What is God asking of you?

What is God asking you to do right now? Has he asked you to stay where you are at even though it might not be where you want to be? Serve someone who doesn't appreciate you? Does he want you to stay in the middle of the mess even though you don't know why? I was thinking about how when we talk about what God wants us to do that we usually see it as doing something exciting or new, but sometimes we are already in the spot he wants us. I am guessing that Noah didn't consider each day of building the ark to be that exciting, but it is because of that consistent hard work that we remember him. He was faithful to what God had called him to do. The little day to day things are what brought about the big day of when the rain came. We (by that I may mean only me) want the good gigs from God, the ones that are big and obvious in our opinion, but he may want us in a position where we are thinking "This isn't what I asked for or was expecting to do." We can't skip the journey in between. Those in between steps are where life happens and where we are shaped for what God wants us to do. So are you listening to God? He may be telling you that you are exactly where you need to be or he may be calling you to take a new direction. To know what he is asking of us requires us to do a lot of listening. So what is God asking of you right now?

Is angry bad?

What do you think about the following quote?

"if a pastor isn't pissed about something...he probably doesn't preach/lead from passion and conviction, but rather from convenience and apathy. Every leader that did something significant in the Scriptures was ANGRY about something...

• Moses was angry about his people being enslaved.
• David was angry about Goliath.
• Jesus and Paul were angry about religious people.
• Nehemiah was ANGRY...godly anger! He was full of passion...godly passion. He did some things that would be considered unorthodox in today's world (read Nehemiah 13)... yet there is not one single Scripture rebuking him for how he acted."

So do you agree, disagree or have a "yeah, but"? Can being passionate about the things God is passionate about be wrong? Is apathy the general rule or the exception today for most leaders? Do you think we are more concerned with being nice than being Godly? Jesus had some harsh words for the religious (the church people) in his day, but not usually for the sinners he encountered. Do we have that backwards now? Do we risk being unkind to those we lead in the church or take the easy road and just be nice? Let me know what you think. The more I think about leadership, the more I realize that my passions may piss some people off. Not intentionally, but because I want to be true to what God is placing in front of me to do and that may conflict with where they are at. Just wondering aloud and would like some feedback.

Now versus the long-term

Do the decisions you make today impact where you are heading? I am guessing most people would say yes, but I don't think that is how we live most of the time. We generally treat each decision we make as a single event without thinking of the direction we want to go. I see it in leadership and I've seen it in my life. Can I rationalize using my credit card to buy some shoes I really want? Yeah, most likely when I look at that as a single decision, I can easily convince myself that is what I should do. But if the direction I want to go is to be completely debt free down the road, then that one decision coupled with another just like it followed by another separate similar decision leads me somewhere totally different. Works the same in leadership. We look at a decision in light of where we are currently at without thinking about the direction we want to go. Finances are tight at the moment (when aren't they tight as a church?) so we make a decision not to hire someone. That person may have been who we needed to move us closer to the vision (direction) of where God wants us to be five years down the road. We sell out the future for the immediate. The thing with life is that there isn't a reset button. We don't get that lost time back. We can change direction, but the cost of those earlier decisions can't be undone. I want to invest my time and make wise decisions based on where I want to go and not for the momentary. I choose to get up early to meet with a friend because I know that over time that wisdom will impact me and who I am becoming. If I make the decision at 5:30 a.m. the answer is usually going to be to crawl back into bed for another hour of sleep. The immediate would distract me from the place I want to be. So are you making choices based on the direction you want to go or based on what is convenient at the moment?

What do you think of when you hear...

What do you think of when you hear the word submission? Does it bring a smile to your face or the thought of doing something while grimacing the entire time? Gutting your way through something even though you don't like it? Been reading "The Principle of the Path" by Andy Stanley and the current chapter is talking about submission. Can't say that is one of my favorite topics. If you asked me to pick something out of the Bible to talk about, submission probably wouldn't be on the top of my list, but that is where we need to start. Listen to these two familiar verses.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make you paths straight. (Proverbs 3: 5 - 6)

Trusting our hearts can be a risky thing. Ever have a conversation with someone who "feels" they should do something, but from your vantage point that doesn't look very wise? Ever wanted something with all of your heart and then come up with the reason to support that? Or am I the only one who does that? Trusting our hearts by themselves isn't very wise, but trusting God with all of our heart doesn't have a downside. Let me quote a small bit from the book. "Notice he didn't say, 'In most all of your ways.' He said 'all.' Solomon didn't leave any wiggle room. In all your ways means in your dating ways, your marriage ways, your entertainment ways, your morality ways, your education ways, your professional ways, your financial ways. In every arena of life, we are to acknowledge God. God will make the best path obvious. If we trust with all of our hearts, refuse to lean into our limited understanding, and submit every aspect of our lives to him, the best path will become unmistakably clear. Divine direction begins with unconditional submission. Not information."

So do you submit or trust your heart? Do you submit or gather more information? We have a tendency to try to feel our way through things or gather more knowledge, but really neither of these point us in the direction we need to be going by themselves. Until we submit to God, we will continue to choose paths that don't lead us in the right direction. Been looking at the paths that I am on and wondering where I need to stop and get on the right path. See good intentions and hoping for the best really don't change where I am heading. I have to change the direction I am heading. "Direction - not intention - determines our destination." Good intentions will keep you headed in the same direction. The results of those choices may be years down the road but that doesn't change where we are headed. So where are you headed on the paths you have chosen - relationally, financially, spiritually? A truthful look could be a little scary. The truth can be a little uncomfortable and awkward at times.

Thoughts on a Friday afternoon

A little catch up time on blogging since it has been about a week since I've been on here. So a few random things I've been thinking over the last several days.

• I've had several people ask what I am currently reading so here is the latest. Finished reading "The Furious Longing of God" by Brennan Manning. This is the first book that I have completely read of his (started one other but didn't finish it). I really like his very poetic, but raw writing style. Sometimes I got lost in the words he used, but the message was pretty straight forward - God intensely desires and loves you. We can tend to get wrapped up in the things in our lives and forget how much He loves and even likes us. Good book to remind you of that one important fact. Also read "A Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God" by Larry Osborne while we were in Atlanta for spring break. Parts of this book felt like I could have very easily have written it based on my own contrarian point of view. Another book I would recommend especially if you have felt you might not measure up based on what other's tell you a Christian should look like. The book breaks down some of the myths of what spiritual disciplines (like a quiet time, certain amount of time praying in the morning, etc.) are, which is a tool, but not commands that have to be followed in a certain way. Very freeing if you have grown up in the church and heard you have to do things a certain way. Really what we sometimes claim as essentials are more like helpful suggestions, not really the commands we make them out to be. Just started reading Andy Stanley's "Principles of the Path". I think this is going to be one of those books where I am thinking yeah that is common sense, but then why don't we actually live that way.
• Had a great spring break trip to Atlanta. (See Lisa's blog for more details on that.) First time I've been able to go anywhere this time of year in almost 20 years. Next year, I think I am going to try to go skiing at the end of February. Loved getting to see our family and glad that we will get see them again in a couple of months.
• Had some good conversations with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law when we were there. They are part of our community even though we don't get to talk to them as frequently as we like. My brother-in-law probably challenges my view of the church's role more than anyone else I talk to. Love that our passions are similar, but we sometimes have different perspectives. Helps me see things that otherwise I might miss.
• Asked Lisa what part of my personality I should change while we were driving down to Atlanta. Aren't you glad you don't have to put up with my questions all of the time? Feeling I want to change directions on some of my relationships and that probably starts with my personality. Still haven't landed on a definite thing yet, but I have a pretty good idea what it might be. Let the experiment begin.
• Friendships have been on my mind a lot the last week (big surprise, huh?). Haven't talked to several of my close friends in a couple of weeks and feeling disconnected from them. Another friendship has changed significantly and won't be as much a part of my day to day life. I think I am okay with this as I realize that it is just a change of season in that friendship. Still weird though.

Looking forward to getting back in the rhythm of writing more consistently again. Also have one of those feelings that there are going to be some changes coming around soon. By the way, I am one of those people who like change.

Does our focus need to change?

What do you focus on? For me I tend to see the areas where I don't measure up. I tend to spot the things in others that I might question. I want to improve who I am. I want to find my faults and work on those things. This is where I tend to camp out, but I wonder if I have it all wrong. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." He doesn't say to focus on our faults, but instead to focus on things that show the characteristics of Jesus. This is where I need to be dwelling. I think it is alright to seek to improve those areas where I am lacking, but that isn't where my thoughts should stay. I need to be pursuing Jesus. Looking at the things that reflect his qualities. Seeing those things in myself and the people I encounter. What do you focus on?

God's longing

I picked up Brennan Manning's "The Furious Longing of God" yesterday when I was out running around at lunch. Several thoughts have invaded my mind just on the little bit that I have read so far. I love the title of the book. God doesn't just tolerate me, He isn't indifferent, He doesn't just accept me, He intensely longs for me. Even as I question whether the first 3 descriptions best describe some of my current friendships, I am overwhelmed by the thought of how much God desires to be with me. He not only loves me, but he likes me. I have often heard people say that they love someone even if they don't like them (which I don't know how you really do that, but that is a thought for another post), but God furiously (love that image) seeks me out because of His love and because he genuinely wants to be with me.

Another thought that struck me today as I was reading the following quote "Abba, I belong to you" was how God loves even the five minutes I spend with Him some days. I know some people who would fit the definition of a Super Christian. They wake up early and have amazing devotions with God, spend lots of time in prayer, serve selflessly, etc. (Which is awesome, but rarely, if ever, is that how I would describe myself) Most days I feel I am about as far from that as possible. But it struck me today that God longs for even those few minutes I manage some days. I was thinking about how my boys are full of energy and have very active schedules, but there are those moments when I have 5 minutes alone with one of them in the car where I get to talk to them about their day or when Jacob will sometimes slow down long enough to still snuggle up in my lap. I love those moments of being with my boys. Just to be with them. I think that is how God is too. He just wants to be with us. He longs for us even in our hectic, overly busy lives. I don't have to act a certain way nor do I even deserve it, but He calls me his son and I belong to Him. What an amazing concept!

Lessons from Lent and lunch

Don't really know a lot about Lent (my basic understanding is that it represents the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert), but decided that it would probably be good to give something up to help me focus more on Jesus. What I decided to give up isn't huge by any stretch of the imagination (soda and candy/dessert), but what I have learned is that I do a lot of things out of habit. Ordering a soda when I go the movie or when eating pizza (the times I notice it the most) for example. We can become so used to the way things are that we forget to focus on the important. Will me giving up soda or candy for 40 days change much in the bigger scheme? No, but me focusing on what God has planned for me to do might.

Lunch is one of my favorite parts of the day. Why? Because it gives me a break during the day. A chance to spend time with my wife or a friend, the chance to wander around Barnes & Noble, the chance to read a book (preferably outside) or just a chance to get away from the routine. Most days are spent running through things at work and focused on getting my job done. Not bad stuff, but not really the important stuff either. Lunch gives me a break to focus on the important stuff even if for just a little bit.

So that is what I've been learning. Sometimes we need to take a break from our routines and see things from a new perspective, especially in our spiritual lives. What thing are you taking for granted or just going through the motions on? When was the last time you took a break and saw something from a different point of view?

That thing you do

What's your personal brand? Ever thought about the fact that you have a brand? I hadn't until I read about it this morning. What is a personal brand? Basically, it is the image that people have of you. We are building it with each action we take, every word we speak, each encounter we have with someone, and the decisions we make about life. So what words would you use to describe my brand? When I come to your mind what words would you use to describe my life? Come on, play along, and help me to see if the list I want to have is the reality of the brand I am known for.

Along those same lines I was reading a question from Andy Stanley where he asked those around him in ministry to answer - "Would you help me understand the way I do things?" So that is my question to you as well. I want to challenge and encourage people, specifically leaders, but how do I do that? I do things a certain way based on who I am but I don't always realize what it is that I am doing. (Confusing? Yeah, that would be my world.) So be brave today and give me some honest feedback. Let me hear about who I am and how I do things. I really would appreciate your feedback.

I wonder...

I often have random thoughts and questions that really never get answered or go anywhere. Here are a few that have crossed my mind recently. Just a few things I am thinking and wondering about.

• I've been reading lots of stuff related to leadership lately. Sometimes though I wonder why. I really don't have any leadership role to use the stuff I am learning. Is it just to absorb more knowledge? I am just a consumer of leadership thoughts?
• Creative is more than coming up with good ideas. To be creative don't you have to actually create or produce something? Anybody can generate ideas (granted some aren't very good, but ...), that is the easy part, but making it happen is where the creative part comes in. Can you separate the creative process (the what or why) from the implementation (the how)?
• Ever feel like giving up on a friendship because it is messy and takes lots of work? Wonder if you are the only one giving? Never hear a word of thanks. Makes me wonder if that isn't how God feels about me.
• Think it would be cool if each team you are on would write a description of each member and what unique contribution they bring to the team. Might be tough to come up with those descriptions, but what a cool exercise. Read some of the ones Steven Furtick wrote about his team at Elevation and thought how energizing that would be for most people.
• Are backup plans a way to avoid stepping out on faith? Does that suggest we want to make sure we are in control just in case God can't handle it? Don't think all backup plans are bad, but sometimes they might be. When do you take the risk without a safety net? Or do you ever?
• I often wonder why I write this blog. Is it for me ego? (Doubtful as I don't think it is very widely read.) To process the things going on in my life? (Very possible.) To make some sort of difference? Because I can't not write?
• Are we content with God leading us one step at a time or do we want a lifetime plan?
• Are there any areas you are settling in? I never want an okay marriage, or an average friendship, or my boys to be average. Do I settle for average in my passion for Jesus? Not sure where contentment becomes settling but it is fine line in my opinion.

Hope your Thursday is incredible and that God is disturbing it in some huge ways!

Confession of inadequacy

Confession time. I struggle a lot with feeling accepted by people. I know who I am so therefore I have a hard time believing that people would desire a friendship with me if they get to know the real me. This week I have had one of my friendships probably run its course which brings up all of those feelings of inadequacy in me. The feeling of not being worth much and wondering if I have wasted my time investing in it. All that to say as I have stepped back a little from the situation it is amazing to see how well God knows me (he did create me after all) and has been building me up at the same time. This week I received an e-mail from another friend I don't get to talk to very often that basically just said thanks for being consistent in his life, an e-mail from another person I don't know very well that said they sent it to me because I seem trustworthy, a note from a new friend that said thanks for loving them. God was already addressing the thoughts he knew I would struggle with as this one friendship was ending. His way of letting me know he desires a relationship with me and loves me. I love the fact that He uses other people to show me how much He cares for us, even when we might be feeling hurt by someone else. How have you seen God working this week?

Who are you becoming?

What type of friends do you surround yourself with? It hit me today that most of my friends excel in areas that I value and want to strive to be better in. I look up to them and watch the examples they set. The one who bends over backwards to give in a friendship, the ones who serve the least of these, the one who leads even when it may be tough, the one who encourages me with his realness and transparency, the ones who love life and are passionate about having fun, and the ones who listen and challenge my beliefs. Those are things I strive to learn and do. I get the incredible opportunity to see it lived out in front of me every week. They say you are what you eat, I think you are what you surround yourself with. Want to know who you are becoming, look at the people surrounding you. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 it says "Bad company corrupts good character." I think good company can produce good character as well. So who are you becoming today?

K.I.S.S. method

Okay, for those of you who might have misread the title, the K.I.S.S. method stands for "keep it simple, stupid". Sorry to disappoint, but I am not offering any kissing techniques here. I do enjoy kissing my wife, but that isn't what this post is about. What it is about though, is that our lives are just a small part in God's story. Bottom line (i.e. the K.I.S.S. thought for me), it isn't about me, but it is about God.

Funny how we tend to see it differently most of the time though. We tend to think everything is about us, how it impacts our lives, how we will benefit from it, me, me, me. Really though we are just play the role of an extra in God's movie. We often see ourselves in the starring role, when actually we are on the screen for about one second (and usually then it is just the back of our head in a crowd scene). We think the whole story is revolving around our lives, but it is really just a little part of God's story. God created the universe (nope, I wasn't a part of that), God uses Noah (nope, not in that scene either), God chooses Abraham to play a role (not here either), God tells Moses to reclaim His people (nowhere to be found yet), God used Joseph, David, his prophets, Isaiah, and many others leading up to the turning point in the story - Jesus' resurrection (by the way, I'm not in any of those scenes either). Here is my big scene, the point where if you look quickly and really hard, I am there briefly between the turning point and the climatic finish of His returning. See the thing is, it really is all about God. I do have a part to play, but some perspective of what that part is needed today. We tend to think everything revolves around us when in reality it should all be pointing to God. Do your absolute best with your scene, but don't forget who the story is really about. Let's just keep it simple, and just say it is all about God.

"More God" versus "Enough God"

I am reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan again and can tell it is going to adjust my perspective all over again. I am pretty pumped as we are going to cover this book (along with the video series) in our Sunday school class over the next couple of months. I can't wait to see what might happen if it turns several people's world upside down like it is mine. My wife called me a radical last night, which I really don't believe I am, but I would love it if this book helped radically change the way some people see God and made us as the church more relevant in people's lives like we are suppose to be in bringing glory to God. Anyway, here is the thing that captured my thoughts today while I was reading.

Do you want "more God" or do you have "enough God"? I often think I desire to have more God in my life, but more often than not I live like I have enough God. I tend to live life trying to have just enough God to get by. Enough God to know that I am good enough. That I make the cut, even though I may have a few areas that I am lacking in. I want just enough God to be okay, but not really radical. I don't want to always be looking to serve the least of these, I don't want to love my enemies all of the time, to bring glory to God with every action, to pursue being like Jesus in everything I do - I want enough to know that I just make the grade and God will overlook the rest. Sound ridiculous to you? Honestly though isn't that how we as the church often approach the holy creator of the universe? We want just "enough God" to get by by and not "more God" that may upset our comfortable lives. We want "enough God" to feel good about ourselves, but not "more God" that may require us to do some radical things for Him. Are we consumed with being more and more like Jesus? Shouldn't people be saying that the church is doing some amazing things, but I don't want God in my life instead of that God might be alright, but I don't want anything to do with a bunch of hypocrites? I don't want to be the reason that people can't see Jesus or desire a relationship with God. If they reject God I don't want it to be because I am living with just "enough God" to get by. So what do you think? Are you living a life that screams I want "more God" or one that weakly proclaims that I have "enough God" for myself? To me when you boil it down, you probably fall in one or the other as there isn't really much in between those two.

Told you this book has helped turned my safe, little, comfortable world upside down. Ready to live a radical life?