When Did We Stray from Our Mission?

My wife told me yesterday that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) online version has added several words including: "selfie" and "phablet" ...

I really didn't have words when she told me this. After all, wasn't the dictionary created to "standardize speech?" Now, rather than providing a guideline for the language, the dictionary is simply doing its best to keep up with popular culture.

However, in doing a little research for this blog post, I found that my initial premise was wrong, but I'm still going to push forward, because I think these thoughts need to be explored. It turns out, the OED's focus is on current English.

The dictionary content in ODO focuses on current English and includes modern meanings and uses of words," he told ABC News. "It's not telling you what the language should be. It's all about how [words] are used. (Christian Purdy, the director of publicity for the Oxford University Press-USA)

So, my premise was wrong for the OED, they are following their mission. But as I said, there is some relevance in my thoughts today.

It seems that the Church has lost its focus. Initially, the church was established as a launching point, a place to come and be refreshed before stepping back into the fray. Early Christ followers literally gave up everything to become disciples.

Peter, James, and John left their family businesses.

Matthew left his profitable business.

Paul left his high place in society.

Many were shunned by family and friends.

Many gave their lives.

So "the gathering" became a place of encouragement, instruction, and hope. Then you returned to your workplace (if you hadn't been fired), to your community (if you hadn't been shunned), to your routine; not simply to exist, but to share the love of God with those around you.

Church was a launching point. It was where the battle plans were drawn. It was a hospital for those who needed life change. And everyone had a part in the plan.

I recently read a quote attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr. while he was in Birmingham Jail that is relevant:

"The early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worth to suffer for what they believed. In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the morals of society."

Today, it seems many churches have become just the opposite. They are intent on self perpetuation, not on an outward focus. They are still gathering places, but members only clubs; not a refuge for those who need the message of the gospel.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of churches who realize the need for change. It is like Jesus said in Revelation 2:4, "You have forsaken the love you had at first." (NIV)

Remember when you first came to salvation? You had so much joy, so much enthusiasm, and you couldn't contain yourself. You prayed and read your bible. You shared what God had done with anyone and everyone. You had been rescued, and the world needed to know of this saving grace.

We each need to return to our first love. We need to gather one day a week to celebrate the wins, to find encouragement despite the losses, and to be refreshed to step back into the fray.

We need to return to our mission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

When did you stray from your mission? And how are you going to get yourself back on track? Share your thoughts below and let's encourage each other today!

Jesus Didn't Condemn the World - Why Do I?

I've been wrestling with something for the past few months ... maybe even longer, but it has truly become front and center recently.

As Christians, we so often cast a condemning net over the whole world.

This is so far removed from what Jesus did.

John 3:17 says, "God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again." (The Message)

Take a closer look at Jesus' actions while he was in the world, and you will see he went to places church people would never go. He sat and ate with sinners. He touched the unclean. He let the poor, marginalized, and abandoned come into his inner circle.

Jesus chose the common people, not the high-society people, as his core. It was through God's power, not man's power, the gospel became a world-changing force.

Yet we forget that in the modern church, I think.

We have elevated celebrity above Christ.

We have turned our back on sinners for the pursuit of larger buildings and bigger numbers. Many churches today only pursue other "Christians" not those who need it most.

When was the last time your church went into the darkest places of your city to simply love people?

When was the last time your church generously offered of its resources to help those in need?

When was the last time you did any of those things?

If I want to be more like Christ, I need to do the things he did.

I can no longer boycott companies simply because they don't follow the "Christian" path, UNLESS they are proclaiming to be a Christian company.

So ABC company takes a stand on an issue that is in conflict with my position? Don't boycott them, that is how the world responds. If you want to respond like Jesus, start loving on the head of the company. Rather than sending them hate mail, send them letters of encouragement. Stand out and you will potentially be given the chance to influence them.

It was only after people hung out with Jesus that they were changed.

That same relationship transformation continued in the early church. The people wanted to be in relationship; with each other, and with those who were still on the outside.

Today's church has turned the process upside down. Rather than going, so many churches simply invite others to come and see.

Come and see? People only come and see when they have a relationship.

The people of Samaria only came to see this man at the well (John 4) because the woman who he had spent time with invited them.

People want to see Jesus. People need to see Jesus. However, condemning the world for being the world won't work. We need to follow in Jesus' footsteps; we need to show love, compassion, and be willing to touch those who the church won't.

Jesus didn't come to the world to condemn the world, but to save the world (John 3:17). And because Jesus came to save, we are able to take his message of love and acceptance into a world that needs him desperately.

Jesus didn't condemn the world, why do I?

Where is Your Focus?

We focused on Philippians 4 this morning in staff meeting, and it was a gentle reminder of where we need to keep our focus in life.

What struck me this morning was from verse 6 and 7:

Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 - NLT)

I like technology. Having the Bible available at my fingertips in several versions, has helped me understand things better in recent years. Being able to recall verses I memorized as a young kid (yes, I was THAT kid), but to now see them in a fresh light, helps me grow in my Christian walk.

I memorized this passage in the King James version of the Bible. I memorized most of the verses I know in the King James. It was the 1970's and most churches were still King James type churches. It amazes me how many still remain that way in the 20-teens ...

But reading this passage this morning in the New Living Translation made me take a closer look. While I'd memorized the passage, it had been some time since I'd focused on the passage.

Let's look at the end of verse 6: "Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

Nothing new here, it is after all important to thank God for all he has done. But it was what came next, verse 7, and how it tied to verse 6 that caught my attention this morning.

Verse 7 starts with, "THEN" ...

Then is an effect word. It denotes causality.

Causality (also referred to as causation) is the relation between an event (the cause) and a second event (the effect), where the second event is understood as a consequence of the first.

IF you (tell God what you need AND thank him for all he has done) - note this is a two part cause; THEN (you will experience God's peace).

Do you want peace in your life? To get peace, you need to tell God what you need (notice the word is NEED, not want) and thank him for all he has done.

Then, and only then, will you experience God's peace.

This isn't just any peace. This is "[peace] which exceeds anything we can understand."

I don't know about you, but I so often fall short in this category. I find my prayer time is telling God what I want, what I believe I need.

It is rarely telling him what I actually need (food, clothing, shelter, boldness in my faith).

And even more rare are the times I sit and thank him for everything he has done.

Sure, I'm grateful. I often utter "thank you Jesus" when something great happens. Especially if I prayed for it to happen.

But if I am honest here, I don't truly ask God daily for what I need and then thank him daily for his provisions.

I have a Twitter friend who frequently reminds people to make their gratitude list each night. I never have.

But I should close each day out thanking God for the things he has done that day.

And I should start each morning asking God for what I need and thanking him for all he has provided already.

Then, and only then, will I be able to daily live into the peace that is beyond anything I can imagine or understand.

Do you want that kind of peace?

Join me today in making sure each day starts and ends with time before God. And then come back here in a week, in a month, in a couple of months and share how you have found new peace!

Cleaned Up, or Broken

This has been a busy week for me. School started for my youngest son; he's a high school senior this year. While this wasn't officially the first week of school, it is still a new routine after the summer break, so that influenced my week.

Also, I had some gear issues at SoAcres (www.SoAcres.com) that had to be addressed this week. Additionally, we are gearing up for fall kickoff, so beyond the gear issues that occurred, I was also pretty much going through all of the systems to see what non obvious issues needed to be addressed.

And then I started college this week. Twenty-five years after first enrolling in college right out of high school, I've returned. This also added to my schedule.

If all that wasn't enough, I also did some integration work in the evenings three nights this week. After working at SoAcres all day, I went to another church here in town and helped install their new video and audio system.

All in all, a very busy week.

But I was able to find a few minutes beyond my "required' reading to check out some of the blogs I follow regularly. And the following statement stood out on one blog:

"The church went from being a cleaned up, homeschooling kind of church to being a church with a lot of broken people" (Nicholas McDonald quoting Dr. Rosaria Butterfield).

Dr. Butterfield wasn't a Christ follower. She was however befriended by a pastor and his family while living in a lifestyle many in today's church not only condemn, they openly and aggressively attack those living in that lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the result has been many, many people who Jesus loves have been turned off by the Church.

It took time and a loving relationship, but Dr. Butterfield finally came to church. And the preceding comment was made after Dr. Butterfield developed a relationship with people inside the church.

People who admitted to Dr. Butterfield, "... it was easier for them to be disgusted with a person like me than to pray for me ..." (ibid.).

Isn't that the sad commentary on today's church? We find it so easy to attack and condemn people. To be disgusted with those with whom we don't agree.

We do it to those outside the church.

But we also do it to those inside the church; but those who are inside a different church than our church.

We have walked so far from the path Jesus demonstrated while here on earth. I believe that if Jesus came back to earth today, he would have the same things to say about many of the churches and people inside them he said about the Jewish religious leaders in his day.

"White washed tombs." (Matthew 23:27)

"Hypocrites." (Matthew 6;2, 5, 16)

"Brood of vipers." (Matthew 12:34)

Jesus only had harsh things to say to those who claimed to follow God. He had loving things to say to those who needed God.

Now, just because Jesus only said loving things, doesn't mean he didn't speak the truth. It also doesn't mean the things he said were easy to hear.

The rich young ruler walked away very sad because he could not do what Jesus said he needed to do in order to follow. (Mark 10:21, 22)

Contrast that to the woman who was living a sinful life, she anointed Jesus' feet with perfume. (Luke 7:36-38)

So the question for each of us today is are we cleaned up, the equivalent of white-washed tombs; or are we broken?

Broken people have had much forgiven, so they show gratefulness. They want others to know and feel this great forgiveness. The woman at the well, she immediately went back into the city full of people from whom she was hiding to share the good news. But she also invited them to come meet this man who, "told me everything I did." (John 4:39)

Truth, spoken in love, leads to forgiveness. Forgiveness leads to us wanting to share it with the world.

Let's remember that we have had much forgiven. We are all sinners saved by grace. As we live into that forgiveness, we will share love with others; others who need forgiveness too.

Through our brokenness, God is able to provide healing to the world.

Stop living a cleaned up lifestyle today and live into the redemption of a broken vessel now redeemed and filled with God's love.

God Doesn't Need Me

Like so many people today, I am on Twitter. You can follow me at Twitter.com/gtkconsulting. Today's post came from a Tweet I read recently.

A pastor of a mega-church Tweeted: "God doesn't need me. He wants me, He loves me. This is far better!"

It is humbling to consider the God of the universe wants to be in relationship with me. He loves me so much, no price was too great for my redemption.

From the beginning of the Bible, all the way through to the end, we read how God pursues people. Most of the people He pursues in the pages of the Bible wind up doing or witnessing great things.

God pursued Abram, while he still lived in Ur. Abram becomes Abraham, father of nations.

God pursued Moses while he was in the desert. Moses becomes the deliverer of Israel.

God pursued David while he was a young boy tending sheep. David becomes the greatest King of Israel.

God pursued Jonah as he ran the opposite direction. Jonah is the instrument God uses to save an entire city from destruction.

God, as Jesus, pursued 12 men and a handful of other people while on earth. Those men and women began a revolution that rages on today.

God pursued Saul as he marched to destroy the young church. Saul became Paul and took the gospel to the nations.

God still pursues people today.

God didn't need any of those people. Had any of them refused, God's plan would have continued, but in a different form. God wanted each of those people to be His partners. He loved them, and He loves us, so much, He brought them along into greatness.

I wonder how many times my fear and my pride get in the way of me experiencing the greatness God has intended for my life. How many times do I forget that because of His great love, God paid the ultimate price, His son, for my redemption.

Not because He needed me. It was because He wanted me.

And yes, that indeed is far better!

Being Intentionally More Like Jesus

Yesterday I had my "annual" review at work ... now, considering I've only worked there for just over 4 months, annual is a relative term.

However, our Executive Pastor wants to have everyone on a single rotation for annual reviews, so I was included. We did both comment that it is hard to call this an annual review in my case, especially since I've just recently completed my 90-day employment review. But we were able to discuss things, and today's blog post is a part of that conversation.

One of the areas discussed was personal weaknesses. Our leadership team had provided a list of areas in which many people often struggle, and we could pull our personal issues from that list or add some of our own.

One area I chose was having a stronger heart for lost people.

In my life, I really don't have anyplace where I intentionally encounter lost people. I spend my day inside a church, specifically inside the worship center of the church, building computer presentations, light shows, and working to improve gear and sets.

When I leave work, I head home and spend time with my family over dinner before we each head off to our evening events.

I simply don't make the opportunities to connect with those who need the message of salvation the most.

It is not because I adhere to the teaching of some denominations: don't [fill in the blank], don't [fill in the blank], don't [fill in the blank]; AND don't hang out with those who do!

I disagree with that philosophy completely. It certainly isn't what Jesus did. And, as Christians, shouldn't we strive daily to be more like Christ?

It is simply because I don't step out of my comfort zone.

I need to be more like Jesus. I need to open myself up to the opportunities to bless those who need blessing. Not simply by giving a few dollars from my wallet to the guy on the street corner. I need to stop and listen to his story. I need to share in his life for some time. Maybe that simple "touch" from another human being is what it takes for him to hold on one more day.

I need to hold more doors for moms pushing strollers, and offer to reach for the milk on their behalf when their hands are full with a baby and a toddler.

I need to drop a note of encouragement to the person who serves behind the scenes, often unnoticed, helping to show how appreciated their efforts are to the team.

I need to ...

It all comes down to a choice. I need to choose to be intentionally involved in the life of others. No more hiding behind the scenes, simply making a great environment for people to encounter Jesus. I need to step out of my comfort zone and touch lives.

Only then will I truly be able to say I am following in the steps of the Savior.

What area of your life needs an annual review today? Where can you push yourself in your daily activities to become more like Christ?

How to Avoid Burnout

I recently read that burnout doesn't happen because we work hard. Burnout happens because we work hard without results.

This was tied to an article about pastors, but I believe it applies across the board.

If you follow this blog, you know that for 5 years I toured the country installing audio, video, and lighting systems (AVL) in churches. While I am now employed full-time at SoAcres Church (www.SoAcres.com) here in Lexington, I have the freedom to periodically help some companies with AVL integration.

While I was employed full-time in the AVL integration field, we worked hard. Our days often averaged 10 - 12 hours on the job site. We would be onsite around 9 am, leave for lunch sometime mid afternoon, and then return to work until 9 pm each day.

Frequently, due to fulfillment issues, gear would arrive later than expected, causing us to have to work even longer hours at the end of the week to complete the project.

Most jobs we had a hard deadline. The church needed the room for Sunday services. Often, they needed them Saturday early afternoon for rehearsal and then the Saturday night service followed by the Sunday morning service.

Each job was unique, yet each job had similarities to other jobs.

But each job had long hours.

Despite those hours, even if I had to forego sleep to ensure the project was completed on time, I always found joy when I stood at the back of the room in the production booth and celebrated the "win" with the church team. The win? People worshiping in the house of God.

It was the weeks where we worked long hard hours and I didn't get to stick around for the Sunday experience that were the hardest.

Now that I'm employed full-time at a church, I have the same feelings. I work during the week to program lights and video for the service. When I am able to be there Sunday morning and experience the worship, it makes the work of the week, no matter how frustrating it can be at times, worth the effort.

It wasn't quite as fulfilling when I programmed everything and then left for vacation. Sure, the vacation and time with family was great, but not having seen the result of my work during the week as the church worshiped, took something from the experience.

What is your "win" at your job? What brings the fulfillment to you for all the effort you put into each and every day?

If you don't know, you need to find the answer. It is in knowing why you are working; though the tasks are difficult, despite the many long hours, that keeps you from experiencing burnout.

Find your "win" today, and find more joy in your work tomorrow.

Don't Use the "D" Word

Last night as we were talking, my lovely bride told me about two encounters she had during her day. The first was a man who had been speaking ill of his wife. Fortunately, my bride didn't share any details, but it was clear the comments upset her.

The second encounter was on Facebook, where a different man said, "Sometimes being with her is just so hard, I often feel it isn't worth it."

As I sat thinking about those encounters later, I thanked God my lovely bride and I had made a pact, long ago, to do two things:

1. Private matters stay private ... they don't go outside of our home (the exception is when we share with our accountability partner to see what our part of the situation is and how it should be addressed.)

2. We will never, ever, use the "D" word.

The obvious "D" word to which I am referring is divorce. At no point in our 13 years together have we ever uttered that word to each other, to another friend, or even in our own minds. It is off limits! So is anything similar, like, "I'm leaving you" or "I can't do this any longer, I'm walking out."

Giving yourself no out, ensures that you won't be looking for one.

If we hadn't closed that door the day we married, if the "D" word had ever been an option, trust me, at some point or another over the past 13 years one of us would have taken it. It has been difficult at times, but then what relationship isn't?

But more than the big "D" word, we also choose not to use other "D" words.

Dumb.
Dopey.
Dork.
Dingbat.
Dumba**.
Dweeb.
Dense.
Dim-whit.
Dunderheaded.
Dumbsh**.

You see, the words you use paint a picture. And I don't want my bride to paint me as any of these. Obviously, there are other similar words that don't start with "D" I could have also listed, and those words are off limits as well. They simply didn't work with the topic today.

Colossians 4:6 says it best, "Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out." (The Message)

Words repeated became actions and habits.

You don't like the way your spouse reacts? Use positive, growth inducing words repeatedly to mold them into the positive person you desire.

There is a difference between growing them into a great person with words and simply nagging, however. You have to understand the difference.

The old adage, "fake it until you make it" rings true here. You might not believe the words you are saying today, you might not see your spouse the way you are describing them, but give it time. Eventually you will see them, and they will see themselves, in the positive way you speak about them.

It's true, you can't change a person. But you can love them into being a better person. I'm not sure, I haven't done the research, but I think that as we speak positive truth into a person, it really isn't them changing, it is our perception of them that changes. So in the end, we really haven't changed someone, we have changed ourselves.

After all, my perception is my reality.

So I urge you all, don't use the "D" word.

Leave a comment below and let me know what other "D" words I missed in my list above. And then also share what "D" words you need to delete from your vocabulary today.

My 100th Post - Always

Today marks a milestone at the 10:10 Muse ... it is my 100th post!

100 is a number that is often celebrated.

100 episodes is a milestone only the "best" (recognizing best is a subjective word) TV shows make ... so they celebrate.

100 is an age few humans reach, so the Today show brings you a cake (do they still do that?)

100 years is a number very few churches see, especially thriving, growing churches ...

So today I'm going to celebrate this milestone by talking about the lyrics of a song, Always by Kristian Stanfill.

The line of the song that goes: "Oh my God, He will not delay, my refuge and strength always" is where I want to land, but let's look at the entire song.

My foes are many, they rise against me. But I will hold my ground. I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm. My help is on the way, my help is on the way.

Oh, my God, He will not delay. 
My refuge and strength always. I will not fear, His promise is true. My God will come through always, always.

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding. 
My soul will rest in You. I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm. My help is on the way, my help is on the way.

Oh, my God, He will not delay. 
My refuge and strength always. I will not fear, His promise is true. My God will come through always, always.

I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord. 
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord. I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord. I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord. From You Lord, from You Lord.

Oh, my God, He will not delay. 
My refuge and strength always. I will not fear, His promise is true. My God will come through always, always. 
Oh, my God, He will not delay. My refuge and strength always, always.

This song is a great summary of life. All around we have chaos. We face fears, foes, storms and sometimes war.

Yet God is our refuge and strength, always.

What we most often forget, especially in the midst of the chaos, is that God is with us, He has not left. However, we may not be looking at Him, but rather looking at the chaos and insanity.

In that instance, like Peter who walked on water while looking at Jesus' face, but then sank when he looked at the wind and waves; we too begin to sink.

But also like Peter, all we need to do to be rescued is to call out to God, "Lord, help me! I'm drowning."

Far too often, however, we wait until we are almost covered up. Sometimes we even wait until we are covered, and only our outstretched arm remains above the waves.

Yet all the time, God is right there longing for us to call out. He won't delay, He is our refuge and strength, always. But ONLY after we turn to Him. Only after we reach out to Him. Only after we call to Him.

That is how God shows His love. He stands there, waiting. Waiting on us. He loves us and doesn't want us to be hurt, doesn't want us to wander, longs for us to remain in Him. But He also wants us to want Him, so He never forces Himself on us.

But He also knows that we do wander, we do walk away.

So He patiently waits for our call. And when we call, He comes running.

What chaos, storm, war, fear, or foe are you facing today? You don't have to face it alone. God, your Heavenly Father is waiting for your call. And when you call, He won't delay. He will run.

All or Nothing - Part 2

Yesterday I discussed All or Nothing faith. I showed how Joshua and the Israelites exhibited all or nothing faith as they marched around the walls of Jericho. I discussed how Elijah exhibited all or nothing faith as he challenged the prophets of Baal.

Today I want to move to a New Testament demonstration of all or nothing faith.

Obviously, Jesus comes to mind. He certainly demonstrated all or nothing faith in every action. Give up Heaven and become human? All or nothing.

Walk on water? All or nothing.

Die on a cross? All or nothing.

Leave the expansion of your kingdom to a bunch of guys who just weeks prior had all deserted and in some instances denied you? All or nothing.

But today I want to focus on Paul. If you are unfamiliar with Paul, take some time to read the book of Acts in the Bible. Paul (formerly known as Saul) is first introduced at the end of Acts chapter 7. We see him again at the beginning of Acts chapter 8, also as Saul. But from Acts 9 until the end of the book of Acts, we really get to know Paul, and the impact his life had on the expansion of Christianity beyond the city of Jerusalem.

But my focus today is from one of the letters Paul wrote to one of the many churches with whom he worked. Take a look at I Corinthians 2:1-5 (The Message):

You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway.  God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.

We so often view Paul as this bold man of God. He took the gospel to the gentiles. He stood up to the council in Jerusalem. He withstood beatings, ship wrecks, hunger, stoning, and lashings. He even sang in prison!

But here we read of Paul's all or nothing approach. Paul learned that if he didn't decrease, and Christ increase, the message of the gospel could not be made clear. Paul didn't rely on fancy methods, he simply told the story of Jesus.

God's Spirit and God's power did the rest.

I think that some times, especially in the modern church, we rely too much on fancy mental or emotional footwork. What we really need is all or nothing faith, lay it all out there and believe God's Spirit and God's power are enough.

This may sound funny coming from a guy who's career is making great worship environments. But sometimes I think all the gear, all the planning, all the work interferes with God's Spirit, God's power.

I know my heart, and I know the heart of our pastor, and many pastors around the country. For us, technology is simply a tool. God's power and God's Spirit are what we long to fill the room. Gear is nice, God is necessary!

So as you begin to fear, as you wonder what words to share with your hurting friend, with your neighbor who is lost, with your co-worker about to wander down a path you know only leads to destruction; move forward despite the fear. Trust that with all or nothing faith, through God's Spirit and God's power, life changing words and actions will come from you.

Fancy mental or emotional footwork isn't the key. All or nothing faith is what leads people from a life of sin to the saving grace of Jesus!

All or Nothing - Part 1

Today's blog topic comes from some reading I've been doing lately ... it has been a week since my last post. This wasn't intentional, I have a list of posts I want to write, it simply happened. However, in the time since my last post, this topic was placed on my heart and mind.

I read about the all or nothing attitude. It is an attitude we each must have if we are truly living in faith as Christians. Anything less, simply isn't trusting God.

You see this attitude throughout scripture.

Joshua and the Israelites demonstrated an all or nothing faith as they marched around Jericho for 7 straight days. These were impregnable walls, higher than any they had ever encountered. And God said simply march around the city, I (God) will bring the victory.

Imagine the excitement on the first day. Joy as they marched, expecting the miracle God had promised.

Now compare that to the disappointment when nothing happened.

Now stretch that out for another five days ... a total of six times they marched.

Combine that with the taunts and jeers of the residents of Jericho; those growing each day as the Israelites marched.

And each morning they got up and did it again. All or nothing. God had promised, and they marched in faith.

But to put this all in perspective, this was the generation that had grown up in the desert. These people had not crossed the Red Sea, had not witnessed the deliverance from Egypt, had not experienced God at Mount Sinai, had been witness to the death of the previous generation in the desert.

If any generation had a strong propensity to doubt, it was this generation.

Yet the faith of Joshua and the leaders helped the entire nation march.

And God showed up, on the seventh pass around the city on the seventh day, the walls fell down.

Or what about Elijah.

Elijah stood before the prophets of Baal, 450 of them, in an all or nothing challenge. Each team would build an alter, each team would then call out to their god to bring fire to consume the sacrifice. The god who burned the sacrifice would be the one, true God of Israel.

Now, this challenge wasn't issued in a time when things were great in Israel. The story is found in I Kings 18 in the Bible, and that chapter starts with, "A long time passed. Then God's word came to Elijah. The drought was now in its third year." (I Kings 18:1 - MSG)

In ancient times, when there was a drought, people believed it was punishment for sins. So in the midst of punishment, when all was about to be "lost" ... Elijah issues a challenge.

And to make sure it was "fair" he made sure the difficulty factor was skewed "against" him. Did you notice that? In the middle of a drought, in a face-to-face challenge, Elijah took the most difficult path to show God's power.

After allowing the opposing priests to call to their god all day, Elijah finally stepped up and said, OK, it is my turn.

But before I begin, I want everyone to know who my God truly is today. Cover everything with water. No, really cover it. Three times buckets of water were poured over Elijah's alter, covering the alter, the sacrifice, the wood, and filling a large trench around the alter. No fire existed, and the people knew it.

Only then, did Elijah begin to pray. And God showed up, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the the stones for the alter, the dirt around the alter, and the water in the trench.

And there wasn't a guy standing on the sideline with matches and some flammable products; it was Elijah and his all or nothing faith in God.

So as you wake up each day, ask God what He is asking you to face with all or nothing faith. What area of your life requires you stand in the face of certain defeat, staring into the void; yet standing fearless because God is right there with you? How can you further God's kingdom here on earth today with your all or nothing faith?

All or nothing. It isn't something we are comfortable doing, isn't something we are even comfortable considering, especially as American's who have so many comforts. Yet the most impact for God's kingdom comes when we step forward in faith; all or nothing.

God does it all, when we offer Him our nothing.

You Have to Work at It!

Monday is my day off from work. So Monday turns into being a busy day. I have laundry, sometimes dishes, often yard work, bills, and other "things" that pile up during the week screaming for attention.

But my body also needs down time ... rest. God designed us that way. In fact, He rested after creation, setting the example that was then "codified" in the Ten Commandments.

So often, I find myself needing to do work, but also desiring rest, down time.

But as I was working in the yard this past Monday, noticing how much our yard has deteriorated over the 10 years we've lived in the house, the thought, "You have to work at it!" came to mind.

There are so many things in our life at which you have to work. Yet, I find, human nature is more often than not to simply coast along.

We had a great yard when I moved in, simply mowing and trimming should be enough. Nope!

Weeds creep in, clover creeps in, crabgrass creeps in; and before you know it, your yard is no longer great. It now is overgrown with things you will take months clearing out.

She loved me so much when we were first married. I can just coast on that. Nope!

Relationships are hard. Marriage is very hard. Just because there was love at the beginning, doesn't mean it will stay strong. Just as with a yard, things creep into your marriage and cause damage.

That comment you made, jokingly ...

That movie you watched, but knew you shouldn't ...

That night you were out too late with your buddies ...

That lingering touch of the coworker ...

All are weeds, clover, and crabgrass to a marriage. And before you know it, the love you once shared, so depended on keeping you together, has been choked out.

So I mowed my lawn yesterday. And when she got home, my wife said the yard looked great. I said, "No, it looks mowed. But it is far from great."

And so many marriages are the same. From the outside, at a distance, they look great. But upon closer inspection, there are issues growing up that need attention.

Everything in this world deteriorates. That is a consequence of sin. Lawns, cars, houses, clothes, and marriages.

Without work, without ensuring you are putting your focus on the right things: watering, weeding, pruning for lawns; dates, truly listening, supporting, encouraging, loving for marriages; these too will deteriorate.

What are you neglecting in your life today that could use refocused attention?

Mess or Masterpiece?

I've been doing a lot of reading other blogs lately, I found it helps me with my creativity as I've decided to increase my number of posts each week to at least 4 ...

One I recently read lead me to today's topic: Mess or Masterpiece.

In Ephesians 2:10 we read, "For we are God's masterpiece." (NLT)

But far too often, we view ourselves as a mess. We live each day with the mindset that we are far too broken, far too dirty, far too used to be worth anything.

This is so far from the truth!

God loves us. So much, in fact, He sent His only son Jesus to pay the price we could never pay!

Through the blood of Jesus, we are redeemed.

The verse continues on, "He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Did you catch that? We are a masterpiece because of the sacrifice of Jesus!

On our own, we are those things we often believe to be true. But with Jesus, we are God's masterpiece.

I believe the reason we so often believe the lie is because the enemy is force feeding it to us to keep us "sidelined" ... Because when we begin to live into the truth of being God's masterpiece, we are then free to do the good things He planned for us long ago.

As long as we believe the lie however, we don't do much, if anything at all.

Today, sit down with God and ask Him to show you what you look like from His perspective. Ask Him to open your eyes so you will see the masterpiece. Confess you have lived too long in the lie and you are now ready to step out into the light of the truth.

And then each morning, ask God to do it again. And again. And again.

Then, as you see yourself through the eyes of God, as you begin to live into His masterpiece plan, as you forsake the lies of the enemy. You will be free to do the good works God intended for you long ago.

Does this mean that once I begin to live into the masterpiece plan of God, my life will improve, my job will improve, and I will see prosperity all around?

No.

Jesus promised in John 16:33, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (NLT)

Think about it. If anyone on earth ever lived completely as God's masterpiece, it was Jesus. And he was crucified.

The world does not accept disciples of Christ because the world did not accept Christ.

But trials and troubles shouldn't keep you from living into the masterpiece plan of God. You have trials and troubles now; why not start living into the masterpiece plan and in addition to the issues of life, also find the joy of God?

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. We simply need to see it for ourselves and then choose to live into that goodness.