“Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.” 2 Cor. 3:2-3 (MSG)
To think about the fact that my life is a letter others are reading-that my life contains a message to others is at times exciting and other times troublesome. I know what I want the message to be, but what is it really? What is the message of my life? Is it one of hope? Is it one of discouragement? Depends on who you talk to I guess.
There are times when I think that the message of my life could turn out to be failure, and then God’s Spirit within beckons me forward toward destiny. He invites me to cooperate with Him in writing His story. He has a way of telling the same story over and over in new and creative ways in all of our lives-but we must cooperate. I know that when I first came to be a follower of Jesus, it was because of my deep shame and frustration with the person I felt I had become. Then I heard a message:
Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!”
This is the core message-that God takes His broken image in people and restores it! He loves His creation and it breaks His heart to see it (us) destroyed. He purposes to see us made whole again. He desires for us to fully reflect His image. He has predestined us to be like His Son. I think that the message Jesus uses to bring us to Him often becomes our life message. To me it was a message that said “Chris, you think you are nobody, but I know that you have divine potential”. That message resonated deeply within-it penetrated to my innermost being and gave me hope. I dared believe that I had value to God and others.
I now realize that message was so real to me that it became my life message. I love more than anything to share that message. Nobodies are in! The Kingdom of God’s Son is built with rejects. I love to see the underdog win. I love to see the broken- hearted heal. I derive deep satisfaction from seeing the “worthless” find their worth in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT) “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.”
Yes. In Christ, all can be made new. This is my story. For those who have seen the parts of me still under renovation, no worries, He is not done with me (or you) yet!
Philippians 1:6 (NLT) “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.”
What is your life message? What story is God writing in your heart? How will your story become a re- telling of His great story?
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
Friday, December 29, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
storytelling
The followers came to Jesus and asked, "Why do you use stories to teach the people?" Matt. 13:10
The stories we embrace become the lens through which we view and interpret ourselves and the world around us. The Gospel is powerful story. Stories are the answer to our search for personal identity and resolution of conflict. Along with humor, story is the shortest distance between people. Jesus knew this better than anyone.
His stories’ healing and transformative effects were enlightening and empowering. A story well said creates connection between people. Its resonating powers speak directly to hearts and minds in ways that build common ground. It brings meaning and purpose to our individual and collective lives.
Jesus amazing ability to tell stories pierced through social, religious, and economic barriers and built bridges between fragmented humans. His intention was to knock down the painful walls of the human condition and build a community of faith rich in Gospel stories. These stories are designed to restore the unity that has always existed in the heart of God to the hearts of men. “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men”.
Your personal story of God and His expressed love for you is your most effective and authentic way to truly connect with others. People love a good story. Through hearing your story and understanding its deeper messages, others connect not only with you, but God. As the story is re-told throughout history God continues His connection with us. And our loving connections with each other are sustained.
I encourage you to get in touch with the depths of your story. This self-awareness is key to harnessing the internal drives that either motivate or hinder you in pursuit of your destiny. You have a powerful story that is waiting to be discovered and shared. I encourage you to share it. It will be a means of deep connection with others and a source of inspiration and healing as it becomes a “re-telling” of the Gospel. Yes, your story of a broken and hurting person (you) finding forgiveness and a journey of restoration to wholeness is the Good News of Jesus, and it is the “Greatest Story Ever Re-Told”.
New Series:"The Greatest Story Ever Re-Told"Visit Our Website
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
web: http://www.ncclv.com
The stories we embrace become the lens through which we view and interpret ourselves and the world around us. The Gospel is powerful story. Stories are the answer to our search for personal identity and resolution of conflict. Along with humor, story is the shortest distance between people. Jesus knew this better than anyone.
His stories’ healing and transformative effects were enlightening and empowering. A story well said creates connection between people. Its resonating powers speak directly to hearts and minds in ways that build common ground. It brings meaning and purpose to our individual and collective lives.
Jesus amazing ability to tell stories pierced through social, religious, and economic barriers and built bridges between fragmented humans. His intention was to knock down the painful walls of the human condition and build a community of faith rich in Gospel stories. These stories are designed to restore the unity that has always existed in the heart of God to the hearts of men. “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men”.
Your personal story of God and His expressed love for you is your most effective and authentic way to truly connect with others. People love a good story. Through hearing your story and understanding its deeper messages, others connect not only with you, but God. As the story is re-told throughout history God continues His connection with us. And our loving connections with each other are sustained.
I encourage you to get in touch with the depths of your story. This self-awareness is key to harnessing the internal drives that either motivate or hinder you in pursuit of your destiny. You have a powerful story that is waiting to be discovered and shared. I encourage you to share it. It will be a means of deep connection with others and a source of inspiration and healing as it becomes a “re-telling” of the Gospel. Yes, your story of a broken and hurting person (you) finding forgiveness and a journey of restoration to wholeness is the Good News of Jesus, and it is the “Greatest Story Ever Re-Told”.
New Series:"The Greatest Story Ever Re-Told"Visit Our Website
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
web: http://www.ncclv.com
Thursday, December 14, 2006
your life story
“Your lives are a letter written in our hearts, and everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts.” 2 Cor. 3:2-3
The story of the Gospel truly is the greatest story ever told. The words of early church father Irenaeus, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His trandscendant love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself” are among the richest words ever penned.
Irenaeus recognized that the story of Jesus is incomplete if it is only about Jesus. In fact, Jesus might say that it is not His story but “our story”. The Gospel could never be told in one story or one person’s story. It is a collection of countless stories of broken images of God who meet the One who is trandscendant Love, and thus find themselves caught up in a story of becoming what He is.
My story-your story is one of restoration to the image of God. Jesus is the “image of the invisible God”. He is what Designer God has/had in mind for all of us. Jesus life has recast the mold. Like ancient works of art that undergo a meticulous restorative process so the artists’ original rendering can be fully appreciated, so our lives are the story of being restored to God’s original intention.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory.” Rom. 8:28-30
As hard as it is to keep this in focus, all of the events of my life have a Master design-all of them- good or bad. The days, weeks, months and years are pages and chapters of a good story. The greatest story ever retold. Our story is a story complete with an innocent beginning, plot twists, failures, enemies, heros, and a surprise ending. And believe me, we have a role! In the end, it is more about what we have become than what we have done. And what we are becoming is “even what He is Himself”.
May Jesus be retold in you!
May your life, when it is over, and the story retold, be good news.
Join us @ NCC This weekend for the new series:"The Greatest Story Ever Re-Told"
Chris Bennett
New Community Church lv.com
The story of the Gospel truly is the greatest story ever told. The words of early church father Irenaeus, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His trandscendant love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself” are among the richest words ever penned.
Irenaeus recognized that the story of Jesus is incomplete if it is only about Jesus. In fact, Jesus might say that it is not His story but “our story”. The Gospel could never be told in one story or one person’s story. It is a collection of countless stories of broken images of God who meet the One who is trandscendant Love, and thus find themselves caught up in a story of becoming what He is.
My story-your story is one of restoration to the image of God. Jesus is the “image of the invisible God”. He is what Designer God has/had in mind for all of us. Jesus life has recast the mold. Like ancient works of art that undergo a meticulous restorative process so the artists’ original rendering can be fully appreciated, so our lives are the story of being restored to God’s original intention.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory.” Rom. 8:28-30
As hard as it is to keep this in focus, all of the events of my life have a Master design-all of them- good or bad. The days, weeks, months and years are pages and chapters of a good story. The greatest story ever retold. Our story is a story complete with an innocent beginning, plot twists, failures, enemies, heros, and a surprise ending. And believe me, we have a role! In the end, it is more about what we have become than what we have done. And what we are becoming is “even what He is Himself”.
May Jesus be retold in you!
May your life, when it is over, and the story retold, be good news.
Join us @ NCC This weekend for the new series:"The Greatest Story Ever Re-Told"
Chris Bennett
New Community Church lv.com
word power
The more I study scripture the more I am convinced of the amazing power of our words. No matter how you look at it, the words of our mouths can be a source of great benefit-to us as well as others. Meditate on these scriptures as you start your day.
Proverbs 12:13-14 (NIV)
“An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.” 1
Peter 3:10 (MSG)
“Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful;”
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 10:21 (NIV)
“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”
These are just a few of the scriptures that we can reflect on as we seek to lead healthy, productive lives that make a difference in the world. This understanding of word power has changed the way I look at personal significance.
As I pray and choose my words carefully, I can cooperate with God to restore His image in others. When you think about it, this is an incredible opportunity and an amazing priveledge. To partner with God in speaking life to others through faith-filled words to bring restoration to human hearts is the highest of callings there is.
Look around you today. Do you see all the people? Do you see their needs for encouragement, hope, and love? Is there anything that you can say that might change their day? With a little thoughtful prayer I am sure that God will show you many opportunities.
May you speak nourishing words today.
May your words restore the broken image of God in others.
May you enjoy the fruit of your lips all the days of your life.
Proverbs 15:23 (NKJV)
“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”
The weekend series: “Big Mouth” has ended
New Series begins this weekend:
"The Greatest Story Ever Re-Told"
Proverbs 12:13-14 (NIV)
“An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.” 1
Peter 3:10 (MSG)
“Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful;”
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 10:21 (NIV)
“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”
These are just a few of the scriptures that we can reflect on as we seek to lead healthy, productive lives that make a difference in the world. This understanding of word power has changed the way I look at personal significance.
As I pray and choose my words carefully, I can cooperate with God to restore His image in others. When you think about it, this is an incredible opportunity and an amazing priveledge. To partner with God in speaking life to others through faith-filled words to bring restoration to human hearts is the highest of callings there is.
Look around you today. Do you see all the people? Do you see their needs for encouragement, hope, and love? Is there anything that you can say that might change their day? With a little thoughtful prayer I am sure that God will show you many opportunities.
May you speak nourishing words today.
May your words restore the broken image of God in others.
May you enjoy the fruit of your lips all the days of your life.
Proverbs 15:23 (NKJV)
“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”
The weekend series: “Big Mouth” has ended
New Series begins this weekend:
"The Greatest Story Ever Re-Told"
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Untamed Tongues
“no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?” James 3:8-11
Certainly the scriptures have much to say about the words of our mouths. Our words influence our emotional health, direction, and ultimately our destiny. But what I’m reflecting on today is the impact of our words on others. What about their health? Direction? Destiny?
Today my wife said to me that she thought the reason why so many people hurt others with words is because they have no respect for themselves. Then I thought about James’ comment, “curses against those who have been made in the image of God.” It was then that I began to realize how true Michelle’s statement was. We do not fully appreciate the fact that we are God’s image. Therefore we cannot respect that image-not in ourselves, and consequently (or especially), not in others.
Quite simply, the spoken word is the single-most powerful force ever. Energy is contained in our words-positive and negative. We either cooperate with God in redeeming and restoring His broken image in others, or we perpetuate the destruction. With our words, we either call people out of the shadows, or we drive them deeper into the darkness.
The old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is an enormous lie. I have been hit with both stick and stone and recovered fully. But there are painful words from my past that still have power to injure me today. Satan uses these “bitter” words to steal, kill, or destroy God’s image in all of us.
The churches’ mission is to bring forth a different message. We are to place this message into the hearts of all who would listen: You can be made new! A full restoration is offered in Jesus Christ! God’s beauty on display in people!
Proverbs 10:32 (NLT) “The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt.”
May we come to realize that people are given life or death through our words.
May we surrender our tongues to Jesus as instruments of life.
May we see the potential beauty of God in others as we form our words.
May our words have power to restore the cracked image of God in others.
Current weekend series: “Big Mouth”Embracing the Impact of my Words
Visit Our Website
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
web: http://www.ncclv.com
Certainly the scriptures have much to say about the words of our mouths. Our words influence our emotional health, direction, and ultimately our destiny. But what I’m reflecting on today is the impact of our words on others. What about their health? Direction? Destiny?
Today my wife said to me that she thought the reason why so many people hurt others with words is because they have no respect for themselves. Then I thought about James’ comment, “curses against those who have been made in the image of God.” It was then that I began to realize how true Michelle’s statement was. We do not fully appreciate the fact that we are God’s image. Therefore we cannot respect that image-not in ourselves, and consequently (or especially), not in others.
Quite simply, the spoken word is the single-most powerful force ever. Energy is contained in our words-positive and negative. We either cooperate with God in redeeming and restoring His broken image in others, or we perpetuate the destruction. With our words, we either call people out of the shadows, or we drive them deeper into the darkness.
The old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is an enormous lie. I have been hit with both stick and stone and recovered fully. But there are painful words from my past that still have power to injure me today. Satan uses these “bitter” words to steal, kill, or destroy God’s image in all of us.
The churches’ mission is to bring forth a different message. We are to place this message into the hearts of all who would listen: You can be made new! A full restoration is offered in Jesus Christ! God’s beauty on display in people!
Proverbs 10:32 (NLT) “The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt.”
May we come to realize that people are given life or death through our words.
May we surrender our tongues to Jesus as instruments of life.
May we see the potential beauty of God in others as we form our words.
May our words have power to restore the cracked image of God in others.
Current weekend series: “Big Mouth”Embracing the Impact of my Words
Visit Our Website
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
web: http://www.ncclv.com
Monday, November 27, 2006
Mouth can get you into trouble
We have started a new set of talks at NCC called “Big Mouth”. We are talking about how our little mouth has such a big impact on the outcome of our lives. Our mouths can do us great good or great harm.
Criticizing and complaining is a trap to avoid if we want good outcomes in life. In all of Scripture the most prevalent negative use of the tongue is found in the books of the Law – Genesis through Deuteronomy. To the casual reader, it seems as though you cannot turn a page in this book without finding something said concerning the murmuring or complaining of Israel. Their negative and critical spirits trapped them wandering in the wilderness until an entire generation was gone.
I have provided some scriptures for our Monday morning reflection. I find it interesting how much judgment and the mouth are connected.
Numbers 11:1 (NLT) 1 The people soon began to complain to the LORD about their hardships; and when the LORD heard them, his anger blazed against them.
James 3:5 (NLT) 5 So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.
Romans 14:10 (TLB) 10 You have no right to criticize your brother or look down on him. Remember, each of us will stand personally before the Judgment Seat of God.
Matthew 12:36-37 (NLT) And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned."
Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT) 1 "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. 2 For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.
James 2:12-13 (NLT) 12 So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. 13 For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
I must not allow my mouth to hold me back from God’s blessing. God desires for us to be life-givers in our speech. In order for me to be a life-giver, I must minimize negative, critical and judgmental speech. I can think before I speak and ask God for grace to season my words. I benefit-others benefit, and my tongue becomes a creative force instead of a destructive one.
May all words of death be gone from your vocabulary. May you be a life-giver today!
Current weekend series:
“Big Mouth”
Embracing the Impact of my Words
Visit Our Website
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
Criticizing and complaining is a trap to avoid if we want good outcomes in life. In all of Scripture the most prevalent negative use of the tongue is found in the books of the Law – Genesis through Deuteronomy. To the casual reader, it seems as though you cannot turn a page in this book without finding something said concerning the murmuring or complaining of Israel. Their negative and critical spirits trapped them wandering in the wilderness until an entire generation was gone.
I have provided some scriptures for our Monday morning reflection. I find it interesting how much judgment and the mouth are connected.
Numbers 11:1 (NLT) 1 The people soon began to complain to the LORD about their hardships; and when the LORD heard them, his anger blazed against them.
James 3:5 (NLT) 5 So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.
Romans 14:10 (TLB) 10 You have no right to criticize your brother or look down on him. Remember, each of us will stand personally before the Judgment Seat of God.
Matthew 12:36-37 (NLT) And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned."
Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT) 1 "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. 2 For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.
James 2:12-13 (NLT) 12 So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. 13 For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
I must not allow my mouth to hold me back from God’s blessing. God desires for us to be life-givers in our speech. In order for me to be a life-giver, I must minimize negative, critical and judgmental speech. I can think before I speak and ask God for grace to season my words. I benefit-others benefit, and my tongue becomes a creative force instead of a destructive one.
May all words of death be gone from your vocabulary. May you be a life-giver today!
Current weekend series:
“Big Mouth”
Embracing the Impact of my Words
Visit Our Website
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
Negativity-the opposite of gratitude
Ok, so what is the opposite of Thanksgiving? It has to be complaining and criticizing. I am doing my “Thank-ups" this morning, and I am purposing to go through an entire day without complaining or critcizing not even one thing.
Philippians 2:14 (NLT) In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing,
Matthew 7:1-2 (MSG) "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. 2 That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.
Yes, in the spirit of thanksgiving I, super pastor, will attempt one full day without saying one itsy bitsy little thing that could be any form of complaint or criticism of any kind. I am going to say something good or I am not going to say anything at all. Can I make it? Can anyone? We will see. Wish me luck. (Pray too!) p.s. If you want to really trip on some scripture, trip on this: (I sat and meditated on this for an hour)
Matthew 12:34-37 (NLT) “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned."
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
phone: 702-435-9505
web: http://www.ncclv.com
Philippians 2:14 (NLT) In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing,
Matthew 7:1-2 (MSG) "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. 2 That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.
Yes, in the spirit of thanksgiving I, super pastor, will attempt one full day without saying one itsy bitsy little thing that could be any form of complaint or criticism of any kind. I am going to say something good or I am not going to say anything at all. Can I make it? Can anyone? We will see. Wish me luck. (Pray too!) p.s. If you want to really trip on some scripture, trip on this: (I sat and meditated on this for an hour)
Matthew 12:34-37 (NLT) “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned."
Chris Bennett
New Community Church
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
phone: 702-435-9505
web: http://www.ncclv.com
Monday, November 20, 2006
Almighty Attitude
What if I told you something that could immediately make you feel better?
When a person realizes they are physically out of shape, they cannot immediately change that condition. They must discipline themselves in diet and exercise for a time to become healthy. But there is a Holy prescription that the Great physician has provided that has an immediate impact on our state of being.
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Col. 3:15-17
I am becoming more and more convinced that an attitude of thankfulness is the most important attitude to develop in life. Because this truth is so elementary it can be easily overlooked. Often, simplicity is equated with insignificance, but nothing could be further from the truth. I am becoming more convinced that thanksgiving is the foundational attitude of living. It is number one in my mind. If a heart isn’t seasoned with thanksgiving, one is greatly handicapped in life. Living from a foundation of thanksgiving, I remain stable in an unstable world. Bad news never has good timing but a heart that remains thankful is insulated against bitterness and extended seasons of discouragement.
An attitude of thankfulness is essential for mental and emotional health. A heart conditioned by thanksgiving opens the door into God’s very presence. Regular offerings of thanks are like the opening of windows so that fresh air and sunshine can come into a dark and gloomy house. “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…” Psalm 95:2 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4 Thanksgiving always provides an entry into God’s presence.
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps. 16:11
Romans 1 tells us that when a person does not honor God with thankfulness their heart is darkened and thinking becomes futile. I call it depression. The darkness of ingratitude leaves us in our dissatisfaction and, left unchecked, leads to some forms of mental illness. We were not designed to be ungrateful.
Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that can have an immediate impact. At times when I have had bouts with discouragement, I have turned my heart to God in thanksgiving and find myself being immediately lifted. My circumstances don’t change, I do! The fog lifts from around my head and I again see clearly how good God has been to me.
I do what I call “Thank-ups”. Similar to physically dropping and doing push-ups, I just simply start thanking God for all He has done and is doing and has promised to do (the more reps the better). A realization of His goodness gives way to awareness of His presence and I begin to feel better-just like that! Amazing!
When an attitude of gratitude is fused into my character mix, I become more whole and I reflect God’s goodness to others. Yes, Thanksgiving is a powerful holiday if we can keep from missing its significance in our rush to Christmas.
God has been so good to us. If we just look around, we can see His goodness everywhere. May God bless you this Holiday season. But, more than that, may you be aware and thankful for it.
Chris
When a person realizes they are physically out of shape, they cannot immediately change that condition. They must discipline themselves in diet and exercise for a time to become healthy. But there is a Holy prescription that the Great physician has provided that has an immediate impact on our state of being.
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Col. 3:15-17
I am becoming more and more convinced that an attitude of thankfulness is the most important attitude to develop in life. Because this truth is so elementary it can be easily overlooked. Often, simplicity is equated with insignificance, but nothing could be further from the truth. I am becoming more convinced that thanksgiving is the foundational attitude of living. It is number one in my mind. If a heart isn’t seasoned with thanksgiving, one is greatly handicapped in life. Living from a foundation of thanksgiving, I remain stable in an unstable world. Bad news never has good timing but a heart that remains thankful is insulated against bitterness and extended seasons of discouragement.
An attitude of thankfulness is essential for mental and emotional health. A heart conditioned by thanksgiving opens the door into God’s very presence. Regular offerings of thanks are like the opening of windows so that fresh air and sunshine can come into a dark and gloomy house. “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…” Psalm 95:2 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4 Thanksgiving always provides an entry into God’s presence.
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps. 16:11
Romans 1 tells us that when a person does not honor God with thankfulness their heart is darkened and thinking becomes futile. I call it depression. The darkness of ingratitude leaves us in our dissatisfaction and, left unchecked, leads to some forms of mental illness. We were not designed to be ungrateful.
Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that can have an immediate impact. At times when I have had bouts with discouragement, I have turned my heart to God in thanksgiving and find myself being immediately lifted. My circumstances don’t change, I do! The fog lifts from around my head and I again see clearly how good God has been to me.
I do what I call “Thank-ups”. Similar to physically dropping and doing push-ups, I just simply start thanking God for all He has done and is doing and has promised to do (the more reps the better). A realization of His goodness gives way to awareness of His presence and I begin to feel better-just like that! Amazing!
When an attitude of gratitude is fused into my character mix, I become more whole and I reflect God’s goodness to others. Yes, Thanksgiving is a powerful holiday if we can keep from missing its significance in our rush to Christmas.
God has been so good to us. If we just look around, we can see His goodness everywhere. May God bless you this Holiday season. But, more than that, may you be aware and thankful for it.
Chris
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
good news
Today as I pray for you, I am praying that the story of your life will be “Gospel”. I am asking God to give us all the desire to be so much more than “believers” but incarnations of Jesus life here in Las Vegas. Our mission is to “Good News” our city. Are you good news to others?
Michelle and I came here to Vegas with a vision-that vision has been tested and refined over and over again. I could give a bullet list of accomplishments spanning over the last 8 ½ years but how much of it matters? In the end, how will it all be evaluated by the Lord?
The vision we received is about a community-a new community where people of all kinds would come together and listen to Jesus. He would then take our broken lives and do His thing-“restore”. Restoration is God’s intention for everything--me, us, others, and all of created order.
I am amazed at just how little I really knew about what I was doing when we first started. I am thankful to God that He would work with me like that.
Our church and achievement of its mission in the world is not ready to be judged. The real measurable results of NCC will not be obvious until 15-20 years from now. The question that haunts me now is not, ‘Do people enjoy our services?’ but ‘Are we becoming like Jesus?’ Is there any real spiritual formation happening? That is what I am asking myself. I know that there is, but is there enough collectively happening to “good news” our city. I believe the real Jesus in us is very attractive. Don’t misunderstand me. I want our church to be enjoyable, but more than that I desire it (us) to be transformational.
Is the life that I am and you are going to live today going to look like Jesus? Will I be “good news” to someone today? Will my life be sacrificed for others or squandered on self? If we live enough days incarnationally over the next 15-20 years, the vision will be realized and the world will have been “Good Newsed” by us. That is my hope!
So, back to my prayer: Father, I ask that Jesus would permeate and saturate our hearts and lives. Take our offered and broken lives and do Your thing. Restore us. Restore our city through us. May we be “Good News” to those around us today. May the story of our lives over time be the Gospel.
Grace to you,
Chris
Michelle and I came here to Vegas with a vision-that vision has been tested and refined over and over again. I could give a bullet list of accomplishments spanning over the last 8 ½ years but how much of it matters? In the end, how will it all be evaluated by the Lord?
The vision we received is about a community-a new community where people of all kinds would come together and listen to Jesus. He would then take our broken lives and do His thing-“restore”. Restoration is God’s intention for everything--me, us, others, and all of created order.
I am amazed at just how little I really knew about what I was doing when we first started. I am thankful to God that He would work with me like that.
Our church and achievement of its mission in the world is not ready to be judged. The real measurable results of NCC will not be obvious until 15-20 years from now. The question that haunts me now is not, ‘Do people enjoy our services?’ but ‘Are we becoming like Jesus?’ Is there any real spiritual formation happening? That is what I am asking myself. I know that there is, but is there enough collectively happening to “good news” our city. I believe the real Jesus in us is very attractive. Don’t misunderstand me. I want our church to be enjoyable, but more than that I desire it (us) to be transformational.
Is the life that I am and you are going to live today going to look like Jesus? Will I be “good news” to someone today? Will my life be sacrificed for others or squandered on self? If we live enough days incarnationally over the next 15-20 years, the vision will be realized and the world will have been “Good Newsed” by us. That is my hope!
So, back to my prayer: Father, I ask that Jesus would permeate and saturate our hearts and lives. Take our offered and broken lives and do Your thing. Restore us. Restore our city through us. May we be “Good News” to those around us today. May the story of our lives over time be the Gospel.
Grace to you,
Chris
Good news
Today as I pray for you, I am praying that the story of your life will be “Gospel”. I am asking God to give us all the desire to be so much more than “believers” but incarnations of Jesus life here in Las Vegas. Our mission is to “Good News” our city. Are you good news to others?
Michelle and I came here to Vegas with a vision-that vision has been tested and refined over and over again. I could give a bullet list of accomplishments spanning over the last 8 ½ years but how much of it matters? In the end, how will it all be evaluated by the Lord?
The vision we received is about a community-a new community where people of all kinds would come together and listen to Jesus. He would then take our broken lives and do His thing-“restore”. Restoration is God’s intention for everything--me, us, others, and all of created order.
I am amazed at just how little I really knew about what I was doing when we first started. I am thankful to God that He would work with me like that.
Our church and achievement of its mission in the world is not ready to be judged. The real measurable results of NCC will not be obvious until 15-20 years from now. The question that haunts me now is not, ‘Do people enjoy our services?’ but ‘Are we becoming like Jesus?’ Is there any real spiritual formation happening? That is what I am asking myself. I know that there is, but is there enough collectively happening to “good news” our city. I believe the real Jesus in us is very attractive. Don’t misunderstand me. I want our church to be enjoyable, but more than that I desire it (us) to be transformational.
Is the life that I am and you are going to live today going to look like Jesus? Will I be “good news” to someone today? Will my life be sacrificed for others or squandered on self? If we live enough days incarnationally over the next 15-20 years, the vision will be realized and the world will have been “Good Newsed” by us. That is my hope!
So, back to my prayer: Father, I ask that Jesus would permeate and saturate our hearts and lives. Take our offered and broken lives and do Your thing. Restore us. Restore our city through us. May we be “Good News” to those around us today. May the story of our lives over time be the Gospel.
Grace to you,
Chris
Michelle and I came here to Vegas with a vision-that vision has been tested and refined over and over again. I could give a bullet list of accomplishments spanning over the last 8 ½ years but how much of it matters? In the end, how will it all be evaluated by the Lord?
The vision we received is about a community-a new community where people of all kinds would come together and listen to Jesus. He would then take our broken lives and do His thing-“restore”. Restoration is God’s intention for everything--me, us, others, and all of created order.
I am amazed at just how little I really knew about what I was doing when we first started. I am thankful to God that He would work with me like that.
Our church and achievement of its mission in the world is not ready to be judged. The real measurable results of NCC will not be obvious until 15-20 years from now. The question that haunts me now is not, ‘Do people enjoy our services?’ but ‘Are we becoming like Jesus?’ Is there any real spiritual formation happening? That is what I am asking myself. I know that there is, but is there enough collectively happening to “good news” our city. I believe the real Jesus in us is very attractive. Don’t misunderstand me. I want our church to be enjoyable, but more than that I desire it (us) to be transformational.
Is the life that I am and you are going to live today going to look like Jesus? Will I be “good news” to someone today? Will my life be sacrificed for others or squandered on self? If we live enough days incarnationally over the next 15-20 years, the vision will be realized and the world will have been “Good Newsed” by us. That is my hope!
So, back to my prayer: Father, I ask that Jesus would permeate and saturate our hearts and lives. Take our offered and broken lives and do Your thing. Restore us. Restore our city through us. May we be “Good News” to those around us today. May the story of our lives over time be the Gospel.
Grace to you,
Chris
If you can be honest
As I come toward the end of my journey through Colossians I am deeply impressed by a part of the letter that frankly, I was just going to skip. Often at the end of Paul’s letters, he goes through this boring (or so I used to think) list of people thanking, encouraging, etc. I am discovering some “hidden nuggets” here at the end of this book that can speak very powerfully to us all.
I am sure you have seen the current sex and drug scandal involving Ted Haggard. I move between shock and heartbreak with every newscast that I see. I ask myself, “How did he get there?” I literally weep for Him, his wife, children, and wonderful church that he gave twenty plus years of his life building. I pray for them with deep concern and compassion. What is more is the even greater damage the cause of Christ as the ripples go out in a thousand unintended directions.
At the end of Colossians Paul mentions some names: “Onesimus, Mark-Barnabas's cousin, Dear Doctor Luke sends his greetings, and so does Demas” just to mention a few. These all were flawed men who struggled with sin, and at times, each other. Some of them quit ministry and some even walked away from the faith.
People who give their lives to Jesus to serve Him are under tremendous pressure and real satanic attack. Sometimes they go down in flames. Good men and women with strong desires to do good with their lives have something in common with the rest of us. Sin! Yes they (I) sin and often. AND this is nothing new. Sometimes they make it to the finish line and other times they don’t.
We all have our ugly moments that we are ashamed of. Each of us has the same propensity to commit destructive acts like these men and worse! I know that I do. What a private and personal hell Ted Haggard and his entire family must be in right now. We can take moments like these and allow them to teach us valuable lessons that can save marriages, families and careers.
“These are all warning markers—DANGER!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel— they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.” I Cor. 10:11-12 (MSG)
Someone once said, “You are only as sick as your secrets”. Do you have some secrets that you don’t want anyone to know? Are you privatly toying with something destructive? Do you have something going on that you wish you could stop but you feel powerless? "Every day ... keep encouraging one another so that none of you is hardened by the glamour of sin." Heb. 3:13 (JB)
Let me encourage all of us to find someone we can be honest with-someone who we can pray with-cry with-heal with. God embraces broken people He always has and He will continue. So we don’t need to hide or pretend-not with Him and not with each other. The church can be that place but we need courage. It will take courage on someone’s part to dare to build with others an atmoshere of grace and acceptance.
I am reminded of God’s words to a man after the very first sin, “Adam, where are you”. I believe they are words of love that He still speaks today. I hear them. Please hear them with me. Let’s dare to come out from behind our coverings. Let’s overcome our shame and fear with faith that Jesus is who he said He was. He said that He did not come to condemn us but to save us. Still hoping to build an honest community,Chris
Chris Bennett
I am sure you have seen the current sex and drug scandal involving Ted Haggard. I move between shock and heartbreak with every newscast that I see. I ask myself, “How did he get there?” I literally weep for Him, his wife, children, and wonderful church that he gave twenty plus years of his life building. I pray for them with deep concern and compassion. What is more is the even greater damage the cause of Christ as the ripples go out in a thousand unintended directions.
At the end of Colossians Paul mentions some names: “Onesimus, Mark-Barnabas's cousin, Dear Doctor Luke sends his greetings, and so does Demas” just to mention a few. These all were flawed men who struggled with sin, and at times, each other. Some of them quit ministry and some even walked away from the faith.
People who give their lives to Jesus to serve Him are under tremendous pressure and real satanic attack. Sometimes they go down in flames. Good men and women with strong desires to do good with their lives have something in common with the rest of us. Sin! Yes they (I) sin and often. AND this is nothing new. Sometimes they make it to the finish line and other times they don’t.
We all have our ugly moments that we are ashamed of. Each of us has the same propensity to commit destructive acts like these men and worse! I know that I do. What a private and personal hell Ted Haggard and his entire family must be in right now. We can take moments like these and allow them to teach us valuable lessons that can save marriages, families and careers.
“These are all warning markers—DANGER!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel— they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.” I Cor. 10:11-12 (MSG)
Someone once said, “You are only as sick as your secrets”. Do you have some secrets that you don’t want anyone to know? Are you privatly toying with something destructive? Do you have something going on that you wish you could stop but you feel powerless? "Every day ... keep encouraging one another so that none of you is hardened by the glamour of sin." Heb. 3:13 (JB)
Let me encourage all of us to find someone we can be honest with-someone who we can pray with-cry with-heal with. God embraces broken people He always has and He will continue. So we don’t need to hide or pretend-not with Him and not with each other. The church can be that place but we need courage. It will take courage on someone’s part to dare to build with others an atmoshere of grace and acceptance.
I am reminded of God’s words to a man after the very first sin, “Adam, where are you”. I believe they are words of love that He still speaks today. I hear them. Please hear them with me. Let’s dare to come out from behind our coverings. Let’s overcome our shame and fear with faith that Jesus is who he said He was. He said that He did not come to condemn us but to save us. Still hoping to build an honest community,Chris
Chris Bennett
transformation
Did you know that you can now buy a completely new face? Recently I saw on the evening news the first complete face transplant. It was amazing! I spent the other morning on a web-site for “attractive prototypes”. They use computers to alter people’s faces to fit the prototype for what is considered to be attractive. Above is the picture of a young woman before and after her face has undergone a computer generated transformation. It is interesting to see the process from where her face was to the image you see now.
Transformation. Interesting word. It is what first drew me to Christ-the promise of change-to be something or someone different than what I had become. I felt ugly and ashamed of who I was. I wanted a do-over.
The Good News is that God gives us the gift of a “do-over”. He takes the old and makes us new. But the newness is different than what people are looking for today. The scriptures mention the “hidden person of the heart”. This is the place where God does His extreme makeover.
Jesus, the most magnetic person ever takes up residence in my heart and a transformation begins.
If I like, each day I can be “clothed in Him” (Rom. 13:14).
He is a refreshing fragrance coming out of my life. (2 Cor. 2:14)
He refreshes my attitude. (Phil. 2:5)
He illuminates my personality. (John 15:4)
He gives great face lifts as well. (Ps. 34:5)
In short, I have His image restored in me.
Jesus in me is quite compelling. He’s interesting, humorous and compassionate.
He is all that in me and so much more! AND there is more to come!
So I’m not tall, dark, and handsome. WHO CARES!
I’m transforming. We all are!
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
Transformation. Interesting word. It is what first drew me to Christ-the promise of change-to be something or someone different than what I had become. I felt ugly and ashamed of who I was. I wanted a do-over.
The Good News is that God gives us the gift of a “do-over”. He takes the old and makes us new. But the newness is different than what people are looking for today. The scriptures mention the “hidden person of the heart”. This is the place where God does His extreme makeover.
Jesus, the most magnetic person ever takes up residence in my heart and a transformation begins.
If I like, each day I can be “clothed in Him” (Rom. 13:14).
He is a refreshing fragrance coming out of my life. (2 Cor. 2:14)
He refreshes my attitude. (Phil. 2:5)
He illuminates my personality. (John 15:4)
He gives great face lifts as well. (Ps. 34:5)
In short, I have His image restored in me.
Jesus in me is quite compelling. He’s interesting, humorous and compassionate.
He is all that in me and so much more! AND there is more to come!
So I’m not tall, dark, and handsome. WHO CARES!
I’m transforming. We all are!
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
Thursday, November 02, 2006
are you attractive?
When I was a little boy, my mom pasted these old newspaper ads to stained wood and hung them on the wall as antique decorations. They were food advertisements for women. I remember one particularly: FATTEN-U-FOOD! That’s right. It was food to make women fat. In the past, it was actually considered unattractive to be thin. Skinny women were passed over by men who wanted a more “substantial gal”. I remember the ads of those beautiful heavy models like it was yesterday.
By the way, who says what is attractive and what is unattractive anyway? Who says you have to weigh a certain weight, have a certain hair and skin color, etc.? Where do they make those rules? AND many times, what this world determines is attractive is shallow, possessing little or no significance. The way our world evaluates people is oppressive to most.
“So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now! What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” 2 Cor. 5:16-17
Fresh, attractive, influential, and magnetic people are what Jesus is making. People who don’t just look good-they are good! They make a difference in the world. What makes the Christ-follower attractive runs much deeper than the culture’s surface evaluations. Let’s continue a little further in the same passage.
“All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NLT)
In Christ I have found a way to be attractive as well as significant. In Him I am clothed fashionably and given access to the finest of fragrances. Also, as I abide in Him, my personality and attitude are fine tuned in such a way that I can at times be “irresistible”.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not taken with myself, but I do think God has given me an opportunity to reflect His image and His image is "at least" attractive.
Find out more this weekend. Hear the message, “Becoming Magnetic”.
By the way, who says what is attractive and what is unattractive anyway? Who says you have to weigh a certain weight, have a certain hair and skin color, etc.? Where do they make those rules? AND many times, what this world determines is attractive is shallow, possessing little or no significance. The way our world evaluates people is oppressive to most.
“So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now! What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” 2 Cor. 5:16-17
Fresh, attractive, influential, and magnetic people are what Jesus is making. People who don’t just look good-they are good! They make a difference in the world. What makes the Christ-follower attractive runs much deeper than the culture’s surface evaluations. Let’s continue a little further in the same passage.
“All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NLT)
In Christ I have found a way to be attractive as well as significant. In Him I am clothed fashionably and given access to the finest of fragrances. Also, as I abide in Him, my personality and attitude are fine tuned in such a way that I can at times be “irresistible”.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not taken with myself, but I do think God has given me an opportunity to reflect His image and His image is "at least" attractive.
Find out more this weekend. Hear the message, “Becoming Magnetic”.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Ready for the question?
Are you ready for someone to ask you “the question”? You know-the question that becomes that “opportunity” that you will make the most of?
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
With Christ at the center of our lives, God will provide opportunities for us to share Him with others. In Christ are hidden treasure troves of wisdom that He gives us applying to the way we live oue daily lives. People will notice wisdom, gravitate toward it, and thus you will have influence.
With Jesus at the center, our speech becomes nutritious and life-giving. Gracious conversation combined with wisdom lends itself to insightful interaction with others throughout the course of the day. We know what to say, how to say, and when (or when not) to say those things that God Himself would have said in any given moment. The Grace-filled tongue is influenced away from negative and critical comments that repel people away from Christ’s influence through us.
Instead, encouraging words that build up and give grace to the hearers come from our Center.
Our hard-working, wise, gracious, seasoned lives will always attract questions. People will be attracted by Christ in you. You will become magnetic. There will be people who find you attractive and ask you about things-lots of things. Then you can be ready! Ready to tell them why. It is a simple answer. Because you have faith in Christ and you are making a sincere effort to follow His teachings.
“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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
With Christ at the center of our lives, God will provide opportunities for us to share Him with others. In Christ are hidden treasure troves of wisdom that He gives us applying to the way we live oue daily lives. People will notice wisdom, gravitate toward it, and thus you will have influence.
With Jesus at the center, our speech becomes nutritious and life-giving. Gracious conversation combined with wisdom lends itself to insightful interaction with others throughout the course of the day. We know what to say, how to say, and when (or when not) to say those things that God Himself would have said in any given moment. The Grace-filled tongue is influenced away from negative and critical comments that repel people away from Christ’s influence through us.
Instead, encouraging words that build up and give grace to the hearers come from our Center.
Our hard-working, wise, gracious, seasoned lives will always attract questions. People will be attracted by Christ in you. You will become magnetic. There will be people who find you attractive and ask you about things-lots of things. Then you can be ready! Ready to tell them why. It is a simple answer. Because you have faith in Christ and you are making a sincere effort to follow His teachings.
“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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
Love my job!
Did you know that Jesus is thought to have repeated His teachings over and over not because of the different crowds but for His disciples who he was depending on to change the world. I thought I would use His repetition strategy as well and refresh the weekend message in our minds as we head into our work week.
Colossians 3:22-25 (MSG) 22 Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. 23 Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, 24 confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. 25 The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work.
1. Do exactly what your boss asks of you.
2. Do your best at your job at all times.
3. Recognize Jesus as your boss and offer your work as Worship.
4. Work not only for a raise in this life, but also for a “pay day” in eternity. R
emember that people are watching our effort and drawing conclusions about our character. We have an opportunity to let them “see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven”. Let’s take full advantage and “make the most of every opportunity” to set a good example of a Christ-centered work ethic. Let’s honor Christ at work today. Have a great day and invite someone to come to church with you this week!
Current weekend series: “Get Centered”
A Journey Through the book of Colossians
Visit Our Website
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
web: http://www.ncclv.com
Colossians 3:22-25 (MSG) 22 Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. 23 Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, 24 confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. 25 The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work.
1. Do exactly what your boss asks of you.
2. Do your best at your job at all times.
3. Recognize Jesus as your boss and offer your work as Worship.
4. Work not only for a raise in this life, but also for a “pay day” in eternity. R
emember that people are watching our effort and drawing conclusions about our character. We have an opportunity to let them “see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven”. Let’s take full advantage and “make the most of every opportunity” to set a good example of a Christ-centered work ethic. Let’s honor Christ at work today. Have a great day and invite someone to come to church with you this week!
Current weekend series: “Get Centered”
A Journey Through the book of Colossians
Visit Our Website
email: chrisb@newcommchurch.org
web: http://www.ncclv.com
Thursday, October 19, 2006
hate my job!
“For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God” Ps. 75:6
All too often people dread their work. Most people are not doing work they dreamed of or feel is satisfying. Some even hate their job. Many look forward to the weekend when they can escape into recreation and other activities.
With Christ truly at the center of our lives, He makes a significant impact on our work environment. For those who can adopt a fresh mindset, their work can become an outpost for the advancement of the Kingdom. New significance can be discovered in what was “just a job”. Jesus can turn our job into a place where He intersects the lives of those we work with. I can look forward to my day anticipating what God might do at work.
“Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work.” Col. 3:22-25 (MSG)
My work day is an assignment from Jesus to display His character to the people around me. My authentic faith impacts my work ethic and inspires me to give an effort that is my best. As I quietly and consistently do my job (no matter what kind of job it may be) with excellence, others appreciate my effort and notice something different in my life.
Any employer will tell you that good help is hard to find. Many are watching the clock-finding ways to do as little as they can. They discover the minimum required and they do it. When someone pours their heart into their work they can easily stand out and are often rewarded or promoted by their employer.
For the Christ-follower, there is an extra source of power to tap into. We can allow Him to watch us while we work. We can feel His approval on our effort. Energy and attitude are available to me as I look to Him while I work. We can offer it to Him as worship. He will receive it and transform it into something that honors His Father and impacts the lives of others. Even in writing this blog right now I hope that my work is pleasing to God. I offer it to Him as worship. I am doing my best. I am pouring my heart into it and expecting Him to use it to impact you.
At work we earn more than a paycheck. Through hard work, we earn the right to honor our King and share with others His life-inspiring power. God says that He has an incentive package designed for His worker that is out of this world. One day (no matter if my earthly boss does or not) my ultimate boss will reward me for my effort.
May you work for Him today!
May you feel His blessing on you throughout your day!
May your work be appreciated and rewarded by both of your bosses!
Chris
All too often people dread their work. Most people are not doing work they dreamed of or feel is satisfying. Some even hate their job. Many look forward to the weekend when they can escape into recreation and other activities.
With Christ truly at the center of our lives, He makes a significant impact on our work environment. For those who can adopt a fresh mindset, their work can become an outpost for the advancement of the Kingdom. New significance can be discovered in what was “just a job”. Jesus can turn our job into a place where He intersects the lives of those we work with. I can look forward to my day anticipating what God might do at work.
“Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work.” Col. 3:22-25 (MSG)
My work day is an assignment from Jesus to display His character to the people around me. My authentic faith impacts my work ethic and inspires me to give an effort that is my best. As I quietly and consistently do my job (no matter what kind of job it may be) with excellence, others appreciate my effort and notice something different in my life.
Any employer will tell you that good help is hard to find. Many are watching the clock-finding ways to do as little as they can. They discover the minimum required and they do it. When someone pours their heart into their work they can easily stand out and are often rewarded or promoted by their employer.
For the Christ-follower, there is an extra source of power to tap into. We can allow Him to watch us while we work. We can feel His approval on our effort. Energy and attitude are available to me as I look to Him while I work. We can offer it to Him as worship. He will receive it and transform it into something that honors His Father and impacts the lives of others. Even in writing this blog right now I hope that my work is pleasing to God. I offer it to Him as worship. I am doing my best. I am pouring my heart into it and expecting Him to use it to impact you.
At work we earn more than a paycheck. Through hard work, we earn the right to honor our King and share with others His life-inspiring power. God says that He has an incentive package designed for His worker that is out of this world. One day (no matter if my earthly boss does or not) my ultimate boss will reward me for my effort.
May you work for Him today!
May you feel His blessing on you throughout your day!
May your work be appreciated and rewarded by both of your bosses!
Chris
Monday, October 09, 2006
Space cadet
Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. 3 For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Col. 3:2-4 (NLT)
We have been talking about being Centered. I was reading in Colossians 3 this morning and learned yet another way to center my life--set my heart and my mind on things above. How does this work? I live on earth. I interact with earthlings. I am dealing with real earth problems. I am not a space cadet. I want to know if this passage says for me to stick my head in the clouds and focus on mansions, streets of gold and little naked angels with harps and such and not face reality here. I think not.
Listen to the Message paraphrase, “Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. 3 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life.” Col. 3:2-3 (MSG)
I am reminded that Jesus came from heaven to earth. He brought heaven to earth. Once when Jesus was centering Himself, His disciples asked Him to show them how to “Get Centered” themselves. What did He do? He taught them to pray. Prayer is when I center my heart on what is happening with Jesus. In prayer I connect with the very heart of God and get Heaven’s perspective.
What is so cool is what Jesus prayed,
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus came to earth to bring heaven to us and then He returned there to sit at the right hand of our Father. We center our hearts on heaven because Jesus is there. As we connect with Him a download takes place—Heaven’s resources are placed within me so that His heart can be expressed through me on earth. I am to bring heaven to earth. This will not happen unless I center my heart on what is happening there with the King.
May you hallow the name of your Father in heaven today.
May His Son’s Kingdom find allegiance in your heart.
May His will be done on this earth and in your life as it is in heaven.
And may you find Jesus to be your real life.
Chris
We have been talking about being Centered. I was reading in Colossians 3 this morning and learned yet another way to center my life--set my heart and my mind on things above. How does this work? I live on earth. I interact with earthlings. I am dealing with real earth problems. I am not a space cadet. I want to know if this passage says for me to stick my head in the clouds and focus on mansions, streets of gold and little naked angels with harps and such and not face reality here. I think not.
Listen to the Message paraphrase, “Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. 3 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life.” Col. 3:2-3 (MSG)
I am reminded that Jesus came from heaven to earth. He brought heaven to earth. Once when Jesus was centering Himself, His disciples asked Him to show them how to “Get Centered” themselves. What did He do? He taught them to pray. Prayer is when I center my heart on what is happening with Jesus. In prayer I connect with the very heart of God and get Heaven’s perspective.
What is so cool is what Jesus prayed,
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus came to earth to bring heaven to us and then He returned there to sit at the right hand of our Father. We center our hearts on heaven because Jesus is there. As we connect with Him a download takes place—Heaven’s resources are placed within me so that His heart can be expressed through me on earth. I am to bring heaven to earth. This will not happen unless I center my heart on what is happening there with the King.
May you hallow the name of your Father in heaven today.
May His Son’s Kingdom find allegiance in your heart.
May His will be done on this earth and in your life as it is in heaven.
And may you find Jesus to be your real life.
Chris
Thursday, September 28, 2006
agony & ecstasy
“I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other friends who have never known me personally. My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”. Col. 2:1-3
For almost 9 years Michelle and I have labored here in this field, partnering with God and you to build New Community Church. It truly has been the agony and the ecstasy. Our goal has always been to build life-long relationships that enrich the lives of all who enter into them. Our desire is to share the great news that Jesus can completely alter people’s lives and bring healing into their hearts. That is what He did for me. I am still amazed at where I once was and where I am today. Only God can do this in someone.
As I said, it has been a mixture of joy and pain, like birthing a child and watching it grow. Giving nurture, teaching, modeling, praying, crying, laughing and a whole host of other experiences along the way.
What is most rewarding (ecstasy) are the relationships built along the way. I have deep and growing relationships in our church. It has been a joy to watch many of you get married, have kids, and build your lives. It has been a privilege to walk with some through the difficult moments as well. Our hearts are deeply invested in you. Our lives are happily entangled with yours. I would not have it any other way!
What I have found to be utterly heart-breaking (agony) is when people break away because of hurt. The painful truth is that people leave churches. Some leave our lives the right way while others fall short. The bonds of love were not strong enough. Because of the sin in all of our lives we must work to strengthen our friendships. We must communicate until we understand each other. We must pray together until God’s Spirit produces unity. Of course, there will always be those who will still walk away. In these moments we must guard our hearts and allow God to heal us from the painful loss of relationship.
I believe that if we allow Jesus to be at the center of our church and relationships we “will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love”. In Jesus, is all of the wisdom and knowledge we need to work through all of life’s challenges.
May we allow Him to have our hearts today.
May we Center ourselves on Him.
May we move into our future together allowing Him to build strong, abiding relationships among us.
“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” -Jesus John 13:34-35
Chris
For almost 9 years Michelle and I have labored here in this field, partnering with God and you to build New Community Church. It truly has been the agony and the ecstasy. Our goal has always been to build life-long relationships that enrich the lives of all who enter into them. Our desire is to share the great news that Jesus can completely alter people’s lives and bring healing into their hearts. That is what He did for me. I am still amazed at where I once was and where I am today. Only God can do this in someone.
As I said, it has been a mixture of joy and pain, like birthing a child and watching it grow. Giving nurture, teaching, modeling, praying, crying, laughing and a whole host of other experiences along the way.
What is most rewarding (ecstasy) are the relationships built along the way. I have deep and growing relationships in our church. It has been a joy to watch many of you get married, have kids, and build your lives. It has been a privilege to walk with some through the difficult moments as well. Our hearts are deeply invested in you. Our lives are happily entangled with yours. I would not have it any other way!
What I have found to be utterly heart-breaking (agony) is when people break away because of hurt. The painful truth is that people leave churches. Some leave our lives the right way while others fall short. The bonds of love were not strong enough. Because of the sin in all of our lives we must work to strengthen our friendships. We must communicate until we understand each other. We must pray together until God’s Spirit produces unity. Of course, there will always be those who will still walk away. In these moments we must guard our hearts and allow God to heal us from the painful loss of relationship.
I believe that if we allow Jesus to be at the center of our church and relationships we “will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love”. In Jesus, is all of the wisdom and knowledge we need to work through all of life’s challenges.
May we allow Him to have our hearts today.
May we Center ourselves on Him.
May we move into our future together allowing Him to build strong, abiding relationships among us.
“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” -Jesus John 13:34-35
Chris
Monday, September 25, 2006
Brain Fried
“for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me. I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other friends who have never known me personally.” Colossians 1:28-2:3 (NLT)
On Mondays I am usually “brain-fried”. Today is no exception. The life of a pastor can get interesting. It can also be very draining. I was just reading this morning in Colossians about Paul the church-planter. I bet he was fried often.
But there is one thing that he said today that has my attention, “I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me.”
What exactly does it mean to work very hard all the while depending on Christ’s strength? At times I work very hard and at times I feel completely exhausted. To tell the truth, I have felt exhausted for a couple of months now. There have been moments of mental and emotional drain that have taken me to my limits. It is at my limits that I learn lessons about Jesus’ power.
I have learned that His power actually is available to me. There have been times when I have simply said, “Lord, I can’t. You are going to have to do this.” We have all been to places where we feel that we can’t go on. This can be an exciting place for me. It all depends on where I turn next.
I have learned that His power is already in me. At the moment I realize I can’t, but try anyway depending on Him to help me, I find “in me” reserves of strength that I did not think I had at all. There is a powerful truth that all too often I can forget-Christ lives in me. Greater is He that lives in me than anything this world can or Satan can throw at me.
I have learned that I often don’t depend on Him until my resources run out. This is the unfortunate truth. Then I get frustrated with myself because I know I should have depended on the Lord’s strength, and I didn’t. I start out the day determined to depend on God only to find myself a few hours later trying to get it done on my own.
At 40 years old, I am seeking to learn more about working hard while at the same time depending on Christ to give me strength. I believe this is primarily a matter of prayer. I also believe that if I don’t learn this lesson, I won’t be able to finish this difficult race that is set before me.
May we work hard today. May we work very hard depending on Christ’s mighty power that lives in us.
“Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” Eph. 3:20
On Mondays I am usually “brain-fried”. Today is no exception. The life of a pastor can get interesting. It can also be very draining. I was just reading this morning in Colossians about Paul the church-planter. I bet he was fried often.
But there is one thing that he said today that has my attention, “I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me.”
What exactly does it mean to work very hard all the while depending on Christ’s strength? At times I work very hard and at times I feel completely exhausted. To tell the truth, I have felt exhausted for a couple of months now. There have been moments of mental and emotional drain that have taken me to my limits. It is at my limits that I learn lessons about Jesus’ power.
I have learned that His power actually is available to me. There have been times when I have simply said, “Lord, I can’t. You are going to have to do this.” We have all been to places where we feel that we can’t go on. This can be an exciting place for me. It all depends on where I turn next.
I have learned that His power is already in me. At the moment I realize I can’t, but try anyway depending on Him to help me, I find “in me” reserves of strength that I did not think I had at all. There is a powerful truth that all too often I can forget-Christ lives in me. Greater is He that lives in me than anything this world can or Satan can throw at me.
I have learned that I often don’t depend on Him until my resources run out. This is the unfortunate truth. Then I get frustrated with myself because I know I should have depended on the Lord’s strength, and I didn’t. I start out the day determined to depend on God only to find myself a few hours later trying to get it done on my own.
At 40 years old, I am seeking to learn more about working hard while at the same time depending on Christ to give me strength. I believe this is primarily a matter of prayer. I also believe that if I don’t learn this lesson, I won’t be able to finish this difficult race that is set before me.
May we work hard today. May we work very hard depending on Christ’s mighty power that lives in us.
“Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” Eph. 3:20
Thursday, September 21, 2006
holding me together
Last night I stayed up watching the news. I was discouraged to see so much happening on the world stage in terms of hatred for the United States. From the oil rich Presidents of Venezuala and Iran to nuclear bomb ambitious Al Queda--all desire to see our country financially unravel or utterly destroyed.
The other day I spoke with someone who is facing financial collapse. As we spoke, I could tell that he was trying to keep it together. Much of the solution for him is out of his control. I visited a man and his wife in the hospital two days ago. He was about to go into emergency surgery to remove his kidney because of a large tumor that had grown on it. Today they are waiting for more news from the doctor. A man told me Sunday that his wife left him after many years of marriage and now he is facing the prospect of life alone.
There is so much instability in today’s world. Everywhere we look we see people and things coming apart. People are living under tremendous pressure. Keeping it together is difficult when your world is falling apart.
It was not long ago that I felt like things were coming apart myself. I am encouraged to know that it is not my job to hold my world together. Colossians 1:17 reminds us that “all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Getting centered means trusting that Jesus can hold me together in a world where so many things can quickly disintegrate. It means reaching out in love to others and providing emotional strength in the midst of suffering. It means putting my ultimate hope in the joys of heaven where there will be no more crying, tears or pain. It means consistently thanking God for all of the things that He does give so generously.
Getting centered does not mean that things are not going wrong or even that I ignore the chaos around me. It means that I place my focus on Jesus and depend on Him to hold me together in the midst of it all. It is believing that he can cause all things to somehow work together for my good. That is what getting centered means to me. It is Jesus-the Center of everything.
Chris
The other day I spoke with someone who is facing financial collapse. As we spoke, I could tell that he was trying to keep it together. Much of the solution for him is out of his control. I visited a man and his wife in the hospital two days ago. He was about to go into emergency surgery to remove his kidney because of a large tumor that had grown on it. Today they are waiting for more news from the doctor. A man told me Sunday that his wife left him after many years of marriage and now he is facing the prospect of life alone.
There is so much instability in today’s world. Everywhere we look we see people and things coming apart. People are living under tremendous pressure. Keeping it together is difficult when your world is falling apart.
It was not long ago that I felt like things were coming apart myself. I am encouraged to know that it is not my job to hold my world together. Colossians 1:17 reminds us that “all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Getting centered means trusting that Jesus can hold me together in a world where so many things can quickly disintegrate. It means reaching out in love to others and providing emotional strength in the midst of suffering. It means putting my ultimate hope in the joys of heaven where there will be no more crying, tears or pain. It means consistently thanking God for all of the things that He does give so generously.
Getting centered does not mean that things are not going wrong or even that I ignore the chaos around me. It means that I place my focus on Jesus and depend on Him to hold me together in the midst of it all. It is believing that he can cause all things to somehow work together for my good. That is what getting centered means to me. It is Jesus-the Center of everything.
Chris
Monday, September 18, 2006
avoid dizziness
Avoiding dizziness in an unpredictable world of constant movement and change requires intimate knowledge of an Unchanging Center. In the first chapter of Colossians, Paul tells us in several ways what, or better, who that Center is.
God’s Kingdom has a center
“ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” vs. 13
Our Understanding of God has a center
“He is the image of the invisible God" vs. 15
All Of Creation has a Center
“the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Vs. 15-17
The Church has a Center
“And he is the head of the body, the church” vs. 18
My Hope has A Center
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Vs. 27
It is impossible for me to maintain balance in this crazy life without Jesus at the center. Everything was created by Him and for Him. Yes, everything you can see, feel, smell, and touch are for Him. It is all for Jesus. This includes me. My life makes sense when He is the central focus. My identity and purpose are discovered in Him. Those who desire to follow Jesus must center “EVERYTHING” on Him. It is simple-not easy, but simple: “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:3
If I center myself on Jesus, I can experience peace (lack of dizziness) no matter what. It truly is that simple.
He is our King so we obey Him.
He is our God so we worship Him.
He is our creator so we find my purpose in Him.
He is the leader of our church so we follow Him.
He is our hope so we look to Him.
May this simple yet profound truth penetrate and refresh your heart today.
Chris
God’s Kingdom has a center
“ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” vs. 13
Our Understanding of God has a center
“He is the image of the invisible God" vs. 15
All Of Creation has a Center
“the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Vs. 15-17
The Church has a Center
“And he is the head of the body, the church” vs. 18
My Hope has A Center
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Vs. 27
It is impossible for me to maintain balance in this crazy life without Jesus at the center. Everything was created by Him and for Him. Yes, everything you can see, feel, smell, and touch are for Him. It is all for Jesus. This includes me. My life makes sense when He is the central focus. My identity and purpose are discovered in Him. Those who desire to follow Jesus must center “EVERYTHING” on Him. It is simple-not easy, but simple: “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:3
If I center myself on Jesus, I can experience peace (lack of dizziness) no matter what. It truly is that simple.
He is our King so we obey Him.
He is our God so we worship Him.
He is our creator so we find my purpose in Him.
He is the leader of our church so we follow Him.
He is our hope so we look to Him.
May this simple yet profound truth penetrate and refresh your heart today.
Chris
Friday, September 15, 2006
bad choices
As a leader, I am continually faced with decisions: What should I do? How should I do it? When should I do it? If I choose well, those I lead benefit, if I don’t they could suffer. Do you need to make wise decisions? Leading a “Centered” life involves making good calls and executing them with wisdom. Life can spin out of control on its own; I don’t need to add to that with poor decisions.
“So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)
A centered life requires friends who are prayerfully involved in your spiritual development. Paul prays for his friends to “understand what God wants them to do”. I have my share of moments where I don’t know what God wants. In these moments, it is important not only to pray yourself, but also to have others pray for you. God always seems to honor people who pray together about His will. He won’t hide His will, He will reveal it.
Spiritual friends can also be involved in making us “wise with spiritual wisdom”. In prayer and conversation with other people who have committed to center their lives in Jesus, a wealth of life experience is shared. Knowing what to do is one thing, knowing how to do it is another. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom comes from two places: life experience or advice. This is why having a group of friends to pray and counsel with is so critical.
“All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.” The most inportant key to leading a Centered life is a growing relationship with God. Just simply setting aside time for Him each day. Praying friends encourage us in our relationship with God. He will give us understanding and wisdom. He is the Center anyway. Closeness with Him is Centeredness.
May you have some praying friends in your life. May you know God better and better. And with God’s help, may you make excellent choices today!
Chris
“So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)
A centered life requires friends who are prayerfully involved in your spiritual development. Paul prays for his friends to “understand what God wants them to do”. I have my share of moments where I don’t know what God wants. In these moments, it is important not only to pray yourself, but also to have others pray for you. God always seems to honor people who pray together about His will. He won’t hide His will, He will reveal it.
Spiritual friends can also be involved in making us “wise with spiritual wisdom”. In prayer and conversation with other people who have committed to center their lives in Jesus, a wealth of life experience is shared. Knowing what to do is one thing, knowing how to do it is another. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom comes from two places: life experience or advice. This is why having a group of friends to pray and counsel with is so critical.
“All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.” The most inportant key to leading a Centered life is a growing relationship with God. Just simply setting aside time for Him each day. Praying friends encourage us in our relationship with God. He will give us understanding and wisdom. He is the Center anyway. Closeness with Him is Centeredness.
May you have some praying friends in your life. May you know God better and better. And with God’s help, may you make excellent choices today!
Chris
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
under pressure
Recently, I heard a man at a conference say “People who are under pressure put people under pressure”.
Many of us are living with extreme pressure. They have little or no margin in their lives. Deadlines, expectations, unforeseen circumstances, and countless other concerns leave us feeling overwhelmed. Yet the scriptures promise over and over a “Centered life” of peace and joy. My quest is to experience this rather just talk about it on the weekends. It is the message I am seeing as I read the book of Colossians.
Paul starts the book off by talking about some people who have found a very centered life and he describes them in three ways: “Or we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God's people. You do this because you are looking forward to the joys of heaven—as you have been ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.” Colossians 1:4-5 (NLT)
Centered people: Trust in Jesus-Love God’s people-Place their primary hope in heaven
I want to talk about the first one. It is the constant challenge of my life to remain centered in Christ. To trust in Jesus is a daily discipline. I must continually remind myself of His faithfulness in my past. Trust in any relationship is built over time through actions that prove someone faithful or trustworthy. Jesus has proven Himself faithful to me for more than 15 years now.
In spite of this track record, there are times of extreme anxiety in my life. I believe these moments are the result of me getting “off center”. I have set my goals. I have made my decisions. I have taken off down a path, and now I am trying to get Him to make it a smooth one.
Could it be that the more I center my heart on Jesus the less I feel all the pressure? Maybe most of the pressure I feel is self-imposed. Maybe if I could adjust my focus and see my life from His perspective I would experience something completely different. Maybe the whole picture would change. My perspective would at least.
I mean-a life centered in Jesus has His purpose driving it right? A centered life has some margin. A centered life experiences peace in the midst of environments where others feel overwhelming pressure. A centered life finds its way back to joy after being knocked off track by life’s inevitable challenges.
Are you centering your life in Jesus? Turn to Him now and “Get Centered”.
Chris
Many of us are living with extreme pressure. They have little or no margin in their lives. Deadlines, expectations, unforeseen circumstances, and countless other concerns leave us feeling overwhelmed. Yet the scriptures promise over and over a “Centered life” of peace and joy. My quest is to experience this rather just talk about it on the weekends. It is the message I am seeing as I read the book of Colossians.
Paul starts the book off by talking about some people who have found a very centered life and he describes them in three ways: “Or we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God's people. You do this because you are looking forward to the joys of heaven—as you have been ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.” Colossians 1:4-5 (NLT)
Centered people: Trust in Jesus-Love God’s people-Place their primary hope in heaven
I want to talk about the first one. It is the constant challenge of my life to remain centered in Christ. To trust in Jesus is a daily discipline. I must continually remind myself of His faithfulness in my past. Trust in any relationship is built over time through actions that prove someone faithful or trustworthy. Jesus has proven Himself faithful to me for more than 15 years now.
In spite of this track record, there are times of extreme anxiety in my life. I believe these moments are the result of me getting “off center”. I have set my goals. I have made my decisions. I have taken off down a path, and now I am trying to get Him to make it a smooth one.
Could it be that the more I center my heart on Jesus the less I feel all the pressure? Maybe most of the pressure I feel is self-imposed. Maybe if I could adjust my focus and see my life from His perspective I would experience something completely different. Maybe the whole picture would change. My perspective would at least.
I mean-a life centered in Jesus has His purpose driving it right? A centered life has some margin. A centered life experiences peace in the midst of environments where others feel overwhelming pressure. A centered life finds its way back to joy after being knocked off track by life’s inevitable challenges.
Are you centering your life in Jesus? Turn to Him now and “Get Centered”.
Chris
Monday, September 11, 2006
life won't mind me
I can’t seem to get everything to mind me. I mean, about the time I get things under control in one area of my life, another area starts spinning. Sometimes it seems like the whole world is spinning out of control.
Things move fast now. Technology moves so fast that your computer is outdated by the time you learn how to use it. The economy goes up and down and round and round. People almost never behave do they? It seems there is always at least one person in your life that is out of control-challenging your mental health and causing major stress. And how many terrorist groups are plotting to completely destroy us now? I lost count. I’m getting dizzy again! That’s just the stuff going on around me. I have not even mentioned the things going on inside me.
Life comes at you in real time. Real time is fast. It seems like you must continually adjust. People are stressed out. You hear much talk about balance these days. It’s increasingly more difficult to find my feet with everything constantly moving and changing in today’s world.
What stays constant? How does a person find stability in it all? Where is true north? Can I really experience peace or is that just religious rhetoric?
Believe it or not, there are some things that never change at all. There are some things that I can base my life upon. There is a Rock-a firm foundation. There is One who is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” and His name is Jesus. He is at the center of everything. He is at the center of the storms that blow in and around my life. As I learn to live near Him things calm down.
Join with me for the next couple of months as we journey through an ancient text called Colossians. These Holy writings from two thousand years ago will bring much needed wisdom and perspective for today’s fast-paced, hectic lives.
Join us for our new weekend series: “Get Centered”
Chris
Things move fast now. Technology moves so fast that your computer is outdated by the time you learn how to use it. The economy goes up and down and round and round. People almost never behave do they? It seems there is always at least one person in your life that is out of control-challenging your mental health and causing major stress. And how many terrorist groups are plotting to completely destroy us now? I lost count. I’m getting dizzy again! That’s just the stuff going on around me. I have not even mentioned the things going on inside me.
Life comes at you in real time. Real time is fast. It seems like you must continually adjust. People are stressed out. You hear much talk about balance these days. It’s increasingly more difficult to find my feet with everything constantly moving and changing in today’s world.
What stays constant? How does a person find stability in it all? Where is true north? Can I really experience peace or is that just religious rhetoric?
Believe it or not, there are some things that never change at all. There are some things that I can base my life upon. There is a Rock-a firm foundation. There is One who is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” and His name is Jesus. He is at the center of everything. He is at the center of the storms that blow in and around my life. As I learn to live near Him things calm down.
Join with me for the next couple of months as we journey through an ancient text called Colossians. These Holy writings from two thousand years ago will bring much needed wisdom and perspective for today’s fast-paced, hectic lives.
Join us for our new weekend series: “Get Centered”
Chris
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Better with age
40 years old-that is what I am looking at today. How does this feel? I’m not too sure. My thoughts seem sort of random about the whole thing (maybe that is what happens at my age). They say 40 is the new 30 right? Maybe I’m like a fine bottle of wine- I’m better with age! More likely a like an aging block of stinky cheeze.
You know, when you are in your 20’s you think you know everything. As you move through your 30’s you start to realize that you did not know as much as you thought. Then you hit 40 and realize you didn’t know anything. I wonder if by the time you hit 50, you have really started to figure some things out. 60! Man-now that’s got to be the beginning of wisdom! 70-I don’t want to think about it right now.
One thing is for sure, life does a lot to a man through the years. A lot of it can steal your joy for life if you let it. It is the fight of a man’s life to see hope throughout his days-to continue to believe the best in people and hold on to God. It is a major challenge to focus on the good when so much can (and often does) go wrong.
I believe the Apostle Paul had this challenge as he attempted to navigate the uncharted waters of his life. He had many significant “heart punches” along his way. People turned on him, hurt him, and abandoned him. He had major set backs and disillusionment like the rest of us. He writes in Acts 20:
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Paul understood that the ultimate concern of his very challenging life was to simply do God’s will. He knew the secret to inner strength and joy was to make sure he fulfilled his mission to share the great news of what God had done for him in Jesus Christ. As he moved up in years his focus only seemed to sharpen on this purpose.
What I connect with is Paul’s determination to do life with joy. I do not have control of what is in front of me, but I do have control of what is inside of me. I choose to do life with joy! In the end, all a man has is the joy of knowing he has done (or has tried to do) God’s will for his life. I intend to “finish my race with joy” and spend the rest of my life telling others about who Jesus Christ is to me. I want to run harder (hopefully smarter) and even more determined to make a difference in the Kingdom of God.
Let me tell you how I am going to choose to feel about my 40th Birthday today-Thankful! My best days are still in front of me (now that I am getting a little smarter). I am married to a fantastic woman, my son is barely two years old and continuously floods my life with joy, I have a great group of friends to do life with, and I am privileged to pastor a great church filled with awesome people. Yes, life could be a whole lot worse for a guy like me. I have so much to be thankful for today. Thank You God! Thank You for letting me live this life!
Chris
You know, when you are in your 20’s you think you know everything. As you move through your 30’s you start to realize that you did not know as much as you thought. Then you hit 40 and realize you didn’t know anything. I wonder if by the time you hit 50, you have really started to figure some things out. 60! Man-now that’s got to be the beginning of wisdom! 70-I don’t want to think about it right now.
One thing is for sure, life does a lot to a man through the years. A lot of it can steal your joy for life if you let it. It is the fight of a man’s life to see hope throughout his days-to continue to believe the best in people and hold on to God. It is a major challenge to focus on the good when so much can (and often does) go wrong.
I believe the Apostle Paul had this challenge as he attempted to navigate the uncharted waters of his life. He had many significant “heart punches” along his way. People turned on him, hurt him, and abandoned him. He had major set backs and disillusionment like the rest of us. He writes in Acts 20:
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Paul understood that the ultimate concern of his very challenging life was to simply do God’s will. He knew the secret to inner strength and joy was to make sure he fulfilled his mission to share the great news of what God had done for him in Jesus Christ. As he moved up in years his focus only seemed to sharpen on this purpose.
What I connect with is Paul’s determination to do life with joy. I do not have control of what is in front of me, but I do have control of what is inside of me. I choose to do life with joy! In the end, all a man has is the joy of knowing he has done (or has tried to do) God’s will for his life. I intend to “finish my race with joy” and spend the rest of my life telling others about who Jesus Christ is to me. I want to run harder (hopefully smarter) and even more determined to make a difference in the Kingdom of God.
Let me tell you how I am going to choose to feel about my 40th Birthday today-Thankful! My best days are still in front of me (now that I am getting a little smarter). I am married to a fantastic woman, my son is barely two years old and continuously floods my life with joy, I have a great group of friends to do life with, and I am privileged to pastor a great church filled with awesome people. Yes, life could be a whole lot worse for a guy like me. I have so much to be thankful for today. Thank You God! Thank You for letting me live this life!
Chris
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
I can't afford to forgive that!
Last weekend I spoke from Matt. 18 about a King who forgave a man an astronomical debt simply out of compassion. But the man went out and refused to let another man who owed him only a little off the hook. The king heard about and threw him in prison to be tortured. Jesus said, “So shall my heavenly Father do to each of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
That is some tough stuff huh? Jesus often said hard things.
Hey have you ever just sat and meditated on how much you have done wrong in your life?
Today, I have an awareness of the enormous mountain of sin that has been in my life even since I was a little child (even yesterday!). It must be so repulsive to Him. Some of the choices I have made in my life must have just broken His heart. Some, I’m sure have made Him furious! Our Father has been moved with compassion and absorbed our gigantic debt. His broken heart and fury over our sin has been dealt with at the expense of His only Son and our King-Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
The sacrifice of Jesus must at some point brake my heart. Not just because He suffered, but because it was because of my deliberate sinful choices that caused Him to suffer.
I believe the reason that some people don’t find forgiveness in their heart for others is because they don’t have any. You have got to have some to give some. If I truly believe this good news of forgiveness and receive it, I find it so much easier to release others from my little prison cells I have built in my mind for them. In light of the things that I have done throughout the course of my life, that God has truly forgiven (by hurting Jesus), how can I not find it in my heart to forgive others for hurting me?
The reason people can’t find it in their heart is because of unbelief. They simply have not truly and thoroughly received the unbelievable forgiveness that God offers.The only other option is not forgive. I hold on to the offence. I keep my debtor in prison (my mind). I get to relive it over and over in my mind. Sounds like torture to me. And that is exactly what it is.
The reason many find themselves returning to the same place of relational brokenness again and again is because we are doing a life sentence with the torturers. They will be with us for the long haul if we cannot find it in our hearts to forgive from our hearts those who have hurt us.
You might say, “I can’t afford to forgive that”. That’s right you can’t. This kind of forgiveness is too expensive for people like me and you. But God our wealthy King is “rich in mercy” and will give you all you need and more.
Freely you have received, freely give.
That is some tough stuff huh? Jesus often said hard things.
Hey have you ever just sat and meditated on how much you have done wrong in your life?
Today, I have an awareness of the enormous mountain of sin that has been in my life even since I was a little child (even yesterday!). It must be so repulsive to Him. Some of the choices I have made in my life must have just broken His heart. Some, I’m sure have made Him furious! Our Father has been moved with compassion and absorbed our gigantic debt. His broken heart and fury over our sin has been dealt with at the expense of His only Son and our King-Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
The sacrifice of Jesus must at some point brake my heart. Not just because He suffered, but because it was because of my deliberate sinful choices that caused Him to suffer.
I believe the reason that some people don’t find forgiveness in their heart for others is because they don’t have any. You have got to have some to give some. If I truly believe this good news of forgiveness and receive it, I find it so much easier to release others from my little prison cells I have built in my mind for them. In light of the things that I have done throughout the course of my life, that God has truly forgiven (by hurting Jesus), how can I not find it in my heart to forgive others for hurting me?
The reason people can’t find it in their heart is because of unbelief. They simply have not truly and thoroughly received the unbelievable forgiveness that God offers.The only other option is not forgive. I hold on to the offence. I keep my debtor in prison (my mind). I get to relive it over and over in my mind. Sounds like torture to me. And that is exactly what it is.
The reason many find themselves returning to the same place of relational brokenness again and again is because we are doing a life sentence with the torturers. They will be with us for the long haul if we cannot find it in our hearts to forgive from our hearts those who have hurt us.
You might say, “I can’t afford to forgive that”. That’s right you can’t. This kind of forgiveness is too expensive for people like me and you. But God our wealthy King is “rich in mercy” and will give you all you need and more.
Freely you have received, freely give.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
for those who have been hurt
Wounds are a part of life. They are going to happen. Abuse, divorce, betrayal, misunderstanding, abandonment, criticism, failure. We experience self inflicted wounds and wounds from others. The truth is that we will all eventually wound others and be wounded. It it also true that the deepest wounds in life can come from those we love and trust the most. The question is, “Is there hope? Can my wounds ever really heal?” Can I ever really be free? Can someone I have hurt ever forgive me? Will God forgive me?The answer is a resounding yes! Our bodies and our hearts were created by God to heal. He has designed us with an amazing ability to recover and expand as “whole” human beings through His process of being forgiven, healing, and then forgiving others.
But there are some wounds that run deep. There are wounds that go down and touch the innermost parts of who I am-my identity. These kinds of injuries are normally not inflicted upon us by strangers, but by those we know and love. People like fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, close friends, bosses, even or especially spouses. These kinds of wounds require attention and care. They don’t just go away. These are wounds that leave scars and they require a healing process. They also involve help from others. Most importantly, they require the healing that comes from a loving God who understands us and cares for us deeply-more deeply that our deepest wounds. Do you have any wounds?If you are like the rest of us you have had your share. Have they healed? Are you doing like so many of us-just pressing on as if you can handle it. “I’ll be alright” you say, or “That was so long ago, it’s not affecting me now.” I’ll let you in on a secret that I have learned (am learning ) the hard way. The past lives again in the present if it hasn’t been healed. This is an unfortunate fact of life. But there is hope.
God’s forgiveness is a healing balm that flows over the willing and receptive heart. But “flow” is the key word. I must be willing to walk in forgiveness in order for His forgiveness to keep flowing over me and through me.
For those who have been hurt I promise some great news: You can recover even better than before!
Join us this month as we talk about FORGIVENESS-the real “f” word.
Chris
But there are some wounds that run deep. There are wounds that go down and touch the innermost parts of who I am-my identity. These kinds of injuries are normally not inflicted upon us by strangers, but by those we know and love. People like fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, close friends, bosses, even or especially spouses. These kinds of wounds require attention and care. They don’t just go away. These are wounds that leave scars and they require a healing process. They also involve help from others. Most importantly, they require the healing that comes from a loving God who understands us and cares for us deeply-more deeply that our deepest wounds. Do you have any wounds?If you are like the rest of us you have had your share. Have they healed? Are you doing like so many of us-just pressing on as if you can handle it. “I’ll be alright” you say, or “That was so long ago, it’s not affecting me now.” I’ll let you in on a secret that I have learned (am learning ) the hard way. The past lives again in the present if it hasn’t been healed. This is an unfortunate fact of life. But there is hope.
God’s forgiveness is a healing balm that flows over the willing and receptive heart. But “flow” is the key word. I must be willing to walk in forgiveness in order for His forgiveness to keep flowing over me and through me.
For those who have been hurt I promise some great news: You can recover even better than before!
Join us this month as we talk about FORGIVENESS-the real “f” word.
Chris
Friday, July 28, 2006
careful little eyes
I am learning more and more about myself these days. I am also learning a lot about the world around me. Sometimes I like what I am seeing and other times I don’t. I am also learning that if I want to see something different, I must be something different. In fact, my biggest lesson is that what I see is determined by what I am.
Think about it-the world around us is basically reciprocal: the reality we perceive and the view we have of ourselves go together and feed back on each other. I am becoming more and more aware that my view of others is a direct reflection of my own mind set. If I am selfish, I will be suspicious. If I am generous, I will likely be more trustful. If I am honest with myself, I won’t anticipate deceit. If I am fair, I’m less likely to feel cheated. In a sense, looking at people can be like looking in a mirror.
Maybe Jesus was referring to this when he said, "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. 38 If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." (Lk. 6:37- 38)
Jesus goes on to say that bit about taking the telephone pole out of my own eye before I go after the toothpick in someone else's.
By the way, why was Jesus so accepting of others? I mean, He had such a way about Him. Could it be that He was so healthy, so secure, that His eyes saw what few others could see? When others saw trash, He saw treasure. He saw undeveloped potential. He looked into people’s heart and saw worth and undiscovered gifts. He saw the image of God!
I am having a shift in my thinking. I am not asking what is wrong with everything and everybody else. I am asking a new set of questions of myself these days. What is going on in me? What is my potential? What is my worth? My answers to these questions determine what I see and get back from the world and everyone in it.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” -Jesus (Luke 6:22-23
May God transform the eyes of our hearts to see a whole new world!
Chris
Think about it-the world around us is basically reciprocal: the reality we perceive and the view we have of ourselves go together and feed back on each other. I am becoming more and more aware that my view of others is a direct reflection of my own mind set. If I am selfish, I will be suspicious. If I am generous, I will likely be more trustful. If I am honest with myself, I won’t anticipate deceit. If I am fair, I’m less likely to feel cheated. In a sense, looking at people can be like looking in a mirror.
Maybe Jesus was referring to this when he said, "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. 38 If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." (Lk. 6:37- 38)
Jesus goes on to say that bit about taking the telephone pole out of my own eye before I go after the toothpick in someone else's.
By the way, why was Jesus so accepting of others? I mean, He had such a way about Him. Could it be that He was so healthy, so secure, that His eyes saw what few others could see? When others saw trash, He saw treasure. He saw undeveloped potential. He looked into people’s heart and saw worth and undiscovered gifts. He saw the image of God!
I am having a shift in my thinking. I am not asking what is wrong with everything and everybody else. I am asking a new set of questions of myself these days. What is going on in me? What is my potential? What is my worth? My answers to these questions determine what I see and get back from the world and everyone in it.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” -Jesus (Luke 6:22-23
May God transform the eyes of our hearts to see a whole new world!
Chris
Thursday, July 27, 2006
relational balance
Today I read and expanded on an article from Gary Smalley. I found it refreshing and helpful.
Three Components of Relational Balance
Are you spread thin relationally? Too many people pulling you in too many directions?
There are three main components to maintaining a relational balance in your life. Neglect or overlook any of the three and you'll soon be heading for trouble.
Receiving. To stay healthy, you have to receive from others. You need the help and assistance of others. To practice good self-care, you must learn to let the love of others penetrate. So many of us never allow anyone in. Let people encourage you. Ask for people to pray for you and listen to them pray, it will do your heart good.
Attending. Good self-care means that you must learn to attend to your own legitimate needs. That means that you have to understand what your emotions are telling you about your circumstances. Remember, your feelings provide information essential for effective self-care.
All of these sources—signals from the body, mind, and heart—provide helpful information that can guide and direct your self-care process. Rest, nutrition, exercise, and spiritual inspiration are critical in order to maintain healthy relationships.
Giving. You stop self-care from degenerating into selfishness. Why? Because you realize that you take care of yourself so that you have something to give to others. Selfishness kills. You cannot make yourself happy any way.
Let me say it as strongly as possible: there's no way that you can really take care of yourself without truly giving and serving others. If you're not giving—if you're focused only on receiving—then you're working against your own best interests.
If we pay attention to these areas, we can maintain relational balance and enjoy people instead of being annoyed by them.
Chris
Three Components of Relational Balance
Are you spread thin relationally? Too many people pulling you in too many directions?
There are three main components to maintaining a relational balance in your life. Neglect or overlook any of the three and you'll soon be heading for trouble.
Receiving. To stay healthy, you have to receive from others. You need the help and assistance of others. To practice good self-care, you must learn to let the love of others penetrate. So many of us never allow anyone in. Let people encourage you. Ask for people to pray for you and listen to them pray, it will do your heart good.
Attending. Good self-care means that you must learn to attend to your own legitimate needs. That means that you have to understand what your emotions are telling you about your circumstances. Remember, your feelings provide information essential for effective self-care.
All of these sources—signals from the body, mind, and heart—provide helpful information that can guide and direct your self-care process. Rest, nutrition, exercise, and spiritual inspiration are critical in order to maintain healthy relationships.
Giving. You stop self-care from degenerating into selfishness. Why? Because you realize that you take care of yourself so that you have something to give to others. Selfishness kills. You cannot make yourself happy any way.
Let me say it as strongly as possible: there's no way that you can really take care of yourself without truly giving and serving others. If you're not giving—if you're focused only on receiving—then you're working against your own best interests.
If we pay attention to these areas, we can maintain relational balance and enjoy people instead of being annoyed by them.
Chris
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Attitude determines altitude
“You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Cor. 9:7
There is an attitude that leads toward generosity and another that leads to resentment. Any time we are manipulated or pressured into giving money it leaves a bad taste in our mouths. We sense that something is wrong and we don’t like it. But the attitude in our heart is half as much the problem as the pressure being applied on us to give.
We are told to not give reluctantly or under pressure because that is not the attitude that God enjoys. After all we are giving to Him, aren’t we? It is to Him that we give. Also the attitude that we have impacts us. A reluctant attitude leads toward resentment building up in our heart. This in turn results in a hardened, selfish heart-the opposite of what God loves.
At its core, giving is a matter of the heart. It is the heart that has been touched by God’s love that gives. It is the heart that has experienced God’s generosity that can open and respond in kind.
This is what God wants-a loving, grateful, and cheerful heart. This is what He desires for all of us. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Giving-generous giving is what produces a heart of love that is open and generous. There is no other way for us to experience this level of God’s character than to give and give generously.
We are told to “make up our own mind” about what we are going to give. God wants us to think about it and come to a decision. Has God been generous to me? Should I generously give back to Him? How much should I give? These are questions that I need to make up my own mind about. Then respond to Him accordingly not reluctantly or under pressure but willingly and joyfully.
When I have this attitude, I can give expectantly. Yes. I can give with the expectation that he will provide for all my needs. This is His promise, and this is the context in which I can claim it. But not just my needs, His promise has always been to bless in abundance.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Cor. 9:8
How much blessing do you want? It depends on how much blessing you want to give. Yes, your attitude determines your altitude. How high do you want to go?
There is an attitude that leads toward generosity and another that leads to resentment. Any time we are manipulated or pressured into giving money it leaves a bad taste in our mouths. We sense that something is wrong and we don’t like it. But the attitude in our heart is half as much the problem as the pressure being applied on us to give.
We are told to not give reluctantly or under pressure because that is not the attitude that God enjoys. After all we are giving to Him, aren’t we? It is to Him that we give. Also the attitude that we have impacts us. A reluctant attitude leads toward resentment building up in our heart. This in turn results in a hardened, selfish heart-the opposite of what God loves.
At its core, giving is a matter of the heart. It is the heart that has been touched by God’s love that gives. It is the heart that has experienced God’s generosity that can open and respond in kind.
This is what God wants-a loving, grateful, and cheerful heart. This is what He desires for all of us. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Giving-generous giving is what produces a heart of love that is open and generous. There is no other way for us to experience this level of God’s character than to give and give generously.
We are told to “make up our own mind” about what we are going to give. God wants us to think about it and come to a decision. Has God been generous to me? Should I generously give back to Him? How much should I give? These are questions that I need to make up my own mind about. Then respond to Him accordingly not reluctantly or under pressure but willingly and joyfully.
When I have this attitude, I can give expectantly. Yes. I can give with the expectation that he will provide for all my needs. This is His promise, and this is the context in which I can claim it. But not just my needs, His promise has always been to bless in abundance.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Cor. 9:8
How much blessing do you want? It depends on how much blessing you want to give. Yes, your attitude determines your altitude. How high do you want to go?
Friday, July 21, 2006
secret power
unlock the secret: If you sow, you will reap!
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV) “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
If I go outside right now and throw a rock up into the air as high as I can throw it, a law will inevitably catch up with my throw and bring the rock back to the ground-the law of gravity.
There is another law that I want to show you today-the law of reaping and sowing. We need a farming and gardening mentality when it come to unleashing God’s power into our finances. Do you know that there is power in a seed? Yes, a seed is filled with untold potential just waiting to be released.
The Bible teaches us that when we sow financially into God’s work a powerful law is put into motion. But we need to understand how this law works so let me try and give some insight.
The law of reaping and sowing:
1. You reap later than you sow. We don’t sow some seed and expect the next day for a plant to come up. It takes watering, sunshine and time. So it is with our generosity. We do not reap a return immediately. It often takes time, faith, patience & thanksgiving.
2. You reap more than you sow. Plant an apple seed – that yields an apple tree. That apple tree produces apples that all have many seeds in them. The one seed will produce hundreds of apples, hundreds of seeds. We are told here in no uncertain terms that this applies to our giving.
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV) “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,”
3. You reap in proportion to your sowing. There is a correlation between how much you give and how much blessings you will receive. Just as in farming - The more you sow, the more you will reap.
I have found this to be true over and over again. I am learning new dimensions of it now. In fact, I intend to explore this principle even deeper in the near future. My heart is that all of us would know God’s blessing of generosity in this way.
May you step out and bless the work of Jesus Christ through your generous giving and may you reap what you sow!
Chris
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV) “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
If I go outside right now and throw a rock up into the air as high as I can throw it, a law will inevitably catch up with my throw and bring the rock back to the ground-the law of gravity.
There is another law that I want to show you today-the law of reaping and sowing. We need a farming and gardening mentality when it come to unleashing God’s power into our finances. Do you know that there is power in a seed? Yes, a seed is filled with untold potential just waiting to be released.
The Bible teaches us that when we sow financially into God’s work a powerful law is put into motion. But we need to understand how this law works so let me try and give some insight.
The law of reaping and sowing:
1. You reap later than you sow. We don’t sow some seed and expect the next day for a plant to come up. It takes watering, sunshine and time. So it is with our generosity. We do not reap a return immediately. It often takes time, faith, patience & thanksgiving.
2. You reap more than you sow. Plant an apple seed – that yields an apple tree. That apple tree produces apples that all have many seeds in them. The one seed will produce hundreds of apples, hundreds of seeds. We are told here in no uncertain terms that this applies to our giving.
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV) “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,”
3. You reap in proportion to your sowing. There is a correlation between how much you give and how much blessings you will receive. Just as in farming - The more you sow, the more you will reap.
I have found this to be true over and over again. I am learning new dimensions of it now. In fact, I intend to explore this principle even deeper in the near future. My heart is that all of us would know God’s blessing of generosity in this way.
May you step out and bless the work of Jesus Christ through your generous giving and may you reap what you sow!
Chris
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Get rich!
Does God want to make you rich? I have seen every kind of warped teaching there is on money from TV preachers. They say, “give to my ministry $100 dollars and God will give you $1000” Sometimes they promise even more. What is the truth? Is God’s heart to make people rich? Or is His heart to bless? Are those always the same thing?
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously-Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Cor. 9:6,10-11
This passage is often used (or misused) to say that God wants to make us rich. Let’s be honest, it does say that. So how does God want us to interpret this? Who does it apply to?
Let’s ask who was this written to? It was written to people who had already given to support the work of God. Paul was telling them that the law of sowing and reaping would apply to them because they invested in reaching people for Christ. He tells them that they will be made rich in every way. Why would these people be made rich? Because they had shown that they could be trusted with worldly wealth and that they would use it for even greater levels of generocity.
Can you be trusted to be a conduit through which God can pour His heart of blessing? I believe that God does want to enrich us more than we know. I also believe His blessing flows into hearts that sincerely desire to be a blessing.
Do you want to be made rich in every way? I would suspect most of us do. Then let us determine to use our resources to advance God's Kingdom. Anyone with that desire is in line for God blessing as spoken in His word.
May we sow generously into the work of God.
May we give joyfully to the church and its mission in the world.
May we find out what God meant when He said He would make us rich in every way!
Chris
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously-Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Cor. 9:6,10-11
This passage is often used (or misused) to say that God wants to make us rich. Let’s be honest, it does say that. So how does God want us to interpret this? Who does it apply to?
Let’s ask who was this written to? It was written to people who had already given to support the work of God. Paul was telling them that the law of sowing and reaping would apply to them because they invested in reaching people for Christ. He tells them that they will be made rich in every way. Why would these people be made rich? Because they had shown that they could be trusted with worldly wealth and that they would use it for even greater levels of generocity.
Can you be trusted to be a conduit through which God can pour His heart of blessing? I believe that God does want to enrich us more than we know. I also believe His blessing flows into hearts that sincerely desire to be a blessing.
Do you want to be made rich in every way? I would suspect most of us do. Then let us determine to use our resources to advance God's Kingdom. Anyone with that desire is in line for God blessing as spoken in His word.
May we sow generously into the work of God.
May we give joyfully to the church and its mission in the world.
May we find out what God meant when He said He would make us rich in every way!
Chris
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Greatness
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all. May our men see a vision of greatness! May our church inspire them toward it! May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God! May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all. May our men see a vision of greatness! May our church inspire them toward it! May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God! May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Greatness
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Greatness
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
A man must believe deep in his chest-even further, down into his gut that there is something worth pursuing or he dies. It is incredibly empowering to believe in a glorious destiny! But if a man can see nothing that transcends his natural desires he will just give in to them.
“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Gal. 6:8
A man needs to believe that God can do something great in him and through him. Jesus knew this and challenged his followers with these words:
"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12
I don’t know about you, but if I actually heard Jesus say that to me, it would light a fire in me. Jesus knew that men desire greatness. Why? Because He is their creator and He hard-wired the desire in. God is great and does great things (understatement). Don’t we think that a great God leads men to do great things? OF COURSE we might say, but if you asked the average person where they might go to learn greatness they would not say the local church.
One reason this is true is because of the humility police who quickly come in to calm us down and assure that greatness is found in “little things”. Don’t get me wrong faithfulness is determined by little things, but men desire greatness. The humility police would tell us that glory belongs to God, and they are right. But greatness is not glory, it is the reflection of God’s glory. Jesus went on to explain to His disciples that our “great works” are what brought “glory to the Father”.
Jesus knew also that the desire to be great could be misused for selfish reasons so He gave further definition by telling His followers that to become “great” is achieved as we walk through life sacrificially giving ourselves away to others. Jesus did not rebuke his disciples for wanting greatness but showed them the pathway there. No man is recognized for greatness through what he takes for himself but what he gives. This is why Jesus was the greatest ever.
What did God tell Abraham but that “I will bless you and make your name great”? (Gen. 12:12) Like any “good” father, God wants His children to grow up and become great men and women. He will lead us on this path if we choose to follow.
The pathway of greatness is not one that every person will tread; in fact, only a few ever will. But the possibility of greatness must be set before our men. They need to see how they can make the world a better place. A man needs to know that others will be better because of who he becomes during his challenging journey toward authentic manhood or he may not take the trip at all.
May our men see a vision of greatness!
May our church inspire them toward it!
May our men be challenged to pursue destiny with God!
May Jesus lead us all the way!
Chris
Current weekend series: "You've Got Male"
Monday, July 03, 2006
Blurred Vision
“Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.” Joel 2:28
One of the greatest things in a man’s life is his dreams. His hope for the future that good things are in store-that he can make something happen that will ultimately define him as a success.
No man naturally envisions a life of insignificance or failure. It takes a few blows to the heart and a few arrows in the back for him to start doing that. Then and only then will he begin the process of giving in. For a man, this is the beginning of his death.
I know a man who has dreamed all his life of doing something good-something heroic. As a boy he dreamed freely. Then life betrayed him as it does all of us. It was a blow that knocked him off course, just a few degrees but none the less, off course. Then another arrow-this time from someone close, someone he trusted. The result was a sharp turn onto a pathway of addiction, hurt, and betrayal that lasted for several years. That pathway led to a dead end that broke him. He no longer had the strength of heart to dream. He saw nothing in the future. Hope was lost.
It was then that he was ready for the introduction. He met a man that would cause him to dream again. He would place the seed of a growing vision in his heart. The vision has been believed, doubted, laid down, purified, challenged, ridiculed, and everything else you can think of. For him, it is the source of great joy and extreme agony. It is all he can do to cling to what He believes God has shown him.
Why is it that so many no longer really dream? Why is it that countless men look forward to little more than what is on TV tonight or what kind of fun can be had this weekend? Why? Because it is far less painful. You can’t really mess those dreams up too badly can you? I mean, if I really envision a future of something great all kinds of painful scenarios come into the picture.
If I do truly pursue my dreams, I will have to rise personally to meet the challenge. I don’t know if I’ve got what it takes. I can be kind of irresponsible and well, lazy sometimes. TV is easier.
Also, if I do rise, something will happen to knock me down-it always does. I’m tired of that.
The problem with not dreaming though is even worse because “where there is no vision people perish” and they “cast off restraint”. Undisciplined, unfocused men cause problems. They become short-sighted and live for only now. Pleasure becomes a high priority. Men can become very destructive to themselves and those around them when they no longer dream.
The only hope for a man is to hear the Voice of Truth. It is a distinctly different voice than the other voice we have been hearing. The father of lies has convinced many to give up on any real hope for the future and sold us on the “American dream” which ends up really being a nightmare of foolishness. The voice of truth tells me a different story. It is the voice of my true Father. Listen to him:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT) “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) 24 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
When my friend’s vision gets blurred and he starts to think about giving in, I just remind him of the Voice of Truth. His voice clears up everything for me-I mean my friend.
We’ll continue this discussion this week.
Chris
One of the greatest things in a man’s life is his dreams. His hope for the future that good things are in store-that he can make something happen that will ultimately define him as a success.
No man naturally envisions a life of insignificance or failure. It takes a few blows to the heart and a few arrows in the back for him to start doing that. Then and only then will he begin the process of giving in. For a man, this is the beginning of his death.
I know a man who has dreamed all his life of doing something good-something heroic. As a boy he dreamed freely. Then life betrayed him as it does all of us. It was a blow that knocked him off course, just a few degrees but none the less, off course. Then another arrow-this time from someone close, someone he trusted. The result was a sharp turn onto a pathway of addiction, hurt, and betrayal that lasted for several years. That pathway led to a dead end that broke him. He no longer had the strength of heart to dream. He saw nothing in the future. Hope was lost.
It was then that he was ready for the introduction. He met a man that would cause him to dream again. He would place the seed of a growing vision in his heart. The vision has been believed, doubted, laid down, purified, challenged, ridiculed, and everything else you can think of. For him, it is the source of great joy and extreme agony. It is all he can do to cling to what He believes God has shown him.
Why is it that so many no longer really dream? Why is it that countless men look forward to little more than what is on TV tonight or what kind of fun can be had this weekend? Why? Because it is far less painful. You can’t really mess those dreams up too badly can you? I mean, if I really envision a future of something great all kinds of painful scenarios come into the picture.
If I do truly pursue my dreams, I will have to rise personally to meet the challenge. I don’t know if I’ve got what it takes. I can be kind of irresponsible and well, lazy sometimes. TV is easier.
Also, if I do rise, something will happen to knock me down-it always does. I’m tired of that.
The problem with not dreaming though is even worse because “where there is no vision people perish” and they “cast off restraint”. Undisciplined, unfocused men cause problems. They become short-sighted and live for only now. Pleasure becomes a high priority. Men can become very destructive to themselves and those around them when they no longer dream.
The only hope for a man is to hear the Voice of Truth. It is a distinctly different voice than the other voice we have been hearing. The father of lies has convinced many to give up on any real hope for the future and sold us on the “American dream” which ends up really being a nightmare of foolishness. The voice of truth tells me a different story. It is the voice of my true Father. Listen to him:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT) “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”
Psalms 73:24 (NLT) 24 You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
When my friend’s vision gets blurred and he starts to think about giving in, I just remind him of the Voice of Truth. His voice clears up everything for me-I mean my friend.
We’ll continue this discussion this week.
Chris
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