ir a principal |
Ir a lateral
That is the primary question that has been bouncing around my head for the past 3 or 4 weeks. What is success?, or, What does it mean to be successful? Have you ever asked yourself that question too? I think it's ingrained in the human mind to desire success, to strive for it, and be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it. And people are willing to spend time, energy, money to find it. People even go to the extreme of losing a marriage, severed relationships, even with their kids to get success. But think about this for a minute. If we don't know what the definition of success is, and we spend our entire lives trying to achieve it, only to realize in the end that we weren't even heading the right direction. So if we are to have any chance at success we MUST understand what it really is!
If you asked 10 people the definition of success you would likely get 10 different answers. Some would describe it as having enough money to do whatever you want not and in retirement. Another would describe it as having a position of respect & recognition in society. Others would describe success as having a great marriage and wonderful kids. And still others would describe success as living healthy and enjoying life. And to be honest, most of us would like to have all of these things plus much, much more. But let me be clear, while all these things seem great and a lot of people strive for them, this isn't the definition of success.
As a pastor I've tried to answer this question for my life. What does success look like? It could be a lot of people attending my church, and most Sunday's we are full, but I don't feel successful. It could be the number of people who choose Christ as Savior each week, and that's an awesome thing, but that doesn't make me feel successful. It might be the testimonies I receive from people who say my sermon touched them very deeply and caused them to make some changes in their lives, and that's great, but I still don't feel successful. So if you can achieve all this plus the other stuff above and still not feel successful then what is success?
After talking with other leaders and praying I think I've come to the elusive answer. Success is directly connected with obedience. The question we should be asking ourselves on a daily basis is, "Am I doing what God's told me to do?" This might relate to your job, relationships, money, church, using your abilities, and most likely it relates to every one of these things. What's the last thing God told you to do? Are you doing it? If so, then you are successful because the results (money, health, family, blessing) are the byproduct of your obedience. Matthew 6:33 says it most clearly, "But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well." (CEV) It's funny how our idea of success starts with trying to get the "other things" first hoping to please God in the end. But God says, please put me first then the other stuff will come because of your obedience.
Do you want success? What's the last thing you know God told you to do? Start doing it NOW! God's definition of success is the one that matters and your obedience is the key to achieving it!
Take this to heart, make the necessary changes, and watch your life become successful!
Chapter 25 of the book of Matthew is centralized on one theme; being prepared for the return of our God & Savior so that one day we can spend eternity in heaven. There are varied opinions about how we get to heaven. Some believe that all roads lead to heaven while others believe that it's something we earn by doing more good than bad in our lives. I think it's funny that many believe in heaven but few believe in a literal place called hell; as if one could exist without the other. But regardless, the timeless truth of scripture clears it up. Both are a very real destination and the only path to heaven goes directly through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (John 14:6).
What surprises me most is that Christians (by lifestyle or by name only) don't understand that what Matthew chapter 25 is really about. In our zealousness to simply think about eternity in heaven we forget that there is preparation to be done here first. There are 3 parables, or stories, that Jesus tells. The first is about 10 virgins and whether they were prepared for the return of their bridegroom. This speaks directly to the most important decision of life; salvation through Jesus Christ. The second parable of the talents is about how we treat that gift of salvation. Will we be faithful and fruitful with the blessing of God in our lives or will we squander it and do nothing with it. The third parable of the sheep and goats speaks of how we live our lives. Are we living in such a way that we talk, walk, and live in such a way that Christ is evident to all? Salvation through Jesus Christ, faithfulness with his blessing, and a lifestyle that screams the love of Jesus Christ.
Verse 21 contains a statement we each want to hear someday when we stand before the throne of God, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We want to hear it, but will we? I wholeheartedly defend the fact that forgiveness of sins only comes as the gift of God through the cross of Jesus Christ. This is the only way sins are forgiven. But following the act of salvation, God REQUIRES faithfulness to his Word, faithfulness to his purpose, and faithfulness to his church. He says that true salvation will be accompanied by a changed heart, mind, and life. Neither of these things are part of the act of salvation but they are the required after effect of true salvation. We often forget this.
Have you received Jesus Christ as your personal savior? Do you understand God's specific purpose for your life? What are your gifts (helping, construction, cleaning, finance, music, teaching, administration, leader, encourager, creative, etc) and are you faithfully using them in the church to serve the entire family of God? Are you still making excuses for your bad attitude, habits, anger, reactions, cursing, complaining, greed, selfishness, gossip, laziness, complacency, bitterness, etc. or is your life daily reflecting God more and more everyday?
Salvation is free and only through Christ. But if we want to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant", we must follow through with faithfulness and by training ourselves to become more like Jesus in the way we live everyday. May the decision today to be faithful to God's purpose and plans. Ask God to help you understand the things in your life you need to change to become more like him. Then the most practical step.........start doing it!
Have a GREAT week!
No matter where we go or how far it is from where we start to our destination, my kids will often ask the quintessential question, "Are we there yet?" followed quickly by, "How much longer until we get there?" They're often very excited about the destination but not very excited about the journey to get there. We go back to Missouri a few times a year and they are always happy to see grandparents & friends, but about halfway into the 9 hour drive they always ask those questions with exasperated looks on their face. Unfortunately I have to be the bearer of bad news telling them we have 4 hours to go. But being a good Dad (actually just being a Dad who doesn't want to hear them whine for hours), we'll stop at the gas station get a snack to take their minds off the distance and they endure to the end.
It's funny how the story of Christian life parallels the feelings my kids express on those long trips. No matter how long you've been a Christ-follower, haven't you even thought to your self or even asked God, "Are we there yet? Am I getting anything right in my Christian walk? When am I going to stop dealing with the same stuff everyday? When will I feel like I am a good Christian? How much longer?"
In this day of modern conveniences we expect a fast pace and quick results. When we travel we travel quickly. But the Christian life isn't a 30-minute car ride. It's a lifelong journey. Becoming a Christian isn't an event; it's a journey. Think of the journey more like a walk than a high-speed trip from point A to point B. If you walked from wherever you currently live to the southern tip of South America it would take far longer than flying or even driving. And along the way you would encounter heat, rain, roadblocks, obstacles, injuries, and delays. But if you walk long enough you will reach your destination. You'll reach it with an experience, a story, and most likely you'll be a different person for the better.
Christianity is not an event; it's a journey. Receiving Jesus Christ through salvation is the start of the journey and the destination is eternal life in heaven with him forever. Between the start the destination are plenty of lessons, obstacles, delays, pressure, and frustration. But it also includes joys, grace, favor, blessing, people, and hope that overcomes them all! Don't give up on the journey no matter how hard it becomes. Whatever mountain you are climbing today, just remember at the top you will have the perspective to see what God was doing. Then going down the backside, put your arms in the air like on a roller coaster and praise God for all that He's shown you and done in your life.
Have a GREAT week!!!
Sometimes life gets so busy that we forget to look back at just how far we've come. I'm certainly not where I used to be, but I'm not yet to where I know God wants me to be. It's somewhere in that middle ground that we can look back and see all that God has brought us through. I think it's healthy because we can pause for a moment and thank God for walking with us the whole way. All the stuff we thought we'd never make it through; we did! He was with us the entire way leading, directing, loving, and nurturing. It also gives us a great opportunity to look ahead to where God is leading us. It's great to look back, but if you look back to long you'll trip on your future. The future God has for you is far better than your past. We just have keep moving toward it. If you aren't moving forward in God's direction today is a great day to start.
This week I have two reasons to pause and look back. First, this Friday is my wedding anniversary; 16 years. I am blessed to have married such an amazing woman who has faithfully stood by my side both in ministry and in life. Our two kids are the amazing blessing our relationship has produced. Second, Friday is also our 4 year anniversary at Central. We know where we've been and we know where we are going and I am truly excited about what the future holds.
Let me encourage you to join us for Prayer & Praise this Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. I promise you will be encouraged and blessed.
Have a GREAT week!
Exodus 33:13 ....teach me your ways so I may know you.....(NIV)
These were words spoken by Moses after years in the dessert with the children of Israel, God's chosen people. Following the story of Moses life through scripture takes some determination. There were moments where we would say he was on top of the world, things were going good. But if you read long enough you would also notice that things didn't always stay good. His life was filled with frustration, physical & spiritual attacks from their enemies as well as his own people, lack of food, abundance of food, blessing & curses.
But woven into the journey of Moses was his deep desire to know God. Remember that this is early on, pre-Jesus, pre-New Testament, this was long before most of scripture was penned. But that didn't stop Moses desire to truly know the God he was following. He regularly shared moments with God where God poured very deeply into his soul.
Unlike Moses, we have the completed, God-inspired, infallible Word of God to help us know and understand God. And in addition, when Jesus died on the cross and rose again he tore down every barrier that could separate us from an intimate verbal relationship with our God. With those two things in place for us, how often do we take advantage of them? I've found that the most significant and productive times of my day are the planned & unplanned moments I spend with God. I plan to read his Word, to worship him with a song or two, I plan to talk with him through prayer. It's those moments that cause me to know him better and understand his plans for me. It's also the unplanned; those moments when the Holy Spirit just ambushes me in my office, in my car, our when I'm out and about town.
It's hugely important to plan moments with God, but it's also important to allow the Holy Spirit to ambush you in the midst of your day. Would you be willing to plan some moments with God? Five, ten, fifteen intentional minutes with him either reading his Word or talking to him? I promise those moments will become the most valuable of your day!
I have always enjoyed being around and playing with babies. Nothing brightens a day like the smile of a child. The only thing better than that is when they finally stand on those chubby legs and wobble around in their maiden attempt to walk. We often refer to them as baby steps. I always joke that Lauren never walked. She stood up and began running; running in to the coffee table, running into the stove...you get the idea.
Yesterday I enjoyed the opportunity to share my heart about what God was doing in me this past summer as well as what he has in store for us. If you weren't able to be in service with us, I would consider it mandatory to listen to that message so you can know why we will be taking the intentional steps presented in future weeks and months. If you were here yesterday, don't hesitate to listen to the message again. It's just impossible to retain everything we hear verbally. Regardless of our church heritage or your personal age I believe the baby steps we take in upcoming weeks & months will prove to be a significant turning point for Central. Why would we consider them baby steps? Because they are the elementary steps that must be taken for a church to grow, be healthy, and fulfill it's purpose.
As I shared yesterday, our first steps are prayer. Prayer is the only thing God promised to respond to and answer. Unfortunately it's the thing we do the least; except for when we want something from God. The type of prayer I'm talking about is when we pray because of our love for God. Not for what he can give us but just to get close to him and express our hearts to him. So the opportunity to pray is available. Starting this Wednesday night (and every Wednesday night) we are having a Prayer & Praise service in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Even though we won't have kids ministry available on Wednesday nights until the beginning of October (3-weeks) parents can take turns alternating to attend the prayer time while one parent stays home.
If you haven't already, I also want you to pick up a copy of the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala for $10 in the lobby. This book will powerfully stretch your mind and build up your faith to what God can and is willing to do when his people pray.
Will you join me in taking some baby steps toward God?
No matter where you've been for the past 3 months, you don't want to miss this next Sunday! I am looking forward to sharing the experience & my thoughts from the 30 day sabbatical Tricia and I took in July & August. It proved to be a powerful time spiritually for us as well as a great opportunity for God to have our complete attention. So at this upcoming service I am going to share what I wholeheartedly believe are the action steps God wants us to take as a church. It will probably be surprising just how simple these steps are, yet they are vitally important.
So lock up the cabin, set the Tivo to record the football game, and don't put the roast in the Crockpot too early because this Sunday is going to be a very powerful service. Let me pray for you today......
"Father, I believe you are preparing Central for something big. But for that to happen you will begin by preparing us individually & as a church family. I ask that you prepare our hearts for this Sunday, the worship, the message, and our response. We pray for your will to be done in us and in our city! In Jesus name.....AMEN!"
That is the primary question that has been bouncing around my head for the past 3 or 4 weeks. What is success?, or, What does it mean to be successful? Have you ever asked yourself that question too? I think it's ingrained in the human mind to desire success, to strive for it, and be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it. And people are willing to spend time, energy, money to find it. People even go to the extreme of losing a marriage, severed relationships, even with their kids to get success. But think about this for a minute. If we don't know what the definition of success is, and we spend our entire lives trying to achieve it, only to realize in the end that we weren't even heading the right direction. So if we are to have any chance at success we MUST understand what it really is!
