I'll be taking a departure from the Life Journal posts for a bit... today I'm leaving with our missions team to work in the Dominican Republic for a week. It seems like it's been forever in the making, and yet here we are, the day of departure.
Going on mission for God is a passion of mine. Every time I go I grow, and I learn. I pray that this trip is no different, and that God does in me and in everyone on the team all that He has purposed for us. The people we are going to serve are beautiful, wonderful people and I'm so looking forward to seeing them again!
If you are reading this posting, I would appreciate your prayers for the team. For our safe travel, for good health for the team, for the endless opportunities that God may open for us to be and share Christ, and for protection for our families back home.
All for the glory of the kingdom!
Steve
Scripture
Nehemiah 8:11-12 (NIV) 11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve." 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Observation
What an amazing picture of a large group gathering of God's people that sounds incredibly similar to our worship services today! First, the people were gathered to hear the Word of God. They had to receive the message intellectually. As Paul said in Romans 12:2, we are transformed by the "renewing of our minds." Once they understood what God's Word said, they had a very emotional reaction. Their initial reaction was to weep and to grieve over their disobedience to God's commands. When our actions do not align to God's commands that is the response we should have. It should disturb us deeply when we understand that our lives do not align to God's standards. But that emotion was turned to joy as the people were instructed not to grieve, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength." How do we find the ability to make the changes necessary to align our lives back to God's standards once we know change is required? That strength comes from God, imparted to us through joy, through worship. How do we respond to conviction? By worshipping and praising God who loves us enough to teach us, correct us, and train us in the right ways of living.. and then gives us the strength to do it!
So the people encountered God intellectually, then emotionally, but it did not stop there! Nehemiah told them to "Go and enjoy...", but then to "Send some to those who have nothing prepared." This was the poor. They were to enjoy the blessings God had given them, but not be so focused on themselves that they forgot to serve "the least of these." True understanding, conviction, and worship leads to a natural response of going and serving. James says faith without a response to that faith is dead. Our worship is to be a launching pad to live and to do all that God has taught us and has purposed for us.
Application
Do we really understand why we do what we do on Sunday? Has it become such a ritual that we just show up, soak up, but when challenged by the Word we give up? Makes me want to throw up! That's not the way it's supposed to be! I need to really look at my role in this process. When I am preparing for a message, do I have this response myself first? Does God's Word burn with such conviction in me that my initial response is to weep with remorse over my own shortcomings? Does that remorse turn to joy as I worship God in response to what he has shown me? Do I act on what He reveals? If that is not happening in me, how can I expect it to happen in the people who listen to me?
May every opportunity I have to stand before the people from this point forward be prefaced by my own encounter with God such as the people had before Nehemiah. May I then teach with a passion that God can use to cause the same kind of response in all who hear.
Prayer
Lord I can only do this through you. I ask your Holy Spirit to grip me, ruin me, stretch me... make your word alive in me first, then use me to bring that same experience to others.
Nehemiah 8:11-12 (NIV) 11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve." 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Observation
What an amazing picture of a large group gathering of God's people that sounds incredibly similar to our worship services today! First, the people were gathered to hear the Word of God. They had to receive the message intellectually. As Paul said in Romans 12:2, we are transformed by the "renewing of our minds." Once they understood what God's Word said, they had a very emotional reaction. Their initial reaction was to weep and to grieve over their disobedience to God's commands. When our actions do not align to God's commands that is the response we should have. It should disturb us deeply when we understand that our lives do not align to God's standards. But that emotion was turned to joy as the people were instructed not to grieve, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength." How do we find the ability to make the changes necessary to align our lives back to God's standards once we know change is required? That strength comes from God, imparted to us through joy, through worship. How do we respond to conviction? By worshipping and praising God who loves us enough to teach us, correct us, and train us in the right ways of living.. and then gives us the strength to do it!
So the people encountered God intellectually, then emotionally, but it did not stop there! Nehemiah told them to "Go and enjoy...", but then to "Send some to those who have nothing prepared." This was the poor. They were to enjoy the blessings God had given them, but not be so focused on themselves that they forgot to serve "the least of these." True understanding, conviction, and worship leads to a natural response of going and serving. James says faith without a response to that faith is dead. Our worship is to be a launching pad to live and to do all that God has taught us and has purposed for us.
Application
Do we really understand why we do what we do on Sunday? Has it become such a ritual that we just show up, soak up, but when challenged by the Word we give up? Makes me want to throw up! That's not the way it's supposed to be! I need to really look at my role in this process. When I am preparing for a message, do I have this response myself first? Does God's Word burn with such conviction in me that my initial response is to weep with remorse over my own shortcomings? Does that remorse turn to joy as I worship God in response to what he has shown me? Do I act on what He reveals? If that is not happening in me, how can I expect it to happen in the people who listen to me?
May every opportunity I have to stand before the people from this point forward be prefaced by my own encounter with God such as the people had before Nehemiah. May I then teach with a passion that God can use to cause the same kind of response in all who hear.
Prayer
Lord I can only do this through you. I ask your Holy Spirit to grip me, ruin me, stretch me... make your word alive in me first, then use me to bring that same experience to others.
This weekend my reading brought me to Nehemiah and Romans... two of my most favorite books in the Bible! I really could camp out in these two for weeks. Nehemiah is so rich in instruction for all of us, put especially for leaders. In one time through this book I annotated over fifty different leadership principles from the example of Nehemiah! Then there is Romans... possibly the most rich theological text in all of the Bible. My life verse comes from Romans. Untold numbers of people have been brought to Christ through "The Roman Road." I'm jazzed about what God is going to show me over the next few days... I'm sure far more than I have room to write about!
Scripture
Nehemiah 2:13-16 (NIV) 13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.
Observation
Nehemiah has been given permission and resources to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He has arrived at the city, and before approaching the city leaders or religious leaders he quietly does an assessment of the situation he is facing. He goes out at night, alone, and surveys the entire city, section by section, gate by gate. Only when he has completed his assessment does he address the city leaders and let them know what he is there to do.
There is immense wisdom in in Nehemiah's actions. First, he has to have the right information. All of his understanding of the condition of the city has come from second hand reports. This is his first opportunity to see with his own eyes what kind of task they are facing to rebuild the walls. Second, he wants to be able to address the people who have been there living amongst the ruin in a way that lets them know he knows what he is talking about. If he simply charged in only on the authority of the king and started issuing orders out of ignorance, he would not have had the support of the people. That would show itself when the opposition came... they would not have stood up under it. Nehemiah took the time to get his facts straight before laying out his plan to the city leaders.
Application
There is so much wisdom in everything Nehemiah did. The principle that I extract from this story is that as a leader, when you enter a new situation, take the time to get your facts straight. Quietly do some assessing on your own. For example, as a pastor coming into a rebuilding season for a church, it's important to take the time to understand the situation before taking action. That could mean going quietly out into the community and asking people what they know about the church... discretely. It could mean coming into the church as a guest, or if they already recognize you, hiring a "secret shopper" to come in as a guest and report back on their experience. However its done, the idea is when leading through change it's important to get the facts first hand before speaking. It's something you can't fake... you either have your facts straight or you don't.
Prayer
Lord as you provide opportunities for me to step into new situations to lead, help me remember the importance of getting my facts straight first. Give me the discipline to take the time to research and examine the circumstances for myself, from all angles, quietly and without fanfare, before presenting what you have given me to do to the people.
Scripture
Nehemiah 2:13-16 (NIV) 13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.
Observation
Nehemiah has been given permission and resources to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He has arrived at the city, and before approaching the city leaders or religious leaders he quietly does an assessment of the situation he is facing. He goes out at night, alone, and surveys the entire city, section by section, gate by gate. Only when he has completed his assessment does he address the city leaders and let them know what he is there to do.
There is immense wisdom in in Nehemiah's actions. First, he has to have the right information. All of his understanding of the condition of the city has come from second hand reports. This is his first opportunity to see with his own eyes what kind of task they are facing to rebuild the walls. Second, he wants to be able to address the people who have been there living amongst the ruin in a way that lets them know he knows what he is talking about. If he simply charged in only on the authority of the king and started issuing orders out of ignorance, he would not have had the support of the people. That would show itself when the opposition came... they would not have stood up under it. Nehemiah took the time to get his facts straight before laying out his plan to the city leaders.
Application
There is so much wisdom in everything Nehemiah did. The principle that I extract from this story is that as a leader, when you enter a new situation, take the time to get your facts straight. Quietly do some assessing on your own. For example, as a pastor coming into a rebuilding season for a church, it's important to take the time to understand the situation before taking action. That could mean going quietly out into the community and asking people what they know about the church... discretely. It could mean coming into the church as a guest, or if they already recognize you, hiring a "secret shopper" to come in as a guest and report back on their experience. However its done, the idea is when leading through change it's important to get the facts first hand before speaking. It's something you can't fake... you either have your facts straight or you don't.
Prayer
Lord as you provide opportunities for me to step into new situations to lead, help me remember the importance of getting my facts straight first. Give me the discipline to take the time to research and examine the circumstances for myself, from all angles, quietly and without fanfare, before presenting what you have given me to do to the people.
Scripture
Ezra 9:13 (NIV)
13 "What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this.
Observation
Here's the scene... The people of Israel have been given amazing providence by a foreign king to return to Jerusalem and reconstruct the temple. King Darius reinforced the decrees of former King Cyrus, and the work to reconstruct the temple went forward with the full support and finances of the king. The remnant of God's people were allowed to return to their homeland after seven decades in exile. As a people they could have been completely erradicated, but God kept his hand on them and they were spared.
Now Ezra arrives on the scene, only to find that the people have started right back in to their old ways that resulted in God's judgment in the first place! You would think they had learned! But the paint wasn't even dry on the temple yet and already they are completely disobeying the commands handed down to them from Moses. Ezra tears his robe, pulls out his hair, and begins a prayer to God to intercede on behalf of the people.
The verse above is part of that prayer. What stood out to me was that Ezra acknowledged that their exile and all that had happened to them was completely their fault. No one else was to blame. They knew the commands of God and they broke them anyway. They knew if they continued God's judgment would be upon them, but it didn't slow them down. Ezra recognizes that as bad as exile had been, it could have been much worse. Their sins had been so great that God had every right to simply wipe them off of the map. But God was gracious and did not give them the punishment that they truly deserved.
What strikes me is how brutally honest Ezra was and how he took a "buck stops here" approach to this prayer. So many times we try to excuse our bad behavior... we weren't raised in the right environment, someone did something to me when I was a kid, I've never been able to catch a break, the excuses go on and on. Someone or something (besides us) is responsible for our bad behavior. Ezra didn't go there. He openly confessed that they had started their disobedient pattern again right where they left off, and that they had no one to blame but themselves. What a refreshing prayer that must be to God!
Application
"I did it... no excuses." That needs to be my prayer. It also needs to be to acknowledge God's goodness and his mercy for withholding from me what I truly deserve. He knows everything anyway... what is to be gained by playing games of denial and blame? The faster I acknowledge I am fully accountable for my actions, the faster God can heal me, transform me, and put my feet back on the right path.
Prayer
Lord I don't want to make any excuses for anything I do that displeases you... and I know it's a lot. I fully acknowledge my own guilt without trying to point the finger at someone or something else. Forgive me, cleanse me of my sin, and set my feet onto the path of righteousness.
Ezra 9:13 (NIV)
13 "What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this.
Observation
Here's the scene... The people of Israel have been given amazing providence by a foreign king to return to Jerusalem and reconstruct the temple. King Darius reinforced the decrees of former King Cyrus, and the work to reconstruct the temple went forward with the full support and finances of the king. The remnant of God's people were allowed to return to their homeland after seven decades in exile. As a people they could have been completely erradicated, but God kept his hand on them and they were spared.
Now Ezra arrives on the scene, only to find that the people have started right back in to their old ways that resulted in God's judgment in the first place! You would think they had learned! But the paint wasn't even dry on the temple yet and already they are completely disobeying the commands handed down to them from Moses. Ezra tears his robe, pulls out his hair, and begins a prayer to God to intercede on behalf of the people.
The verse above is part of that prayer. What stood out to me was that Ezra acknowledged that their exile and all that had happened to them was completely their fault. No one else was to blame. They knew the commands of God and they broke them anyway. They knew if they continued God's judgment would be upon them, but it didn't slow them down. Ezra recognizes that as bad as exile had been, it could have been much worse. Their sins had been so great that God had every right to simply wipe them off of the map. But God was gracious and did not give them the punishment that they truly deserved.
What strikes me is how brutally honest Ezra was and how he took a "buck stops here" approach to this prayer. So many times we try to excuse our bad behavior... we weren't raised in the right environment, someone did something to me when I was a kid, I've never been able to catch a break, the excuses go on and on. Someone or something (besides us) is responsible for our bad behavior. Ezra didn't go there. He openly confessed that they had started their disobedient pattern again right where they left off, and that they had no one to blame but themselves. What a refreshing prayer that must be to God!
Application
"I did it... no excuses." That needs to be my prayer. It also needs to be to acknowledge God's goodness and his mercy for withholding from me what I truly deserve. He knows everything anyway... what is to be gained by playing games of denial and blame? The faster I acknowledge I am fully accountable for my actions, the faster God can heal me, transform me, and put my feet back on the right path.
Prayer
Lord I don't want to make any excuses for anything I do that displeases you... and I know it's a lot. I fully acknowledge my own guilt without trying to point the finger at someone or something else. Forgive me, cleanse me of my sin, and set my feet onto the path of righteousness.
What is our life all about? If someone followed us through our day and watched everything we did, what is the one word they would use to describe who we are at the end of the day? Are we all about our career? Our stuff? Are we consumed by the busyness of life? Is this what it was supposed to be like?
In this message from July 5, 2009 I use the story of Elisha and the widow's oil from 2 Kings 4 to provide a visual illustration of what God says our lives are supposed to be all about.
In this message from July 5, 2009 I use the story of Elisha and the widow's oil from 2 Kings 4 to provide a visual illustration of what God says our lives are supposed to be all about.
Discovering My Purpose Through Pouring from Steve Mayner on Vimeo.
This video provides an overview of our initial training for pastors in India, and our vision for continuing to minister to the state of Orissa.
PD Training in Orissa, India - February 2009 from Steve Mayner on Vimeo.
Scripture
Ezra 3:12-13 (NIV) 12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
Observation
It should have been a day of rejoicing. For most it was. After decades in captivity and exile, God's people were not only allowed to return to their homeland, but they were also encouraged, commissioned, and resourced by their former captor to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. What amazing provision from God! It had to seem like a dream to them until this moment, when the foundation for the new temple was laid.
I grew up in a builder's home spending a lot of my childhood at construction sites. I've seen many projects from the very beginning, when there was nothing but a field or wooded lot. The land gets cleared, the ground leveled, and the survey stakes for where the foundation will go are set up. All of this is great and it's progress, but there's something special about the footing for the building being poured. Up to that point, the whole building can be easily moved, redesigned, or stopped altogether. Besides some cleared land and some stakes, it's still more of an idea than something permanent. But, when the concrete footing is poured, it says "this project is for real." You can walk inside the boundaries of the footing. You can imagine the walls. You can stand where the front door is going to be and imagine looking out into your front yard. I got to experience all of these thoughts for myself when in 1997 I designed and built my first house. Even though I had seen and even worked on dozens of buildings, this one was different. This was MY HOME. The day the footing went down was a special day indeed.
For many of the people who witnessed this day in the life of the nation of Israel, it was also a day of rejoicing. No wonder... what had been destroyed was now going to be rebuilt, and the people would once more have a place to live out the covenant relationship with Yahweh that bound their people together since the time of Moses.
For one group though, it was a bitter and sad moment. Why? This group was old enough to remember the splendor of the original temple of Solomon. The new temple was going to be built on the same spot, on the same foundation, and out of many of the same materials, but it was not the same. It would not have the ornateness of the old temple. It was surrounded by a destroyed and desolate city, a shadow of Jerusalem's former splendor. The temple of Solomon represented a time when Israel was a powerful, united people that dominated the Middle Eastern world. This temple would be built by a divided people, a remnant, still under Babylonian rule, with the shame and stigma of centuries of breaking the covenant God had made with them. No wonder they wept.
Both groups of people were seeing the exact same event. Yet their reactions were completely different. Why? It was all a matter of perspective.
First, both reactions were completely valid. The younger generation had not experienced what was, and therefore could not relate to the sense of loss. The older generation could be happy for God's blessing of the moment, but the profound sense of loss for them was very real and very justified. Things would never be the same as they once were. Still over 2,000 years later, Israel remains far from God and has suffered greatly for their rejection of the Messiah.
As we endeavor to redefine "church"... to reconnect it back to the mission Jesus gave her... to engage culture as Christ did without compromising the message... many of our churches will have an experience similar to this one. There will be those who are recently converted or rechurched who will love everything we are doing. They will rejoice and think it's the greatest thing they've ever experienced. And why not... they either have known nothing else, or come from a past church experience that was irrelevant or even painful. There will also be those who will mourn. They will remember the church as it once was... the grand steeples, stained glass, green backed Broadman hymnals, choirs, Sunday Schools, the church fish fry, "Sunday go-to-meetin'" clothes, and more. This is where my own parents are. For this generation everything many of us rejoice in will be painful and sad... a reminder that their time on the stage is passing, and that things in the world will never again be the way they once were.
Yet, if this world is to see the Second Reformation... if Christ's church is to finish the work that was started by Luther and Calvin and Zwingli... change we must.
Application
I know that my calling is to lead churches to become the living, healthy, vibrant local expressions of the body of Christ that Jesus intended them to be. Whether that is transitioning a church like Emmanuel or leading a church to reach more of the unchurched and dechurched in the community, this is a scene that I will see many times. What it calls for is love and grace. I must set the example by loving both groups completely, authentically, and unconditionally. Both perspectives are valid from each group's experience. By setting the example myself, I can lead both groups to love, appreciate, and respect the other. That is the key to a church either transitioning successfully or ripping itself apart in the process. It starts with love, and then moves to granting each other enough grace to appreciate a different perspective. In the end the group that reveres the past will have the toughest time, because we cannot reach today's generation by going backward. To fulfill God's dream for His church we must move forward. But we can do so in love, with grace, celebrating the contributions of the past and recognizing the necessity for new methods that will reach a new generation. May God grant me the wisdom, the grace, and the capacity to love necessary to lead whatever church I am serving through this process.
Prayer
Father I can only do this through your power and your gifts at work in my life. Teach me, shape me, prepare me, guide me. I want to pour myself out as an offering to you, leading your church to the best of the ability you give me. Amen.
Ezra 3:12-13 (NIV) 12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. 13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.
Observation
It should have been a day of rejoicing. For most it was. After decades in captivity and exile, God's people were not only allowed to return to their homeland, but they were also encouraged, commissioned, and resourced by their former captor to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. What amazing provision from God! It had to seem like a dream to them until this moment, when the foundation for the new temple was laid.
I grew up in a builder's home spending a lot of my childhood at construction sites. I've seen many projects from the very beginning, when there was nothing but a field or wooded lot. The land gets cleared, the ground leveled, and the survey stakes for where the foundation will go are set up. All of this is great and it's progress, but there's something special about the footing for the building being poured. Up to that point, the whole building can be easily moved, redesigned, or stopped altogether. Besides some cleared land and some stakes, it's still more of an idea than something permanent. But, when the concrete footing is poured, it says "this project is for real." You can walk inside the boundaries of the footing. You can imagine the walls. You can stand where the front door is going to be and imagine looking out into your front yard. I got to experience all of these thoughts for myself when in 1997 I designed and built my first house. Even though I had seen and even worked on dozens of buildings, this one was different. This was MY HOME. The day the footing went down was a special day indeed.
For many of the people who witnessed this day in the life of the nation of Israel, it was also a day of rejoicing. No wonder... what had been destroyed was now going to be rebuilt, and the people would once more have a place to live out the covenant relationship with Yahweh that bound their people together since the time of Moses.
For one group though, it was a bitter and sad moment. Why? This group was old enough to remember the splendor of the original temple of Solomon. The new temple was going to be built on the same spot, on the same foundation, and out of many of the same materials, but it was not the same. It would not have the ornateness of the old temple. It was surrounded by a destroyed and desolate city, a shadow of Jerusalem's former splendor. The temple of Solomon represented a time when Israel was a powerful, united people that dominated the Middle Eastern world. This temple would be built by a divided people, a remnant, still under Babylonian rule, with the shame and stigma of centuries of breaking the covenant God had made with them. No wonder they wept.
Both groups of people were seeing the exact same event. Yet their reactions were completely different. Why? It was all a matter of perspective.
First, both reactions were completely valid. The younger generation had not experienced what was, and therefore could not relate to the sense of loss. The older generation could be happy for God's blessing of the moment, but the profound sense of loss for them was very real and very justified. Things would never be the same as they once were. Still over 2,000 years later, Israel remains far from God and has suffered greatly for their rejection of the Messiah.
As we endeavor to redefine "church"... to reconnect it back to the mission Jesus gave her... to engage culture as Christ did without compromising the message... many of our churches will have an experience similar to this one. There will be those who are recently converted or rechurched who will love everything we are doing. They will rejoice and think it's the greatest thing they've ever experienced. And why not... they either have known nothing else, or come from a past church experience that was irrelevant or even painful. There will also be those who will mourn. They will remember the church as it once was... the grand steeples, stained glass, green backed Broadman hymnals, choirs, Sunday Schools, the church fish fry, "Sunday go-to-meetin'" clothes, and more. This is where my own parents are. For this generation everything many of us rejoice in will be painful and sad... a reminder that their time on the stage is passing, and that things in the world will never again be the way they once were.
Yet, if this world is to see the Second Reformation... if Christ's church is to finish the work that was started by Luther and Calvin and Zwingli... change we must.
Application
I know that my calling is to lead churches to become the living, healthy, vibrant local expressions of the body of Christ that Jesus intended them to be. Whether that is transitioning a church like Emmanuel or leading a church to reach more of the unchurched and dechurched in the community, this is a scene that I will see many times. What it calls for is love and grace. I must set the example by loving both groups completely, authentically, and unconditionally. Both perspectives are valid from each group's experience. By setting the example myself, I can lead both groups to love, appreciate, and respect the other. That is the key to a church either transitioning successfully or ripping itself apart in the process. It starts with love, and then moves to granting each other enough grace to appreciate a different perspective. In the end the group that reveres the past will have the toughest time, because we cannot reach today's generation by going backward. To fulfill God's dream for His church we must move forward. But we can do so in love, with grace, celebrating the contributions of the past and recognizing the necessity for new methods that will reach a new generation. May God grant me the wisdom, the grace, and the capacity to love necessary to lead whatever church I am serving through this process.
Prayer
Father I can only do this through your power and your gifts at work in my life. Teach me, shape me, prepare me, guide me. I want to pour myself out as an offering to you, leading your church to the best of the ability you give me. Amen.
Scripture
Acts 24:25 (NIV) 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
Observation
Paul was given the opportunity to have a number of conversations with Felix. Felix was obviously curious but not enough to accept what Paul was sharing with him. Based on Felix' response it is clear that Paul's words were convicting. He knew his lifestyle did not line up with the truths that Paul was sharing with him. When the heat got to be too much he cut him off and sent him away. Although he brought him back for numerous conversations, as far as we know he never accepted Christ.
We don't get a lot of details about how Paul approached this opportunity to witness to Felix, but the inference is that he focused on conveying the truth instead of focusing on Felix. When we are trying to win people to Christ it is often tempting to focus on how they are living their lives and how that lifestyle is wrong. The reality is that is probably not the best approach. Most people deep inside know when their behavior is wrong, even if they don't want to admit it. Focusing on God and his truth is all we need to communicate. The Holy Spirit has the responsibility to convict and draw the person to God. God's truth has all the power we need... we shouldn't worry about arguing or badgering someone into heaven, or trying to win them over through a guilt trip.
Application
As I think about times I've talked to people about Christ or even as I think about people God has on my heart right now, I find I'm tempted to focus more on their behavior and less on God's truth. Like Paul I need to just focus on talking about God and his truth, and how it has impacted my life. God will do the rest.
Prayer
Father thank you that your truth is so powerful that all we have to do is share it with others. Help me be bold this week and share your truth with at least one person that you bring into my path.
Acts 24:25 (NIV) 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
Observation
Paul was given the opportunity to have a number of conversations with Felix. Felix was obviously curious but not enough to accept what Paul was sharing with him. Based on Felix' response it is clear that Paul's words were convicting. He knew his lifestyle did not line up with the truths that Paul was sharing with him. When the heat got to be too much he cut him off and sent him away. Although he brought him back for numerous conversations, as far as we know he never accepted Christ.
We don't get a lot of details about how Paul approached this opportunity to witness to Felix, but the inference is that he focused on conveying the truth instead of focusing on Felix. When we are trying to win people to Christ it is often tempting to focus on how they are living their lives and how that lifestyle is wrong. The reality is that is probably not the best approach. Most people deep inside know when their behavior is wrong, even if they don't want to admit it. Focusing on God and his truth is all we need to communicate. The Holy Spirit has the responsibility to convict and draw the person to God. God's truth has all the power we need... we shouldn't worry about arguing or badgering someone into heaven, or trying to win them over through a guilt trip.
Application
As I think about times I've talked to people about Christ or even as I think about people God has on my heart right now, I find I'm tempted to focus more on their behavior and less on God's truth. Like Paul I need to just focus on talking about God and his truth, and how it has impacted my life. God will do the rest.
Prayer
Father thank you that your truth is so powerful that all we have to do is share it with others. Help me be bold this week and share your truth with at least one person that you bring into my path.
Scripture
2 Chronicles 27:1-2 (NIV) 1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother's name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices.
Observation
Jotham represented something fairly unusual in the history of either Judah or Israel. He was the third generation of kings of Judah who walked in the ways of the Lord instead of doing evil in the sight of the Lord. Good kings dotted the history of God's people, but they were typically followed by sons who did not follow in their footsteps. It speaks well of Amaziah his grandfather and Uzziah his father that Jotham would carry on a legacy of faithfulness to God.
Something else stands out about Jotham that is not so great. As far as we know he did everything he was supposed to do... he honored God, he walked in his ways, he did not defile the temple as his father had done. Jotham looks like a pretty good guy. There was only one problem. The people did not follow his example! Jotham was doing all the right things personally, but he was ineffective as a leader.
Leadership is influence. John Maxwell says "if you are leading and no one is following, then you are just taking a walk..." Jotham was not put in his position as a king just to live his own life righteously. He was also charged with the responsibility of leading the people to following God as well. For some reason he was not able to do that. We really don't know why from scripture. Whatever the reasons were, the end result was that Judah fell further and further into disobedience to God during his tenure.
As leaders the ultimate scorecard for our leadership is the influence we have on others. As leaders of Christ's church, are we influencing others to become more Christlike? Are we influencing non-Christians to be more open to Jesus and even to cross into a faith relationship with him? Are we growing other leaders who can expand the influence of our ministry?
Application
It's really easy for me to get so focused on my own personal walk that I lose sight of God's calling on my life to be a leader. Leadership is influence. Who am I influencing? Who is following me into a closer walk with Christ because of the influence of my leadership? How am I investing myself into the lives of others so that I have the opportunity to influence? This is something I must be much more intentional about if I am going to be the kind of leader God created me to be!
Prayer
Lord thank you for the gift of being called to lead. It is a great responsibility and one that I do not want to take lightly. Yes, help me to walk in your ways and live my life so that it pleases you, but also help me to lead in a way that influences others to live their lives that way also. Show me who you want me to be more intentional with in investing time and influence, pouring myself out as you pour into me.
2 Chronicles 27:1-2 (NIV) 1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother's name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices.
Observation
Jotham represented something fairly unusual in the history of either Judah or Israel. He was the third generation of kings of Judah who walked in the ways of the Lord instead of doing evil in the sight of the Lord. Good kings dotted the history of God's people, but they were typically followed by sons who did not follow in their footsteps. It speaks well of Amaziah his grandfather and Uzziah his father that Jotham would carry on a legacy of faithfulness to God.
Something else stands out about Jotham that is not so great. As far as we know he did everything he was supposed to do... he honored God, he walked in his ways, he did not defile the temple as his father had done. Jotham looks like a pretty good guy. There was only one problem. The people did not follow his example! Jotham was doing all the right things personally, but he was ineffective as a leader.
Leadership is influence. John Maxwell says "if you are leading and no one is following, then you are just taking a walk..." Jotham was not put in his position as a king just to live his own life righteously. He was also charged with the responsibility of leading the people to following God as well. For some reason he was not able to do that. We really don't know why from scripture. Whatever the reasons were, the end result was that Judah fell further and further into disobedience to God during his tenure.
As leaders the ultimate scorecard for our leadership is the influence we have on others. As leaders of Christ's church, are we influencing others to become more Christlike? Are we influencing non-Christians to be more open to Jesus and even to cross into a faith relationship with him? Are we growing other leaders who can expand the influence of our ministry?
Application
It's really easy for me to get so focused on my own personal walk that I lose sight of God's calling on my life to be a leader. Leadership is influence. Who am I influencing? Who is following me into a closer walk with Christ because of the influence of my leadership? How am I investing myself into the lives of others so that I have the opportunity to influence? This is something I must be much more intentional about if I am going to be the kind of leader God created me to be!
Prayer
Lord thank you for the gift of being called to lead. It is a great responsibility and one that I do not want to take lightly. Yes, help me to walk in your ways and live my life so that it pleases you, but also help me to lead in a way that influences others to live their lives that way also. Show me who you want me to be more intentional with in investing time and influence, pouring myself out as you pour into me.
Scripture
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV) 12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
Observation
Things were looking pretty grim for the people of Judah. A vast army from Edom was gathering outside their borders preparing for an attack. Based on sheer numbers, it seemed that the army of Judah would be easily overrun. The Edomites were not known for being a merciful people. If they invade, Judah would be wiped off of the map. Everyone would be killed or enslaved. Jehoshaphat appealed to the Lord and reminded him of the promise he made to Abraham. Every man, woman, and child stood before God to ask for deliverance.
Then they make a very telling statement: "we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." In their own eyes, in their understanding of the situation, they could see no way out. They could only see certain death. They confessed their helplessnes to God, and acknowledge that he was their only hope.
How many times do we face "no way out" kinds of circumstances? Have you ever wondered why Christians have to deal with desparate situations in the first place? One possibility is that for many of us it is easy to develop a false sense of self-sufficiency. We start to believe we can handle things on our own, without God's help. We make bad choices and often land in the "no way out" scenario because of our own doing. Allowing that temporary pain is a way for God to draw us back to him. And it works! Even non-believers turn to God when the situation is desparate! In combat there's a saying: "there are no athiests in foxholes." When you are faced with desparate circumstances the human nature is to turn to a higher power. It's unfortunate that so many times God has to allow these "no way out" moments to occur as the only way to bring us back into dependence on him!
Application
I don't want to be the kind of Christ follower that God has to put into these tough situations time and time again in order for him to get my attention! I want to turn my eyes to him every day, on my own, acknowledging him as my only source of strength, my only way to get through the day. It is required EVERY MOMENT. It is so easy to let my guard down and start feeling self reliant again. I must always be desparately dependent on God!
Prayer
Father I need you every moment of every day. Outside of your power I have no ability to do anything. Help me to keep my eyes on you, dependent on you for all things, relying completely on your strength.
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV) 12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
Observation
Things were looking pretty grim for the people of Judah. A vast army from Edom was gathering outside their borders preparing for an attack. Based on sheer numbers, it seemed that the army of Judah would be easily overrun. The Edomites were not known for being a merciful people. If they invade, Judah would be wiped off of the map. Everyone would be killed or enslaved. Jehoshaphat appealed to the Lord and reminded him of the promise he made to Abraham. Every man, woman, and child stood before God to ask for deliverance.
Then they make a very telling statement: "we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." In their own eyes, in their understanding of the situation, they could see no way out. They could only see certain death. They confessed their helplessnes to God, and acknowledge that he was their only hope.
How many times do we face "no way out" kinds of circumstances? Have you ever wondered why Christians have to deal with desparate situations in the first place? One possibility is that for many of us it is easy to develop a false sense of self-sufficiency. We start to believe we can handle things on our own, without God's help. We make bad choices and often land in the "no way out" scenario because of our own doing. Allowing that temporary pain is a way for God to draw us back to him. And it works! Even non-believers turn to God when the situation is desparate! In combat there's a saying: "there are no athiests in foxholes." When you are faced with desparate circumstances the human nature is to turn to a higher power. It's unfortunate that so many times God has to allow these "no way out" moments to occur as the only way to bring us back into dependence on him!
Application
I don't want to be the kind of Christ follower that God has to put into these tough situations time and time again in order for him to get my attention! I want to turn my eyes to him every day, on my own, acknowledging him as my only source of strength, my only way to get through the day. It is required EVERY MOMENT. It is so easy to let my guard down and start feeling self reliant again. I must always be desparately dependent on God!
Prayer
Father I need you every moment of every day. Outside of your power I have no ability to do anything. Help me to keep my eyes on you, dependent on you for all things, relying completely on your strength.
