Category: Growth

A New Normal

With the COVID-19 virus and a quarantine strategy in place, we are finding that much of our lives is under a new understanding of normal. During this VERY unusual and unprecedented time we are living in, I want to encourage you to maintain as much ‘normal’ as possible.

Often when tragedy strikes, we hunker down, step away, and disconnect from our lives. In our current society, much of that has been determined for us. Though we may be spending a lot more time at home for work, school, play… pretty much everything, we can still make an attempt to live with a new sense of normal. What I mean by that is: set an alarm to get you up at a specific time. Take a shower and get dressed. Do your hair. Read your bible. Pray. Do the dishes. Clean the kitchen. Mow the lawn.

Set up a system that helps you focus on things other than what is going on around the world. Find a new ‘normal’ in your life.

I know the temptation of sleeping in late, staying in your pajamas, binge watching TV all day; after all, who is going to notice or care? I believe that finding a schedule that keeps you engaged will help you de-stress your life and your thoughts. It will give you the opportunity to keep growing in your life and possibly keep you from going crazy. See the positive in the situation! What a great opportunity to get the yard looking nice for summer, the garage cleaned, the house put in order, that book read. Also, see the opportunity in more time with your family. Put a puzzle together, play some board games, take a walk. Just a few ideas to make the most of this situation we are all faced with. Remind yourself that it could be worse; then pray that it doesn’t get any worse!!! Stay committed to keeping your mind, heart, and soul healthy!

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

When your life starts to get stale…

I’ve been pondering lately the breath of God in scripture.  In Genesis 2:7 it states, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”  The same God who spoke and the universe came into existence can surely breathe and cause man to become a living being.  It is also interesting that when Jesus appeared to his disciples before going to the father, he breathed on them. His breath was timely for all that was about to happen in their lives (Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, launching the church, and living for the mission of God).

Last Sunday as I came to the stage to pray over our church I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me that we need a fresh breath of God in our lives.  I have been praying this in my own life, “Breathe on me Lord!”.  As we see in scripture when God breathes on you, He breathes new life, strength, courage, resolve.  He gives you what you need to go through life and live for His glory. We’ve all experienced times when life becomes stale; when we become weak, even weary, and need a fresh touch from God to renew our strength.  That’s what I sensed Sunday.

If you keep the analogy simply, for anyone to breathe on our lives we must be in close proximity to them.  Maybe God is waiting for us to draw near to him so that he can breathe into us.

One way is to spend time in reading and studying the bible.  In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  God uses scripture to mold us into the person he wants us to be.  It equips us, strengthens us, and brings new life to us. 

The second way is through prayer and waiting on God.  I love the verses in Isaiah 40 which state, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.“ (NASB)

If you are feeling that life is getting a little stale, determine to position yourself in close proximity to God and allow his breathe to fill your life!

My Yoke is Easy…

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

At the end of a normal day I am usually tired and in need of some rest.  Some times I experience this need for rest at the beginning of my day.  I am weary of the details that need to get done. I am burdened by the stress of what I am dealing with.  It never seems to go away.  Each day has a weight of its own that is difficult to deal with.

Here in this passage, Jesus is inviting all the weary and burdened to come to him in order to find rest.  “Take my yoke upon you… my yoke is easy…”  Growing up in church I heard this verse several times and wondered what in the world Jesus was referring to when he said yoke.  The only yoke I knew of was that in the middle of an egg.  Surely he was not saying to egg oneself (oh what young men think about sitting in church)

To Be Yoked

The illustration was lost on me for a while because Jesus was using a common farm analogy to illustrate our relationship with him.  Farmers would take a mature oxen and pair it with a younger, immature one.  This pairing was done using a yoke- a wooden piece that went around each of the oxen’s neck and tied them together.  There were two reasons for this:  The first is that the immature oxen, not wanting to work, would try to wander off and graze, but the mature oxen was stronger and would keep it from doing so and eventually break the younger oxens will into following along with the plowing.  Secondly, the two animals together could literally pull more weight than each one on their own.  By pairing them together, the multiplied their strength for the load.  There is strength in numbers!

Jesus is saying that we are to be yoked with him.  To allow his strength to help you carry the burden that you cannot carry alone.  Also, for his will to break yours and keep you walking in the direction that he wants you go.  When we yoke ourselves with Jesus, he reminds us that he is gentle, and humble, and you will find rest for your souls.  This is not something he forces on us, but a submission of ourselves to him.  If you are weary and burdened, allow the strength of Jesus to give you rest.  You may still need to work and do your part but everything gets a whole lot easier.

Your Next 24 Hours

I want to recommend a book to you that is written by Hal Donaldson, the President of Convoy of Hope.  Your Next 24 Hours is specifically focused to get each of us to be intentional about being kind, spreading more joy in the world, and ultimately making a huge difference in the process.

I can honestly say that I have been both encouraged and challenged while reading this book.  I was reminded that it really doesn’t take much effort to show kindness; Just being intentional to look for the opportunities around us.  I really enjoyed the many stories shared of how people have engaged their lives to help others.

It is a great reminder that if everyone did their part to show kindness to each person they encountered, we would change the world as we know it.  We can start with ourselves and determine to be the difference! One day of kindness can change everything!

I thought I would share several of my favorite quotes from the book:

Giving hope and encouragement to people is not expensive, but neither is it free.  It requires you to choose a life of generosity so others can have a life of opportunity. (Chapter 5, pg 46)

Choose to be openhanded rather than tightfisted.  Find as much pleasure giving presents as you do unwrapping them. (Chapter 5, pg 48)

Listening is kindness.  It tells people you cherish their words and value their opinion. It says, “You Matter.” (Chapter 8, pg 63)

You always get back so much more than you give.  Words have such power. (Chapter 9, pg 69)

If you’re led by kindness, you possess the words to restore a homeless man’s dignity, inspire a child to believe in herself, lift the spirits of a single mother, help a youth overcome shame and disappointment, and salute a senior citizen for a life well lived. The kindness inside you has the power to transform lives. (chapter 9, pg 72)

Every life is precious to God and must be treasured, because ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ (Chapter 12, pg 103)

You can be a teacher, accountant, waitress, sales executive, custodian, engineer, pastor, and more AND change the world … Each week, make it your goal to earn both your paycheck and a reputation for kindness. (chapter 20, pg 140)

when people find themselves in a cavern of despair, it might be your relentless kindness that becomes their hope to freedom (Chapter 21, pg. 144)

For more information and to order your copy, visit yournext24hours.com

 

Boundaries: Difference between a “Burden” and a “Load”

I am reading the book by Henry Cloud titled, “Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to say No”.  I am currently reading in Chapter two and think that he makes a great point on the distinction between burdens and loads.  These words are both used by the Apostle Paul in the book of Galatians when giving instructions to the church on doing good to all.

Galatians 6:2- Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:5- for each one should carry their own load.

For many in the church these two verses can be very confusing in terms of where personal responsibility begins and ends, compared to how we serve others.  I have struggled myself knowing when to step in and help someone or if they are being irresponsible.  The author brings great distinction and insight into these verses:

The Greek word for burden means “excess burdens,” or burdens that are so heavy that they weigh us down.  These burdens are like boulders.  They can crush us. We shouldn’t be expected to carry a boulder by ourselves!  It would break our backs.  We need help with the boulders- those times of crisis and tragedy in our lives.

In contrast, the Greek word for load means “cargo,” or “the burden of daily toil.”  This word describes the everyday things we all need to do.  These loads are like knapsacks. Knapsacks are possible to carry.  We are expected to carry our own.  We are expected to deal with our own feelings, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as the responsibilities God has given to each one of us,  even though it takes effort.

Problems arise when people act as if their “boulders” are daily loads, and refuse help, or as if their “daily loads” are boulders they shouldn’t have to carry.  The results of these two instances are either perpetual pain or irresponsibility. (Page 30)

The best application I can think of is to be clear about the things that truly are our responsibility to own.  The rest of the chapter gives further insight into what’s on that list: Feelings, Attitudes & Beliefs, Behaviors, Choices, Values, Limits, Talents, Thoughts, Desires, and Love.  May God continue to help us know this distinction!

Reaching Out and Reaching Back

As a Pastor, a lot of my job is just checking in with people to see how they are doing.  Yes, the sermons take quite a bit of time to develop, the calendar seems endless with activities to be planned, and meetings are a necessary evil.  But my main “job” is people development.

North Creek’s mission is to “lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus”.  This means staying in contact with people and asking how things are going.  It’s emailing, texting, calling, sitting over a cup of coffee, etc. asking about the specifics in their everyday life.

I’ve been doing just that for the last 29 years.  I starting when I was a Jr. in High School volunteering in the New Person Ministry.  We had an entire strategy for welcoming students who were new to our Youth Ministry.  We sent them a welcome letter, followed up with a visit to their home where we dropped off a candy bar, followed that up with a phone call, and then helped them connect in a small group.  The benefit from being involved in this kind of ministry is two fold: I knew everyone’s name, and I knew their story.

Now that I look back on countless connections with people over the years, I’ve come to realize a few things about people.  While every person appreciates when someone reaches out and cares for them, I’ve also realized that seldom do people reach back.  This has been quite the phenomenon in my life!  I am a firm believer in the principle of sowing and reaping…meaning that whatever you sow in your life, you will also reap.  You would think that with as much effort that goes out in connection and care, that much would come back.  Unfortunately, this has not been my experience. I will admit that I have had long seasons when I had no one asking me, “Pastor, how are YOU doing?” I have questioned many times whether I am making an impact in people or whether they really like me or not.

I think one of the reasons this is true is that we have a hard time seeing past ourselves.  Our lives can become like a bubble.  Every problem we face, pressure we feel, pain we experience, consumes our little bubble.  Our focus is spent on dealing with OUR stuff.

When a friend reaches out and expresses care for us, we are so glad they are present in our lives with encouragement.  This SHOULD happen.  We SHOULD allow others to care for our lives.  But there also needs to come a point when we set our problems aside and see other people; see what they are dealing with.  Give Back!

Especially the ones who have already demonstrated to you that they care about your life.

  • The ones who have taken the time to write a note to you
  • The ones who call you often to see how you are doing
  • The ones who invite you over and share a meal with you
  • The ones who partner with you in carrying your burden

We are called to REACH OUT to ALL people that God puts in our life.  Let’s make sure we are also REACHING BACK to those who are constantly encouraging you.  Lately, I’ve been paying attention to those who are showing up in my life.  I have been intentional to make my presence known in their lives as well because I want them in my life for years to come.

Take a moment and think about the people in your life who consistently reach out to you with encouragement

Take another moment and write them a note back, buy them a cup of coffee, send them a text letting them know that today you are thinking about THEM and they are on YOUR prayer list.

If no one comes to mind, let me be the one to encourage you…

“My friend, God loves you and has a plan for your life.  You were made in His image and he calls you his son/daughter.  Whatever you are going through won’t last forever; the sun will emerge again and the clouds will depart.  He knows how to work all things for the good in your life and make beauty for ashes.  Don’t quit! Stay close to Him! You are loved!  You are valuable!  You matter to God!  I’m praying for you!“

How is Your Soul?

I have been reading a book by my mentor and friend, Dr. Troy Jones, titled “Recalibrate Your Church”.  The book is good for every leader and pastor to do just that, but his final chapter especially captured my heart as he asks the question, “How is your soul doing?”  His premise is simple; you can recalibrate every area of your church, but unless you recalibrate your soul, you’ve missed what is most important!  Here are the key highlights I’ve taken from this chapter that I think you will benefit from as well.  I pray your soul is well!

“God cares more about your love for Him than about your work for Him. And that means the greatest thing you need to recalibrate is your spiritual health.  If you can’t take care of yourself, then nothing else really matters.  Christ Himself reminded us, ‘For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?’ (Mark 8:36)”

“Some of us need a spiritual awakening!  We need to recalibrate our souls.  We need a fresh, bracing encounter with the living God.  We need an intimate, loving union with God at the core of our being.  Don’t lose sight of the radical truth; Go cares more about you than He does about your ministry.”

“We need God to breathe into our nostrils the breath of life.  We all need to fall flat on our faces and hear from God.  While you need to get a divine assignment for your church, your deeper and continual need is to get a divine breath for your life.”

Four Guiding Principles to Recalibrating your S.O.U.L. (Search, Obey, Unplug, Let Go)

  1. Search your Heart
    • Spiritual formation is a renovation of the heart
    • Davids prayer “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (psalm 139:23-24)
    • Proverbs 4:18 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  This is the very core of what happens in my life.
    • Our culture is all about image; God cares what’s on the inside!
  2. Obey the still, small voice of God
    • If we listen to God’s still, small voice, it will protect us and help us to navigate the fierce winds of change that threaten to blow us over.  That voice…protects us from temptation, teaches us personal character and holiness, guides our decision making, instructs us on wise timing, provides us with providential direction for our churches
  3. Unplug from noise and chaos
    • Noise and chaos is the primary enemy that prevents us from hearing God’s voice.
    • Our world is full of noise and makes it hard to hear God’s whisper
    • Jesus daily unplugged from the noise and chaos- “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35)
    • Hearing God’s voice requires us to pause long enough to just listen
    • Rick Warren suggests a simple model to unplug
      • Divert Daily
      • Withdraw Weekly
      • Abandon Annually
  4. Let go of things that poison the soul
    • Hurt and bitterness rot the soul more than anything else
    • Your response to those offenses, hurts, and disappointments is what will make or break you- you have to let them go.
    • You must guard your soul against offenses, hurts and bitterness.
    • Forgive quickly. Unforgiveness is like a cancer that rots and eats away the best part of you.  It clouds your vision and your love for people