What's Next?

Have you ever had one of those days when you seemed to be overly aware of something going on in your life that you didn't know how or when but knew it was coming. Last week our Pastor delivered a message on Joshua and wrestling with God. The funny thing about the whole message was during our brain storming earlier in the week the message concept and scripture reference was something that I felt in my heart and the team ran with it. Then the strangest thing happened. My week turned into one of the most disappointing, what could go wrong next, type of week and when it was all said and done - the Sermon that my Pastor delivered was for me. I felt like I wrestled with God all week long and I was doing everything I could to hold on - because that's all I knew to do.

Then today I spent the last two hours watching reruns (DVD) of West Wing. The episode that spoke so clearly to me was when President Bartlett and Josh Lyman get shot. Prior or actually during the first episode I was working on scripture references for people to use that do Prayer or Altar Ministry. I think it's important to equip people with the tools of success and the Word of God is that best tool. But why labor and tell others, "Well, go find your references yourself and good luck." Instead I'm taking the time took to do the leg work. Whether this is used or not is not the point. I had this thought a couple of weeks ago - we always want to know what the prize is before we decide if the work is worth it all. Well, I don't want to be that way. I am doing what I feel I should be doing.

Don't ask me why - but while typing through all these scriptures and finding the passages online (which is easier for me to copy and paste) I started getting that feeling that I know in my heart that what I'm doing is worth it all. Call it confirmation in my spirit. Then watching the episode following the presidential shooting when flashbacks take place that explain how the Bartlett administration all came together comes to a conclusion when the President leans over Josh (who is coming out of recovery) and Josh tells the President "What's Next?" tears started streaming down my face. Why? Because first I get caught up in movies and shows and I have a very tender heart (I know that surprises many). The other reason is because I am holding on to God until He blesses me. It's coming and it's bigger than my mind can comprehend because He trusts me to keep it all in perspective. It's not about me at all. It's not about what I can and cannot do. It's not about my talent and it's not about all the times I wondered if God even knew where I was. It's all about Him - His Glory. This trip is the most exciting trip that I will ever take on this earth. I'm part of God's story and that's the best place for anyone to be. What's Next, Lord?

Deliverance or Change

Just recently our Pastor delivered two sermons based on the story of Zacchaeus. We all probably know the story. But for those who may not - the story is found in the Bible, Luke 19:1-10. As the story goes Zac is this guy that works for the Roman IRS. He, being a Jew is despised by his own people because he is viewed as a traitor. In addition, Zac is this short guy. He could have looked like the perfect image of Pappy O'Daniel (Charles Durning) in the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" only shorter. Zac who was very wealthy, carried a lot of weight (no pun intended) and could collect all he wanted in taxes, sending what was required to Rome and keeping the rest. Jesus was passing through. Somehow Jesus knew Zac's name (and it really doesn't matter how) stopped and looked up in a tree Zac was using for a front row seat. Jesus invites himself to Zac's house and spends time with him.
Now you've got to understand that the CROWD didn't like this one bit. The people were looking for a Conquering King who would take them out of oppression and deliver them from bondage and rule and reign. In a lot of the minds of the people - that's what they thought Jesus was going to do. So what do you suppose Jesus was doing eating and spending time with a sinner?

Zac could have been eliminated, executed or murdered. That certainly would have gotten rid of Zac. And who knows, maybe no one would have ever found someone responsible. It seems that crimes go on every day in front of people all the time, yet no one saw anything???? And if Zac was gone what would happen? Rome would get a new chief tax collector and the cycle could have gone on and on, forever. But no - Jesus spends time with Zac - one on one relational time. There is no indication of lecture or sermon or anything else. However, what most people don't see in this story is that Jesus had an immediate impact on the econony of Jericho and the region around. Because Zac was a changed man. (Zac speaking, verse 8 "Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." The beauty of an encounter with Jesus can result in a Win/Win. Zac won - the people of Jericho won. Don't always listen to the crowd - often it's all about them and not about kingdom work.

mike

Always the Student

Someone once said, "The learners will inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." I posed that statement to a friend of mine. He like myself are near the same age. I would call myself progressive and my friend conservative in every way. This statement startled him to say the least. I suppose with age one may think they've learned about all they need to know. However, one should be continually learning and adapting. There is one certainty of life and that is - CHANGE! You may not admit it but you are changing every day. This change could be construed as aging. Yes, each day you get a little older. I find that many people my age or older don't particularly like change. I love change. Change keeps me on my toes. Change prevents me from becoming stagnant. Change challenges my thinking and broadens my perspective. I welcome change.

For years I did very little reading. But now I find myself consuming books. I read mostly books that will feed my mind and stretch my thinking. Lately I've been reading books based on church growth and the way people see the church. I want to think more outside the box and totally away from traditional religion. Tradition says to me - not going anywhere - stagnant as water that sits in one place and is never stirred. I feel there is a stirring not only in my heart but also in this world that we live in. More than ever people are looking for truth. My purpose for learning is to able to communicate more effectively to this ever changing world we live in. I never want to find myself thinking what worked for me 20 years or 1 day ago will serve me in the future. Read a new book. My latest - Mark Batterson's "Primal." It will challenge you.

mike