rick duncan

Why should churches plant churches?

2012-01-26T10:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday and today, I was on a panel discussing church planting at a leadership meeting in Indianapolis for churches in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

So, why should churches plant churches? Here are some of the answers of the men on my panel.

1. Not all people want to worship the way you worship. So, you must start other churches with different worship styles to reach different kinds of people.

2. If your church has had a history of church planting, you must seek to preserve the heritage of your church.

3. If you study the NT (particularly the book of Acts), you will discover that NT churches sent out missionaries and that those missionaries proclaimed the gospel that resulted in starting churches. You must plant churches to be a true NT church.

4. We reproduce what we are. Church planters should reproduce themselves by investing in other church planters.

5. Church planting has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reach more new people for Christ. It's been said that it takes 42 members of an existing church to reach 1new person for Christ. It takes 8 members of a church plant to reach 1 new person for Christ.

6. If you have been personally impacted and grown by church planting ministry, you should want to provide the same growth experiences for others.

7. If you have a heart for cultural diversity, you must seek to plant culturally diverse churches.

Care to guess which is my answer?

Related posts:

The urgent need for North American church planting

How not to be a church planting pirate

Churches must plant churches

8 ways to encourage church planters

2012-01-25T21:24:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been to a meeting where you were a presenter and you realized that you needed to learn much, much more than anyone else in the room? That happened to me today.

I was on a panel in Indianapolis to talk about issues related to being a sponsoring church for church plants. One of the questions was, "How do you encourage church planters?" I had a couple of lame things to say. But the other guys on the panel had some great things to say. I took notes. And in my heart I prayed, "Jesus, help me to be more encouraging to our church planters. I repent!"

Here are 8 great ideas for sponsoring churches.

1. Establish regular coaching/mentoring/encouraging meetings for coffee, breakfast, or lunch.

2. Remember significant dates like birthdays for the planter and his spouse and their anniversaries.

3. Keep an ongoing prayer list for the planter and pray regularly for the planter; then share with the planter, "I prayed for you about... How is that going?"

4. Include your church planter in something special that your church offers such as a special event or a concert.

5. Invite the planter to church staff meetings.

6. Invite the church planter to preach at your church.

7. Establish a missional champion in your church who will directly relate to the church planter.

8. Make visits to the planter's weekend worship service a regular part of your connection process.

Care to add to this list?

Related posts:

Training church planters

Church planting centers

Joining a church planting team

Encouragement to pray

2012-01-25T06:28:00.000-05:00

Chad Allen led our staff in a time of extended prayer yesterday. We split up into 8 groups and travled throughout our building with various prayer topics to lift up in various places. It was a special time. Before we split up, Chad led us in a devotional. Here are a few notes. May his words encourage you to pray today.

***

We want to make prayer something that's normal, not formal.

We want to make sure that what's in our hearts gets to our lips.

We want to help you take the next step in your prayer life.

James 1:6 says we are to ask in faith, without any doubting. If we doubt, we are like the waves. So, pray confidently, expectantly, boldly.

I John 5:14-15 says that we can have confidence if we pray in accordance with God's will. If we pray according to God's will, He will answer. He hears us. He's listening. So, remember, God is willing to respond.

Mark 11:22 says, "And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be taken up and thrown into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.'" Don't tell God how big your mountain is, but tell your mountain how big God is. So, pray in faith.

Decision making, the will of God, and trust

2012-01-24T11:22:00.001-05:00

Gary Friesen, Professor of the Bible at Multnomah Bible College, wrote a book called Decision-Making and the Will of God. I am grateful for Dr. Friesen’s study of the scriptures.

Last week, we looked at 3 principles for decision-making that’s will help us live in God's will. #1. Obedience. #2. Freedom. #3. Wisdom. Here is the 4th principle.

4. TRUST: We trust our sovereign Lord to work the details together for good.

God is actively involved in our decision making - even in the area of freedom.

When you read the Bible, we see God's will defined as His moral will/revealed will/desired will. The Bible also speaks of God’s will in another way. It speaks of God’s determined will/sovereign will. "[God] works all things according to the counsel of his will" (Ephesians 1:11, ESV).

God has a plan for our lives that doesn’t violate our freedom but that determines all that happens in our lives (and in history). The Bible says that all of God’s purposes and plans will be accomplished. The classice verse on this is Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

God sovereignly directs all things (including our freely chosen decisions) so that they work together for good. Don’t be concerned that your decisions will somehow derail God's sovereign will for your life. He will work through your decisions to accomplish what He purposes. Trust Him!

I sometimes counsel people who are having problems in marriage and who say, “I must have married the wrong person.” I ask, “Why do you say that?” “Well, if I was in the center of God’s will, I wouldn’t be having these troubles.”

A common myth many people believe is this: “Being in God’s will shields us from problems. When I am in God’s will life… just… works. My problems must mean I am out of God’s will.”

Think! Who was most perfectly in God’s will? Jesus! Did He have problems? Yes! He was despised and rejected by men. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He ended up being executed on a cross.

Being in God’s will doesn’t mean a problem-free life. God uses problems when we are in His will to accomplish His purposes in our lives.

When I was in my last year of college, I was wondering who my future wife might be. I knew a couple of Christian girls at Vanderbilt. One was named Bitsy. Another was named Joanne. And then there was this girl I met from the University of Alabama named Maryanne.

At that time, I saw three doors/three options/three possibilities. And there were possibly others. All the doors were in the circle (and the tree), within the moral/desired/revealed will of God. I had the freedom to go to any of those doors, knock, and see who might say “Hello.”

When I am on the decision side of the 3 doors, I have freedom to choose based on wisdom from God. But when I went through the Maryanne door and look back, I only see one door!

Why? God led me in making the choice/the decision to marry Maryanne. It was His sovereign plan for my life. So, when we run into problems (not “if” but “when”) we can never say, “I must have married the wrong person. I missed God’s will for my life.” The sovereign plan of God – the determined will of God – is that I spend my life with Maryanne and that we work through any issues that come up. Working through the problems is part of His will for my life, too!

God has a sovereign plan for your life. But He doesn’t show us the details of the plan before it unfolds. He will give you grace to deal with the details one at a time.

This frees us from the worry and fear that so many of us have when we are faced with making decisions. If you know that God is working all things for your good then there is a sense in which the pressure’s off. Stay in the right circle. Be in the right tree. Knock on the right doors. Then, make your decision. God will be sovereignly guiding you. Your good future is not based on your ability to make a flawless choice. You can trust God to guide you.

Principle #1: The principle of obedience. Principle #2: The principle of freedom. Principle #3: The principle of wisdom. Principle #4: The principle of trust.

12 questions to ask yourself when you need guidance

2012-01-22T10:10:00.001-05:00

Here are 12 questions that can serve as a guide for you when you are faced with decisions in life. It's a short summary of CVC's January 2012 series, Guidance: discerning and doing the will of God.

1. Am I presenting my body as a living sacrifice? (Romans 12:1)
2. Am I countering my culture, not being conformed to the world? (Romans 12:2)
3. Am I renewing my mind and being transformed? (Romans 12:2)

Then, you will discern what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2).

4. Am I trusting in the Lord? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
5. Am I not leaning on my own understanding? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
6. Am I acknowledging the Lord? (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Then, God will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:6).

7. Am I being obedient to the scripture; am I saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, saying thanks, and suffering?
8. Am I trusting God to put His desires in my heart? (Psalm 34:7)
9. Am I trusting that God is working out His sovereign plan for my life? (Romans 8:28)

Then, you will hear God say, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).

10. Am I asking God for wisdom? (James 1:5)
11. Am I praying, "Based on my past experiences, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, Lord, what is the wise thing to do?" (James 1:5)
12. Am I asking in faith? (James 1:6)

Then, God will give you wisdom (James 1:5).

In faith, go, act, love, live, do! You will discern what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:2). God will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:6). You will hear God say, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). God will give you wisdom (James 1:5).

Wisdom works. Download daily. So, for the next 30 days, as soon as you awake, before your feet hit the floor, pray for wisdom. And see what God does.

Decision-making, the will of God, and wisdom

2012-01-21T10:20:00.002-05:00

It's been said that we make decisions and then the decisions make us. So, how do we make the best decisions possible?

Gary Friesen is a Professor of the Bible at Multnomah Bible College. Over 20 years ago, I read his book Decision-Making and the Will of God. What I have been sharing this week has been shaped by Dr. Friesen’s study of the scriptures.

This week, we've been looking at 4 principles in God's Word regarding decision-making. #1. Obedience. #2. Freedom.

#3. WISDOM: Where there is no direct or specific command of God or a guiding principle from scripture, God gives us wisdom to choose.

With freedom comes responsibility. If God is not going to dictate every single choice we make, then we are not only free to choose, we are required to choose. So, when we have freedom, on what basis do we choose? Wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5, ESV).

We pray, “Lord what’s the wise thing to do? Lord, guide me. Give me wisdom.” We trust that through our heart’s desires, our past experiences, our present circumstances, our future hopes and dreams, our research, and the counsel of other believers, God will give us what we ask for. He will give us wisdom. (We are going to talk much, much more about this next weekend.)

We need wisdom. We need our minds and hearts to be illuminated by the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Wisdom comes when we pray and listen, when we meditate on the Word of God, and when we associate with wise people and seek their counsel.

Think about the decision-making of the leaders in the New Testament. A church was started in a city called Thessalonica. The leaders had to leave town because of persecution. When they were safely in Athens, they knew the church in Thessalonica needed support and help. So, what did they do? "We were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy… to establish and exhort you in your faith" (I Thessalonians 3:1-2, ESV).

How was their decision made? “We were willing…” One version says, “We thought it best.”

Where there was no direct command of God, the leaders of the early church felt the freedom to make decisions based on wise choices. Look at the language that describes the decision-making.

I have thought it necessary… Philippians 2:25 (ESV)
If it seems advisable… I Corinthians 16:4 (ESV)
I have decided… Titus 3:12 (ESV)

The decisions are not made based their own understanding, but on wisdom received from God. God promises to give us wisdom to recognize if one option is better than another option. Don’t look for some mystical, detailed plan for your life. Seek wisdom. Apply the scriptures as the Holy Spirit gives you wisdom in making your decisions.

When I was in my last year of college, I was wondering who my future wife might be. I knew a couple of Christian girls at Vanderbilt. One was named Bitsy. Another was named Joann. And then there was this girl I met from the University of Alabama named Maryanne.

At that time, I saw three doors/three options/three possibilities. And there were possibly others. All the doors were in the circle, within the moral/desired/revealed will of God. I had the freedom to go to any of those doors, knock, and see who might say “Hello.”

So, what was the wise thing to do? What did my heart say to do? Well, I was willing – I thought it best, necessary, advisable – to knock on door number 3. And the University of Alabama girl – Roll Tide! – said, “Hello!” And later she said, “I do!” I am glad I knocked on door number 3!

Ask God for wisdom. Through a variety of sources, you can trust Him to give it. He will be leading you and saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Principle #1: The principle of obedience. Principle #2: The principle of freedom. Principle #3: The principle of wisdom.

Related posts:

Decision-making, the will of God, and obedience

Decision-making, the will of God, and freedom

Should I or shouldn't I?

Notes from a recent 6:00 AM prayer meeting at CVC

2012-01-21T06:01:00.000-05:00

Please consider joining us this coming Wednesday. And if it would help you, please use these prayers to "jump start" your own personal prayer life. Have a great day!

***

We pray that You would lead us to someone to who is far from God. This year, Lord, may each of the people at CVC pray the 1YPS prayer. This year, Lord, in 2012, please let me build a relationship with one person so that I can lead that person to faith in Jesus. One year, one person, one soul won to You is my prayer, Lord.

Help us to find the ripe fruit so that we can pick it. Sooner rather than later. We need to do Your will.

You show Your love individually to those created in Your image. We want to pray and give honor and glory to Your name. Once we have settled and reviewed that You deserve praise, we want to do what is pleasing to You. We ask for guidance for this day. We want to honor You with actions and words and thoughts.

You are all-knowing. Thank You for Your guidance. We pray for a young man, Bill, who has opened the door to You slightly. We pray for Jamie, a young woman who is in need. We pray for people on mission at CVC.

A man of faith, Abraham, fell twice and lied about his wife claiming that she was his sister to save himself. Yet You still saw Him as righteous. Thanks for reminding us that our righteousness is based on Your grace and not our deeds.

We read Old Testament stories and we are shocked. Yet we know we do things that are shocking, too. Remind us of the times we miss the mark. We have logs in our own eyes.

We look at our lives and see that we don't do certain sins, but help us to see that we have sinned in many, many ways that dishonor You. We are not better than the "colorful" characters in the Old Testament.

You are seated on the throne, high and lifted up. We pray for the recognition of Your holiness. We try to do things on our own. Forgive us. We want to depend on You.

Thank You for the separation You went through, Jesus, so that we could be brought close.

Thank You for the encounters we will have today. Use us to love and serve.

We pray for aging parents. May the glory of Your heavenly home be something they long for. May they rest and be able to smile as they anticipate heaven.

Thank You for forgiving us. It is overwhelming to think about who You are and who we are in light of our sin. We thank You for the grace of Christ.

Overflow and splash out on everyone we meet. We want to be used by You to change destinies and populate heaven. May Your light, love, mercy, and holiness be seen in us today. It is by Your Spirit that we can surrender our lives to You. May we be burdened for what You are burdened for today. Guide us in our work, even the mundane paper work we may be doing.

We pray for our kids in school. Help the teachers teach well. May teachers teach Your ways. We pray for our kids who question the faith of their moms and dads. Give them hearts that are teachable. And help us teach them.

We thank You for the people who re-engaged in men's and women's ministry on Monday and Tuesday nights. We pray, Lord, that many who come here will find not only relief from the messes we are in, but marriages would be saved and mended. May people find Christ in the process.

Have mercy on us all. Build up Your Kingdom. May You get glory for all the good we do.

We claim Your power over the children, youth, and young adults. We proclaim the power of the blood of Jesus over their lives. You are a compassionate God who loves relentlessly. May Your Spirit surround and remind them of Your grace. May You surround them today, Lord.

Don't let your regrets hinder your hope

2012-01-20T19:11:00.002-05:00

If you are like me, you are living with regrets. Many regrets. You wish you had free "do overs."

One problem with regret is that it hinders hope. It seems as though regret and hope are mutually exclusive terms.

But is there a way to handle our regrets that won't hinder our hope? I think so.

Several days ago, we took a look at 3 principles for handling regrets. 1. Mourn. 2. Confess. 3. Repent. Then, we looked at 3 more principles. 4. Receive. 5. Preach. 6. Listen.

Finally, here are 3 more principles.

7. Dream.

“I will restore to you the years that the… locusts have eaten… I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh… your old men shall dream dreams… I will pour out My Spirit” (Joel 2:25, 28). Don't forget that God has a plan for your future. If you let them, regrets can steal your hopes and dreams. They can immobilize you. But don’t let that happen. An old Yiddish Proverb says, “A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams.” Don't let past failures steal your future hopes. Fulton Oursler said, “Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves - regret for the past and fear of the future.” God is not done with you yet. Remember that Moses was at his most productive for God during the last 1/3 of his life. Every follower of Christ ought to be more fruitful as we age since we ought to know more about abiding in Christ as we live out this life in Christ. Please don’t give up. Ask God for many more years of fruit-bearing!

8. Claim.

“All the promises of God find their yes in [Jesus]” (II Corinthians 1:20). Find some promises in God’s word that excite you about the future. When we go to God, we are wise to claim the promises this way, "Lord God, I know You gave this promise to Israel. But I also know that this promise tells me something about how You relate to Your people. It shows Your character and nature. Therefore, I am asking you to fulfill for me and for those I love what You promised to Israel. So, right now I am claiming this promise. It's up to You when and how You will fulfill this promise. But I am going to be bold enough to ask. I am asking You and I am trusting You."

9. Watch.

Our regrets can sometimes cause us to believe that God is through with us - that God will no longer work in our behalf. But no matter what has or has not happened in our past, we can still live with expectation and hope. "At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly" (Psalm 5:3, HCSB). Another version says, "O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee and will look up." When we claim God's promises in prayer, we wait on God with an expectation that He will fulfill His promises. We watch God work to fulfill His promises in His way and in His time. We hope. We watch God work. He waits on us to wait on Him to work in our behalf (Isaiah 30:18).

So, here are 9 practices for handling regrets. 1. Mourn. 2. Confess. 3. Repent. 4. Receive. 5. Preach. 6. Listen. 7. Dream. 8. Claim. 9. Watch.

In which of these 9 practices do you need to grow the most?

Related posts:

Dealing with your regrets

When regrets immobilize you

"Repaid" by Alan C. Duncan

Decision making, the will of God, and freedom

2012-01-20T09:48:00.002-05:00

Gary Friesen is a Professor of the Bible at Multnomah Bible College. Over 20 years ago, I read his book Decision-Making and the Will of God. What I believe about discerning and doing the will of God has been shaped by Dr. Friesen’s study.

Dr. Friesen gives us 4 principles in diserning God's will for our lives.

Yesterday, we saw that principle #1 for making decisions in the will of God is the principle of obedience. Principle #2 is the principle of FREEDOM: Where there is no specific commandpr guiding principle, God gives us the freedom (and the responsibility) to choose.

God's moral/desired/revealed will does not specifically address every decision we have to make. Which house to buy or apartment to rent, what clothes to wear, what school to attend are obviously not specifically covered in the Bible.

Think of God's moral will as a circle. Whatever is commanded by God is in the circle. Whatever is forbidden by God is outside the circle. But inside the circle of God's moral will are areas of freedom where God has given no specific command or principle.

It's true that God cares about every aspect of your life. (See Matthew 6:25-34 and I Peter 5:7). But God doesn’t dictate every single decision you make. God can be equally pleased with two, three, four, or more options that are inside His moral will, inside the circle.

If you are presenting your body, countering your culture, renewing your mind (Romans 12:1-2), trusting in the Lord, leaning not on your own understanding, acknowledging Him (Proverbs 3:5-6) – if you are saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, saying thanks, and suffering, then do whatever you please!

Maybe God’s will is just that simple. Some of you are thinking, “This sounds non-spiritual!” But consider Pslam 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Being saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, sanctified, saying thanks, and suffering. Doesn’t that sound like the lifestyle of a person who is delighting themselves in the Lord? And if you are delighting yourself in the Lord, who is in charge of the desires of your heart? Delight yourself in the Lord and He will put in your heart His desires. He will lead you!

So, consider your own desires. If the Bible is silent about your decision, and if one choice is not clearly wiser than the other, then do what you want. You have freedom. God will sovereignly work out His plan for your life through your desires (Philippians 2:13).

Some of us have this view that there’s only one option when it comes to the will of God. Think of a tree. We have to go for the high point – to reach God’s highest and best for our lives. Woe to you if you make a wrong decision and you get out on some branch. You’ll never fulfill your destiny.

No. It’s better to view God’s will this way: Make sure the tree is in the circle. If it’s in the circle, then you have freedom to choose which branch to take. See it as a fruit tree. There’s fruit at the top. There’s fruit to the right. There’s fruit to the left.

If you are saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, sanctified, saying thanks, and suffering, then you have freedom do whatever you please because God will be putting His desires in your heart. When we exercise our freedom to decide, God will lead us to decide based on a love for God and a love for others. God will be leading you and saying, “This is the way. Walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).”

Principle #1: The principle of obedience. Principle #2: The principle of freedom.

Decision-making, the will of God, and Obedience

2012-01-19T10:40:00.005-05:00

I sometimes tell my sons, “Success in life is discerning the will of God for your life and then doing it!” We make decisions and then our decisions make us. That leads us to an obvious question: Just how do we best discern God’s will?

Gary Friesen is a Professor of the Bible at Multnomah Bible College. Over 20 years ago, I read his book Decision-Making and the Will of God. I have been greatly helped over the years by Dr. Friesen’s insights into the scriptures.

In making decisions that are pleasing to God, Dr. Friesen gives us 4 principles for decision-making. Today, we’ll look at the first principle.

1. OBEDIENCE: Where God commands, we obey.

Theologians talk about the "moral" will of God, the “desired” will of God, and the “revealed” will of God. The Bible is full of commands and principles to teach us how we ought to believe and live.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of Godmay be complete, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17

II Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
Discerning the will of God starts first with the Bible. If you want to know God’s will, know God’s word! Read the Bible to learn what God’s will is. And then just do it!

If you think of God’s moral/desired/revealed will as a circle, then it’s easy for us to visualize whether we are in the will of God or not. What are some things the Bible says are out of God’s will? What are some things in God’s will?

The Bible is full of positive and negative commands. For example, it’s God’s will that we present our bodies as living sacrifices to God, that we counter our culture, and that we renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2). It’s God’s will that we trust in the Lord, lean not on our own understanding, and acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Many years ago, I remember John MacArthur teaching that there are several NT passages that point-blank tell us what the will of God is.
It is the will of God…
… that we are saved

The Lord is… longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
II Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

… that we are Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:17-18).

Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:17-18 (ESV)

Cross references:

… that we are sanctified (I Thessalonians 4:3).
This is the will of God, your sanctification:that you abstain from sexual immorality.
I Thessalonians 4:3

… that we are saying thanks (I Thessalonians 5:15-18).

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

… that we are suffering (I Peter 4:18).

Let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
I Peter 4:18 (ESV)

presenting your body as a living sacrifice to God? Are you countering your culture Are you renewing your mind (Romans 12:1-2)? Are you trusting in the Lord, leaning not on your own understanding, and acknowledging Him (Proverbs 3:5-6)? Are you saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, saying thanks, and suffering?

If you have questions about God’s will for your life, start here. Start with obedience.

If we want to be in God’s will, we need to do what God says. To do God’s word you have to know God’s word. Many of our questions about God’s will would be settled if we would just know and obey the word of God in the Bible.

Our biggest need is to become more familiar with and sensitive to the word of God. (It’s why we encourage CVCers to use our 2012 Bible reading plan. Pick one up in the foyer use it!) Look in the Book. Put His truths in your heart so when you are making a decision, God can bring them to your mind and say to you, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Principle #1: The principle of obedience.

Decision Making

2012-01-18T11:01:00.000-05:00

In my 20s, I remember picking up a copy of a book written by a pastor in Texas. The name of the book was Right Man, Right Woman. The point of the book was that there was one right man for every woman and, of course, one right woman for every man. If you married the wrong person, then your life would be a mess.

Here’s a quote:

Whenever a man or woman gets married to the wrong person, they are going to perpetuate suffering throughout their life time.

The pressure is on then, to find the right one! You better not mess up because you will perpetuate misery for yourself, for the girl you marry, for the girl you were supposed to marry, for the guy who married the girl you were supposed to marry, for the guy who was supposed to marry the girl you married…

I worried that I was going to miss the will of God for my life, make a mistake, and ruin lots of people’s lives.

Is that the right way to view the will of God – that if we miss God’s will, we won’t be able to achieve the ultimate destiny for our lives? Lots of us get stuck because we feel we don’t know the will of God about some decision. We don’t want to miss God’s highest and best for our lives. We become inactive and passive.

Everyone wants to make decisions that turn out well. We make decisions and then decisions make us. So, how do we make good and godly decisions? How do we discern and do the will of God?

In Isaiah 30, God’s people had been disobedient. And the Lord was waiting, giving them time to turn to Him. God’s judgment was delayed because God wanted to be gracious. He was waiting on His people to come to Him, to wait before Him. He said, “When you learn to live in My presence, I will answer your prayers. I use adversity in your life so you will seek Me and see Me as your Teacher.” And in verse 21, He says…

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)

In ancient days, teachers would stand behind their students to guide and instruct. It’s like a coach standing behind a player or a team during practice saying, “That’s the way I want it done!”

Isaiah isn’t describing a literal voice. Poetically, he says the voice comes from “behind you.” It’s from someone you can’t see, but who sees you. He’s talking about the Holy Spirit who lives in us, who reveals the word of God to us, who guides us into all the truth (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:25–27; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16, 18, 25; John 16:13).

He sees when you are about to step out-of-bounds. You’re tempted to get off the straight and narrow road. You are tempted to sin to the right or to the left. But if you will listen to the secret whispers of God and obey, you will stay on the highway of holiness.

But, practically speaking how does this work? How do we make decisions based on hearing the word of God? Starting tomorrow, we’ll explore 4 principles for hearing that “voice behind you.”

When regrets immobilize you...

2012-01-17T16:37:00.002-05:00

I certainly have more than a few regrets.

How about you?

Could've, should've, would've at times weigh heavily on me. I wish I had thousands of "do overs."

So, what do we do with regrets? Yesterday, we took a look at 3 principle for handling regrets. 1. Mourn. 2. Confess. 3. Repent. Today, we will look at 3 more.

4. Receive.

"If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins" ( I John 2:1b-2a). Jesus is our advocate, our defense attorney before the Father. The enemy accuses us. We accuse ourselves. Regrets weigh us down. But in heaven, Jesus is telling the Father, "I died on the cross to pay for that sin. All those regrets? Cleansed by My blood. I took the wrath that he/she should have taken." We must receive - appropriate, accept, take - the forgiveness that Jesus purchased to cleanse us from guilt.

5. Preach.

And by this, I mean preach the truth, not condemnation, to yourself. How? We say to our regrets, our accuser, "Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication" (Micah7:8-9). We have to learn to talk truth to ourselves, to talk ourselves out of self-loathing and self-condemnation.

6. Listen.

Hear what God says about you. Recite what He says over and over. "You are the apple of My eye" (Psalm 17:8). "I will never forget you" (Isaiah 49:15). "You are engraved on the palms of My hands" (Isaiah 49:16). "I know the plans I have for you to restore your fortunes, to prosper you, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11-14). "I rejoice over you; I am glad about you; I sing over you" (Zephaniah 3:17). Let God speak to you. God is the giver of consolations. Pay attention to God’s voice. He convicts in order to comfort. Instead of trying to pump yourself up through positive self-talk, listen to God speak to you about you.

Related posts:

Dealing with your regrets

When God restores your fortunes

Who knows? God may relent

Dealing with your regrets

2012-01-16T11:21:00.003-05:00

We all have regrets. Some people say they "wouldn't change a thing" about their past. But I don't believe them. Even Sinatra sang, "Regrets? I've had a few." My guess is that he had more than a few.

I certainly have more than a few regrets. Certainly, I regret the overt sinning I've done. But many of my regrets aren't connected to sins of commission as much as they are connected with sins of omission.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
James 5:17 (ESV)

Could've, should've, would've at times weigh heavily on me. I could've stayed in touch better with my friends. I should've fasted and prayed more as a pastor. I wish I would've been a better judge of character of people. No matter what area of my life I consider - student, athlete, musician, child of God, husband, dad, pastor, missionary, steward, friend - I have regrets. I wish I had thousands of "do overs."

So, what do we do with regrets?

1. Mourn.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). The world will say to quickly move beyond regret - that it does no good to beat yourself up over the past. But God's word says, "Put on sackcloth and roll in ashes" (Jeremiah 6:26). Until we meditate deeply on how much pain and loss we have caused for ourselves, our families, and our churches we will never come hard after Christ for the cure.

2. Confess.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). It does no good to pretend that the regrets are "too few to mention." Confess means "to agree with." We agree with God about our sins - even the sins of omission. They must be named one-by-one. In prayer. To God.

3. Repent.

"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). Notice that the confession of what causes regret must be accompanied by the forsaking of what causes regret. Do you regret not staying in better touch with old friends? Call one! Today! Do you regret a lack of prayer? Pray. Today! With Christ Jesus as your pattern and your power for living, start living the life you wish you had lived.

Tomorrow, we'll look at 3 more principles to apply when you are facing regrets.

Related posts:

Spirit led self-examination

Search me, O God

The heart of the problem

Are you afraid of God's will?

2012-01-12T18:05:00.002-05:00

Over the years, I have known many followers of Christ who struggle with surrendering to the will of God. They think God's will means that they will have to do things that will make them miserable. They say, “If I surrender to God’s will for my life, He might lead me to be a missionary or something crazy." Or they think, "If I follow God's will for my life, He may never let me get married or go on a nice vacation.”

I love the fact that Romans 12:2 reminds us that God’s will is "good, acceptable, and perfect."

But God’s will for your life is good. He’s not trying to make you miserable. He’s seeking to increase your joy. He knows what He made you for. When we read Romans 12:1 we see that the whole motivation behind presenting our bodies and pursuing God’s will is His mercy. God has been merciful to you. He’s not giving you what you deserve. If you are a follower of Jesus, judgment and hell are no longer in your future. God is merciful. Why wouldn’t you want to give up the control of your future to a merciful God?

For us to think that God’s will might make us miserable is to think unworthy thoughts about God.

God’s will is good for me. God’s will is acceptable to me. God’s will is perfect for me. That's what Romans 12:2 is saying. Do you believe it?

I'm pretty sure that most people reading this aren't really too sure about that. So, why not read these next three lines out loud.

God’s will is good for me.
God’s will is acceptable to me.
God’s will is perfect for me.

Now, ask God to help you believe it. Ask Him to help you have a heart's desire to discern and do His will. Ask Him to give you the grace to live out His will.

Don’t be afraid of God’s will for your life. It’s good, acceptable, and perfect.

Related posts:

Trusting God for your future

How to discern the will of God. Presenting your body...

How to discern the will of God. Countering your culture...

How to discern the will of God. Renewing your mind...

A Missio Dei story from Jeanette

2012-01-09T11:56:00.002-05:00

I love to hear how God is changing lives at CVC and using our people as missionaries cleverly disguised...

Below is the latest Missio Dei story. Enjoy!

***

I am a somewhat newer Christian at CVC. I have learned so much of what is really important.

The first is that I am supposed to be doing something with the talents that God gave me. The second is that I have had a lot of suffering in my childhood and early adult life and that God can use what I have learned through my suffering to help others in their suffering.

I heard Pastor Rick say to "never let your suffering go in vain." I took this to heart and focused my efforts on inner city children with Village Grace Mission Center.

I met a child there that had cerebral palsy. He is 6 and was not in a wheelchair, but in an old broken umbrella stroller. His knees were bruised. His hands and feet were dirty. This child touched my heart because I also have a special needs child.

I was able to meet his mother and found out her husband had recently been incarcerated and left her alone to raise 6 children. I could see in her eyes that depression was beginning to set in. She said, "It was always just us two... me and him." I said, "No. It was you three - your husband, you, and Jesus right by your side."

I immediately asked his mother if I could bring the little boy a jogging stroller I no longer needed. I also noticed they did not have carpet in the home they were renting. Carpet is safer for a boy with cerebral palsy.

I thought, "There has to be a way the system can provide for this child. So I tried to get aid for the family, but the under-funded system does not always reach those in need.

So, I started to tell his story to co-workers, business owners, friends, and family. I never realized how many people that I come in contact with daily. People reached out in ways that I thought would be unimaginable. Even my children went door-to-door selling angel ornaments for donations.

We were able to provide the family with over $3,000 in donations! They now have pillows, blankets, rugs, special needs equipment, a bike, clothes, and food.

I had everyone who donated put their hand prints on a canvas to make up angel wings. I then painted an angel and wrote, "Millers Angels - 2011- Jesus' helping hands - providing God's promises."

We dropped off all of the presents on Christmas morning. My children were so excited. I think this family and experience has not only changed me, but it forever changed the way we will celebrate Jesus’s birthday.

When we were driving home on I-77 after delivering the gifts, there was a Christmas morning rainbow right over the highway. I couldn’t believe it. It was God's Promise...

A 20 minute Bulgarian Training Bag routine

2012-01-08T15:05:00.004-05:00

I have been using the Bulgarian Training Bag (BTB) since Christmas.

As a gift, my son, Alan, purchased what I needed to make one. We made it together the day after Christmas. Mine weighs about 25-30 pounds. You can make a BTB for $10-$15.

I have been looking at BTB videos and have developed a routine that makes sense for me. So far, I've been working out for 20 minutes - 20 sets with 30 seconds of exercise and 30 seconds of rest.

Here are my names for the exercises:

1. Curls
2. Overhead triceps extensions
3. BTB-on-the-shoulders squats
4. BTB-on-the-shoulders tri-lunges
5. Low-to-high swings to the right
6. Low-to-high swings to the left
7. High (overhead) to low (between the legs) swings
8. BTB-on-the-shoulders jump squats
9. Left-side-back/low-to-front/high swings
10. Right-side-back/low-to-front/high swings
11. High-to-low-woodchoppers-to-the-right
12. High-to-low-woodchoppers-to-the-left
13. BTB-on-the-shoulders back extensions
14. Bent-over rows
15. Overhead circle swings to the right
16. Overhead circle swings to the left
17. Double grip high-to-low-between-the-legs with a squat
18. BTB-on-the-shoulders toe raises
19. High-to-high/side-to-side swings
20. Low-to-cradle-in-the-arms swing with a squat

With each set, do as many as you can in 30 seconds. Then rest for thirty before going to the next set.

This is a sure-fire way to get your heart rate up rather quickly. As always, make sure your physician gives you the go-ahead before undertaking a new exercise regimen.

The video below gives even more exercises.

Want to join me?

Related post:

The Body Weight Fitness Matrix

How to discern the will of God. Renew your mind...

2012-01-07T13:48:00.002-05:00

Haddon Robinson once said, "We want to make right decisions, for we realize that the decisions we make turn around and make us." How true.

So, how do we learn to make right decisions? We learn to make decisions based on the will of God. And how do we discern the will of God? According to Romans 12:1-2, we present our bodies, counter our culture, and renew our minds.

We must learn how to constantly remind ourselves of the truths in God's Word so that we begin to think biblically. That's when we are transformed so that our desires will reflect God's desires.

... be transformed by the renewal of your mind...
Romans 12:2b (ESV)

We don't just hear God's Word once and figure we've got it down. We continually review the truth in the Word.

And when our minds are renewed, we’re transformed.

I love the word “transformed” in these verses. In the original it’s metamorphoo. We learned the word in grade school. Metamorphosis. A caterpillar morphs into a butterfly.

That’s what God intends for us.

We are to change, to morph, to grow! Staying the same isn’t an option. Don’t you want your life to be different at the end of 2012 than it is today? An angry mom becomes more patient. A lazy student becomes more disciplined. A sour dad becomes more joyful. An impatient single person becomes more at peace.

Being transformed is the process of actually becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. Sometimes it’s called sanctification in the Bible. It’s “morphing” to be all you can be for the glory of God!

Question… Am I actually becoming more loving, more joyful, more at peace, more patient, more kind, more like Jesus or not?

To move this out of the realm of theory and into reality, think about one thing that you’d like to see changed in your life over the course of this year. Write it down.

How can I be transformed? By renewing my mind. Engage with a Chronological Bible Reading Plan. develop a Spiritual Growth Plan. Join a Men’s Bible Study or a Women’s Bible Study. Get plugged into a Community Group.

Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and… be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and… put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)

You won’t know any more about the will of God for your life in 2012 than you do today unless you make a radical decision to renew your mind.

To discern the will of God, present your body, counter your culture, and renew your mind.

Now, notice what happens when we present our bodies, counter our culture, and renew our minds. It’s in the last part of Romans 12:2.

… by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2c (ESV)

God will reveal His will. And as you obey Him, you'll make the right decisions that, in turn, will make you.

Related posts:

Trusting God for your future

A pastoral RX

4 ways to respond to critics

2012-01-06T11:15:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I recieved an email from an attender at CVC that was challenging our approach to scripture during our series on claiming the promises of God. The criticism was nicely-stated for the most part. The bottom line was that we need to encourage CVCers to approach scripture in a more scholarly, more bibically-accurate way. At the end of the email, the writer implied that I lack the kind of courage needed to lead our people at CVC to grow deeper.

So, how should a leader respond to this kind of criticism?

1) Take it to the Lord in prayer. Don't totally ignore the criticism. God is sovereign over all that comes our way. There are things to learn from any criticism that comes our way.

2) Address the crticism when you are led to do so. Sometimes, we will be led to ignore criticism. Proverbs 26:4 says, "Answer not a fool according to his folly lest you be like him yourself." Other times, we address the issues raised. Proverbs 26:5 says, "Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." There are times we can explain ourselves without being defensive.

3) Maintain a positive perspective. Don't give more weight to the criticism than it deserves. We don't want it to immobilize us.

4) Be a pastor. Don't abdicate the pastoral role that you can have toward the critic. It's not only a teaching opportunity for those of us being criticised, but for the critic as well.

For better or worse, below is part of how I responded.

***

I always take very seriously the criticism of others. It causes humility and dependency in my life. I take it to the Lord and ask Him what parts of the criticism I am to receive and what parts I am to reject. Please know that I am doing the same with your letter.

Regarding your concerns about turning promises into "talisman-like objects" and claiming promises from God's Word that do not apply to individuals in the church age, I appreciate your cautions.

I do also believe that it is appropriate for us to claim the promises of God as long as we are wise, cautious, and non-demanding. During the messages, both Chad and I tried to emphasize the fact that these promises were made to the specific individuals at specific times for specific purposes. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for us to "hold God hostage" to precisely keep those promises for us today.

When we go to God, we are wise to claim the promises this way, "Lord God, I know You gave this promise to Israel. But I also know that this promise tells me something about how You relate to Your people. It shows Your character and nature. Therefore, I am asking you to fulfill for me and for my family what You promised to Israel. So, right now I am claiming this promise. It's up to You when and how You will fulfill this promise. I am asking and I am trusting."

Today's scripture reading for CVC was in Genesis 12. Verse two is a promise to Abram. It says that he will be blessed in order that he may be a blessing. It's a specific promise to a specific person at a specific time. However, it also teaches us something about the nature and the character of God. He blesses His people in order that they might be a blessing. Therefore, I think it is appropriate for any believer to say, "O God, would you bless me, too, like You blessed Abram so that I might be a blessing?" Then we must trust God to plan our blessings, to provide our blessings. We don't demand. We just trust Him. He knows best plan how and why to apply the promises to our lives. He is sovereign over every experience and every blessing that He gives.

For a reformed perspective on the promises of God, please check out Joel Beeke's book, "Living by God's Promises."

You asked, "Could it be that you are actually afraid to send your flock to a commentary or scholarly source?" I am not afraid to share scholarly sources. But a sermon that is filled with references to sources is more of a lecture, than a message. So, you may not like this explanation, but I have chosen over the years to do my academic homework before preaching, but to limit the references I make to sources. If God is calling you to pastor and preach, then you might choose to handle that differently in your church. My way of encouraging our people to grow deeper in theological understanding is to point people to sources like the ESV Study Bible, John Piper's writings, and other solid books through some sermon references, one-on-one communications, recommended reading, blog writing, Facebook, twitter, and newsletters. The cumulative effect of this has deepened the lives of many over the years.)

In your letter, you challenged me to "lead the flock through the text." I think you may be seeking to encourage us to do more verse-by-verse exposition. Admittedly, the teachings during the "promises" series were topical in nature. But many times our teaching is verse-by-verse exposition. For example, we taught verse-by-verse through Ezekiel 37, Joel, and Luke 10 this past year. And we are planning a series through Philippians this year. (We will be encouraging our people to purchase a commentary on Philippians to supplement their understanding during that series.)

Please pray for me that I will fulfill God's calling on my life to be a man who has God's good hand on my life as I study the law of the Lord, practice it and teach His statutes and commands to His people (Ezra 7:9-10).

Regarding the close to your letter that challenged me to "grow a pair," I have just a few comments. One, as a former professional baseball player who has been many times challenged in less than edifying ways, I am not personally offended. Two, I agree that there is room in my life to grow in the area of courage and strength. I also think that is true for all of us. Three, your use of those coarse words was unbecoming, unworthy of the walk we have been called to, and unbiblical. (See Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:8, and Matthew 12:34-37 for the Lord's commands that our language be edifying.) Four, the dignified and well-phrased points that made up the majority our your letter were tainted and diminished by the crudeness of your comment at the end. Ecclesiastes 10:4 says, "Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." Proverbs 16:21 says, "The wise of the heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness." I encourage you to use words that are gracious, winsome, and edifying and you will find that your influence for Christ will grow.

***

Well, that's a part of my response. Do you have any advice for me? How would you have handled this critic?

How to discern the will of God. Counter your culture...

2012-01-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we saw in Romans 12:1-2 that to discern the will of God for our lives, we have to first present our bodies to God as living sacrifices. Have you done that today? Why not stop and pray right now?

To discern the will of God, Romans 12:1-2 also teaches us to counter our culture.
Think of a school of viscous fish all swimming in the same direction. But one little fish is headed the other way. It’s swimming “against the flow.” That’s the idea here. We swim against the flow of the world.

Do not be conformed to this world...
Romans 12:2 (ESV)

“World” here refers to a system of living and thinking that ignores God or opposes God. We find ourselves in a world that is often headed the wrong way, not God’ way.

One version says, “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.” Eugene Peterson says, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.”

Of course, we live in this world. We can’t be anti-culture. Everything is culture. We don’t want to create some kind of weird, insulated and isolated Christian sub-culture. We ought to be leaders in industry and art and education. We are going to participate in the culture. We are to have influence in this world. We aren’t to run and hide from it.

Think! Jesus came to live in this world – to redeem the world. But He resisted the downward drag of the world. When He prayed for us in John 17, He prayed that we would be “in the world, but not of the world.”

We’re to be different. The world leads prayer-less lives, but we pray. It’s “dog eat dog” out there, but for us it’s Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. We’re last place people. Others may try to make a name for themselves, but we do what builds God’s reputation.

The QB for the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow, has been in the news. A lot. Some like him. A lot don’t. He’s not a typical NFL QB. And I’m not just talking about the fact that his throwing motion is long and that he runs a lot. I’m talking about the way he carries himself as a believer on and off the field. He counters his culture. I think he’s trying to figure out how to be in the NFL world, but not of the NFL world.

A few weeks ago, Tebow was miked for the Broncos/Bears game. I thought it was a good example of someone who is not going to let the world squeeze him into its mold.

Now, like him or not, you have to admit that he’s not conforming. The way he plays football is different. You may not want to approach your life in exactly the same way. Tebowing may seem over the top for you.

But I’m hoping you want to live with passion for Christ. I am hoping you want to sing praise to God. I am hoping you want to pray throughout your day. If you look out for the last and the least… if you live a life of encouragement and hope… if you are seeking to live wholeheartedly for God, then you’ll be countering your culture, too.

This will mean we may be rejected by the world. We will likely lose some of this world's admiration and respect. Not being conformed means that in some environments we won't fit in. It means that sometimes we're going to be left out, even ridiculed. But that’s OK. We’re making a break with the world.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
I John 2:15 (ESV)

Now, what does this have to do with discerning the will of God?

You’re a businessman on the road. Your buddies are headed out to dinner and you’re invited. You’re having a great time. Then, after dinner, someone says, “Hey, let’s check out that strip joint I saw on the way here from the airport.” How will you discern the will of God. If you have decided to counter your culture – to not let the world squeeze you into its mold – then you’ll know to excuse yourself nicely. It’s not the time to sermonize. You just politely say something like, “I have to get back to the room and get some work done and make some calls.”

We’re non-conformists, but not the worldly, cool kind. When rock stars are nonconformists they are cool in the eyes of the world. But we have to be willing to die to the desire to appear sophisticated and hip and “together” in the eyes of the world.

When we are nonconformists, we look silly to the world, but we’re cool in the eyes of God.

To discern the will of God, counter your culture.

How to discern the will of God. Present your body...

2012-01-05T14:41:00.002-05:00

What decisions do you need to make in 2012?

We have all kinds of questions about the will of God. “Where should I go to school? What should be my major? What should be my career path? Who should I marry? Where should we live? Should we buy a house or rent an apartment? Should we have kids? How many kids should we have? Should I quit my job, go to seminary, and study for the ministry? Should I be a missionary? Should we relocate as a family? Should I take early retirement?” We’re looking for specific answers to those questions.

So, how do I discern God’s will? You might think of this in formula form. P + T = R. This formula comes from Romans 12:1-2.

Presentation + Transformation = Revelation. The Presentation of my body as a living sacrifice + the Transformation of my life by renewing my mind and not being conformed to the world = the Revelation of God’s will for my life.

Let's start with the "P."

To discern the will of God, present your body.

I love the fact that the Bible is so practical. If you are going to do God’s will, it’s going to require the use of your body. Check our Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1 (ESV)

In the Old Testament, the first part of the Bible, when you wanted to ask for forgiveness, you came to the Temple in Jerusalem with an animal. The animal was placed on an altar, killed, and then burned to be a sacrifice to God. An innocent animal became a substitute and died in the place of a sinner. Think about the blood and the smell. It’s gruesome business. Why so gruesome? It pictured the awfulness of sin and the holiness of God. It showed that you understood the seriousness of your sin and that a price for sin had to be paid before a holy God. The innocent died for the guilty.

But in a display of His mercies, God so loved us that He sent His Son, Jesus, as the Lamb of God to live among us and then die on the cross as a sacrifice to secure our forgiveness. The ultimate Innocent One died once and for all for the guilty ones. And that’s when God did away with the animal sacrifices.

Today, God is not looking for dead, animal sacrifices. He’s looking for living, human sacrifices. Now, out of gratitude for our forgiveness – because we have received mercy from God – we are motivated to offer Him a living sacrifice – ourselves! When you offered an OT sacrifice you offered a body that was once alive and is now dead. But when you offer a NT sacrifice you offer a life that was once dead and is now living.

The verb tense in the Greek language here for this word “present” indicates that there should be a definite point-in-time decision where we give ourselves to God. We say, “From this time on, Lord, I am Yours. I present myself to You as an offering.”

Has there been point in time when you said, “Here I am, God. All that I am and all that I have is Yours”? Why not now? Why not today?

This same word is used in Romans 6.

Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
Romans 6:13 (ESV)

Here, though, the Greek verb tense is different. Here, we are commanded to do an ongoing presenting of our lives and of our bodies to God.

Think “re-gifting.” Re-gifting is taking a gift that you have received and giving it to somebody else in the guise of it being a new gift that you bought just for that person. Re-gifting is usually seen as a bad thing. But God likes it when we re-gift ourselves to him.

So, just how do we do this? Think about the parts of your body. You give them to Jesus. Every day. Many times a day. As a living sacrifice.

I am reminded of the Jewish prayer shawl, the tallit. On each corner is the fringe, the tzitzit. The Hebrew numerical value of the word, tzitzit, is 600. It has 5 knots (five knots standing for the first five books of the the Bible, the Torah) and 8 strands. 600 + 5 + 8 = 613, the number of commands in the OT. So, the tzitzit is to remind the Jewish people to keep all God’s commands, to be holy, to present themselves to God.

You can think of the 8 stands on the tzitzit this way: mind, eyes, ears, mouth, hands, heart, sexuality, and feet – the members of your body.

So when we are told in Romans 12:1 to present our bodies as living sacrifices and in Romans 6:13 to present the members of our bodies to God, we can present the members of our body in the form of a prayer. “God, I’m Yours today. Here’s my mind. I think what You want me to think. Here are my eyes. I’ll see what you want me to see. Here are my ears. I will hear with You want me to hear. Here is my mouth. I’ll say what You want me to say. Here are my heart, hands, sexuality, and feet. I will be who You want me to be.”

What we choose to do with these bodies makes a huge difference. We have a choice. We can use these bodies of ours to please God. Or not.

If you’ve ever heard anyone teach on these verses, you’ve probably heard them say, “The problem with a living sacrifice is that it sometimes crawls off the altar.”

Today we say, “My hands are Yours” but tomorrow we say, “My hands are mine!” Yesterday we said, “My mind is Yours” but today we say, “My mind is mine!” Tomorrow we will say, “My heart – my affections – are Yours” but the day after tomorrow we’ll say, “My heart – my affections – are mine!” And on and on it goes.

God wants us to present every area of our lives to Him every day and as many times a day as necessary.

Now, what does this have to do with discerning the will of God?

Maybe you’re in sales. And the sales training you’ve received teaches you to hide some of the truth about the actual costs, about the interest rate, or about the quality of the product itself. You’re told, “You’re not really lying. You’re just not telling everything. So, say what you have to say to get them to buy.” What’s God’s will? If you’ve presented your body – including your mouth – as a living sacrifice to God, then you are going to have to tell the truth. You’re going to have to sell a different way or you’re going to have to work for a different company.

To discern the will of God, present your body.

Happy New Year! All year!

2012-01-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

I am sure there are things about your life that you hope nd pray are different at the end of 2012 than they are today. If, by God's grace and for God's glory, you make those changes, then all the wishes you have received about having a Happy New Year will have come true by December 31, 2012.

But before you can make a strategy for your spiritual journey, it's important to see where you are and then where you want to go - where the Lord wants you to go.

At CVC, we strive to help people grow to be passionate followers of Christ. And here's what God's word says a passionate life looks like.

Loving God. Loving one another. Loving the world.

It's that simple. That's the destination. But how are you doing?

Use the following tool to evaluate your personal spiritual health in the above-mentioned 3 areas. Simply grade yourself in light of the following statements [on a scale of 1-10 (10 being highest). This will help you see where you currently are.

Loving God

___ I attend church services regularly and expectantly.
___ I truly seek to experience intimacy with God during both the music and the message.
___ I spend time following an organized Bible reading plan.
___ I spend time in regular, ongoing, unhurried prayer.
___ I am giving generously and sacrificially to my local church.
___ My generosity is characterized by priority, percentage, and progressive giving.

Loving one another

___ I have become an active and accountable member of CVC.
___ I am actively involved in a Community Group.
___ I am building a spiritual friendship with an accountability partner.
___ I am volunteering in a ministry of the church.
___ I am bearing the fruit of the Spirit in my personal relationships (see Galatians 5:22-23).

Loving the world

___ I am building relationships with people who do not yet know Christ.
___ I serve in local and/or international mission projects.
___ I regularly invite unchurched friends to church services and events.
___ I am volunteering in a community organization outside my local church.
___ I invite people to put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Now tally your score. And use the highest marks to build on and use the lowest marks to help you develop some strategies to grow.

130-160: ABLAZE Thanks for being an example of an ignited believer. But there’s still more of God available for you.

100-129: BURNING BRIGHT You're an example to many, but what's your next move to be even more passionate?

70-99: SMOLDERING It's really time for you to get to be more “on fire”.

40-69: NEED A SPARK You are truly in desperate need for personal passion.

0-39: FADING Remember: Faith without works is dead. Do you really have saving faith?

Now, you can see where you are spiritually. And you can see where you need to go. Next, with the Spirit's help, design some strategies and goals to help you get to where you know God wants you to be.

Happy New Year! All year!

12 questions to make 2012 New Year's resolutions

2011-12-31T15:49:00.002-05:00

We all need to make changes if we are going to experience deeper foundations in 2012. We all need to stop doing some things that limit our passion and to start doing some things that will enhance the possibility of God deepening our lives. We must clearly answer the “who, what, why, when, where, and how” questions when it comes to making changes.

Look at your calendar and schedule an hour to put your plan together. Make an appointment for yourself to be alone with God, maybe in the morning or in the evening.

Spend an hour reflecting and praying. It may be helpful for you to think in these five categories: spiritual, relational, intellectual, emotional, and physical. Do an honest self-assessment. Ask God to reveal the answer to this question: What changes do I most need to make in order to experience a life of passion?

12 for 2012: 12 Spiritual growth plan questions for 2012

1. What do you most regret about last year and what will you do to change things this year?

2. What is the biggest time-waster in your life and what will you do about it this year?

3. If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say and what will you do about it?

4. What will you read and memorize in scripture this year?

5. What books, CDs, and podcasts will you learn from this year?

6. What promises (see Isaiah 40-66) do you need to claim/blessings do you need to seek from God in prayer this year? (What is the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?)

7. How will you deepen your prayer life this year – crying out for personal, corporate, and community revival?

8. Who most needs your encouragement/mentoring this year and how will you go about doing this for them?

9. What are some changes you will make to improve the quality of your family life this year?

10. How will you live out “Missio Dei”, joining God in His mission to bless the broken and heal the hurting so that others will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord? (For example, implement the “One Year, One Person, One Soul” prayer and outreach strategy.)

11. How will you grow in your generosity to your church and other ministries this year? (Think priority giving – Matthew 6:33; percentage giving – Malachi 3:8-10; and progressive giving – II Peter 3:18).

12. Who will hold you accountable to implement your spiritual growth plan?

Write down your plan. Call them goals. Call them “foundational practices for a passionate life.” Call them whatever you want; but be realistic. Don’t set the bar so high that you end up discouraged if you should fail.

Once you come up with your plan, write it down. Keep it visible.

Share your plan with your family and with your Community Group. Find an accountability partner. Then beg God to build your foundations deeper in 2012.

CVC's 2012 Bible Reading Plan:

2011-12-31T14:32:00.001-05:00

Welcome to a journey, a trip through the most famous and well-read book of all – the Bible. For 2012 CVC has selected a condensed chronological Bible reading plan for our time together in God's Word.

Today's typical Bible is actually in "canonical" order, grouped together based on the literary style of the book, such as law, history, poetry and prophecy.

But by following a chronological plan, we read through Scripture following a thread closer to the actual order of events and content. For example, you might find yourself reading about King David in 1 Samuel followed by one or two Psalms that he wrote during that timeline.

This is also a condensed Bible reading plan, meaning not every Bible verse will be read. Portions of scripture that cover great detail such as genealogies, temple measurements, or repeat accounts are not included. Of course, you are welcome to read those passages, but these were omitted to keep the plan on a one year track.

Finally, this is also a 6 day reading plan, so each week has one free or catch up day provided. You can get your hands on the plan at the church info center or online. We trust that you will be blessed by the richness of consistently reading through God’s Word! Don't forget to include times of unhurried prayer and journaling as you spend time with the Lord.

Just to get you started, below is January's reading. You can pick up the full year's plan at CVC this weekend.

January 1 Genesis 1:1-2:4

January 2 Genesis 2:5-3:24

January 3 Genesis 4:1- 5:3

January 4 Genesis 6, 7

January 5 Genesis 8, 9

January 6 Genesis 11, 12

January 7 Free/Catch Up Day

January 8 Genesis 13, 14

January 9 Genesis 15:1-17:14

January 10 Genesis 17:15–18:33

January 11 Genesis 19, 20

January 12 Genesis 21

January 13 Genesis 22, 23

January 14 Free/Catch Up Day

January 15 Genesis 24

January 16 Genesis 25

January 17 Genesis 27, 28

January 18 Genesis 29, 30

January 19 Genesis 31, 32

January 20 Genesis 33, 34

January 21 Free/Catch Up Day

January 22 Genesis 35

January 23 Genesis 37, 38

January 24 Genesis 39, 40

January 25 Genesis 41, 42

January 26 Genesis 43, 44

January 27 Genesis 45, 46

January 28 Free/Catch Up Day

January 29 Genesis 47, 48

January 30 Genesis 49

January 31 Genesis 50

Should Christians make New Year's Resolutions?

2011-12-31T09:37:00.000-05:00

Over the years, I have met Christians who don't believe in making resolutions. In fact, I have met believers who say they don't believe in planning. They say it "quenches the Spirit." They want to be free, to be free to flow, to be free to respond. They often see themselves as the super spiritual ones. They say that the most spiritual approach to life is to simply seek to keep in step with the Spirit.

These very people often love to quote God's promise in Jeremiah. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). They reason this way: "Since God has good plans for me, then I will just trust Him and His plan. I don't need to plan. I will wait and watch His plan unfold."

These people are often highly critical of other believers who plan. They say, "Human planning is a big part of our problem. We have planned the Holy Spirit right out of our lives, our churches, our worship services, and our ministries." They often bounce from churches and ministries that seek structure and order.

But I say, "Believers, read your Bibles a bit more carefully!" God's word commends planning. Here are a few verses that promote planning.

1. Plan from the heart. "May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans" (Psalm 20:6)!

2. Plan in community with wise counsel from others. "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22).

3. Plan prayerfully. "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:3).

4. Plan strategically to win. "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war" (Proverbs 20:18).

5. Plan and then work hard. "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty" (Proverbs 21:5).

It's very true that when we plan, we must remember that God reserves the right to overrule our plans. "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples" (Psalm 33:10). It's when we are moving that God can steer us in the direction He chooses to be best for our lives.

Ultimately, it is God's plan that matters, not ours. "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:11). "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9). "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21). When God leads us in a path not of our own choosing, we must embrace it submissively. Father knows best.

But don't forget that God Himself is a planner. Planning is part of who He is. Remember Jeremiah 29:11. Isaiah prays, "O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure (Isaiah 25:1). Since we are created in God's image and are to seek to be godly, then we should be planners, too.

Planning is supremely spiritual, even God-like, contrary to what some super-spiritualists might want us to believe.

How do we plan in ways that are different from the world's way of planning? In II Corinthians Paul asks a rhetorical question, "Do I make my plans according to the flesh" (II Corinthians 1:17b)? The answer is "no." Paul plans. But he does so according to the Spirit. God best works out His plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11) when we plan with Him, in Him, and for Him.

Make plans, people! But make plans by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

So, should Christians make New Year's resolutions? Yes. Call them resolutions. Call them goals. Call them intentions. Call them aims. Call them plans. But make them - by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

And make them, not only on the New Year. But every day, every week, every month, and every year.

"He who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands" (Isaiah 32:8).

The top three posts for December 2011

2011-12-29T07:07:00.000-05:00

I didn't do much blogging in December, but it's always interesting to me to see what readers find interesting. Here are the top 3 posts on my blog for December.

1. Jesus, Tim Tebow, and Saturday Night Live

2. Getting salvation for Christmas

3. Dangerous leaders

7 - no, make that 8 - ways to help reach every tribe and language and people and nation

2011-12-27T11:06:00.005-05:00

Notice what (rather, who) is on the heart of Christ. Why did He come to die and shed His blood? Hint: Look carefully at the word "every" in these passages from the book of Revelation.

[Jesus], You were slain and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.
Revelation 5:9b-10

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Revelations 7:9-10

Jesus came from heaven to earth and died on the cross to save some from every tribe and language and people and nation. This was and is His aim. This was and is the result of His sacrifice.

How then can I not be fully committed to the same mission? How can I not care about world mission since Jesus cares about reaching some in every culture? How can I stay lukewarm and uninformed about reaching the unevangelized, unreached people groups (UUPGs) of the world since Jesus bled and died for them? Since Jesus sacrificed His blood for people in every tribe, how can I be non-sacrificial and uninvolved in seeking to reach the world for Christ?

The Joshua Project reports, "The great emphasis in many parts of the world, especially during the last 20 years, on reaching the unreached has led church leaders in many continents to believe that great progress has been made. Yes, some progress has been made. Yet, 25-28% of the world still has little access to the Gospel. Christians still give only about 1% of our money to Christian causes. Of this money given to Christian causes, 95% is spent on the Church. Less than 1% is used to reach 28% of the world. Only 2-4% of Christian cross-cultural witnesses serve this 28%."

We can do better than this. I can do better than this. And by God's grace, I will. Will you?

What can we do? Here are 7 suggestions for reaching every tribe and language and people and nation.

1. Pray for the gospel to penetrate every people group.
2. Become informed by regularly visiting world mission websites.
3. Encourage your church to adopt an UUPG.
4. As an individual or as a family, adopt an UUPG yourself.
5. Pray for specific needs God lays on your heart.
6. If possible, go on a short term mission trip to the UUPG.
7. Ask God if He wants you to become a career missionary.
8. To reach UUPGs right where you live and to gain cross cultural experience, serve in a local ministry that is seeking to reach international students.

My friend, Tom Wright of NE Ohio's International Friends, writes, "When we think of missions, we tend to think 'over there' - over the horizon on other continents. But those 'over there' have come 'over here.' There are more than 80 countries represented on the campuses of Cleveland's colleges and universities... They need friends. They are away from the influence of culture and family and more open to exploring spiritually. We don't have to get a passport, a plane ticket or malaria shots. When someone thinks that he may be called to missions, this is a great way to clarify that call. It is also a great way to get training, experience, and confidence in cross-cultural ministry. We provide all of that at no cost."

It has been said that the Great Commission has been turned into the Great Suggestion. May it never be!

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus has all authority over all disciples to reach all nations to teach them all He has commanded. So, let's get busy. He will be with us always.

Getting salvation for Christmas

2011-12-23T12:59:00.002-05:00

On that first Christmas, the shepherds came to Christ to get. And so can we. We can come to Christ to get.

The best way to get from Christ is through prayer. We come to Him and ask for what we need. Why not try this prayer this Christmas? "This Christmas, Lord, I am coming to You to get. Please give me more salvation." This prayer comes from the Christmas story found in Luke 2:11.

I once asked a rather sophisticated lady in Brecksville, “Are you sure that you are saved?” Her body language made it obvious that she didn’t like the question. She assumed a kind of cocky posture and asked, “Saved from what?” Maybe it was her apparent worldly success that cultivated pride. It wasn’t even on her radar screen that she needed to be saved.

It must have been on the shepherds' radar screen, though. Remember what the angel said to the shepherds?

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11, ESV).

A Savior. We need to be saved. If we didn't need to be saved, God woulkd not have sent a Savior.

I’ve found that people who are uncomfortable with a question like, “Are you saved?” usually are not saved. We live in a world that mostly tells us that we should not feel guilt. The world says, “However you want to live is OK as long as you don’t hurt anybody.” Many people don’t understand the need to be saved.

But I think the question from that lady in Brecksville (“Saved from what?”) is really a pretty good question. And Christmas answers that question.

Salvation is precisely why Jesus came into this world. Joseph’s fiancé, Mary, became pregnant. She said that she was still a virgin. And Joseph didn’t buy it. So, God sent an angel to encourage Joseph to go through with his marriage to Mary, Jesus’ mother. Here’s what the angel said to him. Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She has been faithful to you. This is a miraculous birth.

She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

He came to save us. Save us from what? Look at the verse. From sins.

Theologians sometimes talk about the tenses of salvation. Salvation can be past, present, and future.

The past tense of salvation.

We have been saved from the penalty of sin. The Bible word for this is justification.

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24, ESV).

Think about the name of that little baby on that first Christmas. His name is Jesus. The Hebrew version is “Yeshua.” It literally means “the LORD saves.” Christmas is all about salvation.

This is good news. Why? Because everyone in this room sins. We break God’s law. And since He’s a just judge, He must judge all who sin.

The Bible says, “It is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The Bible says, “The wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience” (Colossians 3:6).

All this means that means we need a Savior.

Some of us have done things we don’t want anyone to know about. The past is dark and ugly. Maybe that’s you. You’re weighed down with guilt. You need to come to Christ to get.

You have been saved from the penalty of sin and that frees you from guilt. That’s the past tense of salvation.

And there’s the present tense of salvation.

We have not only been saved from the penalty of sin, we are being saved from the power of sin. The Bible word for this is sanctification.

For by a single offering [Jesus] has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14, ESV).

To be sanctified is to be made holy. Over time, Jesus saves us increasingly from the power of sin. Now, we often look in the mirror and we don’t like what we see. And we are filled with shame. But the present tense of salvation – sanctification – means that over time we sin less and less. The irritable person becomes more patient. The harsh person becomes more gentle. The greedy person becomes more generous. The selfish person becomes more of a servant. We become more and more holy.

He saves us from the power of sin. Although we will struggle with sin until the day we die, He saves us from selfishness, materialism, and worldliness. He saves us from anger and jealousy. He saves us from addictions to work and food and pornography and sex and drugs and alcohol. He saves us from the power of sin.

Some of us look in the mirror everyday and we don’t like what we see. We don’t like who we’ve become. We don’t like our looks. We’re embarrassed about our jobs, our families, our failures. Maybe that’s you. You’re living with constant shame. You need to come to Christ to get.

You are being saved from the power of sin and that frees you from shame. That’s the present tense of salvation.

And there’s the future tense of salvation.

We have not only been saved from the penalty of sin and we are not only being saved from the power of sin. We will be saved from the presence of sin. The Bible word for this is glorification.

We suffer with [Jesus] in order that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:17b-18, ESV).

We may be suffering, but glory is coming! Glorification is the final step in our salvation. When we die or when Christ returns, we will be changed. There will be no more pain, sorrow, suffering, or sin. We’ll be changed. We’ll be like Christ.

One day, when we see Him face to face, we’ll be free from the fight against temptation. In heaven, we’ll be finally and fully free from the things about us that we hate so much here.

Some of us are facing life-threatening illness. Some of us have buried people we love recently. We wonder, “What really happens after we die?” Maybe that’s you. You’re living with a fear of the future. You need to come to Christ to get.

We’ll be saved from the very presence of sin in heaven forever. And that frees us from fear. That’s the future tense of salvation.

Come to Christ to get. To get what? Salvation. in all its tenses. Pray. Start today. Say, "This Christmas, Lord, I am coming to You to get. Please give me more salvation. Save me from the penalty, the power, and the presence of sin. I am coming to You to get!"

Turning Christmas Upside Down

2011-12-22T21:53:00.004-05:00

What if we turned Christmas “upside down” so we can celebrate it “right side up?”

We know Christmas is Jesus’ birthday and that He’s the point of Christmas. But we also know He gets covered up with shopping and wrapping and food and parties. All the clutter of Christmas covers up Christ.

Let's turn Christmas upside down so that Jesus is not only prominent, but preeminent.

Usually when we go to church during this time of the year, we learn that Christmas is about giving, not getting. Kids are going to go back to school after the holidays and the big question will be, “What did you get for Christmas?” A better question is, “What did you give for Christmas?”

We look in Matthew 2 at the story of the wisemen. They gave Jesus the gift of worship. A great question for us is to ask Christ at Christmas, “Jesus, what do You want from me for Your birthday?”

To turn Christmas upside down, it’s giving over getting. Right? How are you doing with that?

But let's keep on turning Christmas “upside down” so we can live it “right side up.” And this time, think about how important it is not to focus on giving over getting, but to focus on getting over giving. Confused?

Think of it this way: We have to come to Christ to get things money can’t buy and death can’t take away. It's actually the foundation for giving over getting.

And you can see this in Luke 2, the story about the shepherds and the birth of Jesus.

I love the fact that the shepherds got the first birth announcement. This tells us something about the heart of God for the last, the least, and the lost. The shepherds weren’t powerful or influential. In fact, they were looked down on by the religious leaders. It was hard for the shepherds to keep up with the Jewish ritual washings and all the ceremonial rules. Taking care of the sheep meant they were dirty and smelly. The birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, was announced first to common, simple, hard-working people. I love that.

And when they heard about the birth of Jesus, they decided to come to Christ to get.

On one level, the shepherds, like the wisemen went to give – to give worship. But on another level, the shepherds went to get – to get something from God that only He could give them. They came to Christ to get. And they found something they didn’t have. They found something for their guilt, shame, fear, sorrow, and worry.

And we need to come to get, too. See, when it comes to our relationship with God, we have to remember that He is a Giver – the ultimate Giver. For God so loved the world that He gave… For unto us a Son is given… Every perfect gift comes from above… God is a Giver.

That means we are getters. We have to be. Even when we give we have to remember that we can only give because God first gave to us.

So, when the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas, they were inviting the shepherds to come to Christ to get.

When we come to God we must come thirsty. The Bible teaches us that we must come to Christ to get. "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:2a, ESV). "O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You" (Psalm 63:1a, ESV). "Jesus... cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink'" (John 7:37b, ESV).

Our problem is that we don’t come to God to get enough. We aren’t thirsty enough for God. So, we fill up our lives with things food and drink and news and clutter and sex and drugs and recreation and entertainment and work and technology and noise and music that don’t satisfy.

We need to come to Christ to get, not give. This Christmas, will you come thirsty? Will you come to Christ to get?

See, it's when we get not give that we have divine resources to give not get.

Related posts:

Remaining centered this Christmas

Christmas and spiritual warfare

Christmas and justice

Jesus, Tim Tebow, and Saturday Night Live

2011-12-21T21:14:00.007-05:00

Be praying, not pouting about the firestorm surrounding Tim Tebow. And don't start hating on the Tebow-haters out there.

Yesterday, I saw the skit Saturday Night Live did about Tim Tebow.

The Chicago Tribune reported, "The skit, which has racked up millions of online views since it aired on NBC Saturday night, depicts Jesus, in sweat socks, appearing inside the Denver Broncos' locker room via a cloud and a heavenly shaft of light. His message to Tebow? Ease up on all the Jesus stuff."

In the skit, Tebow is being encouraged to "lighten up" when it comes to Jesus. And Jesus is presented as less than an awe-inspiring, holy God.

So, how should believers' respond? Personally, I am not worried about the reputation of Tim Tebow. He seems to be the kind of person who is not particularly bothered by criticism, who doesn't take himself too seriously, and who has an ability to laugh at himself. I am even less worried about the reputation of Jesus Christ.

Tim Tebow's reputation in the eyes of the world is in good hands. The scripture says, "No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17, ESV). God Himself will vindicate Tebow.

It's true that SNL gave viewers a depreciating depiction of Jesus in His humanity. But we need not be particularly bothered by that. Again, the reputation of Jesus is in good hands. The scripture says, "God has highly exalted [Jesus] and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11, ESV). The very people who minimize the reverence due to Jesus will one day bow down to Him and call Him Lord.

Why does the Father exalt Jesus and defend His reputation in this way? The scripture says, "Though [Jesus] was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8, ESV). The One who died to save us from our sins deserves our highest praise. And He will indeed get the highest praise from God the Father and from everyone else.

So, what should be our response to SNL's skit about Jesus and Tim Tebow?

Pray.

My encouragement is for us to pray for Tim Tebow. He is truly a target for the enemies of our faith. When He is mocked and ridiculed, so, in a sense, are all believers. We share in one another's victories and sufferings. We "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15, ESV).

Tebow's simple, straightforward approach to faith and football inspires me. His hard work on and off the field and his hope in the Lord on and off the field are worthy of our respect and imitation. Tebow is leveraging his influence for Jesus and is doing lots of charitable work, including supporting his dad's evangelistic association and building a hospital for children in the Philippines. Let's pray that he maintains his testimony and missional living.

And let's pray for Tim Tebow detractors, too. Railing against Tebow's critics is not helpful. We can't win the people that we repel with our words. As we live on mission in our world, we should never be surprised at the subtle and the not-so-subtle forms that persecution takes.

We should not be surprised when the world takes shots at Jesus and His followers. Jesus predicted what is happening to Tebow, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know Him who sent Me" (John 15:18-21, ESV).

We should pray for all people - even Tebow-bashers - everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Why? God Himself wants all people - even the SNL producers, writers, actors, and fans - to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:4). Their eyes are now veiled to the truth.

But I truly believe that one day some of the Jesus-mockers and Tebow-detractors will see the beauty and glory of Jesus. "When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed... And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (II Corinthians 3:16, 18, ESV).

Be praying, not pouting about the firestorm surrounding Tebow.

And if you want to see a great video about the real Tim Tebow on game day, check him out with an on-field microphone against the Bears.

Related posts:

Tim Tebow's Superbowl ad

Honoring Jesus Christ: Tim Tebow's Heisman Award

Three graces from God for leaders

2011-12-12T15:21:00.001-05:00

Often in scripture, we see a description of the blessing of God in the lives of leaders described this way: "The hand of the Lord was on him."

Every leader should want to experience the hand of God on his or her life. It means that God is doing for that leader what cannot be explained in human terms. Something supernatural is happening.

I want that for me. And for you.

One place we see this phrase is in Ezekiel 37.

"The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones" (Ezekiel 37:1, ESV).

In fact, in this verse, we see three graces from God for leaders. What every spiritual leader should want are these three gifts of God.

1. I want God's hand on me to bless. (The hand of the Lord was upon me, 37:1a.)

2. I want God's Spirit in me to fill. (He brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, 37:1b.)

3. I want God's place for me to serve. (He brought me out... and set me down in the middle of the valley, 37:1c.)

Here are some probing questions observations:

Is God's hand upon me to bless? In Ezra's life, the good hand of God was upon him. Why? Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord (investigation), to practice it (application), to teach it to others in Israel (explanation) (Ezra7:9-10). This is the way to experience the hand of God's blessing in your life and ministry.

Is God's Spirit within me in control? In Ephesians 5 we learn to not get drunk with wine, but to be filled with the Spirit. In Galatians we learn not to walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. We are not to grieve the Spirit. We are not to quench the Spirit.

Am I serving in the place God has sovereignly designed for me? Success in ministry is often tied to being a good fit for the ministry context.

All these things were true for Ezekiel and God was able to use him in a profound way to bring about revival for his people.

As leaders, we must never fail to seek God - to seek His hand for blessing, His Spirit for filling, and His place for serving.

Perhaps the folowing prayer expresses the desire of your heart. If so, pray it!
"Lord, You are absolutely the only Source for successful ministry. I seek repentance for all the times when I have sought to minister apart from Your hand of blessing, apart from Your Spirit filling me, and apart from a specific assignment from You. Give me grace to seek You, Lord, for all this. And as I do so, may You bring life to the dead bones in me and around me. Bring a revival in me and to Your people through me. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Related posts:

Lifting the leadership lid

Do more. Slow down.

Try easier.

Pitfalls of being a senior pastor

2011-12-11T13:23:00.001-05:00

Ron Edmondson posted what follows on his blog. If you want to know what some unique issues might be for your senior pastor so that you might pray for him more effectively, then read on. As a man who has been a senior pastor for over 25 years, I know that I have experienced many of these pressures. Please pray for me and for your senior pastor.

***

Here are 10 “secrets” about many senior pastors:

Leading from this position is overwhelming at times. We know Christ is ultimately in charge, but we also know it often seems everyone looks to us to have all the answers.

People tell the senior pastor all kinds of things about what is happening in their life or in the lives of others…many we would rather not know sometimes… and sometimes the weight of others problems we carry is enormous.

Most pastors walk with a degree of uncertainty, which keeps us in prayer, but also makes us question our abilities at times. It makes depression common for many senior pastors. (Need a Biblical example? See 1 Kings 19)

Many senior pastors fear the possibility of failing in their role, so they thrive on the encouragement and prayers of others.

Sometimes we allow insecurity to cause us to become overprotective of our reputation and our position.

We face the same temptations and occasional spiritual dryness as everyone else. This means we need accountability, but are often afraid to seek it.

Our spouse is sometimes the loneliest person in the church and often feels extreme pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations.

Loneliness can exist for all leaders and many pastors suffer from it.

We seldom know who we can trust, which is why we become guarded and appear hard to get to know. Most senior pastors have been burned by someone they once trusted.

We suspect the staff, church leaders and congregation sometimes talks about us behind our back.

Granted, not every pastor faces each of these, (that’s why I said “many”) and I happen to be in an extremely healthy church, but even still, some of these are real for me at times. Other pastors, for reasons on this post, will not want you assuming these things about them. In talking with dozens of senior pastors each year, I know this is a representative list for “many”.

Senior pastors find joy in our work and, thankfully, most of us know we are in the center of God’s will vocationally. I don’t intend to take anything away from that in this post. We serve in a called position, so we are doing what we have been asked of God to do. When I share any post like this, however, I have come to expect a lecture on the need to depend on Christ for these issues, which only further demonstrates my points further.

Senior pastors are to fully rely on Christ’s strength, as is every other believer. This is just a reminder that we happen to also be like Elijah… ”a man just like us” (James 5:17).

***

Related posts:

Praying for your pastor

Leadership Lessons: Avoiding Burnout

Questions for spiritual leaders

Dangerous leaders

2011-12-09T18:56:00.003-05:00

Dangerous Leaders

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:42-45

I have often observed that people lose discernment around gifted leaders, even (and especially) around Christian leaders. They get caught up in the leader's vision, giftedness, passion, and apparent authenticity. They will, many times, ignore the creeping, advancing signs of manipulation and selfishness.

I see an illustration of this in the classic novel Moby Dick.

In this novel, we meet Captain Ahab, a man obsessed with killing the white sperm whale, Moby Dick, that once took off his leg. Ahab's obsession makes him a dangerous leader.

In one of the later chapters, the Pequod, Ahab's whaling ship is on the open sea and is on the hunt for the great while whale. The Pequod meets another ship, the Rachel. The Rachel’s captain explains that three of his boats were hunting a group of whales when Moby Dick was sighted. They lowered their spare boat, which set off in pursuit of Moby Dick.

When the other boats went to look for the spare boat, it was nowhere to be seen. The men of the Rachel found white water, suggesting that the whaling boat crew had harpooned Moby Dick, but he dragged them rapidly away. The ship has been on the lookout for its missing boat ever since.

The captain of the Rachel asks Ahab if the Pequod will help search for the missing men. It's an unusual request. The men of the Pequod guess that there was something or someone especially valuable on board that missing boat.

The Rachel’s captain admits that his own son is on the missing boat and begs Ahab to help, even just for a day. He offers to charter the ship and pay for their help. He appeals to Ahab based on his knowledge that Ahab himself has a son. He begs, "Please do for me what I know you would want someone to do for you! Help me find my son!"

But Ahab refuses to help because he doesn’t want to lose any time in hunting Moby Dick. Ahab goes back into his cabin while the other captain Gardiner returns silently to his ship. As the ship sails away, the men on the Pequod can see the Rachel moving slowly back and forth along the water in the distance, searching for the missing boat and the captain's lost son.

How sad. How selfish. How foreboding of worse things to come. And how dangerous for the crew.

A dangerous leader often fails to show passion for anything other than his own mission. He shows compassion, but it's often directed to others if they can help the leader fulfill his cause. A dangerous leader is a servant leader as long as those he is serving are serving him. Ultimately, the leader is serving himself. His passion for his mission is so self-focused that compassion is sadly absent for those who are not able to advance the mission.

If you find even a hint that a leader whose normal, human compassion is missing, then run. Run away from that leader as fast as you can! Ask God to save you from a leader with baggage from the past that will show up in destructive ways in the future. And ask God to help you follow a leader who seeks to be slave of all - who seeks not to be serve, but to serve.

CVC's Wednesday 6:00 AM prayer 12/7/2011

2011-12-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

CVC 6:00 AM Wednesday Prayer 12/7/2011

Scripture reading: I Peter 1

We rejoice that people who die in the Lord are really passing from life to life. We can't comprehend You. You see the other side of the galaxy and the last star. You know the course of our lives. You know our next breath and next step. We live in the knowledge of the truth that You have made known to us.

We are seeking Your guidance on our lives. May we be used by You.

We say we want to take as many people with us to heaven as we can. One day, we will be there in heaven with You. May we be ready for that day. May we live in such a way that there really isn't that much difference between our last breath here and our first breath there.

Thank You for this church. It has touched 1,000s of lives over the years. We thank You for the 40 plus people who came to Christ at the women's meeting this past weekend.

You are who You say You are. We never come to the end of You. We can press into You. How wonderful and precious You are to us, Lord. We can dive in and keep going. You are amazing. You are so big and mighty; yet You are so gentle and tender at the same time. You are a God that proves faithful in the circumstances of life.

We do pray that we would be effective witnesses. We praise You. We want our hearts to meet heart to heart with You. Your word is sure as the dawn. Help us love You more fully and more deeply. We want our hope to be fixed on You.

At the moment we need You, there You are. You are loving and caring, faithful and strong. As we absorb Your word and we hold it tightly, there is a spiritual battle. As we go through our day, the battle belongs to You. We will be tempted to not live for Your glory. We don't want to bring shame to the name of Jesus. We don't have to rely on ourselves, but You.

We do so want to glorify You. At this time of year, it's supposed to be about You, not stuff. The gifts don't satisfy. You satisfy. Prepare us for this season. give us grace so that we may be diligent to pray and read. We want to represent You. Christmas is meaningful and precious because of You. Help us to live for You in the right way, Lord. It is amazing the You would call us friends.

We pray for the healing of a woman with a broken leg. May this injury be used to bring her closer to You.

May the suffering we face bring us closer to You. Only You are the way, the truth, and the life. Let us be salt and light to a broken world. We are needy. Fill us with the good news.

Lift up the light of Your countenance on us. Make Your face to shine on us. Show Your favor to us.

May we take advantage of opportunities to share the word this Christmas time. May we love You and serve You and love others and serve others so that others will want to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

We praise You for 25 years of faithful ministry and leaders. May CVC stay faithful to You and Your word.

We praise You for Cheryl Barr and her leadership. We hold up John Campbell and his leadership. Bless our men and women's ministries.

We pray for the lost - for Terry, Jim, Dorsey, and Gregg. May these and others be low-hanging, ripe fruit. We are looking forward to sharing success stories of salvations. We pray for our Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist friends that they would see the beauty and meaning of Jesus.

CVC's Wednesday 6:00 AM Prayer

2011-12-03T08:48:00.002-05:00

CVC Wednesday AM Prayer 11/30/2011

The reading: Hebrews 12

We are attempting to give You the worship You deserve. We come to the One who is going to shake all things up one day in a huge display of Your power. You are awesome indeed, a consuming fire. How can we, a fallen people, worship such a great God? Yet we do worship You. We want to be changed by You and be used by You. We start this day with praise and worship.

Lord, we are those who have sins that so easily trip us up. Remind us that those are the sins You died for. You could have said, "I will go somewhere else and start over," but You didn't. We pray that Your Holy Spirit would convict each of us when we do come up short. Make us holy. Help us in our fight against the sins that so easily trip us up.

We pray for a nephew, Andrew, who is struggling with addiction. Help his family love him well. Set him free.

We are thankful for a God who forgives forever.

May Your Holy Spirit be free to move among each one of us. Help us to put more of this world behind us. For those who need salvation, may there be somebody somewhere who will share with them. Draw people to Yourself. May people who attend CVC want to come back here because they feel a difference here. Lead, guide, and encourage our staff and elders.

Thank You for Your discipline. You love us. Thank You for Your promise to remove a heart of stone and put in us a heart of flesh. Thank You that we can work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Thank You for being a promise-keeping God.

We pray for marriages. Turn the hearts of husbands toward wives and wives toward husbands. Give us wisdom to know how to strengthen marriages.

Help us to strive for peace with everyone and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Help us to see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.

We pray for a little girl, Grace, who is fighting cancer. Bring healing. We pray for others fighting cancer. Give them special healing. Help them be testimonies and examples. May they glorify You.

We pray for the transition at CVC. Bless Chad and his family. Give him wisdom and power to lead CVC well. Bless the Allens as they adopt a little girl with minor correctible issues.

May there be a revival among the women that come to the women's event at CVC. Bless them. May the pre-Christians who come come to faith.

We want a continual reminder to put You first.

May we reach out to people who need You this Christmas. May the internationals among us understand the real message and meaning of Christmas.

May there be a revival among us, in our hearts, in our homes, in the lives of prodigals, and even in America.

May depression and suicide be defeated during this Christmas season. May we begin to experience joy and salvation and peace that Jesus came to give.

We pray for Dave and Pam Joyce. We pray for protection. Use them in a big way out in Phoenix. Use them to be mentors in the lives of others.

When someone you love takes their own life...

2011-11-29T19:16:00.001-05:00

Saddened.

Confused.

Grateful.

Angry.

Motivated.

You may have these emotions and attitudes and reactions as you remember the tragic death of a friend or a family member. How can we make sense out of this tragic death? Let’s look at each of these feelings and reactions one at a time.

I. Remembering fills our hearts with sadness.

We will miss those who have gone on before us. We’ll miss the smile and the laugh. We’ll miss the warmth and the tenderness. We’ll miss the care and the concern. We’ll miss the conversations and the jokes. So, what do we do with this sadness? We must simply take it to the Lord Jesus Christ. He invites us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7).

II. Remembering fills our hearts with confusion.

1. How can someone with major conflict in his soul live his life with such a wide positive impact?
2. How can someone who professed to love Jesus and His truth fail so dramatically to follow Him fully?
3. How can someone who so obviously loved his family and friends put them through so much pain and disappointment?

Perhaps a lesson can be learned in all this: We don’t have to have it all together to do some good in this world. But what do we do with our confusion? We take it to the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 55 tells us that His ways are higher than our ways and that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. When we go to Him, God may give us insights and answers to our questions. But if not, we can rest in the knowledge that He knows the answers. He’s capable of handling the confusion. We can trust in Him even when all we have are questions.

III. Remembering fills our hearts with gratitude.

Friends and family members who have gone on before their time struggle. Let’s not pretend there was no struggle. Our friends and family members who have committed suicide wouldn’t want that. It’s appropriate that we honor the struggle. They never found the victory that they longed for and that so many here wanted for them.

The Bible describes the conflict this way: “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want”(Galatians 5:17). Jesus describes the struggle this way: “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

The bad thinking sometimes gets in the way. Sometimes a person’s true self is disguised. Sometimes, people give into temptation too easily. But the war that rages when a person struggles with temptations toward suicide is fierce. The true heart is striving to get out. Very often, the suicide victim was able to show people the good that was in him.

And just what is the good? Think about it. Fill in the blanks. Make a list of all the good qualities. Meditate on the good times. And be grateful.

What should we do with our gratitude? Once again, we must take our gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. James 1 tell us that every perfect gift comes down from above. Truly, a friend or family members many positive contributions to our lives are to be seen as gracious gifts to us from God.

IV. Remembering has left us feeling anger.

We’re angry because we had to sit through an unnecessary funeral. We’re angry that so much good will now go undone. We’re angry that we’re left with a mixed legacy from our freind or family member. We’re angry that the walk of his or her life didn’t more closely match the talk. We’re angry that our loved one didn’t take full advantage of all the help that was available. And we are angry at the cunning of the enemy that shortens lives.

Just as we must take our sadness and our confusion and our gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ, we must also take our anger to Him. We are told in scripture to “Be angry without sin” (Ephesians 4). Anger is okay when it’s handled properly. It’s right for us to be angry at anything that detracts from the glory of God and the good of mankind. Let’s make sure that our anger doesn’t turn into depression or bitterness or despair.

V. Remembering gives us greater motivation.

It just doesn’t seem right, does it? This friend or family members was too young to leave us. It doesn’t feel right. It’s not supposed to happen this way. But our God can take even a tragedy and use it for His purposes. Early death can be used by God to make us more victorious - more like Jesus.

1. A too early death can motivate us to purity. Galatians 6:7, 8 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” A suicidal death is an opportunity to for each of us to make a commitment to live in a more healthy and a more righteous way. We must live pure, holy, godly lives.

2. A too early death can serve as motivation for us to care. Did we love well? Did we pray enough? Did we work hard enough to help our friend or family member gain victory in the struggle? Be careful. Those kinds of questions can create in us a sense of false guilt. But the questions are good ones to ask ourselves as we go to God in prayer. We pray, “God, forgive me and help me respond better to the next person in trouble.”

3. A too early death can motivate us to surrender. We must give every part of our lives to the control of the Lord Jesus. We must not hold back. He is to be the CEO of our lives. He’s the Boss. He’s the Leader. People who take their own lives keep part of themselves back. Let’s not make that same mistake. Jesus said in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Let’s not only know what He says, but let’s do it as well. May God give us the grace to be not only hearers of the word, but doers as well.

4. A too early death can motivate us to be better prepared for the life that is to come.

The loss of people we love reminds us that life is brief and that death is certain. The Bible puts it this way, “We are destined to die once and after that to face judgment.” That sounds like bad news since we all know guilt. We fail to live up to our own standards of behavior, not to mention God’s standards. Who among us always acts loving? Who among us always treats others the way we want to be treated? We all know guilt. The Bible says, it this way, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

But God loves us so much that He provides the way of salvation. Jesus Christ came to this earth to take away our guilt. He died on a cross to pay a debt that we should have paid. The Bible says, “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him” (Hebrews 9).

To become a real Christian is to humbly receive God’s gift of forgiveness and to gratefully commit to following Jesus as our leader. When we do that, He adopts us into His family and begins to change us from the inside out. As we respond in gratitude for what He has done for us, He enables us to have a greater ability to love God and others.

The ball is now in our court. It’s up to us to decide what you’re going to do with it. Jesus paid the price of salvation. But only those who say “Yes” to Him will actually receive His forgiveness. That’s the Bible means in John1:12, “But as many as received Him to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

Admit your need of a Savior. Acknowledge your sin. Trust in what He did on the cross. Say “Yes” to Christ. Truly receive Him into your life. Make Him the Lord of all.

You may express your faith in a prayer like this:

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for me. I believe that You rose again. Right now, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I put my faith in You alone. Please change my life and make me the kind of person that You want me to be. I will become an active part of Your church to bring glory to You and good to mankind. Amen.”

If that prayer expresses a desire in your heart, just pray it back to God in your own words.

Sorrow.

Confusion.

Anger.

Gratitude.

Motivation.

Let’s take them all to the Lord.

We can take comfort together in the promises of God. Revelation 21 tells us what God has in store for those who believe in Him. “They shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Maybe you’ve seen an artist’s picture of a young man with a hammer in one hand and a spike in another. He’s being held by Jesus with nail-scared hands. It’s a tender picture of how we are the ones who have driven the nails into the hands of Christ because of our sin. Let’s face it. When someone takes his or her own life, like all of us, he or she is that one driving the nails into the hands of Jesus. But thanks be to God, Jesus is there embracing the very one who put the nails in His hands and feet! We have a great Savior who loves us with a great unconditional love!

As Pastor John Piper says, “People who truly know Jesus can be so weak at times that their hearts give way to severe sin.” But this doesn’t mean that the saving relationship with Christ disappears when a person gives into serious sin.

When a Christ-follower yields to temptation, his faith in Christ at that moment is weak and the pull of sin and the power of Satan get the upper hand. But there is a great difference between Satan winning a battle and Satan winning the war.

Maybe your friend or family member had an overall pattern of life that resisted an evil that he hated to do. And that’s the evidence of the Master’s work in your family member or friend’s life.

Before Jesus, a person is like a prisoner in a concentration camp far behind the lines of Satan’s territory. The result is a kind of numbness toward spiritual things. Then at the point of salvation, Jesus Himself penetrates the lines of Satan’s territory. Jesus breaks through the fences of the concentration camp. Jesus begins the process of rescuing His people.

Jesus equips His people with spiritual armor for this fight for freedom. As they leave the concentration camp, the sirens go off and fight for freedom is fierce.

When a believer commits suicide, the sword gets knocked out of his or her hand and the shield slipped from his or her arm. And the flaming arrows of the enemy hit and sink so deep into his heart that he or she fell.

Piper asks, “And where was Jesus? We believe He catches his people when they fall and He carries his people home. And if we say to Jesus, ‘You should have protected my friend or family members better while he was escaping,” Jesus might say, “My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. You can no more grasp my wartime strategies than a child can read the graphs of the Chief of Staff. And remember, if I hadn’t broken through the prison of his unbelief, you would have never seen him again.’”

Remember that all true believers will see each other again because "death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting? But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:57).

Is "To Make You Feel My Love" by Adele upside down?

2011-11-24T06:25:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, I painted the ceiling in our kitchen. When I do that kind of work, I like to listen to music. So, I set Pandora to listen to one of my favorite voices, Adele.

One of her songs is titled "To make you feel my love." It's simple. The melody sticks in the mind. The lyrics are winsome. Who wouldn't want someone loving them like the lyrics describe?

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no - one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry; I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
Know there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy; make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do; go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love, to make you feel my love

The song was originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan. Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Bryan Ferry, and Adele have had success with the song.

Wwhen I woke up this morning, the thought hit me: The song as sung by Adele or by Trisha Yearwood to some man (who can't make his mind up about her) is "upside down." I think it's best sung by a man to a woman.

Ephesians 5 says that it's the man, not the woman, who is to love, to pursue, to initiate. That, unfortunately, is counter-cultural.

Our culture has produced passive men who want to be pursued. It's a result of the fall in Genesis 3. And women are wired by God to want relationship so much that they will do the pursuing when men stay passive.

Men, as the book Wild at Heart suggests, there is a beauty to win. When a man wins his beauty, it's a picture of the relationship between Christ and the church.

I know that some people might say that I am quibbling over words/roles or that I'm simply too old school, but it's a man who should be singing those lyrics to a woman. What woman wouldn't want a man pursuing her the way these lyrics suggest?

So, men, find your beauty and pursue her. And once she says "I do" keep on pursuing her.

I still like the song. I still like the way Adele sings it. Now, when I hear Adele sing it, I am going to ask God for grace to love my wife, Maryanne, this way: "I could make you happy; make your dreams come true. Nothing that I wouldn't do; go to the ends of the earth for you. To make you feel my love, to make you feel my love."

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27, ESV).

Missio Dei - The Invitation (Week 8, Day 5)

2011-11-11T08:54:00.000-05:00

... Matthew 11:28-30 ...

Christians on mission for God to reach out for the kingdom get tired and weary. Jesus invites fatigued missionaries to come to Him in Matt. 11: 28-30, and promises He will give rest. Sounds easy—sounds refreshing—sounds like what we need, but it is difficult to actually “do.” Why? We are much better at doing than at being.

The invitation from our Lord requires coming to Him, sitting at His feet, and hearing His voice to receive the refreshment and restoration our souls so desperately want and need.

Ahhh--but, wait! We also have the opportunity to influence the people we are praying will come to know the Lord. Planned, deliberate resting is not something the world sees too often. Doing is seen as productive. Being still is not valued.

The world is running so fast that many cannot hear the invitation to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Technology, over-loaded schedules, materialism, and the like keep us and those we seek to reach from truly resting and hearing.

A believer's rest most often happens at the feet of their Lord. However, it can also happen when we simply slow down. What if our neighbors or those we love saw us resting on the Sabbath, playing with our family and friends, or sitting on our front porches with elderly parents and neighbors? What if our neighbors saw us taking long walks down the street where we live? Maybe we would have time to hear the stories of the ones who are closest to us and the ones around us who may be far from God. Maybe, in accepting the invitation to be restored by our Savior, we might receive the opportunity to tell the great salvation story of a Savior who gives rest to the weary.

***

How have you ignored the invitation to receive rest from the Lord and continued to live a life of serving Him so that you end up feeling tired and weary?
What has been the outcome when you have continued to live and serve on mission in your own strength?
What are some creative ways to build relationships with those in your neighborhood as you rest from the busy-ness of life and ministry?

Prayer ...

Dear Lord, I praise you for being a God who cares so deeply for me. Thank You for the invitation to come to You and receive rest for my soul. Forgive me for the times I have continued to serve You in my own strength, even when I am weary, tired, and burdened. Please show me when I need to slow down and be still, and help me to be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to rest. I pray others will see more of You in me as I live on mission because You have refreshed me. Amen.

Missio Dei - Seek to Seek (Week 8, Day 4)

2011-11-10T09:37:00.000-05:00

... Isaiah 50:4-7 ...

These verses in Isaiah are part of the “Servant’s Songs” and deal with the servant’s mission. These are prophetic words that illustrate and explain the patterns in the life of Christ.

Jesus understood the importance of spending time daily with the Father. Morning after morning, Jesus listened to His Father. He learned all that He needed to know to live out the mission the Father planned for Him for that day. Jesus had open ears and a well-instructed tongue. Jesus encountered weary people day after day. His time with the Father meant that He had a well-instructed tongue so He could offer help to the weary. Jesus was able to share God’s truths with them in word and in deed.

Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. Because He spent time with the Father, Jesus was able to bless the weary and the worn, the least and the last.

God has a mission that will ultimately be accomplished by the power of His word. God invites us to participate with Him on that mission. Be willing to seek the Father’s face daily and to learn from Him, so you can be part of His mission to sustain others.

***

What changes in your life can you make to make you more teachable and equipped for your mission like Jesus?
Who do you know who is weary and discouraged? How can you be better prepared to encourage them? What word from the Father might He want you to give to them? How do you feel when you seek to offer words of encouragement?

Prayer ...

Father in heaven, I want to be more teachable like Jesus. Forgive me for those times when I do not make daily time with You a priority. I want to be a servant that meets others’ needs in a way that is pleasing to You. Stir in me a heart that is on mission for You and cares for the least and the last in a way that shows off Christ in me. Send me on a mission to sustain the weary with words from You.

Missio Dei - Rest A While (Week 8, Day 3)

2011-11-09T12:12:00.000-05:00

... Mark 6:30-32 ...

Rhythm. It defines and delineates so much of the way we experience reality. From the cycle of sunrise and sunset, to the broader ebb and flow of winters and summers, to the pace of our very own heartbeats; rhythm creates order in which we can experience dimensional time.

As followers of Christ we strive to live as He lived—and the rhythm of His existence must become as much a part of our character as it was His.

In our insanely fast-paced culture we frequently err in one direction or another. Some of us surround ourselves with activity—and computer screens of one variety or another. Some of us fall into patterns of sloth and the goal of relaxation becomes an idol for us.

Christ and His disciples demonstrate a rhythm of intense dedication, striving, and labor for the sake of the Kingdom—punctuated by times of rest in order to refill on the fuel of time with the Father. Let us strive to reject the mandates of our society and the greedy desires of our flesh. Let us break our bodies and pour out our blood in remembrance of our Savior and in working to further His Kingdom—and then let us not rest idly or wastefully, but give ourselves to the rhythm of finding peace and recuperation in the presence of our Father.

***

Do you fill your life exhaustively with busy-ness? Do you spend your leisure time in a way that honors God? What needs to change for you to find a God-honoring rhythm?
What one item on your weekly schedule can be dispensed with in favor of a mission-oriented, Kingdom-building activity?
What one item on your weekly

Prayer ...

Lord, we praise You for the life you lived as a perfect display of humanity. You showed us the best possible way to go through this existence. You exchanged temporary comforts for eternal joys. Forgive us for both our wasteful busy activity and our self-centered times of leisure. Help us to live lives of passionate and exhaustive labor for Your Kingdom—and help us to find perfect rest and comfort in You. You are our strength, You are our energy, our passion, our guide. We surrender our every moment to You—our schedule today, this week, and ongoing is Yours to determine and guide.

Missio Dei - Prepping for the Journey (Week 8, Day 2)

2011-11-09T12:10:00.000-05:00

... Mark 1:35-39 ...

What do you do when you are about to leave on a road trip? Most people get up early, check the oil, fill the car up with gas, test the tire pressure, clean the car up inside and out, load it up for the day and then get ready to leave. We want to feel prepared for the journey. Each day is a journey, especially living on mission for Christ. We never know what’s in store for us each day. Even Jesus said “…each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). It is interesting to think that we will put so much effort into preparing for a trip, but far less preparation for our day. Sure, we may shower, get our clothes ready, eat breakfast, and write a “to do” list, but do we exert the same level of intentionality to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for the day?

Jesus had just finished a full day and night of teaching and healing in Galilee. He was going to spend the next day traveling and teaching. So, how did He start the new day? He woke up early. He removed himself from the distraction of his environment. He spent unhurried and focused time in prayer. Jesus modeled for us a perfect way to prepare for the journey of each new day. How strange does it seem that as people living on mission for Christ, we oftentimes go into each day without communing with Christ? We get refueled, refreshed, focused and prepared when we begin our day at the feet of Jesus. Our personal devotion time provides inner refreshment, renewed intimacy with God, and strength for facing the seen and unforeseen challenges of each day as we live on mission for Christ.

***

Jesus went away in the morning. When is your ideal time to be alone with God? Are you giving yourself enough time so that you are not hurried?
Jesus went away to a secluded place. Where is your ideal place to be alone with God? Are you giving yourself enough distance from distractions so that you can focus?
When you are faithful in spending time with the Lord, how have you seen it prepare you for the mission He has for you each day?

Prayer ...

Lord Jesus, forgive me for when I fail to make time to be with You. I am not fully prepared for each day without spending time with You. I cannot live on mission without being connected to You. I want to spend time with You. I need it. I ask that my times with You bring refreshment, energy, focus and a spirit of preparedness for Your mission for each day. Amen.

Right your wrong rhythm

2011-11-07T11:28:00.001-05:00

Last night I spoke at 707, our young adult service. A young woman named Andrea gave her testimony and was baptized. The worship was powerful and engaging. I was blessed.

Afterward, Bryan Karas, our 707 Worship Pastor sent to me the blog from a young woman who attended the service. I am honored that she shared. I am re-posting her words. You can read more her blog here.

***

Just Go With It. Please.

I'm going to try my best to recap tonight's sermon. The last missio dei..

Luke 10:38-42

So, two young ladies- one's got it right, the other's rhythm is off.

What are the signs that your rhythm is off?

• you're distracted
• you're accusing
• you're full of self pity
• you're worried
• you're irritable

Look, I don't know where you are right now.. but how many of us have been too distracted with, e.g., Facebook; you always have something preoccupying yourself. WHY ISN'T JESUS preoccupying you?! That's just an example of the listed "signs"..
To get your rhythm right:

1. Welcome Jesus! Hello, it's that simple!! All you have to do is say,"Lord, I welcome you into my life. Come in. Invade it."

That's what I want. I want Jesus to invade my space.. invade me. I don't want there to be room for anything else except Him and all that relates to Him. Anyone with me?

2. Listen to Jesus! "Those who talk by the yard and listen by the inch get kicked by the foot." ... a glorious foot of Jesus'. Haha, so, here's a tip. SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE. Offended yet? I'm fine by that. But maybe you should .. get this.. HEAR me out. hehe. If you just took a minute to listen instead of rambling, ranting, pestering, blabbing (kind of like I am now), maybe you'd actually hear what God's trying to tell you! If you don't listen, you may end up doing something that He didn't even call you to do!!

I really suggest that everyone takes time to spend with Jesus. Sit at the feet of Jesus. Take time and ask How, Who, What, When, Where, Why? to God. Pray and read. I suggest fasting and meditating.

It's like . . . if you don't listen, and you're doing what you think are the "good" ideas . . you may be missing out on God's ideas.

3. Keep choosing Jesus!

Simple.. He's the "good portion". He the good things. Yep, that's Him. I heard tonight from an excerpt of some letter(?) of a woman,"You're at risk of running dry if you don't spend time with the well of life." That just really hit me tonight. I am at risk of being DRIED UP if I don't keep choosing Jesus. That's it.

Tonight's worship was absolutely phenomenal. I had to share. I have never felt so happy, victorious, worthless, weak, filthy, pure, and joyful at the same time. It was spectacular and I want to feel that everyday, all day.

***

Wow. I am glad that God used my words to encourage a sister in Christ. That is a direct answer to my prayer before I preached at 707. God is good!

Missio Dei - Serving or Sitting (Week 8, Day 1)

2011-11-07T10:50:00.000-05:00

... Luke 10:38-42 ...

When we live missional lives and serve the least and the lost, it is tempting to let the work of the Lord crowd out the Lord of the work. When that happens, we quickly run out of spiritual resources. And, we have nothing left to give to those in need.

Martha lived with her sister, Mary, and their brother Lazarus. The two sisters invited Jesus to a meal at their house. Martha stayed busy serving while Mary was caught up in conversation with Jesus. Martha complained because Mary stopped serving to sit at the feet of Jesus.

Since our culture promotes busyness, many of us might side with Martha. We would expect Jesus to come down hard on her sitting sister, but Martha was “distracted.” The word translated “distracted” means “to be pulled away.” Martha was pulled in too many directions. She was pulled away by her sense of “duty.”

Jesus did not scold Martha for serving Him. Serving was necessary. Her problem was that she made serving, not sitting, the priority. Some make this concern a “serving vs. sitting” issue. However, notice Jesus never really condemns Martha for serving. In fact, it appears that Mary served, too. Martha says, “My sister has left me.” Sitting vs. serving is not an either/or issue. It is a “both/and” issue. In this case Jesus makes it clear that sitting must take precedence over serving.

So, let us live missionally, but let us always have regular, unhurried time with Jesus by reading His Word and connecting in prayer. We must love Him first before we love His people. Why? This approach will replenish our spiritual resources so we can serve the last and the least more effectively. And in this way, we will give the Lord an opportunity to direct our serving. Sitting or serving? Choose both. Sitting without serving is lifelessness. Serving without sitting is powerless. Sitting and serving is fruitfulness.

***

Who do you tend to be most like in this story—Mary or Martha? Why do you say that?
Why does Jesus say that Mary’s choice is better than Martha’s?
What changes do you need to make so that sitting at the feet of Jesus will become more and more a priority for your life? How do you think this will affect your service to others?

Prayer...

Lord Jesus, You are infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in Your wisdom and power. You supply direction and energy so that I can serve others effectively. Yet, I sometimes try to serve in my own understanding and strength. That is when I quickly run out of resources. I want to learn how important it is for me to sit at Your feet before I serve Your people. Here I am, Lord. Now, send me.

Missio Dei - Amazing Grace...the Perfect Gift (Week 7, Day 5)

2011-11-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

... Ephesians 2:8-10 ...

This passage is simply the cornerstone of our salvation. Because of the unfathomable love that God has for us and His unmerited favor on us, He has lavished us with this gift.

And yet so often, as believers, we feel obligated to try to work our way to God through service, good deeds, excellent church attendance, and giving. The gift of grace is free and it is given through faith by the Holy Spirit and all the glory is given to God for this gift. Even our faith is a gift. Paul is saying in this passage that absolutely nothing is of our own doing—not salvation, not grace, not even the faith that is exercised to receive salvation.

Many of us may have been taught that we had to follow certain rules and perform good deeds in order to obtain salvation. But our good could never be “good enough” to earn salvation…to please a holy God. Salvation is something only God can do through Jesus Christ and we can only boast in Him alone!

Out of our gratitude for His free gift, we as believers will seek to do good things—to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness. While no action or good works we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s plan is that our salvation will result in acts of service to Him and to others. We move ahead in this life of grace doing the good works that God planned for us long ago. The new life in Christ that God gives us cannot help but express itself in good works.

Just as God planned salvation in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world, so He planned that believers should do good to others. And those good works give us credibility in the eyes of others so we can share the good news.

***

How could the truth that we are saved by grace through faith be abused and cause some to fail to do good works?
What are some of the good works you feel God created you to do that you have not yet done?
What are some initial steps you can take to get moving?

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, You are the awesome giver of this amazing gift of salvation. Thank You for showing Your favor on me when I didn’t deserve it. Help me to reach out to someone who has not accepted Your gift of salvation by serving with kindness and love. Lord, I give You all the glory and boast in You alone.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus

2011-11-06T09:27:00.000-05:00

Recently, I asked a very influential and effective woman, Sue Gilliland, to share a bit of her life. She is known for her impact. I know that it flows out of her time with Jesus. Below is my question to her about this and her answer.

***

Dear Sue,
I know you value time away with the Lord. Would you share just a few thoughts on what you do to get extended time with the Lord and how that has helped you as a woman, a wife, a mom, a spiritual leader at CVC and in NE Ohio?

***
Dear Rick,
It is important to me that it is understood that I am not a "Mary". I am actually a fallen "Martha" that needs constant instruction and guidance from my Great Teacher. I go to Him because I DON'T do things well. I go to Him because my life NEEDS His redemption. I go to Him to review the mistakes I made the day/year before and I want to do better on the next round.
When people ask me why I take a personal retreat, this is usually my answer:
Even though I am not able to do it often, I do treasure time away from home to be with the Lord. I usually go alone on my "Great Date with my Great King." I have never been disappointed and always come home refreshed and renewed with a clearer FOCUS of what He wants me to BE, DO, HAVE and GIVE (the questions I ask when I am away). It is also time to worship Him and pray in a very specific way that allows me to really LISTEN (too many opportunities to be distracted at home). This time away usually produces great convictions of things I need to change in my own heart...great time for "internal housekeeping".
Getting away does require some effort, time and money , but I spend all of those things on other aspects of my life...I prioritize time with HIM.
As a woman (a lifegiver) I spend a great deal of time pouring out to those I love. I am at great risk of running dry if I don't spend time at the "Well of Living Water". (I am reminded of your object lesson of the pitcher of water, and the cup overflowing.) Spending time with my Lord, whether it is in the morning, or once a year on a personal retreat is a necessity, not an optional luxury. "Front loading" my day or year with time with Jesus helps me to navigate through a fallen world, and helps me respond to whatever "comes in my front door" with responses that are honoring to Him. Being "full" automatically produces overflowing to others, it is not forced or a burden but a joy.

If you believe in believer's baptism by immersion, is it disingenuous to become a member of a church that practices infant baptism?

2011-11-03T20:50:00.003-05:00

This week, I was asked a question about baptism issues and local church involvement. Below is the question. Further below is my response.

***
Dear Rick,
This is a Proverbs 24:6 kind of message, I'm seeking some wisdom from an abundance of counselors.
[My wife]and I are in the midst of an 11 week membership course at a prospective new church where we have lived since July. This is an inter-denominational church, which I have believed to be conservative theologically, prioritizing mission/evangelism, and cutting-edge in ministry/approach. It is an Elder led body, with healthy freedom/accountability for the Senior Pastor to lead. All signs have been really good, and I believe God has us here intentionally.
As I mentioned, we're in an eleven week membership class that is led by various Elders and staff, and today I looked ahead to information for two weeks from now on the sacraments. To my surprise, they practice infant baptisms. I say surprised because they are very conservative theologically...
My immediate reaction was strong, that this isn't biblical and I must reject it. I've spent a lot of today praying about it, reading different views from authors in reformed theology, different denominational positions, etc. I'm to the point now where I think my view has softened, understanding the position of the Abrahamic covenant and it's transfer to the New Testament as the basis. I'm also given comfort the church positions themselves as believing it is an outward sign of justification through a relationship with Christ primarily -- but use the same vernacular to describe the covenant relationship to the local church body.
Forgive the length of my note, but I wanted to clearly explain where I'm at on this. Thanks for... your friendship to me.

***

Hi, I love your heart and your desire to know and live out the truth according to God's Word.
We have had people at CVC who agree with us about almost all our doctrine except baptism. They DO believe in infant baptism. Yet they still want to participate with us, a church that practices believer's baptism. Although we require believer's baptism for membership, there is still room for these friends of CVC to participate with us in various ministries as long as they don't make their views on baptism a divisive issue in conversations and classes with other CVCers. Over the years, I have been glad that they have served and helped us.

Now, your prospective church will likely accept your baptism as valid. Usually, churches like this will accept both believer's baptism and infant baptism as valid for membership purposes. And some of these churches will baptise by immersion if a person asks for it. Given that, a question I might ask leadership is this: "If I am asked what my views are concerning baptism, given the fact that I beleiver in believer's baptism by immersion, what do you want me to say or how would you like for me to handle it? I don't want to be divisive. But I don't want to be dishonest about what I think the Bible teaches. So, tell me what you want me to say or do."
I remember the old saying, "In essential things, unity. In non-essential things, liberty. In all things, charity." Is this an essential? You'll have to answer that for you and your family.
For me, it's not an essential. I have many friends here in Cleveland and around the USA who practice baptism like Orchard Hill. I can collaborate with brothers and sisters who view things their way.
Having said that, it is important to me that the churches I help lead and help plant do practice what I consider to be the correct mode of baptism.
All churches have unregenerate members. Jesus said that the wheat and tares grow together. However, it's my personal conviction that churches that practice believer's baptism my immersion have a lower percentage of unregenerate members than churches that practice infant baptism.
The question I am asking myself is this: Could I serve on staff at a church that practices infant baptism? Here's my answer right now: After letting leaders know where I stand, I could collaborate with and serve at a church that practices infant baptism but I could not serve in a senior level position and I would not want to reproduce that practice in daughter churches.
I guess a huge question for me is this: How long do you think you will be in your current city? You are coming back to CVC and Cleveland to help us reach this city for Jesus, right?
If you think that being at your prospective church is going to be a 2-3 year commitment, then you might not make this a big issue. If you think you might be there for 10-15 years, then it might be a bigger issue.
I think you have the freedom to be a part of this church if that's what you want to do. The principles found in Paul's words in Romans 14-15 regarding whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols come to mind.
I wish there were a dynamic baptistic church nearby. And, you know me, if there is not a dynamic baptistic church nearby, I wish someone would plant one. Is God calling you to be a part of a church plant? Want NEO360 to help plant one? Or would a local baptist association be open to planting a church in your neighborhood?
For further reading, check out J L Dagg's Manual of Theology and Manual of Church Order. He has many well-reasoned explanations as to why the baptist position is true to scripture.
Can't wait to hear how God leads you on this one.
Rick

Missio Dei - Devote Yourself to Doing Good - (Week 7, Day 4)

2011-11-03T08:32:00.000-05:00

... Titus 3:4-8 ...

We have been given an incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Our gift giver, Jesus, has asked us to love others as we love ourselves by doing good works and to tell others about His gift of grace and mercy that we have received. We are to devote ourselves to doing what is good so we need to take it seriously and not just fit it into our spare time. We have to be intentional about it.

So how are you doing? Are you too busy to take an interest in the people God has put in your path? After all, we have cell phones, iPads, text messages, voice mails, day planners, DVD’s, satellite, reading programs, kid’s activities, Bible studies, Community Groups. Most of us are much too busy to care very much.

Now the question becomes, “What if God is using you as His hands to reach out and care for a lost
sheep who is ready to fall off a cliff (or has already fallen off a cliff)? What if you are the one to look into the person’s eyes and really care about how that person is doing? Are you the one to ask a couple of questions---to care deeper? Are you the one to give an encouraging word or the one to just listen? What if you are the one to share God’s story? What if you are the one God is using to save a life? Think about it (but not for too long). Don’t miss what God is doing in your life and in the lives of those He has put in your path.

***

Whom did God send your way whom you missed this past week because you were too busy or did not care?
What does “devoting yourself to doing what is good” look like in your life? Is it slowing down or speeding up? Is it listening or speaking? Is it caring or sharing? Is it focusing on others or on yourself?
What one “good thing” will you do for God today to impact a life for eternity?

Prayer ...
Lord, I praise You for Your grace and for Your mercy. Thank you for calling me to You. Forgive me when I live my life focused just on me and not on You and the people You have placed in my path. Help me to have eyes that see how You are working in the people around me. Use me to impact the people around me by doing what is good and sharing Your incredible gift of love.

Missio Dei - Grace is the Everyday (Week 7, Day 3)

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

... Titus 2:11-14 ...

Notice something about the way this passage is written: It is all one sentence. Standing as the foundation of this thought is the idea that “the grace of God has appeared.” After making that statement, the author then explains the effect of God’s grace.

Far too often we consider grace to be the tool through which God redeems us out of our former sinful lives, redeeming us as sons and daughters of God—and this perspective is true. However, we must keep in mind that the same grace that saves us from our sin is the same grace we need to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” The grace of God has appeared—yes “bringing salvation,” but also then “training us… to live.”

How quickly we move from accepting God’s grace to attempting to live out His will for us on our own strength, and how quickly we fail to even come close to living “godly lives in the present age.”

Notice that godly living means that we will be zealous for good works (v. 14). Grace works. We are to be people who are looking for ways to bless people around us who are in need. Our good works create good will so we can share the good news.

Missionary to Thailand, Charles Harvey, describes his daily routine of following Christ. “I wake up every day, fall to my knees and die.” Only then, when we have daily surrendered to the joy of dying to our selves, can the grace of the life of Jesus Christ living through us be the reality of our daily experience – a daily experience that will include being passionate about doing good to those in need.

***

How is God’s grace active in your daily life? What transformations have taken place since you began to follow Christ?
In what ways are you now attempting to live a godly life on your own strength? Take time today to pray and hand over the battle to Christ living in you (Galatians 2:20).
How can being a recipient of God’s grace motivate you to be more zealous for good works?

Prayer ...
Father, I am very aware of how undeserving I am. I express my deepest gratitude for Your grace. Forgive me for attempting to live in my own abilities and my own strength. May what I have received motivate me to give to others. I surrender and proclaim that the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Missio Dei - Do the Unexpected (Week 7, Day 2)

2011-11-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

... Luke 6:27-36

On October 2, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts walked into a small Amish school in Pennsylvania and shot 10 girls then committed suicide. Five of the girls (ages 7-13) died. Expressing anger and hate would be completely understandable for the Amish community in light of this horrific event. Instead, the Amish did what was unexpected…they poured out expressions of love and forgiveness.

Members of the Amish community visited the Roberts family after the shooting, attended Roberts’ funeral, started a charitable fund for the shooter’s family and expressed great compassion. The wife of the shooter, Marie Roberts, wrote a thank you letter to the Amish stating, “Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. Gifts you have given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe. Your compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you.”

Jesus calls his followers to be different. He calls us to stand out and live by a higher standard. What better way to be different than to do the opposite of what the world expects from us? We are to not just do the expected and natural, but the unexpected and supernatural. It makes a bigger impression and impact on others when we do the opposite of what they expect, especially if it is the opposite of what they deserve. This teaching is tough!

***

What are areas of unforgiveness in your life? How will you forgive so you can live on mission for the very ones who have hurt you?
How can loving your enemies make you more fruitful as a witness?
Where might God be calling you to demonstrate His compassion and mercy?

Prayer...

Lord, You are the supreme example of forgiveness, grace and mercy. Cleanse me of any bitterness and resentment that keep me from being effective as Your missionary. Help me to love my enemies, Lord, and return good for evil. Show me how to be on mission for Christ even with my enemies.

Coaching a church planter (1)

2011-10-31T17:20:00.004-05:00

Here are some (edited) thoughts I shared with one of the church planters we support. I visited his church plant on Sunday. Maybe you'll find some help for your church plant, too.

***

Thanks, brother, for the work that you are doing at your church plant. It is a true privilege to partner with you.

The warm greeting that I received was very much appreciated. The passion, energy, and enthusiasm in your church is remarkable. The keyboardist and the drummer were excellent. The worship was engaging. Your preaching about the connection between joy and peace was clear and powerful. Some of the things you said in the message today were straight from the heart of God for me personally. I have been seeking some of my
peace in some wrong places. It was evident to me that God used you in my life and in the lives of many others. I am glad I was able to visit with you and worship with you today.

There are some observations that I would like to share with you. I realize that I am a washed-up minor league ballplayer from the sticks of Tennessee who now lives and pastors in the Brecksville/Broadview Heights area.

Therefore, some of what I have to say may not apply to your cultural environment. You are the one who has to exegete your cultural context. You are the missionary to your city and the surrounding communities, not me.

Therefore, I share some of my thoughts with the deepest respect for you and your leadership. But I also recognize that God has graciously given me insights as an experienced church planter and pastor who has had opportunity for 25 years to do some coaching and training for church planters.

Do you have a coach who can help you keep looking forward and who might help you revisit some of the church planter training and information on assimilation and community engagement?

I would encourage you as a church planter to keep thinking like a missionary. In other words, the question to ask is this: "How can we conduct church in a way that worships God, equips believers, and is culturally relevant to the lost people we are trying to reach?" The worship service, of course, is for God first and then for believers. But we must be sensitive to the guests, the non-Christians, who might show up. (It's kind of like having someone over to eat at your house. You're going to serve your family a family meal. But you set out some extra special dishes because you have the guests in mind as well.)

I'm sure that you usually start on time. There were probably some technical difficulties that hindered things today. I am sure you know it is important to start on time. Promptness says that you value the time of people. Promptness is really a function of love.

I would encourage you to consider using some type of attendance card or registration card. This is a way for you to know who the guests are and how to contact them later. It would also give you an opportunity to allow people to let you know of prayer requests. They could also share with you any decisions or commitments that they may be making. You could even have a place for people could indicate that they have prayed to receive Christ or are looking for some other type of ministry from Alive needing follow up.

I like the prayer time in the service (especially that your leader prayed for me). I did think that the list was very lengthy. After a while, my guess is that minds begin to wander. You even made reference to that in your
comments after the prayer time. I think you instinctively know that people can only engage with a limited number of prayer requests. My encouragement would be for you to have a special prayer time prior to the service where your core team lifts up all those concerns. You can do that with your most committed people. And then during the service, you might want to limit your public prayer to the top 3 to 5 request for each week. In that way, you would praying for fresh requests each week.

Regarding the offering time, it is important to let the people know how the money that they give is resulting in changed lives. Before the offering, you could tell a 30 second story about a life that has been changed and then say, "Thanks for giving. Your gifts are resulting in changed lives."

I think it's always a good idea at a church service to invite people to the next thing. You might want to invite people to the next service by letting them know what you were talking about the following weekend. You
also might want to invite them to a fellowship opportunity or a service opportunity. Give them a reason to come back and to invite a friend.

It is important that a church service not be seen as an end in itself. The church service is a worshipping and an equipping time. We come together to be sent out on mission. I would encourage you to include the sending idea at the end of each service. Challenge the people to go and be missionaries. For instance, today you talked about peace. You could have said, "Now that you have learned to gain peace from God you can go out and live a life of peace and invite others into that peace with you. So, today I am sending you out as missionaries into a world filled with trouble. You can bring the peace of God into your home and into your
workplace as missionaries. Tell people where this peace you have has come from. Speak a good word about Jesus. Speak a good word about your church. And come back next Sunday and bring somebody with you."

Be very specific at the end about what you want the people to do. People are asking two questions: 1) What does the pastor want me to know and why does he want me to know it? 2) What does the pastor want me to do and why does he want me to do it? In a message, you are standing as a spokesman for God. So, ultimately, what they want to know is this: "What does God want me to know and do?" You can send the people away with one or two very specific action points so that they more easily become doers of the word
and not hearers only.

I encourage you to keep casting vision for the unique contribution that your church is making to the kingdom of God in Northeast Ohio. Let people know what it is that you are doing that is different and fresher than any other church. It doesn't mean that you're doing things better than anybody else. It's just that you are doing something different. And that is a good thing. A very good thing. It should be celebrated.

You have an attractive, winsome way about you. That is a gift from God. You and your beautiful wife make a great team. Keep smiling! You preach powerfully. I praise God for you and I look forward to the great things God is going to do it through, with, in, and for you in the future. I am very excited about the future for your church and the good I believe God has in store.

Let's get together soon to talk about how we can serve you more.

When the people we love are on a destructive path

2011-10-31T11:29:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, the people we love are engaging in self-destructive behavior. Recently, I was asked what we should do when someone we love who is not a Christian is sinning.

***

Hey Pastor Rick,

I need you or someone to explain something to me that I may be missing. I understand, totally that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I know I was forgiven when I came to Christ for my outrageous behavior. If someone doesn't have remorse or repent for their sins, how then does God feel about that? Does He wait for them to feel guilt or remorse? Or does He intervene at some point?

There are two reasons I ask this, but the one will wait till another day. [I know someone who] is boldly, blatantly, having an affair… I am not liking her much these days, but I love her. How can I support her, when she is hurting [so many others]?

Where does God fit into this picture… ? I had to have crushed my "Abba Father's" heart with all the bad things I did and yet He forgave me. So? Am I to forgive [my friend]?

Please tell me what I am missing here. My mind, heart, and soul want to protect [people from her destructive behavior]. What Would Jesus Do?

I am open for any and all help.

***

Hi. Thanks for your note.

You asked if someone doesn't have remorse or repent for their sins, how does God feel about that?

I'm sure that God feels sad about that. He is waiting on them to turn to Him and to repent. Yes, God does wait for people to feel guilt and remorse. But even that is a gift from Him. So whenever we turn to him it is always because of His intervention. Therefore, it is your responsibility to continue to pray faithfully for [your friend].

I'm sorry that she texts and talks on the phone in front of her husband. That’s terrible. And flagrant. She is setting herself up for a major fall. We reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow. This can work for us or against us. In her case, it will work against her.

When she falls, she will need love, mercy, and compassion – not an “I told you so.” Maybe then she will turn to the One who is full of mercy and grace.

I would encourage [her husband] to consider protecting himself and the children from such behavior. The Bible gives people the option of divorce when someone is blatantly unfaithful faithful and committing adultery. The behavior in front of the kids is damaging. I am not saying he should divorce, but he could divorce.

Meanwhile, wait and pray. That is a hard place to be – in God’s waiting room. We are starting a new series on the Promises of Hope. Please come to this series each week. We’ll learn how to access the promises of God in Isaiah 40-66. This will give you hope as you wait on God to work in your behalf.

Hope this helps some,

Rick

Missio Dei - Open Eyes, Open Heart, Open Hands (Week 7, Day 1)

2011-10-31T11:14:00.000-05:00

... Luke 10:25-37 ...

The story begins with a lawyer asking Jesus a question, “How do I inherit eternal life?” Jesus invites the lawyer to answer the question himself. The lawyer summarizes the Old Testament Law, “Love God and love your neighbor.” Jesus says, “Good. Now go do it.” The lawyer looks for a loophole, “Who is my neighbor?”

Jesus is not teaching here that we are saved by keeping the law. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17). Our faith is the root of our salvation, but our good works (loving God and our neighbors) is the fruit of our salvation and demonstrates our faith.

Jesus then tells a story to illustrate what a truly saved person will do when confronted with an opportunity to help someone in need. They are all around us—bruised, broken, battered people. Some are hurting physically. Most are in pain emotionally and spiritually. They are in our offices, our neighborhoods, our restaurants, our schools, our churches and our families. Do we see them? Do we help?

We have many reasons why we tend to avoid people in need. We say things like, “Someone else will do it.” “Things have a way of working themselves out.” “I’m just too busy right now.” “I believe that charity begins at home.” “I ‘got burned’ last time I tried to help.” “Hey! You brought this onto yourself!”

In the story, two busy religious leaders pass by the man in need. However, when confronted with the half dead Jew, the Good Samaritan opened his eyes, (v. 33a), opened his heart (v. 33b), and opened his hands(vv. 34-35). It is clear. Our mission is to see genuine need and to come alongside that person in need so we can be “Jesus with skin on” to him or her.

***

When was a time in your past when you “walked by” someone in need? How did you feel about “walking by” them? Who do you need to make time for this week?
What are some excuses you tend to use to keep yourself insulated and isolated from need, from bruised, broken, battered people? How will you seek to eliminate those excuses in the future?
When you think of living with open eyes, open heart, and open hands, who is a person in need who comes to mind? What will you do for him or her starting today?

Prayer...
Lord Jesus, You are the Ultimate One with open eyes, open heart, and open hands. You saw me helplessly broken by my own sin. You stopped for me. You saved me. And I worship You. I have not followed Your example. I am not enough like You. Change me. Point me today to someone in need, and help me help them.

Missio Dei - Three Missions (Week 6, Day 5)

2011-10-28T10:50:00.000-05:00

... John 17:24-26 ...

In these final few verses of John 17, Jesus talks to His Father and points to His desire for us. His desire is that we “may be with (Him) where (He is).” Jesus desires to see us, His disciples, completed—to be in heaven with Him—for His sake and for ours. Throughout these verses Jesus’ desire is to point to His Father’s glory, and God’s desire is that His glory may be seen through His Son.

Everything that Jesus did on earth pointed to His Father’s glory. He says, “I made known to them Your Name.” The perpetual mission of Jesus is to make God known to man. So we see three missions in these verses. 1) The mission of God is to be glorified. 2) The mission of Jesus is to make God’s glory known. 3) Our mission is to know Jesus and make Him known to others so that all people might be reconciled to God.

As we go on mission and seek to make Jesus known, we can have confidence that some people will respond. It’s not our clever explanations, marketing, or missional living that wins people over. It’s the work of the Father and the Son.

Notice that verse 24 indicates that the Father has given people to Jesus. Those who are saved—who are in heaven and seeing the glory of Jesus—are gifts from the Father to the Son. When we live missionally and share the gospel, we are participating in divine gift-giving within the Trinity. The Father gives the Son His people.

Notice that verse 26 indicates that the Son makes known to people the Father’s name. Those who are saved—who for all eternity will experience the same love that the Father has for the Son—come to know the Father through the work of the Son. When we live missionally and share the gospel, we are participating in what the Son does to introduce people to the Father.

The pressure is off. We simply live missionally. We simply tell His story. And we watch the Father give people to the Son and we watch the Son introduce people to the Father.

***

How does knowing that the Father gives people to the Son take the pressure off you when it comes to missional living and witnessing?
How does knowing that it’s really the Son who makes the Father known to the people encourage you in evangelism?
How will you actively complete your mission (to know Jesus and to make Him known to others) today?

Prayer...

Father, I want Your glory to be known. As I look around this beautiful creation I am in awe of You, the Creator. You have given me the mission of pointing to this glory so that others may know You. As I live my life, may I always be on mission to know You and make You known. Fill me with Your power to boldly proclaim the glory that is due You.

Missio Dei - Dependent in all Things (Week 6, Day 4)

2011-10-27T12:33:00.000-05:00

... John 15:16 ...

God has chosen us. Many people are caught up in the false idea that we choose God. Scripture is clear again and again that He is the one that chooses us (See Ephesians 1:4). In spite of our completely sinful nature God has chosen us to be separate, to be holy. He has appointed us to bear spiritual fruit; that is, we have works to do and people to bring to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. However, we have no power in and of ourselves to make this happen. The Spirit who enables us and lives in us gives us all we need to engage in this mission.

Our fruit should abide. The fruit that Jesus bears through us will remain. It is God who brings all who have been called to His son all the way to glory (Romans 8:30). God is the one who accomplishes His mission through us.

Why then do we need to worry? We have been given a command and we have an opportunity to be a part of what He is doing. He does not need us, but He allows us to engage in His mission. We willingly do what Jesus says because our hearts are humbled, grateful, and awestruck at a Savior who would not only lay down His life, but give us everything that we need to carry out His mission.

Go on this mission—the mission of God. Fight for the souls of your family, friends, and others. Breathe in deeply the truth that the burden for growing, keeping, and seeing that fruit into eternity is in the hands of Jesus. Take a moment and meditate on the fact that God has chosen you. If you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you have had grace and mercy unjustly bestowed on you. This is a stunning thought that ought to motivate us to live more and more missionally.

***

What changes need to take place in your life for you to bear fruit? To bear more fruit?
The fruit you bear will remain. The people Jesus reaches through you will stay reached. How does knowing this affect your enthusiasm for being on mission?

Prayer...

Lord, I know that I am dependent on You for all things. Thank You for choosing me. Thank You for Your promise that You will bear fruit through me. Embolden me and empower me through Your Holy Spirit to go on this mission with You. I believe that there is more fruit yet to come in the lives of my family and friends. We trust You with those who we love so dearly who are not abiding. I lay my life at Your feet that You might use me for Your great Name.

Wednesday Morning Prayer at CVC - 10/26/11

2011-10-26T10:53:00.000-05:00

Christ Jesus, we praise You, who, though You were in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Yourself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, You humbled Yourself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God the Father has highly exalted You and bestowed on You the name that is above every name, so that at Your name, Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that You, Jesus Christ are Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We are grateful that we have the breath of life in our lungs. Guide us this day and use us for Your purposes on mission. Use us this day for Your great kingdom.

Thank You for this time, for this building to gather. Make our church a lighthouse.

How can You be fully God and man? This is key to our faith. You are God above all gods and King above all kings. Help us explain how You rescued us better.

Thank You for all the people who serve, give, and forgive at CVC. Remind us that we are the church scattered today. Help us have eyes to see, hearts to feel, and hands to do what we need to see, feel, and do today. Use us to bless the broken and heal the hurting.

We hold up the aged, the ones in worn out bodies, as they live out their days. May they have a huge hope for their eternal joy. As they face death, may they know their hope of heaven.

We pray for courage to share Your word with those who don't have a glimmer of belief.

We pray for Community Groups. Help us learn to pray together. Help us use the tools provided by our church to deepen our relationship with You.

We pray for prodigals like Tom, a life spared from overdosing. May the rehab he is doing work and may he find courage to give up whatever that keeps him enslaved. We also pray for Zach, Matt, Mark, David, Eddie, and Paul. May these young men turn away from addictions and rebellion. May they find truth. Please reveal Your truth to these young men. May the tears shed in prayer for them be seeds sown that will result in joyful reaping of a harvest for Your glory.

We pray for Brandon, Perry, and TJ, guys who have turned away from alcohol and turned to Christ. May they be used by You, too, to encourage others.

We pray for firemen, Don, Dante, and Josh. Help them live for You in dark environments.

We pray for Anthony, Eric, and Ryan, guys who need the Robert Lewis material so they can be better men, husbands, and fathers.

We pray against the evil of Halloween. Protect Your children from the darkness of devil worship and demonic influence. May people be protected from darkness and ghoulishness and gore and violence.

In a world where "entertainment" uses blood for profit, we thank You for the shed blood of Christ that saves us. Give us all skill and love when we talk about Christ's shed blood.

Present us today with the opportunity to share our faith. We pray for John Campbell and Men's Ministry and the plan for sharing the Share Your Faith material. May we not only share the gospel, but live it out.

Send a revival to us. Cleanse us from our complacency, lukewarmness, selfishness, materialism, and greed. Give us holiness, righteousness, and fruitfulness.

Missio Dei - The Good Shepherd (Week 6, Day 3)

2011-10-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

... John 10:14-16 ...

Jesus is referred to as a shepherd throughout scripture (Micah 5:4, Hebrews 13:20). By definition, a shepherd is one who herds, tends, guards, protects, guides, and watches over sheep. Jesus is not just a shepherd, but the good Shepherd. Those of us who have turned from our sin and believed and trusted in Christ belong to Him. We are under His care. He knows us, and we know Him. The relationship is to be close and intimate, just as it is between Him and His Father.

This Shepherd is like none other, as He “…lays down His life for the sheep” (v. 15b). Matthew Henry insightfully comments, “Thousands of sheep had been offered in sacrifice for their shepherds, as sin-offerings, but here, by a surprising reverse, the shepherd is sacrificed for the sheep.” Jesus obediently submitted to death on a cruel cross out of obedience to His Father, and out of great love for us to free us from sin and restore us to God. By the sacrifice of this Shepherd, we have been forgiven.

However, we are also reminded of “other sheep” who are not yet with us (v. 16). His sacrifice has purchased them as well, and they have not yet come into the fold. As the good Shepherd, Jesus is determined that the ones the Father has chosen from eternity would also hear His distinct voice, respond, and come in. We sense here the resolution of Jesus to bring this to pass, as He says “I must bring them also…” (v. 16b). This outcome will be a reality in some way. This Shepherd will bring in all that the Father has given Him.

With more sheep yet to be reached, will you be a willing and an available vessel to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth? Although He is not in need of us, He chooses and delights to use us. At the end of the day, His desire is to bring all kinds of people all together into one flock over which He will be the Shepherd for all of eternity. Let us follow His lead.

***

How does knowing Jesus as the good Shepherd motivate you to be on mission to help others come into His flock?
How could you be more surrendered and available to the good Shepherd for His use?
Make a list of 5 people you know who may be “other sheep” who have not yet come into relationship with the good Shepherd. Faithfully pray for them.

Prayer...

Dear God, thank You that You have pursued me and brought me into Your fold by Your great mercy, grace, and love. You are a good Shepherd. Please guide me and direct me, according to Your will. Stir me up to move out of my comfort zones, that many others would come to know You and be known by You. I yield myself to You today. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Missio Dei - Not Needed, But Wanted (Week 6, Day 2)

2011-10-25T09:38:00.001-05:00

... John 6:44-46 ...

A dad asked a young son if he would like to mow the lawn with him. The son enthusiastically said, “Yes.” As they started prepping the mower and getting ready, the son became a little quiet and withdrawn. When asked what was wrong the son said that he thought the dad wanted him to mow the lawn for him. Obviously, that idea was overwhelming for a 9 year old. Poor Kid! It must have been daunting for him as he thought about trying to operate the mower, push it uphill, and take this responsibility as his own. Prepping the mower, buying the gas and pushing that contraption around the yard is the dad’s responsibility. The dad just wanted to invite his son to be with him as he did the job. He did not need him to mow the lawn. The dad could accomplish the task without the son but wanted to include him. When the dad explained that he invited his son to mow the lawn with him, he cheerfully re-engaged.

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the daunting task of reaching out to the lost? Have you ever thought that if you mess up your testimony when sharing Christ it could cost them eternity? When you have missed opportunities to share Christ have you ever felt like that was their shot and now it is too late?

We cannot forget it is God who does the work. We do not save souls, He does. We see in today's passage that it is the Father who draws people to Himself (v. 44). We are not responsible or even capable of drawing the heart of people to God. Even though we can share our story and provide biblical instruction, all the information and teaching ultimately comes from God (v. 45). God does not need us to reach the lost, he can accomplish it without us, but he does include us in the mission.

Jesus is restoring lost people to Himself and He invites us to be part of it. We can rest in knowing God is sovereign and that He reigns over the process and the outcome. Understanding this motivates us to be faithful and to fully engage in living on mission for Christ.

***

How did God draw you into a relationship with Himself?
How have you seen and heard of Him drawing others?
How can you explain your understanding that it is God who ultimately draws and instructs people but yet we still are invited and commanded to be part of reaching the unchurched?

Prayer ...

I praise You, Lord, for drawing me to Yourself and instructing me. I thank You for being Sovereign over all things. Please help me to be an active and obedient participant in reaching the others for Christ. (Name three people by name who need the Lord.) Please work through Your Spirit to draw these dear ones to Yourself as You send me and other believers to interact and work with them.

Missio Dei - The Father's Gracious Will (Week 6, Day 1)

2011-10-25T09:34:00.000-05:00

... Luke 10:21-24 ...

The ones who have been sent out on mission by Jesus return with joy. The followers of Jesus have been used by the Father to serve the least and the lost. The enemy has been defeated. Victories have been won. The trajectories and destinies of lives have been changed. So, Jesus expresses His gratitude to God, His Father.

Any positive responses to our missional efforts originate in God. The Father often hides spiritual truths from the proud and the powerful (v. 21a). However, He delights in revealing spiritual truths to followers whom the world would say are “weak” (1 Cor 1:26-31). This is why we focus our missional efforts on people with hurts, on people the world has marginalized (v. 21b).

When we engage in missional living, we are participating in the inscrutable relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus and his Father (along with the Holy Spirit) are sovereign in our salvation. So, when anyone comes to salvation through our serving, it is because Jesus, the Son, has chosen to reveal the Father to them and because the Father has drawn them to the Son (John 6:37-40, 44).

Rather than discouraging our missional efforts, these truths encourage us. We know some of the least and the lost people we serve will respond. Jesus will reveal Himself and His Father to them. We do not have to do a “sales job” on anyone. We do not have to be expert evangelists. We simply serve the people, share the good news, and watch God work to draw men, women, boys, and girls to Himself. And, since we do not know who will or will not respond, we seek to serve as many people as we can while trusting that God will indeed save some.

***

Why do you think God delights in revealing spiritual truths to those who are childlike, to people the world has marginalized?
How will you reach out today to someone who comes to mind when you think of the terms “child-like,” “weak,” “hurting,” and “marginalized?”

Prayer ...

Our Father in heaven, I give You praise for Your sovereignty in my salvation. Thank You for choosing to reveal Yourself to me. At times, I can be cynical and disbelieving about Your work in the world. So, I sometimes choose not to serve. Today, Lord, I ask You to help me trust that You are drawing Your children to Yourself and that You want to work through me. I will do the serving because I know You will do the choosing.

Missio Dei - Being a Conqueror (Week 5, Day 5)

2011-10-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

... Revelation 12:7-11 ...

Admittedly, this is a difficult passage to interpret. Does it describe the original casting of Satan and his demons out of heaven (See Revelation 12:4 and Isaiah 14:12-15)? Does it describe the triumph of the cross of Christ (See Colossians 2:15)? Does it describe the defeat of the devil after intensified demonic activity on earth during the last days? Commentators are divided.

What is certain, though, is that the power of God and the authority of Christ over Satan means that the great dragon is doomed. God’s people who cooperate with Him in His mission can participate in Christ’s conquest over the enemy.

In Luke 10:17, the disciples were amazed. They had seen the authority Jesus had, but now they realized that they too were empowered. As the first gospel carriers they met up with the great serpent and his angels. The disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit and authorized by Jesus Christ, conquered their foes. They acted in faith to overcome Satan and his demons.

This cosmic battle continues in our generation. As we carry the gospel of Jesus Christ and push back the enemy’s ground, we will be confronted. The forces of darkness will oppose the Kingdom of light, but ours is the victory in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. We conquer because He conquered. We walk in His authority and can pull down the strongholds of our enemy.

You can expect a backlash for every victory. Our enemy is relentless. But remember that he is defeated. As we join Jesus in His mission, we are joining the One whose victory is certain.

***

How are you experiencing the push back in the spiritual war for the souls of men, women, boys, and girls?
Where do you need to use the authority of the blood of the Lamb? Where are you to share the word of your testimony?
How does seeing Satan as a defeated foe give you greater confidence to live missionally?

Prayer ...
Father, praise You for the victory of Jesus Christ and the power and authority I can have in His name. Forgive me for the times when I live like a missionary who is defeated. Help me to understand this position that I have as Your child and Your ambassador. As I live on mission, teach me to wield Your authority, victoriously bringing You all the glory.

Missio Dei - Satan Disarmed (Week 5, Day 4)

2011-10-20T08:01:00.000-05:00

... Colossians 2:13-15 ...

Most of us have experienced the loss of loved ones. We feel helpless. The dead are obviously unable to help themselves through any power of their own. Likewise, apart from Christ we are spiritually dead and have no power until God makes us alive in Christ.

Through Christ we are forgiven (v. 13). And this is because of the resurrection of Christ, as well as His death; for, “as He died for our sins, so he rose again for our justification” (Romans 4:25). Whatever was in force against us is removed. He has obtained for us a legal discharge from the debt we owed which was against us (v. 14). He has obtained victory for us over the powers of darkness (v. 15).

The devil and all the powers of hell were conquered and disarmed by the dying Redeemer. The first promise pointed at this: the bruising of the heel of Christ in his sufferings was the breaking of the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). As we live in Christ, we share in this victory and must live as though it is true for us, because it is. Satan has lost his power and death has lost its sting. We can move forward in faith with confidence that our Lord has secured our eternal future.

We must not keep this to ourselves; we must share this with others today. Our mission field is right in front of us. It may be an adult child who says, “I do not believe in God.” It may be a coworker who says, “I believe in God but I don’t know what that is.” It could even be a passerby looking for hope in a hopeless situation. We only need to stop and engage, take the time to listen to their story and then share ours … today.

***

Where do you find yourself feeling legally responsible for a spiritual debt that has already been paid?
How will you choose to start living victoriously in your walk with Christ in the places you feel defeated, knowing that He goes before you and behind you with His hand of blessing upon you?
How will you share this freedom with others today?

Prayer ...
Father, You have set me free through the death and resurrection of Your Son. I know my days are numbered here Lord Jesus but my eternity with You is without number. Give me the grace to live out my faith daily so that others will see You in me. Give me the courage to speak boldly of Your love for them. May You use me as Your missionary to give life, forgiveness, and victory to people who do not yet know You.

Christians, Lawsuits, and Forgiveness

2011-10-19T12:40:00.000-05:00

Recently, a member of CVC who is leading a business with her husband asked me to give her some biblical advice. It seems that a former non-Christian employee has stolen information from their business, has violated a no compete clause, and now has joined another company to help launch a similar business. My friend from CVC quoted Romans 12:19 where the Bible says for believers to not avenge themselves, but to leave the vengeance to God. She was wondering if, in light of that passage, it was still possible for her company to use legal means to pursue justice.

I mentioned to her that obedience to the Romans 12 passage is always applicable even in her situation. It's always applicable to every Christian in every situation no matter what injustice we may have suffered. But I also mentioned to her that the Romans 12 passage is followed, of course, by Romans 13.

Now, Romans 13 is where the Bible teaches us that God has given us authorities whose job it is to promote good and restrain evil. "Every person is [to] be subject to governing authorities" (Romans 13:1, ESV). The implication is that God has given us governing leaders to promote a just society. Therefore, it certainly seems legitimate for believers to use the legal, governmental systems to pursue justice. We sure don't take matters into our own hands to "make them pay." But it is permissible for us to use the judicial system to pursue justice according to the laws of our land.
Having said that, we must remember that the Bible clearly teaches that it is never appropriate for one believer to sue another believer. That is spelled out in I Corinthians 6:1-8. It is shameful when brothers and sisters in Christ cannot work through their differences with the help of the church and church leaders. When the world sees believer suing believer, then it discredits the gospel in their eyes.

But it is possible for a believer to sue a non-believer to pursue justice. It's not mandatory, of course. But it's optional.

In fact, it is noteworthy that God is a God of justice. Psalm 9:7 says, "The LORD sits enthroned forever; He has established His throne for justice" (ESV). The desire that we have for justice is at least part of what it means for us to be created in the image of God. Therefore, it is very God-like for us to want to pursue justice.

The all-important question for us to keep in mind as we pursue justice is this: "What is the state of my heart?" We are always called to have a spirit of forgiveness. We repay no one evil for evil. We feed our enemies. We are not overcome by evil. We overcome evil with good. (See Romans 12:14-21). We are always called to be free from from bitterness. The desire for payback cannot be part of who we are and what we do. We leave the justice and a vengeance in the hands of God.

So, I encouraged my friend to ask God if He wants her pursue justice through the legal system while at the same time asking Him for grace to guard her heart from a spirit of unforgiveness, bitterness, and revenge. As always, the heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart. God says, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23, ESV).

Before she takes this non-Christian to court, a wonderful tool that I encouraged her to read, process, and apply is the book Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

So, can a believer sue a non-believer to pursue justice? Yes. But a believer must be careful to guard his or her heart in the process!

And even if justice prevails and a believer wins in court, "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34) is our Master's Way. And it must be our way, too.

CVC Wednesday Morning Prayer - October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

We bless You today for blessing us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. You chose us, adopted us, redeemed us, forgave us, and sealed us. What an awesome, sovereign God You are!

Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord God. You made everything without any building team or supplies. We stand in awe of that. You go beyond Your creation. You know our next thought. We are humbled. The adjectives we use to describe You fall woefully short. You are worthy of all praise and worship.

We praise You for the words that describe You in Ephesians 1. When we forget how to praise You, we can turn there.

The harvest is great, the laborers are few. Use us to do Your work where we go.

Thank You for joining us this morning. We are not worthy for You to be with us and joining us. Help us set our affections on You today. Help us to go through this day looking to You.

Thank You for our salvation, for saving people during turbulent times in our country. Now is another turbulent time. Save people today.

The locusts have eaten. But You are the restorer. Restore the years the locusts have eaten as we return to the Lord our God for You are gracious and merciful.

We pray for prodigal sons - for Eddie, Zach, Matt, Matt, David, Mark, Drew, Craig, and Max. Help them to return to You, Lord, for You are gracious and merciful. We pray for prodigal daughters - Melissa, Joanna. Help them to return to You, Lord, for You are gracious and merciful.

We pray for Christians who are battle-weary. May we know that we battle not only for victory, but from victory. Give us a fresh filling of Your Spirit. We battle from the stance of victory. May we have a joyful heart and a demeanor that attracts people. May Your kingdom grow.

Help us recognize our love for You and help us love You more.

Help us reflect Your love. Use the information many learned in the Share Your Faith seminar to move us to witness.

If You are for us, who can be against us? Cause us to experience revival in our city and country. Take this country back. May You take this country back.

You have given us authority to do Your will. How can we fail, for You are with us? Our broken vessels need to be filled every day. Fill us today.

We pray for comfort for Louise and Joan as they grieve the loss of their mothers. We pray for aging mothers. Be merciful and gentle. May they have a peace and even an eagerness for their eternal home.

We pray for suffering people around the world. We ask that You would stop such violence. We pray that Your will would be done. We pray for the body of Christ in North Korea and the Sudan.

We pray for Jeremy Ousley and his wife as they contemplate foreign mission service as a vocation.

We pray for Jeff Pelezzari. Cancer has returned. Heal! Give him an extra measure of courage. Rid his body of this. Let Your light shine through him to technicians and nurses and doctors.

May we grab hold of Ken Silva's tools. Guide the Men's Ministry as we consider using EE training with our men. Help the people who were trained in EE n Saturday to actually share their faith by using the hand illustration with someone this week.

May our people see ripe fruit around them at work. May our co-workers be eager and open to receive Your love.

Repair and restore broken marriages here at CVC. Turn the hearts of the husbands and wives toward each other. Defeat Satan who wants to steal, kill, and destroy homes.

We thank You for the wisdom in the heart of Dale Piscura as he teaches prayer. Grow our faith in prayer. Continue to use him in a mighty way to challenge us and teach us. Thank You for the Blackaby book that challenges us not so much with "What Would Jesus Do?" but "What Did Jesus Do?"

Lift up the light of Your face on us. Make Your face to shine on us. Hold us in Your righteous right hand close to Your heart as a shepherd holds his lambs. Bless us indeed. Extend our influence for You. Keep us from harm. Fill us with Your Spirit and bear the fruit of the Spirit in us and through us. Help us abide in Christ today. May we pray without ceasing, rejoice always, and be thankful in all things.

In Jesus's name, Amen!

Missio Dei - Jesus Sends Help (Week 5, Day 3)

2011-10-19T09:52:00.000-05:00

... John 16:7-11 ...

Sometimes, the mission Jesus gave us to share our faith and testify about Him can feel like an insurmountable task. Remember Jesus and His ministry? The world did not want to hear what He had to say. They did not want to believe. They hated Him. They ended up hating Him so much they killed Him. He warned us about them when He said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).

So what are we to do? Do we shrink back? Do we go back to bed and pull the covers over our head? Do we keep our mouths shut? Of course not!. Jesus knew the problem. Like always, He had a plan. He sent us a Helper. And oh, what a Helper!

It would seem if Jesus did not have to leave, everything would be fine. If He were here to stand by our side (or we could stand behind Him), then everything would be great. However, while His leaving us might seem like a bad idea at first, He actually went away for our good. Unless He died and went away, the Counselor, the Helper, the Holy Spirit could not come to be with us. We need the Holy Spirit’s help to accomplish our task. We need Him to empower us to testify. We don’t bring conviction. He does (vv. 8-10). We don’t defeat Satan, the ruler of this world. He does (v. 11).

Just as Jesus instructed the early disciples not to leave Jerusalem without the Helper, the gift the Father promised (Acts 1:4), so we too should not go out without the Holy Spirit. However, with the Spirit’s help, we are more than ready. We are more than conquerors. We are unstoppable. And the insurmountable task becomes not only doable, but joyful too!

***

How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit to have more control over your life and witness?
Since it is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict others of sin and to judge the ruler of this world, how will that affect your boldness as a missionary today?
What will you do today to glorify and praise God for the Spirit’s work through you?

Prayer ...

I praise You, Father, Son, and Spirit as the one true God. Thank You, Jesus, for knowing my needs and giving me Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for generously calling me to Your work here on earth. Forgive me for not always responding to Your call to action. Fill me and anoint me with the Spirit. Let me see Your Spirit convict others of their need for Christ. Let me see Your Spirit judge the ruler of this world. With Your help I will obediently go where You call, boldly tell the world of You, and give You all the glory.

Missio Dei - Plan Thwarted (Week 5, Day 2)

2011-10-18T08:32:00.000-05:00

... Hebrews 2:14-15 ...

It was a classic movie plot. The bad guy comes up with a devious plan to harm lots of people. The bad guy includes a bomb in that plan. The bad guy strategically places bomb in hopes that his evil plan is carried out. The good guy finds bomb and deactivates it just in time (complete with suspenseful music in the background). The bad guy’s plan is thwarted. The bad guy is captured by the good guy and is defeated. Hundreds of movies have been made with some variation of that same plot, but they all seem to be entertaining.

That same plot has also been carried out in the spiritual realm. Satan (the bad guy), comes up with a devious plan to deceive mankind in the Garden of Eden resulting in physical death (Genesis 3). And, if he is not already proud of that accomplishment enough, he then thinks he accomplished killing off the Savior (John 19:30), but his plan is thwarted! Christ rises from the grave and “deactivates” the bomb of death that the devil thinks he has planted (Romans 6:4-11). Here in Hebrews 2 we see the language very clearly. Jesus rendered the devil powerless (v. 14) and delivered us from the fear of death (v. 1).

Knowing all this victory leads us to be on mission for Christ without fear! We know that we have an adversary, we know that he will try to oppose the work of the Lord, but we also know who has won the war and that we do not fight for victory, but that we fight from victory.

***

How does knowing that Jesus not only has overcome death, but also the fear of death strengthen and lead you in everyday life?
How does the overcoming work of Christ play a factor in how you live on mission and how you share your faith?
If the fear of death has been conquered and all other fears pale in comparison to the fear of death, then what is preventing you from living a passionate life on mission in Christ?

Prayer...

I praise You, Jesus, for cconquering death and the fear of death for us. Forgive me for the fear that keeps me from living as Your missionary in this world. Thank You for the power and victory You provided for us. I ask you to help me overcome other fears that may be preventing me from living a life fully devoted to your mission to reach the people around me who need Jesus.

Before Going to Sleep

2011-10-18T08:10:00.001-05:00

Below are edited thoughts from Henry Scudder, "Directions on How to End the Day with God," from his book, "The Christian's Daily Walk."

As you take off your clothes to prepare for sleep, remember that you brought nothing into this world and can take nothing from this world. This will bring comfort and perspective to you no matter how much you may lack or how much you may have. This will also give you a contentment in what you now have and kept even if it be little or in what you have had and lost even if it be a lot.

As you lie down, you may want to think about what it might be like to be reclining one day on a death bed. This will promote a sober mind that is focused on preparing for your death day. It will be a reminder that it ought to be the business of every day to prepare for the last day. Who knows when he goes to sleep whether he will wake up again to this life?

It is sinful to let the sun go down on your anger because if you do, it gives the devil special opportunity to gain a foothold in your life. Therefore, do not go to bed angry with a friend or family member. In addition, it is exceedingly wise to deal with all known sin in our lives so as to not allow the devil any other unchecked advantages in seeking to destroy our sanctification.

Remember that if you know Christ and, therefore, pursue holiness out of a sincere faith and if you go to sleep and do not awake on this earth, then you will awake in heaven and will enjoy the treasure you have stored up there. Imagine waking up to see the Savior face to face. What a day that will be!

Fall asleep meditating on heavenly things - on scripture. This will make your sleep more sweet and secure. Your bad dreams will be less and fewer while your good dreams will be more and greater. Your mind will be renewed since you will have been dwelling on what is good and godly. Your heart will be in a better frame when you awake, whether it be in the night or in the morning.

Missio Dei - Satan Falls (Week 5, Day 1)

2011-10-17T09:51:00.000-05:00

... Luke 10: 17-20 ...

Whenever we turn our heads, hearts, and hands inside out to care for the least and the lost, we find ourselves engaged in spiritual warfare. We will face demonic and Satanic opposition. The enemy will not easily give up the people held captive through poverty, abuse, lack of education, injustice, or family dysfunctions. The difficulty of the inevitable conflict must not discourage us, though. We go out on mission in Jesus’ name, following His call and operating in His power. In Jesus, people under demonic oppression will be set free. And, this deliverance is always a source of great joy (v. 17a).

When we are sent out by Jesus on mission, we will see Satan’s power over people broken suddenly and decisively (vv. 17b-18). Even though we will face physical and spiritual opposition, we can have the confidence in the authority and the safety that come through Jesus (v. 19a). Nothing can harm us without first going through our loving, wise, and powerful Father’s filter (v. 19b).

Victory in spiritual warfare as we are used by God on mission is truly a source of great joy. However, we should always rejoice more in what God has done for us in our salvation than through us in our ministry (v. 20). We must never forget that we were sinners who deserved the wrath of God. However, God so loved us He sent Jesus to rescue us when He died for our sins and rose for our justification. The grace of God – unmerited favor – must be the source of our greatest joy. That same grace fuels our motivation for mission. What we have received, we freely give.

***

Where and how have you seen spiritual opposition take place as you have sought to be more and more missional?
When you think about the inevitability of spiritual warfare, what are some things that give you strength, comfort, and hope?
How can the fact that Jesus has worked for you in salvation fuel your faith that He will work through you on mission?

Prayer ...

You, Lord Jesus, have already disarmed our spiritual enemies through Your death and resurrection. I know You are victorious, but too often, I have lived like You are losing. I have shirked my responsibility to wage spiritual war by refusing to engage in activities that will set captives free. I ask You to enable me to care for the least and the lost in ways that result in my seeing Satan fall like lightning. So, Jesus, I am Yours. Wage Your spiritual war through me.

Missio Dei - Just Like Jesus (Week 4, Day 5)

2011-10-17T09:38:00.000-05:00

... John 12:48-50 ...

Rejection does not feel good. It is especially difficult when we are offering good news to others. Our initial response might be to lash out in anger and hurt, or, perhaps, we attempt to force-feed the truth. Maybe our sadness overwhelms us and causes us to avoid the future possibility of rejection by remaining tight-lipped.

We need to remember that Jesus, Himself, was rejected. Not only can we find comfort in the fact that Jesus understands what we are facing, but we can also see a clear example of His response. Jesus’ mission on earth was not to judge. It was to save (v. 47). Those people who reject Jesus and the gospel will be judged one day (v. 48), but our concern should be the same as Jesus’ concern… speaking exactly what God the Father has commanded us to say and speak (v. 49).

Oh, what joy it is to bring the gospel to one who does accept it! For that soul, it is eternal life (v. 50). To bring good news was Jesus’ mission, and it should be ours as well. The absolute delight of bringing the good news to those whose hearts are ready and willing to hear it is the motivation that brings us to share God’s word with the next person we meet, even after we have been rejected. When we keep our focus on delivering God’s message to a world without hope, we can handle rejection just like Jesus.

***

When people reject the gospel, how might it help you as a missionary to remember that they are not rejecting you, but are rejecting Jesus? When have you been tempted to judge someone who rejected the gospel? How can it change your perspective to remember that God is the judge?
Jesus came to save the world, and He stayed on mission by being obedient to God, His Father. What are some areas of disobedience in your life that are keeping you from living missionally? What are some new ways you can be obedient to God as you reach out to a world without hope?

Prayer ...

Father God, You are holy and worthy to be the final and righteous Judge. Forgive me for the times when I have tried to play the role of judge. Forgive me for the times when I have disregarded Your plan and have chosen to do things my own way. Please show me exactly what to say and speak. Help me to obey You even when facing rejection. I want to be just like Jesus. Let me respond with patience and be motivated by love.

Missio Dei - Rewards and Rejection (Week 4, Day 4)

2011-10-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

... Matthew 10:40-41 ...

As missionaries we should be filled with a burning desire to share the good news of salvation with others. We have responded to God’s call. Our desire is to bring as many as we can to receive Christ as Savior. We expect God will honor and bless our work. And He does honor and bless our work according to His promise.

The verses for today, however, also have a sobering flip side. While the verses indicate that people who welcome and respond to the messenger’s message will receive the Kingdom, they also imply some will not welcome the messenger nor respond to the message.

A high school student was horrified to learn of the staggering number of abortions that take place in the U.S. each day. She decided to participate in a church-sponsored national protest called the “Day of Silence for the Unborn”. Participants went to school that day wearing a white shirt and red tape over their mouths. They did not speak to anyone as a symbol of the absence of a voice for the unborn child in the “choice” to end a pregnancy. Her expectation was that everyone would see and understand. Surely God would bless everything she did that day. Some people did see and understand and offered sympathy for the cause. Many others, however, greeted her with total indifference and some with outright disdain and mockery.

So, did God not honor and bless her work? Of course, He did. Some, in fact, were changed by the message that day. And, only God knows the seeds that were planted that day that He will use to accomplish His purposes in someone who heard and rejected the message initially.

What we must remember is that even Jesus Himself was rejected—by His family, His home town, and even His closest friends (John 15:18-21). God expects His people to be prepared to tell others of the hope that is within them (1 Peter 3:15), to understand the cost of following Him (Luke 9:57-62) and faithfully move forward. He will do the rest and, in the process, great blessing comes to the messenger and those who truly hear the message.

***

What are two or three things you see as an injustice that would move you to step out for your faith.
What risks will you take today to be blessed by God as His messenger?

Prayer ...

Father in heaven, I know that You are in control of all things. Sometimes I am reluctant to do Your will because the cost seems too high for me. Lord, help me today to see that it is more costly not to follow Your will for me. Help me to know that when I follow Your plan You will find a way to use me to advance Your Kingdom and pour out Your blessing upon me.

Wednesday Morning Prayer at CVC - 10/12/11

2011-10-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

You are worthy of worship and undivided attention. We are a sinful lot, yet You love us anyway. How could we not worship? You are holy, holy, holy. We cannot make any sense of our creation apart from You. It is beautiful. The baby in our arms are beautiful. We cannot comprehend who You are. You have changed our hearts and told us that You are God. We rest in the truth that the god we worship is alive and perfect, right, and just. You are all we need forever

We are jars of clay. Yet You fill us with treasure. We are chosen ones. That is an incredible thing. Help us move further away from being fans and closer to be more and more passionate followers of You. Give us more ability. Somehow, break down in us what holds us back. Let there be more of You and less of me. May You increase and may we decrease.

Let us be concerned about the destiny of the people we see today. Send us on a mission.

Help us share the lessons, the learning of scripture. We struggle with being open. We struggle with sharing the mission of Jesus and the church. Help me to reach out to others - to people like Jamie, to Colin. To an aunt with cancer.

We pray for the unemployed who need work.

We are weak and fragile and damaged. But pour out the blessing You have placed in us to others. Thank You for the work that needs to be done.

We are frail and weak and unable to do anything apart from You. But You are strong and powerful and able to do anything You wish through us. Be glorified through me to reach others. Help us to proselytize. Help us tell my story and Yours. Thank You for You Holy Spirit's power.

Some have no hope. Bring encouragement. Some haven't heard from You in a long time. Let them hear today.

Bring the children back to You who have wondered from the faith. Bring back the prodigals - the Marks and the Drews of our church. Answer the prayers of Your people, their parents. We pray for the success of campus ministries. May they see changed lives. We pray for administrations

Bring us a person of peace. Let us say a good word for Jesus. People in our church have lost loved ones and are enduring pain and medical procedures. But even in the pain, let them find the persons of peace. We pray against the enemy that keeps us from sharing. Use your Spirit to empower us to bring someone closer to Jesus.

Thank You for the church. Thank you for our leaders. Strengthen. May You always be first. May they always preach and teach the Word. Don't let us be lukewarm.

As grace extends to more and more people may it increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. Do this in NE Ohio at Grace, Christ Community Chapel, Providence E Free, Mt Sinai Baptist, Parma Baptist, Parma Heights Baptist, Gospel House, CVC, Bay Pres, Fellowship Bible, Scranton Road, and others. Send a revival and an awakening to N E Ohio.

Bless the efforts here at CVC to fulfill Your purposes in this generation at this time.

Missio Dei - Occupied (Week 4, Day 3)

2011-10-12T10:26:00.000-05:00

... Acts 18:5-11 ...

The Apostle Paul was said to be “…occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.” Paul was following Jesus and teaching others to do the same. However, it was also clear that some people were just not ready to hear what God had to say through Paul. In this situation in Acts, the group was identified as Paul’s own people (the Jews). They opposed him and reviled him.

So, Paul radically shifted his ministry directions in his efforts to connect with other people who would be more receptive. He changed from reaching out to people who were like him, to reaching for people who were repugnant to his people—the Gentiles.

Sometimes, God calls us to follow in unexpected directions. He leads us in ways that are radically different from what we would naturally think. How do we know when He wants us to keep at it with people who are not listening (like the Old Testament prophets)? Or how do we know when should we change our focus, maybe to more receptive people? We must serve both groups. We are to be radically available and bold to do what is pleasing to God no matter what.

One thing is for sure, God has a people and He wants to use us to reach them. Therefore, we must not be afraid. We must not be silent. God is with us. He will protect us. He longs to use us to reach the many in the city who are His people.

***

Why do you think God spoke to Paul’s fear in this passage (v. 9)? What are the fears you face when you think about reaching people and living on mission?
How can you remind yourself more and more of God’s presence and protection as you purpose to live missionally for Him? What can keep you from seeing that there are many in the city who will respond to the gospel?

Prayer...
Lord, I praise You for being the God who is with me and who will protect me as I live on mission for You. Cleanse me from the fears that keep me sidelined from service and that shut my mouth as a witness. Show me who the responsive people are in my sphere of influence. Give me the grace to persevere in my mission for You. It is your Word that compels me to trust you and move forward.

Missio Dei - Shake It Off (Week 4, Day 2)

2011-10-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

... Acts 13:48-52 ...

"What you are teaching will not work here." This response was not quite what the short-term missionary to Bangalore, India was anticipating. The missionary was part of a team of 12 who were seeking to train 30 church leaders on how to start an evangelism-training ministry. This comment was from a man who over time proved to be highly critical. The missionary started to feel discouraged. The next day the missionary found himself at a park with this man and another team member discussing religion with a young Hindu college student. She seemed very intrigued as they shared the gospel and how forgiveness of her sin could only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. After sharing the gospel, she enthusiastically prayed to receive Christ as her Savior and said, "Thank you so much for coming all the way to India to share such good news with me!" Afterwards, the man who had been critical not only apologized for his attitude, but became one of the most positive and involved participants of the course.

As we live on mission for Christ, moments will come when we experience discouragement, opposition and even persecution. In those moments we just have to shake off the dust and keep pressing on. That action is exactly what we see in today’s reading in Acts 13. As Paul shared the good news of Christ, it had a mixed impact. Some received it and joyfully believed (v. 48), and others were agitated and stirred up opposition (v. 50). However, Paul & Barnabas shook off the dust and pressed on (v. 51), and because they persisted, the Holy Spirit filled them with joy (.v. 52).

***

What experiences have you had with discouragement and opposition as you have tried to live and share your faith?

In difficult moments when have you abandoned the mission out of discouragement?When have you shaken off the dust and pressed on?

At what point should a person shake off the dust from his/her feet and move on?

How do you see God supplying you with perseverance and joy as you live on mission for Him?

Prayer...

Father, thank You that the power of the gospel overrides any opposition I encounter or any discouragement that I experience. I acknowledge that I am facing some difficulties in witnessing. Give to me a will to persist and wisdom to know when to "shake the dust off" and move to witness to others. Grant me the joy of seeing others come to accept Christ as Lord through my testimony as I seek to share in His mission.

Missio Dei - It's Not About Us (Week 4, Day 1)

2011-10-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

... Luke 10:10-16 ...

When we go on mission, it is our hope that everyone will respond positively to our acts of kindness and to the message of Christ. However, Jesus Himself tells us not everyone will receive us kindly. History confirms it.

Jesus mentions five Jewish communities where opportunities for repentance were presented, but where no repentance occurred. The kingdom of God came near and the King was rejected. Where no repentance occurs, people always perish (Luke 13:3) and judgment always comes. And, that fact should always break our hearts.

When people do not respond well to our acts of kindness and conversations about Jesus, it will hurt. However, we should seek not to take it personally. We must consider they are really rejecting Jesus, not us.

So, what do we do in the face of rejection? We process the hurt with Christ and in community. And then, we simply move on. We keep looking for others—for responsive, repentant people, for the man or woman of peace (Luke 10:6).

Do not miss the promise in this passage. When we do deeds of compassion, some people will want to hear us gladly (v. 16a). And when they hear us, they will actually be hearing Jesus.

***

Can you think of a time when someone rejected your efforts to love them and point them to Jesus? How did that make you feel?
How did you handle being rejected? What would you do differently?
Jesus said, “The one who hears you hears me” (v. 16a). If we are spokespersons for Jesus, how does that influence the ways that we relate and the things that we say?

Prayer...

Truly, Lord, You are a God to be feared. You are a just Judge and we will all stand before You one day and give an account of our lives. Cleanse me for all the times when I have rejected You and have not heard You gladly. As I live my life on mission for You, I ask You to help me handle any rejection with graciousness. Help me be a loving and accurate representative of Jesus so that the ones who hear me hear Him.

Missio Dei - Power to Go From Here to There (Week 3, Day 5)

2011-10-07T08:09:00.000-05:00

... Acts 1:6-8 ...

After three years of orientation, training, seeing amazing miracles and now having the opportunity to walk and talk with Jesus, His disciples still did not understand a central theme of Jesus’ teaching. They did not understand His teaching about the kingdom of God—God’s rule. They continued to think of a kingdom that would overthrow the Romans and re-establish the prestige Israel enjoyed under David and Solomon.

Just before ascending, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would empower His disciples to begin as witnesses in Jerusalem outward to the end of the earth. The word, “witnesses” here comes from the word which is brought into English as “martyr.” They were to testify/witness to this kingdom with power in a way that the kingdom of God would be established from Spain, across north Africa, around the northern Mediterranean, and all the way to India in their generation. The influence of this band of unknown, ordinary men and women changed their world.

The empowering Spirit given to this small band is available for us as well. The Spirit’s principal ministry is to testify to Jesus as the Chosen One to establish the kingdom of God. As the early disciples, we are in a similar way called to begin at home in our own Jerusalem and Judea and then to move out to change the world for Christ in our generation. If we will step out in faith, we can help Him change the world.

***

What will it take for you to access the power Jesus makes available for His missionaries?
What changes need to take place in your life for you to be a witness?
What is your Jerusalem? What is your Judea? What is something tangible for you to do to be a witness in your Jerusalem and in your Judea?

Prayer ...

Father, I praise You that You empowered the early disciples to change their world so that I now have received the good news of Your salvation. I acknowledge my reluctance to allow Your power to flow through me to influence others to come into Your Kingdom. Help me to change my mind and commitment to allow You to work in and through me I ask for You to demonstrate Your power through Your Spirit in me as I give myself to You to employ in Your service.

Missio Dei - Go and Make Disciples (Week 3, Day 4)

2011-10-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

... Matthew 28:18-20 ....

In the supreme authority given to Jesus by the Father, He sends us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This command is not just an order to preach the gospel; it is a clear directive to make disciples. A disciple of Jesus is simply a follower of Jesus. We are to teach others how to follow Jesus and obey Him in everything He commanded. We all know lots of people who are not following Jesus. Our mission is to win them to Him. Telling is not enough—we must demonstrate how.

Being baptized into the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a symbol of dying to ourselves and being made alive in Christ. Every disciple is called to lay down his/her life, take up her/his cross and follow Jesus. Following Jesus simply means following His example and living like He would. He was obedient to the Father and submissive to the Father’s will, even unto death. In the same way we are called to be obedient followers of Jesus Christ.

The word “go” in Matthew 28:19 might best be translated as a participle, “as you are going.” The implication is that anywhere we go we are to see ourselves as disciple-makers. It is our constant calling. It is to be our lifestyle.

Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to go before us, counsel us, remind us and empower us to fulfill these commands. With these verses in mind we can no longer use our weaknesses as an excuse for not making disciples of Jesus. We have the presence, power and authority of God Himself to do this mission. Jesus promised—“I am with you always, to the end of the age”.

***

What difference does it make for you to know that the Lord Himself has given you the authority to make disciples?
What are the excuses you most often use to keep you from making disciples of Jesus?
What would you say to a person who claims that this mission of God to make disciples is optional?

Prayer...

Lord, Jesus, I praise You for having all the authority in heaven and on earth. Lord, forgive me for looking at myself and my own weaknesses instead of Your power and Your promise to be with me always. I want You to use me to make more and better disciples for You! Please help me make Your commission my life’s mission.

Missio Dei - Humbled, Appointed, and Sent (Week 3, Day 3)

2011-10-05T09:24:00.000-05:00

... Acts 26:16-18 ...

We are often filled with pride that keeps us from seeing the harmful effects of our wrongdoing. Our pride powerfully blinds us no matter what our age, gender, career, friendships, or situation. Like Paul in Acts 26, we desperately need God to intervene and set us straight. It really is better to be humbled before we try to help others see the light.

In the passage from Acts noted above, the biblical author is Luke. About 2,000 years ago, he was historically reporting on the Apostle Paul’s trial for treason with great detail. Luke recounts Paul’s courtroom drama. The most dramatic scene involves Paul’s testimony of meeting Jesus face to face. Simply stated, Paul was humbled. Then he was commissioned to be a missionary. His eyes were opened and he was then appointed to tell people about having their eyes opened too through faith in Christ. Jesus alone can forgive sins and save from the power of Satan.

In spite of Paul’s being humbled, he was unashamed of the calling he received. We, too, are to rise and stand. We, too, are to be servants and witnesses. We, too, are being sent by Jesus to open eyes so that people in our sphere of influence may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins (v. 18).

***

How might you need to be humbled by God? What would the bottom line evidence be that God has opened your eyes?
Before meeting Christ, Paul worked hard at persecuting Christians. How has God changed the focus of your life’s direction? Who will benefit from your calling?
Who do you know whose eyes are currently closed and what kind act might you perform for them while asking God to open their eyes?

Prayer:

Lord, I praise You because You are the One who opens the eyes of the heart. Cleanse me of my pride that keeps me from participating in Your mission in this world. Help me to see Jesus and humbly receive the message that He would speak to and through me. Burden my heart for those around me who are blind to the truth about You. By your strength, help me see others turn from darkness to light and receive forgiveness of their sins.

Planning a loving funeral

2011-10-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

Our staff has put together a wonderful resource for funeral planning. To see the entire booklet, click here: http://cvconline.org/images/uploads/funeralplanning.pdf

15 things to pray for your church to be effective

2011-10-04T11:50:00.000-05:00

Perry Noble is a pastor in South Carolina. A few years ago, he wrote a blog post entitled "15 signs that a church is in trouble." You can read it here. I have adpated his article and created a list of things for us to pray about at CVC (or your church).

***

May we not make excuses about the way things are. Instead, may we embrace a willingness to roll up our sleeves and fix the problem.

May our church not become content with merely receiving people that come. May we actually go out and find them. May we not lose our passion for evangelism!

May our focus not be to build a great church for our own glory. Instead, may we focus on building the Kingdom of God.

May we never begin to settle for the natural rather than rely on the supernatural.

May we not view success or failure in regards to how we are viewed in the church world. May we be focused on actually fulfilling the Great Commission.

May the leaders within the church always be coachable.

May we not lose a sense of urgency! (Help us see that hell is hot, sin is wrong, the cross is necessary, and Jesus is the only way.)

May the Word of God and prayer be central in every decision that is made.
Help us be proactive rather than reactive.

May we never lose sight of the next generation. May we never refuse to fund ministry simply because we don’t value children, youth, and young adults.

May our goal not ever be to simply maintain the way things are. May we be willing to rock the boat.

May we always be willing to take steps of faith - to take risks for the sake of the gospel.

May we always care about the obvious and immediate needs that exist in the community around us. May we always be living out our lives on mission.

May we never depend on one man to minister to everyone. Rather, may everyone embrace their role in the body and equip/enable the body to care for itself.

May the leaders and staff never refuse to go the extra mile in leading and serving. May the leaders and staff be willing to do what's “inconvenient” to nuture and grow the body of Christ.

***

Would you join me in praying this (and more) for CVC? What would you add to these prayers?

Missio Dei - Living it out - Weeks 1-3

2011-10-04T10:27:00.001-05:00

I am encouraged that many CVCers are seeking to apply what we are learning each weekend in our Missio Dei series. Below are weeks 1-3 suggested "Living it out" activities. Why not try one or more of these activities? Let's be doers of the word and not hearers only.

***

Week 1

Have a cross-cultural experience—eat at an ethnic restaurant, go to a secular lecture, attend a different kind of church, participate in a festival, etc.

Come up with a creative way to meet some of your neighbors you have not met yet.

Strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know—at the grocery store, church, coffee shop, etc. (It’s not as scary as it seems.)

If you do not know your local barista, bank teller, or waitress, start frequenting the same businesses and employees with the intention of building relationships.

Week 2

Set an alarm for 10:02 every day to remind you to pray according to Luke 10:2.

Partner up with friends to prayer walk your neighborhood, a mall, or a park. Ask God to show you the needs in your community. How might God want to use you to meet those needs?

If one thing could be done in your neighborhood to let people know you care for them what would it be? Do that one thing this week.

Who is hurting that God has put on your heart? Who is far from God that God has put on your heart? Pray for them every day during the Missio Dei series.

Week 3

What is an interest or a hobby you’ve always wanted to pursue? Get started. In the process, start building relationships with some of the new people you meet.

Strike up a conversation with a stranger—talk about family, the weather, gas prices, etc.

Who are the people of peace in your sphere of influence? Find a way to bless 3 of them this week.

Begin planning a party for week 5. This party/event should be a connection point for family members and friends who are in need of the gospel.

Missio Dei - Announcing the Mission (Week 3, Day 2)

2011-10-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

... Luke 4:16-19 ...

Do you remember the feeling of making that big announcement? I got the job! We are getting married! We are having a baby! I was accepted to that college! I am buying a house! Whenever we share great news, we like the element of surprise and love the congratulations from people we know and love.

Jesus was making His big announcement. It is one of the most subtle, yet significant scenes in the pages of the Bible. All eyes are fixed on Jesus. He is in the synagogue in His home town of Nazareth. The unsuspecting people see Him merely as the son of a local carpenter. They witness Him read from the beginning of Isaiah 61 about the ministry of the future Messiah. He then sits down and claims to be the fulfillment of that prophecy and in doing so communicates that He is the long awaited Savior of the world.

You could probably hear a fly buzzing on a camel outside! No standing ovation or high fives… just astonishment and eventually anger. However, it did not faze Jesus. He was on a mission to fulfill His purpose. He has a special mission to the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed (v.18). And, what is exciting for us is we get to join Him on that mission!

***

What are some things that keep the Holy Spirit from empowering you to live on mission like Jesus?
When you think of serving the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed in your community or city, what specific activities come to mind?
What excites you and/or terrifies you about verbally proclaiming the good news to those who haven’t yet embraced Christ as Savior and Lord?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I praise You that the Spirit of God was so obviously upon You. Your ministry of this earth clearly impacted the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed. Forgive me for quenching and grieving Your Spirit and, as a result, not caring for those who are in need. May the Holy Spirit’s power work in me and through me as I live on mission. Today, I purpose to join You in Your mission. Help me proclaim the good news and point others to the freedom and healing found in Christ.

Missio Dei - Persons of Peace (Week 3, Day 1)

2011-10-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

... Luke 10:3-9 ...

Jesus gave His followers specific instructions for their initial mission trip. While some of the specific instructions will differ for us, the same principles apply to us today.

When we join Jesus in His mission, we can count on some of the people in our circle of influence to be antagonistic. We are, after all, “lambs among wolves” (v. 3), but we must never forget that we will also find “persons of peace” (v. 6).

How do we find the persons of peace? We do deeds of compassion. We care for the sick and bring the justice, mercy, and hope of the Kingdom wherever and however needed (v. 9).

A person of peace can be from any walk of life. He or she will be someone who will want to enter into authentic relationship with us. As we seek for ways to befriend and serve the person of peace, he or she will welcome us, listen to us, help us, and even, perhaps, support us in some way.

Once we find a person of peace, we can begin to focus our deeds of kindness for him or her. We act with no strings attached, of course. However our ultimate aim is to help that person enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. When the person of peace comes to faith in Christ, we may even see this person influence his or her entire family and the community for Jesus’ sake.

***

How can we as “lambs in the midst of wolves” find protection when we encounter opposition?
What are some signs that someone you know might be a person of peace? Write down the names of 2-3 people you know who might be persons of peace.
What deeds of compassion will you do for one or two of these people?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are a missionary God, the One who sends us out as lambs among wolves. At times, I have been unwilling to be sent because I have focused on my own comforts and security. Please grant to me the obedience to do deeds of compassion so that I might find persons of peace. Help me to win them to You and watch You transform families and communities. Today, Lord, I am Yours.

Missio Dei - Reaping and Sowing (Week 2, Day 5)

2011-09-30T09:48:00.000-05:00

... Galatians 6:7-9 ...

It is foolish to think that if you were to plant orange trees, you would harvest corn! It is ridiculous to even consider, right? Nature bears witness that what a person sows is what will be reaped. For some reason, it seems to be an obvious and ridiculous metaphor when talking about fruits or vegetables, but we forget the truth that it entails when we begin to talk about our walk as Christ-followers.

As ridiculous as it would be to think of a grape vine producing cantaloupe, it is just as absurd to think that a Christ follower would produce envy, bitterness, anger, jealousy, or the other similar outcomes (Galatians 5:19-21). If the Spirit of Christ is in you, the resulting fruit will be “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). If you discipline yourself spiritually, you will grow spiritually and experience the fruit that the Spirit freely gives. This kind of living will make us more attractive to those who don’t yet know Christ. The legacy of such a life will be seen in the influence one has in the lives of others.

One way to sow in the Spirit is to be doing good deeds (v. 9). As we live missional lives, doing practical deeds of kindness for the purpose of ultimately sharing the gospel, we can grow weary. But we must never give up. The Lord has promised us that if we keep sowing gospel seeds, we will reap a harvest of souls for Jesus.

***

How are you tempted to sow in the flesh? How does sowing in the flesh impact your witness negatively?
When and how have you grown weary in doing good, in doing practical deeds of kindness in order to share the gospel?
What specific missional good deed might the Spirit be prompting you to do so that you can experience the joy of reaping?

Prayer...

Dear God, You are the Author of the law of the harvest. We reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow. I confess, God, that I often sow seeds to satisfy my flesh. Thank You for Your grace that covers those sins. Please continue to root out that sin in my life so I can be more fully used by You. Help me sow seeds of practical deeds of kindness in order to win others. May I be part of reaping a harvest of souls for You.

Missio Dei - Labor-Intensive Joy (Week 2, Day 4)

2011-09-29T09:38:00.000-05:00

... Psalm 126:5, 6 ...

Labor: the word itself can give a sense of intense weariness, so much so that oftentimes the idea of labor is not naturally embraced. Yet the better part of our lives find us working at jobs, at school, and within our families and relationships. However, when we are confident our work is purposeful and the investment made will more than make up for the effort given, our perspective toward labor differs. The anticipated return for purposeful work can produce an energy, a joy, a fulfillment that makes the drudgery experienced during the task fade by comparison.

When we work as missionaries in God’s harvest field, it can certainly be intense. Sowing the seeds of the gospel is hard work. And since we care about people without Christ and without hope, it is also emotional. We sow in tears.

The labor God desires from us in our lives may have to be done amidst difficult circumstances. The Bible reminds us about the vast amount of work to do in and for God’s Kingdom. Our part in the labor can seem insignificant. Yet this passage assures us that people who persevere in the labor of God experience fulfillment—the joy—that only God-purposed work can give. We sow in tears and reap with joy. God’s Kingdom is expanded and He receives more of the glory He demands and deserves. God’s expectation of us toward His work is an invitation for us to join Him, promising a joy that only He can provide.

***

What might sowing the seeds of the gospel look like for you?
What keeps you from sowing with tears—from being emotional about the plight of those without Christ and without hope?
Keeping in mind the eternal ramifications, is your labor for God done with the same fervor as your earthly work that provides for your daily needs?

Prayer...

Father in Heaven, in Your desire that none would perish You provide us circumstances and opportunities to sow the seeds of the gospel so Your work of salvation can take root in hearts. Forgive me when I have found the sowing too tiring, difficult, or bothersome to follow through. Instead, help me to understand the eternal impact of Your invitation for me to sow and to reap. Give me the strength, wisdom and perseverance to see my labor for You through to completion. Show me someone to labor for today. Fill me with the joy of reaping a harvest of souls for Your glory.

Missio Dei - The Time is Now (Week 2, Day 3)

2011-09-28T13:59:00.000-05:00

... John 4:34-38 ...

These words of Jesus speak of the spiritual nourishment, the food, that comes from doing and accomplishing the work of the Father. We are all called to worship God through Bible reading, praying, and singing. But spiritual nourishment also comes from sharing the gospel with those who need to hear. We are called to help bring Jesus’ work of salvation to completion. Our relationship with Jesus is not just to take in, but also to give out.

Yet so often we find excuses not to share about Jesus’ work on the cross with our family, friends, co-workers or others that we encounter along the way. Jesus tells us not to wait, but to look around. People are waiting and ready to hear the good news.

Jesus says that the wage we receive from sharing our faith is the joy of working with Him and seeing others put their trust and hope into Jesus. We are able to see a harvest of believers gain eternal life.

The sower is the one who plants the seeds by sharing the message of salvation with others. The reaper is the one who is able to experience and see a person come to confess that Jesus is their Savior. Both the sower and the reaper can rejoice seeing a person put their faith into Jesus. Jesus labors for us and others labored in our lives so that we could come to a saving faith. Others did the work so we could receive the benefit.

Jesus noted the fields are white for harvest. Farmers know when wheat is white, it is overripe and in danger of being irretrievably lost. The harvest is ready. The time is now.

***

Who were the sowers and reapers who labored for you in your life? How did that happen?
How have you been spiritually nourished in the past by sharing the story of salvation with others?
For whom have you been waiting to tell of the story of Jesus?
What fields of the harvest are “white” and waiting for you?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I praise You for laboring on the cross and in my life. Thank you for sending your workers into my life.. Forgive me for putting off until tomorrow what should be done today to reap Your harvest. May I find spiritual nourishment and joy in sharing the gospel. May I see how ready the harvest is all around me. Give me a boldness to live on mission in Your harvest field.

Missio Dei - Motivated by Compassion (Week 2, Day 2)

2011-09-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

... Matthew 9:35-38 ...

Imagine driving down the road, turning a corner and seeing dozens of cars pulled over with the drivers stranded. Imagine coming up on the scene and seeing many in need. Would you debate whether you have time to stop or whether someone else will do it? At that moment you may feel a tug of compassion. You may feel responsible to do something. From the messy blur you notice specific people....A young mom holding an infant, an elderly man who can barely walk, a well-dressed businessman with a lost expression looking under his hood, a teenage girl crying by her car. Motivated by compassion you would not only want to pull over and help, but you would hope numerous other drivers would take notice and pull over to join the effort as well.

This passage records a similar, but more desperate scene. As Jesus was traveling to cities and villages around the Sea of Galilee, He saw the great need of the people and was overcome by compassion. He not only “pulled over” to help, but also pointed out to His disciples the need for others to pull over and join the effort. Jesus saw a field of people ripe and ready for spiritual harvesting but lacking laborers willing to take on the task. Today’s harvest field is just as ripe. People are without Christ and hurting; many of them are looking for answers and direction. The demand for workers to harvest spiritual fruit from the field of humanity is still a great need.

***

Are you helping with the harvest? Are you an answer to His prayer? Are you praying what He commanded?
What did Jesus see that moved His heart so deeply?
What needs do you see around you that stir a similar compassion within your spirit?
Are you a “worker” who is helping bring in the harvest? Where and how are you currently serving so that you are active in bringing in spiritual fruit?

Prayer:

God, I give You praise for being the Lord of the harvest. Forgive me for failing to see that people are harassed, helpless, and without a shepherd. Cleanse me from a lack of compassion. You know, O Lord, that the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. Help me to know it, too. Send laborers into the harvest here in Northeast Ohio and beyond. And yes, Lord, send me.

Missio Dei - Sent Ahead Two by Two (Week 2, Day 1)

2011-09-27T08:43:00.000-05:00

...Luke 10:1-2...

2000 years later, Jesus is still visiting people. Jesus is still on mission. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is seeking to help and heal people in your world. So, today He is “about to go” to people in your circle of influence.

Jesus sends us ahead to people to whom He Himself is “about to go.” We are His advance men and women. We love and serve people. We speak good words about Christ. We prepare the way.

Remember: Jesus will do the saving if we will simply agree serve as laborers in His harvest. Knowing this takes the pressure off.

More people are ready to be harvested than the harvesters who are delivering the Good News. We must pray for more people to be called to be laborers in their neighborhoods and marketplaces. This prayer for workers is the only specific prayer request Jesus gave His disciples.

“Being on mission means having open eyes that are looking for the hurting—the married couple living next door struggling with fertility, the frat boy who disguises his alcoholism with the statement, ‘Hey, this is what college is all about,’ the single mother who waits on you at the restaurant even though she has no idea how she and her child will eat tomorrow after her tips buy food tonight.” (Darrin Patrick, Church Planter: The Man, the Message, the Mission).

***

Why do you think Jesus sent His missionaries out 2 by 2? Who might be your partner?
How is a person on mission like a laborer in a harvest field?
Sometime today, call or visit a friend and pray together that Jesus would send forth laborers, including you, into His harvest.

Prayer:

Jesus, you are the Lord of the Harvest. People all around me are ripe, ready for You to change their lives. Too often I have been unwilling to go where You long to send me. And I have not prayed fervently for laborers in Your harvest. Help me pray more passionately and go more faithfully. I am Yours to use in Your harvest field.

Missio Dei - Never Disqualified (Week 1, Day 5)

2011-09-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

... John 21:15-23 ...

Hopefully, growing up you had fantastic parents and an amazing family. Like most children and nearly all teenagers maybe you disappointed them at times—times when you let the family down. However, you were likely never disqualified from being a part of the family. You were always accepted and the invitation to participate in the life of the family was never removed.

It is the same with our Father in Heaven. Imagine the shame that Peter must have felt after his denial of Christ in John 18. Now here in chapter 21, we see Peter restored in his relationship with Jesus.

However, he is not only restored to relationship. More importantly, he is restored to mission. Jesus, in His commissioning Peter to feed His sheep reminds the disciple that not only has his sin not disqualified him from God’s love it has also not removed Peter’s calling. “You are still invited to live the life I have for you, Peter. Live on mission. Follow Me.”

Christ calls us to live out the adventure of laying down our lives passionately for the sake of His Kingdom.
Our mistakes, our shame, our sin—nothing can separate us from God’s love—and nothing can separate us from God’s invitation to live with passion and joy the life we were created to live.

***

Remember a time you have felt justifiably ashamed over your own actions. What emotions or thoughts were primarily taking place for you?
Dream of what specific purposes God may have for your life. In what ways have you allowed shame or fear to rob you from that experience?
In what ways is God reminding you that you are, in Christ, still being forgiven, qualified and eternally invited to follow Jesus and live on mission for Him?

Prayer:
God, I praise You for both your perfect forgiveness and Your ongoing invitation for me to live as a part of Your family. Forgive me for believing the lies of my guilt and my shame. Forgive me for allowing the enemy to ensnare me in traps that keep me from living to advance Your Kingdom. Set me free and remind me that I am welcome to share Your story of redemption. I am seeking to follow You with my life, my time, my passion, my energy, my dreams. Use me as Your missionary to a world in great need.

Missio Dei - Fishers of Men (Week 1, Day 4)

2011-09-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

... Matthew 4:18-22 ...

Jesus called the fishermen (Peter and his brother Andrew, James and his brother John) to leave their profession behind and to immediately begin following Him. He would take them from fishing for fish and make them fishers of men. The calling carried with it a cost, for it involved not only leaving their profession, but also their family responsibilities.

The imagery of these men fishing with “nets” is significant in that Jesus was not calling them to fish like a person fishing with a line and pole, just to catch a single fish. Rather, Jesus was calling them to cast nets widely and to gather many to Him, so many could hear the Good News and be saved. Also, the imagery of sitting on the shore under a tree and lazily “hooking” a fish is quite different from the imagery of these men
casting nets. Fishing with nets can involve long hours of dedicated and strenuous work, often with mixed results.

Jesus may not call all of us to leave our professions and families, but He does call all of us to spread the Good News within our “nets of influence”. Our sphere of influence may be with family, friends, at the workplace, at school, or a place we shop. He may also call us to cast our net of influence into areas outside our comfort zone which makes us rely more on Jesus and less on our own abilities. Jesus is still calling us today and inviting us to join Him in His missionary work. It’s a radical call for dedicated and strenuous effort to catch men, women, youth, and children for Jesus.

***

How are you being intentional in seeking to use your “nets of influence” as a missionary to spread the Good News?
How will you become more dedicated and strenuous in your efforts to catch fish for Jesus?
How has the Lord Jesus been calling you lately? Has He put someone on your heart to fish for? Who is it? Have you responded?

Prayer:
Jesus, I praise You for calling me to fish for You. Forgive me for failing to impact my sphere of influence for You. Help me to use my gifts to draw those within my net of influence to You. Help me to step out of my comfort zone so that I might be an effective fisher of men.

Why are missionaries necessary?

2011-09-22T06:28:00.001-05:00

9/22/2011 Loving God Journal

Learn

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.
Romans 3:23-25a

Observe

This is motivation for us to be on mission - to do good deeds to create good will so we can share the good news.

How so?

We were created in God's image to give Him glory. But we all have sinned and failed to give Him glory. We do not love God. We fail to love people. We are all part of the problem on the planet. We are sinners.

As a result of our sin, we all deserve the wrath (3:5) and the judgment (3:6) of God. We are accountable to Him (3:19).

Yet God is a generous, gracious God. He gifts His people with forgiveness. How? Through the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross where He shed His blood. He died in the place of sinners as a sacrifice for sin. On the cross, as an act of grace, Jesus took upon Himself the wrath and judgment of God against sin. The wrath of God was poured out onto Jesus instead of sinners. That's propitiation. And that is good news! See, sinners are not saved by good works, but by faith in the work of Christ. This is the way sinners get great good and God gets great glory.

Now, how does this motivate missions? The benefits of all this gracious work of God are received not by works but by faith. And faith comes only when people hear this message, this word of God (Romans 10:17).

Now think! How shall sinners hear this good news unless someone tells this good news?

Everyone we know is a sinner. Some have put faith in Jesus. Many have not. If we do not want to see them suffer the wrath of God, we must be missionaries who tell this good news - that forgiveness comes by grace through faith in the propitiationary sacrifice of Jesus when He shed His blood for our sins on the cross. Then we must call them to put their faith in Christ.

Value

We must be on a mission to share the good news so people will put their faith in Jesus and be saved.

Express

Jesus, I praise You for being the propitiationary sacrifice for my sins. You died in my place. You took the nails and the crown of thorns and the spear in the side that I should have taken. I praise and adore You. I owe You everything. You are gracious and merciful. How can I ever say thank You enough? Cleanse me for failing, Lord, to appreciate what You have done for me. And help me to share this great gift with those that have not yet put their faith and trust in Your redeeming work on the cross. Make me a missionary who willingly, gladly, freely shares Your good news. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer for CVC Leadership Team Planning

2011-09-21T13:43:00.000-05:00

Our staff team started our 2012 planning meeting in prayer today. Below are notes from our prayer time. Would you use these notes and join us?

***

We look to You. Meld us into one. Give us the unity of the Spirit. We need You, Lord. We love You, Lord. We want You, Lord.

Impress on our hearts and mind Your will. When the things of the flesh begin to rise up, bring them down. May we be full of the Spirit, full of the fruit of the Spirit. May this not be a business meeting. May we unite as friends above the business of the church. Show us where we want to go.

Purify out hearts. Take away selfish desires that are here. Jesus, intercede for us as a church. Give us Your passion for Your church. We what to see You do more.

We think about last Sunday and our devotionals and recognize that we have a natural desire for comfort and security. Jesus, You are a threat to our comfort and security. Expose the areas where we are not on mission. Break what needs to be broken. Restore what needs to be restored. Help us protect nothing.

We seek to glorify You in our thoughts and actions. Direct our steps. May we see You working in our circumstances. Direct our steps as a church. Prune what needs to be pruned. We surrender and seek Your wisdom and guidance. We want our ministries to be glorifying to You. We want to be a light. Give us urgency and intentionality. Use us mightily as individuals and a church that loves You.

You are a God of grace. You don't value us based on performance. You are the ultimate Planner and the chief executive of the universe. There is a discomfort in being in Your hand. You say things that rattle us. You have disrupted our plans and taken away our self-righteousness. We want courage to say what needs to be said. May this be both a safe and terrifying meeting. Your Amen is what counts. You are capable of doing anything.

Help our families while we are apart from them. Take care of our ministries while we are away. You love our people more than we do. Take care of the sick among us.

Thanks for the privilege of being leaders at CVC. Help us do whatever it takes to advance the gospel.

We pray against the demons who want to tempt us and distract us. May Your authority prevail. We pray against the frustration that might come as someone speaks of things that challenge our plans. We want Your plan. We need great clarity. We need the unity that can come from Your Spirit.

Our lives are like a morning fog, a sigh, a vapor. Teach us to number our days that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. May 2012 count for You.

Before Your crucifixion, You prayed for future believers that we would be one. We confess pride, personal agendas, and sin that cause disunity. May we be unified as one as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one. May Your Holy Spirit move in this room as never before.

It's hard for us to believe that it was a year ago, that we planned for 2011. Thanks for what You've done. May we be able to celebrate next year what You will do in 2012.

We pray for the communities we all live in. May our neighbors be won. May our Missio Dei be activated in our own hearts as we live in our own neighborhoods.

Pray with our CVC Leadership Team as we plan for 2012

2011-09-21T11:49:00.000-05:00

Here are notes from CVC's Leadership Team as we spent time in prayer at our 2012 planning retreat. Would you pray with us?

***

We look to You. Meld us into one. Give us the unity of the Spirit. We need Yoy, Lord. We love You, Lord. We want You, Lord.

Impress on our hearts and mind your will. When the things of the flesh begin to rise up, bring them down. May we be full of the Spirit, full of the fruit of the Spirit. May this not be a business meeting. May we unite as friends above the business of the church. Show us where we want to go.

Purify out hearts. Take away selfish desires that are here. Jesus, intercede for us as a church. Give us Your passion for Your church. We what to see You do more.

We think about last Sunday and our devotionals and recognize that we have a natural desire for comfort and security. Jesus, You are a threat to our comfort and security. Expose the ares where we are not on mission. Break what needs to broken. Restore what needs to be restored. Help us protect nothing.

We seek to glorify You in our thoughts and actions. Direct our steps. May we see You working in our circumstances. Direct out steps as a church. Prune what needs to be pruned. We surrender and seek Your wisdom and guidance. We want our ministries to be glorifying to You. We want to be a light. Give us urgency and intentionality. Use us mightily as individuals and a church that loves You.

You are a God of grace. You don't value us based on performance. You are the ultimate Planner and the chief executive of the universe. There is a discomfort in being in Your hand. You say things that rattle us. You have disrupted our plans and taken away our self-righteousness. We want courage to say what needs to be said. May this be both a safe and terrifying meeting. Your Amen is what counts. You are capable of doing anything.

Help our families while we are apart from them. Take care of our ministries while we are away. You love our people more than we do. Take care of the sick among us.

Thanks for the privilege of being leaders at CVC. Help us do whatever it takes to advance the gospel.

We pray against the demons who want to tempt us and distract us. May Your authority prevail. We pray against the frustration that might come as someone speaks of things that challenge our plans. We want Your plan. We need great clarity. We need the unity that can come from Your Spirit.

Our lives are like a morning fog, a sigh, a vapor. Teach us to number our days that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. May 2012 count for You.

Before Your crucifixion, You prayed for future believers that we would be one. We confess pride, personal agendas, and sin that cause disunity. May we be unified as one as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one. May Your Holy Spirit move in this room as never before.

It's hard for us to believe that it was a year ago, that we planned for 2011. Thanks for what You've done. May we be able to celebrate next year what You will do in 2012.

We pray for the communities we all live in. May our neighbors be won. May our Missio Dei be activated in our own hearts as we live in our own neighborhoods.

Wednesday Morning Prayer at CVC - September 21, 2011

2011-09-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

(We read Romans 2 and Missio Dei Week 1 Day 3)

Where else can we go? You have the gift of eternal life. We lift You up and bless Your name. We magnify You. We will never be disappointed in You. We love You so much.

We come to You, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, we ourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

We are grateful that You exercise a kindness that leads us to repentance. Your grace and mercy have been poured down on our lives. You are so concerned about our hearts and not our outward activities.

Stir within us all a desire to be a part of where You are already at work. May we go out into our worlds so that we would be an extension of where He is and what He does. May we count the cost but not let that cause us to be frozen into inactivity. Show us where we need to be challenged and convicted.

Let us be light to those around us for Your glory.

Lord, You are the author and giver of life. We are blessed that we can bring our petitions to You. We need to use what we have to survive. All the rest is for You. Let us initiate conversations with others. Let us do this ultimately to tell them the good news.

In Your grace and kindness and forbearance and mercy would You show up in ways that we have not seen before? Give us repentance.

We pray for our children and youth and 707. May there be a true spirit of discipleship in their lives. Bless the work of Denise, Raquel, Amber, Meri, Diane, Rick, Joe, Dean, and Bryan.

May the Breath of God come from the four winds and blow across our dead bones so that there are sinews, flesh, and life. May we be a mighty army for You, Lord! Fulfill Ezekiel 37 in our day here in NE Ohio at CVC, in our church plants, and in our sister churches.

Missio Dei - Strong Towers (Week 1, Day 3)

2011-09-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

Today's devotional is based on Luke 14:25-33...

At times, we enthusiastically pursue a passion and do not count the cost. Life closes in. Schedules book up. Money is spent elsewhere. Well-intended commitments are pushed to the back burner. It’s going to be difficult. The decisions we make in life don’t come without physical, financial, or relational difficulties.

Consider the tower mentioned in verse twenty-eight. A tower makes a major statement to any landscape. It sends messages of security and watchfulness. A partially constructed tower says much more—out of resources, thieves welcome, or abandoned property. People who quietly disregard the cost of discipleship say more than they know.

Let’s not forget, there is an adventure to the cost of discipleship. Do not be overwhelmed by the high demands of following Christ, but encouraged that we are not left alone to fulfill them. God desires to extend our schedules, money, and relationships to His glory. Many missional people seem unaware of the sacrifices they have made throughout the years. Series of decisions culminate into a life of missional moxie, missional nerve.

“Our service does not have to be an amazing venture that the grateful locals are still going to be talking about decades later. But as we go with a servant’s heart, the Lord will bring people and opportunities across our paths in order to train and direct us… This will then build momentum, bear fruit, and genuinely begin to change that mission context in tangible ways.” (Mike Breen & Alex Absalom, Launching Missional Communities: A Field Guide)

Sit down and count the cost, bear your cross, and truly consider the weight of discipleship. Jesus and His mission must be more important than any relationship (v. 26), than any agenda (v. 27), and than any possession (v. 33).

***

What are my unfinished towers?
How have I disregarded the cost of discipleship?
How can I honor God more with my schedule, finances, and relationships?

Prayer:
Lord, You are faithful despite my failings. Open my eyes to the unfinished towers in my life. Grant me a teachable spirit and willingness to embrace the adventure of discipleship. Stir within me a desire to be a part of where You are already at work so that I can glorify you with my whole life. Amen.

Missio Dei - Death to Self (Week 1, Day 2)

2011-09-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

The young mom was face to face with her infant son. For weeks now he attempted to move from his baby babbling to an actual word. She could tell this was the moment. He was trying so hard to form a word and he was starting with the “M” sound. Was he trying to say “Mama”? She tried to help him, “Ma-ma… you can say it baby boy… ma-ma!” He pressed his lips together and out it came…“mu… mu…ma… mine!”

It seems from our infancy the number one person we live to please is self. It is natural that we use all our relationships, pursuits and experiences to feed our own sense of worth and importance. That is why it makes perfect sense that Jesus tackles the need to deny ourselves and to sacrifice our own wants and desires to follow Him faithfully.

The theme through Luke 9:23-27 is to die to self in order to follow Christ. Following Christ means laying down our own desires and living a life of daily self-sacrifice (v. 23). Following Christ means not clinging to our life and what we want out of it, but to live for what Christ wants (v. 24). Even if we were successful in achieving worldly success and giving self all that it desired, but did so at the expense of losing our very own soul, how foolish would that be? (v. 25).

When we deny ourselves and follow Him, it means that we won’t be ashamed of Jesus and His words (v.26). Following Jesus means joining Jesus in His mission. Denying ourselves means that we will actively engage in what Christ came to do.

***

As you reflect back on your decision to follow Christ, in what ways have you denied yourself and what sacrifices have you made to be faithful to Jesus over your own desires? List any specific examples that come to mind.
In what ways have you failed to deny yourself in order to follow Jesus and join Him on His mission?
Is there anyone or anything in your life that you are still clinging to that prevents you from following Christ as wholeheartedly as He has challenged us?

Prayer:
Jesus, You are truly worth following. You are perfect in all Your ways. Thank you, Father, for helping us sacrifice personal ambitions, possessions, relationship and the things that would detract us from living for Jesus instead of ourselves. Help us examine our lives for whatever remains in our grasp that prevents us from living a life of selfless devotion to Jesus. Give me the grace to say “No” to myself and “Yes” to You.