The Cutting Edge Idol
Where is the headquarters of the person who sells the "cool factor"? Who is he, anyway? How is he or she, able to sell us on a product or an idea only to tell us months later that "where it was, is not where it is"? Who decided that jeans couldn't be dark and then about the time we got all our jeans washed out finally, they told us they weren't cool any longer, dark jeans is now, "what's happening". Then, if that wasn't confusing enough, about the time we bought new dark jeans, we were back to the faded jeans but now they had to be ripped in the knees. Man, you have to stay on the Internet constantly, just to keep up. Back to our question: where is the person who determines these things? Maybe it's movie stars or other celebs. If you notice , they will wear something, start a new rage and never wear it again. What is the deal? No matter, they are doing a very successful job and the masses are marching to their tune.
All that really doesn't matter much at the end of the day. However, if we aren't careful, as leaders in the church, we will succumb to the same patterns and find ourselves captured by a desire to be on the cutting edge at all cost. That's not necessarily wrong either unless, unless, we abandon our first pursuit of seeking God and wanting to know his will, and exchange it for, "what is the latest cutting edge thing in the pages of the latest preacher celeb magazine". We need to remember, most everyone is selling something.
If I could say one thing on this subject, it would be, back away, take a deep breath and get alone with God. Ask Him what he wants from you and what is the direction He wants you to take. It might not be in the direction of all the rest. It might not even be cutting edge. Ouch!!!! Would the Lord actually call me to do something that can't be looked upon as cool? Most of the heroes in the Bible were considered peculiar or different, but not necessarily cool.
Be bold enough to hear from God and follow the individual path He has chosen for you and your ministry. Relax, he will probably allow you to wear whatever jeans you like!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Trust... the foundation of Team.
It should be obvious to most by now that the Church is not a democracy. In our Southern part of United States, however, there are many that haven't discovered that yet. They think there is a link between American democracy and the Bible. There is not. Actually, the vast majority of the church universal seem to understand this foundational point regarding the life of the church; most of the church world doesn't allow the most common expression of this misconception, the vote. It takes great trust to allow a group of leaders, or a leadership team, to lead us and the church on our spiritual journey. Of course to me it takes much greater faith to believe in the vote of a majority, and especially when novices and often times the disinfranchised get the same vote as mature, stable believers.
My primary focus today is the trust that must exist within the leadership team. The kind of trust that doesn't have to wonder if another member of the team has my best interest or the best interest of the church at heart. It has no question or fear of a "hidden agenda". Is this possible? Absolutely! Not only is it possible, it is critical to the success of any spiritual team. A group can arrive at a place where there is the safety of the input of the diversity of the group while held together by the trust factor within the group. Each member of the team knows and trusts the others in the group. Sound impossible? It's not. It takes several things to get there:
1. The correct choices of the right leaders in the first place.
2. Much time spent develolping respect and trust. There are no short cuts here, "time is the cost of every relationship".
3. Handling confrontation Biblically to keep confrontation from becoming conflict.
4. Developing and honoring confidentiallity.
5. Time and experience in the relationship.
6. A commitment to preferring others above yourself.
7. A belief that other members of the team are there in the will of God.
8. A decision to trust.
If trust is lost, God's ability to lead through the leadership team is weakened. That is probably what caused many to abandon this process and deteriorate to the vote in the first place.
It should be obvious to most by now that the Church is not a democracy. In our Southern part of United States, however, there are many that haven't discovered that yet. They think there is a link between American democracy and the Bible. There is not. Actually, the vast majority of the church universal seem to understand this foundational point regarding the life of the church; most of the church world doesn't allow the most common expression of this misconception, the vote. It takes great trust to allow a group of leaders, or a leadership team, to lead us and the church on our spiritual journey. Of course to me it takes much greater faith to believe in the vote of a majority, and especially when novices and often times the disinfranchised get the same vote as mature, stable believers.
My primary focus today is the trust that must exist within the leadership team. The kind of trust that doesn't have to wonder if another member of the team has my best interest or the best interest of the church at heart. It has no question or fear of a "hidden agenda". Is this possible? Absolutely! Not only is it possible, it is critical to the success of any spiritual team. A group can arrive at a place where there is the safety of the input of the diversity of the group while held together by the trust factor within the group. Each member of the team knows and trusts the others in the group. Sound impossible? It's not. It takes several things to get there:
1. The correct choices of the right leaders in the first place.
2. Much time spent develolping respect and trust. There are no short cuts here, "time is the cost of every relationship".
3. Handling confrontation Biblically to keep confrontation from becoming conflict.
4. Developing and honoring confidentiallity.
5. Time and experience in the relationship.
6. A commitment to preferring others above yourself.
7. A belief that other members of the team are there in the will of God.
8. A decision to trust.
If trust is lost, God's ability to lead through the leadership team is weakened. That is probably what caused many to abandon this process and deteriorate to the vote in the first place.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
America, land of the free, home of the independent!
America was founded by many who were coming here to escape religious persecution. There was a pioneer spirit in these rugged adventurers. They were tired of people "telling them what to do", and vowed to never again allow someone else to rule over them in religious matters. As an old friend once told me, "it seems the Church goes from ditch to ditch". From his analogy, we have a hard time finding the middle of the road and making progress. Rather than actually making progress, too often the church has been satisfied just fighting to preserve freedom. High atop the Oregon state capitol stands the Golden Pioneer. He is a symbol of "rugged individualism". That figure and what it stands for seems to be embedded in much of the church leadership in America. A "team spirit" is hard to find. In the Church we have learned how to clothe independence in religious garb. Rather than saying, "he's a rebel", we say, "he marches to the beat of a different drum".
1Ch 12:38 says, "All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king. Here we see how David was raised to his place as King. He was supported by a team "who could keep ranks". The result was that all the rest of Israel followed this leadership team and their ability to function in their place of order by having one mind. Those we lead are mostly a reflection of our leadership team. One of the most important things we can do as leaders is to learn to "march in ranks" in the team. New Testament Christianity is not a solo act, it is a concert of harmony. Good harmony is achieved when no one person stands out of the group as the main player. A Senior Leader is more like a director and the team and/or congregation should be working dilligently to discover and maintain that melodic sound. It has been said that there is a "new sound" coming. Could it be that the new sound is the "old sound" finally arriving at harmony?
America was founded by many who were coming here to escape religious persecution. There was a pioneer spirit in these rugged adventurers. They were tired of people "telling them what to do", and vowed to never again allow someone else to rule over them in religious matters. As an old friend once told me, "it seems the Church goes from ditch to ditch". From his analogy, we have a hard time finding the middle of the road and making progress. Rather than actually making progress, too often the church has been satisfied just fighting to preserve freedom. High atop the Oregon state capitol stands the Golden Pioneer. He is a symbol of "rugged individualism". That figure and what it stands for seems to be embedded in much of the church leadership in America. A "team spirit" is hard to find. In the Church we have learned how to clothe independence in religious garb. Rather than saying, "he's a rebel", we say, "he marches to the beat of a different drum".
1Ch 12:38 says, "All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king. Here we see how David was raised to his place as King. He was supported by a team "who could keep ranks". The result was that all the rest of Israel followed this leadership team and their ability to function in their place of order by having one mind. Those we lead are mostly a reflection of our leadership team. One of the most important things we can do as leaders is to learn to "march in ranks" in the team. New Testament Christianity is not a solo act, it is a concert of harmony. Good harmony is achieved when no one person stands out of the group as the main player. A Senior Leader is more like a director and the team and/or congregation should be working dilligently to discover and maintain that melodic sound. It has been said that there is a "new sound" coming. Could it be that the new sound is the "old sound" finally arriving at harmony?
Monday, June 1, 2009
You Vs. Team
One of the primary differences between Old Covenant Ministry and New Covenant Ministry is a move away from the "one man show". Old Testament heroes appeared, did great exploits for God and everyone around them stood in awe. In the New Testament we see a new paradigm emerge. We see it especially clear after Pentecost. The single hero image disappears and we see TEAM function. In team there is a dependence upon one another and a valuing of one another that is critical to success. There is a learning curve involved in team function. There is also a humility and mutual submission that some find difficult to embrace. Is it possible to remain a loner and experience success as a "Lone Ranger"? Absolutely! There is no question, a person who is called and gifted can accomplish much without ever being connected to others in the Body of Christ in a functional way. The outcome of such independence is:
1. Pride and self-promotion - It's hard to walk in humility in the shadow of your own statue.
2. Mistakes - You will make mistakes without the input of the diversity around you.
3. Loneliness - When you are self-sufficient, others back away and withdraw from you.
4. Duplication without multiplication - You may have one or two who try to duplicate your
ministry. However, multiplication is impossible without diversity of input from TEAM.
5. When you die the ministry dies - When you are gone there are memories but no posterity.
6. Rebellion - You experience repetitive uprisings and rebellion among your followers. The
calling and giftings within them cries out to be used but there is no room for others on
your stage.
Today we need to reevaluate our philosophy and mode of operation. We need to repent of the pride that says, "I am so anointed that I can't afford to take time to train and disciple others". In truth, such thinking is counter-Christ thinking. Jesus said, "I will build my Church". We need to understand that at Pentecost Jesus released his Holy Spirit to build and empower a Body of believers, an army of ministries. It is our job to multiply what we have into them and release and oversee them.
One of the primary differences between Old Covenant Ministry and New Covenant Ministry is a move away from the "one man show". Old Testament heroes appeared, did great exploits for God and everyone around them stood in awe. In the New Testament we see a new paradigm emerge. We see it especially clear after Pentecost. The single hero image disappears and we see TEAM function. In team there is a dependence upon one another and a valuing of one another that is critical to success. There is a learning curve involved in team function. There is also a humility and mutual submission that some find difficult to embrace. Is it possible to remain a loner and experience success as a "Lone Ranger"? Absolutely! There is no question, a person who is called and gifted can accomplish much without ever being connected to others in the Body of Christ in a functional way. The outcome of such independence is:
1. Pride and self-promotion - It's hard to walk in humility in the shadow of your own statue.
2. Mistakes - You will make mistakes without the input of the diversity around you.
3. Loneliness - When you are self-sufficient, others back away and withdraw from you.
4. Duplication without multiplication - You may have one or two who try to duplicate your
ministry. However, multiplication is impossible without diversity of input from TEAM.
5. When you die the ministry dies - When you are gone there are memories but no posterity.
6. Rebellion - You experience repetitive uprisings and rebellion among your followers. The
calling and giftings within them cries out to be used but there is no room for others on
your stage.
Today we need to reevaluate our philosophy and mode of operation. We need to repent of the pride that says, "I am so anointed that I can't afford to take time to train and disciple others". In truth, such thinking is counter-Christ thinking. Jesus said, "I will build my Church". We need to understand that at Pentecost Jesus released his Holy Spirit to build and empower a Body of believers, an army of ministries. It is our job to multiply what we have into them and release and oversee them.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Team Leadership - Delegation
1. Determine the task to be delegated?
2. To whom will you delegate the task?
3. Training (What tasks need training? Who will train the person?)
4. Details (What are the appropriate limits of authority? What are the time, money, or resource limits for this project?)
5. Express confidence (How will you communicate your confidence in this person’s ability to succeed?)
6. Inform others (Who inside and outside of the team should be informed this person has this particular responsibility?)
7. Check points ( What are the check points to know if the person is on track?)
8. Availability (When will you be available for help while at the same time encouraging independence? Who should the person go to if you are not available?)
Some additional hints edited from “Job Aids” by Mike Lynch and Harvey Lifton, Amherst, Mass.: HRD Press, 1998:
If you can’t establish performance standards or monitor the results, don’t delegate.
Take the time to communicate effectively.
Insist on quality results, not perfection.
Learn to live with differences.
Don’t short-circuit or take back assignments.
1. Determine the task to be delegated?
2. To whom will you delegate the task?
3. Training (What tasks need training? Who will train the person?)
4. Details (What are the appropriate limits of authority? What are the time, money, or resource limits for this project?)
5. Express confidence (How will you communicate your confidence in this person’s ability to succeed?)
6. Inform others (Who inside and outside of the team should be informed this person has this particular responsibility?)
7. Check points ( What are the check points to know if the person is on track?)
8. Availability (When will you be available for help while at the same time encouraging independence? Who should the person go to if you are not available?)
Some additional hints edited from “Job Aids” by Mike Lynch and Harvey Lifton, Amherst, Mass.: HRD Press, 1998:
If you can’t establish performance standards or monitor the results, don’t delegate.
Take the time to communicate effectively.
Insist on quality results, not perfection.
Learn to live with differences.
Don’t short-circuit or take back assignments.
Monday, May 25, 2009
AMERICA
O beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
O beautiful, for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw;
Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!
O beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness, and ev'ry gain divine!
O beautiful, for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!
O beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
O beautiful, for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw;
Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!
O beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness, and ev'ry gain divine!
O beautiful, for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Learning To Say "No"
Every leader needs to learn to say two very important words...yes and no. Everyone likes to say "yes", and most people like to hear it as well. The yes word comes with license to proceed. It brings such positive feelings and reinforces our opinions and actions. What a wonderful word..."YES"...just say it out loud now and enjoy the reinforcement it brings. Then, there is the anti-yes word, the word "no". No isn't nearly as much fun to hear as that comforting yes word. No is also much more difficult to say than yes. Think about it, you never struggle to say yes but you may lie awake all night just knowing you have to say no tomorrow. As an example just imagine as a leader that one of those you lead has asked for money to help them through a difficult time. You know their situation and they are a hard worker and you see nothing that should hinder their receiving this gift of mercy. You can't wait to tell them. You might even violate proper protocol and call them late at night just to say that wonderful word, "YES"! On the other hand, if you know the person has wasted their money, they haven't listened to counsel and continually are asking for money without ever changing their patterns, their answer is a clear "NO". It's only 5:30 in the afternoon but you decide to wait until tomorrow to tell them. What a coward!
Leaders all feel the same pressure to please men but good leaders are willing to pay the price of rejection if need be to deal with those they leads with the purity of love that comes forth in true honesty. If a person needs to hear the no word, saying yes is cowardice and betrayal. If a person is due the yes word, the no word is cruel and harsh. A person who really wants truth will welcome the no word if that is the word of the hour for him. He will also know the yes word, if not deserved, is a word of compromise for him.
Jesus was perfect in his communication skills. He spoke the no word when it was needed and the yes word when it was appropriate. In my life, the no word usually comes before the yes word. The no word causes me to stop and evaluate the motives of my heart and not just my intended actions. Then when the yes word comes, it releases me as one now prepared by the no word for success.
Ask the Lord to help you learn to hear the no word as readily as the yes word. Then, ask him to help you become a leader who can say both yes and no as the situation dictates.
Every leader needs to learn to say two very important words...yes and no. Everyone likes to say "yes", and most people like to hear it as well. The yes word comes with license to proceed. It brings such positive feelings and reinforces our opinions and actions. What a wonderful word..."YES"...just say it out loud now and enjoy the reinforcement it brings. Then, there is the anti-yes word, the word "no". No isn't nearly as much fun to hear as that comforting yes word. No is also much more difficult to say than yes. Think about it, you never struggle to say yes but you may lie awake all night just knowing you have to say no tomorrow. As an example just imagine as a leader that one of those you lead has asked for money to help them through a difficult time. You know their situation and they are a hard worker and you see nothing that should hinder their receiving this gift of mercy. You can't wait to tell them. You might even violate proper protocol and call them late at night just to say that wonderful word, "YES"! On the other hand, if you know the person has wasted their money, they haven't listened to counsel and continually are asking for money without ever changing their patterns, their answer is a clear "NO". It's only 5:30 in the afternoon but you decide to wait until tomorrow to tell them. What a coward!
Leaders all feel the same pressure to please men but good leaders are willing to pay the price of rejection if need be to deal with those they leads with the purity of love that comes forth in true honesty. If a person needs to hear the no word, saying yes is cowardice and betrayal. If a person is due the yes word, the no word is cruel and harsh. A person who really wants truth will welcome the no word if that is the word of the hour for him. He will also know the yes word, if not deserved, is a word of compromise for him.
Jesus was perfect in his communication skills. He spoke the no word when it was needed and the yes word when it was appropriate. In my life, the no word usually comes before the yes word. The no word causes me to stop and evaluate the motives of my heart and not just my intended actions. Then when the yes word comes, it releases me as one now prepared by the no word for success.
Ask the Lord to help you learn to hear the no word as readily as the yes word. Then, ask him to help you become a leader who can say both yes and no as the situation dictates.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Called To Care
I was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the morning paper. My daughter Tarah was only about 5 years old. She decided to start a lengthy conversation in the middle of an interesting article. I kept reading while smiling and nodding as if I was really listening to her. I thought I was getting away with it until she climbed up in my lap, took my face between her little hands and said, "you aren't listening to me". I assured her that I had heard every word. She then said, "then tell me what I said"! I was busted! I had demonstrated a common mistake among people who are called to care. I was hearing but I was not listening. What I was communicating without words was, "what you are saying is not important enough to give it my undivided attention". Another way to say it is, " I don't really care"!
Caring is of the utmost importance. Caring opens the door for the Holy Spirit to use us to enter a person's life with redemptive solutions. Howard Ridings was a man who had a great impact on my life. I was in my upper teens when I first met him. He came to our church once a year to preach a series of meetings. I can't remember any sermons he preached but two things stand out to me. First, he preached with such passion and power. Second, somehow he convinced me that he really cared about me. He would single me out to talk. He was 25 years my senior, old enough to be my father, yet he could connect with me. He seemed to always have time for me and I never felt in the least that I wasn't as important as him. One day I finally realized his secret. He would talk and he words were always directed to me and my life. He had this rare ability to talk for long periods of time and only talk about the other person. I can't remember him ever saying, "I care about you", but you just knew in your heart that he did.
As I think about Howard, I now know that he was exemplifying Jesus. Jesus, though the Messiah, was never too busy or distracted to spend time with people. The crowds loved Jesus and wanted to be with him. They didn't want to be with him because he was God. They wanted to be with him because he was a man, filled with the Holy Spirit, called and on an important mission, but still a man who saw them and cared for them. That demonstrated caring opened the door for a receptive heart in the people that created and atmosphere for miracles. In contrast, the Pharisees seemed to exemplify religious leadership that was too important, too busy and distracted to really care about the common man.
May the Lord help us care and demonstrate that care to others. After all, when you are gone, the sermons you have preached and the buildings you have built probably won't be remembered.
I was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the morning paper. My daughter Tarah was only about 5 years old. She decided to start a lengthy conversation in the middle of an interesting article. I kept reading while smiling and nodding as if I was really listening to her. I thought I was getting away with it until she climbed up in my lap, took my face between her little hands and said, "you aren't listening to me". I assured her that I had heard every word. She then said, "then tell me what I said"! I was busted! I had demonstrated a common mistake among people who are called to care. I was hearing but I was not listening. What I was communicating without words was, "what you are saying is not important enough to give it my undivided attention". Another way to say it is, " I don't really care"!
Caring is of the utmost importance. Caring opens the door for the Holy Spirit to use us to enter a person's life with redemptive solutions. Howard Ridings was a man who had a great impact on my life. I was in my upper teens when I first met him. He came to our church once a year to preach a series of meetings. I can't remember any sermons he preached but two things stand out to me. First, he preached with such passion and power. Second, somehow he convinced me that he really cared about me. He would single me out to talk. He was 25 years my senior, old enough to be my father, yet he could connect with me. He seemed to always have time for me and I never felt in the least that I wasn't as important as him. One day I finally realized his secret. He would talk and he words were always directed to me and my life. He had this rare ability to talk for long periods of time and only talk about the other person. I can't remember him ever saying, "I care about you", but you just knew in your heart that he did.
As I think about Howard, I now know that he was exemplifying Jesus. Jesus, though the Messiah, was never too busy or distracted to spend time with people. The crowds loved Jesus and wanted to be with him. They didn't want to be with him because he was God. They wanted to be with him because he was a man, filled with the Holy Spirit, called and on an important mission, but still a man who saw them and cared for them. That demonstrated caring opened the door for a receptive heart in the people that created and atmosphere for miracles. In contrast, the Pharisees seemed to exemplify religious leadership that was too important, too busy and distracted to really care about the common man.
May the Lord help us care and demonstrate that care to others. After all, when you are gone, the sermons you have preached and the buildings you have built probably won't be remembered.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Zeal and Momentum
More often than not, I give warnings about the dangers of zeal. Zeal always, always needs to be balanced with wisdom. It seems that younger leaders are filled with zeal and older leaders are filled with wisdom. Of course there are exceptions to both of these. I know some where the characteristics are certainly reversed. I also understand that there is much Biblical admonition to gain wisdom and I totally align myself with this pursuit. HOWEVER, when wisdom has been gained nothing of value will be accomplished without zeal. I was once told that a battleship could be pushed by one man standing on a dock if the ship was already moving and momentum was occurring. Momentum is often activated by zeal. When King David acted as a simple shepherd boy against the giant Goliath, his zeal activated an otherwise stalled military effort of King Saul. Zeal is such a force of influence. Of course true Christian zeal is not an effort or a decision so much as it is a human response to an inner zeal called the "zeal of the Lord". It is the zeal of Jesus within us that activates and at times explodes to get things off dead center.
You may find yourself today in just such a place of neutrality. Things are safe but benign. "Safe" is not a place where creative things happen. There is little possibility for the miraculous in the harbor of "safety". Columbus had to leave safety to experience the greatness of the discovery of a new land.
I am not saying to run out and act like you have zeal. I am talking about getting in touch with God again in the sphere of expectancy. Dare to believe that He wants to use you and/or your group beyond your past or present, as good as it may have been. Be willing to walk through the plains of discomfort in order to discover the heights of accomplishment. Start by "drawing near to God" and see that he will "draw near to you". Then, listen...listen like you haven't in a long time. Expect him to speak to you. When God speaks new fresh things by His Spirit, Zeal always accompanies those fresh revelations. Then be willing to declare what you have heard and watch your group run with zeal just as the armies of Israel were activated by the zeal of David.
More often than not, I give warnings about the dangers of zeal. Zeal always, always needs to be balanced with wisdom. It seems that younger leaders are filled with zeal and older leaders are filled with wisdom. Of course there are exceptions to both of these. I know some where the characteristics are certainly reversed. I also understand that there is much Biblical admonition to gain wisdom and I totally align myself with this pursuit. HOWEVER, when wisdom has been gained nothing of value will be accomplished without zeal. I was once told that a battleship could be pushed by one man standing on a dock if the ship was already moving and momentum was occurring. Momentum is often activated by zeal. When King David acted as a simple shepherd boy against the giant Goliath, his zeal activated an otherwise stalled military effort of King Saul. Zeal is such a force of influence. Of course true Christian zeal is not an effort or a decision so much as it is a human response to an inner zeal called the "zeal of the Lord". It is the zeal of Jesus within us that activates and at times explodes to get things off dead center.
You may find yourself today in just such a place of neutrality. Things are safe but benign. "Safe" is not a place where creative things happen. There is little possibility for the miraculous in the harbor of "safety". Columbus had to leave safety to experience the greatness of the discovery of a new land.
I am not saying to run out and act like you have zeal. I am talking about getting in touch with God again in the sphere of expectancy. Dare to believe that He wants to use you and/or your group beyond your past or present, as good as it may have been. Be willing to walk through the plains of discomfort in order to discover the heights of accomplishment. Start by "drawing near to God" and see that he will "draw near to you". Then, listen...listen like you haven't in a long time. Expect him to speak to you. When God speaks new fresh things by His Spirit, Zeal always accompanies those fresh revelations. Then be willing to declare what you have heard and watch your group run with zeal just as the armies of Israel were activated by the zeal of David.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Spirit Directed Ministry
One of the things that can be easily lost in the daily work of ministry is the fact that we are involved in a supernatural endeavor. We are not working in the mundane world limited by human abilities. We have a power within us that leads, guides, empowers and accomplishes far beyond the frailty of the talents of mortal man. Man can accomplish many things in his own efforts. As as was proven at Babel, combined efforts of men can do most anything. However, when the Holy Spirit is involved in the daily life of the Christian leader, the unbelievable can occur. Many times I have gone through seasons where I felt little was happening. I didn't see or feel much beyond the natural world around me. Then I would look back and see how the hand of God had been "directing my steps" even when I didn't have a clue. That is generally how God works in our lives and minitries. It is human to want to experience the whirlwind, it is divine to reveal Godly direction in the still small voice. I am convinced we often walk over answered prayer on the way to the prayer meeting.
What causes us to be so sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit on one day and so insensitive the next? The problem usually stems from a departure from expectancy. Insensitivity and a lack of expectancy is a faith problem caused by a confidence in our own abilities and/or confidence in our worldly systems and methods. We have been taught to confront problems by surfing the internet for solutions derived from others who have solved the same problems or challenges. The problem here is that we can learn some things from the methods of others but their solutions may only prove to be our detour. Why didn't the "steps to success" that I brought back from the conference in California work in Florida? Because we often forget that God is a God of relationship. While we are totally focused on the destination, He is deeply involved in the daily process. It is His intention that every detail that takes us to the destination or ministry goal is a part of daily intimacy with Him. Too often we find ourselves "working for God, quick to give him all the glory, and yet involving Him very little in the details". The results of such ministry activity is a limited, short-sighted vision, diminished true Kingdom expansion and wearniess to the servant of God. The words of Zechariah scream in my ears on a regular basis: "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord".
One of the things that can be easily lost in the daily work of ministry is the fact that we are involved in a supernatural endeavor. We are not working in the mundane world limited by human abilities. We have a power within us that leads, guides, empowers and accomplishes far beyond the frailty of the talents of mortal man. Man can accomplish many things in his own efforts. As as was proven at Babel, combined efforts of men can do most anything. However, when the Holy Spirit is involved in the daily life of the Christian leader, the unbelievable can occur. Many times I have gone through seasons where I felt little was happening. I didn't see or feel much beyond the natural world around me. Then I would look back and see how the hand of God had been "directing my steps" even when I didn't have a clue. That is generally how God works in our lives and minitries. It is human to want to experience the whirlwind, it is divine to reveal Godly direction in the still small voice. I am convinced we often walk over answered prayer on the way to the prayer meeting.
What causes us to be so sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit on one day and so insensitive the next? The problem usually stems from a departure from expectancy. Insensitivity and a lack of expectancy is a faith problem caused by a confidence in our own abilities and/or confidence in our worldly systems and methods. We have been taught to confront problems by surfing the internet for solutions derived from others who have solved the same problems or challenges. The problem here is that we can learn some things from the methods of others but their solutions may only prove to be our detour. Why didn't the "steps to success" that I brought back from the conference in California work in Florida? Because we often forget that God is a God of relationship. While we are totally focused on the destination, He is deeply involved in the daily process. It is His intention that every detail that takes us to the destination or ministry goal is a part of daily intimacy with Him. Too often we find ourselves "working for God, quick to give him all the glory, and yet involving Him very little in the details". The results of such ministry activity is a limited, short-sighted vision, diminished true Kingdom expansion and wearniess to the servant of God. The words of Zechariah scream in my ears on a regular basis: "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord".
Monday, April 13, 2009
Perplexed By A False Call
The thought of the Call of God is a mysterious phenomenon. When we examine the Scripture we understand that every Christian has a call as a priest of God. I Peter 2:9 tells us, “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” This is a call and confirmation to every believer that they are a minister of the Lord. Yet, there are those whom the Lord specifically calls and requires to leave their secular work and worldly ambitions to pursue the full time work of the ministry and to even earn their living by the ministry of the Gospel. Many people don’t know that the Bible speaks of those who are required to earn their living through the ministry. Some in ignorance actually criticize ministers receiving income from the ministry. However, Paul writes, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (1Co 9:14)
Since there are those who are targeted by the Lord to fill these ministry roles there are also those who are not. That doesn’t mean that those who are not called to this ministry function are less anointed, they just fill a different need. It would be just as wrong for a person who is not called in this way, to try to make it happen, as it would be for one called to not follow the call. In Mark 5 we are told of the wonderful account where Jesus sets the man filled with demons free. What a powerful testimony? How many of us in ministry would not call this man to follow us for PR purposes and to validate our ministry? Yet, Jesus did not allow him to follow him in full time ministry. He actually sent him home. Here is what Mark writes of the event:
Mar 5:18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."
Bible College towns are filled with those who have been called by friends, preachers and mothers, but not by Jesus. They avoid careers and work at menial tasks far below their abilities and often at the expense of their families. Why? They are still waiting on the door to open to the ministry. I believe I can say that most of the time, if the door to ministry hasn’t opened to you after 10-15 years of pursuing it, that door probably isn’t supposed to open. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but not many. You need to face the possibility that Jesus never called you. You might even be chasing a fantasy. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to get you in position. Effort and desire does not a call make.
We need people in the Kingdom of God who will hear this Call and follow Jesus regardless of the sacrifice or cost. We also must have those engaged in society, working in the secular fields, and giving themselves to assist in the expansion of the Kingdom of God in the local church.
I know this is a hard word but no one seems to be willing to suggest to some that it is very possible that they have misunderstood their love and zeal for the Lord. In truth they have spent too much time disengaged rather than engaged because of a false call. In the end, the will of God is all that matters.
The thought of the Call of God is a mysterious phenomenon. When we examine the Scripture we understand that every Christian has a call as a priest of God. I Peter 2:9 tells us, “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” This is a call and confirmation to every believer that they are a minister of the Lord. Yet, there are those whom the Lord specifically calls and requires to leave their secular work and worldly ambitions to pursue the full time work of the ministry and to even earn their living by the ministry of the Gospel. Many people don’t know that the Bible speaks of those who are required to earn their living through the ministry. Some in ignorance actually criticize ministers receiving income from the ministry. However, Paul writes, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (1Co 9:14)
Since there are those who are targeted by the Lord to fill these ministry roles there are also those who are not. That doesn’t mean that those who are not called to this ministry function are less anointed, they just fill a different need. It would be just as wrong for a person who is not called in this way, to try to make it happen, as it would be for one called to not follow the call. In Mark 5 we are told of the wonderful account where Jesus sets the man filled with demons free. What a powerful testimony? How many of us in ministry would not call this man to follow us for PR purposes and to validate our ministry? Yet, Jesus did not allow him to follow him in full time ministry. He actually sent him home. Here is what Mark writes of the event:
Mar 5:18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."
Bible College towns are filled with those who have been called by friends, preachers and mothers, but not by Jesus. They avoid careers and work at menial tasks far below their abilities and often at the expense of their families. Why? They are still waiting on the door to open to the ministry. I believe I can say that most of the time, if the door to ministry hasn’t opened to you after 10-15 years of pursuing it, that door probably isn’t supposed to open. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but not many. You need to face the possibility that Jesus never called you. You might even be chasing a fantasy. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to get you in position. Effort and desire does not a call make.
We need people in the Kingdom of God who will hear this Call and follow Jesus regardless of the sacrifice or cost. We also must have those engaged in society, working in the secular fields, and giving themselves to assist in the expansion of the Kingdom of God in the local church.
I know this is a hard word but no one seems to be willing to suggest to some that it is very possible that they have misunderstood their love and zeal for the Lord. In truth they have spent too much time disengaged rather than engaged because of a false call. In the end, the will of God is all that matters.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Intimacy or Intimidation
It is easy to see why newcomers to the Christian faith might have some struggles trying to understand the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament seems so harsh and demanding while the God of the New Testament seems so loving and forgiving. What’s the deal?
Regardless of how different they may appear, the God of the Old and New are the same God. The Old was a preparation for the New. God, from the beginning of time, wanted to live in intimate relationship with man. When man sinned, that sin was a barricade that kept sinful man from enjoying the presence of a perfectly Holy God. Jesus came and died in man’s place and removed the barricade between God and man. Now through the individual’s acceptance of Jesus, man can come with boldness right into the presence of Father God. It is to be a relationship. For all Christians, that relationship should be one of intimacy. Yet, all too many believers seem to live in a relationship of intimidation rather than intimacy.
The great problem here is that intimidation limits and causes the relationship to remain on a powerless plane. The Christian at this level never moves beyond that first level of introduction. Every time he encounters God, he is uncomfortable and gets little from the experience. On the other hand, a person who has an intimate relationship with the Lord is at peace in God’s presence. That connectivity of intimacy transfers spiritual power that leaves the believer on a higher level than before.
The church was built on a revelation that the Apostle Peter received through that connectivity of intimacy, “thou art the Christ”. Jesus said to him, “flesh and blood did not reveal that to you”. As Christians, we need to move beyond “flesh and blood” Christianity. We need to move beyond only keeping the rules and regulations and enter that place of intimacy with the Jesus.
It is easy to see why newcomers to the Christian faith might have some struggles trying to understand the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament seems so harsh and demanding while the God of the New Testament seems so loving and forgiving. What’s the deal?
Regardless of how different they may appear, the God of the Old and New are the same God. The Old was a preparation for the New. God, from the beginning of time, wanted to live in intimate relationship with man. When man sinned, that sin was a barricade that kept sinful man from enjoying the presence of a perfectly Holy God. Jesus came and died in man’s place and removed the barricade between God and man. Now through the individual’s acceptance of Jesus, man can come with boldness right into the presence of Father God. It is to be a relationship. For all Christians, that relationship should be one of intimacy. Yet, all too many believers seem to live in a relationship of intimidation rather than intimacy.
The great problem here is that intimidation limits and causes the relationship to remain on a powerless plane. The Christian at this level never moves beyond that first level of introduction. Every time he encounters God, he is uncomfortable and gets little from the experience. On the other hand, a person who has an intimate relationship with the Lord is at peace in God’s presence. That connectivity of intimacy transfers spiritual power that leaves the believer on a higher level than before.
The church was built on a revelation that the Apostle Peter received through that connectivity of intimacy, “thou art the Christ”. Jesus said to him, “flesh and blood did not reveal that to you”. As Christians, we need to move beyond “flesh and blood” Christianity. We need to move beyond only keeping the rules and regulations and enter that place of intimacy with the Jesus.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tiffany Back In Dubai!
We put Tiffany on the plane bound for Dubai Tuesday evening! She just emailed me that she is safely in her apartment there. She finished two months of rehab at Project Walk in San Diego. Project Walk is a great place and I highly recommend it to anyone with a spinal cord injury. The two months was very difficult for Tiffany because of the physical strain but also because of the social separation from her friends. However, she made it and has gained much strength and mobility. She can now walk on a walker most of the time, using the wheel chair as little as possible. Her walking is slow but when you consider that 3 months ago she was in a hospital bed paralyzed from the waist down, it is miraculous! Her company has been great in all this and has assured her that she still has a job.
We had a wonderful weekend before she left for Dubai. Scott, Tarah, Lucia and Shane all came home for a long weekend for some much needed family time that was not in the midst of crisis. With the help of Shane and Scott, Tiff was able to Kayak the Withlacoochee River. She was in the kayak over 3 hours. She also rode behind me on my Honda scooter and made a boat ride in the lake. As parents, it was difficult for Teresa and me to see Tiff helped aboard the plane with wheel chair and walker bound for a foreign country. However, she is now 29 years old and determined to make it work.
As a family, we are eternally grateful to all of you for your love, concern, prayers and financial support during this crisis. To date, all bills have been paid in full because of the gracious giving of friends and loved ones. May the Lord return to you multiplied all that you have given. I also give God praise and thanksgiving for all He has done in and through all this. "In everything give thanks..." He is faithful!
Love and Blessings!
L. A.
We put Tiffany on the plane bound for Dubai Tuesday evening! She just emailed me that she is safely in her apartment there. She finished two months of rehab at Project Walk in San Diego. Project Walk is a great place and I highly recommend it to anyone with a spinal cord injury. The two months was very difficult for Tiffany because of the physical strain but also because of the social separation from her friends. However, she made it and has gained much strength and mobility. She can now walk on a walker most of the time, using the wheel chair as little as possible. Her walking is slow but when you consider that 3 months ago she was in a hospital bed paralyzed from the waist down, it is miraculous! Her company has been great in all this and has assured her that she still has a job.
We had a wonderful weekend before she left for Dubai. Scott, Tarah, Lucia and Shane all came home for a long weekend for some much needed family time that was not in the midst of crisis. With the help of Shane and Scott, Tiff was able to Kayak the Withlacoochee River. She was in the kayak over 3 hours. She also rode behind me on my Honda scooter and made a boat ride in the lake. As parents, it was difficult for Teresa and me to see Tiff helped aboard the plane with wheel chair and walker bound for a foreign country. However, she is now 29 years old and determined to make it work.
As a family, we are eternally grateful to all of you for your love, concern, prayers and financial support during this crisis. To date, all bills have been paid in full because of the gracious giving of friends and loved ones. May the Lord return to you multiplied all that you have given. I also give God praise and thanksgiving for all He has done in and through all this. "In everything give thanks..." He is faithful!
Love and Blessings!
L. A.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Don’t be afraid to preach!
A classic Christian bumper sticker says, “Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words”. We certainly get it, we need to be living the Gospel among mankind before we have the right to “preach at him”. Or, it would seem. Yet, for those of us called away from secular work and into the Kingdom building work, a major part of our call involves preaching, and yes with words! Today there seems to be a glut of teaching and a famine of preaching. Oh, I’m not simply talking about talking faster and raising our volume, I’m talking about a declaration of Truth. While teaching is certainly a big part of discipleship, it causes people to ponder and gives them room for consideration. Preaching doesn’t really leave room for comparative religion. By definition, preaching is a heralding, a declaring, publishing and proclaiming truth with no options other than the truth being set forth in the Scripture. Of course we need to make sure what we are “heralding as Truth” is in fact, the Truth of the Bible. It’s tempting to “preach” our pet doctrines but maybe we should leave those to our teaching venues.
In California and other States, there is a movement that is called, “teach don’t preach”. The thinking behind this movement is precisely my point. They are calling for Christians to use our Holidays as opportunities to “teach” our beliefs to those in our communities in a passive, non threatening way. That sounds good. There is even a place for that in our Nation. I like to practice diplomacy and enjoy being known as a peacemaker or one who can communicate without conflict. However, when we bring that thinking alongside the commands of Jesus and the very foundation of our mandate to take the Gospel to all Nations, we quickly discover that to preach is in itself an act of confrontation and demands a decision to be made by the hearer.
The New Testament is especially filled with commands and exhortations to get on with the preaching!
I have noticed in my own ministry that when I have actually abandoned my efforts at self preservation and reputation building, and actually let go and “preached the Good News of the Gospel” without compromise, there came into the room a fresh empowering. I could sense it in my preaching and I saw it settling on the audience. It brings a confrontation between the hearer and God Himself. When Peter was facing charges in Acts chapter 4, his answers to the authorities was not teaching. He was not bargaining for his life or reputation. He declared, he heralded, yes he preached, 11 This is the 'STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED BY YOU BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." That is preaching!
Paul challenges Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 by saying, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Timothy had a problem of timidity. Then later in this letter Paul gets down to some specifics of Timothy’s struggles when he says in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach The Word”! It is time to preach. Don’t be afraid to preach!
A classic Christian bumper sticker says, “Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words”. We certainly get it, we need to be living the Gospel among mankind before we have the right to “preach at him”. Or, it would seem. Yet, for those of us called away from secular work and into the Kingdom building work, a major part of our call involves preaching, and yes with words! Today there seems to be a glut of teaching and a famine of preaching. Oh, I’m not simply talking about talking faster and raising our volume, I’m talking about a declaration of Truth. While teaching is certainly a big part of discipleship, it causes people to ponder and gives them room for consideration. Preaching doesn’t really leave room for comparative religion. By definition, preaching is a heralding, a declaring, publishing and proclaiming truth with no options other than the truth being set forth in the Scripture. Of course we need to make sure what we are “heralding as Truth” is in fact, the Truth of the Bible. It’s tempting to “preach” our pet doctrines but maybe we should leave those to our teaching venues.
In California and other States, there is a movement that is called, “teach don’t preach”. The thinking behind this movement is precisely my point. They are calling for Christians to use our Holidays as opportunities to “teach” our beliefs to those in our communities in a passive, non threatening way. That sounds good. There is even a place for that in our Nation. I like to practice diplomacy and enjoy being known as a peacemaker or one who can communicate without conflict. However, when we bring that thinking alongside the commands of Jesus and the very foundation of our mandate to take the Gospel to all Nations, we quickly discover that to preach is in itself an act of confrontation and demands a decision to be made by the hearer.
The New Testament is especially filled with commands and exhortations to get on with the preaching!
I have noticed in my own ministry that when I have actually abandoned my efforts at self preservation and reputation building, and actually let go and “preached the Good News of the Gospel” without compromise, there came into the room a fresh empowering. I could sense it in my preaching and I saw it settling on the audience. It brings a confrontation between the hearer and God Himself. When Peter was facing charges in Acts chapter 4, his answers to the authorities was not teaching. He was not bargaining for his life or reputation. He declared, he heralded, yes he preached, 11 This is the 'STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED BY YOU BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." That is preaching!
Paul challenges Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 by saying, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Timothy had a problem of timidity. Then later in this letter Paul gets down to some specifics of Timothy’s struggles when he says in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach The Word”! It is time to preach. Don’t be afraid to preach!
Monday, March 16, 2009
How To Take A Vacation
Mark 6: 30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.31 And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
Webster defines the word vacation as: 1. “leisure time away from work; devoted to rest or pleasure. 2. “a period of absence from work for recreation”. “Recreation” - The act of recreating, or the state of being recreated; refreshment of the strength and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion; sport; pastime.
I. Signs of the need for a vacation:
A. Decision-making becomes difficult (both major and minor kinds).
B. Excessive daydreaming or fantasizing about "getting away from it all."
C. The use of medications just to cope on a daily basis.
D. Thoughts trail off while speaking or writing.
E. Excessive worrying about everything.
F. Sudden outbursts of temper and hostility
G. Paranoid ideas and mistrust of friends and family.
H. Forgetfulness regarding appointments, deadlines, dates.
I. Frequent feelings of defeat and inadequacy.
J. Change in your normal behavior.
II. Personal Characteristics That Brought You To The Crisis
A. Plans day unrealistically
B. First to arrive, last to leave work
C. Always in a hurry
D. Makes no plan for relaxation or recreation
E. Feels guilty about doing anything other than work
F. Sees unforeseen problem as a setback or disaster
G. Is always thinking about several other things when working/Can’t
remain focused.
III. Making Vacations Happen
A. Make vacations a part of your annual planning.
B. Budget in vacations well in advance.
C. Be realistic about your venue.
D. Make a vacation long enough to get past the threshold of relaxation.
E. Plan a vacation that will work best for your family.
F. Don’t over plan your vacation.
G. Leave you cell phone, laptop and beeper at home. (Yes, really!)
H. Plan ahead so that when you leave your job, you leave your work.
I. Learn how to vacation.
J. Take Jesus on vacation with you. (Not your job, and there is a difference)
K. Show this to your mate and ask them to grade you on it! (I just added this at the last moment.)
Closing: Ex. 20: 8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
Mark 6: 30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.31 And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
Webster defines the word vacation as: 1. “leisure time away from work; devoted to rest or pleasure. 2. “a period of absence from work for recreation”. “Recreation” - The act of recreating, or the state of being recreated; refreshment of the strength and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion; sport; pastime.
I. Signs of the need for a vacation:
A. Decision-making becomes difficult (both major and minor kinds).
B. Excessive daydreaming or fantasizing about "getting away from it all."
C. The use of medications just to cope on a daily basis.
D. Thoughts trail off while speaking or writing.
E. Excessive worrying about everything.
F. Sudden outbursts of temper and hostility
G. Paranoid ideas and mistrust of friends and family.
H. Forgetfulness regarding appointments, deadlines, dates.
I. Frequent feelings of defeat and inadequacy.
J. Change in your normal behavior.
II. Personal Characteristics That Brought You To The Crisis
A. Plans day unrealistically
B. First to arrive, last to leave work
C. Always in a hurry
D. Makes no plan for relaxation or recreation
E. Feels guilty about doing anything other than work
F. Sees unforeseen problem as a setback or disaster
G. Is always thinking about several other things when working/Can’t
remain focused.
III. Making Vacations Happen
A. Make vacations a part of your annual planning.
B. Budget in vacations well in advance.
C. Be realistic about your venue.
D. Make a vacation long enough to get past the threshold of relaxation.
E. Plan a vacation that will work best for your family.
F. Don’t over plan your vacation.
G. Leave you cell phone, laptop and beeper at home. (Yes, really!)
H. Plan ahead so that when you leave your job, you leave your work.
I. Learn how to vacation.
J. Take Jesus on vacation with you. (Not your job, and there is a difference)
K. Show this to your mate and ask them to grade you on it! (I just added this at the last moment.)
Closing: Ex. 20: 8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Focus
There's an old saying that says, "you can't be two places at once". Another thought like that is, "you can't get to a destination if you are looking in two directions". Focus is a hard thing to maintain, especially in a shaking world. I was taking a tennis lesson years ago from a Pro and after we hit a few balls, he called me to the net and said, "you aren't watching the ball". I said, "certainly I am watching the ball because I am hitting it back to you". He reminded me that there are different levels of focus. One level is seeing the ball but there is deeper level of focus where you see only a part of the ball. In baseball, an average high school hitter sees the ball coming to the plate and sees the stadium as the backdrop. A college player sees the ball as a back drop and sees the stitches spinning as the ball approaches. The great Ted Williams is said to have had the ability to see writing on the ball rushing toward him. As I learned to focus on the tennis ball at a deeper level, I found that my shots became more powerful , more crisp and were more difficult to return by my opponent. As leaders we can't have a casual approach to the Christian life and to leadership in particular. We must get clear as to what we are called to be and what it is that we want to accomplish. What are we wanting to produce in those we are leading. As we see it more clearly and with greater intensity, we will find that our work is much more powerful and our fruit will increase. The question is asked of a leader in Scripture, "how long halt ye between two opinions"? Another case was Moses at the Red Sea. There is a time to hesitate in order to be sure. There are also times when hesitating will cause failure. Let me encourage you to hear this word today. If you are struggling with indecision, get before the Lord in prayer. Hear what it is that he is saying to you. Then, when you hear it, focus on that direction. Don't let anything or anyone cause you to waver from what "He said". Remember, Jesus set his face to Jerusalem and would not be distracted from his focus on his mission.
There's an old saying that says, "you can't be two places at once". Another thought like that is, "you can't get to a destination if you are looking in two directions". Focus is a hard thing to maintain, especially in a shaking world. I was taking a tennis lesson years ago from a Pro and after we hit a few balls, he called me to the net and said, "you aren't watching the ball". I said, "certainly I am watching the ball because I am hitting it back to you". He reminded me that there are different levels of focus. One level is seeing the ball but there is deeper level of focus where you see only a part of the ball. In baseball, an average high school hitter sees the ball coming to the plate and sees the stadium as the backdrop. A college player sees the ball as a back drop and sees the stitches spinning as the ball approaches. The great Ted Williams is said to have had the ability to see writing on the ball rushing toward him. As I learned to focus on the tennis ball at a deeper level, I found that my shots became more powerful , more crisp and were more difficult to return by my opponent. As leaders we can't have a casual approach to the Christian life and to leadership in particular. We must get clear as to what we are called to be and what it is that we want to accomplish. What are we wanting to produce in those we are leading. As we see it more clearly and with greater intensity, we will find that our work is much more powerful and our fruit will increase. The question is asked of a leader in Scripture, "how long halt ye between two opinions"? Another case was Moses at the Red Sea. There is a time to hesitate in order to be sure. There are also times when hesitating will cause failure. Let me encourage you to hear this word today. If you are struggling with indecision, get before the Lord in prayer. Hear what it is that he is saying to you. Then, when you hear it, focus on that direction. Don't let anything or anyone cause you to waver from what "He said". Remember, Jesus set his face to Jerusalem and would not be distracted from his focus on his mission.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Stranded in Denver!
I just finished 10 days of wonderful ministry in South Dakota. I flew out this morning with great excitement about getting home! I flew out of Rapid City this morning with snow and ice on the ground but without incident. I arrived in Denver and all was good only to find out that my flight delay problems were not in Denver as one might expect, but in Atlanta! As of now I am schedule to get home in 2 days!!!! I guess there are worse places to be stranded but when you want to get home, nowhere is a good place to be stranded.
South Dakota Ministry
I ministered at Dove Christian Center in Rapid City last Sunday twice. Pastor Gary Johnson is the founder/pastor there. It was a great day with the Lord touching lives and encouraging all of us. Monday I met with the Pastor and Elders of Dove Christian Center for about 4 hours. I give oversight to Dove and have been going there for over 20 years now. I flew out early the next morning for my 2 day trip to San Diego to see Tiffany. (See Tiffany Joiner Updates) I flew back from San Diego on Thursday changing planes in Denver. This is the 4th time I have been in the Denver airport on this trip! When I took off from Denver it was 65 degrees and sunny. An hour later we landed in Rapid City in 12 degrees and it was snowing. We left Friday morning for the Mighty Men's Advance in the Black Hills. When we drove through town the temp was "ZERO"! The Advance was a gathering of Professional Rodeo Cowboys from Texas to Colorado and other men from the here in the West. Timothy Stuen is an ex-bull rider turned preacher. He leads this event each year. The weather didn't stop this group. There were outside games of all kinds in the snow and ice with temps hoovering around 10-12. The meetings were powerful and filled with the enthusiam you might expect from men who practice a profession that only gives them 8 seconds to perform.(Bull Riding). It was fast paced, action packed and anointed by the Holy Spirit. The spiritual momentum grew with each service with men being saved, delivered and filled with the Holy Spirit. It was a powerful time. I enjoyed preaching to such a wild bunch!
It is obvious as I travel that there is a new generation being raised up that is hungry for God and zealous to serve the Lord with all their hearts. The other exciting part of all this is that there is a connection taking place between the young and the old. That is my burden of this hour. I want to see a smooth transfer of the baton from the older to the younger without a disconnect of the older. I see it happening in many places as spiritual fathers and sons are seeing great fruit.
Longing For Home In Denver!
LAJ
I just finished 10 days of wonderful ministry in South Dakota. I flew out this morning with great excitement about getting home! I flew out of Rapid City this morning with snow and ice on the ground but without incident. I arrived in Denver and all was good only to find out that my flight delay problems were not in Denver as one might expect, but in Atlanta! As of now I am schedule to get home in 2 days!!!! I guess there are worse places to be stranded but when you want to get home, nowhere is a good place to be stranded.
South Dakota Ministry
I ministered at Dove Christian Center in Rapid City last Sunday twice. Pastor Gary Johnson is the founder/pastor there. It was a great day with the Lord touching lives and encouraging all of us. Monday I met with the Pastor and Elders of Dove Christian Center for about 4 hours. I give oversight to Dove and have been going there for over 20 years now. I flew out early the next morning for my 2 day trip to San Diego to see Tiffany. (See Tiffany Joiner Updates) I flew back from San Diego on Thursday changing planes in Denver. This is the 4th time I have been in the Denver airport on this trip! When I took off from Denver it was 65 degrees and sunny. An hour later we landed in Rapid City in 12 degrees and it was snowing. We left Friday morning for the Mighty Men's Advance in the Black Hills. When we drove through town the temp was "ZERO"! The Advance was a gathering of Professional Rodeo Cowboys from Texas to Colorado and other men from the here in the West. Timothy Stuen is an ex-bull rider turned preacher. He leads this event each year. The weather didn't stop this group. There were outside games of all kinds in the snow and ice with temps hoovering around 10-12. The meetings were powerful and filled with the enthusiam you might expect from men who practice a profession that only gives them 8 seconds to perform.(Bull Riding). It was fast paced, action packed and anointed by the Holy Spirit. The spiritual momentum grew with each service with men being saved, delivered and filled with the Holy Spirit. It was a powerful time. I enjoyed preaching to such a wild bunch!
It is obvious as I travel that there is a new generation being raised up that is hungry for God and zealous to serve the Lord with all their hearts. The other exciting part of all this is that there is a connection taking place between the young and the old. That is my burden of this hour. I want to see a smooth transfer of the baton from the older to the younger without a disconnect of the older. I see it happening in many places as spiritual fathers and sons are seeing great fruit.
Longing For Home In Denver!
LAJ
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Transferred Guilt
"I know you wouldn't want your wife to know about...". Those were the words I heard over the phone many, many years ago as a voice from my past was trying to manipulate my future. Thank God I was able to say, "come on over and we will discuss it with her!" The attack ended. Guilt is a very powerful tool of manipulation. The goal of manipulation is to move you away from God's plan toward some lesser purpose and finally cause you to be immobilzed completely. Of course, my attack was from a real situation from my past. Bringing our sins to Jesus and doing our part to be reconciled to those whom we may have hurt releases us from guilt and shame. There are other kinds of manipulation from guilt that are not as obvious but just as limiting. People who don't know how to handle their own guilt or who are unwilling to assume responsibility for their own mistakes will try to transfer that guilt to others. I call this transferred guilt. Children seem to come into the world knowing how to do this. It is easy for Christians to receive this transferred guilt believing that is what they are supposed to do as Christians from a desire to be nice or sweet. If Christ has set us free from sin and the effects of sin, then it is an affront to the work of Jesus to allow ourselves to come under the power of guilt in any form. The Lord has designed us to live, work and minister in an atmosphere of freedom. Jesus said in Luke 4 that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him to proclaim Liberty to the captives. That liberty was purchases with his own blood so that you and I might live and minister in the perfect liberty of Christ. The world is waiting for us to live and minister out of that freedom and release that freedom to others.
"I know you wouldn't want your wife to know about...". Those were the words I heard over the phone many, many years ago as a voice from my past was trying to manipulate my future. Thank God I was able to say, "come on over and we will discuss it with her!" The attack ended. Guilt is a very powerful tool of manipulation. The goal of manipulation is to move you away from God's plan toward some lesser purpose and finally cause you to be immobilzed completely. Of course, my attack was from a real situation from my past. Bringing our sins to Jesus and doing our part to be reconciled to those whom we may have hurt releases us from guilt and shame. There are other kinds of manipulation from guilt that are not as obvious but just as limiting. People who don't know how to handle their own guilt or who are unwilling to assume responsibility for their own mistakes will try to transfer that guilt to others. I call this transferred guilt. Children seem to come into the world knowing how to do this. It is easy for Christians to receive this transferred guilt believing that is what they are supposed to do as Christians from a desire to be nice or sweet. If Christ has set us free from sin and the effects of sin, then it is an affront to the work of Jesus to allow ourselves to come under the power of guilt in any form. The Lord has designed us to live, work and minister in an atmosphere of freedom. Jesus said in Luke 4 that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him to proclaim Liberty to the captives. That liberty was purchases with his own blood so that you and I might live and minister in the perfect liberty of Christ. The world is waiting for us to live and minister out of that freedom and release that freedom to others.
Today
Nothing can sabbatoge today more than regrets from the past and fears regarding the future. To make matters worse, our concerns aren't without cause. We have made mistakes in the past and life patterns suggest that our future may be affected once again. One of the primary lessons of Jesus was to exhort us to live in today. Most leaders understand God's forgiveness. The problem lies in forgiving themselves and releasing the past. The problem of moving on into today with clarity is usually one of a lack of forgiving ourselves or the perceived guilt from others. It is impossible to walk in the success that God intends with these anchors to our past. I saw one Bible School graduate poison his future because he couldn't seem to get beyond his failures as a Christian. It's one thing to get beyond sins of youth, but more difficult to release our sins as a follower of Christ. The wonderful thing about redemption is that the Blood of Jesus is just as powerful forgiving our future as much as our past.
While in Dubai for a month, Teresa and I seemed to experience a new level of "living in today". Circumstances were out of our control. We were helpless in our own efforts to change anything. Our only peace was found in learning the secret of Jesus in living in today. You may be trapped in the swamp of yesterday or immobilized by the "what ifs" of tomorrow. Let them go! It not only is all you can do, it is what you should and must do! A refusal to not trust the Blood of Jesus is an affront to God and a sick kind of pride that says, "the Blood of Jesus forgives all sins but mine". Go ahead and jump into the flowing fountain of the Blood of Jesus with abandon. It is in that abandon that you will find courage and strength to not only face the future, but be the leader the Lord intends you to be.
Mat 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow...
Nothing can sabbatoge today more than regrets from the past and fears regarding the future. To make matters worse, our concerns aren't without cause. We have made mistakes in the past and life patterns suggest that our future may be affected once again. One of the primary lessons of Jesus was to exhort us to live in today. Most leaders understand God's forgiveness. The problem lies in forgiving themselves and releasing the past. The problem of moving on into today with clarity is usually one of a lack of forgiving ourselves or the perceived guilt from others. It is impossible to walk in the success that God intends with these anchors to our past. I saw one Bible School graduate poison his future because he couldn't seem to get beyond his failures as a Christian. It's one thing to get beyond sins of youth, but more difficult to release our sins as a follower of Christ. The wonderful thing about redemption is that the Blood of Jesus is just as powerful forgiving our future as much as our past.
While in Dubai for a month, Teresa and I seemed to experience a new level of "living in today". Circumstances were out of our control. We were helpless in our own efforts to change anything. Our only peace was found in learning the secret of Jesus in living in today. You may be trapped in the swamp of yesterday or immobilized by the "what ifs" of tomorrow. Let them go! It not only is all you can do, it is what you should and must do! A refusal to not trust the Blood of Jesus is an affront to God and a sick kind of pride that says, "the Blood of Jesus forgives all sins but mine". Go ahead and jump into the flowing fountain of the Blood of Jesus with abandon. It is in that abandon that you will find courage and strength to not only face the future, but be the leader the Lord intends you to be.
Mat 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Serve No Wine Before Its Time!
A number of years ago there was an ad for a wine company that said something like, "we will serve no wine before it's time". They were saying that they would allow the wine to age to it's best potential before offering it to the public. Maybe those of us who are preacher/teachers should take note of this. When we get a new revelation there is tremendous pressure to "preach it" at our next opportunity. The best sermons come from our own life experience. Think of a preacher speaking and how it affects you if he says, "so and so says" versus, "I have experienced". It has a totally different impact. People love personal stories. We need to learn to be better story tellers. To do so requires a willingness to be transparent and a willingness to be the object of our jokes, often times. The result will be a richer connection with your audience.
Now, the waiting part. Just as wine matures with age, so do life lessons and sermons. You can have a true revelation from heaven. It may have come while showering or it may have come from the depths of a traumatic experience. Regardless, it will sweeten with age. In truth, it may never have been intended for public consumption. It may be just between you and the Lord. But if it is for sharing, put it aside in a "sermon garden" and let it grow. Let the warm sun of time shine upon it and the rain of meditation water it. Let the process of your own healing and maturity feed it. Examine it from different facets and it will become richer and richer with time. When it is delivered, the impact will be multiplied many times over by allowing it to age in the cellar of your heart. If you do it right, Jesus will be seen in the forefront and you will be in the shadows.
A number of years ago there was an ad for a wine company that said something like, "we will serve no wine before it's time". They were saying that they would allow the wine to age to it's best potential before offering it to the public. Maybe those of us who are preacher/teachers should take note of this. When we get a new revelation there is tremendous pressure to "preach it" at our next opportunity. The best sermons come from our own life experience. Think of a preacher speaking and how it affects you if he says, "so and so says" versus, "I have experienced". It has a totally different impact. People love personal stories. We need to learn to be better story tellers. To do so requires a willingness to be transparent and a willingness to be the object of our jokes, often times. The result will be a richer connection with your audience.
Now, the waiting part. Just as wine matures with age, so do life lessons and sermons. You can have a true revelation from heaven. It may have come while showering or it may have come from the depths of a traumatic experience. Regardless, it will sweeten with age. In truth, it may never have been intended for public consumption. It may be just between you and the Lord. But if it is for sharing, put it aside in a "sermon garden" and let it grow. Let the warm sun of time shine upon it and the rain of meditation water it. Let the process of your own healing and maturity feed it. Examine it from different facets and it will become richer and richer with time. When it is delivered, the impact will be multiplied many times over by allowing it to age in the cellar of your heart. If you do it right, Jesus will be seen in the forefront and you will be in the shadows.
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