It is amazing to me that as we pray and call on God that the events of our lives do not unfold as expected. However, even through unexpected events God grants us the desires of our heart as we follow Him! God has a supernatural way of making things better and more productive for us than we ever could have imagined.
Even when circumstances stand in opposition to our hopes and dreams; still, God can make a way!
So, let me encourage you to Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on what you are able to understand. Look to the Lord and trust him in all circumstance. Acknowledge God as the one with all the power! And then, walk in the ordained steps that God provides for you!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
EXCUSES
Our HOUSE Group has been discussing the topic of faith (through the lenses of Hebrews chapter 11). One participant had a brilliant deduction of the excuses Moses offered to God in his attempt to get out of the call God placed on his life. As you read Exodus chapters 3 and 4 you can see these 5 excuses:
1) Who am I? Moses is saying that he is not worthy of being called. God's answer was that God would be with Him. (Exodus 3:11-12)
2) Who are you? Moses is stating that people are going to question who God is. God's answer is that He is the "I Am!" (Exodus 3:13-22)
3) So What? Moses is using the excuse that people may not believe what He is saying... And that people will question if God really sent him; or even if God really exists. God's answer is that He will provide His presence (in miraculous fashion) as a sign of who He is... even though it takes "faith" to believe (Exodus 4:1-9)
4) I can't! Moses refers to his limitations. God's answer is that He is the creator, and He is the one with all of the power, and He will go with Moses. (Exodus 4:10-12)
5) Send someone else! Moses asks God to send someone else... God's answer is that Moses would not be alone, but he has been called. And the only obedient response is to GO!
We can all creatively have excuses to avoid serving. We think of ways to avoid God's call. We think of creative ways to avoid whole heartedly supporting the ministries of the church (even when we are part of that "called" body).
I know life is busy, and our calendars are full. I also know that not everyone will (or should) serve the same way I do.
But, I also know that if God calls you - there is only one action to take. It is not the action of excuses. It is the action of complete OBEDIENCE!
So, let me encourage you to reflect on being obedient to the Lord's call. His perspective is much much bigger than our! And GOD IS IN CONTROL!
1) Who am I? Moses is saying that he is not worthy of being called. God's answer was that God would be with Him. (Exodus 3:11-12)
2) Who are you? Moses is stating that people are going to question who God is. God's answer is that He is the "I Am!" (Exodus 3:13-22)
3) So What? Moses is using the excuse that people may not believe what He is saying... And that people will question if God really sent him; or even if God really exists. God's answer is that He will provide His presence (in miraculous fashion) as a sign of who He is... even though it takes "faith" to believe (Exodus 4:1-9)
4) I can't! Moses refers to his limitations. God's answer is that He is the creator, and He is the one with all of the power, and He will go with Moses. (Exodus 4:10-12)
5) Send someone else! Moses asks God to send someone else... God's answer is that Moses would not be alone, but he has been called. And the only obedient response is to GO!
We can all creatively have excuses to avoid serving. We think of ways to avoid God's call. We think of creative ways to avoid whole heartedly supporting the ministries of the church (even when we are part of that "called" body).
I know life is busy, and our calendars are full. I also know that not everyone will (or should) serve the same way I do.
But, I also know that if God calls you - there is only one action to take. It is not the action of excuses. It is the action of complete OBEDIENCE!
So, let me encourage you to reflect on being obedient to the Lord's call. His perspective is much much bigger than our! And GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Taking Steps
I try to be a man with consistency in my life. That is why I am experiencing some unique feelings.
As I lead HRC I find myself changing leadership style, communications patters, time management practices, and much more.
These changes are necessary as our church is walking in "new territory." However, this "changing" is a definite process. It has been impossible for me to simply turn the page on my leadership style. I am still developing the team to lead in new ways. So, I find myself part leading like in the past, partly leading in new ways, and still working toward leading how I need to lead (at the next level).
I am not sure how easily understood these comments are - but, I am grateful that God is calling me to lead - and to lead HRC where He wants our church to go! So, without concern for perfection I will press on toward the prize and keep my eyes on Jesus. If mistakes are a sign of growth - then I must be well on my way to growth! No BLARING mistakes... but there have been some!
My biggest mistake has been my tendency to lead in my "comfortable" zone, and not to make some changes...
So, I will work more diligently to lead through my leaders - and to equip my leaders to lead and communicate.
WOW! Thanks to God for placing me in a position where I have so much opportunity to grow!
As I lead HRC I find myself changing leadership style, communications patters, time management practices, and much more.
These changes are necessary as our church is walking in "new territory." However, this "changing" is a definite process. It has been impossible for me to simply turn the page on my leadership style. I am still developing the team to lead in new ways. So, I find myself part leading like in the past, partly leading in new ways, and still working toward leading how I need to lead (at the next level).
I am not sure how easily understood these comments are - but, I am grateful that God is calling me to lead - and to lead HRC where He wants our church to go! So, without concern for perfection I will press on toward the prize and keep my eyes on Jesus. If mistakes are a sign of growth - then I must be well on my way to growth! No BLARING mistakes... but there have been some!
My biggest mistake has been my tendency to lead in my "comfortable" zone, and not to make some changes...
So, I will work more diligently to lead through my leaders - and to equip my leaders to lead and communicate.
WOW! Thanks to God for placing me in a position where I have so much opportunity to grow!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
New Territory
The past 3 years at HRC I have been talking about "walking in new territory" as a church. It seems as though we are! The interesting thing is that my expectations of this exploration of new territory are true. Not always easy or fun; but true.
As we walk in God's many blessings I find myself not aware yet of the fruitful parts of the land in this new territory. I am not intimate with the pitfalls and thorns on the land. In fact, it is as if I have stumbled a time or two navigating this new territory. However, I am one to get up, dust myself off, and continue to explore.
I believe that this "new territory" is the place that God is bringing our church. Thanks for giving me the grace to lead while muddling into new territory.
I promise you that if you continue to give me the grace to lead in new territory that I will give all of my energy to lead HRC where God wants us to go!
So, the days we are in are exciting. Not always the easiest... but, that really is OK with me. I love walking in obedience to God's plans!
As we walk in God's many blessings I find myself not aware yet of the fruitful parts of the land in this new territory. I am not intimate with the pitfalls and thorns on the land. In fact, it is as if I have stumbled a time or two navigating this new territory. However, I am one to get up, dust myself off, and continue to explore.
I believe that this "new territory" is the place that God is bringing our church. Thanks for giving me the grace to lead while muddling into new territory.
I promise you that if you continue to give me the grace to lead in new territory that I will give all of my energy to lead HRC where God wants us to go!
So, the days we are in are exciting. Not always the easiest... but, that really is OK with me. I love walking in obedience to God's plans!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
God will provide
I have a friend who is a missionary in East St. Louis who has been quoted in saying, "If it is God's will - it is His bill; and if He sends it - we will spend it."
This statement is really about following God's leading - while knowing that God will provide for His call on our lives.
There are great days ahead for Harvest Ridge Church. Many of the things in store for us will cost a great deal of money. In light of my friends statement (which I regularly use) I thought of a statement that people say: "Money doesn't grow on trees." The irony of it all is that money does grow on trees (paper). And God is the one who made those trees.
Yet, another illustration that everything belongs to God. Remember that we are stewards of what belongs to Him... God has simply entrusted us with resources: time, talent, and treasure. And we all know the words of Scripture that teach us that our treasure is where our heart is...
So, the point of this blog is to encourage you to follow the dreams and visions God has provided for you! Remember that not only does money grow on trees, but God made the trees! Remember that no road block, no circumstance - nothing... can keep you from doing great exploits for God - because He is our source of strength, our provision, our God!
This statement is really about following God's leading - while knowing that God will provide for His call on our lives.
There are great days ahead for Harvest Ridge Church. Many of the things in store for us will cost a great deal of money. In light of my friends statement (which I regularly use) I thought of a statement that people say: "Money doesn't grow on trees." The irony of it all is that money does grow on trees (paper). And God is the one who made those trees.
Yet, another illustration that everything belongs to God. Remember that we are stewards of what belongs to Him... God has simply entrusted us with resources: time, talent, and treasure. And we all know the words of Scripture that teach us that our treasure is where our heart is...
So, the point of this blog is to encourage you to follow the dreams and visions God has provided for you! Remember that not only does money grow on trees, but God made the trees! Remember that no road block, no circumstance - nothing... can keep you from doing great exploits for God - because He is our source of strength, our provision, our God!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
ibelong
ibelong is the title of this Sunday's (upcoming) sermon. I am so excited that Harvest Ridge Church (HRC) truly has a place for everyone! No matter your age, experience, geography, marital status, economic situation, ethnicity, background, or any other identifier - there is a place for you at Harvest Ridge Church.
I am grateful to the Lord for providing HRC as a place where people can belong. Our church has membership - but it is not all about "membership." HRC is about PEOPLE. We are PEOPLE who love God, and serve other people.
I am also grateful that we continue to learn that none of us are any "better" than anyone else. Isn't it amazing that people are so human? and we are all people...
As I just typed that statement I assure you that HRC is one of those "safe places" where people are genuine - and where we can belong.
We all need a place to love and care for others... and we all need a place to be loved and cared for by others... and that place for me is HRC!
So... thanks for letting me belong with you... and thanks for belonging with me!
I am grateful to the Lord for providing HRC as a place where people can belong. Our church has membership - but it is not all about "membership." HRC is about PEOPLE. We are PEOPLE who love God, and serve other people.
I am also grateful that we continue to learn that none of us are any "better" than anyone else. Isn't it amazing that people are so human? and we are all people...
As I just typed that statement I assure you that HRC is one of those "safe places" where people are genuine - and where we can belong.
We all need a place to love and care for others... and we all need a place to be loved and cared for by others... and that place for me is HRC!
So... thanks for letting me belong with you... and thanks for belonging with me!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
in awe
Have you ever been in awe as to what God does in your life? This past month has proven to be one month that has brought me to me knees in prayer. There have been some things heavy on my heart regarding Harvest Ridge Church, and some people in my life. As I committed to pray about such things I have been re-energized in my walk with the Lord! I have not been separated from Him at all... but, in these past 2 weeks I have had some intense "intimate" time with Jesus.
Through this intimate time I have cried out to God regarding the desires of my heart (that He has given me). And I must say, God seems to be providing some pretty awesome things. I look forward to being able to share some things at the right time with all of you! But, let me attest to the fact that when we invest our time with the Lord He has a way of being with us in evident ways! God's provision is awesome!
So, let me encourage you to spend time with God. Listen to His Voice. Claim His promises. And WALK IN FAITH!
Through this intimate time I have cried out to God regarding the desires of my heart (that He has given me). And I must say, God seems to be providing some pretty awesome things. I look forward to being able to share some things at the right time with all of you! But, let me attest to the fact that when we invest our time with the Lord He has a way of being with us in evident ways! God's provision is awesome!
So, let me encourage you to spend time with God. Listen to His Voice. Claim His promises. And WALK IN FAITH!
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