No Secrets to Success

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. Colin Powell

Recently, I meandered through an airport bookstore while I waited for a connecting flight. I was amazed how much stuff was jammed into one of those little stores. All the food items from bananas to Z Bars were strategically placed at eye level. The walls were plastered with flashy magazine covers touting the greatest business or management insights collected from top names in industry. I have a tendency to flash-read the articles while paging through the magazines. Most of the time, the articles summarize the 'top ten' things or the 'fantastic finds’ creating the illusion that leading during tumultuous times can be accomplished in effortless, simple, easy ways. The slick packaging reduces enormous human endeavors to the sterile academic environment. What the printed stories often leave out is the blood and guts of how the wisdom was actually gleaned or the cost of having such incredible business acumen.  

There’s nothing like the wisdom of shared experience.

The biblical account of the rise and fall of the Shepherd Boy-Musician-Warrior-Superstar-King could be read like one of those biographies available at the bookstore. Each chapter of 1 & 2 Samuel recounts the rise of King David’s kingship, first over Judah and then over all Israel. As a bonus, those action-packed chapters also include the major challenge to David’s superstar role—his own sins. I wish I could summarize it and make it easy for you. But, then I would leave out all the blood and guts. God has a way of applying his word to our daily lives with personal precision. There is a big difference between reading scripture and a biography. I believe we can be tempted to create messages that minimize the impact of scripture by trying to be like those slick magazine articles. I just won’t do that to you.

David was successful. God blessed David. God’s blessing allowed for great military advances which expanded the Kingdom of Israel. Some very saucy narratives are sprinkled in-between the expansionist military success stories. One scenario from 2 Samuel 9 includes what I consider a shrewd political move by David. The king invited the crippled son of his best friend to live with him in the palace: "to dine at his own table.” Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son and the grandson of Saul. Inviting the remaining remnant of the enemy to live within the palace was pure genius in my mind. “Keep your friends close—but keep your enemies closer.” Thanks Sun Tzu. The second divulgence from 2 Samuel 11 is so brilliantly written I fear we lose the impact of what really happened. Chapter 11 is blood and guts—pure and simple. Hearts were broken. Careers and lives were eternally affected. The complex reality of human depravity all but destroyed the shining career of a hopeful superstar and left many who rode on his coat tails wondering what could have been.

Been there. Done that.

The blood and guts is what makes this narrative so applicable in every age. I wish this drama had a story book ending and everyone involved lived happily ever after. But, that’s not the case. The temptation may be to single out the ‘greatest moments’ of David’s life and career and only identify with David's success. But, I believe God also wants us to identify with his lowest moments. The ‘top ten things you need to know’ or the ‘fantastic finds’ are discovered during the deepest, darkest valley moments. These are often the ones that create the greatest impact because they are deeply personal. We can identify with moments like these because we trudged through them ourselves and lived to tell the story.

So, settle in. Sit back in your chair. Allow the Spirit free access to your mind, heart and soul as you read 2 Samuel 9-12. Create your own article. I’ll look for it next time I’m at the airport.

Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. Psalm 51:16-17 The Message

Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen

Praise the Lord! Sing a new song to the Lord; praise him in the assembly of his faithful people! Be glad, Israel, because of your Creator; rejoice, people of Zion, because of your king! Praise his name with dancing; play drums and harps in praise of him. The Lord takes pleasure in his people; he honors the humble with victory. Psalm 149:1-4 GNT

The city of Jerusalem holds special prominence in the heart of God and in the story of David. King David moved the royal capital to Jerusalem and established it as the City of God. Jerusalem became known as the City of David, Zion, and the place where God and the People of Israel are joined together in a unique way. A relationship is formed. Throughout the epic story we will discover how the relationship develops. We will discover a pattern with Israel and God. So, goes Israel’s relationship with God, so goes the city of Jerusalem. Oddly enough, the word marriage comes to mind.

Let’s move in together.

King David decided to make Jerusalem the capital. He routed out the Jebusites and moved his family from Hebron to Jerusalem. Afterwards, he declared the Ark of the Covenant was to be moved into the capital. Some drama developed heightening concerns about moving the Ark of the Covenant which amplified everyone’s nerves. Just like preparing for a wedding celebration, there is always pre-wedding drama. Always. The drama gets even more amplified when people lost sight of their priorities. Emotions ran high. Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “too many cooks in the kitchen?” Well, Jerusalem was filled with cooks in a very small kitchen.

I’d like to focus on this unique relationship between God, David and Jerusalem. David’s priority was God. His energy went into the relationship with God, then people and finally to the city of Jerusalem. Scripture described David as a man after God’s heart. (Acts 13:22) However, David's priority made being married to his wife Michal problematic. David is hardly the text book husband as far as Michal is concerned.  Michal was Saul’s daughter and in my opinion, used very badly as a pawn in this very political story. Michal was certainly raised with certain values as King Saul’s daughter. Imagine the expectations put on Princess Michal. She would’ve been educated in royal protocol and taught how to act in public. Royal families live within very strict narrow lines—even ancient ones. I believe Michal would’ve expected to be the priority in David’s life. But, she was wrong. Scripture says Michal lost all respect for her husband as he publicly danced before the Ark of the Covenant and paraded the Ark to it’s proper place. (2 Samuel 6:16).

Yes, the public spectacle of the king dancing in the street may have been embarrassing for Queen Michal. But, I think as she watched, her heart hardened because she realized she would never have the priority in David's heart. Her position or marriage would never be in the place where God would be. I think this situation, written so brilliantly in 2 Samuel 6, captures the essence of what many married couples struggle with even to this day. Queen Michal’s character was revealed. Perhaps she realized where her true position would be and just gave up. Michal faded from palace life and never had any children of her own. Her legacy was over. Or was it?

Spouses, I believe this story reveals a deep truth for us. Marriage requires prioritization in our lives. Only God would create such a demanding relationship. Because it requires us to give up our rights or expectations and believe God has the better way. We struggle to handle priorities every day in marriage. Marriage is also where we learn about sacrifice, repentance and resilience. Relationships will often require more from us than what many are willing to give. We must yield or we get stuck. Marriages will go through desert seasons. but, God promises we find great wells of living water when we truly yield to him. 

A little self-inventory.

So, here is my suggestion. Do a little self-inventory with regards to your priorities. Is God really first in my life? Spouses, do a heart check. Is there unresolved resentment or disappointment in your heart in regards to your marriage? I think if Queen Michal were to sit down with us, she may offer some sage advice. She may say something like this, “Keep your heart open to God. Don’t let your own expectations drive an agenda that is contrary to God’s. It doesn’t end well for you. But, if you put your trust in the LORD, he will make your path straight and fill your heart forever.” 

You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my Lord and my God. Psalm 30:11-12 CEV

Relationship City

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way? A Psalm of David, Psalm 8:4 The Message

David

The complex story of David is told in the biblical texts 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles. David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem.  As a teenager, David became a giant killer. He befriended Israel’s Crown Prince Jonathan and was appointed to become court musician and armor-bearer for Israel’s first king Saul. Through a tumultuous unfolding of events, David eventually succeeded Saul as king. Under David’s command and leadership, Israel’s regions unite to win battles against their surrounding enemies. Jerusalem becomes known as the “City of David” and the center of government, commerce and worship.

This charismatic leader influenced the world. Prayers and songs from the book of Psalms are connected to David. He is mentioned in Islam’s holy book, The Koran, and identified as a prophet (Sura 6), noting in Sura 38 his repentance for his sin with Bathsheba. Michelangelo created a world renowned sculpture of David that is considered a classic from the Renaissance era. The Star of David became an important Jewish symbol which now appears on the flag of the modern state of Israel. David has been portrayed many times in films by actors including Gregory Peck (David and Bathsheba, 1951), Richard Gere (King David, 1985) and Max Von Sydow in the TV movie Solomon, 2005.

David: his relationships and his city.

David’s meteoric rise was fraught with turbulent relationships. His relationship with God was a key factor in determining how events unfolded in his marriages, with his family and ultimately with the sacred city of Jerusalem.  The Lord was with David through all the turmoil which included his affair with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba and the death of his own rebel son, Absalom. David identified and anointed Solomon the next King of Israel just before he died. David’s lineage holds an honored place in two religions: Judaism, which awaits the coming of the “Messiah, son of David,” and Christianity which already celebrates Jesus as the "Messiah, son of David."

Why Jerusalem? The nationhood of Israel is defined, first and foremost, by its communal relationship with God and secondly, by the Jewish people's historic mission. And it turns out that there is no better place to relate to God than Jerusalem. After David makes Jerusalem his capital, he buys the upper part of the hill above the northern boundary of the city from its owner Aravnah, the Jebusite. The purchase is recorded in the Bible in two places (2 Samuel 24:24 and 1 Chronicles 21:25).

This hill is Mount Moriah. It is a mountain of spiritual greatness. From the earliest period of Jewish history, the Patriarchs of the Jewish people recognized the tremendous spiritual power of Mount Moriah. This is where Abraham went up to offer Isaac as a sacrifice and later remarked as the Bible records:"The Lord will see," as it is said to this day, "On the Lord's mountain, He will be seen." (Genesis 22:14) Mount Moriah is where Jacob dreamed of a ladder going to heaven, and said:"How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis 28:17) 

It’s no wonder every major conqueror in all of human history wanted to own this sacred plot of land. Jerusalem has been conquered or destroyed 36 times in 3,000 years. It is said God's presence can be felt here more intensively than any other place on the planet earth. Therefore, this was the logical place to build a permanent resting spot for the most holy and sacred object that the Jewish people have ― the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant.

Relationship City is the title of our next series. We will focus on David’s life while he resided in Jerusalem. Jerusalem continues to be one of the most influential cities in the world. I’ve travelled in Israel-Palestine on a number of occasions. A rabbi once said something to me that stuck. “So goes Jerusalem-so goes the world.” Consider what we can learn from the sacred texts of the bible. Discover how we might apply what we learn as a nation while we continue to relate to Jerusalem. Is there something prophetic we might glean from David’s relationship with God, his people, his beloved city Jerusalem and his relationship with the world? Let’s study and find out together. See you in church.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. I Samuel 16:13 ESV

I Keep My Grip on Hope

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV

But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! Lamentations 3:21-23 The Message

What I saw after 911 was an amazing outpouring of compassion and generosity. Courage and fellowship, honor and integrity came from everywhere. Our ongoing 911 commemoration can be to live each day with a sense of pride in serving others and finding hope in the midst of great tragedy. The greatness of who we are was tested and I believe we met the challenge. Ordinary men and women did extraordinary acts of bravery. What I heard over and over again from  “I was just doing my job.”

Tragic events can bring out the best in us. 911 certainly was a tragic event but our response was truly amazing. We’ve learned so much since then about overcoming adversity and what it means to belong to a resilient community. I’ve included a number of videos that can help you remember some of the best and brightest moments. The History Channel has multiple videos you may want to watch. The Remembrance Rescue Project is an educational tool you may want to learn from and share with friends and family. It is designed to teach new generations about the event. 

Sunday is September 11. We hope to reinvigorate our collective memory of how everyday Americans stepped up to respond in life giving ways. What we choose to remember and how we choose to tell the story reveals much about us. Join us as we remember at all Wheatland services.  

1. Tom Hanks narrates a video about the greatest water evacuation in history from Lower Manhattan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDOrzF7B2Kg

2. History Channel commemorates the hope, compassion and generosity experienced in our greatest hour of need. http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks/videos/after-911-fifteen-septembers-later?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false

3. Remembrance Rescue Project helps us educate new generations about 911 and why we remember those who lost their lives serving others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlkeRLCGoL4

Journey Towards Recover

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV) English Standard Verson

You do not want to miss the final week of Making of a Champion series; A Champion Bounces Back. Wheatland welcomes Tim Ryan at our Naperville campus and Brad Gerke at our Oswego campus from Man in Recovery. These men are called by God to share their story and help others on their journey toward recovery. You can learn more each week from these two giants Thursday nights at 7 p.m. Wheatland's Recovery night is for addicts and the people who love them.

The video I've included has adult content and language which may not be suitable for all audiences. We respect the honesty and authenticity of the story.   

Carpe Diem

"But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - - Carpe - - hear it? - - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.” Robin Williams as John Keating in Dead Poets Society.

I sat at the edge of my seat. The runners were called to take their mark. Commentators bantered with each other in subdued tones as camera angles were adjusted and focused onto one runner. All the world watched as the runner expected to win prepared for the race. The crowd hushed, followed by a moment of stillness and then it happened. The runner expected to win the 400 meter hurdles did the most unthinkable but very human thing. He lifted his head a split second before the starter gun was fired.  False start. He was disqualified. Inconsolable, the runner everyone expected to win dropped to his knees, covered his face with his hands and cried. Devastated. 

Restart. It’s hard for me to comprehend how those elite athletes managed their emotions let alone the adrenaline rush that had already hit their system. But, the remaining runners were called back for the restart. The commentators identified the obvious opportunity that opened for the other runners.  The restart was successful. The race progressed perfectly and the winner of the 400 meter hurdles was an American named Kerron Clement. Sometimes the best or chosen athlete doesn’t always make it to the podium.

Circumstance can become the revolutionary catalyst for a champion. 

Things happen. People act like human beings. Situations develop. All of the sudden, it’s your turn to accept or decline the opportunity given to you.  In quiet moments, you may have day dreamed about what it would be like to get the opportunity or perhaps secretly you hoped for it. But, deep down, you never really imagined it could happen. Then, unexpectedly, as all the world is watching, the very thing you dreamed and hoped for is offered to you. (okay, maybe not the whole world is watching…but it can feel like that!)

Champions seize the opportunity.

Champions know what it takes to triumph through the gauntlet of relevant emotions as they erupt. They know how to regulate body chemicals like adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol even as they explode and compete internally challenging our clarity of mind. Champions guard against guilt or shame sabotaging their performance. They operate with a clear conscience and accept the truth that someone else’s failure can become their opportunity to rise. All of this and more can happen in seconds! Friends, it is for this moment we train and when this moment arises, we need to seize it!

The Apostle Paul seized his opportunity and seriously trained to become a witness for Jesus Christ. Paul's rise to the podium was an ascent of submission and surrender. His words of truth written to the early Christian communities were a direct result of his personal descent toward holiness and humility.  Paul had firsthand knowledge of what it meant to be a devoted, connected and generous Christ follower.  Words like grace, salvation and faith took on new dimension when combined with the significance of Paul's personal journey.  He experienced devastating loss and ultimate triumph because of his relationship with Jesus. Paul’s most influential letters were written from prison or captivity. It is when Paul is in the darkest of chambers that the light of Jesus Christ burned brightest. Carpe diem, Christ followers, carpe diem!

‘You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.’ Ephesians 3:8-10 CEB

Trouble. Trouble. Trouble.

Take good counsel and accept correction—that’s the way to live wisely and well. Proverbs 19:20 The Message

The water turned kale green. There was no easy fix. The Olympic officials were hesitant to completely change out the water. So, they waited it out. But, Saturday night they acquiesced. Olympic officials drained, cleaned and refilled the pool Saturday night. I included an on-line article with more details here.* There was no danger to athletes but plenty of embarrassment for the Rio Olympic officials. Champions plan for trouble.

Be prepared. 

Since 1907, The Boy Scouts of America have used that motto for their inspiration and training. Military, aviation, EMS, Education and business fields spend millions of dollars on training for trouble. Consider all the time and money we currently spend on preparedness training through Homeland Security. We invest resources, time and creative efforts toward being prepared for trouble. But, all the training in the world doesn’t mean a thing until the preparedness meets the opportunity to be truly tested.

Consider God may be at work in the circumstances.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit is working to protect us but we don’t realize it until later. There have been times when I left my house late because I couldn’t find my keys or I meandered aimlessly around my house because I just couldn’t get going. Frustrated, I then rush to get to my purposed destination only to discover along the way that I could’ve been involved in a car accident and missed the collision by minutes. Sometimes we need to stop and let go of the steering wheel for a brief moment to say a prayer that goes something like this: 

Lord, if my delay this morning is because you are at work helping me to avoid a wreck, please continue your work protecting us. 

I will take a breath, humbly praise you for your work, adjust my attitude and slow down.

Please protect me, my family and others as we move about our day. Amen.

Be humble. Improvise.

I wish I could tell you why circumstances unfold the way they do, but the answer to ‘why' is almost always above my pay grade. I don’t understand why God works in the ways he does. But, Godly wisdom can eventually illuminate our clouded judgments with answers that are often profound and God-honoring. That’s why I encourage you to remain focused and be humble during frustrating ‘training exercises.’ We are all work in progress. That’s the truth about the Christian life. There are some days when everything makes sense. We can claim Jesus as Lord and we feel enthusiastically connected, deeply devoted and absolutely generous! Then, there are days when we question the very existence of the loving God who protected us yesterday. 

It’s normal to ride the rollercoaster of faith. Consider how you practice your Christian faith as training for when challenges come your way. Thank God for the small group you’re part of that comes alongside you during a challenging time recovering from surgery. Praise God for the scripture verse that seems to ‘pop into your mind’ just when you need it. Honor God for providing just the right amount of money to give your tithe and pay your bills this month. Thank God for the opportunity to develop new relationships as you serve the poor, the widow or the orphan because it is the mandate from Christ for the Christian life. All of that investment pays off for the Christ follower because God is at work.

This weekend we will discover how the Holy Spirit intervened as he redirected Paul and his companions on their way to share the Gospel. A vision of a man came to Paul during the night. The second mission trip of Paul was rerouted. The circumstances are not as important as the outcome for the Christ followers in Macedonia. Consider the outcomes the next time you’re rerouted. See you Sunday.

 ...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 ES

*http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/rio-officials-drain-green-water-diving-pool-saturday-evening

Laser Focus During Challenging Times

In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Galatians 3:26 NIV

It’s already been a challenging week. It’s Monday. Bouden the Brave lost his fight against cancer today. He was the 10 month old son of a neighbor. Our subdivision tied red ribbons around our parkway trees to honor him. A young, vibrant twenty-something husband, father of two beautiful daughters died today from a heroin overdose. I will officiate at a funeral tomorrow of a woman who died from complications of COPD just one month short of her 55th wedding anniversary. Friends, I believe we can all have weeks like this. Life can be overwhelming and it can feel like an avalanche of bad, terrible or challenging things will come pounding down to overtake us. 

We who are in the church have a responsibility to believe, live and share the message of Jesus Christ. It is the only message that can bring hope to the hopeless world and establish a sense of purpose and meaning to the experiences we all will face from time to time in this life. As a pastor, I am committed to come alongside those who are suffering. I took an oath to uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ. I preach,teach, admonish when necessary and equip others to serve Christ with their whole heart. It is my privilege to challenge Christ followers. We cannot become satisfied with merely sitting by watching people stumble through life without direction or understanding the love of God. He who created the Universe loves them so much he would go to the lengths of putting himself through the grueling ordeal of human death so that we might live the perfected life of eternity with Him. This role is not limited to clergy. It’s a divine mandate to all who believe. 

There is no other gospel that can save us from our sin. The gospel saves us from ourselves. It removes any human endeavor to mess it up and remains the truth for all time. We can do nothing to save ourselves. Salvation is a gift from God. Through the miracle of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I become a daughter of God and share in his inheritance. I am numbered among those who were chosen from birth to capture the hearts and minds of lost people with the love of Jesus Christ.

The temptation to believe some other gospel seeped into the early church the same way it tries to seep into the present day church. Humans are by nature ‘earners.’ We are tempted to believe we must earn our salvation by doing something. There are lots of reasons why we do this. Perhaps it is the internal  complicit guilt we all share or the desire for control we seem to love more than the truth. Maybe it’s because we secretly believe we’re somehow better than those who suffer.

But, imagine what could happen if the Followers of Jesus Christ worked to fulfill all Jesus commanded us to do. Imagine the love of God enveloping Bouden’s heartbroken parents. For just a few moments, allow the love of God to saturate your heart and consider the hearts of the confused family and friends of heroin users. Remember that each and every one of us will stand at a graveside and bury someone we love. What we believe has eternal significance. The gospel is never more real than when we face the truth.  

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV

The Making of a Champion

"There is no passion to be found playing small--in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."-Nelson Mandela

I believe there is a great temptation at work in our world plaguing us. It’s the temptation to quit, pull back, disengage or to simply give up. 

1. A mother simply gives up. Her child begins to test her limits and has become difficult to manage. She begins to believe she’s not a good mother because she doesn’t have the skills or knowledge to deal with her child.  She listens to the critical voice within which begins to criticize everything in her life: her appearance, her marriage, her friendships and sometimes her very reason for living.  

2. A veteran fitness enthusiast finds excuses not to workout or go to the gym. The workout equipment has an inch of dust on it and making healthy choices about what to eat or not to eat is no longer part of the mealtime routine. The time once dedicated to working out, walking with friends or preparing meals is spent watching television or mindlessly searching the Internet. Websites become more interesting and there is a great temptation to linger.   

3. A seasoned Christ follower begins to look elsewhere for spiritual fulfillment. A once vibrant spirituality becomes dull. Intimacy with God is no longer the intention of the heart but a personal desire to ‘feel good,' clouds the mind like a late afternoon Summer thunderstorm. Instead of being surrendered to serve Christ with their whole heart, soul, mind and strength they now shift their focus inward. Ultimately, the disconnection with God leads them astray. As they seek connection from another source they become critical of others and blame them for their discontentment.

The temptation to quit, pull back, disengage or to simply give up is common to everyone.Some may even call it our human nature. But, as Christ followers we are not left to deal with our shortcomings, failures and sins alone. Apostle Paul may have understood how powerful temptation can be and how temptation works. In one of his letters to the Corinthian church he writes: no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with this temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.’ 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

The Holy Spirit is our Advocate—our coach. He is our constant companion. He is our source and ever-present help in time of need. But, sadly most Christ followers don’t engage in developing a robust relationship with Him. I wonder if it’s because we have this indelible attitude of 'rugged individualism' and believe that somehow we can do things by ourselves. Or maybe we are convinced that once we’ve invited Jesus in our heart that’s good enough. Even though Jesus was invited into our heart does he live there? Do we continue to live as citizens of the world or realize Jesus Christ has made no real or lasting impact in our personal lives? Maybe nothing really changed. We can act like that rebellious two-year old who defies our loving parent’s guidance because we are convinced we can do whatever is set before us on our own. We resist the very guidance, wisdom and purity challenge we need. Our heart becomes hard, we defy Jesus’ authority, rebel and finally drift away from the source. 

Meditation Practice: Consider the following suggestion as an act of true defiance. Get comfortable. Relax, close your eyes and breathe deeply for a moment. Now imagine what God intended for our relationship with Him and the world. Imagine for a moment how much more fulfilling our spiritual lives can become if we simply yield, earnestly repent and humbly ask for his help. 

The Holy Spirit is available to fire up any weakened spiritual immune system. Yes, there is temptation to quit. But, during training every athlete overcomes the temptation to quit and heads toward the finish line with hope to one day arrive on the podium of champion status. We are spiritual champions in training. We too must tap into the source to kindle our passion, to strengthen our belief and to keep us on the path of righteousness. The Holy Spirit can be the coach we need for this and so much more. Remember, no temptation has overtaken you except that which is common to all of us. 

We are in this Christ-centered life together. It is hard work. Ask others for parenting clues. Find a workout partner or try a new sport. Engage in daily practices like personal bible reading, prayer or fasting. This Sunday we read more about Paul and the moment his ministry takes off as a missionary. The Holy Spirit fires Paul up for the long road ahead. You will want to invite someone to come with you on Sunday so you can keep each other accountable to what you’re about to receive. I pray the Holy Spirit speaks to you about the work he has for you to undertake! See you Sunday.

As they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake. Acts 13:2 NIV

The Making of a Champion

The Summer Olympics will be hosted in Rio this year. In August, the world will be watching as champions make their journey to that illustrious podium where others have taken their place with the gold, silver and bronze medal winners.  I've already caught the Olympic fever as I watched athletes muster all their grit during the US Track and Field qualifying rounds.  Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines a champion as someone or something (such as a team or an animal) that has won a contest or competition especially in sports or someone who fights or speaks publicly in support of a person, belief, cause.  But, we all know that becoming a champion encompasses much more than being first to cross the finish line.

 So, what sets a champion apart?

 Gazillions of dollars, euros, pounds, rubles and yuan are invested trying to discover what can give the victorious edge to win gold. I believe the Olympic athletes are some of the most researched people on the planet. Researchers gather data on everything from their diet, exercise, and eating plan to their personal relationships, mental toughness and support networks. Sponsors, trainers and competitors search for the 'golden solution." But, sometimes the best athlete doesn't win. Circumstances can develop during the competition that can give someone an opportunity to make their dream a reality. The television networks figured out years ago that audiences love to hear the stories and backgrounds of the athletes.  We all want to discover what sets these champions apart from the rest of us. Maybe we can learn something from these amazing people that applies to our own personal lives.  

 What could happen if we became 'spiritual champions?'

 Imagine what it would take to become a 'spiritual champion.' Imagine what it might be like to live into God's vision for your life and become a chosen instrument for the Kingdom of God. Practice, discipline and spiritual gifts are essential but so are spiritual mentors, friends and faith communities that can support you along your way. How do you know what can take you to the next level spiritually? Who challenges you to get over yourself or your situation in order to live a powerful, robust, spirit-led life of Kingdom influence? What training efforts will develop your spiritual arsenal against the plans of the enemy? Let's discover all this and more together.

 This weekend we kick-off our final sermon series of the Summer titled The Making of a Champion. Of all the people in the Bible, the apostle Paul is perhaps the best example of a 'spiritual champion.' We will investigate his personal life, his transformation and his impact as the early church began to influence the world. We will read about the development of Christian character as Paul's story expands into the cosmopolitan world of the Roman Empire of the first century. We will read from the book of Acts and several of Paul's Epistles. The world is in need of more spiritual champions for Christ. What lasting impact will you have on the next generation? Your legacy is important. You don't want to miss any of this new series. See you Sunday.

 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.  I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:16-18 NIV

We Are Not Afraid to Embrace

As we finish up our final week of our sermon series ‘We are Not Afraid’, we hope that God has opened your heart, mind, and soul to not fear the other, to listen, to welcome and to embrace.

I know as we started this series, I was uneducated and unaware of how vulnerable a refugee truly is and how I thought I could not make a difference. However, I see that there are simple ways that we can indeed make a difference by loving God, loving the other, and changing the world one step at a time.  

If we simply begin with prayer then God will lead us each individually on our next step.

This week we will learn how to embrace the other. One way we can further our knowledge and understand how to welcome, listen and embrace the other is by learning more.

The following books are great starters:

• Seeking Refuge: On the Shrore of the Global Refugee Crisis 
• Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens
• Christians at the Border by M. Daniel Carroll
• Fear of the Other by Will Willimon

If you missed this week's Refugee Forum, check out our podcast here to listen and learn more.

As a church, we desire nothing more than for you to grow spiritually and grow deeper in your faith. That is why we purchased something called Right Now Media which is the "Netflix of Bible Studies and Resources". This is something that we offer free to you and your entire family. There is a book on there called I am N, as well as a variety of other topics for youth, children, marriage, leader studies, and more. 

You will receive an email next week inviting you to Right Now Media. Be sure to register through that email or you can register here for free. 

HOW CAN WE HEAR THE CRY OF THE NEEDY RIGHT IN OUR COMMUNITY?

As we finish, this series, we continue to learn and grow and reach out to others. Please consider purchasing school supplies for our Giftmart families. Amazing relationships have formed with our schools over the past few years and the families we have met are near and dear to our hearts. Pray and seek how you can contribute to these students and families on the margins.

The list of supplies can be found here. Please bring the school supplies in to any campus and drop them in the marked boxes by August 8.

We Are Not Afraid To Welcome

"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:17-19 NIV

Recently, a woman mentioned she felt like she was missing something. I could tell she didn’t know exactly what was missing. She came to me for advice because she felt an uneasiness had crept into her heart like an unwelcome guest. A void within her had been created and she wasn’t really sure how it happened. As Western Christians, we are primed to believe we are to do something in response to our feelings. For example, the voice in our head or someone we respect prescribes we read more chapters of the bible, pray more, attend worship and serve more often. It’s almost as if we expect that doing something is a magic pill that can reduce our anxiety and make us feel better. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to just feel better. I want to be better. The only way I can be better is to focus on my intimacy with God. 

For those of you who can identify with my friend and feel like you need to do something: Wes Griffin, CEO of the International Leadership Institute, suggests there are ways to develop intimacy with God. Here are some questions to help with a personal inventory:

1. Have I settled for a spiritual life that is superficial and shallow? 

Shallowness or superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant gratification is primarily a spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a great number of intelligent or gifted people but for a deep people. (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth.) 

2. Have I used the excuse that I am too busy to develop a robust spiritually invigorating relationship with God? 

Failure to prioritize God because of the tyranny of the urgent can leave us running from deadline to deadline with no time to develop relationships. Intimacy is developed from a deep spiritual place of necessity much like the air we breathe or water we drink. 

3. Do I truly know God?

Information can be a cleverly disguised idol. A focus on information instead of intimacy with God will eventually leave us empty. We can study biblical theology, Christian history, the creeds—even the bible itself and yet not experience true intimacy with God. Knowledge about God is not the equivalent of having a deep, meaningful relationship with God.

4. Have I practiced humility with God?

Unconfessed sins like unbelief, unforgiveness and disobedience can lead to spiritual train wrecks. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want it to go. Answers to big questions are illusive. We attempt to take control of a situation only to jump the train from the tracks. Disgust, failure, blame, resentment, anger and a host of other emotions come and sit alongside the wreckage. Humility can renew our right relationship with God. Forgiveness is key. 

For those of you who identify with my friend and feel like you need to try something new: do nothing. 

Stop trying so hard. Simply notice your emotions without judgment, blame or guilt. Once we quiet the anxious, rebellious, ‘do something’ mind we can recognize how foreign we truly are to the ways and means of God. I believe it is God’s will we live an intimate spiritual life with him. He must be the first priority of our lives. We can then be open to his purpose and plan for our lives. We can accept he’s God, trust him and live as foreigners in his land of grace, humility and forgiveness. Foreigners. That’s who we are! We don’t really know the first thing about grace. Grace does’t belong to us. We did not invent it. But, we are meant to receive it. Once we receive grace ourselves, we can allow it to flow through us toward others. Could a love for foreigners actually be generated from God? To love a foreigner may mean we learn to accept there are things we can change and there are things we cannot change in this world. We are not God. This is a foreign concept for some of us. But, the benefits of this wisdom have eternal significance for us and others.

Sunday, we welcome Keith Draper from World Relief at our Naperville campus. We will also host an International Potluck and Forum following worship in the Community Room. Our own Faith Promise partners Randy and Susan Roberts will share what’s happening in Jordan with their ministry to refugees. Corey Ashley will challenge us to discover God’s style of hospitality. Invite someone to come along with you. Listen. Learn. Be challenged. Be loved. Be amazed. Maybe like my friend, you may find what is missing in your own spiritual life among other foreigners. See you Sunday.

We are Not Afraid to Listen

"Our problem in regard to fear, is that we fear the Other more than we fear the God who commands, "Love each other." - Will Willimon

Fear is such an intense feeling in our lives that can be harmful or helpful. It can get our adrenaline going and get us out of a tough situation. It can also paralyze us and keep us stuck from moving forward.  

Is listening one of those things we fear in life?  

Do we have a natural inclination to hear others?  

Are we open to meeting strangers and hearing their story?  

Can we hear the cry of the needy?  

I am reading a great book, that I would highly suggest reading, called Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love by Will Willimon. We may very well be born in sin, which includes a fear of the other, but we are also created in the image of God. 

Willimon says, "Lest we speak too negatively of our genetic evolutionary inheritance of fear-or-foe and flight from the potentially threatening Other, we also ought to note the neurological evidence that we are hard-wired for social interconnectivity as well."

Science writer David Rock cites research that shows when we experience a threat we (1) think less clearly, (2) have difficulty receiving and assimilating new information, (3) make mistakes in perception and interpretation, coming to false deductions, and (4) tend to respond negatively to situations, focusing on the downside and taking few risks. 

Our fear of others closes us off from hearing them, learning about them, responding to them. Yet, our God is a God who hears the cries of all his people. And we as Christians, are called to hear the cry of the needy. How can we set aside our fears long enough to listen?

Come to worship this Sunday to learn how we don’t have be afraid to listen.  It is one of those first steps we can make. This Sunday we will hear from Emily Gray, the Executive Director from World Relief in Oswego and Rev. Kim Neace in Naperville.

LEARN MORE

Next week, July 17, we invite you to bring your friends, neighbors, and family to Naperville at 11:30 a.m. for an International Potluck/Refugee Forum, where you can learn more about what we can do together to care for the refugee.  

We will host Keith Draper from World Relief, Randy Roberts one of our Faith Promise Partners, and Corey Ashley, our resident theologian. Sign up here to bring an item for the potluck.

"Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered." Proverbs 21:13

We Are Not Afraid

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”― William Wilberforce

There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out all fear. I John 4:18

I know very little about refugees. I don’t have any friends that are refugees. Before Bill and I visited Jordan last January, I basically got my information about refugees from the media. I’d already made up my mind about how I felt about people immigrating to the US following the catastrophic attacks in Paris. I watched several news shows about the migration of Syrians to Europe and the tragic stories of families lost at sea running from the atrocious actions in their country.  I’ve traveled to the Middle East on numerous occasions. I love the people and the culture of the Holy Land but felt that the US needed be cautious about allowing large numbers of people into our country. The depth of my knowledge could’ve filled a thimble. 

While in Jordan working with Syrian and Iraqi refugees, I received an invitation to attend The GC2 Summit hosted by The Billy Graham Institute. The GC2 moniker is a symbol for The Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Both initiatives were entrusted to followers of Jesus Christ. I invited a few of our staff members to attend the conference with me. The general response was overwhelming. The organizers moved the conference venue to Community Christian Church in Naperville to accommodate those willing to take a full day to learn more about refugees and wrestle with how God may be calling the church to respond. You may watch video from that conference here.

Major Evangelical partners for the event included, The Billy Graham Center for Evangelism (BGCE), the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College (HDI), and LifeWay Research. The gathering on January 20, 2016, focused on equipping Christians and churches to connect with and serve refugees and refugee communities both domestically and internationally. This event featured top speakers like Rich Sterns (World Vision), Bill Hybels (Willow Creek Community Church), Rick Warren (Saddleback Community Church), Christine Caine (A21), Stephan Bauman (World Relief) and many others who used biblical principles to help Christians and churches better understand their responsibility to show and share the love of Jesus Christ to refugees and their communities. On December 17, 2015, over 100 denominational, network, and non-profit leaders signed the Christian Declaration on Caring for Refugees: An Evangelical Response as a first step toward answering the call of Jesus Christ and this humanitarian disaster.

I felt Christ’s call to do something. It was His voice speaking to me as I listened to each speaker challenge me. My first priority is to learn the facts and then share them with others. I believe it is the Holy Spirit’s role to ignite a passion within you for lost people but you must decide for yourself to step up and do something. The July message series is titled 'We Are Not Afraid'. We will discover biblical refugee stories, learn more about refugees and pray about what we believe God is calling us to do in response to the refugee crisis. There are several events planned to help equip us during the sermon series. Wheatland has partnered with World Relief to offer two options to learn directly from the experts. Bring your favorite international dish to share with others at the forum where World Relief representative Keith Draper, our own Faith Promise partners from Jordan and our resident scholar/theologian Corey Ashley will be available so we can ask real questions and learn together. 

July 10, Oswego campus will host a World Relief Experience Day with Emily Gray, the Executive Director of World Relief. Invite friends to attend and learn with you. 

July 17, Naperville campus will host a World Relief Experience Day and International Potluck Forum with Keith Draper. Invite friends to attend and learn with you.

World maps will be present at both locations during the month of July. You can learn more about our Thumbprint Project here. "It may be more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier.", UN Force Commander Major General Patrick Camembert. Learn more about women and children in crisis. 

Some people may question why we are venturing into such a controversial topic this summer. I believe it is God’s call for us to pay attention to our neighbors. After all, isn’t our Wheatland Salem vision statement to Love God, Love others, Change the world? See you Sunday as we kick-off our We Are Not Afraid month!

Stay Hydrated

He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. Psalm 107:35 ESV

Most of us have the luxury of being able to fill a glass of water from the tap and drink it. Some of us can pack a glass full of ice and get cold water from the dispenser located on the outside of our refrigerator at home. I guess it’s a first-world problem when we complain about the icemaker freezing up or if we recognize the little red light reminding us the water filter needs to be changed again. I bet you could tell me a story of how refreshing a cool drink of water felt on a hot day after mowing the lawn, riding rollercoasters all day at a theme park or after playing soccer for hours during a weekend tournament. Isn’t it interesting how parched we can get while just lying on the beach or fishing for hours from the boat? 

Every summer we hear harrowing reports from people who miraculously emerge from being lost in the wilderness. Try to imagine the astonishing effects of water as it quenches a shriveled body that has been wandering in the desert for days. Intense feelings of desperation and then exhilaration come to mind. The human body cannot go very long without water. Our lives depend on it. Thirst signals us when we are depleted. It is the body’s early warning system. We can feel tired, cold all the time and lose our mental concentration. Dehydration can be dangerous over time. We put our major organs at risk and the complex systems designed to keep us humming along at optimum health become stressed or irritated without sufficient water. But, we don’t have to wander in the desert to experience dehydration. Physicians and researchers tell us many of our chronic physical ailments are due to insufficient hydration. I’ve known more than a few people who returned from the doctor’s office visit disappointed because their physician told them the solution to their problem was to drink more water. So, let me encourage you to listen to the doctor. Drink more water.

The wilderness can be a desolate place filled with chaos and danger. But, it’s not limited to a geographic location. The bible refers to the wilderness as a spiritual metaphor where people learn to trust and rely on God. I've felt isolated and desperate more than once as I wandered through a spiritual wilderness on my own. But I can assure you the wilderness can also be a place of spiritual refinement and where we can find God. I know I did. My time in the desert taught me many things. For a refreshing perspective, I included a video from Ray Vanderlaan titled Walking with God in the Desert. ***  Ray is one of my favorite biblical scholars and teachers. I met Ray in Israel while I was teaching about the variety of Temple stones at the base of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. I hope you learn something rejuvenating from Ray.

Sunday is the last message from the Summer Survival Guide Series titled Stay Hydrated: the Practice of Being Present to God. We will celebrate baptisms at both campuses this weekend. How refreshing. Isn’t God good? See you Sunday. Stay hydrated.

***https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AjnnhKVqsw

Hello Stranger

1. Are you a natural at beginning conversations with people you do not know? 
2. Can you talk about issues rationally, defend your beliefs, and be open to the perspectives of others among strangers? 
3. What is the most important thing you learned from a child, teen or young adult you do not know?
4. Would your loved ones describe you as someone who listens well to others?
5. Whose advice do you follow?
6. Would your friends describe you as a good friend, and introduce you to their other good friends?
7. How have you made amends toward an individual or a people group you misjudged, hurt or harmed, even if unintentionally?
8. Have you ever been prompted to talk with a stranger and ignored it?
9. Do you look for opportunities to talk with people about your practice of Christianity?
10. Do people earn your trust or do you offer it freely?

Summer travel puts us into contact with strangers. Most of us will have a one-time encounter with people at the campground, airport or gas station and never think twice about it. Other times, an unknown person can make a lasting impact on our lives. Uninvited guests can upset everything or they can become a welcomed intrusion. We can be introduced to way more than we bargained for when we are open to strangers. I believe Abraham and Sarah had no idea what was about to take place as they offered hospitality to three strangers who visited their camp. The Lord God was at work building a foundation of faith that would change their lives forever.

Imagine what may happen if your next encounter with a stranger garnered eternal significance. Whose life could be altered toward Kingdom building goals? What might God begin in you? Connected, devoted and generous Christians understand that every encounter can have the potential for eternal significance. Join us Sunday for worship or attend a small group. Invite your dad to come with you for Father’s Day. It is a day of celebration. We honor the great men in our lives and will hear more about Abraham and Sarah. Maybe you’ll meet someone you don’t know along the way and your life could be changed forever. See you Sunday.

"Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:14 NIV

Get Lost

Bill and I watched an episode of Man vs Wild last night. A guy by the name of Bear Grylls got lost with his camera crew in the Red Rock country of Utah. The scenery was spectacular. Bear gave us an up-close and personal 60-minute survival course on how to overcome the obstacles of being lost for several days in the remote area of the Mohave Plateau. Bear instructed us as his survival expert audience. His purpose for this extreme classroom experience was to equip us so we could survive in these extreme conditions for days as we meandered our way back to civilization. This episode included biting a live Garter snake in two and using it’s guts for fishing bait. Extreme, yes, but that’s what life is all about in the wild.

Most people hate getting lost. Unexpected delays, remote detours or wrong turns down one-way streets can escalate rapidly into emotionally charged situations.  I can vividly recall stories of getting my head ‘bitten off’ for merely suggesting what direction we should go. Few of us want to back-track fifty miles of interstate because we missed the turn. Married couples have fought about which direction to take since we emerged from caves, so this is nothing new. Have you ever stopped to think about why we wig-out when we get lost? It may have something to do with our vulnerability.

Vulnerability is the state of being open to injury. Being vulnerable makes us susceptible to being wounded and leaves us open for attack, criticism and temptation. So, how we deal with our own vulnerability depends on how we are equipped to deal with situations that emerge in real life not just extreme conditions. Life is unpredictable. We cannot control anyone or anything. As followers of Jesus, the only control we are authorized to develop is self-control. So, developing a sense of peace and calm in the middle of a tense situation or extreme conditions takes practice. In order to get to the expert level—we need to put ourselves into harms way so we can practice what we learn and be tested.

Abraham and Sarah

Two characters in the Old Testament carry as much clout as Abraham and Sarah. The stamina of these two old people is truly inspiring to me. I can only imagine how these two fought with each other daily about the obstacles they faced. God is too loving and compassionate to give a blow by blow account of the behind the scenes look at their travels. I could only imagine the reality show of what life was like with these two biblical heavy weights on the road. I can totally relate to them. As someone who’s been married for almost nineteen years, I know how selfish I am. I know how controlling I can be and how much I try to avoid being vulnerable. I love having my way or discovering the winning answer. Sometimes I want to put my ideas on a banner and run down the middle of the road claiming to the world I had one good idea. I am tempted with the notion that just once I could shout, “I told you so!” I believe I could sit and drink iced tea with Sarah. We could talk. We could laugh. Sarah is known for her laughter.

Imagine how getting lost can actually build our faith in God. It helps us practice the art of being vulnerable. We can become open to outcomes we could not imagine without God. Faith in God helps establish where exactly our help comes from and how living out faithful obedience can be the most exhilarating way to live life in the extreme conditions we face daily. Eugene Peterson writes about faith in this way: The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. (Hebrews 11:1-2 The Message) Abraham and Sarah are certainly distinguished. They are credited with righteousness because they trusted God and headed out in a general direction. They were open to outcome. Eventually, God made a covenant with Abraham that continues to effect us to this day. 

Get lost and get off the beaten path is the third Summer Survival Guide practice we will talk about Sunday. The story of Abraham and Sarah might also inspire us to soften our hearts toward those who are lost and don’t know it. The job description Luke identified for the Jesus comes to mind: For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. (Luke 19:10 NIV) So, go ahead and get lost. Try something new. Be open to an outcome only God could imagine. You might be amazed what happens along the way. See you Sunday.

Active Rest

Active rest was infused into the fitness industry years ago. Active rest means that during your exercise or workout, instead of sitting on a bench to rest, you are doing one of three things: (1) stretching, (2) hydrating, (3) fine tuning your form. Active rest is sometimes referred to as active recovery which means you are improving your body while you're working not just after.

What we do during our rest time matters whether we are exercising or taking a break from our labors. I don't believe for one minute God intended people to just sit back and do nothing for Sabbath. I learned from a great teacher in Israel that Sabbath was meant to 'soak in God's Word and presence with your family.' WOW! Now that's a lot different than 'refrain from work.' As I listened to the teacher share his insights, I imagined my family gathered together at a meal. We shared personal stories of triumph and challenge anticipating input from the people gathered around us. We also read God's Word and learned to apply God's thoughts and standards to our situations. It is easy to envision but magnificently unrealistic in my situation. I have some training to do if I truly want to honor God with my rest.

One way to interpret the Creation story is to think of the Sabbath Day as the ultimate pinnacle. Sabbath can be the summit where we connect with God and a sense of accomplishment for all our labor. Genesis 2 records it this way: By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:1-2 NIV)

The WOW Factor

The summit is a place of active rest and where we can experience 'the WOW factor.' We can take it all in. Physically, our body is stretched. We become acquainted with an intense need for oxygen and we are very much aware of the vigorous labor required to reach the summit. Mentally, our heart and mind may engage with the breath-taking view from the summit. The expansive beauty of the surroundings can fine-tune our emotional, psychological and intellectual status. Spiritually, some people discover they experience an awakening or much needed sacred reset. The summit can help us accept reality. Our triumphs or challenges are small things in comparison to the great things of God.

To journey beyond the summit would be impossible without hydration. Water replenishes the complex system of the human body. Elite athletes and weekend explorers alike empty water containers or guzzle Gatorade restoring balance to the body's depletion. Water has enormous significance in God's Word. Water wipes out the sin of the earth in Noah's story found in Genesis. Water is divided for Israel's crossing from slavery and separates them from the Promised Land in Exodus. Water cleanses mundane things like cups and makes them holy in Leviticus. Later in God's epic narrative, water becomes significant to followers of Jesus as an initiation into the New Covenant. Remember your baptism and keep it holy. 

Survival Practice #2 is the practice of saying no.

Redeem your Sabbath time this summer. Determine now to say no to mindless scattered wandering through the weekend or long-anticipated vacation. The summer months are prime time for us to rest, relax, and refresh. Be intentional. Find meaning and purpose in accomplishments before moving onto the next. Take a second look at things that may have turned out differently than you expected. Treat your vacation as holy time to draw closer to God and perhaps find a way to include Sabbath practice more frequently into your life. God knew from the beginning we would be tempted to define our worth in our accomplishments. God's desire is for you and me to draw closer to him and experience his love for us as sons and daughters. From the summit of his loving presence, everything pales in comparison and we can bask in his 'WOW factor.'

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Exodus 20:8 NIV

Welcome Summer!

Summer officially begins Memorial Day Weekend. Students and parents are set free from the demand of daily assignments and stressful schedules. Some people go to the lake and others take long anticipated vacations. This Summer we hope to inspire you to experience God in new ways and not let your faith take a vacation. We will identify practical ways to grow your faith and grow more devoted to God as you go to the beach, on a road trip, or grill in the backyard. This series is based loosely on Barbara Brown Taylor’s book An Altar in the World.

Disrupting the normal rat race routine can be the best thing for us. Many people say nature is the best place to experience God. Most of us move so quickly through our regular routines that our surroundings become no more than the blurred scenery we fly past on our way to somewhere else. We pay attention to the speedometer, the wristwatch, the cell phone, the list of things to do, but while on vacation it becomes easier to live in the moment and pay more attention to the present.

We’ll look to the story of Jacob this Sunday as he travelled far from home and was amazed to encounter God in a new way. Imagine setting out for your destination and upon reaching a certain place along the way you decide to stop for the night. You watch the sun set and turn-in for a good night's sleep. During the night, you have a dream. Not just any dream. God speaks directly to you about how to make a direct connection with him.  Jacob experienced God in an unexpected and supernatural way. Jacob was fleeing for his life, away from his father's house, burdened with the choices he made and ignorant of the fact that God was near him and wanted to save him. A ladder was Jacob's direct connection with God like Jesus Christ is our direct connection with God. Jacob awoke from the dream and consecrated that space as holy. He secured the profound meaning of his experience by making an altar and a vow.

Could a similar experience happen for you this Summer? The last place most people look for God is right under their feet. God is close. He is in the everyday activities, accidents and encounters of life. Ask yourself what significance a trip can make to your faith. Could your soul be affected by experiencing God outside your normal routine? Consider the crises that always develop as opportunities for God's grace to work. May you wake up with a renewed sense of God's presence in your life and commit fully to his loving provision of everything you and your family will ever need.

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth. Genesis 28:20-22 NIV

Love's Redeeming Work

'Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? (Charles Wesley, 1739)

Early Days

Charles Wesley was the eighteenth child born to Samuel and Susannah Wesley. He was born prematurely in December 1707 and appeared to be dead. He lay silent in the midst of the clamor of the Wesley household for weeks. Charles survived infancy and later joined his other siblings for daily classes with his mother, Susannah, who knew Greek, Latin, and French. He learned methodically along with the other Wesley children for six hours a day. Charles then spent 13 years at Westminster School, where the only language allowed in public was Latin. He added nine years at Oxford, where he received his master's degree.

Into Adult Years

While at Oxford University, Charles formed the Holy Club. John Wesley joined the Holy Club after his return to Oxford University in 1729. Holy Club members fasted until 3 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, received Holy Communion once each week, studied and discussed the Greek New Testament and the Classics each evening in a member’s room, and visited (after 1730) prisoners and the sick. They each systematically brought their personal lives under strict review. The members of the Holy Club were called "methodists." In 1735 Charles and John, ordained clergy of the Church of England, set out as missionaries to the colony of Georgia.

Crisis of Faith

The missionary expedition to Georgia was a failure. Charles experienced a crisis of faith and was in deep need of conversion. After returning to England, Charles taught English to Moravian pastor Peter Böhler. Peter prompted Charles to consider the state of his soul more deeply. May 1738, Charles began reading Martin Luther's volume on Galatians while recovering from a serious illness. He wrote in his diary, "I labored, waited, and prayed to feel 'He who loved me, and gave himself for me.'" He shortly found himself convinced, and journaled, "I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoice in hope of loving Christ." Two days later he began writing a hymn celebrating his conversion.

Musical Theology

Charles could be considered one of the founders of contemporary Christian music. Hymn singing was very important to the evangelical revival in the eighteenth century. Hymns became a means of expressing joy and teaching scriptural truth. Charles Wesley's hymns often paraphrased scripture as well as the Anglican Prayer Book. Charles was said to have averaged 10 poetic lines a day for 50 years and was able to capture the universal human experience in singable lyrics. He wrote 8,989 hymns, 10 times the volume composed by Isaac Watts. Watts is considered the world's greatest hymn writer composing such hymns as "Joy to the World" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Charles Wesley created some of the most memorable and lasting hymns of the church: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Can It Be," "O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing," "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," "Soldiers Of Christ, Arise," and "Rejoice! The Lord Is King!"

Happy Marriage and Legacy

Charles married Sarah Gwynne in 1749. The age gap between Charles and Sarah Wesley was nearly twenty years but they were both attracted to each other. The Wesleys were not known for their happy marriages. But from all accounts, Charles and Sarah were very happy. They had a number of children but only three survived to be adults. Following Charles' death, Sarah Wesley was cared for by William Wilberforce, the leader of the movement to abolish slave trade.

"Love's redeeming work is done, Fought the fight-the battle won. Death in vain forbids him rise, Christ has opened paradise, Aleluia!" (Charles Wesley, 1739)