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Archive for April, 2011

The Heart of Worship

Posted in Formation on April 12, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Today, I was reading this in John 2.  So now, I am thinking about worship.  What is true worship?  Why did Jesus make such a scene in the temple courts?  Was it the mess that the animals were making of God’s house?  Was it the profiteering of the merchants?

I think it was something deeper – something more fundamental.  I think Jesus’ actions cut more to the heart of the problem.

Worship is a matter of the heart.  It must be authentic and real.  At the very core of worship is a realization of who we are in comparison to God.  This realization should produce in us a desire to give ourselves to our Creator – to submit our desires to God’s – in a word:  sacrifice.

In the early days of the Israelite worship system, God instructed the people to offer something of worth and value as a symbol of their love and devotion.  But it was never really about sacrificing animals – it was about submission.  Psalm 51 teaches that the pure heart is what God desires – not the sacrificing of animals.

But what Jesus encountered in the temple courts was a lucrative business that enabled people to purchase submission and sacrifice.  As is typical with human nature, what God intended as worship had become something else – something twisted.  No longer did a person have to feel submission and devotion to God.  One could simply pay the system and feel his duty had been done.

Now, I realize that there were authentic worshippers in Jesus’ day.  But this particular instance in scripture shows us that Jesus was concerned about the system that had been established and how it had the potential to remove people from true worship.

So what about us – what about today?  Are we any different?  When we set aside time to worship, are we truly seeking to submit and see ourselves in relation to God?  Or has worship become more about us – more about a sense of going through the motions because people are watching and it is what “good” people do?

God is looking for a pure heart – one that loves and submits.  That is the heart of worship.

Is that your heart today?

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Transition Is Never Easy

Posted in Church, Community, Hope on April 11, 2011| 12 Comments »

A week ago, I preached at First Baptist Church in Littlefield, Texas.  The church had asked me to come for consideration as their new pastor.  In Baptist life, we call this “going in view of a call.”  It went well – I am thinking most of the people must not have been paying close attention to my sermon because it wasn’t very good and yet they voted to call me anyway (smile).

Yesterday, I officially resigned from my current position at First Baptist Church in Levelland, effective May 1.  It was a difficult time for me and for my family, as I read my letter of resignation.  We have been in this community for almost nine years.  Over the course of that time, we have put down roots, made friends and become ingrained in the community.  As I looked out over the congregation, I saw many, many dear friends.  And that makes this transition difficult for all of us.

But, God never called us to be comfortable.  Choosing to follow Jesus is the most fulfilling lifestyle possible for any human being, but Jesus never said it would be easy.  In fact, he used phrases like “take up your cross and follow,” and “the first shall be last.”  Life is not about being comfortable.  Real life is about being faithful and committed to carry out what God has equipped us to do and to become the person God intended.

Several people have asked about my ramblings here and whether or not I will continue with Clay In The Hands.  This has become a part of my ministry and really, more of a part of who I am.  And so, yes, Clay In The Hands is not going anywhere.  I knew this day would come and so all of this is set up to follow me where ever I go.

In fact, you know that I tend to be transparent with what is going on in my life and typically share my life lessons here.  I think the next few months are going to be an amazing journey so I encourage you to stop by often and join me for the ride!

Be blessed today!

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Why Are You Here?

Posted in Formation, Hope, Leadership on April 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever wondered why you were born where and when it happened?  I mean, why was I born in Texas in the mid-60’s?  Why not in Europe in the 1800’s or Israel in 12 AD?

I read this earlier this morning and it reminded me that God has a plan for each of us.

You were created for a time such as this.  God has gifted you, equipped you and called you to make a difference in your world that no one else on the planet can make today!  Just you – only you!

Go make your mark!

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Fully Present

Posted in Formation, Hope on April 6, 2011| 1 Comment »

I got to the office early today.  It has been refreshing to be able to get my day organized and think through some things in peace and quiet.  As I sat, thinking about the day ahead, I noticed several quotes I have plastered around my desk.

One of those caught my eye this morning with a strong reminder.  Albert Camus said this:

Real generosity toward the future consists in giving all to what is present.

Thinking toward the future is important – I am a big planner.  But, tomorrow is built today.

What are you going to do with your today?  Will you be completely present?  How whole heartedly will you throw yourself into what you do today?

Jesus expects sold out followers.  Will that be you?

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Intertwined Community

Posted in Church, Community, Family on April 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Last night I promised my son I would get burritos for breakfast today.  So, this morning I made my way to our favorite breakfast burrito establishment and got in line in the drive through to place my order.  As I sat there thinking about my day, I noticed the sun beginning to rise in front of me.  I also noticed the trees standing between me and the sun.

The direction of the sunlight caused every branch of every tree to standout like a dark shadow making each twig visible.  As I examined the picture in front of me, I realized how intertwined all the branches were – including the branches from different trees – all mixed together.

In another week or so, these trees will be covered in leaves and will offer shade and shelter to birds and squirrels.  They will begin to work to put oxygen back into the atmosphere.  They will serve as things of beauty.  In short, they will continue to serve the purpose for which they were created – all the branches working together – intertwined.

As I sat there contemplating this sight, I was reminded that I was looking at a picture of community – community as God intended it.  Each of us as believers are part of a community.  We may come from different branches and even different trees, but we are all intertwined.  The routine of our daily lives leads us in and out of each others’ paths.  God intended it this way.

God also intended for this community to serve a purpose.  As a community of believers, we are to offer comfort and security to a hurting world.  We are to work to influence our world for the better.  This community should be a beautiful picture of what God’s love is all about.

Community is a group of intertwined believers, working together to fulfill what God intended.

How active are you in God’s community?

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