(Below is a song I recently finished writing, entitled Like a Whisper.)
(verse 1)
I was Elijah in the desert
Despairing of my life
All alone with my fear
I had no more excuses
And no one left to blame
Death seemed an easy escape
(verse 2)
But like Elijah on Horeb
The LORD questioned me:
"What are you doing here?"
I didn't have an answer
I couldn't find the words
But then the LORD passed by
(chorus)
The wind that night
Could have torn apart the mountains
And lightning flashed
Like fire in the sky
The thunder roared
And shook the earth's foundations
The rain poured down
To wash away my tears
And my heart of stone
Was shattered in His presence
And in the aftermath of that storm
I heard His voice
Like a whisper
(verse 3)
I am David at Adullam
Running for my life
My courage fails at every turn
I'm in the valley of the shadow
And it's hard to see the light
But I hope in the LORD my God
(chorus)
The wind that night
Could have torn apart the mountains
And lightning flashed
Like fire in the sky
The thunder roared
And shook the earth's foundations
The rain poured down
To wash away my tears
And my heart of stone
Was shattered in His presence
And in the aftermath of that storm
I heard His voice
Like a whisper
(verse 4)
I've been called like Jeremiah
Young and so afraid
His Word a fire in my heart
God is with me like a warrior
He rescues and He saves
And I stand only because
(chorus)
The wind that night
Could have torn apart the mountains
And lightning flashed
Like fire in the sky
The thunder roared
And shook the earth's foundations
The rain poured down
To wash away my tears
And my heart of stone
Was shattered in His presence
And in the aftermath of that storm
I heard His voice
Like a whisper
(finale)
The truth doesn't need to shout
You've got my attention
Though my strength is small
Though I often fall
I am always listening
Listening
To hear your still, small voice
Like a whisper
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Small Group Emails: Whatever Week It Is Now...
(Below is an email I sent to my small group on May 19, 2009)
Hey Everyone!
Nothing like sickness and visiting relatives to keep a person away from small group. However, it was so good to be back! Things have really been picking up speed, haven't they? Planning for Cross the Street Ministry is off to a great start, I think, and I hope that everyone will continue with their awesome input and fantastic ideas! Quick survey: How many of us have finished reading Do Hard Things? I hope that everyone will finish reading their books, and that you don't leave it at that!
I know that collaboration is a powerful thing, and I think it is great that we are all going to be working together, along with others from the youth group, to accomplish these God-given goals. However, I want everyone to remember and consider that the do-hard-things mentality does not just apply to what we can accomplish together; it also applies to what changes we can make in our personal lives. You cannot give what you don't have; it will be incredibly hard to make an impact in the world for Christ if we are not taking care of ourselves spiritually.
Small hard things are probably my favorite topic, and I know I harp on them a lot, but that is because they are so very important! Case in point: King Saul. Saul had a lot of limitations placed on him; we first meet him when he's scouring the hills for his family's donkeys (not the most glorious job, looking for hoof-prints and horse-apples). His family is one of the least prominent in the tribe of Benjamin; Benjamin is a pretty low tribe on the totem-pole. But God chose him out of everyone else, and removed all external obstacles, declaring him king.
However, Saul had some major character flaws that he ignored, and they undermined his ability to lead Israel. He was fearful, impatient and impulsive, not trusting God's timing or asking for his guidance; he was consumed by jealous rage and had a hair-trigger temper, and worst of all, he lied to himself and denied his flaws and mistakes. These were all internal, personal obstacles to his leadership, which God could have helped him to overcome, only he never asked. He never even paid any attention to them. We can all take a lesson from Saul.
Sometimes it's hard to be introspective, especially with all the distractions of summer quickly approaching. But we have to keep at the small hard things that will shape our character and grow us in Christ.
This email is getting a little long-winded, so I'll wrap this up. I'll see a few of you early on Wednesday, and the rest of you on Sunday. I'll be praying for you all!
Hey Everyone!
Nothing like sickness and visiting relatives to keep a person away from small group. However, it was so good to be back! Things have really been picking up speed, haven't they? Planning for Cross the Street Ministry is off to a great start, I think, and I hope that everyone will continue with their awesome input and fantastic ideas! Quick survey: How many of us have finished reading Do Hard Things? I hope that everyone will finish reading their books, and that you don't leave it at that!
I know that collaboration is a powerful thing, and I think it is great that we are all going to be working together, along with others from the youth group, to accomplish these God-given goals. However, I want everyone to remember and consider that the do-hard-things mentality does not just apply to what we can accomplish together; it also applies to what changes we can make in our personal lives. You cannot give what you don't have; it will be incredibly hard to make an impact in the world for Christ if we are not taking care of ourselves spiritually.
Small hard things are probably my favorite topic, and I know I harp on them a lot, but that is because they are so very important! Case in point: King Saul. Saul had a lot of limitations placed on him; we first meet him when he's scouring the hills for his family's donkeys (not the most glorious job, looking for hoof-prints and horse-apples). His family is one of the least prominent in the tribe of Benjamin; Benjamin is a pretty low tribe on the totem-pole. But God chose him out of everyone else, and removed all external obstacles, declaring him king.
However, Saul had some major character flaws that he ignored, and they undermined his ability to lead Israel. He was fearful, impatient and impulsive, not trusting God's timing or asking for his guidance; he was consumed by jealous rage and had a hair-trigger temper, and worst of all, he lied to himself and denied his flaws and mistakes. These were all internal, personal obstacles to his leadership, which God could have helped him to overcome, only he never asked. He never even paid any attention to them. We can all take a lesson from Saul.
Sometimes it's hard to be introspective, especially with all the distractions of summer quickly approaching. But we have to keep at the small hard things that will shape our character and grow us in Christ.
This email is getting a little long-winded, so I'll wrap this up. I'll see a few of you early on Wednesday, and the rest of you on Sunday. I'll be praying for you all!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
National Day of Prayer
(Below is an excerpt from my journal, written on May 07, 2009)
Father God,
I had totally forgotten until just a moment ago, when you saw fit to remind me: today is The National Day of Prayer. All over the country, Christians are lifting up their voices in petition for this great nation. I've read that some people do not intend to offer any special prayers on this day, as if they have contempt for the very idea. But I intend to, since I do not pray for my country and it's leaders on a daily basis.
America is at war. I'm not talking about the war in Iraq; that is only a temporary war. No, America has been locked in battle since her birth. He did not mind if she gained her freedom, so long as she used her freedom as an excuse to do evil. And that, sadly, is precisely what she has done. America as a country united under God is almost a thing of the past. Everyone is 'free' to do whatever they please, with little to no regard for other people, and no whatsoever for any moral standard. I think that the freedoms of America are more dangerous for Christians than the persecution in other countries. They pray for us, because they can clearly see how soft and complacent we have become in our imaginary bubble of safety.
I pray first today for Christians across America. Wake them up! Remind them of who they are, and what they're here for. Straighten out their priorities. Unite churches in love; don't let people bicker over the trivial matters that so often divide us. Remind us that we are all a part of one global church, one Body of Christ, not individual cliques or social clubs. Bless the few who really get it, and help them to spread their message. Add to our number daily and help us to disciple them. Help us to use our freedom while it lasts.
I pray for those Christians in positions of influence, be they businessmen, pastors, politicians, law enforcement or military officials, athletes or whatever else. Help and inspire them to use their station in life to take a bold, public stand against evil, for your sake and in your name. Help them to keep their footing, so that your name will not be mocked. Teach these men and women that they were raised to these positions of worldly power 'for such a time as this.'
God, it is a little hard for me to pray for President Obama, since I am somewhat suspicious of him. However, I pray that his motives are pure, and that since he professes Christianity, he will lead this country in a way that is pleasing to you. I know he has a lot to deal with, from the conflict in Iraq to our current economic situation, so please give him wisdom and discernment. Let him seek you in all his decision-making. I pray that his term in the White House will be marked down in history books not just because he was our nation's first African-American leader, but because he was a leader of integrity.
Pray for our country.
Father God,
I had totally forgotten until just a moment ago, when you saw fit to remind me: today is The National Day of Prayer. All over the country, Christians are lifting up their voices in petition for this great nation. I've read that some people do not intend to offer any special prayers on this day, as if they have contempt for the very idea. But I intend to, since I do not pray for my country and it's leaders on a daily basis.
America is at war. I'm not talking about the war in Iraq; that is only a temporary war. No, America has been locked in battle since her birth. He did not mind if she gained her freedom, so long as she used her freedom as an excuse to do evil. And that, sadly, is precisely what she has done. America as a country united under God is almost a thing of the past. Everyone is 'free' to do whatever they please, with little to no regard for other people, and no whatsoever for any moral standard. I think that the freedoms of America are more dangerous for Christians than the persecution in other countries. They pray for us, because they can clearly see how soft and complacent we have become in our imaginary bubble of safety.
I pray first today for Christians across America. Wake them up! Remind them of who they are, and what they're here for. Straighten out their priorities. Unite churches in love; don't let people bicker over the trivial matters that so often divide us. Remind us that we are all a part of one global church, one Body of Christ, not individual cliques or social clubs. Bless the few who really get it, and help them to spread their message. Add to our number daily and help us to disciple them. Help us to use our freedom while it lasts.
I pray for those Christians in positions of influence, be they businessmen, pastors, politicians, law enforcement or military officials, athletes or whatever else. Help and inspire them to use their station in life to take a bold, public stand against evil, for your sake and in your name. Help them to keep their footing, so that your name will not be mocked. Teach these men and women that they were raised to these positions of worldly power 'for such a time as this.'
God, it is a little hard for me to pray for President Obama, since I am somewhat suspicious of him. However, I pray that his motives are pure, and that since he professes Christianity, he will lead this country in a way that is pleasing to you. I know he has a lot to deal with, from the conflict in Iraq to our current economic situation, so please give him wisdom and discernment. Let him seek you in all his decision-making. I pray that his term in the White House will be marked down in history books not just because he was our nation's first African-American leader, but because he was a leader of integrity.
Pray for our country.
Friday, May 1, 2009
That's Not My Job!
This is a story about four people named: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got mad about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
Did you follow that? Sound at all familiar?
I'm writing this blog post as a response to something I heard a member of my small group say: "I want a more important job." Uh-oh. Some of my readers may already be able to see where I'm going with this. I smile.
"Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks." -Rick Warren
There are always going to be some jobs that nobody wants to do. However, those are the jobs that make the world go round. Everybody wants to serve God in some big, noticeable way, so that they'll feel good about themselves and other people will praise them. Well, that's all fine and dandy, but this is what Jesus thinks of that kind of attitude:
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
-Matthew 6:1-14 (NIV)
When we are given opportunities for ministry and service, it is tempting to look for an 'important job.' But the actor on stage can't perform if the guy behind the curtain doesn't open it. One job is no more important than the other. Both are essential for the show to go well. My mom always says that nobody wants to be a garbageman, but if there were no garbagemen, we would all notice.
"In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary."
-1 Corinthians 12:22 (NLT)
In our spiritual journey, adopting the attitude of a servant is probably one of the most difficult challenges we're going to face. Serving others involves putting their needs before ours, and sometimes even instead of ours. There might not be a reward. It may be that no one pats us on the back or tells us what a good job we've done. But we have to mature to the point where we no longer need our egos stroked in order to put forth our best effort.
"Notoriety means nothing to real servants, because they know the difference between prominence and significance." -Rick Warren
If you want to look for the right way to serve, we need look no further than The Man Himself:
"Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
-Philippians 2:3-11 (NLT)
Developing this kind of servant's heart is a long and difficult process, I'll acknowledge that. And we're not the first people in history to have trouble with it! Even Jesus' disciples argued amongst themselves as to who was the most important, but Jesus set them straight:
"The apostles got into an argument about which one of them was the greatest. So Jesus told them: 'Foreign kings order their people around, and powerful rulers call themselves everyone's friends. But don't be like them. The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant. Who do people think is the greatest, a person who is served or one who serves? Isn't it the one who is served? But I have been with you as a servant.'"
-Luke 22:26-27 (CEV)
Did you follow that? Sound at all familiar?
I'm writing this blog post as a response to something I heard a member of my small group say: "I want a more important job." Uh-oh. Some of my readers may already be able to see where I'm going with this. I smile.
"Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks." -Rick Warren
There are always going to be some jobs that nobody wants to do. However, those are the jobs that make the world go round. Everybody wants to serve God in some big, noticeable way, so that they'll feel good about themselves and other people will praise them. Well, that's all fine and dandy, but this is what Jesus thinks of that kind of attitude:
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
-Matthew 6:1-14 (NIV)
When we are given opportunities for ministry and service, it is tempting to look for an 'important job.' But the actor on stage can't perform if the guy behind the curtain doesn't open it. One job is no more important than the other. Both are essential for the show to go well. My mom always says that nobody wants to be a garbageman, but if there were no garbagemen, we would all notice.
"In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary."
-1 Corinthians 12:22 (NLT)
In our spiritual journey, adopting the attitude of a servant is probably one of the most difficult challenges we're going to face. Serving others involves putting their needs before ours, and sometimes even instead of ours. There might not be a reward. It may be that no one pats us on the back or tells us what a good job we've done. But we have to mature to the point where we no longer need our egos stroked in order to put forth our best effort.
"Notoriety means nothing to real servants, because they know the difference between prominence and significance." -Rick Warren
If you want to look for the right way to serve, we need look no further than The Man Himself:
"Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
-Philippians 2:3-11 (NLT)
Developing this kind of servant's heart is a long and difficult process, I'll acknowledge that. And we're not the first people in history to have trouble with it! Even Jesus' disciples argued amongst themselves as to who was the most important, but Jesus set them straight:
"The apostles got into an argument about which one of them was the greatest. So Jesus told them: 'Foreign kings order their people around, and powerful rulers call themselves everyone's friends. But don't be like them. The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant. Who do people think is the greatest, a person who is served or one who serves? Isn't it the one who is served? But I have been with you as a servant.'"
-Luke 22:26-27 (CEV)
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