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The shack...

I've been reading the book The Shack, and when I drove up to this cabin, where a few of our Pastors recently visited for an overnight retreat, I couldn't help but think of the book! Have you read it? If not, get it!

A Great Bible Study Help...

         I'm not into endorsements on my blog, but there is one Bible Study tool I've been using for nearly a decade, that helps me RADICALLY in my understanding of the Bible, AS WELL AS, teaching the Bible. It's a software called Quickverse. I actually prefer the version that came out 2-4 years ago (my version is Quickverse 7.0), over the current versions. They are just more simple.
     First of all, Quickverse helps me because  there is no perfect translation of the Bible. Therefore, when studying the Bible, there are several translations of the Bible I look to. Often times, one translation will reflect the heart of God BETTER than another one; Other times, another translation will be easier to understand. By looking at multiple translations of a Scripture passage,. I am able to better understand the TRUE CONTEXT of what God was really trying to say. With Quickverse, I can glance at MANY multiple translations at the same time! No translation of the Bible is perfect. Check out the multiple translations of Deuteronomy 8:5 about God's discipline (click on it):

 

       If I want to go back to the original languages, Hebrew and Greek, to study a word, I simply CLICK ON IT, and it opens up a window that shows me all the possible word meanings of that word. Today, I did some digging about the word "discipline". IN the King James Version of the Bible, they use the word "chastise" instead of discipline. Hmm...Interesting...Then I looked in the lower left window, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, and clicked on the "Strong's Number" next to the word discipline, and look what pops up (click on it):

  

       This is just an example of the fact that ANY of us can become Bible experts and Bible teachers, if we're willing to invest in the time and the resources to do so. I also have McArthur's Commentaries, Warren Wiersbe's Commentaries, the Life Application Commentaries, multiple Bible Dictionaries, and other resources at my fingertips in this software. Because I use older software, ALL of this probably cost me $200 over time, as I added more books to my library. For the best prices on Quickverse, BTW, check out christianbook.com. Hope this helps someone!

A Father's Best Dad...

Dad,

       On this Father's Day, I just want the world to know that, of all the people I could look to as an example of how to be a great Father, I constantly think of you. More than you will ever know, as I am navigating all of the complexities of decisions I face as a man, father, and husband, I SO OFTEN stop to think: "What would DAD do?" "What would DAD say?" Your wisdom fills my thoughts on a daily basis more than you will ever know.

These are just a few quotes from you that guide my life on a regular basis:

• "You never gain anything by proving a point."
• "Toughen up!"
• "I love my job."
• "I hope I never retire."
• "You'd better stop to smell the roses."
• "Don't get in over your head."
• "Slow down!"
• "Work hard! Move faster!"
• "When you go fishing, catching fish is just a bonus."
• "When you close your tackle box, clasp it, too."
• "When you want to buy a new car, you can find everything wrong with yours."
• "You're GOING to church!"
• "If it was easy, everybody would be doing it!"
• "Why would I want to run for office? I would lose 50% of my friends!"
• "Don't pretend you're better than anybody."
• "When you get through learning, your toes will be pushing up daisies."
• "Don't forget your roots."
• "I'm proud of you."

Dad, this is just proof of the fact that I really was listening. I hope that's a good Father's Day gift for you...because Wal-Mart was all out of socks.

I LOVE YOU!

Your Son,

Indianapolis...

      

Tricia and I are headed up to Indianapolis today to be part of a panel for the Missional Network Gathering that's part of the Southern Baptist Convention each year. I look forward to bumping in to some old friends, meeting some new leaders, and hanging out with my wife...WITHOUT KIDS! Yes, God is so good! If you're anywhere near Indianapolis, come hang with us!

Pruning...

      

One of those verses, that at first glance, I wish God had NOT put in the Bible is this: "He (God) prunes the branches that bear fruit so they will produce even more" (John 15:2 - NLT). Have you ever pruned a tree or plant? I mean pruned it all the way back? It sure does make the tree ugly in the short run. It almost seems like you're killing it! In the long run, of course, it's the best thing for the tree! It literally brings new life and vitality to the tree!
       I'm going through another one of those times in my life when God is pruning me. God has used me to bear some fruit. Now, once again, He wants tp prune me so my growth is not stunted. But let me tell you something: Pruning doesn't feel "good". Pruning hurts! Ouch! Pruning is ugly in the short run. But in the long run, God will use this pruning to bring life and vitality to my relationship with Him and my ministry! Why does God prune us? So we can bear more fruit! If pruning is what it takes to bear more fruit, then God, bring it on!

Why our vacation is like the Griswold's...

    Remember Clark Griswold and his family vacations? Here are a list of reasons why my family vacation is always like some of his:

• Someone always does something illegal.
• We're going to see everything, even if it kills us.  
• We sing (badly) while driving (badly).
• We always avoid several close mishaps on the highways.
• We stay lost more than found.
• My children can't stand each other (sometimes).
• I'm the center of the laughs and the drama.
• I always get injured somehow.
• My relatives embarrass me more than once.
• I need a vacation to get over vacation. 
• What happens on vacation, stays on vacation.
• There's always a squirrel around somewhere.

Can you relate?

Worshipping while on vacation...

       It's so great to be able to kick back and take a break from all the "regular" worries of teh world, by taking a vacation. However, I've found that over teh summer, withe the change of pace, if I'm not careful, I can even take a break from God (that's not good , in case you're wondering)! So here are some ways I worship even while on vacation.

• I still get up early. The moments before everyone is awake are still the best time of the day for me to be still and listen to God. I read His word, meditate, pray, and journal during this time. 

• I read A LOT devotionally. I pick out several good spiritually provoking books and take them along with me. While I'm on the deck, the beach, or by the pool, I allow God to speak to me through what others have written. I've been reading: Looking fro God; and Leadership from the Inside Out.

• I watch sermons online. I love that so many churches post their sermons online. It allows me to stray in touch with what God is doing in my church while I'm away and other's churches across the country. the link  for our church's messages are here. 

• I continue to give of my financial resources by giving online. This allows me to worship God through my giving whether and offering basket is passing by or not. It's always good to remember that God's  ministry through the church never takes a break. My consistency in my giving, especially in the summer, is important! MLC's link to online giving is here.

• My iPhone stays in my ears and I'm worshiping to great stuff every day. Inside the house our CD Player is whirling (is that a word?) with laid back songs that cause me to praise God.

• I take time to enjoy the horizon. When on vacation, I worship God more because of His creation, because I'm moving slow enough to notice it. Below is a picture of a place I went in the mountains this past week:

How do YOU worship God on vacation?

nurturing my vitality...

Guys I am trying to practice what I preach, so I am on vacation and that includes a sabattical from blogging. See you on May 30!

Missional Network Gathering...

       I've been asked to speak as part of a panel, along with Kerry Shook, Brian Bloye, and Daniel Floyd,  for the Missional Network at their annual annual Missional Network Gathering  at the Southern Baptist Convention, which is being held this year in Indianapolis, IN. If you are attending the convention, or you're a pastor that serves near Indianapolis, I hope to see you there!

A prophet before his time...

Yesterday I got to have lunch with one of my long time heroes, Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek Church in Chicago. Bill was a prophet before his time. In my opinion, He was one of the first pastors 30 years ago in America to truly convince his church that the church did not exist primarily for itself, but for the benefit of those outside the church. His ministry has influenced mine greatly. Here are a few things I have gleaned from Bill.

• People matter to God. So love them.

• Every week on our services we MUST be sensitive to the fact that there are "seekers" in the house that don't understand our "Christianeese" and traditions.

• The church should value excellence more than the rest of society.

• The local church is the most volunteer intensive organization in the world and the biggest bullseye for Satan. Taken together, this means that LEADING a local church is the toughest job in the world.

• Vision leaks.

• The Senior Pastor can not shy away from his responsibility to allow God to work through him to build a fully resourced church.

• Christ, through the local church, is the hope of the world.

• Being the chief vision caster requires a ton of hard work!

Thanks, Bill!