Most of my spiritual mile-markers, the turning points in my life, have come through close interaction with godly people. Rarely, is it otherwise. We need each other for the maturing of our faith. God has designed it this way (Eph. 4:16). The enabling graces that we pray for will often come to us through the vehicle of obedient, Spirit-led Christians. They become the conduit for God’s blessings to flow to us.
However, if we are isolated from healthy Christian fellowship, we can fall prey to the deadening influences of the world and its God-belittling values. I thank God for the men whom He sent to arouse my heart and beckon me upward by their life and testimony. Understand, I would never have been influenced by them had I stayed to myself, hesitant to be vulnerable. Involving yourself in a Life Group is one way to come in close proximity to godly influences. Though Life Groups can be intimidating, they are greenhouses for life-change.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Why Life Groups?
My wife and I just returned from our first Life Group meeting this fall in Roscoe. The first thing our leader did was have people share something about themselves (work, family, history, etc). It was amazing to hear similar themes, common paths and pains as the stories unfolded. When the night came to a close with prayer, the people continued afterwards in conversations with those whose life situation paralleled their own.
In reflection over what transpired that evening, I realized again how important real Christian friendships are for spiritual growth. When we find out that we are not alone in this world and that our struggles are similar to others who attend the same church, there is a sense of hope that stirs within. Spiritual gifts are activated as we endeavor to love each other through the hardships of life. Paul said to the church at Rome,
"For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you...that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine" (Rom. 1:11-12).
Paul longed for the spiritual encouragement he would give and receive by close interaction with other believers. Do you find that surprising for an apostle? Should we not long for the same thing? Spiritual growth is a community project (Eph. 4:16). How about joining a Life Group soon ?
In reflection over what transpired that evening, I realized again how important real Christian friendships are for spiritual growth. When we find out that we are not alone in this world and that our struggles are similar to others who attend the same church, there is a sense of hope that stirs within. Spiritual gifts are activated as we endeavor to love each other through the hardships of life. Paul said to the church at Rome,
"For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you...that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine" (Rom. 1:11-12).
Paul longed for the spiritual encouragement he would give and receive by close interaction with other believers. Do you find that surprising for an apostle? Should we not long for the same thing? Spiritual growth is a community project (Eph. 4:16). How about joining a Life Group soon ?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Which Way is the Wind Blowing?
Ever notice that you are rarely aware of the wind when it’s at your back? This not so profound observation registered in my mind today during my morning jog. While running north on the Perryville Trail, I was enjoying the subtle transition taking place as the trees begin changing color for fall. As I progressed down the trail, it never occurred to me that there was a wind at my back propelling me on my way. Not until I turned around to head home did I realize there was a wind, and a significant one at that.
As I fought the resistance I began reflecting upon my life and how frequently this situation played out in my walk with Christ. Often, when life is going well, I fall into the trap of self sufficiency. Though God, like the wind, is propelling me forward, I tend to over estimate my influence on good circumstances, while underestimating (or even discounting altogether) the enormous contribution of God. Unfortunately, I’m sad to admit, it’s only when I feel the resistance that I begin to focus on the One who is truly in charge.
Now I believe there are two reasons God brings resistance into our lives. First, we may be heading in a bad direction. When this occurs, God allows us to experience difficult circumstances in order to get our attention that we may turn back toward his way and experience his blessing. However, a difficult circumstance of God’s wind in our faces is not always an indication that we are heading in a wrong direction.
The other reason God allows difficult circumstances to enter into our lives is to give us an opportunity to trust Him, to rest in His strength, and to experience sanctification. In this way, the wind of resistance has the effect like that on a kite. Without that stiff wind, we would not be able to soar to new heights. The key then is to rightly discern which way the wind is blowing, and why.
As I fought the resistance I began reflecting upon my life and how frequently this situation played out in my walk with Christ. Often, when life is going well, I fall into the trap of self sufficiency. Though God, like the wind, is propelling me forward, I tend to over estimate my influence on good circumstances, while underestimating (or even discounting altogether) the enormous contribution of God. Unfortunately, I’m sad to admit, it’s only when I feel the resistance that I begin to focus on the One who is truly in charge.
Now I believe there are two reasons God brings resistance into our lives. First, we may be heading in a bad direction. When this occurs, God allows us to experience difficult circumstances in order to get our attention that we may turn back toward his way and experience his blessing. However, a difficult circumstance of God’s wind in our faces is not always an indication that we are heading in a wrong direction.
The other reason God allows difficult circumstances to enter into our lives is to give us an opportunity to trust Him, to rest in His strength, and to experience sanctification. In this way, the wind of resistance has the effect like that on a kite. Without that stiff wind, we would not be able to soar to new heights. The key then is to rightly discern which way the wind is blowing, and why.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Passion
Ask most people to define passion and they will tell you that it is an intense love toward something. However, this definition does not do justice to the word. “Passion” comes from the Latin root “Passus” which means “suffered”. When you feel passion for something, you love it to the point of suffering. Is it any wonder that Passion (with a capitol P) is used to describe Christ’s suffering on the cross? Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to suffer – facing the ultimate adversity of death on the cross. Incidentally, this is why the week before Easter is referred to as Passion Week. Jesus did whatever it took, suffering in the depth of love.
In athletics, a passion is an intense love for the game – to the point of suffering. Champions push themselves to the point of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Why? Because they love the game! They love the challenge of overcoming both internal and external adversities, and are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve their desires! Champions also give all they have for the success of the team by giving their best effort in EVERYTHING and encouraging teammates toward their best as well.
What do you have a passion for? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
In athletics, a passion is an intense love for the game – to the point of suffering. Champions push themselves to the point of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Why? Because they love the game! They love the challenge of overcoming both internal and external adversities, and are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve their desires! Champions also give all they have for the success of the team by giving their best effort in EVERYTHING and encouraging teammates toward their best as well.
What do you have a passion for? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Easy and the Hard
Following is easy. Leading is hard.
Losing is easy. Winning is hard.
Talking is easy. Listening is hard.
Watching TV is easy. Reading is hard.
Giving advice is easy. Taking advice is hard.
Flab is easy. Muscle is hard.
Stop is easy. Go is hard.
Dirty is easy. Clean is hard.
Take is easy. Give is hard.
Dream is easy. Think is hard.
Lying is easy. Truth is hard.
Sleeping is easy. Waking is hard.
Talking about Jesus is easy. Praying to God is hard.
Holding a grudge is easy. Forgiving is hard.
Telling a secret is easy. Keeping a secret is hard.
Play is easy. Work is hard.
Falling is easy. Getting up is hard.
Reaction is easy. Action is hard.
Spending is easy. Saving is hard.
Eating is easy. Dieting is hard.
Doubt is easy. Faith is hard.
Laughter is easy. Tears are hard.
Quitting is easy. Perseverance is hard.
Talking a good game is easy. Playing a good game is hard.
Selfishness is easy. Sacrifice is hard.
Calling is easy. Writing a letter is hard.
Hiding a problem is easy. Asking for help is hard.
Blaming others is easy. Taking responsibility is hard.
Living together is easy. Being married is hard.
Fathering a child is easy. Being a dad is hard.
Running away is easy. Showing up is hard.
Promise is easy. Commitment is hard.
Failure is easy. Success is hard.
Criticizing is easy. Taking criticism is hard.
Letting go is easy. Holding on is hard.
Secret sin is easy. Confession is hard.
Pride is easy. Humility is hard.
Excusing oneself is easy. Excusing others is hard.
Borrowing is easy. Paying back is hard.
Sex is easy. Love is hard.
Argument is easy. Negotiation is hard.
Going along is easy. Walking alone is hard.
Cowardice is easy. Courage is hard.
Messy is easy. Neat is hard.
War is easy. Peace is hard.
Sarcasm is easy. Sincerity is hard.
An F is easy. An A is hard.
Growing weeds is easy. Growing flowers is hard.
Having friends is easy. Being a friend is hard.
Dying is easy. Living is hard.
Nothing in life that is good and worthwhile comes easy.
Live Hard!
Losing is easy. Winning is hard.
Talking is easy. Listening is hard.
Watching TV is easy. Reading is hard.
Giving advice is easy. Taking advice is hard.
Flab is easy. Muscle is hard.
Stop is easy. Go is hard.
Dirty is easy. Clean is hard.
Take is easy. Give is hard.
Dream is easy. Think is hard.
Lying is easy. Truth is hard.
Sleeping is easy. Waking is hard.
Talking about Jesus is easy. Praying to God is hard.
Holding a grudge is easy. Forgiving is hard.
Telling a secret is easy. Keeping a secret is hard.
Play is easy. Work is hard.
Falling is easy. Getting up is hard.
Reaction is easy. Action is hard.
Spending is easy. Saving is hard.
Eating is easy. Dieting is hard.
Doubt is easy. Faith is hard.
Laughter is easy. Tears are hard.
Quitting is easy. Perseverance is hard.
Talking a good game is easy. Playing a good game is hard.
Selfishness is easy. Sacrifice is hard.
Calling is easy. Writing a letter is hard.
Hiding a problem is easy. Asking for help is hard.
Blaming others is easy. Taking responsibility is hard.
Living together is easy. Being married is hard.
Fathering a child is easy. Being a dad is hard.
Running away is easy. Showing up is hard.
Promise is easy. Commitment is hard.
Failure is easy. Success is hard.
Criticizing is easy. Taking criticism is hard.
Letting go is easy. Holding on is hard.
Secret sin is easy. Confession is hard.
Pride is easy. Humility is hard.
Excusing oneself is easy. Excusing others is hard.
Borrowing is easy. Paying back is hard.
Sex is easy. Love is hard.
Argument is easy. Negotiation is hard.
Going along is easy. Walking alone is hard.
Cowardice is easy. Courage is hard.
Messy is easy. Neat is hard.
War is easy. Peace is hard.
Sarcasm is easy. Sincerity is hard.
An F is easy. An A is hard.
Growing weeds is easy. Growing flowers is hard.
Having friends is easy. Being a friend is hard.
Dying is easy. Living is hard.
Nothing in life that is good and worthwhile comes easy.
Live Hard!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
ABC's of Prayer
After preaching a message on prayer Saturday PM, I had an individual come up tell me that he didn't know how to pray - that after 60 seconds of prayer there was nothing left to say to God. He yearned for more.
I know there are many others in the same place as this fellow but have lacked the courage to talk to anyone about it. So, for all who feel the same inadequacy, I offer some help (though I am no expert and need to grow myself!):
Preparation
First, set a routine that will work for you each day. Find a particular time in the day that works with your schedule and body clock (some can't do mornings) to set aside for the purpose of talking to God. Give yourself a cushion of time, meaning, if you have been praying for 5 minutes per day, block out 15 minutes; if you have been praying 10 minutes per day, block out 20 minutes so that you are not rushed.
Secondly, find a quiet place where the distractions will be minimal. If there is no quiet place to pray in your house, go on a walk while praying. This may be strange at first but you will get over the novelty quickly and learn to enjoy it.
Thirdly, read your Bible before you pray. This helps your heart get oriented towards God. I made the mistake early in my life to skip reading and get to praying because I thought I knew the Bible well enough. Ha! What a joke that was! Everytime I tried praying first without reading my Bible, my heart was disengaged for the first 15 minutes. I desperately needed the fire of God's Word to defrost my heart in order to pray.
Prayer
I know there are many others in the same place as this fellow but have lacked the courage to talk to anyone about it. So, for all who feel the same inadequacy, I offer some help (though I am no expert and need to grow myself!):
Preparation
First, set a routine that will work for you each day. Find a particular time in the day that works with your schedule and body clock (some can't do mornings) to set aside for the purpose of talking to God. Give yourself a cushion of time, meaning, if you have been praying for 5 minutes per day, block out 15 minutes; if you have been praying 10 minutes per day, block out 20 minutes so that you are not rushed.
Secondly, find a quiet place where the distractions will be minimal. If there is no quiet place to pray in your house, go on a walk while praying. This may be strange at first but you will get over the novelty quickly and learn to enjoy it.
Thirdly, read your Bible before you pray. This helps your heart get oriented towards God. I made the mistake early in my life to skip reading and get to praying because I thought I knew the Bible well enough. Ha! What a joke that was! Everytime I tried praying first without reading my Bible, my heart was disengaged for the first 15 minutes. I desperately needed the fire of God's Word to defrost my heart in order to pray.
Prayer
Use the previous blog (How to Pray for One Hour) to help you in the very act of prayer. If you want to pray for 30 minutes, simply divide the time allotment of each section by half. If that is still more time in prayer than you can handle for now, divide the time allotment by one third, and so on...you get the idea. For more instruction on prayer, listen to the sermon series I preached back in August 2006 called "Lord, Teach Us To Pray (on Harvest's website - harvestrockford.org).
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
How To Pray For One Hour
September 16-21 is Prayer Week at Harvest Bible Chapel and we are asking everyone to commit to pray for one hour during this week seeking God's favor and direction for our church.
Some of you may wonder how to continue in prayer for a whole hour. Here's a helpful format guide you. May God pour out blessing upon you as you pray.
.00 Praise (10 min.)
If you run out of things to praise God for, use one of the Psalms (ie. Ps. 103, 145) to form your praise. Mimic the author and pray around their themes.
.10 Confession (5 min.)
Be still before God and allow Him to search your heart of wrongdoing (Ps. 139:23) and then confess, repent of them.
.15 Petition (10 min.)
Pray for the concerns that are on your heart (Phil. 4:6-7) which might include your immediate family, relatives, matters at school or work.
.25 Thanksgiving (5 min.)
Phil. 4:6 tells us that our prayers are to be offered “with thanksgiving” in which we thank God for His provisions and answers in advance. That’s the muscle of faith at work!
.30 Sing (5 min.)
Wrapping our praise and thanksgiving to God in melody is a sure say to lift our hearts in faith and intensify our spiritual longings
.35 Intercession (20 min.)
Pray for...
- Church leaders (elders, pastors, teachers, Life Group leaders)
- Unbelievers that you are trying to reach with the gospel (Col. 4:2-4)
- Good testimony at work, school, neighborhood
- Missionaries
- Ministries at HBC
.55 Praise/Sing (5 min.)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Reflections, Part 2
Yes, I'm still getting used to doing church on Saturday night...but I love it... even though I wake up feeling like a sinner on Sunday. It's just so weird greeting my neighbors Sunday morning as if I no longer attend church. I'm sure they will get used to it and hopefully will end up coming with us!
As I was talking to someone after church at Culver's (Ice Cream, yum!) they mentioned that they perferred meeting 0n Sunday but could see God's hand in moving us to Saturday PM for a while. Why was that? She thought that God would use it to draw us closer as a church family because...
- People don't have to rush out to feed their kids lunch
- People can sleep in the following morning so they are more inclined to linger afterwards
- There isn't a football game for dad to run home for (usually)
I think she is right. Though we intend to switch back to Sunday AM by Feb. 1, I believe God will use this time to bind us together as a family. Let's keep that in mind and be thankful people. God is on the move...
Monday, September 3, 2007
Saturday PM Reflections
Most of you have heard that we have moved our worship service to Saturday 6 PM at Windsor Heights Community Church (we are purchasing their facility) until Feb. 1 at which time we can switch back to Sunday AM. Why are we doing this?
- The Harlem School strike forced us to find another location temporarily and it was natural to go to our new facility. We are meeting on Saturday PM because Windsor Heights Community Church is still meeting there on Sunday. We will officially own the building on October 18 when we close.
- We save approximately $1,000 per week by going to Saturday PM.
- The leadership of Windsor Heights Community Church (WHCC) has agreed to charge us nothing from September to October if we would agree to stay on Saturday PM through February 1 so that they can continue to meet on Sunday while we are sharing the building.
I am so excited to be in our new facility this soon. Wow ! God is so good to us.
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