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

Oh Noah He Didn't! (Oh yes, he did)

"Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you." Genesis 6:17-18 NIV

Noah revealed it is possible to be righteous in a godless generation.
The story of Noah has become so watered down we almost forget it's holy and meant for us to learn a vital scriptural truth about evil. Evil doesn't begin with action. Evil originates in the mind with selfish corrupted thoughts. It then moves toward total corruption of society. Genesis 6 clearly states every inclination of humanity was bent toward evil. It's not hard to imagine what kind of wickedness could evolve from minds completely devoted to evil. Corruption had become completely embedded into the DNA of creation. In the beginning, God celebrated and rejoiced over Creation but at the destruction God grieved, wept and deeply regretted he made man.

When society experiences moral failure--God looks for men and women to stand in the gap.
A ‘gap’ is a place where integrity has been compromised. Since every inclination of humanity was toward evil people could no longer judge what was right or wrong. Society lost favor and eventually lost all sense of a moral compass. But, Noah found favor in God's eyes and he is described as a righteous man. Noah stood in the gap and he did it in a very public way which invited ridicule, mocking and severe opposition.

Noah revealed that it is possible to be godly in a godless generation.
Noah had integrity but that doesn't mean he was sinless. Developing a godly character is a messy business. It takes faith, repentance and time. It is costly and requires sacrifice, pain and perseverance. Noah found favor because he did everything just as the Lord commanded him. He followed through with his actions even in the midst of strong opposition. Noah was faithful and obedient over time. In the end, God made a covenant with Noah. His descendents would begin again. God gave the rainbow a special meaning when he made this covenant. The rainbow is a product of sunshine and storm. It's colors can remind us of the spectrum of grace and appears as a reminder of the lengths God will go for the righteous obedient heart.

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Genesis 9:16 NIV

-Pastor Jen

Getting Ready For Pentecost

Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, let all our hearts receive; present with thy celestial host the peaceful answer give; to each covenant the blood apply which takes our sins away, and register our names on high and keep us to that day! Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine by Charles Wesley

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost. It's the Sunday of the church year dedicated to telling the story of the events of the upper room as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Scripture describes an event that has perplexed and amazed believers and non-believers alike for generations.

The Spirit is active in the beginning.
I think sometimes we get confused about the Holy Spirit. I've heard many great preachers say the Holy Spirit showed up that day and filled the disciples with fire and power! The Spirit is present always. He doesn't show up, take off or leave the building. The Spirit is mentioned from the beginning of the Bible to the end, from Genesis to Revelation. He's active as breath is to life, fruit to the vine and order in the midst of chaos.

The Spirit is strengthening us for the journey.
The Spirit's role is defined as 'comforting.' That translation can be a bit confusing. We certainly need cheering up when we're sad. N.T. Wright describes the presence of the Spirit as strengthening by coming-alongside to give courage. Like a trusted friend brings courage as he comes with us on the journey. I love this insight. It describes an active spiritual life that engages the pantheon of human experience that includes the range of human emotions and encounters. We aren't extracted from the complete range of life but equipped to live in its fullness by the Spirit's presence.

Surrender is the key to fully know and experience God.
Maybe you've heard the 'bootstrap' theology. It sounds like this: 'God helps those who help themselves.' Honestly ask the question: why would we need God if we can handle it? Human reason can attempt to define the holy mystery of God. We can strive to apprehend the complexity of life and attach religious jargon to supernatural instance. But, all the rhetoric seems skeletal. Ezekiel called it 'dry bones.' Simple surrender can be painfully difficult or profoundly freeing. But, surrender is ultimately necessary to know and experience the supernatural blood and guts work of the Spirit.

We can lose it.
Here's where the controversy sets in. The hymn I quoted above was written by Charles Wesley. Wesleyans are identified with the Arminian belief that salvation is secured by Jesus. But, we must make the choice to remain committed to Christ throughout our lives. Wesleyans believe we choose to live out each day in faith as our human experience challenges what our faith defines as real. Sanctifying and perfecting grace is our life-long companion via the Spirit. We work on becoming more and more like Jesus and less and less like the world. Indeed, we need the Spirit for this reason alone.

I pray you can join us for worship Sunday. Imagine a cup that is near empty being filled to over-flowing. We cannot construct an experience that only God can provide. But, we will ask God to provide the filling and trust he is able to do far more than we dream or imagine. I hope to see you Sunday.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2:42-43 NIV

-Pastor Jen

Plant A Little Seed

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV

Have you ever noticed how scripture can be right or truthful and stand on its own?

This scripture about planting, for example, feels like a law of the universe to me. When God speaks about giving in this passage he uses planting language. If I plant a few seeds, I will receive a little yield. If I plant a lot of seeds, I'd better be prepared to do some hard labor. This is not sacrifice language. When we sacrifice something, we never see it again. When something is sacrificed, it’s laid down, given up, hands off, never to be used or seen again. But, planting something is laying down a seed into the ground with an expectation that something greater will come out of it.

Sometimes we plant a seed and get different results. We can receive a ten-fold blessing. Why?

1. Growing conditions are perfect.
2. The season is right to plant.
3. You plant good seed.
4. You protect the seed by removing competition like weeds.
5. You plant the seed in community with others like it to ensure a positive yield.

So if this is a law of the universe, then we can apply it to almost anything. Let's think about applying this general rule to our faith and finances. If I plant a little seed into God's kingdom, I will receive a little yield. But, if I plant a lot of seed into God's kingdom, I'd better have a plan for what I will do with the harvest he gives me. There comes a moment for all of us when we recognize everything we have belongs to God. We're farm hands to the Master Farmer. He provides the soil, growing conditions, seasons, seed, and even the growth process. But we have to participate and do our part.

The greater blessing, or miracle, can be what God does within us through our own growth process. Our faith can grow to produce something greater and lives can be transformed. So, why not try a little experiment of your own? Plant a little seed and see how it grows. You might be amazed at the result.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV

-Pastor Jen

Photo Credit: Aproximando Ciência e Pessoas via Compfight cc

Think Big. Start Small.

We have to be truthful and practical as we obediently work to make God’s vision a reality. We need to consider whether or not we’re doing all we can for God. Are we building his Kingdom and making every effort to build what he desires? Or are we chasing after our own desires and outcomes? Small steps blessed by God have great impact. It's pretty easy to spot someone who is completely in God's corner. God gets all the glory for the success. That's really it.

When God begins to move, we need to be prepared for the miracle God can do. For me, being prepared means I am humble before God, surrendered to his leadership and open to whatever comes my way. It's like God is the Major League pitcher and I am the catcher. He decides what pitch. I respond to his leading. I have to do some serious self-talk before I go into a challenging conversation or situation. I've learned to put my preconceived ideas and my very strong feelings aside in order to be present when the challenge comes. God's pitch can be high and outside or right down the middle. Either way, I must be flexible and adaptable to the pitch. Otherwise, it'll go right by. Good thing God likes to give me a lot of practice.

Here's how we can start small but have a huge impact:

1. Greater relationships: speak affirming words and build each other up by constructive life-giving language and practice. Identify and practice how you can speak Godly words to build others up.
    
2. Greater financial impact for the Kingdom: start using our money in God-honoring ways, pay down our debt and don’t get into any more debt. Live within Godly and healthy boundaries. Identify how your financial situation can get better and make small steps toward generosity.
    
3. Greater holiness: practice healthy spiritual disciplines. Scripture reading and memorization, prayer, worship, service, fasting, giving. Identify whether or not you’re really doing all you can to create holiness and a place for God to reside in you.

One important reason we may feel insecure about our situation is because we compare our behind-the-scenes footage with everyone else’s highlight reel. Sometimes we can listen to someone's incredible faith adventure story and wonder why we're not experiencing the same vitality. Comparisons aren't helpful when it comes to following God. Everyone's faith journey is unique. I don't know how to compare Jonah's whale-of-a-story to Joshua's marching around a city seven times. But, I can tell you, the still small voice Elijah heard and Elisha followed is the voice I can trust to lead me into the belly or around the block.

Stop waiting for what you want, and start working what you have. This can turn your greatest frustration into your greatest potential innovation. If you'll do your part, God will begin to do what only He can do: He'll make your box bigger.” Pastor Steven Furtick, Greater.

-Pastor Jen