This morning I spoke at a conference for worship pastors. Before I spoke I sat in a session where they were on a skype call with some innovative worship "designers" who were in Hong Kong working with Chinese pastors and worship leaders. They are working with the Chinese because there is a great revival happening over there, and not just in China, but lots of places in the East.
Back in November I read an article in World Magazine about the leading economist in Beijing, Zhao Xiao. He became a Christian in 2004, but because of his status as a leading economist, he is still a member of the Communist Party and is held in high esteem in his government. Zhao has sold his government on the need for morality in markets and has convinced Party leaders that Christian ideals are what will bring China a sustainable society and economic development.
Let's not forget that this is a nation with a horrible human rights record, especially concerning their dealings with believers. When I first heard about "awakening" in the East several month ago, I was skeptic. How could that be happening in such a repressive nation? After reading the article about Zhao it became a little more plausible that an awakening may be occuring there, maybe even the next Great Awakening.
What's sad in all that is that the next awakening will leave us in the West out. We are a post-Christian culture moving far, far away from the practice of Christian principles in our government and society. Who knows, maybe China will one day be the nation people think of when the term "Christian nation" is spoken. Too bad the Christian population in the U.S. has been too quiet and too docile far too long - what did we expect the end result to look like?
God, awaken me; help me to be renewed in what appears to be a non-renewable society.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Face of Compassion
All that is happening in Haiti got me thinking about the role of Christians in portraying the compassion of God to our world. I heard a story on the news yesterday about how people in Haiti who had been heavily influenced by all the witch doctors and their voodoo are now becoming responsive to Christ. The reason? They don't see the witchdoctors or other demonic "religions" of their culture doing anything for them. They do see that the people bringing aid and comfort are primarily Christians, disciples of Christ, followers of a God of love and grace and mercy.
I know there are lots of organizations like Red Cross that offer aid all over the world, but the reality is Christians are typically at the forefront because we have been touched by the compassion of Christ for us and we are called to share that compassion with a world that needs to know a loving God.
I also was thinking this week about what life will be like when Christians are taken out of this world. There is so much suffering now and it is only going to get worse through the tribulation and all that will happen as the end of the age comes. Can you even imagine how horrible it will be when the face of compassion and grace is no longer looking over the tragic human condition?
Finally, I wonder how you and I are doing personally in being the face of compassion daily. I don't mean just whether we are compassionate and do something during tragedy. I mean just in day to day life. Are we the face of a compassionate, loving God toward the waitress who totally messes up our order, toward the clerk who takes forever, toward the people who get in our way, who slow us down, who just can't seem to get their act together?
Remember, we are salt and light. How are we doing at bringing the flavor of God (compassion and grace are flavors) to every situation and person we encounter?
God, thank-you for your compassionate grace. Help me to be Your face to the people I encounter daily.
I know there are lots of organizations like Red Cross that offer aid all over the world, but the reality is Christians are typically at the forefront because we have been touched by the compassion of Christ for us and we are called to share that compassion with a world that needs to know a loving God.
I also was thinking this week about what life will be like when Christians are taken out of this world. There is so much suffering now and it is only going to get worse through the tribulation and all that will happen as the end of the age comes. Can you even imagine how horrible it will be when the face of compassion and grace is no longer looking over the tragic human condition?
Finally, I wonder how you and I are doing personally in being the face of compassion daily. I don't mean just whether we are compassionate and do something during tragedy. I mean just in day to day life. Are we the face of a compassionate, loving God toward the waitress who totally messes up our order, toward the clerk who takes forever, toward the people who get in our way, who slow us down, who just can't seem to get their act together?
Remember, we are salt and light. How are we doing at bringing the flavor of God (compassion and grace are flavors) to every situation and person we encounter?
God, thank-you for your compassionate grace. Help me to be Your face to the people I encounter daily.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wrestle With God
Well, it's been a long quiet month - just haven't had much to say since before Christmas. There was a preaching professor at Southwestern Seminary (where I attended) that regularly told his preaching class, "Have something to say, say it, and sit down." Now that's great advice. So, for those of you who had almost given up on me as a blogger...I just didn't have anything significant to say and I'm not inclined to blog about junk, meaningless dribble.
This past Sunday night, I taught on abortion at GS. It was a tough message, lots of material to cover, difficult topic. I did get a lot of positive response, people grateful to finally be hearing information from the church on a difficult issue. It was all good, but here was the difficult part for me: after I laid out all that info, after I talked about what's going on in our society and looked at what Scripture says, I felt like people were overwhelmed. When I stood facing the crowd at the end of the sermon and their eyes were on me, it was as if their eyes said, "This is horrible...I never realized...what to do we do?"
In that momemnt, I had no answer. There are many things to be done about many issues that plague our culture. The church needs to have awareness and the willingness to step up to the plate, but a pastor really can't tell every individual what to do. I have to admit, I was a little despairing myself when I looked at the people I dearly love and said, "I don't know what to tell you. You just need to take this information home and wrestle with the Lord over it."
It felt like a dumb answer, no help, but as I left that night, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was exactly right. Every believer needs to personally wrestle with the truth. Every believer needs to get before the Lord and ask what He would have them do. Every believer is a priest and has the same access, same opportunity to hear from God personally about what they specifically are called to do.
I can give suggestions; I can prime the pump, but I can't lay out the game plan for anyone. I think having to wrestle with God is a good thing. In fact, those believers who still are on milk when they should be eating meat have been done a disservice by the church because they've never been allowed to wrestle. At some point the baby/child has to begin making his own decisions, taking responsibility, learning from consequences. I am grateful for the insight I received Sunday about being careful not to play God, telling people what they should do in every matter.
Well, all this rambling boils down to this: whether it is an issue such as abortion and what believers should do or just day to day decisions that affect your walk with God, are you willing to wrestle with Him and to spend time before Him or are you just looking for an easy, quick answer?
God, help me to not look for the easy solution, the path that takes no time and effort. Teach me and guide me as I wrestle with you, as I take the time and effort to seek you out.
This past Sunday night, I taught on abortion at GS. It was a tough message, lots of material to cover, difficult topic. I did get a lot of positive response, people grateful to finally be hearing information from the church on a difficult issue. It was all good, but here was the difficult part for me: after I laid out all that info, after I talked about what's going on in our society and looked at what Scripture says, I felt like people were overwhelmed. When I stood facing the crowd at the end of the sermon and their eyes were on me, it was as if their eyes said, "This is horrible...I never realized...what to do we do?"
In that momemnt, I had no answer. There are many things to be done about many issues that plague our culture. The church needs to have awareness and the willingness to step up to the plate, but a pastor really can't tell every individual what to do. I have to admit, I was a little despairing myself when I looked at the people I dearly love and said, "I don't know what to tell you. You just need to take this information home and wrestle with the Lord over it."
It felt like a dumb answer, no help, but as I left that night, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was exactly right. Every believer needs to personally wrestle with the truth. Every believer needs to get before the Lord and ask what He would have them do. Every believer is a priest and has the same access, same opportunity to hear from God personally about what they specifically are called to do.
I can give suggestions; I can prime the pump, but I can't lay out the game plan for anyone. I think having to wrestle with God is a good thing. In fact, those believers who still are on milk when they should be eating meat have been done a disservice by the church because they've never been allowed to wrestle. At some point the baby/child has to begin making his own decisions, taking responsibility, learning from consequences. I am grateful for the insight I received Sunday about being careful not to play God, telling people what they should do in every matter.
Well, all this rambling boils down to this: whether it is an issue such as abortion and what believers should do or just day to day decisions that affect your walk with God, are you willing to wrestle with Him and to spend time before Him or are you just looking for an easy, quick answer?
God, help me to not look for the easy solution, the path that takes no time and effort. Teach me and guide me as I wrestle with you, as I take the time and effort to seek you out.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Few More Days of Opportunity
Don't miss a great week of unprecedented opportunity. What better time to tell people about Christ - these are some of the best days of the year. Be counter-cultural!
When relatives of the Titanic passengers awaited word in the Liverpool office of the White Star Lines, their eyes were fixed to two huge boards with two lists. All of their hopes and dreams for loved ones were either lost or they lived on depending on which list posted the name for which they held vigil.
The lists? They were simply titled "Known to be saved" and "Known to be lost."
Same lists we have today. The only lists that matter.
Don't forget your "Known to be lost" list. Don't forget that friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who needs to know Christ. Don't be so caught up in your preparation and joy during the season that you lose sight of those without hope and true joy.
For someone to move from the "Known to be lost" to the "Known to be saved" list, we must be intentional rescuers.
What if we prayed what Ron Hutchcraft calls the "3-open prayer" every day for the next week? "Lord, open a door...open their heart...open my mouth."
What if every day for the next week we made it a point to tell one person the meaning of Christmas? It could be a statement as simple as, "I have a message from God for you; Merry Christmas! God wants you to know He loves you."
How many people could we impact in one short week?
God, open a door daily...open the hearts You send me to...open my mouth so You can speak through me.
When relatives of the Titanic passengers awaited word in the Liverpool office of the White Star Lines, their eyes were fixed to two huge boards with two lists. All of their hopes and dreams for loved ones were either lost or they lived on depending on which list posted the name for which they held vigil.
The lists? They were simply titled "Known to be saved" and "Known to be lost."
Same lists we have today. The only lists that matter.
Don't forget your "Known to be lost" list. Don't forget that friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who needs to know Christ. Don't be so caught up in your preparation and joy during the season that you lose sight of those without hope and true joy.
For someone to move from the "Known to be lost" to the "Known to be saved" list, we must be intentional rescuers.
What if we prayed what Ron Hutchcraft calls the "3-open prayer" every day for the next week? "Lord, open a door...open their heart...open my mouth."
What if every day for the next week we made it a point to tell one person the meaning of Christmas? It could be a statement as simple as, "I have a message from God for you; Merry Christmas! God wants you to know He loves you."
How many people could we impact in one short week?
God, open a door daily...open the hearts You send me to...open my mouth so You can speak through me.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Global Warming?
I don't know about where you live, but here in Arkansas we are definitely experiencing a period of intense global warming. I am an extremely hot-natured person; I keep the coldest office in our building and have been known to drive around in the winter with my a/c on. I typically wear gym shorts, a t-shirt, and walk around my house barefooted all winter long. HOWEVER, even I must say, if we get much more global warming around here I'm gonna FREEZE TO DEATH!
I got thinking this cold a.m. about this whole global warming business. Al Gore and the whole lot of them ought to be in prison for fraud. Do you know how much they have made and are making? Do you know how much they are taking out of our pockets with their bad science?
O.K. before I get off on a raging tangent, here's the truth we (believers) need to latch onto regarding global warming: If you say it loud enough and long enough, no matter how flawed, how deceptive, how ridiculous, people will eventually believe it. We've seen that proven time and time again. Need I remind you of a phrase that has plagued us since the 60's? Separation of church and state - NOWHERE is that in our Constitution but it has been said so long...
Here's my point: with ridiculous, unprovable beliefs out there (like global warming and church/state separation), why are we not defending our faith loud enough and long enough? Why are we sitting back watching our society go to hell (literally) on all sorts of false beliefs when we know the Truth?!
You know, people will believe almost anything without checking it out. If they read it on the internet or hear it on the television (give me a sec here to calm down and not run down that path), if it is posted on wikipedia - it's just true isn't it?
Yet, we have the Truth. We have information they can check out and it will stand the test. Why aren't we saying more? I think most of us feel inadequate defending our faith and speaking up. We say that and it makes us feel better about doing nothing doesn't it?
Well, sorry, that's no excuse anymore. There are all kinds of simple tools out there to help us all learn to articulate the Truth. We just need to decide it's important. We just need to realize it's important to our Lord.
As you think about commitments (o.k. resolutions) you would make for the next year, maybe one should be to start telling the truth about the Truth.
There are lots of helpful options out there; here's a couple to get you started. If you are an intellectual, a deep thinker, check out Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell. If you are more of a "put the cookies on the bottom shelf" person like I am (look at me, it's obvious I've had too many cookies), then check out some of the books by Lee Strobel like The Case for Faith or The Case for Christ.
It is not difficult to learn to share and defend truth. We must do it. It does no good to curse the darkness if you're unwilling to light a candle.
God help me speak the truth.
I got thinking this cold a.m. about this whole global warming business. Al Gore and the whole lot of them ought to be in prison for fraud. Do you know how much they have made and are making? Do you know how much they are taking out of our pockets with their bad science?
O.K. before I get off on a raging tangent, here's the truth we (believers) need to latch onto regarding global warming: If you say it loud enough and long enough, no matter how flawed, how deceptive, how ridiculous, people will eventually believe it. We've seen that proven time and time again. Need I remind you of a phrase that has plagued us since the 60's? Separation of church and state - NOWHERE is that in our Constitution but it has been said so long...
Here's my point: with ridiculous, unprovable beliefs out there (like global warming and church/state separation), why are we not defending our faith loud enough and long enough? Why are we sitting back watching our society go to hell (literally) on all sorts of false beliefs when we know the Truth?!
You know, people will believe almost anything without checking it out. If they read it on the internet or hear it on the television (give me a sec here to calm down and not run down that path), if it is posted on wikipedia - it's just true isn't it?
Yet, we have the Truth. We have information they can check out and it will stand the test. Why aren't we saying more? I think most of us feel inadequate defending our faith and speaking up. We say that and it makes us feel better about doing nothing doesn't it?
Well, sorry, that's no excuse anymore. There are all kinds of simple tools out there to help us all learn to articulate the Truth. We just need to decide it's important. We just need to realize it's important to our Lord.
As you think about commitments (o.k. resolutions) you would make for the next year, maybe one should be to start telling the truth about the Truth.
There are lots of helpful options out there; here's a couple to get you started. If you are an intellectual, a deep thinker, check out Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell. If you are more of a "put the cookies on the bottom shelf" person like I am (look at me, it's obvious I've had too many cookies), then check out some of the books by Lee Strobel like The Case for Faith or The Case for Christ.
It is not difficult to learn to share and defend truth. We must do it. It does no good to curse the darkness if you're unwilling to light a candle.
God help me speak the truth.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Keep Christ in Christmas!
Many years ago, after prayer was removed from the public schools, I read an article about a Senator who was being grilled at a town hall meeting. People were furious about prayer being removed. He sympathized with them, but they still were quite hostile toward him. Finally he asked, "How many of you pray with your children each day before they go to school?" The room grew quiet, end of discussion.
It is so easy to complain about the way things are, to hold others responsible, yet do little ourselves to bring about change.
I was thinking about this whole movement in recent years to take Christ out of Christmas. Should we protest, should we write lettes, should we boycott stores? Certainly...but we should do much more. Instead of just complaining about culture, we should look at our own lives to see if they reflect Christ in our celebration of Christmas.
What kind of gifts are we giving Him? It is His birthday, not ours. Nothing wrong with giving gifts to our loved ones, but don't we often leave Him out? Since our children were very young, we have made it a priority in our family to give the largest gift each year (by monetary value) to the Lord - we do that through our church's world mission offering. This year the Lord has blessed us so that we were able to give a gift larger than all other gifts combined. I share this not to boast about our family - it is to brag on God; He has been good, we are delighted to give a big birthday gift to Him.
What about how we demonstrate Christ in Christmas to others? Are we sharing His love in a tangible way with the poor? Are we sending a Merry Christmas to our soldiers who are in harms way so we may celebrate our Lord's birthday? Are we convinced that knowing the Lord of Christmas is so important that we give to support missionaries or send them letters of encouragement?
Are we spreading the joy of Christmas? Just because that store employee says "Happy Holidays" doesn't mean we can't respond with a warm, heartfelt "Merry Christmas." (In fact, many may be encouraged to hear that while working in such politically correct oppressive environments). When we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of people and lines, ineptness and rudeness, can we be pleasant and bring a little joy into the mix?
There are lots of ways to keep Christ in Christmas no matter what culture is doing. Remember, if you are a Christian, you are a "little Christ." Where you go, His image goes. Ask Him each day to direct your steps, your words, your actions. Share the joy; keep Christ in Christmas.
God help others see Christ this Christmas when they see me.
It is so easy to complain about the way things are, to hold others responsible, yet do little ourselves to bring about change.
I was thinking about this whole movement in recent years to take Christ out of Christmas. Should we protest, should we write lettes, should we boycott stores? Certainly...but we should do much more. Instead of just complaining about culture, we should look at our own lives to see if they reflect Christ in our celebration of Christmas.
What kind of gifts are we giving Him? It is His birthday, not ours. Nothing wrong with giving gifts to our loved ones, but don't we often leave Him out? Since our children were very young, we have made it a priority in our family to give the largest gift each year (by monetary value) to the Lord - we do that through our church's world mission offering. This year the Lord has blessed us so that we were able to give a gift larger than all other gifts combined. I share this not to boast about our family - it is to brag on God; He has been good, we are delighted to give a big birthday gift to Him.
What about how we demonstrate Christ in Christmas to others? Are we sharing His love in a tangible way with the poor? Are we sending a Merry Christmas to our soldiers who are in harms way so we may celebrate our Lord's birthday? Are we convinced that knowing the Lord of Christmas is so important that we give to support missionaries or send them letters of encouragement?
Are we spreading the joy of Christmas? Just because that store employee says "Happy Holidays" doesn't mean we can't respond with a warm, heartfelt "Merry Christmas." (In fact, many may be encouraged to hear that while working in such politically correct oppressive environments). When we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of people and lines, ineptness and rudeness, can we be pleasant and bring a little joy into the mix?
There are lots of ways to keep Christ in Christmas no matter what culture is doing. Remember, if you are a Christian, you are a "little Christ." Where you go, His image goes. Ask Him each day to direct your steps, your words, your actions. Share the joy; keep Christ in Christmas.
God help others see Christ this Christmas when they see me.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Walking the Walk
By now you have probably seen or at least heard about the movie The Blind Side.
Today I ran across an interesting "behind the scenes" story.
Sandra Bullock who plays the part of Leigh Anne Tuohy was really impacted by the genuine faith she observed when meeting and getting to know Leigh Anne. Sandra described Leigh Anne's faith as authentic. Bullock said, "...wow, I finally met someone who practices but doesn't preach."
Bullock, like many non-believers has seen plenty of hypocritical Christians, people who talk a lot about church or faith but don't seem to walk the talk.
The article reminded me of a high school student that a friend of mine discipled several years ago. Charlie had a best friend all through high school that he tried to reach for Christ. They did everything together and Charlie continually invited his friend to church. After dozens of times turning him down, his friend finally said, "Charlie, the only difference between you and me is that you go to church."
Charlie was crushed by the assesment and talked to his mentor who encouraged him to start walking like he was talking. After just a few weeks, Charlie's friend asked
to go to church with him. That Sunday, an excited Charlie picked up his friend only to get to church and discover the pastor was preaching on money! No matter, when the invitation came, Charlie's friend went forward and told the pastor, "I want a Savior just like Charlie's!"
I wonder if people notice something different about me. Am I just a talker (faker) or am I really living like Christ? Do those I encounter day to day see me as someone who practices or just preaches? Is the Lord of my life the Savior they need?
God help me have an authentic walk that creates a desire for my Savior.
Today I ran across an interesting "behind the scenes" story.
Sandra Bullock who plays the part of Leigh Anne Tuohy was really impacted by the genuine faith she observed when meeting and getting to know Leigh Anne. Sandra described Leigh Anne's faith as authentic. Bullock said, "...wow, I finally met someone who practices but doesn't preach."
Bullock, like many non-believers has seen plenty of hypocritical Christians, people who talk a lot about church or faith but don't seem to walk the talk.
The article reminded me of a high school student that a friend of mine discipled several years ago. Charlie had a best friend all through high school that he tried to reach for Christ. They did everything together and Charlie continually invited his friend to church. After dozens of times turning him down, his friend finally said, "Charlie, the only difference between you and me is that you go to church."
Charlie was crushed by the assesment and talked to his mentor who encouraged him to start walking like he was talking. After just a few weeks, Charlie's friend asked
to go to church with him. That Sunday, an excited Charlie picked up his friend only to get to church and discover the pastor was preaching on money! No matter, when the invitation came, Charlie's friend went forward and told the pastor, "I want a Savior just like Charlie's!"
I wonder if people notice something different about me. Am I just a talker (faker) or am I really living like Christ? Do those I encounter day to day see me as someone who practices or just preaches? Is the Lord of my life the Savior they need?
God help me have an authentic walk that creates a desire for my Savior.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
