Moving

The last week has seemed to be an ongoing week of catch up. And in the process of catching up you always have more that piles on to get done. This is called, "life."

Life moves pretty fast. So fast that we often find ourselves moving strategically to either keep up or feed our need. We make moves that we can justify. We make moves by the uneasiness in our gut. We make moves just to see what will happen. And we make moves to find fulfillment.

We are always moving.

What does this say about who we are and what we need as humans? Jesus had much to say about this, in various ways. We have a tendency to move in the opposite direction that Jesus moves. This is because of humanity's fallen state. In other words, we have a propensity to engage in sin. This first simply begins with moving the wrong direction — away from Christ and his teaching. And because of our human nature, we have to continually check ourselves and our behavior to see what we are feeding.

God is moving here at FaithWalk. God is making a number of people uncomfortable and shaking them at their foundation.

Personally, this past Sunday I was very much moved in a number of ways. First, we revealed our ministry benefit partnership with Victory Junction and the theme was "Is Your Heart Racing?" You can't see and feel the impact this organization is having on the lives of special needs children, without getting your heart racing! It's moving!

Then, at the end of the service, the community of faith surprised me with a treasure chest in follow up to my previous message series, "My New Bucket List." In this treasure chest were 365 envelopes from members and attendees for encouragement throughout the entire year. I have used the treasure chest each day since and it has been very moving.

Which brings me to my question and pondering thought today. If God is moving, and we are constantly on the move, and Jesus was always encouraging people to move beyond their own personal desire in order to become a fully devoted follower of Him, what does "moving" mean in my life? What does it mean in relation to your following Christ?

These are serious questions, that beg serious thought and answers. Those answers may cut you to the bone. What you think is a walk of faith with Jesus, may not be that at all. You may be walking away from Jesus like the rich young ruler did (see Matthew 19:16-22).

There is a cost in following Jesus. Sometimes we perceive that cost (giving our life and desires and ways of doing things over to God) to be too much. And we will turn and walk away from the very circumstances that God has placed us in. So, we continually have to stop in our common sense, justifiable human posture and ask an all important question — Which direction am I moving?

Jesus is always moving toward the heart of God. There is uncomfortable transformation in that movement. There is also death. For you and I, that is death to self — death to all our old ways, desires, and demands — a change and transformation in our core behavior.

Life is extremely exciting at FaithWalk right now. I see God moving in so many ways. And there are a ton of people following — desiring to give over more of their lives and grow spiritually. God is forming many leaders. That is awesome! But you can't become a leader until you are a follower. Jesus says, "Follow me!"

Which direction are you moving?

Required...

Don't you just hate reading the word "required" sometimes? I guess it depends on what it is you are facing. The word "required" sometimes can be intimidating and unsettling.

Reason I am think about this is that I have a "required" retreat I have to attend, starting today at 12:30 and ending tomorrow at 4PM, in Asheboro. Maybe if it had been just a retreat I would not think twice about it. But it's required!

That sure is a bad attitude to take into a retreat setting, isn't it?

Sometimes from where we stand we are just too busy for required things. We want to determine our own way — our direction, pace, etc. The truth is, though we are all very busy, we often work to control just what we need, when we need it. Though our schedule is full, we will work to try and fit in something that we really want to do. It's those things that others want us to do — those things that require our valuable time — that we struggle with.

But that is exactly what God wants of us. God requires that we put Him first. When we call Jesus "Lord" that means that He is the Lord of our life. That requires a decision on our part. We have to decide. But for some reason we think that we lose out when we give up our life — the direction, pace, etc. In truth, instead of loosing, we gain more than we could image.

Barry Johnson at small group last night reminded me of this. He referenced the verse in Matthew 16 where Jesus says, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hand on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." (Matthew 16:24-25, NLT)

The things we think we don't have time for — those required things — often can be exactly what we need. God knows what we need exactly when we need it. The question is, will we hold on or let go?

Consumed

I feel like I have been in a cave the last three days. It's the part of ministry that I like the least... Paperwork! These last days I have been consumed with year-end reports. But it is a part of the process and there are lessons to learn in looking at the data too.

While feeling consumed by these year-end reports, in reflecting about the data I have a better appreciate for how God is a consuming fire here at FaithWalk. Ever thought of God that way? No, I am not talking about the hellfire and brimstone God that sometimes gets misused to instill fear. I am talking about the God in Hebrews. Check this out...

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for indeed our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, NRSV)

Makes me think of the old Third Day song "Consuming Fire." Man that song rocks...

What if we were to let God consume us in the same manner we let ourselves get consumed by other things. What if we were set ablaze and consumed by God, like a fire? What would happen then?

John Wesley once said, "Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn."

Our curiosity and our deep desire to see others either soar to great heights (or crash hard and burn) often have us looking for or being drawn to the strangest places and events. What if you were in a consuming fire of God? I bet people would come for miles to watch you burn.

Gives a whole new meaning to the dilemma of being consumed...

I'd say it's more like an opportunity.

History Changed

Today history was made.

We have a new President of the United States — the 44th actually. Not just any President, but our first African American President.

Leadership has changed, and America enters into a new era — an era certain to come with challenges, tragedies, growth, transformation, and an enduring spirit of hope.

Regardless of our political position, beliefs, desires, expectations, or achievements, history was made today. What a wonderful time to celebrate. We are a part of something that will forever mark change in our country and lives.

Now it is time to unite behind a new leader. How can we begin to do that as Christians? First I believe it begins with prayer. We need to be in prayer for the Obamas and the Bidens. They have an enormous responsibility to lead this country through change — out of difficult times.

The responsibility of leadership can be both taxing and stressful. Why? Because when you "lead" people you are leading them from one place to another place, and people (us humans) don't like change. Bill Hybels describes the role of a leader better than any other way I have heard. He says, "Good leadership is disappointing people at an acceptable rate." When you lead, someone is always going to be disappointed or mad at you. I know. I am the lead pastor.

There are a lot of people who desire to lead but can't deal with people being frustrated with them. They want to try and please everyone (something that is impossible when it comes to leadership). The result is they find themselves ultimately exploding, compromising their morals, or pointing the finger at others as the problem for their lack of effectiveness. You can't make everyone happy and lead through change. Just ask Jesus...

But in order to lead as Christians, we first have to be willing to follow. Jesus desires to lead us through change in our lives. Will we following Him with no agenda? That is what humility looks like on the ground — following Jesus with no agenda or strings attached. Not easy... but worth it.

As Christians, during this time of difficulty in our country, it is time to unite together and lead by following Christ. Will you join me in praying for the Obamas and the Bidens for the work they are called to do in the days and years ahead. They have entered into one of the most difficult leadership roles that exists, during one of the most difficult times our country has experienced.

Will you pray with me?

"Most Holy God, we bow before you and thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Forgive us for our sins and for not seeking, reaching, and serving as you have called us to do. Open our hearts to the touch of your transforming Hand, and enable us by the power of the Holy Spirit to step out in faith and walk toward your heart. Change us God, from the inside out. On this special day we ask your blessings upon the new leaders of our country — those who are called to serve and to make decisions that ultimately effect lives in many ways. Especially, we pray, for our new President, Barack Obama, and our new Vice President, Joe Biden, and their families. Give them strength, courage, wisdom, and grace, that they may lead us in the direction You desire. Unite us all, regardless of race, religion, age, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, political views, and theological position, so that we may be a part of the change you desire to make in our lives, in our country, and in our churches. We pray for peace and blessing, that we may be a blessing to others in need. We humbly ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Peace.

Thoughts about Sunday...

Sunday was awesome. If you have missed the first two weeks of the series I am doing, "My New Bucket List" you may not want to miss this coming Sunday. Barbara Jordan's video testimony was powerful, talking about how she was struggling with a bunch and struggling to let go and trust God more.

God continues to blow me away. I have had more feedback from this past Sunday about how the topic/message — "Changing Behavior" — and Barbara's video really hit home for them for so many people. It was real, and powerful. Worship that morning was just gripping and special — hard to explain... Very meaningful and impacting for me.

Then we had our first FAITHREMIX gathering in the evening. It was originally just scheduled as an informational gathering time, but it turned into a time of worship! Bryant Hodges and his band, Delivered, came out to just lead some music and God showed up. Imagine that! For those of you who don't know, FAITHREMIX is our new young adult ministry at FaithWalk, focusing on developing a worship culture for emerging generations. Primarily it is for 18 to 28-year-olds, but the worship will engage those who are transitioning from high school to college, and those who grew up in the MTV age. We are really excited about this new opportunity. Bryant and the band are pumped, as are a number of people!

God is doing a lot of "changing" in a lot of ways. That is pretty dang awesome... Kinda makes you wonder what might happen next. It's been like that a lot at FaithWalk for a while now. That in itself reminds me of Sunday morning... In order to hear God's call you have to be in the right place and posture. Remember? God asks, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9).

Heck, it's only Monday and I am already looking forward to what God is going to do this coming Sunday! Don't miss it! Part 3 (the conclusion) of "My New Bucket List," Embracing God.

Where are you?