Believers Pray for Courage

As I think about all that is going on in our world, my heart breaks. There has never been a more desperate time to pray for courage than NOW. Believers all over, need to ask God to give them courage. Courage to face the economy, how to help the situation in Haiti, defending the right of Biblical Marriage (One Man and One Woman), issues of abortion, and sharing the love of Christ to those around us. It is going to require more courage as the day approaches. No backing down or falling back, it is time for boldness and courage.

In Acts 4, Peter and John were speaking in front of the religious council about a man they healed in the name of Jesus. This counsel asked them to stop using the name of Jesus and sharing that he had rose from dead. With the potential threat of death on their life, they did not back down, they courageously shared, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We can can not stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." The members of this council were amazed at the boldness and courage of these two men, and said, "...recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." What a powerful testimonial. The council threatened them and dismissed them because they were afraid of a riot breaking out.

When Peter and John left they joined other believers and shared all that God did through them in front of this council. The believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God. After they prayed in an united front together giving thanks and asking for more courage and boldness. The Bible says, "the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness." It is time for believers to ask, pray, receive, and act.

As I read this amazing story, I am challenged to ask God for more courage and boldness. To gather with my Life Group and pray for boldness and courage. Then look for opportunities to be bold for Christ. Right now there are 2 major issues we need to ask God for courage: to send the right people and right aide to Haiti. As many people know this beautiful country needs the right help. Second, there is a court case going on in California: Perry vs. Schwarzenegger. This case is a huge case that is being fought for the institution of Biblical marriage. ADF (Alliance Defense Fund) has amazing lawyers that are defending Biblical Marriage in America. Let's pray for courage and boldness for these lawyers. Their closing arguments will be in less than 2 weeks.

Let believers huddle together: ask, pray, receive, and then act in the Holy Name of Jesus.

Fasting

A wonderful time to fast is at the beginning of each year. For the past 4 years, I have chosen to start the year off with a 21 day fast. It has been revolutionary. I believe my whole life has been impacted by this Spiritual discipline. It has been amazing to watch and see my son get a hold of this discipline, and his life take off for the glory of God. My whole family has been impacted as well. I challenge you to consider it as you begin 2010.

Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from something for the purpose of growing in self-discipline, which is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. The most common is food. Fasting accompanied with prayer brings the anointing and blessing of God.

Jesus said, "And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. ¹⁷ But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. ¹⁸ Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matt 6:16-18

This passage comes right in the middle of Jesus teaching on prayer and giving. In this sermon, Jesus uses phrases like: "When you give" (v.2) "When you pray" (v.5), and "When you fast" (v.16). Jesus assumes his audience will give, will pray, and will fast. Fasting is not an option. It is natural part of a believers walk. We also see in this passage of scripture, your motive is vitally important to your fast. You can not manipulate God, fasting must come from the heart. One last truth you see in this passage, when you fast, you will be rewarded.

There are so many benefits to fasting. It draws you closer to the presence of God and His word. It promotes a breakthrough in your life. Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed by an incoming army from Edom. He was filled with fear, and called a nationwide fast in Judah. This produced a breathrough for the nation of Judah. (2 Chronicles 20) Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and received the 10 commandments. (Exodus 34) Revelation comes through fasting. Direction comes through fasting, as we see with Nehemiah when he fasted about rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1) A time of Repentance for your nation comes in the midst of fasting according to Daniel. (Daniel 9) Wisdom with decisions comes as a result of fasting, the disciples fasted as they prepared for ministry. (Acts 13)

The length of the fast is totally up to what you feel God is calling you to do. I have heard of 1, 3, 7, 21, and 40 days.

There are many kinds of fast:
Water Fast- Means to abstain from all food and juices.
Partial Fast (Daniel Fast) - Eliminate certain foods and meals. (Maybe Vegetables and Fruit Only)
Juice Fast - Drink only vegetable and fruit juices.
Interest Fast - Abstain from an interest or hobby for a period of time.

Preparation for the fast has been critical for me. I have found if I would start preparing my mind, body, and spirit a few days before beginning, it will make a considerable difference. I will start eliminating sugar and caffeine a few days before I begin the fast, and helps my body get ready. I will also prepare my heart for the fast as well.

Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus. It is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to the Spirit. Fasting is not about doing without, as it is about looking within. Fasting is an outward response to an inward attitude of the cry of the soul.

As you consider this spiritual discipline for 2010. Remember to have a purpose and focus to your fast, so you can see what God does. It will set the tone for the entire year, and you will reap the benefits the whole year as well.

Living in the Moment

Recently, I heard someone say, "I am not sure about this whole end times thing, 'Jesus is coming back', people have been talking about that for years." When I heard him say this, I could not help but think about what Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the son of man" During the time of Noah, people did not believe the prophetic message. They lived like it did not matter, and nothing would ever happen. They were cold and deaf to the voice of God. They would not commit to following God wholeheartedly.

1 Peter 4:7 "The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those in need a meal, or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

Peter gives us amazing instructions on how to live our lives in these times.
1. We must have a earnest and disciplined prayer life.

• Prayer is about a relationship with God, it is about listening to the heart of God. Prayer produces power, prayer brings brokenness, and prayer opens the door to the Holy Spirit.

2. We need to have deep love for people.

• We can't give up on people. With that being said, we need to love people out of their sin, not just in their sin. When we pursue people with deep love, they feel it, and it has the potential to change lives.

3. We need to open our homes.

• This speaks of community and service to people; Our homes should be a microcosm of the modern day church house, a place for the healing and hurting. It should not be about privacy but about openness.

4. We need to discover and use the gifts God has given us.

• Our gifts can best be displayed in a small group. Each of us have a gift and we can not allow that gift to go dormant.

Think Life Change

As I walk through this journey of life, one thing is becoming apparent to me, life is evolving. Change is seldom neutral. We talk of "change for the better" or "change for the worse." I love this quote, "Make friends with change." But, for whatever reason people resist change, because it seems to require of us to leave what is comfortable and move to the unknown. (side bar: Takes Faith!)

Since we do not like to change very much; we need someone to push us, make us better, tell us what we do not want to hear, for the betterment of personal growth. At the heart of all life is growth and development, positive or negative.

The apostle Paul was writing to the Galatian church, and he was addressing the issue of false teachers trying to influence believers. These false teachers were trying to win them over with soft teaching that would tickle their ears. They were trying to keep them away from Paul with false motives of loving action. But, Paul was trying to tell them challenging truth that would effect their behavior and life, truth that was difficult for them to hear. It was challenging their core doctrine and beliefs. He was concerned they would not stay strong in the faith. He gave the most interesting analogy in this book to convey his passion to see change in their life, "...I am going through labor pains for you again...they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." Galatian 4:19 I am not sure how you receive Paul's heart here, but I know how I receive it. Here is a man that is passionate about this church receiving the truth of Christ. He is a man on a God assigned mission. He knows he is birthing something great through this church, and the enemy will do anything to stop the progress.

I am challenged to ask myself, "Do I have someone in my life that would be that controversial to ask me the hard questions?", "Do I have someone in my life that will speak the truth in love, until Christ is fully developed in me?", "Am I open for hard truth". "Am I open to be used of God to approach someone?" Ouch this hurts!

We need to approach the relationships that God has put in our lives as opportunities for Life Change. Let's not get so comfortable that we can not challenge one another to see Christ fully developed in the one's we truly care about. Let's be obedient to the call, even if it requires sacrifice. Let's move and live by the spirit. Obedience is crucial, especially when He is speaking for you to reach out, make the call, take the initiative. Experience the moment were you knew your life was making a difference in someone else. Nothing like that feeling!!!

By the way, I am thankful for my Loving Lord and Savior, I am thankful for my wonderful wife of 19 years and my 2 kids (Austin and Alexis). As I am writing, Austin is sick, he needs Gods touch of grace. I am thankful for Antioch Church and all the amazing life group leaders.

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Covenant "What does it take to have successful Life Group"

The old saying, "What you don't know can't hurt you, " proves untrue in life and in small groups. Hidden agendas undermine a group and keep it from functioning effectively. Groups need to have a mutual understanding and commitment to one another to function at the top level.
It is so crucial that groups create a shared agreement of purpose, responsibilities, and understanding. Such a statement lets everyone know what they are getting into. This group may not be for everyone, but if you join in, it will be life changing as you make that covenant with the other group members. Covenant is a Biblical word that means serious expression of commitment with those under God's love.

Here are some suggestions of successful commitments to groups:
1. Attendance: You need everyone in the group in order to grow.
2. Affirmation: There is nothing you have done or will do that will make me stop loving you. We will sometimes "Agree to Disagree" This is OK!
3. Confidentiality: What's said here stays here!
4. Openness: I will strive to reveal who I am
5. Honesty: I will try to mirror back what I see others saying and doing, you can help me in the same way.
6. Sensitivity: I will try to put myself in your shoes and understand what it is like to be you.
7. Accountability: I am responsible for my own growth.
8. Prayer: During the course of covenant, I will pray for my other group members.

1 Samuel 18:3 "And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself."

A Brand New Season

This past weekend my ministry transitioned into a new season of life. After 21 amazing years of full time student ministry I am stepping into adult ministry. We announced that we will be transitioning out of Student Ministry Pastor to Life Group Pastor at Antioch Church.

Student Ministry has been so incredibly fulfilling. I could not express the joy and excitement into words of what it has meant to fulfill that call. I have so many amazing memories of changed lives and relationships I built through this avenue. I have loved it and I was 100% devoted to it! But, life is filled with seasons and I am entering into a brand new era.

My family is excited as we answer Gods call in Pastoring people through small groups. Our small groups here at Antioch Church will be called Life Groups. There is no question that life change will happen in Life Groups. Through life groups we will experience Authentic Relationships and Spiritual Growth. As I consider the time in which our nation and church are in, there is no question believers must have true relationships and discipleship going on in their life. Discipleship needs to take on a high priority for the church as it did in the book of Acts. I believe discipleship is best fulfilled in a small group setting. At Antioch Church we are taking a step forward in making this the highest priority, that is why I will be giving it my full attention.

In the coming days there will be an amazing harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God. The church must be ready for this harvest, and we must be ready to care and disciple them. Life Groups will be that vehicle of discipleship for Antioch Church.

I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive to my family during this transition season. God is at work in our land and it is important to have our Spirits in tune with what God is doing.

Waiting

As I sit here in Black Dog coffee house, I can't help but feel a time of waiting on God. Have you ever been at a place in your life, you knew no answers and you had alot of questions? I find myself there! Questions and Circumstances can sometimes bug you, and the funny thing, they could just be normal questions and circumstances. All I know to do, is read his word, seek his face, and love people.

Lately I taught on being a Man of God, and one of the points was Lead Courageously. The Lord challenged Joshua to lead courageously without fear when Joshua was faced with the transition from Moses to him. Can you imagine being next in line for leadership, and the leader before you was Moses. Here is the guy, who lead a ton of people out of Egypt, saw Gods back side, and wrote the ten commandments. Now, God was calling Joshua to step up to the plate and lead. Do, you think he felt inadequate or weird?

I think when you are at a place of waiting, God is molding you for your next step. He wants you to be totally dependent on Him. He wants all of you and none of yourself. He is waiting for YOU to die. I think John the Baptist found himself there out in the wilderness. I think David found himself there out with the sheep, before Samuel came and got him. I think Moses found himself there, when he was taking care of his father n laws sheep. It seems like the Bible is filled with waiting stages when you think about it.

So, why don't we like it?