In Pursuit

It Happened Again!

2012-02-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

A review of The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, published by Zondervan in 2011

It happened again! Every time I read a book by Mark Batterson I come away challenged and I come away thinking and praying that God will help me do better.

The Circle Maker is a book about prayer. For most believers, this would be a reason for them to not to read the book. Most of us have several books on our shelves on the topic of prayer but still struggle with the discipline of prayer in our lives.

We put the latest leadership principles into practice; we stay current with technology; and we force ourselves to become knowledgeable on current trends and fads in worship, preaching and discipleship methods. But has our prayer life advanced? Probably not. The Circle Maker will challenge you to advance your prayer life!

Batterson talks about answered prayer in his own life; in the life of National Community Church; in the life of friends and parishioners of National Community Church plus the prayers of family members who have gone on to their reward.

I’m embarrassed by this but at times when I would read about answered prayers in Mark’s life, I found myself thinking, “All he did was pray.” And then I had to confess my own prayerlessness and dependency upon other means which could be translated as idols.

There were several “take aways” for me. For instance, Batterson wrote that most of us don’t get what we want because we don’t know what we want. We haven’t given thought to what our needs are. Another take away for me was that many of us don’t get what we want because we don’t ask.

I was thoroughly challenged by the section of the book that related our dreams to our prayers. It seems that the more we dream, the more we pray and the more we pray the bigger our dreams are. I never really put the two together like that before. It has now become quite a challenge for me. Especially when you consider that if our prayers aren’t impossible to us, they may be an insult to God. Why would we ask Him to do something that we could do on our own or with the help of some others? Paul wrote in Ephesians that God was able to do more than we could dream or imagine.

Also I was challenged by the section of the book on Life Goals. Mark provides a ten step plan for goal setting that would benefit all readers.

If you are a pastor, teacher or small group leader, you will want to use this book in your teaching/preaching. But don’t get so caught up in communicating what was written to others that you don’t allow the message to get deep down into your being.

Again, this is a great book. It’s not dry! It’s not legalistic! And it’s not something from long ago. This is something happening today with a promise of tomorrow being even greater!

A View from Inside the Bear

2012-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

I have a good friend who frequently uses some "pithy" sayings. One of them was, "Lord, if you don't help me, please don't help that bear."

Another one of his little sayings was, "some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you."

Ever had a day when the bear ate you? I know it's not very spiritual but I've had my share of those days and the view from inside the bear really isn't something to write home about. But……it happens. And when it happens we need to know how to handle it.

I’ve heard over and over that the most successful people in the world are the ones who have picked themselves up off the floor more than anyone else.

You have to pick yourself up; dust yourself off; learn from whatever caused you to be on the inside of that bear and make a commitment that this turn of events is not going to be permanent. It's temporary. There's another day coming. And we are going to do everything we can to make sure the outcome will be different. (There is probably another bear coming too so it’s a good thing to learn from this one.)

A few years ago I heard a great sermon on David and Goliath. The speaker talked about why David picked up five smooth stones. The Scriptures don't tell us why so we have to speculate a little bit. This speaker's take on the five smooth stones David picked up was that David was determined to finish off Goliath. It’s possible that even though David felt confident he could do the job with one stone, he picked up a few more stones just in case.

Not everything we try to accomplish happens on the first try. Sometimes we have to back up and take a second whack at it….or a third or a fourth or even a fifth. The key is not how many times we fail or fall but how many times get up or fight our way out from inside the bear.

Scriptures contain many examples of difficult circumstances being turned around to bring great victory. We need to read about the people of Israel staring into the Red Sea and noticing the cloud of dust behind them (Exodus 14); we need to read about King Hezekiah seeing the Assyrian army surrounding the city of Jerusalem and how the angel of the Lord swept through the Assyrian camp (2 Kings 19). We need to be encouraged about how God provided for those who were facing difficult times because two things haven’t changed. One is that difficult times will come (Psalms 34:19; John 16:33); the second thing is that God has not changed (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). He will do the same for you and me as He did for those in Scripture.

Finding your self inside the bear is no fun. I've had more of those days than I care to remember. However, I've learned from those days. I've learned how to make choices that help avoid those days; and I've learned how to fight through those days. I may be inside the bear but I'm going to give that bear a lot of indigestion before busting out!

How about you?

Always in Pursuit!

Review for "I Am A Follower: The Way, Truth and Life of Following Jesus" by Leonard Sweet, Published by Thomas Nelson, 2012

2012-01-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

First and foremost let me say that I loved this book. It’s the fourth book I’ve read by Dr. Sweet and each one gets better than the last.

I Am A Follower challenged everything in me. It challenged my own nature, it challenged my training, and it challenged some of my practices over the years. After reading these words by Dr. Sweet, I know it’s time for some changes in thinking and in doing.

For many years I’ve felt that we never really did away with the separation of clergy and laity. I realize some folks think the Reformation did that…and in some ways I’m sure it did. But from my own experiences it has never really been anything but “us and them” when it came to folks in the church those leading the church.

Pastors have been trained over the years to not be vulnerable to the laity; to keep themselves separate. After all, laity are sheep…..pastors are leaders. WRONG! We are all followers. There is one shepherd. We are all sheep.

Dr. Sweet introduces us to the phrase, “First Follower” in lieu of Senior Pastor, Lead Pastor, or whatever title is used to denote that someone is in charge and it’s not you.

This is not a ploy to eliminate leaders; nor is it a plan to do away with leadership training. It is a call though to always being a follower of Jesus Christ. This should always be first and foremost for each and every one of us. One of the great quotes from this book is, “Leadership is a function. Followership is an identity.”

We are also introduced to the idea that leadership is relationship. Another way to put this is that we do life together. It’s not so much “do what I say” instead it is “do life the way I am doing life as I follow Jesus. This reminded me of how the Apostle Paul frequently instructed his spiritual sons, Timothy and Titus about how to handle difficult situations. It wasn’t do what I told you to do rather it was do what you saw me do.

The book is laid in a very easy to read manner. The footnotes for each chapter serve as a great resource for further reading and study. Each section of the book paints a picture of what it looks like to be a follower of Christ in how we live, the Way; and in what we believe, the Truth; and also what’s on the inside, the Life.

I want to thank Nelson Publishing and the folks at Book Sneeze for the opportunity to read and review this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a desire to be more effective in following after the Great Shepherd.

Battles

2011-12-30T12:09:00.001-08:00

In Psalms 144 we are told that Lord "trains our hands for war and gives our fingers skill for battle." If I were to put out a "sign-up" sheet for war and/or battles, I doubt too many would sign up. And those who would sign up, I would probably keep a safe distance from.

I really don't know a lot about wars or battles. About the time I start to think I'm going through a tough battle, I run into someone who is really going through a tough time and my circumstances seem like a small skirmish at best. So, I am not speaking as an expert. But I do want to speak from the Word and the Word says we are going to have some trials and tribulations along the way.

But If take the words of the Psalmist as truth, I will have to assume that wars and battles are going to come my way. Earlier in the Psalms 34:19 we are told that the righteous will have many trials or tribulations in this world. What's up with that? Isn't it enough to be righteous? Do we really need to have these tribulations?

When Jesus was with his disciples, he warned them about trials and tribulations. In John 16:33 he said, "In this world you will have many trials or tribulations."

I wasn't built for war……..probably wasn't built for love either…….but with God's help, I can do both! After all, the promise is that God will train me for war and give my fingers skill for battle and that in the midst of these tribulations, I should take heart because Jesus has already overcome!

One thing I know about wars and battles….you have to understand who your enemy is. Have you ever been on the receiving end of a tongue lashing when you were just the messenger? You didn't make the rules and you may not even agree with the rules but you took the hit. Been there, done that and even have a t-shirt.

Several years ago I stopped at a convenient store/gas station to get some gas. I knew everyone working in the store by name. They knew me. They knew I was a pastor and that I liked coffee; bought gas; and a newspaper from time to time. I never ever purchased anything else from them. But on this day as I was paying for my coffee and gas, the clerk slide a lottery ticket across the counter to me and proceeded to charge me for it. I didn't ask for a lottery ticket. I didn't even know how to order a ticket or how to play. (I'm not condemning those who do play the lottery….I just have some better things to do with the money God has provided.) The clerk got angry with me. I told him that I didn't ask for a lottery ticket and that I had never asked for a lottery ticket. The clerk was really getting hot. I looked at the manager and ask him if he had heard me ask for a ticket………end of the story is that things were tense. I left the store, walked back to my car. As I got into my car I looked over to my right and the driver of the car on the other side of the gas pump was visibly angry with me and started yelling at me and questioning my intelligence, etc. To this day, I don't know what I did. I started my car, pulled onto the road and drove off, happy to be away from that place. When I stopped at a red light, in the lane next to me was the driver who had been upset with me at the gas pumps. I rolled my window down and asked him what I had done back there to make him so mad…….he just started talking…I really didn't understand anything he said…but the light turned green and I pulled away. The cars in the other lane started honking at the driver who was upset with me because I just left him talking to himself. So, there is some justice in the world…….

So what happened? What caused all that? I didn't do anything to bring any of that about. I didn't order the lottery ticket; did nothing to the driver or his car. But you'd never know that.

About a block down the road after the green light, the Holy Spirit whispered to me and explained everything. The source of that little skirmish…..and it was little…..trust me….was simply a matter of the Spirit of Christ in me coming into conflict with the Spirit of the Anti-Christ. It really wasn't about me. (It's never supposed to be about me.) I didn't need to take what happened personally. The clerk and the driver of the other car were NOT my enemies. But my enemy was behind it all.

In 1 Peter 5:8 our enemy is identified. It's the devil. It's not your boss; your teacher; your son-in-law or your mother-in-law…….it's the devil.

Don't get confused about who your enemy is. You'll end up fighting the wrong battle; destroying the wrong person; or maybe even destroying yourself.

It's important to know who your enemy is but it is also important to know who your enemy isn't.

Always in Pursuit!

Dedication Minus the Casket

2011-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was privileged to teach a class in the Iowa Ministry Network School of Ministry, better known as ISOM. The class was, "Introduction to Assemblies of God World Missions."

While preparing for the class, I was reading in the text about some of the history of World Missions as well as remembering some other sources I've read over the years.
Then during the class we all got a chuckle when we talked about the methodology of some of the early leaders. I think our favorite was Charles the Great or better known as Charlemagne. He was a missionary "of sorts" about 800 years after Christ. His favorite method for evangelism was the sword. I guess he figured it was the quickest way to get his point across……..

I also remembered reading about the Moravians. There are known accounts of Moravians selling themselves into slavery so they could take the Gospel to places they couldn’t get to through conventional means. There were some accounts of Moravians allowing themselves to be exposed to leprosy so they move into the leper colonies and evangelize. To be Moravian meant to be a Missionary. While I don't think we need to expose ourselves to disease or sell ourselves into slavery, it would do us well to have the same desperation as the Moravians when it comes to taking the Good News to the "ends of the earth."

It is also documented in the History of Missions that many of our early Missionary fathers and mothers would pack their belongings in caskets. The truth is that many died on the Mission field or buried their children and spouses there. It was a time of short life expectancies in many parts of the world. And the conditions many of our Missionaries faced only made their lives shorter.

My concern for the class was that when we talked about these kinds of things - the Moravians and packing their belongings in their caskets - we would begin to compare our Missionaries of today with those of a hundred or several hundred years ago. Personally, I don't see a difference in the commitment of today's Missionaries compared to what I’ve read about M’s from the past.

Over the past 20 years, as I've served as a Missions Pastor, served as the State Missions Director for the Iowa Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, and I've become great friends with literally hundreds of Missionaries. I've had opportunity to spend time with many, talk to many on the phone and correspond with many via e-mail and even snail mail. To be honest, I've never met an M that didn’t make me question my own dedication to the task. In my mind there is no difference in the commitment it takes for our M’s today than it took for M’s several decades ago. Both groups are committed to taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth no matter the cost.

Times have changed. Fortunately, methods have changed as well. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that conversion by the sword isn't effective….as if it ever was. I love J. Philip Hogan's slogan, "Anchored to the Rock but geared to the times."
When I'm asked about modern day heroes, I point to our Missionaries. I pray for them often and do everything I can to assist them in their important ministry of taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.

The dedication it takes to do the job is the same today as it was a hundred years ago…….…….just minus the casket.

Always in Pursuit!

Almost Missed It......

2011-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Recently I was preaching from Psalm 144……."Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. {2} He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield and I take refuge in him…….." (NLT)

In preparing my notes……I was so excited about addressing God as my rock and noting that it is God who trains us and it is God who gives us the skill we need for the warfare we face. I was also excited about God as my "loving ally" and my fortress, my tower of safety and my rescuer. I wanted to make sure that I painted an accurate picture of what these things were and how God wanted to be those things in our life that I almost missed it.

Even though God has clearly spoken to me about three weeks prior to this preaching time and told me this passage contained a prophetic word for the church I was working with at the time……..I still didn't see it.

It wasn't in my notes. It really hadn't entered my thoughts during the time of preparation. But included in my time of preparation is always a prayer that God would prepared my heart for the time of preaching. If I have all the points, understand the meaning and have great illustrations to bring things to life but don't have a heart that is right…….I might as well just stay seated. I would rank up there with the clanging gong that Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 13.

But I still almost missed it…….right up to the time I started speaking. And while I'm speaking, the Holy Spirit is speaking………to me. And He points it out.

The most important thing about the battle is not my training, or the skill God gives…..it's not found in the six things listed in verse 2…….it's found in verse 1. It's the first three words of verse 1……"Praise the LORD!." It was an act of worship. It was a proclamation that even though there is a battle raging my spirit man says, "Praise the LORD!."

As I was speaking the Holy Spirit drew me to the time in Exodus where God gives the commandments….Exodus 20. Take note of what is said there….." I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me." (NLT)

David's first act was to worship. I wonder what would have happened if his first act had been to lament about the battle…..or express concern over his lack of training and skill…….or to ask God where He was……..or to wonder if God had God stopped loving him……I wonder what would have happened. As it was he worshipped first……."Praise the LORD……….who is my rock." He provided a good pattern for us. Perhaps the answers are not always in the training or learned skills but in worship. Or better yet…….the answer is in worship and in allowing God, our rock, to train our hands, skill our fingers, be our ally, our fortress, our tower of safety, our rescuer and our refuge. No wonder the first words out of his mouth were "PRAISE THE LORD!"

And to think……I almost missed this. Thank you LORD for your Holy Spirit who reveals all truth. PRAISE THE LORD!

Always in Pursuit!

Review for "Has God Spoken? Proof of the Bible's Dviine Inspiration" by Hank Hanegraaff

2011-10-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

Review for “Has God Spoken? Proof of the Bible’s Divine Inspiration” by Hank Hanegraaff, published by Thomas Nelson

It was a great privilege extended to me by the folks at Thomas Nelson, Book Sneeze, to receive this book and to review it.

I should simply start off by emphatically saying that I loved this book. I though Hanegraaff did a great job of presenting the information in an enjoyable manner but also in a well organized method.

Not only did the style of writing and organization of the book make it an interesting read but it is also very teachable. It would work well for a small group; large group; or individual study.

The Bible Answer Man has presented the various proofs by utilizing acrostics. The overall acrostic for the book is the word “M-A-P-S.” The four letters represent the four parts of the book “Manuscripts, Archaeology, Prophetic, and Scripture.” Each of these words has its own acrostic as he systematically presents evidence to show the Bible really is God’s spoken Word and refutes critics for their arguments against the Bible being God’s spoken Word.

One other thing Hanegraaff did that I appreciated was that he provided some of the arguments from modern day skeptics. The list of these modern day skeptics includes popular author Richard Dawkins; and Bart Ehrman, distinguished professor of religious studies at the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hanegraaff writes that Ehrman appears to be “peculiarly proud of causing the faith of many of his students to waver.”

As this book takes you through a variety of proofs….all working together…..you will not only find your own faith being strengthened but you will also find that you will be able to help those who are asking questions and faltering in their own faith.

This is the first book written by Hank Hanegraaff that I’ve read. He has written many. This book, “Has God Spoken?” is the final book in a trilogy written by Hanegraaff. The first two books were: “The Farce of Evolution” and “Resurrection.” I think after reading this book, I would most certainly enjoy and benefit from reading the first two books of this trilogy.

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who has questions or to anyone who simply wants to know more. You won't be disappointed!

PLOACH

2011-10-20T09:26:00.001-07:00

PLOACH

What an interesting word. Actually it was a nickname for a professional baseball player towards the end of his career.
Robin Ventura….recently named Manager of the Chicago White Sox baseball team is the owner of that nickname. It’s a combination of two words……player and coach.
He received this nickname at the end of his 15 year career in professional baseball. During his career he played first and third base for four major league teams, the White Sox, Mets, Yankees and the Dodgers.
It was during his time with the Dodgers that he earned the nickname “PLOACH.” It was given to him by his teammates. They realized that as a veteran player…..he was 37 years old by this time……that not only was he contributing on the field but he was contributing on the bench by helping the younger players develop their skills, attitudes, habits and life skills away from the field. He wasn’t a coach….yet…..but he more than a player. He was PLOACH!
So what does this have to do with us? A lot.
In 2 Timothy 2 Paul gives three metaphors for the Christian Life. One of these metaphors is that of an athlete. (The other two were a soldier and a farmer)
I realize that Paul was probably focusing on the idea of being in continual training, staying focused and disciplined so that when the race was run, the athlete would receive the Victor’s Crown. But I also wonder if Paul had something more in mind…….such as PLOACH.
I’m sure some of the “older” athletes helped the younger athletes. Perhaps even encouraged them; challenging them to go beyond what they had ever done before. And helped them realize the importance of always being in training and always to be willing to do whatever it took to win.
I’m sure some of the older athletes were jealous; some perhaps even would try and sabotage the careers of the younger ones. Those things happen in baseball in business and even in the Church.
But we need to follow the examples of the right thing to do….such as Paul….he was coaching right up to the end. And athletes like Robin Ventura……PLOACH!
Always In Pursuit!

Do You Really Believe?

2011-07-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

A number of years ago the church I was working with at the time engaged the ministry of "Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames." Our Pastor said he felt God wanted to bring 1,000 people to the altars during this outreach. And when he spoke these words, something inside me said, "Yes!"

The outreach was announced and we began to promote it along with the idea that we would see 1,000 come to the altar. There was a lot of excitement to say the least! It was going to be great!

Little did we know that OVER 1,000 people would literally rush to the altars for prayer during this outreach.

The stories that came to us in the weeks that followed were amazing. We heard stories of deacons, treasurers, Sunday school teachers and other leaders within the Christian community who had come forward for prayer and to confess sin that had been part of their lives. It was a great awakening for our community. Many churches benefited from this time of outreach. But it almost didn't happen and here's why.

Two or three weeks prior to the outreach, after we had started announcing that we were believing for 1,000 people to come forward, I was awakened in the night and God began to speak to me. (Not in an audible voice but in that place that you know you know......you know, your knower.)

What God had to say changed my life. He said, "You really don't believe that 1,000 people are coming forward." Being a great man of God....I argued. "Yes I do believe that!" "We've announced it; started recruiting volunteers; put training together.....on and on. What do you mean I don't believe?"

The next thing communicated to me was, "Do you have enough materials to give to the altar workers and to those who come forward? And are you prepared for a larger than ever New Believer's class?"

So, when I got to the office after a few more sleepless hours I requested an inventory to be taken of these supplies. We didn't even have enough pens for our altar workers to use not to mention copies of the booklets, Gospels, forms, invites to the class.....etc. You get the picture. Our actions had not matched our words. We said we believed...........but we weren't prepared.

Later that morning we put an order in.....soon our inventories added up to MORE than 1,000 of each needed supply. In addition, we had to create a new storage space! Had to set up a new system to track what we used each night and how we processed the forms for follow-up, etc. It took some work on our part but finally our actions matched our words.

Our church grew; other churches grew; lives were changed and lives were challenged. But I have to admit, there are times when I think back to this great event and I shudder about what might have happened....or better yet, what might not have happened if God hadn't confronted me about my unbelief.

Faith is more than just saying the right things. Faith is putting action behind our words so that what we say matches what we do. And when we really believe....we'll make sure that we have everything in place, to the best of our abilities for God to do what He has promised.

There are a lot of applications that could be used here but perhaps none more important than these questions, "What is it that God has promised you but you aren't prepared for Him to do it?" "What do you need to do differently in order to be prepared?"

Do you really believe? Better get ready then.....this might have been what James was talking about when he said that faith without deeds........is dead. I want my faith to be alive! How about you?

Give it some thought.......I am......

Always in Pursuit!

How To Live in Moderation....Most of the time.......

2011-07-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

My original intent was to make this part of the Thursday Night Bible Study on Facebook but after giving it some further, thought, I felt this belonged on my blog, "In Pursuit." I think the reason will become clear after reading through these thoughts.

Paul specifically tells the women of Ephesus, in 1 Timothy 1, to dress modestly or in moderation. The problem, as I see it, is that the folks in Ephesus were not familiar with the term moderation just as we are not familiar with it. It always seems to be "all or nothing" with no "in-between."

Paul was not telling the women they couldn't dress attractively or be fashionable in their dress. He just was telling them that they didn't have to be like the rich women who were trying to impress folks with all their jewelry, hair fashions or styles of dress.

Too often as Christians, we seem to try and be like the world instead of living our lives in such a manner that the world wants to be like us.

It's obvious we live in a world that does not know what the word moderation means. It's that or they just don't care about what their appearance says about their relationship with Christ.

We battle the lack of moderation multiple areas of life.

On Friday, July 8, television networks, newspapers and the Internet news sites carried the story of obesity in America. There's been a 20% increase in obesity. The state that once was the bottom (the good end) of the obesity chart is now at the top of the chart......the not so good end. This is one of those times when going from last to first is not something to be proud of.

Again, eating is not the only part of our life where moderation is a foreign concept. Alcohol is an area that knows no moderation; even losing weight at times can be done in an "out of control" manner. We just don't understand what Paul said about moderation.

But, in Philippians 4, we have three things listed for us that will assist us to live our lives in moderation.

#1--v6-7--we need to live our lives in a continual state of prayer

#2--v8--we need to make sure that we have godly influences in our lives and that we turn our back on those influences that are not godly

#3--v9--we need to make sure that we do what we know to be right

Doing the right thing is the energy behind God's blessings in our lives. Doing the wrong thing will only open our lives up to the snares of the enemy and the next thing we know we will be doing Satan's bidding instead of being about the things of God.

I hope this short post will cause you to think; pray; and IF there are areas that need to be changed, or brought into moderation, you will be challenged to make those changes so your life will bring honor and glory to God.

By the way.....there is one area where moderation is not suggested.......and that's the way you go after God. Go all out for God! Do whatever it takes to stay saved, stay filled with His Spirit and to keep yourself free from the things that will surely enslave you!

There is moderation in your pursuit of God just as there was and is no moderation in His pursuit of you!

Always in Pursuit!

Review of "Billy Graham in Quotes"

2011-07-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

"Billy Graham in Quotes" was compiled by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN 2011

I am grateful to Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to review this book on m blog. In addition, the review will be posted on the BookSneeze web site and on Amazon.com.

I'm not sure I have ever been able to fully grasp the magnitude of Billy Graham's sphere of influence. When his name is used in a conversation, sermon or article, credibility rises up in the listener/reader's mind. I doubt any other preacher, author or Christian personality over the years has garnered the respect that Dr. Billy Graham has. It might be possible in some circles, that the name "Billy Graham" would carry more influence that the name of God. (I by no means mean to compare Dr. Graham with God and I'm pretty sure he would not even like that statement but for those who are not believers, they would not pay much attention to what the Word of God has to say. But if they know Billy Graham.....they would in all probability give some thought to what this man of God has to say.)

What they don't know or realize is that everything Billy Graham has ever preached or written is based upon the Word of God. his confidence in the Word and his love for the Word come through loud and clear in "Billy Graham in Quotes."

This book was compiled by Dr. Graham's son, Franklin and Donna Lee Toney, a long time colleague of both Graham's.

There are 107 different topics. The topics range from Abortion to Young People. Each topic is introduced with a passage from God's Word setting the tone for why Dr. Graham feels the way he does and writes the things he has written.

For example, under the topic of Church you would find the following quote: "In some churches today and on some religious television programs, we see the attempt to make Christianity popular and pleasant. We have taken the cross away and substituted cushions."

Turning to the back of the book, you will find an index for all the quotes. This particular quote came from page 93 of Dr. Graham's book, "Till Armageddon" published by Word, in Waco, TX in 1981.

While I think "Billy Graham in Quotes" is a great book, it is not a book that I would consider bed time reading. But it is a book that would be great to have as a resource when writing or preparing a sermon. With Dr. Graham's credibility a quote from his writings would also be appropriate for political or other speeches delivered within the context of your community.

I would highly recommend this book to be part of your resource library. Plus, it is also a great book to pick up and spend a few minutes perusing. Knowing Billy Graham's love for the Word of God, you can be sure that everything written in this book and in all the other writings found listed in the index, are based on the truth of God's Word.

Always in Pursuit!

The Barbarians Are Coming!

2011-04-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

This is a review of Erwin Raphael McManus' book, Unleashed Release the Untamed Faith Within.

Special Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book. It was a great experience! I've alsoposted my review on the BookSneeze web site and on www.Amazon.com

The dictionary definition of the word "barbarian" is: 1) A member of a people considered by another nation or group to have a primitive civilization; 2)A fierce, brutal or cruel person; 3) An insensitive, uncultured person; a boor (from The American Heritage College Dictionary).

This a great word to describe the Church. (Hopefully definitions 2 & 3 don't come into play but definition 1 certainly describes us. We do play off a different song sheet than the world.....or at least we're supposed to.)

McManus points out that while the Romans thought the Church was barbarian, they eventually tamed the Church. Kind of scary......isn't it?

This book, Unleashed was previously released under the title, "The Barbarian Way.

So what makes us barbaric? McManus answer this question right away. He simply says, "Whenever you choose to live a life of faith, even when it takes you in a world of uncertainty, you have made the barbaric choice." Stepping out in faith is barbaric; living by faith is barbaric.

The author points out that sometimes being barbaric leads into places of danger. It might mean a disruption of life as we know it. It might mean an introduction to eternal life.

There's a great section on John the Baptist and how his barbaric way of life led to a prison. This led to some doubt and a question of whether or not Jesus really was the Messiah. But being a barbarian is not a promise of living happily ever after. John and many others in Scripture, just read through Hebrews 11, discovered that living a life of faith was frought with danger and unpleasant....at least temporarily so....circumstances.

I was highly impacted by the quote, "It's hard to imagine that Jesus would endure the agony of the cross just to keep us in line." Too many folks today think that living their life for God means that they tow the line. Some even think their role in the Church to help keep everyone else in line.

Most of us have been tamed by the idea that if we "build it" they will come.

I was personally challenged by the following words: "there is within you a raw and untamed faith waiting to be unleashed." After reading that, I began to wonder how much encouragement I have been to those I lead in regards to releasing their raw and untamed faith. Or was I part of what tamed them?

Taming folks is easier than dealing with the mess that comes from being raw and untamed. But we weren't called to live easy lives. McManus points out that barbarians weren't called to be adopters but to be innovators. To lead the way and step out where no one else has dared to go.

You will be delighted with the section he writes about the names for different groups of animals. Just as a tease....there are too many parliaments in the Church and not enough crashes........get the book, you'll understand.

One final thought from the book that really challenged me was: "the civilized build shelters andinvite god to stay with them; barbarians move with God wherever He chooses to go." This kind of reminds me of asking God to bless my plans rather than asking God what His plans might be.

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to you and to those you care about. I will read this book again....and maybe again. It will influence my teaching/preaching and hopefully make me a better.....er more barbaric leader.

A special thanks to Erwin Raphael McManus for being barbaric enough to write this book. May you never be tamed!

Always in Pursuit!

It's kinda been buggin' me.........

2011-04-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read something that jumped off the page at you? It was a great thought or it was a great idea but the more you mulled it over the more you wondered if this great thought may have been put there by the Holy Spirit in order to convict you? Please remember, the Holy Spirit is our friend who guides us away from sin and into all truth! He's not out to try and make us miserable. We do that on our own..........just sayin'.

Don't be afraid of these experiences.....but at times, they can kinda bug ya.

A few days ago I was reading through Erwin McManus' book, "Unleashed."

The thought, that jumped off the page at me was, "Jesus didn't endure the cross just to keep us in line." Or perhaps we could say, "Jesus didn't endure the cross just so we could get by." (my paraphrase)

I've added this thought and some expansion of the thought into my sermon for Easter Sunday.

Jesus endured the cross, won the victory of victories for us so we could live life freely, abundantly and victoriously!

And He endured the cross so we could make a difference in our world and to help a boatload of folks be in right relationship with the Father through Jesus and with the help of the Holy Spirit.

What's buggin' me is that I'm wondering if I'm taking full advantage of the life that Jesus won for me on the cross? Or am I just gettin' by?

I gotta do better..........

How about you?

Always in Pursuit!

It's Not About Us.......

2011-04-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Opening day of baseball season found me on the road but trying to listen intently to various radio stations in order to keep up with the events of the day. On my way home, I was able to listen to KMOX out of St. Louis. They are the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals and they had been on the air with their opening day coverage since 5 AM. It was now sometime between 10:30 and 11 PM. And they were to be on with their opening day coverage til midnight. My beloved Cardinals had lost their game and it seemed the announcers were working hard to find things to talk about. But one of the sports new items that they talked about carried what I think is a great lesson for all of us. Due to the nature of the day, this story kind of flew under the radar but I think it was huge. In St. Louis there is a professional hockey team called the St. Louis Blues. They've been around for a long time. Since I'm not much of a hockey fan, I can't tell you how they've done. The news for that day was that management of the team had handed down a two-day suspension to one of their young, up-coming stars. It seems he had missed a team practice for no apparent reason. Maybe he just didn't feel like being there....I don't remember any reasons be talked about. One of the on-air personalities made a comment that really has stuck with me. He said, "This young man needs to learn that no one player is more important than the team." It's all about the team. The young man later apologized and made amends to his team and to the fans of the team. He even donated his earnings from the two days he was suspended to a local charity. Seemingly, he has learned his lesson, only time will tell. I've been thinking about this sports news quit a bit over the past few weeks. I think it's a great lesson for us in the church. It's not about us. It's about Him! It's about the Church, the body of Christ and what's best for the team. Recently I've been teaching from the New Testament book of James and spent some time talking about the identity of the author. Most scholars believe James was the younger, half-brother of Jesus. We don't know when he came to faith but he did. After Jesus' ascension to heaven, James joined the folks in the Upper Room and soon after that it appears he became one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. It appears that James presided over the first Church Council in Acts 15. And Paul refers to him as one of the "pillars of the Church" in the New Testament book of Galatians. I've been caught up in the opening words of James' letter. He identifies himself as "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." He could have said, "James the brother of Jesus, the Messiah" or he could have said, "James, the head of the Church in Jerusalem." But he didn't. He identified himself as a servant. He knew none of this was about him. It was about Christ. It was about the Church. He was a servant of both! He was a tool being used to build the team.....the Church. The Psalmist wrote in 115:1, "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." And when Jesus taught his followers to pray in Matthew 6, it was, "your kingdom come"....not my kingdom; and it was "your will be done" not my will be done. Paul wrote in Colossians 1 that Christ was the head of the Church. The only head. It's not a two headed or multi-headed monster. But sometimes it doesn't seem to appear that way, does it? It's not easy putting others first or putting the best interests of the team.....the Church before our own. But it's what servants do. It's what we are called to do. And when we do the right thing, it's always right for us. If we all work together; serving one another; serving Christ; doing our part in the body of Christ, there will be many goals scored.....even a few hat tricks along the way but they all will be for the glory of God, building His team......the Church! Always in Pursuit!

Review of "Principle of the Path" by Andy Stanley

2011-03-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

"Direction--not intention--determines our destination."

"the end of this story was determined years ago when he chose a path that, from the very beginning had dishonor, disgrace and dismissal as the destination."

"First, we don't get lost on purpose."

"The second thing I've learned about getting lost is that I never know exactly when it happens."

"There's a thing thing about getting lost. The road I'm on always determines where I end up."

There are a few of the many quotes that could be lifted and perhaps should be lifted form this book and kept very close to our thoughts throughout our journey.

At this point in my life, I'm very much aware of the many poor choices that I've made. Each choice put me on a path that already had a destination attached to it. No matter what my intentions were, the path I chose ended up at a pre-determined destination. Perhaps I went about things wrong.

Instead of knowing where I wanted to end up and then working back from that point and establishing a plan of how to get there, I, along with so many others, started out with wonderful intentions, but without a map.....okay....GPS. I knew where I wanted to be, but didn't know how to get there.

Perhaps we are not capable of paying attention to maps when we are young......since we are convinced that we know what we're doing. (Maybe it was because no one could figure out to put the maps back together once we unfolded them......) We also had more resources available to us than any other generation that had come along. BUT, having the right tools doesn't make us a master carpenter or mechanic. Nor does it guarantee we will get started on the right path.

Yes, we need the wisdom of Solomon, but he demonstrated that wisdom wasn't enough. We need folks who can speak into our lives; but since we don't always listen, we need something more. We need to have attitudes that welcome the advice of those who have walked their own paths and learned a few things along the way. Plus we need to learn how to be dependent upon the guidance and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Any one of these things has proven to not be sufficient for most of us. We need all three.

The quotes I cited at the beginning of this review are typical responses to those times when we get "lost." We need one another and we need God.

The take away for me is that I need to be involved in the lives of others as they come along; and I need others to be involved in my life; plus I need the leadership of God's Spirit.

One note regarding those that I need help from....they don't have to be older nor do they have to be smarter. That's an arrogant attitude and reeks of spiritual pride. I just need to make sure they care about me and are willing to ask the hard questions about where I'm going and how I'm getting there.

You need to get this book and read it. Mull it over. Then ask God what it is He would have you learn from these pages and what adjustments you need to make as you walk your own path. You just might be headed to a "dead end" or to a "closed road."

There are lots of lights out there that can confuse us.....lots of distractions. Most of us need help to stay on the right path and end up where God desires us to be.

Special thanks to Nelson Publishing and the Booksneeze.com website for sending this book to me and for the opportunity to review it.

Always in Pursuit!

"The Power of a Whisper. Hearing God. Having the Guts to Respond."

2011-02-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful to the Willow Creek Association for sending this book to me knowing that I would post a review of it on my blog,"In Pursuit" and on the Amazon.com web site.

I've been a fan of Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Church from the beginning. I was a senior in High School, living in the northwest suburbs of Chicago when Bill began knocking on doors in Palatine to announce the start of Willow Creek in the local theater.

I've the read the books; listened to the tapes; watched the videos and DVDs all along the way. I've heard the criticisms and the praises. And I continue to respect this man and his ministry more than ever.

I've heard Hybels speak on the topic of leadership a number of times. It is obvious that he is a devoted student to the topic of leadership and an avid reader of books on the topic. I even have a list of the leadership books that Hybels has read and recommends. He has also surrounded himself with men and women who are renown for their own leadership abilities. But when I read "The Power of a Whisper" I came away knowing that Bill Hybels was a man who relied upon more than leadership principles for his ministry and life.

Very early in his life, Bill learned to hear God's whisper and learned to have the guts to respond. There were times when folks opposed him; were confused by him; but he always stood his ground knowing that he had heard God's voice.

It was refreshing to hear that someone like Bill Hybels continues to rely upon the voice of God to lead them. This doesn't mean there is anything wrong in studying how to be a more effective leader. It is not an "either/or" situation. To be effective, you need both. You need the ability to hear God's whisper and the ability to lead others as you follow God's instructions.

Hybels did one other thing that impressed me. Perhaps it was solely for the purpose of research for this book, but there were other benefits from it.

Bill sent out an e-mail to the people of Willow Creek encouraging them to share with him about times when they too had heard God's whisper. The responses he shares from this exercise will bless you!

What a great encouragement to the people of Willow Creek. And what a great time of teaching to the people of Willow Creek. I'm sure many of them had heard God's whisper but didn't know it was God. Perhaps they didn't think God would speak to them. But with the encouragement of their pastor and some instruction along the way, "the whisper" became more clear; and they became more confident in hearing God's voice. After all, they now a new source of encouragment to respond to God's whisper in their pastor.

I highly recommend this book. It will bless you; it will challenge you; and it will cause you to be more attentive to the voice of God and encourage you to have the guts to respond!

Always in Pursuit!

How to Be a Giant Killer, Part V

2011-01-18T13:45:00.001-08:00

The idea behind this part of the Giant Killer series is "Victim or Victor."

I wonder how many of us would have taken on a victim mentality had we been in David's sandals?

Let's look at the circumstances....his only assignment had been to watch the sheep and to carry supplies to his brothers (who didn't particularly care for him) and to take gifts to the king (who apparently took no notice of him).

For some reason he wasn't allowed to join the army and fight with his brothers. Perhaps he was too young....or perhaps Jesse just couldn't stand the thought of allowing his youngest son to go and fight. So, off to the sheep it was for David.

Up to this point the only battle experience he had had was with a lion and bear and perhaps with a mean old ram from time to time. Nothing there to really prepare him for battle with an experienced war hero from the Philistines.

In addition, he was not very tall and apparently not the best looking in the family. And we would assume that his personality left something to be desired at this point as well.

On top of this, his big brother Eliab thought he was conceited and questioned his integrity. He accused David of doing what he was doing just so he could watch the battle. And I think there was something said about David being wicked......now those kinds of things would give a little brother a complex....I think.

Many of us would have turned away from those circumstances thinking that everybody was against me; no one believed in me; no one likes me; think I'll eat a can of worms......And to be honest, there certainly was evidence that some of this could have been true. But David thought differently about it.

David viewed the lion and bear as preparation for the giant; he knew he was good with his sling; and he knew that God was on his side. He was not going to allow these things to make him a victim. In his heart, he knew he would be victorious because of God.

And while I woudl ben't be surpirsed to learn that deep down inside David wanted to be tall and handsome like his big brother he knew these things wouldn't be any help to him while facing the giant. He needed a heart that was after God's own heart.

That's why he announced that he was coming against the giant in the name of the Lord Almighty. He wasn't coming against the giant in the name of his father; his older brother; Saul or even the armies of Israel. His source was the LORD Almighty. And David knew that the LORD Almighty would make him the victor in spite of the things that could have made him a victim.

It's our choice....victim or victor. I know what I want to choose, how about you?

Always in Pursuit!

How To Be a Giant Killer, Part IV

2011-01-14T14:20:00.001-08:00

I mentioned at the conclusion of "How To Be a Giant Killer Part III" that when I learned more about Giant Killing, I would write about it. Well.....I've learned some additional things about slaying giants and I want to share those things with you. I suspicion that learning how to slay giants (I like the word "slay" better than "kill." It sounds kinder......:) is an on-going process.

Recently while reading Victoria Boyson's book, "Giving Birth to Your Destiny" I discovered some additional insights into slaying giants. Thus, Part IV of that series. Additionally I will have part V ready to post in a day or so.

Vicky's book (which I would recommend to you, it's available from Arrow Publications. This is a ministry Francis Frangipane.) brought up the subject of David and his older brother. Now I've never been a younger brother. But I do have lots of experience as an older brother. I am the oldest of three boys. And while I have my own battles with being first born David was fighting his own battles with being the last born.

According to 1 Samuel 17:13, Eliab was the oldest of Jesse's sons. He was tall and handsome and reminded some of King Saul. At least that was Samuel's first reaction to him when he saw him for the first time as noted in 1 Samuel 16:6.

But when David carried supplies from his father to the front lines of the battle, David's big brother reacted poorly to David's presence. 1 Samuel 17:28 says that when Eliab saw David, he "burned with anger." He also insinuated that David had been irresponsible for leaving the sheep; and call him "conceited" claiming he had a wicked heart.

It's guys like Eliab that give us big brothers a bad name.

Verse 30 of 1 Samuel 17 tells us how David dealt with Eliab. He turned away from Eliab and searched for someone else to talk to. Have you ever had someone that you wanted to "turn away" from? I have. I wish I had paid attention to this portion of Scripture to see how best to handle situations like that. I'm not sure I handled either of these situations well. I didn't fight with them; or aruge with them; I simply internalized their comments and let them eat at me. Sorry for the confession.....it was bad judgment on my part.I should have turned away from them. Since I'm sure there will be more who are like Eliab come along, I will be prepared to do better. Hopefully you will be better prepared too.

My experiences involved two other ministers. After more than 20 years.....it's been more than 30 years now......one co-worker began to chide me about being a pastor's kid and how that made going into ministry so much easier. He also went on to imply that when he came into ministry,he had to work much harder than I did.

Well, I am a PK.....Preacher's Kid. I'm proud of it. Dad pastored churches that were difficult places to be. They were small churches and had been small churches for most of their existence. They were churches with no money. And they were churches that did not want to grow, no matter what he tried to do. I saw his discouragement. I saw his frustration. I saw the disappointments and I lived without many things due to there being no money. (God kept him humble and the church kept him poor.) I don't know that this was a great advantage for me. What was a great advantage though, was the faithfulness of my dad that I saw day in and day out. So, perhaps I did have an advantage from that standpoint.

At another time, a different co-worker decided that since I hadn't experienced the things of this world, as he had, that I probably wouldn't be that effective in ministry. He claimed that I could not related to folks who were coming from worldly backgrounds and lives that had been entrenched in sin. I'm still greatful that I don't know their pain. But I know that God knows their pain and He's the only one who can fix their pain, no matter what I have or haven't experienced.

Back to Eliab.....it would be easy to judge Eliab's heart based on what God said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 17:7. God said that while man looked on the outside, God looked at the heart and it sounds as if God didn't care for Eliab's heart.....or at least his heart wasn't right to become the next king.

Perhaps it's safer to say that Eliab's heart was just different than David's instead of saying it was bad.

That's the conclusion I came to with my co-workers. Their hearts weren't wicked, just different. No one was better; no one had it easier; no one was more effective than the other; we were all just different.

But sometimes when someone like Eliab begins to challenge you, with a different heart, it's just best to turn away and find someone with a heart similar to yours........if you really want to kill the giants.

Always in Pursuit!

Characteristics of Young Davids....continued

2010-12-17T13:13:00.001-08:00

The first characteristic of Young Davids was faithfulness. (If you didn't read the first part of this series, please feel free to do so.)

The second characteristic that needs to be understood is that Young Davids are willing to tackle whatever task is placed in front of them to do.

Disclaimer.....in a way. I should point out that the goal of a Young David is not to get away with the sins King David committed but to be known as a man or woman "after God's own heart." We can't excuse David's behavior. And he didn't try to excuse himself. Just as David did, we have to learn own up to our own sin; confess our sin; repent of our sin; and then move forward into the things God has prepared in advance for us to do. Sin derails us from staying the course, but the forgiveness, mercy and grace of God help us get back to where we need to be.

As a shepherd, David was given the responsibility to find good pasture; water; and safety for his father's flock. We also know that he probably spent time practicing with his sling; playing his harp; and writing poems/songs.

we also know that David's father would also assign him other tasks to do besides watching sheep. For example in 1 Samuel 17:15 we discover that Jesse, David's father, would ask him to go to the battle front to take supplies to his brothers and gifts to the King.

David could have opted out....I think...and said, "No, I'm a shepherd," or "No, I'm a poet/musician and can't get involved in situations such as that." Or he could have said, "I'm the Lord's anointed and can't get involved with low level supplies line duty such as this." But he didn't say those things. He did what was assigned to him to do. And I also find it interesting, he didn't look for someone to delegate the task to. (I've seen some folks who spend more time and energy searching for someone to do the menial tasks than it would have taken for them to simply get it done. But since they were above and beyond doing things like that or because it wasn't their job.........you know people like that too.....don't you? Sure hope we don't ever do that.)

There was also a point when the shepherd, supply clerk and poet was asked to come and play his harp before the king to calm him down. Again, David willingly did so.

I was thinking about this the other day. What if David, after he had been anointed by Samuel to be the second king of Israel, refused to do these things. After all, he was to be the next king. How would it look to have the crown placed on the kings head and it slipped down because he was missing an ear from a battle with a lion or a bear?

I don't know how conscious David was of being the next king, but I do know that he had an attitude of "get it done" or "getter done" long before a cable guy named Larry came along.

Always in Pursuit!

Characteristics of Young David's

2010-12-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

A number of years ago I shared a teaching with students in Master's Commission and in the School of Ministry at First Assembly in Cedar Rapids. I was on staff there from August of 1989 to August of 2009.

The study was called, "Ten Characteristics of Young David's." It encompassed ten character traits from David's life. I believe the Holy Spirit used these ten things and our time together to challenge the young people I was working with at that time. Many of them have gone on to be great shepherds in their own right and serve the Lord as faithful servants. I'm so proud of them!

Since that time I've discovered that "young" is not chronological but is a matter of the heart and attitude within us.

I've met many "young" people that are old. They are relying upon their past; their heritage; their education; and their own abilities instead of learning to trust God. (Please know there is nothing wrong with youth, heritage, education or abilities...but these things just won't cut it in and of themselves. We ALL need the power of God pulsating through our lives on a daily basis.

I know many people in their 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond that are young at heart; desire to God do a new thing; and are more than ready to forget the former things and step into the new things God has for His Church.

I pray that these ten characteristics from David's life will challenge each of us to stay "young in Him." May God help each of us follow the principles and practices of these characteristics and become men and women after God's own heart! May the throne and heart of David live on in the hearts and actions of men and women until the end of time.

The first characteristic of Young David is that he was faithful.

David was the youngest son of Jesse and assigned the task of watching his father's sheep. This he did while his brothers were being looked over by the prophet Samuel to see if they were "anointable" to be the next king (1 Samuel 16). And David was also watching the sheep while his brothers were off fighting the Philistines.

In 1 Samuel 17:12-15, we find that David was relegated to be the supply convoy between his father and his older brothers. All the while David stayed faithful to the task his father gave him to do, even in the face of taunting from his older siblings.

Here's the take away....if David had not been a faithful shepherd and faithful son and brother, he never would have been a faithful King to the people of Israel or the sheep of God's pasture.

It may not have been very challenging, although there was a lion and a bear; and it may not have been very glamorous. And we know that shepherds did not always have the best of reputations among the Jews, but David remained faithful and God took note of his heart.

Another thing about watching the sheep......apparently David put the time to good use. He became proficient with his sling; he learned to play the harp; and he wrote a lot of songs (Psalms) that were used in worship for generations to come, including our generation.

It's amazing what can happen when we stay faithful to the things God gives us to do. Kind of reminds me of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25.

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!"

Always in Pursuit!

How To Be A Giant Killer, Part III

2010-12-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

This will be the final part of the series, "How To Be a Giant Killer." It's probably not all that needs to be said, but it's all I know to say at this point. I'm still learning about giants and how to slay them.

Which brings me to this final point.....the weapons used to slay giants.

Please keep in mind when you find the giant killer in your life to hang around, you aren't supposed to become a clone. They are one of a kind, just as you are one of a kind. God created you to be what He intends for you to be. He does have a plan.....just for you.....just as unique as you are, too.

If you read in 1Samuel 17:38-39 you fill find the part of the story where Saul tries to talk David into wearing his suit of armor. By the way....this suit of armor actually represented compromise on Saul's part since the only ones who had steel or any metal were the Philistines. They kept all the blacksmiths away from the Jews. None of the Jewish shops carried that line of clothing or weapons made of steel. Wood or rocks were more their speciality. Wonder how Saul got his armor?

A little rabbit trail there.

David chose not to wear Saul's armor. It didn't fit him. He couldn't move in it. He was convinced that if he went out trying to do things as Saul would do them, he'd end up dead.....dog meat and/or a full meal deal for the birds of the air, just as Goliath had threatened.

So, David put the armor down and reached for his own weapon of choice, a shepherds sling and a shepherd's bag. Then he picked up five smooth stones and headed out to face the giant.

Have you ever wondered why "five smooth stones?" I suppose smooth stones flew through the air better. And I've always heard the extra stones were for the giants brothers. I guess that might be so since in my experience giants do come in numbers greater than one. But the Scriptures don't tell us why. But let your imagination run with mine for a minute.....how about if David bent down to pick up the first stone, looked up at Goliath and decided to pick up an additional stone in case the first one didn't work. And then in case he needed more than two, he picked up a third one, a fourth and finally a fifth one. He was determined to get this giant. The giant was NOT going to win, and David had a bag full of stones to enure victory.

Sometimes determination to defeat the giant is that greatest weapon we can have......just sayin'.

Now, let's move forward a bit in time and take note of the other giant killers in 2 Samuel 21;15-22. No mention of slings or smooth stones. They weren't shepherds. They were well trained warriors who used spears, swords and other weapons of warfare.

What's the take away? When you find your giant killer to hang around with, hoping the stuff that makes them a giant killer will rub off on you, don't try to copy them. David knew that if he tried to be like Saul, he would be like all those who preceded him in life.......dead.

And if you find a giant killer to hang around that insists you do things the way they did, find another giant killer to hang around with. You weren't 'meant to be like them.

God has uniquely created you to be unique. Don't die a copy.

Always in Pursuit!

How To Be A Giant Killer, Part II

2010-11-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

God has given me several opportunities to spend time with my sons and have some great discussions about following after God and determining God's will for our lives, as a family and as individuals. I find that I spend a great deal of these times talking about being faithful in the small things and doing the things that God places in our path.

We all have dreams and it's really fun to see someone who is living a "dream come true" life. But I'm not sure I know what that is yet.....I relate more to the folks in Hebrews 11 where it says, "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."

I'm not 100% sure but I think what they saw was their master's face and a pleased look on his face because they were being obedient and doing the things He placed in their path even as they pursued what had been promised to them.

In Part I of this three part series, "How To Be A Giant Killer" I referenced David and four of his mighty men. I love those stories and enjoy reading them over and over. I'm encouraged and I'm challenged by these accounts of the mighty exploits of David and his warriors.

But I know before David could face Goliath, there were other obstacles and things he needed to accomplish. As a young shepherd boy, I'm sure he practiced for hours and hours with his sling. I've read stories of the proficiency of shepherds with their slings and some of them could take the wings off flies.....if you know what I mean.

In 1 Samuel 17:34 we read that he had successfully confronted a lion and a bear who were trying to destroy his father's sheep. So, it's a safe assumption that David had prepared for this time with Goliath. After all, Goliath and his fellow Philistines were trying to destroy the sheep of his heavenly Father's pasture.

It's also safe to say that he had confidence in his skills and in His God. David's own words seem to indicate that these times with the sling, lion and bear were times of preparation for Goliath.

My conclusion to this is simple....not only do I need to hang around giant killers but I also need to make sure that I'm faithful with the little things God has placed in my path. Without those things, my faith won't be what it needs to be; nor will my obedience to God and my willingness to do "whatever" be what it needs to be.

I have dreams......and I hang on to them. But not at the cost of doing the things God will place in my path today or tomorrow. In my pursuit of God there will be many opportunities to obey, many small things that will help build me and prepare me for those "dream come true" days.

I don't want to be so focused on my dreams that I miss out on the "something better" that was discovered by all those faithful folks in Hebrews 11.

Stay faithful. don't pay attention to who's watching. Do whatever is put in front of you to do and at some point, you will begin to see something that means even more than what was promised.

I'll post part III of this series next Monday.......hope it encourages you and challenges you to a greater level of obedience.

Always in Pursuit!

How to be a Giant Killer, Part I

2010-11-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Ever since the young shepherd stepped out to face Goliath, I would imagine the phrase "giant killer" has been a way to describe those who have overcome great adversity in their lives. But I've also noticed two other things that surround this event in the Scriptures.

In 2 Samuel, chapter 22:15-21, we find four other giants that are killed in battles between Israel and the Philistines. It is interesting. The giants all had something in common.

The four giants listed in these seven verses all appear to have been related to Goliath, the first giant face by David. I'm particularly intrigued with the unnamed giant that is described as a man who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. I've always wondered if this gave him an advantage in math class?

The giant killers had something in common too. If you read through the names of the four who killed these giants you will find out that they all hung around David.....the original giant killer. They served him; they fought with him; they fought for him; and they were completely devoted to him.

It makes sense doesn't it? If you want to slay giants, hang around someone who knows what they are talking about when it comes to giant slaying. Things rub off. I can remember Dr. Dobson saying about kids, "More is caught than is taught." That's true for all of us in all of life.

Have you ever been around a childish adult? If you spend much time with them, stuff rubs off. Or have you ever been around someone who swears a lot? Spend enough time with them and stuff rubs off. Fortunately, the same thing happens with folks who pray a lot; or folks who know the Word; or folks who have great faith. Stuff begins to rub off after a while. So if you want to be a giant killer, find a giant killer and hang around with them.

Look around you. Who are the giant killers God has placed in your life? Sometimes you have to look a bit harder for giant killers. Very few of them sell books; few of them are on the speaking circuit; they don't have web sites.....okay, or blogs. But they go about their lives doing what God puts in front of them to do, slaying the giants and giving God praise. After all, they know it is only through His name that they can do what they do.

Once you've located them, find a way to attach yourself to them. Ask them to talk to you about how they overcame their giant. It's possible they will be like David, not considering the size of the giant but the size of their God. Maybe that will rub off on you and one day soon you will be added to the list of giant killers.

Always in Pursuit

Review for "Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World" by Dr. David Jeremiah

2010-09-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Recently I completed reading Dr. Jeremiah's book, "Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World" and I really enjoyed it.

I've read other books by Dr. Jeremiah and had some problems getting to the end but something is different about this book. Or maybe something is different about me or the times we are living in. No matter what, I found this book to be very engaging, very relevant and very much like a personal Bible Study.

To be honest, if I made an evaluation based on this book alone, Dr. Jeremiah would now be my favorite Bible teacher. Each chapter is jammed full of Scripture with great application.

As I started to read this book, I did so with pen in hand, Bible open and notebook open to take notes so I could use them at a later time. But to be honest, the book ministered to me so deeply, through Dr. Jeremiah's thoughts and through the Word of God that I just read for my own enjoyment. Seldom does a book bless me like "Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World" did.

As a pastor/teacher, I would certainly recommend this book to other pastors/teachers. I would encourage you to use this book in your own times of teaching and in the Bible studies you lead. I would also encourage the use of this book in your own private study times. You will be blessed as the Scripture comes alive.

There is a study guide, small group curriculum, audio tapes and DVD's of the messages that can be ordered directly from the author.

The book is published by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

This book will be a great asset in your pursuit of God.

Always in Pursuit!

No More "Free Veggies"

2010-08-17T13:20:00.001-07:00

Just about every time I drive away from my house, I drive by a corner house on a large lot. I never got to meet the folks who lived there. But I knew who they were through others. The house was kept up well, with a fresh coat of paint. The lawn was well manicured. But it is a busy corner and often there would be lots of trash tossed onto the lawn. But with each and every day, the owner would come out and "clean up" after those careless drivers.

Towards the rear of the lot was a big garden. I always took note of how well kept the garden was. The rows were straight; it was weeded; well watered during the dry months; and it was ringed by bright yellowish-orange marigolds to keep the rabbits away.

As the produce from the garden would ripen, the owner would place a small table at the curb with a sign that said, "Free Vegetables." And soon, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, green beans and once in awhile a bright red tomato or two would appear early in the morning for drivers to help themselves to. I often wondered if they were the same ones who used his well manicured lawn for a trash bin.

Over the years, I noticed the owner of the garden was a bit more stooped. And then I heard about some health issues that came along. I also noticed the garden became a bit smaller and there seemed to be fewer "Free Veggies" on the table at the curb. I also noticed the trash wasn't picked up quite as often as before nor was the yard as well manicured.

This past spring, the garden was very small......no marigolds....no table at the curb. And then I heard that he had passed away. Several cars were in the driveway that I had never noticed before in my two or three trips of "to and fro" each day.

One day I noticed the compost pile was gone as was the pile of stakes for the beans and tomatoes. And I saw someone on a riding lawn mower driving back and forth over the garden spot. No table, no "Free Veggies" and no more garden.

This morning, nearly a month and a half after his death, I looked at the yard as I was driving by and was astonished at what I saw....or didn't see. Due to the abundance of rain and the regular mowing there was absolutely no evidence of a garden ever being there. Unless you knew that it "used to be there" you no longer would have known that a garden once graced this part of the lot. And a thought struck me.

Soon after this life is over, the evidence of all that we've had will probably fade away just as the evidence of this once large, lush and productive garden on the back side of this lot was no longer in evidence. But I'm sure the folks who benefitted from the "Free Veggies" remember. He was planting a different kind of garden through those deeds. He was using seeds of kindness along with seeds of zucchini and cucumbers.

It's a challenge to me. It's not what I have, but what I plant in the lives of others that is going to make a lasting difference. I think that's a challenge for all of us. God help me and you to plant the right seeds; to keep the trashy things out of our lives; and to set up a defense around our lives to keep the things out that could potentially destroy us; and to share the goodness of God's blessings with others.

Always in Pursuit!

Servanthood

2010-07-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

I've never owned a computer or worked on a computer that would accept the word "servanthood" without underlining, highlighting it in order to let me know that the word was not recognized by the dictionary in the computer. Perhaps I've only had "unsaved" computers, which would explain a lot of things, or perhaps those who claim that all computers are evil are on to something.

I've added the word to the dictionary of every computer I've worked on. It seems that computers, just like me and probably you, have to be taught what servanthood is. It doesn't come naturally. But servanthood is the key to leading; it's the key to winning the lost; it's the key to making disciples; and I really believe it's the key to God's heart.

No one can get away from Christ's example of servanthood in John 13 or his statement recorded in two Gospels, Matthew 20 and Mark 10, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

I've come to the conclusion, from experience and observation, that of all the attributes studied and needed by leaders servanthood is overlooked.

I was directed by Ed Stetzer's facebook status to read Thom Rainer's blog on March 27, 2010. Rainer is the President & CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. He is a prolific author and has had a great influence on my thinking, as has Stetzer.

Rainer was commenting on a book he had read about the automakers of Detroit and the mistakes they made. He made four observations about the heads of these companies. All four were noteworthy but the fourth one caught my attention. He said, "Leaders with hubris expected to be served. The CEO's of the big Three didn't get it."

To be honest, I had to look up the word "hubris." It means pride or presumption. Another definition offered referred to the word as a ancient Greek term used in modern English to indicate overweening pride, haughtiness or arrogance....."

Again, I will admit that I had to look up the word "overweening." Never used it before. Don't think I ever remember seeing it in print before either. But when I "googled" the word, I got the following: presumptuously arrogant or excessive." One entry for the word said, "getting a little uppity and needed to be slapped down." I wondered if the word "overweening" helped us coin the nickname "weenie" for some folks. Just wondering..........stay calm.

The picture of these leaders written about by Thom Rainer couldn't be further from the picture of true leadership painted for us by that great artist, Jesus Christ.

Later the same day I was blessed to spend time with two of my former students from our days of Master's Commission in Cedar Rapids. It was a lot of fun. They had just moved to a new place of ministry and were excitedly telling me about their new adventures.

I asked them what was different between the two places of ministry. Immediately both of them responded with the word "servanthood." The entire staff at the new place were servants. They all came up through the ranks of Master's Commissions or similar ministries as their place of training. Serving was a high priority for them.

When I asked them about the previous place of ministry, their comment was that the entire staff couldn't wait to "climb" high enough so they could be served. What they described about those folks was very similar to what Thom Rainer said in his four statement about the leaders of the Big Three Auto Makers.

Perhaps we need to our model. Instead of the corporate CEO's, perhaps be we need to model the CEO of the Universe.

And then after spending more time thinking about my conversation with former students and reading through Thom Rainer's blog, I wondered if the moral couldn't be summed as, "Don't be a weenie!"

Always in Pursuit!

A Principle from the Lord's Prayer

2010-07-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wrote about the principle of spending half of my preparation time on "self-leadership." I know this has challenged some thinking but to be very honest, I've found that it has been very helpful.

It has helped me grow emotionally as well as spiritually. And if I'm growing in those two arenas, it will help me socially as well. I also believe it has been beneficial to my physical well-being as well.

The second principle that I've been challenged by came out of reading some notes in one of my study Bibles on the Lord's Prayer.

The writer of this particular set of notes pointed out six "points" of the prayer. The first three points focused on the glory of God (Our Father in heaven; Hallowed be your name; and your kingdom come) then the second three focus on our personal needs (Give us today our daily bread; forgive us our debts; and lead us not into temptation).

The take away for me was similar to the principle of self-leadership. Just as half of my preparation time should be to make me better prepared, half of my prayer time should be spent on adoration, praise and worship of God.

Unfortunately, I can remember a lot of prayer times that were centered on me and what I needed. And there is a time and place for those prayers and we are encouraged by God to bring our needs to Him. (Part of that is confessing that He is our provider and we are dependent upon Him.)

As a pastor, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the needs of people and the church. These needs, just as our personal needs, can become overwhelming and all consuming to our prayer times. But the "model of all prayers" tells us that we should be spending half of our prayer time in praise, adoration and worship.

Doing this will make a difference in our lives. We will come out of our prayer times refreshed, encouraged and confident instead of fearful, doubtful and full of worry.

Take a week and give it a try. Be a little bit structured in your prayer times. Make sure you spend at least half of your time in adoration, praise and worship to our Heavenly Father. It will make a difference!

Always in Pursuit!

Self-Leadership

2010-07-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

I've come across a couple of principles over the past few months that have changed some of my habits. (I know I still have some habits that need to be changed but at least I'm making some progess.) I want to write about one of these principles today and hopefully will write about the second one tomorrow.

I am praying as I write this that someone will be helped but I also know it's just a good reminder for me to write these words out and to take my own inventory on how I'm doing with this.

The principle came from an article by Bill Hybels that talked about the idea of "self-leadership." His proposition was that we need to spend about half our time in self-leadership if we are going to be effective in leading others.

This means half our reading (Scriptures and otherwise) and all the activities that we are part of need to be for the purpose of building ourselves up.

I know that sounds pretty selfish and to be honest, when I first read the article, I wasn't sure I was a fan of what was being said. But after some prayer and careful consideration of my own past and those around me, I was pretty much sold on the idea. The challenge as always, is to put it into practice. One thing I have learned over the past few months is that almost everything centers around leadership.

The thinking behind all of this is that if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of anyone else. Most of us have experienced the pain of knowing that we were not able to take care of those we lead because we didn't have the time to get prepared. We have appointments and "to do" lists that seem to take on a life of their own and grow right before our eyes.

The lie that many of us have bought into is that some how, some way, we will find the time to do all that is needed to be done. And in addition, we will take care of ourselves so that we can continue to give to those we lead. But to be honest, I've seen the opposite happen more. Leaders give out and give out until they have nothing more to give thinking they are being noble and self-sacrificing and doing all that God expects of them. I've been there. I know what it is to have absolutely nothing to give to folks. But I also know what it is to be ready and healthy enough to do what is needed.

There will always be needs that we can give ourselves to. But in order for us to have something to give, we need to make sure that we have done all that we need to do in order to keep ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.

Tomorrow I want to write about the second principle discovered and also to marry the two principles together. Hope you will take the time to read those words as well.

Always In Pursuit!

Swindoll's New Testament Insights--Insights on John published by Zondervan

2010-07-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

I've never reviewed a commentary before and found it to be an interesting challenge. Of course it helps that Chuck Swindoll was the author. I've never read anything he has written that was not interesting and helpful.

There is so much usable information packed into this volume that it's not something you would want to be very far from during your preparation times for teaching/preaching. But, I also found it very interesting to just read in order to know God better.

I can hear some, who tend to be very scholarly in their approach, wonder just how scholarly this commentary is. Well, since I don't consider myself to be a "scholar" I don't know that I can address that.

For those who feel it essential for a New Testament commentary to contain linguistic helps, each new section Scripture starts off with a listing of "key terms" and spends a little time describing each of these terms from a linguistic point of view. I found those very helpful and noticed these words more so and gained a better understanding of what was being communicated through these terms.

Perhaps one of the most helpful sections are the "Application" sections of the book. Each "block" of Scripture dealt with in the commentary concludes with an Application section which helps bring all that was said into a proper context and brings a fresh understanding of what John might well have been trying to get across.

I would be less than observant if I did not point out to my friends who believe in the continuation of the gifts, that Swindoll does not. There are a few places where his cessationist point of view comes through but He always recognizes the sovereignty of God as well as His goodness, grace and mercy. For example, he does not deny that God is a healer but doesn't think the gift of healing is in operation.

But he may well have dealt with this area of disagreement in his statements regarding John 17:21-23 where he remarks about Christ's prayer for unity among His followers. In regards to unity he says, "Unity is not unanimity. Unanimity requires absolute agreement on every matter, including matter of conscience and matter of opinion. While we must agree on certain crucial matters of absolute truth, we have the freedom to disagree on many matters without having to forfeit love or acceptance. Thank goodness we don't have to agree on everything, or many of the great advances in Christian ministry would never have occurred."

Chuck Swindoll is my brother in Christ even though I've never met him. He has been a blessing to me and to the entire body of Christ. I have nothing but respect for him, his integrity in ministry and the gifts that are resident within him. As a matter of fact, he is a gift to the body of Christ.

I really enjoyed the book and will look forward to adding additional volumes of this series to my library in the days ahead.

It's not a difficult read and would make a great supplement too add to your daily Bible reading; preaching/teaching preparation and just for your own greater understanding and application of God's Word.

2010-07-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

Review for "The Gathered AND Scattered Church" by Hugh Halter & Matt Smay, published by Zondervan

The Church in the book of Acts models many wonderful traits for us. They modeled being dependent upon the Holy Spirit AND still being committed to the mission of God.

The modeled worship, ministry (service) evangelism, fellowship and discipleship as well. It's interesting to note they never really focused on only one of these five things but they happened simultaneously as the Church in Acts came together and then went out from their times together.

We are told in Acts 2 that they "gathered" for teaching then "scattered" for ministry. The result of this was the Church was "added to daily." Then the Church began to "multiply." And at one point the word "myriad" is used to describe the number of believers. There was a point where the believers of the Church were described as people who were "turning the world upside down."

These things came about because the Church "gathered" then "scattered." Too often in our 21st century churches our focus in on only one of those things. We are very inward (consumerism) wanting what we want, how we want and when we want.....kind of reminds you of a fast food restaurant, doesn't it?

On the other hand, we can become so consumed with ministry outside the church that we neglect worship, fellowship, discipleship and ministry to one another.

Scattering became a natural response of being gathered. "Gathering AND Scattering" became one.

There is a great section in the book on how to lead a church out of consumerism to becoming a church of "salt & light" in a dark and flavorless world.

The authors made the statement, "Consumerism only exists when it is allowed to exist." This statement reminded me of Zig Ziglar's statement many years ago, "You deserve what you tolerate."

A consumer church can be changed; slowly perhaps but it can be changed. And I think this book will be a great tool to help you make those changes, not only in the church but in your own life.

Another outstanding section of the book was the discussion on "sodalic" and "modalic" structures. The best description of these two forms of structure are: modalic centers around the 99 found sheep while sodalic centers around the one lost sheep. We need both. The shepherd can't pick one over the other.

Consumers lose focus on mission but sometimes we can get so focused on mission we neglect the benefits of gathering. It's not one way or the other. Rather it is "AND." The Church is to be "Gathered AND Scattered."

There are many other things about the book that I liked and was challenged by. The section entitled, "Dying Well" was great as was the challenge to help make others feel as if the survival of the ministry is dependent upon their involvement. Church should not be a spectator sport.

I would highly recommend this book to my friends who lead ministries and encourage them to put it in the hands of their leaders, discuss the book, pray about the ideas presented in this book to see how they might apply to you.

Always In Pursuit!

Review of "Exponential" by Dave Ferguson & Jon Ferguson, published by Zondervan

2010-06-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I like about this book that it is difficult to know where to begin. Right from the start the book is a source of encouragement. The first four words of chapter one are, "You can do it." Then throughout the book this message is repeated over and over. There is not the typical rhetoric of why it won't work, only "You can do it."

I like the understanding and application of Scripture throughout the book starting with the example from Acts 1:8. YOU are important to this process and YOU are important to God's program. YOU can do it.

I also liked the emphasis on the fact that God is able to "do more" than we can dream or imagine so let's dream big. Why not dream about reaching an entire city, even the size of Chicago, with the Gospel. God has the same dream and God is more than able, so why not dream along with God and allow Him to lead you. Those kind of dreams really do come true!

I appreciated the idea of using the word "apprentice" as opposed to the word "disciple." I was part of a large church for two decades and the leadership of this church could never agree on what a disciple was. And now our denomination is having these same discussions and they can't agree of a definition of disciple. But we all know what an apprentice is. Thanks to the Ferguson's for this insight.

Over and over the idea of being proactive towards growth, reproducing and developing leaders is presented. Examples are provided as to how these things work in the lives of folks. It was exciting to read how lives were changed and also know that these were not just for Community Christian Church or the Ferguson's.

There are several lists of questions designed to evaluate ministry, future sites and even leaders. I really liked the sections on coaching and in the future will use the questions designed to check a leaders RPM'S. (A leader's RPM'S are based on Luke 2:52 and helps with things Relational, Physical, Mental and Spiritual.)

The discussion of planting a church vs multi site is interesting. it's too bad the church has waited this long to grab hold of these ideas. It's been done right in front of us for decades by McDonald's, Starbucks and a myriad of other businesses in our communities but for some reason the church is slow to catch on. Perhaps it's due to the way we were trained. To do these things takes a different kind of leader.One that is not afraid to take risks, share the glory, or afraid to allow others to step forward and use their gifts to help build the church. And it takes someone who is willing to think and live outside the box. But the more I see, the more I see a thickening line between leaders who are willing to think and live outside the box and those who seem to reinforce the lines of the box so we don't color outside the lines.

I've liked the Ferguson's ever since I read "The Big Idea" and believe that these brothers and the leadership team around them are on to something that needs to be reproduced. I would recommend this book and encourage leaders to read it, share, discuss it and then be prepared to do things outside their box in the days ahead. In addition, be prepared to see others come alongside who have perhaps been waiting for this time to leave their box and start reproducing themselves in the lives of others.

Get the book. Read the book and be ready for God to challenge you to think and live outside your box.

2010-06-16T17:17:00.001-07:00

Book Review for "You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be" by Max Lucado, published by Thomas Nelson

I'm sure I'm a bit unusual but this was the very first book by Max Lucado I've read. No, I don't live in a cave. I just have never gotten around to reading one of his books. I know he's a masterful wordsmith and that is delightfully displayed. I also know he is an anointed man of God and that too comes through loud and clear.

On the front of the copy of the book is a sticker that says, "Perfect Gift for the Graduate." I would most certainly agree with that but those of us who have long since graduated can benefit from this book as well.

My eldest son has just been graduated from High School and this book is one that I will place in his hands to read and discuss. I know it will help him and will serve as a guide in discovering the things God has created him for.

I also think it would be a great book to put in the hands of new believers who are searching for their way in the Kingdom of God. And it would be a great reminder for those who have been around the block a time or two. It's an effective tool to help us remember what God's desires for us are and how we were created to pursue those desires and make them ours.

One thing I loved most about this book was how Max was continually putting across the idea of God creating us with certain desires, passions, likes and dislikes. In all likelihood these are things that help lead you in discovering what God has for you to do throughout your life.

When I was graduated from High School and even from Bible College it was often presented to me that I must spend a great deal of time, prayer, soul searching, sweat and blood trying to discover God's will for my life. It was almost as if it was something that was attained only by the super-spiritual or the highly enlightened and often would be something that you had to learn to like rather than being something that would wake you up before the alarm went off and something that kept the juices flowing "round the clock." No one even thought of suggesting that God's will might be something that I really like or something that I have a "natural bent" for.

This book will be a great tool in discovering God's will for anyone's life, no matter if you just graduated or find yourself attending that fortieth High School reunion. It's not too early nor is it too late.

Max Lucado is an anointed scribe. He is a gift God has given to us and now serves as an instrument designed to prod us on to greater works than ever before, with bigger smiles and a great sense of satisfaction than we've ever known.

I highly recommend this book, "You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be" by Max Lucado.

2010-06-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

Tribute to my friend and former boss, Ron Hembree

I awoke Monday morning to news that Ron Hembree, my boss at First Assembly in Rockford, IL had passed away. It wasn't the way I would choose to start a new week off but it was what life had for us.

Ron was always one of those bigger than life guys and I just never thought there would be a time when he wouldn't be around. But as all of us will, Ron came to that point where God said it was time for him to come home. His race was completed and it was time to be with Jesus.

I remember playing racquetball with Ron. He was a bull on the court. I will have to admit that there were times during those games when I thought I was going to be with Jesus. Fortunately, the golf course proved to be a tamer venue for us. Although playing golf with Ron was likened by some other staff as being similar to the Bataan Death March. Ron always had one speed........and the pedal was always on the floor.

I learned so much from Ron during the short time I got work with him. He was big ball of energy most of the time and had a vision that truly was larger than life itself. But then he believed that God could do anything. You just never knew what was coming from him next but you knew it would be exciting and it would help proclaim the name of God in greater ways than ever. Ron was always on the lookout for new ways to tell the Old Story.

I learned more about the importance of vision and communicating vision from Ron than from anyone I've been around or from anything I've read.

During my time with Ron, he endured great tragedy. His marriage dissolved. I've never felt so sorry for someone and wanted to do something to help them but all we could do was to love him, pray for him and make sure he knew that we were standing with him. None of those things were difficult. As a matter of fact, it was an honor to stand with someone like Ron Hembree. He was a giant of a man, physically and spiritually.

One thing I remember about Ron is that I never heard him preach a bad sermon. Even on the darkest of days he put his trust in God, ask God to help and then preached a great message to the church. One of my cherished possessions is a file drawer full of every sermon Ron preached at First Assembly in Rockford, Illinois. Every once in awhile I get them out and read through one or two. For some reason I've never preached one of his sermons. But it really feels good to just read through the message and listen as I hear Ron's booming voice bring the truth and proclaim it clearly even though I knew he was hurting.

I know Ron's death is a huge loss to his family, friends and co-workers in Pittsburgh. But I also know that the God Ron was so familiar with will bring comfort and will fill the void that has been created.

Rest well my friend. Dance long and hard in the presence of a God who never stopped loving you, never was anything but faithful and who was and is able to do more than even you could imagine.

Review of "27 ToughQuestions Pastors Ask" by Dick Hardy

2010-05-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

I can hear pastors all over the country asking, "Where was this book when I first got started?" The answer is that these things were being learned in the heart and mind of the author as he lived these things, learned some of them the hard way, learned some of them by observation and learned some of them through times of prayer and dialogue with other pastors who learned them the hard way, learned them by observing and learned them through times of prayer and dialogue with other pastors. It's a time honored process and one that brings about great results. Because they are tried and proven. This is not theory but real life.

Fortunately for you and me, God uses this process often and then taps someone on the shoulder and asks for these things to be put in print. One such person who was tapped on the shoulder is Dick Hardy. And not only was Dick willing to obey and did a great job of putting these lessons in print but he's a really nice guy!

This book, "27 Tough Questions Pastors Ask," is a great "how to manual." Not everything will fit everyone but everyone will find something in this book that will assist them in the process of leading a ministry to new levels of effectiveness.

It will also serve as a manual for pastors to use with leadership teams as they process the wide variety of things that need to be done in order to reach the lost with the Good News.

History has proven there are many different ways to do the work of the ministry, but history has also proven all of it can be done better and nothing is intended to remain the same over the span of time.

This book will help you process through areas of ministry that are severely lacking as well as those areas that are doing well but could be doing better. With a book like this, there is no reason to settle for just "getting by" or for mediocrity.

Get the book. Read the book. Share the book and discuss the book. You'll be glad you did!

"Steering Through Chaos" by Scott Wilson

2010-03-18T17:00:00.001-07:00

I can hear voices all over the country saying, "where was this book 10 years ago?" or "where was this when we were building the new building or launching that new ministry?" It's just one of those books you wish you had had at some earlier point in your journey. But since it wasn't available then, one would have to assume that God is going to use this book to prepare you to lead through the chaos that is yet to come. There is a greater harvest coming which will mean we have to change the way we've been doing things and Scott Wilson's book will be a great asset to you to accomplish this task.

Over the years I've also heard a number of people in leadership says, "I wasn't trained to do that" or they back away from what needs to be done and continue doing things the way they are comfortable. Leadership is not comfortable. Wilson's statement early in chapter 1 simply says, "Your church will grow only to the level of your pain threshold" resonates with many of us.

This is a book that I will keep handy in the coming days. It's a great resource. It's a reminder of how to do the things that will pave the way for all the changes that need to be brought about. We are fortunate. We don't have to make the same mistakes. We can read, pray and learn from the unique insights of Scott Wilson. This is a manual for change!

There are great questions at the conclusion of each chapter designed to help clarify the path you are to steer to. These questions would also make a great study for a church staff or church leaders to do together.

The book is peppered with Scriptures, personal experiences (which is an extension of the transparency Scott Wilson has developed and is needed in all leaders as they motor down the path God has prepared.)

I was particularly interested and benefited from, the "modified sigmoid curve" developed by Scott's personal coach, Dr. Sam Chand. It is something that every church and each department of the church would find helpful in creating an atmosphere of continual growth. With this tool alone, plateaus could become obsolete.

At the risk of "plugging" another author, Mark Batterson is often heard to say, "I believe there are ways to do church that haven't been thought of yet." This book, "Steering Through Chaos" will be a tool to help discover those ways of doing church that have yet to be dreamed of and it will be a tool that God will use to get you from where you are to where He wants you to be.

Always in Pursuit!

Book Review of Tithing, Test Me In This by Douglas Leblanc

2010-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

The idea of tithing as a life style or better yet as a stewardship of all that is given to us in life was very refreshing and challenging. The idea of purposely living onless than we make so we can use our resources to support our church, ministries and those in need is veyr biblical and very much a part of what Christ modeled for us while on the earth.

Author Douglas LeBlanc interviewed 13 different people for this book. I loved the variety of backgrounds he chose. It was energizing to hear of how all the disciplines incorporated tithing into their lives simply because it was first of all commanded but even more it represented a faith that said God was their provided and they were dependent upon Him.

Too often tithing a club used by bully's in the pulpit who try guilt and manipulation in order to get people to give. It's usually preached on because the church is in trouble financially or a project needs to be funded. Seldom is tithing explored as a lifestyle or a stewardship of life's resources. It's also an indication that each of us is really part of something bigger than we are and we are called to do what we can with the God given resources.

I would highly recommend this book for those who struggle with the concept of tithing or for those who want to lead their congregation and their families into this experience.

The book is part of The Ancient Practices Series published by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Always in Pursuit!

2010-01-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

Moses Not Jephthah!

I just finished a three part sermon series on "How to Be Good." The first week we found ourselves in final few verses of Romans 8. Then the first part of Romans 8 was home for the second week. The series concluded with a study of Romans 6. Both weeks I talked about Romans 7. Romans 7 is not a prescription for a good day if you read it alone. It's actually pretty depressing and doesn't produce much hope for any of us.

I concluded with the encouragement that being good, even with an "Abba Father" relationship and grace abounding with the Holy Spirit as our Helper, being good was still a choice. Joshua remarked about the importance of choosing "this day" whom you would serve. Jesus referred to taking up the cross "daily." And there is also the admonition that "the steps" of the righteous are ordered by God. (I think I live in the place of having to choose with each step, not just for the day. Can't even think about the week all at once either.)

I wanted to follow up this short series with a two part series on two people who made the choice to "be good" in spite of difficult circumstances. My choices were Jephthah and Moses. I really wanted to point out how God would be faithful when we make the right choices.

On the Friday before I was to preach, God spoke very plainly to me about reversing the order of the messages. That meant preaching on Moses last week and on Jephthah this coming Sunday. I really couldn't see a reason to change since I had spent a lot of time preparing a message on Jephthah and his choices. But the more God and I discussed this, the more I felt I had no choice. I needed to choose to obey. And I prepared a message from Moses' life.

I still don't know why God wanted the change. I suppose there's a chance I might learn why after this coming Sunday, but there's an even greater chance I will never know why. It's not my job to know why. It's just my job to be obedient and trust that God knows best.

In the course of the sermon on Moses, I ran across Moses' question to God about why he should be the one chosen to go to Egypt. I also noticed that God never answered that question. He just continued to encourage Moses to go to Egypt. He had a job for him down there.

Then recently I read the story of Gideon in Judges 6. I noticed Gideon asked God about why all the bad things had happened to Israel. God didn't answer that question either. He just told Gideon to "save Israel."

If you move into the New Testament, particularly Matthew 14, you will notice that Jesus fed the multitude (5,000 men plus their families) with just a few pieces of fish and bread. I find myself relating more to the disciples and the folks who were hungry than to what Jesus was doing.

The disciples were busy trying to figure out how to get the job done. Their conclusion was that Jesus needed to send the folks away. They didn't have enough money nor food to even think about feeding this many people. When they went to explain this to Jesus, He just told them to give him everything they had and then do their job of feeding the people. He never tired to explain their questions or their doubts, He just went about His business and expected them to do the same. (I've always imagined Jesus chuckling the whole time the disciples were out picking up leftovers.)

I don't think it's wrong to ask the "why questions." It's part of who we are and how we are created. But if God chooses not to answer our question, we need to make sure that we don't get stuck in the void of not knowing the answer. Instead we need to choose to continue to do what He tells us to do. It's a choice on our part. A choice to obey. And a choice to believe that He knows what He's doing.

I may never know why I was supposed to preach on Moses last week and Jephthah this week, but I did it and I am resting on the promise that Father really does know best.

Always in Pursuit!

Review of Mark Batterson's book, "Primal"

2009-12-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

Mark Batterson has done it again. No, he didn't drive off with the gas pump still in his car or forget another wedding, but he has written another book that will challenge you to the very core of your being.

Just like "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day" and "Wild Goose Chase," Mark is calling us back to basics or to a "Primal" faith in God.

When I first started reading the book, I felt it was a call back to our "first love." But very quickly I discovered there was more to it than that. Mark was giving us a great picture of what the Great Commandment means for our lives.

When Jesus was asked about the most important or greatest commandment of all, he was quick with the response to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." In a very easy to read writing style, Mark quickly defines what it means to love the Lord your God with your heart, soul, mind and strength.

The explanation and application of what these four elements represent in our lives is life changing. I would dare say most of us have never been challenged to love God with our sense of humor or with our imagination. But those things are part of loving God with our mind.

I've also heard people say that their "heart" tells them one thing but their "head" or their "mind" is telling them something else. It's almost as if they have to detach their heart from their mind when there really shouldn't be a disconnect. If we are truly going to love God with all four of these elements, heart, soul, mind and strength, then all of these need to be working together to bring honor to God.

I tell people frequently that when truth is presented to us, we have to bear responsibility for what we do with it. One day God will ask us what we did with the truth that was illuminated for us. So please be advised that after Primal, you will be responsible for a lot more than you are responsible for at this moment in time.

It's not too late to go out and purchase a copy for yourself and for someone else as a Christmas gift. You will be glad you did and your friend will be glad you did too.

Primal is published by Multnomah Books and should be available in your local Christian Book stores, Amazon, Christian Book Distributors or through your favorite place to purchase books.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

Livin' Ready

The third Sunday of Advent found me preaching about the Wise Men. Several lessons jumped out at me while preparing for the message. For example:

they were the first Gentile believers after the birth of the Messiah. What a great Missions Message and a challenge to those who thought the Messiah was only for the Jews.
they came bringing their best as gifts to the Messiah. They didn't search around at the last minute for an offering, er I mean gift.......they came prepared to worship Him through their gifts. And God was able to use their gifts to finance the trip into Egypt and back.
they had studied the Word. They knew what the prophets had stated about the coming Messiah. And they accepted it as absolute truth.
they were sensitive to the leading of God. Through this they may have saved the life of Joseph & Mary and perhaps others. I wonder how many other lives would be saved if all of us were this sensitive to the Spirit.
they were not content with only knowing about the Messiah but they wanted to be in His presence. Contrast this with the chief priests and teachers of the Law for the Jews. They could not have cared less even though they knew.
finally and perhaps most importantly to me, once they knew about the coming birth of the Messiah, they watched for the star and lived ready so they could follow the star. They stayed packed up and ready to go. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to live our lives in such a way that we are not "entangled" by the things of this life. (Hebrews 12:1)

What great messages wrapped up in the lives of these Wise Men from the East. May these lessons become real to all of us during this time and throughout the rest of our lives.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-12-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Nevertheless

The idea of the Messiah being born to a virgin was something that brought great hope to every Jewish man for centuries. Nevertheless, I wonder if their hope was for the daughter of another to be chosen.

One resource I read during preparation for the second Sunday of Advent (December 6) challenged me to read the words of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary as asking "permission" rather than giving a "command." To be honest, I'd never done that before but as I read through the words with that attitude, I discovered that Mary's willingness was key to everything the angel said. She did have a choice.

Fortunately, she was willing. She was willing to be momma before her time.She was willing to deal with the "looks" and the whispers behind her back. She was willing to deal with the possibilities of being turned out by Joseph and perhaps even being stoned, although I would assume she had more confidence in Joseph and his love for her AND for God than to think he might have her stoned. Nevertheless, it was still a possibility she was willing to deal with.

She was a willing servant to the Lord Most High. And once that was established, the Holy Spirit could "come upon" her and "overshadow her" in order to usher the Messiah to the earth.

I was reminded a bit of the three Hebrew princes in Daniel 3. They were called to live their lives in a "willing" manner as well. They faced a fired up king and furnace. Their words to Nebuchadnezzar stand out: "the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your had, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold."

I think Mary had the same attitude. I'm will to do this no matter what happens. Hoping for the best but nevertheless, I'm the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said.

Made me think a bit.....but that's what Advent is all about, isn't it?

Next week, the Wise Men.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-11-29T17:03:00.001-08:00

Always Be Prepared, But Don't Miss It!

We began our Advent series this morning at Freedom Christian Center. It's perhaps not the normal fare for a Pentecostal church to celebrate Advent, but then again, we really need to focus on preparing a place for Christ at all times. Since the holiday season is normally pretty hectic, I thought we might need a reminder to not lose focus during these four weeks.

We focused this morning on God's preparation for the birth of His Son. He started in Genesis 3:15 by speaking directly to our enemy, Satan, and proclaiming victory over his attacks.

I noted in this first Messianic prophecy that God acknowledged there would be attacks by the enemy and some would be painful and difficult, but ultimately, victory would be ours.

We read from the first 15 verses of Mark's Gospel and noted that Mark drew our attention to the writings of Isaiah and Malachi within the first 3 verses. He reminded us that "It was written." It was the Word of God breathed by the Spirit of God that we would have hope through the advent of the Messiah.

The words of Isaiah and Malachi both spoke of hope and victory, but they also spoke of times that may be difficult with some obstacles that will seem like ruts, crooked roads and perhaps even a mountain or two. But God promised victory because Messiah was coming.

I was also struck by the fact that throughout the Old Testament there were over 320 Messianic prophecies yet so many people missed His coming. I don't want to repeat that same mistake.

Our focus during this season has to be on Christ! It's a busy time with a lot of activities with the potential of diverting our attention away from God.

Our goal this Advent season is to make sure we take the time, perhaps some extra time and not miss out on the hope, joy, peace and love Messiah brings to each and every one of us. And if we could wrap it up with a nice bow, we would place it under your tree!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-11-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

A Primer for Nothing But Praise

I love the word of God. It's alive. We can read through it one day and the Spirit will speak to us about one thing and then read the same words again another day and the Spirit will speak to us on a completely different level.

In Psalm 116, part of the Hallel, and most probably part of the post-supper hymns sung by Christ and His band of followers, we can read the basic principles behind a life of praise. (In my previous blog entry, I detailed four specific examples of how to live a life of nothing but praise, but now we have the principles behind those specifics.)

First of all, it's personal. Note the first words of the Psalm......."I love the Lord." It's not "we" or "they" but it's "I." It's personal.

We don't just praise Him when we are with a group in church. If that's the only time we praise Him, perhaps that is more of a show than anything else. (sorry about that not trying to be mean, just sayin')

Secondly we are to praise God for what he has done. Note verses 2, 3 & 4. In this case the Psalmist is praising God for His grace and mercy in saving him from death. Maybe God hasn't had to save you from death, but what has He done for you? (Maybe he did save you from death and did such a good job of it, you weren't even aware of it)

Thirdly, we praise God for His virtues. Note verses 5 & 6. God is to be praised for His righteousness and for His compassion. The list of God's virtues could go on. Don't stop with these two.

And then finally, because of all of God's virtues, the Psalmist is able to rest in the Lord.

Resting or trusting in God is an act of praise. My friend Josh Singleton wrote on a facebook status a few days ago, (I'm going to paraphrase) "When I'm more consumed with my problems than I am with God's ability to solve them, I need to repent."

All of this is a great challenge in the face of life these days. Nothing seems to be easy, there doesn't seem to be an end to the challenges and they don't get any easier with time. But the model for us is Christ, singing this Psalm in worship to God, just a few minutes away from being arrested and put on trial and crucified. What a great example of how to live a life of nothing but praise.

May it be so for me......and for you!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-11-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

Nothing But Praise

I'm preaching from Psalm 116 tomorrow morning in Davenport. This Psalm is part of the Hallel Psalms. They were written to help the Israelites not forget what God did for them when He led them out of Egypt. These Psalms became part of the celebration of Passover and other Holy Days for the Jews.

The Hallel Psalms start in 113 and conclude with Psalm 118. The first two were sung prior to the Passover meal and then the final four were sung after the meal. Most scholars think the hymns Jesus and his disciples sang after the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26 & Mark 14) were the final four Hallel Psalms.

As I was reading through Psalm 116 the idea of this being sung by Christ just minutes prior to his arrest made it take on a different meaning for me. The Psalm is nothing but praise in the face of the greatest trial known to man.

For the Israelites it was their trek through the Red Sea and the desert. For Christ it was His death via crucifixion. For you and me it might be a disease, a relationship, finances, job, future or even our past. It might just be life itself.

Look at what Jesus sang as he faced death. He sang that he loved the Lord (v1). He kept singing about how no matter what happened, he would be loyal to God (v2) and he would live right, or righteously (v9) and then he sang about his fresh resolve to obey the Lord.

The guards would have had to be on their way while Jesus and the disciples were singing these songs. But it didn't change anything. As a matter of fact, I think it gave Jesus a greater resolve as he brought this offering of praise to the Lord.

What Christ modeled for us can't go unnoticed. No matter what life doles out, may our offerings be nothing but praise.

Always in Pursuit!

Consequences

2009-11-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

In some previous blog entries, I mentioned the importance of doing the simple things in life. In the Gospel of John some folks simply had to sit where Jesus told them to; pour water into vats; and washing his eyes. Naaman simply had to dip seven times in the river to be healed of a disease that had no cure.

In my musings, I've also been reminded of the consequences of not doing the simple things and will use this blog entry and the next one to discuss this.

In Daniel 4, you will find the account of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian King who would not give credit to God. A simple thing to do if you stop and think about it. Even though he had been warned about the consequences of not doing so, he chose to view himself as being the great one instead of giving God the credit for being the Great One.

The consequences were that Neb developed a taste for grass and spent the next seven somethings (maybe days, maybe weeks, maybe years or maybe seven seasons) eating grass on all fours like a member of the bovine family. Unfortunately, he experienced a very moooooooving set of circumstances that could have easily been avoided if only he had done the simple thing.

I've decided that I don't like the taste of grass and with the weather changing the way it is, I don't like the idea of being outside, on all fours, even for seven minutes. So, I guess doing the simple things will be the priority for my family and me. The cattle may be lowing somewhere, but not in our yard, er I mean house!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-10-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

Take a Dive.........

Growing in the things of God is a continual process and a life-long process. Once you stop growing, you're dead. You might still be breathing and taking up space, but if you're not growing you're not living like God designed you to. You are dead. We are designed to grow.

A friend and I were talking the other day about how many folks in the church don't take advantage of the opportunities to really grow in the things of God. Instead, they remain dependent upon others to feed them and they never get past what the writer of Hebrews refers to as the "elementary things."

In Hebrews 5, towards the end, we are encouraged to grow. To do the elementary things in our walk with God so we can move to the other things God has in store for us. The writer of Hebrews says too many of us are still taking milk when we could have steak. (Okay, so he didn't say steak, but he did say meat. Might have been a lamb chop.)

If you continue reading the first couple of verses in chapter 6 (they really should be part of chapter 5) the writer of Hebrews (okay, I believe it's Paul, in case you were wondering) informs his audience to do the elementary things of the faith so they can move on to the meatier or in our terms, the deeper things.

My friend Josh Singleton gave me a great line a few years back. He said, "Deeper is doing." And that's exactly what Paul.....er the writer of Hebrews says at the end of chapter 5 and beginning of 6. Deeper is doing. Do the simple stuff so you can handle the deeper stuff. You can't jump into the deep end of the pool without mastering the shallow end. If you do, you will drown.

Too often we take the path of least resistance. We make a choice for the low road and we don't grow. We can grow as deep in the things of the Lord as we want. Spiritual maturity or being a spiritual giant has already been declared part of God's plan for our life. It's not just for a few, but it's for all who claim the name of Christ.

In the book of Isaiah we find the prophet being led into the waters, first ankle deep, then thigh deep, then deeper and deeper until his feet won't touch and he has to swim. At every point he could have said stop. This is enough. But he didn't. He allowed himself to become completely immersed in the things of God and completely dependent upon God's guidance for his survival.

To be honest, there have been times where I've said stop, or wanted to say stop. Stop the refining process, it's too hot. Stop the pruning process, I was attached to that. But that's not God's plan for my life. The refining and pruning continue. Fortunately, the refiner and the one doing the pruning, loves me and cares very deeply about me.

One of my mentors from my youth had a great saying. He used to say, "I'm up to my ankles in the things of God." But with a twinkle in his eye would also tell us that he dove in head first!

See you on the diving board! The water is great!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-10-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Treed

It wasn't until I was in my late twenties that I heard this term. My pastor and friend, Pastor Mac, mentioned one day that he felt like a "treed rabbit."

Not being a hunter but feeling fairly confident that rabbits couldn't climb trees, I asked what it meant to feel like a "treed rabbit." Patiently this great outdoors man explained to me that it meant the rabbit was cornered either by a hound or a hunter and was about to become rabbit stew. The emphasis was on feeling cornered or in this case, treed.

In Luke 19 we meet a second tax collector, Zacchaeus, who knew what it meant to be treed.

We are told that Jesus was near and was going to pass by. Zacchaeus wanted to see him. But we are also told he was short and couldn't see over the heads of the others who wanted to see Jesus. In his desperation to see Jesus, he looked around and noticed a tree that he could climb. Up he went. Perfect seat. He could see everything below him including Jesus as he passed by. But what Zacchaeus didn't count on was that not only could he see Jesus, but Jesus could see him.

You know the song. Jesus looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, you come down here.....for I'm going to your house today."

Tommy Tenney has a great insight into this event. He says that many years before this event happened, perhaps even before both Zacchaeus and Jesus were born, God knew that Jesus would be passing by this place and that Zacchaeus would need a boost up in order to see him.

So God arranged for the wind to blow a seed form a nearby tree to land in this spot. He then assigned an angel to stand guard over this seedling to make sure no one stepped on it or that an animal didn't eat it or someone didn't chop it down for firewood. This tree was going to be the perch used by Zacchaeus to see Jesus. Maybe it didn't happen this way but maybe it did.

God does things like this for His kids all the time. So the next time you feel "treed," look around, it just might be a God thing!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Simple Stuff

It's not glamorous, doesn't take a boat load of courage or requires a lot of smarts, but the simple stuff God tells us to do more often than not becomes the key for Him to work.

Remember, four of the seven miracles in the Gospel of John happened after some simple instructions were followed. Peter experienced the greatest catch of his career by following simple instructions. And most of the victories in our lives will come through our obedience to the simple things.

I've recently been reminded of the military genius, Naaman, in 2 Kings 5. Some how he joined the ranks of the lepers. As a result he became desperate for a cure and was willing to pay anything, travel anywhere and do whatever was required of him in order to be cured of this disease.

But when he was instructed to do a simple thing, like dip himself seven times in the Jordan River, he balked. Seven dunks in a muddy river was not what he had in mind. It took the words of a simple servant to remind him that if he really wanted to get rid of this disease, he needed to obey.

Just a thought......I'm convinced that it took all seven times for Naaman to get any better. He wasn't 1/7 of the way healed after the first dunk, or almost healed after the sixth dunk. I don't think anything happened until he had obeyed, fully. No substitutes. No shortcuts. Simple obedience.

It wasn't glamorous, wasn't highly intellectual, didn't require great strength or strategies, just obedience.

Doing the simple stuff is so important but often overlooked. Perhaps we need to become like the simple servant, more than we need to become like the great soldier.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-10-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Me and God.....what a great team!

One of my favorite speakers loves to tell the story about the night in March, 1990, that the Chicago Bulls were playing. Superstar Michael Jordan and a rookie on the team scored 70 points. It sounds great until you discover that Jordan scored 69 of those points.

In a post-game interview, the rookie, tongue in cheek, told the reporter that he would always remember this night as being the night he and Michael teamed up to score 70 points.

I've thought about that story often, as I fondly remember my friend. But recently this story took on a new meaning for me. I was reviewing some notes on the Gospel of John and discovered that in four of the seven miracles Jesus did in this Gospel, obedience on the part of someone else was needed.

In the Miracle where the water was turned to wine, the servants had to "do" what Jesus told them to do. Then when Jesus fed the multitude, the disciples needed to "serve" and the folks needed to "sit." Even the blind man had to "go" and "wash" the mud from his eyes before his sight would be restored. And finally, in the miracle of life itself, someone had to obey and "move" the rock, Lazarus had to "hop out" and then someone needed to "remove the grave clothes."

Nothing was too difficult, maybe worth only a point on the score book of miracles, but these actions were necessary to the miracle.

Nothing was outside the realm of what those folks could do. They didn't need special training or inside information. Kind of makes you think that all we need to do in order to see Christ miraculously work is the simple stuff.

I wonder if Moses ever talked about the time he and God parted the waters?

Always in Pursuit!

2009-10-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ya gotta go deeper.......

I mentioned in the last entry that Jesus was challenging Peter, the fisherman to think outside his box. The instructions Jesus gave to Peter were outside the box. It was going to require Peter to do something a little different than he had been doing.

I love to read the verses in Luke 5:1-11. Peter and his crew had been fishing all night, just like they always did. This was their box. And for the most part, doing things this way seemed to be working for them, but not this night. They came up empty handed. But Jesus came along and told them put out a little deeper and then throw their nets in the water.

You know the rest of the story. It was a great catch. All the fish that had gotten away before now had ended up in their nets and they had to call for help to bring the catch in.

When we begin to think outside the box, or as our genius friends reminded us, when we start doing something different, we get results we've never seen before.

This whole event is a great reminder of what happens when we obey the simple commands Jesus gives us to do. Just doing what he says will turn our lives from being disappointing and empty to exciting and overflowing.

My favorite part of the story comes in verses 10 & 11. Jesus tells Peter to not be afraid. Afraid of what? Could it be that Jesus wanted Peter to live outside the box? Could it be that Jesus' plans for Peter's life were beyond anything that a second or third generation fisherman from Galilee could imagine ever being so for him? Probably. But Jesus told him not to be afraid. He was going to change Peter from being a fisherman of fish, to being a fisherman of men.

There would be challenges. There might be some big waves, a few soldiers, an angry mob, and even some Gentiles to encounter. But Jesus said "don't be afraid."

It's a great reminder for me and probably for you. It's going to be different than we think. It's going to be outside our box. But don't be afraid!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-10-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Sheer Genius

"Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is the definition of insanity" said my friend Wayne Howes in a Sunday school class discussion several years ago. I was fascinated with the statement and have hung on to it for a long time.

Several years later, I discovered that it was Albert Einstein who had first said these words. But when Wayne spoke those words, they went straight to my heart and they have been the inspiration for many times of re-evaluating things in my life that I've wanted to be different.

I was also introduced about the same time to the phrase, "thinking outside the box." I believe both the formula for different results and "thinking outside the box" are pretty much saying the same thing.

Here are some conclusions about boxes I have come to in the intervening years:

#1--before you can think outside the box, you have to realize you are in a box

#2--boxes can become caskets if we are not careful

#3--not all boxes are wrong

#4--all boxes have a life span of their own (I think Scripture refers to these times as seasons)

At a recent conference, I was reminded of the Dakota Indian tribal wisdom that said, "If the horse is dead, it might be time to get off."

I was also reminded of the temptation for some of us when we discover that the horse is dead, to yell louder at the horse, work harder at spurring the horse on. And some of us even pray for a resurrection of the horse instead of getting off, taking our saddle and search for a new ride.

I've had folks ask me why they weren't growing in their faith or why their marriage was getting better. It could be that something different needs to be done if they are truly interested in seeing different results. They need a new horse!

Remember the words of the genius, insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting something different to happen. Just maybe we need to do something different today.

This was the experience that the fisherman, turned apostle, Peter, had early one morning. But that's for the next entry......hope to see you there.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-09-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Lion of the Senate Meets the Lion of the Tribe of Judah......

I love history plus I am old enough to be part of the "age of Aquarius" and have vivid memories of Camelot. I remember the assassinations of President John Kennedy and then later of presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy.

I've followed the lives of the Kennedy's through the newspapers and various media just like so many others have. It's a family that not only seems to have more than their "fair share" of wealthy but of tragedy and grief as well.

So it was with great fascination that I watched the many events surrounding the death of Senator Ted Kennedy.

I was intrigued with the long lines at his viewing at the Kennedy Presidential Library. The spontaneous interviews with "men on the street" describing their feelings towards the late Senator was interesting as were the remarks of the speakers at the Memorial Service and Funeral.

It was obvious that at some point there was a major "turn around" in his life. Many times over I listened how he would be present for important events in the lives of his many nephews or nieces. "Uncle Teddy" was always there for them with a word of encouragement or a word of advice to help them along in their lives.

After listening to all the testimonials you came away with the feeling that this was a very good man, not without faults, but someone who was genuinely trying to do what was right and perhaps trying to make up for his shortcomings, especially later on in his life.

The reminder for me though was that it takes more than being a good uncle, husband, pastor or senator. It takes being right with God, asking Him to come into our life, cleanse us of our sin (not just our shortcomings) and lift us out of the "miry clay" and put our feet on the solid rock, Jesus Christ.

May we never stray from the truth in Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

I hope the meeting went well........

Always in Pursuit!

2009-09-21T13:22:00.001-07:00

A Matter of Perspective……

One of the good habits I’ve started during this time of transition is to walk for an hour or two each afternoon. I realize it doesn’t sound like much but for someone who has been pretty sedentary for several years and overweight, it’s a big step. After about five or six weeks of walking three to four miles per day, I can finally tell a difference in how I feel.One park I walk in has a path that is “0.8” miles. Each tenth of a mile is marked in big yellow numbers on the right side of the path starting at “0.0.” But I never found the “0.1” marker. It appeared to me that the path was marked “0.0” then jumped to “0.2.” As I walked, I felt I knew where the “0.1” marker should be but when I walked by, I never saw it. One day though, I got this wild hair of an idea. Instead of walking the path so the numbers ascended, I decided to go the opposite way, starting at “0.8.” (Pretty wild life I lead these days, isn’t it?)So here I am, walking on a side of the path that I never walked on. I usually try to stick to the right side of the path so I don’t get in the way of the joggers and bike riders. Wouldn’t you know it? Right where I thought it should be was the “0.1” marker but it was on the opposite side of the path. I never saw it until I decided to change direction and consequently, my perspective of the path. Now I see it no matter which direction I’m walking. It’s there and always was. It never changed, but I needed to change, in order to see it.Immediately after that happened, I began to wonder how many things I’ve missed in life because of my perspective. How many things from friends or family or worse yet, from God, had I missed because I was going about life the same way I’ve always done. I wonder what I would have heard or seen if my perspective had changed a bit.Lord, help me not to become so controlled by my habits that I miss out on the things you have for me!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-08-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

When Things Don't Go as Planned.......

When the decision to leave First Assembly was made, I knew we had started on a path that we had never walked before as a family. However, I never dreamed that seven months after the decision had been made we would still be in a place of not knowing what the next step for us would be.

On the flip side, I didn't expect red carpets across the country to be rolled out for us. I knew it would be a process and I knew that it might not happen as quickly as I would want it to. But to be honest, it's gone way past the time frame I thought it would take.

We've looked in the mirror, prayed, reviewed our resume, adjusted the resume, talked with friends and checked web sites for open churches only to come up with no answers.

I've gone through the emotions of frustration, disappointment, anger, embarrassment and perhaps a few others as well. And some days, I've experienced these emotions numerous times throughout the day.

I've felt guilty for these feelings and thoughts but then I think about some of David's laments and lay them at God's feet, asking Him to take those feelings and give me a heart of flesh towards Him and His Spirit.

I've learned a few things over the past few weeks since we resigned from the church in Cedar Rapids. Here are some of the lessons:

Just because the first step was easy, doesn't mean the second one will be
Our timing and God's timing are seldom ever the same
God provides in ways that you never thought about before
There are times when God doesn't feel near
Our emotions can often run wild
You can't allow the actions or lack of action by others affect you
You have to keep your eyes on God, it's about Him, not me
While a little introspection is a good thing, too much of it can be destructive
You can't allow other people's dysfunctions affect you or become yours
God has given me a great family that love me and support me in all things
Any feeling I have that is not godly is not something to be entertained
There will be more lessons to be learned

I've also been made aware of others who are going through similar things in their own lives. I pray for them often because I know what a roller coaster all of this can be.

We've never looked back to second guess ourselves. What we did was right, perhaps even overdue. Now it is up to God for what's next.

Our family stays united and committed to the things of God and in spite of all the things happening (or not happening) around us, we look forward to God's plan blossoming in our lives as we continue to trust Him and walk with Him step by step.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-08-29T12:45:00.001-07:00

2009-06-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

I’ve recently read a very interesting book called, “Fixing Abraham” by Chris Tiegreen (published by Tyndale Publishing). The book deals with the way God worked in the lives of many biblical characters and how we’ve cleaned up the way God worked to make it a little more acceptable and “in our image.” If you really stop to think about it, some of the ways, if not most, God’s worked were really out there from a cultural point of view.

The book made me think about how God just might be working through some folks today. Many times I find myself shaking my head at them, but perhaps I simply need to keep my thoughts to myself. It just might be God doing something that doesn’t fit my way of thinking or my preferences.

I wonder how many of us would have accepted Isaiah as a prophet? Or how many of us would have looked at Paul as being an apostle? And how many of us would have considered that a pregnant teenage girl was really being used of God to bring His one and only Son to redeem us? And she was still a virgin!

Mary and the virgin birth of Christ………it wasn’t nice and neat; it wasn’t orderly, not to mention it wasn’t acceptable. But Mary leads the way in showing us how to respond to the “strange” workings of God. After the angel told her what God was up to, her response was, "I am the Lord's servant; May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38 NIV)

For Mary, trusting in God was wrapped up in that one statement……”May it be to me as you have said.” And then she responded by simply “pondering” all these things. She didn’t jump to a conclusion or jump to judgment. I don’t know if she had figured it out at the cross. She may not have figured it out until she met Jesus again in heaven at the end of her existence on the earth.

Sometimes it takes us awhile to recognize that the things going on around us are really the work of God in our lives to bring about His plan for the ages. I’m prone to quick judgments; expressing opinions; and trying to make everything right, according to my understanding of what decent and orderly are about. I’ve come to the conclusion that it is not whether God is working or not, the question is more about my acceptance of what He is doing and HOW He is doing it.

In the Church today, around the world, there is a lot going on. Some of it I like, and some of it simply isn’t my cup of tea. But I’m working on being quiet about the things that are not my cup of tea. It just might be God using someone who is different than me and it might be God doing something that doesn’t fit my cultural view or even my theology. (Which means my theology needs to change!)

When that happens, I just need to back up, remember that I’m His servant and whatever the Master desires to happen, is okay and how He desires it to happen is okay as well.

Excuse me now while I take some time to sit and ponder.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-05-27T11:50:00.003-07:00

I learned a new word yesterday as I was studying from 2 Peter 3. In this chapter, Peter is warning his readers not to start believing that God’s promises were not true just because they hadn’t come about as of yet. Obviously this was in direct reference to “The Day of the Lord.” Since that time, many have joined the ranks of those who doubt and believe that “The Day of the Lord” came about with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD and from that point on, everything has just moved along routinely without the threat of God’s judgment or the hope of His return. In the study of geology this is called Uniformitarianism. It means that the same processes that have occurred in the past will continue to occur and nothing new will happen.

I know many folks who have this mindset. They are like huge rocks and don’t want to be moved. They don’t like change, they want things to be the same today as it was ten years ago (with a few exceptions like cars, microwaves, big screen TV’s, i-pods, cell phones, etc). But they don’t want their job to change, their house to change, their church to change or the disciplines needed to stay close to God.

Just as God is not the author of confusion, He is not the author of spiritual Uniformitarianism. He is the author of change. When we come to Christ, there should be a huge change. Even if we weren’t drunks, drug addicts, murderers, abusers, etc, there should be a major change in our life when we come to Him! Our desires should change, our thinking should change and who knows what else God wants to change. He wants to renew, restore, and regenerate us!

Another thought I had was that in the Old Testament, the phrase for the Holy Spirit (God) was “The Holy Wind.” In the New Testament, God the Spirit is referred to as “breath.”

Then in John 3:8 we are told that the Spirit of God works much like the wind in nature. We don’t know where it comes from or where it will blow to. It blows wherever it pleases.

Sounds to me like following after God will bring about a lot of change. So, if any two days or any two events (like church on Sunday) are ever the same perhaps we haven’t followed the Wind!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-05-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of a pretty basic lesson earlier today as I was reading the Word. It was really kind of interesting. I was reading from the last few chapters of Exodus, instructions to Moses about how the Tabernacle was to be set up. Not real exciting or what some might consider "heart thumping" reading. It would be safe to say that not too many “revival sermons” were ever preached out of those chapters. But I was reminded that God has an order to the things He has designed for my life. His plan for my life was not randomly put together. There was a design. There were things that needed to come about in my life before all of His plan can be revealed. There are things to come that need the things that have been for this plan to work.

Everything about God has an order. Creation has an order. The Law has order (maybe that’s were got the phrase “Law & Order?” okay, maybe not.) The Tabernacle had an order. Even dismantling and moving the tabernacle had an order. So it only stands to reason that the God who knows my name, the God who prepared works for me to do before the beginning of time, the God who sent His one and only Son to die for me would have an order for my life's plan.

I need to relax and allow His plan to be revealed. I heard Dick Foth say a couple of weeks ago that trust doesn't happen in the daylight, it only happens in the dark.

You and I have a promise that our steps will be ordered as we seek Him with all of our hearts and strive to do the right thing. And we can trust His order for our lives.

Seeing all of the plans God has for His kids is pretty exciting. It’s going to be a great thing in our lives.

Always in Pursuit!

2009-05-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing how much can be said about someone in just a few words. I discovered this to be true about a man named Matthias, the replacement for Judas.

Scripture contains very few words about him. As a matter of fact, the only place he is listed is in Acts 1 where we have the account of the disciples/apostles “electing” a replacement for Judas, the betrayer.

We know nothing of his origins and nothing definite about his death. But what we do know is impacting.

We know that he had been present with Jesus since the time of John’s baptism by water. He had stayed faithful during those three years with Christ and the other disciples. He labored in apparent anonymity for three years. He wasn’t included in the inner circles with Peter, James and John. He wasn’t singled out for any particular tasks that the writers of the Gospels recorded for us. But he was faithfully present, doing what was put before him.

Then came that day in Acts 1. He was selected by the casting of lots. Luck? I don’t think so. Proverbs 16:33 tells us that even though casting of lots is used, it is still God who controls the casting of the lots. So we have to rule out luck. It was God. It was Matthias being faithful in all the things over the previous three years.

I read a great passage this morning from the Living Bible that sums up what happened to Matthias. “If you stay away from sin, you will be like one of those dishes made of purest gold—the very best in the house—so that Christ Himself can use you for His highest purposes.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

Matthias was gold in a refining process for three years. Each of us is in a refining process so that we too can come out as pure gold for His purposes.

Always In Pursuit!

2009-05-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

This is my son...........

A few days ago, our son David wrote an article and put it out on facebook. I read it and was so blessed and challenged by it that I asked him if I could put it on my blog. He agreed to let me do that.

We really didn't edit it. We fixed a couple of words that his spelling teacher would appreciate but it's pretty much the way he wrote it.

I hope it blesses you but I also hope it challenges you. Here we go:

God is still God.
This kept me up last night. I was in bed for almost an hour thinking about those 4 words.
I read my Bible (almost) every day.....when I do I get really inspired and think really deeply about the love and everlasting-ness (not a word, but live with it) of God.
The first words of the Bible might be the most powerful words I have read in my life.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"
Can we really fathom that verse? Everything we see around us...from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean to the African deserts to the lush, green pastures where leprechauns roam....God created ALL of that in ONE breath. I just breathed.....Didn't seem like a big deal....the only thing I dispensed of was my germs or my onion breath.....God, in ONE breath dispensed of all the heavens and the earth. 99.9999999% of which is STILL unknown to all humanity.
What an awesome God.
2009 will and already has brought its challenges. From death, to lost houses, jobs, friends/family. God is STILL God. He was God in Genesis 1:1 and he is still God in 2009.
The same God that sent his Son to die for us worthless human beings is still God in 2009.
The same God that BREATHED fire and power upon the Upper Room attendees in Acts is still God in 2009.
The same God that made a freaking DONKEY talk in the Old Testament is still God in 2009.

So what next....obviously God is still God....we have proved that....the next step involves you and me.
He hasn't changed; we have.
I feel like our worship is watered down to lifting our hands and spending 5 minutes (if that) in the Word of God. Is this really what the God that created the heavens and the earth deserves....He doesn't need our praise....he DESIRES it.....he craves it.
It's like Patricio and chocoloate....he doesn't need it; It will make him bloated and fat. But he CRAVES it. Can't get enough.
It's the same thing with God (without the bloated and fat part....although that would be HILARIOUS) he craves our praise and adoration.

Worshipping is the single greatest action we can take as human beings.
I hear all the time about people putting money into charities that will help with diseases or starving kids in Africa. Those are deemed as the "greatest action." Now, God calls us to give...giving is very important to seeing God's Kingdom established on the earth.
But what is greater than seeing the Name of Jesus high and exalted. THAT, my friends is the single greatest thing you can do as a human being.

Here's the challenge......
I heard a worship leader a few weeks ago challenge his church attendess....he said, "do something in your worship that you've never done before."
I want to echo that but from a slightly different angle.
Go one step further in your adoration to the Father. take one step towards God and he will LEAP at you.
Imagine if we take 1 1/2.......

From Dad: Thanks David for the reminder. May God help us!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-04-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

I lead a Sunday school class each week at our church. The class is referred to as my class but I learned a long time ago, it wasn’t mine. It belongs to God. I do what He wants and allow His Spirit to guide us week after week. I really wish I could simply call it, “God’s class”, but I know that would be misinterpreted.

This past week in our Sunday school class I talked about the brothers, James & John, the sons of Zebedee. They were disciples of Jesus who lived their lives full blast for Him. So much so that Jesus referred to them as Boanerges.

Traditionally this nickname has been translated “Sons of Thunder” and most of us have taught that it was indicative of their tempers when they ask Jesus if He wanted them to call fire out of heaven upon a village that had rejected Him.

It is also possible that this was a phrase used to describe someone who was ambitious, which you can be without being sinful, and perhaps someone who was a bit more aggressive. In other words, it would refer to someone who lived life pretty much at warp speed.

During the course of the session I mentioned how James had been beheaded by Herod in Acts 12. But brother John lived for another 40-50 years. Not fair? Perhaps. Would James have been jealous of John if he had known what was coming his way? Perhaps. I wonder if James had time to become jealous of his brother John?
I experienced a twinge of jealousy a few hours after I had facilitated this lesson. I was going through my Facebook page and noted the remarks of several of my “facebook friends.” Some of these are folks I’ve never met face to face but have read their books, read their blogs, watched them on DVD’s and admire them from a distance. They were kind enough to become my friend. But sometimes I have to admit that a little jealousy creeps in. These friends are the movers and shakers of the evangelical church world. And they travel in circles of other movers and shakers. They are leading great churches, mentoring others to lead great churches, doing interviews, writing books, magazine articles, etc. Even more so, they get to hang out together from time to time at conferences.My momentary feelings of jealousy reminded me of a comment from my earlier lesson about James and John. James was beheaded at the beginning of his career while John lived to be very old, wrote books, pastored great churches, mentored great pastors and church leaders. Of course he miraculously endured and survived a boiling pot of oil and the prison island of Patmos and who knows what else. (By the way, I didn't feel pangs of jealousy about those things.)But the question to answer is, "Whose life made a bigger impact, James or John?" In the Kingdom, they were equal. They both did what they were supposed to do. They loved God and they obeyed and walked the path that God had provided for them.So, when I note that someone is meeting with this group, or being interviewed by these folks, or writing their next book, or flying across the country to speak at a great conference, I should simply rejoice that they are doing what God called them to do while I do what God called me to do. All of us working together, doing our part, will accomplish the plan that God has for mankind. After all, it's His plan, His Kingdom and we are His servants!

Always in Pursuit

2009-04-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

Some Self-help Wisdom?

I don’t see myself as a self-help guru of any sorts but I came across an idea Sunday night as I was reading the book, First Break All the Rules and then thinking about a lesson I had just led about the Apostle Peter.

I read a section, in the book, about the temptation to work on one’s weak points so much to the extent that things that were strengths were neglected and allowed to go by the wayside. The authors insinuated that some folks spend their entire life working on improving weaknesses and because of this they miss out on great opportunities to utilize their strengths.

What does this have to with the Apostle Peter? As with most of us, his weaknesses were glaringly obvious. He was impetuous, as demonstrated by his use of the sword on Malchus’ ear. He was quick to speak when perhaps he should have been listening or even better yet, should have been thinking about what an appropriate response could have been. He was opinionated or perhaps better, bold in his convictions.

His boldness, his ability to speak his mind, his willingness to step out and take a risk were all things that God could use. Did he need some work in other areas? Yes, he did.

He either had a problem with consistency or was fearful of what others thought of him. We know this from the criticism that Paul leveled at him in regards to Peter’s treatment of Gentiles.

So, here’s the thought that crossed my mind. If I focus on how God wants to use my strengths more than I focus on how to turn my weaknesses into strengths, it might just be that through my acts of obedience and success at obeying God, my weakness will either fade away or I will gain enough confidence in God to allow Him to change those things and bring His correction into my life.

The benefit of focusing on how God can use my strengths will not only increase my faith/confidence in Him, but will also help increase my faith/confidence in what I can do with His help. (One reason for believing this is that I personally think Jesus’ “rebuke” of Peter when they were taking a walk on the water was not for a lack of faith in Jesus, but due to a lack of faith in what Peter could do as he stayed focuses on Jesus.)

Too often, with the help of others, my weaknesses become so large that I lose sight of my strengths and the things God has deposited in my life for His purposes.

It was just a thought. I know a weakness is still a weakness. And I know God is more than able to transform our weaknesses. But if we become consumed with our weaknesses, we won’t allow God to use our strengths to bring about His Kingdom.

For despite all the weaknesses Peter had, he was still considered to be one of the pillars of the church, a mentor to Mark, the author of two very important letters of the NT and the subject of many sermons and Bible studies for the past 20 centuries.

Always In Pursuit!

2009-04-21T06:27:00.001-07:00

2009-04-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

At first, it was very upsetting…..but after awhile I saw what was happening. The cover of last week’s Newsweek contained an article titled, “The Decline and Fall of Christian America.” As a matter of fact, the title of this article is featured in bold red letters on a black background and jumps out when you look at it. (I should have known that one of the national magazines would come out at Easter with a story about Jesus or the Church. This time of year, religion sells.)

The article informed readers that over the past two decades, the number of “self-identified Christians” has fallen 10 points. Thewriters interpretation of this data is that Christian America is disappearing and soon will no longer exist.

Between these stats and other reports that get spread around, one might wonder if this isn’t the case but, I don’t think everything is being reported.

I hear that more churches are being closed than opened on a regular basis. I hear of churches struggling with finances; pastors loosing battles with integrity, marriage and morals. There are also reports of apathy, consumerism and a general lack of knowledge of God’s Word and what we believe. But I don’t think the church is close to disappearing. Regrouping, maybe; restructuring, hopefully; but disappearing, not yet.

This past Saturday evening, I watched “Easter with Rick Warren” on Fox News. It was great. It was simply the best Easter message I’ve ever heard. Nothing was watered down. The truth was presented, clearly and distinctly.

Following the broadcast of the church service, Rick Warren was interviewed by Lauren Green, religion correspondent for Fox News. During this interview, Rick mentioned in the past few days that 2000 people went through their “101 Class” which is Saddleback’s introductory class to their church and God. He also said that a few days before Easter, 800 people from that class made professions of faith, joined the church and were baptized in water. It was a five hour water baptismal service.

In addition to what was happening at Saddleback, I noted many pastors on facebook wrote about their Easter services. There were many reports of high attendance but even more importantly there were the reports of folks coming to the altar to receive Christ as their Savior.

Perhaps Christianity won’t have the prominence in the White House it once did or in Congress as it has had in years past. Perhaps the entertainment industry and the News Media really are not catching what is happening, but it really sounds to me as if Christianity is alive and well.

Always in Pursuit!

Righteous in this Generation

2009-04-08T11:05:00.001-07:00

Righteous in this Generation

“I have found you righteous in this generation….” This is what God said to Noah as he invited Noah and his family into the ark.

Noah wasn’t the only one in Scripture to be found “righteous in their generation.” A bit earlier, God must have found Enoch to be righteous in his generation. (Genesis 5:24 tells us that Enoch walked with God and was no more.)

Reading through the history of Israel you will find many others that were considered to be righteous in their generation: Joseph was righteous in his generation; Judah, even though he almost blew it, chose to be righteous in his generation. My favorites were the Hebrew princes taken captive by the Babylonians: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These young men, even though they lived among the Babylonians were found to be righteous in their generation.

I’m sure it wasn’t easy to be righteous in these generations. There wasn’t much encouragement from the culture to be righteous and there were few models of righteousness. Apparently there were no others like Enoch, so God took him; it was only Noah, the Mrs., their sons and wives that were in the ark. Only Lot, his wife, (for awhile until she got a bit too salty,) and their two daughters escaped Sodom & Gomorrah.

If we read the account of the three Hebrew princes and the fiery furnace, it appears that they alone were righteous among the throngs that bowed before the idol. And of all the other leaders of Babylon, it was only Daniel that ended up condemned to be lunch for the lions.

In the state of Iowa, where I’ve lived for nearly 20 years, you can legally gamble via local or national lotteries; you can go to casinos; there are dog tracks; a horse track; and then there is I-80 (sometimes it’s a gamble). Our state has been the leader in abortions for many years, and recently the Supreme Court of Iowa said it was okay for gays/lesbians to marry. The culture of our state is far from righteous but God is still searching for those who will be righteous in their generation. It may lead to our very own furnace and we may feel the breath of some lions. Just keep in mind that God walked in the furnace with the princes and the lions suddenly lost their appetite. Not to mention that Noah and his family didn’t get wet.

May we be found righteous in this generation!

Always in Pursuit!

2009-04-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

Living among the Babylonians

All throughout Scripture, it is apparent that Christ was fully “in the world,” but not “of the world.” He embraced the pain of the world; he recognized the sinfulness of the world; he had great compassion on those victimized by the world; but he never became part of the world.

In Christ there is not even a “hint” of sexual immorality, or impurity, or greed. These are improper for God’s people. These are truths that I have heard all my life and challenges that I have dealt with all of my life. How is it that we can “be in the world” but not “of the world?”

This past weekend I read Fred Stoeker’s latest release, Hero. It’s a wonderful book. One that I will insist my boys read through and one that I will recommend to every father of a teen age son. I love all of Fred’s books, but these last two, Tactics and now Hero have been the best yet, in my opinion.

The picture of the four Hebrew princes: Daniel, Hanahiah, Mishael and Azariah in Daniel 1 is a great portrait to focus on. Most of us are pretty familiar with the story, they were in the process of being “brain washed” into Babylonian society. Their names were changed to names that represented Babylonian gods. And for three years they were educated in Babylonian history, philosophy and literature. But they drew the line on the food they were to consume. They did not want to be defiled by food that was “unclean.”

So, the deal was struck. The Hebrew princes would eat their diet while the others would eat the Babylonian diet for ten days. After ten days, they looked healthier and were better nourished than those who had consumed the Babylonian diet. They were in the Babylonian culture, but not of it.

This was a great testimony of what happens when we honor God with our actions and focus on pleasing him even though we live in a culture that is counter to God.

In the book Hero, you will read the same outcome in the life of Fred’s son and his wife Rose. They were in the world, but not of it. They stayed focused on the things of God in a culture that was counter to those things.

Perhaps this is what the prophet Isaiah had in mind when he wrote: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. {4} Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. {5} He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust." (Isaiah 26:3-5) (NIV)

Always in Pursuit

2009-04-01T15:09:00.001-07:00

More Agape’

In the early ‘80’s, I was serving on a three man church staff near St. Louis. Early one morning I received a call from the senior pastor asking me to go to the local hospital to be with a family that had just called. Their father was dying and they wanted a pastor from our church. Neither of us knew the name of the family. (By the way, he was headed to be with a family from the church whose mom was also dying at another hospital.)

As I walked into the hospital room one of the sons, probably in his late 20’s or early 30’s simply said to me that his father was dying and didn’t know Jesus. I boldly walked to the side of the bed and took the man’s hand. He was in a semi-conscious state so getting a response was difficult work. Long story short, I was able to lead him to the Lord that morning just before things got worse.

For the next three or four hours, doctors and nurses worked on him only to walk away from the bed saying that they done all they could do but he probably only had a few more hours left.

As we stood there, I realized I still didn’t know anything about the family or why they had called our church. No one looked the least bit familiar. So I asked the son why they had called our church. His story still tremendously impacts me nearly 30 years later.

He simply told me that when he, his brother and sister were 9, 10 and 11 years old respectively, a man from our church named “Joe” used to come by every week, pick them up and take them to church. I can’t remember if Joe took them in his car or drove a church bus but Joe was the one responsible for picking these three kids up every week.

The kids eventually quit coming to church and none of them had gone to any church since that time. Their lives had been good, money was okay, health was okay but now as their father was dying, they recognized the fragility of life and their need for God.

His next comment was bigger than life. He said that he knew based on what had happened to them at our church nearly 20 years prior, that there would be someone there to care for them and help them out during this time of their life.

In my last blog entry, I mentioned that the Apostle Paul concluded his defining chapter of “agape” or “love,” by saying that in the end, the only thing that will be left standing is love. This event has served as a bigger than life object lesson to me. Hopefully it will to you.

By the way, I found Joe. He was a deacon in our church and when I asked about these kids, he laughed and told me numerous stories about those three. It seems they were not model kids. They were found hiding in the church, climbing on the light poles, and doing all sorts of mischief. But look what happened because Joe showed them some “agape.”

Always In Pursuit!

2009-03-30T11:14:00.001-07:00

As I was leading a study on “The Love Chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13, I spent time on the words Paul uses to define this love, “agape.” Beginning in verse 4, he proceeds to use several phrases to describe this type of love. Of course the prototype definition is found in John 3:16, where we read that God has so much love (agape) for man that he sent his one and only son to die so that whoever believes may have eternal life. I’m part of the “whoever group” just as you are if you have received Christ as your Savior.

As I was going through the phrases Paul uses to define “agape” in 1 Corinthians 13, I discovered that love never really allows sin in someone else’s sin to stop me from being kind to them, or thinking the best of them, nor should it stop me from wanting the best for them. Agape does not allow me to be suspicious or jealous of them, and it certainly should take away any joy I might experience as they “reap what they deserve.” Agape is selfless.

Agape always wants the best, (of course this is Jesus); agape always celebrates when good things happen to others as well as to me; and agape always hopes for the best no matter what the circumstances may appear to be.

Paul simply ends this admonition to walk in “agape” love by saying that even though God has some pretty cool things waiting for us, such as the spiritual gifts described in the previous chapter, the only thing that will be left standing in the end is love.

As a pastor, I’m often wondering how effective programs and other plans that we hatch are going to be. I should remember that none of those things will make a difference if there is not “agape.”

This Scripture reminded me that it really doesn’t matter if I attend a Seeker Sensitive Church or an Emergent Church or perhaps even a Traditional one. If love is not there, it won’t matter.

Always In Pursuit!

2009-03-23T14:35:00.003-07:00

Dinosaur Brains

About 20 years ago I purchased a book entitled, “Dinosaur Brains.” Written for the business world it challenges readers to do things differently than had have previously done them.

Part of the premise is that the brain of a dinosaur was supposedly about the size of a walnut. (Not sure how anyone knows that for sure since there haven’t been dinosaurs around for a long time to prove or disprove this.) The theory is that a dinosaur’s brain was only developed to the point of coordinating instinctual actions such as eating, fighting or running. Some have contended that a dinosaur’s brain was fully developed at birth. In other words, they never got any smarter than the day they were born. Whatever abilities the dinosaur possessed were there from day one.

Diminutive brain size could be one of the reasons dinosaurs no longer exist. They really could only do what came naturally to them and did not have the ability to make adjustments. They got hungry and ate whatever was in their path. And if they didn’t eat it, they probably stomped it since some of them were about as big as house. They had no logic or reasoning abilities.

I suppose at times I’ve acted a bit like a dinosaur and only done what came natural to me. My behavior seemed right at the time but in the long run, it wasn’t.

I think God gave Solomon some insight into things like this. In two of his proverbs Solomon gave a warning about “dinosaur brains.” He said there was a way that seems right (or a way that comes natural) but it really won’t lead to anything but your death.

I think this may be why Jesus encouraged us to take His yoke upon him. He was inviting us to a different way of thinking and acting. This certainly was the motive behind his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6 & 7. He was giving a new way of thinking or a new way to reason things out. The old way was only leading to extinction. Jesus was offering life.

I don’t think any of us are different than the dinosaurs. If left up to our own instincts, we will self-destruct. But if we give our lives to God and take His yoke upon us, we will find life and life abundantly.

Always in Pursuit

2009-03-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

I had an interesting experience this morning while preparing for my Sunday school lesson on 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter. (I can always hear the television announcer from the popular show, “The Love Boat” when I talk about the love chapter.)

As I was doing some background reading on the chapter, I noted the word used for love in 1 Corinthians 13, “agape” was coined specifically for New Testament writers. This word did not exist in classical Greek. In other words, if you read something written in Greek other than the Scriptures, you wouldn’t find the word “agape.”

In classical Greek there were several words for “love” each denoting brotherly love, emotional love or physical love however none of these words describe the kind of love God exhibited when He sent His one and only son or the love that God desires to see within His family.

So, once again I discovered a time when there just weren’t words to describe God. He is beyond human explanation. I’m reminded of Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” (NIV)

It only makes sense that if he is able to work beyond what we can imagine, we just won’t be able to find the words to describe Him.

There just aren’t words……..

Always in Pursuit

2009-03-09T11:53:00.001-07:00

I recently started reading Chaim Potok’s book, “The Chosen,” because I found the summary and commentary so intriguing.

“The Chosen” is a novel set prior to and near the end of World War II and centers around the tension existing between a father and son. But the tension was not unique to that father and that son. The commentator described it as, “tensions between the two poles of tradition and progress that almost inevitably develop within any culture.”

It actually hurt to read that statement. The idea is nothing new. Our world is full of tensions stemming from “progress.” I guess it hurt because I see this same tension hindering families, businesses and even the church.

Why does progress have to be an enemy? Don’t we have enough to battle against? Every tradition was once a progressive act itself, replacing an earlier form or method.

Tradition isn’t bad. It gets us to where we are and positions us for the future. But tradition can become caustic if we begin to worship it. I’m reminded of the time when God sent snakes to bite the Israelites in the desert (Numbers 21). [God also provided healing in the form of a serpent cast in bronze.] If those bitten by the snakes in the desert would simply look up to the bronze serpent on the pole, they would be healed. This was not only progress for those bitten, but it was prophetic for those searching for the Messiah.

However, by the time Hezekiah became king, hundreds of years later, the Israelites had begun worshipping the bronze serpent on the pole. Out of a heart of obedience, Hezekiah broke it into pieces so they could no longer worship it, as had been their tradition for hundreds of years (2 Kings 18).

I wonder if progress was what God had in mind when he spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said, “forget the former things do not dwell in the past. I’m doing a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

In Pursuit

2009-03-02T07:06:00.001-08:00

One of the great honors bestowed upon pastors is to conduct the funeral of one who is loved and revered within the church. I have such an honor today. My friend David Gray passed from this earth to his new home last week and today we celebrate.

We celebrate with laughter (Dave was quite the cut up from time to time) and we celebrate with tears. Dave was taken from us too soon. He will be missed.

When you know someone for almost 20 years as I have known my friend, you see the good, the bad and the ugly. But when someone is your friend, you only remember the good. The good outweighed the bad and ugly.

Dave was a faithful man. Once he committed to do something, you could consider it done.

Dave was a servant. He was always the first to volunteer if someone needed help. Many benefited from his strength when they moved or from help with a car repair or from a stack of boxes that he was able to procure from his own workplace. (I conjecture the stack of boxes was paid for out of his own pocket more often than not.)

The one thing I will always remember Dave for was the love and care he gave his wife Dixie when she was unable to do so for herself. Dixie passed away 20 months ago. She had suffered from Parkinson’s disease and needed constant care. The tears in Dave’s eyes over her loss weren’t even dry when he became ill himself.

I saw Dave provide this care for her with a smile on his face. His love didn’t come through just in times of health or when times were good but in not so good times and in times of sickness.

It will be an honor to lead this time of celebration for my friend’s life. I know a great reunion took place in heaven. Dave made a beeline for Jesus, maybe to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (the three he sang about so often and so loudly) but then he found Dixie. I think they’re dancin’ and probably will do so for a few thousand years.

Goodbye my friend! See you in the morning!

Always In Pursuit!

2009-02-26T08:19:00.001-08:00

I was challenged last week by one of the Regional Directors of the Assemblies of God World Missions when he read from Proverbs 16:9.

The New International Version says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

As I was reading through my Ryrie Study Bible, I noted a comment about this verse. It said, “Permitting or overruling the acts of man without infringing upon his freedom or interrupting his responsibility is an awesome expression of God's providence.”

I love that passage and I love the explanation that was given. It goes right along with Peter’s encouragement to the church to live holy lives no matter what the government does, even if they are mistreated as slaves, or if they are living with an unbelieving husband. No matter the circumstances, the encouragement was to live holy lives. Don’t react harshly to harsh treatment. Don’t react to unfair treatment with vengeance. Live holy lives. We have all been given the responsibility to live lives that are set apart for the purposes of God.

What a great word of encouragement for the church today, for families today but most of all for me today….and tomorrow and the day after that……..

In Pursuit

2009-02-12T12:07:00.001-08:00

You just never know!

Our world was rocked this past week with the death of an 18 year old high school senior. Our sons were friends with this young man. And it turns out that I stood next to him for an entire half of a basketball game the night prior to his accident.

I’ve reflected back on those few minutes. Both of us stood silently watching the game. I left the stands due to crowding, coughing and very hard bleachers. He came in late and didn’t move any closer than the entry way to the gym. We didn’t speak. Neither of us cheered or said anything at all. We just watched the game. Little did either of us realize that he was just a few hours away from being in heaven.

It’s difficult enough when someone we know has a prolonged sickness and dies. It’s even more difficult when someone our own age dies suddenly. But it’s extremely difficult when someone like this young man dies. He was so young. He was just getting started with life. He had so much to look forward to. But you just never know.

Fortunately, he knew Christ as his Savior. We have a great confidence that he is in heaven today. He’s not looking back, not wishing he could go back and live the rest of his life out and not moaning about anything he might have missed out on here on earth. He is in heaven. He sees Jesus face to face. No more questions. No more fears. No more concerns about what to do with his life. No more worries about fitting in. He is in heaven.

I wonder how many other people I have stood silently beside when perhaps I should have engaged them in conversation. This time I stood beside someone who was prepared. But what about the next one and the one after that. You just never know, do you?

Always In Pursuit!

2009-02-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

A few years ago a very popular television program featured a nerdy character who could cause more chaos in a matter of minutes than most are capable of creating in a lifetime. His famous response to the chaos was always, “Did I do that?”

I really doubt the creators and writers of this television program had this in mind, but First Peter 1:5 challenges us as believers to become catalysts for God’s power through our faith.

Peter wrote about those believers who “through faith are shielded by God’s power….” We find two points of action in Peter’s statement: the faith exercised by the person and the work of God’s power. Notice that they are listed sequentially. It was their faith that brought about God’s power working on their behalf.

Their faith was the catalyst for God’s power. God’s power is resident everywhere, because God is resident everywhere, all the time. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. But his nature prevents him from working in places he is not welcome to work. We could say that God is very much the gentleman.

Just as the faith of the first recipients of Peter’s letter was the catalyst for God’s power, so my faith for today; my faith for difficult economic times; my faith for dire medical diagnosis; my faith for the salvation of loved ones; my faith for God to bring order to chaos will be the catalyst for his power to be exhibited in ways that will bring honor and glory to God.

So, despite whatever chaos life brings, we can exercise our faith and then stand and watch as God’s power brings about his good, pleasing and perfect will for our lives. And we too can say, “Did I do that?”

Always In Pursuit!

2009-02-03T06:53:00.001-08:00

I usually spend Monday afternoons in a coffee shop where I read, write, listen to one of my favorite Bible teachers and spend time reflecting on what God is saying. Recently I stopped and looked at the table I was sitting at and had a good laugh at myself.

On the table, next to a great cup of coffee, were my laptop, I-pod, cell phone, and a memory stick. I took two phone calls on my cell, answered one text message, sent out a text message and down loaded a new pod cast onto my I-pod. And I don’t consider myself to be very high tech.

Just a few years ago, none of that technology was even available let alone found on my table for me to use and that with a certain amount of self-confidence.

I was very quickly reminded what God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 43:19. There he proclaims, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

I realize the context of Isaiah 43 was the restoration of Israel, but I also believe God has given us these tools of technology to use for restoration as well. Just as God was concerned with the restoration of Israel, He is concerned with the restoration of all who remain alienated from Him.

These are not my father’s tools for ministry nor will they be tools of ministry for my sons. But they are tools that God has provided for me, and I intend to use them as tools. They are neither to be worshiped nor feared, but used to help restore hearts to the Father. These devices are part of the “new thing” God is doing among us.

Verse 18 of Isaiah 43 is a good reminder to those of us who feel overwhelmed with all the changes going on. It says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

He didn’t say the former things were wrong, just “former.” But he did say not to dwell on the past.

Being in pursuit of God means that I am always looking ahead for him rather than behind me, other wise it would be a chase and not a pursuit!

Enjoy the new things of the Lord today and tomorrow and every day after that He gives to you!

Always In Pursuit!

2009-01-29T08:52:00.001-08:00

Our Bible study for Wednesday night focused on the letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon. Philemon is a part of the Bible that has often troubled me. I remember thinking at one point that Paul was blackmailing his friend Philemon but I that God would not have allowed a letter in His revelation to mankind that encourages such behavior becomes a “how to” manual for “Christian blackmail.” There had to be more to it than what I was feeling.

There are several messages found in those 25 verses that are important to us. Paul spends a great deal of time in this short, personal letter commending Philemon for his friendship and ministry with the local church; he commended him for opening his home to the church and expressed a great desire to once again return to Philemon and enjoy his company and hospitality. But the big message conveyed in this passage is the idea of living out our faith even when we have the legal right to bahave otherwise. In other words, according to the law, not only was Philemon not obligated to forgive Onesimus, the runaway thief and slave, he had the right to have him punished, up to and including death. But the law that was chiseled on the heart of Philemon took a higher precedence.

As our study was concluding, someone mentioned to me that there is no information telling just how close Paul and Philemon were. We know Paul respected Philemon, personally knew his family, and also treated Philemon as a son (just as he did Timothy, Titus and later Onesimus).

I thought about the relationship between Paul and Philemon quite a bit after the study ended. I came to the conclusion that we all need a “Paul” in our life. We all need someone who can call us to attention, challenge our thinking, and help us make the right decision in difficult times.

I don’t have a “Paul” in my life. Do you? Yes, we have the Holy Spirit and he can work in ways that a “Paul” can’t. But it would be really nice to have someone like Paul speaking into my life, who views me as a “son” and only speaks what the Lord directs him to speak and always has my best interests at heart.

But even more, I want to be a “Paul” to someone else. Perhaps being a “Paul” should become more of a pursuit than finding a Paul.

Anyone lose a slave lately?

In Pursuit!

2009-01-26T11:08:00.001-08:00

If you have been on Facebook for very long, you will discover that you can send a “piece of flair” out to your friends. I don’t know how they came up with that name but a “piece of flair” is a pithy saying intended to bring a smile, comfort or simply to make someone think a bit. One of my favorite “pieces of flair” came from a lady friend. It read, “Inside of me is a skinny girl shouting to come out but I usually shut her up with a piece of chocolate.”

The other day I sent one out that said, “in the end it will all be okay; if it’s not okay now, it’s not the end.”

What a great thought for all those folks searching for things to be hopeful about. And what a challenge for those of us who know the source of hope to live hopeful lives so those watching will ask what makes us so different.

I was reminded this past Sunday in our Sunday school class of the passage of Scripture from 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….” (NIV)

Christians should always be strong towers of hope. Our focus should always be on God and what He has stated in His Word. And we should carry that hope into every arena God leads us to so folks can see the difference our faith makes.

Always In Pursuit

2009-01-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

He Knows My Name—

I have had more than one discussion with folks who feel as though they have been a disappointed God or done something to remove themselves from his sight.

I think all of us are familiar with those feelings. But the truth is that we are never out of his sight and he is never disappointed in us. (We probably do some things he doesn’t particularly like, but he’s never disappointed in us)

One of the newsletters I receive from Christianity Today is called “Church Laughs.” The weekly newsletter contains a cartoon as well as a little “weekly funny.” The “funny” for today was taken from the Christian Reader and was submitted by C. L. Null from Oklahoma City, OK: “My Sunday school class of youngsters had some problems repeating the Lord's Prayer, but they didn't lack in imagination. One child prayed, "Our Father, who art in heaven, how'd you know my name."

I think sometimes we all feel that way. But not only does he know our name, he “delights in us” and “sings over us” (Zephaniah 3:17). Mike Bickle says that each of us are his “favorite.” To grasp such great love is more than we can wrap our brains around yet this is truth and we need to keep telling ourselves the truth.

However God also promised we would endure difficult times. Some caused by others, some caused by our enemy and perhaps some caused by our own actions. But the good news is he has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

So, in our pursuit, we need to always remind ourselves of the truth. God’s not mad at us; He has not turned his back on us; He hasn’t forgotten our name; He’s crazy about us; and He’s got this great song he sings over us!

Isn’t it great to be In Pursuit?

2009-01-12T09:18:00.001-08:00

Knowledge brings responsibility!

I have used this information in my teaching times (on a number of occasions) over the past year and a half. It is based on Nehemiah 1 where Nehemiah receives distressing news of conditions back in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah had a pretty cushy job with the Persian king. He got paid to eat and drink. He was also, in all probability, one of the closest advisors to the king and spent a great deal of his time in his presence. Life was good! But when Nehemiah got the bad report concerning the Holy City Jerusalem, he couldn’t rest and enjoy the good life any longer. He spent four months weeping, praying and fasting over the conditions there.

During this time he repeatedly asked God for directions concerning his personal involvement. Weeping, praying and fasting were not enough for Nehemiah. But through these times, God answered Nehemiah’s prayer and instructed him to go to the king and request the necessary documents and funding to lead a group back to Jerusalem with a God given plan to rebuild the walls and repopulate the city.

In our 9 AM Sunday school class yesterday (January 11, 2009) we spoke about the pain present in the world at the time of Jesus birth. Our Lord came into a world that endured genocide and tyrannical political leaders and the first few years of his life, he lived as a refugee in Egypt. But Jesus didn’t hide or try to keep himself insulated from these issues. He was part of the daily life, living as salt and light to a dark world with the taste of death in its mouth.

I don’t know what God has in store for our world; it really doesn’t look too good right now, but I do know that as a disciple of Christ, I’m not to hide or keep myself insulated from the pain of this world. As Nehemiah did, I need to weep, pray and fast as I seek God’s direction for my life. And then as Nehemiah and Jesus modeled, I need to live as salt and light in a tasteless and dark world.

With God’s help, Nehemiah got the wall rebuilt in 52 days. I wonder what rubble God would have me to dive into over the next few days?

Always In Pursuit!

2009-01-08T09:27:00.001-08:00

2009-01-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

In Galatians 5:25, the Apostle Paul inserts a little phrase that should loom very large in the lives of those who live by the Spirit. The phrase is, “”let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (NIV) He first reminds the Galatians that they have been made alive by the Spirit, but not through their own accomplishments or good works, nor through anything he himself had done. And now that they had been regenerated, it was their responsibility to make sure they stay in step with the Spirit.

Paul must have been trying to convey that the Spirit was not going to stand still; He was not going to regenerate them and then simply leave them alone to stagnate. The Spirit has places for us to go. As well there is a path for us to walk and He, the Spirit, is going to lead us on those paths, but it’s up to us to follow and take the necessary steps.
There’s a great example of this given in the life of Joseph, the husband of Mary. AS you read through the genealogy recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, you will find his name entered as the “husband of Mary” rather than the “father of Jesus.” The fact that Joseph’s name is attached to this account proves his willingness to “stay in step” with the Spirit. We find Joseph taking Mary as his wife despite the appearance of impropriety. He also willingly provided care and protection for Mary and Jesus, both in Egypt and back in Israel following their return. These actions indicate that while Joseph may not have understood everything, in fact nothing may have been even close to way Joseph would have done it; yet he still stayed in step with what God, the Holy Spirit, was doing. The fact that God was doing this was more than enough for Joseph, who is described as a righteous man in Matthew 1:19.

When I was a freshman and sophomore in high school, I played the trumpet and decided to become part of the school’s marching band. I discovered that I could play the music and I could march in step, but for some reason doing both at the same time was beyond my capability. If I close my eyes and work hard at it, I can still hear the band director yelling my name and telling me to get in step. It was not a positive experience for any of us. Being out of step was a miserable. I think Paul knew that too and wanted to encourage the Galatians and us to make sure we are always in step with the Holy Spirit.

It’s part of being In Pursuit.

2009-01-06T11:11:00.003-08:00

On December 31, 2008 I was informed of the sudden death of a long-time friend (from our church) while returning from his granddaughter’s wedding, with his wife, his grandson and his grandson’s fiancé. The SUV they were riding in was hit by a drunken driver and my friend Don was killed instantly. Soon after, I was also informed of the death of long time friend and the first senior pastor I worked with, Larry Mather. He had a huge impact upon my life while I was in college. He taught me a great deal about ministry by allowing me to spread my wings and then guiding me to a safe landing.

These were sobering bits of news, especially because of the day they were received. It was the same day my own father died, 28 years earlier. Dad was 49; Don and Pastor were 77. (If my father had lived, he would have been 77 this year.) None of them were old enough or unhealthy enough to say it was “time.” But it was.

My father lived every day as though it could be his last. I think he could honestly say when he died that he had no regrets, especially for the last five years of his life. They were the best years of his marriage, best years of his ministry and certainly the best years with his sons not to mention the birth of his first grandchild.

My friend Don also lived life to the fullest. He loved his wife, loved his kids and adored his grandkids. He was a pretty good golfer too! I’m pretty confidant he went out with no regrets. Both men are in the presence of God. I know Pastor went out being able to say, “It is finished” and was then met with a resounding, “Well done……….”

The lives of these three men cause me to want to live each day without regrets. I don’t want to take a chance on not telling someone that I love them, or that I appreciate them. And I don’t want to take a chance on not spending time with my wife or my sons. I don’t want to “half do” the work God has called me to do in case I go out as unexpectedly as these three men did. When my life on earth ends, I want to hear, “well done…….” I want to go out, whenever that may be, without any regrets. I want to be able to lay my head on a pillow and know that if I don’t wake up, it will be okay.

What a way to live!

Finishing Well

2008-12-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

A number of things are coming across my desk written around the theme of “finishing well.” I’ve also heard several NFL head coaches and players remark about how they didn’t finish well. They are now heading off to spend a quiet winter instead of the excitement of the play-off games and ultimately Super Bowl XLIII (43). I even spoke on the subject of Finishing Well this past Sunday morning. Whether I finished well or not, I can’t say. All I know is that I finished “on-time.”

As I was reading the end of a book called, “Fusion” I ran across an interesting comment by author Nelson Searcy. He noted the word “commencement” has a double meaning. Strictly defined it means “beginning.” However, when most of us think of “commencement”, we think of graduation ceremony. [In some circles a funeral is referred to as a commencement.] I would assert that in its truest definition, the word commencement means “an ending that leads to a new beginning.” I would also assert that the better the ending, the better the beginning.

In the writings of Ed Cole (Maximized Manhood and many other books) we learn how we “leave” often determines how we “enter.”

There are only a few days of 2008 left. But we can make sure we end this year with thanksgiving and with a determination to trust God’s faithfulness no matter what happens. He is near; he loves me; he hasn’t forgotten me and he is an ever present source of help to me.

Ending 2008 with those words in our hearts and on our lips will help us transition into the New Year and to boldly face the challenge that lay ahead of us. Going out with those words in my heart and on my lips will help going into the New Year and the challenges that lay ahead of us.

It’s great to be In Pursuit! Happy New Year!

2008-12-22T13:23:00.001-08:00

Our oldest son will often respond to a statement of truth by simply saying, “word.” I think I’m too old to use that just as he is too young to say, “right on.” The two responses mean the same thing but are separated by a couple of generations. I was cool when I said, “right on” and he is cool when he says, “word.” (Cool has transcended generations but what constitutes being cool hasn’t.)

In 1975 Bill Gaither wrote a lyric in a song that was both “right on” and “word.” The song was included in Ron Huff’s musical “His Love Reaching” and was sung by Dave Boyer. The lyric is, “and the Word of the Father became Mary’s little Son.”

I don’t remember the first time I heard that song but those words have never left me. They have reminded me that the Word of the Father is reality. The Word is not just something that became reality in ages past but the Word is reality. And every Word is reality. Every promise in the Bible is “yea and amen;” every promise has my name attached to it; and every promise is as real as the Word that became Mary’s little Son.

Mary’s little Son became our Savior. Listen to this reality: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to YOU; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Now that’s “word.”

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Special thanks to the research team of "Marvilous and Marvelous" for their help with the Gaither song!

2008-12-18T07:08:00.000-08:00

I’m still stuck in Galatians 4…… “In the fullness of time…God sent His Son…born of a woman…to redeem those under the law that we might receive the full rights of sons.”

My understanding is that the word used here is “adoption.” And it’s such a powerful word in the Scriptures, so much different than in our culture.

At the time of Paul’s writing, the idea of adoption provided quite a picture. A picture of someone being sold at a slave auction by slave traders. Consider human chattel lining the auction block. And in the course of bidding, someone steps up and trumps all the other bids. But instead of condemning them to a life of servitude, he turns to them and says, “Now, I want to adopt you.” “I want to make you my child and give you all the rights and privileges of being my child.”

In Scripture, “adoption” is a term of love and endearment. It refers to being “found” and indicates that we have been given a place at the table with no exclusions. And according to verse 6 of Galatians 4, there are no boundaries or margins to this relationship.

We have a place at the table and we have an unlimited intimacy with the one who purchased us. We can call him “Abba.” The closest word we have to “Abba” in our English language is the word “daddy.” It’s a term of intimate endearment. It’s an expression of a deep love, respect and awareness of who we are and who He is. Now that ought to make your Christmas merry. But there is more.

We are no longer a slave, we are a son. We are an heir. I listened intently as Pastor Crawford Loritts listed six things we are heirs to in a sermon just a few days ago. We are heirs to the: Promise, Righteousness, the Kingdom and the World. We are Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Jesus. How’s that for some stocking stuffers?

2008-12-15T10:01:00.001-08:00

Our lesson Sunday centered on the restoration of Peter. Peter, you might remember, denied knowing Christ 3 times shortly after he claimed he would die for him and then attacked the servant of the High Priest during Christ’s arrest in the garden. (Not sure if this was an act of bravery or madness.)

It’s interesting to note that one of his denials came on the heels of an accusation brought by a servant girl. She was probably very young and a low level servant or she wouldn’t have been where she was. Peter probably could have just ignored her and no one would have paid attention. But he made a scene and denied knowing Christ.

As we discussed this in class we determined that most of us had denied Christ through our words, thoughts and actions on more than one occasion. And that all of us needed the same restoration and grace that Peter received from Christ.

Despite his denials, however, we find him lovingly restored in John 21. Peter seemed to be a bit “put out” that Christ asked him three times if he loved him. He didn’t really seem to grasp the importance of the repetition or remember that he had denied Christ three times during his trials. (Imagine being “put out” as God is pouring his grace into our lives.) But he did seem to understand Christ’s directive to minister to the “flock” because in 1 Peter 5 we find him only doing so himself but instructing others about “feeding sheep” and leading them. These moments with Christ were not wasted.

I’m reminded of something I heard Rick Warren say in one of his teachings from The Purpose Driven Life. He said God will not waste anything that has happened in your life. He will use the good, bad and the ugly if we allow him to bring his grace and restoration into our lives.

Peter could have chosen to remove himself and allow the guilt to control his life but he didn’t. (Again back to John 21). When he saw Christ on the beach, he jumped out of the boat and ran to Christ (he already done that before, remember?).

What a great lesson for us. Even when we have denied Christ through our thoughts, words or deeds, we need to run TO him and not FROM him. His grace will always be sufficient in those times.

2008-12-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

In our Wednesday night in our study of Galatians we found ourselves back in chapter 4 discussing verses 4-7. In the last posted blog I referred to the phrase, “In the fullness of time…..” and what a beautiful picture this is of the providence of God at work on our behalf.

The next phrase of verse 7 says, “God sent His Son.” The Greek word used here for “sent” is “apostellos” and is often translated as “apostle” or “one who is sent.” “Missionary” is a common interpretation of this word as well. But “apostellos” not only conveys that he was sent, but that he was sent with the credentials to accomplish the task that he was sent to do.

Many of us have been assigned tasks without authority or without the proper resources to get the job done. But God is all sufficient. He sent His Son with all authority and with all the resources needed to accomplish the mission he was sent to do.

Yet he was “born of a woman,” in other words, he was a man just like us.

I like the idea behind this. Yes, being a man just like us makes him aware of the temptations we face. I understand and deeply appreciate being able to go to God and express some deep feelings and know that He is going to understand and also give me the strength and wisdom to say no to my feelings.

Additionally, just as Christ, the Messiah, was sent for a specific purpose, we have also been sent to accomplish a specific task for his purpose and glory.

And just as God gave Christ the credentials to accomplish his task on the earth, the same God is giving me and you the right tools to accomplish our tasks during our time on the earth. He gave us the authority, resources and whatever else is necessary to accomplish His purposes.

2008-12-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he presents an argument to the Galatians designed to encourage them to continue in the faith and not to follow the teaching of the Judaizers. The “walk of faith” leads to righteousness and an eternal relationship with Christ while the teaching of the Judaizers leads to works, curses, legalism and eternal death.

For a time, it appeared it was the Law that brought man to God. However, the Law did not take away sins nor did it make one righteous. (Faith in God brought righteousness) The Law frustrated many simply because they could not keep all points of the Law. (The purpose of the Law was to point out to man his need of a Savior and it was very effective in accomplishing this.)

I’ve been particularly struck with verse 4 of Galatians 4. “In the fullness of time………” In other words, everything that needed to happen in order for the next thing to happen had happened. (Was this a happening time or what?) I can get overwhelmed when I think how God orchestrated history to prepare the world for the Messiah to come and die.

God moved the Babylonians out of the way, as well as the Medes & Persians, Alexander the Great, the Syrians, and the Egyptians. He then moved the Romans in. Along the way, man developed a common language so the Gospel could be preached to all; the Romans built roads throughout the known world so the Gospel could be “taken” to the world; (and the Romans would deal with a “criminal” in the manner that the prophets spoke of hundreds of years prior to the “fullness of time.”)

In the midst of thinking about these words, I’ve also wondered if today, in my life, there could be an “in the fullness of time” event. In other words, I wonder what circumstances God has been orchestrating in my life that could be culminating “in the fullness of time” today.

I don’t want to be like the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders that were so consumed with the past or with what they thought was their future, that they missed the Messiah.

The phrase “in the fullness of time” conveys not only the idea that everything was ready but also a sense of urgency. I pray for that same sense of urgency so that I don’t miss the events that are ready to happen……..”in the fullness of time.”

2008-12-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Over this past weekend I was deeply challenged as I was reading from a book entitled, “Cat & Dog Theology.” The premise of this book is that some have faith much like a cat and some have faith similar to a dog. What’s the difference?

The difference is that a dog says, “You pet me, you feed, you care for me, you must be god” while a cat says, “You pet me, you feed me, you care for my every need, I must be god.”

I’ve never owned a cat but I’m told that you never really “own” a cat. You serve a cat because it’s all about them.

Anyway, the challenge came when the authors of the book started talking about how those with faith like a cat tend to reference certain passages in Scripture such as God raising Moses up to lead the Israelites out of slavery to justify their own entitlements. They are all for God’s deliverance in their lives, as we all are.

But the question was raised, “What about the other forty generations of Hebrews who lived as slaves to the Egyptians? Did God love them less? Did God have a plan for their lives? Or did God only love the generation that experienced deliverance from the Egyptians?

Of course the answer is that God loved the generations of Hebrew slaves just as much as He did the generation that came out of Egypt. And God did have a plan for the generations of slaves just as He had a plan for those He delivered.

But the plans were different. For many generations, the plan was to love God and show it by being the best slaves in the history of Egypt, to excel in the mundane of their slavery and to honor God in everything they did, even the mundane.

It just might be that we overlook the routine or the mundane as something God wants to work through. I’m all for great adventures. I’m all for any interruption God wants to bring along. But I can’t overlook my daily responsibilities as a husband, father, friend and pastor as I search for the next great adventure. If I’m not faithful in the daily routine, some of which is mundane, how can I be faithful with the great adventures?

2008-11-24T09:30:00.001-08:00

One of the discussion questions in our Wild Goose Chase this past Sunday was, “Have you been stuck in a rut lately?” Later in the day while perusing through a book entitled, “Cat and Dog Theology,” I read with great interest how the distance between the rails of all railroads in the US came to be four feet, eight and a half inches.

It seems that English engineers helped to build US railroads according to the pattern used in England. So, how did they know to do this? Because the engineers who built the first railways in England had built the rails for the tramways that preceded the railroad. And the engineers who built the tramways used the distance between wagon wheels, which preceded the tramways. So why did the engineers who built the wagons use four feet, eight and a half inches for the distance between wagon wheels? Because this was the spacing between wheel ruts in the road.

The authors of the book, Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison, went on to ask, “Who put the ruts in the roads?” They discovered the roads in England had been built by the Romans, and the Romans built their roads to accommodate their war chariots. And you guessed it: the distance between the wheels of the Roman war chariots was four feet, eight and a half inches.

But why that distance? The authors continued. It seems this distance was the same distance as “the back ends of two warhorses.” And the Roman war chariots all used two war horses. There’s another pretty unique consequence to all of this. It’s almost like a Paul Harvey’s, “The rest of the story.”

On the sides of each space shuttle are two big booster rockets, full of fuel to assist in takeoff. Apparently, the engineers at the manufacturing company based in Utah wanted these solid rocket boosters to be a bit bigger but the boosters had to fit through a rail tunnel in the mountains for delivery to the launch site. The tunnel was only a bit wider than the railroad track. Remember how wide the rail track was? Four feet, eight and a half inches, or about the same as the back end of two Roman war horses.

Who would have guessed that ruts from Roman war chariots in ancient England would have had such a great affect on space travel?

Perhaps the moral of the story ought to be, “Beware of ruts, you may be following the back end of a couple of horses.”

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

As I was teaching from Galatians 2 and got to the part where Paul pointed out Peter’s “hypocrisy” in no longer eating with Gentiles once other Jews arrived from Jerusalem, I started wondering what must have gone through Peter’s mind as Paul was addressing him and the others who had been swayed by peer pressure to revert to their old ways.

Fifteen or sixteen years later, after graciously being restored by Christ, after his triple denial of Christ, Paul was pointing out yet another act of hypocrisy. Did Peter want to run and hide? Probably. Did he want to go back to fishing? Probably. Did he want to lash out at Paul as he did to Malchus? Perhaps. But he didn’t. Once again, he picked himself up and allowed the Holy Spirit to restore him and use him. Evidence shows us that Peter didn’t let this failure stop him, just like he didn’t let the previously.

I don’t believe Scripture details Peter’s reaction to Paul, but I wonder if he heard a rooster crow. I wonder if he thought, “Drat, (don’t know what this would be in the Greek) I did it again.”

In chapter 5 of “Wild Goose Chase,” Mark Batterson considers what might have gone through Peter’s mind when he heard a rooster crow. Crowing roosters would have been fairly common in Peter’s time and could have been a pretty consistent reminder of his failure to follow after Christ.

I wonder how many failures there were. Probably more than what is recorded for us in Scripture. Yet God used Peter, a man of many faults, to help lead the early church, to write two major letters to the church (perhaps 10-15 years after this event) and to help mentor young John Mark, who also was familiar with failure. (John Mark went on to write the Gospel of Mark.) Perhaps God used Peter’s familiarity with failure to help a young man who also had failed.

Rick Warren made a great statement during his teaching of the Purpose Driven Small Group studies. He simply said, “God will not waste anything that has happened to you.” I love that!

For Peter and John Mark, it would have been easy to give up and simply believe they would fail once again. (Perhaps we are also tempted to entertain those same thoughts about ourselves.) But God doesn’t see us as failures. That’s why we still have dreams and things that happen to others still make us cry and pound the table wanting to do something that bring about a change.

Perhaps the crowing rooster is not the end of the race. Perhaps the rooster crowing is really the start of another adventure that God wants to take us on.

2008-11-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

As I was leading the Bible study from Galatians 1 this past Wednesday night, I was really challenged by Paul’s words in verses 15 & 16. Paul confessed that he knew he had been “chosen from birth,” “called by God’s grace,” but he also knew it was not about him, it was about Christ being revealed to him and through him.

What a great message! What a great challenge to allow Christ to be seen in everything we do and heard in everything we say.

How humbling it is to know that God chose me, and you, to do works that have been prepared for us before the creation of the world.

And then to know that it’s not through my great ability (whew!) and it’s not through my great intellect (double whew!) that those works will be accomplished, but through His grace and through His Spirit.

He chose us to do these things. That’s already determined. He has also determined that we can do these things, and He has determined to work through us. The only question not determined is whether or not I will step up and do what He has ask me to do.

2008-11-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

As I was waking up this morning, I wondered what kind of adventure God had in store for me today. I wondered if it might be a giant that stands in my path or if it might be a trip down the road to Gaza where I would encounter someone else traveling along or if I might happen upon a pit that had a lion in it. (I noted it was supposed to snow today, so I’m kind of looking out for a pit!)

As I reviewed the six cages that Mark Batterson wrote about in his book, “Wild Goose Chase” I found that there’s a little bit of me in every one of those cages. It’s never just one that holds me back from the adventure.

(For those who haven’t read the book or weren't in class Sunday morning, the six cages are: Responsibility, Routine, Assumptions, Guilt, Failure, and Fear.)

Had God told me, as he did Phillip in Acts 8, to go down the road toward Gaza, I might have been so consumed with completing the task that I would assume he meant go “to” Gaza. In all probability I would have viewed other travelers on this road as obstacles and would certainly have been fearful, or suspicious in the least, of someone pulled over to the side of the road appearing to need help. After all, I would have the responsibility of getting to Gaza and if they robbed me or harmed me in some way, I would have been late or not gotten there at all.

But the adventure might be neither giant nor a trip down Gaza road. It might be a kind word to the clerk in the coffee shop; it might be a moment or two spent helping someone with the door or with a package; it might be showing patience with the IT guy when he is working on my malfunctioning computer; or it might be showing mercy to someone who doesn’t deserve it. These are all adventures that God just might have for me today.

And I’m wondering what kind of adventure God might have for you as well. Hit the comment button below and let me know what He has you doing today!

I’m praying that I don’t miss the adventure, and I’m also praying that I don’t run into a lion in a pit while it is snowing. I don’t like snow!

In Pursuit

2008-11-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

I begin two new studies this week: one is based on the New Testament letter from Paul to the Galatians, and the second one is based on a recent book by Mark Batterson, “Wild Goose Chase.” I’m excited about each of these studies because both are already speaking to me and I believe both will speak to others as well.

The letter to the Galatians was written to a group of believers to encourage them to move forward in the things of God, and to live their lives free from the things that had held them back. When you get into chapter 5 of Galatians, you realize that some of the things that held these folks captive were pretty gross. But God was offering them a sweet alternative from the way things used to be and he was willing to make all things new.

Batterson’s book, “Wild Goose Chase” is based on the Celtic Christians’ name for the Holy Spirit. According to Batterson they referred to the Holy Spirit as “An Geadh-Glas” or “the Wild Goose.”

Both studies are designed to challenge us to live differently than we have in the past. It could be something that was gross, such as the list in Galatians 5, that was holding us back, or it simply could be that God is prodding us to change, even our righteous deeds.

Recently, I completed a study on the book of Hebrews with a group of folks. Once again I was so challenged by what I learned. Whoever wrote the letter (I’m voting for Paul) was challenging a group of very devout Jews to continue their transition from Judaism to Christianity. Some were having a problem leaving the old behind and grabbing the new.

The writer of Hebrews uses a phrase that has stuck with me for several weeks. In Hebrews 10:26 he says, “if we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth……..”

For these devout Jews, “deliberately sinning” was going to back to their religious rituals, or the works of the Law. At one time these were sufficient. The Law brought them to the point of knowing they needed a Messiah. But accepting Messiah means making changes. The old ways no longer work.

Now I’m wondering as I prepare to lead the study of Galatians and “The Wild Goose Chase” just which of my old ways will no longer be sufficient. What is it that God is wanting me to do that hasn’t been a part of my regimen? And will I have problems laying down the old and picking up the new?

Pray for me and I will pray for you!