Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Practically Jesus

I'm preparing for my message this weekend. I'm teaching through the purpose of our church right now. Our purpose is "pursuing God's fame". We try to live that out in 6 areas that make the acronym, PURSUE; Passionate worship, Unchurched people, Remaining faithful to God's Word, Stewardship, Understanding God's heart for the poor, and Equipping the church.

This week we're talking about pursuing God's fame by understanding God's heart for the poor. I love this topic, though I stand ashamed at how little I look like Jesus each time I study it.

One of the texts we're looking at is Isaiah 58:6-9. God is giving his people a picture of what real fasting looks like. It wasn't at all what they were doing, or what we do much of the time. The Israelites were actually praying things like, "God, don't you see what's going on? We're humbling ourselves. We're fasting. Are you noticing?" Here are some of the words God spoke in response to their hypocritical seeking of Him.

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'"

That sure looks a lot like Jesus to me. That's how he lived. And it reminds me how far I am from practically living like Him. I've NEVER brought the homeless poor into my house. I've thought about it a lot. But I guess that classifies me with several of the Pharisees who probably went home fantasizing about the same thing, yet remaining hypocrites.

I'm praying with John the Baptist, "(Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease," (John 3:30). I wrote at the beginning that this is a topic that I love. My prayer is that it will no longer be a topic for me, but rather lived in such a way that when my sons come across the words of Isaiah 58 sometime in their life their response will be, "That sure looks a lot like my dad."

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Rounding second...


Okay, so the first teeball game is under Alden's belt. It's pretty exciting. He did well with just a little bit of nervous hesitancy. He had two good hits and fielded the ball really well, too.

I didn't really know the 'format' for a teeball game. As I've mentioned, it was our first, probably of hundreds. Anyway, they don't count outs, which admittedly was hard for my over-competitive nature to swallow at first, and there are only two innings. Each inning consists of every kid on the team batting once.

I see the gain that will come from this. Alden is already getting some instincts of what to do 'in the field'. It's exciting to watch, especially since he really, really enjoys the game... more than soccer.

Anyway, thought I'd let you know how it went and post a picture of Alden holding up at second.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Pre-game jitters

My oldest son has his first tee-ball game tonight at 6:00. I have to tell you, there is some serious anxiety and nervous stomach. Oh, not in him... in me. I feel like it's my first game. I feel like there's a lot on the line tonight. I don't know why. I'm excited to see how it turns out. He has seemed naturally gifted in our yard and even during practice. Now is the ultimate test.

I'm obviously overstating the situation, but it's really exciting and fun as I anticipate this new part of my buddy's life. I'll post the results after the game... maybe with a raspy voice.

Verse of the day

3 John 1:4

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Friday, May 18, 2007

Some good reminders for me

I've been reading through the book of Isaiah this past week. I'm going to try to finish it this weekend. But here's why I decided to read it again and what I'm finding... again. The most God centered person in the universe is.... God. He's a lot more into Himself than He is into me. Don't get me wrong, He loves me... a lot. But He's out for His own glory, and that's the most loving thing He could possibly do.

It helps me remember that everything's not about me. It helps rekindle my purpose... to pursue God's fame above all else.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

I survived.

Well, I made it. With a few trips to panera (using my friend's computer) and one to the library, I survived my week without a computer. I picked mine up this afternoon and plan on just staring at it for the next couple of hours.

I will post again soon as I have missed all of you... maybe both of you is more accurate.

Have a great week.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

New Testament Church

So, I think I'm starting to understand what pastoring was like in the New Testament. Please, don't get too excited. You'll be disappointed.

I took my powerbook G4 to the Apple Store because the tracking pad stopped working yesterday. They gave me a quote that was much lower than a new Macbook (although I would LOVE to get one), but here was the big blow... I won't have my computer back for 5 to 7 business days.

I'm discovering some things, though. I'll give you another list.

1. My sermon notes are on my computer, which I don't have. I could use those.
2. My worship charts, powerpoints and song lists are on my computer, which I don't have. I could use those.
3. My schedule/calender is on my computer, which I don't have. I could use that.
4. I'm not distracted by a computer screen and therefore was very productive today. I can really, really use that.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

3 things I know today

My friends Francis Chan and Jim Elliston were visiting this weekend. Francis was here preaching at the church. I encourage you to listen to the sermon if you can.

Here are some things that I know after spending the week with Francis and Jim...

1. Francis is the most gifted preacher I know.
2. I love being a pastor.
3. I miss my two friends.

Friday, May 4, 2007

A long-time friend

Sorry I haven't posted yet this week. I've been in Atlanta, GA at a Passion Conference for college leaders, pastors and student leaders. The conference is Thirsty. I'm still there. We have one more session today and then a long drive in a 15 passenger van back home.

I've been pretty excited about coming, mostly because of who I knew I would hear from; Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, Andy Stanley, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, David Crowder, and Charlie Hall. They've all been really good. But I wasn't expecting what I received last night. I had the most incredible conversation with a long-time friend.

I guess, to be honest, I've "communicated" with him several times over the years, but this is the first real conversation we've had in a while. Intimacy. I was talking. He was talking. I was listening. He was genuinely listening to me. It was good. I was moved to tears. I felt honored that he took the time. He felt the same. I even asked if we could do this more often. He said he would love to.

His name is Jesus. I have never felt closer to him than I do today. It was the most incredible moment of my life and I can't wait to talk with him again.

John 10:3-4 - "... The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."