greater implications than just our forgiveness? What can we glean from the Gospel that would have anything to do with the here and now?

SELF-GIVING, OTHER-CENTERED, LOVE
God, not willing that humanity perish, gives of Himself.
He enters into our darkness through the Son. He lays down His life for our well-being, our salvation.
He demonstrates what unconditional love looks like and asks us to live in the same.
He offers us a greater way of life. Of relating to one another.

THE REMOVAL OF VIOLENCE AND THE REALITY OF PEACE
The Kingdoms of this world often establish themselves through violence and domination.
The Kingdom of God (the Kingdom of Heaven) operates quite differently.
The offer of peace from the Godhead demonstrates that we can lay ourselves down for the good of humanity. That this KINGDOM (the King's domain) comes through acts of love and service.
It shows us that we do not need Crusades to establish this Kingdom. That it is, in fact, our lives being lived in unbroken fellowship with the Father that advances this Kingdom throughout the world.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE OTHERS
God's love was for the whole world. This is central to the Gospel.
This was not merely a message for Israel. The Gentiles were included. And what we discover in the writings of Paul is a Gospel that also destroys other lines of separation: male and female, Jew and Greek, circumcised and non-circumcised. It's quite amazing actually. Everything that we could bring up to separate ourselves from one another, the Gospel eliminates. It places all of creation upon an equal playing field. It compels us to live out His love to every tribe, race, and nation. The Gospel knows no boundaries. Neither should we.

FORGIVENESS FREELY GIVEN, FREELY RECEIVED, & FREELY GIVEN AGAIN
One of my favorite statements of Jesus to His disciples is, "Freely you have received, freely give."
What a concept!
We did nothing for it. Therefore, let us stop requiring that others do something as well.
"I forgive you" should be a statement that freely flows from our hearts and mouths.
"Will you forgive me?" should be a question we are willing to ask of others.
If there is anyone on the planet that understands that forgiveness is freely given, it should be us. If there is a group of people in the world that does not give place to hatred, bitterness, and wrath, it should be us. There is no place in the Gospel for unforgiveness. There is no place in the Gospel for an unwillingness to reconcile. This is the heart of the Father for us. It should be the heart of the Father though us.

The reality is that the Gospel not only announces the arrival of the Messiah, it introduces us to His way of life. And it is His quality of life lived out among us, in us, and through us that will change the world. Save the world. What would the world look like if we took this understanding of the Gospel and proclaimed it, demonstrated it, and lived it out on a daily basis? How would the Church be perceived if we began demonstrating unconditional love for one another? What if we walked in unbroken fellowship with our Father and our brothers/sisters? Imagine the impact of this Gospel upon the world.

I think it is time that we connect the dots. That we see the Gospel for what it is: the announcement of the arrival of a new kingdom. A greater way of life. A return to the relationship that humanity had with the Father before the Fall. The removal of all failing systems of the world (political, religious, and social). A call for mankind to take their rightful place as the children of God and to advance His Kingdom in the world. The Gospel is so much bigger than being a ticket to Heaven or an escape from Hell. It is about the Kingdom of Heaven taking root in our hearts, being lived out in our lives, and being built upon the cornerstone of Jesus in the Earth.

Let me say this again: May we be the answer to the Lord's prayer.
"On Earth as it is in Heaven."
May His Kingdom come!

Labor Day Weekend Is Upon Us

Labor Day weekend is here. This means some last minute trips to the lake, the pool, and some mini vacations. Regardless of how you spend this time away from work, I hope you enjoy some rest.

I, for one, have always been grateful that in America we celebrate Labor Day. I like the fact that people get a much needed day off from work (or a 4 day weekend). We tend to be an extremely busy society. Rest is something we can definitely use. While I'm sure that many people will continue to be busy, I do hope that you will take this time to enjoy your family, this beautiful creation, and that you will give yourself the opportunity to recharge. Don't miss this incredible opportunity.

We have talked about rest several times in the blog. Several years ago I heard Graham Cooke talk about Rest As A Weapon and it changed my whole understanding of the word. Learning how to rest in the Lord is vital to being conformed to the image of Christ. Knowing how to be still, how to trust fully in His finished work, and how to lose the striving mentality allows the fruit of the Spirit to come forth naturally in your life. However, this thing of rest is not just spiritual. It's necessary for emotional and physical well being.

While the busiest people in the world may be some of the most financially successful. They are rarely the most stable. Relationships take the back seat to their endeavors. They may be building empires, but rarely are they building families. Rarely do they connect in areas outside of the business realm. Stress becomes the most active agent in their lives. And what can often follow are unhealthy choices in how to deal with this destructive force.

Do you know people who simply cannot take a day off?
Are you one of them?
I think one of the most profound statements of Jesus, one of the most incredible invitations that He gave to us, was a call to rest for those who were weary and heavy laden. The religious system of His day was burdensome. The Sabbath, because of the rules and regulations applied to it, was anything but a day of rest. It was a day of stress. What if I looked in the mirror and plucked a hair? What if someone deemed me brushing my hair as work? Would people believe that the ox actually fell into a ditch or will they think I was working when I should be resting? All of these questions were legitimate concerns for the Jewish people. The religious leaders were so concerned with protecting what they believed to be important, they did not realize that their approach was taking the focus off of the Lord and placing it upon man's performance. In the midst of it all, Jesus cries out for those in desperate need of rest. Is that you?

The greatest way to de-stress is to rest.
Sleep. Take your time. Enjoy a cup of coffee. Read. Be with family. Go out into nature. Breathe. Do what you need to do to slow the world down for a moment. Spend your day in conversation with the Lord. Listen. There are so many ways to reconnect, to recharge, and to reevaluate how to move forward.

The Jewish people believed that God took the seventh day of Creation to rest as an example for all of us. We need a day of reflection. A day to look over all that we have created. A day to enjoy the fruitfulness of our relationships and our labor. A day to connect. It's what the Sabbath was always meant to be. When is your Sabbath? What does your day of rest look like? Are you able to turn the machine off for just a little while?

Take this weekend and make the most of it. Life is meant to be enjoyed not endured. Rest is waiting for you. May the Lord bless you in it.

Enjoy! Talk to you next week.

The Beauty of Endurance

I was asked during the summer if I would be willing to help coach Cross Country at our local high school. The head coach is a member of our Church. She believed that my work ethic in the area of my own personal fitness would be helpful. I agreed, and it has been an amazing experience so far.

There is a lot that goes into training a runner. Especially long distance runners. While we can help with strides, breathing, how to manage different aspects of a course, and increasing distance; there is one area that belongs solely to the runner. Endurance. As coaches we can give encouragement. We can train them. We can remind them of technique. However, what they must learn to overcome is that voice inside of them that says "slow down" or "stop."

I was reminded of this again yesterday. We have a couple of runners on our team who are young. My encouragement to them right now is to run a race without walking. I want them to continue to push themselves even when their body is asking them to give in. I was standing at the 2 mile split calling out times. When our last runner came across that line, I was shouting out times and how to make adjustments for the remainder of the race. The course was flattening out, there would be a big down hill grade, and the rest was up to them. My last runner was exhausted. It was hot. There was no cloud cover. He desperately wanted to walk. As he rounded the curve above my position, I continued to shout out encouragement to him. He was struggling. As he came by me once again, I began to jog beside of him. He told me he wanted to stop. He couldn't keep going. I just kept encouraging him. He talked about stopping again. I told him he could do it. What happened next I didn't expect. There was a runner just ahead of him who turned around. "You can do this," he said. "Just run with me." My runner never stopped. Inside, he was hurting. He was tired. But he never stopped. And he recorded his best 5k time to date.

This moment has captured my attention. This runner of ours was next to last. What would it matter if he stopped? Who cares if he would finish last if he began walking? As I followed his progression, staying within earshot, I continue to shout out encouragement. And he continued to respond. Not only did he not walk, he finished 2 minutes ahead of a guy he barely edged out last race. I told one of the other coaches that I never believed I would be so excited about someone finishing this late in the race, but they just didn't know how far he had come. He's learning endurance. He's learning that there is more in the tank. He is learning how to give all that he has within him.

The writer of Hebrews talked about "running with endurance the race that is set before us." He said this to a group of believers who were experiencing difficult times. I'm sure there was talk of giving up. Questions that asked if it was really worth it. The thought that they could simply finish the race through compromise. But this early church leader continued to shout out his encouragement. He reminded them that they were not those who would fall back, give up, or compromise their faith. He spoke of Jesus' willingness to finish the race that was set before Him. Even though it meant that He would endure death itself.

The beauty of endurance is that it teaches us there is more inside than we realized. That even in our weakness grace abounds. That it is here we discover that God's strength is perfect.

Personally, I don't know what you may be going through. I don't know what challenges you may be facing. I cannot speak to your situation precisely. All I can say is that through my own experience, you can trust in the nature of your Heavenly Father. You can experience His grace. You can feel His strength. You can discover that you have everything within you through His divine power to finish the course.

The faith that we are associated with has a long history of those who endured despite difficulty. Those who went through ridicule and persecution. And even those who died. Those who carried their faith to an early grace because they would not give in. That, my dear brother and sister, is our heritage in the Lord. While everything screams that we should give up, the Lord runs with us. While we want to back down, the Spirit says, "Run with Me." When it feels like we are all alone, there is a great cloud of witnesses that are with us. They chant our name. They applaud our effort. They believe in our ability.

It has been said before that it's not how you start the race that matters. It's how you finish.
The Christian life is not a sprint. It's a marathon.
There is a lot to learn. A lot to overcome. A lot to discover about the Lord and ourselves in the journey.
Don't stop now. There is glory yet to be revealed in you.

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." ~ William Barclay

Giving An Answer

Peter instructed the Church to "honor Christ the Lord as holy (in your heart), always being prepared to make a defense (give an answer) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." He also adds this statement: "Yet do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15

A lot has changed with the Christian faith over the centuries. What was once seen as a ragtag group of individuals that exploded into a large portion of the known world's population, faith in Christ has become the greatest religious affiliation in the world. What was once the most persecuted faith in the world, has become one of the most accepted (at least within the hearts of common people). While many of our brothers and sisters still continue to be persecuted, the reality is that the majority of professed Christians have experienced nothing like the Early Church. Peter's instruction is to remind these men and women that a time will come when they must provide an answer, a defense, for the hope that is in them in the face of ungodly violence. Rather than denounce the faith, these men and women made a bold proclamation of why they trusted in Jesus.

Certain translations use the word "defense". Others tells us to "give an answer." How you position yourself in that moment matters to those who are listening. Carrying yourself with gentleness and respect makes all the difference.

While there are plenty of churches and individuals who take a defensive posture, there are plenty who carry the message in love, confidence, peacefulness, and respect for others. While we hold the answer to genuine and abiding life, we are not arrogant. Even though we know the way, the truth, and the life, we are not disrespectful. Though we believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, the only way to know the Father, and the only means of our reconciliation, we learn to carry the message with the same meekness of our Lord. Strong, but under control. Knowing who we are, but willing to humble ourselves. Filled with confidence in our Father, yet willing to submit ourselves.

I have been on both sides of this equation. I spent a lot of years in arrogance. I filled my arsenal with scriptural weapons. I shot down every person who came across my path. I was right. I knew I was right. And I believed it was my job to tell them how wrong they were. Since that time, after discovering the love of God as an abiding reality of my life, I have learned what it means to carry the message in meekness, love, grace, and mercy. Knowing the love of the Father for all mankind, I don't see enemies - I see brothers who are lost in the estrangement they feel from God. My heart goes out to those who are ignorant of the truth. Rather than enter into a debate, I choose to enter into a conversation. I want them to experience the heart of our Father. I want them to encounter the living Christ. I'm still ready to give an answer, but my sword has been turned into a plowshare and my spear into a pruning hook.

Some have asked me for the reason for the hope that is in me. Especially those who have watched my conversion over the last decade. Why am I filled with so much hope? Why do I talk about the unconditional love of God so much? How can I possibly preach with no condemnation, no judgement, and without shame? To those questions, I am more than willing to give an answer.

I believe...
In a God who is love above everything else.
In the One who created us out of love for relationship. The One in whom we live, move, and have our being.
A God who placed His image and likeness in frail humanity.
A Father who saw the Fall of His first Son Adam before it ever took place and made arrangements to bring us back into fellowship.
In the One who demonstrated His love fully at the Cross. Eliminating any doubt that He would go to great depths to reconcile us.
In a God who has judged the world in love.
In a Father who pleads with us to be reconciled in our own hearts.

I believe...
In a humanity that is to carry this image and likeness throughout the Earth.
In Brothers and Sisters who are meant to partner with our Father to see His Kingdom established in every corner of the globe.
We are a Kingdom of Priests, a nation set apart for His goodness, and a people who carry the Father's heart.
That we are ministers of reconciliation. Ambassadors of Christ who represent His Kingdom in everything that we say and do.

I believe...
That we are meant to walk in love, peace, and harmony with one another.
That the Church was meant to be the re-presentation of Christ in the Earth.
That the love we possess for one another is the means through which the world will know that we are His.
And that He has provided everything we need, placed it within us through His Spirit, so that we will not come short in this endeavor.

I believe...
As we mature and are conformed into the image of Christ, that we will fully manifest the nature of our Father.
That His Kingdom will be firmly established, and Jesus will be enthroned among us.
That until then, we are sent as the firstborn Son was sent - to be the representation of our Father to all of His children.
To extend His love, justice, and acceptance to all without prejudice.

I believe...
The Holy Spirit is our guide in this endeavor. Empowering us with all that we would need.
That He goes before us to prepare the hearts of every man.
That His job is to convince the world of all that was accomplished in Christ, and to soften their hearts to believe the Gospel.
That the Lord walks with us, regardless of our frailty.
That He encourages us to continue in the journey.

I believe...
In a Father who never stops looking for His children.
In a Father who readily accepts us back into full fellowship and relationship.
In a Father who loves even those who reject Him. Whose heart is broken to see them suffer in the consequences of their actions.
In a God who is not willing that any of them should perish, but all would come to change their minds about Him.

I believe...
The Gospel is the most incredible message in the Earth.
That the Gospel reveals the heart and mind of the Father concerning us.
That the Gospel itself has the power to save us from the alienation we carry. To illuminate our hearts to His love.
That the Gospel is not the news of what you can do, but the beautiful message of what He has done.

This is my answer. At least in part. This is the hope that I carry within me. This is the reason for the changes within my own perception. To quote the Apostle John, "I have come to KNOW and to BELIEVE the love that God has for us." It has changed my life. It has allowed me to see the world through a Kingdom lens. It has softened my heart to humanity. It has allowed me to believe the best about my Father, myself, and the world that I live in.

Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

In 1 Samuel 30 we read the story of David returning to Ziklag to discover that the Amalekites had raided the area, burned the city, and taken captive the women and children. Feeling the grief of this moment, David and his men wept bitterly. In verse 6 we read that David himself was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him because of their bitterness. "BUT" (and this is a HUGE but) David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

I for one am glad that Scripture doesn't really tell us how David strengthened himself. Did he pray? Did he sing like he often did? Did he recall moments where he experienced the goodness of the Lord? Did he remind himself of what had been spoken over him? Did he do all of the above? We can only speculate. What we do know is that it happened. And because he was able to strengthen himself, he was able to lead these men to rescue their families.

We've all been there. Right?
We've all had those moments where we felt as though we were the only person in the room. The only one going experiencing pain, doubt, distress, or fear.
It's in those moments where we either find ourselves at the end of our rope, or we discover just who the Lord is for us.

One of the greatest things you can discover in your journey with the Lord is how to strengthen yourself. How to encourage yourself. How to get rescue your mind from wrong thinking. David could have allowed his distresses to swallow him whole. Instead, he reminded himself of who his God was and who he was in Him.

Is there a verse of Scripture that always brings encouragement?
Is there a song that always lifts your spirit?
Is there a memory that always rekindles the passion within you?
Has there been something spoke over your life that you are waiting to see fulfilled?
Has the Lord put a dream in your heart that hasn't been realized?
All of these things can prove invaluable when it comes to strengthening yourself in the Lord.

Are there people you can talk to?
Are there folks who always bring out the best in you?
Do you have a community that believes in you, encourages you, and reminds you of your identity?
Sometimes you have to put yourself in the midst of them. You have to confess your struggles. They can be the means the Lord uses to bring you back to where you need to be. However, it needs to be said, they cannot be your only source of strength. There will be times when we have to learn how to stand on our own two feet with the Lord.

I've experienced this in my own life. There have been moments where I have had to firmly believe in what the Lord has spoken over my life. I've had to trust in the fact that I can hear His voice. I've had to accept what He has affirmed. I've had to trust His heart for my life. And as difficult as those moments may seem, I have discovered a confidence in the Lord that I would have gained no other way.

I wrote down something last Friday that was stirring in my spirit. I hope this helps you.

In absence of the cheering crowd
In the deafening silence of no applause
In the isolation of adversity
The authentic you is revealed.

This is what you have been waiting for.
Rise up!