In a couple days we will be venturing north to good old Providence, RI, USA to see family and friends for Christmas. It's been a strange trip these past 9 months. Packing up everything, selling all and moving to Nashville....not knowing where, or what, or who awaits us. It's funny because we never wanted to relocate, less come to Nashville (no offense peeps..lol). I honestly thought we would always minister out of New England as a base.
It was a bigger change than I expected -uprooting from 12 years on staff at a church, dismantling a worship band, selling a house, and transitioning out of 5 year weekly television run on "Life In Christ" (FOX64 Providence).
The Lord spoke so clearly to my wife and I to go to Nashville back in February /March of this year. After the 7th confirmation, we finally said... OK Lord! When I came here in April 07 we were very hopeful. God plugged us in right away to a worship community. It does take time though to develop close relationships to that of what we had back in New England, but we are meeting some great folks weekly - very warm and kind. And we are also reaching out to other "transplants" as well -having compassion in our hearts knowing what it takes to re-locate. especially with children.
Change is never easy.....but we way over-stayed our past season and God almost had to kick us out! lol. Now we must stay the course because we are on a God-track.
I'm looking forward to visiting old friends next week. Somehow we feel as good as it will be, we will all realize, we don't belong there in this season....and maybe that will in some way make the transition back even easier. God is faithful....no pain no gain. It all comes down to "Your will be done, Lord". So we move forward with much anticipation into 2008 and look forward to richness in our relationships and calling as it unfolds. The Lord is good. And we put our trust in Him. He is faithful and a friend above all.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Now I Have It All First-Hand....
Catching a moment here to blog again. My mind settling on thoughts of God and His wisdom. Our God is so wise, yet we so often misunderstand Him and falsely interpret our circumstances as either the punishment or the downright lack of interest in our pain on God's part. However I am reminded of the story of Job and a key insight that a friend of mine shared with me recently regarding that perplexing book on the dealings of God in the lives of His creation.
Many quote the familiar and powerful line from Job, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!".......... But there is yet another passage that to me, is the pearl of the book.
Job 42:5-6 (MSG) I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise!
I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
Job's suffering was a tool used by the Father to bring Job to an intimate relationship with Him. It appears Job knew of God and did his best to honor Him and follow his ways, but maybe that was as far as it went.......as far as it could go up to that point. Job's life was based on strict obedience and the adhering to principle. That is why Job persisted with his innocence throughout the book in spite of the reasonings of his friends. Because he knew his circumstances weren't the result of him violating a principle. And in Chapter 42...even God himself declares that Job had not sinned.
It can be so disturbing at first and truly send us reeling for weeks, months, when all hell literally breaks out against us. We feel abandoned, betrayed, forsaken. We demand to plead our case before the High Court. We beg, repent, we fast, and at a point -we withdraw. Some, even turn away.
But these fiery furnace trials produce a gem of such great value. One we would sell all to obtain. But at first not of our own accord, no. It's by the divine orchestration of circumstances designed by a God that knows what we truly need, and what His great, jealous passion for us will only settle for. The real. The intimate. The knowing.
As the Apostle Paul writes;
Phil. 3:10-11
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
"I WANT TO KNOW CHRIST..."
Col 1:15-17....."He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. "
What has happened to us? The American church? Everything is about increase, prosperity. Everything is pointed inward. It's all about blessing above all. God is a candy store, a furry foot on my key chain, a medal on the dashboard of my car to keep me safe.
We declare; "blessing Reigns over ALL!" And if there is no blessing....THEN, there is NO GOD!"....... Lord, grant us the grace to not only receive your blessings, but to lay all that we have at your feet in service. And if there be trial, if there be suffering, if there be persecution, let it bring out the best in us....You....the hope of Glory. Lord Jesus, save your people.
Many quote the familiar and powerful line from Job, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!".......... But there is yet another passage that to me, is the pearl of the book.
Job 42:5-6 (MSG) I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise!
I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
Job's suffering was a tool used by the Father to bring Job to an intimate relationship with Him. It appears Job knew of God and did his best to honor Him and follow his ways, but maybe that was as far as it went.......as far as it could go up to that point. Job's life was based on strict obedience and the adhering to principle. That is why Job persisted with his innocence throughout the book in spite of the reasonings of his friends. Because he knew his circumstances weren't the result of him violating a principle. And in Chapter 42...even God himself declares that Job had not sinned.
It can be so disturbing at first and truly send us reeling for weeks, months, when all hell literally breaks out against us. We feel abandoned, betrayed, forsaken. We demand to plead our case before the High Court. We beg, repent, we fast, and at a point -we withdraw. Some, even turn away.
But these fiery furnace trials produce a gem of such great value. One we would sell all to obtain. But at first not of our own accord, no. It's by the divine orchestration of circumstances designed by a God that knows what we truly need, and what His great, jealous passion for us will only settle for. The real. The intimate. The knowing.
As the Apostle Paul writes;
Phil. 3:10-11
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
"I WANT TO KNOW CHRIST..."
Col 1:15-17....."He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. "
What has happened to us? The American church? Everything is about increase, prosperity. Everything is pointed inward. It's all about blessing above all. God is a candy store, a furry foot on my key chain, a medal on the dashboard of my car to keep me safe.
We declare; "blessing Reigns over ALL!" And if there is no blessing....THEN, there is NO GOD!"....... Lord, grant us the grace to not only receive your blessings, but to lay all that we have at your feet in service. And if there be trial, if there be suffering, if there be persecution, let it bring out the best in us....You....the hope of Glory. Lord Jesus, save your people.
Before The Throne of God Above...
This is probably my favorite lyric of all time....
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold Him there the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace
One in Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold Him there the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace
One in Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God
Trust, Believe, and Co-Labor...
I emailed this to a friend...thought I'd post it. Maybe it will bless you....
God has our best in mind. The tough part is trusting.... grrrrr I hate not knowing!!! I'm in the same boat. we are having to take one step at a time. It's as if God illuminates a step then we take it. Then we wait.... then He illuminates another step....then we take it... hehe... I'm like LORD! Show me the whole picture! I know we're headed somewhere! But I guess He wants to stretch our faith to trust. If you really have a heart to go to Africa...I'm sure you will end up going...if not now, in the future. I was told....and this may help you as it did me. To try and define what it is you would like to see happen in your ministry. Like articulate....even envision it in your mind...what you see yourself doing. As you get it in your spirit and continually bring it to God, your faith increases. I think sometimes, we just wander aimlessly through life waiting for God to slap something down in our lap. But I have found that it's more of a co-laboring. Where God has a plan for our lives....but He is requiring us to engage our faith and that usually requires risk and action in some form...whether it be simply embarrassment or financial risk or whatever.... I think we begin to launch according to the desires of our hearts and God tweaks it as we go...and even brings us above and beyond all we could ask or think. So I try to do as much as I can....being mindful, that i am OVER (totally) trying to MAKE something happen. I think a lot of what happens is waiting... grrrrr I hate that! hehe. But God is working behind the scenes for our good all the time. Constantly. So we need to engage our faith by taking whatever steps are available. Even a phone call to someone can open up possibilities, knowledge, connections, etc. Its a co labor. I really feel for ya right now and pray you are not discouraged by it all. I know what it's like to be in that situation. But i can just tell you as I'm sure others have...and I'm sure you know. That God is faithful. And he will not be indebted to any man. He loves you so much and will do exceedingly above all you can ask or think. Just keep pressing in. Keep pursuing. Keep engaging your faith. Faith is the stuff of heaven. It's the substance of things hoped for. It is substance. REAL. So if you can see it in your spirit and know it's there in your gut. It's as good as if it was there in the natural. It's as real as that and it will come to pass. Just believe and trust. And even in your weakness He is strong and able to make you stand. It's not about the cicle of days and months so much that determines your faith. It's the years. Abraham blew it...a few times....but he kept pursuing. So in Hebrews....the Bible tells us he was faithful. That He was the man of faith. Not becaus eof the microcosm of his day to day....but when you pull back you see the big picture and his pursuit of God. he didn't give up and he DID believe!
God has our best in mind. The tough part is trusting.... grrrrr I hate not knowing!!! I'm in the same boat. we are having to take one step at a time. It's as if God illuminates a step then we take it. Then we wait.... then He illuminates another step....then we take it... hehe... I'm like LORD! Show me the whole picture! I know we're headed somewhere! But I guess He wants to stretch our faith to trust. If you really have a heart to go to Africa...I'm sure you will end up going...if not now, in the future. I was told....and this may help you as it did me. To try and define what it is you would like to see happen in your ministry. Like articulate....even envision it in your mind...what you see yourself doing. As you get it in your spirit and continually bring it to God, your faith increases. I think sometimes, we just wander aimlessly through life waiting for God to slap something down in our lap. But I have found that it's more of a co-laboring. Where God has a plan for our lives....but He is requiring us to engage our faith and that usually requires risk and action in some form...whether it be simply embarrassment or financial risk or whatever.... I think we begin to launch according to the desires of our hearts and God tweaks it as we go...and even brings us above and beyond all we could ask or think. So I try to do as much as I can....being mindful, that i am OVER (totally) trying to MAKE something happen. I think a lot of what happens is waiting... grrrrr I hate that! hehe. But God is working behind the scenes for our good all the time. Constantly. So we need to engage our faith by taking whatever steps are available. Even a phone call to someone can open up possibilities, knowledge, connections, etc. Its a co labor. I really feel for ya right now and pray you are not discouraged by it all. I know what it's like to be in that situation. But i can just tell you as I'm sure others have...and I'm sure you know. That God is faithful. And he will not be indebted to any man. He loves you so much and will do exceedingly above all you can ask or think. Just keep pressing in. Keep pursuing. Keep engaging your faith. Faith is the stuff of heaven. It's the substance of things hoped for. It is substance. REAL. So if you can see it in your spirit and know it's there in your gut. It's as good as if it was there in the natural. It's as real as that and it will come to pass. Just believe and trust. And even in your weakness He is strong and able to make you stand. It's not about the cicle of days and months so much that determines your faith. It's the years. Abraham blew it...a few times....but he kept pursuing. So in Hebrews....the Bible tells us he was faithful. That He was the man of faith. Not becaus eof the microcosm of his day to day....but when you pull back you see the big picture and his pursuit of God. he didn't give up and he DID believe!
Step Into The Unknown...
Settling in here in Nashville. Definitely different from the Northeast! It's a new, life season for us. A necessary and welcomed change. I'm very hopeful for what lies ahead and the opportunities that are about to present themselves to bring God's presence into people's lives. God has such huge dreams for all of us if we have the courage to pursue them. I find myself constantly encouraging myself to press on by faith into the unknown. Seems like anyone who ever did anything for God had to venture way out of their comfort zone (not necessarily geographically) and embrace that strange realm where anything bad can happen at any moment.....but doesn't. It's the realm where you have to trust God completely for everything. Direction, hope, strength, opportunity. It can sometimes be bitter sweet. Especially at the onset. But it is extremely exhilarating most times. It is the place of possibility! I have discovered that in order to move into the next level (of whatever you do), you have to get out of the familiar. Familiarity breeds contempt, someone once said. Venturing out of what's familiar is an important step to advancement. Though it may seem like starting all over, it is the only road to opportunity. A plant will thrive according to it's environment. If you are meant to be a mighty oak tree, you won't get there if you're planted in a flower pot. At some point your roots will be bound and you will cease to grow beyond your environment. It's important that we challenge ourselves. In our lives we will come to places where we feel we have plateaued. At those points...look for change. Look for opportunities to grow, expand. Some times it may just be that you have used up the soil you're in and there are no longer any nutrients left in it. You need to find fresh fertile soil. This may not even mean a change of scenery...it could be a job change, going back to school, taking on a new challenge. Whatever it is, it will most likely involve some sort of risk. So do you want to live an exciting, enriched life? Embrace change! God For it! If you commit your plans to the Lord, you will succeed. God's likes risk. He looks forward to hearing someone say they are going to trust Him and launch out. He has never let anyone down. Follow the dream in your heart! Pursue it! For chances are, it was put there by God. It will come to pass if you have the courage to go after it!
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