Clarity from Proximity

May 11, 2012 in Answering God's Call, Calling, Discipleship, Meaningful Work with 0 Comments

A word to those looking for God’s direction: It gets clearer as you get closer. Just keep moving forward, trusting and He will lead you! — @RLPastorJ

The above quote is from a recent tweet from my pastor, Justin Miller. As someone who has struggled and searched for God’s direction in my life, I can adamantly say that this is 100% true. The journey of discovery is frustrating. It feels lonely, like you’re the only one who has been wandering in the wilderness. All told, my journey has taken about 10 years. Looking back, I find myself wishing that I’d made different choices, followed advice of various folks in my life, or fought harder for various relationships. Then, I realize the tremendous life that I’m leading now. The absolutely fabulous family that I have, the job that provides for them, and the fantastic ministry that I’m involved in. I’m blown away.

So, what are the keys to this journey? My two cents, from someone who has spent considerable time sojourning:

  • Clarity comes from proximity. Seriously. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Sounds like a pat Bible answer, but I can tell you from experience that it is absolutely true. Reflecting upon the times that I was not as near to God, wallowing in my own self pity, sin, and just plain old depression, it was in those times I was the most frustrated. I fought the hardest to find my place in this world and really just ended up more depressed, pitiful, and sinful. God is the answer. The only answer. Jesus is the way. The only way. Draw near and drink deep of the living water.
  • Those things that you seek comfort and refuge in are fake and probably are idols. I know the feeling…You come home at the end of a long day/week/month/year and are emotionally at the end of your rope. Those old standbys that keep you warm at night look pretty appealing. Now, they don’t have to be illicit or dangerous or even inherently sinful. Silly things like video games, hobbies, or Farmville. They will not fill the void. Jesus will.
  • Balanced life. In Craig Groeschel’s book Chazown, he talks about an idea that your life is a like a wheel. The five keys areas that makes up the spokes are relationship with God, relationships with people, finances, health and fitness, and work. Getting all of these areas into check really are key in getting on with whatever it is God is calling you to.

If you’re anything like me, God has been whispering in that still, small voice for years. Begging you to listen. Begging you to yield. All is takes is for you to move. You’ve gotta pick yourself up off the floor, shut off the noise, and listen. Start with repenting. You, like me, sinned by ignoring God. One of the most freeing experiences I had was admitting to myself and to God that I would listen, finally!

What are your thoughts? Where is God moving in your life? What should you be doing that you’re not? If you need a sounding board, I’m here with you. Love to talk!

Describing God’s Call

May 11, 2012 in Answering God's Call, Calling, Discipleship, Meaningful Work with 0 Comments

Describing God’s Call

Over the years, I’ve studied and searched for purpose, meaning, fulfillment, and over all — calling. I have in earnest struggled to really figure out that which God has specifically designed me to do. Over time, I’ve arrived at several different conclusions as to which direction I thought God was instructing me to go. I looked high and low to discover some mystical conclusion or revelation from God. Truth be told, the mystery remained in the place that it had been since God called me some 15 years ago…In my heart.

God Doesn't Use a Giant Phone to Call Us

Discerning God's Call Would Be a Lot Easier if He Just Phoned (HT FlickrCC)

In some of my recent reading, I came across a very interesting series of posts from a Pastor name Ron Edmondson, one entry of which was “4 Words to Help Discern a Vocational Call to Ministry”. Some very profound truths to are shared by Ron in this post and others like it. Ron uses four different words in describing God’s call to ministry:

  • Irresistible — This really means that one CANNOT be called by God, ignore that calling, and then continue to live at peace with God. Need evidence? Check out Jonah. Or, if you need something more tangible, take a look at my life. Seriously, I’ve fought and fought for YEARS! I’ve tried to do everything in my power in the past three years in particular to run away from God’s calling on my life, but have ultimately not been at peace with God until last summer. You see, I surrendered. I gave up. I waved the white flag. God specifically called us to the Orlando area to be of great impact in changing lives for Jesus. Really wasn’t clear what that meant when we moved here, but as God orchestrates our lives, the picture is taking shape.
  • Irreplaceable — Nothing else can take the place of that which God has called us. There is absolutely nothing else that will bring fulfillment or joy as much as what God has called us to do.
  • Irrevocable – It doesn’t go away. That isn’t to say the assignment will not change, but the calling remains. We can do whatever we want, but ultimately God will have his way. Remember Jonah?
  • Immediate – Yes, it means just that. Means that we don’t have to have our ducks in a row, the right degree, the right house, the stars to align just right, perfect family situation, or the perfect financial situation. We must answer because God’s call doesn’t wait. Obedience is valued above perfection.

I encourage you, if you’ve struggled with your own calling, to check out Pastor Ron’s posts on calling to vocational ministry. Seriously some of the best stuff I’ve read in years.

What about you? Where do you stand? Are you running away, like I did? Are you trying to fill God’s calling on your life with something else? Are you waiting for perfection? I’d love to share in your story.

Believing that God Has Something More

February 6, 2012 in Answering God's Call, Discipleship with 2 Comments

Have you ever been at a point in your life that you really doubted that God really has something in store for your life? I don’t really mean just life in general, because of course he has great things for you…in the form of salvation through Jesus Christ. I mean — do you really believe that God has something that he is calling you to do with your life?

In a recent sermon, my pastor related part of his journey to where he is today. He talked about how he and his wife were serving in a previous ministry and embarking on exactly what they had been dreaming of. Then, they lost the ministry and many of their friends and found themselves sinking lower and lower. With each passing month, they found what they had thought of as rock bottom. They were really questioning God, questioning the things that they had been through. They poured themselves out until they were really just empty, crying out to God to move on their behalf. I can’t tell you the entire story, but I can tell you that God has moved greatly on their behalf and called and is currently using them beyond their wildest dreams.

Believing that God has Something More

  Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”

I began to think of my own journey and the journey of many of those close to me. We find ourselves called to something by God, really unsure of how that will play out. At least for me, the calling that God has for me has long been something mysterious. It has had moments of clarity, but really God just told me to go and I did. Here we are several years later and God is beginning to move on my behalf (for his own glory, of course!). But the thought that I had while listening to this sermon was if in fact I actually believe that God has something more, not only for my life in general, but specifically for my ministry. Between you and I — I don’t think this is always the case. I don’t think I always have the faith to stand in this truth.

Believing that God Has Something More

Believing That God Has Something More -- Even More Than More! (HT abhi_ryan on FlickrCC)

The good news — God is smarter than I am. God gives me glimpses of the ‘more’ that He is going to do eventually. Most often, I think that God doesn’t give me the whole picture because either my mind would be totally blown or I would wimp out and walk away. For now, I’m walking in confidence that even if I don’t believe God is wanting to do something mighty in me and through me, He will still have his way.

What about you? Do you have faith issues? Where can you see God moving and asking you to move in turn?

Teach Me How to Pray

January 31, 2012 in Discipleship, Prayer with 0 Comments

Teach Me How to Pray, Jesus

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven, 
hallowed be your name, 
your kingdom come, 
your will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts, 
as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from the evil one.’ -Matthew 6:9-13

How often have you found yourself really not knowing how to pray? Prayer is, at it's heart, conversation with God. Undoubtedly, our approach to prayer should not be flippant, but rather in the serious nature of which God deserves. Throughout Scripture, we find many examples of God's people entering into conversation with him. I've found that having Jesus teach me how to pray has been greatly beneficial to my daily walk with God. 

Teach Me How to Pray

Teach Me How to Pray, Jesus. Help me develop this man's posture! (HT chrisyarzab on FlickrCC)

Having Jesus Teach Me How To Pray

Many years ago, I found myself at somewhat of a crossroads in my life. I'd spent many years going to college for a few different specialities, wandering across the country in search of 'meaning', and bascially found myself at a loss. It was then that I got out of some the books that I used during College. I found a book on prayer. I read through it in about a day. What I really kept coming back to was Jesus' prayer found above in Matthew 6:9-13. It really is simple, isn't it? What Jesus really is saying is, "God, You're holy and awesome, may you kingdom and will be done in my life. God, just give me what I need to survive today. Forgive me, please and help me forgive those who need it from me. Lastly, help me not to sin and get me away from Satan."

How, When, and Why to Pray

Prayer really knows no time or place. If you're read much about prayer in Scripture, you have undoubtedly read about people praying in all kinds of places including battle, in the streets, on dousetops, in prison, in the stomach of a big fish, in the wilderness, and on the Cross. Personally, I spend about an hour a day in my car commuting and I find this to be an excellent time to pray. I'm all alone, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6. No one else really knows what I'm doing or probably think I'm on bluetooth with my homies or something. Additionally, I've created a conversational approach to Prayer. Why? It really helps me stay connected to God. I just keep an ongoing dialogue and thereby keeping the lines of communication open. Why should we pray? Really there are endless reasons to pray. I'd venture to say that if it is important to you, it is worthy of prayer. That is not to say that whatever you say or ask will be answered in the way that you'd like. :)  

So, are you still asking, "Teach me how to pray"? 

Follow Jesus' model of praising God for who he is and what he has done and will do, asking God to provide for your needs, asking for forgiveness and ability to forgive others and protecting you from temptation and Satan. Pretty simple. Then, develop your own style, but these elements are really important in prayer. 

How do you pray? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

If you're looking for a great resource, I'd recomend Richard Foster's Book Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home (aff. link). This really is one of the most seminal works on Prayer. Foster is a master of Spritual Disciplines is no exception. 

I Am Who He Says I Am

January 18, 2012 in Discipleship with 0 Comments

goose staring at you

I am Who He Says I Am (HT ramsd on FlickrCC)

And so are you.

Maybe it is just me, but I get caught up in listening to a number of other sources that want to tell me who I am. Maybe it is the kid on the playground from my youth making fun of me. Maybe it is the relative that told my mom that I would be dead or imprisioned by the time I was 18. Sometimes it is my own voice telling me that I've failed again and God cannot use me because of that. Other times it is the voice of "the world" telling me that I need to be more focused on the career ladder. This is really not an all inclusive list, but just a small sampling of the voices that try to speak into my life. What about for you? What sources are you listening to that really have no business speaking into your life? 

I am who HE says I am. So are you. I am a child of God. So are you. I am a branch of the true vine. So are you. I am a friend of Jesus. So are you. I have been justified and redeemed, just like you. I have been crucified with Christ so that sin no longer reigns in me. So have you. I have wisdom, righteousness, santification, and redemption in Christ Jesus. So do you. The Holy Spirit makes his dwelling inside of me and you. I am a new creation in Christ. You are, too. I am the righteousness of God through Christ. You are as well. I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. So are you. I am God's workmanship to do good works and so are you. Because of God's mercy and love, I've been made ALIVE with Christ. My friend: you have too! I used to be darkness, but now I am light in Christ. You are too. I am a citizen of heaven. Christian, you are also. The peace of God guards my heart and mind, and your's, too. I have been made complete in Chirst. You are, too. I have been chosen of God and am Holy and beloved. So are you. Christ is my life, and I will be revealed with Him in glory. So too, are you. 

If you're ever in a place where the outside voices try to beat you down and speak deception into your life, think upon all the truths here. YOU ARE WHO HE SAYS YOU ARE! I am who HE says I am. 

Types of Biblical Fasting

January 15, 2012 in Biblical Fasting with 1 Comment

In two previous posts I talked about what Biblical Fasting is and also a Spiritual Fasting How To. In this post, I'd like to discuss a few types of fasting that might be helpful in your own period of fasting. 

Types of Biblical Fasting

As previously discussed, Biblical fasting is really removing obstacles in order to humble ourselves before God. Typically, Biblical fasting involves abstaining from food for a period of time. There are a few types of food related fasts: 

  • Fasting from all food/drink (with the exception of water) for a 24 hour period. Pretty obviously here, you abstain from 
    Types of Biblical Fasting

    Biblical Fasting typically involves no food of any kind. This guy has it right!

    food/drink for one full day. This can also be extended to last for any period of time that you would like. 
  • Partaking in a Daniel Fast. In Daniel 10, we read of a fast that includes eating no 'choice foods', no meat, and no wine. Basically, a Daniel Fast includes eating only fruits, vegetables, and grains…that is things that are grown from seed, as is commonly believed to be the original language of the Bible. 
  • Fasting from certain foods. People may choose to do this because of a certain affliction from those foods. Maybe you eat too much chocolate and it has serious effect on your life and walk with God. Be a good idea to embark upon a fast for purposes of realigning yourself with God. This is the principle behind Lent. 

In addition to food related fasts, you may choose to fast from television, media, news, books, internet, social media, or a host of other items. Basically, anything that detracts from your walk with God can be fasted from. 

Have you tried any type of Biblical fasting mentioned here? How about any fasts that I have missed? Love to have your voice. 

Ten Things I Needed to Know Before College

January 14, 2012 in Answering God's Call, Meaningful Work with 0 Comments

I often think about the things I’m teaching my daughter about life. I think about the lessons that will stick with her for the long haul. I think about lessons that I didn’t get (or maybe just selective chose to miss). I’ve been pondering the top things that I wished that I knew before I went to college.
These are just some of the ideas that I’ve been thinking about, hoping that someone will stumble across them and find them useful.

1. Pay cash for college. Seriously, it sounds really crazy, especially with the rising cost of college tuition, but you don’t want to be like me and paying off your college tuition long after you’ve graduated.

2. Don’t fret over declaring a major. Basically, the first two years of any education are general in nature and it doesn’t really matter what you’re going to eventually study.

3. Value all relationships equally. There is a great temptation to place a great emphasis on a significant other during collegiate years. I’m guilty and chances are most people are. Chances are fairly good that whomever that is will not be your lifelong partner, so don’t treat them that way. Don’t forsake same-sex friendships for romantic flings.

4. Have a budget. There are plenty of opportunities to spend all kinds of cash that you have worked hard for. There is also ample opportunity to spend money that you don’t have provided by shiny little pieces of plastic. DO NOT DO IT! Cash is king, baby!

5. Seek out people who are where you think you want to be in life. If you want to be a marine biologist, get to know some. If you want to be a pastor, get to know some. If you want to be a garbage collector, get to know some. These folks can give you invaluable advice on choosing your direction in college and even outside of college. In all honesty, if I had college to do over again, I would have studied something totally different. I value a good, Biblical education, but I think that pretty much everyone can benefit from that. In addition, I have always felt prepared to do little outside of Ministry related careers. Having education in something more practical in the world would have opened some doors for me.

6. Study. You know those classes that you pay for and spend time in? Yeah, they give you homework that you’re supposed to do. DO IT! If you’re like me, you’re a fairly bright and capable student, but get bored fairly easily. Guess what? Life is boring sometimes. Do the stinking math problems!

7. Work. Remember when I said that you should pay cash for college and your fun time? Where do you think that cash is going to come from? My wife worked her way through college. Guess who’s student loans we are paying off? Not hers! Additionally, your job can teach you invaluable skills that you’ll use after college. Business administration, meeting deadlines, communication skills, marketing skills, and countless other valuable skills can be learned even in the most menial tasks.

8. Listen to your parents. Yeah, them. They love you and really do want what is best for you. Additionally, they are way smarter than you. This it the point in your relationship where you either become best friends for life or simply tolerate each other. God tells us to honor our parents…I’m voting on the former!

9. Drive a beater. So you’re going to a very expensive private Christian University and all the cool kids have sweet rides. Guess what? Either they will be paying for them for a long time or their parents already did. Drive what you can buy with cash. No financing, no lease…Cash!

10. Have fun. Yes, these are some of the best years of your life. You’ll make friends that will last for life. You’ll have significant relationships that will deeply impact how you interact with your future spouse. You’ll develop habits that will last into your adult years….Just have some fun!

What about you? What would you add to this list?

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