Friday, November 30, 2012

Living Water


“Then you will seek me, inquire for, and require me [as a vital necessity] and find me when you search for me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13, AMP

It doesn’t seem like there is any place for “park” or even “neutral” when it comes to seeking after God. The bottom line is that it’s going to require effort--a lot of it, and it’s going to require all of your heart.

I would like you to consider whether or not you think the following statement is true:

“We’re either running to God, or we’re running from God.”

I actually believe that statement to be true and here’s why: God is at the center of everything. He is the center of our worlds, whether we acknowledge it or not. In other words, just because an atheist doesn’t believe in God-- doesn’t mean God doesn’t exist. God’s existence doesn’t depend on our beliefs. God simply “is”, end of story. Now whether or not we connect our lives with Him on a daily basis is totally up to us and it’s based on our willingness of seek Him with all of our hearts. This is important because if we’re not running after God, then we’re more than likely drifting away from Him.

It reminds me of the story of the woman at the well in John chapter 4. The woman came seeking water and she found something of much greater value: Jesus. Because she found Him, she found what He called living water and she was never, ever the same. Listen to what Jesus promised her in verses 13 and 14:

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Jesus pointed to that well and told her that she’d never be satisfied with just natural water. Our souls thirst for something much more valuable, and that is a relationship with Him. He described this relationship as living water, and He said it would be inside of us, springing up every day, to give us spiritual vitality. Natural water, water that comes from the outside, is necessary to us physically. Well, so too is that living water, that springs up from within, necessary for us spiritually. It’s that living water that begins to shape us into who we will become. But it doesn’t just happen, we have to seek it, run for it, like a vital necessity. Do you know that most of us could go without food for nearly 40 days? But after just three days without water, we’d be near death.

That’s why God put this story of the woman at the well in the Bible, for us to see just how important it was to seek God above all else. It reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”

We all need the refreshing living water that only Jesus can bring. He’s the living water that all of us seek. When we seek Him with all of our hearts, He begins to shape us into the people we were created to be. So run after Jesus today with all you’ve got and just watch what He will do.

You see our faith in Jesus Christ isn’t defined by something we do-- but by the someone we become through Him. So let’s seek that living water today!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Stay Filled


“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6, NKJV

Let’s face it, our schedules are about to be jammed packed for the next 5 weeks. For most of us, this is by far the busiest season of our lives-- our calendars are about to be filled. Today’s text is a reminder that even though our calendars are full of meetings, holiday parties and gatherings with family and friends, sometimes we can still feel empty. Nothing can ever replace our need to have time with God.

The fact that you are reading this is a good sign that you don’t want that to happen to you. Jesus encourages us to stay hungry and thirsty for Him. He also said the result of seeking Him, is a life filled with blessings. That’s a pretty cool promise.

Do you remember what He said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (NKJV)

He knew that there would be many things in life that would call for our attention and try to distract us. Many things that we could and would seek after. Now don’t misunderstand what Jesus was saying. He wasn’t saying that we shouldn’t seek after things, He was merely saying that our priority, the first thing, should be seeking after Him. Again, you see the results of this are pretty obvious, it’s a life filled with Him.

So, I want to challenge you to an experiment. Are you up for a little seeking? Are you hungry and thirsty enough for a little spiritual exercise? Would you be willing to take a little spiritual journey with me starting on Monday, November 26th? By the way, that’s 30 days before Christmas. Let’s do two things. First, let’s commit to read through the book of Proverbs, reading one chapter per day leading up to Christmas. Then, let’s commit to pray three times per day, not long prayers, just a short one-- no longer than a minute. Put a reminder in your calendar to pray at 9:00am, 12:00pm, and 3:00pm. At 9:00am - pray for the nation, at 12:00pm - pray for your families, and at 3:00pm - pray for one of your friends. Every time that little “beep” goes off it will be our reminder to take a minute and pray.

You up for it? A Proverb a day, followed by three short purposeful prayers throughout the day. Let’s see if doing something so simple and easy will help us stay filled with God this busy holiday season!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Being A Godly Leader

"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28, NKJV

I love leaders and I love to watch them lead. Although they are all gifted differently their gifts all come from the same source— God.

Today's text lists a variety of gifts within the Body of Christ; did you notice that leadership is one of them? It's found in the word, "Administrations." In Latin, the word administration means, "to steer." It is a great and simple definition of what a good leader does, they steer the organization.

Sometimes people misunderstand the importance of administrative positions within a church and think they are not very spiritual. However, spirit-led leadership is essential and it is what guides the church to success.

I want to share with you three things that successful Godly leaders bring their organizations.

#1 - They Chart The Course

A good ministry leader understands that people often come with their own agendas and their own vision, so it’s the leaders job to get everyone on board with one vision. Then, they need to steer the ship properly. To do this successfully they know three things:

They know where they are going. What's the target that everyone is shooting for?

They know what they need to get there. What human and financial resources will it take to get there?

They know who needs to be where. Who is on the team and how can they be best utilized?

#2 - They Seek Wisdom

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7, NKJV

What kind of wisdom is this verse talking about? We find the answer in James 3:17:

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” NKJV

Wisdom from above is of great value to a leader. That kind of wisdom is purse, it's peaceable, it's gentle, not pushy, and it's extremely fruitful to the organization. To be successful in any leadership position you have to get wisdom and understanding, and then operate in it. This word "understanding" is an interesting one; it means to “separate mentality.” To do this requires three things:

Think Strategically. Break things down into smaller pieces.

Think Systematically. Whatever systems you create make sure that they are so simple, anyone could do it— repeatedly.

Think Successfully. Always think win not lose, think yes not no. As a leader, people will follow your confidence and enthusiasm.

How do we get this kind of wisdom? Well, according to God it's pretty simple: just ask for it.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5, NKJV

Isn't that awesome? God just told us that if we're smart enough to know that we don't know everything, we can ask Him and he will give us all the wisdom that we need.

The other way we get wisdom: seek the counsel of others.

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14, NKJV

My wife and I, for decades, have sought the counsel of people who are doing what we're doing but are just further down the road. It's amazing what you can learn from other people's successes and even from their mistakes.

#3 - They Maintain Organizational Focus

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper where you go.” Joshua 1:7, NKJV

Godly leaders understand that people and circumstances will often try to pull the leader, as well as the organization, off course. So they are constantly helping their people maintain focus. They help keep everyone's eye on the ball.

So today, let's thank God for the grace that He has given the leaders in our life and let's pray for them.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Finish Strong!


"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24, NKJV

Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of people who start out strong, but don’t finish strong? In this verse God is reminding us that there are a lot of things, situations, conflicts, even people that try to “move us” off course. But God designed us to finish our races and do it with joy so that our lives are a testament of the gospel of the grace of God. So, today I want to share with you 8 things that have helped me to stay focused on my race. I hope you find them helpful. By the way, these are not necessarily in order, because whichever one is needed at the time—is the most important at the time:

(1) Be Led by the Holy Spirit

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14, NKJV

Jesus told us that He wouldn’t leave us alone but that He would send another just like Him. So, don’t forget that the role of the Holy Spirit is to help guide us through every decision we make. He won’t shout at you, but He will nudge you when you need it. I’ve been living off the Holy Spirit’s nudging for 30 years.

(2) Pray Always

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV

Wow, a pretty small sentence with an extremely powerful message. God wants us to know that He is always there, ready to hear, and ready to respond, if we’ll pray—about everything. And when you’re done, pray more.

(3) Read The Word

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4, NKJV

The Bible is God’s primary method of communication, so if we want to hear from Him on a regular basis, then we need to read the Bible on a regular basis. We need to get His Word off those pages and into our hearts. It’s not just going to happen…so come on, crack the book and read it! It won’t read itself.

(4) Walk by Faith

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV

There are lots of things in life that can distract us from finishing our races. So we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and learn to trust in what we believe more than in what we see. Circumstances can shout you down, emotions can drag you down, but living by faith can’t keep you down!

(5) Live For An Audience of One

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”  Colossians 3:23, NKJV

Have you figured out yet that people are fickle? One day they are with you and the next they are gone…bye-bye, see you, don’t want to be you. Or else they love you one day and despise you the next. So no matter what you do, remember to always live for an audience of One. Because on the last day of your life you will stand alone in front of Him, and Him alone…so we might as well be living for Him now.

(6) Focus on the Family

“…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15, NKJV

Time spent with your family is never wasted time. People come and go in life, but you’ll always have family. As we reflect on 20 years of ministry our greatest fruit are the four kids that God allowed us to raise here at home. So, don’t build your business or your ministry on the backs of your spouse or your kids. You can reach for the stars, but always keep one hand at home.

(7) Walk in Love

“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8, NKJV

Jesus told us that a fulfilled life is one that’s built on loving God and loving people. I don’t know about you, but I’ve failed in a lot of ways. But love never fails, it bears all things, it believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. So, when all else fails, love God with all your heart, and turn around and choose to love the people that God has placed in your world. Because love works, love wins!

(8) Stay In Your Lane

“…But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12, NKJV

Every sprinter knows that if they run outside of their assigned lane they will be disqualified. But don’t we do that all the time? We’re always comparing ourselves to other people, and then we get our eyes on who we aren’t rather than who we are…on the gifts we don’t have rather than on the ones we do. God made every one of us different for a reason, so let’s celebrate our uniqueness, stay in our lanes and finish strong!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Get Some Rest


“And He said to them, “ Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31, NKJV

Have you ever found yourself so busy that you didn't even have the time to eat? I think many of us do and unfortunately we rarely use the kind of wisdom that Jesus shows us here in today's text.

His ministry was cranking, the demands of the people were great but Jesus knew that if He or His disciples were going to be effective then they were going to need some rest. Jesus knew the importance of rest and that you can't help anyone if your tank is empty. Getting rest is nothing new, we first see it in the book of Genesis when God rested on the seventh day. Did God need rest? I don't think so, He's God, He never slumbers or sleeps, but He did show us a pattern for work and for rest.

For thousands of years, Jewish people have practiced resting on the Sabbath. Beginning on Friday evening and lasting until Saturday evening, it is a time for them to take their eyes off the busyness of life and put their focus back on The Lord.

Beth and I have always been firm believers in taking time to rest. None of us were designed to live constantly under the stresses and demands of life. So we have unapologetically taken appropriate levels of time off over the last 21 years of our ministry. We needed the rest and so does the congregation that we have the privilege to serve. We're no good trying to minister from an empty well. We all need rest-- our bodies need it, our minds need it and our emotions need it. That's one of the reasons that we like to get together with friends that we can laugh with. God tells us that laughter is like a medicine and that it ministers to our souls and is health to our flesh.

We spent this week in the Palm Springs area. We talked, we took walks, we prayed together, we explored, met with some friends, and yes we laughed a lot. But most of all we got some rest from our normal go-go-go lives. Jesus was spot on about needing to get away, there's something refreshing about getting out from under your normal environment so you can find rest.

So when was the last time that you scheduled some time to get away and rest? If it's been a while then I want you to heed the words of Jesus and, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." And don't feel like you have to apologize for it. Get away for a few days, rest, laugh, pray, read your bible, and let God help you put your life back into balance. Get some rest, that's an order!