I was asked a pair of questions today that gave me reason to stop and really think. While having a discussion about salvation, and about "leading" my colleague to salvation, I was first asked, "Have you ever done this before?" Not an unexpected question if you are still on unsure footing, and seek a steadying hand to help you on your journey. My answer, the truthful response at this point in my journey, was no. Nothing I can do to change that except to move forward in my life and respond to opportunities as they are presented to me.
The second question, however, caught me a little off guard. He next asked me, "Are you ready?" I was a little put-off for a second. Was he questioning my abilities? My knowledge? My conviction? Where was that coming from? Of course, the problem was compounded by his immediate departure - he had to get to an appointment, so we were unable to continue the discussion then and there.
The truth came to me quickly, but I didn't have the time to discuss it with him. It occurred to me that there was nothing to be gained from questioning MY readiness. I am where I am because that is where God wants me to be. If I am called to help lead one of his lost sheep back home to the Lord, then is is at His behest and with His guidance. Most of what I myself would provide would have an adverse effect - my pride, my biases, my faulty opinions and logic. Those were in evidence in my initial reaction to his question. Only by surrendering myself and allowing Jesus to pour out through me will His work and will be done.
This isn't about me leading somebody to Jesus. This is about Jesus bringing a lost sheep home, using my person as His tool. I am excited about the prospect of being that tool, and of being used for such glorious work for His Kingdom.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Subtle Hints and Bold Pronouncements
One of the changes I've been undergoing over the last 6 months as I really surrendered more of my life and self to God's will is an effort to take more time to listen and observe. In doing so, I'm becoming acutely aware of a few developing themes in my observances. The last month, in particular, has brought a few of God's subtle undercurrents and forceful pronouncements into sharper focus.
Prior to a few months ago, I was largely (self-?)inoculated against the local and worldwide crises of childhood hunger and starvation. I knew it was there, but rarely heard or had impetus to think about it. But in the last month or month and a half, I can think of no fewer than four different arenas, three of which are almost completely unrelated outside of God's influence, where this was discussed, highlighted, or otherwise placed on my consciousness. While I wait for clarity on what I am to do about this in my life, I'm doing the usual "church" responses - financial support, prayer, compassion, and sharing education and knowledge. All told, I am being impressed upon that this is an inadequate response in the end, but I still haven't found my avenue of greater expression. Hopefully soon...
As way of another example, I had an interesting experience this morning. I've recently been making an effort to begin my day with a few minutes of uninterrupted, focused prayer. This is from another "subtle undercurrent", in which the value and necessity of morning prayer has been pressed upon me, again from multiple unrelated sources. This morning, I was running a little late, so I made a mental promise to "take care of it during lunch".
During my mid-morning break, I typically read a daily devotional from a book I purchased this spring. After reading each day's devotional, I sometimes flip to a previous day that I hadn't already read to glean a little more nourishment. Wouldn't you know it, the one I flipped to "at random" was a direct rebuke of my shirk from this morning. It began quite directly - "Dear friend, never go out into the danger of the world without praying first. ... When the morning breaks, resist the temptation to skip your early devotion or hurry through it." There was more worth pondering and discussing, but I needn't rewrite the entire devotional. The stength of the rebuke was impactful enough to induce this broader post.
God is speaking to us constantly. Make sure you stop to listen to what He has to say. I'm sure I've missed countless messages and nudges over the years. Who's to say where I might be today if I were actually attentive to His intended plans for me. And to multiply that by the billions who ignore or don't hear His whispers, it's provocative to consider how different the world might be.
Prior to a few months ago, I was largely (self-?)inoculated against the local and worldwide crises of childhood hunger and starvation. I knew it was there, but rarely heard or had impetus to think about it. But in the last month or month and a half, I can think of no fewer than four different arenas, three of which are almost completely unrelated outside of God's influence, where this was discussed, highlighted, or otherwise placed on my consciousness. While I wait for clarity on what I am to do about this in my life, I'm doing the usual "church" responses - financial support, prayer, compassion, and sharing education and knowledge. All told, I am being impressed upon that this is an inadequate response in the end, but I still haven't found my avenue of greater expression. Hopefully soon...
As way of another example, I had an interesting experience this morning. I've recently been making an effort to begin my day with a few minutes of uninterrupted, focused prayer. This is from another "subtle undercurrent", in which the value and necessity of morning prayer has been pressed upon me, again from multiple unrelated sources. This morning, I was running a little late, so I made a mental promise to "take care of it during lunch".
During my mid-morning break, I typically read a daily devotional from a book I purchased this spring. After reading each day's devotional, I sometimes flip to a previous day that I hadn't already read to glean a little more nourishment. Wouldn't you know it, the one I flipped to "at random" was a direct rebuke of my shirk from this morning. It began quite directly - "Dear friend, never go out into the danger of the world without praying first. ... When the morning breaks, resist the temptation to skip your early devotion or hurry through it." There was more worth pondering and discussing, but I needn't rewrite the entire devotional. The stength of the rebuke was impactful enough to induce this broader post.
God is speaking to us constantly. Make sure you stop to listen to what He has to say. I'm sure I've missed countless messages and nudges over the years. Who's to say where I might be today if I were actually attentive to His intended plans for me. And to multiply that by the billions who ignore or don't hear His whispers, it's provocative to consider how different the world might be.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A new perspective
For those of you who know me, you are likely aware of my generally cynical nature, and somewhat bleak outlook on the state of the US and the world. Maybe it is just residual endorphins from my last weekend (see previous post), but I've suddenly become aware of a tremendous shift in my outlook on life, and particularly in God's plan for the world.
I've generally been highly patriotic (jingoistic?) in my belief that since the turn of the last century, America has been the shining light on the hill. Europe held that position until probably the early 1900's, but regional squabbles and two continental wars, combined with cultural decay and a clear shift away from Christian ideals and outreach, has caused their beacon to diminish.
America, the land of innovation, the land of eminent domain, the land of opportunity, took the torch, and lead the world through the 20th century in into the 21st. Nowhere else were the combined ideals of innovation, freedom, faith, hope, love, brotherhood, and moral direction championed with such fervor, and by an incomparable diversity of race, ethnicity, religious expression, and thought. Even through some of the most trying times of the century - the great depression, the civil rights struggles, Vietnam, stagflation, the cold war - America always came through, and our particular brand of democracy always seemed to win out.
But as it states in Ecclesiastes, "there is a season for everything under heaven... A time to tear down and a time to build." And my view is that the time for tearing down is approaching for America, much like it already has come for Europe. Our government has become largely separated from its people. The people themselves are losing their faith, love and hope, and are isolating from one another. Our moral and spiritual compass is wavering, and we are rapidly losing our way in our leadership of the world.
And to make matters worse, there is no "next" America to take the torch this time. Europe is still stumbling. China has the strength, but are not under God and lack the morality for competent world stewardship. India has the resources, but neither the will nor the faith to press forward. The Middle East, Africa, Russia, Southeast Asia - all are too poor in resources and government.
I had been concerned for some time that the world was approaching towards a chasm, with no leadership to steer us away from it. But over the weekend, I learned a number of valuable lessons which have greatly uplifted my spirit.
Even as our institutions may lay crumbling around us, God still works to His benefit through millions of His disciples throughout the world. The short version is that institutions seem to be listing, and government, business, and large portions of society are hyperventilating about our current financial "crisis", which is incidentally making things worse - apologies, as that is off topic and worth a whole different discussion. Yet through all of that, tremendous numbers of individuals and charitable organizations have developed inroads all over the world, and are making monumental progress in enriching and improving the lives of countless people through their love, compassion, and giving of themselves.
I still feel strongly that we are moving towards a time where the American "light on the hill" is beginning to flicker, fade and darken. But in its place, where I previously only saw darkness, I am beginning to see that millions of smaller candles are being lit all over the world to pierce that darkness and to cover the world with their glow.
As it is again late, and I am finding it difficult to concentrate, I urge you to do some research into the work of organizations such as Compassion International, Kiva.org, Campus Crusade for Christ, International School Project, or innumerable other groups that are providing charity, training, resources, support, and service for some of the poorest and worthiest communities in the world. Most importantly, they are providing these communities with a light, and a renewed hope for the future.
And always remember, it doesn't take much for you to provide a little bit of light as well. I hope you find one that calls to you.
I've generally been highly patriotic (jingoistic?) in my belief that since the turn of the last century, America has been the shining light on the hill. Europe held that position until probably the early 1900's, but regional squabbles and two continental wars, combined with cultural decay and a clear shift away from Christian ideals and outreach, has caused their beacon to diminish.
America, the land of innovation, the land of eminent domain, the land of opportunity, took the torch, and lead the world through the 20th century in into the 21st. Nowhere else were the combined ideals of innovation, freedom, faith, hope, love, brotherhood, and moral direction championed with such fervor, and by an incomparable diversity of race, ethnicity, religious expression, and thought. Even through some of the most trying times of the century - the great depression, the civil rights struggles, Vietnam, stagflation, the cold war - America always came through, and our particular brand of democracy always seemed to win out.
But as it states in Ecclesiastes, "there is a season for everything under heaven... A time to tear down and a time to build." And my view is that the time for tearing down is approaching for America, much like it already has come for Europe. Our government has become largely separated from its people. The people themselves are losing their faith, love and hope, and are isolating from one another. Our moral and spiritual compass is wavering, and we are rapidly losing our way in our leadership of the world.
And to make matters worse, there is no "next" America to take the torch this time. Europe is still stumbling. China has the strength, but are not under God and lack the morality for competent world stewardship. India has the resources, but neither the will nor the faith to press forward. The Middle East, Africa, Russia, Southeast Asia - all are too poor in resources and government.
I had been concerned for some time that the world was approaching towards a chasm, with no leadership to steer us away from it. But over the weekend, I learned a number of valuable lessons which have greatly uplifted my spirit.
Even as our institutions may lay crumbling around us, God still works to His benefit through millions of His disciples throughout the world. The short version is that institutions seem to be listing, and government, business, and large portions of society are hyperventilating about our current financial "crisis", which is incidentally making things worse - apologies, as that is off topic and worth a whole different discussion. Yet through all of that, tremendous numbers of individuals and charitable organizations have developed inroads all over the world, and are making monumental progress in enriching and improving the lives of countless people through their love, compassion, and giving of themselves.
I still feel strongly that we are moving towards a time where the American "light on the hill" is beginning to flicker, fade and darken. But in its place, where I previously only saw darkness, I am beginning to see that millions of smaller candles are being lit all over the world to pierce that darkness and to cover the world with their glow.
As it is again late, and I am finding it difficult to concentrate, I urge you to do some research into the work of organizations such as Compassion International, Kiva.org, Campus Crusade for Christ, International School Project, or innumerable other groups that are providing charity, training, resources, support, and service for some of the poorest and worthiest communities in the world. Most importantly, they are providing these communities with a light, and a renewed hope for the future.
And always remember, it doesn't take much for you to provide a little bit of light as well. I hope you find one that calls to you.
Four days of glory
The last four days have been an incredible and unexpected blessing to me.
First, I was given an unexpected opportunity over Thursday and Friday to attend Leadership Summit, a two-day conference produced by Willow Creek church in Illinois, and telecasted locally by Grace Point Church in San Antonio. While there, I was exposed to lectures by a number of phenomenally gifted and blessed speakers. A couple of notes on the strongest lessons and lasting impressions:
- Gary Hamel absolutely blew me away with his presentation on adjusting to and "outrunning" change, balancing the changing demands and flow of life with the immovable rock of God's immutable Word, and structuring your life and organization for prolonged success. His was a completely unexpected revelation from the list of presenters.
- Tim Keller, a Presbyterian pastor from Brooklyn, provided an excellent topical discussion of the parable of the prodigal son, turning the conventional reading on its head, and providing excellent new insight into a well known but inadequately understood lesson. His style wasn't the most attention grabbing, but his message has stuck with me very strongly.
- Jessica Jackley, the co-founder of a website called Kiva.org, discussed her project and the tremendous impact it is having in the world. If you don't know about Kiva, I strongly encourage you to visit the website, plug in and get involved. I'll likely be adding a permalink on my page in the near future.
- Harvey Carey wrapped up the first day with an incredible, motivational, inspirational, nigh on indescribable sermon. This incredible leader has voluntarily placed himself into what many would consider one of the least desirable jobs in America (senior pastor at a small church in the poorest part of Detroit), and filled his congregation with life, love and hope. I cannot do justice to the incredible power of his words, but even more awesome is the power of his church's actions to support those words.
There were a number of other presenters not listed here, and each provided valuable insights and information from which to grow and develop. There were also strong lessons to be learned from such dignitaries and titans of business as Carly Fiorina, David Gergen, Bono, and the Rt Hon. Tony Blair.
I also have to give special recognition to one other presenter. Dr Wess Stafford is the CEO of Compassion International. His story and presentation deeply affected me, and I am still pained by the vivid imagery that his presentation left on my mind and heart. I ache for the children that Dr Stafford is working so hard to serve and protect, and I am in prayer to God to find clearer understanding for what he wants me to do about this yearning.
......
As if the awesome blessings from Leadership Summit were not enough, we were provided with another amazing gift from God this weekend. Two of our closest and dearest friends (temporarily living out of state to complete their schooling) surprised us all with a visit over the weekend. We got to pick them up at the airport Saturday morning after finding out on Friday afternoon that they were coming into town. We took several opportunities to spend time with them and their two precious boys over the weekend. The life and love that emanates from this family is truly uplifting, and I am deeply thankful for being able to share in their life and friendship.
We also had special guests at Church on Sunday evening, we had our church "officially" launched Sunday morning, my wife got a nice raise, and I'm sure there were two or three other things that happened that I'll remember once I've had a chance to rest.
After having all of this pile up item after item, I haven't come close to having the time to process everything. My cup runneth over in ways it never has before. As exhausted as I should be from the excitement and busyness of the last four days, I'm still so wired that I find myself sitting here writing to re-experience the weekend. I don't want it to end. Nevertheless, as I write this, my clock is showing 12:57 am, and I do have to go to work in less than 7 hours. As such, the two or three other things I originally intended to write about will just have to wait until later.
May God bless all who read this, and I hope you get to experience a "cup runneth over" weekend like mine sooner than later, if you haven't already.
First, I was given an unexpected opportunity over Thursday and Friday to attend Leadership Summit, a two-day conference produced by Willow Creek church in Illinois, and telecasted locally by Grace Point Church in San Antonio. While there, I was exposed to lectures by a number of phenomenally gifted and blessed speakers. A couple of notes on the strongest lessons and lasting impressions:
- Gary Hamel absolutely blew me away with his presentation on adjusting to and "outrunning" change, balancing the changing demands and flow of life with the immovable rock of God's immutable Word, and structuring your life and organization for prolonged success. His was a completely unexpected revelation from the list of presenters.
- Tim Keller, a Presbyterian pastor from Brooklyn, provided an excellent topical discussion of the parable of the prodigal son, turning the conventional reading on its head, and providing excellent new insight into a well known but inadequately understood lesson. His style wasn't the most attention grabbing, but his message has stuck with me very strongly.
- Jessica Jackley, the co-founder of a website called Kiva.org, discussed her project and the tremendous impact it is having in the world. If you don't know about Kiva, I strongly encourage you to visit the website, plug in and get involved. I'll likely be adding a permalink on my page in the near future.
- Harvey Carey wrapped up the first day with an incredible, motivational, inspirational, nigh on indescribable sermon. This incredible leader has voluntarily placed himself into what many would consider one of the least desirable jobs in America (senior pastor at a small church in the poorest part of Detroit), and filled his congregation with life, love and hope. I cannot do justice to the incredible power of his words, but even more awesome is the power of his church's actions to support those words.
There were a number of other presenters not listed here, and each provided valuable insights and information from which to grow and develop. There were also strong lessons to be learned from such dignitaries and titans of business as Carly Fiorina, David Gergen, Bono, and the Rt Hon. Tony Blair.
I also have to give special recognition to one other presenter. Dr Wess Stafford is the CEO of Compassion International. His story and presentation deeply affected me, and I am still pained by the vivid imagery that his presentation left on my mind and heart. I ache for the children that Dr Stafford is working so hard to serve and protect, and I am in prayer to God to find clearer understanding for what he wants me to do about this yearning.
......
As if the awesome blessings from Leadership Summit were not enough, we were provided with another amazing gift from God this weekend. Two of our closest and dearest friends (temporarily living out of state to complete their schooling) surprised us all with a visit over the weekend. We got to pick them up at the airport Saturday morning after finding out on Friday afternoon that they were coming into town. We took several opportunities to spend time with them and their two precious boys over the weekend. The life and love that emanates from this family is truly uplifting, and I am deeply thankful for being able to share in their life and friendship.
We also had special guests at Church on Sunday evening, we had our church "officially" launched Sunday morning, my wife got a nice raise, and I'm sure there were two or three other things that happened that I'll remember once I've had a chance to rest.
After having all of this pile up item after item, I haven't come close to having the time to process everything. My cup runneth over in ways it never has before. As exhausted as I should be from the excitement and busyness of the last four days, I'm still so wired that I find myself sitting here writing to re-experience the weekend. I don't want it to end. Nevertheless, as I write this, my clock is showing 12:57 am, and I do have to go to work in less than 7 hours. As such, the two or three other things I originally intended to write about will just have to wait until later.
May God bless all who read this, and I hope you get to experience a "cup runneth over" weekend like mine sooner than later, if you haven't already.
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