Its a foreign concept to our generation. We live for the day, the paycheck, the weekend, the next party, the game, sex, music, whatever. The question we should be asking as believers is, "am I living for eternity". We are truly strangers here, just camping for a little while.
This week I will participate in the funeral ceremony of a man that just died from cancer. I spent some time with him over the past few months and was one of the last two people to see him before he stepped into eternity. As I was sitting by his bedside, I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to read Revelation 21 with him. He had a full mask on to help him breath in those last days, so we couldn't carry on a conversation. He wrote me a little note that night, but he mostly listened to me speak to him.
I didn't know Revelation 21 was his favorite passage of scripture, and I didn't know he would be stepping into eternity in a few short hours. I was literally reading about the new heaven and earth to a man that was about to take a step into that new heaven. No more sickness, no more death, and living water from the stream of life was never so near to my heart. He was about to be in that place with no temple, because Jesus is the temple. No sun, moon, or lights, because Jesus is the light and there is never darkness.
We must live as campers. Strangers. People waiting to step into eternity and living each moment as such. That causes me to ask myself, who am I loving, serving, and sharing the good news with today/this week/this month? No answer? Get on your face before God and don't get up until you are ready/willing to give, serve, and share!
If I had 30 days to live, I promise I wouldn't go sky diving, rocky mountain climbing, or bull riding! I'd be with my family and sharing Christ with everyone I could think to share with. How about you? So what's stopping us?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Bare Minimum
We've all been there..... Looking at the syllubus in advance before choosing the class with the least amount of work. Lazily working down the to-do list, getting just enough complete so it looks like you've been busy. Studying for the test, just enough to get a solid "C". Doing the bare minimum. Just enough to get by. Enough to look good. Enough to survive but not enough to thrive.
Jesus was never about "just enough". He never did the bare minimum to get by. He gave his all, and he called his disciples to give their all as well. For most of them it meant persecution and loss of life. They were stoned, beheaded, hung, and one even boiled to death. Not the picture of just enough. Definately not "bare minimum" commitment.
Guess what? He doesn't ask any less of you and me. He wants total commitment. Total sacrifice. Total surrender. Total allegiance. He wants our heart. Our whole heart and not just a portion or little segment of time. He wants you and me to be totally and passionately in love with him. Not for what we get in return, but for who he is and what he has done for us.
Are you totally sold out to Jesus? Are you in it to get something great in return or because you are so blown away by his love that you can't help but love and serve him with your whole heart? I want the latter to be the cry of my heart!
Jesus was never about "just enough". He never did the bare minimum to get by. He gave his all, and he called his disciples to give their all as well. For most of them it meant persecution and loss of life. They were stoned, beheaded, hung, and one even boiled to death. Not the picture of just enough. Definately not "bare minimum" commitment.
Guess what? He doesn't ask any less of you and me. He wants total commitment. Total sacrifice. Total surrender. Total allegiance. He wants our heart. Our whole heart and not just a portion or little segment of time. He wants you and me to be totally and passionately in love with him. Not for what we get in return, but for who he is and what he has done for us.
Are you totally sold out to Jesus? Are you in it to get something great in return or because you are so blown away by his love that you can't help but love and serve him with your whole heart? I want the latter to be the cry of my heart!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Sower & The Seed
I am honored today to have a guest blogger! Damon McLeod is taking this precious space to share his thoughts on an awesome parable. Damon is a student at Blythewood High and a leader in the Illuminate student ministry at NPCC:
This morning, me and Pastor John were reading in Matthew 13. In the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus talks about how God plants the word in our hearts, but its up to us on whether we will recieve it or not. Sometimes the seed will fall on the path where it cannot grow, and the birds come to devour the seed. Other times the seed will fall in places such as rocky ground or thorn bushes where it is victim to its environment. However, other times it will fall on rich soil where it will take root, grow and produce.
Jesus paints a great picture here of how hard he works, and how he longs for us to take the Word to heart. And, Jesus is hurt everytime we let the thorns come up in our lives and choke out what he is trying to say to us. Other times we just let life get in the way and we aren't receptive at all. We don't even give God a chance to speak to us that day.
God is really showing me this morning that I need to stay focused on him, and I won't have time to let the world get in the way. If we are constantly focused on what God has for our lives then it will be easy for us to fend off the thorns and trials when they come.
This morning, pray for God to give you strength to face the day and to stay focused on His will for your life and not the World's.
This morning, me and Pastor John were reading in Matthew 13. In the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus talks about how God plants the word in our hearts, but its up to us on whether we will recieve it or not. Sometimes the seed will fall on the path where it cannot grow, and the birds come to devour the seed. Other times the seed will fall in places such as rocky ground or thorn bushes where it is victim to its environment. However, other times it will fall on rich soil where it will take root, grow and produce.
Jesus paints a great picture here of how hard he works, and how he longs for us to take the Word to heart. And, Jesus is hurt everytime we let the thorns come up in our lives and choke out what he is trying to say to us. Other times we just let life get in the way and we aren't receptive at all. We don't even give God a chance to speak to us that day.
God is really showing me this morning that I need to stay focused on him, and I won't have time to let the world get in the way. If we are constantly focused on what God has for our lives then it will be easy for us to fend off the thorns and trials when they come.
This morning, pray for God to give you strength to face the day and to stay focused on His will for your life and not the World's.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Ups and Downs
Sunday's message was about following Christ through life's up's & down's. Sunday was a day that fit the message for me!
Day started off great, I was rested and ready to go. Early to church to pray and read scripture.
Wife calls, I left the key on in her car Saturday night while using a portable vacuum and caused the battery to die. I sent a friend to go get them :-o
Service starts out great, music is incredible, meaningful prayer time.....
I slip out of my seat to adjust the thermostat and when I prayerfully slip back to my seat beside Christie, I put my hand on hers. After the prayer I find I am now standing in the wrong place holding the wrong woman's hand! All I could say to her was "your not my wife". It turned out to be a hysterical start to a heartfelt message.
Got a phone call right after the service and my dad was having seizures and had stopped breathing for a short period of time. Got him to the hospital and he snapped back very quickly from a scary moment. He's still there having some tests done and getting some medicines regulated, but doing much better.
How can we serve the Lord well in the down's of life? Here are some things I try to practice:
-Keep your eyes focused on Him and draw near to Him regularly.
-Be prepared to do good, "in and out of season". That means all the time, during hard times and when you least expect it.
-Rely on Him for strength and guidance.
A mark of a mature believer is living based on who Jesus is and what He has done, versus by the feeling and circumstance of the day. The real you comes out when you are squeezed. What's coming out these days? It indicates what is inside. Draw near to God and let him work on the inside!
Day started off great, I was rested and ready to go. Early to church to pray and read scripture.
Wife calls, I left the key on in her car Saturday night while using a portable vacuum and caused the battery to die. I sent a friend to go get them :-o
Service starts out great, music is incredible, meaningful prayer time.....
I slip out of my seat to adjust the thermostat and when I prayerfully slip back to my seat beside Christie, I put my hand on hers. After the prayer I find I am now standing in the wrong place holding the wrong woman's hand! All I could say to her was "your not my wife". It turned out to be a hysterical start to a heartfelt message.
Got a phone call right after the service and my dad was having seizures and had stopped breathing for a short period of time. Got him to the hospital and he snapped back very quickly from a scary moment. He's still there having some tests done and getting some medicines regulated, but doing much better.
How can we serve the Lord well in the down's of life? Here are some things I try to practice:
-Keep your eyes focused on Him and draw near to Him regularly.
-Be prepared to do good, "in and out of season". That means all the time, during hard times and when you least expect it.
-Rely on Him for strength and guidance.
A mark of a mature believer is living based on who Jesus is and what He has done, versus by the feeling and circumstance of the day. The real you comes out when you are squeezed. What's coming out these days? It indicates what is inside. Draw near to God and let him work on the inside!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Baby Got Back!!!
So I'm back from my sabbatical (extended break) and am climbing back in the saddle. It never ceases to amaze me how long it takes to dig out and get back in a routine. This Sunday was a great day and I needed it! It is so sweet when God's people and guests fill the house and God Rocks It! That happened on Sunday.
We talked about Jesus calling his first disciples and they dropped their nets to follow. Right there. On the spot. No arguing. No persuasive speech. They dropped what they were doing, left their careers, and became followers of Jesus. The question is.... have you completely dropped your nets to follow? Not have you left your job and sold all your possessions and moved to a hut in Africa, but have you turned complete control of your life to Jesus?
Yesterday someone asked me how a Christian that is hanging on to the corner of his net can drop it. What's the first step? My answer: it starts with a prayer of repentance. I believe when we repent and humble ourselves before God, we position ourselves to become moldable in his hands. We must admit we are selfish and beg God to remove our selfishness and replace it with his character. Ask God to give you a desire for his word and holiness. To be holy is to be like Jesus. It won't happen overnight, but is an on-going process for the remainder of our lives.
Have you dropped your net completely? Let go of that last corner today!
We talked about Jesus calling his first disciples and they dropped their nets to follow. Right there. On the spot. No arguing. No persuasive speech. They dropped what they were doing, left their careers, and became followers of Jesus. The question is.... have you completely dropped your nets to follow? Not have you left your job and sold all your possessions and moved to a hut in Africa, but have you turned complete control of your life to Jesus?
Yesterday someone asked me how a Christian that is hanging on to the corner of his net can drop it. What's the first step? My answer: it starts with a prayer of repentance. I believe when we repent and humble ourselves before God, we position ourselves to become moldable in his hands. We must admit we are selfish and beg God to remove our selfishness and replace it with his character. Ask God to give you a desire for his word and holiness. To be holy is to be like Jesus. It won't happen overnight, but is an on-going process for the remainder of our lives.
Have you dropped your net completely? Let go of that last corner today!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Promises, Promises........
I started a sabbatical this week after eleven years of ministry as a church planter. I believe the best is yet to come, but this extended rest is marvelous and much needed. I can't wait to return recharged and ready to run hard again but will enjoy every moment with my family and my Lord in God's beautiful creation.
Here are some promises God showed me again this week:
We woke up the first morning to see this promise over the Gulf of Mexico. It reminds me that God still promises a hope and future to those who follow him with all their heart.
We've seen sunsets, beautiful shells, and lots of cool ocean life. We're hoping we might be able to catch some turtles hatching and scampering for the surf one night this weekend. Its not hard at all to open your eyes and see the splendor of our Lord! This week I read that when God created it, he said "it is good". Then when he created man, he said "it is very good". He had to be thinking of my awesome wife and kids too!
Here are some promises God showed me again this week:
We woke up the first morning to see this promise over the Gulf of Mexico. It reminds me that God still promises a hope and future to those who follow him with all their heart.
We've seen sunsets, beautiful shells, and lots of cool ocean life. We're hoping we might be able to catch some turtles hatching and scampering for the surf one night this weekend. Its not hard at all to open your eyes and see the splendor of our Lord! This week I read that when God created it, he said "it is good". Then when he created man, he said "it is very good". He had to be thinking of my awesome wife and kids too!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Not Me Lord!
I heard some news today of a friend and fellow church leader. He was in a successful church seeing God do amazing things. They just recently saw over 100 people baptized at one time. Sunday a letter of resignation was read to his church because he committed adultery. He let his guard down and allowed himself to have a physical and emotional affair with his secretary. I hurt for him, his family, and his church!
I believe with all my heart that the moment a person ceases to be vigilant and cautious concerning sin and temptation, they are near a fall. We started a series on Prayer this Sunday. One result of prayer is a heightened awareness of what God is doing around you and the temptations that come each day. When we stop praying, we lose the spiritual sensitivity from God that warns us to be careful. Quick conviction over temptation and sin is lost. When we lose this supernatural connection, watch out! Satan is crouching at our front door like a lion, ready to devour its pray.
I have huge rules and boundaries in my life to help keep me from the same fate as my friend. My wife has complete access to my cell phone, email, office, computer, schedule, secretary, car, my whole life! Coupled with prayer and scripture, these are powerful defenses against temptation from the evil one. Remain vigilant and pray without ceasing!
I believe with all my heart that the moment a person ceases to be vigilant and cautious concerning sin and temptation, they are near a fall. We started a series on Prayer this Sunday. One result of prayer is a heightened awareness of what God is doing around you and the temptations that come each day. When we stop praying, we lose the spiritual sensitivity from God that warns us to be careful. Quick conviction over temptation and sin is lost. When we lose this supernatural connection, watch out! Satan is crouching at our front door like a lion, ready to devour its pray.
I have huge rules and boundaries in my life to help keep me from the same fate as my friend. My wife has complete access to my cell phone, email, office, computer, schedule, secretary, car, my whole life! Coupled with prayer and scripture, these are powerful defenses against temptation from the evil one. Remain vigilant and pray without ceasing!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spiritual Jet Lag
Reflecting on a long trip overseas and surprising hit I took from jet lag, I was reminded this morning of the consequences of spiritual jet lag. Track with me as I share thoughts from the book The Divine Mentor, by Wayne Cordeiro:
A few years ago, a giant sequoia fell in a National Park in California. This sequoia existed before California became a state, before Canada became a country, before many world wars. As the park service studied the tree for the cause of death, they found no rot or insect infestations. They found no apparent cause for the fall. Finally they discovered the cause to be foot traffic. Years of people walking on the massive root system at the base of the tree caused enough damage to weaken it and cause its demise. As a result of this finding, the base of sequoia trees in tourist areas are protected from foot traffic.
Our spiritual root system, like that of the sequoia, needs protection. It doesn't come through easily or naturally. There is no pill or quick fix to build this fence of spiritual protection around the root system of the soul. How do you do this? To quote Pastor Cordeiro:
If you will develop a daily self-feeding program from the Bible and allow yourself to be daily, hourly mentored by God's Holy Spirit, your life will undergo an unprecedented change for the better.
I challenge you this week to protect your spiritual root system. Spend time in God's word today. I also challenge you to begin today praying for and inviting people to come to church with you on Easter. It is 6 days and counting! This Sunday God will touch hearts of the lost around the globe. Will you play your part? Who's your friend going to be?
A few years ago, a giant sequoia fell in a National Park in California. This sequoia existed before California became a state, before Canada became a country, before many world wars. As the park service studied the tree for the cause of death, they found no rot or insect infestations. They found no apparent cause for the fall. Finally they discovered the cause to be foot traffic. Years of people walking on the massive root system at the base of the tree caused enough damage to weaken it and cause its demise. As a result of this finding, the base of sequoia trees in tourist areas are protected from foot traffic.
Our spiritual root system, like that of the sequoia, needs protection. It doesn't come through easily or naturally. There is no pill or quick fix to build this fence of spiritual protection around the root system of the soul. How do you do this? To quote Pastor Cordeiro:
If you will develop a daily self-feeding program from the Bible and allow yourself to be daily, hourly mentored by God's Holy Spirit, your life will undergo an unprecedented change for the better.
I challenge you this week to protect your spiritual root system. Spend time in God's word today. I also challenge you to begin today praying for and inviting people to come to church with you on Easter. It is 6 days and counting! This Sunday God will touch hearts of the lost around the globe. Will you play your part? Who's your friend going to be?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Evangelism Mali Style
(I did a long post with pictures last night, only to have it get lost in space)
Wednesday was a long, awesome day. We had the opportunity to walk and pray and share Christ with some along the way. In one area me and a partner came upon some boys playing foosball on the side of the road. They stared at us as we walked up to them, but the smile reached the sun when we jumped in to play. Check out the white pastor foosball skill......
In the afternoon I had an appointment with some young men in another community that I met on Monday and visited the next two days. By the end of the second day (and after seeing the Jesus Film), they invited me to share tea and have a serious discussion about Jesus. I guess the first two days were just "ice breakers". Bye the end of our 3 hour long conversation that day, all but one wanted to accect Christ. One problem..... their fathers wouldn't let them and it could bring great trouble on themselves. Pray for these men they would have courage and Jesus will draw them to himself in a way they cannot resist! We took their information and the missionaries are going to send a Malian man to visit them that experienced this himself, and how God worked in his life and family.
I love doing this but I sure miss home!
Wednesday was a long, awesome day. We had the opportunity to walk and pray and share Christ with some along the way. In one area me and a partner came upon some boys playing foosball on the side of the road. They stared at us as we walked up to them, but the smile reached the sun when we jumped in to play. Check out the white pastor foosball skill......
In the afternoon I had an appointment with some young men in another community that I met on Monday and visited the next two days. By the end of the second day (and after seeing the Jesus Film), they invited me to share tea and have a serious discussion about Jesus. I guess the first two days were just "ice breakers". Bye the end of our 3 hour long conversation that day, all but one wanted to accect Christ. One problem..... their fathers wouldn't let them and it could bring great trouble on themselves. Pray for these men they would have courage and Jesus will draw them to himself in a way they cannot resist! We took their information and the missionaries are going to send a Malian man to visit them that experienced this himself, and how God worked in his life and family.
I love doing this but I sure miss home!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday in Mali.....
Today was unlike any Monday at the office to say the least. We started the day by driving to a suburb of Bamako. Bamako is currently the fastest growing city in Africa and the village of Niamana is being engulfed with the growth. This community is a great place to start a new work! The morning consisted of visiting the village chief and then its mayors. We thanked them for their hospitality and sought approval to share Jesus with their community. They welcomed us and gave us permission to do anything we like. Here's one of the mayors. Check this dude out...
After we got permission to work in the community, we came back after lunch and a brief rest from the 100+ temperature and spent the rest of the afternoon prayer walking and stopping to visit with anyone that was opened to conversation. I had the opportunity to share with 5 young muslim men for over an hour. We had a great discussion and they heard some things about Christ that really made them question some things they believe. After that, we had a community outreach service with music, a drama, and a gospel message. The night went great and I believe many people responded. Not sure if we'll know the results this side of Heaven. One thing I did learn........ I like to clown around with African kids and they seemed to enjoy it too!
After we got permission to work in the community, we came back after lunch and a brief rest from the 100+ temperature and spent the rest of the afternoon prayer walking and stopping to visit with anyone that was opened to conversation. I had the opportunity to share with 5 young muslim men for over an hour. We had a great discussion and they heard some things about Christ that really made them question some things they believe. After that, we had a community outreach service with music, a drama, and a gospel message. The night went great and I believe many people responded. Not sure if we'll know the results this side of Heaven. One thing I did learn........ I like to clown around with African kids and they seemed to enjoy it too!
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