Stop Taking What God’s Not Giving

Just like you, I’ve found there are things that need to be overcome in my life. I’m sure you know what I’m saying. Bad experiences and disappointments have a strange way of creeping up on you sometimes.
 
Despite the best of intentions, many times wrong attitudes and fears keep making inroads in your life. Murmuring and doubts keep whispering in your ear, while you’re trying to reflect on the wondrous truth of the Word. God is doing something spectacular in your heart and yet you struggle with casting off the constraints of your past.

So, the key question is what are you going to do?

I’m sure you already know this, but God didn’t give you all those difficult experiences. He‘s certainly not the one who brought calamity and fear upon you. While the ugliness of these moments is undoubtedly real, it does not have to continue in your life and ministry.

You see, you don’t have to keep taking what God’s not giving.

The Apostle Paul declared the following to his protege, Timothy, 

“God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Fear doesn’t come from the Lord—He’s the one who brings power, love and self-discipline. Since the bad stuff isn’t coming from God, Paul wanted Timothy to know he had no business holding on to it.

I’ve found that God is saying the same thing today. In my own life I have felt Him say, “Why are you holding on to all these things that I’m not giving? Let go of those fears. Let go of the past. Embrace the beauty and glory of my great love.”

What would happen if we would just embrace what God is giving and let go of everything else? I believe that simple action could transform everything for you.

Do You Worship In The Flesh?

Over the years I've heard believers from the various revival movements talk about the need for heartfelt responses to God. 

They said to me that whenever one prays, they need to reach into the deeper places; allowing the innermost parts of who they are to come alive in praise to God.

I'm always thankful for those kinds of insights. If our worship is going to be genuine and of worth, then there's no question that our hearts must truly be into it.

Yet, in the number of years that I've been in this, I've learned that it is not always enough for worship to come from the deep places. Sometimes it also needs to emerge from somewhere else.

As I was reading my reading my Bible the other day, I was struck by a very simple passage that was speaking about this. In it the Psalmist declared the following:  

 "My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)

On some level, I think that he was saying, "It's not enough for my worship to just be from the heart. It needs to come from my flesh as well." 

You know, I see a lot of Spirit-filled people expressing what they believe is heartfelt worship, but it often looks like closed eyes, murmuring lips and "closed off" introspection. I have no doubt that they're really feeling it on the inside, but there isn't much being demonstrated in the "flesh."

I know not everyone likes this observation, but I'm going to say it anyway. It is not always enough for us to feel it in our heart, sometimes it needs to explode out of our hands and feet. There are integral moments when our eyes and face need to literally come alive in the declaration of His great worth.

Sometimes your worship really needs to be in the flesh.

One Thing That Keeps Us Sick

It’s easy to theorize about the different reasons why people remain sick. Yet, there’s one area that has been standing out to me lately.

You see, when there is a lack of real confidence in God, it often creates an atmosphere of stagnation and death. 

I think Solomon said it well when he affirmed,

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick..." (Proverbs 13:12)

A lot of people read this passage like it's just talking about emotions and the "interior" life of the believer. We get drawn into the pain of past hurts; forgetting this precept affects more than our feelings. It affects our physical bodies too.

Let's be clear, when there's no hope, there will certainly be a lot of sickness and disease.

So, one thing that we can do to increase healing is to create an atmosphere of hope. 

Continually affirm the goodness of God and enable the people to truly lift up their countenance. That will undoubtedly unlock the door of healing.

Are You Reflecting On What Is Significant?

When it comes time to write a blog post, I periodically scribble up something that reflects areas of leadership that people typically don't take the time to discuss. Admittedly I always wonder whether I should actually post this kind of write-up or not. These certainly aren't the most popular posts on the World Revival Network blog.

Yet, I keep going back to the fact that I don't write to espouse popular ideas. I scratch out blog posts to encourage spiritual growth and understanding. I write to call people into a bold new way of living.

Over the years I've learned that people sometimes need to reflect on things that they've seldom considered. They need to be encouraged to explore uncharted areas - even if it causes discomfort and anxiety. There is something to be said about thrusting out into the deep.

If you're a leader, I don't believe you can avoid the call to adventure. So, I hope that you will join me in reading, writing and reflecting on what is significant. I don't think we have any other choice. 

We don't want to be in the dark like so many of the other churchgoers. "...They didn’t understand any of this. The significance of Jesus' words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about." (Luke 18:34)

Are you reflecting on what is significant?

The Subtext of Everything

"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (Matthew 6:13)

I don’t know if you’ve noticed this or not, but the topic of the “Kingdom of God” seems to turn up all over the place.

From the Church alone, hundreds of sermons and blog posts are launched every week; carefully outlining beliefs about God’s power and dominion. 

Talented musicians from the modern worship movement regularly write songs that draw upon the rich tapestry of the throne room. 

Many books and magazine articles are also published every month that present fascinating ideas about the Lord’s Kingdom and authority.

Yet, reflections on the Kingdom are not exclusive to the Church. Even unbelievers find themselves inadvertently talking about Christ and His dominion. 

Debates about government and political authority are often veiled arguments about the rule and reach of God. Conflicts about money and natural resources typically fall into the same category. Even social justice and environmentalism, are largely digressions about the purpose of creation and the meaning of life.

The Kingdom of God is largely the subtext of everything.

So, we can no longer ignore something that is literally taking over the world. 

If You Believe Evil Is Taking Over, Read This Post

Apparently there's a lot of fear and trepidation about all the perceived activity of Satan in this hour. Christians who normally appear rather reserved are now "wound up" by a sense of malevolence.

In their mind the "top" is now spinning out of control with widespread immorality, natural disasters and  economic turmoil. 

With all the fierce disruptions that are being observed, it's easy to assume the devil is gaining a foothold. In fact, many now believe that evil is encroaching the boardrooms, bedrooms and hallowed halls of Washington. They wonder how we can ever escape its far-reaching grasp.

While I don't want to deny that Satan brings difficulty, I think that many believers have given him undue significance. I understand that circumstances can weigh heavily upon you, but the devil simply does not dictate the broader agenda of creation. It is time to stop giving him a position that he does not have the right to possess.

I've found that the Prophet Daniel has some interesting insight on this. He began prophesying boldly against the rising evil that he observed - noting the following:

"He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws" (Daniel 7:25).

 In this prophetic declaration, Daniel even observed that there would be a fierce attempt to change the "set times" and "laws." Yet, darkness is ultimately powerless to undermine the decrees of God. Though challenges will certainly come, the righteous people simply will not be subjugated.

Daniel clarifies this truth even more in the verses that follow:

"But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High" (Daniel 26-27).

Don't be afraid, Satan is not in charge of the earth. Its jurisdiction is in the hands of the Lord and the people who faithfully serve Him.

Gospel Of The Glory

I've found that believers have a lot to say about the gospel. Their words often imbibe the intricacies of sin, redemption and hope for the future.

As I try to perk up my ears, I'm always amazed by all the nuances of the work of Christ.

Yet, I sense something more should be arising in our conversations. It's not that our words are wrong; they're just inadequate to fully describe what's transpiring.

I sense that others feel this way too. 

In my desire to go beyond the constraints of religious discourse, I recently uncovered a unique biblical excerpt. Perhaps you will be as impacted by it as I was.

Paul writes of “...the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
 
In the end, I've found that the problem with most people's understanding of the gospel is that they leave out the glory.

Questions You Need to Consider

When it comes to finding ways to develop your leadership and influence, I've discovered some relevant questions that you should consider.

Take a little time and consider what the answer of each of these questions will mean for you. Your future impact and influence may be depending on it.

Identity - Who Are We?

Purpose - What is the broader overarching goal?

Values - What are the beliefs that underline our actions?

Priorities - What are we focusing our energy and resources on?

Practices - What are the methods and approaches we are using to accomplish what we want to do?

Personnel - Who are we using to accomplish what we are being called to do?

Content - What is being communicated?

If you take the time to honestly ponder these questions, you have an excellent basis for growth and development in 2012.

 

What's In You Could Derail You

Have you ever found yourself in a challenging situation? I certainly have.  

Not long ago I inherited a demanding leadership responsibility. All of the sudden, I had to excel in something that I felt rather ill-equipped to accomplish.

To my dismay I allowed some wrong attitudes to arise.

Sooner or later, every leader faces a similar conflict within their heart. They must not only come to grips with their own constraints, they must also come to acknowledge their narrow approach to management.

So what did I do to overcome this problem?

In the midst of my struggle I was impacted by a passage that not only convicted me but gave me a distinct plan of action. I believe that this scripture could also help you when you face similar challenges.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure." (Philippians 2:14)

In this biblical verse the Apostle Paul tells us, first of all, to "do everything." It doesn't matter if you're ill-equipped or if you don't enjoy doing it. Leaders must find a way to do everything they are being asked to do. Paul is suggesting that people like you and me must stand and deliver.

Yet, with all that said, productivity in the face of opposition is simply not enough. You must not only put your hand to work in difficult circumstances. You must also find a way to accomplish this without "complaining or arguing." As a leader, you have a biblical responsibility to fulfill all your obligations with a righteous disposition.

Too often we give ourselves a free pass when it comes to our own attitudes and actions. We don't like the complaining we observe in others, but aren't bothered when same type of talk pours from our own mouth. We quickly excuse our own infractions while holding others to an impossibly high standard of behavior.

So, in this little Pauline passage we find an excellent plan of action; an effective way to overcome foolishness and pride. Since I've found this biblical strategy so helpful I thought that I might share it with you as well.

Remember, you must do everything that's necessary and do it with the right heart. This matters a great deal. In fact, your future capacity for leadership may be riding on this decision. So, it is not something I would play around with.

Three Things Ministry Leaders Often Overlook

As I've worked alongside churches and ministry organizations over the last several years, I've observed three things that strongly shape their receptivity and impact. They are: content, experiences and relationships.

Content

For me, content refers to quality of what's being shared. If the communication lacks depth or application, listeners will quickly disengage. People simply will not listen to things they don't receive value from. Growing ministries continually produce desirable content in their teachings, literature and online media. Quality content certainly makes a difference.

Experiences 
Whether you like it or not, experiences are also an important part of modern-day engagement. I've found that individuals do whatever they can to avoid what is dull and disengaging. Yet, dynamic encounters produce an entirely different response. People will adjust their schedule to participate in something new and exciting. Ministries that don't give people something worth attending will watch as their pews empty. Influential churches have learned the importance of experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit regularly. Don't be mistaken experiences always matter.

Relationships 
The third and most important dynamic of a growing ministry is relationships. With so much alienation and conflict today, people desperately want to find an authentic expression of community. You've probably seen this too, but right now there's a deep longing for family permeating our nation. So, if people don't find meaningful connections in a local ministry, they simply won't remain associated. Churches who deliberately invest in relationships now will be in a better position to expand in the coming years. Relational connections are truly essential.

Leaders are often looking at other areas of concern but I would urge them to consider these three dimensions. While there are many things affecting ministries, perhaps some of the most pivotal issues involve content, experiences, and relationships.

The question for leaders near and far is what are we going to do about this? How are we going to work to improve these areas of concern?

If our ministries don't have worthwhile content, experiences or relationships, then we don't have anything sustainable to offer.

Stop One Thing That Drains You And Your Ministry

Ministry can be a rather difficult area to labor in. Whenever people try to serve the Body of Christ, they often experience obstacles and severe discord; things that they should not have to face from fellow Christians. 

Many Spirit-filled leaders mistakenly believe they have to continually accept severe opposition and criticism. Out of some sense of ministerial duty, they keep taking the harsh phone calls and making room for people whose sole purpose in life is to obstruct the move of God. 

I know they want to be loving, but leaders don’t have to keep taking that kind of abuse. 

Sometimes they need to be reminded of some sound ministry protocols. 

Addressing this difficult issue Paul told Titus, "Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then be done with him. It's obvious that such a person is out of line, rebellious against God. By persisting in divisiveness he cuts himself off." (Titus 3:10-11 - Message) 

Leaders would do well to learn from Paul. 

Don’t keep engaging someone who continually causes problems. We have too many important things to accomplish to allow our time to be consumed by those who are rebellious against God.

Everyone deserves a chance but when they have been proven to be disruptive, don't engage them anymore.

Are You An Apostle?

There are many discussions these days about the identity, role, and function of "apostles." Rarely a month goes by where I don't hear at least one heated debate about this. Many in the Church are continuing to wrestle with the five-fold ministry.  

I've found that virtually every aspect of this discussion elicits an explosion of emotions. As I try to tackle one aspect of this theological controversy, I do so knowing I'm basically entering a minefield.

In the following, I don't want to enter the quagmire of what the "apostolic" means for governing the local church. I simply want to look at the background of the word "apostle" and what it might mean for us in the broader mission of the Church.

It would shock a lot of people to hear this but the term "apostle" didn't originate in the Church or in the pages of Scripture. Just like the words "church" (ecclesia) and "evangelize" (evangelizo), it was borrowed from broader usage in Roman society.

So, before defining and applying this word "apostle," shouldn't we ask how it was originally used?

A brief background study shows that "apostle" was derived from the Greek word "apostolos." It had a rather lengthy etymological and conceptual history before Paul borrowed it to affirm an important aspect of ministry.  

In its origins, "apostolos" was a military concept first utilized by the Phoenicians and later picked up by the Greeks and Romans. It referred to a special envoy sent with the unique jurisdiction and authority of the emperor.

To understand the meaning of this word, one must also understand the growing problems in this ancient period. Rome in particular, was dealing with a crisis of overpopulation and dwindling resources. Without additional territories for supplies and population redistribution, the social fabric could unravel.

In response to this mounting crisis, the emperor sent out fleets of ships to conquer neighboring territories. These were his "apostles."

While this entire naval armada was called "apostolos" or the "sent out ones," The term was particularly associated with the lead ship and its admiral.

In this perilous mission the admiral had an essential duty to accomplish. While each man in the company was commissioned to fight, he was there to ensure something else. You see, this "apostle" was commissioned to bring the civilization of Rome into this new territory. Transforming the legal, financial and educational systems, he made sure the new land was just like home.

We tend to make it a lot of other things, but at its core the apostle was simply a culture maker. He was there to make things look and feel like Rome. Through his labors, the new territory became a desirable outpost of the empire; a place even the emperor was comfortable visiting.

It is not difficult to see what the authors of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about "apostles." They utilized elements in the Roman empire to illustrate an essential outworking of the Church. They wanted us to know that we are being commissioned to establish the culture of heaven right here on earth. This apostolic reality compels us to redefine our world - constructing the kind of place our King would find comfortable. 

"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" now carries a much deeper meaning doesn't it?

Do You Misunderstand Worship?

It seems that just about everyone has particular ideas about worship. Yet I'm not sure that our modern understanding always reflects its original meaning in Scripture and church history.

In this short blog post there isn't room to address all the biblical and historical foundations, but I would like to take a moment and make a brief exploration of the background of the word "worship."

In my extensive studies I've found that our word “worship” is actually derived from the Old-English word “worthship.” We obviously don't use this word in conversations much today but at that particular time "worthship" was tied to the idea that some things were truly worthy of honor and reverence.

So, in the broader English tradition the common people expressed “worth-ship” to a king, noble or a person of distinction. They understood worship to be an essential act of self-denial.

Today, when I hear people talking about worship, they usually speak about it in terms that are rather far removed from this understanding.

Although people certainly give lip-service to the importance of reverence and love in church, for most, worship is understood as singing nostalgic songs. Just hum a few bars of "Amazing Grace" and you have yourself a delightful little worship service.

While singing is certainly a valuable part of it's expression, whenever Christians make music all that worship is, something essential gets lost. Instead of trying to make ourselves feel good, we need to proclaim God's goodness.

Worship is about expressing worth. It's not just reading words off a hymnal, illuminated projector or screen; it's about giving Jesus all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. 

I don't know about you, but I think it's time to get back to the original meaning of worship. 

Give Thanks Tomorrow Too...

"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." (Ephesians 5:3-4)

Often church leaders spend a lot of time talking about what should be avoided. I understand that. Yet, it seems that we rarely get around to what we should actually be doing (except maybe once a year).

I know that Paul goes through an extensive list of sins in Ephesians 5 which we should stay away from. Believers should always be mindful of the problem of sin. Yet, as I read this passage I see that immorality, greed and the other vices were not his primary concern.

No, Paul's underlying focus was the importance of thanksgiving.

Yes, we need to stay away from some things, but there are other things we should be doing.

There is a power and strength that comes through thanksgiving. It is an attitude and characteristic that defines us as Christians. It is something that we must continually do.

Don't just give thanks today, be sure and give thanks tomorrow too.

Questions To Consider...

When it comes to developing your leadership and working to grow a vibrant local ministry, I've found that it is good to try to ask a few strategic questions.

The kind of questions that you are willing to ask yourself says a lot about you and what you are trying to accomplish.

I'm sure that you have got your own set of questions, but I thought I would share some that I have found to be important.

Take a little time and consider what the answer of each of them will mean for you. Your future may be depending on it.

• Identity - Who Are We? 
• Purpose - What is the broader overarching goal?
• Values - What are the beliefs that underline our actions?
• Priorities - What are we focusing our energy and resources on?
• Practices - What are the methods and approaches we are using to accomplish what we want to do?
• Personnel - Who are we using to accomplish what we are being called to do?
• Content - What is being communicated?

So what do you have to say? I've found that answering penetrating questions places you in a better position to make a difference.