Called Out

I try to start every day with some alone time in my living room with my Bible, my journal, a pen, and an open heart to God. It's simply my way of trying to dedicate each and every day to the Savior of the World, the Creator of the Universe.

Honestly, some days are AMAZING. Other days, it seems pretty ordinary. I know that's not what I (or God, for that matter) desire, but it's the way it is.

Today was one of those amazing days, a day that calls me to action.

After doing my normal reading, I had this thought pop up that I should read Isaiah 42 & 43. I wasn't sure why, but I didn't figure that mattered. All that mattered was that I go read and listen for anything that would stand out to me. And then I came across this . . .

"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the desert
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,

the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise."

As I read these words, I had this strong impression that I needed to receive them as a message for God regarding the Gardner campus and Indian Creek Community Church as a whole.

God is doing a new thing at Indian Creek. It's a new chapter. A new work of His grace in and through us. In the desert and wasteland of our society (a place where hope is being lost and where what used to placate our need for true life is failing), God is launching a stream of living water for His people. A stream of living water that will lead to everlasting life. I believe the Gardner campus is a part of the fresh work that God wants to do in Gardner. I also believe that God wants to see His streams of living water flowing from the other churches already in the Gardner community. The campus we are launching is one part of the whole, the Church of God, the People of God.

I know this can sound like convenient reading of the Bible, picking out something that simply makes us feel good. But, I don't think that is what's going on here. Because the verse that caused me to go back and read the text above was this one:

"Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob,
you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel."

I believe God is calling me, and the Gardner campus, to a place of reliant prayer. Here is what I wrote in my journal:

You are making a new way for people who are far from You in Gardner. That
they may experience Your streams of life. You are doing
the work! But, You desire to use us, Your people. However, we must become humble
before Your throne. Lay open before You. You are asking for total submission, no
holding back. This is not a call to one person or family, but to a
community.

I will be in the Prayer Room at Indian Creek Community Church tonight from 6:30 - 7:30pm on my knees before God. I would love for you to join me there.

I read an interesting article today about the legacy of our nation's 43rd President. It's written by a guy who attended the Civil Forum on Global Health held in Washington, D.C. on World Aids Day. Rick Warren conducted an interview with President Bush that centered around PEPFAR and it's impact in Africa over the past few years.

I thought it was a great read. You'll need to set aside a few minutes to read it, but I highly recommend that you do so. I'm guessing this is a side of American politics that you don't think about too often. I know I don't. Read it here.

I don't want to editorialize too much here, but I have to say that reading this encourages me. I am a member of the ONE Campaign, and I'm proud that our country is doing something to help those in need of help across our globe. I know there can be a TON of disagreement about many things when it comes to our current Presidential administration, but I hope that this encourages you in the same way it encourages me. Every tax penny that I've given that has gone to this type of work is totally worth it.

Official activity regarding the Gardner Campus kicks off this week! I'm pumped! I'm praying every single day (often multiple times a day) for this effort. It's exciting to see some of the first things beginning to take shape.

Here's a run-down of what's going on:

• Free Hot Chocolate and Coffee - Several folks who are a part of the Gardner campus will be handing out free hot chocolate and coffee to anyone who attends Santa's Workshop, an event hosted by the Gardner Parks and Recreation Department. It's going to be a great time of celebrating Christmas with our community from 5-6:30pm. Come join the fun!
• Neighborhood Christmas Desserts - In the next week two Gardner families will be inviting their friends and neighbors over to their house for a relaxed time of sharing life and tasty desserts. What a perfect way to share the love of Christ with your neighbors! Way to go! Want to host one at your house? Go for it! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you out.
• Gardner Hour of Power - I'd like to invite anyone who's willing to join me in prayer for the Gardner campus to show up next Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm. We'll meet in the Prayer Room for a time of seeking God and listening to His heart.

There are a TON of other things coming, and I'll post more on that later. I just wanted to throw this out there now. This is going to be a GREAT WEEK!

What exciting is going on in your life these days?

As most of you that read this know, we are heading towards planting a campus of Indian Creek Community Church in Gardner, KS. A few things have been decided, and many more things are in the works.

We have come to final decision that the campus will begin meeting in April 2009. Hopefully, we will have a meeting location determined in the next week or two. Some very encouraging conversations are taking place.

Do you want to hear the latest about what's going on with the Gardner Campus? Drop me an email, and I'll add you to our update list (the first edition of which will come out this week).

Please keep praying! Exciting things are under way!

I don't know that I even know what to say . . .

Two headlines in our news today:

Wal-Mart worker trampled; two shot at toy store

Indian official: Terrorists wanted to kill 5,000

I know we, in America, like our "stuff", but seriously!!! I don't know where to begin. My heart has been wrecked by this stuff that's happening in India. But, somehow the perspective on life still doesn't seem to hit home with the bulk of our society.

There are travesties and injustices all over the world, and we can't stop our self-indulgent consumption long enough to make sure the guy we're (literally) stepping on/over is alright.

This disturbs me.

It also motivates me. As the stories pour in from Black Friday in the midst of the worst economic crisis we've seen in decades (say some experts), it is overwhelming to me the reality that our world needs Jesus more than ever.

He has a better way to live. It doesn't have to be like this. He came to redeem it all, and has invited us to take part in the work.

That's what I want to give my life to. I have no desire to perpetuate this system of doing things.

God, may Your Kingdom come, may Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven . . .

Seriously, what else do I need to say?

Here's the question that I've been asked a lot lately: what's different about Indian Creek - Gardner?

I think that question is coming from two different angles:

1) How will it be different from Indian Creek - Olathe?
2) How will it be different from other churches in the Gardner area?

I'm going to tackle question #1 today, and #2 later this week.

Let's just be blatantly clear for a moment. We are planting another campus of Indian Creek Community Church. That means we're one church in two locations. Maybe another way to think about it is this: this fall, we added a Sunday night service at 5:00pm in Olathe. In 2009, we'll be adding services in Gardner.

Our vision and mission won't be changing. In fact, it's the whole reason we're expanding to a new location. We are completely committed to helping people find their way back to God. That's what we're about down the tips of our toes. It's our driving vision.

When we talk about how we're going to do that, we simplify it down to six words: Love God, Love People, Live Out. That's our mission, our way of life.

As we plant locations all across the KC Metro, these things aren't going to change.

However, at every location, we will have a series of objectives, strategies, and tactics that may vary, as we see fit. After all, every community has its own unique needs, opportunities, and challenges.

As I dream about Gardner, I get excited about a helping build a community of people who genuinely and authentically love their neighbors and long to see them know Christ. I get excited about being at the forefront of a movement of justice and generosity throughout the community. A movement sparked by a community of people who intentionally, generously, and sacrificially serve their city. A community that meets the needs it sees, combats the inequities that it faces, and warmly welcomes anyone as a part of the growing family.

What about you? What do you see in Gardner?

Sarah and I met with Wayne Janner tonight to fill out all of the paperwork to put our house on the market. If all goes as planned, the house is officially for sale this Friday. We're praying that God does what only He can do, and everything moves quickly from here.

It's almost surreal to be in our home these days. We've made so many improvements and changes over the past couple of months, that it almost doesn't seem like our house. On top of that, we've moved furniture around, hidden stuff that is normally out for easy access, and packed things away in boxes. It's almost like we're living in someone else's home.

We've never sold a house before, so this is new for us. But, in all of the strange thoughts, there is definitely an underlying sense and feeling that this is the right thing to do.

Please pray for us. We are definitely excited about everything that's around the corner in our lives. We're praying for God's guidance and discernment in all decisions.

We feel privileged to be on the ride of our lives!

Been loving the thinking of Ed Stetzer lately, here's an excerpt from one of his blog posts:

We can put ourselves in a position to talk about the gospel through an understanding of culture. Paul didn't ask the people to come to him; he went where they were. He listened. He examined. He learned. Then he spoke. We can do the same thing.

It's called cultural engagement. But not in the surface-level, doing-what's-hip-so-people-will-like-us variety that we sometimes see played out. It's being relevant in the look-at-what's-happening-at-the-core-of-who-people-are-variety. It's loving people as they are but then showing them a better way.

In Athens the culture of the day was one of debate. That may not necessarily be the best mode of conversation in your circles. But maybe a helpful approach is to look deeper at the themes of films as a way of entering into talks about what seems to be driving or motivating humanity today--and then having conversations about a new way of life. Maybe it's time to read books of substance so that you might have conversations of substance. Maybe you need to go to the places where real people live real (and sometimes messy) lives and have honest conversations. Regardless of the method, it's about meeting people where they are and then giving them the choice to go further.

Wander through your own Athens. Look at the cultural idols. Let this burden your mind and spark your imagination. Let godly passion drive you to say "Give me Athens or I die." Then confidently share the gospel with those who may see its uncluttered message, trust its validity, and receive its Savior--Jesus Christ. You don't have to make the gospel, God, or the Bible relevant. They're already relevant. But we need to find relevant means to communicate that eternal truth.

As we look toward planting a campus of Indian Creek in Gardner, this ideology is at the core. How do we meet people where they are? How do we share the timeless truth of the love and hope of Jesus Christ in a way that directly intersects with the needs of those around us?

There's really only one way: be with people. Know them. Become invested in their lives. Hear their joys, struggles, triumphs, and pains. Celebrate the good, grieve the loss. As God's messengers to the world, He's asking us to get up-close and personal with people. But, how?

Want a simple idea?

Have your neighbors over to your house. Keep it simple. Invite a few families over for a low-key Christmas dessert reception, a simple time of getting to know one another at a personal level. Invite one family over for dinner.

It doesn't have to be fancy. It just has to be real.

That's what we're longing to be able to do in Gardner. Meet people where they're at, and share the transforming love of Christ with them in how we live our lives.

Would you join us on the journey to reach Gardner?

We're addicted to safety aren't we? For some reason, our default setting, as people, is to gravitate toward the predictable, the risk-free, and the secure. But, why?

What do we have to lose? Money? Status? Power?

I think the missing consideration for most of us is what are we putting at risk by choosing the safe path?

Is it possible that the most exciting, most fulfilling, most meaningful moments in our lives will only happen if we actually risk the things that we so often strive to protect?

These days, I'm seeking to seize the moments that God puts in front of me. I want to be available for the divine to unfold from what appears to be mundane. However, to do that, I have to be available. I have to be ready to take a chance. If I hold everything back, if I keep things risk-free, it is unlikely that I will ever experience the full life that God has for you and me.

So, here I go again. Hands and heart open, ready to seize the moments that cross my paths.

Will you join me in the adventure?

One of my critical shortcomings as a person is my tendency towards independence. All of my life, I have been a "do it yourself" type of guy.

Back in the school days, when a group project came about, I did a majority of the work, allowing many people to ride my coattails, so that I could get the grade I wanted. I didn't want to place any of the determining of my success on the shoulders of others.

As I transitioned into adulthood, the tendency remained. There weren't many goals that I set in life that I didn't figure out a way to achieve. The culture around me encouraged this behavior. (George Barna reports that 92% of Americans claim to be independent.) Earn it yourself. Achieve it yourself. Figure it out yourself. If you could do that, you're considered an "achiever" or "entrepreneur" or "go-getter". It becomes a slippery slope. Noble independence can easily become prideful, arrogant, and egotistical living.

The problem is, when you head down this path, there is a lot about life that is merely a charade. Truth be told, I don't know all that I need to know about almost any situation. There is always more wisdom and insight to gain. I don't have all of the skills I need to navigate life's twists and turns. There is still a lot of room in my toolbox for more life tools. I don't have all of the resources (time, talent, treasure) to address the obstacles in my path.

And I think God wants it to be this way.

I spent some time in the book of 1 Corinthians 12 this morning. Go ahead, read what it says.

I like the way that Craig Groeschel put it in his book It:

You can't experience it alone. God wants you to share it. And yet for so many, the goal is to be independent. These well-intentioned people fail to realize that to be independent is to be distinctly non-Christian.

The fact of the matter is this: I NEED You! It's true, I do. In every way, shape, and form my life will be at it's max when I am in an interdependent relationship with you and a dependent relationship with God. The same is true for you. You NEED Me. That's how God made us.

So, I'm opening my life up to more and more people. I'm being as real and honest as I know how to be. I'm trying to love others in a genuine and compassionate way. I'm putting myself out there, believing it's a better way to live. I know that will lead to some pain in my life. But, I think it will be worth it.

So, how about you? You living life independently? What if you could engage in real, authentic relationships with others? How would that change things?

We all love a freebie, don't we? I do. I love when I get something that I didn't have to "work" for. It's a nice treat.

On Election Day, I stood in line with 30 of my closest friends (translate that as: "people I've never met before") to get a free 12-oz. cup of coffee from Starbucks because I was wearing an "I Voted" sticker. My wife went by Chick-fil-A to get a free sandwich from her sticker, but passed it up because the line was nearly as long as the day that the restaurant first opened. Yesterday, I heard several people bragging of their free sandwich, donut, scoop of ice cream, etc.

We all love a freebie. Check that, we all want a freebie.

Millions of people play the lottery each week or shove money into casino slot machines. What are they looking for? A freebie. Millions of dollars that didn't have to do a thing to earn.

Whether it's sandwiches or money or success or fame, we see how it is that our culture seems to want things . . . as a freebie.

I think we do the same thing spiritually. We go to church, turn on the radio, open up our Podcasts, or meet with our pastor looking for a free dose of the Word of God. After all, isn't it more efficient to get my plate full of Jesus at the drive through window than to actually mix it up in the kitchen of life and get engaged in the process?

I'm challenged by the words of the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, this morning:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

I'll be honest. I'm that guy that sometimes simply looks for a freebie from someone else rather than put in the effort on my own.

But, I want to be a man of discipline. I want to be a man who is consistently approaching the Throne of God. I want to be a man who is personally asking, seeking, and knocking longing to hear from God's heart. I want to put in the work that is required. I don't want to survive on freebies alone.

You know, freebies are nice. I love reading and hearing what other people are learning. There is a TON that I can learn from other sojourners who are following God. There is nothing inherently wrong with subscribing to blogs, listening to podcasts, or reading books. There's nothing wrong with having a TON of spiritual conversations with pastors, mentors, and friends. However, if that is the total of our spiritual lives, I think we'll end up feeling disappointed and empty.

We must spend time reading the Bible ourselves. We must spend time in personal prayer. We must engage in individual reflection and evaluation. And, like an athlete, we all need to find the "training rhythms" that work best for us. For me, it's first thing in the morning. For you, it might be something different. It's not about simply plugging into a formula. It's about engaging in an intentional relationship with the Creator of the Universe.

If that's something you struggle with, I'm right there with you. Spiritual discipline and personal ownership is an area that I'm growing in these days.

What works for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Nearly 24 hours ago, I watched with millions of others around the country and around the globe as Obama was crowned President Elect. New media stations took us from location to location around the country showing parties in the streets, people weeping with joy, and others showing us their Obama-love.

I will say this, many of the tears of joy I celebrate in too. I'm proud that we will finally have an African-American President. It's a shame that it took us this long to get to this point. Race is still a HUGE issue in the U.S., and I pray that this will take us one step closer to the dreams that Dr. King so eloquently shared in years gone by.

But, as I watched last night, I was struck with an odd, nagging feeling that pulled down my spirits. I couldn't fully identify it. But, I was tired, so I went to sleep.

When I woke up this morning to spend some time praying and reading from the Scriptures, that same nagging feeling was still there. So, I took it to prayer. And, here's the realization I had:

Barack Obama is just a man.

As I read the articles, listen to the interviews, and see the recaps of the celebrations, I've come to see that many people (maybe millions) are putting their hope and trust in Barack Obama. They are desperate for something better. A bad economy, volatile real estate market, unaffordable health care system, and an uncertain future has sapped them of their hope, confidence, joy, and peace in life. They've listened to this brilliant man's words, and they've placed their hope in him. In many ways, they've made him their . . . savior.

That makes me sad.

Not because they chose to put their hope in Obama, but because they have chosen to put their hope in a man and a man-made governmental system.

Consider the words of Psalm 146:

Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.

When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.

At the core of my being, I believe that only God can save us from what ails us. Only God can be counted on to provide lasting hope and help. This is the message that the Church has been given to bring to the world!

We have the message of hope!

We have the message of security!

We have the message of peace!

We have the message of purpose!

We have THE message. We have been chosen by God to be His messengers.

Church, please be salt and light to this world that is searching and longing for hope and help. Please be the hands and feet of the body of Christ to those who need a hug and to those that need a ride on your shoulders. This is OUR job, not the government's.

I want to be a part of a community of faith that boldly proclaims the message of Christ through our actions and attitudes in the world. I want to be a part of a community of faith that loves without exceptions. I want to be a part of a community of faith that diligently prays for our governmental leaders, that regularly begs for the wisdom of God to fall upon them. I want to be a part of a community of faith that will reach beyond its walls to those who aren't like them (racially, socially, economically, politically).

I want to be the Church!

How about you? What do you want to be?

Well, yesterday I finally got to publicly share an announcement that has been burning in my heart for a couple of months. It was good to share it then, and I want to share it here as well.

Sarah and I are going to plant a church in Gardner, KS.

This will be the second campus of Indian Creek Community Church, and we've never been more excited for what lies ahead for us. We believe God is up to something BIG. We can hardly wait to move there. We're looking forward to investing in the lives of people that we haven't even met yet.

And here's the deal, there's a TON of uncertainty in this. There are so many questions, so many unknowns, so many variables that could go this way or that way, and yet in the midst of that we feel confident.

Confident in the grace of God. He is sufficient for all our needs. We are confident that He'll provide what we need. From strength to courage to peace to joy. From a home buyer to a home to purchase to a generous supporters who will help us have a salary to live on.

In many ways, we are living in faith.

I've read and heard that verse hundreds of times, but these days, it comforts me a great deal.

I think there's something vitally healthy in living in a state of dependence on God. It sharpens you. It invigorates. I think I had become comfortable, and I don't want to be there again.

I've also been encouraged by this song by Sanctus Real. Take a look at the video:

Today I am captured by a thought:

Why don't I ask God for bigger things?

Is it possible for me to outdream God? Is it possible for me to dream of impossible scenarios for Him?

What if God is waiting for me to ask before He provides?

As a dad of a 2 year old, I can wrap my brain around this pretty well. There are times when Jonathan wants something; for the sake of simple reading, let's call it a drink. I know Jonathan wants the drink. I want to give him the drink. In fact, I know that he probably needs the drink. But, as a dad, sometimes I make him ask for it. There are a TON of reasons that I might do this. I may want him to learn to say "please" or to work on his language skills. I might want him to experience his dad as one who provides for him when he asks or needs something. Maybe I just want him to slowly begin the process of humility, learning to ask for help.

Do you think our Heavenly Father would ever take that kind of approach with us?

It occurs to me today, that he might. So, I flipped open my Bible and found a couple of familiar passages that are inspiring me all over again.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. -Jesus, Matt. 7:7-11

You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. - James 4:2-3

So, I'm going to start asking for big things. Obviously, my motivation and heart needs to be pure. But, I'm going to ask all the same, and ask God to refine what is not made of pure gold.

God, this is me asking again. I believe you are ABLE! Amen, so be it.

A few selected verses that stood out to me in John 12 (all quoted from the Amplified Bible). . . .

v. 17 - The group that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from among the dead kept telling it [bearing witness] to others.

v. 24 - I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest.

v. 32 - And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself.

v. 42-43 - And yet [in spite of all this] many even of the leading men (the authorities and the nobles) believed and trusted in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that [if they should acknowledge Him] they would be expelled from the synagogue; for they loved the approval and the praise and the glory that come from men [instead of and] more than the glory that comes from God. [They valued their credit with men more than their credit with God.]

And here's the nagging thought for me today, that I want to wrestle with some more . . .

When Christ is lifted up (praised, magnified, glorified) HE draws people to His marvelous light. Furthermore, I have seen "death to life" transformations in myself and in those around me. I can think of people I know who are truly living today because of the work God did in them that helped them leave behind the dead of their past. So, why do I not continually spread His Good News? Truth is, sometimes I love the approval of men more than the glory of God.

Ouch. That hurts.

I think I'm going to find someone to share the Good News with today. Not in a "shove it down someone's throat" sort of way, but in a "this is my incredible story" sort of way.

How about you? Are you living for the glory of man or the glory of God?

So, I'm beginning to wonder if only the verses that I normally have read over are going to stand out to me. I suppose it makes sense that they would. I've read the book of John many times, but for whatever reason I feel like I have a different set of lenses this time.

Two related sections of John 11 stood out to me.

Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." "But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?" -John 11:7-8

Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." -John 11:16

In the midst of all the turmoil, of His life, Jesus has upset enough folks by threatening the status of power over people that they have tried to sieze him and have nearly stoned him to death. As this interaction is taking place, Jesus and his disciples are out of the immediate line of fire.

And here's Jesus, ready to head back into the center of the chaos.

That doesn't surprise me so much, I guess. After all, he's Jesus. I've come to expect bold, brave, and daring things from him.

But, the words of Thomas . . . those mess with me.

Thomas (and we don't see that any of the 12 argued with him) was willing to die, if that's what it meant to follow Jesus. For Thomas, it wasn't about safety or comfort. It was about obediently following his Master, the Messiah.

And I have to wonder, am I willing to follow Jesus to my own death? In my self-assured moments, I am apt to claim that this is the road that I'm willing to go down. But, I have to admit, I think it's a road that I secretly hope that I don't have to go down.

And I guess that makes sense, we are talking about living after all. But, I think death is as much of a metaphor as it is a reality. For instance, am I willing to follow Jesus in such a way that:

• my financial security is at the risk of death?
• my popularity and social status is at the risk of death?
• my self-centered dreams and ambitions are at the risk of death?
• my pride and carefully constructed public facade is at the risk of death?

I want to be a man that holds nothing back from Jesus . . . even if it means walking toward some type of death. I have a feeling I know which thing in my life He's leading me to place at the risk of death. (Which I will share some other day.)

What about you? What thing in your life might Jesus be leading you to place at the risk of death?

I'm beginning to get this feeling that God is leading me toward some sort of breakthrough that will happen in the remainder of these 21 Days. As I read today, many thoughts popped out, but one had lasting power:

"his sheep follow him because they know his voice"

Today, that's my prayer. "God will you reveal your voice to me."

What has been your prayer lately?

I love the strong emphasis on spiritual sight in John 9, but the phrase that really stuck out to me to day was this one in verse 27:

I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again?

Confession time: I'm not the best listener. I want to be, but sometimes I'm just not. (Go ask my wife, she'll verify this reality.) I've worked really hard to be a better listener of people. And I desire deeply to hear from God. But, I have to admit, I think I've heard God say to me what the healed blind man said to the Jewish leaders.

Ben, I've told you already, and you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again?

Truth is, sometimes I've needed to hear things a second time. But, I want to be a man who moves at the impulse of God's words to me.

So, I'm going to continue to try to eliminate the distracting noises that make it difficult for me to hear God.

What about you? Do you hear the first time?

Well, I apologize for my blogging absence over the weekend. We're working on painting our house and . . . well, you don't care.

Suffice it to say that I didn't make the time to post anything. However, I have been continuing to walk in step with the 21 Day challenge, taking some time in John 8 today.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. - John 8:12

I told you that you would die in your sings; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins. - John 8:24

I don't know how to express the fullness of what swirling in my heart as I re-type these words. I know what Jesus had to say in verse 24 isn't popular. But, I believe it. I really do.

Without the grace of Christ, we are all dead in our sin. Without hope. Without purpose. Without life.

But, the Great News trumps the path of death. If we follow after Christ. If we cling to Him. If we rely on Him. If we trust in Him. If we believe in Him, we will have the light of life.

Today, my heart is grieving over those who don't see this light. My heart is broken for those who don't know.

And then, I remember these thoughts (to quote my wife and Mary):

How many people know what it feels like to be satisfied? To be truly full
and have eaten their fill, enough so that the feeling of hunger is completely
gone? In the same sense, how many people know what it means to feel full
spiritually? To never hunger or thirst for answers or for His loving
arms?

Oh God, may I never lose sight of your love for those who don't know you.

What about you? What are you learning?

Continuing on in the journey. I know this sounds silly, but giving up soda, sweets, dessert, and the like has been a bit harder than I thought it would be. But, it's good. I'm glad for it. Let's just say I'm reminded often of God's presence and good work in my life.

I have to tell you, the more days I use the Amplified Bible for my personal study, the more I like it. For the longest time, I only read it as a reference or study source. But, I am very much enjoying the new ways that I am seeing the Scriptures as I read from it. If you want to know more about the Amplifed Bible, you can go here or here.

As I was reading John 5 this morning in the Amplified Bible (I have been reading multiple translations each day), verses 38-39 really stood out to me:

And you have not His word (His thought) living in your hearts, because you do not believe and adhere to and trust in and rely on Him Whom He has sent. [That is why you do not keep His message living in you, because you do not believe in the Messenger Whom He has sent.]

You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me!

I think there are a lot of us (myself included) who miss out on the life-giving nature of our Heavenly Father because we are too caught up in the intellectual pursuit of knowledge. I really like to learn new things. Consequently, I tend to esteem people and situations that teach me new things. And this, in and of itself, isn't bad. But, if I ever depend on the words (even the words of the Bible) instead of God (who gave them to us), I am missing out on present day manifestation of eternal life in me.

Instead, God wants me to live a life of belief, trust, reliance, and obedience to Him. And when I do that, those words become words of life!

What do you think? Am I off base on this one?

I would love to hear what you have to say.

I hope you're being challenged and stretched as much in this journey as I am. Before I share my thoughts on John 4. I have to point you to my friend, Mary's post on what she's going to be trying as a part of this 21 Day journey. Click here to read about it. She inspires me.

Anyone else want to try her challenge? I'm considering it.

On to John 4 . . .

I had one clear thought stand out today, and it came from verses 13-19.

Jesus offers living water, water that will mean that she will never thirst again. And, strangely enough, he goes straight to her greatest thirst in life.

This woman comes to the well at noon, a time when nobody comes to the well likely due to the heat of the midday sun. Fetching water from the well and taking it home is tough work. But, she likely does this avoid the mumbled comments, sideways glances, and disapproval of others. If she went at a time when nobody else was there, she wouldn't have to be rejected . . . like she has been so many times before.

But, there's Jesus. And he asks her for a drink. Something that you wouldn't do unless you actually found that person valuable in some way. How long has it been since someone found her valuable?

Jesus then offers her living water, in other words: life.

When she asks how to get life, how does Jesus respond? He goes to her greatest place of shame. Go ahead, read it for yourself. How do YOU think she felt?

Here's my revelation this morning: God wants to give me life. And the path to that abundant, overflowing, never-ending life goes through my greatest shame.

The path to life travels directly through my lingering sense of insufficiency. The path to life travels directly through my lame attempts to be the husband and father that my wife and son deserve. The path to life travels directly through my dark, inner secrets.

What about you? Where is the path of life going to travel in your life?

I'm convinced that I will never experience the reality of the "no regrets" life that God has for me until I am willing to allow him to shine His light into the darkest corners of my life and expose the lies for what they are.

What do you think? Share your thoughts . . .

So, the 21 Day journey continues . . .

One of the pieces of this journey is to fast from something, and I wanted to let you know what I've chosen: sweets. No candy, dessert, or soda for three weeks.

Normally this wouldn't be a big deal for me. I'm more of a salty guy than a sweet guy. But, over the past 4-6 weeks, I've noticed that I've been consistently craving sweet snacks. So, I thought this might be the perfect thing for me to give up to be consistently reminded of the presence of God in my life, and His desire to give me a life of "no regrets".

I'm only a couple of days into this, I don't know that I've seen more tempting or delicious desserts than I have over the past couple of days. My house has open bags of Halloween candy, and the lunch I was at yesterday was offering delicious looking desserts for FREE!!! (Those of you that know me know how much I love free stuff!) But, I'm committed to this deal, and I'm looking forward to all that God has to show me.

Now for my thoughts on John 3 . . .

Above all else there is one portion that stood out to me today: verse 3. "No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again."

I don't know about you, but I am constantly asking God to show me what He is up to in this world. I want to see.

I constantly ask questions like:

• God, what are you up to?
• God, who do you want me to talk to?
• God, what do you want me to do?
• God, will you show me your way?

I want to see.

How about you? Are you consistently asking to see?

I believe with all of my heart that God sees the world at a deeper and more meaningful level than I could ever hope to attain. So, I regularly beg Him to show me what I don't see.

This morning, God reminded me that the only way I will see the Kingdom (His work and ways in the world) is for me to continue to live life with a new set of lenses.

The truth is that we all see the world through a set of lenses. And these lenses are colored and tinted by a ton of different factors: self-image, successes, failures, pain, shame, etc.

My lens is often tinted by a sense of insufficiency and inadequacy. Consequently, I work harder. I promise bigger. I hide more.

But the truth is this: I am the child of God.

Where I am weak, He is strong. In fact, in 1 Cor. 12:9, God's Word says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

The new lens that allows me to see His Kingdom is a lens of grace. After all, Jesus didn't come to condemn me, but to save me from the broken lenses through which I see the world.

How about you? What lenses do you see the world through?

Day 2 of the 21 Day journey is here. As promised, I spent some time in John 2 this morning, and I wanted to share some of my thoughts. As always, I'd love to hear some of your thoughts as well. If you want to find out more about the 21 Day journey, go here, here, or here.

Before I begin, I just have to make a couple of observations:

1. Does the interaction between Jesus and his mother (v.1-5) make anyone else smile?
   Here's Jesus, enjoying the wedding, and his mom comes along and gets him involved. He lovingly tells her that it's not his time yet. So, in classic motherly fashion, she turns to the servant and says, "Do whatever he tells you."
   
   There wasn't even a discussion!!! She knew that her son would just do what she said. Love it.
2. After Jesus turns the water into wine (which apparently was very good wine), how many wedding invitations do you think he received? I mean . . . come on. That's a pretty handy dude to have on hand for the reception when your beverage options are likely either water or wine.

Alright, on to more "serious" reflections . . .

As I read today, there is one word that stood out to me: believe.

We're only two chapters in, and already we've seen that concept mentioned on 5 different occasions. I think John is trying to help us clue in on something.

The concept and thought process behind this word is more than just intellectual assent. It's more than just acknowledging with our minds that this or that is true. The idea of believe when we read it in the book of John is that of "adhering to, trusting in, relying on" Jesus. So, when it says in v.11 that his disciples believed in Jesus, it's saying that they trusted in Jesus. They adhered to His teaching. They were relying on Him.

The word shows up again in v. 23, but this time the context is believing in His name. Here's what I wrote in my journal this morning as I reflected on that statement:

"belived in His name"

That phrase still stands out to me, Lord. Your name captures the sum of who you are. Love. Truth. Almighty God. Wonderful Counselor. Prince of Peace. Lord of Lords. King of Kings. Everlasting God. Waymaker. Guide. Provider. Protector. Healer. Immanuel. Savior. Rock.

There are so many more names for You that describe who you are. In what ways do I fail to believe?

The reality that truly believing means to "adhere to, trust in, and rely on" is not lost on me. We have made believing such an intellectual exercise. When in reality believing is a matter of where we put our trust and confidence. What am I willing to stake my life on?

As for me and my house, we will serve, follow, and trust in teh Lord of Hosts. For His Kingdom never ends. His Kingdom will reign forever. His Kingdom will bring light to the world. Some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots, but we will trust in the name of the Lord.

God, where do I lack trust? Where am I holding out?

How about you? Where are you holding out trust in God?

The alarm clock rang, I pulled myself out of bed in the dark, flipped on the light, and opened my Bible to John 1. Here's what was awaiting me there this morning . . .

A few verses really stood out to me. Especially v. 12-13, v. 14, v. 17, and v. 46. Great stuff there!

But again, the theme that stood out to me is that of identity.

Who am I? Who are you?

According to v. 12-13, anyone who receives and welcomes Christ, anyone who believes in His name, is the child of God. In other words, if we put our trust in Jesus, if we rely on Him in our lives, if we adhere to His ways, God has given us the right (the privilege, the authority, the power) to be called a child of God.

So, who are you?

I think I too often lose sight of this identity in my own life. I am the son of God, the carrier of the family name and family traits.

I know that may not mean a whole lot in our culture, but we don't have to go back far into our history to find a time when ancestry meant a TON to people. In fact, your ancestry often defined who you were. And even today, we often carry our family names (aka - last names) with us our whole lives. And, as a carrier of the family name, you also carry the family reputation and way of life.

Do you think there are expectations if you're a Kennedy or a Bush? How about a Hilton (ask Paris) or a Simpson (ask Ashley)? Do you think Michael Jordan's kids had abnormal pressure as athletes? (You bet.)

Our family, our heritage, often helps to define who we are. So, here John writes these profound, yet simple, words: "he gave the right to become children of God".

Phenomenal.

Whose are you?

That's a question I need to wrestle with every day. And every day, I need to be reminded that I am the son of God.

Emphasize the "am".

It's not that some day you will be or could be or might reach the level of the son of God. It's who you are today. Plain and simple.

I get distracted by thinking about what others might say or think or do. I get distracted by my own messed up ideas of what I need to do or accomplish to be successful, loved, and accepted. I get distracted by my own pride and sense of self-sufficiency.

Bottom line: I get distracted. But, even in all of that, I am the son of God.

What distracts you from believing that you're the child of God?

So, I'm two days behind in my postings, but there are two thoughts I want to share. I'll handle one this post, and another in the next.

For the next 21 Days, Indian Creek Community Church is going on a journey together. The basic idea is pretty simple: what would happen in your life if you cleared the calendar of some of life's stuff, and intentionally sought God out for 21 Days?

If we were all to do that, I think an amazing work of the Holy Spirit would take place. So, here's the 21 Day Challenge:

1. Read the book of John. For the next 21 days, read one chapter of John per day. Starting with chapter 1 on October 6th, and finishing with chapter 21 on October 26th. It's just that simple. Read one chapter every day. Study it. Examine it.
2. Journal your thoughts. One of the most beneficial personal practices you can engage in is journaling. By having the discipline to write down your thoughts and prayers, it brings clarity and focus to our spiritual journeys. I want to especially encourage you to write out your prayers. You'll be amazed at the clarity that it brings to your prayer life. It's not magical, but it is significant.
3. Fast from something. One of the most ancient of spiritual practices is to fast, to basically go without something in your life that is a privilege. Some will fast a particular meal each day. Others will fast from something specific like pop or candy or Starbucks. The point of fasting is simple: each time you crave that thing you are fasting from, it is a reminder to shift your focus to God. To pray. To express gratitude.
4. Pray that God will speak to you. My prayer is that every person would hear from God every day. One of my daily prayers is "God, speak to me today. Open my eyes that I can see you. Open my ears that I may hear your voice. Open my mind that I may understand your wisdom. Open my heart that I may feel as you do. Open my mouth to speak your truth."

I'm going to take the challenge. I'll be sharing my story here. You can follow the stories of others (and tell your own) at 21days.indiancreek.org.

What would happen if you took time every day to seek God in an intentional way? Better yet, what would happen if you did that every day for 21 Days. Better yet, what would if we, as a community, did that together?

I believe we'd see a movement of God.

So, will you join me for a 21 Day adventure? What excites you about the possibilities?

This morning I found myself praying a familiar prayer. I'm going to try to meditate and reflect on this one today. It was penned by a man known as St. Francis of Assisi. I truly believe that if we were to pray this prayer with genuine desire, amazing things would happen in our lives.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.

Amen - so be it.

So, I got to thinking this morning whether or not it is wise to be planting churches in an "uncertain" financial climate. After all, when the financial picture is uncertain, how could you possibly dream of trying to raise extra funds to support this type of effort?

But, as I thought more and more, I began to think that perhaps this is a perfect time to be planting churches. We are in the midst of the "Great American Dream" being exposed as a lie. In our times of financial prosperity (even if it was built upon perceived equity instead of stable assets), we (as a society) began to buy into the lie that we could have it all, do it all, be it all: right now.

Of course, if we were to step back and analyze that ideal, we would quickly realize that the "Great American Lie" (as I like to call it) is simply not true. Unfortunately, for many people, the fallout of this massive unveiling of the lie is a sense of despair, hopelessness, pain, worry, and doubt.

Isn't this the very essence of the human condition that Jesus came to bring healing and redemption to? Consider the words of Psalm 121:

I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.

The church is God's chosen instrument of grace and reconciliation in the world. Isn't this the perfect time for us to be looking to our neighbors, and offering them a relationship with the One who can bring hope, purpose, confidence, and peace?

Perhaps this is the perfect time to plant a church. Perhaps this is the perfect time to plant a whole network of churches.

What do you think?

So God has been drilling a lesson into my life over the past week. But, to grasp it, I probably need to back up a bit.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending, Velocity, a conference put on by CMA that was held at Indian Creek Community Church. Two of the presenters, Robin Wood and Gary Kendall, shared powerfully about being who you are, faults and all, even when you're leading.

As a recovering people pleaser, these are challenging words for me to hear. After all, how can anyone possibly love and respect me if they really knew me, right? I know that's a lie, straight from the mouth of the enemy, but it often feels so true. In the two sessions of the conference, I decided that this was a journey that I was not only going to go on, but fully engage in. I decided that I would find ways and times to share my broken story, not to manipulate any situation, but just because that's who I am: a broken, desperate person daily in need of the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father. Though I don't live every day in a desperate place, I fully acknowledge that my life would be a mess without Christ.

In the days that followed, I read posts by Luke Kendall and Carlos Whittaker that continued to add fuel to the fire of what God was speaking to my heart. They both challenged and inspired me.

Then, I spent some time with God yesterday morning, and He absolutely pounded it home. I was spending my normal time in the Word, and today took me to 1 Corinthians. In 1 Cor. 2:3, I stumbled across these words from Paul, "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling."

I don't think I've ever noticed these words before. So, I popped open my journal (as I normally do), and I penned these words. They're not refined, but they are the expression of my heart. And, I felt compelled to share.

As I read your word today, Lord, it has become obvious to me that the current, on-going theme for my life is "authenticity". Which is appropriate. So often in my life I have projected an image that was a distortion of my true self. I have acted weaker, more humble, and less perceptive and intelligent than I am. On teh same hand, I have hidden my true weaknesses, faults, hypocricies, and failures. Your message (through Your Spirit) is loud and clear: just be me. After all, when the Lord comes again "he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts." (1 Cor. 4:5) Father, find me clean. Purify me. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Bring to light in me the secret things that are hidden. Expose and disclose them in ways that lead to wholeness and life. Help me to delight in my weakness, for Your power can be made perfect in that. I want to delight only in You and Your ways, Your wisdom, Your power, and Your providence.

I celebrate Paul's words in 1 Cor. 3:9:

"For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God's garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God's building."

I am a work in progress . . . forever in this lifetime. There is no end. As a vineyard/garden, there is always more work to be done in me. And some times, when I am a mess, I'm exactly where the Gardener wants me to be. Shape me, mold me, teach me, prune me. I want to bear much fruit for you. But, there's the beauty of this verse, even as I am a work in progress, You have invited me in to be a joint laborer, a fellow workman, a co-creator. I dont' have to be perfect, or know it all, to be useful in Your Kingdom. Just faithful, available, and teachable. Give me the courage to follow in the footsteps of Paul. In 1 Cor. 2:3, Paul writes, "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling."

This is PAUL!!!

As I move forward in my life, this is my calling card. I come with weakness, fear (in 1 Cor. 2:3 this could be translated as "dread"), and great trembling. But, I come all the same, because You have called me. And I come in boldness because I truly believe that You are responsible for the miraculous work of life change. I can plant seeds. I can cultivate soil. I can water. But, as 1 Cor. 3:7 says so well, "So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God who makes it grow and become greater."

Father, only you can transform lives. Start with mine. Help me to lift you up, that all might be drawn to you.

After an early start and an uneventful morning, we are back on American soil. Off to Fort Worth!

Hello from Croc!

Sorry it has taken me so long to get a post out here for you guys to read. I thought my cell phone would work in Monterrey/Croc, but it doesn't . . . at all. So, it's been absolutely impossible for me to get a post on here.

However, I finally snuck away from the group tonight to make a quick post.

Things are going INCREDIBLY well! For all of you parents out there, you should be proud of your kiddos. They have inspired me every day with their serving spirits. Whenever we're looking for volunteers to do something, there are almost always more hands than we need. (Even for doing dishes!)

On top of that, they have been simply amazing with the local kids. No matter how hard we work during the day, they always have time and energy to play with the little ones. Whether it be jump rope, tag, soccer, or some random game, they have been engaging incredibly well.

Last night, we had the opportunity to split into several different groups and have a conversation with a local family. From the reports that came in, that was one of the highlights of the week! Our groups shared life with the locals, and even had the opportunity to share about the God we love. One of the families that we're serving this week doesn't know Christ yet. We're hoping that could change before we leave. We're going to spend the night eating and hanging out with them tomorrow.

It's hard to believe that our time here is quickly drawing to a close. Tomorrow (Sunday) is a day of rest. So, we'll be going to church, traveling to a nearby swimming pool, and then celebrating the dedication of work completed with some local families.

One final story . . . this week, we've been serving in an area of Croc known as Parcellas. Just five or six years ago, we didn't take students to that part of town. You see, even in a community that battles poverty, there are still those who "have" and those who "have not". Parcellas had not. On a couple of occasions I joined other missions leaders in a prayer walk of the Parcellas area, and it was obvious from their glances as we walked by that we weren't welcome.

Now, fast forward to 2008. We are serving 3 different families in the Parcellas community. And it's going GREAT!!! Not only are they willing to interact with us, they are opening their lives to us. Only God can do that! That is the transforming power of the Gospel right here in Croc!

Every time I come here, I am excited for what God is doing in this community. It feels like such a privilege to be a part of it.

Please know that even with as great of a time as we are having, you are greatly missed. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Much love from Croc!

~Ben

On our way again. Please keep praying.

Please pray for us once again. Moments after crossing the border, our van died again. We are currently evaluating our options.

Due to our late night yesterday, our schedule got pushed back. Hopefully we'll be sweating to the Mexican beat by 9 tonight!

Please be praying for us around 5 or 6pm as we cross the border. Specifically, pray for a smooth acquisition of vehicle permits and visas, and a uninterrupted crossing at the checkpoint.

I will try to send a really quick post when we arrive.

-Ben

Hey, at least we made it...

If Mark Martin had any question as to why he came on this trip, they have been answered. His mechanic skills saved us countless hours and hundreds of dollars.

Yea God!!!!

No worries, everyone is safe. However, we could use your prayers for us here in Texas.

Ahhh...Texas Motor Speedway. If we traveled at Nascar speed, we'd only have an hour left...but, we're not. We hope to be in Austin in 3 hours.

Yeah, that just about says it right there.

Are we there yet?

Bye-bye Kansas, Hello Oklahoma!

Sorry for the blurry pics...what else can you ask for with a cell phone camera?

Nothing like a little Brahms & Mickey D's action to get the love flowing amongst the group!

Bring it on Texas, you're next!

Final trial. If this works, I think we're good to go! Off to Mexico we go!

Now I want to try to post via text message from my phone.

Did it work?

This is my official test to see if I can update my blog by just sending it an email.

Did it work?