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Archive for the ‘Formation’ Category

It’s About Waiting

Posted in Formation, Hope on December 3, 2013| 1 Comment »

The Christmas season is upon us.  If you have made a trip to Walmart you have seen the decorations – in fact, that has been possible since August.  I love this time of year.  I enjoy the gatherings of family and friends.  I look forward to the music and caroling.  Hot chocolate, food, football.  All the sights and sounds of this season bring a smile to my heart.

But the most important part of this season is the celebration of the coming of God to the world.  This year, I challenge you to begin Advent with clarity.  The word advent is actually from the Latin word – adventus – which is translated “coming.”  The purpose of celebrating Advent is to celebrate the “coming” of Jesus to live among us.

The season of Advent begins four Sunday’s before Christmas Day and continues through the month of December, culminating on that sacred day – the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth.

It is a season of anticipation – of waiting.

Few of us enjoy waiting.  I must confess, waiting is not my strong suit.  I live at break-neck speed most of the time.  My shoes show the wear pattern of someone in a hurry – or so I have been told by more than one shoe repairperson.  Waiting takes me out of my normal pace.  It forces me to pause and sometimes stop.

Advent is about waiting.  Waiting for the coming messiah to be born.  Waiting for God to arrive.  It is in our waiting that we are reminded that we are not in control.  It is in our waiting that we truly begin to look for God.

I talk to people everyday who are waiting.  Waiting for healing.  Waiting for answers.  Waiting for relationships to mend.

Waiting . . .

Remember that waiting forces us to look outside ourselves.  Waiting reminds us that everything is in God’s time and in God’s control.  Waiting reminds us that God is God and we are not.

So this Advent season, remember to focus on what is of primary importance.  God loved us so much that he sent his one and only son to become one of us.  With the people of old, we anticipate his coming.  We wait for his revelation.

Praise be to God!

He is coming!

So we wait with anticipation!

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Lesson Learned From an Icy Road

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope on November 25, 2013| Leave a Comment »

This past weekend our area was hit with a winter storm that dropped a couple of inches of snow.  While the snow was beautiful and the moisture was certainly welcomed, the ice that came the day before made things very interesting – slick ice disguised with a dusting of beauty.

Have you ever heard the saying, “He knows just enough to be dangerous.”?  That is a phrase that was started, very likely, to describe drivers in west Texas when the roads are icy.  I have no problem navigating icy and snow covered roads when I am the only person on them.  Unfortunately, it snows in our area just enough to force people to drive on such roads but not enough to give them the experience they need to actually be able to do it safely.  The results are crazy people driving out of control and not even knowing it.

How many of us are going through life with the same reckless abandon while thinking we have it all under control?  Many get up each day with the misconception that they are actually in control of their destiny – that they can make their own way in the world.

Jesus made sure to remind us that he is the way, the truth and the life.  The fact that we are so self-centered that we actually believe this life is somehow about us is why Jesus came in the first place.  He came to show us what life is really about and to guide us through the icy spots and the dangerous conditions to a fulfilled existence.  He sacrificed himself so that you and I could have a relationship with God.

As we approach Thanksgiving – and then Advent – don’t forget that Jesus came to save us – even though we didn’t even know we needed saving.

Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!

Give thanks!

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Broken

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope on November 21, 2013| Leave a Comment »

We live in a broken world – broken people, broken relationships, broken ideas – BROKEN.  But the harsh reality of it all is that I have a part in the brokenness – – as do you.

It is my sin that contributes to the brokenness – my selfishness, my poor choices, my desires, my sin – – and yours.

Because of this broken nature of our world God made him who knew no sin to become my sin – – and your sin.

God sent Jesus to be broken for me – – and you.

Thanks be to God for loving me – – and you.

Praise be to Jesus for becoming my sin – – and yours.

Give thanks today for what God has done.

I do not deserve God’s mercy, God’s forgiveness, God’s love – – and neither do you.

Give thanks today for what God has done.

I am a new creation in Jesus through his sacrifice – through his brokenness – – are you?

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Thankful For Unfailing Love

Posted in Formation, Hope on November 19, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever had one of those days where your schedule goes out the window and you get to the end of it and you look at your To Do list and realize you never even looked at it much less did anything on it?  I have had 2 weeks of days like that.  Now don’t here me complaining – it has been 2 weeks of amazing things happening.  But it has prevented me from being as faithful as I want to be here with Clay In The Hands.

God has been at work and some really cool things are starting to happen in our 1st B church family and it is truly exciting.  Over the next few days I will take some time to share some of the stories.  But for today let me just say that God is GOOD!

As we approach Thanksgiving Day in just over a week, think about the blessings you have been given.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the busyness of life that we don’t take the time to think – time to think about how God is at work and moving in our lives.  Psalm 106:1 says this,

Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

Stop and thank God today for the fact that regardless of your circumstances, God’s love endures forever.  God loves you as much today as yesterday.  There is nothing you could ever do to stop God from loving you.  Regardless of who you are, where you have been or what you have done, God’s love never fails – it always IS.

That is something for which to be thankful.

Live out your thanks today!

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If You Have To Tell People You Are Humble – You Aren’t

Posted in Formation, Grace, Hope on November 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Humility.  Some reading this word might immediately think – “weak.”  Others reading the word might think – “noble” or “honorable.”  Your understanding of this word will direct the rest of your days.  True humility is never weakness but rather the realization of whence real power comes.

But please don’t think we can treat this complex virtue of humility flippantly or casually.  True humility is a complex virtue – possibly even a cyclical undertaking in the life of a human.  Thomas Merton, in frustration of realizing this complexity cried out to God in prayer:

Lord, you have taught us to love humility, but we have not learned.  We have learned only to love the outward surface of it – the humility that makes a person charming and attractive.  We sometimes pause to think about these qualities, and we often pretend that we possess them, and that we have gained them by “practicing humility.”

If we were really humble, we would know to what extent we are liars!

Pretty straight forward words from a humble man.  You see, if we have to tell people we are humble then we aren’t.

A complex virtue indeed.

God calls us to die to ourselves – to humble ourselves – and to live completely surrendered to God and the calling on our lives.  There is an element of real freedom here that we must not miss.  God does not call us to put on a mask and try and live up to the world’s standards.  We don’t have to worry about what others think.  We don’t have to put on aires and strive to be someone we are not.  In fact, we are not even expected to be successful – regardless of how you define that word and concept.  The only expectation on us is to be faithful.

It starts with humility.

God, today, help me to realize those areas in my life where I have replaced you with desires to succeed.  Rekindle in me a passion to serve you with all that I am – sold out and and completely surrendered.    Amen

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The Reality of Chasing Rainbows

Posted in Formation, Hope on November 4, 2013| Leave a Comment »

How do you know when you have made it?  Do you just wake up one day in full contentment and say, “This is it – it just doesn’t get any better than this.”?  I would suggest that this idea is something of which movies are made and fictitious novels are written.

I am not trying to burst the bubble that is the American Dream necessarily, but stay with me.  True meaning, true contentment and true fulfillment come only when we die to ourselves and live solely for our creator.  Unfortunately, that is a process of becoming.  It does not happen in an instant.  In fact, I don’t believe it happens fully in this life.

The very idea of growing in Christ is a counter-cultural concept.  In our world, we read and hear that we can get better.  We can eat the right foods, take the right pills, read the right books and better our lives.  We are told that if we do the right things, know the right people and play our cards right, we will “make it” – we will “be somebody.”  We chase after contentment by the world’s standards but the reality is, that contentment is as illusive and transient as a pot of gold sitting in a field at the end of a rainbow – it just isn’t there.  But if the deceiver can keep us preoccupied with chasing after mist, we will never become the people God intends for us to be and live with the meaning we were created to experience.

The counter-cultural truth is that in order to really live, we must first die.  We must die to our desires to “be somebody” and focus our attention on living fully in tune with God and God’s plan for our lives.  In a word, it is about humility.  It has never been and will never be about us.  It is always about God and God’s kingdom.

We will pick up here tomorrow, but for today, remember that God’s desire for each of us is a full and meaningful life, but that only comes when we surrender completely to God.

Be a blessing today.

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A Bag of Candy and the Heart of God

Posted in Community, Formation, Hope on October 29, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever been inspired and moved by a child?  It is a wonderful experience – and maybe this experience is intensified as a pastor.  It is humbling to watch a child live out what they are being taught.  I was asked years ago what the best part of ministry is for me.  I would have to say that different days would dictate how I answer that question.  But the most universal answer I have for that question is seeing people “get it.”  When that light finally comes on and all the pieces begin to come together and a passion for Christ is fostered – seeing that happen is breathtaking.  That would be one of the best things about ministry – getting to see that happen in the lives and hearts of people.

At any rate, a couple of weeks ago, I told you about a young girl who made bracelets and sold them in order to raise money to help the less fortunate.  She gave her entire $55 in order to buy food to go in the bags for our snack pack ministry (food that goes home with 36 grade school children each Friday).

Well, Sunday night it happened again.  We hosted one of the coolest things I have seen in quite some time.  We had church members who answered the call to come to the church Sunday evening, decorate their cars (and even themselves) and open their car trunks to the community to give out candy and treats.  It was a home run.  We had 200 to 250 kids show up to go through the parking lot in their costumes – car to SUV to car – collecting candy, smiles and hugs.

It was so successful, one of the families that had come to participate in giving out treats ran out about two thirds of the way through the event.  As I was walking through, the mother of the family approached me to apologize for running out too soon.  She said she was just going to close the trunk of her car and help out as needed.  As we stood there talking about it, I noticed something that made my eyes water and my heart smile.  Her 8 year old son was standing there in his costume holding his own candy collection in hand.  As kids would come by his car, he would reach into his own bag and give out his candy to them as they passed by.  As I watched this selfless act of generosity and love, I was speechless.  All I could do was kneel and give him a hug and tell him he was awesome.

Sometimes the most powerful of all inspiration comes in very simple acts.  Sometimes we have the blessing of watching as someone “gets it.”  And when that happens, we are reminded that all of this is worth it and that God still moves in the hearts of mankind – every single day.

How is God moving you today?

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What An Adventure!

Posted in Church, Community, Formation, Hope, Motivational on October 15, 2013| 2 Comments »

In preparing for this coming Sunday, I pulled a little book off the shelf that I read years ago and have re-read a time or two.  The book is by Erwin McManus and is entitled, The Barbarian Way.  It is a quick read and is one of those books that should be used as a reminder from time to time.

All of us need to remember what this following in The Way is all about.  So many people look at Christianity and say, “Why would I want to be involved in a system of rules that leads to a boring life of restriction from the things I enjoy doing and that bring excitement?  No thanks, you can have it.”

But I am reminded that Jesus did not call us to a boring life.  In fact, following Christ is the most exciting, fulfilling adventure offered to mankind.  When we approach our faith completely surrendered to Jesus, we realize that we are living right on the edge.  The X-Games have nothing on following Jesus!

McManus reminds us that there is a difference between what religion has become and the way Jesus calls us to live.  Here is what he says:

When Christianity becomes just another religion, it focuses on requirements.  Just to keep people in line, we build our own Christian civilization and then demand that everyone who believes in Jesus become a good citizen.  

It’s hard to imagine that Jesus would endure the agony of the Cross just to keep us in line.  Jesus began a revolution to secure our freedom.

Following The Way is more than living by a set of rules.  In fact, it is not about conforming but rather being transformed.  Jesus did not call us to conform to a system, he called us to join the battle for the hearts of humanity.  This calling is far from boring.  It is a call to live outside our comfort zone every day.  It is a call to give everything we have to the movement of God.  And this movement is bigger than we are and greater than anything we can even imagine.

Will you join the adventure?

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Jesus On the Highway

Posted in Church, Formation, Motivational on September 30, 2013| Leave a Comment »

On Saturday, my youngest son had a cross-country meet in Amarillo.  The last time he ran in Amarillo, my wife and I were not able to make it because of the distance and other commitments we had that day.  So this time, we made sure to be there to cheer him on.

As we were making the trip up I-27, we were almost to Amarillo – approaching Happy – when my wife asked, “Is this the town that has Jesus on the highway?”  As I thought about it, I could remember, sometime in the past, seeing a much larger than life crucifix enclosed in a glass building along the interstate – so I knew what she was talking about.

We quickly realized that Jesus was not in Happy, nor Canyon.  We made it on to the meet, watched Bryson do an amazing job with the 5K and then we ran some errands and had lunch before heading back home.  As we pulled back onto I-27 to head south, the conversation turned back to wondering where we would see Jesus.

As we approached each little town we would both begin looking to the side of the freeway to try and catch a glimpse of Jesus as we passed by.  Finally we came to Abernathy, and there he was.  Standing there on the access road to the interstate was a 30′ tall glass building and inside, at least a 20′ crucifix.  If you have never seen this display, next time you are on I-27 going through Abernathy, look to the west.  It is very impressive.

Since Saturday, I have been thinking about our pilgrimage.  I have thought about our conversation as we looked for Jesus.  And it made me think, how many people in the world are looking for Jesus – not a crucifix on the side of the highway – but actually looking for Jesus.  They come to our churches looking for Jesus.  I can just hear the conversation in the car as they drive up to the church on Sunday morning, “Do you think we will see Jesus in there?”

I can also imagine people watching me and asking the question, “Will he show me Jesus if I watch?”

The truth is, everyone in the world is looking for Jesus.  They may not know it but everyone is looking for him.  They are looking for something more.  Something or someone who can bring fulfillment.  Something that will bring relief from the pressures of work and family.  Something that will bring security and peace in a world that offers neither.  Everyone is looking for something or someone.

As believers, we know exactly what they need; or rather, who they need.  The answer is always Jesus.

So will they see Jesus when they come through the doors of your church?  Maybe the better question – will they see Jesus when they encounter you today?

I wonder where I will see Jesus today?

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The Listening Life

Posted in Formation, Hope on September 26, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Does God speak to you?  When is the last time you got a message from God?

Odd questions?  Maybe.  But I am not talking about an audible voice from the heavens (although I am not denying that possibility).  I am talking about getting a sense that God is guiding you.  That sensation that God is telling you something.

It might come through a message you hear at church.  Or perhaps through your time in reading scripture.  It might be a recurring thought that just keeps coming to your mind.

Whatever form it takes, God does still speak.  In fact, I believe God speaks more often than we know.

The issue is not in whether or not God speaks, the real issue is whether or not we are listening.

Listening

Thomas Merton said, “My life is a listening, His is a speaking.  My salvation is to hear and respond.  For this, my life must be silent.”

My life is a listening.  Powerful words.  I wish I could say that.  I wish I could tell you that my life is lived always listening for God to speak – passionately seeking God in all things everyday.  Yes, I try, but I cannot tell you that “my life is a listening.”

How about you.  How well do you listen?

 

Slow down and listen today.  God is speaking.  Will you hear?

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