Family Service Sunday

This Sunday is Family Service Sunday at City on a Hill Church. Our Family Services focus on a worship experience for the entire family. Meaningful worship for the young and old. A message that reaches both the kids and adults. Our children will be serving in a variety of ministry positions.

I'm really looking forward to the Lord ministering to our families this Sunday. Please join us at 11am at 405 Sperryville Pike in Culpeper.

Eliezer

Eliezer was Abraham's top servant - kind of his "right hand man." When we read the story of how he was sent to find a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24, we can see that Eliezer wasn't the kind of guy who did the bare minimum. He was an "and then some" servant. He did what he was asked and then some.

Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." (Matt 5:41) The person that goes the second mile is going above and beyond. He/She is an "and then some" servant.

We need to apply this principle in our ministry at our local church. Am I doing the bare minimum just to fill that need or am I going the extra mile that could really make a difference?

We also need to apply this principle in our personal relationship with Christ. Am I simply showing up on Sunday mornings or am I really giving God a chance to mold me and grow me to be more like Him?

Preparations

The Boy Scouts warn us, "Always be prepared." I respond, "Nice pipe dream." If you're like me, being prepared for the curve balls, the fast balls and the switch-ups that life throws at you isn't always easy. In fact, it's down right impossible sometimes.

This week, school is starting for millions of students across our great land. Abby Rae is excited about the beginning of First Grade while we're not quite sure about Emma who is now old enough for K-4.

What's it going to be like to have two of our three out of the house?

Will Abby Rae like her new teacher?

How will Emma adjust to being at school for three half-days per week?

Could we have prepared them any better for this fateful week? Could we have prepared ourselves any better?

The best preparation I know of is simple really - prayer. After all, we're talking about preparing our hearts and minds for what the future holds. We already bought the school supplies (by the way, do triangular pencils really make that much of a difference?).

Parents, have you prayed that your heart would be ready for the absence of your student from your home? Have you prayed for protection over his heart and mind as he steps out in faith to make new friends, exposing himself to rejection? Have you prayed for protection over her heart and mind as she adjusts to not having mom, dad and siblings there as a comfort during those tough days when things just don't make sense?

While we may not all be prepared logistically for every possible scenario, let's get prepared with prayer. It's the least we can do. It's also the most we can do!

Property of God

People are not the property of any particular local church body.

Have you ever considered that?

We're all owned by God alone - we're His creation and His children. I believe that we should all respect the work that a local church body has invested into a life. I also believe that another Christian, leader or pastor should not hesitate to minister to a person who is committed to City on a Hill Church when there is an opportunity and when the Holy Spirit is leading him/her. Who am I to say, "You shouldn't minister to that person. That's my job!" In my experience, most growing Christians have a variety of people who are investing in them. The only label I hope to ever see on anyone at COAHC is "Property of God."

Life Groups

I'm excited about the direction of our Discipleship Ministry at City on a Hill Church. We currently offer two Life Groups. We're about to launch a Life Group just for women in the next month. Another Life Group for a specific neighborhood is probably going to be launched in the next 4 to 6 weeks as well.

I've spent the last couple of days selecting our next curriculum that will begin in September. It's looking like it will be something from Phillip Yancey.

I love Life Groups. It's easy for some to want to call what we do a "Bible Study." I genuinely dislike that phrase, though, for describing our purpose for Life Groups. When I think of a Bible Study, I think of one person reading and teaching Scripture, verse by verse. There's very little discussion, if any.

In our Life Groups, the emphasis is on building "body life." Ultimately, it doesn't really matter to me what the curriculum is because that's not nearly as important as the relationships, the connecting and the growing that occurs both vertically (with Christ) and horizontally (with one another) through simply being together discussing the Truth of Scripture and the life that God wants for each and every one of us.

It's not the curriculum that should be motivating our attendance and participation - it's our connection to God and with one another. Our own personal devotional life should inspire us each day. Our Life Group curriculum is nothing more than a supplemental to what God is already doing and speaking into our lives and should never be substituted for our daily time in the Word and in prayer.

The Saga That is Michael Vick

Move over Brett Favre, there's someone else about whom the sports reporters want to talk. He's Michael Vick. The one and only. The man, the myth and the legend who is famous for his elusiveness on the gridiron. And the cruel overseer and participant of a dog-fighting ring which landed him in prison for the last two years.

Michael Vick has been shown mercy. He has been forgiven by some and will once again have a chance to strap on the helmet - this time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia - the City of Brotherly Love. Isn't it interesting that it's Philadelphia that is demonstrating grace in the life of Michael Vick?

Tony Dungy, former Head Coach for the Indianapolis Colts and outspoken man of faith, has also become involved in Vick's life. Dungy visited Vick while he was imprisoned, and now has taken the younger Michael under his wing as a protoge.

Dungy understands the importance of investment. Dungy lost his son to suicide in 2005. Perhaps seeing this as an opportunity for redemption in his own life, Dungy has come alongside Vick as a mentor and an accountability partner. The relationship between these two men is a reminder to all of us of the importance of mentoring and accountability. We all need both in our lives. Just as important, there's someone in your life who needs mentoring and accountability from you.

Leadership Retreat

This weekend, leaders from City on a Hill Church are going to a Leadership Retreat in Massanutten, VA. We're going to spend all day Friday learning what good leadership looks like. Then on Saturday, we'll apply that knowledge and wisdom to strategic planning for the next 12 months at COAHC.

I'm really looking forward what God is going to do through this retreat. We've got some great information to discuss from leaders like John Maxwell and Andy Stanley. We're going to look critically at everything we do as a church - no holds barred and no sacred cows allowed!

I believe that unless Scripture gives a clear formula for a particular ministry, then it's always considered an experiment and should always be up for evaluation and change. Too many churches get comfortable with what Andy Stanley calls "couches." These are the areas within a church that are comfortable for people and remain the same without any critical evaluation. We need to get rid of couches from the Church. They facilitate laziness and are ineffective in transforming lives.

Oh, and the home we're renting from Massanutten Vacations this weekend is called Joyful Passage. Gotta love it! Such a God thing...

Where Has God Gone?

We've probably all faced at least one trial in life that left us wondering, "Where has God gone?" It's in the darkest hours of our lives that makes us feel as though God is no longer with us. He's forgotten about us.

Last night, I spent some time in a neighborhood in Culpeper where most are struggling with a variety of different issues. One lady lost her job and can't pay her rent. Another family can't afford to buy diapers for their one-year old son. One mother is on disability and has a grown, autistic son and can't afford to buy clothes after all the bills are paid. Some families can't afford to buy school supplies for their kids. One unemployed young man is now living with his struggling father after having eaten out of garbage cans jsut to survive. Many families can't afford to buy basic groceries on a weekly basis.

After spending time with these folks last night, it was obvious many have been wondering, "Where has God gone?"

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20 NIV

These two verses remind us of the Truth that God has not gone anywhere. He's still on the throne. He's still watching our every move. He knows our needs. He knows our hurts. He still loves us just as much as He ever did!

As I shared this Truth with some of the folks last night, it was easy to see hope begin to fill their eyes once again. I could see their countenance change. In a dark place where Satan's grip has held tightly for a long time, Light was brought in the form of a few bags of groceries, some encouraging words and the victory that is found in the form of Biblical Truth.

My friends, prepare for transformed lives. Prepare for riches in our glorious Christ. Prepare for an abundant life that transcends all worldly wealth!

Bringing Glory to God

I was reading the story of Joseph this morning during my quiet time, and something jumped out at me. It's when Joseph is revealing his true identity to his brothers and forgiving them. His reasoning is captured in Genesis 45:7-8.

But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

When the brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites, they thought they were getting rid of Joseph once and for all. Their act was selfish and evil. However, they had no idea that God's sovereignty was at work. They had no idea that, years later, they would be begging at Joseph's feet in Egypt. They had no idea that their actions on that fateful day would turn out to be glorifying to God.

When Jesus entered into Jerusalem the last week of his life, the disciples shouted, "Glory in the highest!" The Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke his followers. Jesus' response was simple and to the point:

"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40)

Everything that has been created by God, including every single person alive - Christian or not - will bring glory to God either as an object of mercy or an object of wrath.

Self-Centeredness

Self-centeredness isn't resolved with more self-centeredness, but with other-centeredness.

Do you know anyone who realized his selfishness and then spent more time focusing on himself to resolve the problem? It seems like a natural reaction, but it also is contrary to the point of the problem!

The easiest way to get our focus off of ourselves is to get it on someone else. Instead of being self-centered, try being other-centered. I bet there are people you know who could use some help or encouragement from you today.

The Journey

Many of us have our "five-year plans." Some of us have our "next-week plans." Most of us smply want to reach our goals as quickly as we can. You know - the shortest distance between two points and all that...

I think that we're overlooking the journey for the destination, though. It's easy to get so focused on the endpoint that we miss what God wants to do during the process of getting there. It's during the journey that God will shape us, mold us and teach us valuable lessons about who He is and about what He wants for our lives. In almost every situation I can think of, the journey is more important than the destination!

God-Lenses

Since my people are crushed, I am crushed. Jeremiah 8:21 NIV

I have a habit of people-watching. It's honestly one of my favorite pasttimes! Going to a mall can be quite entertaining on a busy Saturday afternoon. Lots of people - each with his or her own story.

It's easy to look around and pass judgment on each person as he walks by me. But what if I was to look at that person with God-lenses? In other words, look at that person as God looks at him. Of course, it's impossible to see into the heart as God does, but body language and facial expressions can sure give away a lot of information about what kind of day the person is having!

With people-watching comes a natural kind of self-righteous judgment:

"She sure doesn't look or sound like a Christian to me."

"Look at the clothes he's wearing!"

"Did you see how she reacted to her child?"

How does God react when He looks at these people? Empathizing with how God feels when He looks at His children is an important part of our lives. Reacting not with self-righteous judgment, but instead with heart-wrenching sadness when we see someone who obviously is in rebellion to the Lord. The people we watch are God's creation just like we are. He loves them just as much as He loves us. God doesn't have favorites!

So then shouldn't we have empathy? Shouldn't we look at people with God-lenses, celebrate with joy when we see Christians reflecting and glorifying Christ and mourn like the prophet Jeremiah: "Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people." (Jeremiah 9:1 NIV)

Defining Reality

I'm currently going through John Maxwell's Leadership Gold curriculum. One of the lessons contained in this package states that a leader's first responsibility is to define reality. That's so important!

This concept is not just for leadership, but for all of us. When we produce goals and have a vision for our future, we are, in essence, creating an end point for ourselves or our objective. We're told that the quickest way from one point to another is a straight line. So, wouldn't it make sense to try and get from our starting point to our end point in a straight line? That means we must know what/where our starting point is. Defining our starting point is defining our reality!

I'm currently teaching a series at City on a Hill Church called "Climate Control". It's a 3-part series. The first message is called "Being a Thermometer". The last two messages are called "Being a Thermostat". You see, we first have to define reality before we have any chance of impacting the environment around us. In the context of this series, we must first identify the spiritual climate of our own lives and the environment around us before we can begin to influence the spiritual climate. We need to know what it is before we can change it!

Whether in relation to work, family or spiritual things, take some time and define reality. It will help you understand where you are and where you need to go!

Organism and Organization

I read an interesting article this morning about the Church. We've seen and heard a lot in recent years about how people are more interested in Jesus and less interested in the Church. This article brings us all back to the point that Christianity is not what Jesus intended without the Church.

The author interviewed Ted Kluck, a lay member of the University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI and Ted's pastor. One might surmise that this opinion is held by more traditional churches. "The more contemporary emergent and non-denominational churches don't hold that belief," one may say.

I would disagree.

I think more and more Christian leaders (contemporary and traditional) are pointing out the essential role that the Church plays in our relationship with Christ. One simply can't be in stride with Jesus Christ and not with the Church. The two are intimately intertwined.

"Organized religion has too many problems!"

"The Church is full of hypocrisy!"

"There's too much judgment inside the Church!"

"It's so hard finding the right church."

Yes, I would agree with all of those statements. They still don't excuse us from participating in the Body of Christ, ministering to a local group of believers using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us.

The author of the article describes the Church as an organism and an organization. It's living, changing and growing. We, as believers, help the Church maintain its fluidity. It also has a foundation and structure to it which is the Word of God.

Giving up the Church because it's not perfect is hypocritical in itself. No one's perfect - including you and me! So, why would anyone expect the Church to be perfect? It's never going to be, but God's Word still calls us to be connected with one another in a local church - and by connection, I don't mean just at Christmas and Easter. It essentially all boils down to a matter of obedience. Are we going to do what God wants us to do or are we going to walk in rebellion and still expect God's blessings?

Shipwrecked

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT

Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 1 Timothy 1:18-19 NLT


Paul's instructions in these passages remind us of the importance of discipline in our lives as Christians. So many of us can talk Christianese and share the marvels of God's Truth but aren't really living it day-in and day-out as God desires.

To the church at Corinth, Paul instructs them that training is important to avoid disqualification. Avoiding the "once-saved-always-saved" argument, I believe there is a disqualification that we can experience on earth as Christians. When we're not walking the walk, we become hypocrites. We lose our effectiveness in leading others. We get disqualified.

That's only the first step. Paul goes on to tell Timothy that there's a more dangerous second step that doesn't just affect those around us, but, more importantly, affects our own relationship with God. When we take that step off the deep end and violate our conscience, we shipwreck our faith.

In other words, if I become lazy about having my devotional time with God while promoting the importance of it to others, I'm disqualifying myself from being genuine and authentic in my walk. I've become a hypocrite. And if I walk away from having that time altogether, I'm making a statement whether I realize it or not: I don't need God's power in my life on a daily basis because I can do it all by myself. At that point, you have traveled into the treacherous waters. You will make a decision that is devastating to either yourself or others around you. You will encounter a moral failure. You will experience a shipwreck.

Discipline. Clinging to your faith as if it's a life raft in a dangerous whirlpool. These are the things that we, as Christians, can't forget in the midst of our busyness.

What If...

What if the Lord had not been on our side?
Psalm 124:1a NLT

What if...?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? I've found myself in a few predicaments when I've uttered these words.

Maybe we dismiss too much to coincidence. Maybe we find our help in too many places other than God. Do we assign blame to God and gratefulness to someone/something else too quickly?

When was the last time your prayers were nothing but praise for the calamity that God has prevented in your life? "I've experienced all kind of bad stuff, though!" Maybe that's true. But have you ever realized it could have been a lot worse? Regardless of what you've gone through in this life, someone has experienced much greater pain, sorrow, loss or hardship.

Let's remember that, ultimately, our greatest help doesn't come from friends, family, titles, money or material things. It comes from the Lord God Almighty.

Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8 NLT

Twitterized

For over a year now, I've been hearing about Twitter. Frankly, I could not imagine thinking that there are people who really need to know exactly what I'm doing or thinking that much! I thought the concept was promoting self-absorption and over-inflating our egos.

After many of my ministry colleagues and "pastoral/leadership heroes" had joined the Twitter ranks, I finally succumbed to the peer pressure. And guess what? I actually like it. It's not that I think I need to tweet every few minutes to let people know what I'm doing or thinking. I actually love "following" my colleagues and heroes to read what God is speaking to them about and doing in their lives. Their tweets inspire and motivate me in my own relationship with Christ and leadership of City on a Hill Church.

So, the question remains... Have you been Twitterized?

Foreclosure Support Group

Our friends at Hope Community Church here in Culpeper have created a support group for those who are (or have) (or perhaps will be) experiencing foreclosure. It's called Beauty for Ashes. Ray and Gay Hopkins lead this group that meets every third Tuesday evening from 7 to 9pm at 121 East Culpeper Street. You can contact them at Beauty4Ashes@hopecwc.org or 540 825-4607 ext. 7.

I love promoting other Christian groups who are serving and helping the community in relevant ways. Way to go Hopkins and Hope Community Church!

Worship Culpeper

Come on out tonight and join Culpeper in a live, outdoor worship concert featuring three different worship teams.

The event begins at 7pm and ends at 9pm. Bring some water to keep you refreshed on a warm Summer's eve, and don't forget your BUG SPRAY!!! If you'd like, feel free to bring some lawn chairs or blankets as well.

The event is hosted at City on a Hill Church, 405 Sperryville Pike in Culpeper. We share the blue AT&T Wireless building next to Yowell Meadow Park.

Let's praise God together under the evening sky and lift His name to the heavens!!!

Stone Monuments

This week in our Life Groups, we're discussing the portion of Scripture in Joshua 3-4 where God brings the Israelites into the promised land. When the cross the Jordan River, they are instructed to build a stone monument to memorialize the miraculous crossing of the water.

What stone monuments do you have today to memorialize who God is in your life? When we're used by God in other people's lives, we're stacking eternal stones that have eternal impact on that person(s). The lasting impressions can be memorials to commemorate the power of God in our lives.

What stone monuments do you have to remind you of what God has done in your life? Do you take the time to regularly remember what God has done for you? What stones are you stacking in your life for your children and grandchildren to see?

I'm asking each person in our Life Group to take a polished river stone that I'm providing to them and use a sharpie pen to write one or two words that remind them of what God has done in a special circumstance in their life - a moment, a season or situation when we experienced God in a life-changing way. We're going to take those stones and place them at the altar on Sunday memorializing the wonder of the Lord God Almighty.