The oil spill in the Gulf by the BP rig has become a conversation piece in most homes and watering holes around the country at this point. I don't claim to be the most educated person in the world on what's going on with this disaster, but it seems to me that it's taking an unusually long time for the source of the spill to be fixed.
This situation reminds me of how a lot of us have a tendency to ignore struggles and problems in our lives, hoping they'll either not get any worse or just go away all together. Sorry. Those things just don't happen.
If a problem is ignored, it only gets worse. Just look at the oil spill as an example. And I'm afraid what we've seen so far is only the tip of the iceberg of all the problems that will come our way ecologically and economically.
If you're facing a problem, the best solution is to get some help in dealing with it. Find someone who can give you mature, wise counsel. Find someone who can hold you accountable. Don't ignore it. Problems just don't disappear on their own.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Accepting Christ
The event I was most excited to report in 2008 was this...
Accepting Christ (July 23, 2008)
My oldest daughter, Abby Rae (5 yrs old), made a life-changing decision on her own this weekend. She told her mommy and me, "I accepted Jesus into my heart last night," very matter of factly. That was the best news I could have heard on a Saturday!
Abby Rae is fairly independent, so it was no surprise that her decision was made in the quietness of her own heart after we put her and her sisters to bed. I'm just reminded of how blessed we are to have children being raised in a Christian home who will know the Lord and know God's Word at an early age. They won't be shielded from life's issues, but they'll have God's strength in their lives to deal with them. That's more than what my wife and I had growing up! What a blessing!
Accepting Christ (July 23, 2008)
My oldest daughter, Abby Rae (5 yrs old), made a life-changing decision on her own this weekend. She told her mommy and me, "I accepted Jesus into my heart last night," very matter of factly. That was the best news I could have heard on a Saturday!
Abby Rae is fairly independent, so it was no surprise that her decision was made in the quietness of her own heart after we put her and her sisters to bed. I'm just reminded of how blessed we are to have children being raised in a Christian home who will know the Lord and know God's Word at an early age. They won't be shielded from life's issues, but they'll have God's strength in their lives to deal with them. That's more than what my wife and I had growing up! What a blessing!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Lawn Mowing for the Lord
This was COAHC's first unofficial kindness ministry outreach!
Sound weird? I thought so, too... at first. I remember our realtor telling us when we first started looking at houses in Culpeper not to consider the neighborhood where we eventually bought our home. "Why?" I asked. She reminded me that with all the foreclosures, homes typically aren't maintained well and the pride of ownership can be lost in a neighborhood resulting in more downward spiraling property values. Certainly makes sense to me. Ultimately, we took our chances, moved into the neighborhood anyway. And I'm really glad we did!
Today will go down as one of the milestones for City on a Hill Church (COAHC). It was an "A-ha!" moment for me. What if I (and, perhaps soon, other people from COAHC) went around our communities and maintained lawns at foreclosed homes? The eyesore of 18 inch lawns disappearing somehow has an incredible effect on people. That's God's love getting relevant in people's lives. That's the fourth foundation of purpose for COAHC: serving our community in practical and relevant ways, demonstrating that God's love is abundant and He cares about the details of our lives.
I mowed the lawn of the house across the street from me today and two neighbors came out to bring me water and ice tea. What an opportunity for God's Light to shine! I look forward to seeing the fruit of this labor.
Lawn Mowing for the Lord
Today will go down as one of the milestones for City on a Hill Church (COAHC). It was an "A-ha!" moment for me. What if I (and, perhaps soon, other people from COAHC) went around our communities and maintained lawns at foreclosed homes? The eyesore of 18 inch lawns disappearing somehow has an incredible effect on people. That's God's love getting relevant in people's lives. That's the fourth foundation of purpose for COAHC: serving our community in practical and relevant ways, demonstrating that God's love is abundant and He cares about the details of our lives.
I mowed the lawn of the house across the street from me today and two neighbors came out to bring me water and ice tea. What an opportunity for God's Light to shine! I look forward to seeing the fruit of this labor.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Surround Sound
Remember the old televisions and the portable tape player called "Walkman"?
Technology has advanced what seems like light years since then. One of the biggest advances is in the way we hear recordings. Back in the day, we used to listen to everything in "Mono" sound. It wasn't until the 1990's or so that we began to see a shift in practically everything going to "Stereo" sound. More recently, Stereo sound evolved into Surround Sound. Multiple speakers are set up around the listener in order for the audio to be heard with a 3-D effect.
I think most of us begin our relationship with God by hearing Him only in a Mono sound way. We hear Him only when we're praying or reading the Bible. As our relationship develops, we begin to hear Him in Stereo sound. Multiple sources provide the voice of God, speaking into our lives. I think most of us stop at that point. Our goal, of course, is to hear Him in Surround sound.
Jesus promised us that He would never leave us. We know that He desires to have a relationship with us. Isn't the foundation of a relationship communication? Therefore, we should be able to hear God's voice all around us anytime and anyplace. Let's set up our speakers and subwoofers so that God's voice becomes 3-D in our lives!
Logging On
It was two years ago that Carrie, the girls and I moved to Culpeper and began the process of planting City on a Hill Church. Upon our arrival, I created this blog in order to journal as well as encourage others in our community (and anywhere else, for that matter). In observance of two years in the 'Pep, I'm going to re-publish some of the first posts that appeared on The View.
Logging On (June 30, 2008)
OK, so here's my first post...
Carrie, the girls and I arrived in Culpeper on Father's Day (Sunday, June 16). We spent the first week "camping out" as we waited for our furniture to arrive. It finally showed up on the following Saturday.
Much has happened in our first two weeks here - too much to tell here. So, here's a quick recap:
-We love our home in Culpeper! It's perfect in so many ways!!
-We immediately started making our house into *our* home by purchasing some new furnishings, appliances, etc.
-Our second night here, we had a little impromptu block party in our front yard as several of our neighbors came over to introduce themselves. We live in a great neighborhood with wonderful people. The girls are excited because they have Dominic (3 yrs old) next door and Jase and Cove (2 yrs and 4 yrs) behind us.
-It's so nice that everything we need is no more than a 5 minute drive. No more freeway driving just to go to the grocery store!
We went to Hazel River Assembly of God Church yesterday. The girls had fun in the kids' church singing praise songs and learning about Sampson. Pastor Steve Dodson and I finally met after exchanging emails in March and April. His message was "God has you in the right place at the right time!" Boy! What a great first message for Carrie and I to hear after moving across the country. Just when we begin to feel those little doubts clawing their way into our minds, God confirms that the call on our lives to come to Culpeper is authentic and something great is going to come of this!!
I spent much of the morning touching base and scheduling coffee and lunch times with those folks in the community with whom I made contact prior to our move. God has put me in touch with some people that are really plugged into the scene here, so I'm confident that He will use these relationships. I'm excited to see what happens over the next few weeks.
Logging On (June 30, 2008)
OK, so here's my first post...
Carrie, the girls and I arrived in Culpeper on Father's Day (Sunday, June 16). We spent the first week "camping out" as we waited for our furniture to arrive. It finally showed up on the following Saturday.
Much has happened in our first two weeks here - too much to tell here. So, here's a quick recap:
-We love our home in Culpeper! It's perfect in so many ways!!
-We immediately started making our house into *our* home by purchasing some new furnishings, appliances, etc.
-Our second night here, we had a little impromptu block party in our front yard as several of our neighbors came over to introduce themselves. We live in a great neighborhood with wonderful people. The girls are excited because they have Dominic (3 yrs old) next door and Jase and Cove (2 yrs and 4 yrs) behind us.
-It's so nice that everything we need is no more than a 5 minute drive. No more freeway driving just to go to the grocery store!
We went to Hazel River Assembly of God Church yesterday. The girls had fun in the kids' church singing praise songs and learning about Sampson. Pastor Steve Dodson and I finally met after exchanging emails in March and April. His message was "God has you in the right place at the right time!" Boy! What a great first message for Carrie and I to hear after moving across the country. Just when we begin to feel those little doubts clawing their way into our minds, God confirms that the call on our lives to come to Culpeper is authentic and something great is going to come of this!!
I spent much of the morning touching base and scheduling coffee and lunch times with those folks in the community with whom I made contact prior to our move. God has put me in touch with some people that are really plugged into the scene here, so I'm confident that He will use these relationships. I'm excited to see what happens over the next few weeks.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What We Want
A healthy relationship has tension. It can be tension of a variety of sorts, but usually in a marriage, the tension has something to do with relationship and work. Men are, by nature, goal-oriented and task-driven. We allow our job and success in that job to define our identity. Women, on the other hand, are more relationship-oriented.
Seventy percent of married women would rather endure financial struggles than a lack of closeness in their marriage. (Source: For Men Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, Multnomah, 2006)
The tension that exists should propel men to meet the relational needs of their family and allow women to see the value of work, goals and tasks in a man's life. Healthy tension creates a give- and-take that involves communication and compromise that is other-centered.
Ladies, men want to provide for you and give you the world. Men, ladies would rather have you than anything else. Let the tension bring you together instead of drive you apart.
Seventy percent of married women would rather endure financial struggles than a lack of closeness in their marriage. (Source: For Men Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, Multnomah, 2006)
The tension that exists should propel men to meet the relational needs of their family and allow women to see the value of work, goals and tasks in a man's life. Healthy tension creates a give- and-take that involves communication and compromise that is other-centered.
Ladies, men want to provide for you and give you the world. Men, ladies would rather have you than anything else. Let the tension bring you together instead of drive you apart.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Hearing and Listening
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV
Let's face it. We hear a lot of things. But we only listen to some of it. When God spoke the passage in Deuteronomy known as The Shema to his people and Jesus echoed it again, the sentiment wasn't for us simply to hear him. There's an understood command within the opening phrase. In other words, God was saying "Understand and obey these things..."
The Jews were on to something when they began to implement phylacteries into their wardrobe and hang a mezuzah on their doorframes. What great reminders that we have a loving God who desires our love in return. Christians use paraphernalia like t-shirts, stickers and the occasional Scripture hanging on the refrigerator as reminders. But are these sufficient to remind us each and every day that we are to love our God with all of our heart, soul and strength? We need to be on our guard to protect ourselves and our home from the infiltration of the world and its values. Do we have the mechanisms in place to remind us of this danger? Or do we simply wait for something to happen, and then respond. Perhaps we should become a little more proactive in our approach than reactive. Perhaps we should spend a little more effort into understanding and obeying God's command of loving Him with everything that we are instead of simply hearing the command.
Let's face it. We hear a lot of things. But we only listen to some of it. When God spoke the passage in Deuteronomy known as The Shema to his people and Jesus echoed it again, the sentiment wasn't for us simply to hear him. There's an understood command within the opening phrase. In other words, God was saying "Understand and obey these things..."
The Jews were on to something when they began to implement phylacteries into their wardrobe and hang a mezuzah on their doorframes. What great reminders that we have a loving God who desires our love in return. Christians use paraphernalia like t-shirts, stickers and the occasional Scripture hanging on the refrigerator as reminders. But are these sufficient to remind us each and every day that we are to love our God with all of our heart, soul and strength? We need to be on our guard to protect ourselves and our home from the infiltration of the world and its values. Do we have the mechanisms in place to remind us of this danger? Or do we simply wait for something to happen, and then respond. Perhaps we should become a little more proactive in our approach than reactive. Perhaps we should spend a little more effort into understanding and obeying God's command of loving Him with everything that we are instead of simply hearing the command.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Reformation
Have you noticed? We're in the midst of a reformation.
Not unlike the reformation of the 16th century, the Church is changing dramatically as a result of this reformation. The face of evangelicalism is shifting from the image of Billy Graham to a mosaic of those who comprise the Church today: those whose voices we hear on the radio, the faces we see on TV. More importantly, the mosaic includes you and me.
The Church is shifting from a self-centered, consumer-driven corporation to a Christ-worshiping, other-centered, missional operation with purpose and fresh inspiration. It no longer solely depends on the person standing behind the pulpit on Sunday morning, but involves the hands and feet of those sitting in the chairs and pews. Christians are standing up and shouting, "Here am I, Lord. Send me!" The tradition and rituals of our local church heritage are no longer our identity, and our faith is being lived out where the rubber meets the road.
Legalism and pomp and circumstance are being destroyed by grace and the realization that we're all just a bunch of sinners in need of a Savior. It's no longer about what's on the surface. It's the transformation on the inside that matters the most. Church is taking on a new definition, or dare I say an old one. It's no longer a building with a steeple. It's a gathering of people who have proclaimed Jesus Christ as Savior, Redeemer, Lord and King.
We're in the midst of a reformation. Have you noticed?
Not unlike the reformation of the 16th century, the Church is changing dramatically as a result of this reformation. The face of evangelicalism is shifting from the image of Billy Graham to a mosaic of those who comprise the Church today: those whose voices we hear on the radio, the faces we see on TV. More importantly, the mosaic includes you and me.
The Church is shifting from a self-centered, consumer-driven corporation to a Christ-worshiping, other-centered, missional operation with purpose and fresh inspiration. It no longer solely depends on the person standing behind the pulpit on Sunday morning, but involves the hands and feet of those sitting in the chairs and pews. Christians are standing up and shouting, "Here am I, Lord. Send me!" The tradition and rituals of our local church heritage are no longer our identity, and our faith is being lived out where the rubber meets the road.
Legalism and pomp and circumstance are being destroyed by grace and the realization that we're all just a bunch of sinners in need of a Savior. It's no longer about what's on the surface. It's the transformation on the inside that matters the most. Church is taking on a new definition, or dare I say an old one. It's no longer a building with a steeple. It's a gathering of people who have proclaimed Jesus Christ as Savior, Redeemer, Lord and King.
We're in the midst of a reformation. Have you noticed?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Be a Good Coach
For about ten years in Southern California, I coached high school cross-country and track and field. It was a thrill to coach teenagers in sports that I loved so passionately. Tom Landry's definition of coaching echoes the sentiments I learned during my coaching tenure: getting people to do things they don't want to do.
Let's face it. How many teenagers really want to go run ten miles on a hot summer morning instead of sleeping in? How many people really want to run hill repeats during the October Indian Summer heat of San Diego? The thing is, though, you can't get the victory without the work. No one wins the Championship without logging all the miles.
As parents, we face a similar battle. We're constantly coaching our kids - asking them to do things they don't really want to do. I'm not just talking about the chores around the house either. I'm talking about the important stuff: studying the Bible, carving out quality time for prayer in a busy life and serving others when it requires sacrifice.
It's not just parents, though, who face this challenge. It's any leader in any church, family or organization. There is a lot we can learn from good coaches. John Wooden, probably the best coach who ever lived, died recently. John is remembered at least as much for his approach to coaching people and the impact he had on so many as the victories he racked up during his days as the Wizard of Westwood.
Let's learn how to be good coaches. Let's learn how to motivate people to do the tough things that don't seem very fun at first glance. Let's remind those in our lives that we don't get the victory without the hard work.
Let's face it. How many teenagers really want to go run ten miles on a hot summer morning instead of sleeping in? How many people really want to run hill repeats during the October Indian Summer heat of San Diego? The thing is, though, you can't get the victory without the work. No one wins the Championship without logging all the miles.
As parents, we face a similar battle. We're constantly coaching our kids - asking them to do things they don't really want to do. I'm not just talking about the chores around the house either. I'm talking about the important stuff: studying the Bible, carving out quality time for prayer in a busy life and serving others when it requires sacrifice.
It's not just parents, though, who face this challenge. It's any leader in any church, family or organization. There is a lot we can learn from good coaches. John Wooden, probably the best coach who ever lived, died recently. John is remembered at least as much for his approach to coaching people and the impact he had on so many as the victories he racked up during his days as the Wizard of Westwood.
Let's learn how to be good coaches. Let's learn how to motivate people to do the tough things that don't seem very fun at first glance. Let's remind those in our lives that we don't get the victory without the hard work.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Golf = Life With Christ
I played golf yesterday with a few friends. It's amazing what a difference slight adjustments can make. It's also incredible how significantly a lack of focus can impact how straight the ball goes.
Several times yesterday, I found myself trying to hit the ball out of awkward situations. My ball landed on the edge of the treeline one time and I had branches hanging down all around me. The branches distracted me, and I just couldn't focus on hitting the ball. Guess what happened! I hardly hit the ball at all, and it rolled about 15 feet in front of me. At least I was out of the woods!
Life with Christ is a lot like the golf game I played yesterday. Making adjustments and focus are very important in our lives.
When I take my eyes off of Christ and get distracted by life's ups and downs, I can really miss the sweet spot God wants for me. If I'm in the midst of a trial, God may want me to make an adjustment. If I don't, guess what... It takes a little longer to get to where I want to go.
Several times yesterday, I found myself trying to hit the ball out of awkward situations. My ball landed on the edge of the treeline one time and I had branches hanging down all around me. The branches distracted me, and I just couldn't focus on hitting the ball. Guess what happened! I hardly hit the ball at all, and it rolled about 15 feet in front of me. At least I was out of the woods!
Life with Christ is a lot like the golf game I played yesterday. Making adjustments and focus are very important in our lives.
When I take my eyes off of Christ and get distracted by life's ups and downs, I can really miss the sweet spot God wants for me. If I'm in the midst of a trial, God may want me to make an adjustment. If I don't, guess what... It takes a little longer to get to where I want to go.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Known For Something
What is your church known for in your community?
Every local congregation got its start (or should have, anyway) because God called a person or group of people together with a specific vision on how to reach people for Christ in that particular community. In other words, each and every church should have a niche in its community that is unique and specific to that particular group of believers doing ministry.
There are some who would start a church for the wrong reasons. Here are just a few wrong reasons to start a church:
-"There isn't any presence of our denomination in this community, so let's go plant a church there.
-"I need a job/steady income, so I'm going to plant a church in this community."
-"___ church is really successful in that community over there, and there's nothing like that here, so I'm going to plant that kind of church in this community."
First things first. Make sure the call is from God and not from your own personal desires for attention, prestige or greed. Make sure the vision for your church plant is the vision for your church plant, and not someone else's vision. Lastly, make sure your church is fulfilling a unique role in your community. We don't need churches on every corner just for the sake of having more churches.
Every local congregation got its start (or should have, anyway) because God called a person or group of people together with a specific vision on how to reach people for Christ in that particular community. In other words, each and every church should have a niche in its community that is unique and specific to that particular group of believers doing ministry.
There are some who would start a church for the wrong reasons. Here are just a few wrong reasons to start a church:
-"There isn't any presence of our denomination in this community, so let's go plant a church there.
-"I need a job/steady income, so I'm going to plant a church in this community."
-"___ church is really successful in that community over there, and there's nothing like that here, so I'm going to plant that kind of church in this community."
First things first. Make sure the call is from God and not from your own personal desires for attention, prestige or greed. Make sure the vision for your church plant is the vision for your church plant, and not someone else's vision. Lastly, make sure your church is fulfilling a unique role in your community. We don't need churches on every corner just for the sake of having more churches.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Vision and Relationships
One of the important lessons I've learned in ministry is that vision may well attract people, but relationships are what keep people loyal. For some of us, especially those of us who have prophetic tendencies, vision can be so very important. The Lord can give us a vision that is nothing less than divinely inspired. Before we know it, our whole lives are consumed with fulfilling this vision.
New, fresh vision excites people and attracts support, encouragement and helping hands. There will be a time when that vision isn't so new and fresh anymore. Even though it remains a divinely inspired vision, people will get tired of fulfilling the vision because the work is probably hard, much perseverance is required and sacrifice is a big part of it. Let's face it. That triple play gets old after a while.
For those of us who are leading, relationships with our co-laborers have to be just as important as the vision itself. After all, aren't we dealing with people? From the beginning, we must invest ourselves into relationships. If the relationship is stable and fruitful, people are less likely to walk away from the vision. If the vision is the top priority and the only priority, it's only a matter of time before you'll be by yourself.
New, fresh vision excites people and attracts support, encouragement and helping hands. There will be a time when that vision isn't so new and fresh anymore. Even though it remains a divinely inspired vision, people will get tired of fulfilling the vision because the work is probably hard, much perseverance is required and sacrifice is a big part of it. Let's face it. That triple play gets old after a while.
For those of us who are leading, relationships with our co-laborers have to be just as important as the vision itself. After all, aren't we dealing with people? From the beginning, we must invest ourselves into relationships. If the relationship is stable and fruitful, people are less likely to walk away from the vision. If the vision is the top priority and the only priority, it's only a matter of time before you'll be by yourself.
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