Don't miss latest blog post on the CAUSE, SYMPTOMS, and CURE for BURNOUT:
http://www.patrickgrach.com/2013/04/overcoming-burnout-part-3-cure.html
Showing posts with label personal growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal growth. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Friday, January 06, 2012
RESOLUTION-FREE LIVING. A call to being RELENTLESS in 2012
Resolutions start with good intentions:
We set goals. We make commitments.
We tell our friends. We start…
Then, as quickly as the new year begins, our resolve wanes. Busyness kicks in and old habits find new life.
What was once comfortable becomes comfortable again.
And what happens to our resolutions? We want and even intend to do what we couldn’t do in the past. Yet, new resolutions require new disciplines. We get tired. We experience setbacks, delays, and unanticipated obstacles.
We get busy. Daily life distracts us. Deadlines and demands zap our energy and quiet our enthusiasm.
Therefore, I’m calling for no more resolutions. 2012 will be RESOLUTION-FREE.
Let’s NOT make any more commitments with good intentions but no execution.
Let’s NOT recycle the same guilt, failures, and regrets into yet another year of broken promises, disappointments, and inadequacies.
At Lifehouse, our goal is to provide resources that will empower you to live RELENTLESSLY for God. We want to assist you in developing a vibrant relationship with Jesus by establishing a daily prayer time and reading through the Bible. We want to challenge you to give your talents, time, and treasures to the Cause of Christ, and to join this authentic community of Jesus followers called the Church.
What do you need in order to be RELENTLESS in 2012?
Join us THIS Sunday for a powerful call to a radical commitment to live relentlessly in 2012.
What do you want to be different about your life this time next year?
Are you willing to commit? Will you give God your all this year?
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Do you have IT? New Sermon Series
IT. Some people have it. Other people want it. Still others are jealous of it. They’re not quite sure what it is, but they know they need it. When you see someone with it, you know. It is powerful, inspiring, and life-changing. When someone has it, you want to follow them, even be like them. It gets people to do what they didn’t think was possible and go where they had only dreamed of going. It will demand more than you’re willing to give, hurt more than you think you can endure so you can become more than what you ever thought you could become.
Of course, you’re asking, “What is it?”
Join me Sundays 8:45, 10:00 or 11:15 AM as we dive into a new series that explains what it is, how to get it, grow in it, and use it for God’s purposes.
Catch a sneak peak of the series by watching the trailer, and we hope to see you this Sunday!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Are We Keeping Jesus out of Our Business and Work?
The pursuit of the American Dream has produced a business culture of cheating, corruption, and cut-throat practices, where the ends-justify-means. For many the goal is to get ahead regardless of who you have to step on in the process. This breads competition against others that produces jealousy for those who are worse off and pride for those who are doing better.
Is there any distinction between Christians and unbelievers in business and the workplace? It seems that even Jesus-followers kick into the rat race on Monday morning. Jesus seems to be missing from most Christians’ lives once they get to work.
What would it be like if Jesus went to work in our place? How would He do things?
In part two of the doors series, discover these principles from 1st Corinthians (follow these links to see trailer and listen to podcast).
Much like 21st Century America, Paul wrote a letter to church in Corinth that was full of pragmatic hunt for wealth and the extravagance, decadence, immorality that could come with it.
Since Corinth was full of greed, lust, idolatry, divisive philosophies, and litigation, so was the church.
In his letter to this early church, Paul instructs these new believers that following Christ was counter-cultural, and that God didn't want to just be part of their life but to BE their LIFE.
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16.
There is only ONE message- the Gospel. However, there are many applications into every aspect (or room) of our lives. Here are the ABC’s of Jesus entering the workplace of our lives.
One Big Idea: Serve an Audience of One.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul challenges all believers to examine our work and life as a ministry to God and build on foundation of Jesus. While he wasn't talking about business, he was writing about the kind of life and work that all believers should do to build their life on the foundation of Jesus. This principle certainly applies to the area of business and work. We only have one message and one set of values.
Regardless of our occupation, whether carpenter or surgeon, landscaper or lawyer, we are all servants of Christ. His review is all that matters. Work for His approval. Paul makes this point again in Colossians 3:23-24.
How would our work change if we saw Jesus as our supervisor, manager, or client?
To Serve an Audience of One- Balance
The Ten Commandments for workers: “Have no other God’s before me,” (Exodus 20:3).
Workaholics and the greedy replace God with career, and that is idolatry (putting anything above God).
“Honor the Sabbath.” Exodus 23:8-11. The sabbath was a day set aside for believers to worship God and rest. This "day off" requires us to trust God for our provision.
We must rest and take time for recreation. Our bodies were designed to work for six days and then rest.
To Serve an Audience of One- Character
What standards drives our business practice? Worldly decisions are sinful decisions. Non-Christian business ethic is sinful business practice.
When we accept the Good News, Jesus takes over every aspect of our life through transformation!
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 to challenge believers about what education we trust and instincts we fall back on?
Paul challenging church not to use worldly business, workplace ethics.
The character of Christ is our capital. His character is integrity, truthfulness/ honesty, and righteousness.
To Serve an Audience of One- Diligence.
According to 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Jesus Followers are hard working! All Jesus-followers are servants of Christ and stewards of the gifts, talents, skills, and work that God has entrusted to them.
Paul's writings challenge us to be hard workers, not working just when our supervisor is looking.
Love this quite by Martin Luther King, Jr:
“We must set out to do a good job, irrespective of race, and do it so well that nobody could do it better.Whatever your life's work is, do it well. Even if it does not fall in the category of one of the so-called big professions, do it well. As one college president said, "A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better." If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, like Beethoven composed music; sweep streets so well that all the host of Heaven and earth will have to pause and say, "Here lived a great street sweeper, who swept his job well."
Diligence means we work for God and work hard, regardless of benefit or reward.
Be diligent, and God who sees in secret will reward you openly. Not taking longer breaks or cutting out early.
Jesus rewards his servants for being “good and faithful” which means we are doing right thing for long enough.
Is there any distinction between Christians and unbelievers in business and the workplace? It seems that even Jesus-followers kick into the rat race on Monday morning. Jesus seems to be missing from most Christians’ lives once they get to work.
What would it be like if Jesus went to work in our place? How would He do things?
In part two of the doors series, discover these principles from 1st Corinthians (follow these links to see trailer and listen to podcast).
Much like 21st Century America, Paul wrote a letter to church in Corinth that was full of pragmatic hunt for wealth and the extravagance, decadence, immorality that could come with it.
Since Corinth was full of greed, lust, idolatry, divisive philosophies, and litigation, so was the church.
In his letter to this early church, Paul instructs these new believers that following Christ was counter-cultural, and that God didn't want to just be part of their life but to BE their LIFE.
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16.
There is only ONE message- the Gospel. However, there are many applications into every aspect (or room) of our lives. Here are the ABC’s of Jesus entering the workplace of our lives.
One Big Idea: Serve an Audience of One.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul challenges all believers to examine our work and life as a ministry to God and build on foundation of Jesus. While he wasn't talking about business, he was writing about the kind of life and work that all believers should do to build their life on the foundation of Jesus. This principle certainly applies to the area of business and work. We only have one message and one set of values.
Regardless of our occupation, whether carpenter or surgeon, landscaper or lawyer, we are all servants of Christ. His review is all that matters. Work for His approval. Paul makes this point again in Colossians 3:23-24.
How would our work change if we saw Jesus as our supervisor, manager, or client?
To Serve an Audience of One- Balance
The Ten Commandments for workers: “Have no other God’s before me,” (Exodus 20:3).
Workaholics and the greedy replace God with career, and that is idolatry (putting anything above God).
“Honor the Sabbath.” Exodus 23:8-11. The sabbath was a day set aside for believers to worship God and rest. This "day off" requires us to trust God for our provision.
We must rest and take time for recreation. Our bodies were designed to work for six days and then rest.
To Serve an Audience of One- Character
What standards drives our business practice? Worldly decisions are sinful decisions. Non-Christian business ethic is sinful business practice.
When we accept the Good News, Jesus takes over every aspect of our life through transformation!
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 to challenge believers about what education we trust and instincts we fall back on?
Paul challenging church not to use worldly business, workplace ethics.
The character of Christ is our capital. His character is integrity, truthfulness/ honesty, and righteousness.
To Serve an Audience of One- Diligence.
According to 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Jesus Followers are hard working! All Jesus-followers are servants of Christ and stewards of the gifts, talents, skills, and work that God has entrusted to them.
Paul's writings challenge us to be hard workers, not working just when our supervisor is looking.
Love this quite by Martin Luther King, Jr:
“We must set out to do a good job, irrespective of race, and do it so well that nobody could do it better.Whatever your life's work is, do it well. Even if it does not fall in the category of one of the so-called big professions, do it well. As one college president said, "A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better." If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, like Beethoven composed music; sweep streets so well that all the host of Heaven and earth will have to pause and say, "Here lived a great street sweeper, who swept his job well."
Diligence means we work for God and work hard, regardless of benefit or reward.
Be diligent, and God who sees in secret will reward you openly. Not taking longer breaks or cutting out early.
Jesus rewards his servants for being “good and faithful” which means we are doing right thing for long enough.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Why Should I Get Baptized?
With an exciting baptism celebration coming up at Lifehouse Church East, thought I'd take a moment and explain why you should consider getting baptized.
Sign up to be baptized at our service on May 22nd- http://on.fb.me/mdnPYk.
First, if it's good enough for Nacho Libre, it's good enough for you:
Ok, seriously...
Baptism was commanded by Jesus when He told his followers to spread the good news of the Gospel:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... Matthew 28:19.
As the disciples preached, they carried out this command and instructed all those who put their faith in Jesus to be baptized:
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38.
When the message of Jesus is presented, those who believe will want to demonstrate their faith through a public symbol or witness to their commitment to Jesus:
Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” Acts 8:35–36.
What's the point?
Coming out of the closet for Jesus: since everyone else is coming out of the closet these days, and people understand that it means to bring out into public what you've been living in secret, baptism seems to be the coming-out-of-the-closet moment for Jesus-followers. It's our moment when we declared to the whole world and anyone watching that we are publicly declaring that Jesus is Lord of our life.
Powerful and meaningful symbolism: why do Jesus-follower get fully dunked in the water as a public declaration of their faith in Jesus? This is a very meaningful ceremony for Christians. Here's why:
Sign up to be baptized at our service on May 22nd- http://on.fb.me/mdnPYk.
First, if it's good enough for Nacho Libre, it's good enough for you:
Ok, seriously...
Baptism was commanded by Jesus when He told his followers to spread the good news of the Gospel:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... Matthew 28:19.
As the disciples preached, they carried out this command and instructed all those who put their faith in Jesus to be baptized:
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38.
When the message of Jesus is presented, those who believe will want to demonstrate their faith through a public symbol or witness to their commitment to Jesus:
Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” Acts 8:35–36.
What's the point?
Coming out of the closet for Jesus: since everyone else is coming out of the closet these days, and people understand that it means to bring out into public what you've been living in secret, baptism seems to be the coming-out-of-the-closet moment for Jesus-followers. It's our moment when we declared to the whole world and anyone watching that we are publicly declaring that Jesus is Lord of our life.
Powerful and meaningful symbolism: why do Jesus-follower get fully dunked in the water as a public declaration of their faith in Jesus? This is a very meaningful ceremony for Christians. Here's why:
- water symbolizes the Holy Spirit,
- going under water = a person's death to their "old" (2 Corinthians 5:17) way of life and their sinful past,
- being raised out of the water = regeneration and transformation that happens through faith in Jesus as the Holy Spirit brings someone to new life in Jesus. This life is eternal life.
Does baptism make you "saved"? No! No more than a wedding ring makes you married. The power is not in the symbol but in the vow behind the symbol. The symbol is important, because it declares to the whole world that you've made a vow to give your life to Christ, just as a wedding ring tells the world that I've committed my life in marriage to my spouse.
Okay, so have you been baptized since you believed in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?
If not, I would like to strongly challenge you to get baptized. Sunday, May 22nd during any one of our 3 services at Lifehouse would be a great opportunity. Let us know!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Where do you turn when you're not getting your way?
In life, sometimes things don't go our way. In those moments, we are all forced to "trust" something.
Where do you turn? Most people fit into two categories- pride or blame.
If pride, then a person puts their trust in themselves. They trust their:
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Psalm 118:8.
Dear Jesus-follower, don't take measures into your own hands. Rely on God's wisdom, His purposes, and His best for your life. Trust that He sees the bigger picture and has our life under His control. When we take control and either trust ourselves or trust other men, we aim toward destruction.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6.
Where do you turn? Most people fit into two categories- pride or blame.
If pride, then a person puts their trust in themselves. They trust their:
- abilities,
- power,
- position,
- intellect,
- money,
- people-prowess- charm, manipulation, etc.
If blame, then a person believes that others are at fault for their out-of-control situation in life. They trust:
- others are powerful and they are powerless,
- that their life is beyond control,
- that they are a victim.
Where do Jesus-followers turn when situations don't go our way?
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20:7–8.
For those who love and fear God, the only option is to turn to Him and trust His power, providence, and provision in times of struggle and when situations seem beyond our control.
God is all-knowing, sovereign, and good. He knows the beginning from the end. For those that place their life in God's care, He cares for them.
For those who love and fear God, the only option is to turn to Him and trust His power, providence, and provision in times of struggle and when situations seem beyond our control.
God is all-knowing, sovereign, and good. He knows the beginning from the end. For those that place their life in God's care, He cares for them.
Dear Jesus-follower, don't take measures into your own hands. Rely on God's wisdom, His purposes, and His best for your life. Trust that He sees the bigger picture and has our life under His control. When we take control and either trust ourselves or trust other men, we aim toward destruction.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Purpose of Doubt
Many contend that we shouldn’t doubt, that doubt is some how the enemy of our faith.
However, doubt isn’t our enemy. God is big enough for our questions and doubts. The Bible deals with people who struggled with doubt and hard questions head on:
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me… when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness." Job 30:20, 26, NIV.
Many biblical heroes of the Faith doubted and struggled with dry season in their journey with God! Men like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Elijah, Samuel, John the Baptist, and even Jesus’ disciples.
David expressed, under inspiration of Holy Spirit, his doubts and spiritual dryness.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent." Psalm 22:1-2, NIV.
Circumstances led to doubt. Experience trumped belief. Pain darkened his faith.
So, if doubting isn’t unbiblical or an indication of a lack of faith, what do we do with it?
We Walk by Faith.
How? To Walk by Faith, Explore Your Doubts.
God doesn’t correct doubt and spiritual struggle, but teaches His followers to embrace these seasons as part of their faith-journey.
We’re not robots programmed on how to think nor lemmings in a mindless religious cult. Jesus' called us to make "disciples" which means literally "students".
Investigate, study, explore. (see 1 Peter 3:15-16)
When hard questions arise, don’t run from them, allow them to drive you to deeper exploration of the Bible, heightened understanding of truth, and an emboldened faith. The greatest struggles in doubt forge our strongest convictions.
To walk by faith, trust.
"All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 8 “He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Psalm 22:7-8, NIV.
But faith isn’t just a blind belief. Faith is substance. Faith is active.
How do we demonstate trust? In a bridge? We are willing to rely on it and put our life into care. This trust is earned and learned. Observed and experienced.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17, NKJV.
Faith grows as we hear and read God’s Story in the midst of scar stories.
We are invited to trust what we discover to be trustworthy- that Jesus is the Son of God.
To walk by faith, obey.
LORD, I praise you in the great meeting of your people; these worshipers will see me do what promised. Psalm 22:25, NCV.
The word “faith” in Greek is means both to trust (rely on) and obey. Not just belief, but my dependence on truth produces action.
And in Hebrew, there is no separation between knowledge and action. To" know" means to live accordingly. We often “know”, but don’t respond. Faith means that my actions match my beliefs.
God’s story intersects with our story, and the scars of Jesus heal our scars.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Growing stronger as a Jesus-follower
At Lifehouse, we're kicking off our next Life Commitments Course THIS Sunday!
Sign up now by emailing info@lifehousechurcheast.org.
This is an exciting 8-week discipleship course that teaches commitment to God and commitment to the body of Christ (the church).
We believe the church is a family; and it takes commitment to build a strong family.
The course is an interactive teaching with video illustrations, gifts assessment tests, and plenty of group discussions. The process concludes with an overnight retreat (called Encounter Weekend), where students are given the opportunity to deepen relationships with others in the class, review the material, and allow each person to individually experience God’s presence in a life transforming way.
If you want to go deeper with Christ, get more involved at Lifehouse, and build strong relationships with others who want to do the same, then join Life Commitments.
If you're wondering what your next step is at Lifehouse, and you have not YET gone through Life Commitments, this is the course for you!
Sign up TODAY!
Check out our discipleship map
Sign up now by emailing info@lifehousechurcheast.org.
This is an exciting 8-week discipleship course that teaches commitment to God and commitment to the body of Christ (the church).
We believe the church is a family; and it takes commitment to build a strong family.
The course is an interactive teaching with video illustrations, gifts assessment tests, and plenty of group discussions. The process concludes with an overnight retreat (called Encounter Weekend), where students are given the opportunity to deepen relationships with others in the class, review the material, and allow each person to individually experience God’s presence in a life transforming way.
If you want to go deeper with Christ, get more involved at Lifehouse, and build strong relationships with others who want to do the same, then join Life Commitments.
If you're wondering what your next step is at Lifehouse, and you have not YET gone through Life Commitments, this is the course for you!
Sign up TODAY!
Check out our discipleship map
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The purpose of lonely
We don't avoid loneliness, betrayal, and depression. BUT we can come THROUGH them.
At Lifehouse, we're going through a sermon series called "Scars".
We don’t avoid isolation, loneliness, or moments, even seasons, of depression. We go THROUGH it.
What for? What is the lonely for? Psalmist gives us the answer...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God… Psalms 42:5.
God takes tragedy, desperate situations and turns them into triumph!
We are not shielded from the lonely, when the odds are against you, but God, in the worst of all situations, through Jesus, His Son, died and overcame to offer us HOPE.
There is no true hope, help, deep connection outside of faith in Jesus Christ.
Hope in God through these times. HOW?
To Hope in God, Depend on His Will
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. Psalm 43:3-4, NIV.
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26: 39
To Hope in God, Be Refreshed by His Presence
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5, NIV.
These lyrics say it best:
Some room is empty/ If I feel hollow that's just my proof that there's more/ For me to follow - that's what the lonely is for
From the deep of your dreams, the height of your wishes/ The length of your vision to see, the hope of your heart/ Is much bigger than this/ For it's made out of what might be That's What The Lonely Is For Lyrics - David Wilcox.
Are you finding hope in God THROUGH your lonely?
At Lifehouse, we're going through a sermon series called "Scars".
We don’t avoid isolation, loneliness, or moments, even seasons, of depression. We go THROUGH it.
What for? What is the lonely for? Psalmist gives us the answer...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God… Psalms 42:5.
God takes tragedy, desperate situations and turns them into triumph!
We are not shielded from the lonely, when the odds are against you, but God, in the worst of all situations, through Jesus, His Son, died and overcame to offer us HOPE.
There is no true hope, help, deep connection outside of faith in Jesus Christ.
Hope in God through these times. HOW?
To Hope in God, Depend on His Will
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. Psalm 43:3-4, NIV.
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26: 39
To Hope in God, Be Refreshed by His Presence
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5, NIV.
These lyrics say it best:
Some room is empty/ If I feel hollow that's just my proof that there's more/ For me to follow - that's what the lonely is for
From the deep of your dreams, the height of your wishes/ The length of your vision to see, the hope of your heart/ Is much bigger than this/ For it's made out of what might be That's What The Lonely Is For Lyrics - David Wilcox.
Are you finding hope in God THROUGH your lonely?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Share YOUR Story
Just kicked off a sermon series called Scars (read more here, listen here), and as we go through the Book of Psalms, we've been invited people at Lifehouse Church East to share their Scar Stories.
And that's what we're inviting you to share. Go to scar-stories.com, and browse others' stories and share yours.
We all have scars. And we all have scar stories. A fall. A fight. An accident. A surgery. They tell of antics and heroics, tragedies and near-misses, adventure, stupidity. These stories become more dramatic as time distances us from the pain of the moment; we almost relish retelling a good scar story by enhancing it with sound effects, emotion and animation.
There are, however, other scar stories. These are the stories we avoid telling and revealing, stories of deep, internal scars that still evoke pain, fear, worry, regret, shame or guilt. Unlike most physical scars, these scars never quite heal. Their sting remains and the wound re-opens unexpectedly. Just when we think we are over it, something can trigger the event. And “WHAM!” We are back in that dark moment of depression, grief, devastation, or doubt.
These stories leave us feeling alone and isolated, and we tell ourselves that no one could ever understand what we’ve been through. We tell ourselves, “I’ll never recover. God isn’t here for me, and even if he is, He doesn’t care about me.” But Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By his wounds we were healed.” Yes, past tense. God’s story intersected with our story, and Jesus’ scars healed our scars. He offered healing before we even experienced the wound.
However, in the church, many of us prefer to act like we have it all together, like there aren’t festering wounds and haunting fears deep in our heart. Like the waiting room of the ER, the church is a triage center for spiritual and emotional brokenness. The members act like doctors so others won’t see their need for the Great Physician. But let me expose the brutal reality- we ALL have our scar stories. We ALL need Jesus!
In 2010, the members of Lifehouse Church East began to publicly share their scar stories with each other, and found healing, hope, and comfort. People began to realize they were not alone. They realized that many people have walked through a similar scar story, and for those still struggling with doubt, fear, depression, or darkness, they could find encouragement from those who walked the path before them.
We pray this website will be a place where you can find encouragement and healing as you walk through your own scar story. Browse other people’s stories or perhaps consider sharing your own. Allow yourself to be honest. Admit that you’ve struggled, doubted, and suffered. Be transparent, be vulnerable, and believe that Jesus’ scars can, have, and will heal your scars.
So what’s your scar story?
And that's what we're inviting you to share. Go to scar-stories.com, and browse others' stories and share yours.
We all have scars. And we all have scar stories. A fall. A fight. An accident. A surgery. They tell of antics and heroics, tragedies and near-misses, adventure, stupidity. These stories become more dramatic as time distances us from the pain of the moment; we almost relish retelling a good scar story by enhancing it with sound effects, emotion and animation.
There are, however, other scar stories. These are the stories we avoid telling and revealing, stories of deep, internal scars that still evoke pain, fear, worry, regret, shame or guilt. Unlike most physical scars, these scars never quite heal. Their sting remains and the wound re-opens unexpectedly. Just when we think we are over it, something can trigger the event. And “WHAM!” We are back in that dark moment of depression, grief, devastation, or doubt.
These stories leave us feeling alone and isolated, and we tell ourselves that no one could ever understand what we’ve been through. We tell ourselves, “I’ll never recover. God isn’t here for me, and even if he is, He doesn’t care about me.” But Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By his wounds we were healed.” Yes, past tense. God’s story intersected with our story, and Jesus’ scars healed our scars. He offered healing before we even experienced the wound.
However, in the church, many of us prefer to act like we have it all together, like there aren’t festering wounds and haunting fears deep in our heart. Like the waiting room of the ER, the church is a triage center for spiritual and emotional brokenness. The members act like doctors so others won’t see their need for the Great Physician. But let me expose the brutal reality- we ALL have our scar stories. We ALL need Jesus!
In 2010, the members of Lifehouse Church East began to publicly share their scar stories with each other, and found healing, hope, and comfort. People began to realize they were not alone. They realized that many people have walked through a similar scar story, and for those still struggling with doubt, fear, depression, or darkness, they could find encouragement from those who walked the path before them.
We pray this website will be a place where you can find encouragement and healing as you walk through your own scar story. Browse other people’s stories or perhaps consider sharing your own. Allow yourself to be honest. Admit that you’ve struggled, doubted, and suffered. Be transparent, be vulnerable, and believe that Jesus’ scars can, have, and will heal your scars.
So what’s your scar story?
Friday, April 08, 2011
Please RSVP- Unquenchable Life Seminar TOMORROW
All Lifehousers are invited to join us for the Unquenchable Life Seminar!
"Life can leave you feeling empty, dry, and insignificant, but don't you long for something more? A life that outlasts death. An identity that's more than what we see in the mirror or what we write on a resume. We long to accumulate what can never be spent. To serve something more than ourselves. We long for the Unquenchable Life..."
Join me and other guest speakers THIS Saturday April 9th at UNQUENCHABLE, a one day seminar that will inspire and refuel your spiritual life.
This event includes powerful worship experiences, inspiring teaching sessions, corporate prayer gatherings, and the opportunity to choose from several interactive workshops that cover topics such as: The Fire of Prayer & Worship, Living for a Greater Cause, Finding Purpose in your Gifts, Understanding God & Money, and Building an Unquenchable Community.
Free lunch and childcare are available for pre-registered guests, so feel free to reserve your tickets below or visit http://unquenchableseminar.eventbrite.com for more information. Isn't it time to experience the joy of The Unquenchable Life?
Check us out on Facebook.
Please RSVP immediately and register here, so we know you're coming and have lunch ready for you.
"Life can leave you feeling empty, dry, and insignificant, but don't you long for something more? A life that outlasts death. An identity that's more than what we see in the mirror or what we write on a resume. We long to accumulate what can never be spent. To serve something more than ourselves. We long for the Unquenchable Life..."
Join me and other guest speakers THIS Saturday April 9th at UNQUENCHABLE, a one day seminar that will inspire and refuel your spiritual life.
This event includes powerful worship experiences, inspiring teaching sessions, corporate prayer gatherings, and the opportunity to choose from several interactive workshops that cover topics such as: The Fire of Prayer & Worship, Living for a Greater Cause, Finding Purpose in your Gifts, Understanding God & Money, and Building an Unquenchable Community.
Free lunch and childcare are available for pre-registered guests, so feel free to reserve your tickets below or visit http://unquenchableseminar.eventbrite.com for more information. Isn't it time to experience the joy of The Unquenchable Life?
Check us out on Facebook.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Weird Approach to Time Management
Repost from Lifechurch.tv blog SWERVE. |
Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:48 AM PDT Over the next few days, I’d like to share some of my favorite parts from Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working. In the book, Craig looks at what it means to be weird in five key areas: time, money, relationships, sex, and values. Today’s excerpt tackles time: We’re always rushed, always on the move, never having enough time. Almost everyone I know has little room for error in their schedule. Tragically, most people have little time for the things in life that they would say are the most important to them. When we overschedule ourselves in the belief that we can do everything, we stop being human and try to become godlike — not only impossible but also incredibly arrogant. Most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable; it’s also unbiblical. Instead of our typical conclusion that we simply don’t have enough time, what if we embraced the truth — no matter how weird or counterintuitive it might seem? You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.God has given you everything you need to accomplish all that he wants you to do, including enough time (see 2 Peter 1:3). We don’t need more time. We need to use the time we already have differently. You have time for what you choose to invest your time in. Every day most of us say, “I just don’t have time to work out . . . to read the Bible . . . to go to church this week . . . to meet for lunch . . . to add one more thing.” But the truth is, we find time for what’s important to us. If golf is really a priority to us, we find time to play golf. If going to dinner with our friends matters, we make it happen. If tanning, working out, or getting our hair cut is a priority, we seem to find time. Catch yourself the next time you’re about to say, “I don’t have time” for something. Tell yourself the truth: either it’s not a priority and you’re guarding your time for good reason, or you simply aren’t willing to choose to spend your time on it. I feel challenged! Where do I need to build time for God to do in and through what He desires? Tired of normal? Be WEIRD! Get it in print or download it from: Amazon |
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Most Important Leadership Lesson
Pareto Principle (know as the 80-20 rule) states that we get 80% of results from 20% and vice-versa (more about that tomorrow). I'll write a few posts on this principle.
For leaders, this means that 20% of what we spend time doing produces 80% of our results/ effectiveness. I've learned this the hard way, but have also learned a key lesson: focus on making the 20% that's most effective the focus of 80% of my energy and effort. Personally, that means giving away 1/2 my job description every 6-9 months. It requires discipline and focus. I must be intentional.
Here's a repost of a blog I write on 2/20/2008. This was a key leadership growth moment for me, and as is common, God used Laura to help me learn it. Enjoy! (It's also interesting to look back and see how far we've come).
Yesterday, I cracked open [a book] that's been waiting to be read, The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. Laura was out with some ladies and the girls were in bed, so, with some alone time, I sat down to read. Right off the bat- wow! [What I didn't include in this post: before Laura left the house, she said, "Patrick, you can't keep up this break-neck pace; it's going to kill you. You're doing too much, and you have to give some of it away."]
Now, for my confession. I love the quote and have made it a core value at Lifehouse Church: Pray like everything depends on God, work like everything depends on you (Martin Luther). My tendency is to pray, then work, and if that's not enough, I'll work harder and harder. So, I'll put in too many hours.
I know that I must train leaders, give away ministry responsibilities, and I'm doing that to the best of my ability. However, while reading the first chapter, Stanley challenges the reader to evaluate what 2 or 3 things you are good at and are passionate about doing and do that. Give everything else away to others! [The first line of the first chapter states, "YOU ARE DOING TOO MUCH!" Coincidence, I think not!]
I thought I'd already done this, but it's time to re-evaluate. My new mission is to evaluate better what I'm currently doing, narrow down my scope of ministry to only a few things, then develop other leaders to do what they love doing and trust them with ministry.
Here's my list of things I'm passionate about and will focus my energy on at Lifehouse:
Stanley states that if leaders will do what they're best at, we will be most effective and the whole church will grow and be significantly more impactful.
So, here's what we need:
For leaders, this means that 20% of what we spend time doing produces 80% of our results/ effectiveness. I've learned this the hard way, but have also learned a key lesson: focus on making the 20% that's most effective the focus of 80% of my energy and effort. Personally, that means giving away 1/2 my job description every 6-9 months. It requires discipline and focus. I must be intentional.
Here's a repost of a blog I write on 2/20/2008. This was a key leadership growth moment for me, and as is common, God used Laura to help me learn it. Enjoy! (It's also interesting to look back and see how far we've come).
Yesterday, I cracked open [a book] that's been waiting to be read, The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. Laura was out with some ladies and the girls were in bed, so, with some alone time, I sat down to read. Right off the bat- wow! [What I didn't include in this post: before Laura left the house, she said, "Patrick, you can't keep up this break-neck pace; it's going to kill you. You're doing too much, and you have to give some of it away."]
Now, for my confession. I love the quote and have made it a core value at Lifehouse Church: Pray like everything depends on God, work like everything depends on you (Martin Luther). My tendency is to pray, then work, and if that's not enough, I'll work harder and harder. So, I'll put in too many hours.
I know that I must train leaders, give away ministry responsibilities, and I'm doing that to the best of my ability. However, while reading the first chapter, Stanley challenges the reader to evaluate what 2 or 3 things you are good at and are passionate about doing and do that. Give everything else away to others! [The first line of the first chapter states, "YOU ARE DOING TOO MUCH!" Coincidence, I think not!]
I thought I'd already done this, but it's time to re-evaluate. My new mission is to evaluate better what I'm currently doing, narrow down my scope of ministry to only a few things, then develop other leaders to do what they love doing and trust them with ministry.
Here's my list of things I'm passionate about and will focus my energy on at Lifehouse:
- Preaching- to relevantly and creatively communicate the Truth of the Bible,
- Vision casting- to lead Lifehouse in toward our God-given Cause and to inspire as many people as possible to join us in fulfilling this cause,
- Leadership development- to raise up new leaders as pastors, ministry leaders, and influencers; also, to develop new church planter.
Stanley states that if leaders will do what they're best at, we will be most effective and the whole church will grow and be significantly more impactful.
So, here's what we need:
- pastor or leader of pastoral care- counseling, pre-marriage counseling, visitation, hospital visits, personal mentoring, etc. [Thanks Pastor Joe and Lois for still pastoring and staying the course with Lifehouse!! We love and appreciate you!]
- administrative assistant/ book-keeper. [now LHCE has several PT and FT admin. In fact, most of our paid staff serve primarily in administrative roles].
Thursday, March 24, 2011
How the Enemy Attacks- Plot 6
Finishing up this series on how the enemy attacks those who follow God and His purposes, we examine the final plot against Nehemiah, as He works to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
First, let's recap the previous plots:
First, let's recap the previous plots:
1. The enemies first attack - friendship and flattery.
2. His second line of attack is just the opposite - insults and ridicule.
3. If these fail, he'll come at you with threats and discouragement (which both lead to weariness).
4. The next set of attacks are internal. They are Selfishness and Strife.
5. When we are faithful and become strong, the enemy comes at us with Seduction and Slander.
Nehemiah 6:10-14 tells the story of the enemies' final attacks against Nehemiah, as he works to complete the "great work" of God. These strategies are the late-stage, final attempt of the enemy to destroy God's work in and through our lives. He knows that if these attacks fail, we will stay the course, complete the work of God, and God's purposes will prevail. These are desperate times for Satan, which call for desperate measures. At this point, he pulls out the stops, and uses anything and anyone to destroy us.
One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.” Nehemiah 6:10, NIV.
The enemy of God, so also an enemy of Nehemiah, hires a friend to betray and try to intimidate him. Shemaiah locks himself in his house as a ruse of his own personal fear for life, and ask for Nehemiah to come. Then, he gives a false report and tries to get Nehemiah to betray his convictions and Cause, and in fear, cower from finishing the work of God.
There's the enemies tactic:
But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” 12 I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. 14 Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. Nehemiah 6:11-14, NIV.
The antidote to Betrayal and Intimidation from the narrative and response of Nehemiah:
4. The next set of attacks are internal. They are Selfishness and Strife.
5. When we are faithful and become strong, the enemy comes at us with Seduction and Slander.
Nehemiah 6:10-14 tells the story of the enemies' final attacks against Nehemiah, as he works to complete the "great work" of God. These strategies are the late-stage, final attempt of the enemy to destroy God's work in and through our lives. He knows that if these attacks fail, we will stay the course, complete the work of God, and God's purposes will prevail. These are desperate times for Satan, which call for desperate measures. At this point, he pulls out the stops, and uses anything and anyone to destroy us.
One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.” Nehemiah 6:10, NIV.
The enemy of God, so also an enemy of Nehemiah, hires a friend to betray and try to intimidate him. Shemaiah locks himself in his house as a ruse of his own personal fear for life, and ask for Nehemiah to come. Then, he gives a false report and tries to get Nehemiah to betray his convictions and Cause, and in fear, cower from finishing the work of God.
There's the enemies tactic:
- betrayal- use those close to us to lie and bear a false message,
- intimidation- the message of the betrayal is intended to intimidate us away from following Jesus and doing the work of God,
- betrayal of the Cause and convictions- personal betrayal with an intimidating message can lead to internal betrayal of our own values, convictions, and betrayal of the Cause of Christ.
How did Nehemiah respond?
But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” 12 I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. 14 Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. Nehemiah 6:11-14, NIV.
The antidote to Betrayal and Intimidation from the narrative and response of Nehemiah:
- Recognize our position- "should a man like me...?" If Christ is in us (Gal 2:20) and for us, then who can be against us (Rom. 8:31)? We are bought by Christ through faith in the cross and His resurrection (1 Pe 1:18-19), and empowered by His Spirit (Acts 1:8). Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We are more than conquerers through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37). Convinced that Jesus-followers should not run away from intimidating reports? Good!
- Be Selfless- "should one like me go into the temple to save his life?" Nehemiah recognized a critical element about serving God and HIS Cause- it's not about ME! The Cause is about God and His Kingdom. Our suffering, even death, is not necessarily bad, and it is not our place to attempt to preserve or protect our own life. We are workman and servants of God. We do His bidding and will. He is responsible for our protection and He will accomplish His work in and through us.
- Discern the lies- "I realized that God had not sent him..." Nehemiah quickly recognized that fear and quitting are NOT from God, therefore, Shemaiah must be a false witness hired to betray. When someone says something that stirs fear and it makes you feel intimidated away from following God and His purposes, this is NOT from God BUT from the enemy!
- Don't betray the Cause or Convictions- the enemy will use anything or one to betray and intimidate us away from following God and His purposes. Anything or anyone that tries to get you to hide from your calling or God's purposes through your life is being used by the enemy. They are sent to intimidate you from staying the course and fulfilling God's purposes. Cause and Conviction are absolutes in our lives. We must never flatter or shrink from our faithfulness to sharing and showing God's love and communicate the hope of the gospel.
- Hide in God's presence- the one irony of this strategy, was that Shemaiah tried to get Nehemiah to cower in fear by running into the temple of God. While it would have been fear that motivated Nehemiah to physically hide in the temple, Nehemiah did follow that guidance. He fell headlong before God's presence and hide himself under the safety, wisdom, and courage of God. Instead of running for our lives from God, run to God. Run into the shelter of His love, power, and presence.
How is the enemy trying to intimidate you? What is he using in your own life or relationships to betray you away from following God's plan for your life?
Fired up,
-Pastor Patrick
www.lifehousechurcheast.org
Fired up,
-Pastor Patrick
www.lifehousechurcheast.org
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
How the Enemy Attacks- Plot 5
Examining Ezra and Nehemiah, we discover the strategies of the enemy AND the antidote from God to overcome these attacks. If you follow God and His purposes, then you will be opposed by God's enemies (Ephesians 6). These spiritual attacks can be both internal and external.
When you are doing God's work and following hard after God's purposes, expect God's enemies to stir up lies and rumors about you. In fact, if there aren't lies, slander, and rumors being spread about us, then we may not be doing much for God and His Kingdom.
How did Nehemiah respond? Did he retaliate? Fight back to defend himself? No...
I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” They were all trying to frighten us... Nehemiah 6:8-9, NIV.
Nehemiah knew the rumors were a lie, and called it what it was. "You're just making this up to scare us, and try to discourage us from continuing the work of God in this great project/ cause." He didn't expend a lot of energy answering their questioning or defending himself, but simply stated, "Nope, that's not true!" And then continued about the work of God.
Leaders, Jesus-followers, don't engage the enemy in lies and defending against lies. He's the master of deceit, and only the guilty have to be defensive about their trustworthiness and truthfulness.
Best guidance I've ever received when under attack of lies, slander, and attacks against my reputation: STAND on TRUTH! Let Christ's character be your defense and His omnipotence, your protection. He will defend the defenseless.
Here are previous plots with links to those blogposts:
1. The enemies first attack - friendship and flattery.
2. His second line of attack is just the opposite - insults and ridicule.
3. If these fail, he'll come at you with threats and discouragement (which both lead to weariness).
4. The next set of attacks are internal. They are Selfishness and Strife.
If all else fails, the enemy tries to tempt us away from our focus on living for God and following His purposes in our life. The fifth plot of the enemy is through SEDUCTION and SLANDER. These attacks come when you've been GOOD and FAITHFUL and the work of God is strong, powerful, and intimidating to the enemy. These are some of his final strategies.
"I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates..." Nehemiah 6:1, NIV. Just before they finish the work of God.
Since he can't directly attack or threaten you, and the internal battles haven't worked, the enemies of God will work on your own desires. Your enemy will leverage your appetites and desires against you. He'll tempt and seduce you away from the work of God. He'll pull out the stops, appeal and tempt you.
Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me... Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. Nehemiah 6:2,4, NIV.
The enemies of God will try to seduce us away from God's work by offering treatise, compromise, tempting opportunities, and delicious pleasures. They look good and sound good, but they are intended to distract and draw us away from God, His work and purposes. And how did Nehemiah reply?
...so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Nehemiah 6:3
Nehemiah was not tempted or lured away. He held to his resolve and maintained his commitments to God and His people.
Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king... so come, let us confer together.” Nehemiah 6:5-6,7.
4. The next set of attacks are internal. They are Selfishness and Strife.
If all else fails, the enemy tries to tempt us away from our focus on living for God and following His purposes in our life. The fifth plot of the enemy is through SEDUCTION and SLANDER. These attacks come when you've been GOOD and FAITHFUL and the work of God is strong, powerful, and intimidating to the enemy. These are some of his final strategies.
"I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates..." Nehemiah 6:1, NIV. Just before they finish the work of God.
Since he can't directly attack or threaten you, and the internal battles haven't worked, the enemies of God will work on your own desires. Your enemy will leverage your appetites and desires against you. He'll tempt and seduce you away from the work of God. He'll pull out the stops, appeal and tempt you.
Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me... Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. Nehemiah 6:2,4, NIV.
The enemies of God will try to seduce us away from God's work by offering treatise, compromise, tempting opportunities, and delicious pleasures. They look good and sound good, but they are intended to distract and draw us away from God, His work and purposes. And how did Nehemiah reply?
...so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Nehemiah 6:3
Nehemiah was not tempted or lured away. He held to his resolve and maintained his commitments to God and His people.
- guard against temptation,
- recognize the voice of the enemy, even if he comes with a sweat, seductive voice or the promise of pleasures,
- remember your Call and Cause,
- renew your Commitment and Resolve.
When the seduction didn't work after several attempts, the enemies resorted to name-calling and slander.
Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king... so come, let us confer together.” Nehemiah 6:5-6,7.
When you are doing God's work and following hard after God's purposes, expect God's enemies to stir up lies and rumors about you. In fact, if there aren't lies, slander, and rumors being spread about us, then we may not be doing much for God and His Kingdom.
How did Nehemiah respond? Did he retaliate? Fight back to defend himself? No...
I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” They were all trying to frighten us... Nehemiah 6:8-9, NIV.
Nehemiah knew the rumors were a lie, and called it what it was. "You're just making this up to scare us, and try to discourage us from continuing the work of God in this great project/ cause." He didn't expend a lot of energy answering their questioning or defending himself, but simply stated, "Nope, that's not true!" And then continued about the work of God.
Leaders, Jesus-followers, don't engage the enemy in lies and defending against lies. He's the master of deceit, and only the guilty have to be defensive about their trustworthiness and truthfulness.
Best guidance I've ever received when under attack of lies, slander, and attacks against my reputation: STAND on TRUTH! Let Christ's character be your defense and His omnipotence, your protection. He will defend the defenseless.
- Guard your heart against temptation and don't come down from the Great Cause of God.
- Recognize the enemy. He's the one trying to lure you away from the Work of God.
- Remember your call and renew your commitment.
- Don't engage the enemy in rumors and lies NOR try to defend your reputation.
- Stand on truth!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
How the Enemy Attacks- Plot 4
If you follow God and His purposes, then you will be opposed by God's enemies (Ephesians 6). These spiritual attacks can be both internal and external. I've been walking through Ezra and Nehemiah, pointing out the plots/ strategies of the enemy AND the antidote from God through the life of Ezra and Nehemiah to combat those plots.
Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their Jewish brothers... "Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.” Nehemiah 5:1,4, NIV.
The real enemy of God, the devil, stirred up strife among the people, because of the selfishness of a few. The wealthy were taking advantage of the poorer, and this caused tremendous disunity among all the Jewish people, who were trying to work together in "this great work".
It's really hard to stay focused on following Jesus and serving His purposes for our life if we are angry with other Jesus-followers, feel taken advantage of, and are not serving in unity with the larger body of Christ. Secondly, if our motivation is pride and selfishness, this will stir up strife among other Jesus-followers, who are serving with pure and selfless hearts.
When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. 7 I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them... “What you are doing is not right.” (Ne 5:6-7, 9).
Nehemiah didn't react in haste or overact, but in wisdom, immediately dealt with the conflict and corrected those who were wrong. To overcome this attack of the enemy, we must:
Here's a brief overview of the previous plots with links to those blogposts:
1. The enemies first attack - friendship and flattery.
2. His second line of attack is just the opposite - insults and ridicule.
3. If these fail, he'll come at you with threats and discouragement (which both lead to weariness).
In Nehemiah, the next strategy to rob God's people of living their purpose didn't come from the obvious enemy (Sanballat and Tobiah) but from within their own community.
This plot from the real enemy, not the obvious one is Selfishness and Strife.
This plot from the real enemy, not the obvious one is Selfishness and Strife.
Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their Jewish brothers... "Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.” Nehemiah 5:1,4, NIV.
The real enemy of God, the devil, stirred up strife among the people, because of the selfishness of a few. The wealthy were taking advantage of the poorer, and this caused tremendous disunity among all the Jewish people, who were trying to work together in "this great work".
It's really hard to stay focused on following Jesus and serving His purposes for our life if we are angry with other Jesus-followers, feel taken advantage of, and are not serving in unity with the larger body of Christ. Secondly, if our motivation is pride and selfishness, this will stir up strife among other Jesus-followers, who are serving with pure and selfless hearts.
When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. 7 I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them... “What you are doing is not right.” (Ne 5:6-7, 9).
Nehemiah didn't react in haste or overact, but in wisdom, immediately dealt with the conflict and corrected those who were wrong. To overcome this attack of the enemy, we must:
- deal with conflict quickly.
- confront, correct, and challenge selfishness and pride.
“Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?” (Ne 5:9). Nehemiah states that the fear of God is the antidote to selfishness and pride among God-followers.
“I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop! 11 Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging them—the hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil.” (Ne 5:10-11).
Finally, Nehemiah models, then challenges them in generosity. Generous giving is the antidote to selfishness.
How do we overcome the plot of selfishness and strife:
“I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop! 11 Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging them—the hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil.” (Ne 5:10-11).
Finally, Nehemiah models, then challenges them in generosity. Generous giving is the antidote to selfishness.
How do we overcome the plot of selfishness and strife:
- deal with conflict quickly,
- confront and repent of selfishness and pride,
- guard the testimony of God among and within the Church,
- Give generously to overcome selfishness.
How are selfishness and pride sabotaging God's purposes in your life? What conflict do you need to deal with quickly? What sin do you need to repent of? Where can you begin to give generously?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
How the Enemy Attacks- Plot 1
The enemy doesn't want God's purposes to prevail, and if you are following and serving God and His purposes than you are a target of the enemy's attacks. Examining the narrative of Ezra and Nehemiah, we discover several strategies the enemy of our soul uses to attempt to destroy God's destiny and purposes in and through our lives.
PLOT 1
When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said,
“Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.” Ezra 4:1-2 (NIV).
The enemy of God in your life will first try to befriend you and flatter you.
The plot of Satan is to distract you through ungodly alliances and the facade of friendship. However, he is plotting to destroy God's purposes in your life and to prevent you from continuing in the work of God.
How? The enemy will do the following:
PLOT 1
When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said,
“Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.” Ezra 4:1-2 (NIV).
The enemy of God in your life will first try to befriend you and flatter you.
The plot of Satan is to distract you through ungodly alliances and the facade of friendship. However, he is plotting to destroy God's purposes in your life and to prevent you from continuing in the work of God.
How? The enemy will do the following:
- claim to be like you and share your love for God and His work,
- flatter you with praise and affirm your efforts,
- publicly express these sentiments for others to hear, so that others will be persuade and possibly persuade you.
How did Zerubbabel recognize this tactic and first plot of the enemy?
But Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered,
“You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” Ezra 4:3 (NIV).
These wise and discerning God-fearers and God-followers saw past their enemies words to the fruit of their intentions. They recognized that their enemies did NOT serve God but had other gods- false gods.
Application: are you being lured away from doing God's work through enticing offers of "friends"? Is flattery distracting you from God's best and greatest purpose for your life? Are these "friends" serving God or do they have false gods of power, politics, pride, and/ or the purse (money)? If those who are appealing to you claim to worship God but worship another god then they are being used by the enemy to plot against you.
Anytime someone attempts something great for God and takes a step of faith, the enemy will set a trap for them by trying to sweeten the offer to stay where you offer. Sometimes that's a pay raise, new or better opportunity, friends or family getting upset. But every time, it's also an attempt to keep you back from following God.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
What's Keeping Us from Living Our Dreams
It's not intentions or dreams that matter. It's action or the lack there of.
What's keeping us from living our dreams is not ability, competence, resources, or the right connections. Initially, you might be tempted to disagree and disregard my post. BUT...
I've heard lots of people share big ideas, powerful dreams, and grandiose plans with me. All of which are entirely possible. However, while they're sharing, I'm tempted to ask, "are you really serious about living that out and seeing it through?" Sharing a dream is one thing. Having good intentions is encouraging. But neither actually make anything happen.
Want to know how dreams are lived, plans are laid, and ideas are fulfilled. Action! That's right! Execution. Implementation.
It's what you actually DO that determines whether you'll accomplish your dreams or not.
If you say one thing, but continue doing what you've done or never actually do anything to move toward that dream, guess what? You're not going to live those bold ambitions.
Andy Stanley teaches and explains it best in his podcast, The Principle of the Path (listen here or read his book here). It's the steps you take in a direction that lead to a destination NOT your intended destination. You can want and dream to arrive at a specific destination. BUT if you step in another direction, you will invariably arrive at the destination with which you've actually walked.
So, you want to live your dream? Do something. Write out all the action steps it will take over the next 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. Then, discover and decided on one action step that you can take immediately to begin living out that dream.
Read a book. Start writing a book. Take a college course. Start down-sizing. Start giving more. Run ONE mile. Throw out the cigarettes or soda or chips. Make the phone call. Send in the application. Make the appointment.
What's keeping us from living our dreams is not ability, competence, resources, or the right connections. Initially, you might be tempted to disagree and disregard my post. BUT...
I've heard lots of people share big ideas, powerful dreams, and grandiose plans with me. All of which are entirely possible. However, while they're sharing, I'm tempted to ask, "are you really serious about living that out and seeing it through?" Sharing a dream is one thing. Having good intentions is encouraging. But neither actually make anything happen.
Want to know how dreams are lived, plans are laid, and ideas are fulfilled. Action! That's right! Execution. Implementation.
It's what you actually DO that determines whether you'll accomplish your dreams or not.
If you say one thing, but continue doing what you've done or never actually do anything to move toward that dream, guess what? You're not going to live those bold ambitions.
Andy Stanley teaches and explains it best in his podcast, The Principle of the Path (listen here or read his book here). It's the steps you take in a direction that lead to a destination NOT your intended destination. You can want and dream to arrive at a specific destination. BUT if you step in another direction, you will invariably arrive at the destination with which you've actually walked.
So, you want to live your dream? Do something. Write out all the action steps it will take over the next 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. Then, discover and decided on one action step that you can take immediately to begin living out that dream.
Read a book. Start writing a book. Take a college course. Start down-sizing. Start giving more. Run ONE mile. Throw out the cigarettes or soda or chips. Make the phone call. Send in the application. Make the appointment.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Leadership Lessons from 2 Samuel
for The Unquenchable Life daily Bible reading plan, we've been reading through 2 Samuel. Here are a few leadership lessons from the reading over the last few days:
1. How to treat our "enemies".
1. How to treat our "enemies".
- Do you rejoice or mourn at the death (or pain) of your enemies? David grieved and mourned when Saul was killed in battle, thus the phrase from his song, "Oh, how the might have fallen!"
- Do we take revenge of evil into our own hands? Do we think that harming our enemy or laughing at their pain is justified? David killed those who killed his enemies and grieved that the evil done to them. Evil is evil regardless of the server or recipient.
- Do you trust God to accomplish His purposes through your life or take it into your own hands and build your own kingdom? David didn't try to secure his own throne or rule, but allow God to raise him up. David never saw the throne as "his" but as "given by God". (see 2 Sam 5:10).
3. Facing battles.
- Even though David's army had defeated the Philistines once, they gathered against him again. Does that mean he didn't win the first time? Should he have become discouraged? Should David have said, "I've been here before and faced same battle?" then use same battle plan as before?
- David recognized that even though you may win a battle, the enemy may fight against you again. Don't be discouraged if you're facing a similar battle as in past victories. BUT don't assume that the same strategy is required.
- v. 23- David inquired of the LORD (again)...
4. Obedience to God is more important than accomplishing the task (even if it's the right thing to do).
- Do we use the patterns of the world to follow God? David copied the Philistines method for handling the ark of God and it caused death and despair, when it should have brought blessing and joy.
- Is it appropriate for us to "fear God" (v.9) if we engage in "irreverent acts" (v.7) toward God? We should fear God and worship Him with a holy, healthy respect.
- v.11- God's blessing rests on those who treat His presence with honor and obedience.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Lesson #9 from 2010 WARNING: CONTROVERSIAL
Most people HATE conflict, in fact, they have conflict with conflict.
Lesson learned: conflict isn't bad. How we handle conflict is either good or bad, but conflict itself is an opportunity for growth or reveals an area where we need to grow.
I've taught this since we launched Lifehouse, and often challenge our leaders to NOT avoid conflict but to handle it biblically. 2010 was a year when my conviction to hold to this biblical stance was seriously tested.
Here are my personal reasons why I didn't want to deal with conflict, (then I'll share how I overcame them):
Lesson learned: conflict isn't bad. How we handle conflict is either good or bad, but conflict itself is an opportunity for growth or reveals an area where we need to grow.
I've taught this since we launched Lifehouse, and often challenge our leaders to NOT avoid conflict but to handle it biblically. 2010 was a year when my conviction to hold to this biblical stance was seriously tested.
Here are my personal reasons why I didn't want to deal with conflict, (then I'll share how I overcame them):
- dealing with conflict felt scary and uncomfortable,
- was afraid a person wouldn't like me if I address a reason for tension,
- didn't want to lose a friend, and thought, "if I address this issue, they won't want to be my friend anymore". I know, it sounds like I'm a kindergartner, does it? But it's how you think, too.
- it takes too much time and energy. Time better spent elsewhere,
- it'll go away on it's own, and if I bring it up, it will get worse,
- what if I'm not "right"?
- what if dealing with conflict reveals a weakness in me?
How I've grown and overcome some of these challenges:
- deal with conflict quickly, before it becomes "cancerous" and destructive, both to relationship and the church,
- give people the benefit of the doubt,
- don't believe second-hand info, but let people share their thoughts first-hand,
- avoid my personal insecurities and fears from debilitating me by trusting God and getting over myself,
- recognize that I still have a lot to learn and that God will use conflict to grow me (this one is hard to learn and hurts the most),
- unresolved tension grows destructive, so deal with it headed on and often until it's resolved,
- allow people time to think and grow. Don't demand immediate resolution.
- conflict might take a lot of time, but it takes less time on the front end than if left unresolved. Eventually, it will become all-consuming and a massive drain on your time.
- Even when we disagree, people are still precious to God and should be loved and treated with value.
- I LOVE those with whom I've had conflict. Even when things don't turn out like I wanted, they may not even know it but I regularly PRAY for them and think of them often. I wouldn't address issues of conflict if I didn't care.
- God heals and brings the ultimate reconciliation in relationships. If things can't be resolved, we must turn it over to God.
- When we receive forgiveness from God, we MUST give forgiveness to and ASK forgiveness of others.
This was a very raw and personal approach to conflict. Listen to a sermon I preached on this topic in BIG part 4.
Big take away, "Conflict inevitable, combat optional". Watch this video for a laugh:
Big take away, "Conflict inevitable, combat optional". Watch this video for a laugh:
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