I receive a magazine called Mission Frontiers. I scan the articles when it arrives, but most of them deal with topics of interest to mission strategists rather than a northwoods pastor. The most recent issue brought something to my attention that broke my heart and became a matter of prayer.
Did you know that there are more slaves in the world today than there were at the height of the North Atlantic slave trade? According to many sources, there are close to 30 million people in slavery today. Some of these slaves are involved in forced prostitution, while others are forced to work for others for little or no pay under the threat of violence if they refuse.
The US State Department's 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report, the slave trade generates almost 10 billion dollars in revenue a year. Cases of forced labor have been documented in over 112 countries...including the United States. In some instances families sell their children into slavery in order to survive. Rich business owners make loans to people in poverty and require them to work to pay off the loan. This doesn't sound bad, until you understand that there is no way to possibly work enough to repay the loan and that there is severe physical punishment for failure to work long or hard enough each day. In other instances a foreign "savior" offers to take charge of a person and provide them with a good job in a different country. The impoverished person then finds herself in a strange land, unable to understand the language or their rights. They are forced to work for nothing and intimidated by threats against themselves or their family members back home if they fail to cooperate.
Certainly the church of Jesus Christ needs to put the issue of slavery on its radar screen. We need to make the issue one of prayer and ask God to raise up a new abolition movement around the world that would put an end to this diabolical practice.
Here are some web sources of information (some of these are faith-based and others are secular):
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Reynosa - Part 2
I had hoped to spend some time adding another post while in Reynosa, but the days were too full of ministry. We will be sharing some of the highlights of the trip on Sunday...it was an awesome time of learning, growing and sharing the gospel.
Perhaps one scene I will remember forever happened one hot and humid morning. We walked several blocks with a translator and another church member down a dusty road crowded with concrete block homes. We were delivering a bag of food to the friend of a church member. When we arrived, we found a thin and frail woman lying on a bed. I guessed that she was probably about 50 years old. She struggled to sit up as her friend explained that she was suffering from depression.
I asked her to share a little of her story. I was shocked to learn that she was only 24. She said that her husband had left to find work in the United States four years previously and had not returned. She has had no contact at all with him for six months. They had a four year old son who was at the moment attending a VBS being put on by another one of our ministry teams. When I asked her how long they had been married, she said that there had never been a ceremony. I wondered whether her "husband" had even seen the boy. Her heart ached from the abandonment and she worried about how she would raise her son when she had no job.
Her friend from the church explained that she wasn't a Christian, but was a very nominal Catholic (many in Mexico are Catholic in family background, but have no relationship with God or Christ). As we prayed for her, two phrases popped into my mind: "God the Protector" and "God the Provider". I shared these phrases with her and told her that God loved her so much that he had sent people from thousands of miles away to encourage her. We gave her a New Testament and urged her to read it. We explained that the Bible helps us understand who God is so that we can trust him more.
As we walked back to the van, I talked to her friend. I told her that I thought his relationship with her was very important in her eventually giving her life to Christ. The previous Sunday the pastor had shared a plan to use something like "The Daily Bread" in evangelism. The thought was that church members could meet with their friends or neighbors several times a week for a few minutes and share the Scriptures and a short meditation together. I told her friend that I thought that was a perfect idea for this woman. I did not think that she at the point of receiving salvation because she did not know enough about the character of God in order to trust him. The seed that had been planted needed watering. He agreed and left our conversation encouraged to keep ministering to the family.
I'm not sure what the end of the story will be, but I wanted to share it with you to illustrate the power of a short term missions trip. Think about some of the things that were going on:
Perhaps one scene I will remember forever happened one hot and humid morning. We walked several blocks with a translator and another church member down a dusty road crowded with concrete block homes. We were delivering a bag of food to the friend of a church member. When we arrived, we found a thin and frail woman lying on a bed. I guessed that she was probably about 50 years old. She struggled to sit up as her friend explained that she was suffering from depression.
I asked her to share a little of her story. I was shocked to learn that she was only 24. She said that her husband had left to find work in the United States four years previously and had not returned. She has had no contact at all with him for six months. They had a four year old son who was at the moment attending a VBS being put on by another one of our ministry teams. When I asked her how long they had been married, she said that there had never been a ceremony. I wondered whether her "husband" had even seen the boy. Her heart ached from the abandonment and she worried about how she would raise her son when she had no job.
Her friend from the church explained that she wasn't a Christian, but was a very nominal Catholic (many in Mexico are Catholic in family background, but have no relationship with God or Christ). As we prayed for her, two phrases popped into my mind: "God the Protector" and "God the Provider". I shared these phrases with her and told her that God loved her so much that he had sent people from thousands of miles away to encourage her. We gave her a New Testament and urged her to read it. We explained that the Bible helps us understand who God is so that we can trust him more.
As we walked back to the van, I talked to her friend. I told her that I thought his relationship with her was very important in her eventually giving her life to Christ. The previous Sunday the pastor had shared a plan to use something like "The Daily Bread" in evangelism. The thought was that church members could meet with their friends or neighbors several times a week for a few minutes and share the Scriptures and a short meditation together. I told her friend that I thought that was a perfect idea for this woman. I did not think that she at the point of receiving salvation because she did not know enough about the character of God in order to trust him. The seed that had been planted needed watering. He agreed and left our conversation encouraged to keep ministering to the family.
I'm not sure what the end of the story will be, but I wanted to share it with you to illustrate the power of a short term missions trip. Think about some of the things that were going on:
- We were engaged in a ministry that was new to us. How many have hand delivered food to a needy family they don't know and sat down to pray with them? It is a routine ministry for the church we were partnering with. We learned a lot from the Reynosa Alliance Church.
- We were used to point someone to Christ. This woman has some really problems that will only solved through a relationship with Jesus. We were able to point her in the right direction. The fact that God had sent us from so far away was a tangible demonstration of his love for her. The Bible we provided will continue to water the seed that had been planted.
- We were used to encourage the local believers. Our ministry to this woman's friend was also important. We were used to spur him on to continue ministering and I think we gave him some ideas about how he could go about doing that.
- We experienced something that caused us to ponder the truths of the gospel. When we are trying to communicate the gospel across a language and cultural barrier we are forced to think more deeply about the gospel message. While I believe I was led by the Holy Spirit to share what I shared that morning, there are some issues that I am still thinking about. For example, I don't know enough about the culture to know how to understand the fact that there had been no marriage ceremony. Certainly adultery is always sinful, but I wondered if there were cultural expectations about what a ceremony consisted of that made it "impossible" for her to be married. Or should I have pressed her about her sin and guilt that demanded both a Savior and repentance on her part? Or what is the best way to point someone to a relationship with Jesus rather than a "religion"? It is good to think about these things. It will help us grow in our understanding of the gospel and help us be better witnesses of the truth.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Reynosa - Part One
We are having a tremendous time here in Reynosa with Harvest Ministries. After a long bus ride and some time to recuperate we had a Youth Service Saturday night with over 300 youth present. I was asked to give a challenge to the youth and was amazed by the response. I called them to commit themselves to the task of "finding a bride for Christ" as a lifetime goal and many made that commitment.
Our days begin with prayer at 5:00 am and then we head off to a variety of ministries. Yesterday we stopped and did street evangelism outside a local hospital. The poor people have no money for food so the Alliance church provides free meals each day. We talked to people through and interpreter, presented the gospel and prayed for their needs. Several prayed to recieve Christ. This morning we went to a youth jail. Our group played the guys in soccer. It was kind of like a Harlem Globetrotters game, the Mexican kids were good. I volunteered to be their goalie...which mostly consisted of standing in the hot sun with nothing to do. Following the game, I was able to tell a story illustrating the gospel and several of the boys appeared to genuinely give their hearts to the Lord.
We will be off doing more ministry in a few minutes, but I wanted to let you know that we feel your prayers here and are being really blessed. Continue to pray for us. Specifically pray for wisdom in conversations and strength in the heat.
I plan to try to update things on here at least once more before we return, and then do a more extensive post after we get back.
Thanks for praying!
Our days begin with prayer at 5:00 am and then we head off to a variety of ministries. Yesterday we stopped and did street evangelism outside a local hospital. The poor people have no money for food so the Alliance church provides free meals each day. We talked to people through and interpreter, presented the gospel and prayed for their needs. Several prayed to recieve Christ. This morning we went to a youth jail. Our group played the guys in soccer. It was kind of like a Harlem Globetrotters game, the Mexican kids were good. I volunteered to be their goalie...which mostly consisted of standing in the hot sun with nothing to do. Following the game, I was able to tell a story illustrating the gospel and several of the boys appeared to genuinely give their hearts to the Lord.
We will be off doing more ministry in a few minutes, but I wanted to let you know that we feel your prayers here and are being really blessed. Continue to pray for us. Specifically pray for wisdom in conversations and strength in the heat.
I plan to try to update things on here at least once more before we return, and then do a more extensive post after we get back.
Thanks for praying!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Favorite Books
Sometimes people ask me how I manage to grow in my Christian life without going to church and hearing a sermon every week. In reality they are asking, "Who feeds the pastor?" The short answer is that I read a lot of books.
I've added a list of my favorite books to my blog. In addition to the Bible, these books have had a tremendous influence on my life. I reread each of them every couple of years because their message is so important. I'd encourage you to read them as well.
But first, a word of warning: These books are not "Christian-lite." They are not trendy. They may not be on the bookshelves of many Christian bookstores so you will have to order them. A few are easy reads, but most are pretty tough sledding. They are all transforming.
The two "easiest" books are Is That Really You, God and Rees Howells: Intercessor. Is That Really You, God? is the story of the birth and development of Youth With A Mission. Rees Howells is the biography of a Welsh coal miner who was mightily used by God in prayer.
A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God is a classic on the inner life of the Christian. All of Tozer's work is good, but if there is only one of his books that you are going to read, this is the one to pick.
Joy Dawson, a teacher with YWAM, has written to excellent books. Intimate Friendship With God is about understanding the fear of the Lord. Forever Ruined for the Ordinary deals with hearing the voice of God. Both of these books are relatively easy to read.
A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life is just that...serious. Written by Puritan William Law, this book will shake you out of your complacency and move you toward following God more closely. An online version is available on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library website.
Charles Finney is one of the most influential Christians in American history. He popularized the "altar call." The revivals sparked by his ministry changed the course of America by leading to the abolition of slavery. His autobiography is a great read, but the place to start is Revival Lectures.
Andrew Murray has written many books on prayer that are worth reading. My favorite is The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer.
The writings of Leonard Ravenhill are white-hot with passion for Christ and his church. On the right day, his writings stir me like few others. Why Revival Tarries is a classic. While some of the illustrations could be updated, its message is as current as an internet news site.
The Chinese author Watchman Nee has written a great book in The Normal Christian Life. If only more Christians were experiencing it!
Happy reading!
I've added a list of my favorite books to my blog. In addition to the Bible, these books have had a tremendous influence on my life. I reread each of them every couple of years because their message is so important. I'd encourage you to read them as well.
But first, a word of warning: These books are not "Christian-lite." They are not trendy. They may not be on the bookshelves of many Christian bookstores so you will have to order them. A few are easy reads, but most are pretty tough sledding. They are all transforming.
The two "easiest" books are Is That Really You, God and Rees Howells: Intercessor. Is That Really You, God? is the story of the birth and development of Youth With A Mission. Rees Howells is the biography of a Welsh coal miner who was mightily used by God in prayer.
A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God is a classic on the inner life of the Christian. All of Tozer's work is good, but if there is only one of his books that you are going to read, this is the one to pick.
Joy Dawson, a teacher with YWAM, has written to excellent books. Intimate Friendship With God is about understanding the fear of the Lord. Forever Ruined for the Ordinary deals with hearing the voice of God. Both of these books are relatively easy to read.
A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life is just that...serious. Written by Puritan William Law, this book will shake you out of your complacency and move you toward following God more closely. An online version is available on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library website.
Charles Finney is one of the most influential Christians in American history. He popularized the "altar call." The revivals sparked by his ministry changed the course of America by leading to the abolition of slavery. His autobiography is a great read, but the place to start is Revival Lectures.
Andrew Murray has written many books on prayer that are worth reading. My favorite is The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer.
The writings of Leonard Ravenhill are white-hot with passion for Christ and his church. On the right day, his writings stir me like few others. Why Revival Tarries is a classic. While some of the illustrations could be updated, its message is as current as an internet news site.
The Chinese author Watchman Nee has written a great book in The Normal Christian Life. If only more Christians were experiencing it!
Happy reading!
Monday, July 16, 2007
A Taste of the Empty Nest
I just returned from dropping the boys off at Bethel for a week-long basketball camp. This means that for the next few days it will be just the two of us...at home...alone. When was the last time that happened? I guess it was about sixteen years ago.
On my way home I started thinking about the different seasons of life that we have gone through. We were married for seven years before we had our first child. We spent time with Youth With a Mission. We led small group Bible Studies. We led an outreach to Mexico. We worked. We ran a marathon.
Then we had our first child. In some ways, it was like throwing an anchor overboard. Life came to a screeching halt and began revolving around a person that weighed less than 10 pounds. Diapers, feedings and walks through the neighborhood became the norm. We were home more on the weekends and were more regular in our church life. We led a small group Bible Study. We discovered that babies are wonderful ways to meet people and develop friendships that lead to spiritual conversations.
Over time, that "anchor rope" has lengthened. I think the first time I noticed it was the morning that we laid in bed listening to our oldest serve himself breakfast. The night before we had put the cereal on the table and a cup of milk in the refrigerator. What a blissful few moments that was as we listened to him serve himself breakfast all by himself! The kids were becoming a little independent and our stage in life was changing. Soon it was filled with school and sports activities in addition to work and church. We've continued to lead small group Bible studies and be involved with church (especially now that I am a pastor). Now we coach or sit in the stands and cheered as our kids play sports. We have developed friendships with the parents of our kids friends and had some great conversations about the Lord in the process. As they grew, and the anchor rope lengthened, we were able to do new things. My wife was able to spend three weeks helping with Katrina relief. I was able to go to Brazil on a missions trip.
Today I think was like that first breakfast. It's a glimpse of what is to come. The anchor rope is going to be untied one day. The oldest has his driver's license and a job. The youngest is not far behind. In fact, I now look my youngest eyeball to eyeball. His feet are bigger than mine. It won't be long until they are gone. It's kind of sad, but exciting at the same time. I wonder what the empty nest stage will be like.
I guess I will ask the questions that have guided my life so far. "What does God want me to do?" "What will bring him the most glory?" "How can I best encourage and equip other believers?" "How can I develop relationships with non-Christians that will lead to opportunities to share the gospel?" The answers will probably be different as an empty nester, but I hope my passion for serving the Lord will never diminish. He's really been the only constant in my life. (My wife comes a close second).
Sometimes people ask me about "retirement." I honestly don't understand the idea of simply sitting on the porch and drinking lemonade as the final years of life roll by. Somehow, I think that I won't ever really "retire." That stage in life will just have different answers to the questions that I have always asked myself. There are too many people to reach and too little time to do it in to simply kick back and coast to the finish line.
Well, that's all for now. I'm having dinner with my best friend who happens to be the most beautiful woman in the world. She's making a special dinner... for just the two of us.
On my way home I started thinking about the different seasons of life that we have gone through. We were married for seven years before we had our first child. We spent time with Youth With a Mission. We led small group Bible Studies. We led an outreach to Mexico. We worked. We ran a marathon.
Then we had our first child. In some ways, it was like throwing an anchor overboard. Life came to a screeching halt and began revolving around a person that weighed less than 10 pounds. Diapers, feedings and walks through the neighborhood became the norm. We were home more on the weekends and were more regular in our church life. We led a small group Bible Study. We discovered that babies are wonderful ways to meet people and develop friendships that lead to spiritual conversations.
Over time, that "anchor rope" has lengthened. I think the first time I noticed it was the morning that we laid in bed listening to our oldest serve himself breakfast. The night before we had put the cereal on the table and a cup of milk in the refrigerator. What a blissful few moments that was as we listened to him serve himself breakfast all by himself! The kids were becoming a little independent and our stage in life was changing. Soon it was filled with school and sports activities in addition to work and church. We've continued to lead small group Bible studies and be involved with church (especially now that I am a pastor). Now we coach or sit in the stands and cheered as our kids play sports. We have developed friendships with the parents of our kids friends and had some great conversations about the Lord in the process. As they grew, and the anchor rope lengthened, we were able to do new things. My wife was able to spend three weeks helping with Katrina relief. I was able to go to Brazil on a missions trip.
Today I think was like that first breakfast. It's a glimpse of what is to come. The anchor rope is going to be untied one day. The oldest has his driver's license and a job. The youngest is not far behind. In fact, I now look my youngest eyeball to eyeball. His feet are bigger than mine. It won't be long until they are gone. It's kind of sad, but exciting at the same time. I wonder what the empty nest stage will be like.
I guess I will ask the questions that have guided my life so far. "What does God want me to do?" "What will bring him the most glory?" "How can I best encourage and equip other believers?" "How can I develop relationships with non-Christians that will lead to opportunities to share the gospel?" The answers will probably be different as an empty nester, but I hope my passion for serving the Lord will never diminish. He's really been the only constant in my life. (My wife comes a close second).
Sometimes people ask me about "retirement." I honestly don't understand the idea of simply sitting on the porch and drinking lemonade as the final years of life roll by. Somehow, I think that I won't ever really "retire." That stage in life will just have different answers to the questions that I have always asked myself. There are too many people to reach and too little time to do it in to simply kick back and coast to the finish line.
Well, that's all for now. I'm having dinner with my best friend who happens to be the most beautiful woman in the world. She's making a special dinner... for just the two of us.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Up, Down, North, South, East or West
When we were first married, Janet and I went to a Keith Green memorial concert. I was stunned to find a friend of mine there. We had grown up a few houses away from each other. When we got to high school, we ran with different circles of people. He was definitely into the party/drug scene, while I hung out with my friends from the youth group. I had never shared the gospel with him. I figured that there was no way he would be interested. Frankly, I was afraid of what his reaction might be if I had brought up church or the Lord. As far as I could tell, he was a "lost cause."
I hadn't seen him since I had gone off to college, and now here he was telling me that not only had he become a Christian, but he was heading off to the mission field!
It was one of the first times I had really understood that this whole evangelism thing is not so much about me sharing the gospel as it is the fact that God is at work around us. In fact, I believe that one of the biggest reasons that we hesitate to share the gospel is that we don't see the big picture. We forget that God is at work in the lives of the people around us. He is the one convicting of sin, revealing the gospel and drawing people to himself. We are simply an important part of the process.
This week we are going to look at Psalm 107 (find it here). This psalm helps us see that the Lord is working in lives in order to establish a relationship with them. He is in charge of their circumstances, bringing them to a place of acknowledging him. He is working to become their salvation and redemption. Some of the people are now caught up in pursuing money, others are in bondage to drugs or alcohol, still others are openly scoffing at the idea of God. The Lord wants us to know that He is working in their lives. He is preparing them so that they will be open to hearing the gospel.
Your friends are not lost causes. God has undoubtedly orchestrated your friendship so that your life can be a constant witness to your friend. The Lord is going to give you windows of opportunity to share your faith and the message of the gospel. God is at work...and he wants to use us.
Isn't that a thrill?
I hadn't seen him since I had gone off to college, and now here he was telling me that not only had he become a Christian, but he was heading off to the mission field!
It was one of the first times I had really understood that this whole evangelism thing is not so much about me sharing the gospel as it is the fact that God is at work around us. In fact, I believe that one of the biggest reasons that we hesitate to share the gospel is that we don't see the big picture. We forget that God is at work in the lives of the people around us. He is the one convicting of sin, revealing the gospel and drawing people to himself. We are simply an important part of the process.
This week we are going to look at Psalm 107 (find it here). This psalm helps us see that the Lord is working in lives in order to establish a relationship with them. He is in charge of their circumstances, bringing them to a place of acknowledging him. He is working to become their salvation and redemption. Some of the people are now caught up in pursuing money, others are in bondage to drugs or alcohol, still others are openly scoffing at the idea of God. The Lord wants us to know that He is working in their lives. He is preparing them so that they will be open to hearing the gospel.
Your friends are not lost causes. God has undoubtedly orchestrated your friendship so that your life can be a constant witness to your friend. The Lord is going to give you windows of opportunity to share your faith and the message of the gospel. God is at work...and he wants to use us.
Isn't that a thrill?
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Reaching Those Who Don't Know Jesus
If you've been in church the last several weeks, you've heard a lot of talk about the Great Northern FallFest. This weekend event, September 7-9, is designed to help people reach their friends and family members with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's going to be an event filled with concerts, skateboard demonstrations, the Power Team as well as messages by Steve Wingfield. In addition, courses designed to help believers share their faith are being held in churches around the area with the goal of training 1000 Christians in the principles of evangelism.
Why go to all the effort? In the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "the love of Christ compels us." The reality is that people's eternal destiny lies in the balance. Each person we meet is on the road to one of two places: heaven or hell. And the difference is their response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's why 50 churches in the greater Grand Rapids area are cooperating together to do what we can to present the gospel to the people around us. Lost people matter and we are compelled by the love of Christ to reach them. It is important. In fact, it would be easy to argue that reaching others is the only reason we are here rather than in heaven.
At the same time, I want you to think about the fact that 50 churches have banded together to put on this weekend crusade in order to reach the 45,000 people of Itasca county with the gospel. The need is there, but what about the 7,086,000 Kahars in India or the 12,000,000 Hui of China? These millions have no (or almost no) Christians. They have no crusades and no churches to drive past or Christian bookstores to visit. Does not the love of Christ compel us to reach them as well? Don't they have the same right to hear the gospel?
That's why I'm excited that we will be hosting our fall missions conference on the heels of the Great Northern FallFest. We want to band together to plant churches "where the odds are stacked against us." We want to be personally involved with reaching the least reach. Perhaps it will be going ourselves. Maybe it will be supporting someone who is going. Maybe it will be through prayer. However we are called, reaching others with the gospel is something that must be on the top of our list of things to do. It's important. It is the reason we are here.
To remind myself (and hopefully you as well), I have placed a feed from the Joshua Project on my blog which will show the details of a different "least reached" people group every day. Let us learn about these people, pray for these people and commit ourselves to reaching them. After all, the love of Christ compels us.
Why go to all the effort? In the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "the love of Christ compels us." The reality is that people's eternal destiny lies in the balance. Each person we meet is on the road to one of two places: heaven or hell. And the difference is their response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. That's why 50 churches in the greater Grand Rapids area are cooperating together to do what we can to present the gospel to the people around us. Lost people matter and we are compelled by the love of Christ to reach them. It is important. In fact, it would be easy to argue that reaching others is the only reason we are here rather than in heaven.
At the same time, I want you to think about the fact that 50 churches have banded together to put on this weekend crusade in order to reach the 45,000 people of Itasca county with the gospel. The need is there, but what about the 7,086,000 Kahars in India or the 12,000,000 Hui of China? These millions have no (or almost no) Christians. They have no crusades and no churches to drive past or Christian bookstores to visit. Does not the love of Christ compel us to reach them as well? Don't they have the same right to hear the gospel?
That's why I'm excited that we will be hosting our fall missions conference on the heels of the Great Northern FallFest. We want to band together to plant churches "where the odds are stacked against us." We want to be personally involved with reaching the least reach. Perhaps it will be going ourselves. Maybe it will be supporting someone who is going. Maybe it will be through prayer. However we are called, reaching others with the gospel is something that must be on the top of our list of things to do. It's important. It is the reason we are here.
To remind myself (and hopefully you as well), I have placed a feed from the Joshua Project on my blog which will show the details of a different "least reached" people group every day. Let us learn about these people, pray for these people and commit ourselves to reaching them. After all, the love of Christ compels us.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
A Nashwauk 4th of July
There are a variety of images floating in my brain after this year's 4th of July Celebration. The contrast in these mental pictures is incredible and has given me a lot to think about.
The Laughter of Friends. This is a good place. Over the years that I have lived here I have developed some great friendships. As I wandered around town the last couple of days and enjoyed a 4th of July BBQ I was a bit overwhelmed by the number of people that I knew and cared about. For someone who grew up in the city, the "small town" experience is amazing...and very good.
The Staggering Drunk. As I was walking back to the car after the fireworks, I noticed a man weaving up the street with a can of Coors in his hand. I wondered how he was going to make it home. I wondered how life was going for him. What was his story? And more than that, how could we reach him with the love of Christ?
A Pink Float. The Hardys and their friends put together a wonderful float. It was good to see the support and some of the people from the church helping out with it. As the Hardys walk through this experience of cancer they are never far from my prayers. I am continually amazed by them. I am also incredibly proud of the way the people of Nashwauk Alliance have tried to support them through this trial.
10 Trillion Nanometers. What a great morning for a 10k run! I ran it faster than I thought I would and had a wonderful time. Not only that, but it was a good opportunity to rub shoulders with fellow runners and try to develop some relationships with people outside of my normal circle of friends. As a pastor, I spend a lot of my time around church people and need to find more ways to spend time with others who aren't a part of NAC.
The Three Teens. Walking back from the fireworks I briefly followed a trio of teens. One of them asked the other two (who were obviously a couple) if they were going back to her house to "get it on". The female half of the couple responded that her parents would be home soon and they would probably have to use the car. My heart broke for them. We live in a society that has lost all understanding of what God intended...and intended for good. These teens are living in rebellion against God, endangering themselves physically and destroying themselves emotionally and spiritually. Lord, use us to reach them!
A Great Northern FallFest Float. Well, not a float, but a shiny new pick-up truck and decorated with a banners and playing great music. What a great job everyone did! We passed out 1500 fliers advertising the FallFest and could have easily passed out twice as many. The responses of people who looked at the fliers was exciting! They couldn't believe that there was going to be people like Diamond Rio, Ricky Skaggs and TFK coming for free concerts. What a great chance to get the word out. Personally, I was a little concerned about participating after running in the 10k race. My legs were tired and physically I just wanted to sit. Bob really encouraged me though (Heb. 10:24) and I am glad he did. I discovered that walking the Nashwauk parade route doesn't take nearly as long as watching the parade! Thanks, Bob!
The Incredible Ides. I usually don't stop at concert after the fireworks, but this year I simply had to because I knew some of the members of the band. It blew my mind to see the principal of Conner-Jasper Middle School (who always wears a suit and is fairly formal in the school setting) up on stage belting out a James Brown tune. It made me wonder about the hidden talents of the people of church. How many talents do we have that God wants us to use to bless others and build his kingdom?
The Fireworks. Nashwauk does a great job with the fireworks each year. Can anyone watch fireworks without The Star-Spangled Banner going through there heads? As I watch the "rockets red glare" I cannot help but think about the wonderful country we live in and the price that has been paid and is being paid for our freedom. A big part of that freedom is the freedom to worship and the freedom of speech. May we use both to glorify the Lord!
The Laughter of Friends. This is a good place. Over the years that I have lived here I have developed some great friendships. As I wandered around town the last couple of days and enjoyed a 4th of July BBQ I was a bit overwhelmed by the number of people that I knew and cared about. For someone who grew up in the city, the "small town" experience is amazing...and very good.
The Staggering Drunk. As I was walking back to the car after the fireworks, I noticed a man weaving up the street with a can of Coors in his hand. I wondered how he was going to make it home. I wondered how life was going for him. What was his story? And more than that, how could we reach him with the love of Christ?
A Pink Float. The Hardys and their friends put together a wonderful float. It was good to see the support and some of the people from the church helping out with it. As the Hardys walk through this experience of cancer they are never far from my prayers. I am continually amazed by them. I am also incredibly proud of the way the people of Nashwauk Alliance have tried to support them through this trial.
10 Trillion Nanometers. What a great morning for a 10k run! I ran it faster than I thought I would and had a wonderful time. Not only that, but it was a good opportunity to rub shoulders with fellow runners and try to develop some relationships with people outside of my normal circle of friends. As a pastor, I spend a lot of my time around church people and need to find more ways to spend time with others who aren't a part of NAC.
The Three Teens. Walking back from the fireworks I briefly followed a trio of teens. One of them asked the other two (who were obviously a couple) if they were going back to her house to "get it on". The female half of the couple responded that her parents would be home soon and they would probably have to use the car. My heart broke for them. We live in a society that has lost all understanding of what God intended...and intended for good. These teens are living in rebellion against God, endangering themselves physically and destroying themselves emotionally and spiritually. Lord, use us to reach them!
A Great Northern FallFest Float. Well, not a float, but a shiny new pick-up truck and decorated with a banners and playing great music. What a great job everyone did! We passed out 1500 fliers advertising the FallFest and could have easily passed out twice as many. The responses of people who looked at the fliers was exciting! They couldn't believe that there was going to be people like Diamond Rio, Ricky Skaggs and TFK coming for free concerts. What a great chance to get the word out. Personally, I was a little concerned about participating after running in the 10k race. My legs were tired and physically I just wanted to sit. Bob really encouraged me though (Heb. 10:24) and I am glad he did. I discovered that walking the Nashwauk parade route doesn't take nearly as long as watching the parade! Thanks, Bob!
The Incredible Ides. I usually don't stop at concert after the fireworks, but this year I simply had to because I knew some of the members of the band. It blew my mind to see the principal of Conner-Jasper Middle School (who always wears a suit and is fairly formal in the school setting) up on stage belting out a James Brown tune. It made me wonder about the hidden talents of the people of church. How many talents do we have that God wants us to use to bless others and build his kingdom?
The Fireworks. Nashwauk does a great job with the fireworks each year. Can anyone watch fireworks without The Star-Spangled Banner going through there heads? As I watch the "rockets red glare" I cannot help but think about the wonderful country we live in and the price that has been paid and is being paid for our freedom. A big part of that freedom is the freedom to worship and the freedom of speech. May we use both to glorify the Lord!
A Blessed Life or the Life of the Blessed?
This week we are going to be looking at Psalm 103. Let me encourage you to spend some time reading through and thinking about this psalm. (Find it here). As you do, you will notice that David spends a lot of time talking about the things that God has done for us. You might want to take a piece of paper and list all of the things that David mentions. For example, God forgives, God heals, God redeems, etc. You can add to the list examples of the things that God has done in your own life.
Without a doubt, you will have quite a list. A list like that can lift your spirit, encourage you and get your eyes off of the problems that you might be facing today. Focusing on the good things you've experienced helps you look on the sunny side of life. Things aren't as bad as you were thinking they were. After all, when you look at the list, you have to admit that you are living a blessed life. (If you are struggling with that, let me encourage you to look at the post "Rich? Me? Couldn't Be!").
Most people stop there. After considering their good luck, they smile and think, "I am so fortunate to have experienced all of these blessings."
But let's go a step further than that by recognizing that the every one of the blessings we experience flow from throne of God. His love for us overflows into the blessings we experience. Some blessings are physical like a gorgeous day. Other blessings are relational like friends and family. Still other blessings are internal like endurance, patience and peace. Each of these blessings flows from God into our lives because he loves and cares for us.
Read that last sentence again and ponder the fact that the King of the Universe has stretched out his hand and chosen to bless you because he loves and cares for you. You are not simply living a blessed life...you are living the life of the Blessed. The King looks at you and calls you "My Blessed One."
You see, the blessings we experience are best experienced in the depths of a relationship with the King. Let me encourage you to ask him to open your eyes to the blessings he is pouring out all around you. And as you begin to see them praise Him for who he is, thank him for his love for you and express your love back to him.
Without a doubt, you will have quite a list. A list like that can lift your spirit, encourage you and get your eyes off of the problems that you might be facing today. Focusing on the good things you've experienced helps you look on the sunny side of life. Things aren't as bad as you were thinking they were. After all, when you look at the list, you have to admit that you are living a blessed life. (If you are struggling with that, let me encourage you to look at the post "Rich? Me? Couldn't Be!").
Most people stop there. After considering their good luck, they smile and think, "I am so fortunate to have experienced all of these blessings."
But let's go a step further than that by recognizing that the every one of the blessings we experience flow from throne of God. His love for us overflows into the blessings we experience. Some blessings are physical like a gorgeous day. Other blessings are relational like friends and family. Still other blessings are internal like endurance, patience and peace. Each of these blessings flows from God into our lives because he loves and cares for us.
Read that last sentence again and ponder the fact that the King of the Universe has stretched out his hand and chosen to bless you because he loves and cares for you. You are not simply living a blessed life...you are living the life of the Blessed. The King looks at you and calls you "My Blessed One."
You see, the blessings we experience are best experienced in the depths of a relationship with the King. Let me encourage you to ask him to open your eyes to the blessings he is pouring out all around you. And as you begin to see them praise Him for who he is, thank him for his love for you and express your love back to him.
Monday, July 2, 2007
The Enemy of Prayer
Have you ever struggled when it comes to focusing in prayer? I've been wrestling with that lately. Well, that's not really honest. The truth is I haven't been wrestling, instead I have simply been unfocused.
I'll sit down to pray in my office and the thought will pop into my head, "I should make coffee." I get up, walk to the kitchen and make a pot of coffee. Of course, it takes a few minutes to brew a pot of coffee, so there is no sense starting to pray until the coffee is done. So I patiently wait and then carry my coffee mug back to my office. I sit down with my Bible, and decide that some background music would be nice. So I get up, find a CD and pop it into the CD player and hit play. I sit down and notice that the music is just a little too loud. I get up and adjust the volume. I sit down, open my Bible and the phone rings. It's a wrong number. I turn to a psalm to start my time of prayer and then think about a call I should make. What should I say? No, it's time to pray! Only now my coffee is cold and I wonder if anyone has watered the plants out front. Then I try to remember what the forecast was for the day and while I am thinking about that the thought pops into my head that I need to stop at the bank before I pay the bills. Should I pour a fresh cup of coffee or stick this one in the microwave? I should really clear off my desk, but I can do that after lunch. Speaking of lunch, is it too early to eat? Yes, it's only 9:30, but a snack would go good with this coffee. I need to warm it up anyway.
Can you relate?
These types of struggles are common, but I've been increasingly frustrated by them lately. This morning while I was "getting ready to pray" a book caught my eye. It's Intercession by Joy Dawson. In a chapter entitled "How Intercession Works" she lays out several steps for an effective time of prayer. I first came across these steps when I was in YWAM and have taught them from time to time. As I looked at them again, I read, "Take authority over the enemy in the name of Jesus and bind him from having any influence over your time of prayer."
It couldn't be that simple could it?
I prayed a simple prayer something like this, "Lord Jesus, thank you for the provision that you made on the cross for me. I acknowledge that your on the cross not only paid for my sin, but also broke the power of the enemy over me. Right now I come against Satan and all of his demons in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and I declare on Christ's authority that you can have no influence during my time of prayer. I choose by an act of my will to submit myself fully to the Lord Jesus Christ and will accept only the influence of His Holy Spirit."
I then began to seek God, using a format similar to the one found in the "teachings" section of the church website. Guess what? I was able to focus, to hear God clearly and to pour out my heart in intercession for the people He was laying on my heart. What a wonderful time of prayer!
Let us remember that there are few things that make our enemy tremble more that a praying saint. Satan will do anything he can to keep us from the place of intercession. He knows that a full scale attack may drive us to our knees, but a few stray thoughts might just do the trick!
It's a lesson I need to remember.
I'll sit down to pray in my office and the thought will pop into my head, "I should make coffee." I get up, walk to the kitchen and make a pot of coffee. Of course, it takes a few minutes to brew a pot of coffee, so there is no sense starting to pray until the coffee is done. So I patiently wait and then carry my coffee mug back to my office. I sit down with my Bible, and decide that some background music would be nice. So I get up, find a CD and pop it into the CD player and hit play. I sit down and notice that the music is just a little too loud. I get up and adjust the volume. I sit down, open my Bible and the phone rings. It's a wrong number. I turn to a psalm to start my time of prayer and then think about a call I should make. What should I say? No, it's time to pray! Only now my coffee is cold and I wonder if anyone has watered the plants out front. Then I try to remember what the forecast was for the day and while I am thinking about that the thought pops into my head that I need to stop at the bank before I pay the bills. Should I pour a fresh cup of coffee or stick this one in the microwave? I should really clear off my desk, but I can do that after lunch. Speaking of lunch, is it too early to eat? Yes, it's only 9:30, but a snack would go good with this coffee. I need to warm it up anyway.
Can you relate?
These types of struggles are common, but I've been increasingly frustrated by them lately. This morning while I was "getting ready to pray" a book caught my eye. It's Intercession by Joy Dawson. In a chapter entitled "How Intercession Works" she lays out several steps for an effective time of prayer. I first came across these steps when I was in YWAM and have taught them from time to time. As I looked at them again, I read, "Take authority over the enemy in the name of Jesus and bind him from having any influence over your time of prayer."
It couldn't be that simple could it?
I prayed a simple prayer something like this, "Lord Jesus, thank you for the provision that you made on the cross for me. I acknowledge that your on the cross not only paid for my sin, but also broke the power of the enemy over me. Right now I come against Satan and all of his demons in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and I declare on Christ's authority that you can have no influence during my time of prayer. I choose by an act of my will to submit myself fully to the Lord Jesus Christ and will accept only the influence of His Holy Spirit."
I then began to seek God, using a format similar to the one found in the "teachings" section of the church website. Guess what? I was able to focus, to hear God clearly and to pour out my heart in intercession for the people He was laying on my heart. What a wonderful time of prayer!
Let us remember that there are few things that make our enemy tremble more that a praying saint. Satan will do anything he can to keep us from the place of intercession. He knows that a full scale attack may drive us to our knees, but a few stray thoughts might just do the trick!
It's a lesson I need to remember.
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