Last week I was broken in several ways from the Advance conference held here in Durham. One of the strongest came from Matt Chandler. Before he dove into his sermon, he was frightened by the thought of a conference without the work of God's Spirit. He stopped and asked us as a body to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is huge.
I don't know about you, but it is very easy for me to chart out a plan in ministry, set some goals, spread the vision, but somehow bypass the Holy Spirit in the process. I don't think plans and goals and vision are bad things, but they are useless without the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Conferences are a waste of money if the Holy Spirit doesn't work. Churches are dead if the Holy Spirit doesn't show up. Ministries are lifeless without the work of his Spirit. Marriages are harsh and bitter without him. My life is cold and empty without him.
So, this is an urge and a reminder to beg for the Holy Spirit. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I want things to happen in my life and ministry that cannot be explained through human exertion. I want God to move in people when a sermon sucks. I want God to break us open when the song is off key. I want God to devastate my heart when I drive through my neighborhood. I want those far from God to become filled with life. I want my marriage to be beautiful and miraculous. Ultimately, I want God to have the glory in my life and ministry. I want to point back to him every time I'm asked why things are the way they are. I don't want to look back and see what my hands have done. Rather, I want to look back and see God working in and around and through these weak hands.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
"Religious" People
This morning my pastor spent some time going through a portion of Scripture from Matthew chapter 23. Basically, the chapter is a discourse Jesus has with the "religious" people of his day. If you don't know, Jesus and religious people didn't get along very well. Actually, they murdered him. Shortly after Jesus rebukes the religious people in chapter 23, they begin to organize their plot to have Jesus arrested and put to death. Here is a summary my pastor gave called "6 Timeless Characteristics of Religion." And just so you know, "religious" people are found in every religion, and they are characterized as follows.
1. Religious people are obsessed with recognition.
Religious people want to be praised by others, seen by others, and recognized by others. Their religious action is propelled by motives of self-glory.
2. Religious people substitute religious ritual for knowing God.
Rather than seeking a personal relationship with God, religious people are more concerned with their rituals. They mistakenly think the ritual is they're relationship with God.
3. Religious people elevate secondary traditions above love for God.
They become extremely unbalanced on what is important. They make minor issues central and neglect the weightier matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness. They care more about the outward appearance than the inward reality. They focus on buildings, clothes, music styles and order of services instead of life change.
4. Religious people elevate religious ritual over a love for others.
Unfortunately, in North Carolina, there are more churches than homeless people. I realize not all homeless people desire another lifestyle, but is Southern Christianity focused on the right things? I'm afraid not. It's unfortunate...and I am to blame.
5. Religious people are more aware of the sins of others than they are of their own sins.
6. Religious people think we're talking about someone else.
You probably have been thinking of all the religious people you would like to receive stoning, but before we throw the first stone, we're probably more religious than we think. It's true. I'm more religious than I think. You are more religious than you think. I thank God He allows me to see my religiosity, and doesn't let me walk blindly.
1. Religious people are obsessed with recognition.
Religious people want to be praised by others, seen by others, and recognized by others. Their religious action is propelled by motives of self-glory.
2. Religious people substitute religious ritual for knowing God.
Rather than seeking a personal relationship with God, religious people are more concerned with their rituals. They mistakenly think the ritual is they're relationship with God.
3. Religious people elevate secondary traditions above love for God.
They become extremely unbalanced on what is important. They make minor issues central and neglect the weightier matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness. They care more about the outward appearance than the inward reality. They focus on buildings, clothes, music styles and order of services instead of life change.
4. Religious people elevate religious ritual over a love for others.
Unfortunately, in North Carolina, there are more churches than homeless people. I realize not all homeless people desire another lifestyle, but is Southern Christianity focused on the right things? I'm afraid not. It's unfortunate...and I am to blame.
5. Religious people are more aware of the sins of others than they are of their own sins.
6. Religious people think we're talking about someone else.
You probably have been thinking of all the religious people you would like to receive stoning, but before we throw the first stone, we're probably more religious than we think. It's true. I'm more religious than I think. You are more religious than you think. I thank God He allows me to see my religiosity, and doesn't let me walk blindly.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
After I reasoned to never be a part of something called, "twitter," I must admit, I'm totally hooked to this new social networking phenomenon. Although it started in 2006, I just found out about this new networking tool. At first I was skeptical and considered it to be immensely egocentric (in which it can be), but I decided to use it rather to find links, books, blogs, and to stay connected with my community of peeps. Today, I'm actually sick at home, and my two small group leaders have used Twitter to encourage and pray for me. That's awesome!
Basically, Twitter is similar to Facebook status updates, telling people what your doing, think, reading, etc. You can only write up to 140 character per "tweet" to inform people, so that makes it concise and short. You choose who you would like to follow, and others choose whether or not they would like to follow you. It's a brilliant concept already used by our church, small group, staff, and other ministry networks. On the left side of my page, you can read my latest "tweets."
If you aren't on Twitter, jump on board. I'm sure you'll love it!
Basically, Twitter is similar to Facebook status updates, telling people what your doing, think, reading, etc. You can only write up to 140 character per "tweet" to inform people, so that makes it concise and short. You choose who you would like to follow, and others choose whether or not they would like to follow you. It's a brilliant concept already used by our church, small group, staff, and other ministry networks. On the left side of my page, you can read my latest "tweets."
If you aren't on Twitter, jump on board. I'm sure you'll love it!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Advance 09
I'm proud to tell you about an incredible conference coming to Durham, North Carolina, June 4-6, 2009. Advance 09 is designed to spark a resurgence of the local church, especially here in the South. It's all about God's gift to his people - the Church. Among the incredible line up of speakers includes my pastor, J.D. Greear, from the Summit Church. Then others include John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, Ed Stetzer, Daniel Akin (my seminary president), Eric Mason, Brian Chapel and Tyler Jones. You definitely need to check out this short trailer and register at Advance 09. You can also follow Advance 09 on Twitter.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
TOMS Shoes on AT&T
Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes, was featured in an AT&T commercial as part of AT&T’s latest ad campaign. Blake, a Christian, developed TOMS Shoes to be a shoe company that exists to provide shoes for children across the globe who don't have shoes. For every pair of shoes they sell, they give one pair to a child in need, literally One for One. I personally own a pair myself (and have an iPhone through At&T!!). They also have a cool look to them. I didn't know AT&T was going to be featuring TOMS until I saw the first commercial whiling viewing the Masters Golf Tournament this past weekend. I was blown away.
Filming for the commercial began in early February 2009. Using a variety of locations, shooting stretched over several weeks and two continents. The result is a commercial that captures the essence of TOMS.
Since its beginning in 2006, TOMS Shoes has given 140,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina, Ethiopia, and South Africa. TOMS plans to give 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need in 2009.
First aired during the Masters golf tournament, and slated to run over 12 weeks, the AT&T ad with Blake will allow TOMS Shoes to reach hundreds of millions of people. TOMS’ simple One for One movement should inspire viewers, which will allow TOMS to give even more shoes to children in need around the world.
Make your next shoe purchase be TOMS!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Lunch with a successful church planter
On Tuesday I met with David Cox, someone I would consider to be a successful church planter. After several years of ministry, David planted a church here in Raleigh at the age of 34. He remained at this church for 7 years and watched the church grow to 700 people. The church is still thriving and keeps a regular attendance upwards of 1,400 people 12 years later. While numbers aren't the main criteria for a healthy church, I do believe a healthy church should grow.
Here are some random insights I viciously scribbled in my journal from our time together. I hope you enjoy.
• “God is absolutely faithful and completely unpredictable”
• Say “no” to the sheep when you know what is best…they are sheep; don’t be a pushover
• The people who come to a church plant are often seeking control and power
• Wait at least 1 year before adding elders
• A church plant is less defined during the beginning, and as you define the church, you will loose people who don’t like where you are going
• Be balanced in all the purposes of the church and keep prayer as the vital foundation upon which all the purposes stand
• 1 pastor can only manage up to 100 people, so equip and empower others to do ministry; let go and let them run with it; meet with a gifted person 1 on 1, inspire them with a vision for a specific ministry, and let them go for it
• 3 vital roles of the pastor—Preach the Word, Pray, & Lead…only the pastor can do these things, and if he doesn’t, no one will
• Don’t target a particular demographic, but target the purposes of the church; if you are doing your purposes, they will attract all ages
• Don’t plant a church because you think it will be cool or interesting; only plant if you know God is leading you to do so
Here are some random insights I viciously scribbled in my journal from our time together. I hope you enjoy.
• “God is absolutely faithful and completely unpredictable”
• Say “no” to the sheep when you know what is best…they are sheep; don’t be a pushover
• The people who come to a church plant are often seeking control and power
• Wait at least 1 year before adding elders
• A church plant is less defined during the beginning, and as you define the church, you will loose people who don’t like where you are going
• Be balanced in all the purposes of the church and keep prayer as the vital foundation upon which all the purposes stand
• 1 pastor can only manage up to 100 people, so equip and empower others to do ministry; let go and let them run with it; meet with a gifted person 1 on 1, inspire them with a vision for a specific ministry, and let them go for it
• 3 vital roles of the pastor—Preach the Word, Pray, & Lead…only the pastor can do these things, and if he doesn’t, no one will
• Don’t target a particular demographic, but target the purposes of the church; if you are doing your purposes, they will attract all ages
• Don’t plant a church because you think it will be cool or interesting; only plant if you know God is leading you to do so
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
My Commitments in Marriage
I'm a list guy. I like to write things down, make notes and journal. So, I've made a list of my commitments in marriage to Ashley and to God. Here it is for what it's worth...I think it's pretty awesome. Let me know if you have ideas of things I should add.
1. Love Jesus
2. Have a job and keep it
3. Leave Mom & Dad—Genesis 2 & Ephesians 5
4. Become one with Ashley & never leave her—Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:6; 1 Corinthians 7:10
5. Ashley is God’s daughter, so treat her as you should
6. Ashley is Bill’s daughter, so take care of her
7. Be a one-woman man—1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Corinthians 7:2
--a. Keep my eyes off other girls & pornography
--b. Keep my mind devoted to Ashley
8. Love Ashley as Jesus has loved me and the church and gave himself up for it—Ephesians 5:25-; Colossians 3:19
9. Disciple Ashley—Ephesians 5:26-27
10. Honor Ashley—1 Peter 3:7
--a. Physically
--b. Emotionally
--c. Verbally
--d. Financially
--e. Practically
--f. Parentally
--g. Spiritually
11. Serve Ashley as if I were serving Jesus—Colossians 3:23-24
--a. Practically with tasks
--b. Sexually—1 Corinthians 7:3-5
12. Lead Ashley
--a. God holds me accountable for my family—Genesis 3; 1 Timothy 3:4-5
--b. I am the head of Ashley—Ephesians 5:23
13. Provide for Ashley-1 Timothy 5:8
14. Protect Ashley
15. Follow Jesus example, not Adam’s
16. Don’t be a coward or a chauvinist, be a godly man
1. Love Jesus
2. Have a job and keep it
3. Leave Mom & Dad—Genesis 2 & Ephesians 5
4. Become one with Ashley & never leave her—Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:6; 1 Corinthians 7:10
5. Ashley is God’s daughter, so treat her as you should
6. Ashley is Bill’s daughter, so take care of her
7. Be a one-woman man—1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Corinthians 7:2
--a. Keep my eyes off other girls & pornography
--b. Keep my mind devoted to Ashley
8. Love Ashley as Jesus has loved me and the church and gave himself up for it—Ephesians 5:25-; Colossians 3:19
9. Disciple Ashley—Ephesians 5:26-27
10. Honor Ashley—1 Peter 3:7
--a. Physically
--b. Emotionally
--c. Verbally
--d. Financially
--e. Practically
--f. Parentally
--g. Spiritually
11. Serve Ashley as if I were serving Jesus—Colossians 3:23-24
--a. Practically with tasks
--b. Sexually—1 Corinthians 7:3-5
12. Lead Ashley
--a. God holds me accountable for my family—Genesis 3; 1 Timothy 3:4-5
--b. I am the head of Ashley—Ephesians 5:23
13. Provide for Ashley-1 Timothy 5:8
14. Protect Ashley
15. Follow Jesus example, not Adam’s
16. Don’t be a coward or a chauvinist, be a godly man
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
