Relative Truths

Ok, so today is Halloween.  This has always been an interesting “holiday” for me.  I grew up not really celebrating Halloween.  We would dress up, but only as superhero type people, never anything scary, and we didn’t trick-or-treat.  In fact, the only time I have ever trick-or-treated, I was 15 and it was my freshman year in high school (for all you people that say that is way too old, let it go.  I never went as a kid, and that is the only time I ever did it.  I feel entitled to that).  Anyway, as I have gotten older I have started enjoying aspects of the day.  I love scary movies.  Anything from the “Silence of the Lambs” to “Halloween” entertains me.  And hey, you can’t beat candy, right?

 

All that to say, one thing about Halloween that I love is the phrase trick-or-treat, and not just because it leads to candy.  How often do we think in our lives that something good is happening only to be tricked?  How often do we think that everything is going south only to find a “treat” in the midst of it?  Too often we try to pin God down to yes and no answers, cut and dry scenarios, and bless me or you don’t exist requests.  The truth is I think that God is always working in our lives.  I also believe that God wants nothing but the best for us.  Sometimes, we have to go through a “desert” time to understand where God is leading us.  Sometimes, we are put in places where blessings abound so that we can reflect glory to God.  No matter what season of life you are in, trust that God is not arbitrarily handing out tricks or treats.  God has a great and perfect plan for your life.  When we are open to His direction, and trust in His design, not our own, then we will make it through the day, whether it seems like a trick or a treat.  So, enjoy this “holiday” and know that God’s love is amazing and never ending.  Open yourself up to him, and you will truly receive an amazing treat of peace with it. 

Ok, so it is finally raining.  Did you wake up yesterday or today and found yourself confused about what was falling from the sky?  I have seen some reports that it is supposed to be rainy all week.  That is what we desperately need.  With the lack of water a lot of businesses are struggling.  I know of a guy that has visited our church who moved to Georgia to start a landscaping business.  Well, that hasn’t worked out too well.  The company where we order our Christmas Poinsettias from is struggling with flowers they have in stock that people are not purchasing because they cannot water them.  I read about how Georgia might have to start purchasing water and how Governor Purdue is asking The White House to declare this a disaster.  Things are getting pretty rough here.

 

However, it is raining.  Now, we need a lot.  I mean a ton.  But it is raining.  Does it mean that people can just be careless with their water usage? No.  But it is raining.  Is every problem now solved?  No.  But it is still raining. 

 

How many times, days, hours, do we feel like things are so overwhelmingly bad that there is no hope in life?  How often do we find ourselves so consumed with “disaster” that we cannot even imagine an end to it?  Well, if you have or currently find yourself feeling this way, know that it is raining.  What I mean by that is God is active in your life.  God today, right now, this second and the next, is ready to pour blessings upon you.  Does it mean that everything will be perfect?  No.  Does it mean that we don’t have to look at our lives and examine where we place our priorities or how we spend our time and resources?  No.  God promises His presence in our lives.  He also calls us to be aware of what we are doing and how we are living.  But, we are called to know that no matter how bad the situation may be, it is raining.  God loves you, cares for you, and is with you.  That’s the truth.    

Ok, so I forgot a few things about going to hear The Less on Monday night.  So, I figured I could milk them for one more post.  Plus, it has been a pretty good day.  It has been busy, but good.  Anyway, here goes:

Allen is a fun guy to go to something like The Less with.  One, he knows them real well, so you know they are going to talk to you (although I think they would talk to me anyway).  Two, he goes to so many concerts that he is like an expert on where to sit, when to move, etc.  Glad I got to have some hang time with him. 

In accountability this morning we all mentioned that we need to exercise more.  So, we are going to start sending daily email reminders.  I don't want to have to always answer, "No, I haven't exercised today."  If more people would do that, this world would be in better shape, literally.

I got mentioned on my brother's blog (http://davidwalters.blog.com/2195875/).  It is always good to get a shout out in a blog.  He told me he met a guy that teaches like I would if I was "free."  I hope that one day I can prove him right. 

I start my Outflow class tonight.  Pray for the people in the course that God will work through me and the material and that we will all learn how to be so filled with God that it can't help but flow into all aspects of our life. 

That is all for today.  Anything you question on that?  Never forget the truth that God loves you, I love your comments, and that Adam Courtney is the man.

Ok, so I went to Athens last night to hear The Less play at Tasty World.  I have heard those guys do worship before, but I have never heard them perform.  They were AWESOME.  I was so impressed with them.  I don’t really have a profound truth or anything, but it was a fun experience, so I thought I would share a few thoughts:

 

Adam Courtney is the man.  I knew he could sing, but man he can sing.

 

Those guys are amazing.  I am going to have to hire them one day at my church.  I don’t know how I will be able to afford them, but they are so talented and just good guys.

 

Brock is the drummer I always wanted to be. 

 

There is nothing better then seeing an old friend for the first time in a long time.  I miss hanging out with Katie. 

Spontaneous trips can be very rewarding.  Mix things up every now and then.   

 

The Grill still has the best milkshakes.  I love those things. 

 

Anyway, that is all I have for now.  Anything to share on that?

Ok, so today is boss’s day.  My staff here at the church surprised me with a great card and a gift certificate to Dominick’s.  Rebekah and I love Dominick’s, so it should be fun.  It really meant a lot to me that they would want to do that for me.  Nobody can be successful without great people helping and supporting them.  For the ministry I am responsible for here at Lawrenceville to be successful, I depend on several people, and a team of great workers.  They take care of problems I never see or would ever think of.  They work hard when no one is looking.  They do their best for the glory of God. 

The truth is the best way they can honor me as a boss is by doing the best work possible.  You can always tell when a person respects their boss by how they work.  If they give their all, they have respect.  If they do not try to give their all, there is a lack of it.  I think the same is true in our service to God.  If we truly respect and appreciate what Christ offers to us, then we will live for Him with all we have.  We will serve faithfully and will actually display Him to others.  However, if we don’t really respect the sacrifice or truly believe that God is present in our lives then we won’t live it out, we won’t be all we were created to be and we won’t display Christ to others. The truth is we either honor God or we don’t.  I know there are days when I am not being who God wanted me to be.  I know there are days when I need to serve better so that God’s ministry can be effective.   So, today is Boss’s day for God.  Will we trust and respect His direction in our life?  Will we just ignore it and live as if nothing is different?  What’s the truth for you?

Ok, so I was playing in a golf tournament today.  I am a bad golfer, so I just go for fun and to hang our with friends.  This tournament is to raise money for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  I was Huddle Captain at Central Gwinnett, and FCA was probably my favorite thing in high school, so I was thrilled to help raise money for it while I got to play golf.  Anyway, my team did decent (1 under),and I won the putting contest.  I have never won anything golf related, so that was exciting.  Anyway, the prize was a gift card to PGA superstore.  As we were walkingto the truck, I was thinking about the hybrid I wanted to buy with my giftcard.  We get to the truck, and the clubs are gone!  Someone stole Andrew, David, and my golf clubs! Seriously, they are gone. All my clubs, club head covers, balls, tools, shoes, UGA golf bag, and White Hot UGA putter are gone.

 

As mad as that makes me, I have to realize that they are only possessions.  They arei mportant to me because most of my clubs and accessories were given to me by very dear people (brothers, wife, Andrew and Kristen).  However, they are still possessions.  They can be replaced.  I still have a truck to drive home.  I still have a home to go to.  I still have people in my life that love and support me. Best of all, I still have a Savior who loves me more than life itself.  My friends and family are not replaceable.  My relationship with Christ is worth more than any amount of money.  So, yes, I am frustrated about what happened.  I feel bad for Andrew and David.  However, the truth is that while I lost a possession, I still have so much more to be thankful for.   What makes you happy? What can’t be replaced in your life?  Cherish those things and God will keep you content.  

Ok, so it was a cold morning today.  Maybe a sign that fall is finally starting to arrive.  I remember when it used to be cool on my birthday.  Anyway, I haven’t blogged in a few days, but I have had some incredible experiences.  It’s my blog, so I am going to share them.  I went to Catalyst last week.  I haven’t been to Catalyst since 2001 when it was at North Point CC.   It was AMAZING.  I was able to hear Craig Groeschel speak.  He is lead pastor of a church that has a dozen campuses, and where tens of thousands of lives are transformed every week.  He was awesome.  He talked about being disturbed for God.  It was something every follower of Christ, not just a pastor, needed to hear.  John Maxwell, Dave Ramsey, and Erwin McManus also spoke and really gave me words that I needed to hear about being a better leader and Christian.  Could you ask for something better?!?  I needed to hear those guys.  I might never be the one on the stage speaking at Catalyst, but to know that someone else can struggle with the same things you do is encouraging, because you can see how they are growing.

 

There also was an incredible worship experience Friday at Catalyst. You had these incredible musicians on stage, and all they cared about was facilitating worship for 11,000 people.  It was awesome.   It was by far the best worship experience I ever had in my life.  There was no sermon, but the word of God was proclaimed in a loud, clear, and mighty way. 

 

I also had an incredible conversation with a fellow minister this week.  One thing I talk about is following the purpose that God created us to fulfill.  It is exciting when you realize that God’s plan is being revealed and something amazing is going to happen.  I think God has some great things in store for this conference, and hopefully my ministry.  I am excited, you should be too.

 

I got an incredible email Monday.  I was accepted into the doctoral program for Organic Leadership at Bethel Seminary!  It starts in February.  I am hoping to plant a church during the course of this program and I think it will be a great experience of learning about leadership while I am crafting a team of people set on changing this world for God. 

 

Finally, I won my K-Swiss match yesterday.  Not nearly as incredible as the other things on this list.  That is why it is last.

 

What has been going on with you?  What has God been doing in your life?  Share and let other people see how amazing God is.

 

 

Ok, so Rebekah and I were eating at Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries the other night.  In case you are wondering what their menu looks like, think of their title.  Except for a hot dog and grilled cheese sandwich, you have burgers and fries.  Now, you can get a couple of different toppings on the burger, and you can get Cajun fries, but you are pretty limited.  So, if you want a really great hamburger, and a ton of fries, go to Five Guys.  If you want a chicken sandwich, go somewhere else.

 

Why do I make that point?  Well, Five Guys decided they would do one thing (two if you count the fries) and do it well.  They didn’t diversify their menu to appeal to a larger audience.  They don’t have seafood specials on Tuesday to please everyone that comes by.  They picked one thing and made it excellent.  Guess what?  Every time I have been there, it has been full.

 

Look at churches.  We often try to do everything.  We need to offer everything so that people will be happy.  Maybe we can learn something from Five Guys.  I know a church in Atlanta that decided they did traditional worship well, so they have stuck with it.  They do their worship well, and they have grown.  Now, I am not saying churches can only do one style of worship, or can’t offer multiple avenues of ministry.  I am just saying that sometimes we need to evaluate what we can do, and do it well.  We should never be in a hurry to water down what can be fantastic just to appeal to more people.  Remember, Five Guys is always full, and I have never heard anyone yell at them to have a chicken sandwich.  Just my opinion.  What do you think?

Ok, so today is my birthday.  Andrew, Allen, and I went to Dreamland BBQ for lunch.  We haven’t been in awhile, so it was great to go have some ribs.  The only thing that could have made it better is if Alex could have gone (or Dreamland playing Michael Bolton’s entire catalog in the background).  Anyway, not to be too cheesy or anything, but birthdays always make me stop and reflect.  As I was getting ready this morning I started thinking about the past year.  What have I done that made an impact on this world?  What have I don’t to make an impact in anyone’s life?  If I haven’t done anything, should I really celebrate a birthday?

 

I don’t want to sound too down, but we are created for a purpose (yes, I have been saying that a lot lately, but it has been on my heart.  Everything, churches, people, etc. are created for a purpose.  We will never be fulfilled until we thrive in that purpose).  On the day we celebrate our birth into this world, how are we celebrating our purpose.  I feel that God created me to share the good news of Christ.  I feel that through my life, how I live, love, interact with people, and how I serve in church, I am called to show people that Jesus loves them.  So, I am going to be extra intentional about finding how God wants me to serve in this year so I can really celebrate next year.  The truth is, when we celebrate who God made us to be, we cease being frustrated over who the world tells us we can never be.  See any truth in that?  Hey, it’s my birthday, leave a comment.