Psalm 11 - Fly to the Lord

 Ps. 11

  ¹      In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain, 

²    for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 

³    if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 

⁴    The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 

⁵    The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 

⁶    Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 

⁷    For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. 

 

I know this moment. I’m so thankful it was of David. He made mistakes. Wasn’t perfect. But He still pursued the heart of God. Righteous, not because he was perfect, but because his repentance came quickly…he couldn’t stay long on the wrong side of his King.

 

Sometimes, maybe all the time, there is no way to flee to a place of safety when people attack you. Even if you remove yourself, pull back, or “fly” away…arrows keep coming. Every now and then, they are easy to see. Enemies of the cross, acting in the slavery of sin. Other times it doesn’t. The arrows fly from the hand of a person with a Bible in their backpack and podcast lists filled with doctrinal insight. It isn’t in rebellion that they take aim…it is with sear consciouses (1 Tim. 4:2) that allows bitterness and disdain to take refuge in their hearts, which makes loading arrows and those who overlook them to feel “good, right, justified.”

 

What can the righteous do? Again, this isn’t perfect. It is one who is right with God. How can you know if you are righteous? First, Have you confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you repented from your sin? Confessed it to your Lord and currently following His direction obediently? (active obedience, we can’t overlook this part)  Then you aren’t perfect, but you are righteous. 

 

Take refuge in the Lord. Not the “high ground,” but in His throne. There is safety and rest. The arrows won’t stop immediately, but they will stop. You see the one with a seared conscience doesn’t realize that their arrows are no longer taking aim at you, but now have begun to take aim at the King, His Bride, His Name.

 

The Lord is righteous. He will reward “the bird” who seeks refuge in Him and the hand of the one who pulls the bow with a just reward. Be at Peace. 

 

If you ever find yourself with your fingers on the string of that bow…repent. Drop it. And join the “bird” in seeking refuge and forgiveness in the throne room of the King. There’s still room for you…just not your bow.

Windshield and the Rear View Mirror

There's a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror...what's in front of you (me) is vastly more important than what is behind you (me).

This is not a wise saying that I've thought of, but a truth of scripture to all believers!

But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

(Lk 9:62)

² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2)

And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” (Lk 9:5)

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (Php 3:13)

These are some of the most freeing verses in scripture, but some of the hardest to hold on to. That doesn't make sense does it? Not really, but I will tell you as a pastor/person...it's tough for me.

It's easy to dwell on hurt, missed opportunities, and the wrongs of our past. There is a bond that can be built around the things of our past. What I've found is, the longer I look in that rearview mirror...the more current the things of my past feel.

It's like that guy who is riding your bumper down the road on the way to your family vacation. The more you look at him, the more upset you get. The more upset you get, the more power you give him in your life. We stop talking about our joy and build conversation around the rearview mirror. What would happen if you acknowledge him for a moment and then never looked back. You just went back to talking with the others in your car about what is ahead. Where did this driver's power go? It's gone!

Now, that's not easy. In fact, I find some joy in trying to make that guy get off my bumper! I can tell others who will share my joy and their stories of dealing with such instances in their past! It feels...good. Like someone gets me! You know what's funny, this type of action EXTENDS the driver's influence into your future and he's not even there! That's why the Bible shows us that it's our job to keep our eyes from getting saturated with the things that we've been freed from.

As a pastor, holy moly, keeping my eyes forward often creates some of the most gut wrenching moments in my life. Countless times, God has shown me His direction, every time there is someone who desires to stay at the train station or get on a train going in the opposite direction. Like a child leaving his best friends behind, I have found myself often with my nose stuck to the window, tears in my eyes, longing for my friends to jump on! I think these moments are important, but can't last. Sin sneaks in, not in the parting of ways, but in holding on the sorrow, pain, anguish of the moment. When we, or I, keep our eyes fixed on what lies behind, we (I) neglect what lies ahead...the others on the train, the joy of the journey, even the conversation of the destination. Many times what's in the rearview mirror isn't an enemy, but a friend. In these times, I relate most with Heb. 12:2.

The joy is greater than the cross. The cross was brutal for Jesus. I cannot fathom, but it was a moment  a speck on the windshield of eternity. The joy was so overwhelming, the cross...was fleeting. The same is true for you and me christian.

So, turn your eyes to what God has in store. What He's rescued you from... your hurts, your past, your missed opportunities...leave them there. They have a capitol "V" on them...God has already given you victory. Don't revisit them...they died and you are a new person. I know what's in the rearview mirror still feel's alive...it may be, but not in you. Don't take my word for it:

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ²¹ I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. (Ga 2:20–21)

This past Saturday I was surrounded by 21 men in prayer exalting God through prayer for what He has in store for us, our church, and families.  We were looking out of the windshield and it's beautiful!  

So today...take your eyes off of the rearview mirror...there's a reason it's so small. 

Friendship: fears and favor

What kind of friend are you? How connected are you to those closest to you?

Christi and I are night and day in this area.

Christi is a connector...the best kind. She allows her door to be open wide to many friendships. On top of that she is the birthday writer, weekly caller...if you have an important concert, play, competition, life event coming up...you can bet she remembered it, prayed for you, and did her best to show up or at least encourage you before the big day.

Me...not so much. I can get smothered in a hurry...what's funny is, I probably did my fair share of being a "smother-er" as a youth. My best friends in the world, I may only talk with 2-3 times a year. Other friends I haven't seen in years, and I still have a strong bond when I think about them. An honest truth, I forget...A LOT!  I may forget to write happy birthday on their FB page and would miss some major life events (if Christi hadn't have reminded me of them) I don't need to talk every day, I know these friends are my friends. When the time occurs for us to get together or catch up, it's always good.

Friendship is a tricky thing isn't it? I don't think the "type of friend" that we are, good/bad, has  much to do with how often we tag someone on FB. I think it's tricky because people are tricky. Flawed. All of us. Listen there are some people who want to get close to you with an agenda. Those are obvious to see. But what does God say about this wonderful, flawed relationship He commissioned called friendship?

I was struck in my personal time with God about this. Listen to the Holy Spirit speak through Paul in Galatians 3: 17-20

(17)They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. (18)But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. 

(19)My children, with whom I am again in labor with you until Christ is formed in you - 

(20)but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. 

I can't explain it to you, but the Lord really hit me with this today. I felt like I needed to remember it personally and to share it publicly.

What hit me first was truth...I like being "eagerly sought." In fact, I need others in my life to help me out. This may look different for everyone of us, but the truth is, I like being liked! I was glad I didn't stop after verse 17, because in verse 18, Paul affirms what I felt..."it's good to be eagerly sought!" Whew! It's good to have friends that help you out. It feels good having someone to lean on, call who times are tough. Someone that reaches out to you once and a while (so that you and I don't feel like we have to always be the initiator).

IT IS GOOD TO HAVE A FRIEND. 

Now follow me... hidden in these words are some of the most valuable truths on friendship that you and I can ever hear. Some friends are driven by, and drive us to, fear and some are driven by, and drive us to, favor.

I am not buying into the lie that there are a ton of people eagerly seeking my friendship to steal from me or ride on my coattails..if you are out there...pockets are thin and I tuck my shirts in ;) But sincerely, I think most people who eagerly seek me as a friend...wait for it...want to be friends. It that bad? Nope! I like having friends. But, God gives me, us, a good word here about discernment with those who eagerly seek us. The word isn't necessarily to put a bouncer at the door of every relationship...you are either "all in" or "all out." It is directed at those friends that we allow to have meaningful influence on our lives.

Some people eagerly seek friendship out of fear and others out of favor. (you, like me, may have been guilty of this yourself...so no judging here...just follow me) How do we know the difference? To be honest it isn't easy, but God, by His grace, gives us a litmus test Fear grips, favor builds.

Fear grips. Friendships forged like this can be some of the most reliable out there. From constant check ups, to digging into your problems, always trying to help when you are in need. They solve your problems when you aren't around. Your kids are their kids. When you call they simultaneously pick up the phone and knock on your door ;) ! Is anything wrong with this? Honestly, not necessarily! Reliability is a strong trait in friendship!

BUT, here's the litmus test...Paul says that fearful friends "wish to shut you out so that you will only seek them." Read that again and let it sink in.

Hold the phones. You and I have to have God's lens on every relationship, right. I'll say it again, Fear grips, favor builds. This is true in friendships. When someone eagerly seeks you as a friend (or again   as we bring our own actions under the light of God's word...when you and I eagerly seek someone as a friend), are you finding your friendship circle expand or contract? Who are they pointing you to as goto support in your life? A Fear Friend will, with the best intention, try to be our overwhelming goto person. In fact, you may feel guilty spending time with others without them. Ever gone out with some friends and not posted a pic of a date night on FB because you didn't want to hurt another friend's feeling? Fear grips. Ever handed off a problem or been in need seeking advice from someone and a someone else suddenly "has it under control." Read Paul's words again, about fearful friends. They "wish to shut you out so that you will only seek them."

Favor builds. A friend like Paul points to in v.18, is one that builds us up! A Favor friend, builds our hope in God's plan for our life, His promise for our marriage, His provision for our children. A Favor friend is always there when we need them, but never wants to be the hero. A favor friend turns our eyes to other favor friends...our circle of friends increases, they rejoice when others are added and celebrate the network of Christ, the church, growing.

Friendship can be like cleaning solution. It starts out concentrated, but needs to have water added or it will stop being a cleaning agent and begin to cause corrosion. Water is needed to dilute it. This causes the concentration to be dispersed and the initial solution to share the space it once held alone.

I don't think God made everyone to have to have a certain number of close friends in their lives. For some its a small number for others big. I don't believe there is a formula for how often good friends must be in contact. But, I think God's word is clear, the friends that we rely on the most must be built on Favor, not fear. God's plan for us is commendable friendships that show the world the beauty of God's bride being the church together.

Paul's comments on the end are funny to me. I wish someone would have said this to me when I forged certain friendships and made certain decisions throughout my life..."For I am perplexed by you." Today we'd say..."this doesn't sound like you." Maybe they did and I just couldn't hear it. I can't go back and change my actions or responses that were influenced by fear, but I can move forward.

Being a Favor Friend to everyone, including those who are fearful. 

Fearful friends aren't evil. I've been one (and bet I'll be tempted at times by fear again and again in the future)...they are scared. Scared to lose what little they have. Scared to have their circle of friends contract even further. Scared that if they lose influence, importance...they will have little left. Scared that they aren't worthy of friendship. Fearful friends need Favor Friends.

Last night at TCBY the young lady behind the counter told me that she was "ready to go home, get in bed and watch a movie like all of the other losers with no one on Valentine's day." She needed a favor friend...not a friend to find her worth in...but someone to point her to hope, trust, and her value...I, in the least creepy way possible tried...I told her...my family is here that's what I was hoping to do when I get home...so either we both losers or neither of us are. (profound right?)

I know it was weak, but one of the things I love in life is loving people! We have to share commendable friendship with friends who are scared, fearful. We can build them up to trust, remind them of the value that God gives. Point them to the victories they can't see or imagine yet. Do I have to be mindful of their fear, certainly, but I don't have to fear it. The secret is, most favor friends were fearful friends someone in life. Someone had to show them what favor looked like. I did. It may be a tightrope not to pulled into their fear and God hasn't called us to get warm and snuggly with every person that walks into our life., but for those you influence away from fear towards favor...it's life changing.

Seeking more and more Favor Friends to help my life be the fullest that God made it to be.

This is tough, it takes discernment and gentleness. It takes patience and accountability. It means evaluating those relationships I am now in and their influence on my life...but in the end, the more Favor friends I have...the better man, husband, father, brother, son, teacher, pastor...the more blessed my life will be.

Walk Slowly Down the Mountain

Time to head home. Today ends a restful week my soul so desperately needed...beyond what I would have ever thought. I am so grateful for a church that allows me to be nourished in such a way, and a family that "covers" for me interrupting their lives to love and care for my children.

God has been teaching, loving, and ministering to me so sweetly this week. Today, on my last walk of the week He summed it all up.

WALK SLOWLY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN


The hills here are tough. Climbing them on the walk back to the room makes the Thigh Master seem like a warm up activity. It is easy to walk slowly up the mountain isn't it? It demands that you lean into it, shorten your stride, and take your time. When life it really overwhelming, tragedy strikes, or struggles appear in relationships...we know to slow down, lean into them and walk carefully through.

But downhill, that's a different story. When I'm going downhill, everything about it calls me to speed up! Embrace the pace and get down in record time! I love racing for a record...especially when I was younger. Speed, Speed...who am I kidding, I still like it. But running downhill causes me to miss the beauty all around me. The views, the glory of the decent, the sounds and sights. It's also harder. It burns a little to walk slowly, it almost feels unnatural. Stopping and running...that feels natural, not going slowly. That's what God's calling me to though...and I want it.

My kids are both on the short side of calling the place we dwell home. I am wired to run through life, press on so hard that I hope they keep up and find joy in running as I do. I'm also tempted to STOP. Make my life revolve around them, trying to milk every moment beyond even God's design. Neither of those is what I am created to be as a dad. I'm called to lead, to love, to mold. If I'm running too fast I'm leaving them in the dust. If I stop walking them down God's path then I'm setting them up to think life is about them, not Christ. I don't want them to be left to the wolves, nor unintentionally become a wolf by not leading them, investing my love for Christ in them.

Nope, I've gotta walk slowly down the mountain...they'll want to run...but it's not up to them yet ;)
No, I want to point out God's beauty to them, work through he pains of the hill with them, help them to see beyond their feet, their speed...beyond themselves.

Walking slowly down the mountain isn't just for me as a dad. Nope, it's for me as a Christ lover, a wife lover, a friend, boss, leader, Pastor. Every area of life! God owns the record, not by His speed, but by His hand! This life, it's never been a race run by speed...nope, by pace! I'm running to win...and that's only going to happen if I slow down. Be intentional about my steps. Remember my calling is more than just enduring...its about delighting!

Walk Slowly Down the Mountian

(Please forgive any typos...there's no computer at the bottom of the mountain, so I had to use my phone)

Remembering What I've Forgotten

Today begins a sabbatical week for me. A time the church so lovingly allows me to get away from the day to day things of church and get refocused and recharged for the year to come. I arrived late last night to our cabin, beautiful, it even has a wood burning fireplace!

When I woke up this morning, 40 degrees outside, beautiful view out the glass doors to the patio, I decided that all I needed was a roaring fire! That would make the perfect setting for my morning time with the Lord. Let me ask you something...

Do you know how hard it is to get a fire going? It may seem a whole lot easier when its a wildfire in the forrest, a house fire...one that's destructive, but try getting one started in the fireplace when all you've done for the past 15 years is push a button and...viola!

Let me tell you, it takes a ton of work! After 45 minutes of me vs. the fire...I have a sustained fire. Not a roaring fire mind you, but it seems to be holding heat ;)

I know, all you boy scouts out there are not impressed. Some of you build a fire weekly and it takes you 10% of the time that it took me. Actually, that's the point. As a chid I remember starting fires at my granddaddy's house almost every time we went. The fire would get so hot, when you'd sit next to it your shirt would start to feel like it was on fire! It was raging! I know what to do...I've done it before...but I've gotten out of practice. I've forgotten. Oh, I pulled it off, but barely. It took a long time to remember and apply. Many ups downs (a newspaper and half a roll of paper towels). 

As I begin this week, I needed to struggle with this fire. I've had a push button routine in my faith for so long, I find the grind of getting to the deep things of God harder than I remember. You know what I mean? I think we sometimes  (maybe its just me) get discouraged when the raging fire that we remember in our spirit doesn't ignite so quickly. Maybe we're tempted to go back to the push button day to day routine of our faith. DON'T! That push button faith is convenient. It is easy. It's clean. It also doesn't put out a ton of heat. 

 But that's not the Messy Faith...the wildfire of life we've been called to! A our life in Christ is meant to ignite the world around us! Spread and heat up our life! It's meant to change the world, starting with those closest to it! 

Many of us have forgotten that. We've gotten complacent in our walk. Hurried in our prayer life. Discouraged by the disappointments of trying to start the fire...and our lives just aren't catching/sustaining the flame. 

DON'T QUIT. DOUBLE YOUR EFFORTS. REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE. 

His promise is that He will help you! 

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26) 

You and I can't quit! We need the heat that comes form walking with the Spirit. It's that life changing relationship that you and I were created for...but it won't come easy. We have to tend the fire. We have to burn anything we can put our hands on to ignite it...and once we ignite it, we have to pay attention to it or it will go out again. 

Even as I've been writing, I've had to stop multiple times to tend the fire. I've added a log. Picked up the hottest pieces that fell from the center of the stack...Let me give you a little hope. Even though it's work, it's rewarding to tend the fire...to keep it going! When I look at it I am reminded and encouraged by its very existence! 

How much MORE will we experience when the fire of our faith gets burning hot again! 

This is my Family

I wish I had the patience to put 1,000 more pictures in this collage! I love my family. So often, when I say family, it is just the picture in the middle of them all that people think of. My family is SO much more! It reaches around the world, beyond city limits, across cultures. Outside of my relationship with Christ, it is my most valuable gift in this life!

Do you know what the people in the pictures all have in common? They have been loved by God, but not only that, they have embraced that love by exchanging their life for the life God offered them through Christ Jesus! This bond is more important than blood, borders, and political parties. They win in my book...if anything threatens to rip us apart...it will not stand (or at least I would do all that I can to break down that barrier). I love them so much, if they win and I lose...I celebrate with them. When they hurt, I am in pain. If they they celebrate...even hundreds or thousands of miles away...I do too. If they stumble and fall in their faith, I want to be there to help (not just tickle their ears). Do you know what? I know they feel the same way about me! Family is amazing!

Something has been happening in our family. (The family called the church) Things are dividing us. Preferences. Perspectives. Soft Hearts. Hard Hearts. Can I tell you that I understand, but it's not ok.


My Family has a value system (given by our Father)

A famous Pastor's wife and her husband, in reaction to the harshness of some christians, recently called homosexuality "holy." I have read and reread their perspectives and their conclusions. Honestly, it has little to do with the Bible (although I know they would disagree), but more to do with the pain that was being inflicted on people's lives by the staunchness of God's word...and honestly, the anger of some who have been its conduit. I get it. My heart breaks for this too. Why, because it is a family issue. Those who are in the family and those who I pray will one day be a part of it.  Here's the truth...Eph. 4:14-15 tells us that we weren't meant to be tossed around by crafty, cunning, even sweet attempts to placate those in or outside of our family...instead speak the truth in LOVE. This leads to maturity, growth. That's what I want for my family.

God didn't make us to be saved and still captured to sin. 

I love my family too much to try to make scripture leave them that way. God came to set us all free from the deep sin that has bound us to death. God saved me and my family to know a full life...life that is beyond the trials that ends in hope. That hope, won't disappoint (Rom. 5:5) So, no, I can't encourage my family to think that a life bound to sin is holy...I just love them too much. 

Listen..."speak the truth in LOVE." Church, this means us! We live in a world where it feels like the message is either APPROVE OF ME or YOU HATE ME. I get it. It breaks my heart and often frustrates me too. That doesn't give us a right to stop loving. It doesn't give us a right to lash out in anger. Make threats or laugh when we feel like "our view is winning." That's not how family acts. We ARE held to a higher standard. We HAVE to act, live, speak above the fray. If we don't...we...and no one else...is to blame for the division that is rupturing the church. We can be strong and firm, but still show a passionate love. (I mean, I do it daily with my children...and Christi does it with me!) 

Jesus was truthful with those outside the family, but stern in his correction of those claiming to be in the family. We need to stop yelling at or pacifying those who are lost and hurting in sin's grasp and start correcting and rebuking with God's Word (2 Tim 3:16) those who are acting in an ungodly way towards others. 

You may already assume this, but let em put it in print. Anyone claiming Christ and watering down God's word...you are in sin, stop. You are leading others to death. To anyone painting hate, spewing hate, pushing back, making others feel small or letting your personal bias hurt the church or those for whom Christ died...you are sinning, stop. 

My Family is Multi-Racial and I LOVE IT!

I was talking to a friend one time that said in their church a deacon teaching Sunday School wouldn't use the curriculum that month because it featured a family that was a different color on it. My blood started to boil! How insane! This person in a slave to sin! If I were his pastor, he would be de-deaconed, de-commissioned and put under discipline to lead him to repentance and restoration. 

Church, especially those who are of my complexion ;) I know that the vast majority, if not all of those close to me know this and agree, but we need to say it out loud...it is not a privilege to be born a certain color. Every skin tone that God has given is a gift! The variety of skin tones in the world is a blessing! We should honor those who look different. Love the diversity. Heaven will look that way...so let's start the party now! This is going to take understanding, and believe me, as we draw near to those who's skin is different, you will find out that you see the world from different points of view. You may even be tempted to say, "that's silly, why would you think about such and such that way." Don't say that. Instead receive it, don't defend, don't lash out, let it settle and speak words of encouragement (Heb. 3:13). Love by listening. I've not been a minority in America, so who am I to say what it feels like? I can love my family, especially those of a different color, and let them know that I am with them. I will care for them as family. I will love them as family. I will defend them as family...because they are. (It's hard to wipe the smile off my face as I write this!) 

Now, tenderly. To those who are in my family, who are a different color or come from a different culture. You are called to minister to those who God has created in a different color or culture than you also. I need to to be alert to the enemy. (1 Peter 5:8).  I'm not talking some mythical enemy, but the one who whispers in your ear. Who tells you to interpret someone's actions or opinion in a negative way. Who would tell you to assume what has offended you is intentional or worse "deep seeded" even "subliminal" hate. Hoping that way is sinning. (1 Cor. 13:7) 

Our Family love, hopes the best. 

Don't talk around to people who will agree with your offense. Go and visit with a brother or sister who has offended you.  Share your perspective and give them opportunity to unpack their words or actions...then trust them. Love them enough to believe them, even if you core struggles with this.

No matter our race, our family is multi-racial and we can't have it any other way. Christianity is not a "race first" religion. It is a Christ first, melting pot religion...Wow! What a masterpiece!


My family is safe...it never needs to worry. 

The election...whew. I have been so careful in how I have spoken about this. Some people I know think I hate "Trump," (I don't) while others believe I hate "Hilary."(again, I don't) I don't know if that means I've done a good job or a bad one. (Truth is, probably both at different times)

I need to open up a little. The Bible is not up for a vote. I can't vote for any platform that directly opposes tenants of the Word. Listen, I know...no party Republican, Democrat, Green, Libertarian, etc has a "bible specific" platform, but for me. their are lives that can't protect themselves that I cannot give up on for convenience. For example, our bodies are not our own, we've been bought with a price.(1 Cor. 6:20) I believe in life. Even those who have sinned so much that death is a sentence...I hope for repentance, not to champion their death. I want our family to grow! I want our world to be cared for and creation to declare God's beauty! It's not about making money...it's about relationship built upon God's foundation and you and I reaching out to those who need that life changing love!

I have spoken with people I love talking of how our laws in the States can't be tied to Christianity. They can't be tied to any religion. As I struggled with this I landed that I have to disagree. You can't have AMORAL VALUES. It is a contradiction. Something has to give a moral direction to our laws...something will...and I believe that the best for our county is for those values to be Christian, God Honoring Values. I believe it works out best for everyone that way...even those who don't worship my Lord.

SO...I have to tell you to didn't vote this time around. NOT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO. I stood in line like everyone else, pulled out my ID and the volunteer politely told me that my name was not registered. What?! I've voted for the past 22 years! My name has always been on the list. Well, not this year. In the move, Christi's registration change took, mine didn't. It wasn't a conspiracy. It wasn't my plan...it just was. This election was an important one, and God saw fit to leave my vote out. Who am I to get angry?

Now, with that all of my chest. Here is what I need to tell you...God doesn't worry too much about our worldly kingdom system. He isn't threatened. He isn't worried. He sets them up and tears them down. (Dan. 2:21) For those who are struggling with the incoming government. I need to share something with you. I know exactly how you feel. The unspoken secret is that for the past 8 years I know many godly, loving people who were scared...for 8 years straight by the decisions that were made...and were to be made. Let me tell you what I told them. Don't picket, Don't angrily protest (I couldn't find God's instruction for us to protest in scripture) Don't lash out. Don't be afraid. Instead, use your passion to be the church!

I told that to many friends over the past few years and now I say it to those friends who sit on the other side of the table. God is calling you to serve, love, meet needs...standing firmly on biblical instruction...love the bride of Christ and reach out to those who aren't His bride yet. But don't...don't let a human establishment define you more than the family you've been reborn into. Don't let fear turn you against your true family. Use your energy to minister to those who are afraid. Don't tickle their ears, but meet their needs and show them who Christ made you to be.

An African American friend told me once that no president had been treated the way that President Obama was treated...he was right. The way some christians spoke to/about the president was wrong. Some things that were said and done were not acceptable.

Now, I just repeat it, the things being said to, about, done in reaction to President-Elect Trump...church, it is just as ungodly! Both sides...look in the mirror. No President has ever been our Savior, we have to stop acting like that's what we were voting on.  Be Christian...God honoring, Christ loving in your action. I am not giving testimony to character here, just a testimony to how God has called us to act.

We are not defined by political parties...let's be careful not to act like we are.

We are Family.

We should comfort each other when fear is rising. We should rejoice with each other when times are exciting! I love my family. I can't imagine life without you. Some have moved and I love you from afar. Some live near and I love that I get to love you up close regularly. You mean more to me that I can express.

We are better than how we are being defined right now. We are the beauty of the beloved. The bride of Christ, a city on a hill! Let's not let this election or any election divide us. Stand down, but reach out. If you need a hand...mine is here for you. (I know your's is here for me too.) I love you.

Costa Rica Day 1- Building and Being the Church

What a good 24 hours it has been. Wednesday we flew from Houston prepared for the unknown...which means we really had no clue how this mission would begin.

Our goal was to be the lead team, the first of many to come to Costa Rica and provide help, encouragement and training to local pastors. To equip them to build stronger churches and reach the needy of faith in the community.

How was this going to work? Were pastors going to attend? Would we even be helpful? We truly didn't know what to expect, but 24 hours in...God, as always, is Good.

Pastor Dani picked us up at the airport. We took the long way home. A short stop by a restaurant and then a long, bumpy trip to Tamarindo. 4 pastors and church leaders would be joining us from Casa Vida- Tamarindo. As we stopped by the church we were able to see what God was doing. We got the tour of the place. Open wall sanctuary and the Women's Bible Study was about to being. 2 men were studying how to help people find freedom from their addiction. No matter where we are, struggles exist and the church should be here to help. 

From there we went to the hotel. Teak Pacific. I believe our team and one other group is the only one here. It's nice. The grounds are beautiful, rooms are enough, but the best part is the "lobby" (open air) where we can visit. We met some of the guys grabbed a bite and called it a night! 

Thursday

We woke up and got going early. We met for breakfast in the lobby. 14 people in all joined us. Some of the pastors from Playa Azul made breakfast. including coffee! We spent time hearing stories, enjoying fellowship and eating some good food! 

After breakfast it was off to the library where we held our morning training session! I was amazed, almost 4 hours of training! The pastors not only share a passion for God's Word, but a true brotherhood with each other! The question were amazing (even though the first 2 hours were almost entirely in Spanish!) the desire to go deeper in God's word and learn how to share it with others was a driving force! Language can be a barrier, but this morning, even those barriers didn't stand in our way! 

After our first session we grabbed lunch as aa team and headed back to the hotel. We then spent a few hours talking about definitions! (I know exciting right? Actually it was!) to unpack God's word from inspiration to revelation was awesome! We had to cut things off just to give our brains a break! I couldn't have imagined that the Lord would allow us to invest and be invested in so greatly today! 

Ended our afternoon with a short walk to the beach for sunset. The day isn't over yet. Still have worship service later tonight! Praying for much fruit tomorrow!

Forgiveness: My Lifeguard Retreat

Growing up I did the unthinkable. Not 10 seconds after I did it, did I wish it could be undone.

As a teenager I was a lifeguard during the summers. Not a bad gig, but one year, I forgot to renew my Life guard and CPR certifications in a timely fashion. So to get it done in time I had to pay to go to an overnight "retreat" where you could get all the hours you needed in two days instead of 2 weeks (I can't remember how long it was supposed to take exactly, all I know is it was too long!)

I really thought my procrastination had brought me to brilliance, time saved! I was a swimmer, this would be no problem. I could rock this and be the top of the class! Well, it wasn't my ability that was the problem, it was my "uniform." I was a swimmer after all. In the 90's we didn't have the modest bicycle short suits of today...nope...my uniform was a Speedo. You know the one I am talking about...the ones that make you cringe! Yep, I wore that. I mean, why not? All my friends wore this every day. No problem, it was part of the gig...Well NOT at "Lifeguard Retreat!" (sounds like a bad 80's title doesn't it)

The moment I walked out in it, i wish I could undo it. Man, 3 guys would become my Mortal Enemies for the weekend. They wouldn't stop. I thought beating them in a competition would work, Nope. I changed into a "normal suit" for the rest of the weekend, Nope. I even tried ignoring them, Nope. They were out for blood, and it was my self-esteem. After the closing ceremony where your parents came to pick you up I went back to the cabinet find all of my stuff scattered all over the cabin and campgrounds...Not my most exciting moment in life. It hurt. 

Today I was reading Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus tells the story of the man forgiven MUCH and yet how he was unwilling to give forgiveness, for what in comparison to the debt he owed, was very minor. His unwillingness to forgive the one indebted to him resulted in the King's punishment. 

The warning is clear v.35 - So my heavenly Father will do to everyone of you, if you do not forgive your brother FROM YOUR HEART.

Jesus makes it clear, if we belong to God, we are called to live out lives that bring Him glory. How can we do this? Love Generously, Show Mercy, and Forgive Quickly. 

I read this and for the first time in decades I thought about that weekend retreat. Those guys were not my friends that weekend, but in the big scheme of things their actions don't even make the radar of my life and surely their actions don't warrant me holding onto un-forgiveness that is an offense to my Lord.  For the record...forgiven ;) I know as adults you and I can name 100 harder instances of offense than this, but the truth is still the same. 

I think it's time take our eyes off the offenses that others bring to our table and keep our eyes open to the mercy that God show us daily. No one has ever been won over by hate, piercing glares, the cold shoulder, stealthy FB posts, anger or harsh words. In fact, that's not even our goal! Hum, if it is, we'd all be toast. 

So stop trying to forgive, by helping the other person react in a way that confirms your forgiveness "Worked." Just forgive. Our audience is the King! The relationship that we are guarding the most is with the Lord. Let your forgiveness come from the heart that has been healed by the blood of your Savior. God may change the heart of the brother you forgive...and He may not. That's His call, not ours. In forgiveness, you'll be set free! 

Focus on the 40!

I heard someone ask the other day,

"How do you decide if a group photo is good?"

"Who do you look for first?"

Funny thing is... I knew my answer! If everyone in the picture looks great, but I look like a goober...I don't think it is a good picture!  Isn't it funny how we look for ourselves!
       ok, maybe it's just me :)

In my quiet time this morning I was reading Ps. 105! It is a great Passage! The beginning stuck me! It appeared to have a pattern! The first 5 verses really focus on:

What I should do TO God!            give thanks, call (v.1) sing praises (2), Seek(4)
What I should do FOR God!         make known (v.1) tell all (2)
What I should do IN RESPONSE to God!           rejoice (v.3) Remember (v.5)

All of this is True! It is pretty clear that I should do all of these things and God is calling me to action...BUT

Then I read the next 40 verses...my pattern  disappeared into the greatness of God's Faithfulness! The next 40 verses have nothing to do with what I can do for God, they are filled with How God has shown His great love for His people! His has always been good! He has always brought us through! He has always protected and provided for those He loves!

The Psalmist spent 8 TIMES more time sharing about WHO GOD IS and WHAT HE HAS DONE, than he spent on me! In this one chapter, I became overwhelmed with the reality that there are so many times in life that I look for "ME" in God's working, when the truth is...God wants me to see "HIM!"  When I stare at the greatness of God in these 40 verses, my "5" seem like a joy filled natural response, not a chore or a job! In light of His 40, my "5" don't take much at all, in fact, it's kinda silly that I even need to be reminded of them.

So if you want to join me today, take a minute to read Ps. 105...don't skip the "5," but definitely let yourself get wrapped up in the 40!

Love Thy Neighbor as Yourself

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  - Mark 12:28-31

The events of the last week have caused me, like many of you, to do a gut check. Violence, not an isolated incident, but as a thread in the fabric of our American Culture has been evident. Honestly, my emotions have ranged from sad, to angry, to confused. Really, my heart hurts. I enjoy writing posts on family...that was my first thought, but then it hit me...this is my family. There is no condoning what has happened. The families involved need our heartfelt and sincere prayers. They also need us to take a step back and look in two places for guidance and clarity: Scripture & the Mirror. 

GRACE: What a beautiful word. It is a word that wraps up God's action towards us. Undeserved favor. (heavy on the undeserved) We cling to this word as Christians. We know that without it, we are hopeless. We, our own toughest critics, thank Jesus for it quickly, share it with our children instantly, our spouses freely and with many friends over time....the progression is intentional. We understand US and those closest to us. We believe we understand others. We assign our opinion to their motives and often are ready to extend grace...when they come to us and repent, all they have to do is say, "I'm sorry," or "I was wrong." 

Church---This is NOT grace. 

In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus tells the story of the man who was forgiven much. He was grateful for GRACE, but when he was wronged by another he was not willing to give what he had just received. What was the warning to this unforgiving man? It was not that he was justified in holding a grudge. It was not pointing out that the man in debt is getting what he deserved. It was not praise for being true to how he felt. No, the Master called him "wicked" and delivered him over to punishment. Jesus closes by saying, "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (v.35)

Church, the world will not change because of policy or principle. We will not find relief in picketing, FB or Twitter rants, or famous people holding up a banner. No, the vast majority of the world denies Jesus as the One True God. Therefore we cannot expect them to hold to our truths. 

No, the world will change when WE as Christians understand this. WE are the 'Light of the World.' WE are to be the peacemakers. WE are to suffer so that others can see Christ. If salt loses it's saltiness, then what is it good for? WE must lead.

SIMPLE.YES...EASY.NO

So what are we to do?

LOVE.- Love God and Love people. Not just those who we "like," but all who bear the image of God. This isn't being fake, it's letting what Christ has done in us become visible. There is no person who has wronged us, greater than we have wronged God. It's time for us to embrace that truth. Stirring up movements that attack another brother is sin. Holding a grudge, is a sin. Posting on FB a post to garner personal support or sympathy at the expense of another...is our sin. We are called to build up, not tear down. Church, we must love our Neighbor as ourself. Quick to forgive, slow to get angry. We must take our thoughts captive before we become the unmerciful servant, and be ready to love. It will free your soul! 

LISTEN.- How many times does Jesus say...'LISTEN' or 'HEAR?' We have to understand this. People are different, God designed it this way. It's beautiful and we are a tapestry that is pleasing to God! We know 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.' Yet we assume that we understand people of other cultures without taking time to ask and listen to their stories. In the conversations I have had with people who don't share my identical story, do you know what I have discovered? They see live a little differently than me. Many of our assumptions are wrong, and we need to change that. Now you may be saying, people need to come to the table so that we can talk about things. You may even say, I'm waiting at the table and no-one will join me. 

What if you are at the WRONG TABLE? 

When is the last time you asked for perspective from another brother or sister? Openly, honestly, sincerely...ready to listen, not ready to cut them off to defend your Point of View? 

PRAY.-You and I are NOT enough. We look in the mirror and see our history of failures covered by the veil of Christ. You and I can't fix this. Outside of Christ, we become an unbiblical church/"christian." We must lean into Christ. WE must cry out, hand in hand with all of those who claim Christ Crucified and Resurrected. Yes, pray in secret, but we must also not isolated ourselves, we must come together. It is time for FERVENT, GOD-FEARING prayer christian. 

SIMPLE.YES...EASY.NO

We must step across the picket lines (that we may have setup), humble ourselves, and stop waiting on a official or government entity to "get it right." We must put all of our eggs in the Lord's basket. We must love the Lord and Love our neighbor...Who is my neighbor? The friend we have pushed away, the hurting families in the news, the angry/scared brother of a different skin tone, the neighbor who doesn't speak your same language...we must love them. 

Coffee Prayers and Perspective

Last full day of vacation. It has been a really good week. Waking up to a cup of coffee and the view of the mountains...does it get better than this? To help slow myself down, I've been doing "coffee prayers." All too often I pray for a moment and then jump straight into my Bible study. This week, I have used my first cup of coffee as a prayer time. I'm not done praying, until I'm done sipping. It really has helped elongate my time with the Lord in prayer. 

This morning during my coffee prayer, the mountains were covered with clouds.  The rain was drizzling. 

In that moment it stuck me that I have never paid attention to the clouds from this perspective before. Most the time I am looking up at the morning clouds hoping that the sun is back there somewhere about to burn them up and open up the sky. Today I was eye level with the clouds. Staying at 10,000 feet changes the way I hoped for the clouds to fade away and the sun to appear. 

I could see the sun go to work. No, I couldn't see the sun, but with every passing moment I watched more and more of the town below appear. From the ground, it is hard to know that the sun is at work. We look up and we see consistent cloud cover, but from Elevation, it is easy to see all the work that is being done.

In this moment (it takes much longer to write than it did to see) I began to pray. I want to see life from the Lord's perspective. I want to endure the clouds with a certainty that the dreariness of the moment WILL NOT LAST. I want to lead with the confidence of being "sure of what I hope for and certain of what I cannot see."

To be a husband that doesn't get defeated when he has a disagreement with his wife, a dad who doesn't get swept up in the moment of my child's accomplishments or failures, a friend who holds at bay a quip when nerves run thin, a pastor who can see beyond the moment to what lies ahead. All of these things are so tough from sea level. You know, that shallow part of your faith that prays quickly and spends a 1 minute devotional with God. I want to live a faith at 10,000 feet! Giving generously, loving freely, trusting fully and believing whole-heartedly. 

The air is thin up here. My body tells me that life is easier at sea level, but my faith reminds me that  the life I was made for is in the heavens, not below.

In the Beginning God...not man

I have stayed pretty quiet on many of the political debates raging in our country. Not because they are unimportant or I lack an opinion (if you know me, I always have an opinion), but more so, because I have not felt compelled to speak...until now. 

My compulsion doesn't come from a place of anger or fear Romans 8:28 provides us with a peace

 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

I believe fully what scripture tells us. If I, and anyone else who professes Christ, truly trusts the Lord and loves Him... heart, mind and body...God, Himself, is working for His good and mine. If God is for me, what power does any man have to stand against Him? 

My compulsion comes from a need to REPEAT, not create. My opinion is not that important. Instead,  I feel like I need to repeat what Scripture says on the issue of gender. Is this a proclamation? Sure, but it is also a reminder. A reminder to those who claim that name of Christ, those who would label themselves "christian" or "Christ-follower." 

Read what God wrote in Genesis 1:27

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Gender is "God Assigned," not man given. It is not determined by a short-sighted doctor at delivery. This is the beauty of knowing God is BIGGER than us. How many illegitimate, life-changing decisions would I have made as a teenager going through puberty if I would have been told that my ways were higher than His? Haven't we all felt uncomfortable in our own skin at times and wanted to change something? What has kept us from trying to over-ride His ways? Christ alone, and praise God, He protected me from such a low view of Him. 

You see, some things are God assigned. I truly believe that the conversation that has embraced our country from the White House to voices in our local community is not an attack on American values. I believe it is the scheme of sinful man to once again attack our Creator. It is disguised well? Yes, but do not be fooled, you Christian are not the main target. Baseball and Cracker-Jacks...the American Dream is not its foe. No, this one is aimed at Christ, Himself. 

Where do we stand?

 Whom else would I stand with, Christ holds the words to eternal life.  (John 6:68)

What shall I do? 

The Lord will fight for you...be still (Ex. 14:14)

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom. 12:19)

Church we are called to trust the Lord, live for Him and stand with Him. If we sin in our actions "fighting for God" we squeeze Him out of the situation. We must behave in a way that people "will see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven."  And if it comes to it, and we are asked, like the disciples in Acts 5, to obey a command that is an attack against God, then our actions and answers are already given... 

"But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men."

Church, be alert. Be faithful. Be loving. 

In these things, know that the one who is being attacked has been attacked since the fall. He was not concerned then, and He is not threatened now. 

Pray without ceasing and make sure that you are careful where you stand, lest you fall. 

Keep your eyes on Him, follow His command, stand firm in your faith. 

We know who has already won this one!