I took a few hours yesterday to get alone with God by hiking up in the Catoctin Mts (yes, home of Camp David). This is my unique and personal "sacred pathway", I get alone in nature to talk with God. The more demanding the season or stress in my life, the longer the hike.While I was out there, here were a couple of things I discovered:
Not just about the summit, but the climb; not about arriving, but process of getting their. In other words, God isn't just concerned with our results or what we can do FOR Him, but how we do it and our heart during the process of doing it.
Spend more time hiking (all day), then enjoying view (few brief moments). Therefore, enjoy the hike/ the process, and don't make it all about just arriving at the destination.
Poison ivy makes trees look very alive (full of green), but it's really killing it. Similarly, cancer will make a body gain weight and size, but is really destroying it. In the same way, religious/ critical people may added size and attendance to a church, but in fact they are "cancerous" cells destroying the body.
The climb is dirty, messy, sometimes grueling. If you have something to prove, you'll only climb if others are watching. If your only goal is to arrive at the summit, then you'll take shortcuts. If you have a wimpy attitude, or lack purpose, you're better off staying home.
What "sacred pathways" do you have to connect with God? What is God saying to you?
There are many strange things in my office. Some of you might be aware that we (Lifehouse East) "borrows" office space from Lifehouse- Bethel. We've moved our mobile office multiple times in various places throughout the building, but appreciate the space. Thanks much to Bethel.
So, you tell me which of these top 10 strange objects that are in "my" office belong to me and which belong to Bethel:
10. Triathlon bike, shoes, and helmet
9. Convoy of Hope biking jersey (ok, started off easy)
8. 23 copies of Robert's Rules of Order
7. A horrible rotten potato smell (please, it's NOT me!)
6. Nacho Libre costum (uh, no explanation needed, right?)
5. a portable, inflatable pool
4. 5 foot tall palm tree
3. WWJD eraser (for those very special moments while you're erasing and the opportunity to show others how Jesus would erase arises!)
2. 5 coffee mugs (4 still wrapped)
1. Satan's in the Toy Box book (ok, this one used to be in here before I moved in but I think the spirit of that book still resides among the rest of the books in the office)
For the person who get's all of them right, there is NO prize! Enjoy!
As I rode up and down several hills yesterday, I wrestled through a few key thoughts on shifting or stay in gear as leaders. What gear do you ride in as a leader and why?
First, an explanation on bike gears, so that my leadership points have context:
Front gears are called chainrings (mine has 2 with 53 and 39 teeth), and the rear are called the freewheel (mine has 10 ranging from 11-29 teeth).
That means that on it's "highest" gear ration, for each pedal stroke, my bike will move 9.5 feet and at it's "lowest", my bike will move 34.3 feet. At 90-rpm rate, I would be riding on "highest" gear at 9.5 mph and at "lowest" geat at 35 mph. At 120-rpm those speeds jump to 12.5 and 44.5 mph respectively.
Typically, a rider would put their bike in the highest gear going up steep mountains and in the "lowest" gear going down the mountain.
Now, what does that mean for leadership.
First, if you keep the bike in the same gear, you'll fall over. One can't climb hills in the same gear as racing downhill, and expect to ride for long.
If you want to look like you're riding really fast and spin a lot, you'll keep it in the highest gear, but also not get very far. However, you'll look like you're going really fast. If you just want to look like you're getting somewhere, pedal fast while in the easiest gear.
Others want to show their great strength, so they ride in the hardest gear uphill, but their strength gives out and they, either give up, or fall over. Out of pride, you can keep stay in a harder gear going uphill, and then burn yourself and others out.
Leadership doesn't require choosing one gear and riding for as long as possible, but constantly adjusting the gears based on the slope of the journey and your (or your team's) strength.
You can shift to an higher gear to rest, ride easier, or get up an incline. Some shift to higher gears just so they can relax and take it easy (go slower, but work less). A leader needs to discern the right gear for maximum speed and efficiency. I don't want to ride easier, I want to ride at my maximum speed whether going up or down hill. That means I must shift up to go uphill, and shift down when going downhill.
It's better to shift to an easier gear and pedal slower to rest while riding on flat straight-aways than downhill. Usual if there's a downhill, there's an uphill ahead, and you'll need the momentum/ speed to get up the next hill. So, keep pedaling. Plus, you're maximizing each pedal stroke- meaning you're going further for each stroke than if you were on a flat ride, so enjoy the momentum and go faster.
What lessons are you learning about leadership? Love to read your thoughts.
it was a fantastic and gorgeous starry morning (at 5am). I was star gazing while biking, probably not the safest thing to do, but it was fabulous. Enjoyed the bright moon, and amazing constellations.
this morning was was happier to be biking than driving. Didn't feel like I was living on less to give more. Felt less like sacrifice and more like a privilege and blessing. Amazing how God turns our surrender into wonder.
We have an incredible team of leaders at Lifehouse. So grateful that they are less concerned about position and titles, and more burdened with doing whatever it takes to advance God's Kingdom. Insecure leaders can't trust others and develop leaders, but our team is passionate about "giving away" ministry and developing the leadership potential in others and mining their destiny.
Thanks to all for both your support and for being such an amazing leadership team.
It's what the church doesn't want you to know! We're uncovering the secrets of religion.
Whether you've been in church your whole life, or only brushed up against it briefly, there are things about religion that you are uncomfortable with, secrets that you suspect but can’t prove.
So, can we just be honest about religion?
Jesus exposed what religious leaders were trying hard to keep secret.
This is series takes a deep look at Matthew 23 and how Jesus exposed the dirty little secrets of the religious leaders of his time. These secrets reveal religious traps that ensnare so many people today. Discover the principles Jesus taught by listening to our sermons here.
We must NEVER forget 9/11/2001. Great tragedy exposes the very best and worst of humanity, and reveals our utter depravity without God and our complete dependence on Him.
September 11th is a day to remember, honor, and celebrate- our freedom, the USA, those who willing gave and give their lives for our liberty and safety.
THANK YOU to our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and soldiers defending our freedom TODAY! We love you and are praying for you.
We will never forget the sacrifice of the brave men and women who died on 9/11. We will never forget that evil people murdered innocent civilians. We will never forget that freedom isn't free!
In the same manner that emotion stirs when we see the footage of 9/11 again, and feel the same quiet anger and pain that we did 8 years ago, our resolve must be renewed to care deeply for others and give our lives to a Cause greater than ourselves.
In Christ, our Cause is not of violence, but a revolution of love. We share a triumph of hope and compassion. The message of Jesus is salvation to ALL who will receive Him.
For the month of September, I've given up my car and am jogging and biking everywhere I go that I'd normally drive.
My reason: living on less to give more. I'm donating my car expense for this month to Hagerstown Convoy of Hope, and it will go to help feed those in need through Convoy.
I'm also getting in shape for a triathlon, thuse tri-ing to feed the hungry.
The main point is to live on less for myself to give more to others, and inspire everyone I can to do the same. Many feel like they can't give because they "don't have enough". But we all have so much and live with such abundance, especially in contrast to the deepest poverty in nations where people don't have clean drinking water or any food to eat.
We can make a difference by giving more and living on less.
Want to know how you can help?
Two ways: help Convoy of Hope by sponsoring me per mile and donating the proceeds through the website. I've already riden over 175miles, and expect to do about 450-500 total. You can also donate directly to Hagerstown Convoy of Hope or Convoy of Hope International by going to their websites. This is an international relief organization that brings aid and Hope to those desperately in need.
Join Lifehouse in "Getting Dirty" by serving those around you. If you live within driving range of Hagerstown, you're invited to come serve at our outreach event on September 26th. For more info, go to the website.
Here's some lessons I'm learning about life and leadership will riding my bike: -your average speed is never as fast as your fastest or as slow as your slowest mph. But the fast speed inspires and slow disciurages. -slow down over bumps and around corners. -pedal down hill because it'll make it easier getting uphill. Momentum is our friend, it's power sustains the rider. -what we take for granted in a car, is a big deal on the bike, but the sights are more spectacular.
Have to keep writin.g these lessons so I can learn new ones.
Here's the video footage of an amazing service at Lifehouse that we wanted to share with you. It's broken into 8 parts so that we could get it onto Youtube.com, so enjoy, be challenged, share it, and invite God into YOUR story today!
Introduction and Part 1 of Sermon: Invite God into YOUR Story.
Part 2- Testimony 1- Hunter
Part 3- Testimony 2- Stephanie
Part 4- Testimony 3- Austin
Part 5- Cardboard Testimonies of many people at Lifehouse
Part 6- Part 2 of Sermon: Invite God into YOUR story
Part 7- Challenge to respond and invite God to set us free from chains that bind
Part 8- Response time
Hope you are inspired and challenged to invite God into YOUR story. I hope that by watching other brave individuals authentically share about their faith journey, you're willing to risk inviting God into your mess so that your life can become a message of hope through Jesus.
Just like warning my girls of the dangers and evils of the "real world", I felt like a dad preaching yesterday about watching out for false teachers and avoiding deceptive teaching in the church.
In a world and culture where nothing is TRUTH and everyone is cynical, it's hard to talk about "safeguarding our lives with truth".
In case you weren't at Lifehouse or need a refresher, here's an overview:
Paul wrote from prison to warn the Philippian church to watch out for "dogs" who were teaching a pop-culture belief. They said that you had to follow the religious rules of Judaism BEFORE you could believe in Jesus. In essence, you had to earn your salvation. This was both culturally popular and politically correct, since it fit the format of most world religions of that time.
Paul challenged them to "safeguard their life with truth". Follow Jesus, bring glory to God and avoid people who teach lies.
What can we be certian of in an uncertain world? What will hold us fast when the storms of hardship rage against us? Straight from Paul's teaching, I challenged our church to safeguard our lives with TRUTH! But how?
Watch out for false teachers and teachings: those who appear mature and educated, but their teaching matches pop-culture, and they twist any uncomfortable teachings of the Bible to match culture, deny essential beliefs of following Jesus, resist authority, encourage and/or engage in sensual living full of lust and greed.
Hold to TRUTH: read and study the Bible.
Examine teachings and teachers: look at the merits of those who teach and evaluate the credibility of the books, sermons, podcasts (that goes for me too). Any teacher worth listening to will appreciate your scrutiny.
What to look for when evaluating credibility of a teacher or teaching: do they bring honor to Jesus or themselves? Do they teach the Bible as TRUTH and teach from the Bible, not just one verse but work to communicate the context of the Bible? Are they becoming more like Jesus or living in blatant contradiction to the way of Jesus?
This doesn't mean that we should be pointing fingers at every preacher and author. Honestly, we are ordinary, imperfect people who also need God's amazing grace and mercy. But it's a caution to watch out and avoid those false teachers that peddle their lies for personal gain or the destruction of ignorant believers.
While I want to express this with deep conviction in a way that the Church will listen and respond to, I assure you that no level of passion can carry the intensity of warning that burns inside of me.
One final thought: I don't call out individuals or books by name, simply because I believe my role is to teach Truth and the principles of the Bible. I want to give you the tools, then invite you to use them effectively. I'm confident that the Holy Spirit will lead His Church into all Truth and will protect you from deceptive teaching. I'm trying to prepare you for the real spiritual world out there!
Thought I'd post the link to parts 5 and 6. Hopefully ya'll enjoyed watching these. There is a point to these videos, not just a camera in our "office". Follow this link to listen to the sermons.
In case you're not sure why we made these videos, again, please listen to the sermons that coorelate to them.
Our goal is to have fun and get you laughing, so that we can introduce the powerful and life changing truths of the Bible. My mission is to help everyone I can apply the message of Jesus into their everyday life.
Thought you all would like to see the video for St. Patrick part 4 on Integrity:
Yes, we do have way to much fun making these videos. But you've got to give it up for our team, especially Corey who does all the filming and editing, and for Melody who writes all these ridiculous scripts. Please forward these on to all your friends. Encourage them to listen to the sermons that go with them at www.lifehousechurcheast.org.
Thought ya'll would like to see some of the ideas we're tossing around for renovating the front elevation of the cinema building.
Here's our first draft drawing for renovating. Since this design, we've started putting our focus more on the entrance area rather than the exit. I'm simply posting this image to give you an idea of the quality and excellence with which we are planning to renovate the property.
Our goal is to quickly turn around this facility so that when the Grand Opening date arrives,both Leitersburg Cinema, LLC and Lifehouse Church East will generate excitement and positive feedback from the community. Since the Grand Opening date is only months away, we must quickly raise the resources to begin renovations immediately.
What's exciting is that we'll see immediate impact on the investment we are making in God's Kingdom.
This is your opportunity to join us in partnering both in prayer and giving. You may also consider volunteering time to work on a crew to help renovate.
If you are interested, please consider maing 18-MONTH Pledge by emailing us at info@lifehousechurcheast.org or turning a pledge card on Sunday June 7th or by mail.
We are asking that you would consider making an initial sacrificial offering on Sunday, June 7th, and then give a monthly pledge over the next 18-months. Also, we strongly encourage you to pass this email, letter, or blog post along, to those you believe will be willing to partner with Lifehouse in this bold adventure.
Our hope is that Exodus 36 will come alive at Lifehouse as you and our church family join in what God is doing:
“…the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.”
We covet your earnest prayers and generous giving. I can assure you that we will keep our focus on sharing and showing Jesus’ love to our community, and this building will be a tool to advance the Cause of Christ.
We are grateful for your financial support of Lifehouse and are encouraged by your confidence in our ministry. May God bless you abundantly!
Fired up!
P.S. For more information about the renovation project or your 18-Month Pledge, please call our church office at 301-824-4656.
In February, we learned that the Hagerstown 10 Cinema complex was going up for auction, and we immediately called our church to prayer. During that season, we fasted, prayed, and waited. As we waited, we didn’t feel led to bid on the property.
On March 17th, the auction came and went with no buyer. That day, the owners asked us to consider purchasing the property. I read Joshua 3:2-5 that morning:
“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God… you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it.”Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
In the past, I have been reluctant to lead the church to own or buy a building.This was for several reasons:
Most church buildings consume the bulk of the church’s resources (over 50%),
Ministry events and gatherings begin to gravitate toward the building rather than toward the community,
The community and the believers begin to identify the term “church” as a building rather than a people.
I did not want the ownership of a building to hinder Lifehouse’s focus on the community. So in the past, I have explained to our leadership team that we would own a building only if ministry was hindered by not having a building, and if our resources would not be tied up in the facility.
Thankfully, God orchestrated a business plan that would not only enhance our impact in the community, but it would not burden the church financially.Between March and May, we prayed and negotiated with the owners, and on May 15th, we signed a lease-to-buy agreement.
The miraculous part of the story is that Joe and Lois Quesenberry, our congregational pastors, prayed over this very property back in 1978.At the time, the theater was a sordid business, even showing X-rated movies to families.The Quesenberry’s prayed that the property would be redeemed and used for the glory of God.
Here's a video of their story:
Who knew that 30 years later, they would be ministering at the very church that would occupy the property!
Details and Business Plan for the Cinema Complex
The owners had a $2.8 million contract on the property two years ago but declined the offer.
Our final agreement:
Beginning June 1, 2009, Lifehouse will lease the cinema complex for one-year for $3,000 monthly.This amount is nearly equal to what we currently spend leasing the theater on Sunday mornings and using office space elsewhere.
At the end of the one-year lease, we have a guaranteed option-to-buy the 7.2 acres of the cinemas and parking area for $838,000 (what owners owe on it).
Also in the lease, after two years, we have a second option-to-buy the additional 11.6 acres for $892,000. (Giving us room to expand.)
Hagerstown Cinema 10, the current theater company renting the facility simultaneously with Lifehouse, will operate in the building as usual until the end of August.
Leitersburg Cinemas, LLC (a new theater company) will occupy the cinemas beginning in October in a separate lease agreement with the owner. Their lease will be $7,000 monthly, plus 95% of utilities.
During our one-year lease, our use of the building will increase significantly, and we will be able to renovate and use office space on the second floor.
At the end of our one-year lease, we will purchase the cinema complex and discontinue making payments of $3000 monthly. Then, as the owners, we will continue to lease the building to Leitersburg Cinemas, LLC to cover the full mortgage and additonal costs.
The income from Leitersburg Cinema, LLC will cover all mortgage costs, nearly 95% of utility costs, and the company has additionally agreed to tithe 10% of their profits to Lifehouse.
Additionally, Leitersburg Cinemas, LLC is owned and managed by a Christian businessman at Lifehouse, who has agreed to operate the cinemas as a family-oriented business.The cinemas will NOT show R-rated movies, and will create a very family-friendly environment.
To summarize, Lifehouse will have the benefit of owning the building without the financial burden.Because the building will continue to operate as a theater, Lifehouse will continue to focus on the community, and the church will continue to be viewed as a people rather than a building.Our hope is that Lifehouse Church East and Leitersburg Cinemas, LLC will be able to work together to use the theater property for God’s glory.
Renovating the Cinema Complex
To make this endeavor successful, our part is to renovate the building to make it a highly visible, attractive facility.In doing this, we will increase the impact of our church, and attract business to Leitersburg Cinemas LLC.
October 1, 2009 is the target date for a Grand Opening of Leitersburg Cinemas LLC and the new Lifehouse Church East building.Our initial phase of renovations must be complete by that date.
The last several months have been very eventful and exciting at Lifehouse Church East. I’d like to take this opportunity to give you an update, and invite you to partner with us as we boldly step forward in God’s plans for our church. Please take a few minutes to read this letter and give us your heartfelt response and prayers.
Our Cause
Lifehouse exists to reach up to worship God, reach in to develop relationships and devoted Jesus-followers, and reach out to share God’s love with our world.
When Laura and I moved to Hagerstown, we believe God gave us Joshua 1:3-9 as a promise. Here are a few key verses:
“I will give you every place where you set your foot… Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you…”
As I’ve jogged around our city and prayed, I’m pursuaded that God has called us to reach this entire region with the powerful message of Jesus. We won’t stop until we have shared and showed God’s love with everyone possible.
Our Growing impact in the Hagerstown-area
April marked our four-year anniversary of launching Lifehouse on Sunday mornings with 24 people. Since then, we’ve grown to nearly 400 in regular attendance and have seen over 1000 people make a decision to follow Jesus. We’ve served our community in various outreaches, including being the point church for Hagerstown Convoy of Hope in 2008 and again this year on September 26. Last year we coordinated with over 120 local churches and organizations to feed and give groceries to over 2500 people in our community.
Called to Thrive
In late 2008, I felt strongly challenged by God that Lifehouse would “thrive” in ’09.I invited our church to participate in an “Isaiah 58 Fast,” referencing verses 11-12:
“You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.”
From that fast, God revealed what it would mean for our church to “thrive:”
Lifehouse Church East would thrive and spread out in our community.We would see significant impact and flourish at the theater property.
We would facilitate unity among other area churches and work together to build The Church in this region, even send leaders out to help other churches.
We would plant two churches in the next three years, and we are currently developing these church planters.
Check out this video we created explaining THRIVE:
Thought I'd give you all the St. Patrick videos that we did for this sermon series.
Just a note: these are parodies, and meant to illustrate how often we do lack character. There funny, but all to accurate depiction of our own tension between living more like Jesus.
Episode 1: Faithfulness means keeping our word.
So, here goes. St. Patrick: the life of a "perfect" pastor.
Episode 2: Kindness means lifting others up.
Episode 3: Patience means waiting for what God wants.
Check out www.lifehousechurcheast.org to listen to the sermons and discover how to grow in these areas of character.
Just got back from Orlando, FL and the Exponential Conference. I'll be blogging more about it, but absolutely feel privileged that I was able to go and be around some of the greatest leaders of the Church worldwide.
Although I got little sleep, I'm not complaining. We (Ray came with me) left FL at 3:30pm and had a lay-over in Atlanta, that turned into a never-ending saga. A thunder storm shut down the airport, then lightning struck the Air Traffic Control center, so around 2am, we finally took off.
After 12 hrs of traveling, my bed never felt so good. Thrilled to be home with Laura and the girls, and looking forward to finally being able to spend some time with them tonight.
Got refreshed spiritually, mentally, emotionall, and in my passion and call!
I'm reminded of some John Wesley quotes:
Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.
Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.
Funniest quote of conference was Erwin McManus, "telling someone you are a pastor in our culture is liking saying, 'I'm a cannibal, want to join me for lunch'." Histerical... and so true.
However, people aren't looking for church but for the presence and power of God!
Just got back from a 24 hour prayer get-away with 7 other pastors from the Hagerstown area. I didn't realize how much I needed it until I got it. We went about 1.5 hrs NW into the mountains of PA. It was gorgeous and even snowed.
I shared with these pastors (who I know consider friends), that I need to build a one-day prayer get-away into my monthly schedule. I need to get-away with God, and get refueled, re-connected, and re-energized.
Change of Pace + change of Place = change of Perspective AND renewed Power and Presence of God.
I hiked up a mountain this morning, and felt God whispering His guidance into my life all the way.
The most encouraging thing I learned today, "God speaks Patrick-ese." Yep, He speaks my language. He knows exactly how to communicate in a way I will understand and will get maximum impact. So glad that God is so personal.
I took some time off from running and training over the last 3 weeks. Great refresher, and I was crazy busy with Lifehouse.
Finally got a chance to get a run in this morning, and it felt great. 4.5 miles in the light mist. Invigorating. I want to get a marathon and olympic triathlon in by early summer. Time to get in gear and back into serious shape.
What are your phyiscal goals for 2009?
Oh, and I know that phyiscal exercise is not as profitable as spiritual, but Paul didn't say that it's not profitable at all. For me, training keeps me focused and at my best spiritually.
At some point, nearly every parent responds to a "why" from their child with, "because I said so".
That's the moment when a parent decides that they don't want to or are not ready to explain the why's to their children, and they simply want obedience. They want immediate, unwavering obedience to their expectation or request.
For me personally, this happens rarely. I enjoy explaining life, chores, homework, whatever to my girls. They rarely ask a "why" question in protest, but usually just inquisitively. So, when their curiousity peeks, I love to help them grow.
However, on those rare occassions, when I don't want to explain, and I expect immediate obedience, they will receive the firm hand of correction if they don't comply. Usually, that's followed by, "When Dad speaks, you listen immediately regardless of your questions. Do as your told. If you have a question- obey first, ask later."
God does that to US as well! Yep, there are moments in following Jesus, that we're busy asking "why's" and not moving or obeying.
... but why should I stop sinning?
... but why is that wrong?
... but what about them? They're doing it, why can't I?
... NOW God? Are you sure? I mean, I have a lot going on, and next year would be better.
... but God, 10% is a lot of money? Are you sure? Maybe I'll just give 2%, that's better than nothing.
... but that doesn't make sense. Why should I give that up?
... but it wasn't my fault, why should I say I'm sorry?
Well, you get the idea. God's response to me is usually something like mine to my girls, "Because I said so, that's why? You may not understand it, but I do expect you to obey!"
What questions have kept you from obeying?
What is God asking you to do that you haven't because you can't figure it out?
Did you get that? That's what you type if you place your hands on the wrong keys on the keyboard, so instead of your left-hand pinky being on the "a", it's on the "s". What I was trying to type, until I realized that my hands were out of alignment, was:
Are you in alignment with God?
Just like placing my hands out of alignment, and the message gets all messed up and becomes incomprehensible, when we are out of alignment with God, we get messed up. If my attitudes, spirit, and thinking are not properly connected to God in obedience, the message of Jesus will become incomprehensible through my personal life. While we're trying to say one thing, our life will be saying another. And for those "listening", all they hear is "gobble-dee-goop". The impact of our mis-alignment is confusion, and even hypocrisy.
Let's all check our life and see how well we are living in obedience to God's Word.
Is there secret sin in my life that I need to confess? Is there an attitude that God wants to correct? Is there a wrong that I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?
BTW, I thought of this illustration at 2:30 am while waiting in bed for the rest of the world to wake up!
When something big happens in my life and/or ministry, nearly everytime there is a well meaning person that will give me a compliment followed by, "just don't let it go to your head, 'cause I don't want you to get prideful".
Now, I'm aware enough that the "pride of life" is a core temptation and struggle for all, and part of our sin nature. However, I thought I'd share briefly why I don't personalize Lifehouse "success" or anything else "big" that happens with my life.
Six and half years ago, at the lowest point in my ministry life, I felt like a failure and wanted out of ministry all together. I was leading a prayer time in my home, when I felt God speak to my heart,
"Patrick, do you believe I (God) can do something great with your life?"
It was the word "great" that scared me, and my response was, "Honestly God, NO, I don't."
Immediately, God stirred my heart with these words, "You are not doubting your abilities, but Mine (God's)." Ouch! I got the point and responded,
"Far be it from me to question Your power or plan. God, if you desire to little or much with me, small or great, I will obey and be Your servant."
So, when small or great things happen through my life for God's Kingdom, I remember nearly immediately and everytime a moment in life, when I genuinely had no self-esteem or confidence, and fully realize that I am walking in God-esteem. I know that God can do whatever He wants through whoever He wants whenever He wants. I continue to desire to be fully obedient to God regardless of whether His plans for my life are "small" or "great".
Regarding "greatness", I'm also aware that God doesn't measure it as we do. God said the last would be first, servant would be master, and least would be greatest. So, who am I to judge what parts of my ministry life are truly "great" and which only look great through a worldly perspective. My desire is to only desire to be "great" in God's eyes.
When others see my life, may their response be, "ONLY GOD!" That's the only comment I care to hear.
There are seed moments in God's design. These are moments when God plants a dream, idea, prayer, passion, and/ or destiny. Initially, it feels vague, impossible, and "pie-in-the-sky", and often we have to just trust God and keep praying.
Through obedience and faithfulness, God will cause the seed to germenate into a growing plant that eventually breaks the surface of the earth. And as the young plant grows and develops, it becomes a strong and mature plant that produces much fruit.
God's desire for our lives is that we would THRIVE! Read John 15:8.
Watch the seed moment for Lifehouse Church east revealed. This is an amazing story of God's faithfulness to bring the seed to fruit-bearing tree through our faithfulness and obedience. Thank God for the giants of our faith who have prayed our dreams into existence.
What seeds are in you that God desires to grow to fruitfulness? Are you being obedient and faithful?
Why do we pray? worship? gather as the Church? do outreach? invite friends and share Jesus with our community?
Recently, in our weekly staff prayer meeting, we began with a time of singing and worship. Since I have a lot to pray about and request of God, I wanted to challenge our team to pray boldly and really seek God on behalf of Lifehouse East. However, as we were singing, this passage came to mind,
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
I was reminded, "Prayer is not a means to an end. Prayer is the end (or the whole) of man. Worship isn't a means to an end. It's the end game."
We're not trying to manipulate God through worship or convince him to do something through prayer. We do everything else as a church to bring more people into a place where they can experience an intimate and loving relationship with God through prayer and worship.
We're not praying to reach more people as the end game. We are reaching more people for God, so that all people will turn and worship God!
I read a book a while ago titled Falling Forward, by John Maxwell. The premise is that failures are a chance to grow, and he gives lessons on how to learn from mistakes, and a challenge to never make the same mistake twice.
For me, the title has been more helpful than any content.
God allows "falling forward" moments, because we need to learn hard lessons. And if you are anything like me, you didn't learn when Dad told you not to do something. You had to get banged up to learn the lesson. As we mature, we should need less of these moments, and learn more from gentle rebuke, reading the Bible, or the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I wish!
I had a recent scrape-my-knees-into-the-dirt learning moment that was uncomfortable and hard to hear. But one thing I know about falling forward: BE VERY TEACHABLE! Learn the lesson quick so that you don't have to fall again.
These falling moments teach us much:
that we're human and failable. We're still inclined to mess up, sin, or say the wrong thing.
that we must always be dependent on God and never become to confident in ourselves.
that everyone, regardless of age, stature, or position, still needs a swift kick in the pants every once and a while.
that you'll fall backward if you're not heading in the right direction!
What gentle proding from God are you ignoring, that will eventually lead to a "falling forward" moment?
To continue keeping you updated, here’s the latest at Lifehouse Church East: In prayer and fasting, I feel strongly called to continue WAITING. Not lazy waiting, but active waiting.
What does it mean to ACTIVELY WAIT? I keep coming back to Joshua:
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Continue in prayer and fasting before God. For some Lifehousers, this idea is new and scary to be challenged to spend time daily in prayer and seeking God for His purpose to prevail for Lifehouse East. Great things from God happen when we don’t give up in prayer.
Worship God before we see the results of our prayer, not to manipulate Him to do something, but in celebration of what He will do.
Invite Friends. Don’t forget this Sunday is “Get Out” Friend Day, so invite everyone you can to join us and be part of what God is doing at Lifehouse East!
“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."
Prepare ourselves. “Consecrate” means to “make holy or pure” for God’s use. Let's get ourselves spiritually ready so that God can use us however He chooses. That's why we did the THRIVE campaign, to grow/ thrive spiritually and in lives that please God,
Prepare by planning ahead: we want to lay out the dream/ vision that God has put in our heart for Lifehouse. While we don’t feel like now is the right time to move forward to make it happen, we need to be diligent to get ready for when God does lead us to move. So here are our next steps to prepare and get ready (this requires all Lifehousers involvement):
Cast Vision- I will begin regularly communicating where God is leading us, and we are planning to host a Lifehouse Ministry Summit in May to share the entire dream to THRIVE. Between now and May, we will have time to put a viable and well-thought out business, financial, building plan in place,
Develop a Plan- we are beginning to work on a business plan for the future of Lifehouse. How we could launch business within a Lifehouse-owned building to cover all costs of the building and use additional income from those businesses to help the community, local churches, and to plant new churches,
Due Diligence- We've already meet with contractors, inspectors, CPA, business planners, and have spoken to investors and lenders. We've researched this building, got proposals and plans in place, reviewed blueprints, etc. I think we've done more work and investigation than anyone else who will bid on this property- in less than a week.
Build a THRIVE Fund- we need to start giving/ saving money for this dream. We will set up a fund within our books to save for this dream, and invite ALL Lifehousers to give generously toward our future. First, we must payoff our $14,000 outstanding loan with Susquehanna Bank, then begin setting aside gifts to this THRIVE Fund. We believe that as we give and save for the plans God has put in our heart, God will provide and we will be ready when God leads us to take the next step. I would like to stay debt free as we move forward, unless God leads otherwise. (write THRIVE FUND in the memo of your check- give as God leads you).
Keep Focused on Eternity- even as we build this THRIVE Fund, we need to keep our focus on eternity and building God’s Kingdom, so we will give 10% of all gifts to that Fund to community needs, other churches, and church planting. We are NOT about buildings but about God’s Kingdom. We want to be generous to God so He will continue to entrust us with much. (see Matthew 25:14-30)
Trust God and Don’t Panic. Waiting may be one of the hardest things for us to do, because we aren’t in control. We must trust God and not worry when troubling or discouraging things happen around us. I know that there will be moments in the future that will test our faith and resolve, but Lifehouse is part of God’s Church and He’s in charge and will protect and provide for us. So, don’t listen to negativity and keep your faith in Jesus. Read all of Psalm 112, but here’s the part the speaks to me:
Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
Have great faith! Stay the course! Believe that God will do great things for the future of Lifehouse Church East!
Got to be honest, reading Leviticus and Numbers is NOT very exciting. Matter of fact, I almost encouraged Rebecca to skip it and get to the "good stuff". But she actually keeps asking questions and is learning a lot, although sometimes she'll ask a question and I'll think, "what is she reading? I can't let her read stuff like that!" For example, she recently asked me, "Daddy, what is sexual relations?" Yea, I almost took her Bible away!
While reading through these lists of rules, rituals, methods of sacrifice and various offerings, and never-ending lists of names and details of the Jewish national census, I think I have an idea of why it's all in there. Now, this is not official, and there are amazing lessons and typology mixed into these books, so I'm not discounting them, but this ONE lesson really jumped out to me:
God cares and knows about all the details!
Reading all the minutia of detailed plans for the temple, geneologies, etc, I've become aware that God cares and is involved in the details of His Church and our lives. How amazing! I have a tendency to still think that God cares about the "Big" picture of my life but isn't actively involved in the "minor" details. But reading Leviticus and Numbers, I'm learning just how much God cares about and is actively involved in the "minorest" of details in my life.
God cares and knows about my need for a day off, insurance policies, technology malfunctions, stress, business plans, building codes, financials, emotional issues, family concerns, investment options... Our life is full of a ton of details, but God knows and cares about each one. Our role is to listen and seek guidance in prayer and from the Bible, then trust God and live out the details.
Make God-led decisions, and trust that God is leading our steps in each detail.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Pr 3:5-6
In what details do you need to invite God into your life?
I want to continue to keep you informed on the status of the building and how God is leading us.
If you didn’t read my previous update, you can do so at here. I wrote yesterday that I/we are praying to gain direction from God as to how to proceed regarding the auction of the theaters where we currently meet.
Here’s what we are doing now?
We are pursuing a “due diligence” investigation on the possibility of bidding on the building:
Meeting with general contractors, building inspectors, business planner, lending institution- to determine viability of purchasing and using the building for business/ church use. We are not fearful or anxious about this situation, just doing our homework.
Please do not begin to speculate on whether we will or will not purchase the building, since we are not moving in the direction right now, only investigating the possibility.
We would need a God- miracle to purchase the theaters since we don’t have cash or financing secured to purchase the building.
Based on our current financials, we are not in a position to afford the mortgage on this building, and I don’t want our finances getting bogged down in trying to make a mortgage payment rather than focusing on ministry. I was clear yesterday that if we bought the building, we would have to have a business plan in place to show that the businesses would cover the cost of the building so that it wouldn’t be a burden to Lifehouse East.
I believe that we are responsible to do everything we can that is possible, and then ask God and wait for God to do the impossible.
In prayer, I believe the direction to go is to WAIT!
As I wrote yesterday, I want to lead and plow ahead, especially because I know that you are looking for clear direction.
However, I know that God wants us to wait on Him, and not get ahead of where He is leading us. Joshua 3 makes it clear that God’s presence must lead, and we must be alert to follow Him. I will continue to fast and pray until God leads us.
Waiting on God is our direction for today. I know “the Lord will do amazing things among” us (Joshua 3:5). And He wants ALL the glory and credit for doing them.
My/ our role is to pray and wait on God. We will not move or do anything until we see God clearly moving, then we will follow.
I believe that God will move ahead of us to lead us to great “breakthrough”. Exodus 14 says that the Israelites were terrified because they were cornered between the imposing army of Egypt and the Red Sea, but Moses spoke on behalf of God and said, “Don’t be afraid! Stand still and you will see the Lord save you today. You will never see these Egyptians again after today. 14 You only need to remain calm; the Lord will fight for you.”
God has a way of “cornering” us into “impossible” situations so that our only hope and source is God, and so that when we does “amazing things among us” everyone knows that it was ONLY GOD.
Our role is to WAIT and pray! Please pray and wait on God. He will come through for us and our faith in God will grow and our impact in this community will significantly increase. We will THRIVE.
Thank you for your prayers and for coming together as a church like never before! Thanks for all the encouraging emails I’ve received, and I want you to know how proud I am to pastor such an amazing community of Jesus-followers.
I would rather speak to you in person, but I feel strongly that I need to communicate what’s in my heart and to offer you insight into our current situation at Lifehouse during this week. Please take a few minutes and read this entire email so that you can be fully informed and can pray appropriately. I know it’s the length of an novel, but I’m putting my heart and passion into this email.
First, let me tell you what’s going on since many of you may not aware:
Hagerstown Cinemas (where we meet) is going up for auction on 3/17 (next Tues),
We haven’t been concerned about this auction, since the Cinema company has a 10 year lease on the building and we are under their lease,
We understood that whoever bought the property would be legally obligated to honor that lease agreement,
However, this past Sunday morning, we learned that the lease agreement between the owner and Diamond Cinemas has become voided,
While we could challenge this with Diamond, it would not keep us in the building and would only tie us up in court.
What are our options?
Hope that whoever purchases the building would honor our lease and continue to lease us the building,
Bid at the auction (starting bid of $995,000) to purchase the building, buy it and begin using it as a church and for other business purposes,
Move into another building,
We do not have money in savings for a deposit and we are not currently in a position to borrow a substantial amount of money (the bank would require that our income/ donations be well beyond our expenses, and they are not),
We have invested significantly into the theater with the understanding that we would be here for several years.
As the lead pastor of Lifehouse, it is my responsibility to lead the church wisely with direction from God and counsel from our pastors and advisors. I have been in prayer and fasting about this matter from Sunday evening. A church must NOT make business decisions about these matters, but must clearly follow the direction of God to fulfill His Cause for our church.
We don’t exist to own buildings and land, to make money or to pay salaries. The Church exists to share God’s love and the message of Salvation through Jesus with everyone in the world. That is our Cause! Lifehouse exists to reach this 4-state region with the relevant and powerful message of Jesus, and to show people God’s love through compassion and being an authentic community or “family of friends”.
God has led me clearly to plant and pastor Lifehouse, and I can honestly say that He has guided us supernaturally in each step we have taken.
It’s my responsibility to lead during this uncertain time and give direction to the leaders of our church. So, it’s strange to write you and tell you that I’m still waiting to know how to lead. Allow me to explain:
When God called me to start Lifehouse in Hagerstown, MD, He spoke clearly to me through Joshua 1, I will give you every place where you set your foot… 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
I have held onto this passage and followed it closely, and now feel that Joshua 3 speaks to where we are at as a church. God spoke this to Joshua: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it.” 5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”
What does this mean for us?
The Ark represents the presence of God. And God said, make sure My presence goes before you, and keep your distance. The people had to stay back far enough so that God could lead and they wouldn’t get ahead of Him, because “they had never been this way before.”
We’ve never been this way before, and I’ve never led in this direction before,
Secondly, God wants to do amazing things among us, but He wants us to know that it was Him and not our planning or brilliant thinking that made the amazing things happen,
We must “consecrate” ourselves- that means “to be set apart for God’s use” OR “to be made holy". God wants us to pray, confess our sins, and keep our attitudes focused on Him,
I don’t lead the church, God does, and it’s my job to hear from Him, follow the Bible, and only lead in the direction that is right and biblical,
We’re not doing anything until I know God has clearly spoken and directed us,
We are praying, fasting, and diligently seeking God,
I (and our pastoral team) am bold enough to follow God by faith in whatever direction He leads, and I know that He will do miraculous things through Lifehouse (He does it every week)!
What do I know God is saying?
We will THRIVE in ’09. I know that God spoke that this year we would THRIVE, flourish, and possess the land. Isaiah 58:12 really caught my attention: “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”
To THRIVE means we will reach many more people with the message of salvation, and many will make Lifehouse their home church,
It means we will have a great impact in our city through partnering with other churches and doing compassion ministries (helping people),
It means that we will thrive in resources- that God will bless us with abundance- to show that there is a distinction between those who obey God and those who don’t,
Therefore, we must fast and pray, and I must call our church to PRAY,
We won’t move until God speaks and gives us clear direction (read about what happened to Saul in 1 Samuel 13 when he got ahead of God),
God wants all the glory, credit, and fame for the great things He wants to do in and through Lifehouse,
We must pray and fast so that we are all aware that ONLY GOD did the amazing things that He will do at Lifehouse,
We must not become consumed with or distracted by buildings. Jesus-followers make up the building of the Church, not bricks and mortar. Physical buildings are only a tool for God to use so the Church can have a greater impact on a region and reach more people with His love and message, but the building must never BE the Church, only a place WHERE the Church meets.
I have a great plan and vision for how we could use the theaters (or a building) to do some amazing things: renovate so that the building would be more appeal, fit an even larger number of guests and new Jesus-followers; start businesses in the building to cover the cost of the facility so that the church isn’t burdened with it, i.e. a family-friendly theater, a day-care center, etc; use the profits from those businesses to do more outreach and service ministries to our community and PLANT new churches.
What are we going to do?
PRAY- I’m asking ALL Lifehouse to pray. Set aside special time to ask God for guidance and to speak to us as leaders. Pray for God’s blessing over Lifehouse and that we would have a powerful impact in our community/ region. Pray that NO ONE would become confused or fearful during this time, but that we all would have boldness, courage, and confidence- knowing that GOD IS FOR US!
FOCUS- keep our eyes on the goal of impacting our city and region with God’s love; keep inviting people to Lifehouse- especially since this week is FRIEND DAY; keep sharing and showing Jesus; keep on being a “family of friends” and never let our goal be about a building.
BE GENEROUS- I’m confident that if I asked you to give immediately toward the purchase of this building, that you would give sacrificially and generously. I want to call you to begin giving generously toward the Church- not a building, but the Church and our Cause. We will be good stewards to save and prepare for where God leads us. Exodus 35-36 is about God calling people to give to build His tabernacle (church), and this part stands out,
Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the LORD has commanded: 5 From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering… All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do… And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. 4 So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5 and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” 6 Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, 7 because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.
Give whatever God lays on your heart, and be obedient to give what God speaks to you to give. Laura and I will be praying immediately about this as well. I know you want to know what you are giving sacrificially to- to God and where He will lead us. I believe this week is a time to call our church to give generously to God.
You all know that we, as Lifehouse, are not about money or getting you to give MORE, but I feel strongly to invite you to give whatever God puts on your heart to give.
Thank you for taking the time to read this “novel”, and please begin to PRAY, stay FOCUSED, and GIVE generously! I will write as soon as we know more or sense the clear leading of God. I am committed to fasting and praying until I am certain I have heard from God and can lead with His direction.
I've heard many people complian that "there is too much politics in the church" (honestly, not from Lifehouse but throughout my years of ministry experience).
First, let me define what I think they mean by "politics":
leveraging position or power to get an agenda accomplished,
holding a hidden agenda but using "spiritual" terms to get it through,
leaders making decisions based on money or clout rather than hearing clearly from God.
As a leader, I think there are times when people in a church blame politics when things just don't happen "their way". On the other hand, I agree that there is too much politics happening in churches rather than God-anointed leaders leading.
So, I'd like to point out how God deals with politics in His Church from 2 examples from Numbers 16-17:
Dathan, Korah, and Abiram didn't like Moses and Aaron's "controlling" leadership. They felt that God wasn't with them and that someone else should lead. So, God command Moses to invite them all to come the next day to worship God. But when they gathered, Moses announced that if God is with Him, then these men would be swallowed up by the earth. Moments later, the earth opened and consumed the men.
People saw this happen and grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying that they had killed God's people and questioned their leadership again (not very bright). Moses challenged the people to have the leaders of their tribes bring their wooden staffs and lay them in the presence of God the next morning. Aaron laid his staff alongside the other leaders, and Moses said, "The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout..." By the next day, Aaron's staff had started growing and sprouted leaves.
God doesn't tolerate "politics" and personal agendas among His chosen people. He leads and He wants His people to follow.
I want to be a leader that obediently follows God's awesome plan and lives for His Cause. Let our church be surrendered to following God's design and guard against politics and hidden agendas. God will make His perfect plan very clear and we are responsible to obey.
How much of our spiritual life is "for display only"?
I found this Bible on a table at a church ministry center and thought it was odd:
If you can't read the bright green label on this Bible, it says, "For Display Only, DO NOT TAKE"
Wow! Couple thoughts:
1. Is that what our spiritual life is full of? It's just on display but doesn't impact the rest of my life. Are we putting it out for people to see, especially people who will respect our spiritual habits, but we don't let it impact our everyday, private life.
2. If you've got a Bible or Bibles with labels that say, "DO NOT TAKE!" Can I suggest that you forgot why you exist? Matter of fact, let's start putting labels on every Bible we own that say, "PLEASE TAKE, KEEP, and READ!" I want to give as many Bibles away as possible.
The cold weather is almost over; spring is coming! So is Friend Day at Lifehouse Church East. Since people have been holed up in their houses all winter, they're starting to do strange things. Our goal on March 15th is to challenge everyone to GET OUT!
Friends don't let friends stay in their houses TOO long. And now it's been TOO long. Their stuck behind their webcams, reading magazines, playing video games. They need to GET OUT! Watch this, it'll inspire you!
So, here's the plan. Challenge your friends to GET OUT, and then TAKE them OUT to Lifehouse. Afterward invite them for TAKE OUT or to OUTback (take me along too).
We're also getting cheap at Lifehouse, and don't want to spend money on an expensive Friend Day. So, this is it! No invite cards (well, except the cheap ones we printed off in house), just a funny video and a challenge to get everyone out!
Let's "attack the relationship killers" and what better time the Valentine's Day weekend to begin! Watch this ridiculous trailer to our new series, "Dr. Phillis attacks relationship killers".
What are the "killers" in your relationships? What topics would you like to see us address?
At Lifehouse, we're constantly looking for and trying to come up with new ways to spread the word about Lifehouse and God. Thought it'd be cool to launch a website (that links directly to www.thelifehouse.org) but has a more exciting/appealing name.
We need your help to come up with this site. The site needs to be fun/ appealing/ make people want to check it out, and fit Lifehouse. So, here's how you can help:
do you have any suggestions?
what's the best 1 or 2 words to describe Lifehouse? (coffeechurch.com or relaxedchurch.com or coolestchurchwiththelamestpastor.com)
On occasion I'm caught off guard by God, or better yet God-moments. Subtle encounters where you can see the fingerprint of God looking back on what just happened.
Well, I had one last week.
I've been carrying $5 in my pocket waiting to fulfill my day 16 challenge to give the money to someone that I didn't know who was in need. It wasn't for lack of effort. I've been carrying it with me looking for the "right" person. It feels like so little, but I knew I needed to be led by God in the moment when to give.
Well, I was early to a meeting at 6:30 one morning, and waiting in my car, I prayed, "God, I really want to give this money away, but I don't know to whom, and I'm wondering why you haven't led me to anyone yet. Please lead me, so they I can be a blessing to someone in Your Name." Then I reached over and grabbed my devotional to read the challenge of that day.
Just then, a guy with a gas can in-hand walked right up to the window of my car and ask for help with some gas money. He was coming to town for a job interview and his van stalled right across the street from where I was parked.
I helped him happily. He was genuinely grateful and even came into the restaurant to find and thank me. It's cool when you can see the "fingerprints" of God in your life.
Recently I have felt an increased awareness of a tension that I think many find challenging. It's this- the world vs. eternity; living for the now vs. living for eternity; wanting more vs. giving more.
So, today in our staff prayer, I prayed a very uncomfortable, scary prayer, and I even thought of retracting it as it was coming out of my mouth. But I mean it and I really believe God will answer it.
Here's what I was thinking before I prayed, "God, this is so hard for me, and the flesh side of me doesn't even want you to answer my prayer. But here goes..."
"God, help me to surrender fully to you and live only for eternity, so that this world has no grip on my life. I don't want to be consumed with what this world has to offer or what I can gain. Help me so live for eternity that I will make any sacrifice, surrender every care, and submit to your perfect will. And give me such a firm grasp on eternity, that it doesn't even feel like sacrifice. Help me live only for eternity!"
Will you pray the scary prayer, "Help me live only for eternity"?
How would the answer to that prayer change your life?
I found a profound principle while reading Exodus that reveals how you can discover your purpose and live your destiny (and it's quicker than reading Purpose Driven Life).
I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you:the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent...Exodus 31:6-7
Do you see it? What an amazing principle! Allow me to explain:
First, we discover what we are uniquely gifted by God to do and be- these are skills, talents, and abilities. In this case they were skilled craftsmen.
Secondly, we must recognize how these skills/ talents fit into God's perfect design for building His "temple", i.e. the Church. See, in this passage, God already laid out a design for the tabernacle, and the craftsmen need to follow precisely what God had planned.
Third, be and do it!
Some spend too much time trying to discern the "will" of God for their life, and they haven't bothered to look at their own hands and ask, "what can I uniquely contribute? what do I have to offer?"
Others are so busy using their gifts and talents, and they have any found success in the process. But they haven't bothered to ask God, "What's your design for my life and talents?"
Finally, some people know their gifts and even how God wants to use them, they're just limited by fear, laziness, worry, busyness, or something- so they never actually "just do it!"
How has God both uniquely gifted you and how does that fit into God's perfect design for the church?
