Tuesday, March 11, 2008

A great way to grow

You've found the 21 Day Challenge blog. This was originally a companion resource to a challenge we gave the Suncrest family during the Catalyst Message series. However, it still stands as a great way to grow in your faith.

It's easy really. Start anytime and plan to spend 21 days in Scripture asking the question, "How can God use me to make a difference?"

Then see what God does.

That's it. It's that simple. Have a great adventure.

Monday, March 3, 2008

It's the end, but it's just the beginning

We've reached the end of our 21 Day Challenge, but it's really the beginning. What did you learn? How did you grow? What did God say to you? Do you have direction for the next step in your spiritual life?

I hope that the 21 day challenge was a good experience for you. I know it was for us staff. But the journey doesn't end here. It really is just beginning. I hope that you will continue digesting Scripture and asking God how He wants to use you to make a difference.

I'm going to leave this blog up for awhile as a tool to help others. Just because we won't be doing this all together as a church, it can be used anytime by anyone wanting to jump into a reading plan of Scripture. 21 days...that's all it takes to establish a habit that can change your life.

If you'd like to create a reading plan for the rest of the year, you can go to www.biblegateway.com and create a customized reading plan that fits your schedule.

Happy reading.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Day 21 - 1 Peter 4:8-11

Hey, this is Kevin one last time. So glad I get to write the final scripture post for our 21 Day Challenge... I hope God has spoken to you about how you can make a difference, as you've meditated on His word.
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
As I read this passage today, two words came to mind:

1. Love- So many of our passages in this challenge have mentioned love! I feel God is helping me understand something very important: I should never serve out of a feeling of obligation, but rather as an overflow of my love for God and the people around me.

2. Confidence- Why be tentative about doing what God has made us to do? The "speak as if speaking the words of God" sentiment is a challenge to me personally; I don't have trouble believing things, or saying things, but I rarely come across as really believing what I am saying. If I am speaking to those around me out of the wisdom of the Word of God and a heart of love, then I need to deliver those words like they are truth... because, well, they are! The passage uses other examples, like hospitality and serving, but you get the idea: if we're doing what God wants us to do, we should do it boldly as an act of worship, giving him glory.

God, I see the way you designed me and I understand the passions you've given me, but still I am unsure of myself. Even as I look forward to the launch of the East Campus and my involvement there, I question whether I'm the right person to help our church family thrive in that area. Give me the strength I need, and confidence like what you have in me, Father. Help me push aside all fear, and instead be motivated by love. Thank you for giving us your word, so deep in wisdom.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Day 20 – Hebrews 10:23-24

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Being used by God to change lives… This is what runs through my mind as I read this passage. But first I need to claim the hope I have in Jesus because he is my inspiration, my reason for the hope. Then I call to mind the many times God has proved himself faithful in my life. Somehow that’s so easy when my life seems trouble-free, not so easy when difficulties are all around. In difficult times, I need to be still and remember His faithfulness.

For me, the most fun I have in leading the group ministry at Suncrest is encouraging group leaders to spur their groups on toward love and good deeds. Last summer, group ministry had a $100 challenge where each group received a $100 bill and was asked to use this money to make a difference in our community…. WOW, did they ever step up to the challenge! Not only did most groups build on the $100, but our community experienced creative acts of service, kindness, and the love of Jesus was spread farther than we could ever do as individuals. We even sent a deaf school from the Black Oak area to see Blue Man Group! That was their dream come true.

Spurring one another on is CONTAGIOUS! It’s been fun to watch groups continue to grow in this area. Many groups even did some service over Christmas, and others have already planned a service project for 2008!

The best way to do encourage others is by example. When my love and good deeds are known, they become an inspiration for others to do the same. Maybe we can find out how God would use us in the launch of our second campus? As more people sign up for the launch team – it really becomes contagious and exciting! Others become 'spurred on.'

We need to always look for opportunities to serve and be a light in a dark world… to be used by God to change lives!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Day 19 - Colossians 4:2-6

For 19 days now, I've been asking God what he is saying to me through these passages and what he has next for me. If you are like me, this one was almost too clear.

It hinges on a simple concept: God is interested in using me to change someone's life. More specifically (and more importantly!) he might even use me to change someone's eternal destiny. Sharing Jesus with people outside the church is a precious opportunity...make the most of it!

Pray. Pray. Pray. Why do I skip this essential part of sharing my faith with people when this short passage mentions it 3 times? But when I pray "that God may open a door for our message" It really works...that's probably both because God is opening up opportunities AND because I'm much more aware of the opportunities around me after I have prayed.

I'm stopping to pray for that right now (will you right now too?).

I'm also praying that when the opportunity does come, I won't mess it up. I fear I will, don't you? But this is part of letting God speak through me with a clarity I can't muster on my own. The times I've done this, God has always come through. Always.

If Prayer give me the words to say, it is apparently my tone and sensitivity that will really make the message either appealing or repulsive. So we need to "be wise how we act" and make sure our words are "grace-filled". No arrogance. No judgement. No selfishness. No hellfire. No brimstone. No self-righteousness. No sales job. No bait and switch. No pressure.

Instead...love, grace, acceptance, authenticity...so they might experience the transforming per of Jesus.

I have some conversations to engage in today.

Ephesians 4:7, 11-16

Everyone is on one side of this or the other, right. I'll say it simply...either you're an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher or you're one of God's people being prepared for service. This is not our choice, it is His gracious choice (vs7).
Biblically I wrestled with being a pastor because I know me. I know I am no more special than anyone I am serving with or anyone I teach or anyone I lead. But, we do have different job descriptions. This has taken me a while to come to, but I believe God wants me to prepare His people for works of service. My greatest "success" is seeing others succeed. To help someone learn to play piano gives me as much joy as playing it myself.
I remember my first ministry in Cincinnati. I certainly don't want to cast the entire ministry in a negative light, but this was an area to grow in: they had assumed they had hired someone to do the work for them. After all, they were getting older and needed someone to carry out their decisions day-to-day. So I busily went about doing what everyone was asking me to do. But I wrestled...God asks me to be a pastor and teacher. If I am a pastor and teacher, this is my job description: to prepare God's people for works of service. This is what God wants from me. And what does God want from you? According to Ephesians 4...to be prepared and to do works of service that build the body of Christ until we reach unity and become mature.
God, thank You for giving all of us purpose and mission. Help us as each part does our work to grow and be built up in love. Amen

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Day 17 - Ephesians 2:10

Today's post was written by Sue Hertzfeldt:


I love how that verse speaks to all of us as Christ-followers. God is working in all of us and he's "prepared in advance" what we're going to be doing!

I often ask myself the following little check list:


A. Why did God have me work 20+ years in a restaurant setting and teaching preschool?


B. Why did God bring around people to "speak the truth" into my life and invest heavily into me with tons of prayer?


C. How did Suncrest begin as an outpost of hope, as the "St John Project" and petition me to come "on board" to lead the charge in Children's ministry?


Boy, I sure didn't know, but God did!


Preparing in advance: God's always moving, working, flowing within the lives of Christ-followers.

I'm so very thanful for Suncrest. A real place to call home as we invest together for eternity!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Day 16 – Galatians 5:13

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” NIV

Freedom…a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions.

In this verse, Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia because many of the new believers here are Gentiles who are heavily influenced by Jewish church leaders. The Jewish leaders themselves struggle between growing up as strict followers of the law, and the liberty they have found with faith in Jesus. Now they love Jesus, and accept his teachings, but boy is it hard to let go of that legalistic training! How can these Gentiles be welcomed into this faith without having to go through all the red tape we’ve already endured? Why shouldn’t they have to suffer like we did? The message in this letter from Paul is that we all are free from trying to earn God’s favor through following rituals, or obeying a set of rules. He wrote to refute the Jewish leaders and move them back to the pure gospel – that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus and nothing else.

However, Paul says pretty clearly that we are not to use this newfound freedom to do as we please. “Well, I’ve got Jesus, it’s all good. I can do whatever I want…sin, not sin, doesn’t matter anymore because I’m free.” We are given this gift of freedom for a purpose – to glorify God by loving service to others.

Our freedom includes not only releasing us from the impossible task of following the law as prescribed by the Jewish leaders, but in a broader perspective, we have a freedom from the DESIRE to sin. If I am a Christ-follower, I am a new creation, the Holy Spirit lives in me and actively works at decreasing my desire to sin. That’s freedom!

I pray the Holy Spirit guards our hearts and keep us from being legalistic (high in truth, low in love). Help us to not be judgmental. Rather, bless us with unending opportunities to serve others so that we may glorify God!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Day 15 - 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Essentially Paul says that he will do anything short of sin to reach the lost. I want that to be a theme of my life.

This is a toughy for some because it means letting go of tradition to gain a hearing for truth; to choose people over programs. To create ministries and ministry tools that are new and different in order to reach new and different people.

I personally have never have had a problem letting go of an older paradigm in order to make room for a new one if it is effective. When I read 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 though, I have to ask how this applies to me personally. I think it means I put myself in uncomfortable situations in order to build relationships. I think it means I sacrifice "my time" in order to meet people. I think it means I prioritize evangelism in my life.

This is near and dear to my heart because I want to do this for the community I live in. As I lead the launch of the East Campus, I realize more and more how important it is for me to be an integral part of the community we want to reach.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Day 14 - Romans 12.9-16

Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Last week I got to watch one of my favorite movies, Sargent York. One thing I love about the movie is Alvin York's crisis of faith that brought him to the place of becoming a true Christ-follower. In fact, at a later spot in the movie his pastor tells him that he has the "livin' kind of faith, not just the readin' kind" due to the fact that Alvin was going to take a stand against the government concerning his draft status because he would have to go to war (WW I), and killing was "agin the book". Of course he did decide to accept his draft into the army during WW I and the rest is literal history.

This short passage in Romans tells us about the "livin" kind of faith. How God expects us to live with other Christ-followers and with those that do not have a relationship with him yet. This reminds me of a few people I have known who zealously strive to follow all of these instructions. I am in awe of them, of their faith, their grace, their generosity and their love. Love for others, love for God, and love for all things good and true. They are truly humble but they draw others to themselves simply by their passion for following Christ and doing His Word.

I want to emulate them, to act in ways that please God. But then someone says something I don't like. Or someone persecutes me, and instead of blessing them as the passage says, I think of ways to get even. And who can be patient in tribulation???

I can. I can if I seek His grace, His love, His patience. It seems impossible for me. If you knew me well you might think the same thing. But God does the coolest things if you let Him.

God, please help me to be a model of you. To do those things you ask in this passage. Help me to be patient and loving, and constant in prayer.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Day 13 - Romans 12:6-8

Wow, this really is a powerhouse chapter of the Bible- Romans 12 has so much to say (starting with the passage Jared blogged about yesterday)! Today's text reads:
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
We have such a tendency to categorize ourselves in our culture; in our jobs, our social circles, everywhere, we know exactly what rung of the "ladder" we're on. Certain careers, traits, even hobbies are looked on as superior or inferior to others- some have "it", others don't. How the life of a Christ-follower stands in contrast to that!

Here we have a passage in which God says to me, "of course you're going to act differently, and have different passions than the people around you-- I made you different from them for a reason!" I'm so glad to be part of a church family that encourages each other to find and use their strengths to make a difference in the lives of those around us. My mind drifts to the launch of the east campus this fall... not only is it a chance to show God's love to a whole new area, it is a chance for many who have felt God's love to use their gifts, how He created them, in His service. And that's a great thing!

God, help me understand my uniqueness better, and how my gifts can best be used to do your work in this world!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Day 12- Romans 12:1 and possibly verse 2

I was incredibly excited when I saw that I got to write on this verse. I think this is one of the most critical verses in our lives as Christ followers, and it has been my favorite verse for close to 10 years now. However, to separate it from verse 2 and I cannot accept it, these 2 verses go together so well and build on each other that the thought of separating them is a crime to me. So we are going to look at both verses, I have posted them in the New Living Translation. In my opinion it makes these verses much more understandable.

"1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

The first thing that jumps out at me as I am reading these verses is the words "And so" or in the NIV "Therefore". I can still hear my youth minister using this phrase, "When you are reading the Bible and you see the word therefore the first thing you need to do is figure out what the therefore is there for." I know it is a little cheesy, but that simple teaching forces me to take these verses and put them into context of the entire book of Romans and it helps us understand what the author was trying to teach.

I would love to spend hours teaching through the beauty of how the book of Romans was written but most of you would stop reading and go back to whatever you were doing before you started reading this blog. So let’s look at what is going on right before these verses. In chapters 10 and 11 Paul is explaining that Salvation is for everyone and that God has poured out his mercy on the Jews and on all people. He is teaching how lucky all people are that God was willing to let his son die to pay the price of our sin and as a result of that mercy and grace being poured out on our lives these verses where written.

Paul is saying look at how amazing God's mercy is, and when you see that you should respond with living your life for him. You life is no longer you own but a life of service to live for God. Then he goes on to tell us that our lives should be different from the rest of the world; because our lives are about living for God and not about living for ourselves. Then God delivers a promise to us as Christ Followers.

The promise that God delivers to us as Christ Followers is that we can know what His will is for our lives. I have talked with a number of people over the last 12 days and they are talking about how they are trying to find out what God's will for their life is during these 21 days. I am excited when I hear from people and tell me "God is calling me to step up and serve at the East Campus". I believe that many are finding one aspect of God's will for their life is to step up and serve. I honestly believe that some of you are searching for God's will and thinking about the East Campus and God is tugging on your heart to go to Africa as a missionary or to quit your job and go into ministry full time. Those things are scarier, but just as important for the Kingdom of God. I pray has not changed over the last week, I pray that you listen for God’s will for your life and that when you hear it you will be open to God’s will.

"but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."


Thursday, February 21, 2008

Day 11 - Acts 1:8

This one verse has more and more become one of my favorites. One of the reasons is that Jesus gave His disciples (and us) such a clear strategy for reaching out. A simple yet profound strategy for figuring out where they should start. It works for us as well.

The starting point is where you are at. It makes so much sense yet I forget that the place to start making a difference is where I live; in my family, in my neighborhood; in my town. That's my Jerusalem.

The second place Jesus talks about is Judea and Samaria which were very different areas of ethnicity but essentially were just a little farther away from Jerusalem. For me, I think about somewhere else in the nation. Is there a mission I need to be involved with around the country? One of these missions I have been involved with in the past are trips to New Orleans. Soon after Katrina hit, me and 3 others from Suncrest went to New Orleans to deliver some relief items and pitch in where we could. That led to another trip just 3 months later which involved another church I had served with. On that trip several people caught a passion for serving that area and are still making trips down there. While my schedule has restricted me from going this year I love the fact that God has worked through that first trip to connect so many with the need that is still present in New Orleans.

The third place Jesus mentions is "the ends of the earth." I have recently (just last night, actually) been wondering where it is I need to serve on this level. I got a call from a former student of mine last night who told me about her upcoming trip to Mexico. It lit a fire in me again for getting out of the country. Don't get me wrong. I love our country, but I also like to get out of it so I can appreciate better what we have. More than that, I just love to connect with people who live very far from here and who live very different lives than I do. This is my prayer I think. Lord, where can I make a difference around the globe?

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Day 10 - Luke 10:25-37

I like a fast pace. The more I multitask and check things off the more energized I feel. So when it comes to taking as much time as is needed to really stop and talk with someone (you know, not just have intersecting monologues) I sometimes want to cut it short and go about my tasks.
The thing that strikes me about this passage in Luke is that Jesus refers to two obviously religious people that decide not to stop and help. He didn't mention what good thing they might be going to do or why they needed it to be done right away, instead He demonstrates the better choice even from an unlikely source.
Today I spent more time than I thought counseling someone with regard to their marriage. I left that conversation thinking, “I’m behind and I just blew part of my day.”
I'm glad to have read this today. I wrestle with how to spend certain segments of the day. Do I stop the fast pace of good things that need to be done? What things should I stop for?
Stopping, I've learned, is what helps me find the better choice.
There are tasks that need to be accomplished (like this journal) that are good things. These things help deepen the well so that we are able to give when we need to.
When it really comes down to it, it's how we spend our day that tells us if we’re being used by God.
God help us to stop in our busy day and look for hurting people to help.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Day 9 - Matthew 28.19,20 AKA The Great Commision




How many times have I heard teaching on this passage? How many times have I read this over the past 36 years? It was the scripture passage in Bible college and seminary, helping us to understand and reminding us why we were preparing for ministry. And yet this morning, as I read it again and wondered what I could add that was new and fresh, a few things jumped out at me. First, the statement that the 11 disciples were at the mountain in Galilee where Jesus instructed them to meet Him. Judas had already hung himself. He was dead. Ouch! And then the statement that when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. Some of who? The 11? The ones that lived with him for 3 years, who saw him after the resurrection? They still doubted? I wanted to continue reading the story to get some more information, turned the page, and stared at the Gospel of Mark. I had forgotten that this is literally the last two verses in the book of Matthew.

So, what did Jesus tell the 11, some of whom still doubting? He didn't "yell" at them for their doubts, but he did tell them that he had all authority in heaven and earth (v. 18), and that he wanted them to go, baptize and teach. Go make disciples in all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And teach them to observe all that he had taught them over the past 3 years.

And then he added one more statement. One of the very last things he told his chosen men, whom he dearly loved despite their doubts, fears, hardheadedness, and human frailties. Paraphrased it would read something like "and guys, I'll always be with you, until I return".

So, what is the take-away for us in this passage? Where are we going to go? Who is it that we are to tell? Will we get "called" to the "mission field"? This is the very place many have stopped. Have come to a complete halt waiting for some sign. Some specific direction. And sat. And waited. With pure hearts and good intention. Yep, any moment now God is going to tell me where He wants me to go. Any time now. Real soon. Just waiting...............

Meanwhile, to really bring it home, thousands of people have begun and will continue to move into the "Gates", and more live in St. John, Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Merrillville and Hobart that need to be told, baptized and taught. Where do we go? You can literally look out any of the exits of our church building and see new homes, new opportunities to go and tell. Or, you can tell those you know in your sphere of influence. Or members of your family who need to hear.

Yes, it is "The Great Commission", but it's personal and local in its scope until God tells otherwise. Begin to go, baptize, teach, right where you are. And He'll be with you always.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Day 8 - Matthew 25:31-46

This post was written by Julie Coons:

Balance…For us women, attaining balance is an ever-present struggle. Just look on the covers of magazines geared toward women and I bet a high percentage will have some article claiming to have all the answers to mastering “balance”. Take time for yourself…get a massage…get away for the weekend…make YOU a priority. I used to buy into this and wonder, “What is wrong with me? I never have time for just me, why can’t I grab an afternoon to do what I want? Why can’t I watch a movie in the middle of the day? Why can’t I run to Borders and just sit and read? Why can’t I even go to the bathroom by myself?” The answer is found largely in the fact that we have young children, my husband has a demanding full-time job, we are active with the church and the kids’ school, and we simply love people. When I came to the realization that “balance”, at least the type of balance the world says I need, is not within my grasp, I felt as if the weight of the world was lifted from my shoulders.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” It’s not about me or my time. It’s about my time with our God and how I can serve others out of pure love for Him. I don’t have to have “balance,” all I need is to love others and to care for “the least of these brothers”. Now of course this doesn’t mean that every waking moment is geared toward solving hunger and homelessness. But what it does mean is that it isn’t all about me. I don’t have to worry about my needs or my wants, because if I am walking with the Lord He will provide for me so that I can provide for others, and this includes time for me to refresh and to rest. God wants us all to be His sheep, but for me, I had to give up my quest for balance by the world’s standards and claim His promises for my life as the only balance needed.

(By the way, I did get away for a movie in the middle of the afternoon yesterday with some friends, and it was great. It was a chick flick and I cried all the way through it. I loved it!)

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Day 7- Matthew 25:14-30

For so long my entire spiritual life was based around what I didn't do. It was all about not sinning, which worked out for me; I was pretty good (or so I told myself) at living a plain, white-bread life.

I was so deluded! That's not what God was calling me to! Lately, every time I open the Bible, I'm impressed by the fact that being a Christ-follower means being a person of action, not inaction. For instance, in today's passage, why does the third servant, who "protects" the talent given by his master, get such a severe lashing from his boss? Because he was driven by fear and played it safe, while the other two went out and did something!

For so long I felt like I was a "good Christian" because of the way I lived, but in reality I was not measuring myself the way God would. Now I know a pious life does not earn me God's favor, because I don't need to earn that. Instead I ask the question, what am I doing to go out and make other people's lives better? Jesus in this parable was talking about the coming of the Kingdom of God-- what is going to bring that better than meeting people's spiritual and physical needs? In the passage each servant is given different resources to work with, just like we are; but each of us has enough to show God's love to someone around us.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Day 6 - Matthew 22:34-40

This is my first ever blog post...am I'm already running late.

Last night we had a surprise birthday party for Beka. A few friends from Ohio added to the surprise by coming and we spent today together in Chicago. There is nothing quite like the seasoned conversation of a long-term friend. I love being around these guys. I love to hear about what is happening in their lives, about their struggles and successes. I value time with them more than I value time by myself. I would do anything for them and apparently they would do anything for me - including blowing off work, school, and the weekend because they knew it would be a special day for us.

So what does all this mean in the midst of a 21-day challenge asking, "God, how can You use me?" Simply this: love is the key catalyst for being used by God. It prioritizes our thoughts and actions. It generates the passion and resolve necessary to carry out our intensions. Love never fails.
To love God means that I love spending time with Him, that I value time with Him more than I value time by myself and it means that I would do anything for Him. Love means I put Him first in my decisions. So how do I love God more?
The Bible says, "We love because He first loved us." (1 Jn. 4:19) As we reflect on who God is and what He's done we will end up saying things like, "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?" (Ps. 116:12) In view of His mercy we will consider our bodies as living sacrifices (Ro. 12:1)
We make doing what God wants us to do too difficult sometimes. Jesus made it simple. Love God, love others, everything else will fall into place.
God, may a better understanding of You uncloud my priorites.
May I find a joy in serving that comes from a relationship with You. Amen

Friday, February 15, 2008

Day 5 - Micah 6:8

It has probably been proven in some medical, university, or psychological study that men in general need very direct instruction (using small words) when learning something new. I believe that God, who created men and knows exactly how we think (or many times don't think), used that information in authoring the Bible. Amid the beautiful stories, detailed instruction, and lofty spiritual descriptors there appears, every so often, a very short, pithy, powerful statement that any man can fully appreciate and understand. This scripture is one of those statements. In the previous verses of this passage the author, obviously a man, is trying to figure out what God wants and how we are supposed to please Him. He starts small and ends up asking if he needs to sacrifice his son to please God. But the answer comes simply and powerfully. First we are reminded that He has told us what is good, and what He wants. Three simple statements; do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly before God. Very understandable statements, but eternally powerful. They show God's character, what is most important to Him. Justice, kindness, and humility. I am praying that God helps me keep that in mind over the next days, weeks, and months, and that I please Him by doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly before Him.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Day 4 - Daniel 10

As I read through Daniel 10 I cannot fathom what Daniel must have felt in those moments. However, I am struck by the similarities between Daniel and ourselves. We both have received a vision; Daniel's was given to him supernaturally, ours has been delivered through the leadership of Suncrest. Both visions are of a huge change that is about to take place. Daniel took steps in his life to help him fully understand what God is saying to him, and those of you that are reading this have added this to your time of devotion or have started a devotion time(huge step in hearing from God).

Everyone that hears the news of Suncrest's next step no doubt has a flood of emotions and thoughts. Why? How? What does this mean to me? The questions and fears could easily paralyze us...we are not so different from Daniel.
vs. 19 "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."

The vision that we have received is not the same as the vision that Daniel received, however we still need to hear those words just as much as he did 2500 years ago.

My prayer for you is that you will respond the same way Daniel did in verse 19 by saying "Speak, my Lord, since you have given me strength." I promise that God has a role for you in the process of starting a second campus. I pray that you will let him use you.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Day 3 - Jeremiah 29:11-13

I love it when the Bible makes things simple...and the very best is when it gives us a "formula" so we can see how God works in our lives.

As I read the formula in this passage, I think it is worth remembering the situaiton Jeremiah is writing into. The first verse of the chapter reminds us that this message is to people who were in a valley of life, not on a mountaintop. In this season of their lives, they were surviving, not thriving. And God needed to remind them of His larger plan.

Here's how these 3 verses hit me:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
1. God really has plans for me. Really. He has more confidence in me than I have in myself. He has things in mind for me that my mind is too small to even imagine. Maybe you are wired up like me...analytical. No doubt it serves us well in some circumstances, but it is so limiting at times, isn't it? I ask myself...Do I limit how God will use me? When I consider "What does God have next for me?" do I subconciously limit his answers to only things I could really do on my own?

It's scary to think about where he might take me, but it is scarier to think I might miss out on where he wants to take me.

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you."
2. God would love to have a conversation about his plans for me. Usually, I talk to other people about my plans instead. I give their feedback more credence than I give God's voice.

You know what strikes me? When God says, "I will listen to you." Among the 6 billion people on earth, God listens to me...personally and intimately. And its not because I'm an American. Not becuase I'm a pastor. Just becasue I'm a person he created and he is really interested in my soul, my relationships, my struggles, and my future.

"You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all of your heart."
3. Because of the freedom God gives me, I can completely dismiss God or I can fully engage God...I just can't follow him half-heartedly. At least that is what this passage says to me. To make God's plans for me a "side order" or a "back-up plan" to my own agenda is insulting to him. It's when I seek him "with all of my heart" that I really find out what he has next for me.

So what does he have next for me personally? I'm sorting that out along with all of our church fmaily over the next 21 days. I'm confident he has things in my own spiritual journey, my family life and in my leadership at Suncrest. I'm trying to learn the specifics from God on some of those fronts...on others I'm thankful for the clarity that has come about my future.

I'm confident God wants my wife and kids to have a personal spiritual leader in their home. I'm confident God wants me to love Jesus more tomorrow than I did today and expereince his presence consistently in my life. I'm confident God has in mind for me to be at Suncrest for a long time, but with the mission to make sure Suncrest is always living by faith and never settling in or turning inward. Now I'm praying about the things I lack confidence in. That might be a list for a later post.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Day 2 Proverbs 3:5-8 reflection

Surrender
-not a word with a wonderful reputation in our culture. After all, society encourages us to be our own person, be independent, accomplish things on our own, and succeed at all costs. But today’s scripture tells me not to lean on my own understanding, not to be wise in my own eyes.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart…
For me this means a surrender of control, allowing God to take the reins and influence my actions.

In some cases, this is pretty easy. When I ask Him in prayer to protect those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, across the world, it’s easy to give Him control because I am overwhelmed with an inability to do anything else. It’s also easy to give Him control when praying for healing – again, knowing I personally can’t cure anyone.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him…
If I’m honest, there are areas of my life that are extremely difficult to surrender. Even when I remember to ask God to speak into them, I often don’t take the time to wait for His reply. Mostly because I think I’ve already got it figured out, it’s a trust/pride/humility issue. I usually want my feelings to matter most, but God has a different plan. And sometimes that plan doesn’t make any sense at the time. Why am I so stubborn when I know that He knows what’s best for me and can use any situation to grow me?

When I DO humble myself, surrender a situation to Him, and trust in Him with all my heart, He is ALWAYS faithful in turning out the best result. He helps me resolve things in a God-honoring way. Everyone around me is happier. :- )

Look around you for the once-impossible things that have become possible. Encourage your faith and trust in God by giving him the credit for the possibilities in your life.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Day 1 - Genesis 12 reflection

The passage for today was a key passage in Greg's message yesterday. It has been one of my favorite passages because it describes a pivotal moment in Abraham's life. Others include his name change, the birth of his son at 100 years of age and then the almost sacrifice of his son. It's these moments that shape us. Sometimes these moments only become significant to us in hindsight. You think back and realize how significant that really was.

I relate to Abraham in part. While my "calling" was not as audible, I too have felt the call to leave my homeland (Oklahoma) and live for God's mission in a foreign land (C'mon, don't try to tell me NW Indiana is not strange). While that certainly has its challenges and drawbacks, it by and large has been a huge blessing. Which brings me to one of the points of this passage.

How am I being a blessing?

How can I be a blessing?

My prayer is certainly that the East campus will be a blessing. The leadership of it has certainly been a calling for me. But I think that is the obvious thing in my life. I'm asking today, "How can I be a blessing in ways that has nothing to do with the fact I'm a pastor?"

I'm not sure I have great answers, yet. But here is where my list is starting, or rather continuing as I have been thinking about this for a little while:

  • I need to get my newest neighbors over to my house. That may mean dinner, coffee or whatever. I just need to get to know them.
  • My wife has some family that is in real need. I need to engage more with her on how WE can help them.
  • This may sound cheesy, but I feel so blessed to be married to Sheila. I really do need to do something to bless her...and Valentine's day is coming up, so...looks like a golden opportunity.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Welcome to the 21 Day Challenge

For the next 21 days different staff from Suncrest will post their reflections on the Scripture for that day. Our hope is that it will encourage you as you complete the 21 day challenge answering the question:

How does God want me to make a difference?