Just about every Thursday or Friday, I go through this process of wrapping up the week and transitioning myself in preparation for the weekend. It's both an emotional and spiritual response to what's happened and what's about to happen. Not sure if every pastor goes through this, but I know alot do.
A busy week can get really bogged down with a great deal of details and distractions. It can also be full of many, wonderful opportunities for ministry. Every pastor knows, of course, there's something special about the weekend worship service that affords the opportunity of uninterrupted worship and teaching. While doing church is not our primary focus at City on a Hill Church, there is an appropriate amount of emphasis placed on our worship service since it's a Biblical mandate to come together as a Body.
This week has been full of awesome opportunities for ministry with the Homeless Ministry. Our church family has poured love on these folks, and I'm so grateful to God for bringing us to Culpeper. I know as we finish up our Fireproof Series this weekend, God has great things in store for us. We'll discuss how God has a better plan for love than we do. God's plan for love within marriage and any kind of relationship is better than anything we can come up with ourselves or try to do in our own power. The plan starts with God and must include God.
I'm looking forward to this weekend. How about you?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Love Dare - Day 33
Love Completes Each Other
The infamous line from Jerry McGuire, "You complete me." has been used over and over again to emulate the romantic relationship between man and woman. The concept didn't get introduced by the movie, however. It was introduced by God Almighty.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
If two lie down together, they keep warm, but how how can one be warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:11)
There are all kinds of euphimisms out there that indicate the Truth of Scripture in this regard:
"She complements him."
"They're a match made in heaven."
"They're a perfect match!"
"Opposites attract."
"I'm attracted to her."
In the beginning, God created Eve to be Adam's partner. "It is not good for the man to be alone," said the Lord God. We are made to have connection with one another, male and female relationships. It's God's design!
While we have differences, of course, those differences are meant to balance the unity of marriage. We shouldn't always expect to agree on everything, but we should prayerfully consider the opinion of the other always without dismissing it. Give the right of his/her voice to be heard and realize that no marriage can survive on one person's decisions alone.
The infamous line from Jerry McGuire, "You complete me." has been used over and over again to emulate the romantic relationship between man and woman. The concept didn't get introduced by the movie, however. It was introduced by God Almighty.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
If two lie down together, they keep warm, but how how can one be warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:11)
There are all kinds of euphimisms out there that indicate the Truth of Scripture in this regard:
"She complements him."
"They're a match made in heaven."
"They're a perfect match!"
"Opposites attract."
"I'm attracted to her."
In the beginning, God created Eve to be Adam's partner. "It is not good for the man to be alone," said the Lord God. We are made to have connection with one another, male and female relationships. It's God's design!
While we have differences, of course, those differences are meant to balance the unity of marriage. We shouldn't always expect to agree on everything, but we should prayerfully consider the opinion of the other always without dismissing it. Give the right of his/her voice to be heard and realize that no marriage can survive on one person's decisions alone.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Love Dare - Day 32
Love Meets Sexual Needs
Something we hear so often from people is, "The Bible was written thousands of years ago. It's not relevant!" Of course, I would beg to differ. In fact, the Bible is so relevant that it even gives helpful instructions on how to have a great sex life!
Besides when not to have sex and who not to have sex with, God gives some pretty incredible insight into enriching your marriage with a healthy level of intimacy. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to the Corinthian Church, "The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the hsuband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (1 Cor 7:4-5)
Within marriage, there is a temptation to use sexual intimacy as a tool of manipulation. Once married, you are called to meet your spouse's needs in every way. Of course, that doesn't mean to submit to abuse.
Perhaps your mate wants sexual intimacy more frequently than you desire it. Perhaps you're holding out because of issues with which you're dealing, like tiredness, distractions or the old headache that always seems to pop up around bedtime. Just as every person was created uniquely by God, each of us have different sex drives. As partners in marriage, your responsibility is to find somewhere in the middle and agree to it.
Choose to communicate openly and freely about the sexual relationship you have with your spouse. Discuss your needs and desires. Communicate in a loving way with meeting each other's needs as the objective.
Something we hear so often from people is, "The Bible was written thousands of years ago. It's not relevant!" Of course, I would beg to differ. In fact, the Bible is so relevant that it even gives helpful instructions on how to have a great sex life!
Besides when not to have sex and who not to have sex with, God gives some pretty incredible insight into enriching your marriage with a healthy level of intimacy. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to the Corinthian Church, "The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the hsuband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (1 Cor 7:4-5)
Within marriage, there is a temptation to use sexual intimacy as a tool of manipulation. Once married, you are called to meet your spouse's needs in every way. Of course, that doesn't mean to submit to abuse.
Perhaps your mate wants sexual intimacy more frequently than you desire it. Perhaps you're holding out because of issues with which you're dealing, like tiredness, distractions or the old headache that always seems to pop up around bedtime. Just as every person was created uniquely by God, each of us have different sex drives. As partners in marriage, your responsibility is to find somewhere in the middle and agree to it.
Choose to communicate openly and freely about the sexual relationship you have with your spouse. Discuss your needs and desires. Communicate in a loving way with meeting each other's needs as the objective.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Love Dare - Day 31
Love and Marriage
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Everyone's heard the "leave and cleave" principle of marriage, but few are practicing it. How often does your spouse's family become the center of tension?
"Leaving" can be a difficult task for some people. It can be difficult for the newly married person if he/she has been used to relying on the parents to meet his/her needs. It can be difficult for the parents to allow the newly married person to "leave" if there are issues related to co-dependency or the empty nest.
The unity component to marriage is part of God's design. Unity cannot occur, however, if one mate is constantly reverting back to his/her family for support - emotional, material or otherwise. When marriage occurs, you are making a covenant with your spouse to make the next step in your life and unite with him/her in every sense of the word.
If you've continued to turn to your parents for a need to be met, make a commitment to your spouse today to begin turning to him/her to meet that need. Make a commitment to experience unity within your marriage.
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Everyone's heard the "leave and cleave" principle of marriage, but few are practicing it. How often does your spouse's family become the center of tension?
"Leaving" can be a difficult task for some people. It can be difficult for the newly married person if he/she has been used to relying on the parents to meet his/her needs. It can be difficult for the parents to allow the newly married person to "leave" if there are issues related to co-dependency or the empty nest.
The unity component to marriage is part of God's design. Unity cannot occur, however, if one mate is constantly reverting back to his/her family for support - emotional, material or otherwise. When marriage occurs, you are making a covenant with your spouse to make the next step in your life and unite with him/her in every sense of the word.
If you've continued to turn to your parents for a need to be met, make a commitment to your spouse today to begin turning to him/her to meet that need. Make a commitment to experience unity within your marriage.
Last Night - Part 2
We've had a great group of people from City on a Hill Church show up the last two nights to serve the Homeless Care Ministry. As I looked around, I saw some cooking, some serving, some sharing and others cleaning. With the energy that was exerted, I understand how it seems like, "I don't feel like I really did anything." But what little effort you seemed like you exerted, made a world of difference to those whom you served. When the Spirit of God is inspiring and empowering you, serving in ministry becomes much easier. Nothing is impossible with God!
I can't tell you how proud I am to be your pastor!!
I can't tell you how proud I am to be your pastor!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Last Night
City on a Hill Church is overseeing the homeless care ministry this week using St. Stephen's Episcopal Church as the host facility. The kitchen in that church is incredible. Many chefs would dream to have something like that!
We had 11 guests with us last night. With several volunteers, we prepared some fried chicken, cole slaw, mashed potatoes and biscuits. We had some great background music performed by the Hughes family. Nice touch!
As "lights out" approached, a few young people from our community came to the church to hang out in the youth area. What a pleasant surprise! It was really great spending a few hours talking with some young folks about their passions, God's plan for their lives and answering some Bible questions. For me, all I have to do is spend some quality time like that with young people who are sold out for the Lord to invigorate my passion. We could all use a few hours of just listening and being inspired by the fire that burns in the hearts of our young people in Culpeper to remind us of what surrender looks like.
We had 11 guests with us last night. With several volunteers, we prepared some fried chicken, cole slaw, mashed potatoes and biscuits. We had some great background music performed by the Hughes family. Nice touch!
As "lights out" approached, a few young people from our community came to the church to hang out in the youth area. What a pleasant surprise! It was really great spending a few hours talking with some young folks about their passions, God's plan for their lives and answering some Bible questions. For me, all I have to do is spend some quality time like that with young people who are sold out for the Lord to invigorate my passion. We could all use a few hours of just listening and being inspired by the fire that burns in the hearts of our young people in Culpeper to remind us of what surrender looks like.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Love Dare - Day 30
Love Brings Unity
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. John 17:11
Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one, yet distinct. They are equal and indivisible, yet have different functionalities. We see the Trinity described in the Creation account and in the baptism of Jesus. They are in perfect unity.
God allows us to experience an aspect of this perfect unity in marriage. In marriage, two individuals are brought together in a spiritual union of "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24) that no man should ever seperate (Mark 10:9).
Do you encounter things in your marriage that try to (or perhaps even results in) divide you from your spouse? What if you began to approach your relationship with your mate with a deliberate purpose of defending the unity of your marriage?
Men, determine that the preservation of your oneness with your wife was worth every sacrifice and expression of love you could make.
Women, make it your mission to do everything possible to promote togetherness of heart with your husband.
What if every threat to your unity was treated as a poison, a cancer, an enemy to be eliminated by love, humility and selflessness? Loving, serving and honoring one another are the keys to preserve the unity of any marriage.
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. John 17:11
Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one, yet distinct. They are equal and indivisible, yet have different functionalities. We see the Trinity described in the Creation account and in the baptism of Jesus. They are in perfect unity.
God allows us to experience an aspect of this perfect unity in marriage. In marriage, two individuals are brought together in a spiritual union of "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24) that no man should ever seperate (Mark 10:9).
Do you encounter things in your marriage that try to (or perhaps even results in) divide you from your spouse? What if you began to approach your relationship with your mate with a deliberate purpose of defending the unity of your marriage?
Men, determine that the preservation of your oneness with your wife was worth every sacrifice and expression of love you could make.
Women, make it your mission to do everything possible to promote togetherness of heart with your husband.
What if every threat to your unity was treated as a poison, a cancer, an enemy to be eliminated by love, humility and selflessness? Loving, serving and honoring one another are the keys to preserve the unity of any marriage.
Thoughts
Just some thoughts that are on my mind today...
-Is today the day that the Dameron clan hunts for a Christmas tree?
-Gotta wrap up my sermon and let it percolate.
-Churches around Culpeper will discuss "no room at the inn" this Christmas season, yet won't open their facilities to house homeless people over night. What's wrong with this picture?
-Christmas decorations for the church are sitting in my car. Need to do something about that...
-What other food do I need for next week's ministry to the homeless? Need to set up the menu and take inventory.
-Is today the day that the Dameron clan hunts for a Christmas tree?
-Gotta wrap up my sermon and let it percolate.
-Churches around Culpeper will discuss "no room at the inn" this Christmas season, yet won't open their facilities to house homeless people over night. What's wrong with this picture?
-Christmas decorations for the church are sitting in my car. Need to do something about that...
-What other food do I need for next week's ministry to the homeless? Need to set up the menu and take inventory.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Forgiveness
This Saturday evening at City on a Hill Church, we're talking about forgiveness - specifically in the context of marriage, but the concept certainly stretches across all kinds of relationships. Forgiveness is the underlying message of the Bible. It's what is offered to us over and over and over again when we least deserve it through God's grace. It's why Jesus died on the cross. It's what bridges the gap between God and man so that an eternal relationship may be experienced.
If you're struggling with forgiving someone in your life, I would like to invite you to join us this Saturday evening @ 6pm. Where there is forgiveness, there is freedom. Experience the life God meant for you to have!
If you're struggling with forgiving someone in your life, I would like to invite you to join us this Saturday evening @ 6pm. Where there is forgiveness, there is freedom. Experience the life God meant for you to have!
The Love Dare - Day 29
Love's Motivation
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not me..." Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Sometimes we find ourselves loving out of duty or out of the desire to have favorable conditions. This kind of love will never last. It's temporary, conditional and selfish.
Our love we have for one another, particularly our spouse, needs to be motivated by the love we have for Christ Himself. If we don't love Christ with all that we are, we can never love someone else with Christ's love.
When your spouse isn't very loveable, just remember that God has called you to love no matter what. When you don't feel as though you have any love to offer, choose to allow God to love through you. He is your source and supply. When you love like this, no longer are the imperfections of your mate dictating the level of love experienced within your home, instead the all-powerful, all-loving Almighty God is the eternal spring to which you go for replenishing love within your marriage.
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not me..." Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Sometimes we find ourselves loving out of duty or out of the desire to have favorable conditions. This kind of love will never last. It's temporary, conditional and selfish.
Our love we have for one another, particularly our spouse, needs to be motivated by the love we have for Christ Himself. If we don't love Christ with all that we are, we can never love someone else with Christ's love.
When your spouse isn't very loveable, just remember that God has called you to love no matter what. When you don't feel as though you have any love to offer, choose to allow God to love through you. He is your source and supply. When you love like this, no longer are the imperfections of your mate dictating the level of love experienced within your home, instead the all-powerful, all-loving Almighty God is the eternal spring to which you go for replenishing love within your marriage.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
CCS Chapel Service
I had a wonderful privilege this morning to go with Abby Rae (my oldest daughter) to school today. She attends Culpeper Christian School. Every Wednesday, the school hosts a chapel service where a message is shared with the students to plant Biblical Truth in their lives.
This morning, I was asked to share the message. I had a great time sharing the message of Ephesians 2:10 to the students through a parable of a boy named George who was challenged over and over again to "fit in" with the trends in his culture. The parable found George submitting to peer pressure to balance cucumbers, bananas and eggs on his forehead while trying to walk. Needless to say, George's life became a real mess, literally! Balancing food on our foreheads sure sounds silly, but, if we're honest, some of the things we do to "fit in" are just as silly.
The moral of the story is that God created us all uniquely just as we are so that we can fulfill our own unique purposes and plans that God ordained just for us long ago. When we change to "fit in" we're abandoning God's plans for us and denying the value of the masterpiece He created in us.
This morning, I was asked to share the message. I had a great time sharing the message of Ephesians 2:10 to the students through a parable of a boy named George who was challenged over and over again to "fit in" with the trends in his culture. The parable found George submitting to peer pressure to balance cucumbers, bananas and eggs on his forehead while trying to walk. Needless to say, George's life became a real mess, literally! Balancing food on our foreheads sure sounds silly, but, if we're honest, some of the things we do to "fit in" are just as silly.
The moral of the story is that God created us all uniquely just as we are so that we can fulfill our own unique purposes and plans that God ordained just for us long ago. When we change to "fit in" we're abandoning God's plans for us and denying the value of the masterpiece He created in us.
The Love Dare - Day 28
Lave Makes Sacrifices
At City on a Hill Church, an emphasis is placed on meeting the needs of the community. We teach and find ways to serve others sacrificially when there are needs. This kind of sacrificial love isn't just reserved for the community, however. It's also intended for the home and family in which we live.
Jesus said, "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me" (Matthew 25:35-36).
These verses are so often applied to the needs in our community, but should also be applied to our spouse. The authors of The Love Dare suggest these applications for consideration:
Is he hungry - needing you sexually, even when you don't feel like it?
Is she thirsty - craving the time and attention you seem able to give to everyone else?
Does he feel like a stranger - insecure in his work, needing home to be a refuge and sanctuary?
Is she naked - frightened or ashamed, desperate for the warm covering of your loving affirmation?
Is he feeling sick - physically tired and needing you to help guard him from interruptions?
Does she feel in prison - fearful and depressed, needing some safety and intervention?
It's easy to recognize the hardships in your own life. How good of a job do you do recognizing and doing something about the hardships in your mate's life before they become overwhelming to your spouse?
At City on a Hill Church, an emphasis is placed on meeting the needs of the community. We teach and find ways to serve others sacrificially when there are needs. This kind of sacrificial love isn't just reserved for the community, however. It's also intended for the home and family in which we live.
Jesus said, "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me" (Matthew 25:35-36).
These verses are so often applied to the needs in our community, but should also be applied to our spouse. The authors of The Love Dare suggest these applications for consideration:
Is he hungry - needing you sexually, even when you don't feel like it?
Is she thirsty - craving the time and attention you seem able to give to everyone else?
Does he feel like a stranger - insecure in his work, needing home to be a refuge and sanctuary?
Is she naked - frightened or ashamed, desperate for the warm covering of your loving affirmation?
Is he feeling sick - physically tired and needing you to help guard him from interruptions?
Does she feel in prison - fearful and depressed, needing some safety and intervention?
It's easy to recognize the hardships in your own life. How good of a job do you do recognizing and doing something about the hardships in your mate's life before they become overwhelming to your spouse?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Love Dare - Day 27
Love Encourages
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up... encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14
Everyone has expectations. It's natural. However, unrealistic expectations on your spouse can be discouraging and damaging. When we choose to encourage our mate instead of be disappointed by our unrealistic expectations, our marriage can experience significant improvement.
What kind of demands are you putting our your wife/husband? Are they realistic? Do you expect your spouse to always be on time, understand all of your needs, clean up after dinner? If so, prepare yourself for a lifetime of disappointment. Your mate is human, forgetful and even thoughtless at times.
Instead of putting your spouse on the defensive and pushing him/her into rebellion, try kind words of encouragement. Instead of discouraging and frustrating your mate with selfish demands, try loving them for who they are instead of what they do.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up... encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14
Everyone has expectations. It's natural. However, unrealistic expectations on your spouse can be discouraging and damaging. When we choose to encourage our mate instead of be disappointed by our unrealistic expectations, our marriage can experience significant improvement.
What kind of demands are you putting our your wife/husband? Are they realistic? Do you expect your spouse to always be on time, understand all of your needs, clean up after dinner? If so, prepare yourself for a lifetime of disappointment. Your mate is human, forgetful and even thoughtless at times.
Instead of putting your spouse on the defensive and pushing him/her into rebellion, try kind words of encouragement. Instead of discouraging and frustrating your mate with selfish demands, try loving them for who they are instead of what they do.
Jesus Wrecked Me
I stumbled across this article which led me to Brandt Russo's myspace page. Let me first start by saying that I'm not necessarily endorsing the articles' website or Russo himself. I'm not familiar enough with either of them at this point, but both stirred a reaction within me that deserves some time and thought.
So often, we drill into God's Word and disect the complexities until we're saturated and overwhelemed with theological intricacies. It's actually quite easy to to lose the forest through the trees when studying the Bible. However, I believe Jesus' message, for the most part, was quite simple. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself." While these are pretty simple concepts, they are not nearly as simple to live.
I think Brandt Russo is on to something. In his article, Brandt exclaimes that "Jesus wrecked me, and six months later, I'm still trying to pick up all the pieces." Wow! What a statement!
My good friend Randy Peck walked away from his comfortable lifestyle as an anesthesiologist. He took an entire year off seeking the Lord's will for his life, and he's been serving God in ministry ever since. Brandt Russo walked away from his nice-paying job to dumpster dive with the homeless and needy, ministering to them. Both Randy and Brandt are people whose lives got wrecked by the power of Jesus Christ and they will never be the same again!
Are you on course for a head-on collision with the Almighty Savior? Are you ready for your world to be shaken at its very core? These are questions that demand answers. Not everyone's vocation changes as a result. Not everyone's residence changes. That's not the point. The point is total surrender to Christ for His will in your life.
So often, we drill into God's Word and disect the complexities until we're saturated and overwhelemed with theological intricacies. It's actually quite easy to to lose the forest through the trees when studying the Bible. However, I believe Jesus' message, for the most part, was quite simple. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself." While these are pretty simple concepts, they are not nearly as simple to live.
I think Brandt Russo is on to something. In his article, Brandt exclaimes that "Jesus wrecked me, and six months later, I'm still trying to pick up all the pieces." Wow! What a statement!
My good friend Randy Peck walked away from his comfortable lifestyle as an anesthesiologist. He took an entire year off seeking the Lord's will for his life, and he's been serving God in ministry ever since. Brandt Russo walked away from his nice-paying job to dumpster dive with the homeless and needy, ministering to them. Both Randy and Brandt are people whose lives got wrecked by the power of Jesus Christ and they will never be the same again!
Are you on course for a head-on collision with the Almighty Savior? Are you ready for your world to be shaken at its very core? These are questions that demand answers. Not everyone's vocation changes as a result. Not everyone's residence changes. That's not the point. The point is total surrender to Christ for His will in your life.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving
Last week was full of wonder, awe and thanksgiving for me. I took some much needed time for myself and family while watching God move in powerful ways in our community and in City on a Hill Church.
As I was studying Thanksgiving in my devotional time last week, I remembered something from Philippians 4:6. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
The transliterated word Paul uses for "thanksgiving" is eucharistia. Sound familiar? This is the word from which we get eucharist: a common word seen in the Church today that is synonymous with communion.
So, when we receive communion, we're celebrating thanksgiving! The concept of "thanksgiving" has within itself a call to remember the blessings from the past in order to look forward to the future with hope.
As we take the bread and wine (juice) in communion, we remember the blessings of Christ's sacrifice so that we can proclaim victory and hope in the future we have with Him in our lives. Thanksgiving shouldn't be a weekly or monthly idea though. It should be daily. Remembering Christ's love and how He has moved powerfully in our past can help us bring our petitions and requests to God with confidence in His willingness to bless over and over again.
As I was studying Thanksgiving in my devotional time last week, I remembered something from Philippians 4:6. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
The transliterated word Paul uses for "thanksgiving" is eucharistia. Sound familiar? This is the word from which we get eucharist: a common word seen in the Church today that is synonymous with communion.
So, when we receive communion, we're celebrating thanksgiving! The concept of "thanksgiving" has within itself a call to remember the blessings from the past in order to look forward to the future with hope.
As we take the bread and wine (juice) in communion, we remember the blessings of Christ's sacrifice so that we can proclaim victory and hope in the future we have with Him in our lives. Thanksgiving shouldn't be a weekly or monthly idea though. It should be daily. Remembering Christ's love and how He has moved powerfully in our past can help us bring our petitions and requests to God with confidence in His willingness to bless over and over again.
The Love Dare - Day 26
Love is Responsible
Confession and asking for forgiveness is one of those areas in relationships that is particularly difficult. However, it's one of the most necessary elements of a relationship for authenticity and sincerity. Pride and ego can be the biggest obstacles in accepting the responsibility that one needs in a love relationship.
When a person accepts responsibility in a relationship, there are no more excuses. The circumstances don't matter nearly as much as the other person's needs. We must be willing to admit our short-comings and be responsible enough to correct them.
Humility before God and your spouse are the keys to a healthy marriage. Admit when you've fallen short and ask for forgiveness - first from God, then from your mate.
God's Word says He is quick to forgive and that His mercies are new every morning. Your spouse's willingness to forgive may not be as quick and easy. Allow God to work in your mate's heart and realize your responsibility is fulfilled when you confessed and repented.
Confession and asking for forgiveness is one of those areas in relationships that is particularly difficult. However, it's one of the most necessary elements of a relationship for authenticity and sincerity. Pride and ego can be the biggest obstacles in accepting the responsibility that one needs in a love relationship.
When a person accepts responsibility in a relationship, there are no more excuses. The circumstances don't matter nearly as much as the other person's needs. We must be willing to admit our short-comings and be responsible enough to correct them.
Humility before God and your spouse are the keys to a healthy marriage. Admit when you've fallen short and ask for forgiveness - first from God, then from your mate.
God's Word says He is quick to forgive and that His mercies are new every morning. Your spouse's willingness to forgive may not be as quick and easy. Allow God to work in your mate's heart and realize your responsibility is fulfilled when you confessed and repented.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Homeless Care Ministry
This morning, I went to a meeting at the Culpeper Health and Human Services office. This meeting was to discuss the effort that's being made to care for the homeless in our community during the winter months. Several town departments, civic organizations and pastors and layleaders from a number of different churches were in attendance.
This is a total God thing! Churches across denominations are coming together in unity to do God's bidding in Culpeper - not a service, not a one-time outreach, but an actual day-in and day-out ministry that will last for months and have significant impact on our community. How awesome is that!!
Homelessness is usually thought of with respect to people with addictions, criminal behavior and/or emotional problems. However, in today's economy, we have families living in their cars and on the street because of bankruptcy, foreclosure or unemployment. Homelessness isn't restricted to skin color, place of birth or social standing anymore.
In this initiative, a different church is overseeing the ministry for a week at a time for about 20 weeks through the colder months. City on a Hill Church will be responsible for volunteers Dec 7-13 as St. Stephen's Episcopal Church opens its doors to host the ministry that week.
We still need a lot more churches to participate in this ministry. We need facilities and we need helping hands. As the Body steps up and steps out, God will bless our community! Let's be bold! Let's be His hands and feet and show God's love in this practical and relevant way!
This is a total God thing! Churches across denominations are coming together in unity to do God's bidding in Culpeper - not a service, not a one-time outreach, but an actual day-in and day-out ministry that will last for months and have significant impact on our community. How awesome is that!!
Homelessness is usually thought of with respect to people with addictions, criminal behavior and/or emotional problems. However, in today's economy, we have families living in their cars and on the street because of bankruptcy, foreclosure or unemployment. Homelessness isn't restricted to skin color, place of birth or social standing anymore.
In this initiative, a different church is overseeing the ministry for a week at a time for about 20 weeks through the colder months. City on a Hill Church will be responsible for volunteers Dec 7-13 as St. Stephen's Episcopal Church opens its doors to host the ministry that week.
We still need a lot more churches to participate in this ministry. We need facilities and we need helping hands. As the Body steps up and steps out, God will bless our community! Let's be bold! Let's be His hands and feet and show God's love in this practical and relevant way!
Friday, November 21, 2008
This Weekend
God's going to do incredible things this weekend! I just know it!!
Tomorrow morning, City on a Hill Church is giving our community some love. We'll be washing the exterior windows on downtown businesses and offices. Just a chance to show God's love in a practical way!
We'll meet @ 10am on the corner of Main and Davis Streets. Bring your kids, too! We'll have ours.
Tomorrow night, we'll be continuing our Fireproof Your Marriage series with a message entitled, "Love for a Lifetime". I had a blast preparing this message, and I know the Lord is going to bless our time together tomorrow night. Join us please at 6pm at 405 Sperryville Pike in Culpeper.
Tomorrow morning, City on a Hill Church is giving our community some love. We'll be washing the exterior windows on downtown businesses and offices. Just a chance to show God's love in a practical way!
We'll meet @ 10am on the corner of Main and Davis Streets. Bring your kids, too! We'll have ours.
Tomorrow night, we'll be continuing our Fireproof Your Marriage series with a message entitled, "Love for a Lifetime". I had a blast preparing this message, and I know the Lord is going to bless our time together tomorrow night. Join us please at 6pm at 405 Sperryville Pike in Culpeper.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Passionaries
I recently read an article that was a great reminder for pastors and leaders of the Church. The article gave some instruction on how to motivate people to act on their God-given passions. Those who follow and use their passions as their driving force to impact their community are called "passionaries".
We're all passionaries, for God has given us all gifts to use through the leading and empowering of the Holy Spirit. God has called every one of us who are a part of the Body to impact our community for the glory of Christ.
What's your passion? How can God use that to change people's lives? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear what God is leading you to do.
We're all passionaries, for God has given us all gifts to use through the leading and empowering of the Holy Spirit. God has called every one of us who are a part of the Body to impact our community for the glory of Christ.
What's your passion? How can God use that to change people's lives? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear what God is leading you to do.
The Love Dare - Day 25
Love Forgives
Jesus once told a story of an unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). In this parable, Jesus tells us of a master who forgave his servant an unimaginable debt. However, after having received his freedom, the servant did something unthinkable. He went to all of those who owed him smaller debts and demanded immediate payment. Upon hearing of this, the master turned the servant over to the jailors to be tortured until the debt was paid.
This parable reminds us of the unimaginable debt that has been forgiven on our behalf through Jesus Christ. Who are we to then turn around and approach our spouse and others with a lack of forgiveness? Will we enslave those who have wronged us in a prison inside of our own hearts? The problem is that we, ourselves, become enslaved along with them because of our bitterness and lack of forgiveness. Jesus remains, though, offering the key to freedom.
Our problem stems from a lack of understanding what forgiveness is. Forgiving someone doesn't absolve them of their sin. Forgiving merely releases them from our own selfish punishment to God's divine justice. The burden that we carry around is lifted from our lives like a weight.
What we must understand is that our lack of forgiveness is nothing more than our desire for revenge. We want the situation to be made right. We want restitution! However, God's Word tells us, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
While we may rightfully deserve restitution, we must be deliberate in trusting God's faithfulness and justice in our own lives. Our idea of restitution and revenge are perverted and sinful in nature. We could never repay someone with an equal punishment for what has been done to us. We will always want to punish unequally. That is our own sinful nature.
If your spouse has sinned against you, you must forgive him/her if you want to have any hope for a successful marriage. Give your spouse over to God. Release him/her from your self-made prison, and, in turn, experience freedom yourself. Know that as you walk in forgiveness, God will honor your obedience.
Jesus once told a story of an unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). In this parable, Jesus tells us of a master who forgave his servant an unimaginable debt. However, after having received his freedom, the servant did something unthinkable. He went to all of those who owed him smaller debts and demanded immediate payment. Upon hearing of this, the master turned the servant over to the jailors to be tortured until the debt was paid.
This parable reminds us of the unimaginable debt that has been forgiven on our behalf through Jesus Christ. Who are we to then turn around and approach our spouse and others with a lack of forgiveness? Will we enslave those who have wronged us in a prison inside of our own hearts? The problem is that we, ourselves, become enslaved along with them because of our bitterness and lack of forgiveness. Jesus remains, though, offering the key to freedom.
Our problem stems from a lack of understanding what forgiveness is. Forgiving someone doesn't absolve them of their sin. Forgiving merely releases them from our own selfish punishment to God's divine justice. The burden that we carry around is lifted from our lives like a weight.
What we must understand is that our lack of forgiveness is nothing more than our desire for revenge. We want the situation to be made right. We want restitution! However, God's Word tells us, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
While we may rightfully deserve restitution, we must be deliberate in trusting God's faithfulness and justice in our own lives. Our idea of restitution and revenge are perverted and sinful in nature. We could never repay someone with an equal punishment for what has been done to us. We will always want to punish unequally. That is our own sinful nature.
If your spouse has sinned against you, you must forgive him/her if you want to have any hope for a successful marriage. Give your spouse over to God. Release him/her from your self-made prison, and, in turn, experience freedom yourself. Know that as you walk in forgiveness, God will honor your obedience.
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