Buried in the Grave

Easter 2013 may be over, but here’s a little secret. Jesus is still alive and the Resurrection matters! Every. Single. Day. Here is one of my favorite Easter songs by All Sons and Daughters.

Enjoy!

 

There was a day we held our breath
And felt the sting of bitter death
When all our hopes were buried in the grave
Our eyes awake our hearts were torn
Between our faith and what we knew
Before our king was buried in the grave

And grace was in the tension
Of everything we’ve lost
Standing empty handed
Shattered by the cross

All we had
All we had
Was a promise like a thread
Holding us keeping us
Oh from fraying at the edge
All we knew
All we knew
Was you said you’d come again
You’d rise up from the dead

There was a day we looked for proof
That you had risen from the tomb
And all our doubts began to roll away
We touched the scars upon your hands
You kept your word
Oh son of man
You buried death by taking on the grave

You came here to save us
Cuz everything was lost
No longer empty handed
Clinging to the cross

All we had
All we had
Was a promise like a thread
Holding us
Keeping us
From fraying at the edge
All we knew
All we knew
Was you said you’d come again
You’d rise up from the dead

It is is won
It is done

All we have
All we have
Is the promise like a thread
Holding us keeping us
Oh from fraying at the edge
All we know
All we know
Is you said you’d come again
You rose up from the dead

 

Why Our Mission Matters

I’ve never considered this region to be some sort of paradise by any means, but I’ve also never been miserable here. I’ve enjoyed raising my family in this community, surrounded by wonderful people.

I saw online today an article naming my home #2 in a list of the top 10 most miserable cities in the United States. Who is named 1st? Well, that would be our state capitol, which happens to be only 50 miles away.

If you live here and this doesn’t upset you, you need to wake up. I’m fired up about this.

This isn’t just about stress. This isn’t just about obesity. This isn’t just about jobs. This is about Jesus and the life HE called us to live. See John 10:10 and Ephesians 3:20. This is about an oppressed region that God desires to break free.

This is why OUR MISSION MATTERS! This is why our mission is dangerous! Lives are at stake. It’s time to get serious, even more serious than we’ve been. This is why we are here. We are here to ESTABLISH people in a relationship with Jesus, to BUILD their life upon the Word of God and EMPOWER them to live a life of victory. It’s apparent that this is not happening to the majority of this city/region.

This is not some simple puny little mission. God’s plan is not meager, weak, pathetic, or small. He redeemed us for a purpose and it is glorious! It’s time to love enough to speak up. To speak the truth. It’s time to settle for nothing less than a sovereign move of God, with the people of God, the church, living for Jesus and giving their lives to help everyone else do the same.

My faith says this: That none will be satisfied until everyone in Huntington surrenders to God’s LOVE and follows Jesus. That our purpose is consuming. As long as we draw breath we’ll serve God – and God is calling every man, woman and child in this region to follow Jesus.

I am not afraid nor intimidated by the enormity of the challenge. It’s just another giant God is setting up for us to take down.

Prepare yourself. Get ready. This has to change. This can change. This will change.

 

 

 

Easter Pageant Resurrection BBQ

I can just see how this Easter Pageant brainstorming session played out.

Youth Pastor: You know what our Easter play needs? MORE PYRO!
Everyone else: Um, sure, as long as it’s safe.
Youth Pastor: Trust me, this is going to rule!

Skip to about the 1:20 mark.

Not only did Jesus beat death, hell, the grave, but he also avoided becoming a human BBQ. All in all a win I say. I can’t stop watching this. “The tomb…the tomb…the tomb-is-on-FI-ER…”

Special shout out to cool hand Luke who kept the song going through the blaze. Color me impressed.

 

Weird Courage

Time to wake this blog up after a two month nap.

Sunday we kicked off a two week series at New Life Church titled “Weird – because normal isn’t working.” Let’s face it – the new normal is a busted mess.

• The new normal in relationships is –  divorce, regret, depression, guilt, unfaithfulness.
• The new normal in finances is – broke, in debt, can’t afford it but bought it anyway, no margin, little or no generosity.
• The new normal in church is – not growing, serving when it’s convenient, not reaching non-believers only reaching Christians, Christ isn’t center, skipping church because you’re tired.

Normal. Isn’t. Working.

So stop trying to be normal. Jesus called us to be weird. Not weird in a creep people out because I’m so spiritual kind of way. Weird in a – I have peace, my marriage has passion after 13 years, my life has meaning, Christ is center of my life, I’m there for my kids, I have joy in life, I am led by the Spirit of God and my life stands out in a good/God kind of way. Weird is better. Trust me.

Weird for you this week may mean doing something that you typically don’t do because you’re afraid people will think you’re weird. Well, it’s time to step up and get weird. Remember, normal is busted. Weird is better.

Here are some ideas for you to be weird this week:

1. Invite someone to church (I recommend this Sunday when I finish up Weird – Part 2).
2. Take breakfast to school teachers or surprise your bank with donuts. Invite them to church.
3. Have a free garage sell. That’s right FREE. Give everything away and Invite everyone who shows up to church. (Maybe for the warmer months..but still!)
4. Surprise someone and buy them a drink at a gas station. Hand them an invite card.
5. Surprise your wife with flowers and a note that says “I love you, thank you for all you do.” Even though it’s not Valentine’s Day yet.
6. Fast a meal and pray for God to bring lost people into His Kingdom this Sunday at NLC.
7. Write an encouraging note to a teacher or someone who is helping your kids on a regular basis, and let them know you are praying for them. (You better actually be praying for them!)
8. Did I mention invite someone to church this Sunday?
9. Don’t spend any money on fast food this week and instead bring it as an offering to church Sunday.
10. Turn off the TV and have a board game night with your family for an hour. Finish it up with a time of prayer and have each person offer a prayer request. Record the prayer requests in a notebook and then celebrate together when God answers the prayer!

Seriously, I could go on with this. You CAN do this. You CAN be weird. All it takes is a moment of courage. Just a moment. Becoming the “Weird” man or woman of God takes courage. Sometimes, it just takes 20 seconds of insane courage (Cue the clip below from the movie “We Bought a Zoo.”)

Praying today that you find that courage and get weird with me.

 

Things Christians Should Stop Saying Part 2

Hey Christian, stop saying “I’ll pray about it.”

When what you really mean is “There’s NO possible way, but instead of being honest with you about the truth, I’m going to put it off so I come across as a super spiritual person.”

Why do we do this? Why do we say things to people that we don’t mean? Why do I tell people that I’ll give them a call when in reality I have ZERO interest in talking to that person beyond the current conversation? I’ll tell you why. Other than coming across as a rude jerk-face (which of course there are more tactful ways to be honest), we choose the easy way out.

Let’s be perfectly clear about what’s really going on when we tell people that we’ll pray about something when the truth is they aren’t even making our fast-food-for-dinner prayer. We are being liars. Whoa-oah dude! That seems a bit harsh! For real, what’s the big deal Josh? What’s the harm in just telling someone that I’m praying for them when I’m really not? Won’t they still FEEL better? (Seriously…I’m about to go JIMMY-NINJA all up on you).

Here’s why.

Proverbs teaches us to choose our commitments VERY carefully because you have to live with the consequences of EVERYTHING you say. Count. The. Cost. Think before you speak. The words you choose to say can make you sick or well, happy or sad, rich or poor, can get you married or divorced. When you choose to say words (even good intentioned words) that aren’t true, you’re NOT speaking the truth. The Bible doesn’t say WORDS make you free, the Bible teaches that its THE TRUTH that makes you free. There’s a BIG difference.

Dishonesty always destroys. Always. It’s fake love. You don’t lie to people you really love. Dishonesty is always superficial. So when you say “I’ll pray about it” when you have no intention to do so, you may fool me, but the reality is you’re a superficial person who doesn’t really care. Only say it if you mean it. Level with people. Be honest. Think before you speak and when you speak, speak the truth.

“He who guards his mouth controls himself, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
Proverbs 13:3

 

Things Christians Should Stop Saying Part 1

Intro: We all say dumb things. I’m not sure it’s even possible to prevent. I say stupid things all the time (my wife is nodding her head). At some point we’re all going to blurt something out that we immediately know we shouldn’t have and regret it. (So, how does that foot taste? Need some ketchup?) There are what I would consider “accidental shootings” and by that I mean we immediately respond/say something without thinking, to a situation, conflict or question. We didn’t mean to say it, but we still did. It was unintentional, but it can’t be taken back and it still caused damage. (“Hey man, I’m soooo sorry I accidentally shot you in the back with my gun. We’re still good right?” Um, no).

Then there are times that we’ll say something to completely blame/cover up/justify our weakness/selfishness that is total false and basically a complete lie. The next couple of posts are going to be about the things Christians should STOP saying. This has as much to do about the MOTIVATION behind what is said as it does the actual words spoken themselves.

Hey Christian, stop saying “The Lord is Leading Me…”

Believers abuse that phrase more than my daughter abuses popsicles on a hot day. Seriously. I’ve heard it all. Hey Pastor Josh, the Lord is leading me to leave my wife. Hey Pastor Josh, the Lord is leading me to leave the church. Hey Pastor Josh, the Lord is leading me to stop serving. Hey Pastor Josh, the Lord is leading me to rob a bank. Ok, so I made that last one up, but you get the ridiculous point.

Just because you tell me “the Lord is leading me” doesn’t mean He actually is. In fact, it’s almost ALWAYS clear when someone is blaming/unfairly using God as an excuse to be selfish and get their way. If you haven’t taken the time to pray for wisdom, seek God’s Word for counsel or talk to your Pastor about the decision BEFOREHAND, then DO NOT tell me the Lord is leading you when its obvious that He’s not! God will NEVER lead someone to do something that contradicts HIS WORD! Duh.

That’s not how this works. Just by adding “the Lord is leading me” doesn’t mean you get to have your way. You can’t lie your way into God’s Will.

Have you stopped to consider the consequences for saying this when it’s untrue? When you falsely claim that the Lord is leading you, here’s what happens:

• You lose credibility
• You miss out on the opportunity for REAL GROWTH
• You form the bad habit of not seeking God for answers
• You promote self above everything and everyone else
• You cut off Gods people
• You abuse and lose relationships with true friends
• Eventually, the truth becomes known and you look foolish

Do any of those sound good to you? Me either! So just be honest. You don’t have to come across as some spiritual giant guru who God texts the answers to immediately because you’ve done everything the right way. FYI, the people closest to you already know who you are. We know better. (I would also add that spiritual leaders also have spiritual discernment). You’re not fooling anyone but yourself. So just be honest. Just be open. If it’s not God thats leading, if you haven’t prayed for wisdom, if you haven’t searched God’s Word, then that’s where you start. Don’t blame God for your selfish motives. Honestly, I’ll have more respect for you if you just simply start with “I want to…” At least then (you may still be very wrong) but at least you’re honest about your motive.

Good news time. If you’ve already blown it, then thankfully/hopefully God’s Mercy will be kicking in real soon and He’s giving you the time you need to seek forgiveness and get things right. Take advantage of it and do it. Make the corrections and please STOP saying that “the Lord is leading me” when it’s obvious that He’s not.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14

 

Thanksgiving Focus

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8

One thing that I love about Thanksgiving (in addition to the crazy awesome food) is that I’m reminded to focus on all the things I’m grateful for. Whatever you focus on ultimately becomes your reality. That’s why the Bible teaches us to focus on the good things that God has done. Focus on noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable things. Focusing on God’s goodness fuels your faith.

If you’ll focus more on being thankful for everything you DO have because of God’s blessing in your life instead of everything you don’t have, you will literally/physically start to FEEL blessed again. Here’s the truth: You ARE Blessed! I don’t even need to know your circumstances. If you know Jesus Christ, you are blessed beyond anything this world has to offer.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.