Waiting. As much as I hate to wait, I now realize that the waiting we have done for The Master’s Plan has been for the best.
In the mid-90’s when the vision was cast, the leadership was not in place. Pastor Misenheimer was retiring and Pastor Dallman was an interim. . .so we waited.
In 1998 when I came and the urgency to build the sanctuary returned, but we had a greater need for educational and music space with the Ministry Center. . .so we waited.
After the Ministry Center, we wanted to launch right into the sanctuary but we entered into a lawsuit with the neighborhood. . .so we waited.
With the lawsuit settled, we realized that there were many expenses concerning the campus that needed our attention (land purchase, parking lot, drainage, traffic, debt), so we went forward with Phase I of The Master’s Plan. . .and waited.
And now, after all that waiting, we are ready. We have a larger congregation that gives at a more generous rate. The vision is embraced by far more people. The additional expenses with the campus are settled. The 36-year debt is erased. Building costs and interest rates are low. Now truly is the time for The Master’s Plan.
We just had to wait.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 29
"Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. . ."
As I prepare the All Saints Sunday sermon, these words form the inspiration. They remind us of all who have come before us, who have laid a foundation for us, and who now, from their heavenly stadium, urge us forward.
In a world that yields to fear rather than hope, arguments rather than dialog, separation rather than unity, and despair rather than hope, this is the time for the church to speak. It is not a time for the church to be timid or water down its message. This is a time for the church's message of light and hope and endurance to be heard. The world aches for the change only the church can provide.
There are those who think that this is not the right time for a capital campaign or that we need to lower our goals or that we need to scale back the design. I think just the opposite. This is the fullness of time!
"Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside any sin that weighs us down and run the race that is set before us."
As I prepare the All Saints Sunday sermon, these words form the inspiration. They remind us of all who have come before us, who have laid a foundation for us, and who now, from their heavenly stadium, urge us forward.
In a world that yields to fear rather than hope, arguments rather than dialog, separation rather than unity, and despair rather than hope, this is the time for the church to speak. It is not a time for the church to be timid or water down its message. This is a time for the church's message of light and hope and endurance to be heard. The world aches for the change only the church can provide.
There are those who think that this is not the right time for a capital campaign or that we need to lower our goals or that we need to scale back the design. I think just the opposite. This is the fullness of time!
"Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside any sin that weighs us down and run the race that is set before us."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 28
I've heard it said before that you can tell a lot about a person's priorities by reading their checkbook. I never thought that was quite accurate. I tried it on my own and discovered that I worship a mortgage company, Duke Energy, Piedmont Gas, Windstream and Verizon because without fail I give them money every month.
But I think that the concept is accurate.
I like how the devotional began today, "My life is not my own." And not just my life--my time, my family, my career, and my money. It's not like I'm living in SE Charlotte instead of the slums of Calcutta because of my own wise choices, hard work and winning smile. It's a gift. It's a blessing. It's not me.
What a do with my money goes far beyond giving. If all of this is God's, given to me from his abundant blessings then what?
I'm going to spend it wisely rather than frivolously.
I'm going to invest it carefully rather than "get rich quick."
I'm going to use it intentionally to provide a home, save for college, and pay necessary bills.
I'm going to share it generously as it has been generously given.
Because, well, because I am just a steward of the treasures entrusted to me. And when there comes that final audit, I want His books to be in order.
But I think that the concept is accurate.
I like how the devotional began today, "My life is not my own." And not just my life--my time, my family, my career, and my money. It's not like I'm living in SE Charlotte instead of the slums of Calcutta because of my own wise choices, hard work and winning smile. It's a gift. It's a blessing. It's not me.
What a do with my money goes far beyond giving. If all of this is God's, given to me from his abundant blessings then what?
I'm going to spend it wisely rather than frivolously.
I'm going to invest it carefully rather than "get rich quick."
I'm going to use it intentionally to provide a home, save for college, and pay necessary bills.
I'm going to share it generously as it has been generously given.
Because, well, because I am just a steward of the treasures entrusted to me. And when there comes that final audit, I want His books to be in order.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 27
Last night Gretchen and I said good-bye to a couple of friends who are moving. Their new job opportunity is outstanding. The potential for promotions and financial security is strong. Everything about the move feels right. . .except for leaving.
Like friends often do, we say we will stay in touch or will come to visit or we will be back. I suppose that sometimes is true. But most often, unfortunately, it comes down to a Christmas card once a year.
I hate that.
But what we have shared over these years has truly been a gift. And I'm not talking about the conversations or the parties or the shared meals (though they are all meaningful). I'm talking about the community, the relationship that has been built over the years at this church. It's more than a friendship. These are brothers and sisters. . .in Christ.
I don't want to hear one more time, "Ten million dollars for a building?" This has never been about bricks and mortar. The Master's Plan has always been about people. Building community, reaching youth, raising up leaders, serving those in need.
It's about being brothers and sisters in Christ, a bond that can never be broken by distance or time or even death. That's what we are building. A community that cannot be shaken no matter how many good byes we say.
Blessings to Wendy and Ralph!
Like friends often do, we say we will stay in touch or will come to visit or we will be back. I suppose that sometimes is true. But most often, unfortunately, it comes down to a Christmas card once a year.
I hate that.
But what we have shared over these years has truly been a gift. And I'm not talking about the conversations or the parties or the shared meals (though they are all meaningful). I'm talking about the community, the relationship that has been built over the years at this church. It's more than a friendship. These are brothers and sisters. . .in Christ.
I don't want to hear one more time, "Ten million dollars for a building?" This has never been about bricks and mortar. The Master's Plan has always been about people. Building community, reaching youth, raising up leaders, serving those in need.
It's about being brothers and sisters in Christ, a bond that can never be broken by distance or time or even death. That's what we are building. A community that cannot be shaken no matter how many good byes we say.
Blessings to Wendy and Ralph!
Monday, October 26
Wow. What a Sunday at church! There was a Pancake Breakfast all morning, Blood Mobile, Confirmation Class, Reformation Sunday with dance and brass, acolyte training, special Reformation activity for the children and, in the evening, the Mystery Theater. (secretly, I love that kind of energy and activity!)
The only thing missing was a win for the Vikings!
It was also the last two EPIC events for The Master's Plan. Between the Pancake Breakfast and the Mystery Theater, nearly 400 people saw the DVD and heard the information regarding The Master's Plan.
The directors for the campaign met for lunch. They have worked hard. (You should thank them when you have the chance.) The results of this campaign, whatever they may be, will not be for lack of effort. You have dedicated church leaders who have not only given much time and energy, but have already giving their financial commitment to The Master's Plan.
Now we wait. . .for the harvest on November 8. The directors and their teams have prepared the soil, planted the seed, watered it thoroughly and pulled the weeds. However, they are not responsible for the growth, only scattering the seed. God brings forth the growth by producing abundant fruit in our hearts to hear, believe and act in faith.
The only thing missing was a win for the Vikings!
It was also the last two EPIC events for The Master's Plan. Between the Pancake Breakfast and the Mystery Theater, nearly 400 people saw the DVD and heard the information regarding The Master's Plan.
The directors for the campaign met for lunch. They have worked hard. (You should thank them when you have the chance.) The results of this campaign, whatever they may be, will not be for lack of effort. You have dedicated church leaders who have not only given much time and energy, but have already giving their financial commitment to The Master's Plan.
Now we wait. . .for the harvest on November 8. The directors and their teams have prepared the soil, planted the seed, watered it thoroughly and pulled the weeds. However, they are not responsible for the growth, only scattering the seed. God brings forth the growth by producing abundant fruit in our hearts to hear, believe and act in faith.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Friday, October 23
The first day I met the staff in 1998, one staff member asked, "What would you like on your tombstone." (I believe it was a question he read in an interview book and not a threat.)
Without hesitation, I replied with the words from Matthew 25:23, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
As we draw closer towards The Master's Plan, the same answer is true. Why are we doing this? Why are we focusing so hard and for so long? Why are we spending all this time and energy? For me, there can be only one answer. I look forward to that day in which I see my Savior face to face. And with those grace-filled arms wrapped around me, I want to hear whispered in my ear those words I've spent a lifetime waiting to hear.
"Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done!"
It's not that I suffer from a deep need for constant affirmation! That's not it at all. It's just that when it is all said and done, there is only One whose favor I seek.
Without hesitation, I replied with the words from Matthew 25:23, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
As we draw closer towards The Master's Plan, the same answer is true. Why are we doing this? Why are we focusing so hard and for so long? Why are we spending all this time and energy? For me, there can be only one answer. I look forward to that day in which I see my Savior face to face. And with those grace-filled arms wrapped around me, I want to hear whispered in my ear those words I've spent a lifetime waiting to hear.
"Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done!"
It's not that I suffer from a deep need for constant affirmation! That's not it at all. It's just that when it is all said and done, there is only One whose favor I seek.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, October 22
During the summer in Minnesota late at night around the campfire by the lake, we ask questions. "If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would that be?" "If you received a check for $25,000 and could not use it on debt reduction, what would you do?" (We try to stay away from politics since half the Suskovic family has yet to see the light--we are a house divided!)
How about this question as you approach November 8 and think about handing in your four year commitment to the Master's Plan? "At what number will I actually begin to feel the impact on my monthly budget?"
I can absorb a meal out or a new shirt or some incidental school supplies. But at what number do I suddenly need to pay attention?
That's the question. And that's where to begin (not stop) with your prayerful discernment.
How about this question as you approach November 8 and think about handing in your four year commitment to the Master's Plan? "At what number will I actually begin to feel the impact on my monthly budget?"
I can absorb a meal out or a new shirt or some incidental school supplies. But at what number do I suddenly need to pay attention?
That's the question. And that's where to begin (not stop) with your prayerful discernment.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, October 21
How bold should you pray?
Bartimaeus boldly shouted in front of a crowd, boldly asking for Jesus, boldly asking him to heal him. If asked, Bartimaeus would say that there is no room for timidity in prayer.
Not a bad way to pray.
I've been praying boldly for God to transform our hearts, overwhelm us with his goodness, fill us with generosity and enable us to do what we cannot do on our own--The Master's Plan.
Are you praying boldly about this? Boldly about the church? Boldly about your own pledge?
Let's follow Bartimaeus' lead. This is no time or place for timidity.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come!
Bartimaeus boldly shouted in front of a crowd, boldly asking for Jesus, boldly asking him to heal him. If asked, Bartimaeus would say that there is no room for timidity in prayer.
Not a bad way to pray.
I've been praying boldly for God to transform our hearts, overwhelm us with his goodness, fill us with generosity and enable us to do what we cannot do on our own--The Master's Plan.
Are you praying boldly about this? Boldly about the church? Boldly about your own pledge?
Let's follow Bartimaeus' lead. This is no time or place for timidity.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come!
Tuesday, October 20
Who taught you how to give? That was my question on Sunday. Did you have that parent that told you to give 10% of your babysitting money to the church? Did you have a spouse, more mature in the faith, urge you towards generosity? Or were you "self taught," having to figure this stuff out all yourself?
On Sunday, I shared your story. I would like to hear yours. In twenty words or less, tell me who taught you to give.
suskovic@christelca.org
On Sunday, I shared your story. I would like to hear yours. In twenty words or less, tell me who taught you to give.
suskovic@christelca.org
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Monday, October
The devotional is entitled, "Christ Appeal." It talks about our ability to attract or draw people because of the natural charisma of Jesus shining through us.
As I look 5-10 years out for CLC, I wonder who we will attract. Who will we draw with this new building and programs and outreach? I hope it is not members of other churches. That is no net gain for the kingdom. I hope that we attract those who do not know, who do not believe and yet there is something irresistible that they find here. I hope we attract the seeker who knows that something is missing and discovers it here. I hope that we draw people who have given up on "organized" religion until they realize that we are different at CLC. I hope we attract people who don't look like us. I hope we draw those who are lost and need a savior.
Then, and only then, will we fulfill our calling as light to a darkened world and salt to a tasteless world.
Who do you hope to attract?
As I look 5-10 years out for CLC, I wonder who we will attract. Who will we draw with this new building and programs and outreach? I hope it is not members of other churches. That is no net gain for the kingdom. I hope that we attract those who do not know, who do not believe and yet there is something irresistible that they find here. I hope we attract the seeker who knows that something is missing and discovers it here. I hope that we draw people who have given up on "organized" religion until they realize that we are different at CLC. I hope we attract people who don't look like us. I hope we draw those who are lost and need a savior.
Then, and only then, will we fulfill our calling as light to a darkened world and salt to a tasteless world.
Who do you hope to attract?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Saturday, October 17
There's a pattern. Do you see it?
God is the uniter. People are the divider. God uses whatever he can use, including the cross, to draw us back together. We use whatever we can use, including our "best intentions," to keep us apart.
The text in Acts shows Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, attacked by other Jews. They should be speaking the same language, working towards the same goal, and agreeing on the same mission. However, there is a wedge driven between them, creating a chasm. God is trying to unite them with Stephen's message. People are trying to divide them with slander.
See the pattern? From divisive politics to family conflicts to votes at Churchwide Assemblies, we will find anything that highlights our differences. Congregations are notorious for latching on to one issue and using it to draw a line in the sand. That's why at CLC we have worked hard at listening to the Spirit, working together and maintaining unity because we know that if left to ourselves, our natural inclination is to divide.
That's why is is important first to discern whether or not The Master's Plan is our vision or God's vision. The proof will be in the effect it has on the church. If it is of God, it will unite and empower this congregation even more. If not, and it is our own vision, it will divide us.
God is the uniter. People are the divider. God uses whatever he can use, including the cross, to draw us back together. We use whatever we can use, including our "best intentions," to keep us apart.
The text in Acts shows Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, attacked by other Jews. They should be speaking the same language, working towards the same goal, and agreeing on the same mission. However, there is a wedge driven between them, creating a chasm. God is trying to unite them with Stephen's message. People are trying to divide them with slander.
See the pattern? From divisive politics to family conflicts to votes at Churchwide Assemblies, we will find anything that highlights our differences. Congregations are notorious for latching on to one issue and using it to draw a line in the sand. That's why at CLC we have worked hard at listening to the Spirit, working together and maintaining unity because we know that if left to ourselves, our natural inclination is to divide.
That's why is is important first to discern whether or not The Master's Plan is our vision or God's vision. The proof will be in the effect it has on the church. If it is of God, it will unite and empower this congregation even more. If not, and it is our own vision, it will divide us.
Friday, October 16
The text says we call God, "Abba!" This is the same word used by first century children and can be translated, "Daddy!" What a rare gift we have to address the creator of the universe in such an intimate term. It is all about the relationship.
Years ago a friend of mine shared with me this story. Every Sunday after church, he and the family would fill up the car with gas. His three young children got to go in with him to pay because they could reach into the penny candy jar and get a handful of candy to bring back to the car.
On one Sunday, after everyone got back into the car, he decided for whatever reason that he would like a piece of candy. He leaned over to one of his daughters and say, "Can I have a piece?" She opened up her little hand, eyed the five pieces of penny candy and paused. It wasn't immediate. These were her candies. One out of five was a huge sacrifice. But then she lifted her hand to him and said, "Sure."
This is where he learned about giving. God as Father has given us so much. We cling to it desperately with a tight fist. And when he asks for a portion back, who are we to claim ownership. It all came from God. It all belongs to God. The true gift is that he allows us to keep most of it.
It's time for us to open our fist and lift up our hands to God and say, "Sure!"
Years ago a friend of mine shared with me this story. Every Sunday after church, he and the family would fill up the car with gas. His three young children got to go in with him to pay because they could reach into the penny candy jar and get a handful of candy to bring back to the car.
On one Sunday, after everyone got back into the car, he decided for whatever reason that he would like a piece of candy. He leaned over to one of his daughters and say, "Can I have a piece?" She opened up her little hand, eyed the five pieces of penny candy and paused. It wasn't immediate. These were her candies. One out of five was a huge sacrifice. But then she lifted her hand to him and said, "Sure."
This is where he learned about giving. God as Father has given us so much. We cling to it desperately with a tight fist. And when he asks for a portion back, who are we to claim ownership. It all came from God. It all belongs to God. The true gift is that he allows us to keep most of it.
It's time for us to open our fist and lift up our hands to God and say, "Sure!"
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, October 15
Last week I planted some small trees in our backyard. As I plunged the shovel into the ground, the first five inches came up easily. It was moist, dark and fertile. However, the next thrust of the shovel hit this brittle, grey clay that was as dry as it was hard. I thought, "Nothing can grow in this."
The devotional speaks to the gift of water in establishing the root system that goes deep. I think too often we do enough to keep the first five inches of our spiritual soil fertile and moist. But if you scratch a little further below the surface, if you take one more swipe with the shovel, you find that it gets pretty hard and dry.
The success of the Master's Plan in making a deep impact not only for CLC but for the community will come from how deeply those spiritual roots of ours can go. I hope that this time set aside for daily devotions will not be short lived, only watering the first five inches. It will need more time. And we will all find, over time, through constant, gentle watering, that it will seep further down and slowly begin to soften that hard, dry heart of ours, transforming it into fertile soil.
The devotional speaks to the gift of water in establishing the root system that goes deep. I think too often we do enough to keep the first five inches of our spiritual soil fertile and moist. But if you scratch a little further below the surface, if you take one more swipe with the shovel, you find that it gets pretty hard and dry.
The success of the Master's Plan in making a deep impact not only for CLC but for the community will come from how deeply those spiritual roots of ours can go. I hope that this time set aside for daily devotions will not be short lived, only watering the first five inches. It will need more time. And we will all find, over time, through constant, gentle watering, that it will seep further down and slowly begin to soften that hard, dry heart of ours, transforming it into fertile soil.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wednesday, October 14
When is the last time you really went out of your way for someone?
I remember a story told from Africa where a young boy brought an American missionary a beautiful, large, exotic piece of fruit as a gift. It was a rare treasure out there in the remote bush. She knew that the closest place to get such a piece was several miles away. When she commented that he must have walked a long way for this piece of fruit, he said, "The walk was part of the gift."
The men in Luke 5 struggled to carry their friend on the mat over the desert, across rocks, to another town in order to bring him to Jesus. The walk was part of the gift. Why would they do such a thing? Because they knew it would make a difference.
Years from now, the new building will be filled with youth hanging out in their new space, adults meeting in the Commons and thousands of people worshipping in the new sanctuary. Many will never know what we went through and sacrificed to give them this gift. But we will know and God will know that all the prayers and all the meetings and all the sacrifice were part of the gift. Why would we do such a thing? For the same reason these men carried their friend. We know that it will make a difference.
I remember a story told from Africa where a young boy brought an American missionary a beautiful, large, exotic piece of fruit as a gift. It was a rare treasure out there in the remote bush. She knew that the closest place to get such a piece was several miles away. When she commented that he must have walked a long way for this piece of fruit, he said, "The walk was part of the gift."
The men in Luke 5 struggled to carry their friend on the mat over the desert, across rocks, to another town in order to bring him to Jesus. The walk was part of the gift. Why would they do such a thing? Because they knew it would make a difference.
Years from now, the new building will be filled with youth hanging out in their new space, adults meeting in the Commons and thousands of people worshipping in the new sanctuary. Many will never know what we went through and sacrificed to give them this gift. But we will know and God will know that all the prayers and all the meetings and all the sacrifice were part of the gift. Why would we do such a thing? For the same reason these men carried their friend. We know that it will make a difference.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, October 13
The best marriages I've seen are not those that never fight or disagree. Instead, it is those that walk daily in forgiveness. They are not performance-based relationships but ones where the individual realizes that not only did they marry a sinner but their spouse married one, too! They acknowledge the short-comings in the other, accept them and live in that constant state of forgiveness.
The devotional today speaks of that darkness within each one of us. I'm not saying that the silver bullet is to say, "Well, nobody's perfect. . .to err is human. . .boys will be boys" and simply accept it. I'm saying that much like the "perfect" marriage, the perfect relationship with God is one not based on performance but one based on forgiveness.
God's not going to love you more or less depending on your gift to The Master's Plan. That would be performance-based. Instead, whether it is within a marriage or within our relationship with God, grace is found in being love--warts and all.
The devotional today speaks of that darkness within each one of us. I'm not saying that the silver bullet is to say, "Well, nobody's perfect. . .to err is human. . .boys will be boys" and simply accept it. I'm saying that much like the "perfect" marriage, the perfect relationship with God is one not based on performance but one based on forgiveness.
God's not going to love you more or less depending on your gift to The Master's Plan. That would be performance-based. Instead, whether it is within a marriage or within our relationship with God, grace is found in being love--warts and all.
Monday, October 12
On Sunday I talked about St. Andrew. Who is your St. Andrew--the one who introduced you to Jesus?
Mine actually was a pastor--Pastor Bruce. While in high school and unsure of so many things (though never letting on to anyone), I watched Pastor Bruce. He was able to exhibit a faith that was real but not pushy, a masculinity that was humble and not macho, and an intellect that was deep but not "know it all."
Strange that he never knew the deep impact he had on me.
As we think about the youth component to The Master's Plan, that is so often the case. You may never have that deep, one on one, weekly conversation with a particular youth, but don't underestimate the lasting impression you have. They are watching and they are learning and for better or worse, they are being transformed by what they see and hear.
How might you act or speak differently to the youth in the church if you knew that in 20 years, they will say, "My faith was shaped by this one adult in my church growing up. I remember that he always. . ."
Mine actually was a pastor--Pastor Bruce. While in high school and unsure of so many things (though never letting on to anyone), I watched Pastor Bruce. He was able to exhibit a faith that was real but not pushy, a masculinity that was humble and not macho, and an intellect that was deep but not "know it all."
Strange that he never knew the deep impact he had on me.
As we think about the youth component to The Master's Plan, that is so often the case. You may never have that deep, one on one, weekly conversation with a particular youth, but don't underestimate the lasting impression you have. They are watching and they are learning and for better or worse, they are being transformed by what they see and hear.
How might you act or speak differently to the youth in the church if you knew that in 20 years, they will say, "My faith was shaped by this one adult in my church growing up. I remember that he always. . ."
Friday, October 9, 2009
Saturday, October 10
Each fall, I go through the same routine. I aerate the yard, put down lime and fertilizers, and overseed the grass. I go to the nursery and purchase new plants. Carefully arrange them, dig the holes and plant them. And I water, faithfully, for about a week.
Each fall I tell my kids, "This is the year that I will win that prestigious award, 'Yard of the Month.'" And they smile. They've heard it before. They know that my passion for that perfect yard is short lived. I stop watering. I let the weeds grow. I skip a week or two of trimming. To tell the truth, it's just not that much of a priority for me. I do just enough not to embarrass myself in front of the other neighbors.
The devotional today speaks of the healthy plant. It lists all the obvious except one--it is a priority for you? Honestly? For me, it's not. And it shows.
What about our commitment to Christ? We may have good intentions of going to church, reading through this devotional for 40 days, even spending time in prayer. But honestly now, will it last? It depends on one thing--priority.
Each fall I tell my kids, "This is the year that I will win that prestigious award, 'Yard of the Month.'" And they smile. They've heard it before. They know that my passion for that perfect yard is short lived. I stop watering. I let the weeds grow. I skip a week or two of trimming. To tell the truth, it's just not that much of a priority for me. I do just enough not to embarrass myself in front of the other neighbors.
The devotional today speaks of the healthy plant. It lists all the obvious except one--it is a priority for you? Honestly? For me, it's not. And it shows.
What about our commitment to Christ? We may have good intentions of going to church, reading through this devotional for 40 days, even spending time in prayer. But honestly now, will it last? It depends on one thing--priority.
Friday, October 9
I've heard it said too often that Jesus loves you just the way you are. While that is true, he loves you so much not to leave you there. To Zacheaus (that wee little man in Luke 19), Jesus loves him and changes his life so he no longer steals. To Paul (in Acts 9), Jesus loves him and tells him to no longer persecute Christians. And to this woman caught in adultery (even though it was a trap by the Pharisees to corner Jesus), he loves her and tells her to "sin no more."
Where did we get the notion that the love of God is translated, "Don't change a thing about yourself? I love you just the way you are?"
You know that area in your life that there is that twinge of guilt or remorse; the one that you've rationalized away, convince yourself that everyone is doing it or tell yourself that God loves you anyway? He does. He does love you. But maybe it's the kind of love experienced by this woman caught in adultery. The love that says, "You are forgiven. Now, sin no more."
Where did we get the notion that the love of God is translated, "Don't change a thing about yourself? I love you just the way you are?"
You know that area in your life that there is that twinge of guilt or remorse; the one that you've rationalized away, convince yourself that everyone is doing it or tell yourself that God loves you anyway? He does. He does love you. But maybe it's the kind of love experienced by this woman caught in adultery. The love that says, "You are forgiven. Now, sin no more."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday, October 8
Narrow your life to one significant moment? Unless you've stood on the Olympic platform for a gold medal or peered into a microscope to discover a cure for cancer or ran into a burning building to rescue a family, how can there be just one?
Certainly, you think about marriage or the birth of children and you would be hard pressed to identify more life changing, significant events than these.
Um. . .
I remember clearly my ordination over 22 years ago now. I remember intentionally never trying on a stole until that moment. I remember feeling the weight of that stole, symbolizing the yoke of servanthood. I remember my vow to uphold scripture, pray for God's people, and be true to the Gospel through teaching and preaching so that all may hear the Good News of Jesus.
As we move forth with The Master's Plan, I still remember both that promise and that one significant moment. When overwhelmed by fundraising, blueprints, financial spreadsheets, law suits, rezoning and one more meeting, I do remember that promise and that one moment and it helps me clarify the bigger question of, "Why."
Certainly, you think about marriage or the birth of children and you would be hard pressed to identify more life changing, significant events than these.
Um. . .
I remember clearly my ordination over 22 years ago now. I remember intentionally never trying on a stole until that moment. I remember feeling the weight of that stole, symbolizing the yoke of servanthood. I remember my vow to uphold scripture, pray for God's people, and be true to the Gospel through teaching and preaching so that all may hear the Good News of Jesus.
As we move forth with The Master's Plan, I still remember both that promise and that one significant moment. When overwhelmed by fundraising, blueprints, financial spreadsheets, law suits, rezoning and one more meeting, I do remember that promise and that one moment and it helps me clarify the bigger question of, "Why."
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wednesday, October 7
Abraham Lincoln said that God must have loved the ordinary person because he made so many of them. Most of us will never make it on the front of Time Magazine or stand on a platform at the Olympics or occupy a seat in the Senate. And yet when it comes to sharing our faith with others, the ordinary person typically outperforms the professional clergy. They are seen as authentic and unbiased.
Peter and John were "ordinary" men whom God called to do extraordinary things. But really, what they did was simply tell people about Jesus. Not everyone will believe or respond. The results are up to God. Our job as the ordinary teller of the story is to simply scatter the seed.
This week, pray for the opportunity to share your faith or invite someone to church, and then ask for the boldness to speak. And you will find, as Peter and John discovered, that God can use even you, an ordinary person, to bring others to an extraordinary faith in Jesus Christ.
Peter and John were "ordinary" men whom God called to do extraordinary things. But really, what they did was simply tell people about Jesus. Not everyone will believe or respond. The results are up to God. Our job as the ordinary teller of the story is to simply scatter the seed.
This week, pray for the opportunity to share your faith or invite someone to church, and then ask for the boldness to speak. And you will find, as Peter and John discovered, that God can use even you, an ordinary person, to bring others to an extraordinary faith in Jesus Christ.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, October 6
Those of you with children, when was the first time that one of your kids mirrored your words? It could have been "their" opinion about a sports team or a president. It could have been "their" comments about a show you were watching. Or worse, it could have been "their" bad word that slipped between their angry lips.
They are listening and they are learning, for better or worse, because of the time they spend with us.
This devotion makes the same point about us spending time with God. The more time we spend with God, the more our words reflect his words, our thoughts reflect his thoughts, our vision reflects his vision.
Think about "your" words about The Master's Plan. Are they a mirror of what you've heard around the church? Do they emerge purely from your own thoughts? Or, hopefully, as you have now spent more time in the Word, nearer to God, his vision is now being heard through your words because you know his voice. . .and he knows yours.
They are listening and they are learning, for better or worse, because of the time they spend with us.
This devotion makes the same point about us spending time with God. The more time we spend with God, the more our words reflect his words, our thoughts reflect his thoughts, our vision reflects his vision.
Think about "your" words about The Master's Plan. Are they a mirror of what you've heard around the church? Do they emerge purely from your own thoughts? Or, hopefully, as you have now spent more time in the Word, nearer to God, his vision is now being heard through your words because you know his voice. . .and he knows yours.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Monday, October 5
This devotional defines exactly that term we've used over and over again here at CLC to describe The Master's Plan--a God-sized task. If Moses thought that he could take on Egypt, the greatest nation in the world at the time, because of his persuasive skills and passionate heart, he would have failed miserably. But he knew that it was a God-sized task, not a Moses-sized task.
I think that the same is true at CLC. A strong arument could be made that now is not the right time to proceed. The goal is too high, the economy is too soft, income is to unstable, investments are too depressed and the vision is too grand. This argument would be convincing IF The Master's Plan were a CLC-sized task. But it is not. We come at this with the attitude of Moses. We do not limit ourselves by what we can accomplish. From the beginning, this has always been a God-sized task. And when we are through, to God be the glory.
I think that the same is true at CLC. A strong arument could be made that now is not the right time to proceed. The goal is too high, the economy is too soft, income is to unstable, investments are too depressed and the vision is too grand. This argument would be convincing IF The Master's Plan were a CLC-sized task. But it is not. We come at this with the attitude of Moses. We do not limit ourselves by what we can accomplish. From the beginning, this has always been a God-sized task. And when we are through, to God be the glory.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Saturday, October 3
Freshman year, I asked my religion professor, "Who is Jesus?" He had so turned my Sunday School faith upside down that I was at a spiritual crisis. He had destroyed any faith I thought I had going into college. So I had to ask him straight up, "Who is Jesus?"
He went on for about a half hour and to this day, I still have no idea what he said. (Secretly, I think he took great delight in shaking the faith of freshmen.)
The devotional today focuses on who Jesus is. Before we move on with The Master's Plan, we had better have a clearer answer than my religion professor. Mark 9:7 has the answer. Jesus is the Son of God, God in the flesh, born of a woman, died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. "Listen to him."
"Who is Jesus?" If it takes a half hour of philosophical jargon that confuses a freshman to answer that question, it's time to return to scripture to see what the Bible proclaims who Jesus is.
He went on for about a half hour and to this day, I still have no idea what he said. (Secretly, I think he took great delight in shaking the faith of freshmen.)
The devotional today focuses on who Jesus is. Before we move on with The Master's Plan, we had better have a clearer answer than my religion professor. Mark 9:7 has the answer. Jesus is the Son of God, God in the flesh, born of a woman, died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. "Listen to him."
"Who is Jesus?" If it takes a half hour of philosophical jargon that confuses a freshman to answer that question, it's time to return to scripture to see what the Bible proclaims who Jesus is.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Friday, October 2
There was a popular book decades ago called, "Your God is Too Small." It attempted to burst wide open the small box we too often use to contain and limit God. Ephesians 3:18 urges us to comprehend the "breadth and length and height and depth" of Christ in order to grasp the fullness of God. I think that there are those who look at the Master's Plan and see the limitations. They do not see the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ. Their God is too small.
I like the question the devotion poses. "If you knew you could not fail, what would you engage today?" Often what stops us is the limitation we put on God's ability to work with and through us. The fulness of life begins by letting God out of the box and experiencing the fulness of his grandeur. If this vision is of God, then we need not fear.
I like the question the devotion poses. "If you knew you could not fail, what would you engage today?" Often what stops us is the limitation we put on God's ability to work with and through us. The fulness of life begins by letting God out of the box and experiencing the fulness of his grandeur. If this vision is of God, then we need not fear.
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