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Archive for the ‘Formation’ Category

Identity In a Relationship

Posted in Formation, Hope on November 10, 2015| 1 Comment »

The last two Sunday’s we have sung a particular song in one of our worship services that continues to remind me of a fundamental truth in life – not just my life but in life in general.  This truth speaks to our identity.

For many, if not all of us, our lives are spent and centered around getting ahead – making a name for ourselves, obtaining more and more stuff, living the American dream with a house, a car and 2 1/2 kids.  The quest for this “happy life” becomes the drive that consumes us and, in fact, can become our identity.  We become the successful person, the person who needs nothing and no one, the person who has it all.  But at some point, it all seems hollow.  At some point, we realize that the “happy life” we have sought is just a vapor – an illusive ideal that doesn’t really exist – at least not in the way we had imagined it.

The realization of our futile pursuits leaves us empty – empty because we come face to face with the fact that our identity is empty and hollow.  We build our lives around pursuing a dream that does not exist and when the weight of this truth hits us, we feel alone and lost.

That is why the song we have sung the past two Sunday’s has been such a strong reminder.  The message of the song is so simple and yet profound.  It’s a Chris Tomlin song written by Pat Barrett and Anthony Brown entitled, Good Good Father.  The chorus of the song says,

Your a good, good Father

That’s who you are, who you are, who you are

And I’m loved by you

That’s who I am, who I am, who I am

This profound truth should define us.  We need nothing else.  Our lives are then built on this foundation that we are loved by God.  The only pursuit in life that brings any meaning and fulfillment is the pursuit of a relationship with God.

We need know nothing else but that we are loved by God.

Be blessed today!

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Consistently Faithful

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope on October 29, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever had that feeling that your prayers are not getting past the ceiling?

This morning, I was up early so I decided to head to one of my favorite coffee spots where the coffee is great and the setting is conducive for reflection.  One of my goals for my time there was to develop some thoughts for today’s post.  I flipped open my laptop and began the process of logging into their system in order to access Clay In The Hands.  I found the correct hotspot and signed in with the posted password.  Seconds later – success – I was connected to the router.  I then opened my browser and . . . nothing.  There was no connection between the router and the internet provider.  It made absolutely no difference that I was connected to the router – I would get no where without that connection.

So I decided to spend my time in prayer and reading.

As I prayed and read I reflected on our Bible study time last night and the importance of submitting to God in prayer.  As I sat there, frustrated by a lack of connection to cyber space, I began to relate that frustration to dry periods in my prayer life.  Not always does my prayer time seem fruitful.  Not every time that I pause to pray do I feel that my connection with the creator is running at full capacity.  Sometimes I feel my prayers don’t get past the ceiling.

As I prayed and stayed with this thought of disrupted connection, I was reminded that the primary point of prayer is not my emotional satisfaction – a sense that I have been heard and now things are going to be different or better somehow.  The primary point of prayer is an act of submission to God and a willingness to be shaped by the will of The Other.  When I remember that fact, the frustration of feeling disconnected fades into the background and what moves to the forefront of my focus is consistent faithfulness.

When it comes to prayer, I should be more concerned about being consistently faithful to set aside time with God and then simply trust that God will acknowledge my faithfulness in his time and in his way.

So today, be encouraged.  Whether you feel your prayers are being heard or not, trust that God hears and remain consistently faithful.

Our crucial role in spiritual progression is to remain consistently faithful – God will do the rest.

Be blessed!

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Oblivious To God’s Presence

Posted in Formation, Grace on October 27, 2015| Leave a Comment »

The last few months have been a blur – as you can most likely guess as there have been no offerings here.  It isn’t that God has not been at work in my life – quite the opposite.  But with all the transition in the life of my family, my mind hasn’t always been focused on hearing from God.

Since August, our oldest son has graduated from college, our youngest has moved off to college, we sold a house of 13 years and bought a new house in our new home.  We packed up all our stuff and moved it 550 miles to figure out that we have too much stuff.  And my wife has now joined me here in Corpus Christi, leaving her job for this new adventure.

To say that our family has been in transition is really an understatement.  And through this experience, I must admit, my focus has not always been on hearing from God.

This past Sunday, I shared what I believe to be one of the most grievous sins we as followers in The Way commit, and most likely do so daily.  We as Jesus followers live in the very presence of God and yet do so with no regard.  Not only is God at work around us each and every day, but God’s spirit actually lives within us – each second of each day – and yet we live our lives with no regard to The Other right here in the midst of our lives – oblivious to God’s presence.

Each of us does it.  It doesn’t matter if our lives are filled with flurry or it is just business as usual.  So often we fail to pause and notice God around us or even God within us.

Today I encourage you to slow down and think about the fact that God loves you and wants a relationship with you.  You are important to the creator.  Spend some time with him today.

Be blessed!

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Real Character Revealed

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope, Motivational on September 15, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Today’s Pray-As-You Go reading comes from Luke 2.  I listened this morning and reflected as the passage was read of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the Temple after his birth.  We are told that the words of Simeon amazed them as he foretold what Jesus would accomplish.

The words that have stayed with me from this reading are these:  “the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”

I have been wrestling with this idea all morning now.  Does he really mean that my innermost thoughts – my deep-seated fears and desires will come to light?  I believe he does.  Jesus brought truth to us.  Truth about ourselves.  Truth about our world.  Truth about God’s desire for us.  And when truth is put next to something – the real character is revealed.

For instance, Jesus has taught us that we are to show mercy to others (Matthew 5:7).  So when we have the opportunity to show mercy and we choose to withhold it, we reveal something about ourselves.

Simeon nailed it.

Jesus reveals the thoughts of the heart.

This past Sunday, my sermon spoke to the need for each of us to be real.  As believers – as followers in the Way – we must reflect Jesus.  When people see us, they need to see real followers – not those who just want to appear to be so.  Our actions and words, when brought into comparison to Jesus’ teaching, reveal our hearts – our true selves.  What will your actions and words reveal about you today?

Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  That is my prayer for myself today.

It is my prayer for you!

Be blessed this day!

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A Thousand Years of Collective Spiritual Experience In One Place

Posted in Church, Community, Formation on September 3, 2015| 1 Comment »

I look forward to my Wednesday night schedule each week.  Each Wednesday I have the pleasure of gathering with some of our church family around tables and enjoying a meal together.  The fellowship is sweet.  Last night I listened – – and observed.  There was laughter and smiles – there was joy.  A part of me wanted to be at each table at the same time.

And then, after the meal, everyone scatters to all parts of the church for different ministries and Bible studies.  I get the opportunity to meet with a growing group of folks in our chapel where we spend a few minutes in prayer and then dive into God’s word and wrestle with what we find there together.

People Gathered At CrossLast night was particularly transformative for me (and I pray it was for those gathered).  We worked through the later half of chapter 4 of the book of James.  There was great discussion and even some push back on some of the points I shared.  It was glorious.  When we wrapped up I made the statement that I appreciated everyone being there and in that moment I realized – I am having a blast!

As I have reflected on the experience, God has opened my eyes (just a bit) to the importance of gathering together to study God’s word.  I have been doing this for years and have waxed on about the importance of assembling together and the benefits of building relationships with other believers through small group ministry.  But something hit me this morning like a ton of bricks.

As I thought about all those gathered together in the chapel last night I thought about the diverse mix of folks – some college students, some old enough to be those students’ great-grand parents – some newcomers to the faith and some who have been followers in the Way for longer than I have been alive.  The collective wisdom of literally hundreds of years was brought together for 45 minutes to learn from God’s word.  Even writing these words gives me pause.  If I were to be able to ask each person in attendance, the number of years they have followed Jesus, the calculation would actually have been well over a thousand.  A thousand years of collective spiritual experience all gathered together in one room, focused on the same thing at the same time.  WOW!  That my friends is the church!!

What a humbling experience!

What you bring to the family may seem insignificant.  Maybe you have been a believer for most of your life – or maybe you are just getting started on this path.  Either way, when you combine what God has given you with what God has given the others in the family, the result is amazing and beautiful.

God has a place for you in a local body of like-minded believers.  If you are anywhere near Corpus Christi, I pray you will plug in with us.  But where ever you may be – plug in somewhere.  What you have to offer can only be offered by you.

Stay engaged!

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Feeling Overwhelmed?

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope on September 2, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Occasionally, we all feel overwhelmed.  Life stacks up.  Things may be going fine one day and then the very next – wham!! – life piles up like traffic in north Dallas at 5:00 on Friday afternoon!

It is in those times we need to remind ourselves of a very important promise and truth from Jesus.  In Matthew 11, Jesus tells us that when we feel overwhelmed, weary and worn-out, that we can come to him and he will give us rest.

There are three things I take away from this promise:

  1. We all get weary sometimes – that is natural.  We get really busy doing really good things and we get really tired.  Jesus reminds us that we need balance.  When we focus all our attention on really good things but neglect the best, weariness sets in – which leads to the second thing.
  2. Jesus offers rest.  He is not referring to a nap, but refreshing, renewing relief.
  3. We have to turn to him for this relief.  I can try and find refreshment in a lot of different places and ways, but the only real relief comes when we draw near to him.

We get worn-out when we focus all our energy on the good things in life but neglect the best – our time with Jesus.

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed today, rest in Jesus.  He offers the only relief that makes a difference.

Be blessed!

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A Simple Faith

Posted in Formation, Hope on August 25, 2015| 2 Comments »

In yesterday’s post I mused about the beginning of school and how children have a special place in the heart of Jesus.  I quoted Mark 10 in which we see a beautiful picture of Jesus’s compassion.  As I have reflected further on that text, something Jesus said has continued to stay with me.  In verse 15, Jesus makes a subtle but enormous statement.  He says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”   

Like a little child.

Jesus didn’t say, “Once you have matured and have a real grasp on theology and the workings of God, then you can receive the kingdom.”  He didn’t say, “As soon as you prove yourself with selfless acts and serve on 14 committees in the synagogue and teach a class in Sabbath school, then you will be worthy.”

He said we must receive the kingdom of God like a little child.

Children aren’t usually worried about adult stuff.  Their eyes are wide as they take in all that is going on.  Their innocence is moving.  Their hopes and dreams are in tact, still vibrant with passion and excitement.  The world has yet to steal them away.  They aren’t concerned about tomorrow – they simply trust.

When the world tells you it doesn’t work that way, relax and believe.

When your mind says, “I just have to figure this stuff out,” simply trust.

Even in the midst of the stress of life, rest with confidence in God’s arms.

Whatever life throws at you today, remember that God is in control.  What is going on may not make sense – today . . . but that never means God is not present. God will never leave you nor will you ever be forsaken!

S I M P L Y     T R U S T

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Prayer On the First Day of School

Posted in Family, Formation, Hope on August 24, 2015| 2 Comments »

Here we are . . . another beginning to a new school year.  This summer has been a whirlwind of milestones in the lives of my children – and family.  In the last three weeks, my oldest son graduated college from Texas Tech University (and is now completely employable by the way) and my youngest headed off to begin his college career.  Today he starts his classes at my alma mater – Hardin-Simmons University.  My middle son will begin classes at Texas A & M Corpus Christi on Wednesday.

So – here we are – milestones . . . new beginnings.

As each new school year begins, I think back to those days when I walked my boys through the parking lot, holding hands to protect them from the craziness that is school drop off.  I remember the looks on their faces – a mixture of excitement and full on fear.  I remember walking away trying not to make eye contact with any other adults thinking that somehow they would not see the tears on my face.  I remember getting back to the car and just sitting, trying to collect myself and praying.  I prayed for their teachers.  I prayed for them to have an amazing day.  I prayed that God would be with them since I couldn’t.

So when we get to the beginning of a new school year, I remember those days.  Then I am reminded that my boys still need God to be with them in the same ways they did way back then.

If you are in the throws of the beginning of a new school year take heart, God will see your little ones through – and you as well.

Jesus had a special place in his heart for kids – and he still does.  Mark 10 gives a vivid picture:

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

He took them in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  He still does!  What a beautiful picture!

Father in heaven.  Today marks another milestone in the lives of our children (and when we are honest with ourselves – our own lives as well).  Please protect our kids and offer peace to parents.  Put people in their lives that help them grow in their understanding and maturity.  Please walk beside their teachers and administrators as they give their lives to make the lives of our kids better.  Through all of it, grow them into the adults you created them to be and never stop drawing them to yourself.   Amen

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Faith In Action

Posted in Church, Community, Formation, Hope on July 29, 2015| 2 Comments »

What would the world look like if each self-professed follower of Jesus truly lived out their faith daily with passion?

I believe the world would look differently.  I believe our churches would be full of tired Jesus followers every Sunday – there to recuperate from living to the fullest the week before and regrouping to go out and do it again the next week.

It is easy to say, “I am a believer.  I have put my faith and trust in Jesus.”  But the test of those words comes in how we live.

James 2:14-26 forces a reality check.  The author of the book refuses to take our statement of faith at face value.  He pushes the issue and says that we cannot expect others to believe that our faith is real if it is not backed up by our actions.

Go out and live your faith today.  Words are hollow and meaningless if we don’t live them.

Be a blessing today.

If you are anywhere near First Baptist Corpus at 6:00 PM tonight, come and join the discussion about this text.

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Are You Alive – Fully?

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope on July 22, 2015| 2 Comments »

Flyleaf – the Christian rock group – has a song titled “Fully Alive.”  As I listened to that song this morning, I thought about my devotional reading for the day.  The lyrics of the song describe a girl who has experienced suffering but through that suffering she has learned to believe in something more – something beyond.  And because of that belief she is ready to smile and love life.  She is fully alive because she knows how to believe in something more.

This morning, I read a prayer that Jesus offered, recorded in John 17.  This text was something I had read time and time again but it took on fresh meaning this morning (that is how scripture is – new and fresh everyday).  Jesus makes a concise statement of what real life, eternal life is.  In verse 3 he says: “Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Jesus gives us a beautifully simple definition of a fulfilled, sustaining and lasting life – to know the one true God.  When we know God – when we believe with our entire being that he is the only true God – then we are fully alive.

Are you fully alive today?

If you know the Father – then you are fully alive.

Now go live it!

Be a blessing today!

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