Darla and I have been blessed in countless ways over our 38+ years of marriage. Included in those blessings are financial benefits of hard work and seeking to be good stewards. We have everything we need and most things that we want. That separates us from the large majority of the world.
Poverty is not a "problem" in many parts of our world - it is a lifestyle and an environment. Millions of families are just grateful for daily bread to make it until tomorrow. Clean, safe drinking water is a blessing, not an everyday reality for them. Their family members die at a much younger age than we as Americans. They have no access to any health care. Yet, many times they have learned to be content in the situation they are living in.
Here in our country we are spoiled. We are guilty of gluttony when we eat and we spend a big percentage of our income on comfort and our own pleasure. Most of us will never truly even understand the true meaning of the word "sacrifice." Yet . . . don't miss this - most of us still are not really happy. Is this getting too personal for you?
Years ago we became spiritually convicted that we should do more than what is comfortable in our giving, so we made a commitment to become generous givers. Each year our goal is to live on less and give away more, and we have succeeded in doing so. But recently I was challenged to move from being a generous giver to an extravagant one. To be a "generous" giver means that I am willing to give more than what is normally expected - but an "extravagant" giver does three things:
* They give more than what is expected.
* They give more than what is affordable.
* They give more than what is needed.
That second statement is where I feel some immediate push back. I can't afford to give extravagantly. It's not that I would not be willing - it's more than I just can't see how it is wise to give more than I can afford. There - that's a good "out" for me - it would not be wise to give more than I can afford. Right? After all, God requires that I be a good steward, right?
I'm struggling. Then, in the midst of my struggle, I come to the Christmas season and am forced to wrestle with God's example. He didn't just give His part. He didn't even give generously. He gave extravagantly when He sent His only Son to take my punishment and condemnation that my sin deserves. I can't ignore that. I can't escape that. But I can and must choose how I respond to that.
Want to struggle with me?
Friday, December 2, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
5 Things Your Pastor Wishes He Could Tell You
I don’t know why I wanted to write this today. But I did. I spent almost 7 years of my early adult life working for an oil company, first offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and then at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska in the early years of the oil boom there. But for the past 28 years, pastoring a church is what I have committed my life to.
I have probably had thousands of conversations with people (and so have you), but if you’re like me, there are some things you just never get around to saying out loud. It’s not that you don’t want to . . . it’s just that you don’t. Yet saying them could help you, and maybe even help scores of great people who are working so hard at your church. They might even make things . . . better.
Here are 5 things I think most pastors wish they could tell their congregations:
1. I’m trying to step off the pedestal people keep putting me on.
I’m not better than anyone else. Really. I have never believed I’m better than anyone else. And I promise you if we got to hang out more, it wouldn't take long for you to see I don’t belong on a pedestal either.
I’m not in ministry because I've got this all figured out, or because it was an ambition of mine. I honestly feel I was called into it. Believe it or not, I tried to resist the call. But people kept affirming what I couldn't stop sensing - that God was calling me to serve in the local church. So I obeyed.
It gives me a lot of comfort that the heroes in the scripture were flawed people. Peter barely got it right. Paul had his critics. Noah was a flawed leader. So was Moses. But reading their stories gives me hope for my story. And - you know what - it gives me hope for your story and for the church. God doesn't use perfect people. His grace flows best through broken people. God belongs on the pedestal. So why don’t we keep Him there and keep ourselves below it?
2. I also have doubts.
I realize you might think my faith is rock solid. And, in the end, it actually is quite strong. But I have days when I’m not sure my prayers make it past the ceiling. I have days when I read the scriptures and it seems like just another book. And I have days where I wonder where God is in the middle of this. Just like you.
But I’ll tell you why I can’t let my faith go or shake it - because God’s faithfulness keeps overshadowing my doubts. God has been consistently patient, kind, gracious and giving toward me. And He has been toward you too. And the days where the prayers seem empty and the scriptures seem cold are inevitably followed by the days in which God’s presence is almost palpable and the scriptures read me.
So don’t let your doubts do you in. Persist through them. I have and I do, and all I keep finding is the faithfulness of Christ. You will too.
3. I don’t always know what to do.
I don’t have all the answers. I don’t always know what to do. I know you know that. But there’s something in all of us that wants our leaders to know what’s next.
I've become committed to telling you when I don’t know, and I hope you can accept that. You also need to know I’m doing my best to surround myself with incredibly wise people. Together, we are far smarter and wiser than any of us is alone.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for a generation. No one understood why Jesus was so determined to go to the cross. And the birth of the early church in the first century probably made many peoples’ heads spin. But God was in all of it.
I’m sure as we pursue Christ the best we can, we’ll figure out where He is in the middle of all this.
4. I so appreciate it when you cut my family some slack.
It’s fine for you to put me under a microscope. I get that. I got called into this and I’m accountable. But this church is a place where my family is living and doing real life. It’s a place where my 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren are asking their own questions, and where my wife comes to worship and to serve on her good days and bad days.
When you treat them as people who are on their own faith journey and hold them up to no greater standards than you do any other family, you give my family an incredible gift. We are pursuing Christ together, and when you give us grace, you actually make that journey richer. (Thank you Cornerstone for doing this so, so well.)
5. I’m more grateful for you than you realize.
I realize how demanding life is and how busy you are. I know you worked late on that project this past week . . . and still came to the event at the church. I realize you haven’t had 8 hours sleep in about three years and your kids are driving you crazy . . . and you took time to seek God today.
I realize your family argued on the car ride to church and still walked through the door anyway (Sunday mornings aren't always angels singing and church bells ringing at our home either). I realize the school trip cost more than you thought, and you’d really like to get to Disney this year, but you’re giving faithfully. I know that you serve in a number of organizations in the community, but you still throw your weight behind the mission at this church we’re in together.
Thank you! Really. The church is the most blessed organization in the world. We have an eternal mission that will make far more sense when we stand before Christ than it does most days now. I think only then will we see how important what we’re doing now really is.
We rely on the good will and the hard work of dozens, even hundreds of people to be the church. And I want you to know how incredible grateful I am for you. I truly am.
Pastor Greg
I have probably had thousands of conversations with people (and so have you), but if you’re like me, there are some things you just never get around to saying out loud. It’s not that you don’t want to . . . it’s just that you don’t. Yet saying them could help you, and maybe even help scores of great people who are working so hard at your church. They might even make things . . . better.
Here are 5 things I think most pastors wish they could tell their congregations:
1. I’m trying to step off the pedestal people keep putting me on.
I’m not better than anyone else. Really. I have never believed I’m better than anyone else. And I promise you if we got to hang out more, it wouldn't take long for you to see I don’t belong on a pedestal either.
I’m not in ministry because I've got this all figured out, or because it was an ambition of mine. I honestly feel I was called into it. Believe it or not, I tried to resist the call. But people kept affirming what I couldn't stop sensing - that God was calling me to serve in the local church. So I obeyed.
It gives me a lot of comfort that the heroes in the scripture were flawed people. Peter barely got it right. Paul had his critics. Noah was a flawed leader. So was Moses. But reading their stories gives me hope for my story. And - you know what - it gives me hope for your story and for the church. God doesn't use perfect people. His grace flows best through broken people. God belongs on the pedestal. So why don’t we keep Him there and keep ourselves below it?
2. I also have doubts.
I realize you might think my faith is rock solid. And, in the end, it actually is quite strong. But I have days when I’m not sure my prayers make it past the ceiling. I have days when I read the scriptures and it seems like just another book. And I have days where I wonder where God is in the middle of this. Just like you.
But I’ll tell you why I can’t let my faith go or shake it - because God’s faithfulness keeps overshadowing my doubts. God has been consistently patient, kind, gracious and giving toward me. And He has been toward you too. And the days where the prayers seem empty and the scriptures seem cold are inevitably followed by the days in which God’s presence is almost palpable and the scriptures read me.
So don’t let your doubts do you in. Persist through them. I have and I do, and all I keep finding is the faithfulness of Christ. You will too.
3. I don’t always know what to do.
I don’t have all the answers. I don’t always know what to do. I know you know that. But there’s something in all of us that wants our leaders to know what’s next.
I've become committed to telling you when I don’t know, and I hope you can accept that. You also need to know I’m doing my best to surround myself with incredibly wise people. Together, we are far smarter and wiser than any of us is alone.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for a generation. No one understood why Jesus was so determined to go to the cross. And the birth of the early church in the first century probably made many peoples’ heads spin. But God was in all of it.
I’m sure as we pursue Christ the best we can, we’ll figure out where He is in the middle of all this.
4. I so appreciate it when you cut my family some slack.
It’s fine for you to put me under a microscope. I get that. I got called into this and I’m accountable. But this church is a place where my family is living and doing real life. It’s a place where my 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren are asking their own questions, and where my wife comes to worship and to serve on her good days and bad days.
When you treat them as people who are on their own faith journey and hold them up to no greater standards than you do any other family, you give my family an incredible gift. We are pursuing Christ together, and when you give us grace, you actually make that journey richer. (Thank you Cornerstone for doing this so, so well.)
5. I’m more grateful for you than you realize.
I realize how demanding life is and how busy you are. I know you worked late on that project this past week . . . and still came to the event at the church. I realize you haven’t had 8 hours sleep in about three years and your kids are driving you crazy . . . and you took time to seek God today.
I realize your family argued on the car ride to church and still walked through the door anyway (Sunday mornings aren't always angels singing and church bells ringing at our home either). I realize the school trip cost more than you thought, and you’d really like to get to Disney this year, but you’re giving faithfully. I know that you serve in a number of organizations in the community, but you still throw your weight behind the mission at this church we’re in together.
Thank you! Really. The church is the most blessed organization in the world. We have an eternal mission that will make far more sense when we stand before Christ than it does most days now. I think only then will we see how important what we’re doing now really is.
We rely on the good will and the hard work of dozens, even hundreds of people to be the church. And I want you to know how incredible grateful I am for you. I truly am.
Pastor Greg
Monday, January 4, 2016
2016 Resolutions and Goals
New Year's resolutions often get a bad rap - but I believe they are completely misunderstood. Because most people make resolutions at the start of the year, we automatically associate them with new beginnings. But, in reality, resolutions are about ending points (destinations) not beginnings (starting lines). If you start with the wrong mindset, you are doomed to fail. But change your perspective, and you will realize that you do not have to be perfect to accomplish important goals.
Personally, I need targets. It makes no sense to me that people prefer to aim at a blank wall, then go draw a target around wherever they hit that wall, and subsequently call it a bulls-eye. That is a sure sign of the fear of failure (or the fear of accountability). Don't be afraid to set some specific goals and make some personal resolutions. They will serve you well by establishing both direction and a specific destination for your life. If you are looking for a god read for the new year, pick up "The Principle of the Path" by Andy Stanley. This one simple principle will not only impact your own life - it will change the life of everyone you teach it to if they will apply it.
Here are some of my own resolutions / goals for 2016:
1. I need to lose 45-50 pounds. If you know me well, you might wonder what is different from previous years? Great question, but the answer is dynamic (meaning it creates change). In previous years I have "wanted" to lose weight - this year it has become a "need" I am now dealing with the impact of age, not just of my body in general, but the age of previous injuries. I am living with a new "normal," and I can accept that and change my lifestyle and goals, or continue, (like many people choose to do), to live in denial or self-deception. When something moves from a "want" to a "need" in your mind and heart you view it completely differently.
Specifically, I want to lose 25-30 pounds by Easter Sunday (March 27th), but not for the obvious reasons most of you would expect. Losing that amount of weight will allow me to be able to wear my original gold wedding band again, something I am currently unable to do. That is my primary motivation, though very few people will even know or be able to understand.
By July 1st I want to have lost down to my first goal weight of 185 pounds. At that weight my lifestyle changes - different sizes of clothes, less chronic pain, better sleep, more energy and a healthier self-esteem. I'm not so much concerned with what other people think about my weight and health, but (1) I owe it to my family, and (2) I believe God is pleased when I demonstrate the daily personal discipline of taking care of his temple.
2. I want to get certified to scuba dive. It is something I have always been intrigued by and wanted to explore, but my personality almost always leads me to put everyone else's wants and needs ahead of my own, and that's not wise or sustainable. I love the water, and there is another part of God's creation that, up until now, I have only experienced through someone else's perspective. I have no unrealistic dreams of ever being a deep water or highly skilled elite diver - I just want to learn to do it safely and to an extent I can enjoy explore things I have not enjoyed before. * Accomplishing goal #1 will certainly help me accomplish #2. Goals often are interconnected that way.
3. During 2016 I plan to complete writing my first book. This is an assignment I believe God gave me 15 years ago that I have been unfaithful to. I'm not aiming to write a New York Times best-seller. Instead, I hope to write a book that can really help others. Consequently, I may even give it away once it is completed (technology makes that possible now via e-books, etc. I don't know something that no one else knows - I am just hoping to communicate some truths from my own perspective and in a way that connects with some fellow servants in an effective way that adds value to their lives.
These are some of my more public commitments. My other goals are relational and spiritual, and therefore more private. But I am convinced that if I pursue them passionately, others will recognize that there is something inside that is motivating, encouraging and empowering me. These three that I share are all resolutions you can see and know if I have stay committed to accomplishing them. How about you? Are you willing to put some of your challenges in writing and allow others to hold you accountable? Remember - this is about destinations, not starting lines.
Personally, I need targets. It makes no sense to me that people prefer to aim at a blank wall, then go draw a target around wherever they hit that wall, and subsequently call it a bulls-eye. That is a sure sign of the fear of failure (or the fear of accountability). Don't be afraid to set some specific goals and make some personal resolutions. They will serve you well by establishing both direction and a specific destination for your life. If you are looking for a god read for the new year, pick up "The Principle of the Path" by Andy Stanley. This one simple principle will not only impact your own life - it will change the life of everyone you teach it to if they will apply it.
Here are some of my own resolutions / goals for 2016:
1. I need to lose 45-50 pounds. If you know me well, you might wonder what is different from previous years? Great question, but the answer is dynamic (meaning it creates change). In previous years I have "wanted" to lose weight - this year it has become a "need" I am now dealing with the impact of age, not just of my body in general, but the age of previous injuries. I am living with a new "normal," and I can accept that and change my lifestyle and goals, or continue, (like many people choose to do), to live in denial or self-deception. When something moves from a "want" to a "need" in your mind and heart you view it completely differently.
Specifically, I want to lose 25-30 pounds by Easter Sunday (March 27th), but not for the obvious reasons most of you would expect. Losing that amount of weight will allow me to be able to wear my original gold wedding band again, something I am currently unable to do. That is my primary motivation, though very few people will even know or be able to understand.
By July 1st I want to have lost down to my first goal weight of 185 pounds. At that weight my lifestyle changes - different sizes of clothes, less chronic pain, better sleep, more energy and a healthier self-esteem. I'm not so much concerned with what other people think about my weight and health, but (1) I owe it to my family, and (2) I believe God is pleased when I demonstrate the daily personal discipline of taking care of his temple.
2. I want to get certified to scuba dive. It is something I have always been intrigued by and wanted to explore, but my personality almost always leads me to put everyone else's wants and needs ahead of my own, and that's not wise or sustainable. I love the water, and there is another part of God's creation that, up until now, I have only experienced through someone else's perspective. I have no unrealistic dreams of ever being a deep water or highly skilled elite diver - I just want to learn to do it safely and to an extent I can enjoy explore things I have not enjoyed before. * Accomplishing goal #1 will certainly help me accomplish #2. Goals often are interconnected that way.
3. During 2016 I plan to complete writing my first book. This is an assignment I believe God gave me 15 years ago that I have been unfaithful to. I'm not aiming to write a New York Times best-seller. Instead, I hope to write a book that can really help others. Consequently, I may even give it away once it is completed (technology makes that possible now via e-books, etc. I don't know something that no one else knows - I am just hoping to communicate some truths from my own perspective and in a way that connects with some fellow servants in an effective way that adds value to their lives.
These are some of my more public commitments. My other goals are relational and spiritual, and therefore more private. But I am convinced that if I pursue them passionately, others will recognize that there is something inside that is motivating, encouraging and empowering me. These three that I share are all resolutions you can see and know if I have stay committed to accomplishing them. How about you? Are you willing to put some of your challenges in writing and allow others to hold you accountable? Remember - this is about destinations, not starting lines.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
How Do You Stay FOCUSED?
Recently I read a blog post from a dear friend and personal coach of mine who talked about three number that make a huge difference in our lives. Here is my own personal summary and thoughts on what I am learning from him:
1. The Number 10,000
In his book "Outliers," Malcolm Gladwell argues that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of "deliberate focus" to become world-class in any field. Those who have changed the world didn't do it on talent alone - they knew the value of hard work.
Back in 2006 Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers faced criticism for missing a practice session with the team. His media interview a couple of days later became famous! In a little more than 2 minutes, Iverson used the word "practice" more than twenty times. It was, on the surface, somewhat entertaining. But beyond the laughter of Mr. Iverson's frustration he demonstrated the difference between a person who depends solely on their talent and fails to grasp the bigger picture. You can watch the clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
Practice may or may not make perfect - but there is a direct correlation between the amount of work you put into a discipline and your true commitment to it. Lots of athletes are born with tremendous talent, but you will never see an elite Olympic athlete compete on behalf of his / her country that has not put in thousands and thousands of hours of work. The same principle is true of musicians and singers, business men and women, public speakers, and the list could go on and on.
It is also true about our marriages and relationships. Those who are intentional in investing time and work are destined to build healthier and stronger relationships, and strong relationships have less drama! Hard work and intentional effort do not guarantee that you will never face a crisis or walk through times of difficulty, but it will establish the disciplines of love and respect that will sustain you during those trials of life.
Yes, Mr. Iverson . . . I'm talking about "PRACTICE."
2. The 80 / 20 Rule
In 1896, an Italian economist named Wilfred Pareto noted that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. And from this initial discovery came the Pareto Principle - known to us today as the 80 / 20 rule. Here is what it says - "80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes."
I am currently reading the book "The One Thing" by Gary Keller. In this book he writes about the power of focusing most or even all of your time, energy and efforts on the one thing that matters most. Keller writes, "Your work life is divided into two distinct areas - what matters most and everything else. You will have to take what matters to the extremes and be okay with what happens to the rest. Professional success requires it." While some of you may push back on that thought, especially if you are looking at it from a professional church / religious perspective, I believe Keller forces us to have an important discussion. Most businesses, churches, organizations are not struggling because they are doing too little - most of them are struggling because they are doing too much. In our spiritual lives we can easily confuse activity with intimacy. While Jesus was here on earth, He was focused on one thing - the will of His Father. In Philippians 3:13-14 the apostle Paul wrote, "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." And in James 1:8 we are warned that a person who is double-minded is unstable in everything they do.
You will not live your life with real clarity and focus (which I personally believe should be an eternal focus) unless you know what matters most in your life. What is most valuable to you? Are you working hard at it? Are you spending proportionately more time improving and doing it? What guardrails have you built into your life to keep you from being detoured or distracted from "this one thing."
1. The Number 10,000
In his book "Outliers," Malcolm Gladwell argues that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of "deliberate focus" to become world-class in any field. Those who have changed the world didn't do it on talent alone - they knew the value of hard work.
Back in 2006 Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers faced criticism for missing a practice session with the team. His media interview a couple of days later became famous! In a little more than 2 minutes, Iverson used the word "practice" more than twenty times. It was, on the surface, somewhat entertaining. But beyond the laughter of Mr. Iverson's frustration he demonstrated the difference between a person who depends solely on their talent and fails to grasp the bigger picture. You can watch the clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
Practice may or may not make perfect - but there is a direct correlation between the amount of work you put into a discipline and your true commitment to it. Lots of athletes are born with tremendous talent, but you will never see an elite Olympic athlete compete on behalf of his / her country that has not put in thousands and thousands of hours of work. The same principle is true of musicians and singers, business men and women, public speakers, and the list could go on and on.
It is also true about our marriages and relationships. Those who are intentional in investing time and work are destined to build healthier and stronger relationships, and strong relationships have less drama! Hard work and intentional effort do not guarantee that you will never face a crisis or walk through times of difficulty, but it will establish the disciplines of love and respect that will sustain you during those trials of life.
Yes, Mr. Iverson . . . I'm talking about "PRACTICE."
2. The 80 / 20 Rule
In 1896, an Italian economist named Wilfred Pareto noted that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. And from this initial discovery came the Pareto Principle - known to us today as the 80 / 20 rule. Here is what it says - "80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes."
Here is what it looks like today in real life:
- 80% of the world's wealth is controlled by 20% of it's population.
- 80% of the work is done by 20% of your team or volunteers.
- You eat the same foods 80% of the time.
- You really only wear 20% of your wardrobe.
- You spend 80% of your time with 20% of your friends.
- 80% of your stress in life comes from 20% of your activities.
- 20% of what you pack in your suitcase is essential for your travels.
- 20% of your time produces 80% of your effectiveness.
- You can get rid of 80% of your "stuff" and not experience a significant change in your lifestyle or happiness.
- You can orient your life decisions (business, family, spiritual, financial) around those things that produce the most IMPACT.
I am currently reading the book "The One Thing" by Gary Keller. In this book he writes about the power of focusing most or even all of your time, energy and efforts on the one thing that matters most. Keller writes, "Your work life is divided into two distinct areas - what matters most and everything else. You will have to take what matters to the extremes and be okay with what happens to the rest. Professional success requires it." While some of you may push back on that thought, especially if you are looking at it from a professional church / religious perspective, I believe Keller forces us to have an important discussion. Most businesses, churches, organizations are not struggling because they are doing too little - most of them are struggling because they are doing too much. In our spiritual lives we can easily confuse activity with intimacy. While Jesus was here on earth, He was focused on one thing - the will of His Father. In Philippians 3:13-14 the apostle Paul wrote, "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." And in James 1:8 we are warned that a person who is double-minded is unstable in everything they do.
You will not live your life with real clarity and focus (which I personally believe should be an eternal focus) unless you know what matters most in your life. What is most valuable to you? Are you working hard at it? Are you spending proportionately more time improving and doing it? What guardrails have you built into your life to keep you from being detoured or distracted from "this one thing."
- If I were going to speak at your funeral, what "one thing" would you most want to be remembered for?
- If you were going to have a personal conversation with Christ, what "one thing" would He want to discuss with you?
- Which of those two questions I just asked is more important to you?
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Life's Unexpected Teachers
Have you ever had one of those experiences when life (or God in disguise) taught you something deep and valuable through an unexpected teacher?
I grew up as a Pastor's son. For most of the first 24 years of my life my dad was my pastor, and I used to believe that I could preach several of his messages as well as (or better than) he could - after all, I had heard many of them multiple times. Those roles were actually reversed in my early 40's when, for a season, I became my mother and father's pastor. * Talk about pressure!!
My dad was a great preacher. He and I were about as different in our communication styles as two people could be, but I still loved to hear him so passionately share God's Word. But dad passed away at the young age of 72, so for the past 12 1/2 years it has become my responsibility to preach every family funeral in addition to 30+ every year as a pastor. I have literally written and delivered hundreds of funeral messages over the years - some that were effective - others maybe not so much.
But one of the most comforting messages I have ever heard in preparing for a funeral was not preached from a pulpit in a church or funeral home chapel, but rather in a living room as a one-on-one conversation. Oh how I wish I could have had the foresight to have recorded it somehow, but I have learned that, occasionally, God teaches you something deep and valuable through an unexpected teacher.
I asked, "Is there a particular passage of scripture you would like for me to use tomorrow for the service? Do you have a favorite biblical story or a specific verse that has personal significance to you?" And she immediately said, "I love the 23rd Psalm because of the picture that it paints." Now I knew the 23rd Psalm by heart and could quote it from memory almost without even thinking, but I knew from the tone and inflection of her voice that there was something deeply significant about those familiar verses.
She began - It starts by identifying the two main characters - the Lord and me. It assumes that the two of us are in a very personal relationship - one where there is deep love on His part and genuine trust on mine. The first thing one must see in this picture is that the Lord is leading me, which infers that I am willingly following. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He guides me in paths of righteousness." We are on a journey . . . together.
Along this journey, there are times when He leads / guides me to places I would not have chosen for myself, and frankly, do not really want to be. But I trust Him. And in these difficult places of life, often referred to or understood as valleys, I learn that He is always with me. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." It is reassuring to me to be reminded that the shepherd is leading me, providing for me, guiding me, comforting me and protecting me.
By the way, valleys were made for me to pass "through" - not as a place where I am going to stay permanently. "Even though I walk THROUGH the valley . . . "
Leading me. With me.
The journey is a mixture of joy and grief, of celebration and sorrow. There are mountaintops and valleys, seasons that are loud and busy balanced by seasons of solitude and silence. I end up sometimes in places I never thought I would ever be - and that is always for my good, even though it may not "feel" good in that moment. And along this journey I have learned that the mountain tops are more magnificent and exhilarating because I have the contrast of walking through some valleys. (I have also come to understand that ALL of the green pastures and still waters are found in valleys).
But the picture is not yet complete. The Lord is leading me . . . He is with me . . . and according to Psalm 23:6, Goodness and Mercy have my back! "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, . . . " When I see this amazing picture, I feel secure, even in a very unsecure world. I have an amazing Guide to lead me - an incredible companion who is always with me - and the promise of divine provision following me. But the best is yet to come! "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER." Did you catch that? The best is yet to come!
I will never forget that "living room lesson." It is one of the impacting "sermons" I have ever heard, because it reached a very deep place in my heart and taught me very valuable truth I will never forget. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." Thank you Lord for unexpected teachers!
I grew up as a Pastor's son. For most of the first 24 years of my life my dad was my pastor, and I used to believe that I could preach several of his messages as well as (or better than) he could - after all, I had heard many of them multiple times. Those roles were actually reversed in my early 40's when, for a season, I became my mother and father's pastor. * Talk about pressure!!
My dad was a great preacher. He and I were about as different in our communication styles as two people could be, but I still loved to hear him so passionately share God's Word. But dad passed away at the young age of 72, so for the past 12 1/2 years it has become my responsibility to preach every family funeral in addition to 30+ every year as a pastor. I have literally written and delivered hundreds of funeral messages over the years - some that were effective - others maybe not so much.
But one of the most comforting messages I have ever heard in preparing for a funeral was not preached from a pulpit in a church or funeral home chapel, but rather in a living room as a one-on-one conversation. Oh how I wish I could have had the foresight to have recorded it somehow, but I have learned that, occasionally, God teaches you something deep and valuable through an unexpected teacher.
I asked, "Is there a particular passage of scripture you would like for me to use tomorrow for the service? Do you have a favorite biblical story or a specific verse that has personal significance to you?" And she immediately said, "I love the 23rd Psalm because of the picture that it paints." Now I knew the 23rd Psalm by heart and could quote it from memory almost without even thinking, but I knew from the tone and inflection of her voice that there was something deeply significant about those familiar verses.
She began - It starts by identifying the two main characters - the Lord and me. It assumes that the two of us are in a very personal relationship - one where there is deep love on His part and genuine trust on mine. The first thing one must see in this picture is that the Lord is leading me, which infers that I am willingly following. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He guides me in paths of righteousness." We are on a journey . . . together.
Along this journey, there are times when He leads / guides me to places I would not have chosen for myself, and frankly, do not really want to be. But I trust Him. And in these difficult places of life, often referred to or understood as valleys, I learn that He is always with me. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." It is reassuring to me to be reminded that the shepherd is leading me, providing for me, guiding me, comforting me and protecting me.
By the way, valleys were made for me to pass "through" - not as a place where I am going to stay permanently. "Even though I walk THROUGH the valley . . . "
Leading me. With me.
The journey is a mixture of joy and grief, of celebration and sorrow. There are mountaintops and valleys, seasons that are loud and busy balanced by seasons of solitude and silence. I end up sometimes in places I never thought I would ever be - and that is always for my good, even though it may not "feel" good in that moment. And along this journey I have learned that the mountain tops are more magnificent and exhilarating because I have the contrast of walking through some valleys. (I have also come to understand that ALL of the green pastures and still waters are found in valleys).
But the picture is not yet complete. The Lord is leading me . . . He is with me . . . and according to Psalm 23:6, Goodness and Mercy have my back! "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, . . . " When I see this amazing picture, I feel secure, even in a very unsecure world. I have an amazing Guide to lead me - an incredible companion who is always with me - and the promise of divine provision following me. But the best is yet to come! "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER." Did you catch that? The best is yet to come!
I will never forget that "living room lesson." It is one of the impacting "sermons" I have ever heard, because it reached a very deep place in my heart and taught me very valuable truth I will never forget. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." Thank you Lord for unexpected teachers!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
An Interrupted Life
I am just four days removed from one of those unexpected moments in life when God either creates or allows your life to be suddenly interrupted. Can you identify? Often we think of those moments as bad or negative, and from our human perspective, that is normal. But have you ever wondered if they were, in reality, gentle nudges of divine love? The more I reflect on several "moments" in life that left a real change way beyond that initial experience, the more I am convinced that God never interrupts us without it fitting into His strategic plan.
This past Sunday morning I literally fainted in the middle of a sermon. It isn't an event you can plan for - in fact, none of us expect or would ever believe it could ever happen to us. Even though my whole life has been around pastors and ministry, I have never even known of anyone passing out while preaching. But, it happened . . . to me! And over the next 27 hours of confusion, an ambulance ride, and an overnight stay in the hospital with lots of tests, bloodwork and questions, I wondered in humble amazement at what God was up to. I am sure I still don't realize all that He will teach me and how it will impact the congregation I serve, but I am confident of two things - it wasn't just a coincidence, and God will use it for His kingdom.
As I have just spent some extra time reading scripture this week, I am reminded that interruptions are a common tool in God's work. Over and over, in both the Old and New Testaments, I find God interrupting the lives of men and women, and every time they trusted Him enough to respond obediently to Him, He did something unusual. Even when they tried to resist or run from Him, He pursued them with a passionate love.
So I am grateful for this momentary interruption of life. I feel very loved - by my family, by the people I pastor and community I live in, and most especially by God. The very creator of heaven and earth has included me in His strategic plan to redeem a lost world, and took the time last Sunday morning to personally interrupt my life (and my sermon). I have been reminded of the weakness of my flesh, but strengthened by a reminder of the importance of His call on my life to follow and serve Him. I am incapable of grasping all He is doing in and through me, but I have tightened by seat belt and am smiling from my heart to my spirit at the joy of this journey. After all, it is those unexpected twists and turns and hills and sudden drops that excite us the most when we are paying money to ride a thrill ride.
What about you? When is the last time God interrupted your life? How did you respond? Could it be His gentle, loving way of reminding you of how intimately and personally He loves you, and of how important you are to His kingdom work? Although these moments of life interruptions usually catch us by surprise, they are never unexpected to God. He either allows them or creates them, but either way, He never wastes them!
This past Sunday morning I literally fainted in the middle of a sermon. It isn't an event you can plan for - in fact, none of us expect or would ever believe it could ever happen to us. Even though my whole life has been around pastors and ministry, I have never even known of anyone passing out while preaching. But, it happened . . . to me! And over the next 27 hours of confusion, an ambulance ride, and an overnight stay in the hospital with lots of tests, bloodwork and questions, I wondered in humble amazement at what God was up to. I am sure I still don't realize all that He will teach me and how it will impact the congregation I serve, but I am confident of two things - it wasn't just a coincidence, and God will use it for His kingdom.
As I have just spent some extra time reading scripture this week, I am reminded that interruptions are a common tool in God's work. Over and over, in both the Old and New Testaments, I find God interrupting the lives of men and women, and every time they trusted Him enough to respond obediently to Him, He did something unusual. Even when they tried to resist or run from Him, He pursued them with a passionate love.
So I am grateful for this momentary interruption of life. I feel very loved - by my family, by the people I pastor and community I live in, and most especially by God. The very creator of heaven and earth has included me in His strategic plan to redeem a lost world, and took the time last Sunday morning to personally interrupt my life (and my sermon). I have been reminded of the weakness of my flesh, but strengthened by a reminder of the importance of His call on my life to follow and serve Him. I am incapable of grasping all He is doing in and through me, but I have tightened by seat belt and am smiling from my heart to my spirit at the joy of this journey. After all, it is those unexpected twists and turns and hills and sudden drops that excite us the most when we are paying money to ride a thrill ride.
What about you? When is the last time God interrupted your life? How did you respond? Could it be His gentle, loving way of reminding you of how intimately and personally He loves you, and of how important you are to His kingdom work? Although these moments of life interruptions usually catch us by surprise, they are never unexpected to God. He either allows them or creates them, but either way, He never wastes them!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Candidate I Am Voting For
An Open Letter to the Cornerstone Family
I have been raised in church my whole life. I came to know Christ through the ministry of a local church. I have spent the last 26 years of my life serving the local church vocationally. I love the church.
But the issue of politics is one area where I believe many churches are potentially hurting themselves without even realizing it. Give me a chance to explain. Growing up in the south in a conservative Christian home, and attending a conservative Southern Baptist church during my formative years, it was almost predetermined that I would move into adulthood with the values system I had lived in since birth. But over the years I have come to understand that, far too often, we end up subtlely communicating to people in our churches that Jesus was obviously a card carrying Republican. Of course, nobody would ever say it directly, but as we preached against more things than we preached for, and as we attacked those whose views were much different than ours, we have sometimes let our passion run ahead of our message.
Over the years, there have been quite a few times when I have chased a political rabbit, or made a strong and valid point - but with the wrong motive. Only once or twice has someone come to me following those messages and told me they were offended, but I am wise enough to know that many simply leave in silence and never come back, or put up a wall that limits the very effectiveness of the ministry to them that I was working so hard to achieve. The reality is that even when we are 100% convinced we are on the right side of an isue or debate, we must exercise wisdom in how, when and where we make our case, and our heart must be pure.
With the political season in full swing I thought it would be good to talk to you about politics for second. I firmly believe that God wants every Christian in America to exercise their right to vote. It is an amazing liberty that we have in this country and one that we should appreciate. As Christians, we should be actively involved in the political process and vote as we feel God directs us. As a pastor, I have always stressed the importance of Christians using all their liberties to impact the world in a way that honors Christ.
I do think, however, that the church is a place that supersedes politics. Jesus didn’t die to form a political movement. Jesus wasn’t a Republican and He loves people of every party and persuasion. The truth is that He died to redeem all of mankind and to establish His Kingdom . . . and no other.
As we approach the presidential election, I foresee a divisive political season ahead of us like we’ve never known, and I want to be sure that any sort of political divisiveness that emerges in our society does not slow or obstruct our mission as a church in any way. Simply put, I do not want my political passion to keep someone from coming to know Christ personally, or to be a roadblock that cause them to stumble as they seek to follow Him.
When we come to church, we are no longer Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents - Conservatives, or Liberals. We are simply humans in desperate need of the Savior and the mercy and grace He offers.
You don't need to act uninterested - the political stakes are perhaps as high this year as they have ever been in my lifetime. But, when we gather to worship and study and serve as the body of Christ, we need to check all those things at the door, along with ever other label imaginable, and identify ourselves as either a seeker of God or, by His grace, one that has been adopted into His Kingdom.
To be clear, there is only one name that we should be lifting up at Cornerstone and that is the name of Jesus Christ. There is no party or candidate worthy to take His rightful place in our worship, teaching, interactions and meetings together as the church. My fear is that, due to strong political and ideological passions, some of us might, for a moment, forget our bigger mission and attempt to proselytize “converts” to something or anything less than the person and cause of Jesus.
Personally, I have very strong political views, but I never use the platform of our church to endorse a particular candidate or party. While I believe that this coming election looks to be a pivotal one in the history of our nation, it will never have the importance or impact that our Lord Jesus should have in our lives. I will continue to speak boldly in love about biblical values and absolute truths that God has given us, but my heart is sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit, and I do not want to quench His work in the hearts of the people who come here seeking spiritual guidance, not political opinions.
The truth is that we have people of every possible background visiting and attending our church on any given Sunday, and the last thing we would want is for any of them to somehow stumble over incredibly temporal political issues or the candidates of the hour while trying to come to the eternal Christ. There is no political issue bigger than our mission of helping people make Jesus Lord of their lives. None. Everything else, no matter how important, is absolutely trivial in comparison to where people spend eternity.
Stay active in the political process. Be an educated voter who genuinely prays for guidance. And be faithful to pray for those who have been placed in authority over us, whether you agree with their leadership or not. They are real people who God cares very deeply for. But let us strive to be sensitive to the diversity of the people who gather with us, and let's make sure that our politics don't dominate or hinder the ministry of our church and diminish our witness.
Pastor Greg
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