Well, here we are at the cusp of a new year. Every year at this time, I take a few days to reflect on what has transpired over the course of the previous 12 months. I evaluate where I started, where I was in the middle and where and how I finished out. There is one thing that drives me absolutely crazy about evaluations, especially self-evaluations. It is dealing with the wins and losses...notice I didn't used 'successes and failures'. I had a friend who knew that I was doing my yearly review and asked me if I had a "successful" year of ministry. Now, don't quit reading here...this can crossover to the world of occupations outside of ministry as well. I want to go on record now...I cannot stand the word "success" when it relates to ministry. Success to me is when you climb the corporate ladder, you get promotions, you get huge bonuses or raises that are extreme. Success to me implies building up yourself to a higher level so that others can recognize your accomplishments.
Success reeks of self, pride, and fear. These things isolate man from God, man from man, and man from himself. If we are not careful, we will build our own little private isolation booths. Another negative impact of addiction to self, pride, and fear is that they result in unhealthy horizontal comparisons. Instead of measuring success in terms of how well a person is following God's plan for their lives, people are constantly tempted to look to the right and to the left to see how you stack up with others around you. True success is simply obeying God's will for you life...its not having the most at your church, making the biggest amount of money, winning the most games, or even getting that promotion.
"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves, they are not wise. We however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you." - 2 Corinthians 10:12-13
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Start Fresh Every Morning
I have been reading a lot...abnormal amounts of time with my nose in the Bible or in a book have consumed my "free time". I am the world's worst at totally messing things up. I have that spiritual gift...you know, the one that has the gift of putting one's foot in one's mouth? I have it. And I am also one that can take something and do it, but sometimes it is totally backward of what God intended or how He has it set up. By nature, I am a problem-solver. I tend to treat everything like it is a situation that can be overcome or there is another way to get around it or the best and my favorite way of dealing with a problem...head on and knock it on its backside like an Adrian Peterson run.
However, rest is not always something that I can easily solve. Here is the reason...there will always be a tension between what I do and who I am because they run so closely together. I say it all the time...ministers, minister; doctors, doctor; coaches, coach; ushers, ush (not exactly sure about that one). A little over one month ago, a good friend challenged me with a devotion and has since felt like God's purpose for him in my life is to remind me to REST. I also have a mindset of...I don't have time to rest! Guess what? The world will still revolve, people will still have needs, my family will still be there...however, God told us to take a Sabbath...and REST. I am guilty...I haven't been observing a Sabbath. As a minister, my work is done during worship on most people's Sabbath. Sure, I can take a day off, but what good is a day off if I consume it with work anyway and neglect resting?
I read this little excerpt in a book from Dr. Wayne Cordeiro called Leading on Empty. In this few paragraphs, he reminded me that God broke out lifetime down into bite-sized chunks that we call years, where every 365 days or so everything begins anew. And within that, he gave us four season, or quarters (sorry for the football reference here...I like it!) as opportunities to start all over again. Even within that, he factored in what we call months, repetitions of the lunar cycle. And, if that weren't enough, He broke it down to days or 24 hour segments of time, and those into minutes, unlimited opportunities to start again, to begin fresh!
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us of this new beginning: "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
A few weeks ago, I went and played golf. I used to be pretty good at the game...then I began working. Golf kind of took a backseat. Anyway, I was lined up to hit my drive and I crushed it! I was sitting there in my finishing pose watching a drive that Tiger Woods would have envied when it happened...my ball took a hard right into the homes that were lining the fairway. The ball made serious contact. However, I did not hear a scream, yelp or crash so I thought I was alright. Then I started thinking about the rules...that is a 2 stroke penalty. I was playing with a friend and said, "Take a mulligan!"
I immediately made this dude the first one I call to do anything. A mulligan is a free do-over. No penalty.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could imagine a conversation like this one at the end of the day?
"Oh God, I don't even know what to say. I messed up so much today."
And the Lord smiles and says, "Take a mulligan. Just do it over. Tomorrow is your second try, so get some rest."
In essence, that is exactly what He does. I'm not saying we should minimize our sins or deny our problems and mistakes. We need to deal with them correctly, in the way God would have us deal with them. Often we do, but then we still don't take the mulligan!
The Lord says, "I am giving you forgiveness. Let's start all over."
And we say, "Ah, no, no. I feel so badly. I've got to beat myself to death."
And God says, "Won't you just take it?"
How many of you would say, "Boy, I could really use a new chance at life." This is why God gives us 24 hour increments. A new beginning.
Psalm 30:5 says, "Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning."
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
Prayer: God, I pray for all who read this that they be inspired to rest. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in you. I pray that we accept the built in mulligans you have provided for us with each new day. May each person strive to do your will for their lives. Amen.
However, rest is not always something that I can easily solve. Here is the reason...there will always be a tension between what I do and who I am because they run so closely together. I say it all the time...ministers, minister; doctors, doctor; coaches, coach; ushers, ush (not exactly sure about that one). A little over one month ago, a good friend challenged me with a devotion and has since felt like God's purpose for him in my life is to remind me to REST. I also have a mindset of...I don't have time to rest! Guess what? The world will still revolve, people will still have needs, my family will still be there...however, God told us to take a Sabbath...and REST. I am guilty...I haven't been observing a Sabbath. As a minister, my work is done during worship on most people's Sabbath. Sure, I can take a day off, but what good is a day off if I consume it with work anyway and neglect resting?
I read this little excerpt in a book from Dr. Wayne Cordeiro called Leading on Empty. In this few paragraphs, he reminded me that God broke out lifetime down into bite-sized chunks that we call years, where every 365 days or so everything begins anew. And within that, he gave us four season, or quarters (sorry for the football reference here...I like it!) as opportunities to start all over again. Even within that, he factored in what we call months, repetitions of the lunar cycle. And, if that weren't enough, He broke it down to days or 24 hour segments of time, and those into minutes, unlimited opportunities to start again, to begin fresh!
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us of this new beginning: "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
A few weeks ago, I went and played golf. I used to be pretty good at the game...then I began working. Golf kind of took a backseat. Anyway, I was lined up to hit my drive and I crushed it! I was sitting there in my finishing pose watching a drive that Tiger Woods would have envied when it happened...my ball took a hard right into the homes that were lining the fairway. The ball made serious contact. However, I did not hear a scream, yelp or crash so I thought I was alright. Then I started thinking about the rules...that is a 2 stroke penalty. I was playing with a friend and said, "Take a mulligan!"
I immediately made this dude the first one I call to do anything. A mulligan is a free do-over. No penalty.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could imagine a conversation like this one at the end of the day?
"Oh God, I don't even know what to say. I messed up so much today."
And the Lord smiles and says, "Take a mulligan. Just do it over. Tomorrow is your second try, so get some rest."
In essence, that is exactly what He does. I'm not saying we should minimize our sins or deny our problems and mistakes. We need to deal with them correctly, in the way God would have us deal with them. Often we do, but then we still don't take the mulligan!
The Lord says, "I am giving you forgiveness. Let's start all over."
And we say, "Ah, no, no. I feel so badly. I've got to beat myself to death."
And God says, "Won't you just take it?"
How many of you would say, "Boy, I could really use a new chance at life." This is why God gives us 24 hour increments. A new beginning.
Psalm 30:5 says, "Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning."
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
Prayer: God, I pray for all who read this that they be inspired to rest. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in you. I pray that we accept the built in mulligans you have provided for us with each new day. May each person strive to do your will for their lives. Amen.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Passion is the Spark for Your Fuse...
Passion Is The Spark For Your Fuse
Ecclesiastes 9:10
God has put into every person the potential to be passionate. One person with a passion is greater than 100 people with an interest. What is the main reason that people don't know what they are going to do with their future? They have only an "interest" in their destiny.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Everyone loves something. We are shaped and motivated by the things that we love. Those things that we love is our passion. If you ignore that thing that you are passionate about, then you ignore one of the greatest potentials that God has placed inside of you!
"Nothing significant was ever achieved without passion." - John Mason
Sometimes, we forget that there are some things that we love to do…something that we are good at doing and not just good at, but when we do it, it is relaxing. Paul had to remind Timothy of this in his 2nd letter to him.
2Ti 1:6-7 ISV
(6) For this reason, I am reminding you to fan into flames the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands.
(7) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.
QUESTION: What would you do, right now, if you knew you could not fail?
Jesus Christ was a passionate man. He died for us because He loved us passionately!!
How else would someone come to the conclusion to die for you and me.
How can I become passionate about something if I know I will probably mess it up? This question shows that a person has a negative outlook on themselves. This is the "loser" mentality. Isn't it ashamed that God doesn't look on me as a loser like I do? Most winners are ex-losers who got passionate about something.
What is Passion? Passion is simply this... enthusiasm, excitement, joy, happiness, etc. The worst loss in the world is the person who has lost his enthusiasm, his passion.
Why is it then that you see so many Christians that are totally opposite? Some are excited, some aren't.
I believe that you see a difference in Christian’s excitement because of one of two things:
1. There is an abundance of passion in their life, or
2. There is a lack of passion in their life.
You see, when you add passion to belief, it becomes a conviction. And there is a big difference in belief and conviction.
What is the difference?
Belief agrees with facts, while conviction brings consistent action to your belief.
Why is this so important? Because a person that is driven by passionate conviction, can do anything they want to do with their life-except give up on the thing that they care about!
A good example of a “passionate conviction” can be found in 1 Samuel 14:
1Sa 14:6-15 MKJV
(6) And Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised ones. It may be that Jehovah will work for us. For there is no restraint to Jehovah, to save by many or by few.
(7) And his armor-bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart. Turn, for behold, I am with you according to your heart.
(8) And Jonathan said, Behold, we will go over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them.
(9) If they say this to us, Stand still until we come to you, then we will stand still in our place and will not go up to them.
(10) But if they say this, Come up to us, then we will go up, for Jehovah has delivered them up into our hand. And this shall be a sign to us.
(11) And both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.
(12) And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, Come up to us, and we will teach you a thing. And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, Come up after me, for Jehovah has delivered them into the hand of Israel.
(13) And Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed after him.
(14) And this was the first blow, when Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck about twenty men in about half of a furrow of an acre of a field.
(15) And there was trembling in the army, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and the spoilers also trembled, and the earth quaked, and it was a very great trembling.
"What generates passion and zeal in you is a clue to revealing your destiny. What you love is a clue to something you contain, which is your future." - Mike Murdock
What is destiny? It is your fate, your vocation, it is what you are on this planet for…
Fulfilling God's plan for your life is a passion or it is nothing. In Deuteronomy 10:12 says, " Serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul."
"Without passion man is a mere latent force and a possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark."- Henri Frederic Amiel
You see the attitude that looks negative all the time always quits before it is time for success to happen. Pessimism never won any battles.
"there are many things that will catch my eye, but there are only a very few that catch my heart... it is those I consider to pursue." -Tim Redmond
If you couple passion to what you were created for…you can change the world.
Let The Passion That Is Within You Rise To Meet Your Destiny.
Prayer: God help everyone who reads this to regain their passion for you. Help each of us to become passionate as Christ was passionate. Help us to let others realize that the passion we have on the outside is from a change on the inside. Amen.
My Prayer for you:
1. Have you lost your passion for God?
2. Do you want to regain that lost passion for God?
3. Are you afraid of what God wants you to do?
4. Do you want to become a passionate person like Christ was passionate?
5. Will you respond to the Holy Spirit this morning?
Ecclesiastes 9:10
God has put into every person the potential to be passionate. One person with a passion is greater than 100 people with an interest. What is the main reason that people don't know what they are going to do with their future? They have only an "interest" in their destiny.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Everyone loves something. We are shaped and motivated by the things that we love. Those things that we love is our passion. If you ignore that thing that you are passionate about, then you ignore one of the greatest potentials that God has placed inside of you!
"Nothing significant was ever achieved without passion." - John Mason
Sometimes, we forget that there are some things that we love to do…something that we are good at doing and not just good at, but when we do it, it is relaxing. Paul had to remind Timothy of this in his 2nd letter to him.
2Ti 1:6-7 ISV
(6) For this reason, I am reminding you to fan into flames the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands.
(7) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.
QUESTION: What would you do, right now, if you knew you could not fail?
Jesus Christ was a passionate man. He died for us because He loved us passionately!!
How else would someone come to the conclusion to die for you and me.
How can I become passionate about something if I know I will probably mess it up? This question shows that a person has a negative outlook on themselves. This is the "loser" mentality. Isn't it ashamed that God doesn't look on me as a loser like I do? Most winners are ex-losers who got passionate about something.
What is Passion? Passion is simply this... enthusiasm, excitement, joy, happiness, etc. The worst loss in the world is the person who has lost his enthusiasm, his passion.
Why is it then that you see so many Christians that are totally opposite? Some are excited, some aren't.
I believe that you see a difference in Christian’s excitement because of one of two things:
1. There is an abundance of passion in their life, or
2. There is a lack of passion in their life.
You see, when you add passion to belief, it becomes a conviction. And there is a big difference in belief and conviction.
What is the difference?
Belief agrees with facts, while conviction brings consistent action to your belief.
Why is this so important? Because a person that is driven by passionate conviction, can do anything they want to do with their life-except give up on the thing that they care about!
A good example of a “passionate conviction” can be found in 1 Samuel 14:
1Sa 14:6-15 MKJV
(6) And Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised ones. It may be that Jehovah will work for us. For there is no restraint to Jehovah, to save by many or by few.
(7) And his armor-bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart. Turn, for behold, I am with you according to your heart.
(8) And Jonathan said, Behold, we will go over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them.
(9) If they say this to us, Stand still until we come to you, then we will stand still in our place and will not go up to them.
(10) But if they say this, Come up to us, then we will go up, for Jehovah has delivered them up into our hand. And this shall be a sign to us.
(11) And both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.
(12) And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, Come up to us, and we will teach you a thing. And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, Come up after me, for Jehovah has delivered them into the hand of Israel.
(13) And Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed after him.
(14) And this was the first blow, when Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck about twenty men in about half of a furrow of an acre of a field.
(15) And there was trembling in the army, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and the spoilers also trembled, and the earth quaked, and it was a very great trembling.
"What generates passion and zeal in you is a clue to revealing your destiny. What you love is a clue to something you contain, which is your future." - Mike Murdock
What is destiny? It is your fate, your vocation, it is what you are on this planet for…
Fulfilling God's plan for your life is a passion or it is nothing. In Deuteronomy 10:12 says, " Serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul."
"Without passion man is a mere latent force and a possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark."- Henri Frederic Amiel
You see the attitude that looks negative all the time always quits before it is time for success to happen. Pessimism never won any battles.
"there are many things that will catch my eye, but there are only a very few that catch my heart... it is those I consider to pursue." -Tim Redmond
If you couple passion to what you were created for…you can change the world.
Let The Passion That Is Within You Rise To Meet Your Destiny.
Prayer: God help everyone who reads this to regain their passion for you. Help each of us to become passionate as Christ was passionate. Help us to let others realize that the passion we have on the outside is from a change on the inside. Amen.
My Prayer for you:
1. Have you lost your passion for God?
2. Do you want to regain that lost passion for God?
3. Are you afraid of what God wants you to do?
4. Do you want to become a passionate person like Christ was passionate?
5. Will you respond to the Holy Spirit this morning?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Turning a new Page
I have turned a new page in my life. My oldest child has started High School. Now I get to test all those theories I used to give as a youth pastor to parents of High Schoolers to see if they work or not. I am quickly learning that I know a whole lot less about parenting than I thought I knew. However, one of the things that I do is look to those who know a whole lot more about life than I. I want my kids to take the leadership qualities they naturally possess and develop them for the good of our home, their school, their peers, their coaches, their churches and ultimately the Kingdom of God. So, today, I am going to give you a devotion on developing people...It is called 12 Rules for Bringing Out the Best In People. Let me know what you think...
12 Rules for Bringing Out the Best in People
1. Expect the best from the people you lead
· When your authority doesn’t expect the best in you it doesn’t motivate you to
become anything.
· Think about the people who believed in you.
· When you Expect = “I Believe” When you Demand- “I Require”
2. Make a thorough study of the other person’s need
· Take care of their needs
· Make “deposits” in the “emotional account” before you try to “withdraw.”
3. Establish high standards of excellence
· Call for this…it’s worth it. Give everything to it.
· Your attitude and actions need to exemplify excellence in kingdom principles. Attitude and Action are two things YOU control.
· Don’t challenge someone to do something that you haven’t taught them to do or standards that you personally aren’t living.
4. Create an environment where failure is not fatal
· See past failure as what they “can be”
5. If they are going anywhere near where you want to go…Climb on the other person’s bandwagon.
· Figure out their interest and be their support (outside the field/court).
6. Employ “Models” to encourage success
· Point out names so individuals know who are doing it right.
· Whatever you reinforce will be repeated.
· Give them an invisible model in front of them to live up to. When expectations are high, people tend to try to reach them...
7. Recognize and Applaud Achievement
· Let them hear what they’re good at! Motivate them. Be specific. Don't blow smoke!
8. Employ a mixture of positive and negative.
· Celebrate attitudinal successes as much as other successes.
· More positive than negative yet sparingly, there needs to be some negative reinforcements. Coach John Wooden had a 12 to 1 good/bad ratio.
· If you want to give the negative reinforcement, you need to wait to give it.
9. Appeal sparingly to the Competitive Urge
· There is a positive peer pressure to be Godly…You live to the level of your competition.
· Iron sharpens iron.
10. Place a premium on Collaboration.
· We’re a team; we need each other.
11. Build into the group an allowance for storms.
Learn to prepare for the unexpected.
12. Take steps to keep your own personal motivation HIGH!!
· Books w/ authors who motivate you.
Prayer: My prayer for you today is that God uses you where you are to bring out the best in the people that God has placed in your care.
Scripture: Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. - NASB
12 Rules for Bringing Out the Best in People
1. Expect the best from the people you lead
· When your authority doesn’t expect the best in you it doesn’t motivate you to
become anything.
· Think about the people who believed in you.
· When you Expect = “I Believe” When you Demand- “I Require”
2. Make a thorough study of the other person’s need
· Take care of their needs
· Make “deposits” in the “emotional account” before you try to “withdraw.”
3. Establish high standards of excellence
· Call for this…it’s worth it. Give everything to it.
· Your attitude and actions need to exemplify excellence in kingdom principles. Attitude and Action are two things YOU control.
· Don’t challenge someone to do something that you haven’t taught them to do or standards that you personally aren’t living.
4. Create an environment where failure is not fatal
· See past failure as what they “can be”
5. If they are going anywhere near where you want to go…Climb on the other person’s bandwagon.
· Figure out their interest and be their support (outside the field/court).
6. Employ “Models” to encourage success
· Point out names so individuals know who are doing it right.
· Whatever you reinforce will be repeated.
· Give them an invisible model in front of them to live up to. When expectations are high, people tend to try to reach them...
7. Recognize and Applaud Achievement
· Let them hear what they’re good at! Motivate them. Be specific. Don't blow smoke!
8. Employ a mixture of positive and negative.
· Celebrate attitudinal successes as much as other successes.
· More positive than negative yet sparingly, there needs to be some negative reinforcements. Coach John Wooden had a 12 to 1 good/bad ratio.
· If you want to give the negative reinforcement, you need to wait to give it.
9. Appeal sparingly to the Competitive Urge
· There is a positive peer pressure to be Godly…You live to the level of your competition.
· Iron sharpens iron.
10. Place a premium on Collaboration.
· We’re a team; we need each other.
11. Build into the group an allowance for storms.
Learn to prepare for the unexpected.
12. Take steps to keep your own personal motivation HIGH!!
· Books w/ authors who motivate you.
Prayer: My prayer for you today is that God uses you where you are to bring out the best in the people that God has placed in your care.
Scripture: Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. - NASB
Monday, July 13, 2009
GC Squared...
I heard this phrase this weekend from Coach Rod Olson. This little equation has stuck in my head and I can't get it out. I wish I could get it out of my head and have it embedded in my heart. Oh...what is it? What does it mean? Something that I have heard in church a million times and, truthfully, said a million times. It means the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. GC squared.
I have a relatively easy time with the Great Commandment. You know, Matthew 22:37
I mean, it can sometimes be difficult for us to give God all of our heart, soul, and strength. Especially when we have made the schedules we try to keep...note it is the schedules we have made. Now, keeping the Great Commission is a whole different ballgame.
It can be hard to love our neighbors. One thing I remember from my fraternity days in college was this..."You have to be a brother to have a brother." Now, don't get me wrong with all this, I am just illustrating a point. If you want to have a neighbor, you must first be one. What does this mean? It means we need to care about people and share Christ with them just as someone cared about me and shared Christ with me. We need to learn to love people like Christ loved people.
Love covers a multitude of sins...GC squared...
I have a relatively easy time with the Great Commandment. You know, Matthew 22:37
I mean, it can sometimes be difficult for us to give God all of our heart, soul, and strength. Especially when we have made the schedules we try to keep...note it is the schedules we have made. Now, keeping the Great Commission is a whole different ballgame.
It can be hard to love our neighbors. One thing I remember from my fraternity days in college was this..."You have to be a brother to have a brother." Now, don't get me wrong with all this, I am just illustrating a point. If you want to have a neighbor, you must first be one. What does this mean? It means we need to care about people and share Christ with them just as someone cared about me and shared Christ with me. We need to learn to love people like Christ loved people.
Love covers a multitude of sins...GC squared...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Discussions on Salvation
Okay...so the last few days, I have had these discussions on "what it takes for someone to be saved..." You must first realize my spiritual background and that I grew up and am currently in a Pentecostal denomination. We constantly had altar calls, hands raised to signify we wanted to be saved, looked at our neighbor and asked the question, walked to the altar with our friends, had people lay hands on us and pray, the "repeat after me" prayer all in the name of becoming saved and experience the life changing salvation that knowing Christ brings.
With that said, I was asked, "What does the Bible say one must do to be saved?" Being highly trained, a graduate of a Christian College, an Ordained Minister and a student of the Bible...immediately my mind raced, in Sword Drill fashion, to Romans 10:9-10 where it says,
Romans 10:9 NIV - YouVersion.com: Online Bible: "9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
So, that posed the next question..."Do you have to go to an altar, repeat after me, raise your hand or really even pray a prayer of repentance?" Or is it more like saying the words, "I believe"? It has been an interesting few days to say the least. Now I am curious, what do you think?
With that said, I was asked, "What does the Bible say one must do to be saved?" Being highly trained, a graduate of a Christian College, an Ordained Minister and a student of the Bible...immediately my mind raced, in Sword Drill fashion, to Romans 10:9-10 where it says,
Romans 10:9 NIV - YouVersion.com: Online Bible: "9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
So, that posed the next question..."Do you have to go to an altar, repeat after me, raise your hand or really even pray a prayer of repentance?" Or is it more like saying the words, "I believe"? It has been an interesting few days to say the least. Now I am curious, what do you think?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
What if Everyone Served?
For the last few days, God has really messed me up. I have been dealing with a lot about the state of RFA (Rockwall First Assembly), the family at RFA and the direction that God wants RFA to go. One of the things that has consistently come into my spirit and I have to admit it is in the area of love. One of the things that concerns me is this…RFA has become “me centric”. In other words, we worry more about our own ‘internal’ problems, complaints, preferences, and criticisms, that we forget about those on the outsides of our walls.
Let me explain it to you this way…It all started with the television show, Extreme Home Makeover. Anyone watch that? I cry every time at some point during the show. Then, I added to this, the Bible study we did about feeding a child in Thailand that my wife led at our house. Put on top of this, I started reading a book entitled, Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall. Through all this, God is getting his message through to me…at least I believe. God has been doing a number on a person who is not real compassionate. I have a hard time understanding the necessity of taking care of our neighbors…
What I am learning is this…Love is the single most crucial element in the universe. It is what God asks of us. It is what He gives us…unconditionally. It is what we hopefully can have the fortune to find in our companion, family, and friends. It is carried out through our actions or lack thereof, our words, and ultimately our finances. Love covers a multitude of things…both right and wrong.
In fact, without love, one is lost and lonely. Jesus was quizzed on the 10 Commandments by the Sadducees and Pharisees and was asked which was the greatest commandments…his answer was recorded in Matthew 22…
37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
I find it interesting that everything else in Scripture hinges on these two commandments…both have to do with love…I want to talk today about the question…What if everyone served with the same heart attitude that Christ served with? Let’s unpack that a little more today. What would that look like?
1. When I serve it best expresses the compassion of God to others.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son; that whoever shall believe in Him, will not perish but will have everlasting life. John 3:16
This type of compassion can become more of a competition if we let it. However, in competition, someone loses. That is not the case in knowing Christ…at least not for people. It is a loss for Hell. Then one day, a mother asked Jesus if her sons could sit at His right and His left in his Kingdom. The disciples were upset with the lady and Jesus knew it. He called them together and told them it was not for Him to decide rather His Father. He went on to tell them in Matthew 20..
"If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. I did not come to be served but to serve others; I came to give my life as a ransom for all." Matthew 20:26-28
God’s desire is that I’d be a contributor at my church, not just a consumer.
When you serve, it best expresses the compassion of God to others…
2. My serving is what keeps the ministries functioning properly.
Watch This is our new recruiter for servants at the church...just kidding.
"So the twelve apostles called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 6:2-4
My job is to be the servant. The pastor’s job is to be the equipper.
It is not about serving me, as your Pastor…its about serving the cause of Christ.
• When I serve it best expresses the compassion of God to others.
• My serving is what keeps His ministries functioning properly
3. When I serve, it helps me to become more established in my faith in a way nothing else can.
"God has called some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, to train the church how to serve so that they may become strong and mature in their faith." Ephesians 4:11-12
I ask why? Why did God give all of these different offices and even the one and the same offices? It’s a little thing called love. You see, when you are established in your faith, you realize that love is what covers everything.
In these past few weeks, I have come to realize that I have weaknesses that are more deep than just physical and mental weaknesses. I have spiritual weaknesses. They go deep. It hurts to see these, it is painful to experience these, it is not fun to admit these weaknesses. However, the only way that we can overcome these weaknesses is through faith in Him. Total surrender to Him. I don’t care if you have prayed a sinner’s prayer before or not, it is time for total surrender and getting back to the basics of Christ…Love for Him and love for others.
Pray: God, help us today to experience your love. Help us to realize that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Help us today to embrace your love, mercy and grace.
Let me explain it to you this way…It all started with the television show, Extreme Home Makeover. Anyone watch that? I cry every time at some point during the show. Then, I added to this, the Bible study we did about feeding a child in Thailand that my wife led at our house. Put on top of this, I started reading a book entitled, Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall. Through all this, God is getting his message through to me…at least I believe. God has been doing a number on a person who is not real compassionate. I have a hard time understanding the necessity of taking care of our neighbors…
What I am learning is this…Love is the single most crucial element in the universe. It is what God asks of us. It is what He gives us…unconditionally. It is what we hopefully can have the fortune to find in our companion, family, and friends. It is carried out through our actions or lack thereof, our words, and ultimately our finances. Love covers a multitude of things…both right and wrong.
In fact, without love, one is lost and lonely. Jesus was quizzed on the 10 Commandments by the Sadducees and Pharisees and was asked which was the greatest commandments…his answer was recorded in Matthew 22…
37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
I find it interesting that everything else in Scripture hinges on these two commandments…both have to do with love…I want to talk today about the question…What if everyone served with the same heart attitude that Christ served with? Let’s unpack that a little more today. What would that look like?
1. When I serve it best expresses the compassion of God to others.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son; that whoever shall believe in Him, will not perish but will have everlasting life. John 3:16
This type of compassion can become more of a competition if we let it. However, in competition, someone loses. That is not the case in knowing Christ…at least not for people. It is a loss for Hell. Then one day, a mother asked Jesus if her sons could sit at His right and His left in his Kingdom. The disciples were upset with the lady and Jesus knew it. He called them together and told them it was not for Him to decide rather His Father. He went on to tell them in Matthew 20..
"If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. I did not come to be served but to serve others; I came to give my life as a ransom for all." Matthew 20:26-28
God’s desire is that I’d be a contributor at my church, not just a consumer.
When you serve, it best expresses the compassion of God to others…
2. My serving is what keeps the ministries functioning properly.
Watch This is our new recruiter for servants at the church...just kidding.
"So the twelve apostles called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 6:2-4
My job is to be the servant. The pastor’s job is to be the equipper.
It is not about serving me, as your Pastor…its about serving the cause of Christ.
• When I serve it best expresses the compassion of God to others.
• My serving is what keeps His ministries functioning properly
3. When I serve, it helps me to become more established in my faith in a way nothing else can.
"God has called some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, to train the church how to serve so that they may become strong and mature in their faith." Ephesians 4:11-12
I ask why? Why did God give all of these different offices and even the one and the same offices? It’s a little thing called love. You see, when you are established in your faith, you realize that love is what covers everything.
In these past few weeks, I have come to realize that I have weaknesses that are more deep than just physical and mental weaknesses. I have spiritual weaknesses. They go deep. It hurts to see these, it is painful to experience these, it is not fun to admit these weaknesses. However, the only way that we can overcome these weaknesses is through faith in Him. Total surrender to Him. I don’t care if you have prayed a sinner’s prayer before or not, it is time for total surrender and getting back to the basics of Christ…Love for Him and love for others.
Pray: God, help us today to experience your love. Help us to realize that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Help us today to embrace your love, mercy and grace.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Weekend of Champions Recap
Man, oh, man! What a weekend! The Weekend of Champions is over and it was a huge success. Lakeview Camp in Maypearl, TX, is an incredible place for a retreat like this. Close to 650 middle school students, Coaches, College Huddle leaders and staff all came together for the sole purpose of "Getting Focused". One thing that quickly stood out to me was the huddle leaders. If not for the huddle leaders, the camp would not function. They have a huge impact on the lives of the middle school student/athlete. However, when I try to figure out who the MVP is of this event, I also have to give careful consideration to the Huddle Coaches who got them there in the first place. Then, I think, maybe it is the staff of Dallas FCA...nah...
Then it hit me...Jesus! He is our MVP. Without Him, where would we be?
The Coaches were ministered to by Jeff Jacobs, Coach's Ministry Director. Oscar Roan hit the ball way out of the park. Destination Known led everyone into worship. MC Pdiddy had some nice witicisms. Bethany and Candice kept everyone in the proper medicated state. Shana and Noack were like the great puppetmasters they are. Chauncey and Santiago had a great team of Huddle Coordinators and all I had to do was make sure that Jaroy didn't kill any campers with his mad "trash" skills under the WOC Dome or the waterballoon launchers.
All in all, it was a great weekend. One that I need some recovery time from, but it was awesome. Oh yeah, if you haven't seen it yet, here is our opening video.
WOC Idol Video
Then it hit me...Jesus! He is our MVP. Without Him, where would we be?
The Coaches were ministered to by Jeff Jacobs, Coach's Ministry Director. Oscar Roan hit the ball way out of the park. Destination Known led everyone into worship. MC Pdiddy had some nice witicisms. Bethany and Candice kept everyone in the proper medicated state. Shana and Noack were like the great puppetmasters they are. Chauncey and Santiago had a great team of Huddle Coordinators and all I had to do was make sure that Jaroy didn't kill any campers with his mad "trash" skills under the WOC Dome or the waterballoon launchers.
All in all, it was a great weekend. One that I need some recovery time from, but it was awesome. Oh yeah, if you haven't seen it yet, here is our opening video.
WOC Idol Video
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Weekend of Champions
We are getting ready for a great weekend this coming weekend. It is Weekend of Champions time! Maypearl style! We have a great weekend planned for Middle School students from all over the Metroplex. I am going to get a little extra sleep beforehand because I know, I won't get it there. We are expecting close to 600 in total attendance. From coaches, huddle leaders and students, take time to say a prayer for us this coming weekend.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Legacy Builder's Study Group
I am so excited and humbled at the same time to be associated with the coaches in Crandall, TX. Coaches Aimee Hamsher, Rich Hamsher, Megan McCrummen and Deneice Blount are all doing an incredible job with the huddles at the High School and Middle School. We are starting a Legacy Builder's Study Group in March. What a Legacy Builders Study group does is takes a group of coaches and studies God's Word together. We will be following a study guide and will meet at the Crandall Cotton Gin. Our first meeting is scheduled for March 3 at 5:30pm. If you are in the Crandall area, feel free to stop in and say hi. If you would like more information on starting a group, feel free to email me at tmcmahan@fca.org
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
40 Tips for a Better Life in 2009
40 Tips For A Better Life - 2009
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. REMEMBER, GOD heals everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. (Or e-mail them to death!)
37. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Share this with those you care about. I just did. May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. REMEMBER, GOD heals everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. (Or e-mail them to death!)
37. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Share this with those you care about. I just did. May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!
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