daveroddyonline

Farewell Blogger

2012-01-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

I know I have a small handful of friends that read this. So I've made a decision. Rather than give up totally sharing my thoughts on what God is doing in my life and ministry, I've decided to use a bigger platform where I'm connected with more people.

It's not an ego thing believe me. I'll probably get 'unfriended' for some of the stuff I write by more than a few people. But since I rarely check in here anymore, and since more of my friends and acquaintances have access to me on Facebook, I'm going to be doing most of my writing and thought sharing there in the form of notes.

I'll try to be a little more consistent, and keep following the Daily Bible Reading Plan that you can find at www.alivecc.com.

If you're not on Facebook and want to keep up, get a FB account and find me at http://www.facebook.com/droddy

I'll set my notes to public, so even if you don't want to join, you'll have access to them

Kingdom Prayers

2011-09-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago as part of my sermon series Confessions of a Pastor, I confessed that I don't always know how to pray. You know those times when you're rendered speechless and helpless by the way that life comes at you. When your child has been injured. When you get bad news from a doctor. When you're in the pit of despair.

In today's reading from Ephesians 6, at the end of his instructions to the Church at Ephesus on preparing for spiritual battle, Paul tells them to pray. They are to pray on every occasion; alertly and for God's people.

Paul also asks them to pray for him. What really got my attention in this bit of instruction was HOW Paul asked them to pray for him, especially considering that he was in prison as he wrote this letter. He did not ask them to pray for his release. He did not ask them to pray for his safety. He did not ask them to pray for him to have favor with his captors.

He asked them to pray for his witness for Christ to be effective: Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. - vv. 19&20

This is what I call a Kingdom Prayer. Paul wasn't concerned with his own well being. His primary concern in asking for prayer, on this occasion, was for those who didn't yet know Jesus and that he would have an opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

The only time I've ever been in a prison is to visit inmates that I knew (yep, those are the kinds of people I hang out with sometimes). It's a tense place. There are rarely few ministry situations in which I'm not comfortable - I can preach in front of hundreds without being nervous; I can go right into an ICU and pray with a patient or family; and I have preached many funerals. Each situation is different, but I can't say I've ever been unnerved by much in ministry. Except when I visit somebody in prison.

Just getting in is a challenge. You've got to get an ID. You've got to sign in and leave all of your belongings at the front window. Jail guards are BIG (and I'm a pretty big guy myself) and generally don't have a pleasant disposition or want to make small talk. And when you're in, you're in. Even though you're protected by bulletproof glass and speaking through a phone to somebody sitting on the other side, the eyes of dozens of inmates are penetrating and unnerving. You don't know what they're in for. You don't know if they want to beat you up or kill you. Not a fun place to be.

I say all of that to say, I don't think I could ask what Paul asked for if I was in prison. But you see, Paul had been through so much before, and would go through so much more. This was really nothing to him. He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he was never in place where the power of God couldn't just sustain Him, but also be made evident in his life.

And that's the challenge for those of us that want to become people that pray Kingdom Prayers. Even in the midst of horrible circumstances, are we so confident in the resurrection power of Jesus that our greatest desire would be to proclaim the Gospel "fearlessly, as I should?"

Does God want me to be poor?

2011-08-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

To hear some Christians talk, you'd think the ultimate in Christian living is to be in poverty. I understand that simplicity is a good thing - eliminating things from your life that you don't really need or things that take your focus off of Jesus. But I have a really hard time reading the Bible and coming to the conclusion that God wants people to be poor.

Some people choose a life of poverty for noble reasons. So that they can be missionaries in foreign lands. So that they can live among the "least of these." So that they are not tempted by materialism.

But it's interesting to read story after story in the Bible of how God blesses faithful people with money and material things. This certainly should not be our expectation in following Jesus, but we shouldn't expect poverty either.

In today's reading from Proverbs 21:20, God's Word says this: The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.

Wealthy people are certainly capable of achieving their means in sinful ways. Just check the news to see about the latest Ponzi scheme or corporate CEO that got rich off of deceit and sin. But financial wealth and luxury also comes with wisdom, which is what the whole Book of Proverbs is about - living wisely and honoring God in all that we do.

Wealth does not HAVE to equal greed and conceit. Both of my brothers are really, really smart guys and have used their wisdom to make nice careers for themselves. They have probably already made more than I will make in a lifetime of ministry. I have good friends that pay cash for everything and don't have any debts. They have used their wisdom and strong work ethics to honor God and achieve wealth and luxury.

What differentiates them though is that they realize ALL that they have is from God. They live very comfortably, but they are also very Kingdom-minded people. They invest in Kingdom causes. They use their wisdom and experience in their churches for the benefit of thousands of people. They not only give generously, they LIVE generously. They don't hoard their wealth, but they spread it around and realize that they are stewards of what they've been given.

In Acts 2, one of the hallmarks of the earliest believers was their generosity. The Word says that they gave to others who were in need, and everybody's needs were met. Yet we're not told that anybody had to live in poverty, or that their financial wealth had diminished.

I believe these words in Proverbs. I believe that God honors those who are wise and work hard with wealth and luxury. God did that for people in Scripture, and He continues to do it today. You don't ever have to apologize for what God has given you, unless you've earned it through illicit means. Instead be thankful that God has given you wisdom, ability and skills to make money and enjoy life. And realize that He has given these things to you so that you can bless others.

I just wanna do what I wanna do

2011-08-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

When my daughter Anna was 3 or 4 one of her favorite phrases was, "I just wanna do what I wanna do." She's 10 now and it's been quite awhile since I've heard her say that. But it was at once hilarious and maddening to hear her say that.

If you have kids, you know the situation. They say or do something that absolutely cracks you up - you are laughing your butt off, but trying not to let them see you laughing your butt off. And through the laugh, trying to put on your best stern face and offer correction or discipline. Even though she hasn't said that in many years, she still lives like it sometimes.

Unfortunately, many adults live with that attitude. For followers of Jesus Christ, there's a real tension in that way of thinking. On one hand, we're recipients of grace and we know that we are no longer subject to some of the strict demands of the Old Testament law. And we convince ourselves that some behaviors are OK some of the time, as long as nobody sees or finds out. Because after all, we know that we can be forgiven.

On the other hand, what Jesus requires of us is to live above and beyond the law. Grace brings incredible freedom, but not everything that we do is beneficial to us or to others, even though it may not explicitly be sinful.

The apostle Paul was addressing that in 1 Corinthians 10:14-35. In v.v. 23& 24 he says, "You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others."

In these passages, Paul was addressing an issue specific to the Corinthians - whether or not they could eat food that had been sacrificed to idols and false gods, or food that had been previously forbidden under Old Testament dietary laws. Thank God we're allowed to eat bacon now!!!

But his instruction here has broader application for all of us today. Simply put, the question we should be asking ourselves is this: "Is there some pattern of behavior in my life, or some specific thing I do, that is not really sin, but in some way could cause an un-believer to stumble or be turned off to the message of the Gospel?"

Many pastors and Christians use these passages in reference to the use of alcohol among Christians. Throughout Scripture, we find God's people using wine in everyday life and in celebrations and feasts that are in honor of God's goodness and faithfulness. Alcohol is not forbidden, and its use in moderation can be godly and righteous. But what message are you sending when you drink?

This was always a tough one for me when I was in youth ministry. We'd often go to parties, dinners or gatherings where alcohol was being served and kids from my youth ministry were present. I like beer. I like wine. And I drink both. But there was a point somewhere along the line where I realized that consuming alcohol in front of kids was not good for my ministry. Many of them struggled with the pressure to drink, and I reasoned that if they saw their youth pastor drinking, there must not be any harm in them drinking. They didn't know if I was having my first beer or my tenth (by the way, I've never had 10 beers at once.).

I am permitted to drink alcohol, but it is not always beneficial to others to see me drinking alcohol. Not only kids, but adults I knew that struggled to handle alcohol responsibly and in a godly way.

It's not just a matter of alcohol. It's about our words. It's about our attitudes. It's about our work ethic. It's about the way that we love and offer forgiveness.

In v.v. 31-33 Paul concludes by saying, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentilesor the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved."

That's some big picture thinking there. You see, Paul knew that his purpose in life was first of all to bring glory to God in everything that he said and did, and secondly to do whatever he could to reach those far from God. So Paul didn't put unnecessary demands on people to obey the law, but by the same token he used his freedom in Christ for the benefit of those that didn't know him.

So evaluate your public life. What do the people in your life that don't know Jesus see when they look at you? Are you causing them to stumble by burdening them with unrealistic expectations? Are you causing them to stumble by participating in something that they struggle with? Let's all "do what is best for others so that many may be saved." And in that, we'll honor God and live for his glory.

Confident or Cocky?

2011-08-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Thinking back to my football playing days in high school, I remember one of the things Coach Rovesti always told us - "Be confident but not cocky."

What's the difference?

Confidence comes from knowing that you're prepared, and that you've done everything that you can to do your very best. But it also means that you realize the outcome might not be favorable. Not that you expect to fail, but when things are tougher than you thought, you can dig a little deeper.

Cockiness comes from thinking that your talent and ability trumps preparation and hard work. You can just show up and dominate. When things are tougher than a cocky person thinks, he usually quits.

Paul is talking about a similar deal in Romans 15 in our daily reading today.

In closing out his letter to the Romans he says this in v.v. 17-19:
So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit.In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.

Paul is confident in his life and ministry.

He's clearly excited about the fruit of his ministry (I have reason to be enthusiastic)
He knows that what has happened is a result of what the power of Jesus has done (I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me).
He worked hard among the Gentiles - having confidence that his blood, sweat and tears in the name of Jesus would yield fruit. And it did - ". . . bringing the Gentiles to God."
And Paul did all that he could (. . . I have fully presented the Good News of Christ

When we are confident in what God wants to do through us, there should be excitement and enthusiasm. We should expect that Jesus is going to change lives. We should expect that our lives bear fruit. And we should do all that we can to share the Good News.

Are you truly confident in the work you're doing for God? Or do you do it out of compulsion, fear or cockiness? Are you afraid that God might "get you" if you don't work for him? Are you working for God to build your own name and reputation? Because both show an extreme lack of confidence.

Figure out what God has called you to do for His Kingdom. Whether it's teaching, preaching, leading, serving behind the scenes or something else. And do it with confidence in the power of Jesus working through you. Know that God can and will use you to bring people to faith in Christ. Watch your confidence in God, and in your life and ministry, begin to soar and watch lives change for eternity all around you.

Will Anybody Care?

2011-07-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

One of the Senior Pastors I worked with during my time in youth ministry told me a very sad story once. There was a very wealthy man in his church, who was a widower. The dude was filthy rich - tens of millions in personal assets. But he was an absolute miser. Cheapest guy you'd ever meet, and he never did anything for anybody.

The man was a member of my pastor's previous church, and had stipulated in his will that my pastor perform the funeral. Now, I've been to and officiated at small funerals. Usually, it's by design. Sometimes it's because the deceased has outlived most of their friends and some of their children.

One person came to this man's funeral - his lawyer. Not his kids. Not his grandkids. No relatives. No friends. Just his lawyer. Apparently, nobody cared that this man died. Well, other than his lawyer and the pastor.

Sad story isn't it? Mind-blowing for sure. How could a person live such a life that nobody cared if you were dead? Apparently, if you're a self-absorbed, miserly millionaire, you can ensure that nobody will care.

In today's reading from 2 Chronicles 21:20, we read about the death of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram: "Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. No one was sorry when he died. They buried him in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery."

A king dies, and nobody is sorry about it. Nobody cares. He didn't even have enough clout to get buried in the royal cemetery. Usually, even when a corrupt person dies, SOMEBODY will care. His cronies. The people whose palms he's greased. The next in line. But nobody cared.

Jehoram had an opportunity to continue building on the Godly legacy of his father Jehoshaphat. But he chose evil instead. V.6 tells us that he was as wicked as the Kings of Israel, including Ahab, whom I talked about yesterday. He received an incredible inheritance from his father, but he killed all of his brothers.

But his greatest sin, and the reason that nobody was sorry when he died, is that he led his people to destruction instead of blessing. He relaxed the standard of righteousness and holiness throughout Judah, and led the people in pagan worship. He led them to defy God, and in turn, experience the wrath of God for their disobedience.

As they were living it up, participating in pagan worship practices which were amazingly carnal and wicked, I'm sure it seemed like they were all having fun. People probably loved Jehoram as he led them in wickedness.

We have a choice in life. Every day. We can lead people in one of 2 ways. The people that God has put in our lives. We can lead them to Godliness or Godlessness. There's really not a middle, neutral ground.

When you point others to Godlessness, you'll probably win lots of friends and influence others. It will seem like a good time. But when you, and they, experience the fruit of disobedience, it's gonna suck. And when you die after having led people into Godlessness, nobody will be sorry that you died.

So use every opportunity to lead people to Godliness, holiness and righteousness. Share with them equally the truth and grace of Jesus. Tell them how He has changed your life. Show them that God changes lives. And know that when you die, somebody will care. And more than that, that you've left a legacy that honors God and builds His Kingdom.

Beautiful Feet

2011-07-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Feet come in all shapes and sizes. And conditions.

Some feet are well pedicured - callouses sanded off, toenails trimmed & painted nails.

Some feet, like mine, are nasty - callouses all over the place, toenails maintained with a hacksaw, sweaty all the time, and big and fat.

No matter how nice or nasty your feet are, God wants you to know that your feet should be beautiful.

In Romans 10&11, Paul is discussing God's plan to save both Gentiles and Jews. In yesterday's reading, Paul concludes in v.13 that, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How does this happen? By confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and by believing in your heart that God raised him from the dead (v.9).

Paul comes from a very Jewish background. We know from other Scriptures that Paul was:

An expert in Jewish law and highly respected
Before Jesus knocked him on his butt, he was responsible for the persecution and death of Christians.
When it came to observing the law, nobody topped Paul.

And so Paul was very familiar with the idea that the Jews thought that God only wanted to save them. But Paul knew that God's desire was, AND STILL IS, to save anybody that will call on Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

And so Paul begins today's reading in v.14&15, by asking these questions: "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?"

In essence, he's telling the Jews that salvation is theirs by trusting in Jesus, but that they must also take the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. In other words - according to the Dave Translation of the Bible - "Get up off your butts, and go tell these heathens about Jesus. Quit worrying about keeping them out, and go make sure that they have an opportunity to be in."

That message isn't just for the Jewish Christians of Paul's day, it's for Christians everywhere today too. So many times, we get so arrogant about our salvation. We look at those living apart from Jesus and think, "Wow, aren't they screwed up? Glad I'm not like them."

But there is a beauty to those who will be obedient to Jesus and share the Good News of Jesus with somebody. The beauty is in your feet: "That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” - v.15

You see, your feet aren't made beautiful by a $50 pedicure. They may be made less nasty, but they're still feet. Your feet are beautiful when you use them to walk to somebody living apart from Jesus to go and share the Good News with them.

Be Careful Who You Listen To

2011-07-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

So, I've been back from vacation for 2 weeks now and it's time to get back at this thing. I know I don't have a ton of followers, but this is a beneficial thing for me too. It forces me to stop and really consider what I read in God's Word each day in our Daily Bible Reading Plan. So, here we go . . .

In today's reading from 2 Chronicles 17&18, we read about the rise of Jehoshaphat as the King of Judah. Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa, who worked to restore honor and righteousness to the people of God. We learn a few things about Jehosaphat in Chapter 17:

He worked to fortify and strengthen the Kingdom of Judah against attack from the Kingdom of Israel (v.1)
God blessed Jehoshaphat because he followed in the footsteps of his father Asa by not worshipping Baal (v.3)
He sought to honor God and not the evil practices of Israel (v.4)
Because he was deeply committed to the ways of God, he was highly esteemed by his people (v.v. 5&6)
He was a proactive King, sending his officials to teach the ways of God to the people of Judah who had been led astray by previous kings (v.v.7-9)
Other kingdoms were struck with the fear of the Lord and none wanted to make war against Jehoshaphat (v.10)

But in Chapter 18, we see Jehoshaphat make a grave mistake. In v.1, he sought to make an alliance with King Ahab of Israel. You may remember from previous readings that Israel split into 2 Kingdoms after the death of Solomon under the Kingship of Jeroboam in about 933 BC - the northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Ahab was not a godly King and Jehoshaphat was. Jehoshaphat had his son marry Ahab's daughter, and in due time "Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to recover Ramoth-gilead." 2 Chronicles 18:2

Wisely, Jehoshaphat told Ahab in v.4 that they should inquire of the Lord first. Ahab summoned 400 prophets, all of whom said, "Yes, go right ahead! God will give the king victory." - v.5

400 voices - all prophets of the Lord - were giving an unconditional green light to the kings. But there was one more voice that they needed to hear - Micaiah the prophet. Ahab hated Micaiah because he always prophesied trouble for Ahab. But Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing what Micaiah had to say.

In his first word to the kings, Micaiah replied sarcastically (v.14) and told them they would have victory. Maybe it was because he knew that Ahab would die, and wanted to send him to a quick death. Maybe he was tired of Ahab's animosity towards him and just wanted to tell him what he wanted to hear. In any case, the sarcasm was not lost on Ahab, and he demanded the truth, so Micaiah gave it to him in v.16 - Ahab would die if they went to war.

And so the kings went, with a plan for Ahab to disguise himself. Just as Micaiah said, Ahab was killed in battle.

That's a lot of unpacking for a very simple truth: we like to listen to the people that agree with us, and ignore the ones that don't. We don't know for certain why Jehoshaphat continued into battle with Ahab, but we do know for certain that both of them were disobedient to God. One of them died. Jehoshaphat almost died, and was only saved by the grace of God.

When we are faced with big decisions, it's wise to seek the counsel of Godly friends. Let me emphasize GODLY. People who know God. People who seek God. People who have the wisdom of God and usually speak the truth of God, even when it hurts. But even they can be wrong.

So, who are you listening to in your life? Above all, we should seek the wisdom of God in Scripture. If we're faced with a big decision, we should stop and ask ourselves some very important questions:

Is one of my choices clearly disobedient to Scripture? If I do this thing, am I sinning?
Will one of my choices clearly provide a way for me to further the Kingdom of God without compromising my integrity or holiness?
Will one of my choices negatively impact my spouse or my children? There's a difference between a choice that forces us to dig down deep into God's grace and sovereignty for a season and a decision that brings harm to our families. Sometimes it's a subtle difference, but there is a difference.
Will my decision bring glory and honor to God? Will it ultimately be beneficial for me and the people that God has entrusted to my care? Not necessarily beneficial in a material way, but in a spiritual/growing way.
Has the Holy Spirit given me peace about this decision or do I have a serious check deep inside of me saying, "NO!"

When it comes time to seek advice, ask your friends and family members the same questions and ask them to be brutally honest in their feedback. Be careful who you listen to, because it can mean the difference between living the life that God has created for you and dying a slow, painful spiritual death as you reap the consequences of disobedience.

Clueless

2011-06-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

I've been a follower of Jesus now for a little more than 20 years. And in that time I've come to believe that most people that don't believe in God don't really know why they don't believe in God.

I've heard all the excuses why people don't want to trust God with their lives. Some are pretty legitimate. Lots of pain and loss in life. Abuse. Neglect. Seeing, and experiencing, the worst of humanity.

In today's reading from Acts 19, there's a big brouhaha in Ephesus over the spreading of The Way. The spread of the Gospel was threatening the livelihoods of people that made trinkets and idols for the worship of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Demetrius, one of the prime silversmiths in Ephesus started it all.

As the ruckus swelled to riot status, the crowd gathered in a public amphitheater where v. 32 tells us, "Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there."

In other words, they were clueless.

Just as in Acts, in our culture today, I'm convinced that most people who don't believe in/hate/are apathetic towards/not sure about God don't know why they are. But I think it's because they fear the one of the core messages of the Gospel - dying to yourself to find life in Christ.

There was a girl in my youth ministry once that flat out told me, "I want to have fun. I want to drink and smoke pot. I want to have sex with different guys." At least she was honest.

The trouble in Ephesus began for this very reason. The powers that be were afraid of what they'd lose because of the Gospel. They couched it in religious language, just like the Jews did when they opposed the apostles in Acts. And when people in power are hostile towards the Gospel, the clueless masses will follow and do what they're told.

As I mentioned a few days ago in regards to "gay marriage" (whatever that's supposed to mean), we're seeing it in our culture. And it's not just gay marriage. Because the politicians and people in power fear losing their grip and their power over the masses, they legislate and mandate and rant and rave in opposition to the Gospel. And the clueless masses follow.

The Church has her work cut out for her, but I believe that her greatest days are ahead. For too long, The Church has had smooth sailing in America. It was almost as if the church dictated to the clueless masses, but no longer. When people really begin to see the hopelessness of political promises and moral compromise, it creates a greater opportunity for the Gospel to have a greater impact in a culture.

Look at Acts and how the Gospel spread like wildfire. Look at the incredible ways that lives were changed. The Gospel spread through a more pagan culture than the one we live in because it was Real Truth and gave Real Hope to the clueless masses. We have an incredible opportunity before us today as The Bride of Christ. We can lament the fact that the culture is against the church, or we can fervently and passionately LIVE the Gospel, PREACH the Gospel and LOVE like Jesus and the apostles loved and believe that God is going to create a new uprising in our own culture today.

Who Will Stop it?

2011-06-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

Gotta admit, this long slog through 2 Kings in our Daily Bible Reading plan isn't exactly the easiest thing for me to get a handle on. It's basically quick snapshots of king after king coming to the throne of Israel and Judah. And it covers multiple generations in short time. Kind of hard to keep a running tab on everyone and everything.

But something should be standing out to all of us. Generational and community sin.

As each king assumes the throne, the writer of 2 Kings gives a quick run down of the king's heart and intentions. Some kings are mentioned as sometimes seeking God. Almost all of them get some press for continuing in the sins of their fathers and previous kings. And the people suffer.

You would think that one or two of these men would put his proverbial foot down and say, "I will stop this! I will rule with integrity and help God's people return to faithfulness." But it's not happening. Despite half-heartedly seeking God, they are not whole-heartedly seeking God. And because of that, things continue to spiral out of control. They are complicit in idol worship and pagan practices. They are complicit in the suffering of Gods' people at the hands of foreign nations. It makes me want to scream, "Who will stop it?"

Confronting sin is never easy, but it's necessary. If you are unwilling or unable to confront the sin in your life and in your generation, the next generation will suffer for it. Instead of reaping the blessings of God, they will reap the consequences of disobedience. I've heard it said by other pastors that partial obedience is still disobedience. Ouch! It makes me consider my own life and the legacy I'm leaving for my own children and the next generation.

It would be easy to sit back and say, "Look at all I've done." My two oldest kids know Jesus and have been baptized. All of my family members know Jesus and are following him faithfully. But I'm not just living for the present. I've got to live for the future. And I've got to be able to identify the things in my life and my church and my community that need to change and be willing to say, "This stops with me!"

2 Kings 13:23 says, "But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence."

As a follower of Jesus, I am a part of the covenant that God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I know that this covenant is not just for me, but for future generations as well. If The Church is unwilling to confront sin and evil, future generations will miss out on being a part of the Covenant People of God, and will instead to subject to the powers of darkness and evil that will plunder and pillage their lives.

Upheaval

2011-06-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Not really a shocking development that the state of New York passed gay "marriage" over the weekend. Whatever that is. The whole thing is an absolute farce. Marriage is not a contract between two people and the state, it is the joining together of a man and a woman by God, through his Holy Spirit. But I digress.

There is concern - and I would say it's pretty legit - that the next step on this slippery pile of cultural rot is to actually FORCE churches and their representatives (i.e. pastors) to perform gay marriages against their will. I'm not saying it's right around the corner, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens in my lifetime. And I wouldn't be surprised in my lifetime to see laws in the US as there are in Europe that classify talking about homosexuality as a sin as "hate speech" or a "hate crime."

It almost makes me long for politicians like the governor Gallio in Acts 18. He refused to judge a dispute between the Jews in Corinth and Paul while he was there. V. 13 says "They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”

You see, it's not just a cultural thing. This is a church thing. I was a part of the PC(USA) for 7 years as an ordained pastor. This denomination just recently voted to ordain openly practicing gay, lesbian and bi-sexual people. Pastors that refuse aren't in trouble yet, but very soon could be.

Don't get me wrong, it's far bigger than homosexuality. The Gospel is offensive to those who love any kind of sin and are comfortable accommodating it. This is what Paul ran into not just in this particular instance, but on all of his journeys. Sure, the Jews that were most often offended by Paul hid their sin under the cloak of religion. But their fear of being exposed and found out, and their fear of the truth that Paul preached ultimately led to their refusing the Gospel.

Anywhere we go and preach the Gospel, there is upheaval. As people find freedom in Christ, their captors and the powers of darkness hate it. The question is, are you willing as a faithful witness of Jesus - as we see throughout the entire Book of Acts - to stand for truth even when it puts your reputation in danger?

Sunday Night Mind Dump

2011-06-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Absolutely incredible day at ALIVE today!
I always know it's gonna be a great day when I can't sleep the night before. I've learned not to fight it, but instead to pray all night.
I had my alarm set for 6 AM so I could get up and go for a nice 5 mile run this morning. I was semi-asleep by 5:45 and shut my alarm off till 6:45. So I literally slept for one hour last night.
It was awesome to see some new folks at ALIVE today. I so appreciate our folks that make it a priority to invite friends.
I had a visit in church today from an old friend I haven't seen since high school. He and his mom, and his mom's friend, came up today from the Greensburg area. Loved seeing him and catching up a little bit!
We had a baptism celebration after church today and I had the incredible privilege of baptizing 8 people who have committed their lives to Jesus!
Some of them have been walking with Jesus for awhile, and wanted to take this step of obedience. And some of them have just recently experienced new life in Christ!
That never gets old!
And the swim parties after our baptisms are always the greatest! I love seeing folks from ALIVE hanging out and doing life together, and pastoring a church where people actually love to be with each other.
I had to leave at about 3:30 to take a nap, but came back later, and the party wasn't over till 9!
I played soccer tonight (after my nap) with some other coaches and parents from my kids' soccer league. I haven't actually played a game of soccer since I was 9.
I accomplished my primary goal of not totally embarrassing myself.
And I actually scored a goal! Couldn't believe it. I told my kids they had to take ME out for ice cream or something, since they're always begging me to do the same when they have good games.
One week from now, we should be arriving in Emerald Isle, NC for a week of R&R at the beach.
Can't wait! I need a vacation. But lots to do this week.
Why is it that there's always so much work to get done BEFORE vacation?
Gonna go try to make up for last night now. Peace out.

Don't Be a Burden

2011-06-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

There are probably few things I despise worse than burdensome things that are completely tangential to the necessary thing. Doesn't matter what the necessary thing is. I hate when things are irrational and distract from the heart of the matter.

I spent 7 years of my life in a big church denomination that was full of this kind of garbage. On one hand, there were pastors and elders whose main goal in life was fighting for the church to approve of all kinds of sexual perversion. They argued that this was really the heart of the Gospel - inclusion and acceptance for all and no standards for leaders. On the other hand, there were pastors and elders who were far more concerned about being Reformed than they were about building the Kingdom. Their main goal in life was to make sure that every pastor and every church held tightly to Reformed theology.

As a result, every time I went to one of these denominational meetings in 7 years, I couldn't help but feel like it was a complete wasted of my time. There was never any common ground. There was never any common mission. It was all just a bunch of burdensome crap that prevented the Church as expressed in that denomination from ever accomplishing anything significan.

In today's reading from Acts 15, we find an account of the settling of a dispute about the teaching of Paul and Barnabas while they were in Antioch. Some Jews had traveled from Judea to Antioch and began to teach the new Gentile converts that they had to be circumcised in order to REALLY be a Christian. They were completely missing the point and in fact Peter tells them this in v.v. 8-11:

God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their
hearts through faith. So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believerswith a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”

You see, the main thing is this: that Jesus cleanses our hearts through faith and gives us the Holy Spirit as proof. ALL ARE SAVED IN THE SAME WAY, BY THE UNDESERVED GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Why does the Church have such a hard time making this our center of belief, and not these silly tangential things. Why do we make faith such a burden for people? Jesus said that his yoke was easy and light, and not burdensome. He came to save people, to restore them with God, and to pour out His Spirit.

When we are about to place a yoke on somebody, we better make sure that it's a yoke we're bearing ourselves. And really the only yoke we can bear is the yoke of undeserved grace. It's all we should live, preach and share. Nothing more, nothing less.

Merely Human Beings

2011-06-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

I always get a chuckle when we're at a family or social event and somebody asks me to pray before a meal. Just so you know, my standard pre-meal fee is $20. Or when somebody says, "Well, I can't pray like you because you're a preacher."

I understand the sentiment. It's more of a way of showing me honor and respect (I think) in my role as a shepherd and pastor, than it is a belief that I've got some magical powers that others don't. But on some levels, I think that sometimes people look at pastors in ways that they shouldn't.

We're merely human beings, just like everybody else. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead has made my life new, and has made your life new too. The same Holy Spirit that lives in me and fills me lives in you and fills you too. Granted I paid big bucks and spent 3 years studying for ministry, but the way that God reveals Himself in Scripture to me is the same way that He reveals Himself to you as well. I get frustrated. I get angry. I get tired. I lose hope. I doubt. I'm merely human.

Paul and Barnabas ran into a similar situation in Acts 14 in the city of Lystra. V.v. 8-10 tell us that Paul healed a crippled man and as a result the crowds thought that Paul and Barnabas were gods in human form. But Paul tells them in v.15 "We are merely human beings - just like you!"

Paul goes onto say that their real power comes from the Living Jesus, and not from magic or some mysterious divine spark or nature that they have. And he uses it as an opportunity to preach the truth about God.

While it's true I am merely a human being, it is true that Jesus has transformed me and that the Holy Spirit gives me power. So in that respect I am different from those that don't know Jesus. But if you are a follower of Jesus, you should know that what I have in terms of spiritual power and influence is also available to you in the very same quantity. That doesn't mean that we'll have the same gifts or skills or interests. But it does mean, that fundamentally, once we're in Christ, we have the same authority, power and influence.

Unfortunately, I think too many Christians today don't take advantage of the power of the Holy Spirit. Many are quite content to be focused on Jesus on Sunday mornings (and many more will do this as long as it's not an inconvenience to their schedules or sleeping in) and forget about what is available to them the rest of the week. Power and influence come through diligently striving to become more like Jesus. Do you want it? Then you can have it if you're willing to make it a priority. Merely a human being? Nope, a transformed, powerful representative of Jesus Christ through whom God wants to do amazing things. Believe it. Trust it. Live it.

Wow

2011-06-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

For those that regularly follow this blog, you know that sometimes I just go "Wow" when I read something. Because of it's depth. Because of it's meaning. Because of it's impact.

Today I had one of those moments as I read of Paul's first missionary journey in Acts 13. Paul and Barnabas are still in Antioch, and have spent most of their time preaching and teaching the Jews in the synagogue. As the week wore on, v.44 tells us that almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach. I have no idea how many people were there, but I'm gonna guess that at least thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, had heard the Gospel.

And the Jews were jealous and began to stir up trouble for Paul.

His response to them in v.46 is the "Wow," for me: Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles."

I often wonder why some people never respond to the Gospel. I wonder why some people find it necessary to slander churches and pastors that are intentional about reaching lost people. I wonder why some people are hell bent on stirring up trouble in their churches and communities.

And Paul is pretty blunt about it: they have judged themselves unworthy of eternal life.

I've found that people that grumble about preaching to and focusing on the lost don't understand the heart of God and the urgency of sharing the Good News. It's not necessarily that I believe they think of themselves as scum. Rather they have too high of an opinion about their self-righteousness and do not place enough worth on the saving work of Jesus for anybody that wants to receive it. Their unworthiness comes from thinking that they can save themselves and that the blood of Jesus has no worth for them.

But let's face it. We ALL need it. Our sin makes us unworthy to be in relationship with God, but the work of Jesus - when we believe in it and accept it and let it transform us - is what makes our lives worthwhile.

LIsten to Me

2011-06-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love most about being a dad is having the opportunity to coach my kids' sports teams. I've coached Isaac in baseball, basketball and soccer. For Anna, it's just been soccer. Coaching baseball and basketball is pretty easy for me. These are sports I started playing as a kid and played well into high school. Coaching soccer has been a challenge. I played from the time I was 4 until I was 10. I know how to kick a ball, and that's about it. You see, I quit playing soccer because I was the fat kid and in the Under 10 division we had to run laps around the field before practice. Baseball was much more my speed.

I used to hate soccer. Especially in high school. I played football, and soccer was the anti-football. The soccer players were the cockiest guys in the school. And they were pansies. I never wanted anything to do with soccer. Until my kids needed a coach.

So I've learned about the sport. Both of my wife's brothers played in college. Jessie was on the first girls soccer team ever at Knoch. So I have some soccer wisdom at my disposal. I started coaching Anna in Under 6 and swore that I'd never know enough to coach any higher. But here I am, getting ready this fall to coach her Under 12 girls travel team.

I've really come to appreciate and enjoy soccer, and I know a little bit about it. One of the tricky things in coaching girls is that it's more of a social event for them than a competitive event. When I coach Isaac's teams - no matter what sport - it's easy to get the attention of the boys and to teach them the fundamentals. Girls, not so much.

So I find myself often saying, "Hey, listen to me," to my team of 12 girls who would rather be talking and socializing than focusing on what really matters.

Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey to preach the good news to the Gentiles. Paul hated Christians before Jesus knocked him on his butt in Acts 9 on the road to Damascus. Just like I hated soccer. But The Holy Spirit has done this incredible work in Paul and has called him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

And so on his first missionary journey, he finds himself in the synagogue in Antioch, where there were both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. And so in v.16, he starts with this: ". . . Listen to me."

Paul's about to lay the spiritual smack down on a bunch of dudes that want to focus on everything except what God really wants for their lives. They're more concerned about rules and the law than they are about taking seriously the teachings of Jesus.

After a bit of Jewish history - building a foundation and a common ground with the Jews - Paul gets to the thing that matters more than anything: Jesus. In v.v. 38&39 he says this: “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do."

This is the punchline of Paul's preaching. This is why he said, "Listen to me." His message is about Jesus - his death and resurrection - and what that accomplished for us. Forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God - something that following rules and regulations could never do.

And this is the heart of the entirety of Scripture - forgiveness for sins and reconciliation to God through the work of Jesus Christ. It's not about anything else primarily. There are tangential things, but this is the heart of Scripture right here. This is worth listening to because it will change your life.

There are many streams in Christianity today that want to make Jesus about anything BUT this. They're dangerous. Paul warned of false teachers and false prophets that would distract people from what matters most.

So in all our life and all our ministry, this needs to be the focus. We have great news to share with the world, just like Paul did. But people are distracted. They don't want to hear the truth. But they need to. Tell them to listen, and then tell them the truth about Jesus.

Monday Night Mind Dump

2011-06-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Ugh, May 26th was my last post. Really, I like to do this. Really.
Hitting the mid-summer slump at ALIVE. Attendance yesterday was probably the lowest it's been in 6 months.
What is it about Father's Day at ALIVE? Mother's Day, the place is packed. Father's Day it's a ghost town. Every year. So what's the deal? Moms want to go to church but dads don't? I know we don't make a huge deal about either at ALIVE, but just wondering out loud.
Although our attendance yesterday was twice as much as it was last Father's Day.
Been awhile since we've seen new people at ALIVE for the first time.
Our drummer Kevin called in sick early yesterday morning. Love that guy and all he does at ALIVE. And very proud of our worship leader Nate and the rest of the worship team for pulling off a great worship set that had some significant changes at the last minute. I dig the laid back acoustic feeling every once in awhile.
I hear over and over again from people how awesome our worship team is. We don't know how incredibly blessed we are at ALIVE to have such talented people leading worship each Sunday.
And it's not just their talent that's amazing. It's their attitude and their eagerness to do this. I've been a part of worship teams at several other churches and have led worship teams and talk to lots of pastors that have worship teams. Worship teams ALWAYS have drama and egos. But not at ALIVE, and that's probably the thing I love most about our team.
Just people who love to worship and lead others in worship. Real people. Authentic people. People who are focused on the right things in worship.
Really excited about all of the people that made it a priority to attend our ALIVE Ministry Partners Class in the past few weeks. 55 people! That's awesome. So cool to see some of those folks already stepping up and serving in new ways. 4 people serving in new roles for the first time yesterday.
And a lot of those people already serve. Love that about the people at ALIVE. On low attendance Sundays like yesterday, it almost seems like there are more people serving in some way than are not.
This is the longest stretch we've had at ALIVE - several months - where our giving has matched our set budget needs almost every week. So thankful for the generosity of the people that worship at ALIVE.
I'm really enjoying preaching through the Book of Ruth. Gotta admit, I've always been uncomfortable with walking through Old Testament stories because there's a lot of cranial work involved with telling the story the right way. Usually not in my wheelhouse to do this kind of teaching. But I've heard more positive feedback about this series and how it's impacting people than I have on any other series we've done.
It has really helped me develop an appreciation for the way that all of Scripture points to Jesus. It's easy to say that. Sometimes it is tough to see that. But God has been so faithful in helping me to see this through Ruth, and the Holy Spirit has been so faithful in helping others to be moved by this story.
Yesterday I asked this question: "What would you be willing to do for God if you knew that you absolutely could not fail?"
Most dangerous question you can ever ask yourself. Why? Because bold plans made in faith in a sovereign God have the potential to be disastrous.
But they also have the potential to unlock and unleash incredible blessing in our lives.
It was good for me to think about that question in my own life and ministry. I feel like I've been on auto pilot for awhile, making sure things are running smoothly and not thinking too much about what comes next.
But, we're always one decision away from taking our faith, our lives and our churches to the next level.
I'm praying about what that means for me personally and what that means for ALIVE. It's easy to see what needs to be done in my life. Not so clear yet about what that means for ALIVE, but I'm beginning to sense The Holy Spirit stirring me in some new directions for ALIVE and I love that.
Hell or glory, I don't want anything in between.

Thoughts on David - The Scarlet Thread of Redemption

2011-05-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know a whole lot about my genealogy. I do know that one of my mom's relatives has traced our lineage all the way back to the throne of England in the 1500's. I know that I have a lot of German in me, some Scotch-Irish, and even a little Native American.

A few things I do know. My great grandfather on my Dad's side was a carpenter and a preacher. He built his own church in Laughlintown, PA (just outside of Ligonier) many years ago. I once heard one of my dad's relatives say that when she was young, she would go and peek in the windows just to watch the people sing, dance and get slain in the Spirit. So I have some charismatic lineage in me (guess that's why I raise my hands in worship).

My grandmother (my mom's mom) was a youth pastor before there were youth pastors. She spent many years teaching the Bible to teens at her church, leading retreats and taking them to summer camps. In the 20's and 30's. Pretty cool.

It's been really cool to me to learn a little bit about not only my physical lineage, but to know a little about my spiritual heritage as well, which brings me to what I want to look at in 1 Samuel 17. Something I never realized until this week in preparing to preach through the book of Ruth. Ruth and Boaz were David's great grandparents.

Why is that significant? Because it's yet another reminder of the Scarlet Thread of Redemption that runs through Scripture. Just as I have a spiritual heritage - and each of you that read this do as well - so do the people we find in Scripture. Often times it's hidden from our sight, because let's face it, who likes to read through the genealogies in Scripture? Especially when you can't pronounce most of the names.

The Book of Ruth is about redemption - redemption for a poor, penniless, childless widow named Naomi. She literally had nothing, until her daughter-in-law Ruth was moved by God to return with Naomi to Naomi's homeland and to be the source of her redemption.

Ruth was married to an Israelite named Boaz, and they had a son together named Obed. Obed had a son named Jesse and Jesse had a son named David.

Not only did God provide redemption for Naomi through Ruth, he began the process of redeeming the entire world through Ruth. We can't escape the numerous mentions of Jesus' Davidic lineage in the Gospels. If not for Ruth's faithfulness, there would be no David.

David was the second king of Israel, but he is regarded as the greatest King of Israel. His story and his life are a powerful reminder to us of how God works out his plan of salvation and redemption not just through us, but through the generations that will come after us.

Thoughts on David - Mired Under Incompetency

2011-05-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

There are probably few things more frustrating in life than working under an incompetent boss. Before I started serving God in youth ministry and while I've been in ministry and preparing for ministry, and even as recently as 7 months ago, I've worked in a lot of different jobs.

For a swimming pool store; as a laborer for a landscaper; running the grill at McDonalds; bus boy and dishwasher at a mom & pop pizza shop; making hot dogs at a hot dog shop; at a gas station pumping gas (remember full service stations where they not only pumped your gas, but checked your oil and washed you windshield?) and running the register; engraving and assembling brass trinkets; driving a school bus; and in the natural gas services industry.

I've had great bosses in ministry and outside of ministry, and I've had incompetent bosses in ministry and outside of ministry. Probably the most frustrating by far was working for incompetent bosses in ministry, because eternity was at stake. People's lives and souls hung in the balance. And it's very frustrating.

I think that the incompetent bosses I've had all share one characteristic: insecurity. They were not confident in who they were or what they were doing. They lived to please people, and not for a vision that God had given them. They had secrets and flaws that they wanted to hide and ignore.

David's first role after his anointing was serving an incompetent boss - King Saul. David was mired under the incompetency above him. In 1 Samuel 16:14 we see the reason that Saul became incompetent: Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.

There was no doubt that Saul's time as king was coming to an end when David was anointed by Samuel. Not only did Saul have to deal with the insecurity of knowing that his replacement was on the rise, he was tormented by an evil spirit. The evil that pervaded Saul's heart would drive him until his final day to kill David, instead of ruling as good steward of Israel. He lost his focus, and he certainly lost his competency.

What is amazing to me though is that David not only tolerated the incompetency, he served Saul and ministered to him. 1 Samuel 16:23: Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

David didn't shrink into the shadows forever. In the next chapter, he showed his courage and leadership by killing Goliath. He quickly ascended to the throne. But throughout Saul's life, David did his best to, at first, serve Saul, and then later, avoid Saul.

When I've been mired under incompetency, my reaction has been to fight against it; to call it out; to allow it to frustrate me and distract me from what God has called me to do. There are times when we MUST speak up and address it when God gives the green light; but we can learn a lot from David's humility and service to Saul.

A big part of this, I think, is trusting in the sovereignty of God. David knew God's faithfulness as a young boy. He knew the strength and sovereignty of God. And he trusted it. He waited for God to move, and he moved with God. Not a moment too soon or a moment too late. He knew that his time was coming; and that God would restore his glory to Israel and to her king. And this is what allowed him to serve his way through the incompetency above him.

Thoughts on David - The Anointing of God

2011-05-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

The word anointing for many of us today seems to be an old fashioned spiritual word. Gotta admit, for me when I hear someone talking about the anointing of God, I usually have a skeptical reaction to it.

It's not because I don't believe in the anointing of God. It's just because the idea of anointing has been abused and tossed around casually by TV "preachers" and charlatans looking to make a buck off of vulnerable people. In exchange for a love offering, they promise a fresh anointing of God's Spirit. Nice try, but we can't buy and sell the anointing of God.

The idea of anointing in Scripture, as done by people with oil, as Samuel did with David in 1 Samuel 16:13, is symbolic of being chosen by God. Anointing a head with oil in Scripture was only done at God's command, to point out to His people whom He had chosen as a leader, prophet, king, builder, etc. And as we see in 1 Samuel 16:13, the physical anointing with oil was always accompanied by the spiritual anointing of the Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, the anointing of God is for every person that trusts in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. EVERY SINGLE BELIEVER has been chosen in Jesus Christ for a specific task or purpose in building the Kingdom of God (1 John 2:20, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22. The general task - given to all anointed believers - is the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18&19) in which we live and love in order to bring more and more people to the foot of the cross.

One of my greatest frustrations in life and ministry is watching people trade the anointing of God for a pile of crap. I'm not just talking about people I minister to; I'm talking Christians in general. The anointing of God in the Old Testament was such a rare and precious gift. If you were anointed, you were somebody that was destined for greatness - just like David was. I wish that more Christians today understood that ALL OF US who are in Christ are destined to do great things of eternal importance in the Kingdom of God.

The next time you're faced with a temptation or desire that you know is not from God, ask yourself if the trade off is worth it. Would you rather have the temporary satisfaction of sin or the eternal satisfaction of knowing that your anointing from God made a difference for eternity. Don't trade the anointing of God for a pile of crap.

Thoughts on David - Your Heart Matters

2011-05-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

So, I pretty much suck at making this blog a priority. But I should, because even though I only have 4 official "followers" I've heard from many more people that follow me here. Anyway, I'll try to get in a new habit of blogging more regularly by starting with some thoughts on David from our Daily Bible Reading Plan, while we're in 1 Samuel. So we'll backtrack to our reading from 4 days ago.

A good friend and mentor of mine, Steve Smith (who also wrote The Lazarus Life, which we've been walking through at ALIVE in our current sermon series) has made it his life's work to help people explore matters of the heart.

As a 22 year old young man - a newlywed; a recent college graduate; and in my first full-time youth ministry gig - I went to work at Steve's former church in Durham, NC. He was the most authentic and sincere person I've ever met in my life. When he asked, "How are you doing?" he really meant it. It wasn't just a greeting, it was a real, authentic question.

I have to admit, he made me uncomfortable a lot. Our conversations were deep. His questions were probing. His thoughts and words were significant. Although we worked side by side in a new church plant that was reaching critical mass, his focus wasn't on numbers of people or building a new building. His focus was on helping people - including me - learn what it means to live from the heart.

I could be wrong, but I think his favorite Scripture was Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. He talked about the life of the heart - a lot. But in Proverbs 4:23 I think we see why. Our hearts are where life begins. Our hearts are where the Holy Spirit dwells. Our hearts are the source of our thoughts and actions. More than anything else, our hearts truly define who we are.

Which is why the beginning of David's rise to the Kingship of Israel is so significant. God had instructed the prophet Samuel to go to David's father Jesse to find the second king of Israel, after Saul had sinned against God and sealed his future downfall. Samuel, and Jesse himself, were both impressed with the physical characteristics of Jesse's sons. Their height; their stature; their age; their strength.

But one after one, God rejected the first 7 of Jesse's sons. The 8th - the youngest, and least likely of them all - wasn't even up for consideration. At the instant Samuel saw David, he knew that he was the one.

And it was because of the heart of David. As Samuel was eying up Jesse's sons, the Lord said to him in 1 Samuel 16:7: But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The thing that most prepared David for the kingship was his heart. We will explore a little bit in the next post about some of the things that shaped David's heart in preparing him for his role. But the heart of David was a heart that beat for God. His heart was a heart that trusted God. His heart was a heart that had been made strong by God. His heart was a warrior heart. In his heart, God deposited everything that David needed to become a great king.

So how about your heart? Do you allow God to shape and prepare it for what He has in store for you? Or have you buried it because you've been hurt; burdened; or ashamed of something in your life? Do you even know that you have a heart that God cares about?

You do. His desire is to shape it. His desire is to transform it. His desire is to dwell there, through His Holy Spirit, and to make it a wellspring of life.

Strength and Courage - Part 2

2011-05-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

Joshua 1:7 - Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

In my last post on Joshua, I talked about the fact that God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Strength and courage would be absolutely essential to the work that God was calling Joshua to do.

In Joshua 1:7, we see where that strength and courage would come from.

God tells Joshua to obey Him. I love this verse, and it's something I pray over my kids every day. I pray for their hearts, for their bodies and for their minds. When I pray for their minds, I pray that they would be full of the knowledge and wisdom of God, and I pray that they would walk straight in God's ways all the days of their lives, never turning to the right or to the left.

I know that's a lot to expect of a kid, or even an adult for that matter. But I know from experience, that strength and courage come not just from KNOWING God's word, but from actually being obedient to it.

Look at the promise that God makes to Joshua: Then you will be successful in everything you do.

I want that for my life, don't you? I want that for my kids' lives. I don't know anybody that wouldn't like to experience success in life.

But I know lots of people that expect success without obedience. Let me be blunt for a minute. It's not going to happen without obedience to God. Sure, you might get rich and make lots of money, but that's not success. You might get to a place of prominence and influence, but that's not success. You might be the King or Queen of your domain, but that's not success.

Success in life is walking obediently with God and seeing Him honor you obedience, bless your life and use you to change lives for eternity.

When we are in moments of weakness and fear, if we haven't hidden God's word in our heart; trust it; believe it; and live it out, guess what? We're going to be weak and fearful. But when God presents opportunities in life that require strength and courage, knowing and believing God's Word is an endless reservoir of strength and courage.

Living a successful life in God's Kingdom requires incredible strength and courage. Like Joshua, he'll ask you to do things that, from a human perspective, seem impossible. But when we choose to act in strength and courage that comes from knowing and believing and living out God's instructions for us, He will do immeasurably more than we can ask or even imagine.

Tuesday Morning Mind Dump

2011-05-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Weird day at ALIVE Sunday.
Such excitement and expectation in the air on Easter. Almost like we all forgot that Jesus is alive the other 51 Sundays each year. I had to remind myself of that a couple of times too.
Felt like we laid a couple of duds throughout worship on Sunday. I forgot to put one of the songs in the presentation program, so I had to run up to the computer and add it right as it started. Our worship leader broke a guitar string, so there was that awkward silence between two songs. My wireless mic crapped the bed again and I had to grab a handheld.
I hate it when that happens, and I have to have one of my hands glued to a mic, but I guess I'm getting used to it.
BUT, and this is a great but, I had several folks tell me that it was one of the most powerful and moving worship experiences of their life.
Just goes to show that, as I preached about on Sunday, despite the messes we can make, God can do so much more than we can even ask or imagine.
Got to share a very cool story Sunday about a young man that is a part of ALIVE. He has cerebral palsy, and has quite a rough go of life with physical and mental limitations. But his heart for Jesus is one of the most passionate and pure that I've ever seen.
Getting a new wireless mic this week. Hope it works. And if it doesn't, we have a backup wireless mic ready to go.
I dunno why that throws me so much, but it does. It shouldn't.
So awesome to see new folks coming and checking out ALIVE every Sunday. We didn't shatter any attendance records, and there was a noticeable drop from Easter, but there were 4 new families there with us, and I love that.
I've been noticing that most Sundays lately, I've been waking up with this sense of just wanting to sleep in and not feeling at all prepared. I hate that, and I need to change my weekly routine and get a little more disciplined with how I spend my time. Too many late nights during the week catching up on stuff I need to be getting done during the day.
Some of that is just where we're at as a family right now. Jessie is still having to work quite a bit, and her parents - who usually keep Andrew for us - have both been very sick. So I've had to bite the bullet and be a stay-at-home dad a little more in the past few weeks than I like.
Thankfully, we've got some great people in our lives who are helping us out in that department a little bit in the next couple of weeks.
I feel like I don't say it enough, but I absolutely love pastoring the people of ALIVE. Incredible hearts to serve and grow the Kingdom. So many people serving in so many cool ways. Love it and love our church. Love what God is doing and the lives that are being changed.

Strength and Courage - Part 1

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Joshua 1:6 - Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

God never tells us to do something we're incapable of doing. For Joshua, that meant summoning the strength and courage to lead God's people to their inheritance.

Do you notice what this passage doesn't say? God didn't say to Joshua, "Wait for me to give you more strength and more courage before you go ahead and do this." You see, God has already provided the resources - both spiritual and physical - for the tasks that He calls us to complete.

Being strong and courageous at this point was up to Joshua. God was telling him to DO it. Cloak yourself in strength. Stand in courage. Joshua would have to choose whether or not he would be strong and courageous or weak and fearful. Strength and courage are absolutely critical for those who would presume to be leaders among God's people.

God called Joshua to be strong and courageous because God was laying out a monumental leadership task before Joshua. He was giving Joshua a specific vision and plan of action, and calling Joshua to rally the Israelites to this vision - to inherit the land that God swore to give them. It's this vision specifically that would require strength and courage.

You see Joshua and the Israelites weren't just going to be visitors to this land. God wasn't calling them to go there for a vacation, or as a temporary set up. God was calling them to inherit the land - to possess it, to take ownership of it, and to become stewards of it. It was a land inhabited by pagan people and rulers that wanted to destroy the Israelites.

A quick visit to the land would only require apathy and faithlessness. Possessing the land would require strength and courage as they fought against those who inhabited it.

I believe that God calls every person to possess a faith and a Kingdom inheritance, and to live out a God-ordained destiny that most people never even come close to approaching or experiencing because we lack strength and courage. Rather, we settle for the quick visits or tastes of the Kingdom that don't really require anything of us. We live on the fringe of the Promised Land, and never take hold of what God wants to give us.

Joshua was different though, as we'll see. He saw this vision and promise of the inheritance, and he exhibited great strength and courage. The benefit and blessing wasn't ONLY for Joshua. His strength and courage changed the course of history for an entire nation of people.

God's Timing

2011-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

I know this is 17 days late, but who's counting? Maybe it's God's timing. Our Daily Bible Reading Plan has us in Judges now, but I wanted to share some thoughts on Joshua 1 over the next couple of days, and today starts in Joshua 1:1 - After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide:

At first glance, that verse, on its own, doesn't seem to hold much for us. But it holds a ton.

This is a major shifting point in the story of God's people the Israelites. They're about to go from a season of waiting and frustration into a season of action and great prosperity. It's all about God's timing.

You might remember from our earlier readings about the plight of Israel in the desert. Because of their continued disbelief and disobedience, an entire generation of Israelites missed out on entering the Promised Land. Even Moses, the man that God had chosen to lead the Israelites out of captivity. Could you imagine the frustration? I can't.

But often times in life, as in this passage, waiting on God's timing often means enduring a season of loss before there is a season of blessing and gain. In order for God to do this new thing - leading his people into the Promised Land - the last of the rebellious generation of Israelites had to die. And the last to die was Moses.

Moses was faithful in so many ways. He did so many things. He believed God many times when others did not. How could Israel possibly move on without its great and fearless leader? The answer is, it still could.

You see, Moses was a prophet of God, but he was not the supreme leader of the Israelites. God was. And still is for the Church today. It's tough work to be a pioneer and a trailblazer like Moses was, and never get to see the payoff. I've been in some situations like that in life and ministry.

As a pastor and leader, I'm a risk taker. I love it when a fresh wind from God blows at my back and pushes me along. I love to cast a vision of what could be, and see people rally around that vision. It's what I'm wired to do. But I also know from experience that I'm not always going to be the one to see that vision come to fruition.

Every season of change in life and in The Church goes according to God's timing. When I've experienced the frustration of getting to the brink, and not seeing the vision come to fruition for me, I've had to learn to rejoice that God has raised up new leaders to take my place. Leaders with different skills and gifts and passions than I have, who are more suited to continue the work that I began.

Those of us who are a part of ALIVE need to learn about this. It's an exciting time to be sure, and God has done and continues to do so much according to his faithfulness. But what if God's timing dictates that we'll never get to experience the fulfillment of the vision that we've worked so hard for? What if you have to step out, or step aside, so that a new leader can take your place? What if you only get to lay the groundwork for the next generation?

Now before you get worried, I'm not considering going anywhere at all. Not ready to quit or give up. Just thinking in hypotheticals here because I've seen God make it have to happen in other churches and ministries. I have never loved a church more than I love ALIVE right now. I have never loved serving with a group of people more than I love serving with the people of ALIVE. I have never seen God do more with less than He has done at ALIVE. I'm not planning to go anywhere.

But if that day ever comes, whether its me or someone else that has to step aside, are God's promises enough to make you keep trusting in his timing? Is the vision from God strong enough to sustain you? Or is it dependent on a person, prone to failure and sin? Is it enough for you to know that you laid the groundwork for a future generation, but never get to taste the milk and honey? For every Moses, there's a Joshua that takes on the mantle of leadership. The vision didn't change, and God didn't change. But the human leadership changed, and it was all in God's timing.

Without that change, the Israelites would have remained in the desert indefinitely. I never want to get to a place in my life or ministry where I become so complacent that I cause the others to get stuck indefinitely. I always want to see the Kingdom grow, and being committed to that means learning to trust in God's timing even when it's not convenient or easy.

Tuesday Night Mind Dump

2011-04-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Gotta admit, I'm still in recovery mode from the weekend. I've been too exhausted to even really begin to grasp all that we saw God do at ALIVE this weekend.
I am blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm of the people I have the privilege of serving at ALIVE! Our Easter Egg hunt was absolutely incredible! We had to postpone it for a week because of the weather, and had to scramble to make a few things happen.
But, over 200 kids came. Probably about 400 people in all! And, we had the opportunity to make some great connections with people who are ready to give God another shot in their lives. I absolutely love this, and this is why we do what we do.
Our ALIVE Kids Director Lisa Franklin is absolutely amazing. She lives in pain every day because of her Sjogren's Syndrome. But she never complains. She serves others with incredible love and compassion. She lives to tell kids about the love of Jesus. And she did a TON of the legwork to make the Egg Hunt happen. It wouldn't happen without her.
I was more pumped to preach on Sunday than I ever have been in my life!
And I've never been more jacked (in a bad way) out of my mind to not have a microphone that worked. My wireless mic crapped the bed about 5 minutes into my sermon. The handheld mic I grabbed was cracking and popping after about 10 minutes because of a bad mic cable. Nobody's fault, and nothing we could do.
So I went old school, with no mic. And you know what? I absolutely loved it! I was so excited to preach at a high decibel level and I didn't have to worry about blowing peoples' ear drums apart.
I get so jacked (in a good way) when I get to preach about the Resurrection. I believe 1 Corinthians 15 with all of my heart that it's all in vain if Jesus isn't alive. And I believe with all of my heart that Jesus still brings dead hearts back to life.
I know all the fuss about Rob Bell's new book Love Wins, and the dude's jumped the theological shark when it comes to heaven and hell. But I do believe that Love Wins, and it's not just sappy, sentimental love. It's a conquering love, that when we believe it, receive it and live it frees us from the sting of death and the oppression of hell.
The final point of my sermon on Easter was LOVE WINS! I got so jacked (good jacked) hearing people declare that together. Romans 8:35-39 is true stuff! Death is real, but when we are in Christ, it can't separate us from the love of God. Evil and hell and sin are real, but they can't separate us from the love of God when we trust in what Jesus has done for us. NOTHING can ever separate us from His love WHEN WE ARE IN CHRIST.
That's where Bell misses it. Apart from faith in Jesus, all that crap wins. But in Jesus, we can be sure of the victory of God's love.
Look at the time - 12:09 AM on Wednesday. No wonder I still feel like I've been hit by a Mack Truck. But I seriously can't sleep. But I'm gonna go try.
Peace Out.

Messy Faith

2011-04-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Jesus' disciple Peter. Truth is, I feel like him a lot, and I identify with him a lot. He had ADD before anybody knew what ADD was. Following the trajectory of Peter's life with Jesus is like an adventure in missing the point.

During the 3 years of Jesus' public ministry, Peter was one of Jesus' intimate friends. Jesus preached to crowds, had 12 disciples and 3 very close friends - Peter, James and John. Despite being so close to Jesus, Peter certainly displayed a certain obtuseness.

He was the first of the disciples to acknowledge Jesus as Messiah, and in the very next breath, he was telling Jesus that there was no way he could suffer and die. This earned him the not-so-endearing nickname of Satan for a brief time. He walked on the water with Jesus. How cool would that be? And yet, he sank and nearly drowned.

In part of today's reading from Luke 22 we find the Peter's denial when Jesus was on trial. In Jesus' most desperate hour, his closest friends deserted him. Peter not only deserted and abandoned him, he publicly denied that he even knew who Jesus was. To a teenage girl.

I look at Peter through the lens of the Gospels and think, "What a moron." And then I look in the mirror and think the same thing.

Here's the hard truth: Peter is a perfect example of messy faith. Hot one minute. Cold the next. Promising Jesus his life in one instance, and denying he even knew Jesus when it mattered the most. When it comes right down to it, I think most Christians would identify pretty strongly with that.

As a pastor, many times it's tempting to walk around with this air of invincibility and faux perfection. I mean, people are looking at me and counting on me to have all the answers and to live out my faith perfectly. Nobody wants a messy pastor. And I think too many times I oblige.

Truth is, that's not me. I'm messy like Peter. Hot and cold. Certain and doubtful. Dependable and wishy-washy. All in the same day. Hour. Minute.

I eat too much and I'm fat because I lack self-control. I'm not very patient with the people that are most important to me. There are days when apathy overwhelms me and I wonder what I've gotten myself into.

But Jesus didn't give up on Peter despite the mess. He built the church on Peter. Peter preached the first public sermon after the Resurrection and saw thousands of people surrender their lives to Jesus in faith. He was a missionary and an apostle. He did incredible things for the Kingdom of God. And in his death, he was so humble and in awe of Jesus that he demanded to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

And this is the way I want to be like Peter. Jesus knows my messes, and He loves me anyway. He knows my shortcomings, and still His calling is on my life to preach the Good News. So let's quit pretending that Peter, and all the other heroes of the faith were perfect. They weren't. They were messy. But the grace of Jesus is greater than our mess. His power is greater than our weakness. He's not done with us, even when we're done with Him.

Life

2011-04-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

"These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”
Deuteronomy 32:47

Are you seeing the recurring theme here throughout Deuteronomy? It's awfully hard to miss if you've been following along. Obedience to God = Life. Disobedience to God = Death.

I think the thing that's hard for many of us to grasp is that this life is just about some future promise of heaven. After all eternal life is just that - eternal. I think we "get" that it has no end. But it also has no beginning. It can be a constant, unchanging reality for those who choose to love God and to be obedient to him.

Every day is a struggle to experience the promise of abundant life that Jesus said He came to give. Kids get sick. Stress from families and jobs takes its toll. Kids want to fight. Finances are in the red. Old "friends" beckon us to return to a life we've left behind. The past catches up with us. Jobs are insecure. Relationships are frayed at every edge. There are a million other things that distract us from cultivating a relationship with Jesus.

But through it all, we must choose obedience if we really want to live. It means keeping our integrity, even when there looks like an easy way out. It means sacrificing some of our desires, so that God can meet not just our needs, but the needs of others. Sometimes it means leaving relationships for a season, until God strengthens us and makes us more like Jesus.

These instructions which pretty much encompass the first 5 books of the Bible, are not empty words. In fact, throughout Jewish history, young children learned to read by reading through, and then committing to memory, the Torah. To the Jews then, and even to many orthodox Jews today, the Torah was life.

We know on this side of the resurrection of Jesus that it's not just about rules and regulations. We know that obedience should come in response to the grace that we receive in Jesus. But don't let that moment we decide to follow Christ be the end - don't just focus on heaven, focus on the abundant life we could have now.

God's promise to the Israelites here is amazing - the enjoyment of a long life in the Promised Land. Many times obedience doesn't look or seem enjoyable, but when we live our lives in surrender to the goodness of Jesus, life is so much more enjoyable. In fact, it's downright abundant - what I like to call "life with an exclamation point."

You Know what I love?

2011-04-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Well, that could be answered in a lot of different ways.

But one thing I'm absolutely loving right now is the way that Alive is living out what I call "The Body being the Body."

I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again - we are a church of misfits. We have people at Alive from all kinds of religious, and non-religious, backgrounds. We have a lot of people who have been burned out, burdened and beat down by their church experiences.

But it is so cool to see these people experiencing love and community at Alive. Connecting with other people who have been where they are, or are still there right now. And being loved. Being prayed for. Being encouraged and lifted up. It's happening through our ministry teams. It's happening through small groups. It's happening just through relationships.

And I love it. I love the people at Alive, and I am honored to be your pastor. Keep loving each other. Keep serving each other. And keep being The Body of Christ to one another.

The Hardest Truth I've ever read in Scripture

2011-04-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 28:63
“Just as the Lord has found great pleasure in causing you to prosper and multiply, the Lord will find pleasure in destroying you. You will be torn from the land you are about to enter and occupy."

I know I've at least read over this verse before, but I don't think I've actually ever grasped it the way I did today in our Daily Bible Reading Plan at Alive. I think this is the hardest truth I've ever read in Scripture.

I have always known, and believed at a heart level, that God takes great pleasure in blessing us. It brings him joy to see a sinner come to repentance - Luke 15. It brings him joy to share the riches of heaven with us - Romans 8:16-18. God delights in those who trust in His love - Psalm 147:11.

But those words in Deuteronomy 28:63 rocked me as I read them. ". . . the LORD will find pleasure in destroying you." How in the world can we even begin to square that with what we know of the love and mercy of God?

We make sense of it by remembering that God's holiness, righteousness and justice are never separate from his love and mercy. God's character in all of these areas is perfect and spotless, and all of these things work together. Earlier, in Deuteronomy 28:9-10, we see the reason that God even chose Israel in the first place for this special relationship. God's intention was 2 fold - to establish Israel as a HOLY people, and to set them as an example for the nations around them of the holiness, awesomeness and power of God.

By choosing disobedience to God, the Israelites would forfeit their blessing, but more importantly, they would disregard the purpose for which they had been chosen. Whereas God took great pleasure in blessing them and making them holy, He would also take pleasure in destroying them if they mocked him, rejected him and tarnished his glory and holiness.

And, as always, the choice was with the people. Obedience = Blessing. Disobedience = Destruction. That's God's economy. He's done everything possible to rescue us from our sin. He's done everything possible to make us holy. He's done everything possible to lavish his love, mercy and grace on us. He's done everything possible to make us holy and righteous.

You see, a lot of people struggle with squaring God's holiness and justice with his love and mercy. God's much more bearable and likable without the holiness and justice. But we cannot separate them - this is God's very character.

God's reputation is more important than our comfort or the physical, emotional or psychological satisfaction we find in sinning.

God's holiness is more important than our comfort or the physical, emotional or psychological satisfaction we find in sinning.

God's righteousness is more important than our comfort or the physical, emotional or psychological satisfaction we find in sinning.

God's justice is more important than our comfort or the physical, emotional or psychological satisfaction we find in sinning.

These are hard truths, to be sure. But truths that followers of Jesus must begin to wrestle with, understand and appreciate if we are ever going to become all that God has created us to be.

Prankster

2011-03-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Did you ever stop to consider that Jesus just might be one of the biggest pranksters ever? Yep. Check out Luke 8:22-25.

Did you see it? Look again.

Still don't see it? Lemme ask you this: Do you really think Jesus said, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake," without knowing full well that at tempest was brewing out there? I mean really? This is the best prank in the entire Bible. The Lord of all creation, cooking up a storm to beat all storms, sends his friends right into the middle of it AND FALLS ASLEEP!!! This is good stuff.

I used to think that the fact Jesus was asleep in the story meant that He must have been indifferent to the plight of his friends. You know, "Where is Jesus when I need him the most?" Or, "Boy, it feels like God is asleep on this one." But I don't think that's it at all.

I think Jesus' little nap is a picture for us of his perfect peace in every situation in our lives, and of his total control over every situation in our lives. After all, he sent his friends into this storm with a purpose in mind. His purpose in this was to show them His sovereignty over even the wind and the waves.

v. 25 tells us that the disciples were "terrified and amazed." This is exactly what happens when God puts us in a place that requires faith. We're terrified, like the disciples, because our lack of strength and ability makes it feel like we're going down. But when Jesus shows His power, we must stand in awe at what He can and will accomplish.

The Choice is yours

2011-03-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

“Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the Lord your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before."

Deuteronomy 11:26-28

By Grace

2011-03-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

In today's reading from Deuteronomy 9, Moses is preparing the people to enter the Promised Land. Even though the English version says "today," it's not quite accurate, for their entry was still about a year off.

In this chapter, Moses promises the Israelites that God would go before them, "like a devouring fire to destroy them." Just as God had promised.

When God does something on behalf of his people - or on behalf of you - there's a tendency to say, "Yes, I deserve this. I've earned it." But Moses is quick to warn the people that their victory in the Promised Land was not because of anything they had done to earn or merit God's favor. In v. 4 he tells them, "After the Lord your God has done this for you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘The Lord has given us this land because we are such good people!"

God would do this for 2 reasons - because the inhabitants of the land were so wicked, and because God had promised to do this.

What a picture of grace! Since their release from Egyptian captivity, the Israelites had been nothing short of morons. They complained. They argued with Moses. They told God that they wished they could go back to their captivity. They doubted God and they rebelled against God. And yet, his promise remained for them.

For those of us who realize how far short we fall in obedience to God, these are such precious words. They remind us that all that we have in Jesus Christ - forgiveness for sins, healing, the hope of eternal life - is a free gift that is not taken away from us because we fail. It's an incredible picture of exactly what I preached about yesterday at ALIVE! - what it means to have faith in God's promises, even when life is caving in around us.

Receiving grace, and the promises of God that are tied to His grace, is an act of faith. Believing that what God says He will do is true. Trusting that even though we don't see it now, God will make it happen in his time.

Stuck

2011-03-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well first of all, my apologies to those of you who read my blog for not having posted in over a month. Kind of fell by the wayside with planning for vacation, being on vacation and catching up from vacation. The past month has been a busy one for me, and I'm looking forward to seeing some of the things I've been working on in the past month come to fruition. I think ALIVE is about to explode, and there's a lot of work to do to make that happen. Really excited about the next couple of months at ALIVE!

Back to one of today's readings from Deuteronomy 1.

I would imagine that this was a pretty depressing time for most of the Israelites. They were in the midst of their 40 year wilderness wandering, moving towards the Promised Land, but knowing that they would not be able to enter it. They were stuck.

And the reason they were stuck was because of their disobedience to God. In Deuteronomy 1, Moses reminds them of why they were stuck. It was because of their refusal to trust in God's power and provision when he had directed them to engage the Amorites:

But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, “The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.’”

Because of their disobedience, God declared that only Joshua and Caleb out of an entire generation would be able to enter the Promised Land. The rest of that generation would die in the wilderness, including Moses.

When we're stuck in our spiritual journey, seemingly wandering in a spiritual wilderness, it's necessary to look around at our lives to see if there's disobedience. Now you might say, "But I'm being mostly obedient to God. I don't see why I'm stuck." And that's the kicker, partial obedience is still disobedience. God wants total obedience.

The call to follow Jesus is a call of total and complete surrender. Every area of our lives should fall under his Lordship. It's true that grace is a free gift, but to fully experience and embrace it means making costly sacrifices in our own lives. Is every area of your life under the lordship of Jesus? Your finances - are you actually tithing or just giving what you feel like giving? Your mind - are you pumping junk into your brain, or are you nourishing it with God's word and godly influences? Your heart - are you in a dating relationship or marriage that truly honors God or are you playing by your own standards? Your attitude - are you the same person Monday through Saturday that you are on Sunday?

If you're stuck, there's probably some disobedience in your life. Repent of it. Put it under Jesus' control. And move towards the inheritance that God has for you.

Some help with Leviticus

2011-02-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

Our Daily Bible Reading Plan has us smack dab in the middle of Leviticus. It's a strange book, and easily offends modern sensibilities.

I struggle to read Leviticus and make practical application to our lives today. But it's a book that is vital to understanding the sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross. When the New Testament was written, it was largely read by Jews, who were intimately familiar with the Old Testament, especially the Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible). In fact, I've read in many places that throughout Jewish history, and even among some orthodox Jews today, when Hebrew children learned to read, they learned first to read Leviticus.

Perhaps even more than that, is the fact that in Leviticus, God speaks directly to his people more than in any other book in Scripture. I'd say that makes it pretty important.

I've found a resource that helps explain Leviticus in a far clearer, and in depth, way than I can even begin to in this blog.

So go here and check out some great teaching on Leviticus. Pack a lunch, and don't check your brain at the door. It's lengthy and deep. But well worth your time if you'd like to understand Leviticus more.

Faith Comes First

2011-02-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

Most weeks at Alive, I'm astounded at what we see happening. I'm blown away by the sheer number of people that are coming. I'm blown away by some of the stories of God moving in peoples' live. I'm blown away by the generosity and servant-mindedness of the people that call Alive home. I love the church and the people I have the privilege of pastoring and leading!!!

But, there are times when I've struggled to feel that way. Just a year ago, our attendance was abysmal and there were some weeks we didn't even have enough in the offering to cover the rent for the theater. There were times when I questioned my sanity, and there were times when I wondered if I had really made the right decision in planting Alive.

During those times, I would beg God to do something - anything - to create a spark or some spiritual momentum. I believed He could, but there were also times when I would begin to lose faith. What is faith? It's the substance of things hoped for.

Without faith, God does not ordinarily do things that blow our mind. We see it in today's reading from Mark 6:1-29. Here, we find Jesus in his hometown of Nazareth, teaching in the synagogue. Many, we're told, were amazed at his teaching and even wondered aloud where He got such authority and wisdom. But their wonder turned to offense (v.3) and they chose to remember Him as just a carpenter.

Here was the full power and revelation of the Kingdom of God on display, and people didn't have faith. We're told that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. He wasn't amazed in the sense that it took him by surprise, rather He noted that it was such a strong and pervasive sentiment among those in his hometown.

And because of their lack of faith, Jesus didn't do many miracles. He healed a few sick, but that was it. V.5 says that Jesus "could not do any miracle there." That doesn't mean he suddenly lost his ability to do the miraculous. It means that the faith and expectancy of the people was lacking, and so He responded accordingly.

People always want to see miracles happen. They want Jesus to prove himself. "Do a trick for us Jesus!" Then we'll believe.

But that's not the pattern we see in the Gospels. We see Jesus perform miracles in response to faith. When Jesus does something that blows peoples' minds, it's because they believe that He can and will do those things. The miracles of Jesus were to display His glory and power, not to impress people. Faith comes first. It precedes the miraculous.

The miracles I see happening at Alive did not come easily, as I shared. They came as a result of faith. You see, I knew what Jesus had called me to do. Other people believed that Jesus had called them to be a part of this. We didn't know how everything would go. We didn't have all the answers. But we had faith, and faith causes us to walk in obedience, even when the future is uncertain. And faith unlocks the miraculous.

What if God wants to do more?

2011-02-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

Now that I've been a dad for almost 10 years, I read Mark 5:21-43 a little differently than I used to. The desperation of Jairus, as he comes and falls at the feet of Jesus, is palpable to me. I've been there with my own kids - nothing quite as severe as he was experiencing, but those places where I know that I am utterly at God's mercy to intervene on behalf of my children.

I can only imagine his desperation turning to frustration as Jesus is mobbed by a crowd on his way to Jairus' house. And then, to top it off, as he's waiting for his miracle, another person (the woman) interrupts Jesus to receive her miracle. The delay has caused the unimaginable - Jairus' servants meet them to report that his daughter is dead.

It's far easier for me to think in hypotheticals than it is to experience the hypothetical - but I wonder how much more Jairus trusted Jesus because he raised his dead daughter to life, rather than just healing her sickness. What if, even in our desperation, God will be glorified more if He delays just a little as our desperation turns to frustration, and maybe even disappointment?

Jairus was certainly unique in the Gospels. A prominent leader in the local synagogue, he was different than many of the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus' day, just in the fact that he came to Jesus in desperation. He may have been among the group of Jews called the Sadducees, who didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead, but who would have certainly believed that the Messiah had healing power within Him.

And that's the whole point of this I guess. Jesus brings the dead to life. Sure, it was miraculous when he touched and healed people of their diseases. But the bigger miracle, the real miracle, that nobody ever had the power and authority to perform except for Jesus, is the miracle of resurrection. What if he wants to do more than what we ask? Well, sometimes it means going further and further into darkness and frustration before we see Him move. But remember, that when He moves, He has the power to bring the dead to life.

A better way

2011-02-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

After today's reading from Leviticus 1-3, my kids were a little disturbed. I was too. In these chapters, God lays out for the Israelites, the proper sacrifices to be made for atonement for sins. As we've been doing, we read these passages out loud as a family before bed time.

I tried to make it real for my kids, to help them understand what God required. I asked them to imagine what it would be like each Sunday when they came to Alive if they had to bring animal sacrifices. I asked, what if you had to bring a bull or a goat to church each Sunday? "That would be cool dad!" I asked, what if every person who came had to bring a bull or a goat to church each Sunday? "That would be crazy dad."

"And what if, before you came into the theater, you had to slaughter you bull or goat, and sprinkle the blood all around, and we had a big fire where we burned all the guts and stuff?"

"That would be groooooosssss dad," said Anna. "Cooooolllll," said Isaac. He's a boy. Of course it would be cool.

And then we talked about why we don't have to do that any more. Jesus. A better way. Not just a better way, but a perfect way.

Hebrews 9
¹¹ But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here,^[a] he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. ¹² He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining^[b] eternal redemption. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. ¹⁴ How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,^[c] so that we may serve the living God!

What's it all about?

2011-02-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

If you're keeping up with the Daily Bible Reading Plan on our website, you just finished reading through Exodus today. The last several chapters haven't been too terribly exciting, and at face value don't really seem to have a whole lot to offer us in terms of practical application for our lives today.

In fact, somebody that's following along asked me last week in an e mail regarding the readings, "Why is it do you suppose that the bible goes into such detail when explaining such items as the building of the tabernacle and other such items?"

Specifically speaking, almost every single one of those little, minute details had special meaning to the Israelites. Maybe not specific meaning at the time that God gave the instruction, but those things often took on specific meaning throughout generations. For instance, with all the priestly garments and the details involved in them, were a reminder to the priests that they were representing an entire nation of people before God, and not just themselves.

A big part of all the detail was so that the Israelites would remember that they were set apart for a holy purpose, in contrast to the pagan cultures that surrounded them. Pagan worship was often very superstitious, violent and was carried out on a whim. God wanted his people to remember Who they were worshiping; that He was a God of order and provision; and that they were actually worshiping a living God, and not a false idol.

In a general, broad sense all of the rules and regulations were pointing the way towards Jesus. All of these things pointed towards the perfection and holiness of God, and the fallen-ness of man. Think about it. Just to worship God in the proper way, you have to do ALL of these things. Really points to what Paul talked about in many letters of how the law exposes our sin and shows us how far we really are from holiness but that in Jesus, we can come before God with confidence.

Drink Up!

2011-02-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

In today's reading from Exodus 32, we see the serious nature, and consequences, of our sin against God.

It's always baffled me to read through the Torah and to see that the Israelites could be so defiant of God. Despite the miraculous way that God delivered them from Egypt; despite His miraculous provision for them in the desert; and despite his patience with them, they were ever defiant and committed to sin.

As the Israelites were waiting for Moses to come down from meeting with God, they grew tired of waiting and asked Aaron for tangible gods who would go before them. Aaron foolishly obliged and made for them a golden calf and an altar at which they worshiped and offered sacrifices.

God saw their activity and sent Moses down to them with the covenant law. Moses was coming to bring them a source of life even as they were choosing the death of sin in defiance to the one, true God who had brought them out of slavery and who had really gone before them.

Moses' reaction to the people is interesting. In v. 20 it says, "And he took the calf the people had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it."

What an incredible picture of what sin does to us. As the people drank the ruins of their sin, it became a physical part of them. I can't imagine that drinking gold dust is a healthy thing. And I bet it didn't taste too good either.

When we're in the midst of sin, as the Israelites were, we're often oblivious to the consequences. Just one more rush; one more high; one more heart-numbing dose; one more thrill. We don't see that the rush, the high, the dose or the thrill is seeping into our hearts and slowly poisoning us. But that's what it does.

If only that was it. For the Israelites and for us. Not only are we poisoned, but the poison separates us from God, and further and further we spiral until we've been totally cut off from God. It happened here, and it happens to us.

Just Stand Still

2011-02-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since a piece of Scripture hit me like Exodus 14:13-14 did today. It's one of those that I've read before, but really missed something good as I read through/over/past it.

Don't be afraid.
Just stand still
Just stay calm.

I usually don't live like that. I'm a blur of frantic mental activity and motion, living somewhere on the border of A.D.D. I like to think that I'm strong, but I know I live in fear in a lot of places - more emotional than physical. I like to think I'm patient in waiting for God - but I'm not. I like to think I'm a pillar of calm in the mist of chaos and turmoil, but my stomach churns just like everybody else.

And I know it's because I have trouble believing the promise that all of these commands are predicated upon: Watch the Lord rescue you today . . . The Lord himself will fight for you.

It's hard to have courage, patience and calmness when we feel so alone, as the Israelites did in the wilderness. I mean, after all, God promised to deliver them, and here they were taking the long, hard way to the Promised Land. Which, by the way, was by God's design. And God Himself wanted His people to have the appearance of being trapped, so that He could destroy the Egyptian army once and for all as they moved in to recapture their slaves.

As the Egyptian army pursued them, the Israelites panicked. They even longed to return to their slavery, rather than face what they thought was certain death in the wilderness.

But God did what Moses said God would do - He rescued his people, and He fought for His people. That's what happens when we stop flailing and fighting and just stand still and let God do what only He can do. Don't be afraid. Just stand still. Just stay calm. God is fighting for you, and He WILL rescue you.

Heavy Handed?

2011-01-31T07:54:00.000-08:00

Nobody likes to deal with the consequences of sin. It's painful. It's messy. And it makes God look heavy handed sometimes.

In today's reading from Exodus 11, we see that as God announces the 10th and final plague that will strike the Egyptians as He works to free his people from slavery: the death of every firstborn son in Egypt.

Isn't God a God of mercy and second chances?

In this case, He's the God of 9 chances. 9 times God brought different plagues on Egypt, of varying harshness and consequences. And 9 times, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. 9 times Pharaoh saw the consequences of his sin, and how it affected millions of people. And 9 times he refused to listen to God.

I have seen quite a few people like Pharaoh. It's like they love misery and pain. No matter how dark their sin causes their life to be; no matter how much pain their sin brings on them and people around them; no matter how many times they question God; their hearts remain hardened and steadfast on destruction.

Gotta admit, I'm like that too. And it sucks when I'm too stubborn to change and to yield in obedience to Jesus. God doesn't delight in punishing sin. Far greater is His delight in blessing people and giving them new life.

So why are we so stubborn and hard hearted? If you're dealing with the consequences of sin, and it hurts, take a minute to consider how much of it you've brought upon yourself. Turn from it, and turn to God. Seek and find his forgiveness and his mercy. Receive with joy and gladness his 2nd, 3rd and 9th chances that He's given to you.

Monday Morning Mind Dump

2011-01-31T07:39:00.000-08:00

What a great day at ALIVE yesterday!
Had a blast teaching on 5 spiritual disciplines that bring transformation to our lives
But like I said yesterday, if you want transformation to happen, you've got to actually apply these things to your life.
Dr. Scott Mills filled in as our worship leader yesterday while Nate took a well-deserved weekend off. He absolutely killed it! So cool seeing new people stepping up and serving in new ways.
So many new faces yesterday! Love to see that.
We really haven't had an "off" Sunday in terms of attendance in about 2 months. Well over 100 each week.
Which means it's time to start making some needed changes to the worship area.
Despite all the awesome things going on, there are some real heart breaking things happening to people who have been coming to ALIVE. Hoping and praying that God does what only He can do in the lives of these people.
I ended my message on sharing our faith yesterday with this thought: "Eternity is at stake."
So hard to speak those words, knowing that many folks at ALIVE have close friends and family members that don't know Jesus.
So hard to speak those words, knowing that I have some close friends and a few family members that don't know Jesus.
But, we may be the only one in a person's life who can share the truth and love of Jesus with them.
Praying for our people to be able to step up and share their faith in meaningful ways.
I love to see new people coming to ALIVE, and everybody is welcome here. But what I really love to see are people coming who have been disconnected from church and from God for awhile, rediscovering his grace, mercy, truth and love.
I'm home with Andrew this morning while Jessie works, and lemme just tell ya, I am more ready to go see a urologist than ever before. The kid won't sleep by himself.
Very, very hard to get much meaningful stuff done that I need to get done.
Finally got him sacked out on the couch next to me. He can't be comfortable, but he is asleep.
I'm ready to step up and share Jesus with some people that need to hear the Good News. Won't be easy, but eternity is at stake. Praying for those times this week.

Darkest Before the Dawn

2011-01-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

There's an old saying that it's always the darkest before the dawn. As someone who spends quite a bit (too much?) time in the woods and on the water in the pre-dawn darkness, I'd tend to agree. Maybe it's the anticipation of the hunt that makes it seem like the darkness will never give way to light. Maybe it's the fact that I've been lost in the woods a few times looking for my spot or tree stand before the dawn. Maybe it really is true, in a physical sense. Sure seems that way.

And it seems to be equally true when we're waiting on a breakthrough from God. Let's be real - for many of us, our desperation for God is not as intense in the good times as it is in the bad times. We might be more aware of God's presence in our lives in the period of blessing; we might be more acutely attuned to the voice of God in the time of blessing; and we might be more likely to give God the credit and glory in the time of blessing.

But in the darkness, our desperation for God grows. When the sun is setting on a period of blessing, we become more acutely aware of our need for God. When darkness falls, it can feel suffocating. Look at many of the cries of David in the Psalms. And as the dark progressively gets darker, we tend to become more and more desperate for God to shine his light in our lives once again.

The Israelites experienced this in Exodus, as God set in motion his plan to rescue them from their Egyptian slavery. Evening begins to fall on the Israelites in the opening chapters of Exodus. Pharaoh has forgotten how important Joseph was in saving Egypt. The Israelites are gowing in numbers. And their slavery becomes more and more harsh. As God calls the uncertain prophet Moses to lead his people out of slavery, the darkness grows more and more imminent. When Pharaoh is confronted by Moses for the first time, that heavy darkness before the dawn overwhelms God's people.

Moses gives voice to this darkness in Exodus 5:22-23
Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”

Already, Moses feels defeated. He was skeptical of his calling in the first place, seemingly bargaining with God to remove His calling from Moses' life. Now he is certain that he doesn't want to go through with this.

In Exodus 6:1-6, God reaffirms his promise to Moses. Though the darkness have overwhelmed God's people, it has not overwhelmed God. The dawn is coming for His people. When we are overwhelmed, we need to remember God's promises. We need to remember that God is capable of far more than we can ever ask or imagine. Though we are shrouded in the darkest of darkness, God's light is coming. It's what God does. And it's based on his unchanging character, goodness and power.

Really?

2011-01-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Matthew 18:6-9 is one of those passages that just makes you go, "Really? Did Jesus really just say that?" Ah yep, he said it alright. This is one of those verses that falls under the category of "parable" or "metaphor" but he did say it.

I remember reading this passage in Sunday School as a young kid, probably 1st or 2nd grade (except it was Mark's version of the same story). And I can remember, when I'd be bored in church (which was often) frantically looking for it. And when I'd find it each Sunday (remember I was bored often) I almost felt like I was getting away with something I shouldn't have been getting away with as I read it.

Cut your hand off. Cut your foot off. Gouge your eye out. Do you have any idea how cool that sounds to an 8 year old boy?

Until you realize the seriousness of what Jesus is saying here, which I did somewhere in my teenage years.

When sin is present in your life, the spiritual consequences are pretty severe, says Jesus. And so the solution is equally radical.

When something is causing you to continually sin and stumble, you've got to get rid of it. Much easier said than done. Sinning sometimes seems like fun; sometimes it feels good; sometimes it makes us rich; etc. GASP! Did a pastor really just say that? Ah yep, I said it.

But you see, when we truly encounter Jesus Christ, and receive his forgiveness and healing, and his righteousness is given to us, it should produce in us an aversion to sin. Grace is so sweet, and so amazing, that everything should pale in comparison to it. But too often, we forsake the grace that could be ours to return to the very thing that killed our hearts in the first place.

So if you find yourself in that place, it's time to get rid of it.

Friends who are hindering your obedience to Jesus? Find some new ones and eliminate their influence.

A substance that's got you in chains? Eliminate yourself from situations that will cause you to crave it.

A libido that's out of control and causing you to sin? End the relationship. Now. Or get rid of the Skinemax or get some filtering/accountability software on your computer.

Pretty clear. If you're serious about following Jesus, get rid of whatever it is that keeps you in chains.

What Faith Can Do

2011-01-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

In times of darkness or discouragement, we've no doubt heard well meaning people say, "Just have faith." That's a very tough thing to do when we can't see a way out of our dilemma or a solution to our problems. Often times, the very thing we need - faith - is the most difficult thing to muster when we need it the most.

In today's reading from Matthew 17 Jesus deals with the lack of faith of his disciples. Jesus hears a request from the father of a boy with great needs. He is tormented by a demon. Seeming exasperated, the father says in v.16, "I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” Jesus drives out the demon and heals the boy.

In v.19, his disciples are perplexed as to their inability to drive out the demon. Jesus tells them it is because of a lack of faith.

If I'm one of the disciples in that moment, I'm feeling pretty dejected. After all, the disciples exhibited extraordinary faith in simply becoming disciples. In earlier accounts in Matthew, we see that they left behind almost everything they had to follow Jesus in faith - their homes, their jobs, their families. That's pretty significant faith, I think.

Isn't that just how it is with us sometimes? When we're perplexed by the ways of God, we like to remind Him of all that we've done for him, all that we've left behind for the sake of the Kingdom, and all the faith that we've exhibited. But Jesus' response to the disciples tells us that there's always room for more faith in Him, and what He can do.

Jesus tells us that faith can move mountains. Tiny faith, the size of a mustard seed. I think the problem lies in us, and not in Jesus. Our prayers and our requests are often limited by what we think is possible. We are limited by what we perceive with our 5 senses. We often lose sight of the fact that the work of Jesus is miraculous.

I've been hit hard with that this week. A good friend, and former neighbor (the best next door neighbor I've ever had in my entire life), Bob, was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus last Friday. It had metastasized to a spot on his brain, for which he had surgery yesterday. Meanwhile, his wife Kathy has been receiving chemo and radiation for stage 5 - that's right, stage 5 - breast cancer. She was readmitted to the hospital on Monday, when an infection began to ravage her body. I sat with them, and many of their family and friends, yesterday in his room prior to his surgery.

His wife sat in a wheelchair next to his bed, with a bandana to cover her bald head; a mask on her face to prevent the spread of her infection; and a cocktail of IV's dripping into her arm; all the while shivering uncontrollably because of the high fever she had. There were many tears, and a few laughs, as he prepared for his surgery.

Bob is the kind of guy that can fix anything. He has a garage that's bigger than his house, and every tool for every occasion. If it has an engine and gears, Bob can fix it. If you need help, Bob can fix it. He was a life saver to me many times when I lived next door to him. He's the kind of guy that everybody loves - on Monday, 8 of his co-workers stopped by to visit while I was with him. I've never seen a more crowded hospital room in my life. The nurses love him. He's just that kind of guy.

You see, I've always struggled with Bob. He's the kind of guy that would never take payment for his help, and he's the kind of guy I never could never do anything for. Until now. All I have to give to Bob and Kathy is the gift of my faith. Bob and Kathy are the most generous people I know, yet they are not believers. And this troubles me to no end. In fact, I laid awake in bed until 3 AM this morning agonizing and praying for them.

Physically, they both need a miracle that only faith can provide. But even more important is that spiritually, they both need a miracle that only faith can provide. I would be devastated to not see them in Heaven, and despite their generosity and kindness, apart from Jesus, I know that's impossible. And so I'm praying for God to give them saving faith. Faith that right now, in the midst of their darkness and pain that seems impossible. But I know God CAN do this, and I know that God WANTS to do this. I need to have faith that He will move this mountain, and draw them to Himself, in his grace and mercy and loving kindness.

Sunday Night Mind Dump

2011-01-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

Exhausted, yet wide awake all at the same time.
I'm thinkin' the Stillers need to learn how to play an entire 60 minutes in the playoffs, and quick. Not feeling too great about this match up with the Packers.
Had a great time tonight watching the game with some great friends that God has brought into our lives in just the past year.
Today was just one of those awesome days at ALIVE! ALIVE! Worship was off the hook today, another great crowd of 100+ and a message about Community that I was so excited to preach.
I still get wrecked every time I watch the Team Hoyt video. So inspiring and such an incredible picture of what it means to be The Church for one another.
As great as the game was, as exciting as another Super Bowl will be, it pales in comparison to the lives that I am seeing God changing at ALIVE! Incredible. And eternal.
Biggest offering in our history today! Love to see people taking the step of obedience in tithing and giving. Praying that they will be blessed by making a choice to bless others.
Really excited about some of the improvements and upgrades that some of our ministry teams will be making in the next several weeks.
Looking forward to finally having our first staff meeting at ALIVE tomorrow night. I am so thankful for our ministry directors and the passion that they have to reach people with the Good News.
Really feeling God stirring in my heart and life. Seeing Him answering the prayers of his people to do more than we can ask or imagine is exciting. And yet there's so much more.
Praying for some good friends, and former neighbors, who are going through the most difficult time in their lives. They both have cancer, and are in rough shape. Praying that God will give me an opportunity to really minister to them, and they will trust Jesus with their lives. Join me in praying for Bob and Kathy.

It's Worth It!

2011-01-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

It should be pretty clear from Jesus' words in Matthew 13:44-46 that there's nothing more valuable than being a part of the Kingdom of Heaven. Sure, it's a parable, but there is a definite point to the story.

When people discover the vast treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven, it should cause a radical reorientation of our lives. I talked about this last Sunday as we looked at tithing. I'll talk about it again this Sunday as we look at community. I talk about this a lot, because I think it's one of the most overlooked aspects of the life of faith.

I've seen it so many times. Somebody is saved, gives their life to Jesus, surrenders to Jesus, accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior - whatever terminology you'd like to use is fine - and they love the euphoria and the excitement of it. But then reality hits.

In order to really live for Jesus, some things have to change in our lives. We no longer belong to ourselves, because we've been bought with a price - the blood of Jesus. And when we trust in the saving work of Jesus, the riches of the Kingdom of Heaven - all that God has - is at our disposal. But we miss so much of it, because we only look at the cost, instead of the benefits.

Jesus tells us that those who truly discover the richness of the Kingdom will give all that they have for it. The first man "sold all he had and bought that field," while the second man found a fine pearl of great value and "sold everything he had and bought it."

There's no sticking your toe in the water with Jesus. There's no refunds or returns. It's all or nothing, and Jesus wants it all. But is it worth it? Can you really set aside the things that hinder you from experiencing this? That's something that only you can decide. But look at the people that encountered Jesus. When they held onto what they had, they missed out. When they gave it all, and laid it all down for Him, they experienced new life marked by transformation.

Let me tell you, there's absolutely nothing more valuable than knowing that you belong to Jesus. Nothing.

Sick

2011-01-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

I don't often chime in on things of a divisive political nature, but I read this story this morning in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review and it made me absolutely sick to my stomach. Whether you're staunchly pro-life (as I am), pro-choice or somewhere in the middle when it comes to abortion, this is a story that paints a ghastly picture of what happens when a nation stops defending human rights.

Last week President Obama said this at the memorial service of the young girl who was slain by a deranged lunatic in Arizona: ". . . life is precious...this is a country that gives all its daughters and all its sons a fair chance. A chance to make the most of their lives. A chance to fulfill their God-given potential."

And yet this is a man who has built a political career upon the cornerstone of free choice when it comes to abortion. Not only that, but this is a man who has made it a priority to publicly fund deranged lunatics that do these types of things. And as he uttered these empty and hollow words, he was given a free pass. In the 2 years that he has held the office, approximately 2.5 million of this country's sons and daughters have been legally murdered. And if you think the above story is an aberration, you probably ought to think again. So called "doctors" are becoming millionaires because they cater to a culture of death.

I wrote last week that Christians shouldn't expect a government that caters to our faith. But this issue is far beyond religion. It is about the fundamentals of our Constitution - the right of every one of our citizens to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Apparently, that doesn't extend to babies who are viewed as an inconvenience.

I don't have illusions that America is a Christian nation. It may have been founded upon Judeo-Christian principles, and no doubt many of our most important forefathers were men of great faith and courage. But has our culture really become so cold and calloused and ignorant of the beauty of life, that barely a peep is made when something like this happens?

It shows me one thing. America is a nation that is desperately in need of a spiritual awakening and revival. America has lost its collective conscience. America has bowed to many idols, and we are reaping the destruction that comes from idolatry. America is sick.

Church, wake up!!! See the death and let it make you sick. See the destruction and let it make you weep. See the lost, and let your heart be moved with compassion. Forgive us God, for shrugging our shoulders in indifference. Forgive us God, for turning a blind eye to injustice. Forgive us God, for not pursuing the lost as You have pursued us. God, have mercy on Your Church and on our nation.

Integrity

2011-01-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

For the past few days, our Bible reading in Genesis has really been nothing short of sordid. I always tell people that the Bible is not PG. Or even PG-13. If a movie was made of Genesis through Revelation, it would no doubt get an NC17 rating. There's some wicked, wicked stuff in there.

What captured my attention today in Genesis 39, is that even the godly are not immune to the effects of wickedness. Even when we try our best to live above it. Even when guys keep our eyes up. Even when we're striving to honor God in all that we say and do.

What happened to Joseph is proof of that. Through no fault of his own, Joseph finds himself as a stranger in Egypt - a Hebrew living for God's honor and glory in the midst of a pagan culture. But people are noticing that God's influence, power and wisdom in Joseph's life are strong. He rises to a position of prominence, where God has him set up to do great things.

As he's working for Potiphar, who apparently has a wife that's a little out of control. She tries, unsuccessfully, to seduce Joseph on multiple occasions, but finally sets him up to take a fall. And he fell hard - right into prison.

As far as we know, Joseph didn't sin. He didn't willingly do anything evil or in defiance of God's laws. He was fully obedient to God, and to his master Potiphar. Potiphar didn't see Joseph's integrity.

But God saw it.

And even in prison, as we see in v.21, God was with Joseph and continued to give him influence and prominence.

When we're going through difficult times, it's tough to walk with integrity. Especially when you're being slandered and lied about. I know, I've been there. Our integrity won't always be noticed by everybody. But it will be seen by God, and he will honor it.

When you're in darkness, don't cave. Don't give into the urge to defy God because it feels like He's given up on you. Don't give into the temptation to sin, because it seems like it might make things easier for you in the long run. Don't make a mockery of God's Word just because it's not convenient. All it takes is one foolish decision or one moment of giving into temptation. Ride it out. Trust that God will see your integrity. And count on the fact that when you honor God, He will honor you.

What Should we fear?

2011-01-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

A little late getting back to this thought that I began last week, where I talked about what we can expect to experience in life as a follower of Jesus.

What Jesus said would happen, is not what we expect will happen. The trials, the hardships, the testing of faith - that's not what most of us signed up for when we decided to surrender our lives to Jesus.

But it's the reality. And it causes fear and uneasiness for many.

But Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 10:28 that when that stuff comes, we shouldn't fear it. After all, when we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are citizens of heaven and children of a great promise, that is far more important and valuable than anything we might lose here on earth.

When we are mocked or ridiculed for our faith, we shouldn't fear. Because it doesn't kill our soul.

When we can't speak out in public about our faith or our convictions (and I believe that day is not too far off in America), we shouldn't fear. Because it doesn't kill our soul.

Although extremely unlikely in America, when believers face the loss of possessions or material things for our faith, we shouldn't fear. Because it doesn't kill our soul.

Our souls are created for eternity. Apart from Jesus, they're dead. But by his grace, mercy & forgiveness, they're restored and redeemed from sin and brokenness. Our souls are more valuable to Jesus than anything else, and he tells us that in v.31. Your soul. And the souls of every person God has created.

So, if it doesn't kill your soul, don't worry about it.

Not What I Signed Up For

2011-01-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, PA's lame duck governor Ed Rendell said that we have become a nation of wussies. This was in response to the NFL postponing a Philadelphia Eagles football game that was scheduled to kick off in the middle of a blizzard. Turns out, Philly didn't take as bad a hit from the snow as Rendell took for his remarks.

But I wonder if there's some truth in what he said? And it's really hard for me to find anything Rendell has said or done that I agree with. But in many respects, we have become a people who seek and expect entitlement.

And nowhere is this more evident to me than in the Church in America, especially in light of what Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 10:16-23. As an American, the move by the fringe left to silence and stifle Evangelical Christianity and taking moral stands concerns me.

But as a Christian, it shouldn't concern me. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus promise that the government will have my back or make my faith easy. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus tell me that I'm entitled to anything material or political because of my faith. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus tell me that living my faith; standing on the eternal truth of God's Law; and sharing my faith will be easy.

In many ways, this is not what I signed up for. I thought believing in Jesus would make my life more simple - like pushing the Staples Easy Button.

But look at what Jesus tells his disciples as he sends them out in mission and ministry:

You're like sheep among wolves (v.16). Newsflash: wolves kill sheep. Did you know that?
You'll be flogged in the synagogues (v.17). Bet that doesn't feel too good.
You'll be on trial for your faith (v.18) and arrested (v.19). Maybe the ACLU will defend us.
You'll be hated for your faith (v.22). Not exactly a primer on "How to win friends and influence people."

Is this what you signed up for? Probably not most of us.

Kinda gloomy, I know. But the hope comes in tomorrow's reading. Stay tuned.

Arm's Length

2011-01-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Most people - no matter what their faith background, or lack of a faith background - have a pretty favorable impression of the man Jesus. People of other religions view him as at least a prophet and a man sent from God. Atheists and agnostics who have quibbles with Christianity often point to the fact that those who follow Jesus ought to do a better job of being more like Him. At first glance, Jesus often seems to be at least a good moral teacher who said and did some nice things.

But most of those people - and even a lot of people who claim to follow Jesus - like to keep Him at an arm's length. You know, just as long as He doesn't mess up the status quo, He's alright. Kind of like the Doobie Brothers.

In one of today's readings from Matthew 8:18-34, we see that. Jesus had just healed two demon-possessed men and sent the demons into a nearby herd of pigs. In a similar account in Mark's Gospel, we're told that at least one of these men was an absolute menace to those around him. He was dangerous and violent.

Surely the people that witnessed this would have been glad that Jesus had eliminated this threat. But then it became too personal, too costly. After Jesus had sent the demons into a herd of pigs, the pigs went kamikaze and died en masse. Uh oh. Jesus messed with the people's income and livelihood. He got too personal. He was no longer at arm's length, and the people of that region pleaded with Jesus to leave.

The truth is, most of us like Jesus until He gets closer than arm's length and things really start to change. We like Jesus as long as we don't lose anything. We like to follow Jesus until it costs us something. We're glad to see Jesus change the lives of other people as long as it doesn't cause us to change and make sacrifices.

But that's not how Jesus works. He turns things upside down. He wrecks the status quo. Receiving his grace, mercy & forgiveness is free, but following Him costs us something. Our very lives. Truth is, if we keep Jesus at an arm's length, we'll miss out on the most amazing things He wants to do. But when we embrace Him, and carry our crosses for His glory, things change. If you're stuck somewhere in your life, it's time to stop keeping Jesus at arm's length.

Walk Straight

2011-01-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

One of the routines at our house is praying with our kids at night before we tuck them in. Sometimes my wife Jessie does it. Sometimes I do it.

When it's my turn, one of the things I always pray for my kids - out loud and with them - is that they would walk in paths of righteousness, and that they would never turn to the right or to the left. And, I pray that they would experience the full blessing of God upon their lives. I don't know if they really understand that when they hear me, but my greatest desire for my kids is that they would live for God in everything that they do.

So how will they know what it means to walk straight? How do any of us know how to do that?

The answer is in Proverbs 3:1-6. Obedience to God's Word begins by keeping his commands in our hearts. In v.v. 5&6, we are told that when trust in God's Word - the source of true wisdom - that He is the one who makes us walk straight.

It's a classic example of cause and effect. When we walk without God's Word in our hearts, it leads us on a road to certain destruction. v.2 tells us that when we keep God's Word deep in our hearts that we'll experience longevity and prosperity.

It's really very practical. There is nothing in God's Word, that if we believe it and live it out, that will ever harm us. Other people may bring harm to us. Natural things may harm us because we live in a fallen world - illnesses, natural disasters, etc. But if we really walk faithfully according the eternal truth of God's Word, we would never bring any harm to ourselves.

Think about THAT. If you're really struggling to experience God's blessing, check yourself. Is God's Word sealed deeply in your heart, or are you living according to your own wisdom and decisions?

Sunday Night Mind Dump

2011-01-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

Something I used to do on my old blog was what I called the "Sunday Night Mind Dump." On a couple of the blogs I follow, there are a few pastors who used to do this. I guess it's more free flow than instruction, but it's something that I enjoyed doing, and so I'll try to pick it back up on a regular basis.

What began as a very relaxing, enjoyable weekend got sidetracked last night on the way home from a wedding. Jessie and I dropped the kids at her mom & dad's house yesterday afternoon and headed to New Castle for a 3 PM wedding and reception.
The wedding was long - waaaaay too many musical & singing selections. I'm used to Catholic weddings going the distance, but with all the music, I've gotta say that this was the longest non-Catholic wedding I've ever been to. 55 minutes from start to finish, and a wedding party of 32 - 15 bridesmaids, 15 groomsmen and a flower girl and ring bearer. Plus a bride and groom.
But the pastor preached the Gospel and told people about who Jesus really is, so that more than made up for the fluff.
Best reception dinner I've ever had. Not gonna lie, I like food and judge the quality of a reception by the food. Tremendous - some kind of yummy Italian chicken; grouper & spinach; prime rib; eggplant rollatini; fresh sourdough bread; and New Castle brown ale on tap.
Felt stuck in the middle during the reception - tons of college students and young 20 somethings; lots of 50+ friends & family; and then us at a table with three other couples in their 30's. Not quite young enough to dance all night; but not quite old enough to sit it at all night either. Definitely felt old though.
College girls in their 20's really need to wear a little more at weddings. Felt like I needed a shower at times.
The stress? My '99 Suburban which I've poured waaaay too much money into over the past couple of months lost all the coolant and overheated. Really not fun waiting at Sheetz in New Castle from 9:30 to 10:30 for a tow truck to show up and haul us home.
I felt really disturbed, unsettled and unfocused this morning when I got to church. Angry at my truck; frustrated by not having my normal Saturday night routine to prepare; trying to get the whole family ready and to church on time in one vehicle. Very out of focus.
But it's amazing how taking just 15 minutes to sit in the dark and pray and reflect helped to center me again and prepare me to preach the Gospel.
Great reminder of how no matter unprepared or unqualified I may feel on a Sunday morning; God wants His Word to be preached properly even more than I do. And He made it happen.
This was one of those mornings in Western PA - a little snow, bitter cold - where I expected a lot of people to just sleep in. But I was amazed at how many people came to worship today. I always forget to ask somebody to count our attendance, but I know we were over 100 again.
It's been awesome to hear people sharing a stories this week of how beneficial our Daily Bible Reading plan has been for them. There is no better way to experience God's presence in our lives than by digging into His Word. So exciting to see so many people making this a priority, even if we're only 9 days into it.
We've been doing the readings together as a family at night before we tuck the kids in. On the first night they were complaining and acting like they've been shot. Now they ask to do it. And they interact with it. It's provided some great teaching moments for us as parents.
My son Issac really liked reading Genesis 20-22 tonight and hearing his name.
Preaching about money and tithing next week. Should be pretty interesting. I've been in ministry long enough to know now that people who get upset about tithing sermons are the people who are robbing God. When you tithe, and invest financially in the Kingdom, and do so with a grateful and generous heart, there's really nothing to get upset about.
Key leaders at ALIVE are getting hammered with health problems - and not just colds & flu; but chronic stuff. I hate to see friends go through this, and I hate to see the toll that some people pay for advancing the Kingdom of God. But I know that God is faithful, and that He will provide healing in His time and according to His grace.
God's about to bust through in a big way at ALIVE. Praying and expecting great things in the next couple of months. Preparing for it is hard work, and a little stressful, but I can't wait to see the Kingdom grow and benefit.

Wait for it

2011-01-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Waiting is hard work. Waiting on God's timing, especially when it involves waiting for a miracle, can be excruciating. And it can lead to some bad decisions when we don't wait for it.

In Genesis 16, Abram and Sarai are tired of waiting on God. Maybe more than that, they don't believe that God will do what He said He will do - give them a son. To their thinking, all of these promises of blessing that God has made to Abram hinge on the ability of Abram and Sarai to have a child.

But they are waiting on the wrong thing. You see, they are unable - physically - to have a child. So the fulfillment of these promises rests not on their ability, but on God's ability to provide a child for them.

In an effort to get things moving, Abram sleeps with Sarai's servant Hagar and conceives a child. This causes all kinds of turmoil for Abram, Sarai and Hagar. Not to mention the son born to Hagar, Ishmael.

I've never really noted this before, but Hagar is an Egyptian. In Genesis 15, God tells Abram that his descendants will become slaves in a foreign land. And as we know on this side of the story, their captors are the Egyptians.

So in his disobedience, Abram produces a son that was not the son of the promise of God, but a son who would live in hostility and war. A son, who ultimately, would produce the descendants that would enslave the descendants of Abram and Sarai.

Think about that for a minute.

When we don't wait on God's timing, and take things into our own hands, we bear the consequences of that sin and disobedience. For Abram, and his offspring, those consequences would come several generations later when they were enslaved by the Egyptians.

What are you waiting for God to do in your life? If you're not seeing it, keep waiting. God will fulfill his promises. Don't rush into something that will rob God of his power and provision. Don't rush into something that may produce hardship and turmoil for future generations.

Pot Meet Kettle

2011-01-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

When you know the back story on King David's life, don't many of his laments in the Psalms seem like the pot calling the kettle black? In Psalm 5, his prayer seems a bit harsh, no?

He talks about enemies whose "hearts are filled with malice," and whose throats are like open graves because of their lying. His desire is that God would declare them guilty and banish them for their sins.

Isn't this the same guy that knocked up a woman that wasn't his wife? And was directly responsible for the death of her husband? And told lies to cover his back, while the whole sordid thing was playing out. Seems like there's some pretty serious evil there.

But the difference for David was the forgiveness and cleansing that he experienced after his fall. He bore the consequence of his sin - the death of the child he conceived with Bathsheba; dishonor from the people he was called to lead into righteousness; the rebellion of his own family against him, including a son that tried to kill him to take the throne in his place.

But he didn't just bear the consequences. He earnestly repented of his sin - he did a 180. And he knew it was by grace and mercy alone that his life was spared. In v.7, he declares the hope for all of us that struggle with sin: "But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your temple."

David was a man that was broken by his sin. His enemies that were trying to kill him experienced no such contrition or repentance. He knew that he was once where they were - in line to experience the wrath of God. But instead of wrath, he received mercy. He experienced the refuge and protection of God's mighty hand. He experienced the blessing and favor of God as he walked in new found righteousness.

And that's the key for you and me. Satan doesn't want you to be able to escape your past. When God changes your heart, people will be skeptical, and many will call you a hypocrite. But in the mercy of God, we're set free from our past and we experience new life.

A More Managable Jesus

2011-01-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

When I look at Matthew 4:12-25, I see a Jesus I don't really recognize. I see a living, active, life-changing kind of Kingdom reality I don't really recognize.

I see Jesus calling people to drop everything, in an instant, to follow him and to live for him. And they do it. I see Jesus teaching, preaching and healing. And more healing. And large crowds follow him. That's not what I'm used to seeing.

You see, I'm used to looking for a more manageable Jesus. You know, the Jesus who loves me and calls me friend and makes me feel good about myself. The Jesus who helps me manage my stress and deal with my impatience and gluttony. The Jesus who lets me preach and lead a church, but really doesn't rock my world too strongly or too harshly. I like Jesus that way, and I bet most of the people I know like Jesus that way as well. We all like a Jesus we can manage and wrap our minds around.

But the Jesus we see in the Gospels, the REAL Jesus, is a dangerous Jesus. When people encounter him, their lives are turned upside down. His message and his invitation were so compelling that they just left EVERYTHING to follow him and to be a part of His Kingdom work.

The Jesus in the Gospels, the REAL Jesus, is a provocative Jesus. His teaching in the synagogues and his preaching in the streets was of a message and a coming reality that really pissed a lot of people off. He didn't just give us nice little snippets to improve our manners or our demeanor. He preached about repentance from sin; about the reality that He was God in human flesh; and about the reality that the gates of the Kingdom were wide open. Remember, Jesus didn't get nailed to a cross for being a nice guy. His official crime was blasphemy. When's the last time somebody accused you of that?

Finally, the Jesus in the Gospels, the REAL Jesus, is a Jesus that changes lives by healing people. Not just ear infections and tonsillitis. He healed people in sever pain. He cast out demons. The lame walked. The blind saw. He brought dead people - spiritually and physically dead - back to life.

This is not a manageable Jesus. This is a Jesus who wrecks the status quo and turns lives upside down. Why am I afraid to allow Him to do that in my own life? What have I got to lose that's worth more than seeing that happen?

Thoughts on Noah

2011-01-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

In our daily BRP at ALIVE, we read Genesis 5-7 today, which includes some of Noah's story.

I've always thought of Noah's plight as sort of unfair, and a huge burden. In Genesis 5, we see that Noah was 500 years old when his sons were born, and that between the ages of 500 and 600, he was at work building an ark. I mean, how unfair is that? Shouldn't he be living it up in the prime of his retirement years? Traveling around the world with Mrs. Noah and living the high life? Letting his sons take care of him, instead of building an ark for them? Sheesh.

Not only that, but Noah HAD to be a laughingstock in his generation. His contemporaries were some wicked, wicked people and God had lost patience with them. If they were so evil, I can only imagine that they must have done more than mock and scorn Noah. Could you imagine the humiliation and ridicule of following through on a 100 year building project that made absolutely no sense?

And what's up with Noah having to take responsibility for all of the animals? I mean, after all, it wasn't his idea to wipe out the earth with a flood. If I'm him, I'm saying to God, "Uh, since your brilliant plan is to annihilate everything, why don't you just do something supernatural to save the animals? I'm not going THAT far."

It's easy, for me at least, to look at Noah's burden as being unusually heavy and burdnesome.

But today I saw it in a different light.

What God called Noah to do was actually a mission of honor and blessing. Noah was chosen by God, because according to 6:8, he "found favor with God." V. 9 tells us that Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his generation, and that he walked faithfully with God.

God chose Noah for this enormous undertaking because He knew that Noah was faithful and righteous. It wasn't because God wanted to burden Noah. It wasn't because God wanted to humiliate Noah. It was because God knew that He could count on Noah.

This wasn't just a job. For Noah, this was a calling that, though it required incredible faith and hard work, also resulted in incredible blessing and honor. Because of Noah's faithfulness, God established a covenant with him. God promised to bless Noah and his family. Because of Noah's faithfulness, he would be a key component of caring for creation during and after the flood. Because of Noah's faithfulness, God would use him and work through him in a miraculous way.

When God calls us to do great things for His Kingdom, they often, at first glance anyway, seem burdensome and overbearing. Maybe impossible. But if God is calling you, it's because He sees that you are faithful. He sees that you are capable. And though your obedience, He wants to bless you.

Can't God Do Better Than That?

2011-01-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

To get back 42 generations (if my math is correct) you'd have to trace your family lineage back to your Great x39 Grandpa. That's great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great.

That's how long Matthew 1 tells us it took for God to bring to consummation the promise that He made to Abraham in the Book of Genesis. 42 generations from Abraham to Jesus. I'm not even going to begin to guess at how many years that is.

I don't even know the names of my great, great grandparents, and I certainly don't know the details of every relative that would be a part of going back 42 generations on either side of my family. But you can imagine, that leaves a lot of room for bad things to happen in a particular lineage.

And we see that even in the lineage of Jesus. Some of the names are familiar to us. Some are not so familiar. Some you've probably never even heard before unless you've read this passage. But there are names in there, that were you or I preparing a lineage fit for a Savior and Messiah, we probably would have chosen to do without. Can't God do better than that?

Sure, He could have. But even in something as obscure, and seemingly insignificant, as this family lineage in Matthew 1, we see that magnitude of not only his grace, but his power to bring light out of darkness and to turn evil aside for His glory. That's good news for us, for sure.

How many times must we think to ourselves, "Did God really choose me? Can't he do better than this?" Of course it's good to have an appropriate dose of humility, but know that his transforming grace and power overshadow that question in the most amazing way.

Could He have done better than you? Probably. But He chose You anyway. To show off his amazing grace, and his incredible transforming power.

Back

2010-12-31T15:32:00.000-08:00

So, I discovered that blogging was really tough to be consistent with. The biggest challenge was trying to find some worthwhile thoughts to share. Almost as daunting was finding the time while I was working 2 jobs. It just wasn't something that I had time for.

But now I'm back, and I'll try to keep up with this. On January 1, 2011 ALIVE Community Church is going to begin a one year Bible Reading Plan. I'll share some thoughts several times each week related to the BRP and I'll also try to share some thoughts on my life, my ministry and what I see happening in the world around me.

So, thanks for stopping by, or back if you've been here before.

Peace,
Dave