The Courage of One

There comes a moment when we all have to take a stand."  Edwin H. Friedman, A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix

Sometimes we can be part of a situation with our family, at work or in our community that opens an unexpected door for us. Maybe your child failed a class and Summer School becomes the proving ground for a potential young leader to learn about humility. A colleague shares her desire to leave the company and start her own business which vacates the corporate position you've always wanted. A cause which you are passionate about is suddenly in the media and you feel an overwhelming desire to join a public protest.

Success can be far more demanding and complex than mediocrity.
One of the great temptations is to play it safe. We have far more to lose and there is far more on the line as we become invested in love, careers and community. That's why it can become easy to lose our edge once we're emotionally invested. We can over-identify with the perceived needs of a family member, sacrifice progress for position or become blinded to the negative social effects of a cause. Eventually, I think we can avoid what God calls us to do and never imagine how our avoidance can inhibit life for others.

Successful people become acquainted with grief.
I once heard, risk-taking is for the young. Maybe it's because the recovery is so much easier or we just don't take the time to evaluate the effects of our actions. Wisdom's revelation is often painful. You may recognize a theme that occurs throughout the bible: something often has to die in order for something else to live. Followers of Christ become acquainted with such death-defining moments when our heart must measure our personal capacity for understanding resurrection.

Never underestimate the courage of one.
Esther's story began when a queen did the unthinkable. Sometimes God works behind the scenes to open doors for us. He doesn't always look for perfect people but for those who are available. It's easy to underestimate the danger Esther faced. Be aware of responses that try to minimize someone else's threats or danger. Esther's act of courage affected 9 million others plus future generations. Few of us will ever have that kind of influence.  Your most important act of courage may be just around the corner. It may take you in a direction you never dreamed or imagined and may only affect one other person. But, remember every act of courage - large or small - matters to God and that makes a difference.

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'"  Esther 4:15-16 NIV

Will we Stand in the Gap?

Gap: (noun) a break or opening, as in a fence, wall, or military line; breach; an empty space or interval; interruption in continuity; a difference or disparity in attitudes, perceptions, character, or development, or lack of confidence or understanding, perceived as creating a problem.

Huge gaps exist in our families.
Families have gaps such as a prodigal child, an unfaithful spouse, or an abusive family member. Some parents have lost all hope for their children and some children have lost all hope for their parents. Children and youth have limited resources and have no mentors. Addictions attempt to fill gaps unsuccessfully. Neighbors can be difficult. Elderly are forgotten.

There are gaps in the greater society of the world.
Racism and class warfare infest global communities. Business and professional organizations are bogged down with lawsuits because of lying, stealing and cheating. Poverty is everywhere. Society is on the edge of a breakdown. Slavery is at the highest rate in history while powerful human trafficking networks abduct children, youth and adults. There are world-wide attacks on Christianity, immigration issues and prostitution.

Violence seems to be the only antidote.
But, God calls his people to stand in these gaps. What kind of person is God looking for? The Hebrew term for someone who stands in the gap is "ish habinayim." "Ish" is a man, "Isha" is a woman. Habinayim is “one who places himself between the two camps and offers single combat.” He or she is a champion for the cause, a person who protects or supports someone in need, a man or woman who finds the courage to sacrifice everything to represent God and block evil from destroying those he loves.

We will explore together what happened when God's people chose to stand in the gap during this message series. We will discover the obstacles and opposition individuals such as Isaiah, Nehemiah, Esther, Noah and a young shepherd named David had to overcome. We may even be inspired to take action steps ourselves. Where might God be calling you to 'stand in the gap?'

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV

We Can Lose It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you reliable?

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

Reliable. The word from this important leadership scripture resonated with me as I prepared for a leadership meeting recently. Entrust what you know to reliable people. The Apostle Paul is giving leadership directives to a next generation leader named Timothy. Invest in reliable people. Reliable.

Would someone identify you as reliable?
I think I am pretty reliable most days. I made a commitment to follow through with my promises years ago after some serious introspection. I call it my defining moment. It's the time in our personal lives when we take an assessment and realize we might be standing in the way of our success. Truthfully, back then, I wasn't very reliable. I was short on all accounts: short-tempered, short-sighted, and short on cash. I suffered from grandiose visions of myself. I wasn't interested in foundational leadership qualities like trust and reliability. Trust and reliability sounded boring to me. I was interested in action. I charged toward the next thing. I had bigger and better things to accomplish.

Is trust something that people earn or do you give it away until someone misuses or abuses it?
There is no easy way to build trust with people or the organization we lead. There are numerous ways to erode trust. Some leaders think it's impossible to gain trust once we've lost it. Simon Sinek is a popular speaker and leadership expert. I attended a leadership event last week where he was the featured speaker. I was spell-bound as I listened to him narrate his experience from Afghanistan. Simon is part of a leadership team for the United States Air Force.  He asked how 'safe' people were in our workplace.

How safe are you at work, home or with others?
I was totally captivated as Simon recalled his encounter in the war zone. His experience with the Air Force men and women changed him for life. His return flight was cancelled due to serious shelling. His demeanor changed instantly when he felt his life was in danger. He demanded someone respond to his needs immediately. He didn't care about who were engaged in the fighting. Casualties were brought in as brave men and women delicately handled the bodies. But, the bravery didn't end there. Those men and women went back out into the war zone for more. The fighting subsided and a few days later, Simon flew home seated beside a flag-draped casket for nine hours. You can listen to Simon's TED Talk from 2014 HERE.

Am I willing to help others feel safe?
Not everyone is called to serve in battlefields. But, many people live or work in unsafe environments. My challenge to you is to create a safe place for others. Do all you can to minimize threatening behaviors and volunteer for the heavy duty of confrontation from time to time. Leaders can engage healthy teams by building trust with others simply by being reliable. Are you investing in becoming reliable yourself? It might be time to take a serious look at behaviors that stand in the way of personal or team success. I will be sharing some of this insight with 30 Confirmation students this weekend as they become full members of our church. It is a time of commitment and challenge. I hope you can be there to share this moment with us.

Plant a Little Seed

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

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

This scripture about planting, for example, feels like a law of the universe to me. When God speaks about giving in this passage he uses planting language. If I plant a few seeds, I will receive a little yield. If I plant a lot of seeds, I'd better be prepared to do some hard labor. This is notsacrifice language. When we sacrifice something, we never see it again. When something is sacrificed, it’s laid down, given up, hands off, never to be used or seen again. But, planting something is laying down a seed into the ground with an expectation that something greater will come out of it.

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

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

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

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

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

The Time is Now

Most believers aren't in imminent danger of ruining their lives. They're facing a danger that's far greater...wasting them. Steven Furtick

There comes a time for each of us to step out on the word God has spoken to us. We all come to the moment where we have to trust God. As scary as that sounds, to look back or to be tempted to go back to the old ways is just not possible. Consider the fearful temptations to shrink back. Remember who God is: mighty, powerful, faithful. Praise him, thank him, honor him for what he’s already done. Follow him into a future with greater faith,   prominence and confidence that there are really greater things in store.

This is not a time to second guess all the work and preparation. Elisha himself had to make the decision to take action or not. Elijah was taken up to heaven on the far side of the Jordan River in a whirlwind. Elisha witnessed Elijah leaving. Elisha tore is clothes, called out to his spiritual father and picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah. Elisha walked to the water’s edge.

What would he do?                                                                       

The apprentice time for Elisha was over. It was now time to lead. The same God who brought him to that moment also promised to be with him to the end. God doesn’t show us the details or actions he shows us himself. He does this not just to tell us what to do and how to get there but to give us the power to do it all. Elijah passed on his mantle to Elisha. We can experience something greater as we surrender to God’s Holy Spirit. The spiritual mantle is passed onto us. For anyone who is sick of playing it safe, for every dreamer who has been devastated and disillusioned, for every undiscovered Elisha determined to show the watching world the greater things GOD is capable of...the moment is now. The mantle is already ours.

What will we do?

I have included some prayers that might be inspirational for you from Pastor Steven Furtick. He is one of my favorite people to watch. You can learn more about him here http://stevenfurtick.com/

            1. I pray that you will no longer settle for good enough in your closest relationships, existing together but not really engaging each other. I pray that where you may have settled into comfortable patterns, busyness, and mundane living, you exchange that for greater living and see the glory of God.

            2. I pray that you never settle for the ‘good enough’ of killing time and drawing a paycheck. Clocking in and clocking out. God is calling you to something new. I pray he gives you the faith to do so. If God is calling you to step up in the a job you already have, I pray he gives you the passion to do so.  Either way, I pray that you step into greater influence that God has called you to within your work.

            3. Students: I pray that you won’t just be part of a crowd but that you will begin to lead it. I pray that the people who have been influencing you to a lesser life will be changed by the influence of the greater life you are stepping into. I pray that every voice that has labeled you as anything other than a beloved son or daughter will be silenced and that you will believe only what your Father God has said about you.

-Pastor Jen

Dream big. Start small.

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

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

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

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

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

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