I have been personally praying through a psalm a day for some time now. I don't always identify with what David or God is saying because there's not always the same situation in my life as was happening upon the penning of the psalm. But it seems like there's always a phrase in there or a declaration of who God is that catches me.
Pretty consistently, I find that the emotions David (or any other psalmist) go far beyond what I regularly experience or, at times, can even fathom. I just don't get it sometimes. He's saying words and I'm reading them but there is no connection between what he's communicating and what I'm getting. I might as well be reading a particle physics book or my little brother's latest lecture on orbital mechanics. I can read the words but have no idea what they mean.
Letters. Spaces. Punctuation.
No meaning.
But this is the Bible, right? God inspired it and I, as a preacher especially, should be on top of it. Right?
And this is one place where I see God growing me. I know it's true textually and I've seen it before experientially, just never to this level. God, through the psalms, evokes in me feelings and then gives me words for them. And it gives me a sense of just how far I have to go in my relationship with God and how much more of Him there is to experience.
I will say this of my journey so far: it has helped me understand what others are going through a little better. Maybe I can move from my emotional adolescence and enter grown-up life.
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Five kinds of suffering
As best I can tell, there are five kinds of suffering the Bible describes.
First, the kind where my consequences become my punishment. You speed and get a ticket. Or a million other examples. Be careful that you don't call these consequences anything other than consequences. They may hurt but it's not like you're innocent.
Second, the kind of suffering where because I live in a broken world I groan along with the rest of creation, longing for the redemption of the children of God (cf. Rom. 8). Sickness. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Death. Loss. Grief. All symptoms of living in a world in which we know how it's supposed to be (in the most eternal sense) but cannot change it to that kind of goodness.
Third, the kind of suffering that happens because we are believers and followers of Jesus. Not only is the physical world broken, but so is the spiritual world. The Enemy is exactly that: an enemy. He seeks to steal, kill and destroy. He targets God's kids because he hates God.
Fourth, the kind of suffering we intentionally choose because we either want the challenge or see the benefit of it. A quick and easy example would be a short-term mission trip to Haiti like our church is taking in December.
Lastly, the kind of suffering where God, our perfect heavenly Father, sends His children into suffering because He wants to grow them in a way or get something done that would not happen apart from suffering. This is the hardest to trust God while in. But Joseph did (Genesis 39-50). Paul did (multiple examples, including Acts 16 where he shares Jesus with the jailer). And Jesus certainly did in the Garden.
Which is hardest for you?
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
First, the kind where my consequences become my punishment. You speed and get a ticket. Or a million other examples. Be careful that you don't call these consequences anything other than consequences. They may hurt but it's not like you're innocent.
Second, the kind of suffering where because I live in a broken world I groan along with the rest of creation, longing for the redemption of the children of God (cf. Rom. 8). Sickness. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Death. Loss. Grief. All symptoms of living in a world in which we know how it's supposed to be (in the most eternal sense) but cannot change it to that kind of goodness.
Third, the kind of suffering that happens because we are believers and followers of Jesus. Not only is the physical world broken, but so is the spiritual world. The Enemy is exactly that: an enemy. He seeks to steal, kill and destroy. He targets God's kids because he hates God.
Fourth, the kind of suffering we intentionally choose because we either want the challenge or see the benefit of it. A quick and easy example would be a short-term mission trip to Haiti like our church is taking in December.
Lastly, the kind of suffering where God, our perfect heavenly Father, sends His children into suffering because He wants to grow them in a way or get something done that would not happen apart from suffering. This is the hardest to trust God while in. But Joseph did (Genesis 39-50). Paul did (multiple examples, including Acts 16 where he shares Jesus with the jailer). And Jesus certainly did in the Garden.
Which is hardest for you?
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
Monday, August 29, 2011
GWB on NatGeo
I just saw the NatGeoTV special in which George W. Bush was interviewed about his experience as President on 9/11. If you haven't seen it yet, watch it. Absolutely worth your time.
It's a reminder how hard leadership is, especially during crises.
It's a reminder of how much character matters in leadership, especially during crises.
It's a reminder that getting it right is difficult, especially during crises.
It's a reminder that people are watching reactions, especially during crises.
It's a reminder that government can be a big plus.
From my point of view, he did amazingly well in the fog of war. I'll be happy to call that Providence and debate you if you feel differently.
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
It's a reminder how hard leadership is, especially during crises.
It's a reminder of how much character matters in leadership, especially during crises.
It's a reminder that getting it right is difficult, especially during crises.
It's a reminder that people are watching reactions, especially during crises.
It's a reminder that government can be a big plus.
From my point of view, he did amazingly well in the fog of war. I'll be happy to call that Providence and debate you if you feel differently.
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sermon Notes from Sunday, August 28th
Here are the notes from today's sermon from Philippians 1.12-18. To get these notes in PDF and the sermon audio, visit sermons.heritagepark.org. You can also find the audio on iTunes via our podcast.
Philippians
Part 3 –
Advancing the Message
Philippians
1.12-18
What happened to
Paul? (v.12)
- He is in jail and in chains.
- His grief is present but not preeminent, swallowed by the agenda of his King.
How did Paul respond?
(v.18)
- His heart-level response was joy.
- He did not rejoice because of his situation or his hope of being rescued from it.
- His rejoiced because God was using it.
Why would Paul
respond like this? (v.12)
- Paul knew hardship brought clarity and growth (3.10).
- Paul saw Jesus advancing His message through him.
- Even through mixed motives, Paul saw God at work (v.15-17).
- Sometimes our Father will send us into hardship because there are things we will never learn and things we will never accomplish apart from it.
What are the outcomes?
(v.13-14)
- The people around him knew about Christ’s work in Paul’s life.
- Other believers became bolder in telling others about Christ.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Snakes are Scary: What day is today?
I have no idea what to say. Really. You think he signed Rebecca Black for his book tour?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
God never turns away
This is yet another short blog entry. Some of you wish I preached this short too, I know.
Consider this: "Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9.10).
For anyone and everyone who has come to God...
to ask a question
to try to figure something out
for help
for God to show Himself to them
for forgiveness
to know Him
He has never turned them away. Never. Not once. He doesn't forsake those who seek Him.
Amen.
Consider this: "Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9.10).
For anyone and everyone who has come to God...
to ask a question
to try to figure something out
for help
for God to show Himself to them
for forgiveness
to know Him
He has never turned them away. Never. Not once. He doesn't forsake those who seek Him.
Amen.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
One thing
Many of you followers know that I have spent a good amount of personal time and am now preaching through the book of Philippians at church.
This challenged me today, and it's brief, so it's a double-winner.
If I could have anything at all from God, that one thing would be _____________________.
Happiness? Success? Fame? Fortune? A relationship? Power? A religious and/or spiritual experience? Good friends? A boat? Health?
Paul's answer: to know God (Phil. 3.10). At the end of his life, in prison, maligned by many, body wearing out, all the man wants is to know God well.
Amen.
This challenged me today, and it's brief, so it's a double-winner.
If I could have anything at all from God, that one thing would be _____________________.
Happiness? Success? Fame? Fortune? A relationship? Power? A religious and/or spiritual experience? Good friends? A boat? Health?
Paul's answer: to know God (Phil. 3.10). At the end of his life, in prison, maligned by many, body wearing out, all the man wants is to know God well.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
For the few Religious Nerds like me who read this...
If you're not up to speed on anything concerning SGM or you don't know what SGM stands for, this is a great time to stop reading, head over to Facebook or CNN or Google and find something useful to do with your time. No seriously. Leave. Right now. And just don't worry about today's entry. These are not the droids you're looking for. You are free to go. Move along. Move along.
Okay, for the three of you who stayed, I want to recant something that I said in an earlier blog entry. In it, I mentioned someone who stepped aside from ministry leadership because of stuff he needed to get done in his own soul. I applauded then. I don't do so now.
An SGM insider challenged me, when I mentioned that I was going to post something about this, about the Kingdom value of such a post. Point taken. Here, as in most ugly ministry situations, are three observations.
First, everyone's guilty in this situation. Brent. C.J. Dave. Bob. Josh. The bloggers. Challies. Mohler. Duncan. I don't even know what to say about the Panel of Three. The only goodwill I can offer them is that they had such a narrow charge that they answered the most legal definitions of their investigation, like a jury is restricted to answer a specific question. So much for getting my book published at Crossway (just kidding, I don't have a book).
True, not everyone is guilty of the same sin. Also true, what they are guilty of as individuals has different effects and consequences. Blackmail is different than gossip in its effect and consequence. Covering up sexual abuse of a child is different than slander in its effect and consequence. All sin is sin in the eyes of God and its ability to separate us all from God is devastating. But not all sin has the same effect or consequence. So, I reiterate: everyone's guilty. Good to remind ourselves in the midst of ministry junk. It's not an Apostle vs. a new believer. It's one sinner dealing with another.
Second, everyone's been negatively affected. See the same list above. I don't hear anyone engaged in the situation who thinks this has positively impacted them. I suppose Dave, who got a quasi-promotion in the ugliness, could see it that way depending on if he has ambition. But no one is celebrating. Again, good to remember in the midst of the ministry mess. Paul with Philemon. Philemon with Onesimus. Paul and Peter in Galatia. Acts 15. No one is celebrating.
Lastly, no one on the internet that I have seen who is an outsider to SGM is talking about the real victims of this situation. It's not Brent or CJ or Josh or anyone else. The children and the families impacted by the tales of abuse at the hands of the church are the victims. Anyone want justice for CJ or Brent or Josh? Fine. But let's get justice for the most victimized first. I know CLC in particular is trying to reach out to some families and the effort's getting brutalized on the blogs. I for one think it was a good gesture and effort. And I know that there are unpublicized efforts to make things right. But consider this a prophetic call from the outside by someone who cares about and shares some affinity with SGM. Take care of the real victims first. And here's a hint: we don't know their names.
That also is important to remember when it comes to ministry messes. Sometimes selfish neanderthals like me can make it all about themselves. It's a good reminder that we're often not the only people offended nor are we the most victimized. Eyes off of self. Eyes on Jesus, who helps us see those who need to be seen.
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
Okay, for the three of you who stayed, I want to recant something that I said in an earlier blog entry. In it, I mentioned someone who stepped aside from ministry leadership because of stuff he needed to get done in his own soul. I applauded then. I don't do so now.
An SGM insider challenged me, when I mentioned that I was going to post something about this, about the Kingdom value of such a post. Point taken. Here, as in most ugly ministry situations, are three observations.
First, everyone's guilty in this situation. Brent. C.J. Dave. Bob. Josh. The bloggers. Challies. Mohler. Duncan. I don't even know what to say about the Panel of Three. The only goodwill I can offer them is that they had such a narrow charge that they answered the most legal definitions of their investigation, like a jury is restricted to answer a specific question. So much for getting my book published at Crossway (just kidding, I don't have a book).
True, not everyone is guilty of the same sin. Also true, what they are guilty of as individuals has different effects and consequences. Blackmail is different than gossip in its effect and consequence. Covering up sexual abuse of a child is different than slander in its effect and consequence. All sin is sin in the eyes of God and its ability to separate us all from God is devastating. But not all sin has the same effect or consequence. So, I reiterate: everyone's guilty. Good to remind ourselves in the midst of ministry junk. It's not an Apostle vs. a new believer. It's one sinner dealing with another.
Second, everyone's been negatively affected. See the same list above. I don't hear anyone engaged in the situation who thinks this has positively impacted them. I suppose Dave, who got a quasi-promotion in the ugliness, could see it that way depending on if he has ambition. But no one is celebrating. Again, good to remember in the midst of the ministry mess. Paul with Philemon. Philemon with Onesimus. Paul and Peter in Galatia. Acts 15. No one is celebrating.
Lastly, no one on the internet that I have seen who is an outsider to SGM is talking about the real victims of this situation. It's not Brent or CJ or Josh or anyone else. The children and the families impacted by the tales of abuse at the hands of the church are the victims. Anyone want justice for CJ or Brent or Josh? Fine. But let's get justice for the most victimized first. I know CLC in particular is trying to reach out to some families and the effort's getting brutalized on the blogs. I for one think it was a good gesture and effort. And I know that there are unpublicized efforts to make things right. But consider this a prophetic call from the outside by someone who cares about and shares some affinity with SGM. Take care of the real victims first. And here's a hint: we don't know their names.
That also is important to remember when it comes to ministry messes. Sometimes selfish neanderthals like me can make it all about themselves. It's a good reminder that we're often not the only people offended nor are we the most victimized. Eyes off of self. Eyes on Jesus, who helps us see those who need to be seen.
But that's just me thinking thoughts...
Monday, August 22, 2011
Back to School
Well, today is the big day. Back to school. Rhythm. Homework. Lunches to be made. All of that and a whole lot more.
WeatherBoy, is not excited in particular. But he's cautious by nature. Third grade. He's too big.
Jedi has never met a stranger, will have 150 friends by 10:38am, and is pretty much seeing this as an adventure. But there's no way he's supposed to go to kindergarten, is there? Is it really that time?
Peanut has another week or two before she gets back to her preschool life. She has no idea how great it's going to be this year being the only kid at home with mom. Spoiled. Rotten.
But for mine and yours and you teachers too, my prayer...
Father, thanks for education and learning, things we too often take for granted and shouldn't in light of the world we live in. Thanks for teachers and other investors who will work their hardest to make it worthwhile. We all need patience. We all need heart-level insight. For kids in particular, help them to see their place of learning as a place of ministry too. Let their light shine to make Jesus look as good as He really is. Amen.
Pics courtesy of my completely awesome wife (website here) who took these at our church's Back to School Bash on Saturday night.
WeatherBoy, is not excited in particular. But he's cautious by nature. Third grade. He's too big.
Father, thanks for education and learning, things we too often take for granted and shouldn't in light of the world we live in. Thanks for teachers and other investors who will work their hardest to make it worthwhile. We all need patience. We all need heart-level insight. For kids in particular, help them to see their place of learning as a place of ministry too. Let their light shine to make Jesus look as good as He really is. Amen.
Pics courtesy of my completely awesome wife (website here) who took these at our church's Back to School Bash on Saturday night.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sermon Notes from Sunday 8.21.11
Here are the sermon notes from Sunday's sermon. As always you can find the audio on iTunes or sermons.heritagepark.org. These notes in PDF are also available on our website.
Philippians
Praying for Philippi
Philippians 1.1-11
Paul is praying for the Philippian church, both leadership and laity.
Prayer with Gratitude
- Their memory prompted his thankfulness.
- Whose memory prompts your thankfulness?
- What memory prompts your thankfulness for our church?
Prayer with Joy
Because of their partnership in the Gospel
- Evangelism
- Hospitality
- Support
- Prayer
Because God finishes what He starts
- He will finish the work of grace in your life, promoting our security.
- He will finish the work of grace in another’s life, promoting our perseverance in prayer and evangelism.
Because of Paul’s affection for them
- They stuck by him in prison.
- They stayed by him in his proclamation.
Pray for Love
- He wants love to abound with knowledge and discernment.
- Purpose for this prayer: that they choose what is best.
- Result of this prayer: being ready for the day of Christ and bearing fruit for the glory of God.
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