It's been two weeks. Nothing scribed on the wall for the world to see. It makes me feel like nothing has happened when, in fact, so much has:
1. I was interviewed by KCBI to give some sound bites about prayer last week.
2. I met with 20~ Senior Pastors from area churches for our monthly prayer time.
3. I had lunch with old friends, Stanley and Jenny Wang to talk church planting strategies in Dallas.
4. I met my brother Ron for lunch and talked about his new house.
5. I spent time with 4 pastors from Peru [and their families] who are receiving their doctorates from DTS this month.
6. I met with my financial advisor and learned that the economy is in the ditch for everyone...not just my family.
7. I celebrated my daughter's volleyball team win in the YMCA championship game. Go Ditto Diggers!
8. I enjoyed spiritual challenge with my friend in Christ, Scott Burks.
9. I cherished a time of reflection and spiritual care with my Thursday morning discipleship group as we prayed for one of our members at length.
10. I have been playing lots of cards with my boys....and losing most of the time
11. I watched God move in a spectacular way during our church Mother's Day celebration.
12. I finished reading Patrick Lencioni's book Silos, Politics and Turf Wars.
13. I fell asleep in a deck chair by the pool yesterday.
14. I got an unexpected email and an out-of-the-blue letter from two former disciples.
15. I started studying for an exciting new sermon series on the life of David coming up in June.
16. I shared a delicious meal out with my family.
17. I prayed about a great opportunity to travel to Spain and teach a one-week course at a seminary in Madrid this Fall.
18. I saw a 3 foot snake.
19. I wrestled with Pearson and laughed so hard that I cried.
20. I've been overhwlemingly affirmed in my calling as a pastor.
wow. wow. wow.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
must see movie!
I rarely suggest movies. The last time I did, our dear friends George and Laurel Lynch sat down with their young children for family time and found themselves explaining the finer facts of life earlier than they had planned. However, I must highly recommend a film I just finished viewing with my family. Ben Stein's "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" is a top-notch expose on the scientific community regarding its suppression of academic freedom among scientists who affirm the idea of Intelligent Design [for more information, see Philip Johnson and his landmark book, Darwin on Trial]. Stein thoroughly investigates the claims of those who promote Darwinism and the theory of evolution and explores why the compelling evidence of Intelligent Design is rejected and proponents blacklisted among their colleagues. Let me strongly encourage you to see it, take your teenage children, discuss it afterwards....and see it again.
Monday, April 21, 2008
I should have never quit
I took piano for one year...5th grade. May God bless poor Mrs. Meggison who endured my feeble fingering. Unfortunately, I didn't persevere. I recently met a young man who did. You must check Kyle Orth out at http://www.kyleorth.com/. His CD is a collection of his own compilations. I've been listening to his music all day and highly recommend it to you!evangelism through envy
In a few weeks, I will be preaching on Proverbs 14:30 regarding the danger of jealousy. Usually, envy destroys our life; It "rots our bones."
Lately, I have been thinking about an envy that is life-giving instead. In Romans 11:11, Paul writes that salvation escaped the Jews and was offered to the Gentiles "to make Israel envious." the King James version translates the phrase more forcefully: "provoke them to jealousy." God shifted salvation to non-Jews with the intent of stirring the souls of His chosen people to reconsider the way of salvation offered by Christ.
Last week, I asked Messianic Jew [see previous post], what this envy means. How does a Gentile's salvation make Israel envious? His answer was beautiful: When Christians live out of an overflow of the Spirit at work in them, the Jew remembers the privilege of God's presence among His people generations ago and longs for that presence to descend into their life today. Simply put, the Spirit of God manifested in the people of God makes others want what we have. In 1 Peter 3:15, the Apostle writes, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Peter's statement assumes that Believers are living in such a hope-abundant way that other people would have reason to stop them and ask the question, "Why?"
My friend's answer is good for me to remember, not only among my Jewish friends, but among all people. The most compelling evangelism is the envy the results from God-centered and God-contented living.
Lately, I have been thinking about an envy that is life-giving instead. In Romans 11:11, Paul writes that salvation escaped the Jews and was offered to the Gentiles "to make Israel envious." the King James version translates the phrase more forcefully: "provoke them to jealousy." God shifted salvation to non-Jews with the intent of stirring the souls of His chosen people to reconsider the way of salvation offered by Christ.
Last week, I asked Messianic Jew [see previous post], what this envy means. How does a Gentile's salvation make Israel envious? His answer was beautiful: When Christians live out of an overflow of the Spirit at work in them, the Jew remembers the privilege of God's presence among His people generations ago and longs for that presence to descend into their life today. Simply put, the Spirit of God manifested in the people of God makes others want what we have. In 1 Peter 3:15, the Apostle writes, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Peter's statement assumes that Believers are living in such a hope-abundant way that other people would have reason to stop them and ask the question, "Why?"
My friend's answer is good for me to remember, not only among my Jewish friends, but among all people. The most compelling evangelism is the envy the results from God-centered and God-contented living.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
telling your story
I recently saw a friend talking with someone else who had recently professed faith in Christ. When I say "recently," I mean 10 minutes prior. It was quite a sight to see a seasoned journeyman speaking to an apprentice about to begin the adventure of a lifetime.
As they stood there, I wondered, "What story will she tell?" A decade from now, when this new convert reflects on the work of God that swept her into the Kingdom, what will she say? The Apostle Peter urges Christians to "always be ready" when it comes to talking about spiritual matters [Peter 3:15]. Our personal testimony is one of the greatest, most persuasive tools in helping others catch a glimpse of the living God.
Our staff recently reflected on the basic movements in a spiritual testimony. Three parts include a) Before, b) How and c) After. First, my story begins with BEFORE I came to know Christ personally. As you think of your story, think of who you were, how you lived, where you were going. All of us were separated from God prior to conversion and, one way or another, our lives proved it. Second, my story includes HOW I entered into new life with Christ. I tell about my conversation with my best friend, Robert Wehr. I reflect on our conversation in the parking lot of Six Flags Mall. I recall the Gospel: sin, death, the cross and faith. While my (or your) way into the Kingdom is unique, the fundamental door of "grace through faith" is the same for everyone. Finally, I love to tell how my life has been different AFTER that initial step. I am not completely changed, but God has been effecting a transformational work in me--and many people I know. The most compelling evidence of the Gospel is that God changes lives.
A personal testimony doesn't have to be long [8-10 sentences]. But, well-crafted and prepared, it can be used by God, not only to retell the story of His marvelous grace, but also to lead others toward Him.
As they stood there, I wondered, "What story will she tell?" A decade from now, when this new convert reflects on the work of God that swept her into the Kingdom, what will she say? The Apostle Peter urges Christians to "always be ready" when it comes to talking about spiritual matters [Peter 3:15]. Our personal testimony is one of the greatest, most persuasive tools in helping others catch a glimpse of the living God.
Our staff recently reflected on the basic movements in a spiritual testimony. Three parts include a) Before, b) How and c) After. First, my story begins with BEFORE I came to know Christ personally. As you think of your story, think of who you were, how you lived, where you were going. All of us were separated from God prior to conversion and, one way or another, our lives proved it. Second, my story includes HOW I entered into new life with Christ. I tell about my conversation with my best friend, Robert Wehr. I reflect on our conversation in the parking lot of Six Flags Mall. I recall the Gospel: sin, death, the cross and faith. While my (or your) way into the Kingdom is unique, the fundamental door of "grace through faith" is the same for everyone. Finally, I love to tell how my life has been different AFTER that initial step. I am not completely changed, but God has been effecting a transformational work in me--and many people I know. The most compelling evidence of the Gospel is that God changes lives.
A personal testimony doesn't have to be long [8-10 sentences]. But, well-crafted and prepared, it can be used by God, not only to retell the story of His marvelous grace, but also to lead others toward Him.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Jesus face to face
Yesterday, I preached the marvelous miracle of Jesus' resurrection. When the women went to the tomb on Easter morning, an angel told them that Jesus had risen, that He was going ahead of them into Galilee and there "they would see Him" [Matthew 28:7]. Indeed, the Apostle Paul confirms that Jesus "appeared" to Peter, James, the apostles, himself and more than 500 others [1 Corinthians 15:3-8]. This "appearance" was more than just an apparition. Jesus was truly alive. Two thousand years later, people still hope to see Jesus face to face. Here are two videos of several sightings...
Jesus Video #1
Jesus Video #2
Jesus Video #1
Jesus Video #2
Saturday, March 22, 2008
the Father's will to crush the Son
Last night we experienced a somber Good Friday service at Pantego Bible Church. The readings, the music, the "portraits of the Passion" were incredible. I preached from Matthew 27:43. While Jesus was being crucified, the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the Law hurled insults at Jesus. You get the sense that each was digging deeper than the last to see if they could cut deeper than the rest. Suddenly, one of the bystanders yelled up at Jesus, “He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God'."
Interesting thought...Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him. Certainly the Father loves the Son, right? At Jesus' baptism, the heavens opened up and a voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” [Matthew 17:5]. Several times in Jesus' ministry, He said "The Father loves the Son." There's no question that the Father in heaven loved the Son that He sent. God loved His Son. No doubt, He wanted His Son.
So, where was the Father when the Son was being crucified?
Each of my children has had the experience of being bullied at school. I don't think they come from weak stock; It's just a fact of life. When they tell their account of being pushed, verbally attacked or slighted, my fatherly instinct engages. I want to sign up to be a school volunteer so I can find the schoolyard bully and have a private conversation with him or her in the broom closet at recess. It's in my nature to protect my children. Sure, I've unintentionally hurt them through my words, neglect or rough house wrestling in the living room floor. But, I would never choose to harm them. They are my children whom I love.
So, where was the Father when the Son was being crucified? What of God's fatherly instinct to save His Son?
The answer comes in Isaiah 53. We should really read the whole passage to appreciate its message. But, verses 4-6 are particularly helpful to the question at hand:
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Notice that Christ was "stricken by God" and "pierced for our transgressions" and "the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." That sounds like the Father was a part of the Calvary crucifixion! Indeed, it's true. Verse 10 confirms it: "it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer." It was God's plan, God's prescription, God's delight. It was the will of the Father to crush the Son.
Such a thought is so foreign to our parental predisposition that we are tempted to think so hard on the matter in order to change our theology. What does Isaiah mean that "it was the Lord's will to crush him?!" That can't be so. I must rescue the Father from this apparent accusation for the Father can't intend to injure the Son!
I recently read the following excerpt from one writer's attempt to protect the dignity of God in the death of Jesus:
The fact is: the cross isn't a form of cosmic child abuse—a vengeful Father, punishing his Son for an offence he has not even committed [as the doctrine of penal substitution makes it out to be]. Understandably, both people inside and outside of the Church have found this twisted version of events morally dubious and a huge barrier to faith. Deeper than that, however, is that such a concept stands in total contradiction to the statement 'God is love'. If the cross is a personal act of violence perpetrated by God towards humankind but borne by his Son, then it makes a mockery of Jesus' own teaching to love your enemies and to refuse to repay evil with evil. [from The Lost Message of Jesus by Steve Chalke].
What Chalke is saying is this: If Jesus had to die for someone else's sin, that would amount to "cosmic child abuse" on His Father's part. Not only that, it would violate Jesus' own command to love. So, to take God off the hook, let's pretend that Jesus lived and died to teach us about commitment and life and suffering and perseverance. Let's pretend that it was an accident. Let's pretend that God was caught off guard--minding the store in some other place on the planet and could not rescue His Son. Moreover, let's not worry about the unaddressed problem of sin if Jesus simply died as a martyr. And, as we do, we can throw away the portions of Scripture that contradict our theory--passages that say such things as "it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer."
Truth is, for Christ to die for anything less than the glory of God and the redemption of humankind would be child abuse! And, the greatest act of love is shown in the Savior's death for unworthy people. John writes, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." [By the way, this affirms the doctrine of penal substitution that Chalke prefers not to talk about]
Jesus didn’t live and die just to show us how to love, win over Satan and follow hard after God. Rather, the only way that God could uphold His holiness and work out His redemptive purposes was for a perfect sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the world to bridge the gap between sinners and God. And, God’s commitment to His own glory was so great, and His love for us so deep, that it was the Father’s will to crush the Son. That's what makes the cross wonderful and Good Friday "good."
Interesting thought...Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him. Certainly the Father loves the Son, right? At Jesus' baptism, the heavens opened up and a voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” [Matthew 17:5]. Several times in Jesus' ministry, He said "The Father loves the Son." There's no question that the Father in heaven loved the Son that He sent. God loved His Son. No doubt, He wanted His Son.
So, where was the Father when the Son was being crucified?
Each of my children has had the experience of being bullied at school. I don't think they come from weak stock; It's just a fact of life. When they tell their account of being pushed, verbally attacked or slighted, my fatherly instinct engages. I want to sign up to be a school volunteer so I can find the schoolyard bully and have a private conversation with him or her in the broom closet at recess. It's in my nature to protect my children. Sure, I've unintentionally hurt them through my words, neglect or rough house wrestling in the living room floor. But, I would never choose to harm them. They are my children whom I love.
So, where was the Father when the Son was being crucified? What of God's fatherly instinct to save His Son?
The answer comes in Isaiah 53. We should really read the whole passage to appreciate its message. But, verses 4-6 are particularly helpful to the question at hand:
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Notice that Christ was "stricken by God" and "pierced for our transgressions" and "the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." That sounds like the Father was a part of the Calvary crucifixion! Indeed, it's true. Verse 10 confirms it: "it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer." It was God's plan, God's prescription, God's delight. It was the will of the Father to crush the Son.
Such a thought is so foreign to our parental predisposition that we are tempted to think so hard on the matter in order to change our theology. What does Isaiah mean that "it was the Lord's will to crush him?!" That can't be so. I must rescue the Father from this apparent accusation for the Father can't intend to injure the Son!
I recently read the following excerpt from one writer's attempt to protect the dignity of God in the death of Jesus:
The fact is: the cross isn't a form of cosmic child abuse—a vengeful Father, punishing his Son for an offence he has not even committed [as the doctrine of penal substitution makes it out to be]. Understandably, both people inside and outside of the Church have found this twisted version of events morally dubious and a huge barrier to faith. Deeper than that, however, is that such a concept stands in total contradiction to the statement 'God is love'. If the cross is a personal act of violence perpetrated by God towards humankind but borne by his Son, then it makes a mockery of Jesus' own teaching to love your enemies and to refuse to repay evil with evil. [from The Lost Message of Jesus by Steve Chalke].
What Chalke is saying is this: If Jesus had to die for someone else's sin, that would amount to "cosmic child abuse" on His Father's part. Not only that, it would violate Jesus' own command to love. So, to take God off the hook, let's pretend that Jesus lived and died to teach us about commitment and life and suffering and perseverance. Let's pretend that it was an accident. Let's pretend that God was caught off guard--minding the store in some other place on the planet and could not rescue His Son. Moreover, let's not worry about the unaddressed problem of sin if Jesus simply died as a martyr. And, as we do, we can throw away the portions of Scripture that contradict our theory--passages that say such things as "it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer."
Truth is, for Christ to die for anything less than the glory of God and the redemption of humankind would be child abuse! And, the greatest act of love is shown in the Savior's death for unworthy people. John writes, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." [By the way, this affirms the doctrine of penal substitution that Chalke prefers not to talk about]
Jesus didn’t live and die just to show us how to love, win over Satan and follow hard after God. Rather, the only way that God could uphold His holiness and work out His redemptive purposes was for a perfect sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the world to bridge the gap between sinners and God. And, God’s commitment to His own glory was so great, and His love for us so deep, that it was the Father’s will to crush the Son. That's what makes the cross wonderful and Good Friday "good."
Friday, March 21, 2008
why I could never be president
Please don't write me and give me your reasons why I should never run for President of the United States. My mailbox couldn't handle all the responses.
I know myself well enough to believe that my campaign wouldn't survive the scrutiny of prying eyes for a day. I mean, I stole a quarter from my best friend's room when I was in 6th grade (I put it back the next day). I'm sure I haven't appropriately credited every direct quote in every school paper I've ever written. Even this last week, I took my boys to the Fort Worth Auto Show and walked into the Convention Center without paying admisison (it was the last hour of the event and ticket booths were shut down). My election run would be shut down in seconds.
The morning paper once again reported on the details of the front runners' lives. Candidates have to defend their religious beliefs, which charities they support, why they've traveled out of the country 20 years ago and whether they wear boxers or briefs. Not only that, their spouses, children, neighbors and pastors are subject to investigation [which means that none of you reading this blog may ever run for President either...].
Two truths come to mind. First, I live Coram Deo. Literally, "Before the face of God." Nothing in my life has ever escaped the scrutiny of the Divine. God saw me take the quarter. He knows what I'm about the write, even before my fingers type the words. He can uncover more dirt than the best undercover reporter. It is far more sobering to live before the All-knowing, Ever-conscious God than it is before the prying media and public.
Second, all is forgotten. God remembers everything and forgets it all [see Psalm 103:12]. The cross removes the guilt of my sin. And, the Easter resurrection assures me that the past doesn't jeapordize the new life that I live today and forever. This spiritual reality would never satisfy voters, but it gratifies my soul to know that, while I could never be President, I do get to be forgiven and loved by the One who already elected me to be His child.
I know myself well enough to believe that my campaign wouldn't survive the scrutiny of prying eyes for a day. I mean, I stole a quarter from my best friend's room when I was in 6th grade (I put it back the next day). I'm sure I haven't appropriately credited every direct quote in every school paper I've ever written. Even this last week, I took my boys to the Fort Worth Auto Show and walked into the Convention Center without paying admisison (it was the last hour of the event and ticket booths were shut down). My election run would be shut down in seconds.
The morning paper once again reported on the details of the front runners' lives. Candidates have to defend their religious beliefs, which charities they support, why they've traveled out of the country 20 years ago and whether they wear boxers or briefs. Not only that, their spouses, children, neighbors and pastors are subject to investigation [which means that none of you reading this blog may ever run for President either...].
Two truths come to mind. First, I live Coram Deo. Literally, "Before the face of God." Nothing in my life has ever escaped the scrutiny of the Divine. God saw me take the quarter. He knows what I'm about the write, even before my fingers type the words. He can uncover more dirt than the best undercover reporter. It is far more sobering to live before the All-knowing, Ever-conscious God than it is before the prying media and public.
Second, all is forgotten. God remembers everything and forgets it all [see Psalm 103:12]. The cross removes the guilt of my sin. And, the Easter resurrection assures me that the past doesn't jeapordize the new life that I live today and forever. This spiritual reality would never satisfy voters, but it gratifies my soul to know that, while I could never be President, I do get to be forgiven and loved by the One who already elected me to be His child.
Monday, March 10, 2008
what makes my heart beat
I got my hand slapped tonight....by an anonymous, well-intentioned reader. "When are you going to update your blog?" I was asked. Twenty days--the longest span of non-writing. Forgive me all of my fans. Both of you.
But, I have to tell you what makes my heart beat faster. First, I have been teaching a Spiritual Formation Institute class at our church on the the Bible Basics: Understanding Your Bible From Genesis to Maps. This Wednesday is our last of 5 classes. I have not only enjoyed teaching, but I have been amazed at how my 50 attendees have retained what they have been learning. My goal has been to help maturing disciples gain a greater confidence in the story of Scripture. And, each week, my heart has raced with the eagerness of everyone attending.
Second, my heart beat last Sunday with stories of life-transformation. More than 40 people were baptized at two services. What a thrill to have people on their feet worshipping God and crowds gather at the front of the platform to celebrate the step of faith of family and friends in community. The water was cold, but the Spirit of God was on fire among His people. Awesome!
Third, our living church makes my heart beat. More and more people are finding Pantego Bible Church and then finding incredible communities where they live. The stories of life-change abound. And, especially in the last several months, I have been thrilled to see people accept the challenge to find a place to Belong, a place to Become and a place Beyond (see http://www.inagodplace.com/). I really get excited when the people of God take their spiritual life seriously, placing themselves in line with God's Holy Spirit, so that they can be changed by God to change their world!
But, I have to tell you what makes my heart beat faster. First, I have been teaching a Spiritual Formation Institute class at our church on the the Bible Basics: Understanding Your Bible From Genesis to Maps. This Wednesday is our last of 5 classes. I have not only enjoyed teaching, but I have been amazed at how my 50 attendees have retained what they have been learning. My goal has been to help maturing disciples gain a greater confidence in the story of Scripture. And, each week, my heart has raced with the eagerness of everyone attending.
Second, my heart beat last Sunday with stories of life-transformation. More than 40 people were baptized at two services. What a thrill to have people on their feet worshipping God and crowds gather at the front of the platform to celebrate the step of faith of family and friends in community. The water was cold, but the Spirit of God was on fire among His people. Awesome!
Third, our living church makes my heart beat. More and more people are finding Pantego Bible Church and then finding incredible communities where they live. The stories of life-change abound. And, especially in the last several months, I have been thrilled to see people accept the challenge to find a place to Belong, a place to Become and a place Beyond (see http://www.inagodplace.com/). I really get excited when the people of God take their spiritual life seriously, placing themselves in line with God's Holy Spirit, so that they can be changed by God to change their world!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
are your eyes bleeding?
I promise a more conservative choice in image and colors with the next blog change. I just couldn't resist.
Monday, February 18, 2008
the main thing
OK...it's been too long since I posted. So sorry. But, my head's been crowded with so many other things. We are right in the middle of a vision series at Pantego Bible Church--discovering the spiritual lifeway that God has designed for every Christian. You can check out our series at http://www.inagodplace.com/. On top of that, Tiffany and I have launched another Home Group in the Ditto Community (now there are 3!), we organized a surpise birthday dinner for Grant (about to turn 15), I've been playing more racquetball, I'm trying to catch up on my through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan (I made it through Leviticus) and I got a cortisone injection in my left wrist from an injury more than a year ago. Now you know more than you ever wanted to know about my life.
Last Sunday, I preached about reaching our neighbors--the world closest to us. In Colossians 4, Paul urges his readers to be "devoted to prayer." That's the first and main thing. Of everything that's going on with me (or you), the most significiant thing we can do is pray. On Sunday, we took 20 minutes in our service to pray for our community. There are a hundred other thihgs we could have prayed for as well. But, the fact that we prayed was important.
If you're looking for something to pray about, intercede on behalf of Austin New Church. My buddy, Brandon Hatmaker has formed a team and is launching this new venture in SE portion of the city. They have a very important "preview" service this Sunday, February 24. Then, they officially launch their first service on Sunday, March 30. Check out their website and pray for Brandon and his team. If you get a chance, email him and let him know you did the main thing. I'd appreciate the favor.
Last Sunday, I preached about reaching our neighbors--the world closest to us. In Colossians 4, Paul urges his readers to be "devoted to prayer." That's the first and main thing. Of everything that's going on with me (or you), the most significiant thing we can do is pray. On Sunday, we took 20 minutes in our service to pray for our community. There are a hundred other thihgs we could have prayed for as well. But, the fact that we prayed was important.
If you're looking for something to pray about, intercede on behalf of Austin New Church. My buddy, Brandon Hatmaker has formed a team and is launching this new venture in SE portion of the city. They have a very important "preview" service this Sunday, February 24. Then, they officially launch their first service on Sunday, March 30. Check out their website and pray for Brandon and his team. If you get a chance, email him and let him know you did the main thing. I'd appreciate the favor.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
aaron's beard and the dew of zion
Today, I began a two-day prayer retreat with other Senior Pastors in the Arlington/Mansfield area. A few of us have been meeting together for the last 2 years, seeking to discover how we might be used together to impact our city. One of the pastors mentioned that he had been recently reading Jonathan Edwards and appreciated Edward's goal of "giving the world a right opinion of Jesus." That's it. We want to make God famous.
This evening, as 20 of us prayed together, no less than a million thoughts went through my head. I confess that I had a hard time making sense of how, what, when I should pray. But, one thing I came away from our time with was the joy of being with my ministry comrades. All of us share a similar calling and the same commitment. Psalm 133 declares, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" The next verses compare it to the annointing oil dripping from the high priest's beard and the refreshing dew falling in Mount Zion. Indeed. I'm not quite sure where this gathering will lead. But, just being here is a wonderful blessing! Imagine what our churches could accomplish if all of us pursued a common mission together!
This evening, as 20 of us prayed together, no less than a million thoughts went through my head. I confess that I had a hard time making sense of how, what, when I should pray. But, one thing I came away from our time with was the joy of being with my ministry comrades. All of us share a similar calling and the same commitment. Psalm 133 declares, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" The next verses compare it to the annointing oil dripping from the high priest's beard and the refreshing dew falling in Mount Zion. Indeed. I'm not quite sure where this gathering will lead. But, just being here is a wonderful blessing! Imagine what our churches could accomplish if all of us pursued a common mission together!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
what you can't take back
James 1:19 cautions, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." This week, a poor woman learned the hard way. Tired of students calling her husband, the chief operating officer for a Virginia County school system, she finally broke and lashed out by leaving a return call message on one student's answering machine. Apparently, the student wanted to know why school wasn't closed after 3" of snow had fallen. Now he knows. Unfortunately, so does the whole planet after he posted her ranting on YouTube. The audio message may be heard here. It makes me want to watch my words more than ever.
divine dialogues
Lately, my posts have gotten further apart. This morning, I wondered why. I think its part busyness, part forgetfulness and part quietness--waiting for God to say something fresh. No doubt, through much of my spiritual life, God speaks and I miss it. You remember Samuel? As a young boy, lying on his bed, he hears a voice but thinks it's the call of his mentor Eli. After several times, Eli counsels the lad to respond, "Speak, for your servant is listening" [1 Samuel 3:10]. The third time, the boy begins a dialogue with God.
In that case, I think God speaks like my daughter Jenna. She talks nonstop--really. She always has something to say, something to ask, something to expound, something to sing. Always. Perhaps God is ever-speaking and I just miss Him. I'm too busy, too preoccupied, to dull to the sound of His voice.
But, at times, I perceive God might be a little like my oldest son. As a teenager, his words are few. Tiffany and I occasionally have to step back to decipher the meaning of his mumblings. Similarly, God can be obscure. As His disciples wrestled with the wind and the waves, Jesus slept in the bow of the boat [Mark 4:38]. How could God be so silent? In Psalm 22:2, the writer wonders, "O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent." Apparently, he was having (or had experienced before) a time when God was not so clear. The 400 years between the Testaments is called the "Period of Silence" because, during that era, no prophet heard from the Lord. Maybe God holds back His words. Maybe He isn't so verbose. Maybe He isn't up for talking.
I don't know the answer. But, when divine dialogue seem difficult, I remember several important truths. First, God is a personal God. He is inclined to know me and be known. He spoke the first "Word" toward me in His Son [John 1:1]. Second, God is always at work [John 5:17]. I may not be able to hear His speech, but I observe His handiwork. And, when I see what He's doing in my life or others, it's like eavesdropping on a conversation. Finally, it helps to turn off the noise. The voice of God is co-mingled with so many other sounds of life: schedules, responsibilities, debts, opportunities, physical health and emotional pressures. The only way I can really hear Tiffany is to get away from every other distraction to listen to her heart. We've got to eliminate the other sounds to hear God speak. Finally, learn God's language. I suspect that God is speaking sometimes, but I don't recognize His voice. But, the Father's voice-print is found in His Word and when as I linger in His Word, I begin to discern His voice at other times.
Funny thing happened on the way to the blog today. I wasn't sure how much God had been speaking to me. And, the more I wrote, the more I rejoiced that God has not been silent. Today, I am looking forward to a divine dialogue.
In that case, I think God speaks like my daughter Jenna. She talks nonstop--really. She always has something to say, something to ask, something to expound, something to sing. Always. Perhaps God is ever-speaking and I just miss Him. I'm too busy, too preoccupied, to dull to the sound of His voice.
But, at times, I perceive God might be a little like my oldest son. As a teenager, his words are few. Tiffany and I occasionally have to step back to decipher the meaning of his mumblings. Similarly, God can be obscure. As His disciples wrestled with the wind and the waves, Jesus slept in the bow of the boat [Mark 4:38]. How could God be so silent? In Psalm 22:2, the writer wonders, "O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent." Apparently, he was having (or had experienced before) a time when God was not so clear. The 400 years between the Testaments is called the "Period of Silence" because, during that era, no prophet heard from the Lord. Maybe God holds back His words. Maybe He isn't so verbose. Maybe He isn't up for talking.
I don't know the answer. But, when divine dialogue seem difficult, I remember several important truths. First, God is a personal God. He is inclined to know me and be known. He spoke the first "Word" toward me in His Son [John 1:1]. Second, God is always at work [John 5:17]. I may not be able to hear His speech, but I observe His handiwork. And, when I see what He's doing in my life or others, it's like eavesdropping on a conversation. Finally, it helps to turn off the noise. The voice of God is co-mingled with so many other sounds of life: schedules, responsibilities, debts, opportunities, physical health and emotional pressures. The only way I can really hear Tiffany is to get away from every other distraction to listen to her heart. We've got to eliminate the other sounds to hear God speak. Finally, learn God's language. I suspect that God is speaking sometimes, but I don't recognize His voice. But, the Father's voice-print is found in His Word and when as I linger in His Word, I begin to discern His voice at other times.
Funny thing happened on the way to the blog today. I wasn't sure how much God had been speaking to me. And, the more I wrote, the more I rejoiced that God has not been silent. Today, I am looking forward to a divine dialogue.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
inaGODplace
We launched an exciting new series today at church. If you're a blogger, check out the new inaGODplace blog. I'd love your thoughts!
Friday, January 18, 2008
next vision
This Sunday, I am very excited to be sharing the next vision for Pantego Bible Church. Check out our invitation video on YouTube. Also, I will post a website and a new blog on Monday. Stay tuned!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
our missionary God
Tonight I am looking over my notes that I will present tomorrow evening at the first Perspectives course at Pantego Bible Church. Through the vision and persistence of Matt Benton, we are privileged to be able to offer this great experience to those at our church and in our community. If you catch this blog, please join me for my lesson, "The Living God is a Missionary God." We begin at 6:30 p.m. You can get more information about Perspectives here. You can get information about Arlington Perspectives here.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
climbing the walls
I read John 10:1-21 this morning and was captured, once again, by the ministry of Jesus--not just as a Savior, but as Shepherd. The context of John's writing is that the Pharisees were discounting the miraculous work of Jesus in chapter 9. Jesus healed a man who had been blind since birth and, of no small note, John uses more space to record the debate among the religious elite afterwards than he does to record the miracle itself. The skeptics couldn't get past the obstacles of motive, meaning and mechanics. Why would Jesus minister to that fellow? How did He really do it? What's the catch? What's the precedent? Their playbook had no helpful entries for Divine spitting (see 9:6) and miraculous sight. The problem is that Jesus didn't fit into the narrow box of their religious expectations.
Or, was it the other way around?
In chapter 10, Jesus speaks about thief or robber who tries to enter into the sheep pen by "some other way" (v. 1). No doubt, Jesus is speaking about the false teachers in His day. Pseudo-shepherds (Pharisees) came to the sheep (God's people, the Jews) but, not the straight-in way. They came over the walls, under the fence, around the sides. They offered life with God through a list of laws and legalisms. It was a straight and narrow system. But, Jesus held out an even "straighter" and "narrower" offer: Himself. He is the Good Shepherd (10:11) who enters the sheep pen through the simplest way and extends and invitation to people to a simple, satisfying life. No more complicated rules. No more strenuous efforts to climb over fences. Life-pasture is experienced in Christ.
OK. So, let me tell you what really got my mind to thinking about this passage. In John 10:21, some people asked "Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" The question made me wonder, what can the devil not do? There are so many things that Satan cannot do, but it's not for a lack of trying. He tries to scale the walls of my life---to present other "ways" that are never the plain portal to pasture. He complicates my life by offering me what seems to be a better, easier, faster solution. But, of course, nothing is as simple as Jesus Christ who can do anything!
Or, was it the other way around?
In chapter 10, Jesus speaks about thief or robber who tries to enter into the sheep pen by "some other way" (v. 1). No doubt, Jesus is speaking about the false teachers in His day. Pseudo-shepherds (Pharisees) came to the sheep (God's people, the Jews) but, not the straight-in way. They came over the walls, under the fence, around the sides. They offered life with God through a list of laws and legalisms. It was a straight and narrow system. But, Jesus held out an even "straighter" and "narrower" offer: Himself. He is the Good Shepherd (10:11) who enters the sheep pen through the simplest way and extends and invitation to people to a simple, satisfying life. No more complicated rules. No more strenuous efforts to climb over fences. Life-pasture is experienced in Christ.
OK. So, let me tell you what really got my mind to thinking about this passage. In John 10:21, some people asked "Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" The question made me wonder, what can the devil not do? There are so many things that Satan cannot do, but it's not for a lack of trying. He tries to scale the walls of my life---to present other "ways" that are never the plain portal to pasture. He complicates my life by offering me what seems to be a better, easier, faster solution. But, of course, nothing is as simple as Jesus Christ who can do anything!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
a year of faith
Happy New Year to all! This morning, as I was reading and reflecting on 2007, I came across the following, inspiring challenge: "Far better to dare mighty things , to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat" [Theodore Roosevelt, 1899]. This was in the context of a spiritual charge given by Dr. John Haggai: "Attempt something so great for God that it is doomed to failure unless God be in it." Wow. A good word looking forward to this new year!
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