March 2013

Leadership Challenge…Heading Into the Weekend – Blessing South

Leaders can influence in many ways. The leadership compass includes leading those North (our supervisor and those who lead us), ourselves (the center of the leadership compass), who are East and West of us (colleagues and peers) and those South of us (under our leadership and supervision).

Our words of encouragement mean more than we know. In particular, the people we supervise and lead need to know about the good we see in them and the steps they have taken forward. Take time to bless, encourage, and point out the good. Do this thoughtfully, honestly, prayerfully, and regularly. You will be amazed that the power of a word of blessing!

Organic Outreach Encouragement…For the Middle of the Week – A Simple Invitation

Organic Outreach Encouragement

Over the years I have read many studies and statistics that indicate that if Christians would kindly, prayerfully, and humbly ask their non-believing friends and family to come to church, many would say, “Yes!” These studies indicate that many people are open and hungry for spiritual truth and meaning in their life.

Jesus put it this way in Matthew 9:37-38:

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

The emphasis on Jesus’ exhortation is on those who already know God. The harvest is plentiful…people are open and receptive. The workers are few… believers are reluctant to reach out. Pray that God will send out workers into the harvest… pray that Christians will be confident and reach out in the name of Jesus.

Who is God inviting you to call, text, e-mail, or connect with so that you can invite them to Easter services at your church? Pray for your self, make the ask, and see what God does.

Draw Near to God…Thoughts for a Monday Morning – One Meal a Week

Draw Near to God

What would happen if you tried to live on one meal a week? Think about it, after a month, two months, three months…what consequences would you face? How healthy would you be? What would you look like? Could you even survive?

No one would expect to be healthy and thriving if they ate only one meal a week. But, many Christians try to survive on one spiritual meal a week. They show up at church and want the pastor to give them a good meal. Then, they try to live on this spiritual nourishment for the next seven days! Does this make any sense at all?

What consequences do we face when we do this? How spiritually healthy will we be? What will we look like? Can we live on one spiritual meal a week, no matter how good it might be?

What God wants is for us to learn how to feed ourselves. We are to open His Word and feast on the goodness of His truth. We can even open the Bible more than once a day. Really, this is allowed.

Take a few moments and reflect on the past couple of weeks. Are you trying to survive on what you get from a weekly sermon or are you thriving because you feast on God’s Word each day, growing in health, strength, and maturity? If you are becoming spiritually malnourished, begin feeding yourself today. Open the Bible, ask God to speak to you, and dig in. If you are not sure where to start, here is a suggestion:

Today- John 12 & 13

Wednesday- John 14

Thursday- John 15

Friday- John 16 & 17

Saturday- John 18 & 19

Sunday- John 20 & 21 (The resurrection of Jesus)

Leadership Challenge…Heading Into the Weekend – Blessing East and West

Leadership Challenge

Leaders can influence in many ways. The leadership compass includes leading those South of us (under our leadership and supervision), those North (our supervisor and those who lead us), ourselves (the center of the leadership compass), and also those who are East and West of us. These are people who are colleagues.

As a local church pastor, I meet with other pastors. We are actually friends. We don’t see each other as competition, but partners in God’s work in this world. I look for them to influence me and they actually accept leadership from me. I am part of a pastor’s group that meets once a month. We pray, share life, and learn from each other. Each time we meet, a different member of the group leads. I also grab lunch of coffee regularly with other leaders and we encourage and bless each other.

I am thankful every time I gather with other leaders. I am learning to lead and bless East and West. This means humbly receiving from others. It also means generously giving to them. Don’t see colleagues as a threat, but as partners. Model what it means to bless, encourage, and offer leadership and you will be amazed what you receive in return.

Organic Outreach Encouragement…For the Middle of the Week – Fight the Gravity of the Church

Organic Outreach Encouragement

I love the local church and I hope you do too. But, I am aware that there is a certain gravitational force surrounding the church that pulls people in. Just like gravity keeps our feet on the ground, so this force in the church pulls believers to each other. This is good, to a point. It is good to be in fellowship, to encourage each other, and to worship the Lord together. We are called to gather as believers and warned not to forsake gathering with God’s people.

But, we also need to be out in the world. We are called to be salt and light. We are to “Go” make disciples of all nations. Sometimes the goodness and comfort of being with like-minded people in the church can draw us in when we should be pressing out. If you are part of a healthy and loving local congregation, there are often many activities and responsibilities that pull us in and together.

If you find yourself spending lots of time gathered with God’s people and discover that you have very little margin and time to be with those who are still wandering like sheep without a shepherd, it might be time to press out. Fight the gravity that pulls you into the church and press outward. Look at your schedule. If you are not getting time with friends or family who are still far from Jesus, make the time. If church stuff has enveloped your life, change your schedule. If you don’t have friends who are still far from God, make some new friends.

Be honest, if the gravity of the church has pulled you in, press out! “Go” and make disciples of all nations, starting with your own neighborhood!

Draw Near to God…Thoughts for a Monday Morning – The Open Arms of Abba

Draw Near to God

We don’t tend to run toward people who are cold, hostile, and angry. The truth is, we avoid them.

How do you see God? How do you envision Him? Do you see God as a loving Father, a tender daddy, an approachable Abba? Or, do you see Him as an angry taskmaster who is always disappointed with you?

Yes, God is glorious, holy, and all-powerful. We should bow down before Him in humble worship and approach Him with reverence. And, God is a tender dad who wants the best for us and invites us to call Him Abba. Romans 8:14-17 says:

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

If you have come to God through faith in Jesus, draw near Him with confidence. Run to your heavenly Father. Climb up into His lap and tell Him you love Him. He really does love you…not just in theory, but in reality.

Archives for March 2013