On Choosing a Card for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming up, a week from Sunday to be exact. I so relate to this video. I struggle with buying cards; the pre-printed words seem so trite and detached. I’m no wordsmith either and struggle to know how to adequately describe my love and affection for my wife. When I saw the video, I cracked up. It made me smile about this ominous upcoming card buying adventure. One thing I do know about Valentine's Day cards is this – buy them early. Hit Walgreens early before they’re all picked over. At least you have a better chance of finding the right card. Or, if you’re poetic, buy the blank cards and pen your thoughts to the one you love. Anyway, watch and smile.

Considering the Sower

I had this thought the other day as I was contemplating the Parable of the Sower. All of a sudden it hit me. I’ve had an incomplete understanding of this passage for years. I’d left out the most important character in the parable. Every time I’ve spoken on it or heard others speak on it, there has been a disproportionate discourse regarding the traits of the soils. We spend most of our time distinguishing the differences in the soil only to forget about the one sowing. I love the way the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translates Mark 4:3, “Consider the sower…” As Jesus is teaching, he wants us to listen, consider, ponder, and meditate on this “sower.” Who is the sower? What is his/her role? How important is the sower in this story?

Here’s what I walk away with in this parable besides the obvious. I must be careful not to miss the sower. One cannot overstate the importance of the sower in this parable. Without the sower, the discussion of the soils would be irrelevant. Without the sower, a harvest becomes a futile pursuit. As I see it, the sower is the main character in this teaching. Perhaps we should concentrate more on sowing than attempting to determine the condition of the soils.

As you consider the sower, you discover the condition of the soils doesn’t necessarily predetermine the efforts of the sower. He sows as a lifestyle. Some falls along the path, the rocky places, and thorny places - all the time not producing much of a crop. Yet some fell upon better ground and produced great crops. As you consider, this character isn’t overly concerned about the quality of the ground; He just understands the importance and urgency of his role as the sower. It’s God’s job to grow, it’s our job to sow. Sometimes I think we make inappropriate conclusions regarding the soils’ potential when God simply wants us to sow where we walk or tread – along the path or in the field.

Just remember – there’s no harvest without a sower. We can debate the soils all day long, but you can never discount the contribution of the sower.

“Lord, I want to be a sower – a liberal (generous) sower. My desire is to hold nothing back. I desire to sow your Word – the God Story. My desire is for it to be a natural outflow of every aspect of my life. May my life praise you as I sow!”

"Leading on Empty" - Worth the Read

I finished Wayne Cordeiro’s book Leading on Empty; Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion this past week. Because of the subject matter, I really enjoyed the book. It’s in a vein that I find of great significance to leaders. Every leader needs an action plan for self-care, which includes action items for refueling. Leaders do a lot of giving; they need many opportunities for renewal. I appreciate the transparency and frankness by which Cordeiro shares from personal experience. While most will never be as high profile as the author, the burnout and depression he walked through is no respecter of persons. Regardless the size of the organization you serve, all leaders are susceptible to burnout. You’ll find the book a relatively quick read with several pauses to contemplate your own personal behavior and practices. It’s both practical and applicable.

I really appreciate the point Cordeiro makes between leading and managing. As leaders get tired, they slowly morph into managers. Most of us never even realize it until it’s pointed out to us. Leading takes a lot fuel where as managing doesn’t require as much from us. Effective leadership requires filled tanks. I love this paragraph:

“Think about it: A leader’s role is not to maintain. It is to gain altitude! That requires something called leadership energy. Of course, we will always require good managers to keep the gears turning and bearings greased, but only leaders can advance the ministry and give it the significant lift it need for the future. Leaders need to recognize the growth areas of the ministry and give upward mobility in those areas. Good, dependable managers are worth their weight in gold, but they function optimally only in tandem with leaders, because upward lift and vertical trajectory requires leadership energy. Approximately one-third of a commercial jet’s energy is expended in take-off and gaining altitude. Once they reach 32,000 feet, they maintain altitude, and that requires less energy.”

Think about it for a moment. It’s a powerful thought. Leading on Empty is an important read. It’s a call to personal self-care for leaders in ministry.

Is It Okay to Pray for Yourself?

Is it okay to pray for yourself? Absolutely! There are numerous examples of people praying for themselves in Scripture. What about Jabez? His prayer focused on God’s blessing in his life. Even Jesus prayed for himself. Read John 17 and discover how Jesus prayed for himself before He interceded for the disciples and future believers.

I guess we feel a little guilty about praying for ourselves? Is it because we think it selfish or self-absorbed? Is it we feel guilty talking about our personal concerns? Nonsense! Don’t think or even feel that way. The unfortunate truth is (and I know I’m going to sound a bit cynical) you may be the only one praying for you. Therefore, be sure and pray for self. Who else knows best the things you’re pondering and struggling with other than you?

Prayer is a relationship. It is the deep surrender and alignment of one’s will to the will of the Father. It’s a dialogue and an opportunity to listen to God’s direction in your life. You can pray about anything, but be sure to pray for you. Pray about your future; your plans today; a parking space; the right words to say; a God encounter that day; application of truth in your life; about your thoughts; your witness; appropriate decisions about food, dress, and leisure; your friendships; your personal growth; about your finances; your job; your health, your ministry; and even your attitude. The list doesn’t end here – it’s endless.

Take a few moments right now to pray for you. What is it that’s on the forefront of your mind and thoughts? What is it that you’ve been afraid to mention or even talk about? Take a few moments to talk with Jesus about you.

Tacos Anyone?

I’m always interested in a person’s story. Glen Bell, the founder of Taco Bell died this week at 83. As I read through a quick biography, I found his journey interesting. When he was 12, his family moved to a small farm outside of San Bernardino. By 16, he’s “riding the rails” in search of work because His family was dealing with hard financial times. He joins the marines. After the war, he purchases a truck to haul adobe bricks for just pennies each. A venture in the miniature golf course business goes bust. This entrepreneur opens a hamburger stand called Bell’s Hamburgers and Hotdogs in a Hispanic neighborhood. Bell say’s he’ll never forget his first taco customer. The man was dressed in a suit and when he bit into the taco, the juice ran down his sleeve and onto his tie. He thought he’d lost a customer, but the man returned wanting another. Bell sold his chain of 868 stores to PepsiCo in 1978.

Here’s a guy with vision. After several failed or nominal attempts at achievement, Bell discovers success. His attempt to meet a need took courage, creativity, and ingenuity. Of course, people have to eat. He worked on the cusp of the drive-in boom in California. Bell created a product unique to the fast food marketplace. His idea would change America’s perception of the taco. Today, there are over two billion tacos and a billion burritos are sold at more than 5,600 Taco Bell outlets around the world.

Why do I reflect on this journey? It is another example of how one idea can change and influence the lives of millions. It is another example of how important it is to dream and take a risk. Here's the lesson. We need churches and Christians willing to dream, risk, foster creativity, and reward ingenuity. We have a message, we just need to find a way to get it out. Perhaps we’ve had too much of a burger mentality. Tacos anyone?

Disappointments and God's Moving

I’ve been rehearsing Matthew 14 in my mind this last week. As I read through the accounts of Jesus’ ministry, a thought entered my mind. About midway through the chapter, you discover Jesus’ reaction to John’s death. He hears about how John is murdered. He is obviously moved. Jesus’ exits the scene for isolation by withdrawing by boat to a solitary place. What did Jesus think? Was he disappointed or perhaps disheartened? The way and manner in which John died was selfish and cruel! Perhaps it was a moment in stark realization of the lostness and depravity of man. Regardless of the thoughts, which ran through Jesus’ mind, this was a dark moment for our Savior. Jesus eventually lands on the other side of the lake. A small but growing crowd gathers. He ministers to them out of His compassion and heals their sick. In the verses to follow you read the record of perhaps one of Jesus’ most significant miracles – the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus would use a few loaves and fish to feed a multitude. Everyone ate their fill with baskets full of leftovers to spare.

Then it hit me. Remember the disappointment Jesus’ experienced before arriving at the other side of the lake? Did you see the incredible miracle Jesus performed? Here’s the thought. Out of disappointment, God can do some of His greatest work. Did you catch that? Just outside of disappointment may be a great working of God. You might reside in disappointment today, but tomorrow may bring an incredible moving of God in your life. I want for you to have hope. The One you love loves you more than you can imagine. He has a purpose and plan for your life. Even in days of disappointment, the miracle may be just around the corner.

When the Church Pianist Catches You Off Guard

I really enjoy Prayer Meeting on Wednesday evenings. It is truly one of the highlights of my week. The atmosphere and spirit of the crowd is always encouraging. We’ve laughed and cried together. There have been answers to prayers prayed by this group that could be labeled nothing but “miracle.” God is doing something as people gather to pray. Sometimes we pray for ourselves, while at other times we intercede on behalf of others. We pray for our community, church, and the moving of God.

Last night, some of you might have wondered about my lost train of thought. Well, I have to confess it’s not dementia – at least not yet. One of the things I enjoy about Wednesday is the opportunity to look people in the eye as I teach. Last night when I turned to the piano side of the Chapel, I looked at Lori and this is what I saw (you can click the picture for a larger version). The last time I looked at her, she looked different. The next time I see her, she looks like this with music glasses. I thought I would post a picture that was taken of Lori later in choir just to demonstrate the uniqueness of the eyewear. Obviously, it caught me a little off guard!

Why do I tell you this? It is so we can simply laugh together. Memorial is a wonderful church made up of wonderful people. We have fun together and that’s what doing life together is about. I appreciate Lori greatly! She’s a blessing to my family and a blessing to our church. Maybe she’ll wear the glasses this Sunday. It is perfect eyewear for a pianist.

On Living Out Our Ambitions

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. Romans 15:20

I had one of those “ah ha” moments earlier today. Driving back to Baytown from Tapatio Springs, I was listening to the Bible (note that I was listening and not reading). As the reader quoted Romans 15:20, it hit me. Now, understand I have read this verse on many of occasions. But, at this moment, Paul’s ambition became personal. I started thinking for a moment. Where did this ambition come from? I think God uniquely placed this ambition in Paul’s heart. God does give us the desires of our heart. Obviously, the desire, which consumed Paul, was God supplied. Then it hit me. What is the ambition of my heart? I thought for a moment as I rehearsed my personal purpose statement in my mind placing it into context. While I understand Paul’s ambition, his ambition isn’t mine. It hit me that his ambition was different than mine and that it was okay. Paul was a missionary practicing this gift of apostleship. His ambition was to start something new by going someplace no one had ever been before. He specialized in planting a work where a work had not been. He was truly a trailblazer of sorts. My ambition isn’t to go where nothing exists, but to go where a foundation has already been established. I have an ambition to work with the existing church in helping her to realize God’s call by perhaps doing something new. Just as God does something new where nothing has been previously done, God can also do something new in an established work. I guess that’s the uniqueness of one’s calling. God gives different gifts, calls, and ambitions.

So where’s your ambition? What is the desire that God has placed in your heart? Are you living it, waiting for it, or suppressing it? An ambition is to be lived. God doesn’t give desires or ambitions for no reason. Find your ambition and live it for God gave it to you.

By the way, I thought of this clip after I wrote this post. Maybe there’s some application to living out our God given ambitions!

Thankful for the Influencers in Life

Have you thought recently about the people that have influenced your life? I was actually doing just that this morning after breakfast. I started reminiscing about the people that had added value to my life. Walking through the years, I couldn’t help but be revived in a sense because of all the people God had used in my life. There are actually too many to name in this post. But, one in particular came to mind this morning. And to make this post a little more interesting, when I returned to town this afternoon and stopped by the office to pick up the mail, there was a letter waiting for me from this man. Was this coincidence? I think not. It was a moment of affirmation. His name is Loren Mallory. God used this man to introduce me to Christ. I was student. My family and I had been to visit First Baptist Church of Orlando. Without fully understanding the ramifications, my mom had filled out a guest card. Consequently, we received an in home visit that next week. Loren and two ladies came to visit my family. Later, I would discover they were out on an Evangelism Explosion visit. Unfortunately, my parents were not home – but I was. That evening, Loren explained the Gospel to me and I surrendered my life to Christ. The faithfulness of those three people to share Christ made all the difference in my life. They brought to me a message that transformed my life, heart, and soul. I’m thankful for their investment, time, sacrifice, and prayer.

The Truth about Prayer

Here's an inspirational moment about prayer. Let it encourage you as you seek Him. He is near and able to be found. Seek Him and you will find Him. Cry out to Him, and He will listen. Be still before Him and know He is God. Your Father, Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer awaits you.

Are We That Lost?

Sometimes I think people do life while sleeping. Let me explain. There appears to be a disengagement from reality and an embracement of fantasy. A perfect example came to light this week, the discussion about the President’s address and the first episode of the final season of Lost. Here’s the headline: People were actually threatened and upset that “Lost” might be preempted by the President’s State of the Union Address! There seems to be a preference for a dream (that’s what Lost is, right?) than a dose of reality. I found it interesting that our President put everyone at ease when he decided not to interfere with the premier of the first episode for the final season. He decided not to move the State of the Union address to that time slot. All is saved and right in the world, “Lost” will be shown uninterrupted.

This may sound like a vent, but it is truly an observation. In my opinion, this is a sad commentary on the state of the people today. Is our nation so out of touch with reality that a television show dictates a President’s speaking schedule to Congress and our nation? Have things gotten so out of whack that our priority is now fantasy? Is our nation really that lost? It’s time to wake up and embrace the reality. It's time to put things in perspective and put proper priorities in order. We’ll never rise above the mess of a nation on the verge of collapse, if we’re choosing fantasy over reality. I realize my statements might be a little aggressive, but I think someone needs to carry the banner and cause for sanity around here!

Blessing God in the Valley

I have to admit, I was a bit confused yesterday. After Upward practice last night, I headed home with Chris, cooked a little dinner, and sat down to watch the game. I don’t particularly hold grudges, but as a Gator fan it was rather hard to cheer for Alabama last night (especially since the Gators lost to Alabama this season). Yet, I do hold a bit of allegiance to the SEC, therefore I felt somewhat cornered without much choice. But, I live in Texas and should really cheer for the home team. So, you can sort of see my dilemma. I was sorry to see McCoy hurt, though Gilbert did a great job under the circumstances. But, you’re not here to read through my sports commentary. What I found most interesting was McCoy’s interview post-game and his response to a “feelings” question asked by the reporter. During his short reply, He took a moment to honor God. Isn’t it interesting, we honor Him so often in our victory, but what about when you’re in the valley? This young man was definitely in the valley last night, but took the opportunity to bless God. I was impressed by McCoy’s testimony at the moment. Watch it and see it for yourself.

Was Jesus Wealthy?

Ran across this article yesterday. It poses the question, “Was Jesus wealthy?” Believe it or not, depending on the one you ask, you’ll get a different answer. Apparently the argument for Jesus’ personal wealth (or family’s wealth) is one made by proponents of the prosperity gospel movement. I struggle to find a biblical basis to support the positions espoused by the promoters of the prosperity doctrine. As I read through the CNN article, I was amazed at some of the claims suggested by these ministers. The epidemic of Bible illiteracy seems to be greater than I first thought? If nothing more, it’s a strong encouragement for those of us teaching God’s word to make sure we’ve done our homework. Know the context, history, and language – it’ll change the way you teach. By the way, here’s the link to the article. It’s rather long, but you need to read it all the way through. There are a few places I had to laugh, and then I realized this was stuff people actually believed and taught.

Forever Changed

I really like this song Forever Changed by Eddie Kirkland. I first heard it when I purchased Awake: North Point Live last week via iTunes. I’ve included the words from the digital booklet. This video clip is from the Catalyst Conference ‘09. You come in at the chorus. The angle is a little awkward, but I think you’ll get the gist.

I have built with my hands • All the walls that hold me in • I have wandered my way in the desert • I have struggled against • All the blessings You have sent • And I’m back to the place of surrender •• Lord, You meet me here • In my darkest hour • And You stir my heart with Your love •• Forever, I am changed by mercy • Forever, my heart is alive • Forever, I am Yours my Savior • Forever, my hope is Christ •• Tears are sweet as they fall • Mercy rushes through my soul • Bowing low as You wash me with healing • Lord, You’ve sealed me with grace • Life eternally sustained • By the hope in my soul, You’re revealing •• Lord, You meet me here • In my darkest hour • And You stir my heart with Your love •• Repeat Chorus •• The power of sin is broken, I have been set free • For I have died and Jesus is alive in me • Repeat x2 ••Repeat Chorus x3 (Words and Music by Eddie Kirkland)

The "Whole" Purpose

May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. Psalm 20:4 (HCSB)

Sometimes in our Doctrine of God, we view Him as aloof or intentionally separate from creation and His creatures. This idea couldn’t be further from the truth. God is intentionally involved in His creation and the lives of His creatures. When I read passages like such as Psalm 20:4, I see the hands of the potter at work on the clay. God gives us the desires of our heart. This is not to say God is a vending machine of choices granting requests for our unrestrained wants. It is the Lord who plants in us His desires for our heart. When God plants His desires in us and we yield our desires to His (intentionally making His desires our desires), God begins a work of granting those desires in us. It is our heart in line with His heart. This is where the journey begins.

God has a purpose for life. When you make choices contrary to the desires of God, you miss out on experiencing the purpose God has for you. Your desire should not only be that God give you the desires of your heart, but that He would fulfill His whole purpose (your purpose discovered through the God given desires of your heart) in you. Here’s the deal, you just don’t want part of His purpose lived out in your life; you want His entire or whole purpose lived out in life. Why settle for part best, when you can have the “whole” best?

God’s whole purpose isn’t as distant as you might think. It begins with aligning your will with His will. Ask Him to give you the desires of your heart. Then you are on the track to discovering and living out your whole purpose. Find out God’s purpose for your life. What is it that He’s called you to do? Is there something in your way of realizing the whole purpose? Remove that which hinders and entangles you from this whole purpose. Live in God’s desire and purpose for your life. It’s the only place to reside.