We can become very self-absorbed. Be focused on self and not on others. Look to make ourselves feel good and be happy at the expense or neglect of those around us. Jesus tells the parable in Luke 15 of the shepherd who owns 100 sheep and loses just one of them. He drops everything and goes out to find that one. Once that one is found, the party begins! Friends and neighbors join the celebration for that one sheep that was lost but is now found. The party is not for the other 99 that didn't wander away and get lost...NO...it is for the one that was lost.
Our greatest effort should be to impact the lives of others. We spend so much of our time throwing a party for the already found, when we should be out and seeking those that have wandered away and are lost. Bill Hybels, in his little book, "When Leadership and Discipleship Collide" says this, "What we work for in ministry leadership is the single most important endeavor on planet Earth - the building of the kingdom of God. The potential of this kingdom is greater than any other, and the stakes involved in realizing it are higher. When we get it right, and especially when we don't, we impact people's eternities (emphasis mine)."
WOW...I had to stop after reading that and put the book down...in the quiet of that moment, I had to ask myself...is what I am doing really impacting someone's eternity...really helping them toward the kingdom of God?
What a sobering thought for us all.
December 12, 2007
December 5, 2007
So You Had A Bad Day
Have you had one lately??? No, not a V8, but a bad day. How did you respond to it? Do you look forward to those or do you avoid them at all costs? Some bad days are our own fault...others just happen.
In Genesis 37-50, Joseph has many bad days -- Daddy's boy, great clothes, hated by his brothers -- brothers want to kill him, but instead sell him to a passing caravan -- falsely accused by the wife of his boss and thrown into prison -- tells some friends the outcome of their dreams and they forget him in the prison once they get out. But instead of sitting and having a pity party for himself, he does something unique - he views these days through the lenses that God is looking through. He views each of these as part of the plan that God has for him.
When he finally tells his brothers who he is, he says, "...do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you...but God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance" (Genesis 45:5 -7).
Then after his father dies, he assures his brothers again, "...don't be afraid...you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:19-20).
The thought we need to remember is this, "...whatever the circumstance, whatever the testing, whatever the pressure, I'll keep myself useable to God". I will view my bad days through the lens that God is viewing my days through...He is using them to prepare me, so I will keep myself useable for Him.
In Genesis 37-50, Joseph has many bad days -- Daddy's boy, great clothes, hated by his brothers -- brothers want to kill him, but instead sell him to a passing caravan -- falsely accused by the wife of his boss and thrown into prison -- tells some friends the outcome of their dreams and they forget him in the prison once they get out. But instead of sitting and having a pity party for himself, he does something unique - he views these days through the lenses that God is looking through. He views each of these as part of the plan that God has for him.
When he finally tells his brothers who he is, he says, "...do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you...but God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance" (Genesis 45:5 -7).
Then after his father dies, he assures his brothers again, "...don't be afraid...you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:19-20).
The thought we need to remember is this, "...whatever the circumstance, whatever the testing, whatever the pressure, I'll keep myself useable to God". I will view my bad days through the lens that God is viewing my days through...He is using them to prepare me, so I will keep myself useable for Him.
Understanding God's Timing
In the book of Genesis we read of the man known as Abram (or Abraham). At the age of 75 he is given a promise by God to be a great nation. God calls him to leave his home and go where He leads him (Genesis 12). Abraham willingly follows and does as God has commanded him. But time moves slowly and the great nation doesn't materialize as quickly as Abraham may have expected. He questions God and God reaffirms the promise (Genesis 15). Again, time moves slowly so Abraham and Sarah take matters in their own hands and Abraham has a son by Hagar (Sarah's maidservant). Now, once again, God comes to reaffirm the promise He had made to Abraham (Genesis 17). Abraham laughs at God, as does Sarah, when they hear of God's plan to begin to fulfill the promise when they are both old. Finally, at the age of 100 years old, Abraham and Sarah have the promised son, Isaac (Genesis 21).
Promise made...25 years of waiting...promise kept. In those years Abraham had his ups and downs of believing and obeying the God who made the promise. He even tried to help God out along the way.
Aren't we the same??? Don't we often question the plans of God and the timing of God in our lives? Don't we expect God to move faster or move the way we think He ought to? Don't we step in and try to give God a helping hand every once in a while?
I am struck by the phrase in Genesis 21:2, "Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him". God is never late...He is never forgetful in keeping His promises...He is never too far from us to see us and gently remind us of all that He has promised.
So the question is, will you and I believe the promises of God and wait for Him to accomplish what He wants in our life? Will we put our own timeline aside and allow God to work "at just the right time"?
Promise made...25 years of waiting...promise kept. In those years Abraham had his ups and downs of believing and obeying the God who made the promise. He even tried to help God out along the way.
Aren't we the same??? Don't we often question the plans of God and the timing of God in our lives? Don't we expect God to move faster or move the way we think He ought to? Don't we step in and try to give God a helping hand every once in a while?
I am struck by the phrase in Genesis 21:2, "Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him". God is never late...He is never forgetful in keeping His promises...He is never too far from us to see us and gently remind us of all that He has promised.
So the question is, will you and I believe the promises of God and wait for Him to accomplish what He wants in our life? Will we put our own timeline aside and allow God to work "at just the right time"?
November 6, 2007
Doing The Difficult
I've been reading Genesis 6-8 and have been struck by this man called Noah. He was asked by God to do some very difficult things...things that I would consider almost impossible. Build an ark (how big? - it seems like a pretty large boat)...collect two of all the animals (how many different ones are there?)...climb into the ark with those animals and his family and go for a ride (how long will it be?). In all of the above, the questions are the ones that I would have asked. I could also add that famous statement that many in churches say, "(I) We've never done it this way before". But not Noah.
Noah was different. The Scriptures do not record any questions from the mouth of Noah. No ideas of how things might be done differently. No suggestions or other options. Scripture simply makes these statements regarding him: 1) "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God" (Genesis 6:9) and 2) "Noah did everything just as God commanded him" (Genesis 6:22).
That is what God is calling us to be like. Righteous men and women, standing out in the generation in which we live, doing all that God commands us to do. May God help us to be that generation of people that will make a difference in the time in which we live.
Noah was different. The Scriptures do not record any questions from the mouth of Noah. No ideas of how things might be done differently. No suggestions or other options. Scripture simply makes these statements regarding him: 1) "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God" (Genesis 6:9) and 2) "Noah did everything just as God commanded him" (Genesis 6:22).
That is what God is calling us to be like. Righteous men and women, standing out in the generation in which we live, doing all that God commands us to do. May God help us to be that generation of people that will make a difference in the time in which we live.
October 31, 2007
Why Do I Do What I Do?
I spent the morning at one of the local Middle Schools for their Career Exploration Day. What a unique opportunity to speak to 6th through 8th graders about the possibility of them serving in a church ministry in their future years. I will admit that the three groups I spoke to were probably much smaller than some of the other careers offered, but still, I was able to speak with some of the students about the career/ministry of a pastor. Reflecting beforehand about what I might share with these students made me realize that at the core of what I do is the building and developing of relationships - my relationship with other people and then our relationship with God.
It's not often that we get a open door into the public schools, so it was a privilege to be invited and I am grateful.
It's not often that we get a open door into the public schools, so it was a privilege to be invited and I am grateful.
October 27, 2007
Oops...
Regular content is a good thing on a blog and I recognize that there hasn't been much here in the past month. It's amazing how the busyness of life can so drive us that we don't do other things that are just as important or good. Also, there is a feeling of what is there that I can share. Sometimes I just think that I have to be so profound in my blog thoughts that I end up being paralyzed and end up sharing nothing. So, there is my confession for this month...I'll try to be more consistent.
October 3, 2007
Sovereign One
There is the series of commercials that remind us that "life comes at you fast". And, oh boy, does it! What your status is right now could change in the next moment. The plans you have could be altered instantaneously. You've got to be prepared. You've got to know where you stand and where your feet will land. So what are you holding on to? For me, I will continue to choose to hold on to the hand and the plan of the Sovereign One. God is in control...He never sleeps...He is not surprised or caught off guard...He has my best interests and my good at the very heart of all He does and all that He allows. In my feeble, human thinking I may have my plans and opinions, but they are weak at best and are no match for the thoughts of my God. I will choose to submit to Him and allow Him to do His good work in my life. Read Psalm 50 for more.
September 26, 2007
Temporary vs Eternal
I am always in a battle with myself when it comes to "things" or "stuff". I struggle with the need to have the newest, the best, the coolest or simply more of whatever. Reading today in Psalm 49, I am reminded that I can't take all this stuff with me (v17), because it will simply be left to others (v10) or will just waste away and rot...it's temporary. However, there is something to go after and that is the eternal stuff...it is "seeing the light of life" (v19)...it is understanding that my relationship with God is eternal. It is striving after God...to know Him...to know that when I die, I will be in His presence forever (v15). That's what I want to be going after today!
September 19, 2007
I Put My Hope in God
In reading through Psalm 40-43 in my quiet time, I am struck by the struggles that David is going through. And yet his confidence is in God, his hope is in God and he chooses to praise Him in the situations that he finds himself in. So why do I not do the same...why wish to have everything go so smooth in life...why wish that the difficult would pass quickly...why complain instead of rejoice? The writer of the devotional book said this today, "Without affliction, it is not possible to experience the sufficiency of God's grace. Without oppostion, it is not possible to exercise faith." May I view my life through God's lens...in all that He allows me to go through, He wants me to put my hope in Him, to exercise my faith and to experience His amazing grace!
Kenya Trip Report
Last Sunday night, our team was able to share with many of our supporters (both prayer and financial) about our trip. What a great time to reflect and share with so many friends. If you were to be there, I hope that you enjoyed it and were challenged. If you were unable to attend, I hope to be able to post some other things here from our presentation in the near future.
So many thoughts flashed through my mind as I heard stories and viewed pictures from our trip. It reminded me again of our great God, Who loves people all around the world and uses them to accomplish His work.
So many thoughts flashed through my mind as I heard stories and viewed pictures from our trip. It reminded me again of our great God, Who loves people all around the world and uses them to accomplish His work.
September 8, 2007
Shine!
We are excited for the upcoming weekend at our church. We are kicking off the new year with the theme of "Shine!" This is based on Philippians 2:14-16, which says in part, "...in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." We want this to be the focus of our upcoming year, that we would shine for Him! Check it out at NSBConline.org.
Well, we're on our way to a lot of setup and finishing touches for the day tomorrow...hope to see you then.
Well, we're on our way to a lot of setup and finishing touches for the day tomorrow...hope to see you then.
September 7, 2007
August 30, 2007
How Fast Am I?
I'm sitting in a teleconference and a simple phrase was just thrown out - "The speed of the leader is the speed of the team". Wow - now that explains alot about how I am feeling at this very point in my journey. If I don't feel like things are moving fast enough or maybe even at all...the issue is the speed of the leader, which may be ME!
August 28, 2007
Will you be watching or listening?
I have always been a BIG Yankees fan! This has been such an up and down year. When I left for our missions trip, the Yankees were 14 1/2 games out of first. But while in Kenya, one of my friends informed me that they had gone on a winning streak and had closed to within 9 games. I appreciated that email! They got as close as 3 games but have since lost some ground. Well, this week is a big one, as they go head-to-head with the Red Sox and try to cut into the current 8 game gap. So for the next three days, I will be giving some of my attention to this. What about you?
Strength vs Fear
I'm reading in the Psalms this week and have been reminded of the strength that God has. This strength is there for me to lean on during the difficult days that I will face and that brings confidence and removes any fear.
My son's favorite verse is Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"
Why should I be afraid? I am on this journey...God is directing me...God is by my side...I have no need to fear. Rather, I will take Psalm 27:13 to heart - "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord".
My son's favorite verse is Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"
Why should I be afraid? I am on this journey...God is directing me...God is by my side...I have no need to fear. Rather, I will take Psalm 27:13 to heart - "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord".
August 22, 2007
Planning Ahead
I blogged before about the importance of getting away. Well, something unique has happened in the last couple of days...we actually have two weeks of our vacation for next year already booked!
This is an extremely new thing for us, but also a good thing. One week in the spring at a resort in Florida and then another week in the summer at the Word of Life Family Campground in the Adirondacks.
I'm looking forward to it already.
This is an extremely new thing for us, but also a good thing. One week in the spring at a resort in Florida and then another week in the summer at the Word of Life Family Campground in the Adirondacks.
I'm looking forward to it already.
What's Going On?
This past Sunday, a friend, who I have not seen for a while, asked me this question. "What's going on in your life? I sense that God is doing something in you."
I answered "Yes" because, as always, God is at work in my heart, even though at this stage in my life it is quite a unique thing. I have been thinking on this throughout this week and still have to ask the question, "God, what are You up to?"
There has been alot leading up to this point in my life...most significantly, our recent missions trip to Kenya. I am still sorting through many thoughts and impressions from my two weeks there...many of which I plan to share here in the future.
I guess that I am encouraged by the fact that someone else has sensed that God is working in me and that I am changing along the journey. I also appreciate the sincere concern of this friend to pray for me as I continue down this road.
I answered "Yes" because, as always, God is at work in my heart, even though at this stage in my life it is quite a unique thing. I have been thinking on this throughout this week and still have to ask the question, "God, what are You up to?"
There has been alot leading up to this point in my life...most significantly, our recent missions trip to Kenya. I am still sorting through many thoughts and impressions from my two weeks there...many of which I plan to share here in the future.
I guess that I am encouraged by the fact that someone else has sensed that God is working in me and that I am changing along the journey. I also appreciate the sincere concern of this friend to pray for me as I continue down this road.
August 15, 2007
Mottos To Live By
Here is one from one of my favorite blogs by Mark Batterson:
"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."
(http://www.evotional.com/2007_06_01_archive.html - scroll down to June 23rd)
Here's another one my wife just saw in a catalog:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, what a ride!'"
"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."
(http://www.evotional.com/2007_06_01_archive.html - scroll down to June 23rd)
Here's another one my wife just saw in a catalog:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, what a ride!'"
August 13, 2007
Time Away
Nothing is better than some time away.
I can get so busy that I forget the importance of stepping away from the fray and being refreshed. Well, we did that this last weekend. Our family, along with some other friends from our church, headed out on Thursday morning for some camping at Charleston Lake in Ontario, Canada. What a great time. The weather was perfect...the campsites were great...the time together was fun and at the same time relaxing. No formal schedule to follow, just time to sleep, eat, read, talk, walk, play, swim and whatever else we felt like doing.
The nights were gorgeous and we enjoyed some of the most spectacular views of the heavens that our God created. The stars were so bright and clear, you almost felt like you could reach out and grab them. What an awesome site!
The other great thing was the opportunities to pray together. We prayed for our kids who were headed off to New Orleans on our church's missions trip and then we prayed for one of our friend's family members that is going through a very difficult time.
I am again reminded that this is what life is all about as we journey together with God. Seeing His beauty and handiwork and then seeing the Body of Christ in action as we hold each other up to the throne of grace in prayer.
I can get so busy that I forget the importance of stepping away from the fray and being refreshed. Well, we did that this last weekend. Our family, along with some other friends from our church, headed out on Thursday morning for some camping at Charleston Lake in Ontario, Canada. What a great time. The weather was perfect...the campsites were great...the time together was fun and at the same time relaxing. No formal schedule to follow, just time to sleep, eat, read, talk, walk, play, swim and whatever else we felt like doing.
The nights were gorgeous and we enjoyed some of the most spectacular views of the heavens that our God created. The stars were so bright and clear, you almost felt like you could reach out and grab them. What an awesome site!
The other great thing was the opportunities to pray together. We prayed for our kids who were headed off to New Orleans on our church's missions trip and then we prayed for one of our friend's family members that is going through a very difficult time.
I am again reminded that this is what life is all about as we journey together with God. Seeing His beauty and handiwork and then seeing the Body of Christ in action as we hold each other up to the throne of grace in prayer.
August 6, 2007
Getting Started
Well, here I go in the new world of blogs...and I will attempt to be consistent in this endeavor.
The thoughts expressed may be serious or they may be funny, but no doubt they will be random thoughts from the mind and heart of someone who is on a journey. This journey that God has placed before me and He asks me to move forward with Him.
The thoughts expressed may be serious or they may be funny, but no doubt they will be random thoughts from the mind and heart of someone who is on a journey. This journey that God has placed before me and He asks me to move forward with Him.
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