is this unrealistic?

“Live up to the life to which God called you!” Ephesians 1:6b (NCV)

There is no doubt, God has bigger plans for us than we are living. Most people would agree that they are living beneath their potential. But there are some who think I am Pollyanna when I talk about the possibility of doing something extraordinary in life. There are some who have given up. There are some who have been consumed by cynicism. I have heard, “you are too idealistic.”

I guess if you refuse to believe that there is hope for anything more, God will allow you to stay stuck where you are. But try to muster enough faith to believe that God still has hope.

I don’t believe that we can just dream it and it will happen. I do believe that God sees something great within most of us and is trying to get us to also see it.

Let’s set a goal of living up to God’s plan today. We can work on tomorrow tomorrow.

Join us on Sunday at Maranatha Church for part two of One. I like saying that: part two of One.

a humbling response to One

“Live up to the life to which God called you.” Ephesians 4:1b (CEV)

Last Sunday marked the launch of ONE, a new preaching series at Maranatha Church that is emphasizing the importance of making God first in our lives. As part of the message, I issued a challenge for people to commit to some very important spiritual foci. The challenges utilize the number 1:

31 Days of Prayer: Pray at least one time each day this month.
21 Days of Reading: Read the per-selected portion of Scripture (list here)
11 Days of Fasting: Give up something (a meal, TV, certain types of foods, etc.
1 Day of Serving: Serve one time this month.
1 Tithe: Tithes (give 10%) at least one pay-period this month.

I was absolutely blown away when I saw the completed ONE Commitment cards.
215 praying
204 reading
171 fasting
174 serving
176 tithing

That is a bunch of response!

People are still submitting the forms online (here) and we plan to distribute them this Sunday to those who were not with us last Sunday.

There was also a huge number of prayer needs submitted. People are expecting God to do some great things! And we are praying for those needs!

I don’t take commitment for granted. Cooperation is not a given. Positive response to personal challenge is significant these days, people are generally slow to follow. But not this group!

We are expecting some awesome things to happen as a result of all of this. If you would like to join us, feel free! You can listen to part 1 here. Be with us next week!

the storm

They should have known better. If Jesus was on board, the ship would not sink and they would not all drown.

I am talking about the disciples in Matthew 8:23-27. They were in a boat in the sea when a huge storm came out of nowhere (actually, the storm probably came from God – at least He allowed it). When the waves began to crash over the sides of the boat, they panicked and ran to awaken Jesus, informing Him that they were all as good as dead. They should have known better.

Jesus wasn’t destined to drown. As long as He was in the boat, they were going to be OK. But they wanted Jesus to stop the storm, so He did. But He also rebuked them for being so afraid and for having so little faith. They didn’t care about that, they just cared that they were on calm waters again.

And that’s how it goes. We want an easy life. And sometimes Jesus calms the storm, despite the fact that we haven’t learned what we need to learn, we haven’t increased in our faith. We still haven’t learned the lesson of God getting us through the storm. We want Him to shortcut the process for us. So sometimes He does. But down the road, we will have to endure the storm again and again until we learn the lesson of trust.

He is powerful enough to stop the storm. And He is powerful enough to keep us safe through the storm.

Sometimes, we have to embrace the storm.

cool is not missional...missional is not cool

You can spot them a mile away. The young, dynamic preacher-leaders of today’s hip churches. They wear holey jeans and elaborately decorated t-shirts. They spike their hair. Their churches are young and energetic and have non-traditional names. They are reaching a lot of people for Christ. And many of them are missional. This simply means that they have, as a focus, the practical delivery of the message of Jesus to those who are without. They want to show the love of God to the world in need. They want to “be the church” rather than just going to church.

“Missional” is most certainly a buzzword in church circles. The concept is not new but the interest is renewed. There are a dozen large conferences around the country every year encouraging thousands of leaders to get their people outside of their four walls and live out the Gospel. Do practical things to meet the needs of people so they know that Jesus loves them. It is definitely in style to be missional.

But being missional is not necessarily being cool and visa-versa. What I mean by this is that one doesn’t have to be hip in order to be missional. I have a great example of this.

This week, our daughter and son in law, while intenerating to raise their missionary salary, visited with some good, solid people. This little church is out in the middle of nowhere, nothing but cow pastures. Their music is old-school. They are very conservative by most people’s standards. But they complete get “missional”. They give heavily to missionaries in other countries. They feed the local hungry. They are proponents of foster care and adoption. They serve their community and the world. They do most of the stuff that is considered by most to be cutting-edge Gospel expression. But the Pastor doesn’t speak at the world-renown conferences – he doesn’t have time to because he works construction to take care of this family. They don’t sing new music. They don’t read or write books about living out the Great Commission. They don’t wear holey jeans to church. They don’t even have a cool website. But they completely get “missional”. They don’t do this stuff because it is in style. They do it because Jesus said to do it.

I am refocusing. These people inspire me. Maybe it’s time to quit talking so much about it, philosophizing about it, stereotyping about it. It’s time to do it.

Cool is not missional…

Jesus is ______.

I really like this video from our friends at Churchcreate.com. It allows for creative thinking and expression of imagination. Take a look and pass along to a friend.

JESUS IS ___. from The City Church on Vimeo.

invite someone

This Sunday starts ONE, the newest series at Maranatha Church. I am usually not much on hype, I know of too many cases where big promises were made by aspiring preachers only to result in disappointed worshipers.

But this is one you don't want to miss. I will be challenging everyone to make God first priority in life. We have some specific things we are targeting. It will be fun but it will be a bit demanding on our comfort zones.

Can you do your best to attend on Sunday and bring a friend?
Palm Beach Shores: 8:00 AM
Palm Beach Gardens: 9:30 and 11:00.

If you live too far away (a one hour drive is reasonable, isn't it?), we forgive you, but you have to listen online!

For more details, check out Maranatha Church.

big news coming

I am preparing for a leadership meeting at Maranatha Church this Sunday evening. If you are a leader and are coming to the meeting, buckle your seat belt. We have some very exciting news for you! If you are not a leader, this is something you will be hearing about soon. I hate to be secretive (it always seems so disingenuous and manipulative) but the timing of the release of this information is crucial. Suffice it to say, the last quarter of this year for our church will be seismic.

Be listening…

starts this sunday @ Maranatha Church

One-Promo from Maranatha Church on Vimeo.

click here for details

jessica and josh

We got some big news last week. Jessica and Josh (our daughter and her husband) have been invited to serve as Directors of Casa Shalom orphanage in Guatemala! This is the childrens home at which they have worked for the last 2 plus years. We are very proud of and excited for them.

This is a huge responsibility. They will be the legal guardians for 50 children. They will lead a staff of 10 full time and 5 part time employees as well as a school staff. They are in the mid 20’s.

When you get a chance, pray for Jessica and Josh and their new venture. They are currently in the States raising their budget for the coming year. Money is tough to come by, but they are working hard at it.

For more info on their work, take a look at their blog or like them on facebook.

Grace!

a change of pace

Today was a bit different for me, as will be tomorrow.

I attended and participated in a 4 hour and 35 minute funeral service today. Bishop Alonzo Palmer of the New Testament Church of God passed and today he was laid to rest. 23 pastors spoke at his memorial service. I was honored to be among them. This extended event set my usual routine on its ear. I usually lock down on Saturday to do final prep for the Sunday worship events at Maranatha Church. I pray, listen and make adjustments. Today was different. I left home at 9:15 and did not return until 5:00 or so.

All of that is OK because tomorrow’s message has continued to evolve in an unexpected way. While speaking at our Palm Beach Shores location last Sunday, I got the distinct sense that this week’s message was going a different direction. It has been doing that all week. I am still delivering part 3 of A Confident Future and still launching from Isaiah 41:10, but that’s about all that hasn’t changed.

God knows I am a scripted person. I like to plan. I like to know ahead of time what is going to happen. And sometimes, God lets me know who is driving. This weekend is one of those times.

Thanks for keeping it fresh, Lord!

vision lives forever

I spent a couple of hours with a friend yesterday. He has a terminal diagnosis from his doctors. They have informed him of his short time left.

He spent the entire conversation talking about a project he is working on and hopes to complete by a certain date. This date goes beyond the amount of time the doctors have given him. I’m confident that he will complete the project. I am not sure that he will be around to see it’s fulfillment but I believe the project will be completed and that he will be responsible for its completion.

Vision doesn’t stop because life does. Real vision outlives us. True vision resonates long after we are gone.

Do something that outlives you.

one sign of a good church

This Sunday, we will enjoy a membership luncheon at Maranatha Church. This is a time for us to discuss the topic of church membership with some great people who have more recently been involved in the life of the church.

Church membership is a dicey topic these days. People seem hesitant to join the church. “Membership” in a church is a frightening proposition for lots of folks. Joining a gym or a warehouse shopping club is not a big deal but commitment to a church is apparently a mine field for some.

That being said, I plan to share with our new prospective members one way in which they can spot a good church that they should join.

What is one sign of a good church?

It has needs. Things about it that you don’t like. Obvious issues in a variety of areas. And here is the kicker - these needs should be something that you can address and meet. If a church is functioning in perfection without you, you are not needed there. If it will not change whether or not you join, don’t bother. You need to be able to make an impact. And the church needs to need you.

I get disturbed when I hear of people who find something wrong in a church and decide to depart to another church that does not have that problem. I think the better approach is to try to be a problem solver.

I always joke with people who are considering membership at Maranatha. I say, “we are not a perfect church. If you are looking for one, keep looking. And, if you ever find the perfect church, please don’t join it. You will only ruin it!” Seriously, the church is imperfect because we are imperfect people, and we are the church. If God directs you to a church and you spot imperfections, ask Him how you can be involved in making things better.

If you are at a church where you can use your gifts and abilities to improve the ministry, that is a good church. And you should become a member.

Coming to Maranatha Church October 2010

pure ministry

Today’s worship experiences at Maranatha Church were remarkable for gut level, raw ministry. It started at our Palm Beach Shores location. Although we are right in the middle of a beautiful sea-side community, many of the people coming to the services don’t have it all together. The coffee and donuts we served were the first meal one guy had eaten in a couple of days. One couple had stayed up too late drinking (or maybe they started early in the morning!). I saw at least 3 people that I am sure are living on the street.

Our Palm Beach Gardens campus brought more of the same. Hurting people came to the services. I talked to people with serious marriage troubles; a guy who has been without electricity for 3 weeks; a couple of people with significant health issues … and the stories go on. Our prayer partners prayed with a woman with stage 4 cancer - the doctors have given up hope.

We are right where we need to be. Our locations are no accident. God knew that our communities would need us. We want to offer life-giving ministry and I believe we are. We want to see lives change, and we are. I never want to be in a sterile ministry environment. I can’t connect with people who have it all together. If God ever sends us perfect people, I doubt that they will feel comfortable.

It is humbling to think that we may have made a difference for someone today. Actually, we didn’t help anyone. God did.

proud to be a tither

I was raised in a home where my parents tithed… to the penny, on every cent that was made. Letha was raised in a similar atmosphere. She and I have tithed our entire lives. That means that 10% of everything we have made all these years has been given to God. When I made $150 a week at my first full-time ministry job, I tithed. And we have never been poor. We have always had a decent home to live in, a safe car to drive, could afford medical care, have had plenty to eat, have even had money for some fun things in life.

God has been faithful to us because we have been faithful to tithe.

Tithe means “one tenth”. We cannot give God less than ten percent of all we earn and call it tithe. According to the Bible, here’s how it works: God gets the first ten percent of whatever we make – we give it to the church (the storehouse where it is distributed to meet the needs). Anything above that ten percent is called an offering. At the risk of bragging we personally target giving away over 20 percent of our income though tithing, offerings and charitable contributions.

“Paying tithes” is not an accurate term. This is not like paying the electric bill. Everything we have belongs to God. Tithing is simply giving back the small portion that God requires.

Some people who throw in a ten dollar bill at offering time think they are tithing. Unless they made only $100 that week, they are not tithing. I am amazed that some people give nothing to the church and yet take advantage of all of the ministries that the church offers. How do they sleep at night? The latest statistics show that is costs the average church in America about $2,000 per person attending (not families) to operate a church. It costs a lot of money to operate buildings, provide a staff, support missions, help needy families and provide other programs. Another way of looking at it is: for every person who gives nothing, someone has to kick in an additional $2,000.00. Who’s going to do that? And who really wants someone else doing that for them? The result is, churches are almost always pressed for enough money to operate effectively.

This article is not guilt motivated but I’m sure it will make some people feel guilty. The point is, God can do more with the 90% He leaves you than you can do with 100%. Do you trust God or not? Are you willing to be identified as one who steals from God? (Malachi 3:8). I guess a bigger point is: God blesses obedience.

Go ahead and take the leap. Give God the first 10% you make. I have NEVER seen a true tither in financial trouble. I have seen them need to be frugal with resources but I have NEVER seen a tither homeless.

People of Maranatha Church: fair warning – you will be hearing more about this in the near future. But I’m not going to tell you when. :)

the essence of missional

I saw something recently that really rang my bell regarding sharing with others. Most of you know that my daughter and her husband are missionaries to Guatemala (their blog). They are currently in the States raising their salary for the coming year. They have been visiting churches, presenting their work and building relationships.

On Sunday, they were invited to Salem Community Church in West Palm Beach, FL. This church was founded and is led by Serge Jerome. Serge is from Haiti and the vast majority of the people in his church share his heritage. I was struck by the profundity of a Haitian/American church financially supporting North American missionaries who work in Guatemala. Having just returned from Haiti two weeks ago, I can attest to the fact that their country is in absolute dire need for every penny they can get. The people of Salem Community Church have every reason in the world to form the opinion that they have obligations at home. No one would blame them if they sent every spare dollar back to families in their homeland. They all lost loved ones in the January earthquake. They all have family that are homeless. They all know people that are hungry and helpless. Yet they chose to give to two 20 something missionaries who are taking care of orphans in Central America. Astounding!

This elicits several emotions in me:
Gratitude for people who have little, but give much.
Anger at people who have plenty, but share little.
Shame at how much more I could give away.
Passion to help Haiti more.

One thing for sure I know: God will bless the great people of Salem Community Church!

still trying to recover

I know I’m going to sound like a whiny butt but I am still trying to catch my breath from Sunday. We had our usual 3 morning worship services at Maranatha and I was privileged to be able to speak in them all. But Sunday evening took on a life of itself. I was asked to speak at Central New Testament Church in Mangonia Park, Florida. As part of my denominational responsibilities, I was asked to install a new pastor. The former pastor, Bishop Alonzo Palmer passed away after 60 years of ministry and 30 years at CNT.

This church is primarily a Jamaican/American church. Their worship reflects their culture and time is not an issue. The service lasted 3 hours and 50 minutes. They introduced me at around 8:30 PM. I was hungry, tired, sweaty (it was hot in there) and I needed a shave. Remember, I had preached first at 8:00 AM at our Palm Beach Shores location. It was 12 hours later and I was still going. Not having the strongest of preaching voices, and realizing that they wanted me to “preach”, I gave it all I had. About 20 minutes into the message, I felt my voice going. But I finished strong and the people responded favorably.

I felt like crawling home that night, I got home around 10:15. It was a great experience but I am still feeling the effects. My voice is still scratchy.

God bless the great people at Central New Testament and Pastor Henry Wisdom!

salesman or preacher?

One of the more difficult things I have ever tried to do is to convince someone to believe in something that I did not believe in.

At times, preachers are guilty of preaching a “gospel” they aren’t living. I am not necessarily referring to the problem of duplicity or a hypocritical lifestyle. I am more talking about the times when a speaker deals with a difficult topic and does so because he has to, not because he is passionate about it or buying into the concept being presented. He is not there himself but he is trying to get his followers there.

This Sunday’s message could be (won’t be) an example. I am talking about A Confident Future. People really need this message because there is so much trepidation about the future. People are scared of an uncertain tomorrow. So my job becomes giving them a biblical view of the future and showing them how God has promised to be with them no matter what.

I have to believe this or I have no business trying to talk others into it.

I do believe it. I do not believe that the future will be easy. I know it will not be problem-free. And I am not dumb enough to try to sell people on the idea of times getting better. But I know for sure that God still loves us and, even though He has told us that things will get very difficult in the future, He will be with us and He will see us through. I am confident about the future.

I am not selling that. I am living that.

come together

At one of our worship services on Sunday, a practicing Buddhist (yes he has been attending our church for about 2 months) asked me why there are so many branches and denominations of Christianity. Why are you guys so fragmented? Why do you have so many Bibles?

Then he said something that stabbed my heart:
“And it’s no wonder why young people in America are running away from your churches.”

After I got over my initial defensiveness, I was able to express my quick view and explain how I see things differently. I am not an overly denominational guy, although I do belong to a particular tribe (Church of God). I don’t see a great denominational divide, at least not as much as there used to be. The particular areas where I am involved are not defined according to sects or labels. I see a lot of people from a lot of backgrounds doing the work of the Lord.

But I see his point. We give ammunition to our detractors. Every time a church splits, the reputation of Jesus suffers. When denominations fight publicly, we all pay for it. When two Christians squabble like little children, we chase people away from Christ.

Let’s get it together. Get over your pettiness. Stop the wars between churches. If you have something against another Christ-follower – forgive and move on.

I am praying that my Buddhist friend comes to Jesus. I am hoping that our behavior inspires that.

i don’t want to be a crabby old man

I blew it yesterday. After church, Letha, Jess, Josh and I went out to lunch at a local restaurant. We were seated at a booth a few feet from a large family: mom, dad and 5 younger kids. We noticed immediately that the kids were loud and unruly and I was annoyed right off the bat. Since the kids were little, I had trouble seeing them all. When dessert was delivered to them, the kids raised their hands and yelled. The dad joined them. I was a bit shocked at how loud they were and I looked over, giving my best “what is wrong with you?” look.

The family finished their meal and left, walking by our booth. Dad left first, leaving mom to herd the kids out. When she passed, the mom looked sheepishly at me and said quietly, “sorry”. I immediately felt like the biggest jerk in the world. I got the feeling she was overwhelmed both with five kids under 8 and with her useless husband.

I don’t want to be a crabby old man. That means I have to stop being a crabby middle aged man.

“Love is patient, love is kind…” I Corinthians 13.