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Getting ready for Uganda

The next two weeks are crazy as we get ready to leave for Uganda. I am excited about the opportunity to train hundreds of pastors and church leaders but there is much to do before we can leave. I am currently working on the material that I will teach each day in Uganda. The topics include faith, discernment, a study of James, leadership, and topics yet to be determined. The plan is to preach a message from Uganda and show it at both Journey campuses while I am gone. I am really excited about doing this and getting to show footage from the orphanage that many of you have sacrificed to help build. In addition, I am already getting ready for Palm Sunday and Easter, the first two weeks of April. These two weeks will be a series simply called "Gospel". As you can see, I have a lot of preparation and studying to do over the next few days. It is a good thing that I love what I get to do.

Thanks for the Prayer

Most of you know by now that my dad had open heart surgery last Tuesday.  The surgery was successful and they did six bypass - I had never heard of doing that many.  It was an long week that was filled with anxiety, fatigue, celebration, love and just about every other emotion you can imagine.  He did so well that the plan was for him to go home on Sunday.  The plan quickly changed when they found fluid on his lung but we were not extremely concerned because they said this happens about 50% of the time.  They kept him an extra day to remove the fluid but on Tuesday, they said that there was still more fluid.  At this point they called in a lung specialist.  There were several possibilities including a clot (not good).  Last night, they ruled out it being a blood clot and now believe that the problem will resolve itself over the next couple of weeks.  We are still waiting for word on when he will go home but we once again have seen the power of prayer.  I want to thank all of you who have gone to my heavenly Father on behalf of my earthly father.  We are very blessed and thankful for what God has done and we give Him all the glory that He deserves.  

Be Still

For the past few weeks, God has continued to lead me to meditate on Ps. 46 - (go read it now and then come back to the post)  The obvious point of focus is on vs. 10 - Be still and know that I am God - but it needs to be read in context.  Most of the time we read this to mean "stop and get quiet" - spend time in solitude but I think the meaning is deeper.  I believe and practice the discipline of solitude but I don't think this is the point here.  God is sovereign - The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord - Ps 1-2 are great to read - God watches us make our plans and he laughs - He is in control of all things and nothing happens without His approval and nothing that He wills to happen will not happen - He is God.  The reality is that God does not need me but rather invites me to be involved in what He is going to do with or without me.  The whole "be still" part does not mean that I don't get to play a role but rather that I don't forget what my role is.  It is as God is saying, "relax and settle down - the world does not revolve around you, it revolves around me - get to know me and respond - bring me glory in every word and deed - I invite you to be involved in what I am doing in the earth - pursue me and then you will be passionate about what I am passionate about".  I am still working through this and seeking God to illuminate my mind but I love what He has taught me so far.  

Day two

Beverly and I started out the day by meeting with Scott Thomas, the director of Acts 29 network www.acts29network.org  I have loved everything that I have heard and seen from these guys.  They have a heart for Jesus and a heart for planting churches.  One of the highlights of the day was listening to Wayne Grudem who wrote "Systematic Theology - an introduction to Biblical Doctrine". I found him to be incredibly smart and amazingly humble.  I am looking forward to praying and processing through all that I have heard and experienced over the past couple of days.

Acts 29

Wednesday and Thursday, I am attending the Acts 29 Boot Camp being hosted by Vintage 21 in downtown Raleigh.  Acts 29 is a network focused on planting churches.  Obviously, this is something that I am passionate about so I am checking out Acts 29 to see if they are someone that we can partner with.  I loved what I heard on day one.  The speakers were great and the founder and leader of Acts 29, Mark Driscoll, did a Q&A during lunch.  I have heard Mark speak online before but never in this type of setting.  I was encouraged, challenged and inspired by what he had to say.  On Thursday, I am having breakfast with Scott Thomas, the director of the Acts 29 network and I look forward to finding out more about them and then praying about our involvement and partnership.  

End Times - pt 1

In my sermon last weekend, I spent some time talking about II Timothy 2:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.  This really got me thinking about end times and I have had several people ask me questions about prophecy (do i sense a new series coming?) Anyway, I wanted to take a moment to write out a few thoughts about the future.  First of all, anyone who says that they know the order of end times events are usually like the person who is "often wrong but never in doubt".  The Bible has a lot to say about end times but it does not lay it out neatly so we have to do our best to interpret scripture and from there begin to develop a possible timeline.  I believe that the next event that we are waiting for is the rapture of the Church/Bride/Believers - I Thess 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.  Most people confuse the rapture with the second coming of Jesus.  I personally believe that these are two different events.  I believe that the church will be raptured out and that will be the beginning of a seven year tribulation period.  At the end of this tribulation period, I believe that Jesus will return to earth and we will return with Him.  I will write more about these events later but regardless of the order of these events, we do know that we will be raptured and He is coming again.  This is something to get fired up about.  The early church lived with this in mind.  They anticipated the coming of their King.  It seems that we have lost this sense of awareness and anticipation about our future.  How would it change our lives if we really believed that we could see Jesus face to face today?  

The life of a Roadie

I am in Atlanta with Beverly...she is speaking at a conference for youth pastors and their wives.  She is teaching three times during the breakout sessions.  I am so proud of her and I am having a great time serving as her roadie.  My job is to basically drive her around, get her some coffee, speak only when spoken to, walk a few steps behind her while in crowds - ok, not really but I am having fun doing whatever I can do to be a blessing to her.  This should be a great conference - Francis Chan is one of the main speakers - you know how much I loved his book "crazy love".  

I have to say this

Periodically, I need to vent about something that is on my last nerve - today is one of those days.  The subject is movie etiquette.  The last few movies I have seen, I left appalled and irritated - not at the movie but at those who attended and were seated around me.  First of all, show up early or at least on time.  It is opening night of a big movie and it starts at 7 - don't walk in and act surprised and even offended that there are no seats.  Don't come in and ask people to move over when they got there early to get a good seat.  Another thing - eat before you come or don't smack.  People around me act like they have not eaten in a month and they are devouring their popcorn and loud bags of candy as if it is their last meal.  The theater is not in your living room and these other people around you, despite what you may think, do not want to hear you eat your $20 "snack".  Yes there is more - the next subject is talking during the movie.  What happened to no talking during a movie or at least using your "inside voice".  Do you not have the ability to whisper?  Again, no one wants to hear your conversations while we are trying to listen and watch the movie.  Recently, Beverly and I went to a movie and there was a couple who violated all of these etiquette's and when we gave her "the look" - she actually responded with "what are you looking at"?  Beverly jumped up and punched her and then we kept watching the movie in peace (ok - that part is not true but the rest really did happen like that)  Instead of responding with some verbal ugliness, I just continued with "the look" but this time added the "no" head shake.  She got the point of my disapproval but continued with her rudeness anyway.  Man, that feels better to have gotten all of that off of my chest - I am positive that nothing will change but sometimes you just need to vent.

Twitter

You can now follow me on twitter - to open a twitter account go to www.twitter.com  I will try to update it throughout the day to give you a closer look at what I am thinking, where I am and what I am doing.  

Allergic to Pain

On Wednesday, I went to the health department to get vaccinated.  At the end of March, I am going to Uganda and I knew there would be shots but it ended up that I need six - three in each arm.  I ask her, "can't you pour it all into one tube so it is only one shot".  Not only did she not think that was funny, I think she gave me an extra one just for my sarcasm.  I told her that I was allergic to pain but that did not stop her.  The worst was the tetanus shot - I can hardly lift my arm.  All of this made me think - this was all for my good, even though it did not feel good.  Isn't that interesting - that is exactly what Paul said in Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  He did not say that everything would feel good but he did say that it is ultimately for my good.  Many times, I want to say to God, "can you just lump all of my pain into one tube or experience because I am allergic to pain".  I think he gets a kick out of my sarcasm and laughs - I can hear Him say, "stop being a baby".  OK, He probably doesn't respond like that but I am sure that He simply wants me to trust Him and to remember that He is making me more like Jesus.  For whatever it is worth, I hope that there are no more shots coming for a while.

A new friend

I had the privilege to spend time today with Pastor Jack Robbins.  Jack has been in ministry for more than 40 years and at 66 years old, he is as fired up as anyone that I know.  I was challenged and inspired as I listened to his heart for Jesus and his love for the gospel.  He has a passion to reach people around the world and I am anxious to see how God reconnects us for Kingdom expansion.  You can check out his ministries at http://www.cypruscreekdigital.net/lovem/  The highlight was having him come to our staff meeting and pray a prayer of blessing and wisdom.  I loved connecting with him and I look forward to the next time.  

An inside look

It is scary thought and probably a short trip but I want to let you know what is in my head.  I spend a lot of time praying and processing but I don't always process out loud so that is what I am going to do here.  The subject is space, services and dealing with the amazing growth that we are experiencing.  For those that don't know, we are once again running out of space on Sundays at the warehouse, especially at the 11 am service.  Beyond the obvious things like asking any and all of you that call Journey home to move to a different service or to the NW campus, we are looking at other options.  The next move is to probably add a third Sunday service at NE and it will probably be around 12:30 or 12:45.  I know that this is not ideal for some but many have actually said that they are looking forward to it.  Sleep in, grab and early lunch and then show up.  Anyway, we also are looking at changing the look and feel of Saturday night.  Once the NW grows another fifty to seventy people, we will be looking at adding a second service there also.  Beyond some of these immediate but temporary solutions, we are considering several next step, longer term solutions.  They include but are not limited to: 1) starting another campus 2) expanding the NE campus at its present location 3) moving the NE campus to a bigger space 4) finding land and building and then moving the NE campus  5) finding space for the NW campus and moving out of the theater.  This is not an all-inclusive list but these are some of the things that I am seeking wisdom from God for.  All of them have their pros and cons...all of them have various cost associated with them.  At this point, I tell you all of this so you will know how to pray because I believe in praying specific prayers.  I love what God is doing at Journey and I am so excited about the future as we impact this city for the glory of our King.

Pray for the peace of Israel

If you are around me much at all, you will hear my heart for Israel. I believe strongly that what God told Abraham in Genesis 12 is still true today – “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you”. We know that the Jews are God’s chosen people and as Paul tells us in Romans 9-11, He has not forsaken His people. We also are God’s people, “grafted in” as Paul says – adopted into the family of God. In the end of time, God will once again turn His attention to His people and will judge the nations for how they treated His chosen people. It is with this in mind that I ask you to join me in praying for the peace of Israel. They are geographically surrounded by countries that hate them in ways that most of us cannot understand hate – hate that goes beyond, “we don’t like you” – it is hate that wants to remove the Jews from the face of the earth. Even now as Israel is in a real battle with the terrorist group Hamas, most of the world does not understand what is going on. The goal of Hamas is not to take land from Israel but rather to remove Israel from the earth. Israel is fighting for their very existence. Caught in the middle of this current battle, are innocent Palestinians and my heart breaks for them – we should do everything possible to aid them but it is not Israel that has put them in harms way but rather Hamas. I strongly urge you to stand with Israel and pray for them daily.

The day after Christmas

I am spending the day after Christmas at the church space, reflecting and planning. I am reflecting back on the most amazing service that we have ever had (I know I keep saying that but I only say it is I mean it). Christmas Eve Refuel was out of control – over 500 people in a room that seats 300 (don’t tell the fire marshal) – the back doors open with people standing, some standing outside – the student center filled with over 100 people watching on video (I went down there during communion – the presence of God was as strong there as in the warehouse). The band, tech team and host team did an amazing job and their effort is very much appreciated. As I evaluate the entire service, I think God was honored and glorified – Praise King Jesus!!!

I said that I am also planning – I am planning for our “1thing” series beginning in January. God is giving me some great stuff to teach you. If you have not done so yet, go to the 1thingineedtochange.com website and post your “1thing”. I am still thinking about my “1thing” – I take this seriously, so I am really praying about what God wants me to focus on. Get the word out about this campaign and figure out who you are bringing with you next weekend.

Distracted?

I try to mix it up between updating you and sharing deeper with you – You know “hey here is what is going on and what I am doing” and “hey, let me challenge you or give you something to think about”…most of the feedback that I have gotten has been divided so I continue to try to do both.  Today, is going to be a little be longer and I just want to share what God is dealing with me about…you will probably hear this in a series at some point in the future…I am still praying and processing through this.

Someone recently ask me, “what is your greatest challenge as a leader”?  Without hesitating or having to think about it, I said “leading through distractions”.  After I said that, I began to process what I had just said.  Distraction is defined as “drawing apart” “diverting attention” “detachment” “an obstacle to attention”.   There is a built in assumption that before you can be distracted, you first have to have a direction or a destination.  Without a direction or destination, your life is so random that you would not even know if you were distracted because there is no focus.  So if you don’t experience distractions, you actually have a bigger problem – you need clarity about direction and focus.  For me, I have not struggled with direction or clarity about my calling but rather things, people or circumstances that come into my life to “draw me apart” – “divert attention” “distract” me from who God has called me to be and what He has called me to do.  Some people are more easily distracted than others.  I know some people who struggle with Attention Deficit Disorder…at least that is what they blame it on when they zone out in a meeting or conversation…maybe they are just not interested…anyway, the point is that their condition is reflective of what happens to most of us in life.  We know who we are supposed to be or what we are supposed to do but “stuff” happens that cause us to operate with “sideways energy”…this is energy that should be spent on the direction or destination but is having to be spent on this distraction.  I don’t have it all figured out yet but it seems that the first step is to recognize and identify the distraction.  Evaluate what can be done to remove it.  Strategize specific steps to stay focused even if the distraction is not going to go away immediately.  What I do know is that leading through distraction is a discipline…refusing to get side-tracked or stuck is a decision that you must recommit to on a daily basis. 

In the future, I will talk about Detours and Disruptions which are a little different than Distractions…For now – Keep your eyes of the author and finisher of your faith and refuse to be “drawn apart” “detached” or “distracted”.

Dream Big

Recently, I had the privilege of going to Lynchburg and while I was there, I visited Dr. Falwells grave.  Dr. Falwell meant so much to me – he was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.  It was in May of 2007 that he passed away and when he died, God used it as a turning point in my life.  We were about 1 ½ years old as a church and it was obvious that we were probably going to make it.  50% of church plants fail and fold in the first two years.  By this time we were averaging about 340 people in attendance and things were going pretty good.  When we first started, we had to live be faith – desperate for God in every way.  It only took 1 ½ years for us to start to get complacent and soft.  When I went to pay respects in May 2007, God used Dr. Falwell’s legacy and his death to convict me and he said “your dreams are too small”.  I made a commitment then and there that I would never again attempt something that I could do – meaning that we would only do what we could not do – so that when it happens, everyone would know that God did it.  I got clarity from God about what He wanted us to do – I came back and the next week announced it to the church.  We had said that we thought we should average around 1000 people before launching our next campus but God gave the direction to launch it next September…again, we were averaging 340 at the time – I also told the church that I believed that God was going to grow Journey to 800 by the end of 2008.  On September 14, 2008 we launched our next campus – last weekend we had 844 people in attendance.  I continue to be amazed at what God has allowed me to be a part of.  The people that I get to serve with and the people that I get to serve…I am truly blessed.  I have never been more excited and fired than I am right now.  We are in way over our head and that is exactly where I want to stay.  The safest place to live is the place of faith and desperation.  “God, we dare to dream big and risk it all for your glory – Amen”

Hold on

I feel compelled today to encourage someone.  Normally, I share what is happening in my life or what I am involved in but I am writing this today for someone else.  If you are struggling relational, financially, physically or in any other way – Hold on.  I don’t know your circumstance but God does.  Maybe your feel that you are in the wilderness and you are wondering if this season will ever pass.  When is the testing going to be over?  I know how that feels but better yet, so does He.  Be encouraged as you focus on what you know – not what you don’t.  You know that He loves you – You know that He has your best interest at heart – You know that he has not forsaken you…Stop believing the lies of the enemy and put your eyes on God.  Don’t bail right before the breakthrough.  I don’t know who this was for but I prayed for you today.  Hold on!!!

A Birthday Wish

Seventeen years ago today, Beverly and I were at Roanoke Memorial Hospital waiting for her to give birth.  We had scheduled a c-section for later in the day but the nurses came in and took her away without explanation.  We later found that the baby had gone into fetal stress and had they not taken him at that moment, I would have lost Beverly and Austin.  Praise the Lord for His sovereignty and protection.  Seventeen years later, Austin has grown into an amazing young man and I can’t wait to see how God is going to use him.  Happy Birthday Austin.

Veterans

Tuesday is Veterans Day – a day where we honor all of those who have served our country.  I still believe we live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth and we owe much of it to those who have served in our military.  It is so easy to take them for granted and to ignore or forget their sacrifice but on this day…we remember.  Thank God for their dedication and selflessness and I pray blessing on all veterans and their families. 

LBF

I am in Lynchburg Virginia at a board meeting for the Liberty Baptist Fellowship.  LBF is a group that Dr. Falwell started in 1981 for the express purpose of helping plant churches.  In the spring of 2005, Beverly and I meet with Dr. Falwell and this group of men and told them about the dream that we had to plant a church.  We were actually at a low point emotionally and had no source of consistent income.  The LBF took a chance on us and supported us for one year.  It was not enough to live on or even pay our mortgage but when you have nothing, it was like winning the lottery each month when that check would arrive.  Beyond the financial blessing, it was amazing to have a group of men, especially Dr. Falwell, believe in me and commit to be a part of what we were attempting.  I will never forget at the end of that meeting, Dr. Falwell put his big hands over us and prayed a prayer of blessing and anointing.  To now get the opportunity to serve on this board and invest in the lives of other men of vision, is indeed an honor.  The LBF is currently supporting 27 church planters and over these two days, we are interviewing four more guys.   It has been a pretty weird experience, taking guys through the process that I went through just three years ago.  It has given me a chance to reflect on all that God has done and I am so fired up about what He is going to do.  Hang on – we are about to go to another level.

Vote

I voted this morning and it felt great.  I felt so honored to be chosen by God to get to live in this great nation.  He chose me to be part of the less than 5% of the world’s population, to get to call the USA, home.  I see my vote as a stewardship issue.  On a horizontal perspective, I have the right to vote but from a vertical perspective, I have the privilege.  Whoever wins this presidential election, we will pray for him and we will continue to put our trust in our God.  Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 

Mask

We always say "leave your mask at the door".  This is of course, another way to say that Journey is a place where you can "be real".  You don't have to "fake it until you make it".  We know that everyone is struggling with something and the church should be a safe place to find help and healing.  I believe that healing is only possible when you are able to be authentic with others.  Anyway, yesterday was the one day exception to the rule of no mask.  I love Halloween - seeing all of the kids dressed up in their costumes.  The rule in my house is that I buy all of the candy (Beverly gets the cheap stuff) and every kid gets a hand full of candy (none of this one piece per kid policy).  Last night was so much fun, listening to the kids when I would tell them to get all they could grab.  By the way, how old is too old to go trick or treating?  I had several kids that look like they were 18 years old and they did not spend much time preparing a costume - we still gave them some.  Now that halloween is over, it is time to get back to "being real" and finding a place where you can feel safe to get help.

On the road again

I have spent the past two days traveling with my family...no, not Beverly and Austin but my brother, mom and dad. The four of us have not taken a trip together since Tim and I were teens. We left Sunday afternoon and traveled to Pigeon Forge, TN - my uncle and aunt live there. This is something that Tim and I have been talking about for a while now - we just did not know where to take them. Dad and mom love the mountains and specifically this area with all of the shows and shops (well, mom loves the shops). My uncle and aunt have a beautiful house with amazing views (I will post pics later). It has been awesome to get some quality time with my mom and dad. I am very thankful for my family.

Thoughts on the election

I continue to have people ask me who they should vote for, what I think about the election and what is our role in politics. This is my first video blog and it is longer than the ones I will do in the future but I think it is worth 7 minutes of your time to check it out.

Yes, this really happened

I made the mistake of asking Beverly to give me her idea of something fun that we could do together – you know, what you would like to do if we went out on a date. Her idea…a pedicure. Of course, this was my first – I have to admit, it probably will not be my last. I am trying to figure out if I am supposed to like it this much. And yes, I went with the clear coat…it is just to protect the nails.

I love it

I was reminded again today, just how much I love God and how much I love studying His Word. My favorite thing that I get to do is to tell people what God is telling me. I love to hear from Him, dig in His Word and discover things that I have never seen or learned and then get the chance to teach what I have learned to you. I have never been more excited about getting to do this. You might think that studying, preparing, learning and teaching would get old after all these years of doing it but it actually is the complete opposite. God is pouring so much into me and I feel so full that I am about to explode. Anybody around me is getting a preview of this weekend because I can’t stop talking about it. This weekend, we are going to continue our series “The Fight of My Life” – the focus will be on the fight with our enemy and I will teach you how to walk in victory everyday of your life. Don’t miss it!!!

Love a Fair

It is that time of year again. I don’t know if it is because I am a local guy or if it is just because I like to eat nasty food but I love the fair. It is great to watch and listen to those not from here, wonder what the big deal is with the fair. After they hear us talk about it and pump it up, they expect that Disney has taken over and they are going to get into a roaming Disneyworld for $5. They show up and quickly discover that either we have been sheltered or we are just simple or biased. It stinks, it is crowded, it is expensive and yet I can’t wait to go. Al’s french fries – ham biscuits from the Pittsboro Kiwanis’s club – Mini doughnuts – People watching – What is better than this?

Date Night

 

Having fun with my girl - Watching my Canes lose to the Red Wings - That part was not fun

Lunch with the Canes

I had the privilege of attending a luncheon today to kick-off the season for the Carolina Hurricanes.  Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg was at our table.

Author Unknown

One of my favorite books is called "Holy Sweat".  I was thinking back through it this past week and I remembered this poem - Enjoy it...we don't know who wrote it - Author Unknown

 

The Road of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president.  I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable . . .It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says . . . "Pedal."

Out with the family

Tonight, we celebrated mom and dad's 47th anniversary and Tim's 45th birthday at Tripp's in Garner.  Tomorrow is acutally the official anniversary and birthday but tonight worked better to get together.  Not pictured, my nephew Tyler who is at UNCW and Austin (working).  I am blessed to be part of such a great family. 

Forgiveness

My dad and I were recently talking about forgiveness.  What does it mean to forgive?  Why forgive?  How long does forgiveness last?  What if the person you forgive, does not change and they continue to offend you?  I have been thinking about this over the past few days and here are some random thoughts – 1) Forgiveness is for me…if don’t forgive then I can’t have a pure heart and my spiritual growth will be stunted.  Bitterness only destroys the one who is bitter, so if I don’t forgive you, it mostly hurts me.  2) Forgiveness is a process not an event…most people think that they can forgive and move on but the reality is that one time is probably not enough.  This is especially true when the person who wronged you does not change or if you have to see them often.  The reality is that I have to continue to forgive, as Jesus said 70 x 7, if I want to have victory.  It reminds me of surrender.  I surrendered to Christ in 1983 but I have to continue to surrender to Him daily, sometimes hourly.  So it may begin with a willingness to forgive but you will have to continue killing that root of bitterness so it does not take hold.  3) Forgiveness is freeing…There is nothing worse than carrying around bitterness and hatred toward someone.  It actually affects every area of your life.  It shows up in your attitudes and bleeds into other relationships. When you forgive someone, it actually frees you up to be complete and whole.

Good Friends

  David and Karen Nicholson visited with us this weekend and we took some time to hang out up at Falls Lake.  I first meet David and Karen about fourteen years ago.  I was doing a survey trip in Guatemala and they were missionaries there at the time.  I ended up taking thirty teenagers back there on a mission trip later that summer and David and Karen were a huge part of making that trip happen.  For the past nine or ten years, they have been missionaries in Mexico and I have had the privilege of being part of their lives and ministry during that time.  True friends are not easy to find but God has given us this in David and Karen.  From the first time that I met them, I knew that they were people that I wanted in my life.  We have gone through a lot of “stuff” together – health issues, marriage, kids (I met their youngest daughter when she was four – she started college this year - I am getting old) – the bottom line is - We have been there for each other during the good and bad times.  I think what stands out most about David and Karen is that they truly live by faith.  A lot of people talk about faith but I have been so inspired through the years, watching their total dependence on God and listening to their stories about how God always comes through.  I wish that all of you could have a chance to get to know them but I am a better man for having them in my life. 

Celebrate Good Times

Have you ever noticed that we have an easier time complaining and criticizing than we do celebrating?  If anything is not like we like it or if God does not do exactly what we ask, we have a tendency to talk about how much we are struggling.  We can easily find all the things that we want to change about our life and our prayer request list keeps growing with things that we think we need.  How often do we stop to celebrate the blessings and good in our life?  When God answers your prayer, how long do you thank Him and how much do you celebrate?  Celebration is a response that lets God know that you are grateful.  I always love it when my son Austin demonstrates his gratitude for something that I did for him with a smile and a hug.  I love it when it is obvious that he is not moving on to the next thing he wants me to do for him but rather he thanks me with his words and his attitude.  God wants to and loves to meet our needs and even give us the desires of our heart but He really loves it when His kids celebrate Him for what He has already done. 

Anybody want a "dog"?

  I am not going to be all manly and act like I have never liked this dog but right now, I would pay you to take her.  Beverly, of course, would put a stop to that but something has to be done.  She is old – I think she is losing her mind.  She, all of a sudden, is becoming a burden – urinating everywhere.  Obviously, this can’t be tolerated so we bought a gate to keep her downstairs at night and when we are not home (hardwoods downstair – carpet up).  This dog who never barks has not stopped barking for the past two nights.  Last night, I had enough – 2 a.m. she wakes me up – I am uttering some choice words as I find my way down the steps in the dark – I get to the bottom of the steps or at least what I thought was the bottom – miss the step and fall to what was actually was the bottom – tearing down the gate – breaking it into several pieces…it is 2 a.m. – I am laying in the dark – on the floor (actually, on broken gate pieces) and snowball sneaks past me to make her way upstairs.  Bleeding, I make my way up to get her – take her back downstairs and put her out in the garage.  I finally am able to get a little sleep only to wake up and find that Beverly has gone and gotten snowball and let her back upstairs on the bed.  This is what you call not being on the same page.  Next step – New Gate and Bark Collar.

Uganda team back home

The Uganda team arrived home around 2pm today.  It is great to have Austin back after being gone for ten days.  We spent the afternoon catching up - I can't wait to see the pictures and video but the stories of how God used this team are amazing.   

Charlotte Update

I wish you could capture this scene right now - Sitting at a Port City Java – Jazz playing in the background – (its freezing in here) Reading but distracted by the T.V. on the wall – I don’t want to watch but I can’t turn away - Fencing, Pistol Shooting, Women’s Field Hockey (l feel like such a loser) – I actually watched Badminton the other day – I did not even know that was considered a sport.  Beverly is down at the Library – I will have to drag her out of there in a couple of hours.  We are having a great time in Charlotte but I am already beginning to get zoned in for this weekend.  I am fired up about this last message in our “Lead” series.  This message “Outside Up leadership” is the message that God gave me that actually motivated me to do the series.  Show up – Bring a friend – Gotta go, Field Hockey is back on.

Dinner with my girl

Beverly and I had a great dinner tonight in Charlotte – we are here for a couple of days celebrating our anniversary.  August 26^th, we will be married for 19 years – man, that makes us sound old.  Today was a great day of just hanging out – we read, drank lots of coffee and relaxed (this is our idea of a perfect time away – we are so compatible).  Tomorrow will be more of the same and then we will head back and be ready for the weekend services.  I will write more about her next week, but my girl is awesome – I am blessed man - She is the perfect wife and mother.  There is no one that I would rather spend time with – she is my best friend and we have so much fun together.  If you are wondering why I am blogging at 8:45pm while away with my wife in Charlotte – she is reading and watching the Olympics (diving is coming on – need I say more?)

No Regrets

Do you have any regrets?  Obviously, I meet with a lot of people who express regret over past behavior or decisions.  What I have come to notice is that some people are defined by their regrets.  Their past mistakes have shaped their current relationships or circumstances.  “I should have never…” – “I wish that I would have…” – “If I had to do it again, I would…” – these are phrases of regret.  To make matters worse, you have an enemy who continues to remind you of your bad decisions or behavior – He has a master plan to destroy your life.  The really interesting thing about the past is that it is nothing more than memories.  We don’t live in the past – we can’t change the past – we can’t bring it back and do it different – It is what it is (I say that a lot).  Obviously, you learn from the past – looking back can help you appreciate your current circumstances – you can make a decision to not repeat the past – but what we are learning is that your past does not define you – You are defined by your Creator.  He says that you are not condemned – You are free – You are a friend and child of God – You are forgiven – You have a hope, purpose and a future.  Who are you going to listen to – Your enemy or the God who created you, redeemed you and gave you life?  Learn from the past and go live in the freedom that He has provided for you. 

Which one are you

Most of us spend our lives interacting with people.  We have customers, family, employees, co-workers, friends, neighbors, bosses, and the list goes on and on.  I put all of these into two categories: 1) Energizers 2) Drainers.  Energizers are the people that you when you meet with them, you feel encouraged and challenged.  They inspire you to be better or grow more and you always leave thinking, “I am so glad that I got to hang out with them”.  Drainers make you feel like you have the flu – you know that sluggish feeling like “I feel like I just got hit with a baseball bat”.  They suck the life out of you with their negativity, pessimism and selfishness.  I love being around Energizers and I try to minimize my time with Drainers.  Obviously, I meet with a lot of people who are struggling or have real life issues or concerns – this is not what I am talking about.  I am talking about people with no perspective – people who are not happy unless they are miserable.  The old saying is true, “you will become like those you spend time with”.  Be intentional about getting around people who bring you energy – people who make you glad that you just spent an hour with them.  The bigger and more convicting question is which one are you?

Must Read

I know that I mentioned “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan in one of my recent post but this book is amazing.  I don’t say this about every book I read but “go get it right now”.  My favorite book and the one that has had the greatest impact on my life (other than the Bible – Amen) is “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer.  I have read it at least ten times and have given away many copies.  God used this book to illuminate my mind to so much about who He is and how He works.  It does not hit everybody the same way and God uses different things for different people but this was one of the things he used for me.  I have only read “Crazy Love” once so far but it has really messed with my head.  I am about to go back through it with a pen and paper – there is much to wrestle with.  If you pick it up, let me know your feedback.

Kingdom Expansion

I love what God is doing at and through Journey Church.  I love being a part of this movement that God has initiated and anointed.  The challenge for us is the remember that while we love Journey and we love what God is doing here - this is not the only place that God is working - It is not about building "our kingdom" but rather it is about building "The Kingdom".  You would think that pastors would not be territorial since it is not about us - since we are on the same team - since we are simply servants going after the same goal - to help people follow Jesus.  The reality is that pastors can be some of the most territorial people on the planet.  It is sad but true - we are human too.  The scripture teaches that a pastor should " Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." Act 20:28  It is right to feel responsible for the people that God has put under my care - I will give an account for that - God has appointed me as a leader to guide and guard His sheep.  The emphasis being "His sheep" - The problem begins when I start using words like "my" and "mine" to describe the church or the people that God has led to be part of the church.  The natural attitude that flows from this kind of heart is "competition".   This is a dark side of the church that I hope you never experience - it truly breaks the heart of God.  God's heart for the church is unity (read John 17). 

I was honored to have Joe Francisco and his launch team at Journey this past weekend.  Joe and his team are planting Connection Church in September - Ironically, right down the road from where we are planting our new NW campus.  I want you to continue to pray for them - I have a real heart to help church planters - guys that have heard from God and they are going for it.  They have a calling and a vision - throwing caution and comfort to the wind - begging God to do something big - I am all about being part of that. Go For it Connection Church!!!  Journey Church is cheering you on for the glory of God.

Heroes

This past weekend, we finished a six week series called "Heroes".  We talked about Joseph, Daniel, David, Mary, Paul and of course we talked about Jesus.  I was recently thinking about who were some of my modern day heroes.  I don't have many but these two guys that I am standing with are on the top of the list.  My dad (the short - heavy guy with the ugly shirt - oh, that is both of them - ok the one with a beard) is my biggest hero.  He is a stud - marine - policeman for over 25 years - black belt in karate - but more than that - he is a true man of God.  Growing up, he was always there for me - at every game or event - home every night for family time and devotions - I have never seen him lose his temper - I have always known him to be a man of integrity and character.  I have said privately and publicly, if I could be like anyone in the world - it would be my dad - he is my hero.

The other guy is Roger Reeck.  Roger is one of the most amazing people that I have ever met, known or even heard about.  He surrendered his life to the Lord and called and gifted him to translate the Bible into other languages.  He spent many years in the mountains of Mexico - living among an Indian tribe who's language was not even in written form.  He learned their language - put it in written form - then translated the Bible into their language and taught them to read using the Bible.  Now there are schools and churches in this village.  He then moved to Honduras to do the same thing among the Garifina people living along the coast of Central America.  Now he is in Africa, helping translate the Bible into at least five different dialects.  I consider Roger to be one of my spiritual mentors.  When I listen to him, I feel like I am listening to God.  He hates it when I talk about him like that but I really do consider him to be my hero.

What an honor - hanging out with two of my heroes - I am a blessed man.

My Saturday routine

Today has been a normal Saturday for me - I love my routine.  Slept in until about 8am - went to my favorite place for a late breakfast with my girl - came home and read a little bit (one of the books I am currently reading - "crazy love" by Francis Chan - awesome!!!) - went and worked out for a couple of hours - ate a quick bite and now getting my head together over a cup of coffee.  I am listening to our weekend music set while I am reviewing my notes - I am about to explode - I am so excited.  God is going to do some amazing things this weekend.  I am headed to the space - we are going to lift up Jesus like you have never seen before - Don't miss it!!!