Imagine if you will a mighty river flowing by and I am standing on the bank. Passing by, floating, splashing, serving in the river (Kingdom of God, on earth as it is in heaven) are people. The fulltime ministers are most always in the river, I see them often passing by. I stand on the bank with my home and cars and Harley and boat. The bank is often fun. I jump into the river on Wednesday nights and most Saturdays and Sundays. I splash around on Tuesday night and occasionally at other times. I love it. I feel most content, most at peace in the river. I long for more time in the river with those who pass by. I think God really loves me as much as those who are in the river on a more regular basis. I think God will let me continue just what I am doing as long as I want. I really don’t even think that if I stay on the bank it will really change my relationship with God, He loves me on the bank and he loves me in the river. Many would say to me there is no difference the Kingdom of God is happening on the bank also and I somewhat agree, but why does my spirit feel such a difference? Why does the river feel so much better?
What is keeping me on the bank? Why the discontentment on the bank? What do I have on the bank that is better than being in the river? What could I do to stay in the river longer? I often think and hear that some are “called” to be in the river fulltime and some are not. That may be true. But when I read things like "When Jesus heard this, he said to him, You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" Luke 18:22 , I often wonder.
What if the offer to come into the river fulltime or at least often, is really available for everyone? What if I could jump into the river anytime I want and stay as long as I want? What if the only thing keeping me out of the river is me, my things? What if I accepted the fact that from the largest things (homes, Harley’s) to the smallest things (Starbucks Chi Tea Latte’s) all things are paid with this currency, time in the river?
I MUST decide how much time I can bear on the bank; it is my choice, my decision. I currently am living in a way that cost me 40 hours a week on the bank. I think I need a new budget. I might start slow and reduce my time on the bank to 32 hours and then who knows?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Spiritual Schizophrenia
Spiritual Schizophrenia is a phrase that I did not coin but I believe has confronted me lately in multiple people . I don’t think Spiritual Schizophrenics even know they have this condition. So I write this knowing that you may immediately recognize the “disease” in me and I may not be aware of it. I think I should define what I am calling Spiritual Schizophrenia so we are on the same page. I think Spiritual Schizophrenia is a condition that causes well meaning godly men and women to do things like the following.
They make bold brash statements that convince you that they hear from God louder and clearer than you hear from God. For example, I have prayed and fasted and I know for certain God wants me to………….., you fill in the blank. Then 6 minutes to 6 months later they are back home from Bangladesh and looking for a house and a car and some clothing since they sold theirs and all their possessions when God spoke so clearly to them to sell everything and go to Bangladesh.
Or they stand in the pulpit and tell the congregation how clearly God spoke to them about this being home. Then 6 minutes later they tell everyone within earshot how this “pit of hell” is no longer worthy of them or maybe if they really feel pious they just feel “called” to another church.
Confession time, God doesn’t speak as clearly to me! I seem to strain and occasionally hear His still small voice. I hear a whisper go this way and hope I am not crazy, or worse yet listening to my heart or Satan’s lies. I look at His word and see general directions like “Seek ye first” and “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” but I don’t know if I should have toast or a biscuit this morning for breakfast, let alone have any idea what God will lead me into next year. I don’t know how long I will be at such and such church or involved in such and such ministry. Sorry to confess this, I am in church leadership and run a Christian Para church ministry and I hope I am not the only near deaf one. Or maybe I should say I hope I am the only deaf one. At least that way the church will be getting good clear easy to understand directions from The Most High and one deaf man won’t ruin God’s plans.
I think we have a tendency to think that we don’t have to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. I think we forget “ If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?" I think we read scripture and think that God after the garden was really hanging out with His children in such a way that it required no faith.
After all Moses and the people had the cloud of fire and manna and you name it and still did not hear from God enough to keep them from absolutely doing the opposite of what He wanted. Please don’t think that I think God does not speak to His children. My sheep hear my voice is what He says. But this is what I think, the righteous will live by faith. Faith is not always about black and white, loud communication. Sometimes faith is doing what Elisabeth Elliott always said, “ Do the next thing”.
Faith makes me tremble. Faith makes me wonder. Faith makes me seek to place my self in a position to hear a still small voice more often than I currently do. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. All my plans are under the heading of if God wills I will do such and such next year. I can not worry about tomorrow let alone make some dogmatic statement about all God has shown me or called me to do. I hear a whisper and do the next thing and every night say Lord I hope I heard you right on that. Or sorry Lord I think I missed something today. I also admit that at times I do hear and just flat ignore the message.
It is before God that I stand or fall. I confess I don’t have all this figured out. I pray that I am not a Spiritual Schizophrenic who runs from one thing to the next , all the while claiming my steps are ordered by The Lord, as the world looks at the unstable flighty things I do. The steps of a godly man are ordered by The Lord. Paul was in different places doing different things all the time. But he was not making dogmatic statements that he was always having to eat crow about. Do the next thing, keep quiet about all the grand things God has shown you. People will recognize when you do something of The Lord. Then you won’t bring confusion and doubt and wonder(about God’s Church and you) into peoples minds when they see you change your mind and plans 16 times in two years.
I don’t know what tomorrow brings, thank God I know the one who brings tomorrow!
They make bold brash statements that convince you that they hear from God louder and clearer than you hear from God. For example, I have prayed and fasted and I know for certain God wants me to………….., you fill in the blank. Then 6 minutes to 6 months later they are back home from Bangladesh and looking for a house and a car and some clothing since they sold theirs and all their possessions when God spoke so clearly to them to sell everything and go to Bangladesh.
Or they stand in the pulpit and tell the congregation how clearly God spoke to them about this being home. Then 6 minutes later they tell everyone within earshot how this “pit of hell” is no longer worthy of them or maybe if they really feel pious they just feel “called” to another church.
Confession time, God doesn’t speak as clearly to me! I seem to strain and occasionally hear His still small voice. I hear a whisper go this way and hope I am not crazy, or worse yet listening to my heart or Satan’s lies. I look at His word and see general directions like “Seek ye first” and “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” but I don’t know if I should have toast or a biscuit this morning for breakfast, let alone have any idea what God will lead me into next year. I don’t know how long I will be at such and such church or involved in such and such ministry. Sorry to confess this, I am in church leadership and run a Christian Para church ministry and I hope I am not the only near deaf one. Or maybe I should say I hope I am the only deaf one. At least that way the church will be getting good clear easy to understand directions from The Most High and one deaf man won’t ruin God’s plans.
I think we have a tendency to think that we don’t have to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. I think we forget “ If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?" I think we read scripture and think that God after the garden was really hanging out with His children in such a way that it required no faith.
After all Moses and the people had the cloud of fire and manna and you name it and still did not hear from God enough to keep them from absolutely doing the opposite of what He wanted. Please don’t think that I think God does not speak to His children. My sheep hear my voice is what He says. But this is what I think, the righteous will live by faith. Faith is not always about black and white, loud communication. Sometimes faith is doing what Elisabeth Elliott always said, “ Do the next thing”.
Faith makes me tremble. Faith makes me wonder. Faith makes me seek to place my self in a position to hear a still small voice more often than I currently do. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. All my plans are under the heading of if God wills I will do such and such next year. I can not worry about tomorrow let alone make some dogmatic statement about all God has shown me or called me to do. I hear a whisper and do the next thing and every night say Lord I hope I heard you right on that. Or sorry Lord I think I missed something today. I also admit that at times I do hear and just flat ignore the message.
It is before God that I stand or fall. I confess I don’t have all this figured out. I pray that I am not a Spiritual Schizophrenic who runs from one thing to the next , all the while claiming my steps are ordered by The Lord, as the world looks at the unstable flighty things I do. The steps of a godly man are ordered by The Lord. Paul was in different places doing different things all the time. But he was not making dogmatic statements that he was always having to eat crow about. Do the next thing, keep quiet about all the grand things God has shown you. People will recognize when you do something of The Lord. Then you won’t bring confusion and doubt and wonder(about God’s Church and you) into peoples minds when they see you change your mind and plans 16 times in two years.
I don’t know what tomorrow brings, thank God I know the one who brings tomorrow!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Hate Buster's
Hate Buster’s
I have been doing some reading. At the prompting of a friend I took a look at a group called Hate Buster’s of Liberty, MO. they seem to be doing some great work. I also read a blog by my Pastor. He is a man that I trust and am growing in my love for him.
Both of the above actions have brought to mind a struggle that I have been having for years. How do we show the love of Christ to a world and at the same stand for the truth of this same Christ? That last line sounds like two different things and I know that it is not. The love of Jesus is all about truth. The worlds definition of love is not always based on truth, so what the world calls love is not really always love.
To lay out the struggle in some practical ways let me give you some examples. While looking at Hate buster’s website I came across an area with student essay’s from a class the founder of Hate busters teaches or taught at William Jewel. The first essay talks about the student being open to more ideas about faith after taking the class. The feel I get is that maybe this student has walked away with a view of all faith’s being valid. The very format of the class almost seems to push for that conclusion. I admit to a very limited knowledge of the class, all the information I have, I processed from Hate Buster’s website. I also, from the website, get the impression that the founder may be a Christian.
So what is my struggle? I don’t believe that all faiths are valid. I can’t come away from reading scripture and see any way that Christianity can be true if there is any other way to be “saved”. If Christianity was a lie than everything is up for grabs. But if it is true, it is what many claim it is, exclusive, if you have the Son you have life, if you don't you don't. John 3:36 and a host of other verses point to what most Christians understand,
” Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." So if busting hate involves interfaith organizations and even the possibility that we are promoting other faiths or “truths”, as Christians we must be extremely careful. We may join them based on values but not creeds. Let's be sure our alignment with groups does not send the wrong message. We must for example show the love of Jesus to homosexuals and adulterers. But while showing that love make sure we don't somehow validate a lifestyle that is in direct conflict with the teaching's of scripture.
So while I love the idea of busting hate, I wonder if the best way is to in any way lead people to believe a lie. What does light have to do with darkness is a scripture that comes to mind? In reading not only my Pastor but Hate Busters information I on one side so totally agree. But a check in my spirit brings up the struggle again. Yes “the church” has done some nasty crazy things. Things like coming off as being haters of homosexuals. Things like putting homosexuality and abortion as the end all be alls of faith. All the while putting aside the rampant infidelity in the church. The divorce epidemic in the church. Huge headlines of homosexual hating Pastor’s who are, guess what, homosexuals. I know the church condemns itself in many areas, doing the very things that they condemn.
But the truth of scripture is pretty clear, homosexuality is a sin. Just like adultery. Just like lust. Just like a host of other things we don’t seem to mind as much. A huge portion of the world is starving and dying from drinking contaminated water. Jesus was clear about visiting people who were sick being equal to visiting Him. Newsflash, Jesus is starving. Jesus is getting sick drinking bad water. Shouldn't this be a prominent part of a political platform somewhere? Shouldn't conservative Christians be all up in arms about that? I know that some are. But not as many as seem up in arms about prayer in school or abortion or homosexuals.
Let’s get up in arms about everything that God is up in arms about. Come on, there is enough of us to tackle all that needs to be tackled. Let’s do it in a way that makes even the hardest left winger shake their head (in a good way). Let us be as scripture says “sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” Let us not be haters. We can not forget the truth that we came from the same background that so many are in right now. The Truth set us free. The Truth will set them free. But the Truth must be spoken in Love or it is ignored in most cases.
My Christian brothers and sisters, they have plenty to say that is bad about us. We have been percieved as haters. Let's work to fix that image. Let us be Hate Buster's in Jesus name.
I have been doing some reading. At the prompting of a friend I took a look at a group called Hate Buster’s of Liberty, MO. they seem to be doing some great work. I also read a blog by my Pastor. He is a man that I trust and am growing in my love for him.
Both of the above actions have brought to mind a struggle that I have been having for years. How do we show the love of Christ to a world and at the same stand for the truth of this same Christ? That last line sounds like two different things and I know that it is not. The love of Jesus is all about truth. The worlds definition of love is not always based on truth, so what the world calls love is not really always love.
To lay out the struggle in some practical ways let me give you some examples. While looking at Hate buster’s website I came across an area with student essay’s from a class the founder of Hate busters teaches or taught at William Jewel. The first essay talks about the student being open to more ideas about faith after taking the class. The feel I get is that maybe this student has walked away with a view of all faith’s being valid. The very format of the class almost seems to push for that conclusion. I admit to a very limited knowledge of the class, all the information I have, I processed from Hate Buster’s website. I also, from the website, get the impression that the founder may be a Christian.
So what is my struggle? I don’t believe that all faiths are valid. I can’t come away from reading scripture and see any way that Christianity can be true if there is any other way to be “saved”. If Christianity was a lie than everything is up for grabs. But if it is true, it is what many claim it is, exclusive, if you have the Son you have life, if you don't you don't. John 3:36 and a host of other verses point to what most Christians understand,
” Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." So if busting hate involves interfaith organizations and even the possibility that we are promoting other faiths or “truths”, as Christians we must be extremely careful. We may join them based on values but not creeds. Let's be sure our alignment with groups does not send the wrong message. We must for example show the love of Jesus to homosexuals and adulterers. But while showing that love make sure we don't somehow validate a lifestyle that is in direct conflict with the teaching's of scripture.
So while I love the idea of busting hate, I wonder if the best way is to in any way lead people to believe a lie. What does light have to do with darkness is a scripture that comes to mind? In reading not only my Pastor but Hate Busters information I on one side so totally agree. But a check in my spirit brings up the struggle again. Yes “the church” has done some nasty crazy things. Things like coming off as being haters of homosexuals. Things like putting homosexuality and abortion as the end all be alls of faith. All the while putting aside the rampant infidelity in the church. The divorce epidemic in the church. Huge headlines of homosexual hating Pastor’s who are, guess what, homosexuals. I know the church condemns itself in many areas, doing the very things that they condemn.
But the truth of scripture is pretty clear, homosexuality is a sin. Just like adultery. Just like lust. Just like a host of other things we don’t seem to mind as much. A huge portion of the world is starving and dying from drinking contaminated water. Jesus was clear about visiting people who were sick being equal to visiting Him. Newsflash, Jesus is starving. Jesus is getting sick drinking bad water. Shouldn't this be a prominent part of a political platform somewhere? Shouldn't conservative Christians be all up in arms about that? I know that some are. But not as many as seem up in arms about prayer in school or abortion or homosexuals.
Let’s get up in arms about everything that God is up in arms about. Come on, there is enough of us to tackle all that needs to be tackled. Let’s do it in a way that makes even the hardest left winger shake their head (in a good way). Let us be as scripture says “sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” Let us not be haters. We can not forget the truth that we came from the same background that so many are in right now. The Truth set us free. The Truth will set them free. But the Truth must be spoken in Love or it is ignored in most cases.
My Christian brothers and sisters, they have plenty to say that is bad about us. We have been percieved as haters. Let's work to fix that image. Let us be Hate Buster's in Jesus name.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Good ones
This weekend was what I am calling a good one. Bonnie and I "batted 1000", went 3 for 3. We had the perfect storm of things hit us this weekend. We managed to schedule and or be scheduled into 3 things this past Sunday that we HAD to attend. We started the morning around 8 in the morning with a WOW weekend event at our church. W.O.W or church With Out Walls is something we do at Desperation Church every month. We leave the building and go out into the community to serve in the name of Jesus.
That was an 8-12 adventure. We had a very important business meeting at our church at 1:00. Followed by a ministry commitment at 3:00. We took 24 young girls bowling and grilled them some hamburgers and hot dogs. WAY to much for one day if a restful Lord's day was what you had in mind. But when it was all over I felt it was one of the best day's and more of a "Lord's day" then most.
I saw in the morning 18-20 (just on the project we tackled) people come together to work for free so Jesus might be glorified. I met some new brothers and sisters that attend our church but we had never met. I saw people on staff at the place we worked who seemed so thankful for the help. I saw people in the nursing home waving and smiling as we worked. I saw Jesus glorified.
We then went to our meeting. A potentially hot topic that could have caused division in our church. I saw a near unanimous vote. An amazing display of unity and support for our leadership. An amazing demonstration of the belief that God is in control. I saw Jesus Glorified.
Then I raced to our outreach at the bowling alley. I saw people who support our ministry grilling and getting things ready. I saw young girls with backgrounds that make me weep. They laughed and cheered, ate way too much and maybe took a break from the drama that is their life. I thought of all the people who support our ministry Northland Compassion Ministries. Many who don't get to see all the amazing things God is doing with NCM. Yet, they give faithfully, trusting that God is in charge.
I was weary last night. But it was a good weary. I thought of this verse "The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep."
I want to be a laborer of Jesus. I know that I traditionally bat around .180. Mostly because I don't prepare or trust or whatever. But it's good to have a game or two when it all clicks. When you really feel like, #1 God has placed so many great godly people around you. #2 God is in control.
That was an 8-12 adventure. We had a very important business meeting at our church at 1:00. Followed by a ministry commitment at 3:00. We took 24 young girls bowling and grilled them some hamburgers and hot dogs. WAY to much for one day if a restful Lord's day was what you had in mind. But when it was all over I felt it was one of the best day's and more of a "Lord's day" then most.
I saw in the morning 18-20 (just on the project we tackled) people come together to work for free so Jesus might be glorified. I met some new brothers and sisters that attend our church but we had never met. I saw people on staff at the place we worked who seemed so thankful for the help. I saw people in the nursing home waving and smiling as we worked. I saw Jesus glorified.
We then went to our meeting. A potentially hot topic that could have caused division in our church. I saw a near unanimous vote. An amazing display of unity and support for our leadership. An amazing demonstration of the belief that God is in control. I saw Jesus Glorified.
Then I raced to our outreach at the bowling alley. I saw people who support our ministry grilling and getting things ready. I saw young girls with backgrounds that make me weep. They laughed and cheered, ate way too much and maybe took a break from the drama that is their life. I thought of all the people who support our ministry Northland Compassion Ministries. Many who don't get to see all the amazing things God is doing with NCM. Yet, they give faithfully, trusting that God is in charge.
I was weary last night. But it was a good weary. I thought of this verse "The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep."
I want to be a laborer of Jesus. I know that I traditionally bat around .180. Mostly because I don't prepare or trust or whatever. But it's good to have a game or two when it all clicks. When you really feel like, #1 God has placed so many great godly people around you. #2 God is in control.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Paradise and New beginnings
Just got back from what may be a once in a lifetime vacation. We went to Hawaii for 9 days. We had a great time. I think I have felt for a long time while waiting on this vacation that it would mark a new beginning for me. I did not really know what that meant. I still am not totally sure. My wife Bonnie and I have been married for 28 years. This vacation was something I wanted, but really I wanted it for her. She has been so good to me. She deserves more than she got or gets from me. So in my mind this was God allowing me to prosper her, reward her for being so great. But I also felt like there was some theology behind this trip. Questions for the day: Does God want me to be a Francis Chan who gets rid of everything? Should I be "living simply, that others may simply live"?
Or can I work out my salvation in fear and trembling and take what God gives? I believe in tithing. I believe in offerings. Within one year of coming to know Jesus, I felt called to give to His Kingdom with the tithe. My wife faithfully joined me in this adventure. We have given even if it meant having the phone shut off, whatever, we gave and still give. And guess what? It did mean getting the phone shut off. It did mean a Christmas that the kids got very little and to be frank, I was kinda depressed and wondering about some things. But He has proven so much more faithful than I, which I guess should be no surprise.
I have seen a 10 year upward swing of our income. I have seen raises and bonuses when they should not have come. Promotions and blessings that we did not deserve. God has allowed us to have more free money than we have ever known. We don't have any credit card debt but do have payments on toys like my Harley and Boat. We make the payments with ease and money left over. We still give over and above the tithe.
What do you want Lord? Am I doing ok? Is all this your hand of blessing? Are you rewarding us for faithfully giving over a decade? I have seen so many that rob God and admit they rob God. Most are not doing very well financially. I have watched many lose everything including their family. I know the schools of thought on this. I could supply proof texts to support both views. Yes God is prospering us for our obedience it's scriptural. Or no God is not pleased with me spending so much on myself, I should be giving all the excess to the poor.
I personally am torn and go both ways (nothing new here). I read Crazy love and think how cool that would be to live like Francis Chan is calling us to live. But then wonder if he is really sacrificing all that he appears to be sacrificing? Huge book deals and a huge following that can cover all expenses and fly him all over the world to talk about sacrificing everything? I am not bashing Francis I think he is awesome and yes I know he gives away a ton and could have so much more materially than he does. Rick Warren is another example, paying back all the church ever paid him. After making millions on books and speaking engagements. I really think a problem with the church in America is not that we are not all Francis Chan. I think one of the problems is we can't even be faithful in the little things. We can't faithfully tithe. We don't have enough left over to ever even think about an offering. Yet we have every cable channel known to man. Our kids can sign up for every sport and event that comes down the pike. Yet we rob God. Even if you don't believe in the tithe as a requirement, can't you see it as a good place to start? Can't you see that your money really shows your heart? The reason you don't give is not because you can't afford it. The reason you don't give is because you don't see the value of God's Church. It is not worth it to you. With some it shows up in attendance and giving. We are losing 50% of our families to divorce. I believe robbing God and overloading on "stuff" with His resources is one of the problems and the results are as sure as the sun coming up in the morning. The Church is His idea and "your money" is how He finances it's work. If you and I won't be a part of His Church plans, He will not be a part of our "plans".
I really want what God wants for me. I don't have to have the boat or the motorcycle or the trips. I want God to speak loudly. But I know He is heard in a still small voice more often. I also think that God puts us through seasons. Maybe this has been a decade of seeing His hand of blessing. Maybe I grow no more without a season of Him pulling back that hand? Seeing if I want Him or the blessings? It's easy to appear faithful when all is going well or at least when most is going well. I am headed for the time in my life when health "things" pop up for many. I am in an economy where many are losing everything. Will God take me through unscathed?
I would love to be a poster boy for the health and wealth theology. But I don't really believe in what they say or how they say it many times. But yet I do see many promises in scripture for obedience and faithfulness. So many who really seem to be Christians but continually rob God as they go broke and suffer loss in many areas. I know this, whatever season God puts me in, I will continue to give. I also know this, He has given me a wife who loves trips to Hawaii, but would live in a tent with me. I accept your blessings oh Great God. May I never be so rich that I forget you or so poor that I steal and dishonor your Name! It's been a great ride. If it's over and Hawaii was the "peak" Hallelujah!
I have come to know a God who is faithful in the plenty. I am sure He is even more faithful in the season's of want. I pray that my wife and I as Paul will learn to be content in whatever situation He places us in. God you have been more than enough for me!
Or can I work out my salvation in fear and trembling and take what God gives? I believe in tithing. I believe in offerings. Within one year of coming to know Jesus, I felt called to give to His Kingdom with the tithe. My wife faithfully joined me in this adventure. We have given even if it meant having the phone shut off, whatever, we gave and still give. And guess what? It did mean getting the phone shut off. It did mean a Christmas that the kids got very little and to be frank, I was kinda depressed and wondering about some things. But He has proven so much more faithful than I, which I guess should be no surprise.
I have seen a 10 year upward swing of our income. I have seen raises and bonuses when they should not have come. Promotions and blessings that we did not deserve. God has allowed us to have more free money than we have ever known. We don't have any credit card debt but do have payments on toys like my Harley and Boat. We make the payments with ease and money left over. We still give over and above the tithe.
What do you want Lord? Am I doing ok? Is all this your hand of blessing? Are you rewarding us for faithfully giving over a decade? I have seen so many that rob God and admit they rob God. Most are not doing very well financially. I have watched many lose everything including their family. I know the schools of thought on this. I could supply proof texts to support both views. Yes God is prospering us for our obedience it's scriptural. Or no God is not pleased with me spending so much on myself, I should be giving all the excess to the poor.
I personally am torn and go both ways (nothing new here). I read Crazy love and think how cool that would be to live like Francis Chan is calling us to live. But then wonder if he is really sacrificing all that he appears to be sacrificing? Huge book deals and a huge following that can cover all expenses and fly him all over the world to talk about sacrificing everything? I am not bashing Francis I think he is awesome and yes I know he gives away a ton and could have so much more materially than he does. Rick Warren is another example, paying back all the church ever paid him. After making millions on books and speaking engagements. I really think a problem with the church in America is not that we are not all Francis Chan. I think one of the problems is we can't even be faithful in the little things. We can't faithfully tithe. We don't have enough left over to ever even think about an offering. Yet we have every cable channel known to man. Our kids can sign up for every sport and event that comes down the pike. Yet we rob God. Even if you don't believe in the tithe as a requirement, can't you see it as a good place to start? Can't you see that your money really shows your heart? The reason you don't give is not because you can't afford it. The reason you don't give is because you don't see the value of God's Church. It is not worth it to you. With some it shows up in attendance and giving. We are losing 50% of our families to divorce. I believe robbing God and overloading on "stuff" with His resources is one of the problems and the results are as sure as the sun coming up in the morning. The Church is His idea and "your money" is how He finances it's work. If you and I won't be a part of His Church plans, He will not be a part of our "plans".
I really want what God wants for me. I don't have to have the boat or the motorcycle or the trips. I want God to speak loudly. But I know He is heard in a still small voice more often. I also think that God puts us through seasons. Maybe this has been a decade of seeing His hand of blessing. Maybe I grow no more without a season of Him pulling back that hand? Seeing if I want Him or the blessings? It's easy to appear faithful when all is going well or at least when most is going well. I am headed for the time in my life when health "things" pop up for many. I am in an economy where many are losing everything. Will God take me through unscathed?
I would love to be a poster boy for the health and wealth theology. But I don't really believe in what they say or how they say it many times. But yet I do see many promises in scripture for obedience and faithfulness. So many who really seem to be Christians but continually rob God as they go broke and suffer loss in many areas. I know this, whatever season God puts me in, I will continue to give. I also know this, He has given me a wife who loves trips to Hawaii, but would live in a tent with me. I accept your blessings oh Great God. May I never be so rich that I forget you or so poor that I steal and dishonor your Name! It's been a great ride. If it's over and Hawaii was the "peak" Hallelujah!
I have come to know a God who is faithful in the plenty. I am sure He is even more faithful in the season's of want. I pray that my wife and I as Paul will learn to be content in whatever situation He places us in. God you have been more than enough for me!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Is this true? 50%
George Barna recently released another study that makes us sit up and take notice. His
study showed that half the people who attend Protestant churches on a typical Sunday
morning are not Christians. Most of them call themselves Christians but they do not
believe that their hope for eternal life is based on a personal relationship with Jesus and
the belief that He died and rose again from the dead. Barna notes that most of these
notional Christians have been members of the church all their lives. They make up half of
all the people who sit in our churches every Sunday.
Bill Bright, in a similar study, suggests that one half of the people in church every
Sunday are not sure of their salvation. Christian researchers have begun to call this the
7:21 window, refering to Matthew 7:21 which states “Not everyone who says to me,
‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Dr. Phil Fernandes, president of the
Institute of Biblical Defense, challenged, “The primary emphasis of the church should be
leading the lost to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but first we must lead our own
congregations to Christ.”
In his book Welcoming People the Church Rejects, Rich Nathan claims the conservative
church in America has misidentified the enemy.
“In the first century, the Romans were marching through the streets of Judea. They had
their pagan standards. They were involuntarily conscripting Jewish young men into their
armies, taking Jewish daughters into wealthy Roman homes to serve as servants and
cooks, taking the best of the crops of Judea and they were taking taxes. Jesus never said
the problem of first century life was the Romans. He never said that the problem of first
century life in Judea was the amoral people ruining the culture. He continually said the
problem was that the people of God have failed to act like the people of God. The salt has
lost its saltiness. Today we sincerely believe that the problem of the world is those
immoral people out there, or those folks who don’t share our political views, or those
folks who are ruining our schools, rather than that the people of God are not acting like
the people of God.”
Mike Regele, in his book Robust Church Development, says, “The 21st century church
must displace a traditional Christendom chaplaincy with a church that will become a
missionary enterprise.”
Pastors today need first of all to be missionaries. We need to equip and lead our
congregations in their engagement of the community. Tom Clegg, in Lost In America,
warns, “Any church that doesn’t shift from ‘ministry as status quo’ to ‘ministry as
mission outpost’ will die or become hopelessly irrelevant.”
There is no simple answer or solution — the challenge belongs to each of us as we
minister to the people and communities in which God has placed us. We need to
challenge ourselves, our congregation leaders, and our congregation members to ask,
“How do we become a Great Commission Church? How do we get back on track to
become what God called us to be?
What is your congregation’s vision? Mike Regele says his vision for a church in the 21st
century is a church that proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ and:
• is a vital center of life and hope
• is a place where people want to be
• is a place that generates a feeling of life and healing and acceptance
• knows who you are and why you exist
• is a redemptive island of hope for all people in Jesus Christ
• loves their communities and loses themselves in service to the community
• is a place where I can go and feel welcome, safe, and accepted
• is a place for myself, my children and for others.
Who are we trying to reach? The answer is clear. We are trying to reach God’s people:
the people in our community, our neighbor next door, our family members, the people in
our congregation, the people in our small group, anyone God connects us with in our
journey through life. Many people do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
This is our challenge! ■
study showed that half the people who attend Protestant churches on a typical Sunday
morning are not Christians. Most of them call themselves Christians but they do not
believe that their hope for eternal life is based on a personal relationship with Jesus and
the belief that He died and rose again from the dead. Barna notes that most of these
notional Christians have been members of the church all their lives. They make up half of
all the people who sit in our churches every Sunday.
Bill Bright, in a similar study, suggests that one half of the people in church every
Sunday are not sure of their salvation. Christian researchers have begun to call this the
7:21 window, refering to Matthew 7:21 which states “Not everyone who says to me,
‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Dr. Phil Fernandes, president of the
Institute of Biblical Defense, challenged, “The primary emphasis of the church should be
leading the lost to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but first we must lead our own
congregations to Christ.”
In his book Welcoming People the Church Rejects, Rich Nathan claims the conservative
church in America has misidentified the enemy.
“In the first century, the Romans were marching through the streets of Judea. They had
their pagan standards. They were involuntarily conscripting Jewish young men into their
armies, taking Jewish daughters into wealthy Roman homes to serve as servants and
cooks, taking the best of the crops of Judea and they were taking taxes. Jesus never said
the problem of first century life was the Romans. He never said that the problem of first
century life in Judea was the amoral people ruining the culture. He continually said the
problem was that the people of God have failed to act like the people of God. The salt has
lost its saltiness. Today we sincerely believe that the problem of the world is those
immoral people out there, or those folks who don’t share our political views, or those
folks who are ruining our schools, rather than that the people of God are not acting like
the people of God.”
Mike Regele, in his book Robust Church Development, says, “The 21st century church
must displace a traditional Christendom chaplaincy with a church that will become a
missionary enterprise.”
Pastors today need first of all to be missionaries. We need to equip and lead our
congregations in their engagement of the community. Tom Clegg, in Lost In America,
warns, “Any church that doesn’t shift from ‘ministry as status quo’ to ‘ministry as
mission outpost’ will die or become hopelessly irrelevant.”
There is no simple answer or solution — the challenge belongs to each of us as we
minister to the people and communities in which God has placed us. We need to
challenge ourselves, our congregation leaders, and our congregation members to ask,
“How do we become a Great Commission Church? How do we get back on track to
become what God called us to be?
What is your congregation’s vision? Mike Regele says his vision for a church in the 21st
century is a church that proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ and:
• is a vital center of life and hope
• is a place where people want to be
• is a place that generates a feeling of life and healing and acceptance
• knows who you are and why you exist
• is a redemptive island of hope for all people in Jesus Christ
• loves their communities and loses themselves in service to the community
• is a place where I can go and feel welcome, safe, and accepted
• is a place for myself, my children and for others.
Who are we trying to reach? The answer is clear. We are trying to reach God’s people:
the people in our community, our neighbor next door, our family members, the people in
our congregation, the people in our small group, anyone God connects us with in our
journey through life. Many people do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
This is our challenge! ■
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The "only" thing left
I have been in a very good place lately (The last week). God seeming to speak a little louder. God saying the same thing to my heart, you must have compassion. Then God giving it to me, supernaturally I think. I am not a compassionate person by nature. I don't think I am a hater, just not a natural lover of people. I have a busy life and just don't always get around to the things I should concerning others.
But this last week God has broken my heart for a few others. It's a good thing. But I am coming to realize the "only" thing I can really do is pray. I can throw a few proof texts someones way. I can hand them a few dollars to get by. I can offer a word of encouragement or condolences. But what is any of that worth? The problems in this world today are bigger than me or my help. The marriages are too far gone. The Prodigals too far from home. The debt too big. The disease too far advanced. I think this is from God also, I need Him to do anything. He is our only hope. We need a supernatural God, a God who does miracles. A God who answers our prayers. We also need a heart that understands God's heart as much as that is possible. I am so thankful to have a God who speaks louder to those of us who are hard of hearing.
But this last week God has broken my heart for a few others. It's a good thing. But I am coming to realize the "only" thing I can really do is pray. I can throw a few proof texts someones way. I can hand them a few dollars to get by. I can offer a word of encouragement or condolences. But what is any of that worth? The problems in this world today are bigger than me or my help. The marriages are too far gone. The Prodigals too far from home. The debt too big. The disease too far advanced. I think this is from God also, I need Him to do anything. He is our only hope. We need a supernatural God, a God who does miracles. A God who answers our prayers. We also need a heart that understands God's heart as much as that is possible. I am so thankful to have a God who speaks louder to those of us who are hard of hearing.
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