Today was a remarkable day. After years of praying, dreaming, and working, our church family enjoyed worshipping in the new building. It was a happy day.
It was happy because there was so much unity. It was happy because of all the natural light. It was happy to see so many people working together. It was happy to see the Lord's hand in so many ways.
So many have sacrificed and given so much. Our people have made an investment for future generations. But most importantly, we have come together to use the gifts that God has given us to build something that demonstrates our love for Him and the mission He has given us.
People build buildings all the time. The Dallas Cowboys are building a monster in Irving that will dwarf our house of worship. But for my money, no building is more honorable or impressive than one built for the worship of God and the proclamation of the hope of His gospel.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Getting reacquainted
I'm sorry that I've been negligent. I've thought of this conversation, only to get distracted and not resume. Since we last "talked" I've had the joy of welcoming a new granddaughter into the world (I'll show you pictures some time), and I've been preparing for our church's new building.
Next week is the first Sunday in the new worship center. After over four years of planning and labor, it is hard to believe it's here. I know I speak for the many who have been involved in expressing relief that the building is nearly complete.
The architecture of the new building is distinctive, but purposeful. Our architects designed a building that is intended to reflect the beauty of the One we worship using wood surfaces and natural lighting. The cupola draws the attention heavenward, to remind us that worship is about Him and not us. The commons area includes room for conversation and coffee, in order to build community. All of these features are intentional.
But the most important feature is the empty seats. We've more than doubled our space in order to make room for newcomers; not because people need to meet us, but because they need to meet the God whom we worship. My hope and prayer is that the church family will grow by new births, as more come to know the Savior who gave His life for us.
Watching my families, at home and at church, grow has given me a new appreciation of what God can do. Each new birth is a miracle. What a great privilege to see Him work as we watch His family grow.
Next week is the first Sunday in the new worship center. After over four years of planning and labor, it is hard to believe it's here. I know I speak for the many who have been involved in expressing relief that the building is nearly complete.
The architecture of the new building is distinctive, but purposeful. Our architects designed a building that is intended to reflect the beauty of the One we worship using wood surfaces and natural lighting. The cupola draws the attention heavenward, to remind us that worship is about Him and not us. The commons area includes room for conversation and coffee, in order to build community. All of these features are intentional.
But the most important feature is the empty seats. We've more than doubled our space in order to make room for newcomers; not because people need to meet us, but because they need to meet the God whom we worship. My hope and prayer is that the church family will grow by new births, as more come to know the Savior who gave His life for us.
Watching my families, at home and at church, grow has given me a new appreciation of what God can do. Each new birth is a miracle. What a great privilege to see Him work as we watch His family grow.
Monday, June 25, 2007
youth, teenagers, courage, life
We just met your teenagers returning from a mission trip in South Texas. After ten hours in vans, they (and especially the adult leaders) looked a little tired to say the least.
Although I don't know all of these young men and women as well as I did when my girls were teenagers, I do know enough to be very grateful for what I see. While they certainly aren't perfect, they certainly have great promise.
Teens can be mercurial and frustrating, but I love their thirst for life. And that thirst gives them a courage that is often missing in their parents. All too often, we adults allow life's disappointments steal our willingness to step out and live the life that God gives us. Sometimes teens step out in bad directions, but I still respect that they are hungry for what life has to offer.
Have you lost your hunger for life? Maybe we can learn something from our kids.
Although I don't know all of these young men and women as well as I did when my girls were teenagers, I do know enough to be very grateful for what I see. While they certainly aren't perfect, they certainly have great promise.
Teens can be mercurial and frustrating, but I love their thirst for life. And that thirst gives them a courage that is often missing in their parents. All too often, we adults allow life's disappointments steal our willingness to step out and live the life that God gives us. Sometimes teens step out in bad directions, but I still respect that they are hungry for what life has to offer.
Have you lost your hunger for life? Maybe we can learn something from our kids.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Finding rest
Julie and I are enjoying a two week break in the Rockies. We were both tired, and the opportunity to get away together has been a real blessing. We've enjoyed the beauty of creation, as well as the slower pace of vacation. We needed the rest.
But modern communication keeps us grounded in reality. Through cell phones and e-mails we learned that an old friend our age died of cancer. We felt sadness for those left behind.
And then we discover that our dog became quite ill while we were gone. We had suspected something for awhile, and is is confirmed that cancer has advanced and he is very, very sick. When we return, our four-legged friend won't be there to greet us. I'll really miss the only other male in our house.
As much as we try to avoid the realities of pain in the world, we can't. Since Adam's fall in Genesis, death and hurt are our constant companions--we simply can't escape those realities. But we can find rest in the person of Jesus Christ. I simply cannot imagine trying to deal with all the hurt with out the perspective of Jesus' rest.
But modern communication keeps us grounded in reality. Through cell phones and e-mails we learned that an old friend our age died of cancer. We felt sadness for those left behind.
And then we discover that our dog became quite ill while we were gone. We had suspected something for awhile, and is is confirmed that cancer has advanced and he is very, very sick. When we return, our four-legged friend won't be there to greet us. I'll really miss the only other male in our house.
As much as we try to avoid the realities of pain in the world, we can't. Since Adam's fall in Genesis, death and hurt are our constant companions--we simply can't escape those realities. But we can find rest in the person of Jesus Christ. I simply cannot imagine trying to deal with all the hurt with out the perspective of Jesus' rest.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Can I make a difference?
I'm sitting in an airport watching the democratic predidential debate. As is often the case, you could get the impression that the world's problems are overwhelming and that, utlimately, we have many more questions than answers to the world's problems. I don't mean it's hopeless, only that we face issues that are so great, and so complicated, that it does make you wonder what we as individuals can do to make our world better.
Obviously, as citizens we should vote and be involved in the political process. But I don't believe that is all we can do. Especially as a follower of Christ, I also have the responsibility to live in the world as salt and light, which includes living out the love of Christ in my own community. It may be only a small drop in the ocean of need around us, but it is my calling.
The Old Testament book of Ruth demonstrates that God often uses seemingly insignificant people doing insignificant good works, to accomplish remarkable changes in the world. It is our calling to care and to do what we can.
Obviously, as citizens we should vote and be involved in the political process. But I don't believe that is all we can do. Especially as a follower of Christ, I also have the responsibility to live in the world as salt and light, which includes living out the love of Christ in my own community. It may be only a small drop in the ocean of need around us, but it is my calling.
The Old Testament book of Ruth demonstrates that God often uses seemingly insignificant people doing insignificant good works, to accomplish remarkable changes in the world. It is our calling to care and to do what we can.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Who's to blame?
When a generation turns bad, and doesn't follow the way of their parents, who's to blame. Deuteronomy 6 places the responsibility on the parents in Israel to teach their children well, so that when they enter the promised land it will go well for them. But the book of the Judges makes it clear that the generation that entered did not follow after Joshua and his generation.
So who's to blame? Certainly a child has responsibility for his/her decisions. Especially when a generation reaches adulthood, they cannot simply blame their parents for desertion of God and His ways. But scripture still places responsibility on the parents to teach our children as a way of life, so they might walk in the way.
When I talk to parents whose children have strayed, I hear some take all the blame (which is not realistic), and some accept none of the blame (which seems unrealistic). Is there another response?
When our children don't follow as we would like, I'd suggest the following responses:
1. Be encouraged that it isn't over until it's over! As long as our children are alive, there is an opportunity for them to return.
2. Be prayerful. We are not alone in parenting, the Spirit works with us.
3. Accept appropriate responsibility. No parents are perfect. There is always room for learning and repentence.
4. Continue to love. Thank God that He keeps loving, and forgivig, His children, even when we fail Him.
5. Honor their freedom. Once a child is an adult, they have significant freedom--something we must accept. But this also means that they are free to endure consequences themselves as well.
6. Be faithful. Discouragement with our children can cause us to become disillusioned, but if we give up we can become a bad example ourselves.
Few things are as painful as watching our children struggle. But learning to trust God, even in our greatest pain, can make the journey more meaningful.
So who's to blame? Certainly a child has responsibility for his/her decisions. Especially when a generation reaches adulthood, they cannot simply blame their parents for desertion of God and His ways. But scripture still places responsibility on the parents to teach our children as a way of life, so they might walk in the way.
When I talk to parents whose children have strayed, I hear some take all the blame (which is not realistic), and some accept none of the blame (which seems unrealistic). Is there another response?
When our children don't follow as we would like, I'd suggest the following responses:
1. Be encouraged that it isn't over until it's over! As long as our children are alive, there is an opportunity for them to return.
2. Be prayerful. We are not alone in parenting, the Spirit works with us.
3. Accept appropriate responsibility. No parents are perfect. There is always room for learning and repentence.
4. Continue to love. Thank God that He keeps loving, and forgivig, His children, even when we fail Him.
5. Honor their freedom. Once a child is an adult, they have significant freedom--something we must accept. But this also means that they are free to endure consequences themselves as well.
6. Be faithful. Discouragement with our children can cause us to become disillusioned, but if we give up we can become a bad example ourselves.
Few things are as painful as watching our children struggle. But learning to trust God, even in our greatest pain, can make the journey more meaningful.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Honest Prayer
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons Christians struggle with our prayer lives is that we somehow believe that we cannot tell God what is really on our mind. It's as if we are protecting Him from our immaturity and our sin. Do we really believe that He "can't handle the trut"? So we pray prayers that are often superficial or empty, and we don't experience the fellowship with God that He intends. And then we convince ourselves that He's just not relevant.
Of course, to think that God doesn't know the truth, or that He "can't handle" it, is absurd. He knows our weakness better than we--after all He gave His Son because of it. But we, like Adam, believe that we can hide from Him in the garden.
Perhaps we aren't really protecting Him, but seeking to protect ourselves. The more we speak honestly with the Lord, the more we are forced to be honest with ourselves. The more we confront our true thoughts, the more we allow His piercing stare to search our own hearts. And the more we accept His intrusion into our inner lives, the more we allow Him to transform us.
Of course, to think that God doesn't know the truth, or that He "can't handle" it, is absurd. He knows our weakness better than we--after all He gave His Son because of it. But we, like Adam, believe that we can hide from Him in the garden.
Perhaps we aren't really protecting Him, but seeking to protect ourselves. The more we speak honestly with the Lord, the more we are forced to be honest with ourselves. The more we confront our true thoughts, the more we allow His piercing stare to search our own hearts. And the more we accept His intrusion into our inner lives, the more we allow Him to transform us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)