For me, as a young youth pastor, it's easy to get caught up in or strive for 'success'. Success can be a wide range of things but one of my favorite quotes on success is one by Henry Blackaby. He says, "Success can distract you as you seek to follow God's will." Tony Miller says it this way, "We are hindered by our last great success because we believe that's the only way God can do it again." Wow, think about that. We can actually be so caught up in our 'success' that we either stop seeking daily after God or, we never change or do anything different because it worked so well before.
In ministry, it's not about a spectacular experience but about a sincere and faithful heart towards God. Do you rely more on the momentum that you have created to carry your ministry, marriage, friendships, etc. When was the last time you stopped to listen what it is that God has for you today? Focus on your own walk with God, then watch as others will benefit from your obedience!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Recovering Legalist
I was visiting Willow Creek Community Church a month ago in the middle of a transition in my life. I was really looking forward to hearing from Pastor Bill Hybels when Steven Curtis Chapman was brought out on stage to do a morning of worship and share some of his life stories. Now if you're anything like me, you would have been immediately disappointed and wondered how a morning of worship with an outdated, old school, corny Christian songwriter would impact your life but I was so very wrong!
First off, you never know where someone is going until you know where they've been. You never really know what someone is going through or how their life experiences have changed them. We are so quick to judge based on what we see with our own eyes without really trying to understand how or why people react the way they do. I had heard of some of the horrible stories that happened to the Chapman family but when you really get to hear from someone why they wrote a certain song or how they hold onto God even in the darkest moments of their life you find a new perspective and appreciation for them. This particular Sunday morning rocked me in an unexpected way.
Steven Curtis Chapman would profess himself as a recovering legalist. He grew up in the Church and knew all the right things to do and say. He found himself judging others and trying to stay in line with the traditions of the Bible, all wrapped around the idea of doing enough good and 'earning' your salvation. The sad reality is that this sounds like many of the "Christians" who attend churches today. We compare ourselves constantly and have a cheap understanding of grace. We think that if we do enough good, 'bad' things won't happen to us and we'll live in our comfortable, middle-class homes, doing just enough 'church' to get by without conviction. We really ignore all the bases of love and rarely inconvenience ourselves to serve. Unfortunately we miss several opportunities to share the love of Christ daily.
Maybe you're a recovering legalist and you don't understand the Gospel fully, or you don't want to give some things up in your life that you deem as necessary, or you feel too judged or not 'good enough'. Whatever your excuse may be, God wants to communicate two things with you: that He loves you right where you are, and are you willing to trust Him?
First off, you never know where someone is going until you know where they've been. You never really know what someone is going through or how their life experiences have changed them. We are so quick to judge based on what we see with our own eyes without really trying to understand how or why people react the way they do. I had heard of some of the horrible stories that happened to the Chapman family but when you really get to hear from someone why they wrote a certain song or how they hold onto God even in the darkest moments of their life you find a new perspective and appreciation for them. This particular Sunday morning rocked me in an unexpected way.
Steven Curtis Chapman would profess himself as a recovering legalist. He grew up in the Church and knew all the right things to do and say. He found himself judging others and trying to stay in line with the traditions of the Bible, all wrapped around the idea of doing enough good and 'earning' your salvation. The sad reality is that this sounds like many of the "Christians" who attend churches today. We compare ourselves constantly and have a cheap understanding of grace. We think that if we do enough good, 'bad' things won't happen to us and we'll live in our comfortable, middle-class homes, doing just enough 'church' to get by without conviction. We really ignore all the bases of love and rarely inconvenience ourselves to serve. Unfortunately we miss several opportunities to share the love of Christ daily.
Maybe you're a recovering legalist and you don't understand the Gospel fully, or you don't want to give some things up in your life that you deem as necessary, or you feel too judged or not 'good enough'. Whatever your excuse may be, God wants to communicate two things with you: that He loves you right where you are, and are you willing to trust Him?
Friday, October 5, 2012
Why I'll Always Be Part Of A Church That Needs Money - By Jud Wilhite
Here is a different perspective on generosity that was written by Jud Wilhite, a Pastor in Las Vegas. This is why we as believers should be the first to serve others with our finances. Not only is it biblical, but we could be missing out on the opportunity to bless others and honor God...
A while back someone sent me this story written by Don Linscott on why he is glad his church needs money. I found it very powerful and a good perspective for churches and members doing their best to faithfully be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world.
Here is his story:
On July 23, 1970, my wife, Connie, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. For three years we had tried unsuccessfully to start a family so our joy was great with the arrival of what was to be our only biological child. We later adopted a daughter. Lance was born before it became acceptable for the father to be present in the delivery room. (A fact for which I have ever been grateful!)
I waited in the hallway just outside the delivery room. At precisely 4:13 p.m., I heard a sound I will never forget, Lance’s first cry. The nurse emerged with a smile and said, “You have a baby boy.”
I casually responded, “Yes, I know.” I had never doubted we would have a son. I could hardly wait to get Connie and Lance out of the hospital and back home so I could get my hands on them.
The wonderful glow of fatherhood was soon dimmed, however, when I was asked to visit the business office of the hospital. They wanted me to pay for Lance! In fact, it seemed to me that my wife and child might be held hostage until the hospital bill was settled. I wrote the check paying all the expenses in full, freed my family, and we made our escape. That check turned out to be only the first of hundreds, maybe thousands, I would write on Lance’s behalf.
Children are expensive. There was formula and food to buy. Doctor visits and vaccinations assaulted my banking account. Diapers and toys took their toll. And clothes were a constant drain. Just about the time we built a great wardrobe for the kid, he would grow, forcing us to start all over again.
As his age and size increased so did the expenses. Soon it was baseball gloves, Nike shoes and uniforms. There were glasses for his eyes and braces for his teeth. And then, disaster struck.
Lance became a teenager! Now it was cars and dates and name-brand clothes. Then came college. Lance had always, and only, wanted to be an architect. It seemed to me he would be in school until he was forty-two years old. Expenses soared! Tuition, books, and drawing tools led the long list of essential expenditures. But, of course, just like parents everywhere, we were happy to be able to help him and we did all we could to support his growth and his dreams.
And then, one day, Lance died.
On Halloween Day, 1991, we buried twenty-one-year-old Lance in our church’s country cemetery. That afternoon we walked away from his grave and since that day we have never spent another nickel on Lance.
That’s how I learned it.
Death is cheap. Death can be sustained without expense. It is living that is costly. It is growth that is expensive. Our dreams, visions, and hopes require sacrifice. Death doesn’t!
That’s why I will always belong to a church that needs money.
A living, growing, thriving church will always require the continual, consistent, and conscientious financial support of its members.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Acts 21
Have you ever had someone tell you what God's will is or try to manipulate God's calling on your life? Here's the fact: God sometimes uses people to help direct you in the way you should go or spark some kind of interest in your life but unless God reveals things to you, no one can tell you God's will for your life. If God says something to someone else, I'm sure He will let you know!
Or maybe you have someone discouraging you from doing what you feel God has called you to do. Don't be discouraged because it happens a lot. In fact, it happened in Acts 21. Starting in verse 10 it says, "A prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, 'The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'"
The people tried to discourage Paul from doing what He felt God calling him to do. However, Paul was willing and ready to die for the name of Jesus Christ. Family and friends may try to persuade you to stay close to them when and if God calls you elsewhere. People will discourage you from selling everything and being bold in your faith, following Jesus wholeheartedly. People will claim you need to get educated, a good job, raise a solid family, etc. All those are great things and that may be what God wants you to do, but don't let those things distract you if you feel God is calling you to do missions or ministry elsewhere. Apostle Jamie Englehart says, "Unhealthy family ties resulted in Jonathan dying in battle next to Saul instead of dinning in royalty next to David. Loyalty to family comes second to loyalty to the Kingdom!" We should never discourage people from doing what they believe God has called them to do. "The Lord's will be done" should be our first response, not our last. God will lead you but you must be willing to follow where ever and whenever! Be bold and trust. God never forsakes those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
Or maybe you have someone discouraging you from doing what you feel God has called you to do. Don't be discouraged because it happens a lot. In fact, it happened in Acts 21. Starting in verse 10 it says, "A prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, 'The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'"
The people tried to discourage Paul from doing what He felt God calling him to do. However, Paul was willing and ready to die for the name of Jesus Christ. Family and friends may try to persuade you to stay close to them when and if God calls you elsewhere. People will discourage you from selling everything and being bold in your faith, following Jesus wholeheartedly. People will claim you need to get educated, a good job, raise a solid family, etc. All those are great things and that may be what God wants you to do, but don't let those things distract you if you feel God is calling you to do missions or ministry elsewhere. Apostle Jamie Englehart says, "Unhealthy family ties resulted in Jonathan dying in battle next to Saul instead of dinning in royalty next to David. Loyalty to family comes second to loyalty to the Kingdom!" We should never discourage people from doing what they believe God has called them to do. "The Lord's will be done" should be our first response, not our last. God will lead you but you must be willing to follow where ever and whenever! Be bold and trust. God never forsakes those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Quick To Hear
I've experienced leadership in all kinds of aspects: the good, the bad; the humble, the proud; the hard working, the lazy...the list goes on. There are all kinds of character traits that make up a solid leader but for me, the most important are threefold. Someone I want to follow as they follow Christ is a leader who is humble, a leader who constantly learns, and a leader who listens! For me, listening is so important and I'm not just talking about being still and quiet while someone else is speaking. I'm talking about the genuine care, "I'm actually concerned with what you have to say" kind of listening. I find this huge working with students. I quickly have found out that most of the time the 'thing' that the student is sharing isn't really the 'thing' that needs to be addressed. Often times what they struggle with is much deeper, and if you actually listen to what they are saying you will be able to get to the root of the problem; which usually leads to how they view God, or a lie that they've believed.
In the movie Bowling for Columbine there is an interview between Michael Moore and Marilyn Manson right after the shootings at Columbine High School. Marilyn Manson was taking a lot of heat because of his musical style and lyrics and he was being blamed for the horrible incident. It was an interesting conversation that the two had. Moore asks Manson, "If you were to talk directly to the kids at Columbine or the people in the community, what would you say to them if they were here right now?" Manson simply responded, "I wouldn't say a single word to them, I would listen to what they have to say and that's what no one did!" That response threw me off big time. I think these types of people in history were never really given a chance, maybe because no one wanted to listen to them because they were 'different'. Or maybe it's because we like to act like we don't struggle with anything and have life all figured out.
The fact of the matter is we all have a voice but no one is willing to shut up and listen. Few are willing to let go of the busyness of life and build into relationships. James 1 says to be quick to hear and slow to speak but in today's society, we are wired to talk over each other and voice our every opinion. Many forget that for 30 years Jesus observed, learned, and listened before He started His ministry. Leaders might have some great things to say and they often cast great vision, resulting in followers. But the day the leader stops learning and listening is the day he or she stops leading!
In the movie Bowling for Columbine there is an interview between Michael Moore and Marilyn Manson right after the shootings at Columbine High School. Marilyn Manson was taking a lot of heat because of his musical style and lyrics and he was being blamed for the horrible incident. It was an interesting conversation that the two had. Moore asks Manson, "If you were to talk directly to the kids at Columbine or the people in the community, what would you say to them if they were here right now?" Manson simply responded, "I wouldn't say a single word to them, I would listen to what they have to say and that's what no one did!" That response threw me off big time. I think these types of people in history were never really given a chance, maybe because no one wanted to listen to them because they were 'different'. Or maybe it's because we like to act like we don't struggle with anything and have life all figured out.
The fact of the matter is we all have a voice but no one is willing to shut up and listen. Few are willing to let go of the busyness of life and build into relationships. James 1 says to be quick to hear and slow to speak but in today's society, we are wired to talk over each other and voice our every opinion. Many forget that for 30 years Jesus observed, learned, and listened before He started His ministry. Leaders might have some great things to say and they often cast great vision, resulting in followers. But the day the leader stops learning and listening is the day he or she stops leading!
Monday, September 10, 2012
When Grief Strikes
Today, our family had to put down the dog that we have loved for 12 years. Her breed, the Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier is one of the best kept secrets among dog owners. She was a great dog and well loved and will leave us with many fond memories! I think the hardest part for me is seeing the affects that it has on my family as a whole. I say that because this has been the year from hell for our family. We have all been attacked and gone through the emotional stages that life often brings us but rarely is my first response to give God the glory. Here's a thought...When tragedy or hardships strike, do we immediately worship the Creator?
We all know the story of Job and the affliction he faced but I noticed something for the first time recently. In the first chapter, he is informed four times by four surviving servants of the loss to his oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, servants, sons, and daughters. Then verse 20 says: At this, he fell to the ground and worshipped! Wait, what?! The very first thing he did after he received the horrible news of the tragedy that literally took everything from him was he worshipped God. I read that and think about the trails and hardships I have faced and rarely do I worship immediately. There are countless stories throughout the Bible that show men and women worshipping God immediately after tragedy. Jeremiah worshipped after God used the Babylonians to judge Judah, Habakkuk worshipped at the reality of his abandonment, David worshipped following the death of his child, and Jesus worshipped in the Garden right before he was crucified. The point is, our first response should be worship in the face of tragedy. Unfortunately for me, it hasn't been.
Grief however, is something we all will experience. Grief is normal and apart of the recovery process but our attitude in our moments of grief determine our worship. After a conversation with my friend Reggi, he explained that there are three responses when life hits rock bottom and I wanted to expand on them. Our first response is we either question God with why He allowed this to happen or blame Him and turn from our 'faith'. Sometimes things happen and we don't understand why, nor will we ever receive an explanation but know this: God is more concerned with your development as a believer than He is with delivering you from your circumstances. Our second response may be that we begin to understand that God knows what we are going through. He knows how we feel and therefore we see God as sympathizing with us. We are comforted by His grace and are able to persevere through our moments of grief. The third response towards grief is being able to sympathize with God. We often times forget of what Christ actually went through. We forget how bad it was for Him! We forget that the religious people didn't like him, that His message was ignored, and that He constantly was mocked. We forget that He experienced the betrayal of one of his disciples, a man that He loved and had experienced life with. We forget that He paid our penalty on the cross and suffered more than any of us ever will. Our response to the grief we experience and the hardships we endure should be that we now have an idea of what Christ went through. God, I thank you for the hard moments because it gives me a glimpse of what you actually endured! "Our grief should cause us to sympathize with Christ!"
We all know the story of Job and the affliction he faced but I noticed something for the first time recently. In the first chapter, he is informed four times by four surviving servants of the loss to his oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, servants, sons, and daughters. Then verse 20 says: At this, he fell to the ground and worshipped! Wait, what?! The very first thing he did after he received the horrible news of the tragedy that literally took everything from him was he worshipped God. I read that and think about the trails and hardships I have faced and rarely do I worship immediately. There are countless stories throughout the Bible that show men and women worshipping God immediately after tragedy. Jeremiah worshipped after God used the Babylonians to judge Judah, Habakkuk worshipped at the reality of his abandonment, David worshipped following the death of his child, and Jesus worshipped in the Garden right before he was crucified. The point is, our first response should be worship in the face of tragedy. Unfortunately for me, it hasn't been.
Grief however, is something we all will experience. Grief is normal and apart of the recovery process but our attitude in our moments of grief determine our worship. After a conversation with my friend Reggi, he explained that there are three responses when life hits rock bottom and I wanted to expand on them. Our first response is we either question God with why He allowed this to happen or blame Him and turn from our 'faith'. Sometimes things happen and we don't understand why, nor will we ever receive an explanation but know this: God is more concerned with your development as a believer than He is with delivering you from your circumstances. Our second response may be that we begin to understand that God knows what we are going through. He knows how we feel and therefore we see God as sympathizing with us. We are comforted by His grace and are able to persevere through our moments of grief. The third response towards grief is being able to sympathize with God. We often times forget of what Christ actually went through. We forget how bad it was for Him! We forget that the religious people didn't like him, that His message was ignored, and that He constantly was mocked. We forget that He experienced the betrayal of one of his disciples, a man that He loved and had experienced life with. We forget that He paid our penalty on the cross and suffered more than any of us ever will. Our response to the grief we experience and the hardships we endure should be that we now have an idea of what Christ went through. God, I thank you for the hard moments because it gives me a glimpse of what you actually endured! "Our grief should cause us to sympathize with Christ!"
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I Don't Understand?
One of the biggest lessons and challenges in Christianity is to be obedient to God even if it doesn't make sense. I do know that even when we don't understand, God has a much bigger purpose. You will one day look back and see that God had a plan all along and that the journey He took you on was building your trust in Him. The greatest thing I can do when I get discouraged or don't have clarity on an issue is to look at God's past faithfulness in my life. He always brings me through the trials and difficulties, so why do I still question Him?
God wants praise, in the great seasons of life and the tough seasons. God wants us to be an example of love, grace, and sacrifice so that people will see Him in us. David Platt says, "God blesses the human race, not because of any merit or inherent worth in us, but simply out of pure, unadulterated grace. God created humankind to enjoy his grace in a relationship with him, but also to extend his glory to the ends of the earth." The reality is, God initiates the relationship with us. We only need to respond. In that response, we have great freedom yet great responsibility to bring God glory in all things...living in grace, while extending his glory. 1 Corinthians 5:21 says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus BECAME so that we could BECOME.
With that being said, the Lord is leading me away from Valley Church. I don't know where or why but I do know that God is in control and He had this planned from the beginning. I absolutely love the staff and they have been nothing less than family to me. I will miss you all! I love the volunteer leaders we have in the student ministry. You are all amazing and going to do incredible things for the Kingdom of God as long as you keep focused in prayer and seek after God in every area of your life. To the students: You have all impacted my own walk with God tremendously. The week of camp we had will go down as one of the greatest moments in my life. To see the Lord work in you guys throughout the week and to actually see the heart change was incredible. I'm so glad God called some of you into a relationship with Him and others of you into full time ministry or missions. You all have the ability and potential to rock a generation with the Gospel of Christ! Stay focused, stay obedient, and trust that God is in control. The journey He takes you on is so amazing and worth every tear and heartbreak...even the tough lessons you will learn. To everyone else that walked into my life here at Valley, I appreciate your kindness and love.
Sometimes our expectations don't line up or our personal preference gets in the way. Other times, God just calls you elsewhere and you don't understand the unknown questions or reasons for why He does things. The only requirement of me is obedience. God is more concerned with my obedience and character as a follower of Him than where I do ministry. The same is true for you. It's not about who leads but about following the ultimate leader, Jesus Christ. God wants all your heart. Not half, not 99%...all of it! Are you willing to give up the fancy things, the friendships, and your 'rights' to walk with Christ and obey Him in every area of your life? I can't control how people will think of me or what they will say but that's not for me to be concerned about. I don't know why God does or allows the things He does but who are we to question Him or claim to know how He works? (Isaiah 55:8-9) It just comes down to trust. I wish you all the best! I am always a phone call or Facebook message away. Much love, Cory!
God wants praise, in the great seasons of life and the tough seasons. God wants us to be an example of love, grace, and sacrifice so that people will see Him in us. David Platt says, "God blesses the human race, not because of any merit or inherent worth in us, but simply out of pure, unadulterated grace. God created humankind to enjoy his grace in a relationship with him, but also to extend his glory to the ends of the earth." The reality is, God initiates the relationship with us. We only need to respond. In that response, we have great freedom yet great responsibility to bring God glory in all things...living in grace, while extending his glory. 1 Corinthians 5:21 says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus BECAME so that we could BECOME.
With that being said, the Lord is leading me away from Valley Church. I don't know where or why but I do know that God is in control and He had this planned from the beginning. I absolutely love the staff and they have been nothing less than family to me. I will miss you all! I love the volunteer leaders we have in the student ministry. You are all amazing and going to do incredible things for the Kingdom of God as long as you keep focused in prayer and seek after God in every area of your life. To the students: You have all impacted my own walk with God tremendously. The week of camp we had will go down as one of the greatest moments in my life. To see the Lord work in you guys throughout the week and to actually see the heart change was incredible. I'm so glad God called some of you into a relationship with Him and others of you into full time ministry or missions. You all have the ability and potential to rock a generation with the Gospel of Christ! Stay focused, stay obedient, and trust that God is in control. The journey He takes you on is so amazing and worth every tear and heartbreak...even the tough lessons you will learn. To everyone else that walked into my life here at Valley, I appreciate your kindness and love.
Sometimes our expectations don't line up or our personal preference gets in the way. Other times, God just calls you elsewhere and you don't understand the unknown questions or reasons for why He does things. The only requirement of me is obedience. God is more concerned with my obedience and character as a follower of Him than where I do ministry. The same is true for you. It's not about who leads but about following the ultimate leader, Jesus Christ. God wants all your heart. Not half, not 99%...all of it! Are you willing to give up the fancy things, the friendships, and your 'rights' to walk with Christ and obey Him in every area of your life? I can't control how people will think of me or what they will say but that's not for me to be concerned about. I don't know why God does or allows the things He does but who are we to question Him or claim to know how He works? (Isaiah 55:8-9) It just comes down to trust. I wish you all the best! I am always a phone call or Facebook message away. Much love, Cory!
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