Tag: ministry

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God’s Response to a Nation’s Sin

Isaiah 1-2 and Psalm 96

Over the next few weeks or so we’ll read Isaiah, the first of the major prophets, “the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Isaiah 1:1

Isaiah begins by setting the stage:

Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!
For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
Isaiah 1:2-3

The prophetic words are for the ears of Israel, especially the kings who are trying to follow the Lord, but they sound contemporary in many ways. The Creator speaks through Isaiah with harsh words:

Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
Isaiah 1:13

Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:16-17

Historically, this is an awful time for God’s chosen people. Around 1,400 BC Moses is sent to deliver God’s people from Egypt. Amos, Jonah and Hosea prophesy to the northern kingdom in an attempt to warn them about the pending exile around 750 BC. Isaiah’s ministry begins around the same time for those in the southern kingdom. Nearly 700 years have past since Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land. Now our ancestors, our forefathers, have been greatly reduced and to a large extent, lost again in the Promised Land with great and wonderful memories of God’s provision.

We read through 700 years of history in a matter of hours and perhaps we shake our heads and point our fingers at their deplorable actions. God speaks through his prophets to warn, to rebuke, to chastise because he loves his people! Again and again, he attempts to bring about reconciliation:

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 1:18-20

If we are willing and obedient. A big “if” some days. Certainly not something we like to preach about! I prefer to highlight the positive statements. I keep looking through the Old Testament for the remnant, the few who heard and listened to the warnings. I know there were some, perhaps many, who were unnamed, they simply went about their lives in complete loyalty and devotion. Their sphere of influence small, but committed. I’m grateful for their legacy that seeped into the DNA of the first disciples and apostles.

Deep inside, there we so many just waiting for Jesus to come, for the One who would provide answers to Isaiah’s words, he who would fill in the blanks. Mere humans could not do this!

Stop trusting in mere humans,
who have but a breath in their nostrils.
Why hold them in esteem?
Isaiah 2:22

Though many would promote themselves, no mere mortal could provide the solution. When we collectively turn our eyes on Jesus, the solution begins to come in focus. I can’t fully wrap my mind around the concept of fully human and fully divine–I’ll just have to wait until I’m on the other side of eternity–but here is the answer to all questions for those who are willing to listen. May we have childlike innocence with the wisdom of Isaiah, a crazy request perhaps, just my earnest desire for the day.

Open our hearts, Lord. Help us to hear your words through your prophets of old as we live in this crazy world today.

Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96:1-3

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Systems – One Lid to a Healthy Church

Systems are the inner workings of strategies, the wires that make them work individually and connect them together. Effective systems only happen with well thought out and very intentional design that is kept up-to-date. Yes, you have to keep thinking about your strategies and systems after the church is launched and throughout its life-cycles. This isn’t new, we see this in the early church in Acts as they begin to grow through the roof:

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:2-4

Newsflash: You don’t have to DO everything! 

No doubt this isn’t news to you, but turning responsibility over to others means you have to define what you are handing over with the appropriate level of detail to achieve your specific goals. This is especially important when you consider most of the work is done by volunteers who only have a few hours a week to support their ministry area.

Here’s a example of a few strategies and potential systems:

Strategy Systems
 Prayer Team Church database group, email list
 Discipleship Small groups, curriculum, calendar
 Outreach Community needs assessment survey, list of community services contacts
 Facilities Ongoing requirements and updated list of volunteers by time and capabilities
 Congregational Care Matched list of needs to care givers, email list
 Assimilation Connection cards, identified next steps
 Ministry Teams Volunteer availability and assignments, training, transitioning

While there is nothing super insightful about that list above, what is amazing is the simple truth than many churches have not invested the time to create and maintain a table as simple as this! Identify systems that can easily fuel your strategies. Matching systems to strategies is key to achieving consistent excellence in any organization. Think like a volunteer when you select each system. In other words, don’t expect someone to spend 20 or 30 hours learning your system. It has to be current, specific and easy to use. Look for systems that can be used across strategies, especially modern church database management systems–these can really help you by organizing data and staying consistent.

Systems Organize and Extend Strategies

System provide details that support, organize and extend strategies for achieving the unique calling and vision for the local church. The systems that fuel each strategy are customized for your specific needs within your culture. It’s important to prioritize and organize based on your local context and needs–either where you are today or where you are strategically planning to move in the near future.  In other words, you can’t pull a chapter out of a book and simply say, “this is our system, do this!” Invest the time to customize each for your needs.

Please hear this, systems don’t have to be complicated! In many ways, we have a tendency to overthink systems and develop complicated logic that people have a hard time getting their minds around. That’s not to say you shouldn’t think through various contingencies, but you don’t have to design a children’s ministry for 500 when you average 50 children each week.

Synergy

When systems are well aligned to the vision of the church, each ministry works together as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: One body with many parts. Open the case to your computer and cut just one wire. How do you think that will work out? Or better yet, think about your physical body and how the respiratory system fuels the cardiovascular system which provides blood to the entire body. Each does their part and when each is fully functioning, your body is able to achieve incredible feats by working together. You know this. My guess is you’ve probably preached sermon series on the topic. Now it’s time to listen to your own advice.

Produce Fruit

The purpose of all of this is to produce fruit, to grow the body of Christ by making disciples that make disciples, to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18). The reminder here is to help you focus on developing and maintaining systems throughout your ministry. Don’t etch your systems in granite! Learn to adapt over time, review them annually and be willing to change when necessary. One of the ways to accomplish this is to have fresh eyes look at individual systems. In other words, listen to your newest member and your most recent guests.

If you have effective, Christ-centered systems in place, your church will have the capacity to grow and the Holy Spirit will no doubt make that happen.

 

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The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

1 Chronicles 13-15

Chapter 13 provides the narrative of David’s desire and attempt to return the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. Ezra (assuming he’s the author of Chronicles), places this narrative out of sequence, up front, perhaps to emphasize David’s heart and desire to please God and the people. The first few verses show that everyone agreed this was a good idea; however, no one apparently remembered to proper procedures — or perhaps they were afraid to tell the new king he was making a mistake. Interesting thought.

David wanted to make a big production out of transferring the ark–all good intentions–but failed to properly transport the ark as laid out the law. Only the Levites (specifically the Kohathite clan (see Exodus 25:12-15 and Numbers 4:15) were supposed to carry the articles of the temple and even they were further instructed on how to carry it with certain poles, etc.

He failed. Uzzah died.

It’s interesting that verse 10 says, “the Lord’s anger” followed by verse 11, “David was angry.” David’s party was a bust and he knew he blew it in front of all of Israel.

David was afraid of God that day
1 Chronicles 13:12

This is real fear, the kind of fear born from guilt and recognition that he was mistaken, that perhaps he had his focus too much on his own glory. I feel bad for David. Years of hiding and running from Saul are finally over and he has assembled an incredible army of devoted fighting men. God is certainly on his side. So many times we see amazing, gifted leaders, filled with the Holy Spirit, get out of step with God’s plan. Unintentionally, they let their personal agenda out-rank that of God’s plan. The results are always disastrous. The only real question is when, not if; they will fall?

David’s reaction is to leave the ark in the nearby village:

The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had. 1 Chronicles 13:14

God honored those who cared for the ark, again my presumption is simple: Obed-Edom sought to honor God above David; therefore, the Lord blessed them.

David got his act together quickly and the Lord blessed him with many children (though I’m hard-pressed to understand the “many” wives idea). In Chapter 14, the narrative shows David asking God for direction, then promptly defeating the Philistines, not once, but twice.

Now David is on the right path, he is walking in step with the Lord.

It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.” 1 Chronicles 15:13

“We” seems a little defensive, but perhaps David was given bad advice, so it may be that he is simply deflecting the blame and letting the people know he was part of the “we.”

Chapter 15 shows a careful account of moving the ark properly, complete with the combined worship teams and full celebration! Here we go–try #2!

I love this thought:

So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing. 1 Chronicles 15:25

“With rejoicing.” There is nothing like ministry when everyone is in step, when all hearts and voices are honoring and praising the Lord! It’s difficult to put into words, perhaps impossible, but the sense you get when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what you’re doing in the moment is exactly what God wants you to be doing is sensational. That’s the sense I get from the phrase, with rejoicing, here. So cool.

But wait, there’s Michal watching from afar. She is not so moved by the show. The details in 2 Samuel 6:14 show that David was dancing with all his might, undignified in her eyes, so she despised David. Sad to read the result in 2 Samuel 6:23, she had no children to the day of her death.

So goes the roller-coaster of ministry here on earth where God’s imperfect people try to do their best. Lord, don’t let the downs outweigh the ups! Help us to celebrate freely and not be so focused on those who want to selfishly point out our mistakes. Grace to grace. Your will above ours. Teach us to love each other:

…being like-minded,
having the same love,
being one in spirit and of one mind.
Philippians 2:2

Yes, Lord, help us to be that community of believers that leans on each other. I hope and pray that we can do this while keeping you the center of all.

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Genealogies in Chronicles

1 Chronicles 1-10 and Psalm 76

Cruising through the first 10 chapters of 1 Chronicles we read the long list of names from Adam to Abraham. Quite remarkable when you think about it, especially when you remember God’s restart with Noah.

Then we read the two branches of Abraham’s family: Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob (aka Israel). The kings of Judah are listed concisely in 1 Chronicles 3:10-16, but interestingly, we don’t have a corresponding list of the northern kings, the lost tribes of Israel.

Jabez

Some years ago, The Prayer of Jabez, by Bruce Wilkinson, was a best seller. Just two verses in between the list of genealogies, the prayer depicts God’s desire to bless those who are faithful:

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Published in the year 2000, this small book (in length and in physical size) was a big hit. I guess we all needed to turn our minds toward the possibility that God will bless us if we would simply ask. Certainly a key component of the prosperity Gospel that fuels many ministries, my prayer is this isn’t a stumbling block for those who are seeking Christ. Surely God cares for his people, but we know from experience this doesn’t always mean we gain earthly possessions by request and being free from harm is not guaranteed. To be fair, the book makes no guarantees, but people rarely read carefully and often run down rabbit trails that are not consistent with the rest of scripture.

“And God granted his request” 1 Chronicles 4:10
compared to
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who give generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you” James 1:5

(I had to include the whole verse from James, though I’m sure many simply include the last phrase).

Faith is the cornerstone. Lord, may we believe that you have our best in mind, even when we don’t understand the process, path or journey!

Tribes Listed

The remainder of 1 Chronicles 4 through 8 contains genealogies of the tribes of Israel. I like the fact that we see “The Temple Musicians” listed in their own section (1 Chronicles 6:54-80). Music is an integral part of worship and these early worship leaders had great responsibility and found themselves worthy of being identified among the followers of God.

Chapter 9 ends with the genealogy of Saul followed by a short chapter titled, “Saul Take His Life,” a sad end to the beginning of kings of Israel.

Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

So many names, so little time, hundreds of years are captured here. This quick trip through 10 chapters in 1st Chronicles gives us some perspective: God cares about his people. I think it’s safe to say that those who are faithful are blessed and those who are not do not find joy. Lord, all honor, all praise to you, the author and perfecter or all things. For those who have received Christ, who recognize the need for repentance and put their trust in Jesus, we know our names are included in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:12). Beyond words, but privilege of hearing our names called is incredibly humbling. At the same time, not hearing the names of loved ones is terrifying and sad beyond comprehension. May we remember to pray for the lost, but not take on guilt for their decision to ignore the Holy Spirit.

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Priests Ministry Begins — Ordination of Aaron and His Sons

Leviticus 8-9

The eloquent speaker for Moses, Aaron, along with his sons become the first official priests for the Israelites. The ceremony requires a series of required steps for consecrating, purifying, etc., all of which required Moses to perform with precision as detailed in the previous chapters. Moses did these things, not servants or those that worked “for” Moses–he did them himself–in front of the assembly of people.

The Lord was pleased with the process, apparently everything was performed exactly as prescribed.

…and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Leviticus 9:24

There was joy in the camp.

Reading through the processes followed by Moses, I have a better appreciation for the Roman Catholic church, for their adherence to rituals, robes, ornaments and the like. I’ve personally known many who love Jesus, who fully profess Christ as King. They are indeed our brothers and sisters in Christ. Following rituals doesn’t make me a Christian, I get that, and I hope that is clear, but there is something to be said about being obedient. Perhaps the point of reading these relatively ancient stories is to appreciate they were, in their time and in their space, being completely obedient to what God called them to be and do.

Todd Wilson echoes this theme in his excellent work, More, and the Be-Do-Go framework he built on Ephesians. Lord, help me to hear your voice clearly, to be who you called me to be, to do what you want  and to go where you called me.

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The Priests

Exodus 27-29

Many details are provided for consecrating Aaron and his sons, priests of the Lord. One thing I see when reading these details is that Moses honored the people who created all of the supporting elements of the tabernacle. By examining each detail, in essence he says, we are able to worship the Lord because you created the “skillfully woven waistband,” your contribution matters.

The people needed order and discipline, God provided both through Moses, Aaron and the leaders. They are far from done at this point, but no one can say they didn’t understand what they were supposed to do: it was clearly spelled out for them.

Many people want to revert to this kind of religion: just tell me exactly what to do! If I have any inkling of understanding here, this is a careful examination of a very young, very immature Israel, God’s chosen people. We can see their growth by watching the changes through the Old Testament. The more I understand the ancient, the more I have a chance at appreciating the Gospels. The time before and after Jesus ministry is so radically different, but only when I learn about the before picture.

Lord help me to appreciate the words of old, those who dedicated themselves to you, your tabernacle, your worship. It’s difficult to see how to preach from these chapters, but I know you gave it to us for a reason. Show me Lord. I’m wide open.

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And He Chose You

Today’s Our Daily Bread referenced Deuteronomy 10:12-22 which includes the phrase, “and He chose you, their descendants, above all the nations.” In reading the Bible, the concept of the “chosen people” is a consistent theme. Many times we read about the people chosen by God, but today the thought that jumped out is this:

they weren’t chosen because they were special,
they were blessed because they were chosen.

Let that sink in for a minute.

We are blessed because we have been saved by Grace, set apart, listed among the few. This special favor is not something to wear with pride as the Pharisees did–thus a significant part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. This whole concept of being “special” is fragmenting this country as it seems like a new people-group pops up daily and demands to have special treatment.

The reality is we are set apart to do the work of Christ during the short time we have on earth. God chose Israel to be the example for the world and they messed it up over and over again. For our benefit, God chose to record this in great detail in the Old Testament.

12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

For Your Own Good

What a concept. It’s all about pointing to the Lord. Holy Spirit help me to point to you in all things. Keep me humble while you give me strength to lead, follow, serve, teach, learn and live for Christ in all that I do.

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How to be Effective and Productive

The title of this post should be provocative, it should get you excited to read words that finally explain what it takes to be effective and productive. What is the answer? As you might expect, it’s rather simple and yet difficult at the same time. Simple because I can write the words; difficult because it requires effort.

Peter provides a list of qualities that we should pursue 2 Peter 1:5-7:

  • add to your faith goodness
  • to goodness, knowledge
  • to knowledge, self-control
  • to self-control, perseverance,
  • to perseverance, godliness
  • to godliness, mutual affection
  • to mutual affection, love.

You see, if we follow this progression we move from faith to love through several transformative steps: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness and mutual affection. Each of these steps is significant by themselves, but they are not the end goal, they are part of a process.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure…

In increasing measure? I don’t get to check this off my list, I need to continuously add to each of these qualities, to constantly increase each–all of the list. My favorite is knowledge, not so much self-control. Perhaps perseverance is a hard-headed trait, I’m good at that, but not so much mutual affection. Did you have to list all of these Peter? Why all of these things?

…they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If I want to be an effective ambassador of Jesus Christ, I need to work on all of these qualities.

Here’s the downside:

But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

If we don’t express these qualities we cannot lead others to Christ because we are nearsighted and blind, we can’t see beyond our own noses. How can we forget Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf? I think we forget by not loving others, by not truly demonstrating mutual affection, by giving up when it gets hard. Somehow we buy into the voices we hear in the world, the sound-bites of misguided information that disguises itself as knowledge and wisdom. We lose perspective when we forget we are made in the image of the Creator.

This passage (2 Peter 1:3-11) begins by explaining that “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us…” His divine power, his dynamos, his dynamite, has been given to us. With this power comes responsibility. We are designed to participate in the process, called to action, let us hear these words and do something about it:

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

This week our country is in great pain as we witness evil desires taking over rational minds. Individuals choosing to impose their will over others. Corruption, anger, hate, violence, on and on, are all part of the world in which we live, but more importantly, this is the ministry field in which we serve.

If we believe we have the dynamos provided by the Holy Spirit, we actually have the answer. The world will continue to squelch our voice, but that shouldn’t surprise anyone–that is the nature of evil. This month, Russia has outlawed Christians sharing their faith anywhere except in government approved houses of worship. While this is rather overt, our own country continues to push God out of every corner which perpetuates moral relativism.

Here’s the thing, what if we pursued the qualities Peter lists? What if we did everything we could, individually, to be identified with those who are good, knowledgeable, have self-control and persevere with godliness, who show mutual affection and yes, love one another. What if we did these things?

If we do these things we will be effective and productive. People will listen because they will witness our faithfulness, not just hear it. Lord help us to be effective witnesses of your goodness in this hurting world.

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Some Songs from 2003 and 2004

Fond memories of serving Christian Life Church in Milton, Florida from 2002 to 2005. We had a young family way back then and I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Middle School ministry, Discipleship Training (as a trainee) and some elementary school-aged ministry (Sunday morning worship and Vacation Bible School). Thanks to the Air Force we continued to move and serve at other churches, so this post is all about remembering a few highlights during Zoë’s assignment to Hurlburt Field, Florida (at this point I’m retired and working as a software consultant).

Here’s a link to the page that captures Discipleship Training memory verse songs and VBS 2004.

Discipleship Training, 2003

The lack of quality of the discipleship training songs is a bit distracting. These weekly renditions were recorded on my Boss 16-track hard disk recorder in our dining room. I had very few tools back in those days…that’s my excuse anyway. The truth is, these little songs helped us memorize scripture. I had a cassette duplicator and made a dozen copies of each to pass out to our training cohort. When You Pray (song #2), based on Matthew 6:6 and Don’t Be Anxious (song #8) based onPhilippians 4:6-8, are still my favorites. The recordings leave much to be desired (i.e., they suck), sorry about that, but the verses still remind me of important scripture that is buried deep in my heart (song #3), I Seek YouPsalm 119:10-11. At the time, I dutifully memorized2 Peter 3:18 (song #1) and recorded the commercial-like song. Since then I’ve studied Peter quite a bit more and have come to know and respect this Apostle. I still pray for the ability to do as he requires in 1 Peter 3:15-16. Song #5 is pretty weird, but I have to say, I remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and the important lesson these few verse contain. Songs #4 and #6 are difficult to listen to, yet they serve as a reminder that these tunes were there to serve a purpose: help memorize scripture. That leaves song #7, Temptation, based on 1 Corinthians 10:13. Here Paul is teaching his fledgling church in Corinth a lesson that we struggle with today and I’m glad this verse repeats itself in the back of my head,

No temptation has ever seized you except what is common to man,
God is faithful He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can stand.
But when you are tempted, he will always provide a way out
So that you can stand up, you can stand up to it.

Once again, the recording is sketchy (at best), but it still rings in my head when temptation arises — that was the point of these songs. They were there to remind us of important scripture passages. Surprisingly, no record label has tracked me down for these! 🙂

Vacation Bible School, 2004

I still remember approaching Pastor Johnny Williams about writing the music for VBS. This was a big deal for Christian Life Church. They had a very positive reputation for high quality VBS that attracted well over 300 children from the area, pretty cool for Milton, Florida. We were there for VBS 2003 and I just thought this was something I could do. There are several things I remember about this experience, but the most significant include Katrina’s (second daughter) sign language adaptations of the lyrics and subsequent teaching these songs and motions to the children. She did a fabulous job and ended up leading worship for KidZone in Virginia on our next assignment.

Another fun memory was the final recordings of the songs. I wanted to have children’s voices on the recording, so the “choir” you hear on the recordings are actually just the children from three families (more than a dozen enthusiastic voices). Yes, I know some of the timing is a bit off, but it’s real and it was really a blast putting this together. I wish I had a recording of 350 children singing and signing these songs on that final VBS night. They filled the stage and really did a great job. So much fun!

The theme for VBS was Extreme JC, so we climbed, swam and ran fast to this energetic song to get them started. We taught them the fruits of the spirit in Fruity Blues (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness, faithfulness, thankfulness and self control) based on Galatians 5:22-23. Yes, I still remember these in order. It Will Be Done was was one of the key teachings for this VBS and though this is a kid’s song, it is a good reminder that we can do all things with God, it’s our choice to get on His team! Because You Say So I Will is so much nicer than this recording indicates. Maria Pool did a fabulous job of singing this (along with her 6 children!) and Kelly Toole’s flute was perfect. I remember Kelly coming over to our house to record it. She was probably 17 or 18 at the time (???). When I answered the door she asked if anyone else was home because she was not allowed to enter a man’s house alone. Such great parents! Yes, our girls were all there, but I still remember how she honor a very reasonable rule that was in place to protect everyone. Thanks Kelly! She listened to my keyboard rendition of the flute part and we recorded it completely with very few takes. I hope she’s still playing. When I initially thought about this song, I intended it to be a rock-style song, but this turned out to be a very contemplative style song. I still remember the children sitting on stage as they sang this song–they really brought it home.

Special thanks to Pastor Bailey Dickerson (rocking piano), Pastor Johnny Williams (drums) and Nathan Black (lead guitar) for their support in recording these tracks. And thanks to Maria Pool (lead vocals) and Kelly Toole (flute) on Because You Say So I Will.

Thanks for the Memories

I’m not entirely sure why I’m writing this post this morning, but I am very thankful for the great memories at Christian Life Church. Thanks Pastor Doug Holmes for your music and solid Bible teaching. Thanks to the many friends we made during our short assignment and time at CLC. God Bless.

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Ragamuffin Gospel: #10 – The Victorious Limp

Chapter 10

Keep Coming Back

The mature Christians I have met along the way are those who have failed and have learned to live gracefully with their failure.

One of my most consistent problems is taking on too much, too many things at once — overcommitment. Perhaps I lack the ability to set proper boundaries, but my response is equally consistent: when I am face to face with Jesus I want to be completely worn out because I did everything I could, every day, for everyone. That’s a bit unhealthy, I get that, but I would rather be stretched and fail than comfortable and content.

Tension mounts:

We settle in and settle down to lives of comfortable piety and well-fed virtue. We grow complacent and lead practical lives.

Complacency, accepting what has happened cannot be undone, our circumstance cannot be changed–the loss of hope.

The crucifixion on Black Friday, the real Black Friday, left the disciples hopeless. They scattered and immediately went back to their old ways. Their hope was tortured, killed and buried. We have the privilege of hindsight and the Bible to see that this wasn’t the end of the story, but they did not.

As I reflect on Peter, his denial of Christ, the voices that he heard and his incredible failures, I’m amazed by a God who not only reveals this failure in scripture, but comes to Peter and cooks him breakfast then reinstates him as the cornerstone of His church. How ridiculous is that?

What we struggle to see is our own story. We don’t get to skip a chapter and see how it ends. When we meet someone, choose to do something kind (or not), we don’t get to fast forward to see how God will use that encounter to advance His kingdom. We simply have to move on faith, daily taking up the cross. Inch by inch, moving forward, failing and getting back up again (hopefully learning in the process!).

Lord, help us to see failure as Your refining fire. Teach us every time we stumble and give us the faith and courage to keep coming back. Give us the wisdom to listen to your voice and understand what we should do every single day.

From the Chapter

  • Authentic disciples have a capacity for faithfulness. Buffeted by the fickle winds of failure, battered by their own unruly emotions…they kept coming back to Jesus.
  • At some point in each of our lives, we were deeply touched by a profound encounter with Jesus Christ…yet we did not get unraveled. Slowly we got caught up in the demands of ministry or career and the distractions our busy world offers. We began to treat Jesus like the old friend from Brooklyn whom we dearly loved in years past but have gradually lost track of.
  • Inattention to the Holy unravels the fabric of the diving relationship.
  • We settle in and settle down to lives of comfortable piety and well-fed virtue. We grow complacent and lead practical lives.
  • The sinner is accepted before he pleads for mercy. It is already granted. He need only receive it. Total amnesty. Gratuitous pardon.
  • The father of the prodigal son took him back just as he was. Abba just wants us to show up.
  • The mature Christians I have met along the way are those who have failed and have learned to live gracefully with their failure.
  • Risking everything on Jesus: The ragamuffin gospel says we can’t lose, because we have nothing to lose.
  • The willingness to keep growing: Unfaithfulness is a refusal to become, a rejection of grace (grace that is inactive is an illusion).
  • The readiness to risk failure: Many of us are haunted by our failures.

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