Are You Tebowing?

Over the past few months, we have witnessed something in America that is seldom seen, especially at the level that has been consistently shown...a very public figure, a quarterback in the NFL, has been sharing His faith, and even more specific Jesus Christ, to the world that tunes in.
Tim Tebow, former college football standout and now quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has raised the bar for those of us who claim to be followers of Christ. He publicly prays, gives God the glory whether he wins or loses, and never misses a chance to share Jesus with anyone listening to him. It's rather comical that when Tim prays on the field, it is referred to as Tebowing. It is sad too that this man is continually mocked for his faith. I guess that is what Jesus was talking about (at least in America where the persecution is much more different) when He said that we should count it a blessing when we are persecuted on behalf of Him!

So what can we learn or take from all this Tebow publicity? For one, we can learn to show character and integrity in all aspects of our life...especially in that we do not have to be one person in Church and around our church friends, and a totally different person at work or school. We truly lack character and integrity when we play schizophrenic with our faith! Secondly, we can use this very public topic to bring up spiritual conversations with those around us who do not believe the things we do. Everyone has an opinion, so we can use that as a conversation starter for people around us so that we can begin, or continue, those mentoring conversations in hopes to draw some to the good news of Jesus!
So whether Tebow and the Broncos win or lose, let's learn from this man and boldly proclaim our love and devotion to Jesus Christ, the man Who died for us so that we could live forever with Him! I think that whenever God looks down and sees Tim Tebow boldly professing his faith in Jesus, He looks down and says that line that we all desire to hear..."well done my good and faithful servant." May we all live our lives in an open and obedient way that screams to those around us, "I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I am proud to be part of His family!"
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you.”
John 15:18-20 NIV

Salt and Light - It's Time to Be The Church

Are you proud to be a follower of Jesus Christ?  Are you proud to be a member of your local church?  If yes to either or both, then why is it so hard to share Christ with those who don't know Him...or even simply share anything about our faith life with others around us?

Our mission, as given to us by Jesus Himself, is to make disciples.  He doesn't say to make converts only, but to make disciples.  The Church in general is doing a poor job of simply making converts, even though Christ said to go further and make disciples.  However, even if the Church was making converts at a break neck pace, Christianity would be dead in one generation.  You see, making disciples requires the one who has become a disciple to pass it on and make disciples themselves.  Disciples making disciples...that is Jesus' plan for the Church!

There should only be three types of people in the local churches:

1) Seekers - those checking out the claims of Christ and His followers and trying to decide if they will buy in to His claims to be the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world.

2) New believers - those who have accepted Christ as their Savior and are now ready to be a disciple.  These people should seek out a mentor to help in the discipleship process.  This is when you begin discovering the passions and gifts that God has given you, and start using them to serve others (volunteering, ministry, etc.).

3) Disciple makers - those who have been and are a disciple, who are purposefully seeking out others to mentor into a relationship with Christ as well as walking with those new believers as they start the journey of discipleship.  Here is where you are serving in the church as well as serving individuals on a mentoring and discipleship level.

The problem is that the churches are filled with people who do not fall into one of those categories.  They are filled with sponges - people who are looking out for themselves only, filling the seats week after week without giving a thought to volunteering or mentoring someone that is younger in faith than they are.  Many of these people are the very ones that may have attended regularly for years but never share the good news of Jesus, make disciples or even help out in volunteering in Children's Ministry, being a Greeter, Facilitating a class, etc...these are the same ones that are first to complain about a problem, but are never willing to help with the solution!

It is time for the professing Christians to begin fulfilling the great commission to make disciples.  First thing we need to do is to get rid of this ridiculous idea that faith and ______________ (politics, school, work, etc. – you pick) don't mix.  If you are a professing follower of Jesus Christ then stop using excuses and start sharing your faith!  To say that you cannot mix these things is to say that having strong character and integrity did not come from the fact that you have a God that has shown you an honorable way to live and that all moral absolutes come from His Truth!  Of course if we are true followers of Christ we will show strong character and integrity...so how can you separate who you are from the things you do (work, school, etc.)?  Here is the problem...too many so called Christians do so every day by the way they live their lives at work or school without thinking twice about living an honorable life of character and integrity that has been modeled for us so well by Jesus.  And it happens in the churches as well...we must stand up for what, or Who, we believe in and if those around us claim to be offended then it just may be God convicting them.  I am not saying to go be rude...Jesus never did that!  I am saying that since we know the Truth about what happens to those who do not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior (the torment of hell is beyond our imagination) then why in the world would we shy away from sharing that reality?  Should we pick and choose who we will love enough to save from the torment of eternity in hell?  I should hope not!

It is time for Christians to grow up in their faith (so to speak) and take seriously the command the make disciples: To get off our backsides and love others enough to share eternal life with them;  To volunteer on Sunday mornings so that the seeker can come in and be loved and learn about the Good News that we so dearly love;  To walk alongside those seekers and mentor them by sharing life and faith and maybe a cup of coffee as you develop a relationship that may have eternal consequences; To be discipled by a more mature believer and continue that gift by discipling others who are younger in their faith walk.

I truly believe that God will have words with those who stand by and, after accepting the most amazing gift ever given to anyone, simply sit back and coast into the Kingdom and selfishly hoard the Church as if it is an institution created to serve them...WE ARE THE CHURCH!  Time to stand up, grow up, and act like it!

Matthew 5:13 (NASB) Disciples and the World - 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

This scripture is clear...we are either salt, which was considered very valuable for preserving food and for adding flavor, or we are useless...thrown out and trampled by the world.

14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

You see, the answer to the question in verse 13 (how can it be made salty again?) is in verse 16.  We are to be salt and light, shining for the world to see and adding flavor to this world...preserving the name of Christ in all we do.  When we are saved, it is not about what we do, it's about who we are.  But once we know who we are, or better yet Whose we are, then it is about what we do (see verse 16 above – so that they may see your good works…) as we serve by fulfilling Christ's commission for the believers of this world...to go make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them all that Jesus has commanded (paraphrased from Matthew 28:18-20).

Well Church, we have a choice.  We can be Salt and Light, or we can be sponges – sucking up all around us and stinking up the faith we claim to have.  I suggest we be Salt and Light as we live the lives we have only because of what Jesus did!  I am not sure why the gospel is referred to as good news...it is THE GREATEST NEWS OF ALL TIME!  Why on God's earth (it's not ours anyway) would we not share such wonderful news!  Make that commitment now...live the live that you have for the very One that gave you that life in the first place...and pass it on!

Let's stand up, grow up, and become The Church that God can be proud to say is His!

Happy New Year - New You...With God at the Center!

How much time do we waste doing sinful things (lying, cheating, lusting, coveting, gossiping, etc.) when we could be doing redemptive things?  Having a Biblical Worldview frees up so much wasted time that the excuse that I am too busy is no longer valid!

How do you know if you are wasting redemptive time on things not of God?  One simple measure is that when God shows you a need, or gives you a heart for someone or something, or gives you a desire to give of your time or finances, and you cannot “fit it into your schedule” or “into your budget”, then you need to step back and see what or who is taking place of God in your life!  Good things in our eyes, without God at the center, become idols in our lives…thus, they are sin!

When God is at the center, we will always have time to join Him in His mission.  He desires all of us, not just what’s left after the budget or after our selfish wants are met.  God will never ask more of you than what He has equipped (or will equip) you to do…and He will walk you through everything He calls you to do!

As 2012 approaches, evaluate your life and the things that take up much of your time.  Pray that God shows you what is sinful that needs to be removed, and what is of Him that needs to be developed!  Then, get rid of the sin and join Him in His redemptive work in your life!  You will be blessed and those around you will be blessed even more!  Make 2012 the year that God made a huge move in your life…and don’t look back!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

             I love this time of year with everything from the most important reason for celebrating, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, to the music, decorations and the Christmas shows.  I even like Christmas shopping, as long as I am done before Thanksgiving!

             With the economy being down for so long, I’ve noticed that a few great messages are being put out there for people to hear.  One in particular that makes me smile is the thought of giving yourself for Christmas.  I have heard this from both secular and Christian sources, which is rather encouraging!  Even in a down economy, most of us here in America have all we need…except for loved ones around just spending time with each other, loving each other, building each other up, reminiscing, helping those in need, and asking for help when we are in need.  You know, doing life with one-another the way Jesus did.  There is no sacrifice that we will ever make that will remotely compare to the one He made on our behalf, and the Christmas season is a great time for us all to remember what’s important in life—God first, then Family, Friends, etc.  When we live that way, it is never a sacrifice to spend time with one-another, serving one-another, loving one-another, mentoring each other...It becomes part of who we are and how we relate to everyone around us!  We love because He first loved us! 1 John 4:19 

As the New Year approaches, I pray that you will look around and see who God has placed in your life.  As you do, start with a simple prayer for God to reveal to you one or two people that He would like for you to invest in - mentor.  Then, once He has shown you those in your everyday life to whom He wants you to build-up, join Him in the work He is doing all around you.  Get to know others this year and let God do the transforming in their hearts...and yours!

Merry Christmas and may God bless you with a mentoring heart in 2012! 

Seek Justice, Love Mercy...Walk Humbly with Your God

Many of you have seen the movies by Sherwood Baptist; “Flywheel”, “Facing the Giants”, “Fireproof”, and most recently, “Courageous”.  I will be the first to say I love these movies and think the Kendrick brothers are doing an awesome work down there in GA.  However, my thinking of how to best utilize these movies has taken a paradigm shift over the last couple days.  Let me explain:

When these movies (Blockbuster Christian Films that is) first started coming out, I would invite everyone I knew (Christian or not) and would encourage everyone to see them.  I thought that the movies, in and of themselves, were great tools for evangelism, and in some ways they were (and still are to some).  The problem is this: many people, who are skeptics (Secular and Christian!), go to these movies looking for faults, not the gospel!  The Kendrick’s have done a great job of presenting the gospel in their movies, but it is up to us as Christians to be the mediators (so to speak) between the message and those we are inviting.  We must invite conversation and be willing to discuss whatever comes up about the movie, faith, or even the acting!  When you, a Christian man, tear up in Fireproof or Courageous when you see faults in yourself and in how you relate to your family, don’t be surprised when your buddy knocks the movie that moved you because the acting wasn’t “great” or the message was “preachy”.  Just like when Jesus would tell parables, only those who follow Jesus are illuminated to the light of the message of the gospel when told in story form!

The shift in me has looked something like this:

I now see these movies as encouragers for Christians to get out, get encouraged, and mentor others.  I see them as tools for Christians to invite friends and converse as they mentor the people in their circle of influence.  The reason these movies have flickered, made great money, and then have all but been forgotten, is because we (in general) have not utilized them as tools for the gospel to those around us.  Christians go and spend their money on tickets and watch the movies, are moved, and go home…but that’s it!  Others are invited or stumble upon these movies, but very few people are won to the Kingdom by handing them a New Testament, then never following up on it!  Relationships are the key to the gospel taking root and the Kingdom being built!  The discussions after the movie are more important than the actual movie!  

I also see the role the local church must take in order to fulfill the great commission.  Even if these movies are helping people make that profession of faith, or recommitment (and they are for some), Jesus never told us that we were to go make converts!  We are to make disciples!  So regardless of the ideas you may have about the purpose of these movies, the goal still falls back on each of us, The Church, to make disciples!  That involves relationships!

So, my shift has been that these movies are: 1) encouragers for Christians, 2) discussion starters for Christians to mentor those in their sphere of influence, and 3) outreach events where the goal is to have relationships, discussions afterward to best utilize the message of these films.

The title song from “Courageous” has been produced by the group Casting Crowns and is a great song.  One line has stuck with me over the past few weeks:

                “Seek Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with Your God…”

Seek Justice – This is our natural human reaction, wanting justice to be served!

Love Mercy – This is the understanding of a Biblical Worldview…seeing the world from God’s perspective.  Love God and Love Others…the greatest commandments as deemed by Jesus!

Walk Humbly with Your God – This is the result of living a life where you seek justice (from God’s perspective) and love mercy (by seeing the world the way Jesus does!)

So, go see the movies, even take a friend, but don’t let it drop there.  Let that be the springboard to a great discussion.  You never know where God will take it when you offer Him your obedient heart!

Our Mission...If We Choose to Accept It!

          What is the Mission Statement of Ovid Community Church?  Can you recite it by memory?  I’ve heard many people utter the phrase, “Connecting People to God and to One Another.”  In a nutshell that is not wrong, but it is incomplete!

          Our Mission, at Ovid Community Church, is this: “Transforming Lives by Connecting People to God and Connecting Them to One-Another.”  It’s a subtle shift, but I will show you in this post why it is crucial for us to understand our mission if we are ever to begin fulfilling it!

          The Mission, broken down, has three components: There is one result (transforming lives/ transforming community) and two vehicles to get that result (connecting to God and connecting to one another).

          Connecting People to One-Another (Go)—this is the beginning of our mission as a congregation.  This is where we build relationships with one-another in the congregation, the community, and those we touch everyday.  This is where we share life with others in small groups or in one-on-one relationships.  The life we share with one-another is the life we have in Christ.  This is Mentoring! 

          Connecting People to God (Baptize—Celebration Moment)—this is the point where someone decides to take Christ seriously at His word and then commits' his life to follow the One who died and rose again to usher us into His glory!  I like to say that this point is the “AND” in Mentoring AND Discipleship...the convergence of the relationship with a person to an eternal relationship with God!

          Transforming Lives (Teach)—this is where we see the fruit of our labor; and by “labor” I mean fulfilling the great commission that Jesus left for us before He ascended into heaven: “Go” (Mentoring), “Baptize” (AND—the Celebration Moment), and “Teach” (Discipleship) - See MT 28:18-20.  “Go, Baptize and Teach” are the vehicles Jesus gave us to make disciples.  He used them during His time on earth and in training His disciples.  When He ascended, a community of transforming believers grew by the thousands at the mention of His name and the preaching of His word.  We don’t need a better model or program than that!

          We (The Church) must take seriously the mission Jesus left for us to Go, Baptize and Teach.  We all (young and old) can change the world for Christ by sharing our lives and faith with others!  Having a “biblical worldview” - viewing the world through God’s eyes (it’s all about Him) - will revolutionize our thinking and point us to the things that really matter—God and people!  The culture around us tells us we must put ourselves first in all we do. That worldview is based on secular thinking (it’s all about me).  Jesus gave us a great measuring tape in this verse:  John 13:34-35  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  What would it look like if The Church would completely buy into that verse?  A Transformed World—A glimpse of Heaven! 

Marriage Refresher at Miracle Camp

Whenever we have an opportunity (Summer Camp, Ice Camp, Man Camp, Family Camp, and now Marriage Retreat) we love to spend time outside of Lawton, MI at Miracle Camp and Retreat Center.  Their mission is this: "Miracle Camp & Retreat Center exists to create life long change in youth, adults and families by strengthening their Christian faith and building community."  This is by far the best Christian Camp I have ever had the opportunity to observe.  From their strong commitment of faith to the great activities like High Ropes and Zip Line, Miracle Camp is a cut above the rest!

Rob - Zip-lining backwards upside-down (if you haven't read the
 children's book "Silly Sally Went to Town", then you may not get that comment!)

Along with the fun of the Zip Line, High Ropes, Climbing Wall, Hiking Trails, Lake Fun, Trap Shooting, Etc., Etc., Etc., whenever you attend a retreat or summer camp at MC, the fun is great, but the Spiritual Growth is the key to why they are successful.  The staff and volunteers serve you as an extension of the love that Christ shares.  The sessions for each camp are specifically designed for the target audience to help them grow Spiritually and relationally.  At the recent Marriage Retreat that 12 friends from Ovid attended, the focus was on marriage and parenting.  The material was presented in a humorous and serious manner, and was relevant to everyone attending...from grandparents to newlyweds.

I say all of this to share that finding a place to "get away" to refresh and renew yourself Spiritually, relationally and physically, is something we all need to do to keep our Kingdom focus and not get bogged down with the stress of life.

When you live out of a love for Christ, and your life shows it in all you do, it becomes so apparent even during times of renewal (sometimes even more so).  Last weekend, a dear freind of mine showed others a love for Christ in such a tangible way.  She felt so convicted for a couple that she was brought to tears and prayer for this couple; spending time with them in their time of need.  Even though we were only there for 2 1/2 days, she felt a love for this couple that extended into serving them...not for anything in return, but simply to show God's love for them in their time of need.  It was an incredible thing to watch her mentor the people around her by simply loving them, crying with them, and listening to them.  I know I only share this one story, but I will say I saw it many times from this incredible group of friends during the weekend...truly inspiring!

That level of mentoring is what Jesus had in mind when he said to Go make disciples of all nations...relational discipleship (or mentoring) is the key to building relationships with others in hopes that they will open their lives and hearts up to Jesus so that He can reach them and pursue them, drawing them into His Kigdom.  Discipleship (becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ) will rarely happen unless we mentor those around us by loving them and maybe sharing a tear along the way.  It can happen in our everyday travels as well as when we are renewing ourselves, as long as we know who we are in Christ!

This Marriage Retreat was a great time of renewal, growth and simply standing in awe of how God uses people who have chosen to follow Him with their lives.  Spending time away with Lisa (my wife) was great for our communication and connection to one-another.  I love Miracle Camp, but it comes after my love for God, Lisa and my kids!

Isn't she beautiful!  Smiling at 40' above the ground!

If you would like more info about Miracle Camp, you can ask me or Click Here!  You won't be disappointed!

Mentoring, Discipleship and Biblical Worldview

Mentoring and Discipleship are the keys to any ministry.  Without them, and the understanding of how they relate to a Biblical Worldview, a ministry can become an idol – or you can become your own idol!  Let me give you an example: 

Say you have a passion for serving orphans and widows – both very important and biblical.  While serving them, you develop a relationship, building trust as you feed and provide basic needs.  This relationship building, with Christ at the center, is mentoring.  As the relationship grows, the needs expand beyond physical needs, to include spiritual needs – “Why me? or “Where is God when I need Him?” or “Why would God let me suffer like this?” or “I am not sure if God even exists?”  When the conversations turn to a Spiritual nature, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is the most important and only thing they need.  If they choose to accept His wonderful invitation, the invitation to believe He is Who He said He is, and follow Him, you have an awesome opportunity to Disciple this new believer to become a fully devoted follower of Christ. 

You see, if we are not serving from a Biblical Worldview, it becomes all about us and how we helped someone by giving them food or money.   Worldview is a term that many have had a hard time grasping, but it is simply how we “View” the “World”…we either view the world through “Biblical” eyes, the very heart of God, or we view the world through our own selfish desires, which is a secular (non-Godly) way of thinking.  A Biblical Worldview is a view that understands Jesus gave us a mission to fulfill – Go (mentor) make disciples, Baptize (showing them the way of salvation and allowing them to make a choice to follow Him) and teach them to obey all He has commanded (Disciple).  See Matthew 28:18-10.

From a Biblical Worldview approach – I serve others for the following reasons (and many more):

1)      To glorify God!

2)      To share the Good News of Jesus Christ because it is the only way to eternal life with God. 

3)      To minister to a need in someone’s life to not only fill that need, but to draw them to the One that gives you the passion to want to serve them.

4)      God loves them and I love God and take serious the command He gave us to Go, Baptize and Teach - Matthew 28:

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 

5)      I love them because God’s Word says to love God and love my neighbor (which is everyone!) - Matthew 22:

35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with this question:
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.`
38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.`
40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

From a Worldly Approach – I serve others for the following reasons (again, there are more):

1)      I provide their basic needs of food and clothing which gives me a sense of fulfillment because I use what I have to help someone in need.

2)      I feel good about myself when I help others.

3)      Others think highly of me when they see me helping someone less fortunate.

4)      I never know who I am going to help and how that may in turn be a benefit for me.

I know it’s obvious, but the Secular Worldview says it’s all about me and what others may think of me.  The Biblical Worldview says that I love God and view the world through His eyes…for His glory and for the building of His Kingdom…It’s about Him, not me!

When we place God first in all we say and do our worldview begins to shift to the things that God desires.  Our hearts break for the things that break His heart.  Our passions (or calling) line up with His will.  Our selfish desires begin to take backseat to His calling on our lives. 

There are dozens of people around each of us every day who are facing judgment and heading for Hell…and God’s heart breaks.  Does it break yours?  Does it break mine? 

God, break our hearts for the things that break your heart!  Show us the people in our lives, in our direct influence every day, that You would have us to build relationships – relationships with a purpose…then convict us to act upon those promptings!  If our relationships do not honor or glorify You, I pray you line them up with Your plan for our lives and call us to a greater plan – Your plan!  It’s in the powerful name of Jesus I pray, AMEN!

Discipling Kids

My daughter Chloe and I have been reading through Genesis lately, and it is amazing how fresh and new these old familiar Scriptures can be when looking through the lens of a child.

Chloe is 8 years old right now, and as we read, we ask questions and discuss the chapters as we go. As adults, we sometimes get into a routine of reading passages that we know without really thinking them through...at least not beyond face value.

When we read about the animals that Noah was to house in the ark, it is easy to remember that they entered "two-by-two". But can you answer the question that we discussed: how many cows entered the ark?  See Genesis 7!

It was fun going through the verses with her and discussing the reasons why there were 14 cows that entered the ark. You see, all clean animals were to have 7 pair for sacrifices and later for eating...and, God had not yet allowed the eating of meat prior to the flood!

One little side note about this verse...and it's enough to deepen your faith that God truly exists. God lays out all the animals that are deemed clean for sacrifice and eating. That list has been scientifically proven to be 100% accurate due to the way those animals were created. Only God could have given that list to man before they were even considered edible!  Check it out in scripture...

These little tidbits of info are there for us to share with our kids to deepen our faith and theirs and to disciple them as they grow in their relationship to God. It never ceases to amaze me how God's word can surprise you when looking at it through the eyes of a chid!

So read the scriptures with your kids and ask then questions as well as have them ask you questions. You may just strengthen your faith along with your child!

Faith Without Action is Dead!

James 2:14-17 NIV84  "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

           

            This scripture is just another great example of God’s heart placed on the pages of the Bible.  It doesn’t mean you have to work your way into heaven.  It means that once you have saving faith in Christ, your actions will define your faith because of the transformation occurring inside of you! 

            When God places a burden on my heart, I tend to become very sensitive when I see it in action.  For example, what has become heightened in my perception over the past few months are comments like, “I’m too busy to…”  In the Church, this often involves volunteering to serve others. Or how about, “I’m not being fed”.  Going through times of needing to “be fed” are natural in the discipleship process, but we cannot take refuge there!  No coasting into the Kingdom! 

            I’ve discovered that the phrase, “I’m too busy to…”, simply means that my agenda has taken precedence over God’s will for my life.  God may be nudging you to volunteer with the youth, or maybe as a greeter, or a mentor, but the busyness of “life” has gotten in the way of where God desires to utilize your gifts and passions (the very ones He gave you).  Many may say that they are too busy with “church work” to mentor...God will never call you to a ministry to only make your life miserable due to busyness...remember what Jesus said in Matthew 11:30 - "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  He also told us in Matthew 28:18-20 to go make disciples...according to these scriptures, making disciples is simply part of who we are when we put God first in all we do.  That is why He made mentoring as simple as building relationships with Him at the center!

            "I'm not being fed" simply means that I am relying on someone else to give me the milk of God's word instead of taking the responsibility myself to study God's word to discern what God wants to reveal to me and where He wants me to join Him in the work He has given.  It's time for meat, and the meat of scripture is living it out and serving others - loving God, loving others and making disciples!

            My goal in writing these blog posts is never to condemn or judge anyone...God has called us out of judging others.  My goal is to pass along what I feel the Holy Spirit has prompted me to write, for my sake as well as yours.  My prayer for you will be that God uses these little posts to nudge your heart and call you to action.  Prayerfully investigate your heart and life and see where God may be prompting you to serve and who God may want you to mentor...then take action and join God!  As a follower of Christ, sometimes the faith part is easy...but action takes courage!  Be courageous and take action where God prompts you.  Watch where God is working, pray and listen for His call, then join Him boldly!

To Conform, or Not to Conform...

I had an interesting thought this morning based on a passage of scripture that is dear to my heart.

In Romans 12:2, Paul gives us great counsel on how to live the Christian life. He writes, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God`s will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This is such a powerful verse and has been an incredible scripture for my personal spiritual growth in the past and today! The verse makes so much sense to me as a Christian…do not become so accustomed to what the world calls good, focus your mind on what God says is good and conform to that!

One reason this verse means so much to me is because God used this verse to get me focused on Him and not on the world. I used to be a sports radio junkie! Anything to do with sports, I was listening to it: ESPN radio, Mike and Mike, local sports …you name it. If you’ve ever listened to sports talk radio (and most other talk radio for that matter), the bulk of the conversations are negative, degrading, argumentative, and downright rude! For an entire year, I turned off all sports talk radio and focused my mind on scripture and Christian radio. I tried to listen to sports radio after that year and it made me cringe how negative the talk was and how disgusted it made me feel. I had filled my mind with this junk for years, and when you fill your mind with junk, a whole lot of junk comes out of your mouth! Garbage in, garbage out! Over that year, my relationships at home and with my friends changed (I still struggle with sarcastic humor…I am working on it!). I was calmer, not jumping to conclusions, forcing my opinion on others or arguing for the sake of being right. I didn’t put people down, see them as problems, or look past those in need. My perspective completely shifted…to a more biblical worldview! I am not saying that I am perfect in this area, but I can honestly say that I am a changed person (ask my wife)! By the way, I refuse to listen to sports talk even to this day…Going on 11 years!

That brings me back to my thought from this morning though…since the bulk of society, as well as most people claiming to be Christians, does not have a biblical worldview (seeing everything in life from the perspective of the Kingdom of God) how would this verse apply to them? Unfortunately, the “world” (I will define the “world” as non-Christians or Christians who do not hold true to biblical values) has their own version of this verse they use daily…they may not quote it, but their lives show it: I will not conform any longer to the pattern of the Church, I will be transformed by the relaxing of my mind. Then I will be able to impose my will on others…my good, pleasing and perfect will. New World Paraphrase.

Think about it…divorce is rampant, and people in the Church are as likely as non-churched people to get a divorce. Co-habitation has passed marriage in this country as the norm for a “committed” couple. Abortion is ok because a baby may intrude on my lifestyle. Lying is ok as long as “no one gets hurt”. Watching inappropriate stuff on TV is no problem because everyone else is watching. Viewing pornography isn’t really hurting anyone. Need I go on?

We have become so “ME” oriented that we have lost complete sight of God’s perspective on life – a biblical worldview. I have my theory as to why…want to hear it? We, The Church, have become so inward that we have forgotten what Jesus’ commanded us…to Go and Make Disciples! Jesus’ mentoring program was amazing and is very simple to follow. Yet, The Church has focused either on themselves (which will never make a disciple) or they have become so “seeker friendly” that they are afraid they will offend someone for sharing their faith. Both are cop outs! Focusing only on the members of our local congregations will only breed more self-serving, self-centered people that really believe it is all about them! Becoming so much like the secular world in order to draw in non-believers and then not sharing your faith creates…you guessed it - self-serving, self-centered people that really believe it is all about them!

So, what’s the answer? Fulfill the great commission to Go (build relationships with everyone from the perspective of God, pointing them to our Savior – this is mentoring), Baptize (help those with whom you are in relationship to take that step of salvation where they proclaim to God, “I am yours”), and Teach (help them become fully devoted followers of Christ - disciples). This is covered in Matthew 28:18-20. Then teach them to mentor others...disciples making disciples.

Ok Church, now’s the time to act! Are you going to just sit back and coast into the Kingdom with a self-centered approach to your faith? If that’s your thought, you may want to revisit God in prayer and be certain you are on the right team! Doesn’t sound like a Christ follower to me! Or are you going to live a radical life of transformation…one that builds relationships and points people to the Savior? It is time for the True, Bold, Empowered, Body of Christ to stand up for what we believe…we believe that Jesus Christ came to earth, taught a few men to make disciples, was killed on a cross, laid in a tomb taking our sins to death with him, and then….then, He conquered death, rose and is waiting in heaven to be reunited with us, His bride, THE CHURCH! He gave us a simple task…Go, Baptize and Teach! And that is exactly what I intend to do! Will you join me?

Don't Accept The World For What It Has Become!

When you choose to do nothing about the world around you, you choose to accept the world for what it is! 

The world is truly messed up – that’s what happens when man chose to be disobedient to God!  Sin is no longer considered wrong in the world’s eyes - co-habitation, abortion, homosexuality, laziness, self-centeredness, lying, cheating…I could go on for a while, but I think you get the point!  But what is the greater problem; committing the sins but believing they are ok or watching those sins being committed, knowing they are wrong, and doing nothing about it?  We do more harm standing by watching someone sin than we can ever do by confronting someone in love and walking with them along the path to freedom.  Remember, sin is bondage...freedom can be elusive!

In Matthew 18, verses 15 – 17, Jesus lays out how we are to confront a brother who is sinning (someone professing to be a follower of Christ): 15 "If your brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.  16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. ` 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.  By the way, a pagan and a tax collector is another way of saying someone that has not received Christ as their Savior!  

So, how do we treat a pagan or a tax collector?  We love them!  We mentor them and love them by getting to know them, sharing our faith life with them and pointing them in a better direction…toward a saving God.  When someone is living a life of sin that is where we, The Church, step in and join God by confronting the sin and loving the sinner!  And don’t be prideful; we are all sinners…those of us who chose to accept it have simply been saved by Grace!

It’s your choice…stand back and watch the world around you crumble under the feet of Satan, or do something about it!  When you see what is going on around the world, what are the things that get your blood boiling…those things that make your stomach turn and ache?  That is the Holy Spirit giving you a passion…a call to action!  We know the end of the story…Satan loses!  But while we are here, our purpose is to love God and love others by making disciples, not by sitting back and coasting into the Kingdom!

Does domestic violence drive you to tears?  Volunteer to mentor at your local women’s center and see where God takes you to serve.

Do you have a neighbor kid that is so obnoxious, so disrespectful that you want to give him a piece of your mind…and maybe even his parents?  Befriend him; mentor him by getting into his world and showing him someone who cares about him because God loves him.  Better yet, get to know his parents as well…there’s a good chance the parents could use some encouragement and possibly some mentoring as well.

Have you lied or cheated someone?  Go seek forgiveness and make it right…not for personal gain, but for relational gain!

Are you co-habiting with a girlfriend or boyfriend?  Break it off!  You don’t have to break off the relationship, but you know what is right and what is wrong!  Honoring God is way more rewarding than self gratification!

Do you know someone (or maybe that someone is you) who has had an abortion?  Or maybe struggled with homosexuality, pornography or a sexual addiction?  As followers of Christ, we need to come along side those who are hurting (and having an abortion, struggling with pornography, sexual addiction or even with homosexuality will definitely cause lots of hurt) and extend the love that Jesus showed for us to those individuals who are either stuck in sin, or who are dealing with past sin.  Thing is, we all have dealt with past sin…and we all need a loving Savior, or someone to point us to a loving Savior!

There is a reason that Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (see Matthew 22:35-40)…it is the very nature of God to love.  He loved us enough to send His son to die for the sins we have and will commit.  He didn’t have to, He wanted to!  We don’t have to love others that way, we get to!  This is what love looks like: We love our God so much that we begin seeing everyone around us from His perspective (that is the Holy Spirit’s guiding).  We develop a passion or feel His call to make a difference in someone’s individual life or a group of people’s lives.  We join God in the most remarkable, rewarding work we have ever done.  We love others right alongside God!  There is no better place to be!  God gets the glory, and we get to join Him in the celebration!

Those who call Jesus their Savior are children of God.  He loves all of His creation, but to be called His child we must be adopted into His family.  He has given the invitation to be adopted through His Son, Jesus, and we only need to accept to be part of the family of God.  There are many people in our lives that are truly loved by God but who are not yet members of His family.  Are you willing to love them enough to mentor them and point them to a loving Creator that has invited them to be His children?  If not you, who?

When you choose to do nothing about the world around you, you choose to accept the world for what it is!  For this reason, Romans 12:2 warns us to not be conformed to the patterns of this world!  No use complaining about something you’ve chosen to accept!  We have the power to change the world…it only takes one Christian to sit back and do nothing for Satan to celebrate!  We belong to Christ and He deserves the glory!  Don’t complain about the world, do something about it! 

Are You Loving Others Sacrificially?

             I’ve been presenting these little inserts for 7 months now and have repeated  many times how every conversation can and ought to be a mentoring conversation when Jesus is at the center of who we are.  That phrase may sound coined, but it is truly becoming a part of who I am and what God calls us all to be a part of—making disciples!  God has given me a deeper burden this month for this call on our lives as individuals, a congregation, and community.  What I am about to say may sound harsh, but when God prompts me to say something I seldom ask Him to clarify...I let Him work how He wants to through me.  Here goes:

What are YOU doing...better yet, WHO are you serving?  With whom are you investing, building a relationship, mentoring for the sake of the individual and the Kingdom of God?  I feel we, The Church, need to get off our backsides and proclaim what an awesome God we get to serve and what an awesome Savior we have in Jesus Christ!  You don’t need to go out and begin a street evangelism movement to proclaim how great our God is; but you CAN invest in others with the goal of God intervening in their lives and drawing them to Himself.  We have a part in this awesome work—the work that The Church was intended to do from the start!  It is simple Church...love others as Christ has loved you—sacrificially! 

How are you doing with loving those around you?  Whether they are loveable or not is never the question!  We, The Church, are on a mission from God! Jesus tells us to Go make disciples, Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and Teach them all that He has commanded.  Go, Baptize and Teach! 

When we Go, we are mentoring every person we come in contact with—loving them by getting to know them, leading them toward a new or deeper relationship with God.  Baptizing is when someone begins their relationship with Christ and proclaims, “I am Yours God and I want everyone to know about it!”  And Teaching them is the process of Discipleship—growing them up to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Commit to memory Matthew 28:18-20...it will transform your way of life!  It has mine!

Here’s my challenge to you: Investigate your life, your heart, and boldly pray to God for a vision (or calling) for your life that is bigger than you; that only God can accomplish.  Then take steps in joining Him in that vision!  There is no better place to be than directly in the center of God’s will.  Love God and love others...it’s that simple!  Remember this: callings from God are never self-serving!

Back to School

“Back to School!”  To some, that has a great ring to it; to others...not so much!  Either way you approach it, a new school year brings a fresh opportunity for growth and relationships.  New teachers and students, new teammates and club members, new opportunities to represent God well to those in our circle of influence.  Remember what we’ve been saying...every conversation can be a mentoring conversation when Christ is at the center of who you are.  Whether you are a parent, student, teacher, coach, or whatever, you have the ability to change the world around you this Fall by your actions and behaviors...that is BIG!  A divinely changed mind (one that is being transformed by Christ) will always result in a changed behavior, action and trajectory.  The opposite is true as well!  See Philippians 4:8...When we line up our thinking with God, our trajectory becomes divinely-led!  And we begin caring about the things that God cares about - people!

As you get connected (or re-connected) this Fall, remember Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is...His good, pleasing and perfect will. 

So, what are some of the “patterns of this world” in your life today that keep you away from God’s will?  Busyness is one of the biggest culprits I see!  It is up to each one of us to determine why we are so busy, and adjust to God’s will for our lives.  God created margin - He created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th...not because He was tired, but for us to see that we cannot go full speed all the time without renewal.  Relationships take time to grow, so we must find time to connect with others - at school, sporting events, band contests, church picnics, Labor for Your Neighbor...you never know who God is directing into your path!  Love others as Christ has loved you - well!

We tend to focus more on WHAT we are doing in our lives than on WHO God puts in our path.  Our WHAT should only be the avenue for connecting and mentoring those God has brought into our lives.  It must never be the focus!

This month, keep your eyes open to WHO God places in your path...and get to know them!  We are surrounded by so many people who do not know our Savior.  I pray that God will break our hearts for those who do not know Him!