Clay in the Hands

The Heart of Worship

April 12, 2011 by jbrianhill

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?

Posted in Formation | Leave a Comment »

Transition Is Never Easy

April 11, 2011 by jbrianhill

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!

Posted in Church, Community, Hope | 12 Comments »

Why Are You Here?

April 7, 2011 by jbrianhill

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!

Posted in Formation, Hope, Leadership | Leave a Comment »

Fully Present

April 6, 2011 by jbrianhill

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?

Posted in Formation, Hope | 1 Comment »

Intertwined Community

April 5, 2011 by jbrianhill

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?

Posted in Church, Community, Family | Leave a Comment »

What Man Has Made of Man

March 31, 2011 by jbrianhill

Some of you may know and some may not (and most may not care 🙂 ) but not only did I major in Bible in my undergraduate studies but I also majored in English. One of the remnants of that experience I still carry today is a love of poetry. . . . . Alright, everybody recovered? I know that may have come as a shock for some of you.

One of my favorite poets is from the Romantic Period. William Wordsworth and I are kindred spirits. His love of nature and his ability to communicate his connection to the world around him has always stirred me.

To stay in touch with my love of poetry, I subscribe to a daily email produced by the Writer’s Almanac. Every morning, there is a different poem in my inbox. Some days it is a classic and some days it is more modern. Today’s poem is William Wordsworth’s Lines Written in Early Spring.

In this poem, Wordsworth paints a moving picture of being alone in a grove of trees in early spring. He noticed the singing of the birds. He observed the budding of plants and all the simplicity and freshness of what nature brings in spring. But in the midst of all the beauty and simplicity, he became aware of something.

Here are two of his stanza’s:

I heard a thousand blended notes,

While in a grove I sate reclined,

In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts

Bring sad thoughts to mind.

To her fair works did nature link

The human soul that through me ran;

And much it grieved my heart to think

What man has made of man.

In the midst of the serenity, beauty and simplicity of nature, Wordsworth was reminded of how complicated and jaded the rest of the world has become – particularly what man has made of man. As I read his lines today, it made me pause and think about how much better life would be if we all put aside our hypocrisy and politics and just lived life as ourselves; not trying to be someone we are not. Of course, there is something dangerous and raw about that that scares us.

But wouldn’t it be nice?

Posted in Community, Hope, Motivational | Leave a Comment »

The Ultimate Undercover Boss

March 30, 2011 by jbrianhill

I have only seen the show a couple of times, but I really like the premise. Undercover Boss – what a great concept. The boss puts on a disguise and tries to blend in with the rest of the employees as one of them.

Typically, the boss takes on jobs within the company working with people he or she has never met. The boss observes the employees and gets to know them.

By the end of the show, the boss has developed opinions about the employees with which he or she has worked. The show wraps up each week with the boss calling each of those employees into her or his office and revealing the plot to them. It doesn’t always turn out wonderfully for the employees, but most of the time, the employee is praised and rewarded for his or her commitment to the company.

Then the final segment of the show includes the boss addressing the entire company, explaining what has taken place. Many times, the boss expresses a renewed passion to make the company a better place to work. The few times I have watched the show, the boss has been emotionally affected by the experience and it shows in his or her address to the employees. The overall result is a strengthened relationship between the boss and the employees because now, he or she knows what it is like to “be them,” and the employees have learned to see the boss as one of them.

As I watched this show for the first time, I could not help but think about how it is similar to what God did 2000 years ago. Obviously, there are areas where the similarities break down – God did not need to know what it is like to be us, God already knows. But, just as in the show, the end result of God coming and living among us was that there is no doubt that God truly wants a relationship with us. We aren’t just random beings on a planet that make no difference to God. God became one of us – to show us how to live and how to love and how to serve. The ultimate undercover boss!

Posted in Formation, Grace | Leave a Comment »

More Thoughts on Today We Are Rich

March 29, 2011 by jbrianhill

Today is the day! Today We Are Rich is available for purchase. As I said yesterday, this is a book you need to read.

I began discussing the book yesterday – you can read that post here. Today, I want to give you just a couple of more thoughts on the book.

Tim credits his grandmother with a list of 7 principles that, if made a part of our daily lives, will lead to more confidence and a better life. Those principles are:

Feed your mind good stuff
Move the conversation forward
Exercise your gratitude muscle
Give to be rich
Prepare yourself
Balance your confidence
Promise made, promise kept

Much of what these principles do is point us outside ourselves. The title of the book itself comes from a story in the book in which Tim’s grandmother gave more than she could afford to help someone else and yet, was left with a feeling of wealth that money can’t buy. Our culture teaches us that the world should revolve around us. These principles remind us that we are all in this together and true joy and happiness comes when we live in community – when we help others.

These principles are really taken right out of the Bible. As I said yesterday, one of the most meaningful aspects of this book is that Tim, being internationally recognized as a consultant and speaker in the business world, never once makes an apology for the influence of his faith on his life. I find that very refreshing. In fact, I find that to be in line with exactly what God has called each of us to do and be on a daily basis. We are all to be ministers in our lives regardless of our professional occupation.

Thanks Tim for your book, Today We Are Rich. Thanks also for your example of how we can be successful in any area of society without neglecting or hiding our faith!

Posted in Community, Leadership | Leave a Comment »

Thoughts On Tim Sanders’ Book – Today We Are Rich

March 28, 2011 by jbrianhill

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Tim Sanders speak. He grew up in Clovis, New Mexico, but he made a name for himself in the midst of the dot.com era working for a time as an executive with Yahoo! I was pulled in by his charisma and passion for communication and then I was moved by what he said. Shortly afterward, I began reading his blog and following him on Twitter (@sanderssays). Over the last couple of years I have had to restrict the number tweets I actually get to my phone. But Tim’s tweets still come directly to me – why? Because what he says is always uplifting and beneficial.

That is why, when he sent out a request for folks to preview his upcoming book, Today We Are Rich, I jumped at the chance. I received the book in the mail last week and dug right in. Now I must confess, I am not a big believer in the power of positive thinking. Don’t get me wrong, I know that there is significant power in positive thinking. But I don’t prescribe to a pie in the sky idea that we can change our world by simply looking at things with a positive attitude.

I love how Tim approaches the subject. His thesis is this, “Positive thinking is an outcome, not a prescribed behavior. It requires much effort and discipline. It’s a lifestyle decision.” In the book, Tim gives 7 principles to follow in building a lifestyle that will promote positive thinking and thus, result in more confidence to live as God intended.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the book for me is this: Tim is internationally recognized as a Fortune 1000 consultant and speaker. He has already written a New York Times Best Seller in Love Is The Killer App. He is sought after to speak all over the world in the area of leadership and business. But at no point in his book did he shrink from letting his faith influence his words. He boldly speaks of his discipline of reading the Bible every day as a means of staying grounded and “putting good stuff” into his mind. How many business and leadership books have your read in which the author’s faith was discussed openly?

Tomorrow I will give you a few more of my thoughts on the importance of Tim’s book, Today We Are Rich. But for today, I have two challenges for you: 1) Find someway to contribute to someone else’s success today – even if you will gain nothing. And 2) Make plans to buy this book on Tuesday when it is released (You can take a sneak peak here). I can promise you, it will be worth every penny and even more worth your time!

Be a blessing today!

Posted in Leadership, Motivational | Leave a Comment »

A Simple Thanks

March 25, 2011 by jbrianhill

Sometimes the simple things are the most powerful. Take for instance the single word Thanks. Have you stopped to think about how powerful that little 6 letter word can be when used with meaning?

I am reading a new book by Tim Sanders entitled, Today We Are Rich, and in the book there is an entire chapter dedicated to gratefulness. It is a great book that will be released this next Wednesday, so Monday I will be reviewing it here. Stop back by next week to get my thoughts on it.

In the chapter on gratitude, Tim says this, “When you begin to exercise gratefulness toward a ‘who’ and not just appreciation for the ‘what,’ you are extending gratitude fully.”

You can change a person’s day with a heartfelt thanks. When we stop and think about it, we can always think of things for which we are grateful. But do we dig deeper to think of the folks we appreciate? Take some time right now to think of two people you appreciate. Stop and thank God for them this morning. Then find some way to let them know how you feel.

Who do you need to say “thanks” to today?

Posted in Community, Leadership | Leave a Comment »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »