There is a popular contemporary song playing regularly on the radio by this title. For me, this has been the season of watching people do exactly that. In 3 years as a church planter, I do not think that I have witnessed so much struggle with physical, emotional, financial, and relational circumstances. Yet in the midst of many questions and tears, I am watching most people in my circle praise through them.
Sometimes it is difficult to speak a word of encouragement, while at other times it seems as if just being there is what is needed. Sometimes, a physical act of a hug or being used to help provide for a need or convenience. But one thing is for sure, it is difficult to watch people you love go through difficulties...while it is a real blessing to watch the praise in the midst of that storm.
A lady at the bank asked me the other day if difficulties in her life were spiritual battles or just a part of the human experience. After some thought on an appropriate answer in this public lobby, I answered, "Yes". I am learning that some of our struggles are just the normal course of living in a decaying body and in a sinful world, while others are a direct battle to see whom we will worship.
I know that the battle for our worship is not passive. And whether or not all of the struggles I am facing or watching others face are the result of 'life' or 'war', the reality is that God's grace is so proving enough to keep us glorifying the Creator right in the middle of the storm.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Lessons from a Simple Life
Lesa and I received a call late Tuesday evening that Lesa's grandmother's long fought physical battle had ended as God decided that Marie Harding had finished her course here on earth. Her life on earth ended without much fanfare, nor (thankfully) with much physical pain.
We also learned that Mrs. Harding had requested that I do her funeral service, so we have been making plans for Lesa and I to travel to NE Ohio for the service. The burden that Lesa senses for her family and for her father's health (who is still recovering from a stroke and open heart surgery) is apparent. And I am sure that the flow of memories, including canning peaches in Grandma's kitchen and running to the outhouse at the last second, will increase in the coming days. We are glad that our last visit to Ohio included a rare instance of what seemed to be coherant conversation with Grandma at the nursing home where she lived the past year or so.
As I have prayed this morning and read God's Word, the thoughts that come to my mind seem to focus on the fact of how a simple, yet faithful person who lived in a home without an indoor toilet until the late 1980's could have a profound impact on the world. As I have tried to come to a personal summary of my perception of this wonderful lady's legacy, it is wrapped up in the first 30 seconds of any conversation that anyone ever had with her. If you were to greet her with a hug and ask her how she was doing, within 5 seconds the conversation would ALWAYS be turned to the you...and she was genuinely interested.
She was always asking when we might be able to come and visit. But it was not in a way as other family members might ask. It was never laden with guilt for not being there more often, but you sensed a genuine desire to be with you. But it also included an understanding that life is often busy and she appreciated the effort of your travel.
Maybe it was the consequence of a simple life. But maybe it was more the result of a selfless life that was truly interested in others more than herself.
We also learned that Mrs. Harding had requested that I do her funeral service, so we have been making plans for Lesa and I to travel to NE Ohio for the service. The burden that Lesa senses for her family and for her father's health (who is still recovering from a stroke and open heart surgery) is apparent. And I am sure that the flow of memories, including canning peaches in Grandma's kitchen and running to the outhouse at the last second, will increase in the coming days. We are glad that our last visit to Ohio included a rare instance of what seemed to be coherant conversation with Grandma at the nursing home where she lived the past year or so.
As I have prayed this morning and read God's Word, the thoughts that come to my mind seem to focus on the fact of how a simple, yet faithful person who lived in a home without an indoor toilet until the late 1980's could have a profound impact on the world. As I have tried to come to a personal summary of my perception of this wonderful lady's legacy, it is wrapped up in the first 30 seconds of any conversation that anyone ever had with her. If you were to greet her with a hug and ask her how she was doing, within 5 seconds the conversation would ALWAYS be turned to the you...and she was genuinely interested.
She was always asking when we might be able to come and visit. But it was not in a way as other family members might ask. It was never laden with guilt for not being there more often, but you sensed a genuine desire to be with you. But it also included an understanding that life is often busy and she appreciated the effort of your travel.
Maybe it was the consequence of a simple life. But maybe it was more the result of a selfless life that was truly interested in others more than herself.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Finishing By New Years
I don't know about any of you, but I seem to struggle at finishing stuff. Things sound like good ideas, but life is so busy with good ideas that I often find it difficult to complete one good thing for something that may be perceived as better or more pressing.
A few weeks ago, one of my friends asked me to read a book. I really did want to read it...so when he gave it to me, I committed to do it. I did it for two reasons...I wanted to and I knew he would ask me about it. The same thing has happened with a guy in my church. I began a study some months ago...but stalled after chapter 30. The other day, this guy (who also was reading along with me) asked me if I had finished. I had to admit that I had stalled in the process, but was grateful for his challenge...(he also had stalled at around chapter 25). I re-started where I left off today.
This process has left me with two thoughts: (1) My New Year's resolutions for this year are to finish a few things before New Years and before I commit to start others. And (2) I need people to hold me accountable...even for some things that may seem trivial. And if I need to be reminded of some of these important things, maybe you do as well. Hope this helps...it does me good to confess occassionally.
A few weeks ago, one of my friends asked me to read a book. I really did want to read it...so when he gave it to me, I committed to do it. I did it for two reasons...I wanted to and I knew he would ask me about it. The same thing has happened with a guy in my church. I began a study some months ago...but stalled after chapter 30. The other day, this guy (who also was reading along with me) asked me if I had finished. I had to admit that I had stalled in the process, but was grateful for his challenge...(he also had stalled at around chapter 25). I re-started where I left off today.
This process has left me with two thoughts: (1) My New Year's resolutions for this year are to finish a few things before New Years and before I commit to start others. And (2) I need people to hold me accountable...even for some things that may seem trivial. And if I need to be reminded of some of these important things, maybe you do as well. Hope this helps...it does me good to confess occassionally.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Life Begins
Tonight, I had the honor of visiting the newest person in our congregation. Little Sawyer was born this morning at around 10:30 a.m. So many times I (as a pastor) get to visit the sick and comfort the grieving. But for some reason, I was blessed today to see life the same day that the first earthly air was breathed. It sure was refreshing...and inspiring...and caused much reflection.
It is an incredible blessing from God to be a parent...4 times over. I met a grandma in the elevator who was visiting her 4th grandchild. The dad of the little guy I went to see just looked at me and grinned. Each of us had now had the privilege to parent 4 children of our own.
There is so much potential...and so much risk in living (whether you are the parent or the child). As I prayed over the parents and the child, it seemed that all I could focus on was an incredible need to see and sense God's hand in our lives, and my incredible desire for people (including myself) to know the awesome plan of God for our lives. Even though life in this atmosphere has just begun for one little guy, thank God we get the chance to put today behind us and begin again afresh tomorrow as we breathe in the new mercies of our heavenly Father.
It is an incredible blessing from God to be a parent...4 times over. I met a grandma in the elevator who was visiting her 4th grandchild. The dad of the little guy I went to see just looked at me and grinned. Each of us had now had the privilege to parent 4 children of our own.
There is so much potential...and so much risk in living (whether you are the parent or the child). As I prayed over the parents and the child, it seemed that all I could focus on was an incredible need to see and sense God's hand in our lives, and my incredible desire for people (including myself) to know the awesome plan of God for our lives. Even though life in this atmosphere has just begun for one little guy, thank God we get the chance to put today behind us and begin again afresh tomorrow as we breathe in the new mercies of our heavenly Father.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
A New Day
It has been almost a month since I have blogged...to my shame. For the past 3+ weeks it has been a mad dash to renovate a new facility for our church...but today was our first meeting time in the new building. It's a new day...for us...for me...a new chapter in the life of our church and my ministry. No, we did not change churches. Nor is it about the building. But it is about turning a page on the journey and with each new page comes new excitement and energy to keep pressing on for the Kingdom.
This morning I spoke about integrity from Genesis 39 and the life of Joseph. As I studied, I realized that our integrity is not lost when we are falsely accused (as was Joseph). However, the effect of public perception is normally the same as if we had actually 'done the deed'. I learned that our integrity must be intentionally protected on a daily basis in order for us to be consistently used by God for His glory and purposes.
But there was one truth that really struck me between the eyes. Potiphar's wife was consistently pursuing Joseph. Yet her intent was not to ruin his reputation. Rather, it was for her own selfish desires. Most people are not enticing us to ruin our integrity...but to serve their own purpose. So what's the point? The heart of temptation and testing of our character is really a part of a battle that has been going on for thousands of years...between God and Satan.
The cause of our temptation is Satan's attempt to embarrass God...through His children. He cannot get to God directly...but he can discredit Him through our actions. So how does that impact you and me? We should resist temptation under the motivation that is greater than our personal reputation. God's reputation is at stake and our effectiveness in His plan. And Satan's tactics have not changed.
Most of us can resist testing in the very adversarial times when we are 'loaded for bear' and 'prayed up'. However, Joseph was tempted when things were going well and he was left in charge. We must actively pray and act to put a wall of protection around our hearts, minds, and bodies so that we don't mess up our own lives...but more importantly we will not tarnish the Father's name.
This morning I spoke about integrity from Genesis 39 and the life of Joseph. As I studied, I realized that our integrity is not lost when we are falsely accused (as was Joseph). However, the effect of public perception is normally the same as if we had actually 'done the deed'. I learned that our integrity must be intentionally protected on a daily basis in order for us to be consistently used by God for His glory and purposes.
But there was one truth that really struck me between the eyes. Potiphar's wife was consistently pursuing Joseph. Yet her intent was not to ruin his reputation. Rather, it was for her own selfish desires. Most people are not enticing us to ruin our integrity...but to serve their own purpose. So what's the point? The heart of temptation and testing of our character is really a part of a battle that has been going on for thousands of years...between God and Satan.
The cause of our temptation is Satan's attempt to embarrass God...through His children. He cannot get to God directly...but he can discredit Him through our actions. So how does that impact you and me? We should resist temptation under the motivation that is greater than our personal reputation. God's reputation is at stake and our effectiveness in His plan. And Satan's tactics have not changed.
Most of us can resist testing in the very adversarial times when we are 'loaded for bear' and 'prayed up'. However, Joseph was tempted when things were going well and he was left in charge. We must actively pray and act to put a wall of protection around our hearts, minds, and bodies so that we don't mess up our own lives...but more importantly we will not tarnish the Father's name.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Change Makers
I am always envious when reading my friend Dino Senesi's blog as he is hanging out with superstar church planters and influencers. For a couple of days, I am experiencing it for myself in Phoenix, AZ with coordinators for a student church planting experience called PowerPlant. Next summer, we will watch what has recently been upwards of 2000 students spend a week of their summer not being entertained, but engaged in this experience known as church planting. These people I am with are visionaries...not just for a particular church...but for movements in who areas and in individual student's lives.
In the process of think about this though, I am reminded that each day I wake up (at least when I am home) next to one of those people...my wife. And I pack lunches for 4 of these people...my kids. And each week, I have the honor to preach and invest in a congregation of these people...my church. I am a blessed man.
In the process of think about this though, I am reminded that each day I wake up (at least when I am home) next to one of those people...my wife. And I pack lunches for 4 of these people...my kids. And each week, I have the honor to preach and invest in a congregation of these people...my church. I am a blessed man.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Practical Words
It has been amazing in these past four weeks of physical therapy (following my knee surgery) how difficult it has been to maintain my disciplined routine of writing. However, I have been so blessed to make some new friends and learn an incredible amount by hanging out 3 days a week with people facing physical challenges such as surgery, injury, and chronic illness.
Today, as I went for my Friday visit to the gym (therapy punishment arena), I was greeted by darkness in the room. I was plenty dissapointed, but was somewhat relieved that another guy showed up as well...so I wasn't the dense guy who missed the announcement that they would be closed today. But on to the point...
We found ourselves in the parking lot talking about a topic that had come up on Monday. He shared about what had happened during the rest of the week in his life and, on at least 4 occassions, I was able to share a Biblical truth from the text of my sermon for Sunday. Now I know that I cannot use his life as an illustration on all 4 points Sunday morning. However, it sure is great to be reminded that the Word of God is so practical in our daily lives and that it can make a difference, not only in our eternity, but in the joy/satisfaction of our every day journey.
Today, as I went for my Friday visit to the gym (therapy punishment arena), I was greeted by darkness in the room. I was plenty dissapointed, but was somewhat relieved that another guy showed up as well...so I wasn't the dense guy who missed the announcement that they would be closed today. But on to the point...
We found ourselves in the parking lot talking about a topic that had come up on Monday. He shared about what had happened during the rest of the week in his life and, on at least 4 occassions, I was able to share a Biblical truth from the text of my sermon for Sunday. Now I know that I cannot use his life as an illustration on all 4 points Sunday morning. However, it sure is great to be reminded that the Word of God is so practical in our daily lives and that it can make a difference, not only in our eternity, but in the joy/satisfaction of our every day journey.
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