Keep Running

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
(Hebrews 12:1).

Long distance running is an interesting analogy for our life of faith. Runners are characterized by passion, preparation and perseverance. All of these characteristics are things that we as believers should express through our lives. We should be passionate to honor God with all that we are. We should be prepared for every good work by God's word and the Holy Spirit. We should be people who persevere through every situation and circumstance. We are called to remain faithful and steadfast in who God has called us to be and what He's called us to do with passion, preparation and perseverance. 

So today, be like a runner and continue in the race that the Lord has called us to by His grace and mercy, pressing forward and not looking back (Philippians 3:12-14).

10 Things I've Learned About Leading Worship (Taya Smith)

10 Things I've Learned About Leading Worship

Name Dropper - Pastor John Gray

When Mercy Found Me

* Testimony from Rhett Walker

“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy…” - Titus 3:5

Life is a weird thing. It has its ups, it has its downs. It’s full of great times and full of times where it feels like you can’t breathe. In this day and time, and in this culture, we are pushed to focus on me, me, me. Look around at any commercial or newspaper or magazine ad. Everything is focused on how to live your life, and how to do this and that, and gain this and that. So when something does not go our way, it’s easy to sit back and think, “What is the point?”. I know I used to.

Earlier in my life, I would run around like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to fix everything, trying to run everything by working only for what I wanted. But that does not work. Never has, never will. The reason is because this life is not ours to have. It is not ours to run with, nor lead. I found out long ago that if I was going to amount to anything, I had to die to myself and let God have back the life that is His to begin with.

I didn’t have much to offer, because I was just an uneducated, 17 year old dad. I knew that everything I had placed my hands on was breaking underneath me. So I gave it up, and understood for the very first time what life and love was. Despite who I was, how I had acted, the mistakes I had made, Christ continued to pour out His grace, His love and His mercy. I had spent most of my time trying to figure this life out, when really I had no life worth living, till I found Jesus. That’s when I found a purpose in this world, and that’s when mercy found me.

Grow Your Gift

Come to the House

Last night I had the incredible experience of worshipping with a group of around 11,000 Jesus-followers at the O'Connell Center at the University of Florida.  Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio were in town and it was a great concert, a phenomenal message of encouragement, and a call to salvation through the sufficiency of the grace of God in Jesus Christ.  Although this was the case, one of the things that impacted me the most was the power in the gathering of God's people.  Here was a collection of Christians from all around our area and our state where the true focus was simply about lifting up the name of Jesus and hearing what He has to say for our lives.  The encouragement that followed in the life of each person in attendance was off the charts!  This morning after I had some time to meditate on what I experienced and the words that were shared, I realized that Hebrews 10:24-25 is a passage that we need desperately in our times:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

With so much darkness, deception and division in our society right now, the people of God need to meet, meet often and value that meeting.  As that scripture tells us, we shouldn't neglect 'to meet together.'  With that in mind, I have to tell you all that watching your favorite sermon online or TV isn't good enough.  Watching your church's live stream when you CAN attend in person isn't good enough.  Saying 'it's just me and Jesus', isn't good enough.  You need to be in the house of God when His people come together.  In that place you will be encouraged, equipped for the purpose of God, enlarged in your perspective to see like the Father, and more convinced of our need for the word of God and Jesus' finished work on the cross, as you're spurred on to tell others of this great news.

So, in short, do what you need to do in order to always keep your attendance in the house of God a high priority.  Whether it's tonight, Saturday, this Sunday or whenever, be sure that with passion, vision and expectation, you always come to the house.

Honorology

Here's a link to a powerful two-part sermon by Pastor Steven Furtick about honor.  Enjoy it:  http://elevationchurch.org/sermons/honorology.

Jesus Turned Around - Judah Smith

Jentezen Franklin - Stay Out of the Woods

Steven Furtick - Cancel the Audition...

Building the House of God on a Good Report - Pastor Steve Kelly

Ready, Get Set, Go - Judah Smith

Living the Life

In the book of Colossians, Chapter 1, we are encouraged by the apostle Paul to recognize the preeminence of Christ in all things.  "Whether thrones, dominions or rulers or authorities -  all things were created through Him and for Him" (v. 16). In other words, Christ is #1 no matter who or what is involved! Paul's encouragement is of particular significance when we look at our lives as believers. The conclusion that must be drawn about how we live is that Christ is to be at the top of the list in everything we do. Every endeavor, every plan, every thought, every desire or ambition must be held in light of Christ's preeminence. This will have a significant impact on how we go about our daily activities and cause us to seriously seek to pursue exemplary lives of holiness. 1 Peter 1:13-15 tells us this:

"Therefore,  preparing your minds for action,  and  being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  As obedient children,  do not be conformed to the passions  of your former ignorance,  but  as he who called you is holy, you also be holy  in all your conduct..." (1 Peter 1:13-15 ESV)

Our calling is to be set apart and distinct, like God, in all of our conduct. Wherever the road of life takes us, our character and the lifestyle we live should be consistent. Purity, holiness, faithfulness and the other fruits of the Spirit should always be foundational throughout our entire existence. This is the life that glorifies our God and gives others something worth following, thus loving the Lord and our neighbor (Matthew 22:34-40).

So whether we are in front of the masses or all alone, let us seek to continually acknowledge Christ as having first place in everything as we live the life He's called us to.

Humility?

(by Sarah Pridgen)

Matthew 18:1-6

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

OK, here it comes…  Once and for all (even if only in my own mind) I have to set something straight that I have heard misinterpreted my whole life…  When discussing the question the disciples posed about greatness in Matthew 18, I have heard many people dive into a discourse about the humility of children and how we need to mirror it.  And then I became a parent of children.  (Enter theme music here: Dum-du-dum-dum-dummmmm!)  Now, unless my children (and the 20 or so children of close friends around me) are unique in the entire world, I can tell you with CERTAINTY that humility is not an innate feature of these little jewels…  In fact, to say so would allude to the belief that children are born without sin which is completely contrary to what the Bible teaches.  I’m not really going there now, but just in case a question mark went off in your brain just then, here’s a Scripture: “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 8:23.  There is never an age distinction in the Word of God for the total depravity of man without the Savior.  Every heart is amiss without Jesus, EVERY ONE.  So there…  Moving on…

So, if Jesus wasn’t referring to innate humility in kids, what exactly did He mean?  Let’s think about this particular child in Jesus’ lap that day…  We don’t know anything about him.  Or do we?  We do know that he is a kid (under the age of autonomous responsibility for that day, so probably under 13).  Stay with me…  I don’t know what your kids like to spend their days doing, but chances are sitting on a hill and listening to an “old guy” with a beard speak about “the Kingdom of heaven” probably doesn’t rank at the top of the list…  My boy would probably be scouring the hillside for long sticks he could make into swords and then fight an invisible enemy while the guy Jesus carried on with his teaching…  He would not be sitting and listening quietly, unless his father or I required him to do so.  And there’s my simple point: the child attended the hillside meeting for one reason.  And that is his father required him to be there, and he obeyed.  His father was doing what all (or most) fathers of that day would’ve been doing: training the child.  Unlike the day we now live in, fathers of that day were acutely aware that “a child left to himself brings shame to his mother,” Prov. 29:15.  Even if only for economic purposes, parents of that day needed their children to learn wisdom young so that they could help with and then take over the family farm or business.  And so they took care to train the children all day every day until the job was done.  That boy on the hillside learned what his father deemed valuable that day: the teaching of a wise man “who spoke with authority.”  He learned that sometimes you need a day off from work to sit at Jesus’ feet.  The boy was in his process of being trained by his father.

Earlier in the ministry of Jesus, we are told a story about a teacher named Nicodemus who knew a whole lot.  He came to Jesus in the night to ask about divinity, and Jesus gave him a riddle that blew his trained brain…  “Unless a man is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”  Nicodemus, dumbfounded by the image of a nursing, spitting-up, pooping-at-will, totally reliant newborn, presses Jesus further…  Jesus becomes incredulent and throws it back to him, prodding his heart as to whether or not he is qualified to teach the Jews if he can’t work out in his mind how to become small.  Jesus asks for a blank canvas, and Nicodemus brings his qualifications.  Don’t we all?  

I can hear the disciples in Matthew 18 now, name-dropping and throwing out individual accomplishments…  Peter: “I’ve owned a successful fishing business, so clearly I should lead this team.”  Matthew: “Oh, yeah?  Well I collected taxes for Ceasar, so I know how to run the books.”  Philip: “I’m pretty sure sound theology is what we need, here, I should lead.”  And John: “I’m Jesus’ best friend, so I should definitely be in charge.”  It’s almost comical until I think about all of the “assets” I bring into my prayers before the Lord (I know you would never pray these things)…  “Jesus, you know you gave me the ability to do this, shouldn’t I have this open door?  Lord, don’t you think I should have a little more favor in this area?  I mean, I have done some pretty hard yards…”  Funny, but the resounding theme between the disciples’ one-ups and mine is this: I.  Me.  Yours truly.  So Jesus basically gives them a living illustration and says “forget what you think you deserve and become like this kid who came here today out of simple obedience.”  That’s humility defined.  The little boy didn’t show up on the hillside to be seen with Jesus, he just followed his dad.  And to me, that’s Jesus’ point in saying “humble yourself like this child…”  He’s asking you to show up in your faith today without your list of accomplishments and letters of recommendation.  Show up before the Lord today and say “where are we going today, Lord?  Is there anything you want to teach me?  Are we going to the hillside or the workshop today, Jesus?  Whatever you say, I’m in.”  True humility is having no other agenda than to please your Father.  Be like a kid in training for life.  Be born again every day, so that your desire is no longer greatness but the security of an unbroken relationship with the only person whose opinion really matters.

For Freedom

In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul encourages the church at Galatia to remember that God had set them free to walk in freedom: For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).  The importance of freedom in our lives cannot be over-emphasized.  It's a principle created by God and so important to Him that we see it's presence at the very beginning of humanity in the Garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve were not required anything except to stay stay away from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and even that they were free to disobey if they so chose and we all know how that one worked out (Genesis 2-3).  Despite the fact that it was God's desire for us to be protected from that tree and all the havoc it has wreaked on humankind over the years, freedom is so valuable to Him that He still gave us the opportunity to choose, by placing it in the Garden.  He knew that true love and commitment from His children would only come when we had the freedom to choose to love, obey and serve Him.

Freedom is a litmus test for our heart's desires.  The only way we know that love for anyone or any thing is valid is in the place of being free to choose.  When there is total liberty to do otherwise and we still choose someone or something, it's in that place that love is affirmed.  A slave may do what He's told, but a faithful son or daughter does things to honor their mother and father.  When our hearts are moved to do those things that honor God and are dear to His heart regardless of regulations, this is true commitment, true worship and true love.  Our heavenly father desires great things for us, but He will never take pleasure in us accomplishing or attaining them so long as it's not in true freedom - first from sin, and then from being led by obligations and regulations.  He wants us to choose the life and blessing He has for us, out of a place of pure relationship.

So today, remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free so let's walk in it for His glory.

Time for Harvest

As I was thinking about the subject of giving, I remembered a post that I wrote a few years ago entitled Harvest is Coming. In that post I discussed the reality of what the Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 6:7: "God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." The fact that God is truth reassures us that we can trust what he says.  When he declares that he will not be mocked and that we will reap what we sow, he means it.  He is God and there is none who is as just, true, valid, unchanging and faithful as he is.  From the creation of the world (Genesis 1), to the prophesies of Jesus' life, death and resurrection (too many to list :-)), to the great plans he has for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11), not one of His words has ever failed.  With that in mind, remember that we will undoubtedly "reap in due season if we don't lose heart" (Galatians 6:9) as we continue to walk by faith and not by sight 

(2 Corinthians 5:7).

So whether it is your time, your money, a gift, a smile, a hug or any other act of selflessness, be encouraged that you will definitely reap a good harvest on good seed in God's timing.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Consider today how great the gift and opportunity is that we have in Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that we are able to approach the throne of grace boldly to obtain mercy and then find grace to help in time of need. All because of what? The blood of Jesus. The finished work of the cross enables us to return to the Father’s original plan for us: relationship with Him. Today, you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) regardless of what you may feel like. You are the righteousness of God through the work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) no matter what mistakes you may have made. You are Christ’s ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) calling the world to be reconciled to Him, even if you don’t think you have much to say. Today, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). In everything, remember that God has made a way for us to return to Him and to tell others the same great news.

So each and everyday, I encourage you to go in the grace of God, fulfilling all that He has planned for you as you walk with Him. We've only got one life to live here on Earth, so let's embrace the opportunity of a lifetime.

Worship and Relationship

Today I was thinking about the reality of what we as a team of worship leaders do in the body of Christ, and it struck me like it never has before. We help to build relationship - first with God and then with each other. As we come before the Father each and every time, it's to express our love using our music and other artistic giftings, and to call others to do the same. This is an incredible opportunity to be an example of what Jesus said were the two great commandments in Matthew 22: to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and strength and then to love your neighbor as yourself. As we come to the Father in corporate worship to pour out our love for Him with authenticity and accuracy, we bring a display of worship that He loves to inhabit (Psalm 22:3). At the same time, we simultaneously are calling our brothers and sisters to do the same. Through this act, we show our love for our 'neighbors' by not leaving them out as we express a sincere desire for them to attain one of God's heart cries for us: unbroken fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ. What we are saying as we lead others in worship, is 'you are important enough to God and us, that we want you to join us in fulfilling one of the great purposes of our lives: glorifying the God of all creation.'

So the next time you step up to lead worship, whether you sing, play or dance, bear in mind that you should be declaring your undying love and commitment to our Father, as well as your love and concern for your fellow brothers and sisters. Let's passionately keep worship and relationship intimately tied as we express our love for the Father and call others to do the same.

Give Like God

From the beginning of time God has been a giver. When it would benefit Him in no way other than to have relationship with us, He created mankind and the world we live in. When it was time for us to begin this life and take care of the earth He made, he gave us everything we would ever need. And above all else, when our sin separated us from Him, He gave His only son to bring us back (John 3:16).

Giving is not just something that Father God does, but it serves to help define who He is. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that by His divine power we have been given everything that pertains to life and godliness. In the garden He gave life, blessing and purpose. Through the years that man wandered, He never stopped giving provision. Through the prophets of the Old Testament He gave correction and direction. And finally, through Jesus Christ, He gives us eternal life. Truly the attribute of giving marks Him as one who is loving, kind, merciful and compassionate, and so it must mark us. If we serve the God of the universe, in whose image we were created, then our lives must display the gift of giving.

Our time, talents and treasure are not our own, but are entrusted to us by God to live this life while blessing those around us. In so doing we further solidify our role as his ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) and as His children (John 1:12). So as we're right in the middle of celebrating the birth of Jesus during this Christmas season, remember that we're not only blessed to receive, but also to give like God.

Created for Relationship

After celebrating another birthday last week I am really thankful for relationships. I received such an outpouring of cards, gifts, texts, letters, Facebook messages and e-mails that it is overwhelming. The love and gratitude expressed by my friends and family was huge and my response in thankfulness was just as great because I begun to realize that it is only through valuing and committing to relationships that we reap the benefits. By embracing everything, including the tough times, we have the opportunity to enjoy all of the benefits and blessings. In Genesis right before He created man, God said, 'it is not good for man to be alone' (Genesis 1:18). In this, God not only spoke of marriage, but of all relationships because there was no other human but Adam up to that point. God's desire was that in the same way He created man and wanted fellowship with him, He wanted Adam (and all of future mankind) to have the opportunity to fellowship with others who were like him.

Just as the two great commandments referenced by Jesus in Matthew 22 state - love the lord with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself - we were created to love God and love each other. Regardless of whether it's easy, or filled with challenges, we are called to live this life in relationship: with God and others. So cherish it, enjoy it, work at it and succeed in it because truly, we were created for relationship.