So, why are so many Christians standing around looking toward heaven?

“Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven?" Acts 1:11a NIV

The Great Debate

There happens to be a great debate whether the universe has a Maker with a grand design or it's held together by the laws of nature such as gravity, space, time and matter. Stephen Hawking wrote a book along with Leonard Mlodinow titled The Grand Design in 2010. Discovery Chanel produced a documentary that created a visual example to help us comprehend what's going on within the minds of these great scientists and thinkers. I think it's quite fascinating. Stephen Hawking is a gentle man with such amazing capacity few of us will ever truly understand but many of us can appreciate. I suspect he investigates the greater questions of the universe because he is driven by a motive greater than himself. I think Stephen is not only satisfied with the question with 'how' the universe was created. But, I think down deep, Stephen asks the question 'why' was the universe created.

Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore, I am)

The French philosopher René Descartes in his Discourse on Method (1637) took a first step in demonstrating the attainability of certain knowledge. Almost 400 years ago, Descartes released this 'Twitter post,' cogito-ergo-sum. Descartes revolutionized the way human beings think about the way we think. Descartes identified our human desire to find meaning and purpose by revealing the center of our desire to know and think, therefore exist. So, if we can think, we can imagine. If we can imagine, we can become. If we can become, we can become a positive force for good or bad. Ultimately, if we think we can change anything--we can actually change anything.

Science and faith combine?

Our scientific brothers have done much to help us understand the complex and undeniably magnificent megacosms of the ever-expanding universe and the limitless-potential of the human mind. Kevin Harney, of Organic Outreach fame, captured our attention as he capitalized on the aforementioned discoveries. Harney believes the potential for change and meaning is found in the church. Organic outreach is what happens when evangelistic vision and action become the domain of every ministry in a church and the commitment of every member of the congregation.* Harney re-minds us that our thinking shapes our actions. Sometimes a simple adjustment in our thinking can have far-reaching repercussions. Effective and world-changing outreach will not just happen spontaneously. It will take planning, strategic goal-setting, lots of prayer, and the effort of a congregation committed to sharing the good news of Jesus in creative and innovative ways. We can learn from the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, that effective ministry requires consistent support and clear accountability.

So, why are so many Christians standing around looking toward heaven?

Sadly, many followers of Jesus are content to stand and look toward heaven. Believers in Jesus can have little or no effect for the Kingdom of God. They can live committed to Jesus without consideration to what each believer is expected to accomplish while living on earth. We are saved for more than ourselves.  We are saved to help others.We are God’s strategic plan to change the world. A church that loves people with the passionate heart of God will ultimately help others come to know the ever-expanding, limitless potential of God working in and through us to reach a lost and dying world. But, we all have to do our part. Join us this weekend for the second episode of our Faith Promise series GO! We ask Wheatland mission teams where they saw God at work.

"You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8b NIV

*Organic Outreach for Churches: Infusing Evangelistic Passion in your Local Congregation. Kevin Harney, Zondervan. 2011

Have you found yourself in the belly of a whale lately?

“I know that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing not to destroy.” Jonah 4:2

It's a whale of a story.

God speaks directly to a man named Jonah. He is told to go into the cosmopolitan city of Nineveh to preach against it because their wickedness had come up before the Lord. But Jonah mutinied against God. He purchased a one-way ticket in the opposite direction and set sail with the captain and crew for Tarshish. Once on board, Jonah nestled in for the deep sleep of avoidance below deck as a violent storm threatened the sailors above. The terrified captain roused Jonah and questioned his identity. Aware of the nautical tempest, the much more awakened Jonah and the sailors come up with the plan to throw Jonah overboard as Jonah takes responsibility for being the cause of the chaos.

The repentant sailors regaled the story of how the billowing sea calmed as Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a huge fish. He's in the belly for three days and nights. Evidently, while in the belly, Jonah has a change of heart and is then vomited onto dry land. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. It's funny how the smell of fish guts can inspire even the most rebellious person to actually do what God asked in the first place. But, maybe we're all a little salty that way.

Jonah finally acquiesces.

The Ninevites are saved! As a matter of fact, the entire city was saved from the highest to the lowest including gerbils, goats and geese. They avoided destruction by turning from their evil ways and from their violence. But, to Jonah, this seemed very wrong. He became angry and complained to the Lord. I picture Jonah stomping around like an incensed toddler in an adult male body exclaiming, “I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing not to destroy!” (Jonah 4:2) God’s missional heart was at the core of Jonah's call to go to Nineveh. The story wasn't about Jonah's judgment of God and humanity. It was about God and his love for all people.

Answer the question.

Jonah is the only book of the Bible to end with a question. Several questions hang in the air for readers to contemplate. Here are some for you to consider:

1. How great is the compassion of God?
2. In what ways do we deny God’s call?  
3. What excuses do we have?
4. Who else is included in God's plan from least to greatest?
5. Who pays the price for our disobedience?

God's mission, vision and values.

Wheatland's mission is at the heart of everything we do. Love God. Love Others. Change the World. We celebrate a long history of having a missional heart. We truly believe it's a heart that flows straight from the heart of God. This month we will hear stories from our own Wheatland friends and family members who said 'yes' to God. Some travelled to Tanzania, India, Poland, Panama or Haiti. Others reached out to those in need in St. Louis and Dixon. I pray none of us has to be swallowed up by a whale to get the big picture God longs for us to see. But, if you find yourself in a smelly situation, be assured that God will most likely give you another chance to show someone his compassion, love and forgiveness because it's not about us. It's about God and his love for all people.

"And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than 120,00 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left--and also many animals?" Jonah 4:11 NIV

How will you finish?

70% of all leaders will not finish well. J. Robert Clinton

It's not sexy. It really doesn't sell anything. I don't think Beyonce will ever write a song about it. I am most certain Donald Trump will have an opinion about it. Most people who are successful at this are never noticed, most often disrespected by those who want to continue in their wrongdoing and secretly envied by almost everyone. What am I talking about?

Accountability. Finishing well.

God longs for us to embrace accountability and finish well. There's no doubt about it. I believe God wants us to be effective Spirit-filled leaders that pave the way for unprecedented success. The Bible is filled with story after story about how to be successful both here and now and in the hereafter. There are narrative outlines for leaders, administrators, and government officials in Genesis and throughout most of Paul's letters to local churches. God provides line by line 'how-to's' on being successful in both the Old and New Testaments from Leviticus to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters five through seven. The book of Proverbs clearly outlines how to make wise decisions personally and professionally. Overall success is often the secondary benefit of being an effective accountable leader in the Kingdom of God. God longs for us to have a good life. But, sadly many people never experience the exhilarating fullness and fall miserably short content to live a small insignificant life.

Stop making excuses.

Why do so many people fail? As you can imagine, the reasons people fail are complex. But here are a few ideas to think about:

1. Money. It's not inherently evil. It's meant to be a blessing. But try and take away what people earn, save or invest and see what happens.
2. Sex. It's meant to be a blessing in marriage. However, deviation from its God-defined purpose causes heartbreak, legal issues and ultimately disaster.
3. Power. Ironically, God's power is displayed in our weakness. Command-control is not God's established style of leadership but he does bless servant leaders. Servant leaders recognize their vital contribution as they participate in a grander vision greater than themselves.
4. Pride. Selfish ambition is the downfall for many and is often recognized too late. Self-preservation is the other side of that coin. Our actions can speak louder than words. Notice the beneficiaries or the outcomes of decisions you make to help discern whether or not you're the type of leader God blesses.

One step at a time.

There's no shortcut. We have to do the hard thing over and over again. Truly seasoned leaders understand the real struggle is internal. They understand the wrestling match within and will often do the hard thing first even if only to get it out of the way. They do the hard thing regardless of personal cost. Accountability means we can be responsible for our attitudes, decisions and actions. It's also the most practical weapon in the integrity war. Watch your life and what you believe closely. Imagine the end of your life years from now. Set the goal of finishing well with more passion for God and his Kingdom goals than you have today. Write it down and share it with trusted Christian friends who share your vision for a fantastic finish. Don't settle for the default. Engage in all God has for you.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

The Patience of Our Master

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:1-NLT

I confess. I could never be a master craftsman or a great artist. I just don't have what it takes. I appreciate the immeasurable love and intense patience of a master. I can recognize the exceptional handiwork of creating great works of art. But, quite frankly, the creation of one masterpiece is a painstakingly long arduous process. It's kind of like becoming a Christian disciple. I am painfully aware of the love and patience of the Master. He consistently discovers new ways to reveal his unconditional love and grace toward us. Paul's letters to the early churches may help us discover how much attention needs to be given to the Master's handcrafted efforts and his repeated creative attempts to communicate, influence and even drag us toward his inspired Kingdom goals.

Division was a major problem in the early church especially in Rome, Galatia and Corinth.

The Christ followers of Corinth were given an abundance of spiritual gifts but they lacked the Christian character the Holy Spirit longed to form in them. The Apostle Paul took quick action to try to head off the potential troubles. Right off the bat, Paul recognized there were factions within the Corinthian church. Each group followed its chosen human leader, exercised their spiritual gifts selfishly and cared very little about how their behavior affected the whole body--the church. Paul masterly challenged the believers to consider their standards of wisdom and foolishness. He reminded the Corinthians that God chose to work through human frailty or limitation. He chose the foolish and weak people to build his glorious church. Not because they were so wise, wonderful or gifted but because He was a Master Craftsman creating a living work of art for the ages.

Spiritual maturity is the mark of a growing Christian.

As we mature in Christ, we understand and gain a better appreciation for the Church as Christ’s Body and our role to participate as Christians. The Church is a global network that influences the expansion of technology, the use of natural resources, the enhancement of geographical boundaries, local culture & governmental authority. The church is an organization of massive quantitative and qualitative size. Pew Report (2010) states 2.2 billion Christians in the world (31%). The church also has vast financial, land and other property holdings which include some of the great works of art, music and ancient manuscripts. The church's wins and losses are public and recorded. The church continues to stand the test of time with its longevity credited to a living-breathing Master craftsman whose workmanship can be seen in those who initiated it 2,000 years ago and continue to work in it today. The church withstands insult, injury, leadership issues, scandal and opposition. (You can access more information from Pew Research here.)

Spiritual gifts are given by God for the benefit of the whole church.

The Apostle Paul instructed the early Christians that God is the source for the church. He equips the saints for ministry via the Holy Spirit and develops the spiritual gifts within Christ followers for the building up of his community. Christians have different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit, different ministries but the same Lord. There are different activities but the same God who produces all of them. All Christians have the Gift (Holy Spirit) and at least one spiritual gift but all Christians are expected to live out the life of spiritual grace and produce fruit of the Spirit. Diversity is a wonderful thing. It is the evidence of God at work. However, if diversity is not kept under control, it will destroy unity and we have anarchy. Diversity promotes dependence upon each other and our spiritual maturity is a balance between unity and diversity.

I confess. I don't have what it takes to be a great craftsman or artist. The truth is I don't need to be one. But, my one hope, is that I might be a servant worthy to sweep up the wood shavings on the floor or be present as a brush stroke apprehends the canvas revealing a beauty yet to take shape. Maybe that's what the Master is trying to encourage in us as we grow and mature as his servants. Our maturity is not weighed out so much in achievement but how we love one another as Christ loved us.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Mother Theresa

Whose authority do you live under?

Jesus is Lord! That was the first century creed often passed in secret because of the intense consequences it held for those who professed it openly. The statement has become a statement of belief and an affirmation for Jesus' position in our daily lives. If Jesus is Lord of your life, he has the position of authority. You live under his authority. The biblical word used to describe the dynamic way to live with the Lordship of Jesus Christ is 'stewardship.'

Stewardship can be defined as one employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic concerns such as the supervision of servants, the collection of rents and the keeping of accounts. The steward is not the master but the master entrusts the management of the wealth and resources to the steward. If you think about it, stewardship applies to everything you are, have and will become. Stewardship applies to your material possessions, time, spiritual gifts, body and the way you live your life. If Jesus is really Lord of your life, he is the master and you are entrusted to be his manager.

It's totally natural to think of your possessions as your own. After all, you worked for them or inherited them from someone else, right? But, we've just established that Jesus is Lord. The bible contrasts our natural beliefs with supernatural truths. God is the owner of everything. You and I are managers of a little or a lot. God appointed humanity to manage the earth and its resources immediately after creation. I like the way Eugene Peterson writes the story from The Message because he makes it crystal clear that on day six God said, "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill the earth! Take charge! Be responsible for the fish of the sea and birds of the air, for every living thing that moves on the earth. Then God said, "I've given you...." God is the owner of all he created. He put you in charge of a portion of it.

Effective stewardship must be learned. We don't automatically know how to effectively manage God's resources. Scripture, mature Christ followers and the Christian community can help us learn the essentials so we can become faithful stewards. So, are you wondering how you can become entrusted with more of God's resources?

1. The principle of faithful tithing. God says return 10% to the house of God for use in worship and service. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord.
2. The principle of sound management. God owns the other 90% of everything we have. It is our responsibility to manage it wisely.
3. The principle of generous giving. Generosity affirms the blessing and freedom of giving. Prosperity can be an affirmation from God as you are trusted with greater responsibility.
4. The principle of effective management. Accountability, transparency, communication and gratitude shape our God-honoring management capacity, capabilities and skills.

We live in a selfish materialistic world. The Church can be influenced by its powerful messages and tempted to follow worldly management styles. God is the owner of the resources. He's far more capable to educate us as to how he wants his resources managed. Relax for a minute and think about how you manage the resources God has entrusted to you. Your holdings may be small or vast. Think and pray about how you can become a more effective manager of God's ultimate resources because the exciting truth is the more we can be trusted the more visible the Kingdom of God will become.

 “Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!”  Matthew 25:21 CEV

What is your priority in life?

Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly. We make a lot of plans, but the Lord will do what he has decided. Proverbs 19:20-21 CEV

The magnificent Northern Wisconsin leaves change their colors this time of year. The beauty is reflected onto the lake I've known since birth. I am staying at our family cabin in Northern Wisconsin as I write this blog. My brother and I are the third generation to own and care for this cabin. My grandmother bought the cabin over 55 years ago as a way to keep the family together following my grandparents' divorce. It's easy to become nostalgic here. Tragedy, divorce and pain have been part of our family narrative for as long as I can remember.  I am easily reminded of all the changes and seasons our family has endured as the surrounding memorabilia tells the life-story of our family experience.

This cabin has also candidly captured some of my best memories. I can hold onto them like precious pages of a rare manuscript. When I am here, I can remember early morning fishing expeditions with my dad and uncles. I can certainly bait my own hook but I could never get my hand around the wiggly fish to release it from the tiny jagged edge. I always needed help and someone was always there to help release my 4inch fish from the hook. I have some fond recollections of late night kick-the-can games, s'mores by the fireside and swimming competitions that included neighborhood kids and my cousins.

I am not afraid to tell people who know my story that I am the prefect testimony that God still does miracles. I've chosen to write my story in a way that is contrary to my family's narrative. I can tell you with all seriousness, I don't know who I'd be if God hadn't intervened into my life.  It was very tempting to accept the narrative that seemed to be written for me in stone by my ancestors. But, God provided a different story line for me and I accepted it. Authenticity and humility have been my stark companions because being a pastor has its rewards and challenges around people who can help remind you who you could've been.

This week we can discover together why our family must be a priority in our Christian life as we learn how to integrate God onto the pages of our manuscript. I've included some points to mull over here to prepare you for hearing the Word Sunday.

1. The core of every family is our relationship with God as individuals first and then as a family.
2. We must protect our family from negativity and the most important way to teach the next generation is by example.
3. Responsibility and discipline help the next generation grow in wisdom and keep parents from embarrassment.
4. The next generation will become what we work together to make them.
5. The Church can be a place where we share the burden of leadership and responsibility as we recognize the awesome task of creating a Godly family which has eternal significance.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV
 

Who may be waiting to hear your story?

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 16:16 NIV

Influence

Christianity began as a small group of people who followed a Rabbi. The small group of people told stories about their Rabbi to their families and friends. They invited others to come and investigate their Rabbi for themselves. More followers of the Rabbi were created and sent out to tell their story. The followers of the Rabbi spoke to people in the surrounding villages, along roadsides and as they visited the cosmopolitan center of Judaism, Jerusalem. They didn't stop in Jerusalem. They expanded their influence through Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

The Rabbi's early followers wanted others to know how life could be different. They wanted others to know the freedom, power and grace they could experience even in the presence of the dominant world power of the Roman Empire. The perilous early days of Christianity were filled with persecution. But, the explosive growth of Christianity is credited to a pattern of disciple making. The pattern emerged through the conscientious selection of other like-minded Christians to equip others to influence the world for the Kingdom of God.

It's about multiplication.

Jesus is our leader and supreme example of how to influence and invite others to follow him. He selected individuals and invested his life into them over a period of time. Peter, James and John represent Jesus' inner circle. They experienced Jesus' miraculous power, love and forgiveness first-hand. Jesus also invested personally in the lives of nine other disciples. The twelve, also known as the Apostles, were his witnesses and the Church was founded upon their intense commitment and leadership. Jesus entrusted seventy-two leaders with the special task to minister in pairs to the regions of the Roman Empire villages.

There were 120 believers gathered in the Upper room when the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost. They were faithful followers and became equipped by the power of the Holy Spirit to do great things for God's kingdom. Large crowds followed Jesus and then the disciples. However, large crowds were not the central focus of Jesus. Jesus poured his time, teaching and patience into a small group of followers that they might influence others to reach the broken world with a message of hope and reconciliation through knowing Jesus Christ.

From simple believer to a connected, devoted and generous follower

Real Kingdom change occurs when followers of Jesus take their role of disciple making seriously. Obedience isn't a word many of us like but it is crucial when working for God to meet his goals and purposes. Consider who taught you the foundations of our Christian faith and coached you to grow from a simple believer to become a disciple of Jesus. Who may be waiting to hear your story? Who may need your special type of mentoring or coaching? Who could benefit from hearing about the power, love and forgiveness Jesus offers right now? The result will be that God is glorified and we produce the fruit that will last. Pay attention to the investments you make this week in the people close to you. May you decide to make a personal investment in someone that produces eternal results.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15