Relative Truths

Ok, so I haven’t posted since last Wednesday.  I know, I'm a slacker.  Anyway, it was an interesting weekend.  All of Friday and most of Saturday I thought that Liz, my brother’s wife, was not going to have her baby.  I told David (www.davidwalters.blog.com) I would be plan B for his church The Vine (www.connecttothevine.org).  So, I spent most of the weekend thinking I was free.  Well, Saturday night, David called to tell me the baby was imminent.  I had written the sermon, so I just polished it and made sure I was ready.  Sunday morning, she was still having contractions, but no baby, so I still went to The Vine and preached.  After all of that, she still has not had the baby, and the contractions have slowed.  I learned that we are not operating on our own timetable this weekend.  I also learned that God can do amazing things when we are patient and obedient.  I got to preach in an awesome setting, and I discovered a sermon that I can use later if/when I get to plant a church.  Also, I got to hear the new praise leader at The Vine, and I was impressed.  The truth is that we get impatient with things and want them to happen when we think it is best, but God has something bigger and better in mind.  Trust in that, and be blown away by how awesome He is.  

Ok, so I just read Perry Noble’s blog (www.perrynoble.com) about people bashing video venue churches.  I am a big fan of planting churches.  I like the idea of a church giving of itself, training a pastor, and then equipping that person with resources to reach people for Christ.  I hope to do that soon myself.  I also like the idea of having a live preacher on Sunday morning.  If I were unchurched, I think that is what I would want.  However, I will NEVER argue with the success that guys like Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel have had.  They have gone the video venue route, and thousands have been connected to a living God and redeeming Christ.  Everybody, no matter what style of worship you prefer, or what method multiplication you think is best, or what tradition (or lack of tradition) you come from should applaud when fellow believers are leading people to God.  I don’t understand the notion of tearing down people that make a difference for the kingdom.  I also don’t think we should tear down people who aren’t making a difference either.  We should be willing to encourage, pray for, and support our brothers and sisters in Christ, whether they are bringing revival or struggling to tell the Story.  The truth is that God works in all ways when His people prayerfully seek His face and plan.  Support that, live that, demonstrate that, and that is all we need to do.  

Ok, so it has been a good week.  Usually the week after camp meeting is interesting.  You get to catch up on everything you neglected while at the camp ground, but you also realize that the fall is just around the corner.  Crazy isn’t it?  Anyway, in the last week or so, I have had a lot of time to reflect on myself, my spirit, and my own struggles.  I realized that I had become too critical of things, including myself.  Well, my wife pointed out that I needed to change a few things.  One, I needed to be better about studying the Word.  I started the Bible-a-day reading that Tony Morgan does (www.tonymorganlive.com), and I can already tell a difference.  Two, I have devoted more time to real prayer.  Not just a few moments here and there, but real time spent talking with God.  Three, I met with an accountability group this morning.  I look forward to having a structured time of introspection and learning from people that I really respect in ministry.  That has really helped my attitude, and I just pray that God continues to grow me into the husband, friend, and minister that He created me to be.  I had a great day yesterday, and I am really excited about what God can do when we are faithful and patient.  Anyway, the truth is, if you feel low, down, or whatever, reconnect to God.  I took the advice of my brother from camp meeting, and the urging of my wife, and did that.  I have been blessed by it, and the truth is, you will too.  

Ok, so Sunday was an interesting day for me.  After preaching the first two weeks in July, and then being at all three services for David and having Camp Meeting last Sunday, it was weird to only be at one service and to have Sunday afternoon off.  Rebekah and I went to the grocery store, watched a couple of movies on TV, had some Starbucks, cooked dinner, and watched the first Harry Potter movie Sunday night (ok, we took a little time to get into the HP thing, but we want to catch up).  Why did I tell you everything we did Sunday?  Because it was AWESOME.  We have been so busy lately that to have a day when we could relax and do things we wanted to do was a true blessing.  Now, there were plenty of things we could have done, errands to run, or other tasks to complete.  However, we just needed a free day.  The truth of the matter is that we all need some time to slow down occasionally and rest.  Take a day to have fun with your loved ones, watch some movies, read, or just lay on the couch.  We always have things that need to be done.  We are never completely caught up in this world, so make sure you have some days that are just relaxing.  We don’t ever do that nearly enough.  Is that true to you?

Ok, so I shaved my goatee yesterday.  It has been 8.5 years since I shaved it.  My face still feels weird.  We didn’t quite have 700 Tuesday, but we had 650+ so I honored the fact that we increased by almost 300.  It was kind of fun watching people’s reactions last night when I got there hairless.  Some people seem to like it being gone (boo), some people want me to grow it back (yea).  My wife kind of likes the new look, but I plan on growing it back.  Anyway, I was glad that David challenged us with a risk and we all came through.  People took the risk to invite friends to come and hear about Jesus outside in the heat.  They were honored with a great night of prayer, singing, and inspiring preaching.  I took a risk by stepping out of my comfort zone and shaving my goatee.  As a result, people felt vindicated in their risk because a commitment was honored.  Now, we have something else that will allow us to look back at Camp Meeting 2007.  I guess the truth in all of this rambling is that when we commit to try something for God, He will honor that.  If we commit to invite people to worship, God will make sure that something good happens.  If we commit to challenging ourselves and others to spread the love of Christ, then God will honor that with strength and opportunity.  The other part of that truth is, “what are we willing to risk?”  Christ risked His kingdom.  What can we risk in return?  Got a truth (or risk) to share?

P.S. I have been getting some questions about my K-Swiss status.  I won my last match and I am 4-1.  I am solidly in second place.  If I win my last two matches, I will definitely be in the playoffs, further proof that God is sovereign. 

Ok, so we have had two evenings of Camp Meeting.  So far, the preaching has been convicting and the fellowship has been awesome.  Bill is doing a great job with the music, and I really appreciate him stepping in that role.  We had this quartet last night (Chozen) that was really good.  David made a challenge last night that if we could have 700 people tonight, then I would shave my goatee that I have had for 8+ years.  See, we had 388 last night, so it would just take everyone inviting a friend.  He preached on the calling of Levi (Matthew) and how when Levi met Jesus, he invited all of his friends to come and hang out with Jesus so they could know Him too.  The truth is we argue about how to increase attendance in the church.  All we have to do is invite someone.  If we as pastors present a message that allows people to connect to the risen Christ, then our folks will want to invite people.  If we as Christ followers feel like Christ is being displayed where we worship, then why wouldn’t we want to invite people?  It only takes a church full of Christ followers brining one disconnected person to double our attendance.  Is there someone in your life that is not connected to Christ?  Do you have a truth to share with them?

Ok, so we had our first evening worship for camp meeting tonight.  My shoes are covered in sawdust.  God blessed us with rain today, and it cooled off tremendously. Normally I am roasting by the time the sermon starts, but it was real pleasant out there tonight.  My big b David is the preacher.  I never get to hear him, and I am so pumped about him being here.  One, he is a great preacher.  Two, I have this weird and cool sense of pride when he preaches.  I didn’t teach him anything (he has taught me a lot thought) and have no claim in his abilities, but I am still proud to hear how in tune with God he is when he preaches.  Lawrenceville is ripe for something great, and I think David will be able to be a catalyst for that.  The truth is that it is ok when your big b makes fun of you when it benefits the kingdom.  It is also cool to take pride in watching someone speak on behalf of God because God is the One that is glorified and that is always cool. What truths do you want to share? 

Ok, so during the Perry Noble sermon I mentioned in the last post he told of how many people come to Newspring just so that later they can bash Newspring on blogs, emails, etc.  Now, if you are doing what Christ has called you to do, and are at a church that is living a true vision and actually making a difference for the kingdom, then you will have critics.  There will be people that will hate what you do because it challenges their notions of control or what Christianity is "supposed" to be (Tangent: What is Christianity supposed to be?  To me, it is when people commit to let Jesus be the LORD in their life and to bring glory and honor to the almighty Father and Creator.  It is not when people get to be in control of a social club that meets on Sunday.  Tangent over). 

 With that being said, we all have a choice to make.  We can either be a part of something that is building the kingdom or we can choose not to be.  If you decide to be a part of a church, ministry, etc that is seeking to bring people into a relationship that follows Christ, give all you have.  Give your heart, soul, time, resources (yes, that means money among other things), and passion.  If you decide that you disagree with what people are doing and choose to not be a part of it, pray for them.  It does no good to God or His kingdom when people who claim to follow Christ tear one another down.  We all disagree on worship styles, building types, and ways to do ministry.  That is our nature.  However, we are all trying to follow the same Lord.  Pray for those you disagree with that God can be glorified.  Don't pray that people change, pray that God is honored.  If that occurs, we shouldn't care about anything else that is happening.  We are called to encourage one another.  Pray for your enemies and pray that Christ always leads.  Let God worry about the rest.

Ok, so I know that name probably grabbed your attention.  Don’t worry; this is not a comment on the war in Iraq or anything political like that.  While there are worthy discussions on that point, I would rather have that in person not typing on the internet.  No, I was thinking about spiritual warfare the last two days.  Yesterday, I met with a family that is battling with a little spiritual warfare, and the mother is at the point of thinking she is losing.  Today, I was listening to Perry Noble preach on spiritual warfare.  He had a great line in there, “Jesus has a pet snake, and his name is Satan.”  I think that too often we forget the amazing strength of Christ.  The truth is there is nothing equal to God.  God created EVERYTHING.   Thus, EVERYTHING is under God.  While there are aspects of creation that revolt against God (Satan, people at times, spiders, etc), nothing is equal to or able to overcome God.  While there are days that seem like no end or victory is in sight, know that you are on the winning side when you put your faith in Christ.  He overcame the grave!  What can beat that?  The answer is nothing.  I know, easier said that done.  Well, say it, believe it, and it will happen.  Don’t belief me?  Then believe in trust in Christ for your life, and if I am wrong prove it.  That’s the truth.  Want to share?

Ok, so it has been a typical Monday.  I visited some hospitals, made some calls, and responded to emails from the weekend.  The only non-ordinary thing I did was work on my application for Bethel .  I am hoping to start a doctoral program in February, so pray for me.  However, with the craziness and pace of the last three weeks, it was really nice to have a normal Monday.  It was nice to have somewhat of a routine.  I know that I often complain about things being redundant or too routine, but every now and then, it is comforting to have that.  I guess the truth is that sometimes there is peace in structure.  Look for the places where structure and routine are helpful, but don’t ever let it be a crutch where spontaneity and creativity are needed, and never let your routine stifle what the Holy Spirit can do.

This time next week I will be at the Campgrounds for Camp Meeting.  I am pretty excited because my big b David is preaching.  He is really good, so it will be a pleasure to hear him.  My only concern has been if his wife goes into labor that week (which is a big possibility).  My concern has been, “What will we do?”  Well, I realized today that if God has something planned for next week, then it will happen if David is there preaching or at GMC holding Carley.  We are not the main ingredient in God’s plan, He is.  We just get to watch and participate and be amazed.  I guess the truth is not to worry about how God will handle our “crises,” but how amazing it will be to watch God work in that setting and see how He really is in control.  Got a truth?