I'm here in Arizona with my mom after a tragic accident involving her and a 96 year old man. He died after my mom hit him with her car... it was very dark and she never saw him.
If you know my mom, you know that she has one of the kindest and most generous hearts there is and celebrates life. She, at the core of her being, would do anything to prevent something like this from happening, period.
But here in lies the crux... a fallen world. A world where our bodies don't function like they should, decisions that could have been changed, and places we could have taken a different route home.
I am more convinced than ever that this world needs redemption. A saving grace that only comes from Jesus Christ. And, I'm not just thinking about the souls of people, but also this earth and the world that we live in... all because of one man's sin! Yikes. And yet because of another man's righteousness, we are saved! Lock, stock and barrel. Redemption, grace, mercy and power (Romans 5:18-19).
How I wish I could turn back the clock for my mother so she would have to go through reliving the horrible tragedy that happened earlier this week. And, yet, there is a part of me that expectantly waits to see what God does with all of this.
For we all have the choice of whether we wallow in self-pity and the terrible circumstances or we can hold our chins up to look for help, guidance, strength and wisdom in our hour of need. We can choose to be selfish or selfless even in times of trouble.
Where does my help come from? Does it really come from Jesus? Or do I just say that and not believe it?
Jesus, please be with my mom during this time... go before her and not only prove yourself faithful, once again, but may you draw others into your kingdom because of this!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Computer Crashes and more
I am finally back online after the hard drive on my macbook pro crashed! I didn't think they were supposed to do that. Anyway, after a week and a half reloading applications and retrieving the files I did manage to salvage from the old drive, I am back up and running. I now know the significance of a data backup and you can be sure that I will be doing this on a regular basis now. Even as I type I am using the apple time-machine app.
Although, I was able to manage my life without the use of a computer for a week, I still had my iphone for a lifeline for email and some minor things. But, no bulletin. No website updates. No blog... you get the picture... I managed. And yet there was still a need for this tool to accomplish more than what I was able to do without it. I wanted it and needed it and couldn't wait to be back online.
I wonder what my spiritual life would look like if I lived like I couldn't manage without Jesus. I mean, I could survive... but my life wouldn't be all that it could be without Him. And, even though I call myself a Christian (a pastor even!) I often live in a self-survival type of mode. Sure I pray, sure I read the Bible, sure I go to church... but does my life reflect the absolute need for Him?
Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, gives me all that I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He gives me peace, wisdom, assurance, discipline, and strength just to name a few. All of this and I still try to manage things on my own. I am truly grateful that He doesn't give up on my antics, weakness, and ignorance. I'm grateful that He still give me that lifeline!
I want to live my life reflecting the reality that I can do nothing without Him. How about you?
Although, I was able to manage my life without the use of a computer for a week, I still had my iphone for a lifeline for email and some minor things. But, no bulletin. No website updates. No blog... you get the picture... I managed. And yet there was still a need for this tool to accomplish more than what I was able to do without it. I wanted it and needed it and couldn't wait to be back online.
"I wonder what my spiritual life would look like if I lived like I couldn't manage without Jesus."
Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, gives me all that I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He gives me peace, wisdom, assurance, discipline, and strength just to name a few. All of this and I still try to manage things on my own. I am truly grateful that He doesn't give up on my antics, weakness, and ignorance. I'm grateful that He still give me that lifeline!
I want to live my life reflecting the reality that I can do nothing without Him. How about you?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Personal Review
I had a kind of review with the delegates from my church yesterday and it went really well. It was more of a self-evaluation, but was very good overall.
One of the questions that was asked is, "what have you learned about yourself this year as a result of my pastoral appointment?" The answer: too much to list here! Actually, I learned that God truly has place me here at Living Hope. I knew that already, but I am truly confident of that. The other thing I've learned is that leaders really have to make difficult decisions that some agree with and others don't. But that is the nature of leadership. I've learned that with God's help, making those decisions are a little easier (can still be a painful process, though!).
Another thing we talked about was my goals for this next year... there's all kinds of goals that we can aim for, but the one thing that keeps coming coming back to my mind is that I want to be able to effectively share who Christ is with others who don't know him yet. I am praying that God will make me effective in conversations, be perceptive when to dig in and when to let it go, etc. I truly want to see a new harvest of family in the Kingdom of God that I belong to. So, I want to see our church grow, not in numbers, but by one heart at a time. Wholly devoted to Jesus because of their absolute need for him and their awareness of that need.
Sole Deo Gloria!
One of the questions that was asked is, "what have you learned about yourself this year as a result of my pastoral appointment?" The answer: too much to list here! Actually, I learned that God truly has place me here at Living Hope. I knew that already, but I am truly confident of that. The other thing I've learned is that leaders really have to make difficult decisions that some agree with and others don't. But that is the nature of leadership. I've learned that with God's help, making those decisions are a little easier (can still be a painful process, though!).
Another thing we talked about was my goals for this next year... there's all kinds of goals that we can aim for, but the one thing that keeps coming coming back to my mind is that I want to be able to effectively share who Christ is with others who don't know him yet. I am praying that God will make me effective in conversations, be perceptive when to dig in and when to let it go, etc. I truly want to see a new harvest of family in the Kingdom of God that I belong to. So, I want to see our church grow, not in numbers, but by one heart at a time. Wholly devoted to Jesus because of their absolute need for him and their awareness of that need.
Sole Deo Gloria!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Honest Conversations
I was having coffee with a friend this morning and we were talking about different philosophies of ministries. We talked about purpose, function and the out-workings of the church. We talked about how the church has changed over time but the truths haven't and the application of those truths really haven't changed either... just presentation of those truths to an ever changing culture. Then we talked about a church he interviewed at one time. He said that the person he was talking to said something like, "I'm supposed to tell you that our church is about outreach and cares about the community, but we don't. We care really only for those in the church. We're supposed to pull outreach and community from those we already have."
Now, I don't mean to say that we don't care for those in the church, but being a Christian... A Christ follower... was never meant to be about us! It's always been about God's redemptive work in us, then translating that to redemption, hope and forgiveness who have not yet experienced that in their life.
Most of us live in a very competitive and unforgiving world. We, as human beings, need affirmation, forgiveness and inspiration. Truly without Jesus we don't have those things. At least not in a very fulfilling way. In a general sense, I believe the church of North America has become a part of the problem and not the solution.
The church has become a club. Their main audience has been the so called "disciple" and not the sinner. We have, in a way, spent so much time and energy in a "what's in it for me" culture that the church has adopted that same culture in the church... AND we cater to it!!!
Again, I'm not saying that we don't train, disciple and teach... what I am saying is that we aren't asking those who are followers of Christ to "die to themselves, take up their cross and follow me [Jesus]." What that means is there is a responsibility to mentor, disciple, train others in the ways of Christ... and that means that we HAVE to grow because we are investing in others too.
Okay, enough of this rant. I am grateful that Living Hope is looking into the community, with perceptive eyes to those who are missing from the family of God WHILE loving, encouraging and inspiring those who are already a part of our community of faith.
Way to go!!!
Wow. What a statement... or shall I say - attitude.
Now, I don't mean to say that we don't care for those in the church, but being a Christian... A Christ follower... was never meant to be about us! It's always been about God's redemptive work in us, then translating that to redemption, hope and forgiveness who have not yet experienced that in their life.
Most of us live in a very competitive and unforgiving world. We, as human beings, need affirmation, forgiveness and inspiration. Truly without Jesus we don't have those things. At least not in a very fulfilling way. In a general sense, I believe the church of North America has become a part of the problem and not the solution.
The church has become a club. Their main audience has been the so called "disciple" and not the sinner. We have, in a way, spent so much time and energy in a "what's in it for me" culture that the church has adopted that same culture in the church... AND we cater to it!!!
Again, I'm not saying that we don't train, disciple and teach... what I am saying is that we aren't asking those who are followers of Christ to "die to themselves, take up their cross and follow me [Jesus]." What that means is there is a responsibility to mentor, disciple, train others in the ways of Christ... and that means that we HAVE to grow because we are investing in others too.
Okay, enough of this rant. I am grateful that Living Hope is looking into the community, with perceptive eyes to those who are missing from the family of God WHILE loving, encouraging and inspiring those who are already a part of our community of faith.
Way to go!!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Dog Whisper
I've been watching the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan lately because I do have a dog. Her name is Jenna and she is a yellow lab. She is a wonderful dog on the days she obeys and not so much on the days she chooses to run away, get into the garbage or poop on our carpet. So, I watch Cesar work with dogs in hopes that I can be a better dog owner and ultimately change the behavior of Jenna.
I was impressed last night with a "red zone" rottweiler named Ricki. Cesar began to rehabilitate Ricki over a period of two weeks and true to form the dog was a completely different dog when he was brought back to his owner.
The owner was amazed and saw a miracle right before her eyes. Cesar said something that has some profound spiritual implications... "dogs move on from the past more easily than humans." This dog had attacked other dogs regularly and consistently. So, when Ricki didn't do it and was around all kinds of dogs off-leash it was a miracle.
How many times do we as humans live in the past? I mean in regards to our sinful nature? If God has forgiven us and given us victory over sin... why do we live in the past? Romans 6:1 & 2 says,
And, yet, there is the crux. A sinful past and a renewed future. Both residing, in a sense, together. If we could just learn to let go of the past to live in the present victory, I believe we would see more and more victories and grow closer to the Lord we believe saved us.
I was impressed last night with a "red zone" rottweiler named Ricki. Cesar began to rehabilitate Ricki over a period of two weeks and true to form the dog was a completely different dog when he was brought back to his owner.
The owner was amazed and saw a miracle right before her eyes. Cesar said something that has some profound spiritual implications... "dogs move on from the past more easily than humans." This dog had attacked other dogs regularly and consistently. So, when Ricki didn't do it and was around all kinds of dogs off-leash it was a miracle.
How many times do we as humans live in the past? I mean in regards to our sinful nature? If God has forgiven us and given us victory over sin... why do we live in the past? Romans 6:1 & 2 says,
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
And, yet, there is the crux. A sinful past and a renewed future. Both residing, in a sense, together. If we could just learn to let go of the past to live in the present victory, I believe we would see more and more victories and grow closer to the Lord we believe saved us.
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