My View To the Top

There's something about a mountain that says, "conquer me!" I don't know if everybody is made this way, but I sure am. Since I was a child, every time I have found myself at the base of a mountain, I have felt this urging to get to the top! When I look at a mountain, I do like the challenge it poses (there have been many that have conquered me), but I don't simply want to scale a mountain just for the challenge. I want to get a view from the top. I want the view from on high. 

As Christi and were "running" (I use that term loosely) up a small mountain close to where we were staying I found myself looking down a lot. Some parts of our trail were relatively smooth, while others were pretty rocky. To keep up my pace without causing injury I needed to look down consistently. Picking my steps, carefully watching so I didn't twist an ankle or slip as I ran. Somewhere in my progress, I heard..."you're missing it." What was I missing? My View To the top.

It immediately hit me. In my hurry to get to the top, I was no longer looking at the top of the mountain or celebrating the progress that I was making. I was missing out on the views as I drew nearer to my goal. I couldn't celebrate God's glory that He was revealing because all I was staring at was my feet. 

Church, I couldn't get this out of my head. How many times have I not stopped to celebrate what God is up to, because I just saw another step and missed the view? How often have I woken up with a view of Heaven only to let the challenges of the day take my eyes off of WHY I live and breathe or WHAT the purpose of my striving is for? 

Listen, slowing down is not in my nature. The point of progress is progress...right? Not at all. Too many men and women have started off with good intentions, only to miserably progress through the Christian life or even worse to take the wrong path and end up going down instead of up. Funny...I can hear it in my head now...the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Never thought of it like that before. If we're not looking up...keeping our focuses constantly on Christ, it is pretty easy to ruin our faith. 

Jesus endured the cross because of the JOY set before him.

Paul spoke for running a good race and finishing it.

Solomon learned this striving for his own purposes was meaning less.

When so many turned away said, where would we go? You hold the words of eternal life.

We must pick our eyes up. Our spirits will be renewed by the progress of our faith. Seeing what awaits us at the Top, but also rejoicing at the view all along the way. Yes, we have to watch our steps, but more importantly we have to Watch His.  Delight in Him. Take time to notice what He's doing through and around you. Live for the Top...yes. But also enjoy His glory along the way.

Confession- I want to be "that" family!

So growing up we would watch reruns on Nick at Night of tv shows from the 50-60's (at least that was the setting). They were dead head shows when nothing else was on, but they were entertaining. I was a kid...it was on tv...enough said! 

Some were really hokey. Apple pie on the table, shirt tucked in kind of hokey. The older I became, making fun of this kind of TV show became the norm. The problem solved in 30 minutes became something to poke fun at. "Spicing up life" which was normally the introduction of "sin" (as all of the bible thumpers would call it) showed how much beauty was to be embraced outside of what a was right. 

No kidding. I grew up in the church, but this thought of "real life" is found outside of the boundaries was a true part of the message that I had to digest. Tempting at times...yes. Tried it...yes. But what did it bring me? 

I'm not the first to fall for the "full color" life lie. Adam and Eve tried it too. They bought into this full color pitch from the serpent. Did it expose them to new knowledge? Yes...but the knowledge was separation, regret, shame...not "new and improved" as promised.

Today, I know many people that are trying to live life and build their family on the "add a little color" philosophy. I'm confessing...I don't want that. I want to be "that family." The one that spontaneously breaks out into song when listening to the radio. The one that eats almost every meal together and prays together before bed. I want my wife to be treasured and not thrown to follow my selfish whims. I want my daughter to know her worth and every boy that comes close to know that the standard is high...she is not to be a notch or to think so little of herself that she gives her self to the "color" of the moment. I want my son to respect, even when he is not respected and to find his strength in his relationship with his Lord. 

I want to be "that." It won't happen by accident. I can't wish it to be true...it is tough and will get tougher. As a father, I will have to set the course, model all of this, and lead my family even in my selfish moments. I must be selfless and serving. 

My Father in heaven did this for me. I just have to follow His example...because at the end of the day, the family that I want, He's has already began forming. Forever, this family will be beautiful...maybe people will try to describe it as black and white right now, but I know the truth....it is really life in "technicolor."

Seizing the Can't Miss Moment...

I was reading 1 Samuel 24 this morning as I prepared for the day. I love this passage. In it David has the easiest path to the throne that has ever been afforded a man by his own hand. David and his men are hiding in the cave and Saul makes a "pit stop" all alone in the same cave, never suspecting what he is exposing himself to.

In the background a moment happens. David's men say, "take the easy layup!" This moment MUST be from God! It makes sense doesn't it? There would be no struggle, no more loss of life, we will all walk out together with Saul's head and make our way to the palace. 

Ever had a moment that seemed so easy that you rationalize...it must be from God? Hungry and find a $20 on the ground in the hall at church or a personal fault in a leader only need be exposed and you have the chance to take the place and lead "the right way." I've seen marriages fall apart, children deserted by a father/mother and friendships dissolved because the opportunity that was afforded was so sweet that it must be from God! It's too much money to pass up, a chance to be valued like you've always wanted, this chance could set you up for life and give those who depend on you stability like you never had...no need to consult God on this one, even a child could see this train coming. 

This was the advice from David's men that day. It would be hard to argue in he moment, but David did. Saul, no matter how sinful, was the man leading God's people. David respected the Lord and therefore trusted God to deal with Saul. Can you imagine what would have taken place if David would have taken this "layup?" Friendship with Jonathon...ruined. The enemies of God's people...laughing at the ridulous ending of Israel's first king. David with grandchildren sitting on his lap, saying let me tell you the story of how I became king...cowardly.  Praise God David was not so self centered to simply jump on this once and a lifetime opportunity. 

In verse 15 he says rightly..."Let the Lord decide." The Lord did decide and David became a great king who's story pointed the people of Israel to the coming Messiah. 

Today, before you jump on a can't miss, once in a lifetime opportunity. Take moment, don't assume it is God's will simply because God laid it before you. Seek the Lord's perspective and His clarification on the moment. It may just save you from the fallout of seizing the wrong opportunity.

Gotta have Margins!

Do you remember learning to write on notebook paper in grade school? The rule was simple, "stay within the margins." I should have paid more attention.  I remember in high school getting a "U" for conduct in my English class. I asked the teacher why I had received this and she pointed out that "U" stood for "unconscious." (English followed swim practice).

Margins really didn't make sense to me. The margins were marked by those little red lines that held no power. They always caused you to squeeze in a word when you misjudged your writing room or worse you had to leave a gaping space on that line and start writing on the line below. I was a "squeezer" and many times neglected the margins completely. (In fact if you look at the 50 spiral notebooks in my office you would be sure to find that every margin has been ignored!)

I heard a sermon by Andy Stanley years ago about how important margins are in our lives. It struck me as good insight so I created small margins. These margins are protected from my normal scheduling. They are not dead head TV time or Facebook surfing times, they are simply spaces in my week where I make room.

I found after a while that these margins either must be embraced or replaced. Since I don't sit still well I found something "productive" to do in these margins. FAIL! I began protecting my margins only to write a completely different story in the cramped space that I saved from the normal.

The result: Tired, living on production, moving...getting somewhere even...but not feeling full.

I think margins were what Jesus Addressed in Matthew 11:28

Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.

How did I get so weary or heavy-burdened? Look in the mirror. Trying to live up to the expectations of others. Trying to make the most out of me. Trying to reach all of the goals that I placed in front of me. I - David Adams - I create the burdens that make me so weary.

  In fact, I protect them! "If I don't..." Someone has to..." "This is too important to fail." 

I am in good company. In scripture God called Moses on a mountain. Elijah into the wilderness. David was kicked out of his kingdom. Paul was was made blind for 3 days. Why? because they were writing their stories and filling up the margins! They were taking up space that was reserved for the Lord! 

You see. I have a lot in common with these guys! I want to make the most of life. When I leave margins open and God doesn't fill them, I assume that He wants me to make the most of them. Almost like he said "Pass" and I am next in line. 

This is a killer. You see. The red lines that mark our margins define space. Our space is between the margins. The outer margins are reserved for teacher notes and comments! Even when the teacher doesn't write in them...they still belong to the teacher.  

I am not saying I am going to slow down, but I am saying I must guard my margins. They don't belong to my kids, my wife, my job, or even to me. They belong to my teacher. When I leave them open...protecting them...it is amazing how on those days how weary I am NOT. 

When God doesn't meet our Expectations

Have you ever felt like God isn't meeting your expectations? To even type this seems kinda silly to be honest with you. I mean...He's God! How could He NOT meet my expectations?

This morning I found myself having this conversation with the Lord. I have certain expectations, but this thought came about 5 days after we received some tough news. The sale of our home in Spring had fallen through. Let me walk you through this. Christi and I have lived in 4 different homes in our 16 years of marriage. 2 of our 3 homes sold in a week. The sales went flawlessly, we even made a small profit. 1 of our homes we sold for fun. Yes, I said for fun. We did a "For Sale by Owner" just to move off of a corner lot and see if we could make a little profit. That home stayed on the market almost a month and we were in no rush to move. There was no pressure.

This is our history. This is how God has ALWAYS worked with us. When our Realtor in Spring asked what our expectations were in selling our home, we were honest, "a few days." She lovingly understood...with great reservations. Well, 3 days after the house was on the market we had 2 offers on the house and signed the paperwork (with a preapproval letter included for the buyer). Once again, God worked just as we expected. Mark one off for the good guys! The Lord was testifying again of His faithfulness.

In faith, we moved, rented a town home and started looking at homes. Well about 2 weeks ago the rumbling began. Things might not work as expected. "No worries" God will work it out. We created a new plan that would provide time for the buyers and still protect us from carrying a lease and a mortgage. Last week on Wednesday, that plan fell through. It was obvious, for a least a month, if not more, we were carrying 2 notes.

Our emotions did the typical roller coaster. "Why Lord?" was said a few times, "What are You trying to tell us?" During this questioning we made a plan. We can carry both. No frills, no big vacations happening, no savings, but we can do this. Stress hasn't been a big factor, Praise the Lord, but that doesn't mean the questions stopped. I still found myself with the honest reality...The Lord didn't meet my expectations... what does this mean?

I found myself at Romans 5:2-5, "...and we exult in the hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

God exceeds my expectations A LOT, but when He doesn't meet them...it's ok. Maybe my expectations, although well intentioned, aren't the RIGHT expectations. I mean, if God wants to reveal Himself in a new way to me...that's what I want. I want to know my Lord more deeply than I do now. I want to see new glimpses of his glory and how can this happen if God only moves in my life the way I expect Him to move. Nothing new there, just affirmation of what I already know.

Yes... this situation is a trial! I had a plan...but I want my heart to rejoice in this trial! God isn't meeting my expectation. He is up to something new and although I don't completely "get it" I am excited that on the other side (and I know there is another side)  my hope will not disappoint me. So although God hasn't always meet my expectations... I have never been disappointed when I have placed my whole hope in Him...38 years of life...that has been the one constant. So let the trial come, Ok, in my heart I hope that it is a short one ;) regardless of my expectations I am sure that the Lord who loves me will see me through and show me something New!

 

When it starts to set in...beautiful moments

Today is our last day at North Woods. 9 years ago God laid this congregation of believers on our hearts. Today they are not simply a congregation but family. We were touched to see a video of baptisms that have happened at NWBC since that time. Almost half of our sanctuary was pictured in those clips...what a gift.


Last month when Christi and I shared it with the kiddos- Connor was strong, but what I saw in Ashley may have been her most beautiful moment. 13 years old- she has gone to elementary and now middle school with the same group of friends. She has people to whom she admires at church. Her band teacher has taught her to dream about the role of music in her life. She had it all planned out. In one moment playing HI/LO at the dinner table (each night we share our high and low of the day with one another) everything changed. When we shared the call that the Lord had placed on our hearts... at the same time she expressed sorrow, pain...and trust.  As I watched her battle with what she felt and what she believed my heart broke and sang at the same time. What a godly young woman I have as a child. I couldn't be more proud.


Last night, we heard Connor in his room. The first tears were being shed by him. This was a surprise. Not the tears, but that these were the first. Today is our last day at North Woods, our house had a contract put on it last week, and we are talking about where we are gong to live. North Woods has been his home...maybe his world...for as long as he can remember. Two of his friends are getting baptized today. The most important people in his life...that he isn't related to...all dwell in the family at North Woods. His closest friends. What a blessing they have been. What a joy. Last night it set in...as I heard his quiet tears last night I called him to me. We sat prayed, talked, and shed a few tears together. He went to bed with a smile on his face. Although we are leaving his home to follow God into the unknown...there is a trust.

As a family we all have had it set in at different times...me on a drive, Christi at a conference. Yet the Lord has brought us all to the same place. A place of trust, not knowing exactly what God has laid before us, but certain that His will is good. His love is enduring. His calling is true. We are excited to go on this new journey and have already felt the love of Christ through many in Pearland.

2 Timothy 4:5 says, "But you be sober in everything, endure hardship, do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your ministry." This has been a verse of comfort through this time in our lives. I know all of these things lay behind and ahead, but God's greatest gifts thus far has been the way that He has spoken to each part of our family over the past couple of months. Our life is His...joyfully...He can have it all.

It has finally set in!

Remember when you were going to change the world?!

Ok...I love this image. As a dad...for sure, but maybe more for what it tells me. No, my kids aren't perfect. If you've met them you know they have their flaws like the rest of us, but I can say with confidence that there are moments...and those moments seem to occur more regularly...that God teaches me something as I watch them.

Remember when you were going to change the world? What life was going to be like when you were an adult? The fullness that your life was going to be? The meaningful place you were going to hold in the universe? As kids we were idealistic, we knew (or believed we knew) what was right, good, and worthwhile. What happened? Are you there? Is life as a grown-up what you thought it would be?

Many times we reason away our life "not as we dreamed it" situation. As a child, we didn't really know what we were talking about. We didn't understand the importance of a nice car, house, the cost of clothing, or electricity. We didn't understand work dynamics, feeling tired, or the responsibility that we do now as an adult. So in other words, we think MATURITY, is what we didn't have as a child that we have now and that maturity helps us accept the compartment we live in. Job...pays the bills. Church...checks off the box. Marriage...not too bad (not a Disney movie either). Maturity, yeah that's it.

Is that what "abundant life" we read about in scripture looks like? I don't think so. I think maybe, just maybe, maturity isn't defined the way we think it is. There are some things we let go of as a child that we should get back! You already knew this didn't you? Isn't it part of the reason we are so committed to our children's football, baseball, band, volleyball games? Do you love participating? I do. It stirs us something in me when I coach, cheer, watch my kids succeed and improve. I love it when they win too! It fills my tank!

I was thinking on these things as I read John chapter 4 this morning. You know, the story of Jesus talking with the woman at the well. (It's a long read but worth it if you can make time for it today.)

You see this woman was mature. She had been following her pursuits as an adult...relationships were plenty in her love life even. Ok, so adulthood wasn't all she thought it would be. In fact, she was at the well around noon. Most people traveled to get water in the morning or evening. It was the social hub for the ladies. (kinda like a biblical Starbucks). Well, she was tired of the drama and the looks. I assume she was just trying to get through the day, hoping for a bright spot or two to relieve her mundane routine.  Now that was the situation in John 4:6-7. 

In John 4:28-42, something changed! She is running into town, talking to everybody! Daring them to dream that their life could be more! There is a light in her eyes and a passion in her speech! She's not intimidated by anything or anyone! She is bold! She is going to change the world!

What happened? JESUS did! Now, I know you may be thinking, I know Jesus...good, don't stop reading! I think there was a truth that changed this woman and will also change you. Jesus said in v.14 that he would give her a "spring of water welling up to eternal life." This doesn't mean she could "get saved" and life would be full. No, this is a promise, a daily, moment by moment promise. A change the world kind of promise! You see our relationship with Christ is active. He constantly is producing this living water in our spirit so you and I will never have to thirst (for meaning, for life to the full) ever. There is only ONE WAY you and I can be thirsty for such things if we have a relationship with Christ...hold your breath. Don't drink it...intentionally. What happens is dehydration. This make you feel weak, tired, restless. Ever felt this way in your faith? You see when you and I first came to know CHRIST, I bet your mouth was open all the time! You were so full of water that everyone you walked by got wet! But somewhere along the way you started holding your breath.  

Can't drink today JESUS...not enough time.

 I have responsibilities that need the best of me today Lord, I'll take a sip when I can, but this is REAL life I am working with. 

My kids need my attention, if I get a break (and feel like it) I will give you some too.

You know all of these MATURE reasons. What if...just maybe-The answer to life abundantly is welling up inside of you and you are just so busy "doing life" that you forgot it. You see our faith IS our way of life. It is the way we change the world! Our faith at work, with our kids, with our wife, in our church, as we travel...everywhere we go our faith in Jesus is welling up waiting to make a splash on the world around us! 

Your Job...mission field. Your family...your disciples. Your church...your filling tank. Make the most of it. Maybe, just maybe, you ARE meant to change the world! I think so. Take a drink...you don't ever have to thirst again.