I'm not going to use a concrete example of the folks who are doing things wrong with money in God's name. It's unnecessary - as soon as I mentioned the concept, you already had a picture in your mind of the people who you know that have done this. There are well over 2,000 verses in the Bible related to money and posessions. They all point to the wise use of the resources God has entrusted to us as well as the anger of God when His people misuse His power for their purpose.
Christ called Satan "the father of all lies" who speaks in the native tongue of Liarsville - Lies. Where do you think the "Liar, liar, pants on fire" thing came from anyway? Alright, that's silly, but the point is, Paul tells us that we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. There is a war raging everyday, not in the typical, action movie style we love to watch in HD, DTS 7.1 surround sound. It is one in which the enemy does all he can to discredit the God who allows us to call Him "Father".
Today, let's take a moment to Google ministries that are doing things right with the money collected in God's name. Start out at The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and take a few moments to celebrate those who are using the resources God has entrusted to us to reach those who are lost from Christ. Take up the shield of faith and extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one with the knowledge that God has called us to do things wisely, righteously, in His name and for His glory. Fight back at the lies with the sword of faith that there are a great many who have answered this call and done so with integrity.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
What's It Going to Take?
So often God has encouraged us in His word. So often did Christ urge us to make the wise choice. So often did Paul, James, John, and others tell us about the great things that will come if we walk upright and show our love for God vis-a-vis our love for others.
And yet...
So often has he had to discipline us - to bring loss and pain front and center in our lives in graphic, personal, relevant detail.
Of the two scenarios, which makes us move faster, more urgently, with more passion and concern? Unfortunately, our Creator knows that we are often lazy. Without the threat of being run over by the carriage we're pulling, we may lose interest in the ever elusive carrot on the string.
So, who do you know that needs encouragement? And, if you've been only encouraging them with the carrot, is it possible that God will move their hearts only when you show them the possibility of the pain of the carriage in clearer, pertinent detail? I've never seen the Bible tell us to spur one another on to love and good deeds by threats and baseball bats. However, have you noticed that people rarely jump up out of their seat when the thumbtack on their cushion is pointing down?
Just a thought that's been plaguing my mind.
And yet...
So often has he had to discipline us - to bring loss and pain front and center in our lives in graphic, personal, relevant detail.
Of the two scenarios, which makes us move faster, more urgently, with more passion and concern? Unfortunately, our Creator knows that we are often lazy. Without the threat of being run over by the carriage we're pulling, we may lose interest in the ever elusive carrot on the string.
So, who do you know that needs encouragement? And, if you've been only encouraging them with the carrot, is it possible that God will move their hearts only when you show them the possibility of the pain of the carriage in clearer, pertinent detail? I've never seen the Bible tell us to spur one another on to love and good deeds by threats and baseball bats. However, have you noticed that people rarely jump up out of their seat when the thumbtack on their cushion is pointing down?
Just a thought that's been plaguing my mind.
Monday, May 22, 2006
What Would Jesus Do?
I'm always bothered by that question. Yet, I see so many followers of Christ using that as a litmus test for how to live their lives.
It sounds noble. It sounds wise. And yet, when you look at how Jesus handled the "tricky" situations the Pharisees surrounded Him with, you begin to track with me on the same path...
Luke 20.19-26 is a depiction of the Pharisees trying to trick Jesus into taking sides. But, as my pastor often says, "Jesus didn't come to take sides, He came to take over. Christ sees into the hearts of men and cuts them off at the intellectual pass. Often, his opposition would be thinking something and He, knowing their hearts, would answer the question they hadn't yet posed.
Now, I'm all for being wise, reading people, and asking the questions that really get to the bottom of the issue at hand, especially when it is a complete strawman. But, I'm not sure I have the gift of telepathy or heart-reading. Do you ever get confused in those WWJD situations?
Is it theologically sound to answer the question with a confident "I don't know"?
It sounds noble. It sounds wise. And yet, when you look at how Jesus handled the "tricky" situations the Pharisees surrounded Him with, you begin to track with me on the same path...
Luke 20.19-26 is a depiction of the Pharisees trying to trick Jesus into taking sides. But, as my pastor often says, "Jesus didn't come to take sides, He came to take over. Christ sees into the hearts of men and cuts them off at the intellectual pass. Often, his opposition would be thinking something and He, knowing their hearts, would answer the question they hadn't yet posed.
Now, I'm all for being wise, reading people, and asking the questions that really get to the bottom of the issue at hand, especially when it is a complete strawman. But, I'm not sure I have the gift of telepathy or heart-reading. Do you ever get confused in those WWJD situations?
What would Jesus do in this situation? "Uh, read their minds and ask them the real question..."
Is it theologically sound to answer the question with a confident "I don't know"?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Talking Behind Your Back
I've commented before on James 5.19-20 and Psalm 27.17 before.
They are favorite portions from God's word that urge His followers to constantly challenge each other when someone is drifting and to challenge each other even when not drifting. In short, "If you love someone, set them free" falls secondary to "If you love someone, don't let them be." But, all the active discussion and leadership by example will be wasted if we fail to talk about them behind their backs.
Huh?
Yes, that's what I said, but not what you probably heard. In John 17, Christ prays for His disciples - asking God, the Father, to protect them, to sanctify them, and that they may be made like Him. He often went off on His own to pray but the Bible is sketchy on what He prayed for. Do you think He prayed for them from time to time? Said things to God about them to ask His Father to continue to stretch and grow them? Again, sketchy, but a fair assumption.
What do you think His conversation and prayer were like on the day that Peter stepped out of the boat, becoming the only man to sink next to Christ, because He dared to walk on water, too? Do you think He shared with God how great He is for pushing Peter's buttons far enough to get him onto the water in the first place? Do you think He was Peter's greatest cheering squad? The prayers we know nothing about are likely the prayers that manifest themselves in "A-ha!" moments wherein we notice the fruits of previously unnoticed sowing and growing.
Bottom line, growth doesn't happen only from sermons and examples - the encouragement of prayer, unbeknownst to the prayee - catalyses change. So, who are you praying for? Who are you celebrating because of the little victories in their life? Who are you encouraging to God? Who do you care enough about to talk about when they aren't there?
talk to them about them - find out where they are
talk to God about them - ask Him to push them further down the path.
They are favorite portions from God's word that urge His followers to constantly challenge each other when someone is drifting and to challenge each other even when not drifting. In short, "If you love someone, set them free" falls secondary to "If you love someone, don't let them be." But, all the active discussion and leadership by example will be wasted if we fail to talk about them behind their backs.
Huh?
Yes, that's what I said, but not what you probably heard. In John 17, Christ prays for His disciples - asking God, the Father, to protect them, to sanctify them, and that they may be made like Him. He often went off on His own to pray but the Bible is sketchy on what He prayed for. Do you think He prayed for them from time to time? Said things to God about them to ask His Father to continue to stretch and grow them? Again, sketchy, but a fair assumption.
What do you think His conversation and prayer were like on the day that Peter stepped out of the boat, becoming the only man to sink next to Christ, because He dared to walk on water, too? Do you think He shared with God how great He is for pushing Peter's buttons far enough to get him onto the water in the first place? Do you think He was Peter's greatest cheering squad? The prayers we know nothing about are likely the prayers that manifest themselves in "A-ha!" moments wherein we notice the fruits of previously unnoticed sowing and growing.
Bottom line, growth doesn't happen only from sermons and examples - the encouragement of prayer, unbeknownst to the prayee - catalyses change. So, who are you praying for? Who are you celebrating because of the little victories in their life? Who are you encouraging to God? Who do you care enough about to talk about when they aren't there?
talk to them about them - find out where they are
talk to God about them - ask Him to push them further down the path.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Guest Appearance by Andy Stanley?!
Well, maybe not. But, Catalyst recently published a great article Andy wrote that addresses both of our Monday topics: Leadership and Work. Here it is, printed without permission. Here is the link to the actual article. Further, I've added Catalyst Monthly to our list of "gotta read it" blogs, even though it's a newsletter and not a blog. Is that so wrong?!
Trust is the currency of relationships. Great leaders cultivate a culture of trust, and thus a culture where relationships thrive. But how do you foster trust between members of your team?
For some, trust is not the intuitive choice. However, I believe it is just that. A choice. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says that along with forgiving, enduring, and bearing all things, love believes all things. We must reconcile the scriptural charge to believe all things with the fact that it is not always easy to do. If we believe it is possible for us to choose to love, or be kind, or be patient, then we must also believe we can choose to trust.
But the gap between what we expect of people and what they actually deliver makes it hard to trust. We can either fill that gap with trust or with suspicion. How we handle these opportunities is the greatest determining factor in the success or failure of the relationships in our organizations.
I started by saying that trust is the currency of relationships. Currency implies an exchange of one thing for another. Relationally, we give trust, and we expect trustworthiness in return. But trustworthiness is not a synonym for perfection. Trust is not built on flawless character, but on authenticity. I will extend trust to people who will admit their imperfections. It is people who defend their infallibility who make me suspicious.
There are situations that merit suspicion. What's important is how we handle them. When over time a person's actions erode our trust, and we believe those actions leave the organization vulnerable to harm, we have a responsibility . to talk to that person about it, (not the rest of the team), to address the gap, and give that person the opportunity to re-establish their trustworthiness. Trustworthy people will address the suspicion they've created.
I wish this principle were easy to implement. It's not. But it is crucial for building a strong team. Here are three things to keep in mind when a trust versus suspicion issue surfaces:
1. When there is a gap, choose to trust.
2. When you see others filling the gap with suspicion, come to the defense of the suspect.
3. If what you see continues to erode your trust, go to the person directly.
Great leaders create a culture in which people have learned how to trust. Modeling biblical trust as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the greatest leadership strategies you can employ. Biblical trust is not denial - pretending that you don't see behavior that erodes your trust. It's not withdrawal - refusing to confront. The key is to choose to trust. When it becomes impossible to fill the gap between expectation and behavior with trust, ask for clarification.
Trust is the currency of relationships. Trust is a dynamic your team cannot afford to be without. Model it. Extend it. Choose to trust.
Trust is the currency of relationships. Great leaders cultivate a culture of trust, and thus a culture where relationships thrive. But how do you foster trust between members of your team?
For some, trust is not the intuitive choice. However, I believe it is just that. A choice. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says that along with forgiving, enduring, and bearing all things, love believes all things. We must reconcile the scriptural charge to believe all things with the fact that it is not always easy to do. If we believe it is possible for us to choose to love, or be kind, or be patient, then we must also believe we can choose to trust.
But the gap between what we expect of people and what they actually deliver makes it hard to trust. We can either fill that gap with trust or with suspicion. How we handle these opportunities is the greatest determining factor in the success or failure of the relationships in our organizations.
I started by saying that trust is the currency of relationships. Currency implies an exchange of one thing for another. Relationally, we give trust, and we expect trustworthiness in return. But trustworthiness is not a synonym for perfection. Trust is not built on flawless character, but on authenticity. I will extend trust to people who will admit their imperfections. It is people who defend their infallibility who make me suspicious.
There are situations that merit suspicion. What's important is how we handle them. When over time a person's actions erode our trust, and we believe those actions leave the organization vulnerable to harm, we have a responsibility . to talk to that person about it, (not the rest of the team), to address the gap, and give that person the opportunity to re-establish their trustworthiness. Trustworthy people will address the suspicion they've created.
I wish this principle were easy to implement. It's not. But it is crucial for building a strong team. Here are three things to keep in mind when a trust versus suspicion issue surfaces:
1. When there is a gap, choose to trust.
2. When you see others filling the gap with suspicion, come to the defense of the suspect.
3. If what you see continues to erode your trust, go to the person directly.
Great leaders create a culture in which people have learned how to trust. Modeling biblical trust as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the greatest leadership strategies you can employ. Biblical trust is not denial - pretending that you don't see behavior that erodes your trust. It's not withdrawal - refusing to confront. The key is to choose to trust. When it becomes impossible to fill the gap between expectation and behavior with trust, ask for clarification.
Trust is the currency of relationships. Trust is a dynamic your team cannot afford to be without. Model it. Extend it. Choose to trust.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Friday: Time and/or Money...
I had a great opportunity last fall to meet Tod Bolsinger. Very aunthentic and decent guy. And he loves the Lord.
I say with embarrassment that I have not read his blog It Takes a Church... in several months. He is quite perceptive and understanding. On this time or money Friday, I want to defer to him to talk about something we've looked at before: rhythm in life....
Not too long ago, I read a lengthy article about the legendary track coach from the University of Oregon, Bill Bowerman. Bowerman was to running, what John Wooden was to college basketball. Indeed, it was Bowerman’s genius that led to the modern running shoe, as he used his wife’s waffle iron to create the first wide waffle-soled shoe. He was also one of the co-founders of Nike.
Back in the day when all training for running simply meant logging as many miles as hard as possible, Bowerman was convinced that it was impossible to reach your potential as a runner unless you also built in regular, committed, disciplined, dedicated periods of NOT running. He used to gather his new recruits to the university together at the beginning of the season and tell them:
“Gentleman, take a primitive organism, any weak, pitiful organism. Make it lift or jump or run. Let it rest. What happens? A little miracle. It gets a little better. That’s all training is. Stress—recover—improve.”
I believe that without even recognizing it, Bowerman was pointing to the rhythm for all living the way God intended it to be.
Stress, recover, improve.
Stretch, relax, change.
Work, rest, grow.
Trial, trust, transform.
I say with embarrassment that I have not read his blog It Takes a Church... in several months. He is quite perceptive and understanding. On this time or money Friday, I want to defer to him to talk about something we've looked at before: rhythm in life....
Not too long ago, I read a lengthy article about the legendary track coach from the University of Oregon, Bill Bowerman. Bowerman was to running, what John Wooden was to college basketball. Indeed, it was Bowerman’s genius that led to the modern running shoe, as he used his wife’s waffle iron to create the first wide waffle-soled shoe. He was also one of the co-founders of Nike.
Back in the day when all training for running simply meant logging as many miles as hard as possible, Bowerman was convinced that it was impossible to reach your potential as a runner unless you also built in regular, committed, disciplined, dedicated periods of NOT running. He used to gather his new recruits to the university together at the beginning of the season and tell them:
“Gentleman, take a primitive organism, any weak, pitiful organism. Make it lift or jump or run. Let it rest. What happens? A little miracle. It gets a little better. That’s all training is. Stress—recover—improve.”
I believe that without even recognizing it, Bowerman was pointing to the rhythm for all living the way God intended it to be.
Stress, recover, improve.
Stretch, relax, change.
Work, rest, grow.
Trial, trust, transform.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Listening with the Heart
"He who has ears, let him hear." Mt. 13.9
I bet the disciples were confused when Jesus told this story about seeds that were planted - "Some fell on this ground, others on rock, others grew up, some never took root...He who has ears, let him... What the heck is that all about!"
It just seemed so out of place until He explained further that some people just don't listen. Some people's hearts are as fertile for new ideas as a rock sown with seed. Sales is teaching me a lot about listening skills. It's also teaching me that you often have to repeat yourself or people will listen but not hear.
It's also teaching me that I'm not immune to having deaf ears or a hard heart...
Where does God want to transform you? What parts of your heart have you closed off to people you just have had enough of? Christ lets us know here that not everyone will hear God's truth willingly. Perhaps we all need some brokenness to break down the harder, less fertile parts of our souls...
I bet the disciples were confused when Jesus told this story about seeds that were planted - "Some fell on this ground, others on rock, others grew up, some never took root...He who has ears, let him... What the heck is that all about!"
It just seemed so out of place until He explained further that some people just don't listen. Some people's hearts are as fertile for new ideas as a rock sown with seed. Sales is teaching me a lot about listening skills. It's also teaching me that you often have to repeat yourself or people will listen but not hear.
It's also teaching me that I'm not immune to having deaf ears or a hard heart...
Where does God want to transform you? What parts of your heart have you closed off to people you just have had enough of? Christ lets us know here that not everyone will hear God's truth willingly. Perhaps we all need some brokenness to break down the harder, less fertile parts of our souls...
Monday, May 08, 2006
Don't Worry, Be Happy?
Cast your anxiety on Him.
I've glossed over that verse so many times without paying attention to the fact that God gives us advice on what to do with our anxiety and worry. Worry comes up in the Old and the New Testaments - always in the negative: "Do not worry..." Have you conformed to the pattern of the world that sells the vision of success as the wrinkle free life? Do you believe, like many Christ-followers mistakenly do, that to follow Christ means no fear, no worry, no anxiety?
What's your vision of success? Flawless living? No arguments, no fears, no cares?
I think we fail to read the context in which those things do not exist - that's in heaven that we lose all the worry. I think that God is telling us that worry is normal. It will come into our lives. It will invade our space. It will seek strongholds in our brain. But, when that happens. Don't try to be the hero and fight it. (Is that scripturally sound?) Instead, deposit it at the cross. God calls us to give those thoughts over to Him, to replace those thoughts with "my God is bigger than these things".
Worry always leads to regret. That's my vision of success. That's God's vision of success for our lives. No regrets. Remember, we get to review our movie in heaven with the Director Himself. How will you account for your performance?
So, today, I rejoice in the fact that God is the god of worry. He can take it. He will take it. He wants you to give it to Him.
No more worry. No more regrets.
Praise Christ.
I've glossed over that verse so many times without paying attention to the fact that God gives us advice on what to do with our anxiety and worry. Worry comes up in the Old and the New Testaments - always in the negative: "Do not worry..." Have you conformed to the pattern of the world that sells the vision of success as the wrinkle free life? Do you believe, like many Christ-followers mistakenly do, that to follow Christ means no fear, no worry, no anxiety?
What's your vision of success? Flawless living? No arguments, no fears, no cares?
I think we fail to read the context in which those things do not exist - that's in heaven that we lose all the worry. I think that God is telling us that worry is normal. It will come into our lives. It will invade our space. It will seek strongholds in our brain. But, when that happens. Don't try to be the hero and fight it. (Is that scripturally sound?) Instead, deposit it at the cross. God calls us to give those thoughts over to Him, to replace those thoughts with "my God is bigger than these things".
Worry always leads to regret. That's my vision of success. That's God's vision of success for our lives. No regrets. Remember, we get to review our movie in heaven with the Director Himself. How will you account for your performance?
So, today, I rejoice in the fact that God is the god of worry. He can take it. He will take it. He wants you to give it to Him.
No more worry. No more regrets.
Praise Christ.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away Now
Let's be frank about this - I grew up with a "healthy" degree of skepticism when it came to giving money to the church. I mean, in my denomination, it was all about robes and big hats, stained glass windows and hundred thousand dollar organ lofts, and pomp and circumstance out the wazoo. It just seemed a bit suspect, you follow?
So, it follows naturally, that whenever I looked into scripture and saw commands to give money to support the high priests or saw one of those bible thumpin guys on TV talking about "God wanted me to have a Mercedes..." I was further turned off. Can you relate at all?
So, when I read this piece of scripture, it caught me a bit off guard -
Wouldn't that be the line that the TV preacher would quote you? Doesn't the Bible say that everything you ask for, God will just give it to you because He made the mistake of giving you the Aramaic Express Black card - "Whatever you ask for in my name..."? I mean, it's His fault. He gave you carte blanche to ask and receive, too bad He didn't know you'd be asking for that 1,001 hp 16 cylinder Bugatti sport.
How big is your God?
The last half of that verse is so crucial. It's not about what you want. read this over once or twice:
Thought for the day, all this in mind:
Take advantage of your advantage to give advantage to the disadvantaged.
So, it follows naturally, that whenever I looked into scripture and saw commands to give money to support the high priests or saw one of those bible thumpin guys on TV talking about "God wanted me to have a Mercedes..." I was further turned off. Can you relate at all?
So, when I read this piece of scripture, it caught me a bit off guard -
For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity[a] in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that...So that, if you pray to God and obey all the rules and do a good deed or two when it's convenient, God will rain down that Mercedes and 7,000 square foot home on Lake Lanier just for you...
Wouldn't that be the line that the TV preacher would quote you? Doesn't the Bible say that everything you ask for, God will just give it to you because He made the mistake of giving you the Aramaic Express Black card - "Whatever you ask for in my name..."? I mean, it's His fault. He gave you carte blanche to ask and receive, too bad He didn't know you'd be asking for that 1,001 hp 16 cylinder Bugatti sport.
How big is your God?
The last half of that verse is so crucial. It's not about what you want. read this over once or twice:
Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God.He gives to us, knowing our hearts. What do you think He's looking for? I believe angels are betting whole galaxies that you'll succeed at using your abundance wisely. I believe demons are tempting us constantly to trick us into believing God gives to us for us. In reality, He's just testing to see how trustworthy we are with a little before He gives us more than we can handle.
Thought for the day, all this in mind:
Take advantage of your advantage to give advantage to the disadvantaged.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Field Trip!!!
Click here to take a field trip for today over to "Gospel Driven Life". An article on relational health, God-style.
I only disagree with Mark on one point. I don't believe the gospel writer means that we confess to God and have fellowship with each other. I think it's more like "confess to each other and have fellowship with God". I say this for two reasons - first, Matthew makes it clear that God's desire is greater that we are reconciled to each other than to make sacrifices of atonement to Him. Second, we are the body of Christ, we as a close knit group are a semblance of God. When we are all reconciled to each other, our fellowship with God becomes seamless.
This point aside, I think Mark's hit this one on the head. What do you think?
I only disagree with Mark on one point. I don't believe the gospel writer means that we confess to God and have fellowship with each other. I think it's more like "confess to each other and have fellowship with God". I say this for two reasons - first, Matthew makes it clear that God's desire is greater that we are reconciled to each other than to make sacrifices of atonement to Him. Second, we are the body of Christ, we as a close knit group are a semblance of God. When we are all reconciled to each other, our fellowship with God becomes seamless.
This point aside, I think Mark's hit this one on the head. What do you think?
Monday, May 01, 2006
So, What Do You Do?
For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1John 2.16-17)
In some contexts, "kosmos" means "a place where people live". In others, it refers to a system that opposes God. There are three clues he gives us to show us when we are off the God track and stuck in the world's rut - the cravings of our sinful nature (rebellion, in the sense of "I know it's wrong, but I'm going to do it anyway), lusting after "stuff", and the tendency to equate who we are to what we do - title, fame, glory.
Steven Covey and I depart on the point of the divinity of Christ, but are in accord when it comes to a very Biblical principle: the private victory. Fighting the temptation to hang my identity on what I have and do is so counterculture that even mature Christians - those who have followed Jesus, well, for a long time - find themselves giving in to this both accidently constantly. When people ask what you do and what you do does not match what you've always wanted to do, does that voice in your head convince you to polish it up? Do you go from being a mild mannered waiter to "Executive Guest Liaison to the Culinary Staff"?
John is very in your face about this - what you do and what you take pride in in this life will wither and die. The Bible teaches us that this is all going to be burned up some day (Rev. 8.7). Someday, it will all go away. The car you worked so hard for, the awards and accolades from your peers, all that stuff that the world teaches as vital will be gone. Our only fig leaf will be that which we have done in His service.
Gonna be a lotta folks wandering around butt-nickett, that would, believe it or not, be happier dressed to the nines.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)