Moving Day!

As I said last week, today I'm moving over to a new blog address to further prepare for my next steps in ministry. So today's post isn't here, it's here...

www.EndlessImpact.com

This blog will stay put for now, but all new posts will be over there from now on. 


I hope you'll join me and thanks for being a part of this community! You are a blessing and encouragement to me.

Is Change Really Possible?

This post is part of a discussion on Craig Groeschel’s book, The Christian Atheist, covering chapter 7: When you believe in God, but don’t think you can change. Add to the discussion in the comments or add a response post from your blog to the link widget on Sarah Salter’s post.

Sometimes I wonder what outsiders think as they peer into our churches, read our blogs, follow our online conversations, or even overhear us in a restaurant. Do we sound like a big bundle of issues and nothing more? Do we profess to know a God of limitless power and never bother to be transformed by the amazing grace of which we are so fond of singing?

Don’t get me wrong. I love that we can be honest with our struggles in our church community as well as online. I don’t want that freedom and openness to go away, but if we are never making any forward progress or don’t even acknowledge we’re wrong, we have to examine that and ask why?

As Craig Groeschel points out in this chapter, we’re living as Christian atheists. We believe in God but we’ve bought into a lie that “this is just who I am and I can’t change.”

I have to admit this one bugs me a lot. I’m the first to admit and be honest: I’ve got plenty of issues. I just don’t believe that they’re going to be there forever. Some drop off in moments, days, or weeks. Others may be around for years, but I’ll keep trusting and looking to Him throughout the process. That’s the power of grace!


That doesn't mean it's stroll-through-the-park easy, of course.

In his own struggle with being a workaholic, the author admits “my thoughts made me a prisoner.” When we come to the place where we believe God will change us and begin to deal with things, the excuse monster will be quick and vicious.

• You’ve always been this way
• It’s just your personality
• It’s your genetics
• You’re too old, you can’t change that now
• You’re young, you can deal with it when you’re older
• You tried before and failed, just give up already

For the most part, we know what our problems are, but it takes a lot of perseverance to get us to the place where God can transform us. It takes trust, surrender, and a deepening relationship with our God.

If you believe you can’t change, you’re right—sort of. You’re strength is limited. Your willpower isn’t bottomless. Your determination will eventually run dry. That’s why to change for good you need the power of the only one who is good—Christ!    

 –Craig Groeschel

Have you battled any of these lies before? Have you accepted this is “just the way I am”? Which excuses seem to hit you the hardest when you step out in faith to believe change is possible with God?

The Christian Atheist: Discussion Tomorrow!

This is just a reminder that tomorrow we move on to discuss chapter 7: When you believe in God, but don't think you can change.

If you don't have this book yet, consider getting it now! We've had some tremendous discussions and I know everyone involved has been affected deeply.

• You can grab the Kindle version, available for download now (Don't have a Kindle? get it for free on your computer or phone).
• Or buy the book by clicking here.

Also remember...

• Sarah Salter and I have been rotating with the link widget (Sarah will have it tomorrow)
• Add your own blog post link for others to discuss and/or join in the discussion with those who do

As always, you don't have to write a post to be part of the discussion. You don't even have to have read the chapter. I am confident that you'll get something out of it either way so go ahead and be a part .

Looking forward to another great conversation!

God Makes Great Sequels

How many times have you walked out of a sequel to a great movie saying, “it was okay, but it wasn’t as good as the original”? Whatever the motivation, most stories get tarnished as they go through the wringer the second time around. There are exceptions, for sure, but for the most part, this is accepted as fact (and we have plenty of experiences to back it up).

Now think about the worst movie you ever watched. The plot had holes. The characters lacked depth. The ending was terrible. You found it hard to root for the protagonist. Whatever it was, you just hated it. Chances are they would never make one, but regardless, would you show up for the sequel?

God doesn’t work the way we do (or the way Hollywood does). His ways and thoughts are much higher and He is well known for making sequels to stories no one cared for in the first place. The Bible is full of examples.

Joseph’s life was over. His brothers wanted to kill him but settled for slavery instead.  All that promise and potential, down the tubes. The end.

Oh, but in the sequel he keeps rising to the top only to be smacked down until finally he becomes ruler directly under Pharaoh, saves his family, and essentially the world at that time. Big turnaround.

Jesus’ life literally ended. It seemed a nonsensical ending to a man who done only good to everyone around Him. Jealousy, betrayal, unspeakable violence, undeserved punishment… The end.

The sequel opens on a beautiful Sunday morning at a garden tomb. Women come to anoint his body, but He’s not there. Complete and eternal victory is won! History is changed forever.

Besides the rich stories in the scriptures, I have experienced this firsthand.

My wife and I had had enough. We had gone through the pain of foster parenting. A child came into our care that fit our family perfectly. We had watched miracles in this little baby’s life and there were hopes of adoption until all that was gone with one phone call of “good news” that an adoptive family had been found. Devastation, loss, hopelessness… The end.

Then God ordered a sequel to be made. Reluctantly, we reentered the fray—tried to love again without holding back, knowing the sting of potential loss. Turned out, the fight was still there, but the outcome was completely different. The next two that came were ours forever.

The original stunk, but going back for the sequel was more than worth it.

I can see clearly that God will bring us back to places of defeat so that He can show us what true strength is. I am so thankful no story is too bad that God can’t make a good sequel out of it. Whether we failed or it had nothing to do with us doesn’t matter because He is the One who brings everything into proper perspective and fulfillment.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (1 Cor. 12:9-10)

You can call it a second act or a sequel or whatever you want. God redeems. God restores. Our strength is not what He’s looking for. He wants someone who is willing to display His strength.

If we will follow Jesus back, it may be painful. But He is more than able to turn the desert into a spring, to make the battlefield where we were soundly defeated the last time into a place of overwhelming victory.

…Little ones to Him belong. I am weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me… I have a lot of reason to rejoice in all of the above.  What's your sequel story or are you living it out right now?

This post is part of a blog carnival where today's topic is Strength hosted by Bridget Chumbley. Be sure to check out all the entries—I know you’ll be blessed! 

What I Deserve

Based on the title, how would fill in this blank?

If you like me, you may say nice things like a healthy family, plenty of money, more readers for this blog, or any number of things. Fundamentally, those who are Christians understand that based on sin and depravity I deserve death, hell, punishment, and lots of other bad stuff.

It is this latter fact that I’m focusing on today and the confusion I often have concerning this.

See, when I have messed up, sinned, failed, had a blow-out, whatever terminology you put on it—I clearly and profoundly understand that I deserve nothing from God but He gives His love and grace anyway.  When I get through a month or week or hour without screwing up, I too often start to believe that I am somehow earning the grace now.

Bull crap (I would prefer to use a stronger term because of how deeply and seriously I feel this, but I’ll spare you).

We see it in movies where one character sacrifices for another then commissions another character to earn their chance or opportunity. That may work great as a plot device, but it's terrible in our theology. God doesn't honor it.

I may grow and mature in God, but I will never get to the place where I don’t deserve death or anything more than a kick in the teeth from a holy, perfect God. The way(s) I fall short may not seem like much to you or it may seem absolutely horrible. Either way, it doesn’t matter.  We put ‘degrees’ on sin, not God.

I pursue His kingdom and righteousness because I love Him and want to be near Him. When I take my eyes off Him, it slowly and sometimes quickly unravels. I get disappointed, others may get hurt, and God just wants me to remember Him always.

The truth of the matter is, I never deserved grace and I never will. The more I can understand that and let it seep into my very marrow, the better.  Every day I live, every breath I breath, every positive step I take—it’s all because of Him (and it’s in spite of me).

There's no condemnation in this and I'm not trying to be a downer. I'm only trying to remind myself. I’ll never get to a place where I can pay back the ransom Jesus paid for me. That’s not low self-esteem. It’s viewing things rightly.

Lord, help me to remember that I cannot weaken Your promise with my failures just like I can’t strengthen the promise with my obedience. It’s all for You, from You, by You, and through You. Thank you for the undeserved grace You have freely poured out into my life. I receive more as I seek Your face today. In Jesus’ name, I pray—amen…

Weekend Look Back

Time for another look at this week in Impact. With each link is a brief synopsis and one great comment (among the many) so you can sample the discussion. 

Be sure to tell me if one of these posts was your favorite and why in the comments!

• Monday. Becoming Who You Are

Jesus and humanism? Jeff Holton brings a thoroughly profound and thought-provoking post about the pursuit of real perfection.

One Great Comment: I did not know that today was humanist day. I'm always perplexed by the potential of perfection, yet the assumption of fallibility. Wow, that sounded a lot smarter than I can actually back up. Good post, Jeff!  –Brett Barner

• Tuesday. Sincere Love

A guest post from the amazing blogger Dusty Rayburn. A call to drop the act and love sincerely—a powerful reminder and discussion.

One Great Comment: Beautiful post. Thank you, Dusty, for the reminder. Whenever I find myself praying insincerely, I just immediately become silent as a sort of confession of inadequacy. Happens more often than I wish it did. I'm glad we have a perfect pattern to follow. —Jeff Holton

• Wednesday. Forgiveness is a Miracle

Our book discussion of The Christian Atheist continues. This week we tackle forgiveness, bitterness, and freedom.  Sure we can live with the pain of unforgiveness, but why would we want to? Check out my thoughts and read the other posts and comments in the discussion too—powerful!

One Great Comment: Honestly? I think we often choose not to forgive because we need to hold onto it. Unforgiveness sometimes gives us a distorted sense of power over the person or persons we choose not to forgive. I realize it's more complicated than that, but at its root, pride is a big consideration in holding on to past hurts. –Katdish

• Thursday. Stories to Be Written

A few thoughts on living the adventure of faith while also asking for some help on my own adventure. The encouragement I receive from those who read and comment is beyond humbling. Thank you!

One Great Comment: I think this posting is great! I am definitely not offended, but inspired. I think we often get the sugar-coated view of what steps it takes for people going into the ministry. That things just fell into place… maybe they did, but I think it definitely helps to see the human side and sacrifice it takes, just like it required in Jesus. I admire the steps you are taking to be proactive in your journey. It really shows your passion to make this happen! –Melissa

• Friday. Light Friday Hit List

A weekly roundup of my favorites posts from across the blogosphere. Check out the great blogs and bloggers represented and have a little fun along the way!

One Great Comment: Remind me to never be drinking my coffee the exact same time I pull up your random picture on my google reader. I nearly spit coffee all over my keyboard. That girl could win an award for that.  And thanks for the hit on the hit list. Much love! Have a great weekend. –Ryan Tate

There’s still time, go and be part of the conversation or revisit what others said. Did you have a favorite post here this week? Why did you respond to it so much?

Light Friday Hit List: 6/25/10

It was sort of a short week for me since I got back home on Tuesday afternoon, but I still managed to read some amazing posts this week that I’m all too happy to share. Part inspirational, part fascinating, and part hilarious—this Hit List has it all so check it out.

• It’s a Dad Life from Soulfari (Jay Cookingham)
• Faith Eliminate Problems from Building His Body (Anne Lang Bundy)
• How Much Death Do You Want? from Doorframes of Taterhouse (Ryan Tate)
• Glow-Stick Gratitude from High Calling Blogs (Michelle De Rusha)
• Tiger Woods’ Father Was Right from Psychology Today (some fascinating observations)
• Not Using Snopes.com or Google from Stuff Christians Like (Jon Acuff)

In honor of a conversation on Twitter yesterday that offered the correlation between snot and friendship (you don’t want me to get into it), here is this week’s not-so-random picture. Better out than in, I suppose…

 

Now that I’ve subjected you to the horror of that picture, please do me a favor and have an amazing weekend filled with God’s presence (and plenty of tissue for everyone who needs them).

I appreciate your prayer and support! If you have a favorite post you’d like to share or want to comment on one of my favorites, please go for it in the comments. Blessings!

Stories to be Written

I remember when I first started preaching. I felt I was largely missing an essential component. What, you may ask? Stories.

Every good preacher I admired had amazing stories of God’s provision, overcoming, leading, or even failures/redemptions.  I felt I didn’t have those deep, transformational experiences. I had theories and motivational scriptures. These are nice, but I wanted to be able to relay the adventure of faith.

I brought this complaint concern to God one day, and as only God can, His short reply echoed in my heart and reverberates inside me to this day. These are the profound words I heard in my spirit, Just obey.

I know I’ve missed the mark a lot, but I also know I have obeyed and living in obedience to His word, made alive and fresh by the Holy Spirit, has been an adventure. It’s one that I want to continue to be faithful in.

Most times though, we all like the idea of adventure much more than we like stepping out into it. It’s scary, frustrating, disappointing at times, and a whole lot of work.  Purpose, destiny, mission, ministry—it all sounds so rapturous until the nuts and bolts hit you in the face.

This is where I am.

I’ve shared with you that I feel the pressing of God that I need to be fully-devoted to the ministry God’s called me to both as a pastor in Juneau and also throughout other areas. I’ve also shared how scary it is to consider the financial implications and facing the other unknown elements.

My wife and I have prayed and will continue to pray and prepare. We seek to just obey.  The adventure in front of us may not be challenge-free, but we will trust God in this step and the next and the next…

Part of this involves the wonderful community that I am thankful to be a part of with this blog and others. Just as the reality of adventure is harder and far less glamorous than the idea, asking for help in this adventure is not easy.  Nevertheless, I do ask for your continued help and support as I move forward (don't worry: no requests for money lie ahead). :)

Here are some of the changes as well as some requests I’m humbly making…

• I am going to begin sponsorships on the blog. In the biz, it's called monetizing. There will be sponsored spaces (small banners) that will go toward my being able to step into full-time ministry.
• As of July 1, I will be at a new web address (I’ll tell you more about that soon). The reason is that right now my address is an extension of our church (www.breakthroughalaska.com) and I don’t want anyone confused that the “church” is trying to “sell” something. In an effort to avoid such things, I’ll have a new address.
• How you can help #1: pray for me. The goal never has been  nor ever will be to become a billionaire blogger. I have attempted to share my life, faith, and any insights I may gain along the way. I simply see a way that I can couple this with my love of technology and create some income so that I can spend more time doing what I was made to do. Your prayers and support mean the world to me. You encourage me much more than you know!
• How you can help #2: keep the conversation going! I’m so humbled and ecstatic at the raw, honest, authentic, and sometimes hilarious comments you leave here. As I attempt to gain sponsors for the blog, this conversation is even more important. You’re helping me show that there is vibrant discussion from a diverse and passionate group of people. So if you’re already consistently reading and commenting—thank you so much! If you’re not responding, please consider joining in as a way of support!
• How you can help #3: Along the same lines, most sponsors want to know that besides an established group of regulars, this site is reaching out to more and new people. I’m already blown away that so many of you will share links to this blog through sites like Twitter and Facebook.  Now, I’m asking that you would keep doing this and possibly increase it. I know many times that links pass through social media and you may or may not respond for a variety of reasons. All that I ask is that you see passing it on as a sign of support for an Alaskan missionary who’s trying to do what God called him to do. If site traffic increases then this will be easier to garner sponsors.

I hope no one is offended by these changes or my making these requests. This is certainly not my intention and if you have any questions, concerns, or comments that you don’t want to leave in the comment box here, please feel free to email me here.

Besides me and what’s happening here, do you feel the same? If we're honest, is the idea of adventure a lot more alluring than actually going after it? I'd love to hear your thoughts or your own story of stepping out in obedience.