Former Journal Entries

Moving

2009-02-05T12:49:00Z

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...

2009-01-26T13:47:00Z

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

2009-01-22T21:43:00Z

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

2009-01-20T20:16:00Z

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...

2009-01-20T03:20:00Z

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?

Excuses or Excused?

2009-01-14T02:05:00Z

Man, am I behind or what?

It has been so long since I have posted anything on my blog that I have almost forgotten how! Not really, but I feel like I need to make some sort of excuse. That's what we do... right? We often make excuses or push things off on something else or someone else.

It's our humanness...

Sunday I started a new message series titled, "My New Bucket List." So, I really have no excuse, do I? The premise for this new series is that a bucket list is a list of things that you would like to do before you die. I got to thinking about that... It's odd that an "action list" would be associated with dying. Shouldn't an action list be connected to living? So the series, "My New Bucket List" asks the question...

"What am I going to do now that my life is new?"

We each have been given an incredible opportunity in living. Through Christ living is at a whole different level. Question is, will we allow ourselves to be excused?

Each of us have to choose direction in our life (That was part 1 — "Choosing Direction"). But who are we getting direction from? Everyone wants to give it.

God offers us so much more. And we rarely come to an understanding of what God offers us because we have never wrestled with God to an end (Take a look at the story of Jacob in Genesis 32: 22-32). When we wrestle with God to an end we are forever marked by God's Hand — changed, transformed... Our humanness limps along toward truth.

We've been "excused" by God, through Christ... No more excuses. No more pushing off onto others or making excuses. It's time to make a new bucket list. One associated with living, not dying.

What will you do now that your life is new?

Mistaken

2008-09-11T16:59:00Z

Sometimes we get it wrong. Damage is done. And there is nothing we can do about it, except move forward under the understanding and hope that God will redeem and reconcile what we may have caused.

I used a quote from American icon Mark Twain this past Sunday to illustrate our humanness.

Twain once said, "It's not what we don't know that gets us into trouble. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so."

What are the results when we allow our pride to steer us? It's not the damage that takes place within us that I am inquiring about, but instead the collateral damage in the lives of others that interact with us? Even those we love the most. What are the effects?

I started thinking about how what we do, and what we say, and how we are perceived — as we interact in our community — has a lasting effect on the lives around us. Of course, as humans, we know this and often try to manipulate our setting in order to shape and manage the way we feel. And while we may not have an intentional desire to hurt someone else — because we are actually more focused on our own feelings and desires — lasting damage is done when we allow our pride to steer our actions. And often it's damage that we can't go back and fix.

We could rectify this in our minds by saying, "Could I have been mistaken?" But we still are apt to just move on, because our journey and experience is valued more. But isn't that the point? Or should I say, isn't that the problem?

Too often we try to manipulate our circumstances in order to "fit" into those circumstances in a way that we can manage. When we try to remain the same, in fluid surroundings, it can get messy. This is no more prevalent than in the church today. It's not that I am pointing out evil in the church, because evil exists in humanity and humans are in the church, so enough said. Martin Luther once said, "Where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel" (Table-Talk ixvii). That is a fact, and the point, all wrapped up into one. The church then is supposed to be a place where we are assimilated back into perfect relationship to God. At least, that is how I see the church. Jesus established the church — not humanity. Therefore, the church is suppose to be a place where redemption, reconciliation, and transformation begins to take place — it is a point of both initiation and transformation as we offer ourselves to God.

But what happens when we interfere with that process? (And I realize it can be construed as more complicated than that, but I believe that in truth, it really is that simple.) If we start to do things in the name of religion or God just to justify our desire to "remain" where we are, instead of being transformed, then that is where we can get in real trouble. Yes, we may get what we want, but we are sure to cause all kinds of collateral damage. Which ultimately would bring us to the heart-wrenching question, "Could I be mistaken?"

This question often comes, in these instances, by way of the Holy Spirit. And with it brings the pain of knowing that what I gained for personal satisfaction has caused lasting damage in the lives and spiritual formation of other people. If we do things in the name of religion and God for our own sake and identity, how does that make us any different than someone committing an act of terrorism?

This brings me to my final consideration, which has to do with today — September 11th. On this day, 7 years ago, 19 fanatical guys sacrificed their lives, in the name of "Allah," and took 2,974 lives with them — all for a specific and selfish cause (their motive is not the point here). The word "Allah" is Arabic for "God" or "Lord," and represents the same God for both Muslims and Christians. So those 19 terrorists who sacrificed their lives and took the lives of so many others, did what they did in the name of the same God that I serve? What's wrong with this picture?

Is it to be understood then that all Muslims follow God in this same way?

NO!

But the damage is done, isn't it? Lives where lost. Our world changed forever. Sometimes the collateral damage is irreversible...

If this is not enough for us to stop considering our own personal feelings and desires, I don't know what is. Which brings me to my final consideration... The God that I serve is not a God that honors hate and killing, and actions that could be construed as carrying out judgement on any level. Instead, I serve a God of mercy, grace, and love, who desires to transform my life in such a way where that transformational process becomes a reflection of God's redemptive work in the world today. The collateral effects of that painful transformational process are life-giving; not life-taking.

What are you doing in the name of God?

Might you be mistaken?

What we do, say, and reflect matters more than we will ever know. Maybe you can't fix something that is irreversible, but you can, today, start that live-giving transformation, again. Not because of who you are or what you've done, but because of Christ alone. This is grace.

GAP, etc.

2008-09-09T22:21:00Z

Walking into the GAP is like walking into Old Navy, or Banana Republic. They all have the same smell, feel, and pitch. At least that is how it has seemed to me in the last few years. I remember a time when they all felt and looked different. Anyway, they all DO sell the same general things — clothes. And they all DO drive the latest fashion trends, and continue to build their brands. But the truth is, sometimes the more things seem to change, the more they remain the same.

For instance, though styles and tastes change, they all hinge on two things: 1) Satisfaction; and 2) Acceptance — "Does this 'look' satisfy me?" and "Will people accept my 'look'?" What goes around, comes around. By that I mean the latest and greatest trends in the fashion industry are like a big merry-go-round — what is hot today, will eventually come back around again. Today, what's cool and trendy may just be a reflection of what was hot back in 1984. I wish I could find my firecracker red parachute pants...

Everyday we seek satisfaction and acceptance. And everyday we find ourselves struggling with something — even when we pretend for a little while that everything is perfect. We live in a chaotic world that tries to form us in ways that are not always in agreement with our heart. And we sometimes become satisfied with these influences because we want to be accepted.

On our Christian journey, our faith is tested daily, and often it is in tension with the very common sense that we sometimes believe keeps us out of trouble. The central location of this tension rests in our mind. Each day, hour, and minute we remain a part from Christ, a great chasm — a GAP — between our heart and mind grows wider and needs to be drawn back together. This is why our posture before God is crucial. I'm not talking about a conditional posture, but an unconditional posture.

Coming before God with hidden or subconscious conditions is easy. We do this when we are trying to achieve personal satisfaction or acceptance within our own world. It's coming before God with no strings attached that is difficult for our flesh. But it is in these moments — when we come before God unconditionally — that our faith is formed and we experience transformation and spiritual growth. This is where the GAP between our head and heart is being closed instead of allowed to drift farther apart.

Each day, hour, and moment must find conscious interaction with God or we unconsciously drift away and root our understanding in common sense and not faith. Only God can close the GAP between our mind and our heart, and it can only happen if we draw everything before God with no strings attached. God accepts us just the way we are — that is the mind-boggling reality of grace. It continues to blow my mind. But it is only in receiving that grace that I find real transformation, satisfaction, and fulfillment that my heart longs for.

That is the trend I want to be a part of... It's one that you'll never find at the GAP.

Lost...

2008-08-22T02:15:00Z

What does it mean to be "lost?" Does it mean to be disoriented? Out of sorts? Misplaced? Turned around? Confused? Mistaken? Wrong? Out of pocket? Gone fishin'? What?

Sometimes we use language that is so loosely placed that we may not even be sure what it means. But we use it because we know what it means — to us... So then, is it possible when we arbitrarily use a word like "lost" based on our understanding, that someone else could have a completely different interpretation of that word? Of course.

So what does it mean to be "lost?" I personally think that is a good question, which is why I ask.

I think we are all lost at various points on our journey. And I am not talking about life as a whole but instead, in series of moments. Take a day, or a week, for instance. It is possible that we could get so distracted in any given moment that we become lost to a train of thought, or a problem we were trying to solve, or in the satisfaction we were trying to gain.

Maybe a better way to think of "lost" might be to think of it in terms of "orientation." Certainly, being lost geographically has a lot to do with which way you are pointed. If you are supposed to be headed south and you are traveling north by mistake, then you could be considered "lost," and at the very least, delayed... That's the result of being lost, isn't it? We are simply delayed. Sometimes for a short time, and sometimes for very long times.

Usually this stems from two things: 1) We don't realize we are lost; and 2) We are too stubborn to stop and ask for directions.

But when you start thinking of "lost" metaphorically, this can apply in very specific ways in our lives. Like feeling lost emotionally and not knowing where to turn. Or feeling lost in your search for purpose in life. Or feeling lost in a chosen career or vocation. But what about spiritually? Especially thinking about us Christians, do we always meter or check whether we are lost or not? Whether we are off course, or pointed in the right or wrong direction? Or the biggie... are we in God's will?

I think that sometimes as Christians, we believe that because we met God, and are somewhat acquainted with God — because we are God's children and all — that every movement and step we take from that point forward is the right step and is in the will of God. Jesus seemed to have other things to say about that kind of thought process. He said that we were to remain in Him and He would remain in us. Jesus was referring to our connection to Him.

You can check out John 15. It is where Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." (v. 5) It's pretty clear that at least from Jesus' perspective, staying connected to Him is not only important, it is vital to fruitful growth and a fulfilled life.

I was thinking about all this yesterday and came up with this observation... Did you know that it is possible to point toward Jesus — to actually point others to Christ — without actually remaining connected to Him? My basis for this is the reality that God does not need for us to believe in Him in order for God to actually exist. Likewise, we can know who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and what He wants to do, without ever claiming Jesus as the Lord of our life — to allow Jesus to reign in us...

If we find ourselves frustrated, out of sorts, confused, turned around, or even dealing with a sudden urge to just go fishin', it is possible that we could actually be lost. We could have become so distracted by our own wants, worries, needs, and demands, that we find ourselves lost — and we may not even know it.

Here is the point I came to in all this thinking... The first order of ministry for me, personally, is my own salvation — my own soul (the Apostle Paul said to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12). My own spiritual formation is primary. If I am not "remaining" in Jesus, then I could find myself disconnected from the vine — my life source.

If we race off into ministry, trying to meet all the needs that we identify, and we find ourselves in the midst of inner chaos and turmoil, then we have to stop, and check something very critical. We have to check to see if we are actually still connected to Jesus. Not just in an "acquaintance" sort of way, but "living sacrifice" kind of way.

We have to check and see which way we are pointing — we have to check our orientation.

So... For you... What does it mean to be "lost?"

The Holiday of "Not Existing Before"

2008-07-18T14:29:00Z

I've been on "holiday," as it is known in the UK. For us here in the States, it is often referred to as "vacation." It was a chance for our family to reconnect and be together away from all the normal noise. As would be expected, I didn't realize how much I needed a holiday until I was in the midst of rest. Traci and I tried to do a little as possible and just relaxed on the beach or beside the pool and read a bunch. The kids even slowed down a bit. It was a good thing.

Life is so full of noise that it is not only necessary, but essential for us to intentionally place ourselves in opportunities to experience renewal. There will always be plenty of problems to solve, or things we can "worry" ourselves over. Those things are always hanging around. But we can control how we respond or become distracted by them if we take time to intentionally disconnect and allow God to help us see things from a different perspective. Life can consume us if we "remain." But the cool thing about the new life extended to us through Christ is that it is always supposed to be changing — new opportunities, new growth, a new view, new impact, etc. We even have to be careful not to grab ahold too tight to our present opportunities, lest our pride and personal desire begin to interfere and influence outcome. Usually the outcome will be something we are familiar with or comfortable with. But "NEW" means "not existing before," and "RENEW" means, "resume after an interpretation." So, if we take time to resume our life after an evaluation and truthful interpretation, then the next step is a step that did not previously exist. That is an incredible opportunity. It's one I never want to miss again.

The chaos of life certainly robs us of the moment — precious moments. I was reminded during vacation that God does not need me making all the tough decisions and trying to figure out all the enormous problems. Instead, God wants me to experience something new of Him in every moment. And if I am doing that, real renewal and transformation will take place. Real transformation brings about authentic change and a joy and happiness that cannot be created by my own hands. In this kind of offering of our lives, we become a part of the way in which God reconciles and renews and transforms. I want to continue to be transformed and renewed in this way — a way that leads me away from the chaos and noise and toward the experience of the holiday of not existing before. That's something new. And I want more of it.