People keep asking: “When are things in the economy going to return to normal?”
Well, if the economic news last week is any indication, we won’t be returning to “normal” anytime soon. Housing issues, unemployment, sagging stock market, federal deficit all point to the fact that we’d better get used to the “new normal”.
We’re temped to ask: Will I have a job next year? Will my house sell? Will social security and medicare be there when I need it? What about my 401K?
Then we might ask: “Can I afford to give my resources to ministries?”
Amidst all the bad stuff coming out of the media, this morning I read these reassuring words from Jesus in Luke 12
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! 26 And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food — what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
32 "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Luke 12:22-32 NLT
Okay, Jesus. I can live with that!!
Monday, June 06, 2011
Friday, June 03, 2011
How do you make decisions?
How do you make decisions? Flip a coin? Procrastinate?
I like how they did it in the First Century church. The book of Acts records that the leadership team was seeking direction on an important strategic decision. Which way to go? Who should decide?
Then, Acts 15:28 records: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
So, they allowed the Spirit of God to lead their decision making. They put the matter before the Lord. And they listened to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit for the answer.
But it seems they also sought consensus from the group. And, they felt affirmed by God and by one another.
Next time your team is making a decision, pray that it would seem good to the Holy Spirit and to us as we decide and move forward.
I like how they did it in the First Century church. The book of Acts records that the leadership team was seeking direction on an important strategic decision. Which way to go? Who should decide?
Then, Acts 15:28 records: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
So, they allowed the Spirit of God to lead their decision making. They put the matter before the Lord. And they listened to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit for the answer.
But it seems they also sought consensus from the group. And, they felt affirmed by God and by one another.
Next time your team is making a decision, pray that it would seem good to the Holy Spirit and to us as we decide and move forward.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Vision
We hear a lot of talk about vision. But not a lot of articulation of clear vision.
Vision is what you WANT to do, not just what you THINK should be done.
You can have thousands of grand ideas, but you can only really activate a few core desires of the heart.
I’ve often said: The accomplishment of the smallest good deed is far more valuable than the grandest intention never accomplished.
Jesus told about two men: one said “Yes” to a request; then didn’t do it. Another said “No” to a request; then later recanted and did what was asked. Which was better? The obvious answer is the one who ultimately acted on the right impulse.
I can give an immediate yes to a request, then try to wiggle out of it. But I’m FAR better off hesitating on making a commitment so I can think and pray about it.
Vision is what you WANT to do, not just what you THINK should be done.
You can have thousands of grand ideas, but you can only really activate a few core desires of the heart.
I’ve often said: The accomplishment of the smallest good deed is far more valuable than the grandest intention never accomplished.
Jesus told about two men: one said “Yes” to a request; then didn’t do it. Another said “No” to a request; then later recanted and did what was asked. Which was better? The obvious answer is the one who ultimately acted on the right impulse.
I can give an immediate yes to a request, then try to wiggle out of it. But I’m FAR better off hesitating on making a commitment so I can think and pray about it.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I don't know where I'm going, but I'm making great time.
“To the person who goes not where he wants to go, there is no favorable wind.”
It’s true. If you don’t know where you’re going, you can’t really move forward.
A modern day philosopher, Jim Rohn says: It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way you will go.”
I think I like that statement even better. Good sailors don’t have to go “with the wind”. They know how to use their sails to make the wind take them to where they want to go.
Christ-follower, Paul of Tarsus, in the First Century warned against being unwise—toss about by waves of the sea driven by the wind.
Rather, we are to seek wisdom from God, who promises to give wisdom generously to anyone who asks in faith.
So use God’s wisdom to set your sails against the prevailing winds of the world, so you can get to where you want to go.
It’s true. If you don’t know where you’re going, you can’t really move forward.
A modern day philosopher, Jim Rohn says: It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way you will go.”
I think I like that statement even better. Good sailors don’t have to go “with the wind”. They know how to use their sails to make the wind take them to where they want to go.
Christ-follower, Paul of Tarsus, in the First Century warned against being unwise—toss about by waves of the sea driven by the wind.
Rather, we are to seek wisdom from God, who promises to give wisdom generously to anyone who asks in faith.
So use God’s wisdom to set your sails against the prevailing winds of the world, so you can get to where you want to go.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Attack problems, not people.
Attack the problems, not the people.
Oh what a difference that can make in relationships, from marriage to the workplace.
I’ve often said, that as we sit as a management team dealing with an issue: We’re not here to fix blame. We’re here to fix the problem.
Often the tendency to blame another person prevents the group from attacking the problem.
Now, not all problems can be solved. Some situations have to be managed. There are just some things in a sinful and broken world we just have to manage, not resolve.
So, acknowledge that there’s a problem. Recognize we are imperfect people working in an imperfect organization that exists in a far-from-perfect world.
Jesus said: “Judge not; then you will not be judged.
Oh what a difference that can make in relationships, from marriage to the workplace.
I’ve often said, that as we sit as a management team dealing with an issue: We’re not here to fix blame. We’re here to fix the problem.
Often the tendency to blame another person prevents the group from attacking the problem.
Now, not all problems can be solved. Some situations have to be managed. There are just some things in a sinful and broken world we just have to manage, not resolve.
So, acknowledge that there’s a problem. Recognize we are imperfect people working in an imperfect organization that exists in a far-from-perfect world.
Jesus said: “Judge not; then you will not be judged.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Are you transparent?
People appreciate it when leaders are vulnerable.
I’ve seen leaders who have made major mistakes, who keep denying their mistakes and defending their actions. They go down fighting against the skeptical and judgmental court of public opinion.
I’ve also seen leaders who have blown it in a big way. But they were quick to admit their mistakes, ask forgiveness and seek a new start. Most of the time, they move forward forgiven and accepted by their colleagues.
What’s the difference? Well, it’s the built in sense of grace and mercy towards those who are truly repentant and transparent. We are more forgiving of those who humbly admit their weaknesses, that with those who stubbornly maintain their infallibility.
Jesus told us to forgive others, just as we have been forgiven. We are to be quick to confess our own sins; at the same time quick to forgive others.
That kind of culture starts at the top, with the leader.
I’ve seen leaders who have made major mistakes, who keep denying their mistakes and defending their actions. They go down fighting against the skeptical and judgmental court of public opinion.
I’ve also seen leaders who have blown it in a big way. But they were quick to admit their mistakes, ask forgiveness and seek a new start. Most of the time, they move forward forgiven and accepted by their colleagues.
What’s the difference? Well, it’s the built in sense of grace and mercy towards those who are truly repentant and transparent. We are more forgiving of those who humbly admit their weaknesses, that with those who stubbornly maintain their infallibility.
Jesus told us to forgive others, just as we have been forgiven. We are to be quick to confess our own sins; at the same time quick to forgive others.
That kind of culture starts at the top, with the leader.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Lessons Learned from Climbing Cotopaxu
1. You get to the summit one rock at a time.
2. It's encouraging to climb together.
3. It sometimes helps when someone gives you a push from behind.
4. You eventually pass the pain threshold.
5. Take time to stop and look at the view.
6. There's great satisfaction in reaching the top.
7. Descending, coasting, sliding is more dangerous than climbing
8. With the challenge, you carry away bruises and scars.
9. Even after the climb and decent, there are rough roads.
10. I don't need to do this ever again.
2. It's encouraging to climb together.
3. It sometimes helps when someone gives you a push from behind.
4. You eventually pass the pain threshold.
5. Take time to stop and look at the view.
6. There's great satisfaction in reaching the top.
7. Descending, coasting, sliding is more dangerous than climbing
8. With the challenge, you carry away bruises and scars.
9. Even after the climb and decent, there are rough roads.
10. I don't need to do this ever again.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
The Global Megashift
I’m just reviewing an amazing and enlightening book by James Rutz entitle MEGASHIFT.
Most people, even most Christians, believe that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. But the evidence points to evangelical Christianity as the fastest growing faith as it sweeps China, Africa and Southeast Asia.
As I’ve long suspected, much of the church growth in the world falls between the cracks of most church surveys. Most surveys include mainline denominations and Roman Catholic churches, but miss the 707 Million “switched-on disciples” of the new church that is exploding around the world.
Hundreds of millions don’t show up on the surveys because they meet underground, or in homes, or on ski slopes. The surveys probably don’t capture, for example:
The very active Latino church meeting in a storefront in I walk past each Sunday on my way to my “mainline” church. Or the group my friend is pastoring at Copper Mountain ski resort with 20-40 attendees each Sunday, plus another 15-30 skiers who gather in a small chapel at the top of the mountain. Or they probably missed the house church of about 15-20 people I attended last month in Quito Ecuador.
Rutz states this group of 707 Million “core apostolics” are growing at 8% per year. Until 1960, Western evangelicals outnumbered non-Western evangelicals 2 to 1. By 2000, non-Western evangelicals outnumbered Westerners 4 to 1. Today that moved to 7 to 1. There are now more missionaries sent from non-Western nations than Western nations.
And this growth is fueled by some very non-Western occurrences: healings, answers to prayer, visions, and actual resurrections.
True, 3000 people were saved at Pentecost. But today, 3000 people come to Jesus every 25 minutes! There’ll be 175,000 more new believers tomorrow than there are today.
The U.S. church is no longer the parent, servicing the needs of the infant church world-wide. Today, the U.S. church must see itself as a small part of what God is doing globally. We are actually observers to what God is doing around the world. As U.S. Christian media must move on from their position as experts in communicating the Gospel to being partners with the innovation and boldness of brothers and sisters around the world using media (radio, TV, Internet, SMS, social networking, YouTube) to reach their countrymen with the Good News.
(Figures courtesy of MEGASHIFT AND World Net Daily)
Most people, even most Christians, believe that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. But the evidence points to evangelical Christianity as the fastest growing faith as it sweeps China, Africa and Southeast Asia.
As I’ve long suspected, much of the church growth in the world falls between the cracks of most church surveys. Most surveys include mainline denominations and Roman Catholic churches, but miss the 707 Million “switched-on disciples” of the new church that is exploding around the world.
Hundreds of millions don’t show up on the surveys because they meet underground, or in homes, or on ski slopes. The surveys probably don’t capture, for example:
The very active Latino church meeting in a storefront in I walk past each Sunday on my way to my “mainline” church. Or the group my friend is pastoring at Copper Mountain ski resort with 20-40 attendees each Sunday, plus another 15-30 skiers who gather in a small chapel at the top of the mountain. Or they probably missed the house church of about 15-20 people I attended last month in Quito Ecuador.
Rutz states this group of 707 Million “core apostolics” are growing at 8% per year. Until 1960, Western evangelicals outnumbered non-Western evangelicals 2 to 1. By 2000, non-Western evangelicals outnumbered Westerners 4 to 1. Today that moved to 7 to 1. There are now more missionaries sent from non-Western nations than Western nations.
And this growth is fueled by some very non-Western occurrences: healings, answers to prayer, visions, and actual resurrections.
True, 3000 people were saved at Pentecost. But today, 3000 people come to Jesus every 25 minutes! There’ll be 175,000 more new believers tomorrow than there are today.
The U.S. church is no longer the parent, servicing the needs of the infant church world-wide. Today, the U.S. church must see itself as a small part of what God is doing globally. We are actually observers to what God is doing around the world. As U.S. Christian media must move on from their position as experts in communicating the Gospel to being partners with the innovation and boldness of brothers and sisters around the world using media (radio, TV, Internet, SMS, social networking, YouTube) to reach their countrymen with the Good News.
(Figures courtesy of MEGASHIFT AND World Net Daily)
Monday, April 04, 2011
Structure follows strategy
Structure follows strategy.
We’ve been talking a lot about that at our offices.
You see, it’s fine to create a good structure. But you shouldn`t be trying to find a strategy to fit your structure. You need to find a structure to facilitate your strategy.
Another way of saying it is: form follows function.
In crisis situations, you need a top-down style of get-it-done mentality.
In growth situations, you need an organic, collaborative model of doing things.
Jesus talked about the danger of putting new wine in old wineskins. It doesn’t work. The new wine will burst the old brittle wineskins. You need new containers for the new wine.
Same with new strategies. Old structures may not support new strategies.
We’ve been talking a lot about that at our offices.
You see, it’s fine to create a good structure. But you shouldn`t be trying to find a strategy to fit your structure. You need to find a structure to facilitate your strategy.
Another way of saying it is: form follows function.
In crisis situations, you need a top-down style of get-it-done mentality.
In growth situations, you need an organic, collaborative model of doing things.
Jesus talked about the danger of putting new wine in old wineskins. It doesn’t work. The new wine will burst the old brittle wineskins. You need new containers for the new wine.
Same with new strategies. Old structures may not support new strategies.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Finding Your Strength
My daughter gave me a book for Christmas entitled, “Strengths Finder.”
The thesis of the book is that most of us waste a lot of time trying to improve on things we’re not good at. So we work and work to move from being ineffective at something, to being mediocre.
Rather we should identify what we’re good at and strive to grow in our area of strength, so that we can be exceptional using our giftedness.
In the first century, Paul the apostle outlined some of the spiritual gifts, such as administration, leadership, generosity, teaching, hospitality, encouragement, discernment, knowledge.
So, my advice is: reflect on the gift God has given you. Then under the guidance of the Holy Spirit utilize those gifts and grow in the area where you’re gifted.
~Wayne
The thesis of the book is that most of us waste a lot of time trying to improve on things we’re not good at. So we work and work to move from being ineffective at something, to being mediocre.
Rather we should identify what we’re good at and strive to grow in our area of strength, so that we can be exceptional using our giftedness.
In the first century, Paul the apostle outlined some of the spiritual gifts, such as administration, leadership, generosity, teaching, hospitality, encouragement, discernment, knowledge.
So, my advice is: reflect on the gift God has given you. Then under the guidance of the Holy Spirit utilize those gifts and grow in the area where you’re gifted.
~Wayne
Your Attitude determines your Altitude
Norma and I were recently in Ecuador. Our friends Martin and Ruth Harrison took us hiking up Cotopaxi. We didn’t climb to the peak (16,400), but we walked to the Refuge, which is 15,000 feet, higher than any peak in Europe. I don’t know if you’ve ever hiked to 15,000 feet. But we discovered that the heart, the brain, the muscles need oxygen. And there’s precious little of it at 15,000. We would walk 20 feet or so—then have to rest to let our heart and lungs catch up.
We’d say: “Okay, we need to get to the Refuge. But for now, let’s just get to the next rock.” The long journey to the top was overwhelming. However, we could make it a rock at a time. Once we were at the top, we enjoyed one of the best cups of hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted.
Then on the way down, I tried a little shoe skiing. I got on a bank of snow and began “skiing” downhill. My former-friend, Ruth, said she didn’t get it on video. Do it again. So I did it again. This time my feet slipped and I went sliding rapidly down the side of the mountain and slammed into one of those rocks, cracking 1 or 2 ribs, which still hurts two months later.
Anyway, I learned a few things.
The long upward journey can be overwhelmingly challenging. It demands all we’ve got. However, taking it a step at a time, a phase at a time makes it achievable. “Yard by yard is hard. Inch by inch is a cinch.”
And there’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment as a reward when you’ve reached your goal.
I was impressed with Norma’s stamina and persistence. She proved literally that your “attitude determines your altitude.”
And I learned that coasting, going down hill can be more dangerous than climbing. When we climb, we bring all our energies to bear. When we coast, we relax our guard. That’s when trouble can come.
Here’s a scripture for you: And let us not get weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.
We’d say: “Okay, we need to get to the Refuge. But for now, let’s just get to the next rock.” The long journey to the top was overwhelming. However, we could make it a rock at a time. Once we were at the top, we enjoyed one of the best cups of hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted.
Then on the way down, I tried a little shoe skiing. I got on a bank of snow and began “skiing” downhill. My former-friend, Ruth, said she didn’t get it on video. Do it again. So I did it again. This time my feet slipped and I went sliding rapidly down the side of the mountain and slammed into one of those rocks, cracking 1 or 2 ribs, which still hurts two months later.
Anyway, I learned a few things.
The long upward journey can be overwhelmingly challenging. It demands all we’ve got. However, taking it a step at a time, a phase at a time makes it achievable. “Yard by yard is hard. Inch by inch is a cinch.”
And there’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment as a reward when you’ve reached your goal.
I was impressed with Norma’s stamina and persistence. She proved literally that your “attitude determines your altitude.”
And I learned that coasting, going down hill can be more dangerous than climbing. When we climb, we bring all our energies to bear. When we coast, we relax our guard. That’s when trouble can come.
Here’s a scripture for you: And let us not get weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.
Monday, March 21, 2011
You Can't Over-communicate
Catherine Winder, president of Rainmaker Entertainment said, “Everybody needs as much communication as possible -- you can't over-communicate."
Jesus is the master communicator. He said things simply. He said it repeatedly. He said it personally.
Someone said, “God so loved the world, He didn’t send a committee.”
My advice: Find ways to personalize your message. Find ways to be concise and consistent. Even though you’ve said the same thing over and over again. Say it again, clearly, consistently, thoroughly and personally.
Jesus is the master communicator. He said things simply. He said it repeatedly. He said it personally.
Someone said, “God so loved the world, He didn’t send a committee.”
My advice: Find ways to personalize your message. Find ways to be concise and consistent. Even though you’ve said the same thing over and over again. Say it again, clearly, consistently, thoroughly and personally.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Stop Doing List
The Next Level Leadership by Scott Eblin outlines things a leader needs to pick up on and things a leader needs to let go of:
Pick up on:
Regular renewal of your energy & perspective
Team Reliance
Defining what to do
Pick up an outside-in view of the entire organization
But…Let Go of:
Running flat out until you crash
One-size-fits-all communication
Self-reliance
So, let me ask you:
What do you need to start doing?
What do you need to let go of?
Ecclessiastes 3 says, “There is a season and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to keep and a time to cast away.”
Pick up on:
Regular renewal of your energy & perspective
Team Reliance
Defining what to do
Pick up an outside-in view of the entire organization
But…Let Go of:
Running flat out until you crash
One-size-fits-all communication
Self-reliance
So, let me ask you:
What do you need to start doing?
What do you need to let go of?
Ecclessiastes 3 says, “There is a season and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to keep and a time to cast away.”
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Slow down!
The sudden departure of a major corporate CEO who cited exhaustion, has left other firms pondering the pressures they put on their top executives. Directors are starting to tell their CEOs to travel less and relax more. Corporate recruiters are factoring coping abilities and mental toughness into their assessments of potential bosses.
Even in Christian organizations, this is an issue. Christian leaders talk about working 12 hours a day, going home for dinner, and doing emails for 3 hours. That's not good life balance.
I used to hear Christian leaders say: "I'd rather burn out than rust out." But either way, you're OUT!
So why not follow the Jesus model. When he was exhausted from the press of the crowds, He withdrew to a quiet place.
Jesus said Learn from me. Slow down and learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Even in Christian organizations, this is an issue. Christian leaders talk about working 12 hours a day, going home for dinner, and doing emails for 3 hours. That's not good life balance.
I used to hear Christian leaders say: "I'd rather burn out than rust out." But either way, you're OUT!
So why not follow the Jesus model. When he was exhausted from the press of the crowds, He withdrew to a quiet place.
Jesus said Learn from me. Slow down and learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
What is Christian Leadership?
Anthony D’Souza defines Christian leadership this way:
Christian leadership seeks to be of service, rather than to dominate.
It encourages and inspires.
It respects rather than exploits others.
Christian leadership reflects, prays, and acts on Jesus words: “Whoever wishes to be first among you, shall be your servant.”
Leadership is not about control or manipulation. It’s about coming alongside a colleague and saying: “How can I help you succeed?” “How can I help you reach your goals?”
The old saying is true: Much more is caught than taught. As you model the spirit of love, listening, understanding, empowering encouraging, you will not only help others do their job, but model Christian leadership for them to follow.
Christian leadership seeks to be of service, rather than to dominate.
It encourages and inspires.
It respects rather than exploits others.
Christian leadership reflects, prays, and acts on Jesus words: “Whoever wishes to be first among you, shall be your servant.”
Leadership is not about control or manipulation. It’s about coming alongside a colleague and saying: “How can I help you succeed?” “How can I help you reach your goals?”
The old saying is true: Much more is caught than taught. As you model the spirit of love, listening, understanding, empowering encouraging, you will not only help others do their job, but model Christian leadership for them to follow.
Monday, January 31, 2011
What Your People Want
“What People Want,” is a book by Terry Bacon, revealing results from a survey of 500 employees on what workers want.
Honesty: 90% of respondents indicated they want honesty and integrity from their boss.
Fairness: They want their management to be fair and hold everyone accountable.
Trust: They want to trust and be trusted by their boss.
Dependability: They want to be able to count on their boss.
Collaboration: 77% want to be part of the managers team.
What don’t they want?
Friendship: Only 3% want their boss to be a friend.
Conversation: Only 14% want an interesting conversation with their boss.
I like how Jesus summarized it. Treat others as you yourself wish to be treated.
Honesty: 90% of respondents indicated they want honesty and integrity from their boss.
Fairness: They want their management to be fair and hold everyone accountable.
Trust: They want to trust and be trusted by their boss.
Dependability: They want to be able to count on their boss.
Collaboration: 77% want to be part of the managers team.
What don’t they want?
Friendship: Only 3% want their boss to be a friend.
Conversation: Only 14% want an interesting conversation with their boss.
I like how Jesus summarized it. Treat others as you yourself wish to be treated.
How Ministry Professionals Should Live
One of the (few) advantages of hours on an airplane is the opportunity to slowly read God’s Word.
On my return from Quito last week, I relished some quantity and quality time in 2 Corinthians 5 and 6. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to his ministry leaders in Corinth. So his instructions to his team are very applicable to those of us in ministry today.
Previously, Paul was describing to his colleagues the miracle of the new heavenly bodies we will receive when we leave these temporal bodies. Our aim is to please Him whether here in this body or away from this body. But then he states in 2 Corinthians 5:11: “It is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others.” Let me ask you: ‘Why do we do what we do?’ Are we so busy doing our work, we forget why we do it? It is because of the awesome fact of eternity that we work hard to share the Good News.
So what is the power and impetus to our work? Statement 14 gives the answer: “Whatever we do is because Christ controls us.” Any motivation, any power, any wisdom, any success comes from a life under the control (Lordship) of Jesus Christ.
God has brought us back to himself through what Christ has done. We were once enemies of God. Now we are friends of God. We are now reconciled with God. And He has now given to us the task of reconciling others to God. (v 18)
We are Christ’s ambassadors. Ambassadors work in a foreign country to win friends for the home country. God is using us to win friends for our eternal home country.
So how shall we now live? Read on. 2 Corinthians 6:3 ff
1. Live in a way so that no one will be hindered from finding God (6:3)
2. Live so no one will find fault with our ministry. (6:3)
3. Patiently endure troubles and hardships (6:4)
4. Prove our purity, understanding, patience, kindness, sincere love, power of the Holy Spirit (6:6)
5. Powerfully preach the truth with God’s power working in us.
I’m so honored to be an ambassador for Christ. I’m so thrilled to urge my friends to be reconciled with God. I’m so humbled to seek to live and work in such a way that friends won’t be hindered from finding Christ. And I’m so ready to with God’s power share the truth of God to a needy world.
On my return from Quito last week, I relished some quantity and quality time in 2 Corinthians 5 and 6. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to his ministry leaders in Corinth. So his instructions to his team are very applicable to those of us in ministry today.
Previously, Paul was describing to his colleagues the miracle of the new heavenly bodies we will receive when we leave these temporal bodies. Our aim is to please Him whether here in this body or away from this body. But then he states in 2 Corinthians 5:11: “It is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others.” Let me ask you: ‘Why do we do what we do?’ Are we so busy doing our work, we forget why we do it? It is because of the awesome fact of eternity that we work hard to share the Good News.
So what is the power and impetus to our work? Statement 14 gives the answer: “Whatever we do is because Christ controls us.” Any motivation, any power, any wisdom, any success comes from a life under the control (Lordship) of Jesus Christ.
God has brought us back to himself through what Christ has done. We were once enemies of God. Now we are friends of God. We are now reconciled with God. And He has now given to us the task of reconciling others to God. (v 18)
We are Christ’s ambassadors. Ambassadors work in a foreign country to win friends for the home country. God is using us to win friends for our eternal home country.
So how shall we now live? Read on. 2 Corinthians 6:3 ff
1. Live in a way so that no one will be hindered from finding God (6:3)
2. Live so no one will find fault with our ministry. (6:3)
3. Patiently endure troubles and hardships (6:4)
4. Prove our purity, understanding, patience, kindness, sincere love, power of the Holy Spirit (6:6)
5. Powerfully preach the truth with God’s power working in us.
I’m so honored to be an ambassador for Christ. I’m so thrilled to urge my friends to be reconciled with God. I’m so humbled to seek to live and work in such a way that friends won’t be hindered from finding Christ. And I’m so ready to with God’s power share the truth of God to a needy world.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tucson Commentary
The tragic shootings in Tucson have reminded us once again that we live in a sinful world…and that evil men…even one evil man, can cause untold tragedy and heartache for families, friends and the family of humankind worldwide.
The Psalmist asked God why evil men seem to triumph. I ask too: Why can one evil person wipe out so many beautiful and effective lives?
My partial answer is from Psalm 11: The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
His word assures us that in the world we will have trials. But He also promised that ultimately evil will not prevail but righteousness and justice will triumph. Wrongs will be made right. God will wipe away all tears from our eyes in His eternal kingdom.
Meanwhile, how do we live in this evil and violent world?
Psalm 37 says Fret not because of evil doers.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
We cannot live in fear.
God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.
Lord, we pray for the families and friends of those killed or injured by this evil and violent act.
We pray that evil and violence in our country will cease and that goodness and righteousness would prevail
And would you allow us as Christ-followers to be instruments of peace and reconciliation on our world.
The Psalmist asked God why evil men seem to triumph. I ask too: Why can one evil person wipe out so many beautiful and effective lives?
My partial answer is from Psalm 11: The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
His word assures us that in the world we will have trials. But He also promised that ultimately evil will not prevail but righteousness and justice will triumph. Wrongs will be made right. God will wipe away all tears from our eyes in His eternal kingdom.
Meanwhile, how do we live in this evil and violent world?
Psalm 37 says Fret not because of evil doers.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
We cannot live in fear.
God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.
Lord, we pray for the families and friends of those killed or injured by this evil and violent act.
We pray that evil and violence in our country will cease and that goodness and righteousness would prevail
And would you allow us as Christ-followers to be instruments of peace and reconciliation on our world.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Haiti-One Year Later
Haiti-One year later
1 year ago, I was having dinner in Colorado Springs with Charles Morris of Haven Today. On the way home, I got a call that a massive earthquake had hit Haiti.
Later that night, Sheila Leech, our VP for Global Healthcare, called and said we need to send a medical team to Haiti to be the hands of Jesus for all the hurting people.
I said: "Let's do it!"
12 hours later, Charles and I were in the studio challenging Haven Today listeners to give generously to the relief work in Haiti.
3 days later, our team of doctors, surgeons, nurses and community development were in the Haiti Baptist Hospital in Port Au Prince tending to the massive physical and medical needs of the people injured or maimed by the quake. Working alongside the team from Samaritan's Purse, lives were being saved by the medical professionals, and souls were being saved by the work of counselors from Billy Graham Association.
During the past year, 8 teams have gone in to follow up with medical care, community development, clean water. We've also helped the radio stations in Haiti with diesel fuel for generators, new broadcast equipment, remote broadcast gear, and personnel. Another work team went in to rebuild damaged churches, hospitals and homes.
Most recently, two teams went back to save literally thousands of lives infected by the terrible cholera plague. And a team of business professionals recently visited to look for ways to create micro-enterprise opportunities to get believers on their feet financially.
These are ways for our team to be the "voice and hands of Jesus" to the people of Haiti. And Haiti has been changed by the disaster. Many have come to know Jesus as Savior. Many have flocked to the church to find hope, help and fellowship.
What a privilege to serve God and humankind in this way and reflect the love of Christ to a hopeless and desperate world.
1 year ago, I was having dinner in Colorado Springs with Charles Morris of Haven Today. On the way home, I got a call that a massive earthquake had hit Haiti.
Later that night, Sheila Leech, our VP for Global Healthcare, called and said we need to send a medical team to Haiti to be the hands of Jesus for all the hurting people.
I said: "Let's do it!"
12 hours later, Charles and I were in the studio challenging Haven Today listeners to give generously to the relief work in Haiti.
3 days later, our team of doctors, surgeons, nurses and community development were in the Haiti Baptist Hospital in Port Au Prince tending to the massive physical and medical needs of the people injured or maimed by the quake. Working alongside the team from Samaritan's Purse, lives were being saved by the medical professionals, and souls were being saved by the work of counselors from Billy Graham Association.
During the past year, 8 teams have gone in to follow up with medical care, community development, clean water. We've also helped the radio stations in Haiti with diesel fuel for generators, new broadcast equipment, remote broadcast gear, and personnel. Another work team went in to rebuild damaged churches, hospitals and homes.
Most recently, two teams went back to save literally thousands of lives infected by the terrible cholera plague. And a team of business professionals recently visited to look for ways to create micro-enterprise opportunities to get believers on their feet financially.
These are ways for our team to be the "voice and hands of Jesus" to the people of Haiti. And Haiti has been changed by the disaster. Many have come to know Jesus as Savior. Many have flocked to the church to find hope, help and fellowship.
What a privilege to serve God and humankind in this way and reflect the love of Christ to a hopeless and desperate world.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Ministry Leaders
Ministry is...
Giving when you feel like keeping,
Praying for others when you need to be prayed for,
Living truth before people even when you can’t see results,
Hurting with other people even when your own hurt can’t be spoken,
Keeping your word even when it is not convenient.
Being faithful when your flesh wants to run away.
Leadership is not easy. Leading a ministry is not easy, it`s a calling.
Here’s what Paul the Apostle said:
Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves: “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. God wants the combination of His steady constant calling and warm personal counsel in Christ to come to characterize us.” (The Message)
Giving when you feel like keeping,
Praying for others when you need to be prayed for,
Living truth before people even when you can’t see results,
Hurting with other people even when your own hurt can’t be spoken,
Keeping your word even when it is not convenient.
Being faithful when your flesh wants to run away.
Leadership is not easy. Leading a ministry is not easy, it`s a calling.
Here’s what Paul the Apostle said:
Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves: “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. God wants the combination of His steady constant calling and warm personal counsel in Christ to come to characterize us.” (The Message)
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