Generosity and Vows

(This letter was written to the 704 Church community and copied here for others to read)

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

We spent the week with my family down in Gulf Shores - 10 adults, 16 grandkids from 3 to 20 years old! It was full, to say the least. :) Now we're spending a few days at my brother's house outside of Tampa, FL and will go watch the tide on New Years Eve!

I wanted to bring to mind two thoughts for you to consider as we step into 2025.

The Future Building of 704

First, many of you have given significantly to the building fund over this past year. Early on we asked if people would give 'an ear of corn' - equating to $10,000. We got to hear some stories, like Angie Gotta's. She had an idea of how to invest some into making natural soaps and then used the profit to give an ear of corn. For Angie and Dave, the $10,000 in profit came way sooner than the end of 2024. Now Angie has a whole shop in their garage and she has created countless products that are natural and organic and smell really good, too!

Kris and I were encouraged by her and Dave's radical generosity and asked if we could make adjustments to our budget to contribute an additional $10,000 above our regular tithe. Many of you know, but Kris began to look into an Amazon program that allows social media 'influencers' to create product review videos. There is a small commission she earns anytime someone watches one of her review videos and then purchases a product. Full transparency - we didn't know how much this program would bring in, nor if it would stay consistent throughout the year. We gave almost all of her first couple of months' earnings - $1,000 and then sought to contribute $750 each month of 2024 to give our 'ear of corn' towards the building fund. Through Kristen's persistence in finding new products and creating new reviews (and many of you that invited her into your homes to review products) she created over 600 review videos last year. Each month the program brought in more than $750, and just yesterday (12/29) we gave our last $750 towards the building fund - rounding out our 'ear of corn'!

I think both of those stories (Angie's and Kristen's) are ways that God works through our creativity and then births something even bigger than we originally intended. Angie's business is growing and Kristen's Amazon program continues to generate revenue month after month. It requires more than their creativity - it has required them to stay consistent and diligent in their work.

It brought to mind Micah 4 - where God challenges us to out give Him. A business idea to give towards Kingdom work turns into a consistent opportunity for more.

I know many others that are contributing as well. As we approach the end of 2024, I want to thank you ahead of time for your generosity towards faithful tithing in and through your local church, and the radical generosity to give above and beyond your tithe towards our future building.

Not to mention the generous $50,000 contribution and $50,000 matching program that runs through the end of March. The idea of our own building is becoming more and more a tangible reality! 

Second, New Years Resolutions. 

The last few years Kris and I have done something called a past year review. We review everything we did last year and then schedule and plan for the coming year. This year we're working through a process called "Compass" where you look over the last year, 'close the door' on 2024, and then look ahead to 2025. It's been quite a year. This is a time for Kris and I to make resolutions for the coming year - we’ve had a mix of successes and failures - but it’s a really healthy practice to reflect on the past and plan for the future. FWIW, there’s an unofficial holiday titled “Quitter’s Day” - The second Friday in January is known as “Quitter's Day,” when people are most likely to throw in the towel on their resolutions. 

Whatever your thoughts on resolutions, a related Biblical practice is around vows. Reading through the Old Testament, you'll see the people of God making vows to Him. You'll find other calls to 'keep your vows' - and not just marital vows! 

I have been percolating on that idea. What are the vows I can make for God? For me, it's brought an entirely different mindset from 'new years resolutions'. Normally we gravitate towards health, fitness, and learning. Maybe kicking bad habits, starting new good habits. But as I've thought about vows, it has brought me into an element of prayer with God asking Him 'What are you calling me to do this year? How are you inviting me to live for you this year?' Maybe it's to read the Bible in a year. Find a small group. Surrender a leisurely activity. Attend church more consistently. 

The Bible also warns us of 'vows' that are completely void of honoring God. I was reading in Zechariah this past week and stumbled upon these verses in chapter 7

4 Then the word of Yahweh of hosts came to me, saying, 5 “Speak to all the people of the land and to the priests, saying, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years, was it actually for Me that you fasted? 6 And when you eat and when you drink, are you not eating for yourselves and are you not drinking for yourselves?

For seventy years they had been fasting every fifth and seventh month, but Zechariah challenged them - were you fasting for God or for your self? When you celebrated by eating and drinking - was it celebrating God and His provision or just celebrating self? 

The wildly brilliant God we serve calls us to practices/disciplines that are both spiritual and physical. Fasting is good for your body, but is to be primarily pursued for spiritual purposes. Celebrating good food and drink are a great way to celebrate, but they are to be centered around God’s provision of those great gifts. 

It's made me consider seriously what I can do, changes I can make, adjustments, things to remove, things to add - all around the driving question: What do I change in 2025 to honor God? Perhaps getting healthy with exercise or diet is a way to honor God with your body. Maybe eliminating bad habits and starting new ones is a way to honor God with your time. Joining a Life Group, faithfully prioritizing and participating in Sunday worship are ways to honor God with your heart and mind. 

Whatever you’ve been thinking about for resolutions in 2025, I want to challenge you to run them through that question: What do you change in 2025 to honor God? 

The best advice is to make these vows, or resolutions, with one another. Find some friends or invite your spouse into these to share them for encouragement and accountability. It’s a gift to have other blood-bought brothers and sisters to walk alongside you, particularly when you’re purposing to make changes in your life to honor God more fully. 

Perhaps you will experience what Zechariah adds in chapter 8:18

“Thus says Yahweh of hosts, ‘The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth months will become joy, gladness, and merry appointed feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.’

May your 2025 be full of joy, gladness, and merry - as we seek truth and peace in all we vow to honor Him.

Peacemakers, you are blessed!

How many of you have found yourself frustrated in your efforts of 'peacemaking'* during the last few days, weeks, months, maybe even years - specifically around politics? I see people on all sides of this - from flaunting and boasting to despondent and depressed. As I was dropping my kids off at school today, I saw a pickup truck with a giant "TRUMP/VANCE" sign in their truck bed (it was legitimately filling the entire truck bed - so six-eight feet long, four-six feet tall). I've also seen videos of people screaming in anger/sadness at the news that Harris lost, not to mention the emotionally moving faces of her supporters in tears crowding around her concession speech.

*I also just learned today about the John Cena show "Peacemaker" though I wonder if the plot aligns with God's understanding of peacemakers more than Hollywood's portrayal of them. I don't wonder... that was sarcastic. 

Maybe you're seeking the way of Christ, which among others, is the way of peace. Your attempts to be a peacemaker have been met with confusion, disgust, or even dismissal. Keep reading... 

This year I finally read Dallas Willard's incredible book, The Divine Conspiracy. I am convinced everyone should read it, infinitely more so if you're a Christ-follower! 

He has a segment on the beatitudes that will forever alter how I view them. For what it's worth, the book as a whole is a deep dive into Jesus's most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount - as a pastor that reads and studies the Bible regularly, as a pastor that has preached through the SOTM, I am convinced I should have read Willard's book before preaching it! 

Here are his comments about the beatitudes:

"The beatitudes serve to clarify Jesus's fundamental message: God's rule and righteousness is freely available to all of humanity through reliance on Jesus himself. The beatitudes do this by taking those who, from the human point of view, are hopeless, beyond possibility of God's blessing, and demonstrating how they are enjoying God's touch and abundant provision from the heavens." (p. 116, The Divine Conspiracy)

Then he works through all the 'blesseds' - it is so good. Eye-opening. The kind of stuff you'll want to read to your wife - at least I did! But I wanted to highlight his comments on the peacemakers.

"The peacemakers are here too. 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' They make the list because outside the kingdom they are, as is often said, 'called everything but a child of God." (p. 118)

Maybe you've been trying to be a peacemaker, and you've been called every name on the list except a 'child of God' - remind yourself that Jesus sees you and calls you a child of God! 

Why is that? 

"Because they are always in the middle. Ask the policeman called in to smooth out a domestic dispute. There is no situation more dangerous. Neither side trusts you. Because they know that you are looking at both sides, you can't possibly be on their side." (p.118)

I love that line - since you're looking at both sides, you can't possibly be on their side. That's what people want - someone on their side. But if you're in the middle, you're not identified as a peacemaker, or pursuing the way of Christ, you're seen as 'not on my side'! 

"But under God's rule there is recognition that in bringing good to people who are in the wrong (as both sides usually are) you show the divine family resemblance, 'because God himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked' (Luke 6:35). The peacemaker deals precisely with the ungrateful and the wicked, as anyone who has tried it well know." (p. 118) 

Your efforts at peacemaking are reflecting God's heart. Bringing good, giving the benefit of the doubt, seeking to understand, being 'slow to speak, quick to listen' (James 1:19-20). You're dealing with both the 'ungrateful' and the 'wicked' - and when you deal with them peacefully, seeking to make peace, you'll see the ungratefulness and wickedness come out in full force. 

Jesus, our Lord and our example, endured very much the same. He submitted himself to arrest through the betrayal of a close friend and a cloak-and-dagger religious mob. He endured mocking and physical abuse. On the cross, while being taunted by countless others, including the other two men hanging beside Him (who were actually guilty), Jesus demonstrated the ultimate peacemaking, praying to God for their forgiveness! 

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

47th President

This is an opinion. Take it for what it's worth. But also the opinion of a blood-bought child of God who has now been called to pastor for eight years, through three elections (though I don't really remember much about the 2016 election except surprise). 

Our church experienced some disruptions on/around the 2020 election. I was going to say upheaval, but it wasn't as serious as that word implies. Personal upheaval for some in our church... maybe; but not upheaval throughout the church. 

As a pastor, I get to preach, and felt led to preach on politics on November 3rd (you can watch the sermon here). I am the first to admit I'm not the most well-versed on politics, the most researched, the most passionate -- but I have an opinion. And in the right setting, I love discussing and debating around most things, politics notwithstanding. The sermon isn't the right setting for a debate or discussion -- it is by design a monologue. My hope on Sunday was to point people to the Holy Scriptures and to encourage, uplift, remind those who were anxious or afraid about the results going one way or the other. I taught through Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2 as my anchor texts, but also spoke about our witness as 'light' and lastly pointed people to hope. 

That's what I still need - to be reminded, to remind myself, of my 'anchor-hope'. Hebrews says that we have an anchor for the soul in the person of Jesus Christ. Paul crafts a beautiful word-picture that Jesus as our anchor is intricately and intimately connected to us and goes all the way to the holy of holies of the previous temple. Through Jesus, and Jesus alone, we are restored to relationship to God, and this relationship, made possible by Jesus, should be our rock-solid, hope. Our 'anchor-hope' as I like to say. 

But then last night I found myself wanting to watch and be updated about the results, knowing all the while that it would be hours, if not days, before anything would be final. I woke up this morning and it was the second thing I focused on (first, coffee). 

And then I found myself feeling relieved once I saw that Donald Trump was likely the winner. 

Maybe you felt relieved. Excited. Joyful. If you wanted Trump to win, you felt something along those lines. 

Some of you reading this (if you haven't angrily X'd this tab yet) felt anger, frustration, fear. In large part because you wanted Harris to win (or anyone other than Trump!). 

Before you cheer or fly into a rage, have you consider why you felt the way you did? The emotion I felt - relief - caused me to wonder. "Why am I relieved?" Readers - ask yourself, especially if you're in Christ, 'why do you feel that way?' 

For me, I then had an inner-monologue that went something like this (though now I am of course elaborating and perhaps embellishing)

Why, self, be relieved at the results that you think are best? Were you so worried, even after you preached a sermon about fixing our hope in Jesus and Jesus alone? You were moved in your preparation, reminded, excited about the hope that you have, self, in the person of Jesus. Your hope isn't in a politician nor is your future in jeopardy because someone you think isn't best wins. More so, God's purposes are not on the brink of collapse because a certain party or politician wins or loses. Jesus is building His church, and death itself can't stop it. 

And then I pressed a little deeper... 

was God 'relieved' when the results came in? (It's hard not to chuckle when you read that.)

Has God ever been 'relieved' when something happened or did not happen? (As if the one who spoke the universe into existence was nervously awaiting the results of an election. I always picture Smithers  from the Simpsons tapping his fingers together when I think of nervous hands. Sorry, mom, for watching The Simpsons.) 

The one who knows the end from the beginning and has perfect knowledge of every single action and thought of every person throughout all time - He isn't 'relieved'!

And then I moved to the reality that, like it or not, we are emotional beings. Our emotions are God-given. God Himself has emotions, and as every human being is an image-bearer of God, we too have emotions. 

Some of the best stories in the Scriptures are when God expresses surprising emotions. Most expect the wrath, anger, judgment of God. Those aren't surprising. But all of us should be comforted and encouraged when we see the sadness of God, Christ weeping, or the joy of the Lord. 

While my emotions are real, and God has given them to me, I can't rely only on them. The Bible is clear "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure" (Jeremiah 17:9). Relying only on our emotions is going to lead us into trouble. More so, going fearfully or anxiously into an election is not aligned with the emotions of God. Nor do I think responding with relief to a result in your favor is aligned with the emotions of God. 

So, what did I do with the 'relief'? What are to do with whatever you're feeling after the 2024 election? 

I brought it before God. 

My goal today, and yesterday, and tomorrow (if God wills I have a tomorrow), is that I become more and more like Christ, more and more aligned with His will and His mind; His heart and His emotions. I believe (and see throughout the Biblical story) that we are going to increasingly be more aligned with God's heart, made more Christlike, as we live our lives seeking Him more and more. With that, we are (on this side of glory) undoubtedly going to wrestle with our flesh - our weakness, our tendency to sin, our hearts being far-too-often 'prone to wander.' 

Thankfully the God I worship, the God I'm increasingly getting to know and love, is the God who pursues me in my weakness, in my sin, with my 'prone-to-wander' heart, and He calls me higher. He calls me closer to Him. He calls me more and more into the life He's designed for me to live. Life that is legitimately living. 

This morning I thanked God that (for the majority) the election yesterday was peaceful, void of violence and chaos. This morning I have prayed that those who wanted Trump to win wouldn't gloat, taunt or demean those who didn't. This morning I have prayed for those who wanted Harris to win wouldn't despair. This morning I prayed, and will continue to pray, that God convicts the hearts of our political leaders. That God would reveal Himself to every political leader and that they would surrender their lives to Christ. This morning I prayed, as I see Paul commanding Christians to pray (1 Timothy 2), that God would grant our government officials wisdom and discernment to 'cultivate good' and 'mitigate evil'. 

My hope is built on nothing less 
than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:
all other ground is sinking sand.

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

There's a lot of rumblings (at least across my feed) lately about the deleterious effects of comparison. There's due warrant - the amount of people comparing their lives to the procured images and videos found on social media can make just about anyone second-guess their pursuits - parenting, relationships, work habits, athletics, beauty... the list goes on. 

But not all comparison is the "thief of joy". 

The quote is credited to Theodore Roosevelt: "Comparison is the thief of joy." While TR was many things, this quote has resonated for over 100 years now. 

This past week Hurricane Helene ripped her way through Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. The devastation throughout her path was severe. Notably, as a carolinian, the flooding in the Appalachian mountains was catastrophic. One news outlet claimed it was a "1,000 year event" - something so significant it would only occur once in a thousand years. That's crazy. But we're starting to see the destruction - over 100 lives have been lost, along with countless homes, businesses, and around the western Carolinas, entire roadways and bridges, leaving many quite literally stranded without power, water and other basic necessities. 

Thankfully, the response has been overwhelming. I saw the sports ticker reporting that a few NFL franchise owners were contributing millions towards aid, the POTUS promising support, and even here in Indian Trail, hundreds (thousands) of people bringing supplies to a crew of private pilots air-lifting water, wipes, rope, tarps and nonperishable food from the Statesville airport to the areas that are unreachable by vehicle. 

This morning as I was playing 'dad-taxi' (that's where I drive my kids around to where they need to go), I was burdened with the relief effort. Something about the damage from Helene has struck a chord in me more than other natural disasters. Perhaps it's the proximity to me - just a few hours away. Or even that we vacationed there last winter, taking our kids on their first snowboarding adventure. Or that some good friends of ours recently moved to Asheville to launch a new church and find themselves in one of the hardest hit parts of Asheville. 

Needless to say, I really want to help. More than just buying supplies and sending them, I want to be there to help. 

This is where comparison didn't steal my joy; it solidified it. This weekend, while thousands of people were praying to survive Helene, I was sitting comfortably in a recovery room with my wife (post successful surgery - another story for another time). We safely drove home on roads that were minorly affected. I watched Alabama narrowly defeat Georgia and was complaining nonstop about how we almost blew the lead. I was able to drive my three kids to our church Sunday morning and see four children get dedicated to God, hear stories from kids and youth and adults about how God had been bringing life in them and through them, and receive warm hugs and encouragement from countless individuals that are a part of my spiritual family, blood-bought brothers and sisters in Christ. 

All the while people were seeing their homes carried down rivers, entire roadways swept aside by mudslides, lacking the ability to contact friends, family or neighbors as the cell phone towers were down, seeking basic necessities like water. 

I am prone to 'compassion fatigue' just like you are. My encouragement to you (if you're still reading) is to realize that your current situation is better than others. If you're reading this from the comfort of your home, on your mobile device, without a concern that you have enough drinking water for you and your loved ones - you're better off than my neighbors in the carolina mountains. 

The Biblical invitation (command?) is to "Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 GNT) 

And I would add another invitation (also a command) found in James 2:15-16 (ESV) "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

I invite you to joy and gratitude for the good things you have.

I invite you to pray for those effected by Hurricane Helene.

I invite you also provide for those in need in the aftermath of Helene. 

Write it down.

 Write down the revelation and make it plain. (Habakkuk 2:2)

Write in a book all the word I have spoken to you. (Jeremiah 30:2)

I'm partly afraid. Afraid of rejection. Of people critiquing my lack of education, or research, or perhaps my poor lexicon and word choice (or redundancy). I want to write like Tim Keller, and Edgar Allan Poe, and Shakespeare, and Jesus, and NT Wright, and really all great authors combined. 

But it is safe to assume that none of those, except Jesus, began writing beautifully, richly, compellingly. They worked at it and honed their craft. So that's what I am setting out to do. 

This morning I was reading in John 14. I've been doing the Robert Murray M'Cheyne reading plan this year with a handful of guys. It's the Old Testament once, the New Testament twice. Just about four chapters each day - sometimes five if the chapters are shorter. 

Something about reading John 14:6 this morning hit me. 

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 

The truth of it didn't hit me... it was more the tone. Definitive. Solid. Resolute. 

It's an incredibly, unimaginably?, astonishingly bold statement of Jesus declaring His exclusivity when it comes to the way to the Father. It isn't even Him 'claiming' His exclusivity. That's not a bold enough word. It is a declaration. He didn't mince words. 

The way, the truth and the life are three concrete picture-words of how God led the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. The way was the staff - the tangible item that led the people of God from Egypt through the sea. The bronze serpent that was raised up to heal people from the swarm of vipers. The staff (of Aaron I believe) that budded and declared who the rightful leader of God's people was. 

The truth was the tablets of stone, the Ten Commandments as we now know them, which were to clearly show the Israelites (and subsequently all people) how life is to be lived. The truth goes beyond the ten, but it isn't any less than those. 

The life was the manna that God miraculously delivered to His people six days a week for forty years. Can you imagine? Your survival, for forty years, being dependent on the mysterious arrival of something like bread every single morning, a double portion on the sixth day so that you would be satiated throughout the seventh, AND none of it appearing on the seventh. Gathering too much would be of no use; it would spoil. Gathering too little (not for lack of trying; laziness) would not be too little. And then on the sixth day, the increased amount, the added sustainability. 

NOT TO MENTION this is the way God led an agrarian society. People who knew, really knew well, had become professionals at, agriculture, farming; they knew the times to prepare the soil, plant the seed, cultivate, and harvest. These actions aren't flippant, but seasonal. God tells them that He's going to provide on a day to day basis, not a season by season basis. Almost (not almost, but actually) contradicting the natural rhythm of seasons. 

It was said that three things were kept in the Ark of the Covenant. The staff, the ten commandments, and a jar of manna. All reminding the people of the way, the truth and the life. The way to stay close to God, to maintain relationship, is through that staff, the tablets of stone, and the manna. 

Here, in John 14, Jesus definitively states that He is, in fact, in reality, the only way to the Father. He's the staff that leads the people, they are to follow Him. He is the law that describes how life is to be lived. He is the bread of life that nourishes far more than our bodies, but keeps our souls alive. 

For me today, I am 'prone to wander' ... and Lord do I feel it. To find all sorts of alternatives to deliver me the way to live, truth to build my life on, the 'best' life. While I am strongly in favor of learning and gleaning from resources outside of the Bible, I have to remind myself, honestly daily, that the absolute Way, the actual Truth, and the Life that is actually Life, is found only in and through the person of Jesus. 

He goes on in John 15 to say this "He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Far from adding a new set of laws for us to legalistically pursue and uphold, He makes it clear that the only way we're able to live the life that He created us for, calls us to, and died to allow us into, is through abiding. Dwelling. Remaining. 

"Jesus' approval and presence is all I need for everlasting joy." 

Lord, Jesus, Yeshua, the great I AM - you know who you are - let me become more aware of your presence. Let me experience the glory of your goodness. Come to me this morning Lord. Remind me of your approval of me, not through what I've done or in spite I how I've failed, but because you died for me, taking all of my sins and flaws with you on the cross; and giving me your righteousness and perfection. That right now at this very moment, when God looks on me, He sees your blood covering me, and looks on me lovingly, as His very own, as a joy-bringer.

Faithful in small, faithful in big.

 Jesus said in Luke 16:10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." 

I'm sure some of y'all read different translations, so you can find the variants here - but they all say the same thing. Trusted, righteous, faithful in little, trusted, righteous, faithful in much. And the opposite is true as well. 

I was driving this morning and a memory blip came to me. I think the other I get the more my memories are more 'blips' than the full scene... 😏

It was from when I worked at Bubba's seafood shack in Orange Beach, AL. I started as a busboy, making minimum wage plus the tips from the servers I was assigned to. In the early 2000's, it was good money for a high school senior. 5.25/hr plus anywhere from $25-50 cash a night. After a while I got 'promoted' to waiter. I went from making 5.25/hr plus tips to 2.13/hr plus tips. It ended up being more per hour, and those paychecks for $0.38 were humorous to receive. 

The catch was that as a server, you were required (by the IRS, and subsequently my restaurant management) to claim 8% of your sales as tips. If you've ever tipped a waiter less than 10% you either are a very unkind person, or that waiter vastly underperformed. It's the meme today that people ask for gratuity on everything, and I am a bit uncomfortable when the starting suggested gratuity is 20%, then 25% then 30%! I sheepishly will tip less than 20% sometimes, but I cannot recall ever tipping less than 10% for service.* (I of course have tipped less than 10% when the person cashing me out has done literally nothing other than ring up my item(s). Why ask for gratuity if you've just stood there?)

Back to Luke 16:10 and our Lord Jesus. 

In restaurants, you were required to claim 8% of sales at tips, but seldom, if ever did you actually receive only 8% gratuity. You had to claim any Credit Card tips, as those are in the books, but all cash tips above 8% you could choose to not claim, as there was no way the IRS or anyone else could measure. It was even encouraged by those I worked with. 

While the percent difference wasn't much - we could call it 'very little' - it was still an opportunity to be trusted, faithful, righteous. Full confession, I wasn't trustworthy, faithful, or righteous in those years. 

And it got me to thinking - the words of Jesus sometimes can feel like rules, or laws, or goals - and sometimes they are - but He was God, which meant He knows how we are created, how we best function, and I have started seeing His words less as 'rules to follow' or '#squadgoals' but more as reality of how life actually is. 

You know my job before waiting tables? (I'm sure you're itching to know - fine, I'll tell you) I was the supervisor of the arcade at The Track. And do you know there were opportunities there to be 'faithful, trustworthy, righteous' in little? And in fact, it was 'more little' ... littler? ... than my time at Bubba's waiting tables. Sometimes there would be coin jams in the machines. And there was the temptation to pocket the coins I unjammed. Double confession today - at times, I pocketed some change. Justifying it somehow in my mind that I could hold on to them as justifiable for my efforts. 

Sorry to my managers at those establishments for my lack of trustworthiness. I doubt you'll ever read this, but legitimately, I look back and wish I could redo it. 

The reality Jesus is speaking into the gospel of Luke (16:10) and the reality that we can identify in our own lives, is that when we are faithful with little, we will far more likely be faithful with much. But if we're unfaithful with little - quarters in the arcade machine, a few % of tips unclaimed - it is likely we'll be unfaithful with more. 

One way we (Kris and I) have sought to be faithful in small in through our tithing. We see it as giving back what God has generously given us. Let me rephrase... the Scriptures tell us that when we give and offering/tithe, we are giving back. And in two passages (Hebrews 7, Genesis 14 - I had to google it, don't think I can recall these passages from memory), we see the model of giving a tenth of everything back to God. In the Genesis 14 story (which Paul refers to in Hebrews 7) Abraham gives to Melchizedek (high priest at the time) a tenth of what had just been taken from him. 

If Abraham can give a tenth of what was already his, but was taken, and is now returned to its rightful 'owner' (this is our language, not God's), how can we, seeking to be faithful in the smallest of things, give a tenth of everything? For us it includes birthday gifts, pastor appreciation gifts, random acts of generosity that are measurable. 

It can feel like a law, but if Jesus words are true about reality (they are), then if we are able to faithful in a $25 gift card on my birthday - yes, try and give $2.50 from a gift card back to God, it's a bit tedious - Kris and I will be far more likely to be faithful when we receive $2,500, or $25,000, or more. 

This applies for us to money and wealth, but it really applies to everything. God's given us everything we have - breath, time, gifts, passions, friendships, neighbors, homes, trucks (I only have one, I'm speaking generally here people), etc. - what would it look like for us to be faithful, righteous, trustworthy in the smallest of things? And how true is it that it is a foreshadowing of us being faithful, righteous and trustworthy in bigger things? 

Apathy & Arrogance

 Let's start with the words of JC Ryle (19th century English bishop)

Let us beware of the extremes. On one hand, the lazy indifference which turns away from all prophetical Scripture on account of its difficulties. On the other hand, of the dogmatic and arrogant spirit which makes men forget that they are students, speaking confidently as if they were prophets themselves. May we read prophetical Scripture with a heartfelt conviction that the study carries with it a blessing, and that more light may be expected on it every year. 

The text in question was Luke 21 starting in verse 5 and working its way through verse 38. The disciples are applauding how beautiful the temple was - huge stones (Josephus records they were 60+ feet in length). Jesus tells them it'll all be torn down. They ask him "Teacher, when is this going to happen? What clue will we get that it’s about to take place?" (v7, MSG)

You can watch the full live feed here (scroll to min 30 for the start of the sermon). 

Jesus goes into a bunch of descriptors of how Christians are to be throughout the trials that will come (and the trials will be devastatingly difficult), but Jesus doesn't - not here, or anywhere else - tell them specifically when it will take place. No date, year, etc. 

Reading Ryle's commentary (a great pickup for anyone wanting to study the scriptures deeper - for the Luke series I'm using Volume 1 and Volume 2) first convicted me and then confirmed what I (and likely you) see all throughout the church. I shortened his conviction to two words - apathy or arrogance. 

Apathy - what I was convicted with - when it comes to eschatological passages. There's so much study, research, differing convictions and opinions that it's tempting to just throw up my hands. "I don't know" (that's ignorance) "and I don't care" (that's apathy). Submitting ourselves to the whole counsel of scripture is part and parcel of being a Christian. All of it is 'God-breathed' - every word and verse (even the confusing parts) are "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

Arrogance - the other end, one I think I don't struggle with as much. The 'dogmatic spirit' (quoting Ryle again) which causes us to think we've figured it out, we know God's mind perfectly, and everyone else who doesn't align with our belief and conviction are dull, dim-witted, and it is our job to make sure they know what we know and agree with what we believe. 

My invitation, I think Jesus's invitation, is that we wouldn't be apathetic or arrogant, but continue to be a disciple. Following Jesus, staying really close to Him and paying attention to each and every word (even the words He spoke through the law and the prophets; the psalms and the letters; heaven forbid, even through John in the book of Revelation. 

As usual, another reminder came to me a day or two after preaching the aforementioned text. Simply put - we're not to be, nor can we be, experts in every area of theology. No one has the market cornered on every element of being Christian - eschatology, discipleship, spiritual gifts, ecclesiology (church)... the list goes on and on. But what God reminded me, and what I think He wants to communicate to you, is that there likely is an area of theology that you're interested, curious, or even passionate about. From creationism to the family, the old covenant vs. new covenant, the historical context or the present day application - there's likely (rather, surely) some area that God has, through the Holy Spirit, provoked you, prompted you, made your mind and heart draw to that He wants to mold and fashion you to communicate that, to teach others humbly and graciously, as a perpetual disciple, so that the church can become healthier and healthier - 'thoroughly equipped for every good work'. 

What's the area you're prone to apathy? Falling into arrogance? What is the thing that you can't get out of your head, or you continually see when you read the Scriptures? Perhaps God is wanting to work in you and through you as we get to partner with Him in bringing Life to more and more people. 

Pharisee, Publican and the 'Precious' (Luke 18)

"There's more than one way to skin a cat." For a great read about that phrase's etymology, click here. What you need to know is clear: dogs > cats. 

This is true about preaching sermons, and finding the numerous applications from the text from the singular interpretation. The interpretation of the first parable, called the "Pharisee and the Publican" (publican was old school language for tax-collector, or the most modern, 'tax-man') is clear. Neither our piety (acts of service) nor position can merit righteousness or justification; it is solely based on our hearts condition - knowing that we are sinful and that God alone can justify. 

I also noticed another level of application. 

The Pharisee touted his position (religious leader, elite even) and his piety (fasted 2x/week, tithed everything). These were works of supererogation - going above and beyond - according to God's Law and the Jewish tradition. One fast was required, not two; tithing your crops was required, not your garden herbs. 

Consider: We all have position and most likely, acts of piety. We're parents, businessmen and women, teachers, bosses, employees, students. Even consider that many of us are American, born into (or emigrated to) a great country with numerous benefits other countries can't fathom. We do good stuff - attend church, sing, give financially, and especially in our church, serve others. Considering our position and piety we must be cautious that we don't see those as that which might justify us. They don't. They are to be lived out righteously as acts of worship, giving praise to God who gave them to us, and for the life Jesus died to give us. 

The Publican prays "Have mercy on me, THE sinner." I love the acute focus of his prayer. I'm not just 'generally' sinful. He's not saying 'we're all a sordid lot.' He's saying, in line with Paul, "I am the chief of sinners." 

We're to be aware that as much as we have been given position and are carrying out acts of piety, our hearts are wretched, not to be trusted, and are far too 'prone to wander... LORD, I feel it!' 

But last is the 'precious' - trying to keep an alliteration is hard when you preach. But Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Chuckling at the next line and it's antiquatedness (?), 'they are precious in His sight.' 

At our foundation, our core, our starting principle - we are children of the Living God. We are not just born into it, nor adopted (tho some are), we are blood-bought brothers and sisters through Jesus' finished work on the cross. 

Far too often do I start my day with thinking about my position - dad, husband, pastor, neighbor. And my piety - read the Bible, pray, serve those around me. Those are great things, but they're not to be 'first things'. Or I can start out by beating myself up because I am 'the sinner.' Woe is me, wretch that I am. Why should I have a wife, or be a dad, or a pastor. Do the neighbors just 'put up' with me? That can lead to self-deprecation, disrespect, and shame. 

The first thought we should have when we wake is: "I am precious in His sight." "Jesus loves me." "I am God's son, whom He loves; I bring Him joy!" 

Not only should it be our first thought, but our foundation and guiding framework as we go through each day... as you go through this day. 

Reckless Living

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but Yahweh has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. Isaiah 53:6 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10

The three parables of 'lost' things in Luke 15 identify three elements that each of us can find ourselves in. Like the lost sheep, we were astray - wandering to and fro. But God...

Like the lost coin, we were helpless - unable to do anything to find our way back. But God... 

Like the lost son, we were rebellious - living recklessly in opposition to God's design. But God... 

You can watch those two sermons (3/21 and 3/28) over at 704's youtube channel. But there's one thing that came up as I was 'percolating' that I think can speak to each of us - whether we're still astray, helpless and rebellious, or if we've been found and are now living our lives in worship of God, who sent His son to save us. 

The parable of the lost son doesn't share that the son ever discusses his 'prodigal-ness' with his father (or his brother for that matter). He comes back and gives the general apology - 'I've sinned against heaven and against you' (Luke 15:21). 

I wonder if the son was so embarrassed by his reckless living, so ashamed - he didn't have it in him to tell the father exactly how he had burned through his inheritance, or what he was doing specifically when he realized he should come home. 

Sometimes the sin that we're enjoying (for the moment) is so deplorable, that when we come to our senses we have heaps of guilt, shame, embarrassment over the way we were living. 

I remember years ago finding an aim chat that I had saved for some reason (AIM stands for AOL Instant Messenger, and before texting, it was the cool thing to have so you could chat with your friends - I had the best away messages, btw). I remember seeing it, wondering why I saved it, but then more so being generally confused at the words I had written. Then confusion turned into disgust. There was profanity, 'unwholesome talk' and more. As I read over the saved AIM chat, it was hard to believe I had written those things. I immediately deleted it, and then emptied the trash of the computer I had it on. 

There's loads of application from the prodigal son story - but one that I didn't press into (wish I would have more so?) - is the motive for coming home, and the place the son was at when he knew he needed to come home. 

The son's motive was that he was hungry. Maslow's hierarchy of needs lists 'food' as a foundational physiological need. Meaning if you come to Christ out of desperation for food, shelter, warmth - he'll come running. If you come to him because of failed employment or bankrupty (2nd level; safety) - he'll come running. If you come due to a broken relationship (3rd; love and belonging), humiliation (4th; esteem) or even the awareness that your life is unfulfilling (5th; self-actualization) - he. will. come. running. 

The son's place was that he was feeding pigs, wishing he could eat the food the pigs were eating. For a hebrew man, this would have been wildly offensive - gross, but also religiously 'unclean' as pigs were never to be handled. I imagine down the road it would be a healthy exercise to share exactly what was going on - with a trained therapist no doubt - but just notice that the Father doesn't ask the son to recount where he was, what he was doing, how low he went, or even why he wanted to come home. 

He. just. ran. 

Best robe. Signet ring. Sandals. Fattened calf. 

Wherever you are in your relationship with God, whatever view you have of God and expectation you hold in how He will respond to you coming to Him, let this parable break all the false-images you have. He is compassionate, in the fullest sense of the word. And He throws a party when you return. 

In fact, all of heaven celebrates when you come back. 

Eight Years & Eight Learnings

Rockharbor Charlotte launched eight years ago today - March 27th, 2016. It was Easter Sunday (the earliest Easter Sunday we've experienced - even this year's March 31st is early!) and we had our first 'official' service after being in Charlotte for eight months. We had somewhat trained our team and had spread the word for our launch. We had 87 people there that first Sunday (and then around 30 the next...). 

As my calendar reminded me that today was our launch anniversary, I was thinking through the years - ups and downs of ministry. I have changed so much since eight years ago, and I think most of it is for the better. One of my joys now after eight years is the realization that a lot of things God has shaped in me can be beneficial for others, thus the following "Eight Learnings" from the past eight years (believe me, there are plenty more). 

 As a disclaimer, if you're reading this and find yourself referred to (obviously not by name), I genuinely am thankful for the way God worked through you before, during, and after the lesson He taught me through our relationship. I have a long way to go in ministry (hopefully) and a long way to go in being more like Christ. 

1. Jesus is the foundation. 

Before we set out to Charlotte, God spoke really clearly to me through an upside down campfire. The premise of the upside down fire is that the foundation needs to be solid for the fire to burn properly. I heard Him say "Jesus is the foundation of the Church. If He is the foundation, it will stand." Which is really similar to what Jesus says to Peter in Matthew 16 - "On this rock I will build my church." Jesus wasn't referring to Peter (though Peter was a pretty amazing dude), but rather to the profession Peter had just made in 16v16 "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 

If we're not careful, we can make a whole slew of things the 'foundation' of the church. Great programs, epic worship, amazing preaching... or even a great atmosphere with properly dimmed lights, smoke and lasers. At worst, we can make the Lead/Senior/Head Pastor the foundation. Are they a great preacher? A great shepherd? A great leader? 

But at the core of the church is not a sermon, a setlist or a great lobby experience -- but the person of Jesus Christ. We want all of those elements to be excellent, but they're never the foundation. 

2. You're not God. 

A few years ago - actually four, because it was an election year, we had a couple that left the church because my political preferences weren't what they hoped for (I'll leave you to wonder what my preferences were). I was sad because they had been a part of the church for a few years, and I was hopeful that they had grown spiritually to recognize that political preferences shouldn't be the most important factor in a person's Christianity - much less that they would leave a church because we disagreed. Nonetheless, they left. 

I was bummed and felt I had failed them as a pastor. Surely my preaching and leadership and prayer would have shaped them to be more spiritually mature, but it hadn't. A wise friend counselled me then (and numerous times before and after) that I am not God, and it is He alone, working through Holy Spirit, who transforms people. And that transformation is usually more like cultivating a plant and building a house. And it also looks wildly different than what we hope for.

Which is where we should all say "Thank God I am not God!" What kind of god would you be? Not a great one, I'll wager. But it's challenging to release that responsibility and authority to the one who has all authority. 

Whether it's someone in your church, or a child, or a close friend. We're called to be obedient to Christ in how we live, but the work of cultivating Christlikeness in others is always His work. 

This wasn't the first or the last time I'd have to learn the lesson and surrender to God, who is actually God, and not me. 

3. Skip School. 

Shoutout to Mike Moses for this one. Being a pastor is hard with young kids. I mean everything is more challenging with young kids - but specifically around taking time to hang out with them. Sundays are full and Saturdays often find themselves full with parties, games, and other responsibilities like chores... which I love... jk. 

Mike told me that he had his kids skip school whenever he wanted to hang out with them. To the point that the school was worried about his kids attendance, even though their grades were great. To be fair, schools get funds based on attendance, so they have to follow-up with absences. 

Kris and I have adopted that strategy, choosing to have our kids skip school on a Monday or Friday so that we can extend our time with them. Most people get Saturday and Sunday off, but not our family. Even a couple of weeks ago, we went camping as a family (for the first time - it was awesome) and had our kids skip a day of school. We didn't make an excuse - just said they were camping. 

As a caveat, Mike did say 'before High School attendance doesn't matter.' Sorry Mike if I'm throwing you under the bus! So until our kids are in High School (just three years for our oldest!), we're going to take them out of school so we can do 'normal' things that others get to do. 

4. Be a tortoise (most of the time). Some times you gotta be the hare. 

Eugene Peterson has a book that walks through the Psalms of Ascent, and its title is A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. It's a call to steadily pursue God through the highs and lows of life. 

The challenge is that we life in a society that is fast and expects quick results. But the best things in life are never immediate. It's not a call to be lazy, but a call to not rush from one things to next in a hurried state.

The buzz word today is "I'm so busy." Most people, if asked 'How have you been?' will respond with some variant of 'I'm busy.' I'm convinced that is a self-inflicted condition - running around from one task to the next with seldom a moment of pause, or slowness, or unhurriedness (is that a word?). 

One of Jesus's most compelling calls is found in John 10, where he describes himself as the good shepherd, who knows his sheep, and his sheep know his voice. John 10:10 sums up what should be our pursuit - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." I don't want a busy life, I want a full life. And a full life contains moments of slowness, of being intentionally present, even unproductive. 

Yes, there are times we should be the hare. Running rapidly, pursuing with passion, but I think the long-game that I'm living for is a tortoise life, a life that is less busy than it is full. 

5. Discern subtle comments. 

This started off as 'pay attention to subtle comments' but I quickly rephrased it, because if we paid attention to every subtle comment, we'd be contemplating far too many. 

One of the things I've seen, and usually seen after the fact, is that people let you in on what's going on, but it starts with subtlety. We had a leader in the past who made subtle comments here and there, and I looked past them as nothing substantial. Years down the road, I realized that those comments were leading into a much bigger reality that I wish I could have pulled at, like a loose thread on a shirt. Not to unravel it entirely, but to see what bigger issue or concern was lying underneath the subtlety. 

Just recently one of our leaders made a comment and then sort of dismissed it. I realized this was one of those 'subtle comment' moments, so a couple days later I called and asked them about it. Non-judgmentally, but, as Scazzero teaches, with 'curiosity.' There was in fact more to the subtle comment than initially revealed, and I was able to talk with them through it, clarify any misconceptions, and point them towards scripture as it pertained to their question at hand. 

If there is a subtle comment made in your general direction, and you can't shake it. I would urge you to bring it before the Lord (that sounds cliche, but I mean it) and then if He gives you freedom, to bring it back to the person. Approach with curiosity - I legitimately will ask "I'm curious about this statement you made..." and then see if there's anything underneath it. Some of these will need to be dismissed, but in the case where there is something lying underneath it, they will be appreciative of your pursuit, and you'll be better off with a clean conscience. 

6. Leaders serve the Lord of the house. We don't first serve the house of the Lord. 

A pastor mentor, Dori Little, shared this nugget with me when I asked him "What are three things you'd say to a younger pastor?" (the other two were solid, as well, but this blog only has eight learnings) 

It's a fine line to follow, because we want the 'house' to be excellent, healthy, beautiful, and vibrant - all words that God uses in His scriptures to describe His church. But we'll often be tempted to serve the needs and wants of the house and the people therein, to the detriment of serving the Lord of that house - which, as a reminder to point 2, is God, not you, nor your concerned congregant. 

There are times when pastors and leaders in the church need to make hard decisions, say difficult things, and call people to a lifestyle that is counter-intuitive as well as flat-out oppositional to what they're looking for. These aren't ever easy, but if we're to lead the church well, we must keep our eyes focused on God, and then ask Him for wisdom to lead the church, not the other way around. 

7. God wants our obedience, even when it's not clear what obedience will lead to. 

This comes from a beautiful story when we were asking God for confirmation that we would move to Charlotte, NC from southern California, removing our family from a great community of both church and friends alike. 

I was praying for confirmation at San Elijo camp grounds. It's a decent place to pray, as it's near the ocean, and I was able to have a lot of solitude, much of which was out on a surfboard in the Pacific. I was asking God for a clear sign - a burning bush, a clear audible voice, even a dolphin jumping over me with a bottle with a note inside that says "Go to Charlotte." Surprisingly (or rather, not) God didn't speak to me that way. 

As I was surfing alone, a group of five guys were out with me. They were all friends, based on their conversation with each other. I wanted to be alone. One of the five paddled over near me and began talking. My initial response (internally) was "Go away. I'm trying to hear from God." but I was cordial. He kept pestering me (really just being friendly) until he asked why I was there, what I was doing, and I just finally said "OK." And told the random guy what I was asking God for. 

And then, without the sky darkening, or thunder booming, perhaps similar to Moses's description where God spoke to him as 'a friend speaks to a friend' this random stranger said "Sometimes God is calling us to be obedient, to trust Him, even though we don't know what it looks like." I didn't know what Charlotte would look like (the rando didn't know that). I knew God was calling us, and it would be a huge step in obedience. I knew immediately that it was God speaking through this guy - who I really thought could be an 'angel unaware'. It turns out he's a real dude, Mark, and I am thankful for his uninvited friendliness that day on the water by San Elijo. 

8. Develop thick skin, but keep a soft heart. 

This one is particularly if you're called into ministry. There are countless stories (many I'm sure you've experienced, and more you've heard) of people in the church wounding pastors, leaders in the church, etc. As much as we are to be pursuing Jesus personally, and prayerfully considering where we have to repent and continually become more Christlike in every arena of our lives, assaults, attacks, complaints, critiques and downright denigration is coming to come. 

What I've learned through wise counsel is to bring those comments to the people who are close to you who can speak honestly and if necessary, painfully to you. It's happened with other leaders in our church, with close friends in the church, with randoms that aren't really close at all. 

But if we're pastoring, or leading in the church, we're to model our lives and our ministry after the person of Jesus. He was, far more than you or I ever will be, insulted, reviled, persecuted, and downright attacked - in every state of the word - emotionally, physically, psychologically. Yet he turned the other cheek, prayed for his accusers, and like Isaiah writes (53v7), "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." 

If you're going to endure in ministry on any level, you've got to know that trials will come - sometimes in the form of accusations or slander, and while it might be tempting to grow calloused to the point where those words don't affect you at all, we must seek to keep a soft heart. 

These following words might sound manipulative or empty to the people who have hurt my wife and I, but I am genuinely sad, grieved, at times to the point of tears, that the people who have assaulted us in some way (never physical, thankfully, at least not yet) have left the church in the way they did. I still regularly pray for them, want the best for them, and trust that God is working in them. 

If he's able to work in a sinner like me, he's able to work in every single person on the planet. 

Lost and Found.

 I have an eleven year old that loses things constantly. The old adage has been used on him more than once "You'd lose your head if it wasn't attached!" Due to his ability to misplace things, the lost and found at his school is a oft-frequented stop. Lunchbox. Jacket. Waterbottle(s). 

Sometimes those can be treasure troves. I remember when different schools or soccer leagues open up lost and found at the end of the year to empty it out. We've found some awesome water bottles, a pair of cleats -- even an unclaimed iPhone years ago (don't judge - it was left at the end of the school year and remained unclaimed for three months). 

Luke 15 has three stories of lost things. All of them are found. Breaking from the 'lost and found' at my sons school - they aren't just sitting there in a pile of other lost things - they are very, very lost. 

The first is the lost sheep. 1 out of 100. 1% of the herd. And the text tells us that the shepherd leaves the other 99 in 'open country' -- implying that they'd be put at some risk -- to go and search after the lost sheep. In this way we all are like sheep - we have gone astray. We meander from one patch of grass to the next, our only direction being our appetite - "This looks good. Oh, that sounds fun. Try this." 

But God, as the good Shepherd, that is Jesus the Christ, searches for us. And friends, He is successful. I didn't get to this on Sunday as the parable doesn't really get to this point - but you gotta know that there isn't a single lost sheep that he hasn't been able to find. He has a 100% success rate at sheep-finding! He found you, after all! 

The second is the lost coin. 1 out of 10. 10% of the dowry most likely for this 'woman.' The woman rummages through her entire home with a lamp seeking after the lost coin. Looks under stuff, moves furniture, sweeps with lots of elbow grease to ensure it hasn't been buried by foot-traffic. We're also like the coin - in that it is helpless. 

Apart from the initial work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, most often through His church, we are unable to seek God. We're enemies of God. Our hearts are absolutely self-centered. Our minds are closed off to His beauty and grandeur. But God, through His church (which is what the woman with the lamp symbolizes) seeks out that which is lost. He too, as the woman with the lamp searching for the lost coin, has 100% success. There's no coin out of his reach - there's no soul beyond the reach of his arm to shed his love and light on. 

The third one - well, that's for next week. The lost son. Not 1%, or 10%, but half. And not just a part of your family's revenue stream (the sheep), nor just a part of your dowry or 'life-savings' (the coin) - an integral, valued, cherished, loved key part of your family - your own flesh and blood. And unlike the sheep who wanders, the coin that is helpless, the son willingly leaves the Father's house, selfishly dishonors the Father by demanding his inheritance now, and self-destructively pursues wild living from outside the safety and security of his family. 

Being Sick is the Worst

 Man, being sick is the worst! Try and establish any sort of rhythm with work, family, exercise, etc. and then get some cold or severe allergies and just throw it all out the window. That's one of the excuses why I wrote this later than normal (not that anyone is eagerly anticipating my thoughts, except those who write our Life Group curriculum)! 

Jesus gives a call for anyone who would become his disciple, and then the way Luke retells the story, there are three 'whoever does not...' cannot be my disciple. I called these 'disciple doesn't's' (and always am guessing how many apostrophe's I should include). 

A disciple doesn't love anyone more than Jesus.

A disciple doesn't ignore the cross they are to carry. 

A disciple doesn't cling to that which they possess.

Three interesting concepts, but they're all around three really significant areas of our lives. Relationships, self/power, and possessions. I'm not sure if there's anything else that slips through those three large categories, especially if you interpret them broadly. 

Jesus is painting a clear picture that if we are to follow Him, to be His disciples, we're to reorient how we live every aspect of our lives. He is the most important relationship, He is the authority, and all we possess is His. 

What I think I failed to communicate in preaching this passage is to encourage! All of my main points were around the fact that this call is incredibly hard, none of us will ever perfect it, and it doesn't involve the common notion of health, wealth and prosperity that circulates our nation as the all important goal. 

But what I've percolated on for a bit now (that's one of my favorite words for two reasons... I really love percolating on ideas, driving around with the radio off just thinking, mulling it over... second reason is bc I love coffee and just bought a camping percolator so I can have fresh coffee when we camp!)... where was I? 

What I've percolated on for a bit now is that if Jesus is God, and if God is the Creator of the Universe (including us) and the only all-wise, all-powerful, eternal, fully loving and fully just and fully merciful and fully gracious entity... then these three arenas of life only make sense if they are lived out as Jesus calls us to in Luke 14. 

If God is who God says He is, we are absurd to not love Him so exceedingly, it makes every other relationship look like hate. 

If God is the King over every King, the King's King (I love saying it that way), then we have no authority and we are only admitting we're not in charge as we carry our cross as a statement of fact, not something we can 'choose'. 

If God does own all things - cattle, hills, breath, gold, silver, etc. then us not 'clinging' to our possessions is more of a statement, again, of reality as we can't cling to them anyways. He gives and He takes away. He sends rain and withholds it. He causes the Sun to rise. 

I asked my son yesterday what reasons he could come up with for people not believing in God. Other than other faiths who worship a different deity, the basic answer was that most people don't believe in God, or order their lives around Him, or ... do the three things listed here (hate, carry, cling) because they want to live life how they see fit. I think he's right. 

But if only we could all see (Christians, Christians in name only, Atheists, other theists, alike) that God is God, there is no other - we would be less challenged by a passage like this, and more of a crowd of head-nodding as we agree to the reality that Jesus is portraying. 

Send a Delegation!

 Luke 14:25-35 records a pretty strong teaching about what it means to be a disciple. A few 'doesn't's' (how many apostrophes do I need there?) But as I was reading through Matthew Henry's commentary, a beautiful image of Christ's love overflowed in the imagery. 

Henry mentions the example of going to war but preparing for war by estimating if we can win. Our 10k vs their 20k. And that being a disciple implies a life of peril, or pain, or sacrifice - as there is in actual war. 

But then he makes the poignant point - if we choose non-discipleship, insisting in our sin, we are waging war against God. A God that no matter how well prepared you are, well trained, well resourced - his power outmatches you infinitely. 

But... check this beautiful nugget out. If that were the case, and maybe you've realized that, following Jesus's illustration here - we should go and seek peace right away! You're stronger, you're greater, you're mightier - please let us surrender! 

But God. 

God initiates peace with us! He sends the delegation - doesn't wait for us to. And not only does he broker the peace, but he brokers a peace that is both immeasurably costly to Him and exceedingly wonderful for those who receive it! 

It cost Him the life of his son - death on a shameful torture device, separation from the Father, all of our sin cast on Him. Agony. Pain. Abandonment. Evil. 

And it offers us full and free pardon for all of our sin - past, present and future - and with that pardon, right relationship with God, and eternal life (beginning now) with our creator and Lord, alongside all of our other blood-bought brothers and sisters! 

Love it! 

What's your excuse?

 This past week I was delighted to have another person in our church's pulpit. Don't get me wrong - I love preaching. And most times when someone else preaches, I think of how I would have done it differently. This week was no exception - except that I realize if I had preached like Lakeysha did (you can see it here) it would have been an act, a facade. I just can't bring the energy and the cadence and the rhythm like she did. 

Nonetheless, as I was looking at the passage, and listening to her message, I couldn't help but be drawn to the excuses the original 'invited' gave (v18-20). A field. Five yoke of oxen. A spouse. There's probably a creative connection between all three. A field that is unplowed, the animals to plow the field, a spouse that the animals and field are providing for. 

But without unnecessary pressing of the texts original intent - these three excuses are just that - excuses. Perhaps you're reading this and you're far more mature, so you'd never turn down this invitation because of some property, or some animals, or even a wife. But the underlying premise is applicable for all. 

What is that which you hold of higher value than Christ and His Kingdom? 

I remember when I was younger I desperately prayed God wouldn't return before I got married and had kids. Thanks for holding off for me, Jesus. 

Now I'm hopeful I get to meet my grandkids some day.

But once I meet them, I'll probably have another thing I'd like to experience... first. 

There's a natural inclination in our humanity to prioritize temporary, tangible, and physical over the eternal, intangible, and spiritual. 

When Jesus calls you - will you bring an excuse, or your self? 

This Strange New World

 One of the elements of Christianity that puzzles me, one that I can almost guarantee puzzles you, too, is the idea that we're disciples of Jesus, and/or that we're citizens in the Kingdom of God. Not that you don't think you are - I believe I am a disciple of Jesus, a citizen of the Kingdom of God - it's just that it's really hard to describe what those mean fully. 

Our church uses three phrases for what it means to be a disciple, found in our mission - follow, become and do. Disciples' primary goal was to become like the rabbi, to do what the rabbi was doing. Similarly is the idea of citizens. We are citizens of the KoG, and likely another kingdom too - whether it's the US, or another country... maybe you're reading this and you're a sovereign citizen, or you somehow found this post and you're off-the-grid and won't allow anyone to claim you as their citizen. You're the exception. 

Back to the point. Jesus, throughout His biographies, is teaching his audience (and us) what it means to be His disciples, what it looks like to fully live as a citizen in His Kingdom. In one example (Luke 14) he gets invited to a dinner at a Pharisee's home, and has three interactions (at least through v14 - there's another starting in v15). One is with the religious leaders, another with the guests, and the third with the host of the dinner. Each audience he specifically addresses an area they were lacking, falling short, missing the point, or possibly even sinning. Whether it was sabbath regulations, true humility and the humble/exalt balance, or authentic hospitality and the tendency to invite guests to 'gain' something. 

I was struck by the fact that Jesus doesn't talk to the religious leaders about hospitality, or to the guests about sabbath regulations. Meaning that there was a specific area of their lives that Jesus wanted to poke, to speak into, and to call them to change. 

This is my conjecture, so take it for what you will - but you're likely in one of those three groups, and I have one question for each for you to consider. It's possible you're in all three, or at least should wrestle with all three questions. 

The religious leaders (Pharisees, Teachers of the Law) is for the Christian leader - pastor, small group leader, kids director, worship leader, youth pastor. The question: "What would prevent you from healing someone?" Which is what they were doing as to not violate the sabbath. But the question grows if you consider other acts of mercy we're commanded throughout the scriptures. What would prevent you from praying for someone? Showing mercy? Extending compassion? Sitting with over coffee? I still haven't fully figured out how this group could heal, knew they could heal, and yet refused to on the sabbath day. 

The guests (moderate Christians, attending but perhaps not in leadership, middle of the pack sort of gal). The question: Do you want to be humiliated, or honored? That's an EASY one, am i right? Well, the answer lies in your ability to humble yourself, or exalt yourself. And this isn't just about dinner etiquette, but about living in the Kingdom. As a disciple. Do you demand honor, are you entitled to a certain level of respect because of your background, your years of 'service' to God, or even perhaps the radical generosity you've demonstrated in your giving. 

The host (I'd say this is wealthy, influential, connected people). The question: Do you want to be blessed, or repaid? Jesus says if you wanna be repaid, invite those who can repay you - other 'hosts' or people like you. But if you wanna be blessed, invite those over who can't. You'll be a blessing, and be blessed, AND you still get repaid when Christ returns for the second (and last) time. He isn't saying don't invite those who can return the favor, but a key attribute of His disciples, of citizens in His kingdom is the ability to love the stranger, to be hospitable (Greek: philoxenia, φιλοξενία). 

Maybe it's best you read through Luke 14:1-14 again on your own. Consider how the Spirit of God might be speaking to you, through His Holy Word, through this little letter I've written - so that you can further understand the costs and the benefits of being a disciple of the wisest and most powerful rabbi; a citizen of the best Kingdom with the greatest King. 

Fire Insurance

Fire Insurance. It's a phrase we use when people lean on fear or pending doom as a motivator for action. In Christianity, it's a common occurrence - if you don't say Yes to Jesus you're going to burn for eternity (there's numerous and plenty of descriptors of what 'hell' is going to be like - none of them are appealing, and the 'burn' is a common occurrence throughout the depictions). 

Also just learned I do not know how to spell occurrence. Thankfully there's spellcheck. I misspelled it twice, hah.

Jesus gives a really vivid picture of a door being closed and the people shut out knowing very clearly that they want to be in... should be in? could have been in? 

His words are striking in Luke 13v24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' 

There's clearly a lot going on here, but a significant word is 'strive' (in the LSB). The NIV says "make every effort". The greek word is a fun one - agonizesthe ἀγωνίζεσθε. It's where we get the word 'agonize' from - it can mean to strive, to exert effort, or to fight. 

Jesus is telling people to fight to enter in the narrow door. If I can be honest, when I look at my own life, or even those of other Christians in my circles, the first word that comes to mind about how we're living isn't 'fight'. It's usually softer, with some steadfastness, or perseverance, or maybe faithfulness. 

But Jesus says agonizesthe - fight - make every effort. And while He is 'selling fire insurance' so to speak, He also is telling us the truth, and that truth made very plain. 

There is going to be an end to the grace and mercy we've experienced as humanity. God will return and will at that point begin judging righteously. There will be no more 'second chances' after this return. 

And the image Jesus masterfully paints here is a person on the outside, looking in, begging to get in, but unable to. The reply from the master of the house is quite horrifying "I don't know you. Depart. Worker of iniquity." ((deep sigh)) 

As I was re-reading the passage again, I was stunned at his passion for the city of Jerusalem. After this clear warning - "FIGHT TO ENTER! THE DOOR IS GOING TO CLOSE!" His words expose a heart that is broken for a sinful and confused, rebellious and fighting-the-wrong-person humanity. But there must be a limit. Words can't fully express emotions though, can they. Even attempting to write it out - I don't know where to begin, what words to employ, or even how many. In this case (and in all) Jesus's words must be enough: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you did not want it."

We'd all love a god who extends mercy and grace and 'second chances' ad nauseum. We'd appreciate the loan on our lives, the extension of forgiveness, and likely wrap it all up with promises of improvement, repentance and thankfulness. The sobering reality is that the eternal, perfect, infinite, holy God extended grace and mercy at all to humanity. And while we don't know when the door will be shut for good, nor do any of us truly know the hour our lives here will end - we do know we have today. That we are in the time of God's favor now. Today can be the day of salvation. 

What is the Kingdom of God like?

I've been a Christian for as long as I can remember. I was 'saved' at around eight years old. Always reminds me of that Stephen Curtis Chapman song "No Better Place - watch that for a throwback!" For the past five years, I've been able to read through the Bible in its entirety six times! Once I did it in sixty days - mainly listened to it! :) One thing I've heard, and have experienced, is that while you can read the Bible cover-to-cover in a year (or sixty days!), you won't get to the bottom of it in your entire life. The sermon I delivered on Luke 13v18-21 is a great example of that. Two relatively simple pictures that have incredibly deep meaning. A mustard seed growing into a large tree, and yeast that is mixed into sixty pounds of flour. 

Jesus is showing us what the Kingdom of God is like. 

Is it a set of new ideals? Is it about being forgiven? Yes and yes. But more. 

Through lots of commentaries and a couple of sermons from far wiser and more experienced pastors, I arrived at four pretty cool points that these two parables make. 

The Kingdom of God begins small. Humble beginnings. A mustard seed is tiny. The ratio of yeast to flour is 1.5 to 100. Are you able to pinpoint the first moment the Kingdom of God showed up in your life? The first seed planted? Have you considered the humble beginnings of the church? Take Jesus, born poor, into a family from a low social caste, from a small town. And then His first disciples - twelve guys that weren't chosen for their amazing pedigrees but in spite of them. 

But the Kingdom of God, while starting small, brings growth! The seed becomes a ten-foot-tall tree. The handful of yeast works its way through the all the flour, literally causing it to rise when baked. The first thirteen men (Jesus included), grew to just under 100 after sending out the seventy-two. Then a few thousand at Pentecost. But by 300 AD, in a Roman Empire of around 60+ million, Christians comprised 10% of the population. That's thirteen men to over 6,000,000 Christians. By 350 AD, the Roman Empire was 56% Christian (article, and this follow-up by pbs.org)! But sixty pounds of flour isn't just for the person baking it - no one can eat 60 loaves of bread - at least no average person! This amount of bread would feed a small neighborhood! And the mustard tree line mentions 'the birds perched in it' (referencing Ezekiel 17:23, 31:6 and Daniel 4:12, 21). 'The birds' symbolize the nations. God's original call to Abraham is found in Genesis 12... 

2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” 

The Kingdom of God begins small, like a seed, but grows large and blesses those around you! Feeds others. They nest in it. (watch this version of "Bless Me" recorded in Everglades Correctional Institution! There's something deeply moving watching inmates sing "Bless me so that everyone around me can everything they need." I just watched it again - so good!)

The Kingdom of God also births new life. The seed turns into a tree; the yeast leavens the whole batch, changing the chemical composition of the existing flour (pretty interesting google rabbit hole if you're interested). The Bible, over and over again, says that when we are in Christ, we are a new creation, given a new birth, not merely humans any longer. Just like a plant becoming an animal experiences a new level of life, or an animal becoming a human would... humans who are in Christ, who are experiencing the Kingdom of God are no longer merely human, but are on a higher level of existence, a new life! 

The last thing is that it brings internal change. The seed, alive with life, mixed into soil, teeming with organic matter, changes. The yeast, mixed into the flour, changes everything. The result of the Kingdom of God in your life brings change! It's likely hidden, or invisible to those around you... at least at first. Just like a mustard seed in the soil is literally hidden; or yeast mixed into flour can't really be 'seen' - but it brings about change. If you're walking with Christ, a citizen of the Kingdom of God, while you might not be able to pinpoint the first seed of the gospel in your life, you can likely point to the change that's taken place in you!