At This Moment

There is an inner part of a leader that is programmed to desire greater things. When we acknowledge it, we realize that we genuinely want to be part of something more. We want our life to have powerful influence and impact. Leaders want to see growth increase and blessings in our life multiply.

As I think about asking God for these things and imagining the potential, I find myself asking this simple question, "Where are you presently being obedient?" We can't begin to think about where our next leap of faith will be if we aren't being faithful to the moment we are in.

The opportunity for future faith is formed through present obedience.

Sent With Power

The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you? Judges 6:14

I've known too many people who are clearly jealous of other leaders. They spend most of their time talking about the abilities that they wish they had, the experience that they are lacking, and the impossibility of the challenges in front of them. They become paralyzed by their perception of what they don't have instead of seeking success with what they possess. 

God makes the formula fairly clear for godly leaders to be successful. We are called to use the talents that we are blessed with and move forward to achieve this vision even if it seems overwhelming. Our confidence is in our submission to God's power to fulfill the mission. No matter how daunting the challenge in front of us might seem, He is asking us to take the abilities that we possess and be obedient to His direction. God is the one that will make up the difference between our current competencies and what is necessary to see the task completed. We just need to trust Him to cover that gap and bring all of what we have. God's strength and power combined with our complete submission will deliver almost unbelievable results.

Running

I have run from God's vision for my life for a long time. At an early age (pre-teen) He called me to ministry, but I did everything I could to avoid it. I wandered far off a path of obedience and only began to seize my calling at the age of 32 (although the journey I took was my path that led me to where I am today). Even as I have spoken the truth of that vision over myself in recent years I have found myself fighting against it--at least until recently. 

I have allowed my focus to waver and even questioned my ultimate direction until I accepted that every part of what I am doing is preparing me for the future. Trying to ignore or rationalize that calling is foolish at best and sinful at its worst. I am no longer running away from it, but am now moving towards it with passionate focus & intense desire. 

Even though the next phase of that vision is incomplete (in progress) I am still in a place of peace as I have fully embraced what God is calling me to. I am working to be prepared for what is next and praying that I would trust in His sense of timing as He finally has my full attention in the process. I could only begin the intense devotion of growth by refusing to run away from the ministry my Father & King has been guiding me towards my entire life. I don't know when the fulfillment will arrive, but I am enjoying the journey with a definite destination in mind. 

Failure of Nerve: Faithfully

(This is the final blog on of a series of blogs on failure of nerve. Click here to read the introduction blog or find any previous installment in the column to the right.)

I believe that God has called us to something greater than the life we are currently leading. Even if we are actively living in faith, God has a grander plan than we can imagine. I feel that we get glimpses of this as we invest more relational energy in seeking Him, but I also think that we become afraid of what the next steps will be and what they will potentially cost us. This particular failure of nerve keeps us trapped in the same location following a replica of the pattern we've followed for years. We are afraid to take the next step of obedience and follow through in baptism, sacrifice money and time to go on a missions trip, re-prioritize our finances to practice deliberate generosity, intentionally invest in our community, or leave our comfortable position to travel somewhere new and do something ridiculously big for God's Kingdom. 

There is a grand adventure of faith waiting for each of us--I have no doubt about that. The choice to follow it is a matter of faith for each of us. Overcoming this failure of nerve is the difference between living a good, safe life or risking it all for an adventure with greater challenges and rewards than we can begin to fathom. Where is the step of faith that you have been afraid to take? How you can you overcome that failure of nerve and begin to move forward today?

Mission Reboot: Something New

I am leading a mission team in Show Low, AZ this week working with Apache Native Americans. Several posts from my blog this week will be a re-posting of the most read blogs from the past year.

I want something more. This isn't a statement of greed or desire for physical pleasures, but a yearning for an increase of God's power and direction in my life. My eyes have continually been opened to the great changes that He has worked in me and yet it only heightens my awareness of how much more needs to be transformed. The journey is difficult, but I am longing for the next phases of discovery for me & my family. I feel that we are on the cusp of something powerful in our faith progression and calling, but I know that this will also call for new, bold moves of living out our faith. I don't know the details of what that looks like, but I know that it impassions me to see the potential of  God-given vision become a reality. I have full confidence that He will do this great work and I know that our obedience in attitude, word, and deed are required as well. The deliverance of a preferred future calls for an increase of active faith in our present reality.

Time to Go

Exodus 14:15 Then the LORD said to Moses,

"Why are you crying out to me?Tell the Israelites to move on. 

The Israelites had left Egypt after the plagues, but Pharaoh has changed his mind and wanted his slave nation back. He gathered up his army and quickly pursued the Hebrew nation and caught up to them as they were backed up against the Red Sea. It's a pivotal moment that could either lead to the slaughter of the Israelites or God stepping in to rescue. It's interesting that as people start to panic and blame their leader, Moses tells them to be calm because he is certain God will rescue them. God certainly has a plan for rescuing His people, but commands Moses to quit talking and get moving.

Prayer should be a bigger emphasis in my personal life and also in the church. I have full confidence in the audience we have with God and His desire to interact with us and provide solutions. I have also experienced how God will often wait to bring deliverance for two common reasons. 

1.     He is sometimes waiting for us to move in faith before He brings us His answer.

2.     He has given us direction and is waiting for us to be obedient before He gives us the next step.

When we are backed into a corner with circumstances pressing against us we shouldn't give up the habit of praying. If we find ourselves praying without receiving an answer perhaps we should see if God is calling us to take a step of faith before He reveals His answer or if we have failed to be obedient in something He's already asked us to do. I know He won't abandon or ignore His people. Sometimes the answer we're waiting for is just beyond our next step.

Do All the Things

The book of Joshua tells the story of Israel's victory in Canaan and the work of Joshua. There are great tales of battles, conquering foes, and following God's will. Also in the book are chapters devoted to Joshua assigning land to the tribes to ensure their futures. Acting as a realtor for the Israelites isn't the most thrilling of bedtime stories--fighting battles for God is certainly more engaging and exciting. This doesn't negate the importance of doing all that God asks, however, even when it doesn't thrill the soul.

It's an important lesson for leaders to understand that fulfilling all the tasks God has assigned to us reflects our obedience regardless of the excitement level. As fully devoted and developing followers, we should exhibit a willingness to do what He is calling us to do in that moment. The best leaders work equally as hard and are patient through whatever the position requires at that time. Fathers lead their families best when they are consistent through the normal and the abnormal. Husbands show love to their wives in the ordinary and not just the extraordinary. Men are spiritual leaders through the day-to-day devotion to the King as well as the time of great trial and risk. 

Joshua's consistent example revealed his passionate desire to do whatever God's will called for. Our obedience n the mundane and the fascinating reveals our own character and develops us into godly leaders worth following.

Different Measures

The past two days have held a lot of activity and prayer, but not much in the way of directly measurable productivity. I've been fortunate, however, as God continues to show me how He works in all circumstances. On two different occasions in completely different locations I have been approached by people who knew me from Northridge. One of them wanted to talk about making a decision for Christ and the other was trying to get his adult son connected to the church. I wasn't advertising who I was or what I was doing, but they both took the initiative to come up to me and start a conversation.

It's another reminder to me of how God is actively working in & through us. He is constantly providing opportunities for us to positively impact the people in our community. There is a continual flow of the Spirit that draws people to Him and when we are open to it we will be surprised how many people are ready to hear truth. It's further validation that God doesn't measure productivity by the number of things accomplished, but by our level of eager obedience.

Settling In

In Genesis 11, Terah the father of Abram (later Abraham) took his family and started on a journey. In verse 31 of chapter 11 it says, "Terah took (his family) and together they set out...to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there." In the next chapter Abraham is called by God to finish the journey and head into the Promised Land where his descendants will live. God's plan was for his people to end up in Canaan and even though Abraham was going in that direction at first, his family stopped short of their goal.

What are we settling for in our families? Are we content with only fulfilling a portion of God's vision for our marriages & children? We attend church fairly regularly & think that is good enough so we don't continue to make the investment in true growth. We are content with showing genuine, unconditional love to our families a few times a year (birthdays, anniversary, Christmas) and falsely believe that will cover us for the year. We get excited about a vision for great potential in our family, but are too afraid to make the lifestyle changes that obedience requires. We give just enough to appease our guilt, but not enough to truly trust God with our finances and see remarkable breakthroughs in blessing.

If we want to be passionately true to our faith in Christ we need to have the courage to refuse to settle for anything less than God's complete promises regardless of the personal cost and level of devotion required to see it fulfilled.

Educated

I love to read. Discovering books and being challenged by authors is something that I have always been passionate about. I remember walking home from the public library as a child, struggling to carry all the books I had checked out. Even as an adult, I have continued that same passion and am proud to say that my children are the same way. I think it is safe to say that I am a full-blown bibliophile although the transition to electronic books has certainly made it easier to store what I seek to read.

As a leader, I recognize the need to read as a way of improving specific skills and developing new methods. The danger comes in the vast amount of literature that is available to us. I can find books for growing in faith, developing a prayer life, becoming a better husband & father, finding my purpose, fulfilling vision, and growing a church. I have enough to read right now that I could sit in my recliner until the end of the year and still not be through the stack. If I'm not careful however, I can simply sit and collect information and never put anything into practice. New thoughts & helpful practices aren't very much use if you never try them. It's the same as reading a cookbook and never going into the kitchen. When we gather information and fail to use it, we are
over-educated beyond the level of our obedience.

Something New

I want something more. This isn't a statement of greed or desire for physical pleasures, but a yearning for an increase of God's power and direction in my life. My eyes have continually been opened to the great changes that He has worked in me and yet it only heightens my awareness of how much more needs to be transformed. The journey is difficult, but I am longing for the next phases of discovery for me & my family. I feel that we are on the cusp of something powerful in our faith progression and calling, but I know that this will also call for new, bold moves of living out our faith. I don't know the details of what that looks like, but I know that it impassions me to see the potential of  God-given vision become a reality. I have full confidence that He will do this great work and I know that our obedience in attitude, word, and deed are required as well. The deliverance of a preferred future calls for an increase of active faith in our present reality.

Prep Time

Our leadership team was at a conference in S. Carolina last week and the opening session was led by a pastor who was sharing the story of David & Goliath. He was talking about David's willingness to enter into battle and that it wasn't false bravado that fueled this desire. David had been trained to engage in risky situations as a shepherd and had been delivered through them by God. To him, this was merely the next step in using what God had taught him and trusting God to reward his faithfulness.

As a developing leader (as if there is any other kind) I ask hard-hitting questions of myself out of this passage: What battles am I currently fighting? What battles am I currently preparing for? Is it any surprise that I lose when I'm not prepared? I am certain that I will fail in the future, but I don't want to fail due to lack of preparation & focus. Each encounter and trial that I endure is an opportunity for God to do something in and through me and I don't want to blow it.

The true story of David & Goliath isn't about a giant being killed. It's about a shepherd beginning to fulfill his destiny as a king. David had actually defeated Goliath years before the actual battle took place and that same tenacity of faith and obedience is my goal.

Mark My Words

I've always found it a bit puzzling that in the Gospels Jesus tells His disciples what is coming and they are still surprised when it happens. There are multiple instances of Jesus predicting His death and resurrection and yet His followers react in stunned panic when it actually occurs. I know that I have the benefit of reading the entire story, but I do often wonder why no one commented on His words coming true.

I guess that's because it's much easier to see the truth of something when you already know the outcome. When we are in the moment, there are times when we don't understand what God is saying either. He can be direct & to the point and we still search for hidden meaning instead of acting on the truth He is trying to tell us. 

Why is that? I think the most honest answer is that it's just not what we want to hear. It's too uncomfortable for us, an area of sin we don't want to confront, a risk of faith we aren't ready to take, a step of obedience we don't want to follow through on, or perhaps it just seems overwhelming. 

Ignoring God's message doesn't negate its value nor does it remove our responsibility to act on it. He'll just keep telling us through prayer, the Word, and other people and leave the decision of obedience up to us.

On Deck

God, show me the next right thing to do.

This is a simple, yet powerful statement that I have been meditating on this week. There is an abundance of spiritual depth in this request and I believe it could transform our relationship with Christ if we ask it. What does asking this question of God reveal?

• My recognition of God as King, Divine Planner, and Sovereign King
• My willingness to trust God and my desire to please Him
• My eyes are open to see God's plan--show me in ways I can understand
• God has set my feet on a path & I don't want to wander off of it
• I trust in His direction for myself more than I trust my own
• I am eager to be obedient to God's leading, but I am unsure of what to do
• I recognize that this a journey & I need God's help each step of the way
• I have glimpses of where He is sending me, but I know I can't get further down the road without the next step
• This next right step isn't limited to ministry & career, but is essential in each part of my life if it is dedicated to Christ
• I recognize the importance of what is happening right now, but want to be prayerfully focused on the immediate next step
• This isn't just a pious question--it's a precursor to action.

Once Upon a Time

It's only in fairy tales that one great act of valor settles all future disturbances and causes everyone to live happily ever after. In reality, a life that is blessed and God-focused results from continued obedience and daily perseverance. It reflects an understanding that each day is an exercise in discipline and choosing to the right thing. When you understand the principle that you won't "accidentally" end up a better person you muster up the focus and energy to do those things each day. It's a simple principle of being repetitively obedient with our eyes focused on the ultimate prize, and the will to keep doing those things that lead to a God-centered future.

Jesus didn't call us to a single act. He called us to a single attitude.

None of the Above

What do we do when God doesn't tell us what we want to hear? We can either adjust our expectations & life decisions or call Him a liar. Both answers will reflect our level of faith in His wisdom and goodness. Both responses will reveal our level of pride and whether we are looking for God-driven guidance or simply affirmation of our own ill-conceived plans.

We are either trusting His wisdom & direction or we treat Him like a magic 8-ball that we keep shaking up hoping that we will get the answer we want.

Because I Said So

Often we think of following God as abiding by a list of rules and making sure we don't cross the line and do something we aren't supposed to do. While there are certain things set in place for our protection and guidance, being obedient to God is more than a mere checklist of unacceptable behaviors. Throughout Scripture we see stories of people who were told to do specific things by God and yet they refused to follow through.

As I thought about it this morning, I had to wonder--what has God asked us to do that we are not? There are multiple areas of social justice which certainly fall under this heading-the need  to care for the poor, to provide for widows & orphans, to take a stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. These and many other needs cry out for Christian involvement and deliberate action.

Where is our obedience in the day-to-day & week-to-week though? How obedient are we when God is asking us to do simple things like tithing? What are we doing with the conviction we feel at the end of a worship service-do we take action or ignore it and hope it goes away? When a moment to share spiritual truth with our children arises do we take advantage of it or find ways to rationalize it away? 

I believe God pushes us to take small steps of obedience in devotions, investing in the spiritual well-being of our children, faithfully committing our finances, stepping up to volunteer in the church, following through on baptism, and confession of sin & repentance. We are satisfied and pat ourselves on the back when we avoid certain behaviors, but it is no less of a sin to neglect to do what God has asked us to do either. We strive to avoid the sins of commission, but the sins of omission may be our greater undoing.

Give It Up

Jesus called Peter, James, and John into ministry at the same time. They were fishermen by trade and had been fishing all night with no success, which was an aberration for men of their experience and skill. After teaching from Peter's (Simon's) boat he told him to push out into deeper water and put down their nets. Peter mentioned that they had been fishing all night with no results for their efforts, but agreed to do so. When they lowered their empty nets into the water they were filled with so much fish that their nets began to break. Jesus then issued the challenge to follow Him and they obeyed by walking away from their lives to pursue this new adventure.

Jesus showed these fishermen what worldly success looked like. He allowed them to gain a glimpse of great fortune and the fulfillment of all they had been working for and then asked them to give it all up to follow Him. I believe He provided this opportunity so that they understood exactly what they were walking away from. It had to be an active choice to leave behind something that was good for what was best.

The request is no less for us. God wants us to make a choice with a full understanding of what we are doing. If we don't realize what we are giving up it isn't truly sacrifice.

The Other Side

In John chapter 21, the disciples had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. Jesus appeared on the shore and told them to drop their nets on the other side. The disciples replied that they had caught nothing, but listened to what Christ told them and were rewarded with a full net of fish.

When we move forward solely under our own efforts & plans we will come up with empty nets. It is only under the direction of God that we see true, long-lasting success. We have to be tired from doing it on our own before we humble ourselves to hear His direction however. Our humility increases when we realize the fruitlessness of doing things with our self-fueled plans.

We often make the mistake of letting our empty nets hold us back, but the failures of our past are learning experiences that have prepared us for this present time. The emptiness isn't a sign of God's failure--they often reflect our own endeavors that moved forward with out God's direction. 

For true fulfillment and Christ-like success we must listen to His voice tell us where our nets should be dropped. Our obedience will meet His promise on the other side.

Wedding March

I have officiated a number of weddings and always enjoy the opportunity to be part of such a special day. Even though my primary responsibility that day is to marry the couple, I also step into the role of being the cool, calm voice of reason. When nerves start to fray and anxiety kicks in, I work to keep things moving forward and people relaxed. 

The nervous bride is almost always anxious about the day & what is about to happen after months (years?) of planning. I give her simple verbal reinforcement: you have already done the hard part by showing up and looking beautiful. Your next job is to walk when it's your time to walk & say what you're told to say. Before you know it, you'll be married and the true relationship can begin.

There are parallels to this in our relationship with God. We're here in the process now and might be feeling some anxiety about what is next, but being obedient is the first hard step. Not that there won't be difficult steps along the way, but sometimes we need to be reminded to walk where God wants us to walk & to say what God wants us to say. It takes the pressure off of us & causes us to rely on His ability to make things happen. The relationship that follows after we make this public statement of our intentions will be better than we dreamed of when we began.