Here is something I am learning right now. That there will never be a time as a pastor, that I will sit back and think, 'ahhh...everything is working perfectly right now.' In a growing, healthy church, there will always be a ministry to improve, an idea to tweak, a solution to pursue. Because with growth, comes a need to adapt and change. In a sense, I find myself always trying to stay ahead of the change and be proactive in it, rather than reactive. Easier said than done.
I am learning to operate and live my life in this tension, between the things that are working well and the things that need to be changed. Do you find this in your workplace? Where you know you'll never get to the end of your 'to-do' list, because each day (literally) brings a new set of challenges to overcome.
And that's a good thing. Because it keeps your role from becoming dull or boring. For me, living in this tension causes my mind to be constantly dreaming, brainstorming, and planning for what is to come. There is never a dull moment, and I have to be very intentional about making times where I am able to disengage my mind from the work. Once again...easier said than done.
In your own life, how do you manage living in this type of tension? Because whether it be in your home, workplace, or ministry, we all experience this at some level.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday download
- Went with friends to watch Monsters vs. Aliens tonight. Great movie! Kids loved it (so did Heather and I), and it got some good belly laughs from all of us.
- The Final Four has been set! Can't wait for next weekend to get here.
- Broke out a little running man/cabbage patch @ HYPE's best dance crew event on Saturday night. I'm afraid pictures and video may come back to haunt me, but there is added confidence when you're with a group. :)
- I really hate to cancel church. I miss seeing friends and being together. It messes with your plans and schedule, but when you've got that much snow AND no power at the school, well that makes for a 'snow day' Sunday.
- Time to retool my message and plans for this coming Sunday.
- Can't wait to celebrate Easter together in the gym. Really praying that God moves in lives, and not just in that one service, but throughout Crosspoint's ministry right now.
- Reading 'Sticky Church' by Larry Osborne. Loving it! It is hitting me at a great time, as I dream and make plans for Crosspoint's future ministry.
- Maddy's got her big musical performance on Tuesday night. Can't wait to watch her!
- I love a clean house. We all pitched in over the weekend to clean it from top to bottom. Thanks babe!
- Heather is organizing pictures...yeah, that ginormous task that has been looming for YEARS now. It has been fun looking back at old pictures. I can't believe how fast our kids have grown.
- Thanks for everyone who helped get the word out and communicate our service cancellation today. I'm thankful I serve alongside so many willing people. But, I'm really hoping we don't have any cancellations next year. :)
- Had a great time playing in the snow with the kids today. That was great fort-building, snowball-making snow.
- Last week, I saw some key leaders raise up in ministry. Awesome! A huge encouragement to me.
- The Final Four has been set! Can't wait for next weekend to get here.
- Broke out a little running man/cabbage patch @ HYPE's best dance crew event on Saturday night. I'm afraid pictures and video may come back to haunt me, but there is added confidence when you're with a group. :)
- I really hate to cancel church. I miss seeing friends and being together. It messes with your plans and schedule, but when you've got that much snow AND no power at the school, well that makes for a 'snow day' Sunday.
- Time to retool my message and plans for this coming Sunday.
- Can't wait to celebrate Easter together in the gym. Really praying that God moves in lives, and not just in that one service, but throughout Crosspoint's ministry right now.
- Reading 'Sticky Church' by Larry Osborne. Loving it! It is hitting me at a great time, as I dream and make plans for Crosspoint's future ministry.
- Maddy's got her big musical performance on Tuesday night. Can't wait to watch her!
- I love a clean house. We all pitched in over the weekend to clean it from top to bottom. Thanks babe!
- Heather is organizing pictures...yeah, that ginormous task that has been looming for YEARS now. It has been fun looking back at old pictures. I can't believe how fast our kids have grown.
- Thanks for everyone who helped get the word out and communicate our service cancellation today. I'm thankful I serve alongside so many willing people. But, I'm really hoping we don't have any cancellations next year. :)
- Had a great time playing in the snow with the kids today. That was great fort-building, snowball-making snow.
- Last week, I saw some key leaders raise up in ministry. Awesome! A huge encouragement to me.
Snowy March Sunday in Pictures
Going from this...
To this....in a few short days...I really hope the pear trees still show us their spring loveliness this year!
THIS is March Madness, baby!
View to the backyard....doesn't it remind you of Narnia?
What little stinkers, I mean little brothers do best...
Can you believe we'll be swimming in this in a couple of months?!
The surprise lillies made their debut last week behind Eli, who is crafting snowballs.
The chainlink fence looks like a beautiful honeycomb today!
It was a beautiful Sunday morning to wake up from here and look out at a snowy surprise this morning...
My house is decorated and ready for spring, including the doors--with the irony of all of the snow in the background.
The most handsome snowman ever...
Beautiful snow princess making a fort under the bushes...
I've been watching the robins with their swollen bellies this morning wondering where to land...they seem to be congregating on the road...
We had to cancel church this morning, which is never an easy decision to make, but later found out that the power was out anyway, so it was a good decision! The house is clean, the laundry is done, the hot chocolate has filled the bellies of my snow angels who did a marvelous job making a snow fort today, the snowball dual Dad vs. Eli has been fought (Eli said "I smoked him mom!"), basketball will be playing in the background as I organize pictures of the past...Thanks Lord, for a beautiful morning to remind us of the beauty of your creation and the changing of the seasons.
To this....in a few short days...I really hope the pear trees still show us their spring loveliness this year!
THIS is March Madness, baby!
View to the backyard....doesn't it remind you of Narnia?
What little stinkers, I mean little brothers do best...
Can you believe we'll be swimming in this in a couple of months?!
The surprise lillies made their debut last week behind Eli, who is crafting snowballs.
The chainlink fence looks like a beautiful honeycomb today!
It was a beautiful Sunday morning to wake up from here and look out at a snowy surprise this morning...
My house is decorated and ready for spring, including the doors--with the irony of all of the snow in the background.
The most handsome snowman ever...
Beautiful snow princess making a fort under the bushes...
I've been watching the robins with their swollen bellies this morning wondering where to land...they seem to be congregating on the road...
We had to cancel church this morning, which is never an easy decision to make, but later found out that the power was out anyway, so it was a good decision! The house is clean, the laundry is done, the hot chocolate has filled the bellies of my snow angels who did a marvelous job making a snow fort today, the snowball dual Dad vs. Eli has been fought (Eli said "I smoked him mom!"), basketball will be playing in the background as I organize pictures of the past...Thanks Lord, for a beautiful morning to remind us of the beauty of your creation and the changing of the seasons.Heather :)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
10 x 10
I heard Rick Warren use this phrase in a talk recently. He was challenging church leaders to set 10 goals to pursue and reach by the end of 2010. He called it the 10x10 challenge. I'm all about little phrases like that, and this one stuck with me. If I was to press into God and ask Him for the 10 goals that He would have for Crosspoint, what would they be? It is a fun question to spend some time dreaming on and praying about.
What about in your personal life? If you were to lay out 10 goals to reach by the end of 2010, what would they be? You have approximately 21 months to go. What type of goals would you set? For your family. For your business. For your ministry. For your relationship with God. For your marriage. For yourself.
Where is God pushing you right now? What area is He convicting you of right now? Consider how you might make a 10x10 plan in response to what He is saying to you.
What about in your personal life? If you were to lay out 10 goals to reach by the end of 2010, what would they be? You have approximately 21 months to go. What type of goals would you set? For your family. For your business. For your ministry. For your relationship with God. For your marriage. For yourself.
Where is God pushing you right now? What area is He convicting you of right now? Consider how you might make a 10x10 plan in response to what He is saying to you.
Monday, March 23, 2009
James 4:17
I read this verse the other day, and it really messed with me. James 4:17 says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
This verse stung me a bit. Because most of us view sin in just the things that we do or commit (sins of commission). AKA: The "don't" list. Don't do that. Don't do this. Never do that.
But here, God is saying that often times our sin is that of stuff we know is right to do, but choose not to do (sins of omission). I think this verse captures a lot of Christians. We know the right answers, we know what we should do. We just don't do it. We struggle to obey and follow through.
It goes with an earlier verse in the same book. James 1:22: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
It is not more information that transforms our actions and attitudes. It is the applying of Biblical truth to our everyday lives that causes life transformation in us. Many Christians want to puff themselves up by saying how much they know, but if that isn't followed by the obeying of that truth, then we are falling into the trap that James 4:17 refers to.
This verse stung me a bit. Because most of us view sin in just the things that we do or commit (sins of commission). AKA: The "don't" list. Don't do that. Don't do this. Never do that.
But here, God is saying that often times our sin is that of stuff we know is right to do, but choose not to do (sins of omission). I think this verse captures a lot of Christians. We know the right answers, we know what we should do. We just don't do it. We struggle to obey and follow through.
It goes with an earlier verse in the same book. James 1:22: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
It is not more information that transforms our actions and attitudes. It is the applying of Biblical truth to our everyday lives that causes life transformation in us. Many Christians want to puff themselves up by saying how much they know, but if that isn't followed by the obeying of that truth, then we are falling into the trap that James 4:17 refers to.
Monday morning download
- I've got a huge week ahead. Two messages to write. One for HYPE on Wednesday. One on the Baggage of Envy for this coming Sunday. Looking forward to both.
- Had a great time with the Crosspoint small group leaders yesterday. These folks are at the front lines of ministry and care. I love and appreciate them so much.
- I love the fact that my wife and kids are content to sit down and watch basketball with me. It proves the brainwashing has been effective thus far. :)
- Found plane tickets for cheap to fly to Atlanta in October for Catalyst. Can't wait to go with friends! And get there in 90 minutes.
- Trying my best to assess what I spend my time on and how I can be more effective as a leader right now.
- People dropped some heavy stuff at the cross yesterday, relating to the baggage of bitterness. I pray God helps people to walk in freedom now, and daily surrender this stuff back to God.
- I need to take time this week to get a handle on the new people who have come into Crosspoint and invite them to take a 'next step' of membership, serving, and community.
- Thanks for reading the story yesterday Joel. A new voice really adds something.
- Growing the 'goat' back right now. It should be fully grown in my August of this year.
- Looking forward to hosting Easter in the gym at the Middle School. Praying we see 350 adults and children attend our service. I believe God can do it! Also, praying we see several people commit their lives to Jesus at Easter.
- Had a great time with the Crosspoint small group leaders yesterday. These folks are at the front lines of ministry and care. I love and appreciate them so much.
- I love the fact that my wife and kids are content to sit down and watch basketball with me. It proves the brainwashing has been effective thus far. :)
- Found plane tickets for cheap to fly to Atlanta in October for Catalyst. Can't wait to go with friends! And get there in 90 minutes.
- Trying my best to assess what I spend my time on and how I can be more effective as a leader right now.
- People dropped some heavy stuff at the cross yesterday, relating to the baggage of bitterness. I pray God helps people to walk in freedom now, and daily surrender this stuff back to God.
- I need to take time this week to get a handle on the new people who have come into Crosspoint and invite them to take a 'next step' of membership, serving, and community.
- Thanks for reading the story yesterday Joel. A new voice really adds something.
- Growing the 'goat' back right now. It should be fully grown in my August of this year.
- Looking forward to hosting Easter in the gym at the Middle School. Praying we see 350 adults and children attend our service. I believe God can do it! Also, praying we see several people commit their lives to Jesus at Easter.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A Real and Loving God
We follow a real and loving God. I was reminded of that again this morning. If I take a step back and reflect on God's work, I see it over and over, of God answering prayer.
Recently a husband talked to me and shared some baggage that he'd been carrying around for a long time. He'd been walking in isolation with this stuff, and felt like he needed to share it with his wife. We talked about it together, prayed about it, and asked God to make it clear how and when he would tell her. We talked about James 5:16 which says this...Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
We prayed that God would make it 'burning bush' clear and open the door in His perfect timing for him to share openly. And God did. Just a few days later, God 'lit a bush on fire' and opened the door wide open for restoration and healing. And God is the One who gets the glory.
James 1:17 says, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
I hope that where ever you're at with God, you fully realize that He is real, loving, and wants to work in your life. He loves and accepts who you are, but loves you enough not to leave you that way.
Recently a husband talked to me and shared some baggage that he'd been carrying around for a long time. He'd been walking in isolation with this stuff, and felt like he needed to share it with his wife. We talked about it together, prayed about it, and asked God to make it clear how and when he would tell her. We talked about James 5:16 which says this...Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
We prayed that God would make it 'burning bush' clear and open the door in His perfect timing for him to share openly. And God did. Just a few days later, God 'lit a bush on fire' and opened the door wide open for restoration and healing. And God is the One who gets the glory.
James 1:17 says, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
I hope that where ever you're at with God, you fully realize that He is real, loving, and wants to work in your life. He loves and accepts who you are, but loves you enough not to leave you that way.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Who are you picking?
So...if you're a basketball fan, or even if you're not, who are you picking to win it all? I'm not sure if I have a favorite right now. This tournament seems more up in the air as compared to last year.
Until then, here are highlights of one of the greatest games ever!
Until then, here are highlights of one of the greatest games ever!
Tuesday randomness
- No doubt about it, this transition is taking a toll on my ability to blog regularly. Bear with me as I am navigating this new world and schedule.
- Only 2 more days till the NCAA tourney kicks off! I love this weekend upcoming...4 straight days of lots of basketball.
- I believe God is going to this Baggage series @ Crosspoint to bring about some life change in people.
- Just saw a woman walking outside pushing a stroller with one hand, and talking on her cell with the other. Come on...leave the phone at home and just soak up this gorgeous day.
- Blogging is a great 'work avoidance program.' :)
- When we deal with our baggage, it can be messy. But I believe there is hope, and God creates beauty from ashes.
- It is amazing how much I can get done on administrative stuff, when I have a message to write. Funny how the very important stuff can fall to the bottom of the to-do list, if left unchecked. Do you experience that in your world?
- I love the elders at Crosspoint. These guys are Godly men, who bring such encouragement and support to my role as a pastor.
- We're talking the baggage of bitterness this coming Sunday. You gotta keep watch on bitter roots that attempt to grow up in your life. Hebrews 12:15
- We've had a lot of new families come into the church recently, and are excited to get involved and take 'next steps.' I'm blown away by God's faithfulness right now.
- I'm learning right now to avoid focusing on the 'light and momentary' troubles in this life.
- Only 2 more days till the NCAA tourney kicks off! I love this weekend upcoming...4 straight days of lots of basketball.
- I believe God is going to this Baggage series @ Crosspoint to bring about some life change in people.
- Just saw a woman walking outside pushing a stroller with one hand, and talking on her cell with the other. Come on...leave the phone at home and just soak up this gorgeous day.
- Blogging is a great 'work avoidance program.' :)
- When we deal with our baggage, it can be messy. But I believe there is hope, and God creates beauty from ashes.
- It is amazing how much I can get done on administrative stuff, when I have a message to write. Funny how the very important stuff can fall to the bottom of the to-do list, if left unchecked. Do you experience that in your world?
- I love the elders at Crosspoint. These guys are Godly men, who bring such encouragement and support to my role as a pastor.
- We're talking the baggage of bitterness this coming Sunday. You gotta keep watch on bitter roots that attempt to grow up in your life. Hebrews 12:15
- We've had a lot of new families come into the church recently, and are excited to get involved and take 'next steps.' I'm blown away by God's faithfulness right now.
- I'm learning right now to avoid focusing on the 'light and momentary' troubles in this life.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Criticism or Compassion?
I have this little daily calendar on my desk from Max Lucado. March 7th said this and I thought it was excellent. Lucado has a gift for writing, and the picture he paints is one I hope my life, your life, and the life of Crosspoint reflects...
The desperate man sits in the corner of the church assembly. Dry mouth, moist palms. He scarcely moves. He feels out of place in a room of disciples, but where else can he go? He just violated every belief he cherishes. Hurt every person he loves. Spent a night doing what he swore he'd never do. And now on Sunday, he sits and stares. He doesn't speak.
If these people knew what I did...scared, guilty, and alone. He could be an addict, a thief, a child beater, a wife cheater. He could be a she - single, pregnant, confused. He could be any number of people, for any number of people come to God's people in his condition - hopeless, hapless, helpless.
How will the congregation react? What will he find? Criticism or compassion? Rejection or acceptance? Raised eyebrows or extended hands?
The desperate man sits in the corner of the church assembly. Dry mouth, moist palms. He scarcely moves. He feels out of place in a room of disciples, but where else can he go? He just violated every belief he cherishes. Hurt every person he loves. Spent a night doing what he swore he'd never do. And now on Sunday, he sits and stares. He doesn't speak.
If these people knew what I did...scared, guilty, and alone. He could be an addict, a thief, a child beater, a wife cheater. He could be a she - single, pregnant, confused. He could be any number of people, for any number of people come to God's people in his condition - hopeless, hapless, helpless.
How will the congregation react? What will he find? Criticism or compassion? Rejection or acceptance? Raised eyebrows or extended hands?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Wedding Vows
I hope you see your marriage vows as a lifelong commitment to one another! This video is funny, but speaks some truth along the way. :)
Romans 8:28
Heather and I got a devotional by James MacDonald this morning entitled 'All Things.' Here is an excerpt from it that I thought might encourage and challenge you. I pray, no matter what trial you could be facing, that you press into God's love and faithfulness through it.
Have life's difficulties caught you off guard? Do you wonder today if God is good? If He wasn't going to use that hard thing for your good, it wouldn't have happened. He had to sign off on every single thing that touches your life (He's sovereign, remember?). If He let it happen, He's going to use it for good. That's not to say He wanted it; He's not the cause of evil, but He is the solution. He's the master chess player who takes every move we make or someone else makes and strategizes the next move to ensure His purposes are accomplished.
I have come to realize over time that the ultimate good of Romans 8:28 is not "my little blueprint for my life"; the ultimate good is God's blueprint for the universe and my place in it. I'm committed to God's purposes. I want His will to be fulfilled and His kingdom to advance. I want to be a part of that.
I believe God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him; for the good of those who are the called according to His purpose.
Have life's difficulties caught you off guard? Do you wonder today if God is good? If He wasn't going to use that hard thing for your good, it wouldn't have happened. He had to sign off on every single thing that touches your life (He's sovereign, remember?). If He let it happen, He's going to use it for good. That's not to say He wanted it; He's not the cause of evil, but He is the solution. He's the master chess player who takes every move we make or someone else makes and strategizes the next move to ensure His purposes are accomplished.
I have come to realize over time that the ultimate good of Romans 8:28 is not "my little blueprint for my life"; the ultimate good is God's blueprint for the universe and my place in it. I'm committed to God's purposes. I want His will to be fulfilled and His kingdom to advance. I want to be a part of that.
I believe God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him; for the good of those who are the called according to His purpose.
Monday download
- Seed, Time, Harvest...another 3 great words from yesterday's service. That will preach.
- An incredible time for our family as I was commissioned as Crosspoint's Lead Pastor in Sunday's service. So humbling.
- I love the compassion that comes pouring out of Maddy's heart. Once she saw Heather crying yesterday in the service, she lost it in the most beautiful way. :)
- There are just so many emotions wrapped up in a day like yesterday. In the midst of worship, it was just me and God talking back and forth, and I was blown away by His faithfulness and love.
- I haven't moved away from my notes that much in a service before, so hopefully it made sense, and God used it to impact hearts. From what I heard, I sense that He did.
- Had a great time playing basketball yesterday, and no one walked away with injuries! Awesome.
- Coaching and playing basketball is such a great mind release for me, where I don't think about my job in those instances. What do you have in your life that allows your mind to take a break from work?
- I'm really excited to get into our upcoming Baggage series.
- We started to nail down some of our vacation plans for the summer. I'm already looking forward to it!
- I'm thankful for the leaders and volunteers I serve with at Crosspoint.
- An incredible time for our family as I was commissioned as Crosspoint's Lead Pastor in Sunday's service. So humbling.
- I love the compassion that comes pouring out of Maddy's heart. Once she saw Heather crying yesterday in the service, she lost it in the most beautiful way. :)
- There are just so many emotions wrapped up in a day like yesterday. In the midst of worship, it was just me and God talking back and forth, and I was blown away by His faithfulness and love.
- I haven't moved away from my notes that much in a service before, so hopefully it made sense, and God used it to impact hearts. From what I heard, I sense that He did.
- Had a great time playing basketball yesterday, and no one walked away with injuries! Awesome.
- Coaching and playing basketball is such a great mind release for me, where I don't think about my job in those instances. What do you have in your life that allows your mind to take a break from work?
- I'm really excited to get into our upcoming Baggage series.
- We started to nail down some of our vacation plans for the summer. I'm already looking forward to it!
- I'm thankful for the leaders and volunteers I serve with at Crosspoint.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Pictures from Sunday Commissioning
Here are a couple pics that my brother-in-law took this morning for us. These are some great memories that we will look back on. What a great 'God-moment.' We love you church family.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Baggage...starts March 15th
On March 15th, I am starting a new four week series called Baggage. I'm really looking forward to it. It will be challenging stuff for me to preach, because it is stuff I have to own in my personal life. See I can't teach about pride, bitterness, and envy, without God working over my own heart in those areas.
But no matter who you are, you've picked up baggage in your life, and it can start to cause our lives to feel weighted down. But Jesus calls us to love Him, and love one another, and in order to do that, we must get rid of the baggage in our lives.
I am praying that God uses this series in a powerful way to bring about some exciting life change in our church and community! Bree worked up the following design for the series. She rocks!
But no matter who you are, you've picked up baggage in your life, and it can start to cause our lives to feel weighted down. But Jesus calls us to love Him, and love one another, and in order to do that, we must get rid of the baggage in our lives.
I am praying that God uses this series in a powerful way to bring about some exciting life change in our church and community! Bree worked up the following design for the series. She rocks!
Surrender and Faithful
This past Sunday was Jeff's last Sunday as Lead Pastor at Crosspoint. It was kind of surreal to sit there and listen to his 'final message' as our lead. I mean, after someone has served in that role for years, what do you say on the final day? What is the charge you give the church body? In my mind, he nailed it with these two words: surrender and faithful.
I can't think of two better words that capture what we need to be about as a church. Surrender to the leading of God in our lives and in the life of our church. And be faithful to the calling that God has on our lives and on our church. I don't know about you, but those words run right up against by sinful nature.
My 'selfish' nature wants to not surrender to anyone. It wants to run the show and call the shots. But if we are to grow in our relationship with Jesus, we need to surrender to His leading. He doesn't need us to lead Him. He calls for us to follow Him instead.
And being faithful runs against what I am prone to do as a person as well. I am prone to turn inward and look out for #1 (me). It would be natural for me to give up and throw in the towel at the smallest obstacle that I face, but God calls us to be faithful. Faithful to Him, knowing He's capable of doing the work. And faithful to one another, grasping hold of the command to love one another!
I hope God is challenging your life right now in the area of being completely surrendered and unwaveringly faithful!
I can't think of two better words that capture what we need to be about as a church. Surrender to the leading of God in our lives and in the life of our church. And be faithful to the calling that God has on our lives and on our church. I don't know about you, but those words run right up against by sinful nature.
My 'selfish' nature wants to not surrender to anyone. It wants to run the show and call the shots. But if we are to grow in our relationship with Jesus, we need to surrender to His leading. He doesn't need us to lead Him. He calls for us to follow Him instead.
And being faithful runs against what I am prone to do as a person as well. I am prone to turn inward and look out for #1 (me). It would be natural for me to give up and throw in the towel at the smallest obstacle that I face, but God calls us to be faithful. Faithful to Him, knowing He's capable of doing the work. And faithful to one another, grasping hold of the command to love one another!
I hope God is challenging your life right now in the area of being completely surrendered and unwaveringly faithful!
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