Tomba

Going to India

2010-10-04T17:51:00.002-05:00

Sitting in the Houston Airport. Leave for India in about one hour. Going with Robbie Briggs, a friend from Dallas. Last fall, Dr. Joy George (President of the A.C.A.) invited me to join the seminary students on their mission trip in October. Right now the A.C.A. seminary students are divided up into ten groups on mission trips throughout India. Robbie Briggs and I will be joining one group in Kochin, India. This is a next step in my desire to continue to build relationships with these students and encourage them when they go out from the seminary to plant and pastor churches throughout India.

What will we be doing? I am not totally sure. The main thing Robbie and I want to do is to pray for and encourage the students. The students will be doing evangelism at a university in the city.. We are going to try to show a film called The Privileged Planet. They hope I will be able to attend and then let the college students ask me some questions. Scarey! Also, Dr, Joy's brother, Babu, has a church in Kochin. I suspect that I will get to preach and do some teaching during the week for their lay leader equipping classes.

Prayer Requests:
That Robbie and I will be well received to be able to encourage and pray for the students.
That I will be a servant to the students, Robbie, and the church. (God has been convicting me lately of my need for some huge growth in the area of being a servant.)
That God will give me wisdom that is way beyond me for the film showing and question time afterward.
For God's encouragement to Vela and Nancy (Robbie's wife) while we are gone.
That I will not try to make anything happen. I will just hang out with Jesus and follow Him around to where he takes me.
That God will keep us both healthy.

Experiencing God in the Wilderness

2010-07-07T20:19:00.001-05:00

Here we are at summer camp in Arkansas. This year’s theme is “Experiencing God in the Wilderness.”

What words come to your mind when you think of the wilderness?

The wilderness is referenced often in the Bible. It is described as land that is basically wild and sparsely inhabited or unfit for permanent human settlement. It may be desert, mountains, forest, or marsh. In some sense, man has been living in the wilderness ever since Adam and Eve got kicked out of the garden.

What experiences come to your mind when you think of the wilderness?

Here is how the Israelites felt when they were in the “great and terrible” wilderness as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land:
Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Exodus 14:11–12

Often the wilderness feels like a place where God doesn’t seem to care, God doesn’t seem to be speaking, and God doesn’t seem to be in control and all is lost. Can you relate?

This week we are learning that:
The wilderness is all of life outside the garden…
a place where God cares for us and we learn dependence;
a place where God speaks to us and we learn to listen;
a place where God redeems us and we learn to believe.

Let’s pray together:
Lord, in the wilderness of my life today, help me to depend on You, hear from You and believe You for the impossible.

Thanks for Your Love!

2010-06-25T15:26:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday, my daughter Natalie married Matt. I performed the ceremony. I heard there were lots of bets on whether I could make it through without breaking down and crying uncontrollably. I made it! This is Natalie and Matt on their way to their get-a-way car.

One thing I always say in a wedding to the bride and groom is “God will use your tangible, touchable, physically present love for each other to give each other a more experienced awareness of what it means to be loved by God through Christ.” I got that line from The Marriage Builder written by Larry Crabb. I said this to Natalie and Matt. I really believe this and have experienced this in my own marriage.

I also experienced God’s love through our church before and during the wedding. A whole team of people transformed our Christian Life Center into a purple wonderland. (Natalie’s favorite color). A whole team of people worked alongside our caterer to cook and serve food. There were many other things. The most appealing aspect of it all was how people did all of this with such joy and a sense of being privileged to do it. Also, just seeing people who I know have busy lives at the wedding and reception gave me a great sense of thankfulness.

Thanks, Northwest Bible Church family and friends, for giving the Tombas a deeper experienced awareness of what it means to be loved by God in Christ through your tangible, touchable, physically present love for us the last few months during my daughter’s wedding.

Sincerely,
Neil

What is your one sentence?

2010-05-25T20:44:00.000-05:00

What is your one sentence?

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24

“In 1962, Clare Boothe Luce, one of the first women to serve in the U.S. Congress, offered some advice to President John F. Kennedy. ‘A great man,’ she told him, ‘is one sentence.’ Abraham Lincoln’s one sentence was: he preserved the union and freed the slaves. Franklin Roosevelt’s one sentence was: he lifted us out of a great depression and helped us win a world war. Luce feared that Kennedy’s attention was so splintered among different priorities that his sentence risked becoming a muddled paragraph.”

I found this illustration from Daniel Pink's book entitled “Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us.” I am not trying to sell Pink’s book, but I am continually amazed how the people of the world go after the things of the world with intense drive and unfailing motivation. And I am continually concerned about the church of Jesus Christ (especially in a city like Dallas) and my own lack of vigor in going after the things of God, especially when I read the accounts of the early church and Paul's missionary journeys in the book of Acts.

This past Sunday, I said that Acts 20:24 was a good capture of Paul’s “One Sentence”. It helps us understand how he went through all he did knowing that prisons and hardships were facing him everywhere he went. It helps us understand his courage, his purpose, and his motivation. To get a quick view of the things Paul suffered read 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. What is your one sentence or what do you want it to be? Let us know by putting it on my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NeilTomba

Bring it, John Maisel

2010-04-26T19:35:00.002-05:00

John Maisel preached again this Sunday for our World Passion Week. John is the president of East-West Ministries. I like listening to John because I have seen him live what he preaches.

1. If the church is retreating it is not because of the strength of the enemy. It is because our eyes are off the Bridegroom.

2.The greatest enemy of living for today is postponed obedience. Today is all you have.

3.The greatest enemy of walking by faith is fear. At the core, we fear that if we do what God wants we will have to give up something we really want.

4.Will you say, "Yes, Lord, no matter what?"

Let’s pray together this old prayer that came from Christian Quote of the Day on Sunday.
Fix my thoughts, my hopes, and my desires, upon heaven and heavenly things; teach me to despise the world, to repent me deeply for my sins; give me holy purposes of amendment, and [spiritual] strength and assistances to perform faithfully whatsoever I shall intend piously. Enrich my understanding with an eternal treasure of Divine Truths, that I may know thy will:
and thou, who workest in us to will and to do of Thy good pleasure, teach me to obey all Thy commandments, to believe all Thy revelations, and make me partaker of all Thy gracious
promises.
... Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667), Holy Living [1650]

World Passion Week 2010

2010-04-19T08:33:00.005-05:00

And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, “Do business with this until I come back.” Luke 19:13

This is World Passion Week for Northwest Bible Church. This is the time of year we gather money for our corporate efforts to take the gospel to our city and around the world. It is one way we live out our value, “loving a lost and broken world.”

John Maisel (president of East-West Ministries) kicked us off yesterday by taking us through Luke 19:11-26 (The Parable of the Ten Minas). Here were his five key points as he challenged us with the thought that we are chosen by God for this time in history to be about the business of Jesus.
1.Jesus is the King.
2.We are Jesus’ servants.
3.Jesus owns the resources.
4.Jesus’ servants will give an account.
5.The task is clear. (Chase after the King and His kingdom agenda to proclaim the gospel).

Here’s a statement that John made that really hit me, “If you have a dream that Jesus is not the center of, you have the wrong dream.”

Let’s pray each day this week that we would embrace the five things John taught us from this parable. Let’s pray that each of us will take a faith promise card and pray, “Jesus, we want what you want.” Today, let’s also pray for East-West Ministries and John Maisel as he leads that work. You can learn more about East-West at http://www.eastwest.org/site/PageServer

Please check out our outreach program, our supported missionaries and what’s going on with World Passion Week at http://northwestbible.org/index.cfm?i=1636&mid=1000&id=283486

Second JWWWYW Testimony

2010-04-02T15:59:00.001-05:00

JWWWYW Testimonies

2010-04-01T16:07:00.006-05:00

Sunday, we will finish our series through Mark called "Jesus, We Want What You Want." Here is a video of someone's response to that prayer. You will get to see three more of these on Sunday.

The Help We Need, Part 2

2010-04-01T10:33:00.004-05:00

Here is a prayer from Thomas Merton that a friend sent me in view of yesterday's blog. Let's pray:

“My Lord God I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that my desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

The Help We Need

2010-03-31T19:23:00.003-05:00

Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

This is Emmet. Emmet (some friends’ baby) was born on March 20. His name is Hebrew for truth.

Here is some truth God hit me with this morning. I was praying for God’s help for my typical, many struggles. As I was praying for help, I thought about several recent conversations about suffering people in places Haiti, India, Pakistan, etc. The combination of these and maybe the Spirit brought this thought into my head, “Father in heaven, help me. I don’t even know how I need to be helped. Before your holiness and wisdom, I am truly like a child who doesn’t know what is best for him. I really don’t know how I need helped. So again I ask, Father in heaven, help me.”

Later today, I opened an email from a friend with this little story from the devotional, “Streams in the Desert” compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman.

“See how the lilies of the field grow. “ Matthew 6:28
Many years ago there was a monk who needed olive oil, so he planted an olive sapling. After he finished planting it, he prayed, “Lord, my tree needs rain so its tender roots may drink and grow. Send gentle showers.” And THE Lord sent gentle showers. Then the monk prayed, “Lord, my tree needs sun, please send it sun.” And the sun shone, gilding the once-dripping clouds. “Now send frost, dear Lord, to strengthen its branches,” cried the monk. And soon the little tree was covered in sparkling frost, but by evening it had died.
Then the monk sought out a brother monk in his cell and told him of his strange experience. After hearing the story, the other monk said, “I have also planted a little tree. See how it is thriving! But I entrust my tree to its God. He who made it knows better than a man like me what it needs. I gave God no constraints or conditions, except to pray, ‘Lord, send what it needs - whether that be a storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost. You have made it, and you know best what it needs.

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER
Father in heaven, help me. I don’t even know how I need to be helped. Before your holiness and wisdom, I am truly like a child who doesn’t know what is best for him. I really don’t know how I need helped. So again, I ask, Father in heaven, help me.

Surely this man was the Son of God!

2010-03-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39

Sunday, I preached from Mark 15:33-41—the death of Jesus. My outline was one long question. Here is it is:
No matter how foolish Jesus looks or you look, will you be close to the cross declaring Him the Son of God because of your intimate knowledge about His death?

Why?
One. The cross and the message of Jesus is foolishness to the world. To both Jews and Romans a cross was a disgusting instrument of cursing and death. At the time of Jesus people weren’t using them for decorations or jewelry. Surely they would look at us to today and think, “These people are creepy.” We should expect people to think that we are crazy for following.
Two. Mark tells us that the centurion who makes the great confession that Jesus is the Son of God was right in front of the cross. The very next thing he tells us is that the women were at a distance. And there is no mention of the disciples around at all.
Three. The confession that Jesus is the Son of God finishes what Mark introduced in chapter 1, verse 1 where he said, “This is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Peter calls him the Christ in chapter 8 and now the centurion completes the description. To call Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God is an affirmation that He is God and He can claim that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father but through Him. (John 14:6). It would have been hard to hear then and it is hard for many people now.
Four. The reason the centurion made the claim was because “he saw Jesus die.” He didn’t get the miracle of a resurrection or Jesus coming down and saving himself as the mockers requested.

Application.
Let’s grow in our understanding and appreciation about His death in order to keep declaring Him the Son of God even when people think we are crazy.

Making friends to and from India: Boujar & Shokhurkh

2010-02-26T01:41:00.009-06:00

The top picture is Boujar. We sat together on my flight from Dallas to Washington, D.C. on my way to India. Boujar is from Kosovo. He, his two uncles and brother own Luigi’s Italian restaurant in Rockwall. Tell him I sent you and he might charge you an extra 10%.

Boujar told me about the war in Kosovo. His family had to move from their home during the war. He could no longer attend his school. He used to go to school with other friends at a neighbor’s house.

I was again reminded of what a peaceful and safe life I have experienced here in the States. I was also impressed with Boujar’s thankfulness for the help his country received during the war and the opportunity he has had living in Rockwall, TX. Please pray for him as he visits his father who is ill.

The second picture is Shokhrukh (or Shawn). We sat together from D.C. to Frankfurt. He is an epidemiologist. He lives in Uzbekistan. He is like so many people I have met on international trips. When I asked him questions about his life and showed him some pictures of my life, he kindly invited me to visit him in Uzbekistan. He said we could go climb some mountains and do some fishing. He promised that if I came for one month he could show me the whole country. He also said I could bring one other person. Who wants to go?

Let’s Pray Together.
Father, thank You for the fun of traveling and maybe people from all over the world. Thank you for your common grace in things like warm houses and safety. Help us to be a thankful people as we consider not only your physical blessings but the help we have received in Christ.

Do you feel like my dog George?

2010-02-18T11:20:00.002-06:00

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32

This is George. Recently, I was taking a picture of our gate. George heard me. He poked his head out and cried as I took the pictures.

Seeing George there reminded me of a conversation I had in December. I was walking at White Rock Lake with Ron Snell. Ron and I were talking about our desire to be in the game of life and not be spectators.

We talked about how easy it is to be spectators. We talked about conversations we have had with other men. We talked about how many of us end up stuck on our couches watching hours of television, or day dreaming about what we would do if we had more money, more time, better health, or wishing we had more discipline to act on any number of things.

I don’t want to be like George. I don’t want to be stuck in the backyard dreaming about running free or crying to be taken for a walk.

There are dangerous side effects when George doesn’t get regular walks and runs. He tends to store up energy and frustration. When George escapes, he ransacks the neighborhood. I cringed the time he was chasing someone in their yard. He thought they were playing as they were running from him. I also cringed the time Vela came home and screamed at me because a neighbor screamed at her as she was retrieving him from their yard. Have you noticed any of these side effects?

What do you do to keep from being like George?

2010-02-15T20:48:00.001-06:00

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

This Sunday we looked at Mark’s account of Jesus’ suffering in the garden of Gethsemane. I said that my hope was that as we thought carefully about this account, it would help us to say, “Oh how he loves us” while in our own Gethsemanes.

Mark makes it clear that Jesus was facing not only physical death but the wrath of God for all sin. Jonathon Edwards said that Jesus was having terrible and amazing views and apprehensions.

Mark gives us a picture of Jesus “losing it” in response to these views of the wrath of God. We are given a picture of Jesus in more agony in the garden than on the cross. The emotional stress alone was about to kill him (14vs34). Jesus falls down (14vs35). Jesus asks for a way out (14vs36). He references “the cup.” The cup was the Old Testament image for God’s judgment against sin.

What do you think when you see Jesus stressed out? How do you feel when you see Jesus rolling in the dirt? What do you think when you hear Jesus asking for a way out of the very purpose that he stated was his reason for coming? How do you feel when Jesus says that he doesn’t want to drink the cup of the wrath of God?

I don’t think enough on the wrath of God for sin that Jesus faced. Can you imagine what it would be like to stand before God and to answer for every sin, crime, evil act, and injury in the history of the world that has been done against the millions of people that he created in his image and loves?

He tasted this in the garden and stayed to drink it all. He tasted the wrath of God that was going to come down on him at the cross. This makes going to the cross even worse. We know this. Think about a difficult or painful experience where you have said, “Wow, that was harder than I thought. I don’t ever want to go through that again.”

In response to all of this, Jesus said to his Father, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Oh, how he loves us!

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER
Holy Spirit, give us power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Assure us that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus. In our suffering, comfort us with this love. Strengthen our resolve to do what Jesus wants no matter how difficult, no matter what the cost, and no matter what kind of response we receive from others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Daily Challenge of Trust

2010-02-10T17:39:00.003-06:00

This is an email I received from Salli, a member of Northwest Bible. I have talked to several people who have said they sense Jesus calling them to trust Him more so I asked her if I could share it with you.

Enclosed is a devotional from Jesus Calling that particularly touched me this morning and is one in which the Lord has been continually showing me as it goes against my nature of wanting to control, direct, figure things out, plan and be in charge. I continue to get the same message of "Be still and know"; "Rest in me" and "Trust me". As I am learning to surrender myself to Jesus, may I be able to trust Him for everything...today and tomorrow...knowing he has a perfect plan and he will show me the way. I pray that He would help all of us trust Him more and know Him more as we wait to see what He is going to do. Have a great week, Salli "

Follow me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In fact that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you’re going to scale those heights. Meanwhile because you are not looking where you are going, you stumble on an easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don’t know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. One path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give my angels charge over you to preserve you in all ways. Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open the way before you.

P.S.
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence is a daily devotional written by Susan Young.

Our thoughts of the future matter today

2010-02-04T09:47:00.002-06:00

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…1 Peter 1:3–4

In recent years I have heard a focus on living for Christ today that downplays our future hope of heaven. I think this is one of our many evangelical pendulum swings. Peter reminds us that we bless God and rejoice greatly in the worst of days here on earth because of a future prize God has guaranteed for us in Jesus. This morning I was convicted as I read this passage because I don’t spend much time meditating on the awesome, wonderful, crazy, amazing future God has in store for me.

I know how to meditate on future things. Every time I plan a future trip to Colorado, it happens. I buy a topographical map of my destination area. I plan and re-plan daily hikes. I talk to friends who know more about the area than I do. I read trip reports on the internet. I gather all my information in a manila folder to take carry with me. When I am doing all this, I lose track of time. I forget about other things. My mind and heart get caught up in daydreaming. Sounds obsessive.

Peter writes to believers who have lost friends, homes, and families. He tells them they can be so captured by the future that they can sing, “Blessed be Your name.”

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER:

Lord, help me live today as one extremely thankful for every moment, every breath, every meal, every relationship, all the present challenges, every new adventure, the work I am privileged to engage in, the meetings I will attend, the fun I have living. Lord, help me to live with an eye to heaven, a mind that is filled with grand thoughts of greater things to come and a heart aware of my longing for home. Blessed be Your name.

P.S.
Take a few moments to meditate on what you know about your future in heaven as revealed in God’s word.

Worship Jesus Wants

2010-02-01T20:43:00.003-06:00

She has done a beautiful thing to me. Mark 14:6

This Sunday we examined the story of the woman who anointed Jesus in Mark 14vs1-11. After talking about the historical context I asked the congregation for the words they would use to describe the woman’s worship of Jesus. Here are the words we came up with this Sunday and from Facebook this past week:

sacrificial, unconditional, inappropriate, lavish, costly, abandoned, frivolous, crazy, adoration, courageous, fearless, reverent, extravagant, intimate, public, fully invested, trusting, illogical, humble, personal, aromatic, scandalous, worthy, extravagant, vulnerable, unrestrained, abandoned, whole-hearted, purely focused, Spirit-led, genuine, selfless, naked, unsafe, undignified, irresponsible, insightful, free, not practical, spontaneous, complete, her best, her all.

However we describe this, we should take note. Jesus called it beautiful and said the story will be told wherever His story is told!

Two questions:
Which of these words would you use to describe your worship of Jesus?
Which of these words would others use to describe your worship of Jesus?

After 29 years of walking with Jesus, it has never been more clear to me that I cannot just force or discipline myself into this kind of worship. So why did she have it? Jesus not only said that her worship was beautiful but he also told why she did it. “She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” Mark 14:8. This woman, who John tells us was Mary, to some degree understood that Jesus was going to die. Mary had gained this insight from doing what any of us can do today, she regularly sat and listened to the words of Jesus. I believe she worshipped in this way because she was undone by the love and death and Jesus.

Let’s Pray Together.
Jesus, help us to sit at your feet daily through the reading of your word and listening to your Spirit. We confess that there are many good things that keep us from the best thing of spending time with you. Give us power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is your love for us. Give us greater insight into all that you went through on our behalf in your death. Make us worshippers that cause you to say, “This is a beautiful thing you have done for me.” Amen.

What does Jeremiah call leaders who do not seek God?

2010-01-28T11:15:00.001-06:00

For our leaders are stupid. They have not sought the Lord. So they do not act wisely, and the people they are responsible for have all been scattered. Jeremiah 10:21
He calls them stupid. Other translations say brutish, lost their senses, dull-hearted, and stupid as cattle. This is rather harsh especially when I consider that our mothers said that it isn’t polite to call people stupid. It seems that God puts aside politeness in his message to the leaders of Israel who did not seek him. What a sad commentary on the impact of their lack of seeking the LORD—they do not act wisely and the people they are responsible for have been scattered.

Frankly, this verse just scares me. It scares me when I see how easily I am distracted from seeking the LORD. I read the sports page carefully every morning I get a chance. There is always some good sports on TV especially with cable. It scares me when I think about the people I am responsible for. I scares me when I think of other places in the Word that talk about accountability for leaders. I don’t like the thought of being a dumb cow sitting at a desk figuring out what to preach on. If I was an artist, I would make a Far Side cartoon of church leaders all looking like cows sitting around making decisions thinking they are brilliant.

This passage also encourages me. It encourages when I realize I am not God and even if I was the smartest person in the world, the best leader, the greatest visionary, the most effective strategist there is no guarantee that the people of God would truly prosper. It encourages me knowing that the we have an option other than stupidity. Many verses contain unrestricted promises of God for those who seek him. Guarantees that he will give wisdom, he will be found, he will be strength, he will give joy, he will prosper. It is astounding.

Do I live as a man with this intense sense of calling from God that involves leading and seeking Him? Or am I casual about my business as shepherd—spending a little time in prayer and the scripture here and there, working my relationship with Him around a busy schedule like I do with the less important people in my life, making decisions by talking with friends for hours and sticking a one minute prayer on the front end or back end, constantly reading books and listening to seminars about leading but not going to the Source as if I really believe he has something “practical” to say about his flock? LORD Jesus Son of God have mercy on me a sinner.

Would you pray for me and our church leaders today?

Love: The force behind Jesus' call to us

2010-01-21T11:15:00.001-06:00

Mark 10:21
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Before Jesus tells the rich young ruler to go sell everything, Mark informs us that Jesus looked at him and loved him. I often imagined this story differently. I imagined the man walking away with Jesus longingly and lovingly looking at him. Jesus may have done that. However, this wasn’t just love that felt sad for them man as he walked away. This was loved that caused Jesus to say, “Go sell all that you have and come follow me.”

However difficult or dangerous Jesus’ call may seem, it is not born out of harshness but out of love. Jesus wanted this man to know the reality of “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus desire was not to lead the man to sadness but to blessedness. Oh, how He loves us!

When we pray, “Jesus, we want what you want,” know that whatever He asks, and wherever He leads, is born out of love.

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, help me to believe that in Your every leading and Your every command, Your perfect love is at work. I pray that perfect love will cast out fear in my life. I want to follow You fully and freely. Jesus, I want what You want.

Will you accept God’s invitation to hear His voice?

2010-01-17T20:29:00.001-06:00

A thought from this Sunday’s sermon, the last in our “Read.Listen.Respond.” series:

There is something powerful about our words and voice. Think about this: how many of you don’t like to hear yourself on a recording? Have you ever thought about why? Maybe this is the reason—your voice is so close. It is your very breath. It comes from deep within you. It exposes us. It exposes us when we are tense. It exposes us when we are afraid. It is why public speaking is so scary, we feel totally exposed.

Do you know that when you speak you are sending out sound waves? Those sound waves touch and impact people in a way as real as when you take your hand and grab someone. Those sound waves resonate in you and go out to create resonance in others. It is part of the reason why our voice and words can pack a powerful punch.

Of all the human attributes that God uses to describe Himself, perhaps the most used is the picture of God having a voice and breath and words. It comes out loud and clear at the very beginning of the Bible. Genesis 1 says over and over again, “Then God said.”

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is God-breathed.” We believe the Bible is the recorded voice of God delivered through the work and personalities of human authors. This is why I am believing that in 2010 we (individually and corporately) have the opportunity to be closer to Jesus as we join together to daily read through the New Testament this year. If you haven’t checked out the plan or want to join with us go to http://www.northwestbible.org/read-listen-respond

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER
God, consume us with longing for your word. In Jesus Name.

Haiti & Northwest Bible: Prayer & Future Action

2010-01-15T13:29:00.005-06:00

Northwest Bible Church, let’s praise and thank God for people all over the world who are caring, giving, and going to aide those who are suffering in Haiti. I thank God for many of you who have sent money and prayed fervently. In view of the huge logistical nightmare of getting help and supplies on the ground, let’s pray hard, together and a lot for God to show mercy and create a way in this wilderness.

Also, I am calling us to begin to pray for wisdom for what Jesus wants for us in terms of involvement in future waves of caring. As with Katrina, we saw that things like this get a lot of publicity at first. But as the days and weeks go on, people and pain are forgotten as we go back to our own overcrowded lives.

I invite you to come to come to a special meeting at 5:00pm this Sunday in the CLC to pray for the people affected and those on the ground giving aid and also to share ideas of how we can come together for a second wave of care. Ken Fifer and other members of the Outreach Committee will host this time.

Right now you can go to www.northwestbible.org and click on the Outreach link to see a list of ministries and organizations that are taking donations to aid the people and relief efforts in Haiti if you are interested in giving a personal gift. Let’s join together to reach out to this lost and broken part of the world with the love of Christ.
In Him,
Neil

Faith-Believing Without Figuring Things Out

2010-01-11T19:47:00.001-06:00

Lately I have sensed the LORD speaking to me on some pretty important areas of my life. Here’s one: faith.

I am the kind of person who likes to figure things out. I want to know how things work. I want to know what causes things. I want to be able to trace things to their source. Vela laughs at me constantly about this. I have asked her not to but she still does. Last Friday and Saturday my stomach was hurting. When it was really bothering me, I would say things like, “I think it was the fish I ate for lunch,” or “the salad I ate for diner,” or “the vitamins I have been taking.” Vela just kept rolling her eyes. I think one time, she said, “You drive me crazy.”

So how does this relate to faith?

I have noticed this need to figure things out can be a faith killer. I have noticed that in my time with the LORD when I come across a promise in scripture, my FIRST response is, “Okay, how does that work?” I immediately go into the mode of thinking theologically and biblically. Okay, God says this here…but how does that relate to other scriptures…and how does that relate to other big theological themes, etc. A good thing. However, not the best first response.

For example, Jesus says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.” I read this passage (Jn. 15:7) Monday, November 30. My normal first response is, “Okay, now I know James says you have not because you ask with wrong motives. My selfishness is pretty strong. Can I be sure I won’t be asking with wrong motives, even if I am remaining in Him? If I ask God to work supernaturally at Northwest Bible Church what will that look like? Do I need to be careful not to just look for the big stuff, etc?” Actually, these are healthy questions we all ask and need to ask at times. It’s just not the best first response.

The first response God is looking for is, “I believe! God, I believe Your promise. I will act on Your promise. I will pray according to Your promise.” The first response is to believe, not to figure out. What do I know of Holy? His ways are not my ways. His understanding is inscrutable. I know that part of me is wired to try to figure things out, to want to be theologically accurate. I want to spend more time on the front-end saying, “I believe,” and boldly asking God for His supernatural work in my life, in our church, in our city and the world.

What fears or insecurities hold you back or tempt you to figure things out on your own rather than dive in by faith?

Jesus Got Up Early

2010-01-06T21:05:00.004-06:00

Mark 1:35

Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

I was reading this yesterday morning when it was still dark. It’s helpful to remember that Jesus was fully human. He had long days. He was surely tired yet found it needful and desirable to get up to meet with His Father. Even in meeting with God, He had real choices to make about getting up and making time just like us.

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER

Jesus, we are comforted that You know the weakness of our flesh. Help us as we endeavor to meet with You daily as we read Your Word. Open our eyes that we may see wonderful things in Your Word.

Let's delight in the Word of God

2010-01-04T16:55:00.001-06:00

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Several years ago I decided to commemorate turning 40 by running all the way around White Rock Lake. That’s 9 miles. Although I was logging in some serious miles on my bike during that time, I would jog about 2 miles once a week on a good week. I enlisted my friend Joe who runs around the lake regularly to join me. So on the 4th of July, mid morning with the sun up, I slogged my way around White Rock Lake. If Joe had not been there I would have quit at the 3 mile mark. It was drudgery. Don’t try this at home.

After the summer, I began a proper running program where I slowly built up to running around the lake. It required the discipline of running consistently three times a week. I was surprised to learn some things --from running techniques to running shoes--things that were really helpful in making the whole experience more enjoyable. Over the next two years, Joe and I could be found running around the lake at least twice a month. Those times were a delight, far from the drudgery I experienced on my first attempt.

This past Sunday, we began a series called “Read. Listen. Respond.” I am inviting our body over the next three weeks to make a commitment to reserve a daily time to read the New Testament together over the next year for the purpose of connecting with Jesus. More information can be found at http://www.northwestbible.org/read-listen-respond .

I realize that this is going to require discipline. I realize that it might feel like drudgery at times. I realize that for some it will require learning new things about reading the Bible, listening to the Spirit, and responding with our lives. However, I believe that the Lord, who wants to speak to His people and be heard by His people, will cause us to meditate on His Word more consistently than we have in the past. I also believe that as we are consistent to show up and sit with Jesus, this time in His Word will become a delight that we look forward to.

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER.
God of heaven and earth, consume my soul with longing for Your Words at all times. Cause me to rejoice in following Your Word as one rejoices in great riches. May Your Words be to me sweeter than honey to my mouth. Cause me to delight and love Your words so that I will not neglect them but instead meditate on them day and night. In Jesus’ Name.
(The words for this prayer were taken from Psalm 119)

When God's People Seriously Read God's Word

2009-12-30T20:13:00.003-06:00

Nehemiah 9:3 (NIV)
3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.

The last ten days I have been reading in the book of Nehemiah. I was really struck by this verse in Nehemiah especially as the New Year opens and this Sunday I will be talking about spending time in the Word to connect with Jesus.

In preparation for this New Year, think about these questions reflecting on last year with me.
· How regularly did I stop, open my Bible and seek to hear from Jesus?
· What things did the Holy Spirit teach me last year as I read the Bible?
· When I read the Bible or heard it preached, how willing was I to do whatever it said?
· How did reading the Bible impact my spiritual leadership opportunities?
· How did reading the Bible impact my marriage and/or closest relationships?
· How did reading, listening and responding to the Word of God shape me last year?

To get a sneak preview into Sunday’s message and about how we are going to read the New Testament together this year go to http://www.northwestbible.org/read-listen-respond .

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER
Father, thank You that You have given us Your very words in the Bible. Thank You that You have chosen to communicate with us in this way. Father, I pray that You would motivate me and Your Church to daily read Your Word, to listen to the Spirit and to respond with our lives. Open our eyes that we may see wonderful things from Your Word.

Merry Christmas. Longing for Jesus to show up again.

2009-12-25T06:38:00.002-06:00

Christmas. Longings ignored awaken. Hope dashed arise. Expectations for better reluctantly return. Unexpectedly, disappointment deepens.

It’s 5:45a.m. Christmas morning. I woke up at 4 and couldn’t get back to sleep so I got up an hour ago and worked on finishing a book I received for Christmas. I will be plenty tired later as the Tomba’s stayed up past midnight watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

I wrote this poem. It doesn’t sound like it goes with “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I think it is the only poem I have ever written and actually talked about publicly. I think I have written one other poem. I suggested putting this poem on our Christmas card. Vela just couldn’t go with it. I laugh thinking about people opening our card and saying, “’that’s really weird.” I read this poem three out four Sundays during advent as I preached. I like it. Honestly, it sounds like something I have heard before.

I still like it. It’s the story of many of my Christmases and the story of many Christmases of friends over the years. It helped me explain how at Christmas everybody convinces everybody else to get their hopes up. It helps me get in touch with how our longings rise to the surface. Its like we are all little kids working ourselves into a frenzy that not even the latest piece of technology can sustain even if we plugged it into our ear.

Side note: At our Christmas eve service, we had the children come to the front. I am talking 3-6 year olds. Maybe some were older. I asked the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” They all wanted iPhones. Wow, I am getting old. It kind of bummed me out. My poem was about to happen to me, when finally some kid said he wanted an AirSoft gun (kind of a modern day Red Rider BB gun). Hurray!

Anyway…I have had a really great Advent season. I have experienced some serious joy. It has been far from perfect. It has not been without disappointment. It has not been without pain. But, by the grace of God, I didn’t expect it to be perfect. My poem, the Spirit of Jesus, and some words from Solomon in Ecclesiastes kept me clear on this: Jesus made His first appearance because there is all kinds of garbage on this planet. Jesus died because things were horrible. Jesus rose and is coming again. I am longing for the second Advent where… Longings ignored will awaken. Hope dashed will arise. Expectations for better will gladly return…And I can’t think of a cool way to end this and turn this poem on its head so that I could put it in a book and make millions of dollars. So I will just give you one of my favorite verses (1John 3:2-3),

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Jesus appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Merry Christmas. Longing for Jesus to show up again.

P.S. It is still early. No one is awake around here which means no one edited this for me. I hope it makes sense.

Reflections on Years Past

2009-12-15T21:28:00.000-06:00

Ecclesiastes 7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” for it is not wise to ask such questions.

The third Sunday of Advent we talked about “Reflections on Years Past.” Think about how often we reflect on the past during the Christmas Season. I can hear my kids asking, “Dad, do you remember that time you brought home the giant tree that fell over after it was all decorated?”

In the verse above, Solomon addresses our tendency to look back on the past and improve upon it. I know this happens to me when my present isn’t going very well. I have also seen the opposite extreme. I can look back on past events and people and make them out to be worse than they really were. Solomon reminds us that wisdom is needed in reflecting on the past.

Here is a link to this week’s handout: http://media.northwestbible.org/?CFID=3660388&CFTOKEN=16569851.
This has both a consideration of the wisdom Solomon offers in reflecting on the past as well as some thoughts about Jesus in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Imagine this: in Jesus we get to see wisdom from God in even a greater way than Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. I encouraged everyone to find somebody and look them in the eye and talk about these things. I especially asked fathers and grandfathers to do this with their children and grandchildren. Take some time to do some wise reflecting with someone this week.

Let’s Pray Together
Father, give us the courage to take time during these days to speak words of grace and truth to the people you have placed in our lives. Help us to not only speak about sports, weather, and the hottest gifts this Christmas. May we consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

So that the Scripture might be fulfilled

2009-12-12T14:03:00.001-06:00

“so that the Scripture might be fulfilled”

I found myself especially encouraged by these words in the last several days as I have been making my way through the book of John. This statement occurs in chapter 18 and three times in chapter 19 in reference to the details of Jesus’ death.

All the cruelty, all the gory details from start to finish were under the sovereign hand of the Father who loved His Son and who loves us. It was all predicted and promised beforehand. Do you see His love for you? And not only His love for you, but do you see His faithfulness towards you? What God says will come to pass. What God promises, He will perform. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind; has He said it, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good (Numbers 23:19)? Even in the death of His Son, God was busy and faithful in keeping His promises. It is not a stretch to believe that even in the things that feel like death for us, God is keeping His promise to conform us to the image of His Son.

Let’s Pray Together
Father, by faith I consider it all joy as I face the things that feel like death in my life. You are a sovereign, faithful, all-powerful, and loving Father. I trust in You. I will endure. I believe You are making me like Jesus—mature, complete, lacking nothing. Help my unbelief. In Jesus Name.

The Treadmill

2009-12-07T20:21:00.002-06:00

Ecclesiastes 4:4,8
4 And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business!

The second Sunday of Advent we talked about “The Treadmill.” The treadmill is a metaphor for our tendency to make a job out of anything and everything. We are especially good at getting on the treadmill during Christmas season. However, that’s not the only time. We make a job out of parties for our kids, vacations (Have you said like me, “I need a vacation from my vacation?”), reading the Bible, sports…you name it! If you want to read some ways others have seen this, check out my facebook page (www.facebook.com/NeilTomba)

One of the Hebrew words Solomon uses over and over again in Ecclesiastes is the word “amal.” It is usually translated as work, toil, labor. It is what we are doing when we are on the treadmill. In Ecclesiastes 4:4-8, Solomon observes two things that fuel the treadmill. One is competition or envy. The other is greed. Solomon tells us that this toil for the pleasure of being on top and to possess inordinate amounts of stuff and status steals both rest and relationship.

If you are on the treadmill, the safe way to get off and rest is to hit the stop button. Easier said than done. We will only hit the stop button if we hear Jesus saying at the cross, “It is finished!” There is nothing left to prove!

How do you need to hit the stop button this week?

Let's Pray Together

Father, I confess my propensity to make a job out of good things in life. I confess the need to prove myself to You, others, and even myself. I need to hear Jesus say, “there is nothing left to prove,” this season in order that I may enter into rest. Holy Spirit, show me specifically where I am on the treadmill and what it means for me to hit the stop button.

Search for Satisfaction

2009-11-30T21:16:00.001-06:00

Ecclesiastes 2:1 I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.”

Sunday, we began our Advent series, Eternity in our Hearts—Longing for More. Christmas is one of those times that raises our expectations for more even when we don’t want our expectations raised.

Solomon decided that he was going to seek out as much pleasure in his life as possible. The word “pleasure” is most often translated as “joy” or “gladness” in the Old Testament. Solomon sought pleasure through parties, projects, presents and prestige (see Eccl 2:1-11). The Bible talks about many “under-the-sun” people, things and events that give joy. They are gifts of God. Knowing our tendency to make under-the-sun pleasures our ultimate pleasure, satisfaction and joy, Solomon reminds us that under-the-sun pleasures are very, very temporary and very, very fragile.

At the end of the service, I gave everyone a Christmas present—a Ghiradelli chocolate. Bad Sunday to miss church! We had a moment of joy as we ate our chocolate and took note of how temporary and fragile it was. I asked everyone to put the wrapper in their Bible as a reminder of the temporary and fragile nature of under-the-sun pleasures.

The interesting thing about this word pleasure (or joy) is that it is most often used of God and His salvation. Isaiah 9:2-3 says “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their JOY; they REJOICE before you as people REJOICE at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.” In verse 6, he tells who will make this possible, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” During Advent we are reminded that Jesus brings joy. The angel said in Luke 2, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.

Let’s Pray Together
Father, thank you for the many under-the-sun pleasures I enjoy. Knowing that my heart is an idol factory, show me where I am attempting to make your good earthly gifts my ultimate joy and satisfaction. Teach me to find lasting, unbreakable joy in Jesus.

Thanksgiving is not a holiday.

2009-11-26T07:08:00.000-06:00

Luke 17:15–18
15 One of them (lepers), when he saw he was healed, came back, glorifying God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give glory to God except this foreigner?”

Did you notice that giving thanks for the grace of God we have received is akin to giving glory to God? By the way, the word for thanks in the Greek means “to have grace.” Paul brings these two ideas of thanks and glorifying God together in Romans 1:21, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

One of the practical ways we glorify God is by giving Him thanks. It’s why David says in Psalm 69:30-31 “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 31 This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.”

Thanksgiving is not a holiday; it is a practical way for us to glorify God for the grace we have received. Thanksgiving is not a holiday; it is a spiritual discipline critical for our mental, emotional and spiritual health. Thanksgiving is not a holiday; it is a critical step in the rehabilitation of those suffering from the epidemic of entitlement in which all the sick think they should be treated as a god. Thanksgiving is not a holiday; it is an outlet to express our gladness of heart. Thanksgiving is not a holiday; it is something God immensely enjoys.

What benefits have you seen from giving thanks?

P. S. Don’t forget to give thanks.

A Prayer for People Pleasers

2009-11-24T07:20:00.003-06:00

John 12:42–43
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

I read this in my time with the Lord this morning. Knowing that I am a believer in Jesus who struggles with people pleasing, it caused me to ask, “Jesus, is there anything I am saying or not saying because I love the praise of people?” I don't like the thought that this sin can keep me from faithfully serving Him. I do like the thought that His love at the cross covers a multitude of sins.

Let’s Pray Together
Jesus, free me from the fear of people. I confess this is both a sin and a major hindrance to living according to Your will. I want to know Your perfect love to cast out fear in my life. May my life be a constant confession of belief and dependence on You. In my life be glorified today.

How have you seen "the fear of people" keep you from speaking of Jesus, keep you from obeying Jesus, or creating problems for you?

Do I know His voice?

2009-11-19T08:19:00.004-06:00

John 10:4-5 (NIV)
…and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

A defining characteristic of the people of God—they hear His voice. It is striking how many times God calls His people to hear. From Old to New Testament they are commanded to hear His voice specifically through the Word coming from the prophets and the Holy Scriptures. Take some time to read His word for the specific purpose of hearing His voice. Here is the prayer I wrote in my notebook today and prayed for myself, family, elders, staff and friends.

Let’s Pray Together
Lord, I want to know Your voice. I want to put myself in a position to hear from You. I want to know Your voice when it comes to the truth about You, others, and me. I want to not even respond or react to the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil. Speak to me through Your Word.

What is the Father’s heart toward me?

2009-11-16T20:38:00.000-06:00

John 8:19 If you knew Me, you would know my Father also.
John 14:7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.

I have felt some sadness lately as I have talked with many Bible believing, long time church going, good people. Over and over I hear things like, “I rarely if ever pray, read my Bible, or sit quietly with God.”

I think one huge reason for this is that we are busy entertaining ourselves to death and gorging ourselves at the table of the world. However, as I have talked with people I realize that many struggle with something I have struggled with. The struggle goes something like this, “I know Jesus loves me and want to be my friend. I know He has compassion on me. I’m just not sure God, the Father wants anything to do with me. And if He does, He probably just wants to correct me or make life harder than it already is.” Who wants to spend time with someone you think of in that way?

We all have lots of reasons for thinking these kinds of thoughts. No earthly father is perfect. I know I haven’t been perfect. I desperately want my own children to look beyond my faults and frailty to a Father in heaven who is completely holy. Some earthly fathers have done some awfully evil things. Yet God puts us in this position to deal with Him as Father. When Jesus says, If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also,” I am reminded of the Oneness of the Triune God. I am reminded that all the wonderful pictures of Jesus’ heart for people are a reflection of the Father’s heart. If you are wondering about the Father’s heart toward you, know this—the heart of Jesus is the heart of the Father.

Let’s Pray Together.
Holy Spirit, show me the Father’s heart. Help me to believe the abundance of direct statements in the scriptures about His loyal love. Father in heaven, holy is Your name, compassionate are Your ways. By faith, I will take time to spend with You and allow You to reshape my picture of You, me and our relationship. I want to know the fullness of joy that comes in Your presence.

It doesn't all depend on me.

2009-11-13T20:42:00.000-06:00

John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

When I was in college, a friend of mine was paraplegic. When someone prayed for his healing, he was not healed. He was accused of not having enough faith. I disagreed with that assessment of the situation. However, I find in my own life I tend to think that if I prayed more consistently, believed a little more, and worked a lot harder then my emotional, physical, my work and ministry problems would go away. In other words, I think I tend to think it is all on me.

Yesterday I was reading about the sick man by the well in John 5. He was sick for 38 years. It seems like he was hoping for a magical cure if someone would just help him into the pool. Jesus asks, “Do you want to get well?” The man’s answer seems more like an excuse. At best he just doesn’t have the awareness in the moment to say exactly what he wants. It definitely wasn’t one of those demonstrations of faith that Jesus affirms in other places in the gospels. And yet, Jesus heals him.

What a great reminder that life with Jesus doesn’t start with me. Life with Jesus is not totally dependent on me. Emotional, spiritual, and physical healing isn’t about me figuring out the right words to say, sins to confess, or principles to apply. Life with Jesus is first and foremost dependent on Him. He is the great healer and transformer of lives. He knows all our needs before we even ask Him.

Let’s pray together.
Jesus, thank You for holding me together by the word of Your power. My life is in You. I acknowledge that You are the prime mover in our relationship. I come to You for rest for my soul. Bring healing into life in those places that I am not even aware of. Heal my hurts I refuse to acknowledge. Bring transformation to those things I have asked for many times. Help my unbelief. In Jesus Name.

Pray for teens

2009-11-10T06:17:00.003-06:00

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Read this headline in the Dallas Morning News metro section yesterday morning, “Five teens charged in fatal beating.”

A 28 year old man was beaten to death by his 16 year old neighbors in Wylie, TX. Sometimes I want to just quit getting the paper and listening to the news. I know this is just a drop in the ocean of the heatbreaking stories of people made in the image of God killing others made in the image of God every day. These stories of teens abusing and killing others just seem to get me.

Let’s Pray Together
Father, it is hard to know how to pray when the needs seem so overwhelming and the situation seems so out of control. We believe You are on Your throne. We believe that Jesus died for every hateful action we commit against each other. We long for peace. We ask that Your kingdom of righteousness and love would come. Your good will be done today on our earth as it is heaven. Bring comfort to families who are the victims of violent crimes. May the transforming power and love demonstrated at the cross renew those who hate enough to kill another person. Raise up a generation of young people who are captured by Your love, who carry the love of Jesus to the world. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Focus Part 2 Learning from John the Baptist

2009-11-06T17:30:00.001-06:00

John 1:29 (NIV)The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

The characteristic that draws me to John the Baptist was his laser-like focus on calling others to look to Jesus. (I also like that he enjoyed camping out.) John did not give a rip about the size of his following, what the people with money and power thought about him, or maintaining anything (even his own following of disciples). The first time he says, “Look, the lamb of God,” two of His disciples peel off and start following Jesus. One of those guys was Andrew, a good recruiter, the kind of person you need to help your ministry grow.

As a pastor, I am painfully aware of the distractions that grow in the soil of ministry maintenance. The nagging questions of the trade: Who’s leaving the church? Why aren’t more people coming? How was the offering? How was my sermon? Who’s mad? Who’s glad? What’s falling through the cracks? How are we improving our leadership? Why is their church doing better than ours? I know that some of these real life questions can’t and should not be ignored for the health of the church. I also know that these questions don’t get ignored. In fact, they often become an irresistible magnetic field in my own mind sucking energy, time and hope.

I long to operate in the real world focused on constantly calling those who God brings my way, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away this sin of the world." I know that doesn’t happen unless my own heart, soul, mind, and strength are captivated by looking at the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of Neil.

Pray for me and our church to embrace a laser-like focus on the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

FOCUS

2009-11-04T09:00:00.001-06:00

John 1:8 John himself was not the light; he came ONLY as a witness to the Light.

What do think about John the Baptist? Surely some thought he was crazy camping out in the wilderness all the time. I wouldn’t want to live on his diet-locust and honey. I like more solid food. He sure wasn’t setting any fashion trends. However, it is clear some thought he was a prophet. The more he spoke, the more they believed.

Whatever you think about John, you can’t deny the guy was focused and had a clear sense of call. When asked about who he was, he said without hesitation, “I am not the Christ, I am not Elijah. I am the voice of one calling out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord. I am not worthy to untie His sandals.”

It seems to me we talk a lot about focus and calling. We are always in process of trying to get it, clarify it, hold on to it, or get back to it. We tell ourselves and each other to refocus and to recalibrate. As churches, we are regularly trying to get back to the basics, find our core, and live out our values. It doesn’t seem like John needed much of that those days in the wilderness.

In John 1, John’s ministry is set in the context of the glory and excellency of the Word who became flesh, was the light of the world, and the glory of God. John was clear, he was ONLY a witness to the ONE who was so excellent and glorious, he wasn’t he even worthy to serve Him by doing the job of the lowest of slaves—untie His sandals. For John, clarity of focus and calling didn’t come from any handbook on managing or leading. It came from knowing, seeing and experiencing the excellency and glory of Jesus. Do you think that could be true for you?

Let’s pray today for ourselves individually and our church.
Father, we confess that we are people distracted, confused, torn here and there by a multitude of voices screaming at us from all sides. We confess that we have indulged ourselves in the pleasures of this world. Holy Spirit, move us to daily read the revelation we have of Jesus. As we read, open our eyes to see the glory, beauty, and excellency of Jesus. Show us who we really are in light of who He really is. Give us one glorious ambition for our life, to know and follow hard after Jesus.

THE KINGDOM BELONGS TO CHILDREN

2009-10-31T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Mark 10:13-15 (NIV)

Devotional:
In this story children are not blessed for their virtues but for what they lack: they come only as they are — small, powerless, without sophistication, as the overlooked and dispossessed of society. To receive the kingdom of God as a child is to receive it as one who has no credits, no clout, and no claims. A little child has absolutely nothing to bring, and whatever a child receives, he or she receives by grace on the basis of sheer neediness rather than by any merit inherent in him- or herself. Little children are paradigmatic disciples, for only empty hands can be filled. (Explanation from the Pillar New Testament Commentary)

Prayer:
I like the prayer and reminder for us from the hymn “Rock of Ages:” Jesus, I humble myself before You. Today as a child with “nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling, naked come to Thee for dress, helpless, look to Thee for grace.” May the reality of these truths allow me to rest in You today.
Pray for the children of our church — Jesus, add to our number daily children who are being saved at Northwest Bible Church. Help us to be people who bring children to You. Help us bring them faithfully as we serve our own families. Help us bring them patiently as we care for the children of our church.

Written by Neil Tomba, our senior pastor. Neil and Vela have attended Northwest for 13 years. They have three children: Sheree (22), Natalie (20) and Stephanie (18).

A UNIFIED CAMPUS FOR A UNIFIED BODY?

2009-10-30T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
…to train Christians in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.
Ephesians 4:12,13 (TM)

Devotional:
As I watched the video of the proposed new buildings at Northwest, I was struck by how streamlined and organically functional the new building will be. How effective and smooth-running all the children’s arrangements will be; how they will work together, in harmony, to build up the next generation in Christ.

As I ponder the relationship of this huge undertaking to our body here at Northwest, the parallels strike me. As we pray “Jesus, we want what You want” throughout this year, we are asking to be made into a new and streamlined, efficiently functioning, united body of believers for the sake of bringing in God’s Kingdom here on earth, here and now. The Message describes what we hope to become: “fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.”

So then I ask myself, “How can I co-operate with Jesus as He seeks, by His Spirit, to make me more like Him today?” He tells me to come to Him and take His yoke upon me, for He is humble and gentle in heart and He will give me rest. He tells me that if I love Him, I will obey His commands. His commands are to abide in Him; to love God with all of me; to love others as He loves me, and to go out and tell others around me of His love for them and His power to save them and give them eternal life.

I realize that I cannot hope to obey His commands without abiding in Him and coming to Him to take His yoke and follow the way with Him. I need to put my hand in His each day and check frequently to see if my hand is still in His. I realize also that as each of His children does this, each keeping his/her eyes on Jesus, we will be built into a great unity and we will become the streamlined, functional body of Christ that He seeks in us.

As we undertake to build the outward buildings into an efficiently functioning unit, will we also take our own part in uniting ourselves to Jesus Christ and to each other to become the efficient and grace-full body of Christ of which Paul speaks in this verse?

Prayer:
Thank our Father for making you a part of His family forever and ever, for uniting you with His Son, Jesus. Ask Him to work powerfully in you by His Spirit to make you more like Jesus every day. Ask Him to help you to put 100% of your trust in Him, for He is worthy of all of your trust, so that you will allow Him to do the work He needs to do in you to make you more like Jesus, no matter what it takes. Ask Him to forgive you for your self-centeredness in seeking daily to please yourself and go your own way and do your own thing because it is pleasing to you. It is not pleasing to Him.
“Jesus, I want what You want!” Pray that God will make this to be true in you. Write this prayer out on a Post-it® note and fix it to your mirror. Every time you see it, lift it up to God and pray it again.

Written by Rosemary Graidage. Rosemary and Colin have attended Northwest for 16 years.

CHASING LIONS FOR GOD’S GLORY

2009-10-29T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits…He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.
2 Samuel 23:20 (NIV)

Devotional:
Wow! I love this nested story of Benaiah and his courage. It reminds me to take risks for the kingdom of God.

This great warrior must have seen this ferocious beast with his peripheral vision on that cold, winter morning. And despite the freezing temperature, the snow, the slick surface, the dark cave, and all odds collaborating against him, Benaiah went in to fight the lion!

Oftentimes as a Christian, I’m tempted to gauge my walk based on all the things I’m not doing wrong (Didn’t lie today — check. Didn’t kill anyone — check. Didn’t rob a bank — check). However, the Christian walk is more than just a checklist of “what not to do.” Benaiah challenges me to “want to do” something for the kingdom.

I don’t know about you, but if I were in Benaiah’s shoes and I saw a big scary lion, I would run away as fast as I could! And I wonder in my life, how many lions am I hiding from? I wonder how many times I see God at work, inviting me to join Him, and I ignore His call. Maybe it’s His call to serve at Hidalgo and read with under-privileged Hispanic children, or take my dog to the retirement home with Paws for Care and visit the elderly, or witness to my co-worker, or go on a foreign mission trip. We all have lions that we can take by the mane and defeat, knowing that it’s not by our might and not by our power, but by God’s sweet Spirit that we will have victory.

I’m so proud to be a member of a church that is fighting a lion and constructing a new building despite all the odds! And I look forward to the prize of following God’s calling! Benaiah was appointed head of King David’s bodyguard for his bravery, and I know that there is a sweet blessing and great reward that awaits us individually and corporately as we chase and conquer the lions God calls us to destroy!

Prayer:
Take a moment and reflect on where you have seen God working. Ask Him what lions He wants you to defeat in your life. Pray for the grace and courage and victory as He works miracles in your life for His glory! Ask Him how you can join with our church body as we work to reach a lost and dying world through this building project.

Written by Suzanne McDuffie. Suzanne has attended Northwest for one year.

WAIT ON THE LORD

2009-10-28T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NASB)

Devotional:
A well-known and well-loved verse like this can become too familiar and the meaning ceases to soak in. But because God’s living and active Word is timeless, He can use the same verse at different times to minister in His intended ways. Several years ago, one morning, the word ‘wait’ LEAPED off the page at me. It was about waiting for something specific — a desired outcome.

This is the New American Standard version of the verse. In other versions, the word ‘wait’ is replaced with ‘hope’ or ‘trust.’ His promise was that I needed to wait on Him to do the work that was to be done — to trust Him for the outcome however long it took and whatever form it would take.

However, through the years the hope for desired outcomes has turned into something different. It is now like a ‘waiting with the Lord.’ In waiting with Him, He sustains us — our strength is renewed, we are able to spiritually soar, we run and do not become weary, we can keep walking without fainting — because He is with us.

E. M. Bounds, in his classic book “On Prayer,” says “But there is a point at which faith is relieved of its burden, so to speak, and trust comes along and says, ‘You have done your part. The rest is mine!’” Pressing in and waiting/hoping/trusting the Lord gives the assurance that He is there, our times are in His hands. And on the days when I don’t feel like soaring, running, or even continuing to walk, I can only rest in the rock-solid truth of His word that says to wait on Him.

Prayer:
Ask the Lord to reveal to you if you are waiting for something to happen, or if you are in the process of waiting with Him and trusting Him for the outcome. What impact does this have in your life and your relationship with the Lord? Pray for His strength to spiritually soar with Him, run to Him, and keep walking on the path where He has you. Praise Him for His faithfulness to His word.

Written by Janie Hoy. Janie and Mark have attended Northwest for 20 years. They have two children: Evan (12) and Libby (10).

DOES HE REALLY HAVE A PLAN FOR EVERYTHING?

2009-10-27T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)

Devotional:
I often argue with God. Yes, I’ll admit it. I don’t always like His plans and His ways are certainly not my ways. To this day, I still argue with God about why I was born into “my family.” When I look at the possible families He could’ve given to me, I wonder what life would’ve been like if my family was less perfectionistic, or had more wealth — or even if we just had a dog. What if I had been born to the family next door and life was different? Could I have been the first female, ethnically Indian president?

On the other hand, I have to also consider the reality of being born to the family next door. Since I was born in India, that could’ve meant never learning to read or write, suffering from malnutrition or, as a girl, being sold for adoption.

When I look at God’s placement of my life, that He set this time and this place for me to live — that He gave me to a family that moved to America, I am educated and have food to eat every day — I have to humbly admit that I don’t always know what would’ve been best for my life then, or even what’s best for my life tomorrow. God’s sovereignty remains a complete mystery to me. I try to explain it with analogies or little diagrams, but I’m not sure I will ever understand just how He works such things out. What little I am sure of includes knowing He had a plan to do what was necessary so that I would seek Him and come to know Him. Today, He is still busy doing just that — arranging everything in my life so that I will seek and know Him more.

I may argue with the methods from time to time, but I must admit that He does a have wonderful purpose in His plans.

Prayer:
Recall a time or event in your life where you have seen God’s plan at work, and give thanks. Consider where you are today - do you question God’s timing and placement? Consider why you are unwilling to accept God’s plans in this area and what needs are revealed by your questioning of His plan. For example, why do you seek a different job with a bigger salary? Does it reveal disbelief in knowing you will always be provided for? Or why do you seek a spouse? Does it reveal the need to believe you are loved and accepted unconditionally by someone?
Take some time to reflect on the differences or similarities between where you have seen God work before you in your life and with this area you question today. What is He saying to your heart? Is there something He’s asking of you today?

Written by Dipa H. Hart. Dipa and Nathan have attended Northwest for four years.

SEEKING GOD EARNESTLY

2009-10-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 (NIV)

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 63:7 (NIV)

Devotional:
As usual, life in Dallas runs at a drop-dead pace, constantly looking to squeeze more into each day in a land filled with eye candy that tells us what more we need to have, to do, or to be. I’m certainly not immune. It is easy for me to identify my dry and weary land that is filled with obligations, a job with more “to do’s” than can actually fit on my schedule. Everything is ‘priority’, taking care of all of that and myself too. It is the “I have to take care of it all” that makes me weary. What do I long for? Respite with my Lord where He is my refuge and my refreshment, so I start my day with Him. During the day I close my eyes, take a breath, and realize He is already there, filling my mind with a praise song, reminding me that as He promised, He is already there.

As a child I attended a thriving church that believed in training up its children. I am grateful for that. My longing for Him began there. As an adult I want to attend a church whose people earnestly seek Him. Children see that and can experience that for themselves. So in my time with Him I ask, “What is it You would have me do?”

Prayer:
Ask God to show you what it means to seek Him earnestly. Be grateful for those church fathers and saints that have brought us this far. Ask God what it is He would have you do. Pray that He will put those words in your heart and mind. Take time to sit in silence to listen for His answer.

Written by Deborah Herring. Deborah has attended Northwest for 21 years.

ANSWERING JESUS’ PRAYER

2009-10-24T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. ”
John 17: 20-23 (NIV)

Devotional:
A man couldn’t wait to get to church every week. The pastor’s teaching inspired him, while the friendliness of the people drew him into the life of the church. Although he was just a new believer, he understood the importance of gleaning everything possible from his pastor and other spiritually mature people around him. Less than a year later, this man’s spiritual world fell apart. One Sunday the pastor announced his resignation, explaining that he and the church leadership couldn’t agree on the direction in which they wanted the church to go. Disillusioned that the men he trusted and admired as spiritual mentors couldn’t get along, the man never again entered a church.

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus spent some of His final hours on earth praying that His remaining followers would be known for their love for each other and their relationships would resemble the kind of unity He shared with His heavenly Father?

God the Father glorified Jesus because He loved the Son. In return, Jesus made the love of the Father known to everyone. Together they enjoyed a mutually loving and self-sacrificing relationship.

Of course, only God can answer prayer. But when it comes to unity in the church, we can take some practical steps toward being a part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer. We can start by praying for unity for Northwest Bible Church and the leadership. We can also encourage and promote understanding when we see Christians getting caught up in unhealthy disagreements. Further, we can pursue love and practice self-sacrifice in our own relationships.

When the body of Christ doesn’t work to build unity, the world sees a sick and weakly church. But when we join together in unity, the world sees the power and glory of Jesus shining through us.

Prayer:
Spend time in solitude (silence) listening for the still voice of God speaking to you about His love. Spend time praising Him for the freedom you have in knowing you are a child of the King. Confess any sin that may hinder you from listening and responding to Jesus. Thank Him for forgiving your sin and delivering you from guilt. Ask God to infuse in you the desire to pursue unity in the body of Christ. Pray for believers to love one another, and seek forgiveness for the sake of the kingdom. Pray that Dallas and the world will see the power and glory of Jesus shining through us. Amen.

Written by Brian Radabaugh, our men’s minister. Brian and Jennifer have attended Northwest for two years. They have three children: Nicole (12), Kylie (10) and Connor (5).

ALL THINGS FOR THE GOSPEL

2009-10-23T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)

Devotional:
The world is broken. Dallas-Fort Worth is broken. You are broken. I am broken. Everything is broken. And there is nothing we can do to fix it. Nothing. In our essence as men and women we are fractured, and no amount of self-help or education or money is going to fix that.

The greatest problem in the universe is sin. It is our sin that makes us broken. And no matter how many Max Lucado or Beth Moore books you read, no matter much you volunteer at Northwest, no matter how many R-rated movies you avoid, you can’t save yourself from your sin. You can’t do it. Jesus Christ is the only one who can fix that brokenness. In order to be agents of the gospel we have to know the gospel. God saved us in His sovereign grace. Paul says, “This is not of your own doing, this is not a result of works so that nobody can boast.” Because if it was our works that saved us, then we would just boast in ourselves and how we accomplished this or that goal.

As we build a new building or do anything as a body, it is vital to never forget the radical beauty of the gospel and its implications. I pray we would never become indifferent or apathetic to the gospel because we “get it” or because we have heard it so many times. We must praise God for His grace, for the cross, for Jesus every single day. We must not simply be hearers of the gospel, but must do the hard work of the gospel. Paul says we were created in Jesus ‘FOR good works’, not saved by them but created to walk in them, to do them after we have been saved. So we are saved FROM but also saved FOR! This is how we push back what is dark in this world, by serving our city and our world with the love and grace by which we were saved — tearing down all the walls that humanity puts up to divide.

Everyone is broken. So let’s not just be passionate at memorizing Scripture and doctrine, but let’s be passionate about serving the least of these — the oppressed, the forgotten, the poor — that those far from God would come near.

Prayer:
May we be people who constantly come before the cross of Jesus Christ and cry out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” The Gospel calls us to humility, to an understanding that God has saved us out of the overflow of His mercy and love to mission. May we be people who both receive the Gospel and live out the Gospel in a broken world. Let’s pray for the beautiful depth of the Gospel to constantly challenge, confront, and expose our arrogance, our idols, and our works-righteousness. Let us also pray to be agents of the Gospel, to have Christ show us ways to be His hands and feet in the city of Dallas and the world.
John Newton said, “I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Saviour.” May this truth be written in our hearts and lived out with our lives for the glory of God.

Written by R.D. McClenagan. R.D. has attended Northwest for one year.

MY LAKE LOUISE EXPERIENCE

2009-10-22T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NASV)

Devotional:
We left the Texas heat recently and traveled up to the Canadian Rockies, where we viewed the majestic creation of our God. I found myself asking, “Who but God could form these mountains, each so individual in design, or create glaciers that color the lakes so brilliantly blue?” Only a great and mighty God!

Yet, in reality, my mind was having trouble grasping how God will lead our church body in raising the funds for our projected building project, especially in the midst of a recession. God had an answer for me during our travels!

Our trip began with rain and thick clouds which covered the mountaintops and dulled the color of the lakes. Even with these obstacles, we saw God’s handprint in His awesome creation. The third morning we had plans to visit the famous Lake Louise, and in prayer the evening before, we asked that God would grant us a little sunshine to behold His creation at its best.

Though we arrived to cloud cover and no sun, again we were awestruck at the beautiful setting of the two mountains coming together over the lake. A man in alpine costume was playing “Amazing Grace” on a very long-necked horn (used to call in mountain goats and sheep), and we were amazed at his selection in a mixed crowd of tourists, but listened as it carried over the lake beautifully. We happily joined his invitation to sing along when he replayed it, but it was quickly apparent we were the only ones singing. We continued to the end and clapped a deserved applause to musician and to our Creator. We then walked over to the next viewing area, and looking back toward the mountains, we were silenced!

There was a perfect oval opening in the clouds and the sun was beaming down through them, causing a perfect reflection of the scene on the lake. How personal is our God, to answer such a simple prayer with magnificence! Now I look forward to a mighty work of God as He supplies through His body, the church, the new campus to serve future generations.

I am one step closer to my decision because of my special moment with God; but each of us can receive our own personal answer if we seek Him in prayer to know what He wants us to do. One day in the future we will all stand to dedicate this proposed structure to the One who built it, our great God Almighty. Praise His name today, for He is able!

Prayer:
Holy God, You have cast the vision before our elders. Help me to know my part in this endeavor, great or small, and to walk with You in obedience to Your instruction.

Written by Val Cox. Val and Jack have attended Northwest for six years.

TRUSTING GOD’S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH

2009-10-21T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought aromatic spices so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, at sunrise, they went to the tomb. They had been asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”
Mark 16:1-3 (NET Bible)

The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the Lord’s promise is reliable; He is a shield to all who take shelter in Him.
Psalm 18:30 (NET Bible)

Devotional:
So much of life is problem-solving. We look at the world around us — we examine the workload, then we carefully plot a course to get the job done. The women who came to the tomb to attend to Jesus’ body after His death were no different, asking themselves what could be done about the huge stone covering the entrance. Could they move the rock on their own? Should they have enlisted the help of friends? Would they be risking injury by trying to move this big thing? And what about unforeseen problems? What about the Roman guards keeping watch? Was this too dangerous after all? Come to think of it, why did these friends of Jesus go to the tomb amid such uncertainty? Could it be that God had a special purpose in mind for them? Could it be that He had brought them there?

Certainly it was the women’s love for Jesus that compelled them to embark on their journey from the start. We know that by the time the women reached the tomb, all of their difficulties had strangely vanished — the stone and the Roman guards. And their complete access to the tomb once they arrived is a hopeful picture of how God works through His people and for His church.

In looking to the future of family ministry here at Northwest, I want to trust the work that God is doing in our midst, both seen and unseen. I want to come to Him confidently and ask Him to help me trust Him for the vision He is casting in His church. I want to know that He is superintending this new building project because He, Himself, has brought us to this place, a place that is well established and fully grounded in Him. Psalm 18:30 says, “What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward Him makes it.” May it be that the friends of Jesus at Northwest Bible Church trust His vision as well. May we own this journey together as set apart for us by no less than God Himself.

Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit to release you to trust Him gladly through this fund-raising and construction endeavor. Commit yourself daily to a view of God the Father as Sovereign. Imagine what life in this church would be like if Jesus Himself was our expectation. Rehearse this truth on a regular basis in a community of people you trust. And pray: “Good Father, show us Your glory! Would You teach our hearts to know Your presence?”

Written by Jonathan Habashy. Jonathan and Kris have attended Northwest for 13 years. They have three children: Jeb (6), Gareth (3) and Ruthie (2).

WALKING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

2009-10-20T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 (ESV)

Devotional:
Read 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3. Paul mentions three types of people in this passage.

In 2:14, he describes the “Natural” man who does not accept the things of God. In other words, this person is not a believer in Christ.

In 2:15-16, we find the description of the “Spiritual” man who has the mind of Christ. This is a person who is in good fellowship with the Father through a close walk with Jesus.

The third person Paul addresses is of great interest. The “Carnal”, or “Fleshly” man is described as an infant in Christ. This person is a believer in Christ, his eternal security is set as a result, but he is obviously not experiencing the benefit of being closely connected to the Father.

Which of these three most resemble each other?
Which of these three best describes me?

I believe that the vast majority of Christians are struggling as “Carnal” men and women. This happens over time from not meeting daily with the Lord, an absence of prayer, lack of fellowship, and rare times of confession. This is not how we were designed to live. God has given us His Spirit to live in us and to guide us through our lives as we seek to reflect the image of Christ. We have access to the Spirit of the Almighty Creator, who with a word set the universe into motion and breathed life into the nostrils of man. Why do we not take advantage of this incredible gift, but instead often choose to trudge through life on our own very limited power?

Take a few minutes to sit in silence before the Lord and then confess your sins to Him. The prayer below is an example of what you can pray in order to again more resemble who you truly are… a Spirit-filled believer in Christ.

Prayer:
Lord, by faith I ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may live my life in close fellowship with You like the spiritual man, rather than in frustration and confusion like the carnal man of this passage.

Written by Ken Fifer, our outreach minister. Ken and Amy have attended Northwest for 6 months. They have two children: Megan (7) and Samuel (5).

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE BELIEVERS - NORTHWEST BIBLE CHURCH

2009-10-19T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

Devotional:
Life in community can be powerful and life-changing. As I meditate on this passage, I am humbled. These verses can seem overwhelming and even idealistic to live out in today’s culture. I often ask what it would look like if we lived this way — devoted to prayer, giving constantly, putting other’s needs first, sharing life together, praising God, and seeing the “Lord add to our number daily those who were being saved.” Amazing and awesome are words that come to mind.

Luke describes in this passage the impact God had made in the lives of those in the early church, as the Holy Spirit gave them unity of heart and mind as they assembled each day. This unity was obviously attractive to others, as this early church grew rapidly.

So how does this apply to us today? How do we achieve this unity that was such a powerful witness to others? I wonder if the formula of this early church might provide some clues: prayer, selfless giving, living life together, praising God…sound good? Are you currently living this out?

A place to start might be determining the needs of our body of believers at Northwest. Among other things, there are some tangible realities that we are looking to address through our facilities initiative. These needs are significant and can seem overwhelming. Of all the priorities we encounter, however, I wonder why God has us on this trajectory. Besides the obvious issues of space and the need to be good stewards of our property, could it be that we are being asked to help meet the needs of the believers and unbelievers in our community? Could it be to help us be devoted to Him through prayer? To live life more intentionally with others? Might it have something to do with our church unity, as we trust in the Lord for something greater than what we can do in our own strength? My answer is a resounding “yes”! But how about you? Can this “fellowship” become a reality at Northwest? Will the Lord add to our number daily those who are being saved? I’m banking on it.

Prayer:
Lord, I pray that we may be a people devoted to You and to prayer. I pray that Northwest can be a community of believers that serves one another as well as those around us. I pray that as we share life together in the unity You desire, that You would bless us with the opportunity to invest in future generations and reach the lost. I pray, Father, that You would add to our number daily those who are being saved. Thank You, Lord, for what You are going to do through the body of believers at Northwest Bible Church.

Written by Jeff Holck, our community minister. Jeff and Amy have attended Northwest for two years. They have two children: Evan (3) and Abigail (3 months).

JESUS LOVES AND WELCOMES CHILDREN

2009-10-17T05:00:00.004-05:00

Bible Verse:
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Luke 18:16 (NIV)

Devotional:
It should be no surprise to any of us that the ministry to children is the most important and fruitful ministry in the church. Eighty-five percent of believers trust Christ before they’re 14. Why? What makes it easier for a child to believe than an adult? The reason is that children have qualities that make believing in Jesus easier than it is for an adult.

First, children are humble. One of the big hindrances to faith for adults is pride and an unwillingness to admit they are sinners. Children are dependent on their parents. They trust their parents to care for them, so it’s not difficult to transfer that dependence to a heavenly Father. Children have more faith naturally than adults. They can believe in what is invisible without difficulty. Children respond to authority, so obeying God is often easier for them. Children are able to memorize without always understanding what they learn, so the Word of God can be planted in their minds and when their understanding catches up, it will be there as a firm foundation.

How can we love and welcome children as Jesus did? We plan our children’s programs as more than entertainment or baby-sitting. We recognize these important characteristics and use them to teach children God’s Word and lead them to a personal decision to trust their Savior.

We don’t simply teach children how to behave like good “Christians” when they are not believers at all, imposing a set of rules that can lead to a joyless legalism. We tell them that when they trust Him, Jesus comes to live within them by His Spirit and He will give them a new “want-to,” a “want-to” that desires to please their loving Savior instead of themselves.

This is a ministry where we all can have a part. Some of us can be right there with them teaching, helping, and loving them. All of us can pray for them. I’m very glad that our church plans to make the children’s ministry a priority and will support whatever is necessary to make it effective and fruitful.

Prayer:
Lord, please help me to value children as You do. May I take the opportunity to work with them, showing them Christ’s love and acceptance and their need to trust Him. Keep me faithful in prayer for them and for those who serve them in our church. Amen.

Written by Vickie Kraft. Vicki has attended Northwest for 24 years.

WHAT’S MY PART?

2009-10-16T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Devotional:
It’s 5th grade. Recess. Time for another epic game of kickball! The two loudest and usually oldest kids play a quick game of “rock, paper, scissors” to see who gets to pick first. The first few picks are exhilarating. High fives are flying. Not so with the last few picks … who gets stuck with Petey? Who has to deal with Alice?

Have you ever been picked last? Or have you ever felt like you had nothing to offer? Ultimately we all tend to gravitate toward things we do well, and, fortunately for most of us, kickball skills don’t mean much in the grand scheme of life.

But how do you feel about the way you fit in the church? Are you tempted to slip into the role of spectator? Or do you believe that God has created you with unique gifts and a special place in the body of Christ?

Think about some of the simple phrases in Peter’s encouragement: “Each one” — we all have a role, “should use” — we need to participate, “whatever gift he has received” — we contribute in unique ways, “to serve others” — it’s not about me, it’s about others.

By God’s grace we can all play a part in connecting with future generations. Of course we can all give financially, but let that be the starting point, not the end. How has God gifted you? What are you going to do about it?

Prayer:
Take a moment to quiet your mind and become aware of God’s presence. Ask Him to reveal to you how you can use your gifts to participate in connecting with future generations. Ask Him to show you a “next step” and commit in your heart to take it. Begin to pray for others in the church and ask God to reveal to them how He wants to use their gifts. Ask Him to show you how you might encourage others in their gifting.

Written by Travis Jones, our worship minister. Travis and Danielle have attended Northwest for six years. They have four children: Annabelle (13), Caleb (11), Madeleine (9) and Sabrina (7).

MAY YOUR KINGDOM COME IN ME!

2009-10-15T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 (NASB)

Devotional:
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught his followers to pray for God’s kingdom to come. What does that mean practically? For me it involves praying for the day when Jesus returns and ushers in a new kind of world — full of peace, justice, unselfishness, and forgiveness, rather than hatred, injustice, and broken relationships. However, this prayer is more than simply about the future; it means that I also pray that the kingdom comes in me today as a Christ-follower.

That can be a tough prayer because it calls for me to actually do something about it! I have to spend time listening to God to know what He wants from me; I have to act on what He shows me to do; and I have to live out the life of Jesus through the power He gives me. Only then can I touch others in my own little world and give them a taste of His kingdom.

This month is a good time to evaluate my own life to see how well God’s kingdom has come in me. Do I love my neighbor or am I living to please myself? Do I seek peace and reconciliation even when I don’t feel like doing so? Is there someone I need to forgive? Do I need to apologize to anyone? Do I see my time, gifts, and material goods as wholly God’s or somewhat as my own? Do I seek God and his kingdom more than anything else in life — influence, success, money, fun, security, popularity, recognition, etc.?

I must admit that I prefer to avoid loving others sacrificially as Jesus did. I don’t really want to be involved when life is messy and problem-filled. Let me have my space filled with happy people who require little of me! I want to give to God’s kingdom, but mostly when it touches me personally. With great sorrow, I have to admit that far too often God’s kingdom is absent from my attitudes and my actions.

This time of introspection at Northwest is not really about a building; it is about expanding the kingdom of God first and foremost in our hearts and lives and then in the world around us. May Thy kingdom come in me!

Prayer:
Submit to God’s rule in your own heart. Sit quietly before Him, asking Him to show you what steps you need to take to bring His kingdom into your life in a practical way. Ask Him for the grace and power to do that. Talk to Him about what He would have you give to His kingdom work in the world around you, with both time and money. Silently listen for His answer today and every day.

Written by Kay Daigle, our women’s minister. Kay and Gary have attended Northwest for six years.

GOD IS PRESENT AND GOES BEFORE ME

2009-10-14T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

Devotional:
As a mother of two preschool children, I find myself actively encouraging my little ones to try new things, to explore the world around them, and even to get back up when they fall down. Just being by their side is likely the greatest source of their comfort and confidence at this point in their lives. When you are two, I imagine there are not many constants, so I can easily see the importance of reassuring them that I’m here for them, and I’ll always be cheering them on. This perspective encourages me to remember God’s active presence in my life. In all that I do, in all that I am, God goes before me and is present with me.

When I read the words first spoken to Joshua by Moses, I wonder how his perspective was being shaped in knowing the Lord would go before him. Joshua was stepping into a rather significant role and faced a daunting leadership task. “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. The Lord himself will go before you and He won’t leave you.” Joshua would hear this same message again, directly from the Lord, and leave for us an example of how the Lord was indeed going before him and remained faithfully with Joshua as he led the nation of Israel across the Jordan into the Promised Land.

As we step into unknown territory, whether in a campaign to expand our physical church or taking a step of faith to trust the Lord with an intimate area of our life, we must trust that God goes before us. As we face the struggles of this world, God goes before us. As we stumble and fall, perhaps for a second or third time, God quietly says, “Do not be discouraged, for I am with you.”

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your presence in my life. As I face today, I pray I would face it with the confidence that only You provide. Lord, let my confidence in You be an encouragement to others and embolden me to be faithful to You. Oh, how fortunate I am to be Your child. Would You steer me to lean on You as I depend on Your presence. Show me the things that I fear so that I might turn them over to You. Show me how to follow the way You provide. Knowing that You go before me, I want to faithfully follow.

Written by Misty Persefield. Misty and John have attended Northwest for 11 years. They have two children: Holden (3) and Madeleine (2).

OVERCOMING GIANTS

2009-10-13T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:15 (NIV)

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Devotional:
Many of you have read a Chuck Swindoll book called “Killing Giants, Pulling Thorns” and I think that this is a good description of how we go about spiritual formation.

Giants are the beasts that come to us — so big, so terrorizing that they block out our reason and leave us shaking and despondent. Thorns are the smaller obstacles that must be overcome regularly in our everyday living. There have been questions raised as to why we would consider undertaking a $12 million construction program, with the world and economic conditions being what they are today. A real “Giant” to overcome!

In my opinion the main issue in our facilities expansion is the construction of the children’s ministry areas. Children are not peripheral to His kingdom, but vital to it. Christ told us of the importance of children to His kingdom in Mark 10:14-15.

How do we overcome our “Giants”?

When I first became aware of the urgency of the needs of the facilities that we have for our children’s ministry, I was greatly burdened. I was burdened about the lack of space for them, the inadequacy of it, and the state of the economy. Each issue was a “Giant.”

Ephesians 5:15-17 reveals to us God’s message as to how to deal with these things. God has given the elders the courage to take the first step of following His will by proceeding with the master plan for our facilities, as well as incorporating schematic plans for the immediate improvement of our children ministry facilities. As we take the next steps, I believe He will reveal His on-going will related to His providing the funds and other means to undertake the construction program. God has the answer to overcome. He will guide us if we but listen to Him and seek His will. What a joy it will be to see Him lead us to accomplish the work set before us!

Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I face challenges that leave me feeling inadequate and afraid. When I am fearful, let me see Your strength. When I am anxious, give me faith. Keep me mindful, Lord, that You are my God. With You by my side, I have nothing to fear. With You, I can overcome the giants that come into my life. Without You, I can do nothing. Lead me in the paths of good stewardship of those things You have entrusted to me. Show me Your will for my life and for the plans You have for me and Your church. Help me to be Your courageous servant this day and every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Written by Doug Williams. Doug and Nancy have attended Northwest for 27 years.

PASSING THE FAITH ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION AND BEYOND

2009-10-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
Listen, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.
Psalm 78.1-7 (NASV)

Devotional:
In Psalm 78, Asaph encourages folks from his generation to continue the tradition of passing on the story of God’s marvelous works of old to the next generation. What better encouragement for us today, as we seek God as we embark on a project impacting not only the current generation of believers, but many generations to come!

I want to highlight a couple of things from this passage. First, in order to have something to pass on to future generations, you yourself have to know “the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.” In ancient Israel, this often referred to His deliverance of the Israelites from the land of Egypt and through 40 years of wilderness wandering, to His bringing them into the land and rescuing them from their enemies.

As a New Testament believer, we can look to His great love for us demonstrated through the sacrifice of His one and only son Jesus, so that we could have a relationship with Him. Those are the broader, faith-community things. But along the way, God did wondrous things for individuals like Ruth and Hannah and Samuel and David and a host of others throughout salvation history. What are the wondrous things that God has done for you? For your family? For our church? It starts with sharing the amazing story of how God rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and transferred you to the kingdom of light. Who have you told?

Second, Asaph’s encouragement applies not only to the faith community at large, but it also applies to us as individuals within that faith community. How will I as a father tell my sons about the wondrous things that God has done? How will you as a grandparent pass the faith on to your grandchildren? How will you as a single person praise God to your friends? Your co-workers?

Prayer:
Spend some time today meditating on what wonderful things God has done in your life. If you are one who likes to journal, write them down. Tell a friend. Consider how you will be a part of proclaiming the praises of the Lord to the next generation.

Written by Matt Dumas, our equipping minister. Matt and Wendy have attended Northwest for seven years. They have three children: Life (11), Jack (8) and Luke (4).

FROM THOSE TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED

2009-10-10T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (NIV)
Luke 12:48

Devotional:
Jesus challenges us throughout Scripture to be careful stewards of those things God has entrusted to us. That includes our time, our talents, and our money. What better opportunity could we have than serving the next generation by constructing a facility that will house children from birth through fifth grade.

As I have journeyed this year to India and Guatemala, I have been struck once again by how “rich” we are. In addition to the material “stuff” that we have, we have also been given the gift of time. How we use our “stuff “ and how we use our time is something upon which Christ challenges us. Rebeccah and I are convinced that Northwest Bible Church and, in particular, the construction of this children’s building, is a wonderful stewardship opportunity. We pray that our response to that opportunity would be pleasing to Him.

Prayer:
Ask God what He would have you do to support this new children’s building. Thank Him for how richly He has blessed you. Ask for His clear direction for you, and ask Him for ears to hear His voice in the “quiet whisper.”

Written by Douglas Sullivan. Doug and Rebeccah have attended Northwest for 22 years.

STOMP ON YOUR SPIRITUAL PRIDE TODAY!

2009-10-09T12:56:00.003-05:00

This is one of my regular blog posts, not a Connect with Future Generations journal entry. I have been home sick the last couple days. With a huge library of bibles and commentaries on my computer and internet access, sick days have become a real blessing and extended time with the Lord of study, prayer, and meditation. I feel like the past two days were like one long quiet time with a lot of coughing and blowing my nose in between. So here are some thoughts from this morning.

Romans 9:6-8; 14-16
6For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7Nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”16It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

How does your spiritual pride raise its ugly head? One of the most obvious ways for me is the metaphorical shaking of my head at others when it appears to me that they are refusing the gift of Jesus and creating damage in their own life and the world around them.

Romans 9:1-21 sent a chill down my spine as well as created questions. It creates in me the very questions that Paul knew it would create. Is God unjust? How can God blame anyone for not running to Jesus? What about people I love that seem to be rejecting Christ? I’ll throw up the white flag on this one and go with Paul and say that the clay doesn’t talk back to the hands that shape it.

But about this chill down my spine that I am sure is not related to my illness…as I read this I began to think about direct descendents of Abraham (those Paul himself was distraught over) not being “children of promise.” We are talking about people uniquely valued, blessed, prized by God. Yet, we are told He has mercy on whom He will have mercy. The Potter has the right to make what He wants with the clay. The bigger question this spiked in me was, “Who am I?” Think about of all the people that have ever lived. According to the International Programs Center, U.S. Census Bureau, the total population of the World, projected to 10/09/09 at 15:29 GMT (EST+5) is 6,789,393,995. Who am I? God has mercy on whom He chooses. The chill down my spine is a Holy fear that pulls my arrogant head down in humility rather than letting me raise it up to shake it at someone. It is a holy fear that swallows my self-righteous pride and anger, at least for a moment.

So here is my question for all of us who claim to have been beneficiaries of the mercy of God in Christ today, “Are we a people characterized by holy fear or spiritual pride?”

Let’s pray together:
Father, thank You that salvation does not depend on man’s desire or effort but on Your mercy. I have seen the pain and disconnections my own woeful desires and efforts have brought apart from Christ. Forgive me for approaching the lost outwardly or inwardly as an arrogant punk. Help me to violently and regularly throw my spiritual pride on the ground and stomp it until I can stomp no more. May I exhibit Your great patience and forgiveness toward the lost of this world.

ALL ABOARD

2009-10-09T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bible Verse:
For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5 (NASB)

Devotional:
Romans 12 launches us into Paul’s explanation of how the gospel transforms a person’s life. A Jesus follower sacrifices himself to God (vv1-2), an offering that places him in a new community (vv3-21). This community, enthralled with Jesus, is one unified body, composed of many diverse members (vv4-5).

We have no choice in the matter. That’s right — we as American, rebellious, diplomatic, individuals have no choice in the matter. When we trust in Jesus, we are placed into a unified body that demands we each serve the whole. We are His body. Paul’s words emphasize this unity: “one body… one body in Christ… members one of another.” Where does individualism rule in your life? When our self-interest or pride overrules the unified movement of Jesus’ body, we act as though the gospel has not radically changed our lives, adopting us into His body. Do your thoughts, words, and actions reflect unity in the movement of our body to connect with future generations?

Though we are His body, we are each a diverse part grafted together to form Jesus’ presence here on earth. Notice Paul’s emphasis on diversity: “we have many members… all the members do not have the same function… individually members of one another.” We all have differing amounts of time, treasure, and talents. God, thank God, has made us differently and purposefully. Our task is to come before Him to ask, “How have You built me to serve You in this body?” As God answers, which He often does through others, we must act. What time has He gifted you with? Might you arrange it to serve His body in this movement? What treasure has He given you? Might you expend it for His work in this mission? What talents has He given you? Might you use them uniquely to advance this project?

Jesus has placed a grand purpose before our body, that each member would fully invest their unique gifts for the advancement of His gospel in this city. What part will you play?

Prayer:
Confess any individualism or pride that might be keeping you from living as a member of His one body. Praise Him for the opportunity to live as a part of a greater movement which is carried out by His body here on earth. Reflect on your time, treasure, and talents; how has He made you? Ask God what part you are to play in His body as He reaches future generations through us.

Written by Matt Klingler, our singles minister. Matt and Courtney have attended Northwest for six years. They have three children: Jacob (3), Eden (2) and Camryn (6 months).

LORD, TEACH US TO LOVE

2009-10-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bible Verse:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

Devotional:
Paul prayed that the Philippians would be a community of believers who were increasingly characterized by love. Paul knew that the Philippians possessed love because he had been a recipient of their love, but he also recognized that there was still room for their love to grow. An ever-increasing love, which was guided by knowledge and insight, would enable them to recognize and act upon the most important issues in life. They would become spiritually mature people who were morally pure, not causing others to stumble, and allowing Christ to produce good fruit in their lives. As a result, God would be glorified and praised among them.

What was true for the Philippians is also true for us today, both as individuals and as a body of believers. As we read through the New Testament, we cannot help but see that love is a characteristic which is near and dear to the heart of Christ. As I examine my own life, I ask myself several questions: Is my life characterized by an ever-increasing love that has no limit to its growth? Does my love look like a drippy faucet or Niagara Falls? When making decisions, am I motivated by my own self-interests or do I consider the interests of others? Do I promote reconciliation and unity? Is my attitude one of humility or pride? Are my choices hindering the spiritual growth of others and myself? Are my words and actions beneficial to others?

During this time of prayer at Northwest Bible Church, let us look beyond a building program and ask the Lord to use this period of time in our lives to increase our love. Of course, we have love — but like the Philippians, there is still room for our love to grow! May Northwest Bible Church be known as a community of believers characterized by love.

Prayer:
As you meditate on Paul’s prayer, ask the Lord to reveal to you areas where He wants your love to increase toward family, friends, strangers, and even your enemies. Ask the Lord to teach you to love. To God be all praise and glory.

Written by Laurie Ledbetter. Laurie and Terry have attended Northwest for 19 years.

What do I know about the Holy Spirit?

2009-10-07T16:20:00.009-05:00

This is one of my regular blog posts, not a Connect with Future Generations journal entry.

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike, “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! Romans 8:15-17 (The Message)

In my time with God today, I was reading Romans 8:1-17. Three hours later I am still praying, thinking, meditating, and reading what others have said. It seems like every time I come across verses that reference the Holy Spirit I have more questions than answers. Do you ever feel like that?

I think there are several reasons. One, I assume that I can figure out God but I can’t. His ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts. You think I would have learned that in four years of seminary. Two, I don’t want to be disappointed. When I first came to Christ, my theology of the Holy Spirit could be summarized in these words, “A Supernatural Zap.” Too often, I didn’t get a zap to keep me from sinning or give me great boldness in telling the world about Jesus. Three, there is clearly a subjective nature to the role and working of the Spirit of Jesus that people who like control (i.e. me) are not always comfortable with. Yet, I know I have experienced this at times. I still cannot explain it. Four, I have read too many differing opinions about the nature and role of the Spirit of Jesus today. The people pleasing part of me takes over here so that I want to find a comfortable middle ground that is more about pleasing others than pursuing the living, holy God. Bummer.

Today while praying, I was impressed to just make a list of what is true from Romans 8:1-17. Don’t try to figure it out. Don’t ask, “How do I do it?” Just rest in what is true. So here it is straight from my journal:
The Spirit of Jesus lives in me!
The Spirit of Jesus guarantees I will not be condemned to death!
The Spirit of Jesus fulfills the requirements of the law for me!
The Spirit of Jesus sets my mind on the things of the Spirit!
The Spirit of Jesus is working in me to produce life and peace!
The Spirit of Jesus gives me a direct connection with the resurrection life of Christ!
The Spirit of Jesus enables me to put to death the deeds of the body!
The Spirit of Jesus leads me!
The Spirit of Jesus declares me a child of God!
The Spirit of Jesus in me is diametrically opposed to feeling of enslavement and fear!
The Spirit of Jesus is the spirit of adoption encouraging me to call God—Father!
The Spirit of Jesus declares to me that I am a child of God!
The Spirit of Jesus guarantees that I am an heir of God and a fellow heir with Christ!

I am not sure how all this works out in my life as a believer, husband, father, and pastor. However, I am thankful and believing that the Spirit of Jesus is moving, blowing, and working in my life, your life and the world right now. For now I think I will keep it simple and follow Jesus. (And I only do that because the Spirit enables me!)

PRAYER: Father, fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that we might more fully understand You and Your ways, that we might produce the fruit for which you called us, and that we might please You in all that we think, say and do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I would sure like to hear your thoughts on this one.

STRETCH TO OUR FUTURE

2009-10-07T05:00:00.004-05:00

Bible Verse:
Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, “Let’s go up and take the land — now. We can do it.” Numbers 13:30 (TM)

Devotional:
I watched as my three-year-old and two-year-old granddaughters ran around the playground. Predictably, the older attacked the slide, the swings and the monkey bars, as the younger stood and watched. After much coaxing, Morgan joined her sister reluctantly on the slide. Frozen at the top, she turned to come down but couldn’t; another child was right behind her. Crying, she slid down and found the ride was fun! With new courage she climbed back up and did it again, experiencing the rush of the slide. Morgan is fortunate to have an “in house” encourager, someone to stretch her comfort zone, to push her beyond her fears, to help her experience more of life.

In the middle of the night, the children of Israel hurriedly left their Egyptian captors for freedom in the Promised Land. However, like Morgan, they “froze” in fear at the entrance because of the challenges ahead. Their focus was on the obstacles, not the power of the God they worshipped. The minority voice that called them to stretch to their future was vehemently refused, resulting in a 40-year detour. I wonder what they missed during those wasted years?

We have an opportunity now to be stretched to our future. How will we respond? I found it interesting to discover, while talking to those who have been here longer than I, that over 20 years ago, in the midst of a financial downturn, our church stretched to build the current Christian Life Center. There were moments along that journey that proved impossible unless God showed up. Isn’t that just where God shows us our faith — it is not in ourselves or the surrounding circumstances, but in Him and His power to do exceeding beyond what we ask or think? In fact, if you look at the history of this church from the beginning, faithful men and women have been stretched to the future we now enjoy. It is now our turn. How will you respond?

Prayer:
As you answer that question you might pray: Lord, stretch us. Give us the measure of faith and confidence we need to trust You to provide for our future as Your church on this corner. Lord, show me where I need to stop looking at the circumstances and instead allow You to stretch me. For Your Glory. Amen.

Written by Dianne Miller. Dianna and Brad have attended Northwest for 10 years.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BUILDING

2009-10-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Bible Verse:
Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming — indeed it’s here now — when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
John 4:21-24 (NLT)

Devotional:
When I think about the new building project, I think about spiders. No, it’s not because of all the creepy, crawly inhabitants of our current buildings. It’s because of the example of my friend John. About six years ago John’s life was changed forever by a venomous spider bite. It took John two years to discover that the spider caused his symptoms — debilitating, chronic pain and muscle spasms — and several more years of experimental treatments to learn that there would be no cure for him in this lifetime. Yet, if you were to talk to John or read his letters, you would clearly hear, “It’s not about the spider!” And he would go on and on about God’s abundant love, and how the Lord has used this very painful and difficult circumstance to draw John and his family into a deeper love relationship with Him than they ever would have imagined. As I read John’s letters, I see a family worshipping God in spirit and in truth despite their circumstances.
So, when I think about the new building project, I realize that it’s going to be a long, difficult, inconvenient and even painful process. I know it will require sacrifice on my part. But as a parent of three children who are scattered throughout various places all over campus on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, I’m very excited about the vision for a more welcoming, efficient and secure building plan. I also know that our circumstances could change, my husband’s job could transfer him, and we may not be here to see the final results of our investment.
But the thing is, it’s really not about the building. It’s about worshiping God in spirit and in truth wherever and with whomever I am. By nature, I’m a goal-oriented, rather than a process-oriented, person. But I’m learning that God cares more about my heart towards Him and my attitude and actions towards others throughout the process than He does about the end product. Recently I have found that sincerely praying, “Jesus, I want what You want,” helps my attitude a lot in this respect.

Prayer:
Reflect on your worship of God. Is God truly preeminent in your heart, or is there something or someone else that holds that place instead? Have you invested the time to get to know the one you worship, or are you like the Samaritans who “know very little about the one you worship”? Ask the Father to help you know Him better so you can worship Him fully in spirit and in truth. Ask Him to use the circumstances in your life today to draw you into a deeper relationship with Him.

Written by Kay Halligan. Kay and Kevin have attended Northwest for 20 years. They have three children: Emily (11), Erin (8) and Elissa (5).

BUILDING MATERIALS

2009-10-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

Bible Verse:
For through Jesus we (Jews and Gentiles) both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:18-21 (NIV)

Devotional:
What a great passage about building! It gives wise instructions — to build on a strong foundation. To measure it against the perfect cornerstone. To join each part together as the building rises to become a dwelling place. If you’re like me, you envision bulldozers and cranes, with construction workers laying steel beams and surrounding it with concrete. I can’t help but look ahead to the excitement as the dirt flies and our new children’s building is constructed.
But that’s not what this passage is about. Paul writes to non-Jewish believers and reminds them that everyone has access to God because of Christ’s death on our behalf. God’s household is made up of people. That is us — you and me. We are the dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
As we pray about a physical building project for our church, let’s remember first that the church is not made up of bricks and mortar. The building materials are God’s people. We must align our lives and our plans against Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Otherwise, whatever we do will be crooked. And that’s no way to build.
Finally, we need to seek unity in this decision, so that we are joined together as the building rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus — through Him we have access to You. Help us remember this building project is about much more than square footage. It is about creating a place where Your people can grow. Help us to align our desires with Your plan. We pray for unity as we move forward. God, if we move forward with this project, may it always be about You and Your glory — the building up of Your people into a holy temple where You live by Your Spirit. Amen.

Written by Paul DeHaven, our children’s minister. Paul and Jill have attended Northwest for two months. They have two children: Johanna (18) and Kari (16).

The Victory Belongs to the Lord

2009-10-01T17:44:00.003-05:00

The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But victory belongs to the LORD. Proverbs 21:31

I just finished my one month of praying through the names of people at Northwest Bible church in view of Connect with Future Generations. It has been a great month of extended prayer for you. On Sunday you will be receiving a devotional guide so that all of us can pray daily together this October.

A missionary friend of mine sent Proverbs 21:31 with some comments to me this week. I have adapted some of his comments and added a few of my own. I was encouraged and challenged by this verse as I thought how it applies to Connect with Future Generations. It would be foolish or presumptuous for God's people NOT to prepare for battle! To have an army equipped and trained (prepared) is essential.

The main point of the proverb is the truth that even though the horse is prepared, the victory comes only from God! It reminds me that we’re dead wrong if we think success in Connect with Future Generations or any breakthroughs in our ministry are a result of our own efforts or preparedness. God is the one who works in the heart of man. God must get all credit.

What’s more, we’re dead wrong to think that lack of success in Connect with Future Generations is a result of our own efforts or preparedness. Certainly, we can’t have un-confessed sins and expect God to bless. But the main point is that the church is God’s business from start to finish.

So we communicate, communicate, communicate. Plan, plan, plan. We ask questions. We answer questions. We seek understanding. We challenge and we ask people to give. But all the while we pray and pray, asking God to work in people’s hearts. We pray asking God to provide supernaturally though his people, trusting Him to work in His own way in His own time. When the success (however, we define it, comes) He gets all the glory.

Please join the elders and me in prayer this month. Let's pray first, pray hard, pray together, and pray a lot for Connect with Future Generations.

Neil

Are you like the disciples or Bartimaeus?

2009-09-29T20:04:00.002-05:00

Mark 10:46 Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.

This Sunday we talked about one of the favorites. A simple story about a blind man, Bartimaeus, who begs for his eyes to be healed. Take a minute and read the story. Mark 10:46-52. Jesus, the greater wonder worker, heals him. End of story. Application-if you have eye troubles ask Jesus for healing. Simple enough. Maybe you can avoid Lasik surgery or be freed from the hassle of contacts.

Of course there is more here than meets the eye. In fact, Mark carefully develops this story so that we look at Bartimaeus and the disciples standing in contrast to one another. The disciples are pictured as those who have physical sight and are spiritually blind. Bartimaeus is pictured as someone who has spiritual sight although physically blind. We see this in his address to Jesus in calling him, “Son of David,” and asking for mercy. At the end of the story, Bartimaeus is no longer sitting on the side of the road but following Jesus to the cross.

Here’s one way I know I can be like the disciples even though I don’t like to admit it: my present self always looks at my past self and says, “How could you have been so stupid?” Example: Today as I look at myself when I was first married I realize I could have been a more loving husband—at least a little bit. The problem is I have said this every year of my marriage. The bigger problem is that I can vaguely remember Vela saying something last week about fixing a light switch as an act of love. I also vaguely remember that she might have already asked a couple times.

So what do we do? Does anybody reading this want to be like Bartimaeus? Anybody want to see Jesus more clearly and follow Jesus more freely? Since Bartimaeus is clearly the model of faith and discipleship, maybe we should do just what Bartimaeus did. Confess our unworthiness by saying, “Lord, have mercy on me.” Then, cry out, “Lord, open my eyes.

PRAYER:
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Open my eyes!

AN UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM

2009-09-26T10:53:00.003-05:00

Hebrews 12:27 (NIV)The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

Check out this graph of the stockmarket. Stop and list at least five thoughts or feelings that come to you as you look at this before you read any further. What other events, relationships, disappointments or struggles give you the same thoughts or feelings? The author of Hebrews reminds us that everything on this earth can and will be shaken. Everything not bolted down to Jesus, the rock the doesn’t move, will be shaken. We live in a time when clearly things are being shaken—our money, security, health, centers of power, marriages, families, etc. How do we respond? Notice what the author of Hebrews goes on to say in the next two verses.

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

How do we respond? We give THANKS and we WORSHIP. Why? Because we are promised that moving into a world where nothing will be shaken and our God is a consuming fire. When was the last time you looked at the stock market going down, read bad news in the newspaper, had an awful day at work, etc. and you responded by giving thanks and worshiping God? I wish I could say that's my regular practice. The other night I challenged the elders to memorize verses28-29. Will you join with us?

PRAYER:
Father, in a world that seems to be spinning out of control I thank you that because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus I am guaranteed to live in Your kingdom that cannot be shaken. Father I worship You as that which cannot be shaken. When I sense my world is being shaken remind to respond with thanksgiving and worship. To the best of my ability I anchor all of me to all of You.

HOW DO YOU NORMALLY RESPOND WHEN IT FEELS LIKE YOUR WORLD IS BEING SHAKEN?

Whac-A-Mole for the Pastor

2009-09-21T20:51:00.001-05:00

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Mk 10:45

In Mark 10:32-45, for the third time Jesus says, “The Son of Man must suffer, die, and rise.” For the third time the disciples insist, “We want to be number 1.” For the third time Jesus says, “Number 1 is in the back of the line.” You get the idea that maybe this is something that we need to hear more than once.

I preach three times on Sunday mornings. The first time didn’t go as planned. Our reader read Matthew 10 instead of Mark 10. Stunned, I just sat there. Gosh, we have been studying Mark all year. Then I had a powerpoint slide (that I had made) with a mistake on it. The slide came at a point in the sermon where I felt things were not going well. In the middle of passionately speaking of the greatness of Jesus, a cell phone started ringing. I am sure it rang for at least 5 minutes. After it stopped, I guess the caller decided to try again. Another 5 minutes. With all the distractions I basically ran out of time and crash landed the plane. I felt like the crash landing put everyone out of their misery. Except me—I was miserable about this the rest of the day. I was the poor pilot who survived.

What was my problem? Right before the service, I had prayed with an elder. We actually talked about the fact that it is okay to make mistakes. I just finished reading 1776 before going to bed Saturday night. George Washington made some huge mistakes the first year of leading the army. What was my problem? In the act of preaching and leading that service, what I really wanted was to serve Jesus so that I could look like a put together leader who does everything right. What I really wanted was the same thing all the disciples wanted from Jesus…personal glory. Ugh! It is painful to be a living example of failure of the very lesson you are preaching.

If you heard the sermon I said that we didn’t need to play Whac-A-Mole with our failures but instead think hard on Jesus’ death. I went ahead and played Whac-A-Mole for the rest of the day.

PRAYER:
Jesus, You alone are holy, perfect, righteous, together. You alone are worthy. I confess that my flesh insists on being number one. Purify my heart of this selfish service that plagues me. Not only do I have too lofty of a view of myself, I have too lowly a view of You. Open my eyes to see more clearly Your greatness. May I learn to serve and give freely as I follow You.

Want to preach this Sunday…or at least give some input?

2009-09-16T07:07:00.001-05:00

This Sunday we will be studying Mark 10:32-45. Here is what is going on. This is the third time Jesus predicts his death in the gospel of Mark. Again, the disciples reveal by their words that they really don’t get it! They really have not grasped Jesus’ purpose and therefore are out in left field concerning their own calling. Actually, they are not even in the ball park.

When Jesus says get ready because I am going to die a nasty death, James and John run up to him and want to talk about their inheritance. They ask, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” Pretty bold! Obviously, all Jesus previous lessons have not registered—“save your life by losing it, the last will be first, if anyone want to be first he must be the servant of all.” James and John view greatness in terms of power and pride.

Jesus helps them along by clearly stating His purpose verse 45.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Here’s how you can help with this Sunday. Please tell me how in specific ways you see yourself (or others) in James and John as a comment on the blog. You might think of it this way: where and how do you see the gap between Jesus coming to serve through death, and your own attempts to serve Him and others around you?

Recruit some friends to give their opinion.

Faith says, "I will..."

2009-09-15T17:26:00.001-05:00

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Here are some thoughts based on Hebrews 11:1-16 from some time with the LORD yesterday.

Because my faith is in the Creator God who made holy through Jesus and an heir of his kingdom, because I want to please him, because of the joy of this thought, “God is not ashamed to be called their God”,
I will do what he says no matter what anyone else is doing or how they respond to me,
I will seek to know him and love him with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength,
I will live in holy fear listening to his warnings in calling myself, my family and others to repentance,
I will go where ever, whenever, to whomever when he says go,
I will go as far as and no further than the light he gives me,
I will live fully in this God-ordained moment never forgetting this verse is not my home,
I will meditate long and hard on the faithfulness of God,
I will believe God for great things while releasing times of fulfillment and results to him,
I will live with a constant greatest longing for a heavenly place where I will see Jesus in all his glory.

Prayer:
Spirit of Jesus, I believe you can empower me to live this life of faith.

BE ENCOURAGED TODAY—Every act of faith regardless of the outcome leads to this:
God is not ashamed to be called your God Heb 10:16

A thought for all us perfectionists

2009-09-11T11:07:00.001-05:00

In almost everything we do in life, we want a “do over.” We almost always think with another try we could do a little better. We could run a little faster, jump a little higher, love more fully, be a better parent, get a better deal, etc. Why is this? We know we are not perfect and we desire the possibility of it. Even those of us who are proud of our accomplishments keep going for more. Hussein Bolt still plans to run faster and break his own world records. We love to watch the pursuit of perfection. We ooh and ahh when we see the perfect car. We cheer when we watch a performance that is close to perfection.

Hebrews 10:14
because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Jesus, in one act, dealt with the sins of the whole world. Unlike the sacrifices of the Old Testament, He didn’t need a “do over” year after year. If we really grasp this perfect performance we would do more than ooh and ahh or cheer for a moment. We would praise Him forever ever and ever. That’s what the book of Revelation tells us is happening because the Lamb who was slain is worthy. We can also give ourselves a break and rest in His finished work on our behalf. Jesus died for imperfect people.

Prayer and Praise.
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!

Please don’t think you are the only one who struggles in your marriage.

2009-09-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

I often wonder if I should preach the exact same sermon two or maybe even three Sunday’s in a row. This past week I talked about marriage from Mark 10:1-13. We heard an honest story from a staff member and his wife how they experienced failures in their marriage and also fought for their marriage. Here is the outline:

Title: Let the Cross Shape our Marriages
Why our marriages is worth fighting for:
Jesus doesn’t want us to die of a long slow heart attack.
Jesus doesn’t want us to experience the pain of an amputation.
Jesus doesn’t want us to go toe to toe against God.
JESUS WANTS GOD’S VERY BEST FOR US.

Although, I have not been made privy to all the details or even names, I have heard from many that there are lots of stories coming out of marriages in trouble. I ask all of us that if anyone is moving towards a divorce, about to get one, or about to have an affair please swallow your pride or whatever holds you back and call someone today.

If Sunday wasn’t motivation enough, I want to remind us that marriage is a God-given picture to show how He relates to the world. Think about this:
The coming together of a man and a woman in marriage is a picture of…
The oneness of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen 1 & 2)
The relationship between Jesus and His church. (Eph 5)
What it will be like the day we see Jesus in glory. (Rev 19)

Maybe I should preach this outline this Sunday-not just for everyone else but also for me.

Please don’t let Satan trick you into thinking you are the only one who struggles in marriage and therefore hiding your problem. Please don’t let your flesh, Satan, and the world trick you into thinking marriage is more about your happiness than your holiness. Please don’t let your flesh trick you into thinking that life will be simpler and the consequences will not last if you don’t fight for your marriage.

PRAYER
Jesus, for your glory shine your light on our sins and failures. Expose the darkness so that honesty and healing can break forth. Protect us from the evil one! Protect us from ourselves! Make Northwest Bible Church a place of grace so that sinners like me can come forward and find help at the cross of Jesus. We need you now!

Please, right now pray for marriages. Please, right now if you need help call someone.

Connecting with Future Generations

2009-09-05T11:24:00.005-05:00

How many of you know what I mean when I say, Connecting with Future Generations?

This is the official name for the facilities master plan project we introduced to you this summer and we highlighted at the ministry expo two weeks ago.

I want you to know what this project means to me.
First, we have some older buildings that are beyond their useful life. While they have served us well and we are thankful, they need to be replaced. Second, I am excited that the first phase of this project is focused primarily on enhancing the environment we are creating for children and families to come to know Jesus and grow in Him. Third, we are embracing our stewardship of the land God gave this church 57 years ago. We are building to meet the needs of current and future generations just like people did when they built the old chapel, old gym, the CE building, the CLC and all of the buildings we enjoy today.

So when you hear connecting with future generations know that we are talking about phase one of our master plan.

Many of you are now asking, “How are we going to get the money for Connecting with Future Generations?” And as elders we have been asking, “How are we believing God for the necessary resources?” After months of prayer and wrestling, here is what we believe God is calling us to do over the next sixty days; everyone prays hard and leaders give first.

First, everyone prays hard.
God has put it on my heart that my primary responsibility is to pray. On September 1st I began praying though our master list of people in our church body. Over the next 30 days my commitment is to spend two hours a day during the week praying for the individuals on this list. I am praying that we will see more clearly the greatness of the One who loves us, that we will desire Jesus deeply, follow Jesus closely and trust Jesus fully. And as we trust Jesus as the owner of the world and all it contains I am praying that we will live as stewards storing up treasure in heaven. I am praying that God will put on your heart to engage, pray and give toward Connecting with Future Generations.

If you would like to bring a friend and join me in prayer call the pastors office. In October you will receive a devotional developed by people in our body to help us spend the month praying in one accord.

Second, leaders give first.
In 1 Chronicles 29 David was gathering the resources for God’s temple that would serve future generations. Let’s be clear, we are not building a temple but we are relying on God to provide for what we believe is His work. There are some things David did that we believe God is calling us to do. The first thing that David did was give from his own treasury and call on leaders to give. And as David and the leaders gave, guess what happened? The scriptures tell us everyone was encouraged in the LORD and everyone gave gladly. Therefore, I am praying and asking you – if you see yourself as a leader here – because of the ministry you hold, because of the influence you have, or because of the gifts that God has entrusted to you, I am asking you to start praying right now about what you will invest in Connecting with Future Generations.

Leaders, as God puts on your heart what you are to give, we invite you to let us know during the month of October. As you give, we will keep the body updated regarding our progress, so that the body will be encouraged and take joy in your willingness as they consider what they will pledge the first Sunday in November.

In the mean time, our elders will be considering their own gifts, and speaking with many of you to answer your questions and to help you understand what this project is about. Please feel free to contact one of them or our executive pastor Brandt Wright. In addition, we have established a Connecting with Future Generations page on our website to help answer your questions.

May we passionately pursue Jesus Christ in the midst of this venture of faith. I am believing God to use this project to produce great rejoicing and lead us to overflowing, humble worship as David and the Isrealites experienced in 2 Chronicles 29.

Seven days of prayer and repentance for our church leaders.

2009-08-30T12:30:00.002-05:00

This Sunday we were studying Mark 9:30-50. In light of this passage, we are taking seven days to pray for our Elders, staff, and church leaders. Maythe Holy Spirit reveal any sin that hinders us from serving. May the Holy Spirit bring a fresh wave of repentance. May the Holy Spirit give us a will to change. And then may the Holy Spirit bring rain on prepared soil so that we see a crop 30, 60, and 100 fold.

Monday: Made deeply and painfully aware of our selfish agendas in ministry.

Tuesday: Receive everyone as we do children, with no thought of their accomplishments, their influence, their fame, or their gifts.

Wednesday: Die to all competitive attitudes in ministry.

Thursday: Promptly and decisively discard our sin that we might not be rendered useless or hurt others.

Friday: Rejoice in suffering, rather than complaining or quitting when ministry is hard.

Saturday: Undone by the call to serve and lose our lives so that it drives us to tears of repentance at the cross.

Sunday: Enter into the fullness of Jesus’ peace with each other so that we will be salt to the world.

Thanks for praying,
Neil

One more thought and prayer for all the performance junkies.

2009-08-29T10:46:00.001-05:00

Here is translation of Galatians 5:6 that is a combination of the Message, the NIV, and a little of Neil’s stuff added.

For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religious performance, nor disregard of religious deeds amounts to anything. The only thing that counts is faith in Jesus’ work expressing itself though love.

PRAYER:
Jesus, I am totally dependent on Your gift of righteousness to me today. At the cross, I receive the smile of God, the Father. I refuse any attempt to see His smile as a result of working hard on my sermon, spending time in prayer, writing a blog, helping a friend, checking things off my to do list, rectifying some wrong, caring for someone in need...Let me enter into the love expressed for me on the cross. Let me enter into the rest secured for me at the cross. As I live in this reality, I trust that You will produce in me the fruit of love. In Your Name, Amen.

P.S.
May you sense His rest in the midst of a busy Saturday!

A thought and prayer for all the performance junkies: fight for freedom.

2009-08-28T18:16:00.000-05:00

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

This week I have been meditating on the book of Galatians. When it comes to the gospel, Paul is a freedom fighter. The Galatians were in danger of being enslaved to the Mosaic law. They were being prodded, pulled and coerced into a life of work to gain a righteousness before God, others and themselves.

Although I am not tempted or pulled to seek righteousness from the Mosaic law, I often am looking to other things to feel good before God, others, and myself instead of the work of Jesus. It is so subtle that I often don’t even notice it. This comes out in things that “I ought to” or “I should” or “I need to.” However, when I pay attention to my feelings and listen to God, I notice the pressure, tension, and sometimes anger as my attempts at righteousness are blocked or thwarted. This week I have been keeping a list of the “burdens and yoke of slavery” I put myself under.

Here are a few of mine I wrote over the course of this week:
· If I get up at 6 a.m. I feel better about myself than if I get up at 7 a.m. I didn’t get up until 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Bad deal especially when I was supposed to meet with an elder for breakfast.
· I feel better about myself when I am “productive.” Work was highly valued for me growing up. I think I am a productivity addict.
· If I was really like Jesus I “should” work with people, help people, deal with their issues without ever having conflict or them getting upset.

PRAYER
Jesus, I acknowledge that there is nothing I have ever done or will do that will make me any more pleasing or less pleasing in the eyes of God. I confess there is a pride at work in me that still wants to prove myself before You and others. There is something in me that wants to say, “Look what I did,” and “I did it, I am good!” I recognize that the “ought to’s” and the “should’s” are hard task masters in my life. Help me to see this and repent. I want to know the reality that it is no longer I who lives but Christ lives in me and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in You. You are not a hard taskmaster. You love me and delivered Yourself up for me. May I rest in You. Thank You, Jesus.

PS
What are your “ought to’s/need to’s/should’s” that are yokes of slavery?

2009-08-24T20:45:00.004-05:00

I took this picture two years ago from top of Mt. Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado.

There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them…Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Mark 9:2,3,7

Have you ever had a mountaintop experience? What was it like? Peter, James, and John saw Jesus totally transformed, clothes whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. You get the sense that words can't explain it. Maybe you feel the same about your mountaintop experience. They were also enveloped by the cloud. Throughout the Old Testament, the cloud was the manifestation of the presence of God to His people. Of all the things the Father could have said in that moment, of all the things the disciples could have heard, felt and experienced, the Father says, “This is my beloved son.” When Peter, James, and John got a taste of glory, they got a special taste of the love of the Godhead!

Although I haven’t had quite the experience of those three disciples, God has given me some mountaintop experiences where I truly sensed, experienced, and felt His love in a special way. After those moments, I expected to be so radically transformed that I would not struggle anymore or at least struggles would diminish significantly and everyone would say, “Wow you have changed! You’re amazingly like Jesus!” Never happened.

The very next thing Mark records is life back on the everyday playing field. Arguments, Pharisees, a demon possessed boy, a helpless father. You know the place. The place where spouses argue, parents struggle to connect with their kids, employees grind against authority, churches frustrate their members, believers fail to live like Jesus…you get the picture. So what do we do? One, we take encouragement from the mountaintop that God loves us and one day will string together an eternity of mountaintop experiences. Two, don’t waste your time trying to keep it or recapture it. It will just become a dumb idol that breaks your heart. Three, come to Jesus like the father of the demon possessed boy and admit your complete helplessness. It really is the way to access His power and joy in the ordinary life.

Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for the times I have uniquely tasted the love of God. I am sorry for the times I have missed because I did not stop, wait and listen. Strengthen me to deeply know how wide and long and high and deep is Jesus’ love for me. I want to taste the glory! I want to know the fullness of God. I need divine encouragement. Jesus, I admit that I am totally helpless without You. Protect me from my foolish pride that moves into relationships, work, my daily duties, church activities and so many other activities without coming to You in prayer. I want to live in the power and joy of a life desperately, dependent on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS. Tell us where you have had a mountain top experience with the Lord?

What do our elders do?

2009-08-21T16:15:00.001-05:00

Colossians 4:2 (NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

I have often been asked, “What do Elders do when they meet?” I am sharing our time together from last week’s meeting and I hope to send you more of these throughout the year.This past meeting we were continuing our discussion of how we will raise money for our building project in a God honoring way. We have spent a lot of time talking about this, because we know that how we do it; says something about what we believe about God, what we believe about the body of Jesus, how we view the resources God has entrusted to us, and how we intend to live out our values. I believe this meeting resulted in one of our best times of prayers as elders since I've been senior pastor. We came to a place in the meeting where we stopped talking and had an intense awareness that we needed wisdom that only comes from God—not wisdom that comes from our experience or the world around us. During our time of prayer, there was a lot of silence, a lot of confession of our own inability, a long time on weak knees, and a sense of struggling deeply with the Lord. This was the main part of our meeting.

Bibles read without prayer; sermons heard without prayer; marriages contracted without prayer; journeys undertaken without prayer; residences chosen without prayer; friendships formed without prayer; the daily act of prayer itself hurried over, or gone through without heart: these are the kind of downward steps by which many a Christian descends to a condition of spiritual palsy, or reaches the point where God allows them to have a tremendous fall.
J. C. Ryle (1816-1900), A Call to Prayer, from Christian Quotation of the Day

LORD, teaches to be diligent to pray in all things. LORD, make our elders men of prayer. Help us to honor these men as commanded in the scripture. We confess our foolish pride. We confess that we are deceived into thinking we can do Your work without Your help, grace and power. Please don’t let us miss the opportunity to see You work in supernatural ways. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Do I really want what Jesus wants?

2009-08-17T21:24:00.001-05:00

Mark 9:31,34
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again…
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Peter had just confessed that Jesus was the Christ—the long awaited King of all kings who would set all things right. And Peter was on the inside. I wonder what he expected he would soon gain by being on the right side: the comfort of a palace, control over some Romans soldiers, the convenience of having some servants, or the freedom to become a consumer of all the best the world has to offer? To hear the Son of Man must suffer was stupefying.

Peter, like us, not only had to learn that Jesus is a King on a cross but that Jesus’ followers go to a cross. This Sunday I said that doing what Jesus wants involves a no and a yes. Denying yourself means saying no at times to comfort, convenience, control, and consumerism. Taking up your cross means saying yes to whatever Jesus wants (even when it doesn’t make sense). That simple yet so very difficult.

I am thankful that Jesus follows this with statements like “whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” I need the encouragement.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me to want what You want. I confess that at the first taste of discomfort, inconvenience, lack of control, or challenge to give I react with second guessing, complaining, asking why, and a number of other selfish responses. I do not want to waste my life. I do not want to come to the end with a chest full of stuff that moths and rust are feeding on. I want to experience the joyful adventure of stumbling to a throne by way of death with You. I also confess the idea is as scary as it is thrilling. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak! Holy Spirit, show me where I am to say no and to say yes that I might do what Jesus wants.

P.S.
I really think it would encourage others if you would share what a “no” and a “yes” to do what Jesus wants means for you. You can do this with the comment function.

A Prayer for this Sunday 8/16/09

2009-08-15T19:40:00.001-05:00

Here is a prayer to prepare our hearts for worship this Sunday that I wrote this morning as I was meditating on 1 Thessalonians 1.

May the gospel of Jesus come into and proceed from this body of believers with power in the Holy Spirit, and may many receive it with deep life altering conviction. May we joyfully welcome the gospel into our lives no matter the cost to embrace Jesus’ kingdom. May the gospel message ring out long and loud from us. As it happened in the church of Thessalonica, may people in the city of Dallas talk about how people here turned and are turning from idols, saying no to the gods of this culture and how we are saying yes to You the true, living God. To do this we wait on our risen, rescuer Jesus.

2009-08-12T21:43:00.001-05:00

Colossians 3:3-4.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

How was your time with the Lord today? That is a question I know many of us dread getting. Even if we are able to say, “Well, I did have time praying and reading my bible” most of the people I talk to would say that no sparks went off or they did not feel close to the Lord. One pitfall of sharing my thoughts and prayers with you a couple times a week is that it can inadvertently give off the sense that all of us should have some kind of mountain top experience with the Lord. I know you know that is not true but it still needs to be acknowledged. I know of no person in the Bible who had this. You might say Moses but don’t forget the 40 years in the desert tending sheep.

I recently made a six week commitment about my time with the Lord. The first nine days were great—then today hit. I should say last night hit. Allergy attack. I was tired. Other times I am distracted, depressed, discouraged, frustrated, rebellious, too busy, any number of things that I let hinder me from having this sense of really entering in. This morning I was making my attempt to read, observe, take notes and pray over Colossians 3. I did all of those things—a little. Most of the time I just sat, trying not to doze off, repeating over and over Colossians 3:3-4. That simple. That ordinary.

Prayer
Father, thank You that my relationship with You starts with Christ, is presently held together by Christ, and will end in glory with Christ. Thank You for loving me because You love me. Thank You that because my life is hidden with Christ there is nothing I can do to be more pleasing to You. Thank You that when everything is said and done, I will be in glory face to face with Jesus! May I rest in Your love when I am on feel on top of the world or being crushed under it. In Jesus Name, Amen.

2009-08-10T17:09:00.003-05:00

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

I am back. Plugged in. This picture really captures how I felt being unplugged. This is Taylor Lake which sits at 6500ft above sea level outside of Etna, an old mining town in California. I spend the last two Saturdays there-the first one with Stephanie and the second one with Natalie. We experienced a peaceful, unhurried time that allowed us to connect with each other and with God. Being away from my computer, cell phone, twitter, facebook, blog, etc., created space in my day for God and my daughters in such a way that the days actually seemed longer. Often my wanderings and distractions with technology steal serious amounts of time—time for others, time for God, time for prayer, time for rest.

LET'S PRAY TOGETHER
Father, thank You for the gift of connecting through technology. I want to live wisely, making the most of the days on earth that You have given me. Help me to fight all the distractions of life that I might live out what Jesus wants for me each day. I pray that You would help us as a church take this one life you have given us, individually and corporately, and live it to the fullest.

Dinner for Two

2009-08-10T16:24:00.002-05:00

Reflections from Revelation 3.14-22

From Matt Dumas, Minister of Equipping, and while Neil is out.

The folks in the church at Laodicea had everything going for them. They lived in a wealthy city, well-known for its clothing industry and school of medicine. Seemingly the only thing the city lacked was a natural water source. Just north of the city in Hierapolis were hot springs known for their medicinal qualities. South of city there were cold water springs refreshing to drink. In order to get water into the city, the people constructed stone pipes to carry water from the cold water springs into the city. Although the water was cold at its source, during the hotter months the water would be warmed by the pipes and become lukewarm by the time it reached the city. When Jesus confronts the church of Laodicea, He confronts their lukewarmness. They were neither hot (picturing the healing properties of the hot springs) nor cold (picturing the refreshment of the cold springs), but like the water in the stone pipes, they had become lukewarm – they had become like the culture around them. So Jesus rebukes their self-sufficiency and self-righteousness and invites them back into fellowship with Him.

I am afraid that my life too often mirrors that of the Laodiceans. I can be very self-righteous and self-sufficient at times. I too like to appear to have it all together. Jesus is often an afterthought as I go about my daily routine. What about you? Do you find yourself in that comfortable place where you really don’t need Jesus in your day-to-day life? Is it hard to distinguish your lifestyle from that of your non-believing friends? When was the last time you had a good talk with Jesus? He’s still knocking, waiting for a dinner for two.

Jesus, forgive me for pretending that I can live the Christian life in my own strength. I pray for a desperate hunger, a thirst for righteousness that can only be satisfied in you. To the best of my ability, I want to invite You to come in and dine with me. May we as a people be ever aware of our need for You. Jesus, make us to want what you want. Amen.

Faith of Our Fathers - Moses: Depending on God

2009-08-04T11:47:00.005-05:00

Reflections from Exodus 2–3

From Matt Dumas, Minister of Equipping, and while Neil is out.

Moses was a man who showed great potential as a child. He was obviously gifted, trained in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was raised in Pharoah’s palace as the son of Pharoah’s daughter. He had everything going for him, and then he made a decision that cost him everything…in a moment of time he chose to respond in his own strength to attempt to bring about a good result – to deliver the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt – and ended up killing a man, being alienated from his people, and running for his life. He chose to do things his way and suffered the consequences. Forty years of wilderness wandering later and Moses has a second shot at delivering the Hebrews. This time he will be successful because he has learned the value of patience and humility and doing things God’s way.

Have you been there before? Really feeling like the thing you’re about to do or say is the right thing at that moment. You act and the thing blows up in your face. God isn’t even really an afterthought until you are faced with the consequences of your actions and are left to try to pick up the pieces and figure out what went wrong. You go on a wilderness journey of your own. I’ve been there, more than once I’m afraid. The wilderness is a lonely place, but it’s there that God meets us. It’s there that He begins to deal with our character. It’s there that we find redemption. We wouldn’t choose the wilderness, but there we learn to cry out to God. And it’s a good thing.

Father, thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me in the wilderness. Forgive me for the stupid choices I’ve made that have hurt You and others and sent me there. May I be ever mindful of my need for your grace, and may I give it as freely as it has been given to me. May we as a people become traffickers in Your grace this week. Jesus, make us to want what you want. Amen.

Faith of Our Fathers - Joseph: Carried by God

2009-07-29T10:47:00.002-05:00

Reflections from Genesis 39

From Matt Dumas, Minister of Equipping, and while Neil is out.

Joseph was a man of integrity. The story of Joseph reminds us that life is not always easy or fair for those who are God-followers. Time after time in the biblical narrative Joseph faces difficult, even harrowing circumstances: thrown into a pit and threatened with murder at the hands of his older brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, forgotten by the man whose dream he favorably interpreted. Yet the biblical author highlights Joseph’s integrity through it all. His obedience and his unwillingness to take matters into his own hands even when he has the opportunity to do so make him a prime candidate for God’s blessing. Instead of focusing on past wounds or future possibilities he was obedient to God and fruitful at the present time.

What about you? Are you living in the past or focused on the future? Or have you discovered the delight of experiencing God’s blessing in the here and now? I struggle with this most days. I long to get to the point of living solely in the present. For Joseph, the choices he made to be a man of integrity, even when the world would have considered it foolish, and even in the midst of devastating circumstances, were worth it. God saw him through. What choice will you make today to be a man or woman of integrity? Maybe it’s foregoing the gossip at the water cooler. Maybe it’s choosing not to retaliate when “that idiot” cuts you off in traffic. Or maybe it’s choosing to forego the promotion if it means bad-mouthing another employee. Whatever it is, let’s make that choice today, you and me.

Father, give me one pure and holy passion…to pursue You with reckless abandon, nothing left on the table, all in. May I be one who walks in integrity no matter the circumstance, knowing that you are the One who will one day right every wrong. May I trust You for that and not feel the need to take matters in my own hands. May we be a people marked by integrity, living our lives in such a way that we become the aroma of Christ to a watching world. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Unplugging for two weeks…

2009-07-25T19:41:00.003-05:00

I really like my computer. I take it everywhere—on mission trips, vacations, trips to the lake, etc. I check the weather and news. I keep up with the Tour De France. All my bible study materials are on my computer. I now keep up with email, facebook, and twitter on my computer. When I didn’t have cell phone service in Colorado a few weeks ago, I skyped. These are great tools for connecting with people. I look forward to how we will use them more at Northwest Bible this fall to enhance communication. However, we all know there are downsides. For me, it can’t and won’t replace face-to-face communication. Also, this stay-connected-anywhere computer can be a distraction to finding silence and rest. It can also keep us from focusing on the relationships at hand. As I get ready to spend the next two weeks with Natalie and Stephanie at a father/daughter camp, I am leaving my computer behind and unplugging. Scary. I really like my computer. What does this mean? I will not be checking email or facebook. I will not be blogging or twittering. Matt Dumas will continue to blog on Mondays and someone will be checking my facebook and email for me. See you on the other side.

P.S.

I am really looking forward to be back at Northwest in two weeks.

Why I bought a yellow watch…

2009-07-24T11:41:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I bought a new Timex Ironman watch. I am not starting a new triathlon training program. I just lost my old one. I lose my watch about every three years. I still expect to pay 19 dollars not 35 dollars. I have bought a few black ones and a red one, and a blue one and now a yellow one. I noticed that I buy the non-black ones when I am relaxed and/or on vacation. I am a little freed up from the constant pressure of sermon preparation, trying to be the perfect pastor, etc. I hate to admit it but I need the time away to be more me, more the Neil God created. It is easy for me to feel guilty when I am not working. I am thankful to be at a church where many people have not only said they were excited that I was taking a week with each of the four women in my life but also helping me make that happen. I am thankful to be at a church where people understand that Jesus calls people to rest.

P.S. I had a great week with Sheree and a great week with Vela. I am heading to a Father/Daughter camp with Stephanie this week and then will repeat the same with Natalie next week.

Here is one of my regular prayers that I need to help me stop and take time with the LORD.
Your toughest management challenge is always yourself. The best gift you can give to people you lead is a holy, healthy, energized, fully surrendered, focused self. And no one else can do that for you but Jesus. To do this I must be a resting worshipper 24/7. Help me Holy Spirit. I want Your will to be my heart’s desire. I want to want what Jesus wants for me, others, the church, and the world today.

Let's Seek the Lord Together in Hiring

2009-07-23T10:03:00.003-05:00

Acts 13:2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Today, Brandt (our executive pastor) and I will be interviewing two people for our Children’s Minister position. This person will be responsible for giving direction for our ministry to children from birth to 5th grade. When I was a production manager for an electronics company, hiring seemed much less complex. In the church, we are concerned about the spiritual life, theology, ministry passions and emotional health of every candidate, as well as their competency, skills and cultural fit. Before hiring, we have multiple interviews, involve leaders of our ministries, utilize gift assessment tests, check references, and seek outside council. We do all the stuff the “experts” say to do. We also pray. However, when I read the account in Acts of Barnabas and Saul sent out, I wonder if we are spending enough time seeking the Lord in these things. Therefore, I am asking you to pray for us today as we take the next step in the process with two people.

PRAYER
Jesus, we want to want what You want for the church. We need Your spiritual wisdom and understanding in the task of hiring staff. We believe that You still direct and guide us through the Holy Spirit. If there is any sin in our lives today that is hindering us from hearing You clearly please shine Your light. Lead us this day.

Faith of Our Fathers - Jacob:Clinging to God

2009-07-20T11:37:00.002-05:00

Reflections from Genesis 25–32

The story of Jacob (“heel grabber”) contained in these eight chapters of Genesis illustrates the reality that people will do anything to find happiness. From the time we are first introduced to Jacob in the womb in Genesis 25 up to the closing verses of Genesis 32, Jacob is presented as one who is constantly chasing, chasing after that which he thinks will provide him with blessing and happiness. And he is willing to go to great lengths to get what he wants, even to deceiving his own father. Jacob quickly learns that chasing leads to crashing when his deception necessitates a hasty escape from his enraged brother, Esau, and when he is deceived by his crooked uncle, Laban. It’s not until Jacob meets God on his way back to reconcile with Esau that he learns to cling to God and his name is changed to Israel (“God fights”), and he learns that God is the One who will fight on his behalf, and not only his behalf, but also on behalf of the people who will be called by His name.

What are you chasing? What heel are you grabbing? What are you fighting for? What is the thing that you are willing to do whatever it takes to secure? Is it money? Is it power? Is it prestige? Is it pleasure? Is it love? Whatever it is, the sad truth is that chasing anything outside our relationship to Jesus will lead to crashing. It’s the best way to ruin our relationships, to have the abundant life sucked out of us, to achieve unhappiness. Examples of this in my life (and I’m guessing yours, too) are many. When will I stop chasing the things of this world, things that ultimately do not satisfy, and start clinging to God? In C.S. Lewis’ sermon, “The Weight of Glory”, Lewis says, “…if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Father, show me where I am guilty in this area of chasing Sometimes I rationalize it as pursuing good things: accolades on my ability to preach or teach, the favor of other folks, a comfortable lifestyle. But anything, anything that I am chasing outside of You is sin. Help me to cling to You – to be desperately dependent on You and devoted to You, and You alone. May we be a people marked not by chasing but by clinging. In the powerful name of Him who clung to a cross that we might have the right as those who believe in Him to cling to You and be called Your sons and daughters, in the name of Jesus Christ to whom belongs all praise and glory we pray. Amen.

A Nasty Little Snake

2009-07-18T18:22:00.006-05:00

Matthew 6:13
But deliver us from the evil one.

I found this small snake yesterday. It was about 15 inches long and very aggressive. He obviously did not want his picture taken. Someone informed me that this is a poisonous snake. I haven’t researched to verify the facts but let's just go with it. It made me think of Satan who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. We know that Jesus defeated Satan at the cross and through the resurrection. We know that compared to the infinite, eternal Jesus; Satan is a small created being. We also know that Satan is still an aggressive and dangerous foe. He seeks to wreak havoc in our world, our personal lives, and in our church. Often in our Bible Church tradition, we don’t talk much about the spiritual battle or Satan. I think in part this stems from a reaction to those who see Satan behind every bush. I also think it stems from the pride of being modern, educated people who are “past” such things. Yet, when Jesus teaches His followers to pray, He gives instruction on prayer concerning Satan and evil. When was the last time you prayed in reference to the spiritual battle the Bible speaks about?

Prayer:
Jesus, forgive me for directly disobeying Your instructions on prayer. Jesus, forgive me for my foolish pride that blinds me to real, unseen forces that are working against us. Jesus forgive me for thinking I can dabble with sin and get close to evil without being severely injured. Jesus, I confess that Satan is a real being who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus, thank You that I can live confidently knowing Your Word says, “greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.” Knowing these things I ask that in (pick a specific situation where Satan maybe on the attack i.e. a difficult or painful situation, temptation to sin, an area of pride, a relational struggle, etc.) You woud deliver me from the evil one. I am desperately, dependent on You this day.

Pray this for yourself and five other people today.

2009-07-16T18:32:00.001-05:00

“When the Israelites would have a golden calf for a representation of God, they would dedicate their jewels, and strip their wives and children of their richest ornaments, to show their devotion. Shall men serve their dumb idols with the best of their substance, and the strength of their souls; and shall the living God have a duller service from us, than idols had from them.”
The Existence and Attributes of God, Stephen Charnock

Proverbs 3:9
Honor the Lord from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce…

In Israel honoring the LORD from the first and best of crops and animals was a way to worship and express gratitude for all God’s provisions. On a regular basis God condemned the Isrealites through the prophets for their half-hearted worship. It is clear that God’s people cannot give to our great King anything too good. Charnock challenges me that it is unbecoming to the majesty of God to give myself fully to other things and not give my very best in worship to Him. An eternal, infinite God deserves affections as near to unbounded as we can muster. I don’t even feel close to this.

Great King of Heaven, again I ask You to wake my heart to have a deeper, greater vision of You. It seems that I ask for this a lot. Give me the intense desire for You that I have for the things of the world. Holy Spirit help me to worship the LORD God and serve Him only. I confess that I regularly give the best of myself to all sorts of other interests, people and pleasures. Help me to do this as I go about the everyday activities of my life. Give me understanding to what this means in my everyday activities. Great King of Heaven, You are worthy!

Pray this for yourself and five others.

Faith of Our Fathers - Isaac: Confident in God

2009-07-13T15:51:00.004-05:00

Reflections from Genesis 26

This story in Genesis 26 gives both a positive and a negative example from the life of Isaac of how we are to deal with the dragons in our lives. In the first episode, Isaac lies to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, claiming that his wife, Rebekah, is really his sister because he is afraid the Philistines will kill him on account of her. Is his fear legitimate? Considering that God had pronounced His blessing on Isaac and on his descendants – in fact He repeats the word “descendants” four times in the span of two verses – his fear reveals his mistrust of God. Yet God is faithful to Isaac and blesses him.

In the second episode, Isaac suffers unjustly at the hands of the Philistines as they claim well after well that Isaac’s servants have dug for themselves. But instead of retaliating, which he had the resources and manpower to do, he chooses to trust God and reconciles with Abimelech, showing him grace.

It’s easy to see how Isaac could respond like he did in the first episode, but how could he let the Philistines take advantage of him and not retaliate? Who does that? If I don’t look out for my own interests, who will? I think quite possibly the hardest thing for me to do in the Christian life is to give up my so-called rights. So many times I struggle deep down with trusting God to look out for me. This is especially true when it comes to interactions with those I think have wronged me. Instead of turning the other cheek or not taking into account a wrong suffered, I immediately come to my own defense and let them know that I was right, they were wrong, and I was offended. More often than not, I find that they were more right, I was more wrong, and the relationship is damaged because of my bruised ego. Yet in those moments when I have dared to trust God to look out for me and chosen not to retaliate, He has always proved faithful…and the relationship benefits because of it.

Father, so many times I’m like the man who cried out, “I believe, help my unbelief!” Grant me the courage to trust You…to taste and see that You are good, that truly blessed is the man who trusts in You! May we as a people be willing to refrain from retaliation and reconcile with grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Summer Camp Thoughts on Psalm 23

2009-07-09T17:16:00.001-05:00

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

Jesus is not like a cowboy who drives cows. He is like a shepherd who leads. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” The Shepherd is behind the sheep gently and patiently directing them to green pastures. The condition of the sheep is a reflection of the skill, ability and care of the Shepherd. Last night in our small groups, people expressed different fears about being led. What causes you to be afraid of being led? Two things to remember: Jesus always leads for His glory and Jesus always leads for our best. What characterizes your life when you don’t believe Jesus leads for your best?

PRAYER:
Jesus, I confess that I often do my own thing, make my own plan, go my own way rather than seek Your guidance and submit to Your leadership. I want to have great passion for You to be glorified. I also need help in believing You are interested in my best especially when things are difficult. I want to know the rest of being like a sheep whose “job” is to follow the Shepherd.

PSALM 23 Summer Camp

2009-07-07T10:26:00.007-05:00

Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my Shepherd.

Here I am at Northwest Bible Summer camp in North Arkansas at a place called Shepherd of the Ozarks. It is beautiful here. The weather is a little cooler than in Dallas. This week we are studying Psalm 23. Our goal is to study the images in Psalm 23 so that our praying of Psalm 23 would become a more meaningful part of our lives. This prayer reflects the things we talked about last night in light of verse 1.

PRAYER
Jesus, You are a personal God who speaks to me through Your Word, who gives me life, and who is able to do whatever I need. I confess that before You I am like a sheep, desperately dependent on You in every way possible. I think and act as though I can protect myself. My life is in Your hands. I think and act as though I can provide for myself. I have nothing that has not first come through Your hand. I think and act as though I can figure out all the right moves to make for my family, my relationships, my job and more. Apart from Your guiding wisdom through the Holy Spirit, I am lost. I think and act as though it is my job to solve and fix every problem in my life and in the lives of those around me. You alone can and will make all things
right some day.

Faith of Our Fathers - Abraham: Committed to God

2009-07-06T14:48:00.006-05:00

Reflections from Genesis 21, 22

Abraham was about to face the most difficult and important test of his life when God said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering… Isaac, the son that God had promised Abraham, the son through whom God was to fulfill all the promises He made to Abraham, had finally come and now God was asking Abraham to give him back…to give up his hope for a future. Throughout the Genesis narrative, Abraham had done a less than stellar job of following God. He flees the land that God promised him when there’s a famine. He passes his wife off as his sister on two different occasions. He has an affair with his wife’s handmaid in hopes of having a son…all the while God has been faithful. And now God wants to know if Abraham will be faithful…is he committed to God above all else?

Many of us are like Abraham in our faith journey…willing to trust God when things are going well, but running at the first sign of trouble. The implied question in Abraham’s test is the same one that we all must face in our spiritual walk, “Am I committed to God?” “How important is He to me?” Ultimately God wasn’t calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, but himself. God wanted Abraham to hold nothing back from Him, and He wants the same from us. Remember the faithfulness of God in your past and use it as a springboard to believing His faithfulness in the future.

Father, forgive me when I follow you with faltering steps that are quick to retreat in times of trouble. Thank you for Your faithfulness to me over and over again…for good gifts which You have blessed me with, and may the reminder of Your faithfulness in the past spur me on to trust You more day by day. Jesus, may my desire for You eclipse everything else, and may I be able to say with whole-hearted, reckless abandon, “I want what You want!” Amen!

The Designer Deserves Praise

2009-07-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 104:10-14

10 He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains;
11 they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they lift up their voices among the branches.
13 He waters the mountains from His upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works.
14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth.

This water garden reminded us of this psalm. The Psalms make it clear that God deserves and desires our praise. It is the regular practice of His people. In this psalm, the psalmist observes how all the parts of creation work together. He acknowledges this is by God’s design and therefore gives praise to God.

PRAYER—using other verses from Psalm 104.
My God, You are very great. How many are Your works! I confess that the quantity and quality of my praise does not match what You deserve. Thank You for this time in Colorado to take in Your creation and awaken my heart. In wisdom You have made all of it. The earth is full of Your possessions. You made it all without painful labor, just a spoken Word. Every person and every creature waits for You to give food in due season. Everything we have is from You. I will sing praise to You while I have my being. Let my meditation be pleasing to You. As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord.

Is it easy or hard for you to praise God? What helps you praise God? Why is important to you? Take a moment to praise God right now.

Beauty from Weeds

2009-06-30T21:23:00.000-05:00

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:19-20

Sheree and I hiked 13 miles today. We were in awe of this extended carpet of yellow flowers. They are dandelions! No one has been busy trying to pluck, pull, or spray them into extinction. The weeds we spend considerable time and energy trying to eradicate from our lawns beautifully decorated the trail. I often spend considerable time and energy in resentment for the wrongs done to me by others. The typical stuff—an unkind word, unfaithfulness of a friend, the wounds from family—can become like weeds in the lawn of my life. Do I ever expect those things to become part of the good work God is accomplishing in me? No, because I do not have the humility of Joseph who could look at his brothers and not only extend grace but see the salvation of God. Do you know anyone who responds like Joseph to wrongs done to them?

PRAYER
God, I confess that when I am wronged I lack humility. I want to be judge, jury and executioner. I constantly disobey Your command to leave room for the wrath of God. By faith, I thank You that You can turn the sins of others as well as my own sins into something beautiful in my life. May I be gracious and forgiving like Jesus, my greater Joseph. How can I be so blind to forget how You have used past pain to mature me and make me useful for your kingdom? Lord, have your way in me.

“You Are the Christ!”

2009-06-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

Reflections from Mark 8.22-38, by Matt Dumas

In the villages of Caesarea Philippi, in view of the city whose name reflects the belief that Caesar is lord…that he is a god to be worshipped, Jesus asks His disciples a probing question: “Who do people say that I am?” Why does Jesus ask this question? Is He really concerned about public opinion? No…He asks the question for the benefit of the disciples. Because ultimately He wants to know, “Who do you say that I am?”

Many of us are like Peter…at one moment we are able to proclaim, “You are the Christ!” And know that He is fully God and fully Man. And in the next we say something foolish showing ourselves and others just how far we have to go on our journey to Christlikeness. Like the blind man whom Jesus heals in stages (vv. 22-26), so too our understanding of who Jesus is a gradual process full of fits and starts. It begins with childlike (and sometimes) childish faith, but as the Spirit moves and causes us to grow we begin to see change…albeit slow and painful at times until one day we will see Him face to face and be like Him because we will see Him as He is.

God of all glory and Father of lights, give me the patience and persistence it takes to make progress in the Christian life. Help me to strive according to Your power that is mightily at work within me, and not according to my own strength. Thank You for the flashes of insight that You give that allow me to know Your Son more. Forgive me for my life of shortsightedness and brashness in thinking I know better than you. May I know Your grace and peace in abundance this day. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen..

Appreciating the Cross

2009-06-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then “ ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ Luke 23:27-30

This is the remains of a rock slide. Who knows when it happened? I am glad I wasn’t around. When I saw it, I thought of Jesus quoting this verse from Hosea to the women mourning for Him on his way to the cross. This same judgment shows up in Revelation 6:15-16. The wrath of God is so great that people will scream, “Give me a painful, terrifying death of 300 pound rocks avalanching over me, than to come face to face with the wrath of God.” This picture helps me appreciate Jesus’ request in the garden for the cup (the wrath of God) to be removed if possible. Let us think carefully about the awful death of Jesus so that our hearts might be melted and transformed at the cross.

Jesus, rarely does the sight or mention of the cross evoke any response in me—tears, joy, repentance, surrender. My heart is sluggish. Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. Help me to see my sin more fully at the cross. May the cross teach me not to take lightly my sin against family, friends and those I pastor. I confess that my sin nailed You, creator and King to the cross. Thank You for loving me. Thank You Jesus for taking the avalanche of the wrath of God. Jesus, help me to live a holy life gladly indebted to You.

How much worship does Jesus deserve?

2009-06-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.

The flower in this picture was about 3 feet off the trail Sheree and I were hiking yesterday. More than likely, no one else will ever see this flower before it fades. It made me think about all the flowers in all the fields in all the world that no one will ever see. Trillions? And none of this beauty is wasted. They grow for the pleasure of God. So much of our life is like this hidden flower—thoughts and deeds that go unnoticed by anyone but God. Much of my motivation to do “good” is that others might see. Much of my discouragement in serving God is a perceived lack of appreciation, lack of impact or open criticism. I think one of Satan's lies is, “No one will notice and no one cares, do whatever you want.” The question in that moment is, “How much worship does Jesus deserve?”

PRAYER
Jesus, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. You have created me. You have created all that I will touch and see today. May You be worshiped in my thousands of hidden thoughts. May all my actions be for You first and foremost. Deliver me from the lesser ends of making an impact or winning the praise of others. In my life Jesus, be glorified today.