Second-String

“Let’s face it.  Sometimes your past simply disqualifies you from doing certain things for God, but that doesn't mean He doesn't have another great plan for your life. “

So let me ask you this, does God really have a second-string?  I know that second-string isn't the best term to use, but you know where I’m going with this…A team of disqualified people that he’s trying to use by making “the best of it.”  Because I've seen entire churches, ministries, and organizations led by broken, put-back-together people.

Many years ago, a friend gave me this “wisdom” and “consolation” as we talked about being called into full-time missions.  He was sure, bold, moving full steam ahead.  I was less sure, still seeking God’s will, wanting more confirmation and preparation.  He equated my uncertainty with God’s certainty that missions just wasn't for me.

You see, it was my divorce that brought me back to the church. 

I had been raised Christian, but somewhere along the way I missed the part about having a personal relationship with Christ and living for Him on a daily basis.  My faith guaranteed that I would go to heaven when I died, but it didn't really impact how I was to live, if that makes sense.  The result was that good things in my life actually became obstacles or idols.  2 college degrees, a successful career, marriage, a house, and all the other stuff needed to "keep up with the Joneses."  Each of these would be blessings under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, but I didn't know that at the time.  So when my husband and I divorced after 3 years of marriage, my search for purpose and meaning led me back to God and what it really means to be born-again.  I'm eternally grateful that He welcomed me with open arms.

So…Did being divorced disqualify me from entering the mission field?  Or from leading as a witness for God?  Did I have to remarry to serve alongside a husband?  Was remarriage even an option in God’s eyes?  Did I need to remarry my ex, or would being yoked with an unbeliever just compound the sin?  I wrestled with these questions for many years - with God, and with the help of godly leaders, mentors and teachers…all the while feeling increased calling and confirmation to lead His work overseas.

In hindsight, I can see how God used my friend to assure me of my calling.  To guarantee it was deeply ingrained in my heart.  Because through 10 years in missions and now 4 in the South African field, my calling has been questioned, doubted, shaken and attacked more times than I can count.  By Satan, by people, even by me… It happens, again and again.

I know I have been called by God.  And anyone who has walked my journey with me knows it too.  Thankfully, in my moments of doubt and weakness, God uses these loved ones to encourage and remind me.  And now that I’m wiser in faith and stronger in my relationship with Christ, I realize that our pasts don’t disqualify us from being used by God.  Anyone who doubts that doubts the redemptive power of Christ.  Because me being in the mission field, and me leading in ministry, has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God.

I Corinthians 1:27 says “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”  We throw that verse around a lot, often in mock humility.  But God really, really, truly, truly does use the foolish things.  As one of those foolish things, I know this from experience.

The deepest yearning of my heart is to remarry someday.  To be yoked with a man who loves the Lord, lives for Him, and has His heart for reaching the lost.  God knows my desire, cares about it, and will either fulfill it or change it someday.  But in the meantime, He and I have some work to do. 

I don’t think that means as second-string, but I’m ok if it does.  What do you think?

Getting it Done

Did you know that the average life expectancy in South Africa is less than 50 years?  This is about 30 years lower than the average in the US which is approaching 80.  30 years can seem like an entire lifetime, especially in the eyes of a young person.

We believe that with knowledge comes power - the power to make good choices, to plan for the future, and to live longer, healthier lives purposed by God.  With such knowledge and power, this generation can soar above the statistics, beating the odds currently stacked against them.

On February 22, the top 6 student leaders from 21 local schools, gathered for our first Impact youth leadership conference of the year.  The theme for 2012 is “Get It Done” with the emphasis on achieving healthy lifestyles, making God-honoring choices, and being positive role models. 

The teachings equipped students in 3 areas:  presentation skills, information on the leading causes of death in SA, and assessing one’s health.  In between, the students broke into small groups to practice skills, discuss lessons learned, and assess their own health risk factors. 

The topics were tough, as were the assignments, but the students were absolutely pumped for the challenge!  It was awesome to see them working together excited to learn and lead (and live longer!).

With hotdogs and homework in hand, these young leaders left knowing they were uniquely gifted and purposed by God to be His change agents.  Their long-term project includes teaching their peers what they’ve learned and facilitating health fairs at their schools.  We’re excited to see what these creative, empowered young leaders come up with!

Please pray for them.

God Needs Us

Am I the only one who finds prayer a bit challenging?  Not the “talking to God” part, but more so in understanding its purpose, and the principles for those powerful and effective prayers that get results. (James 5:16)

On February 14^th, along with June and Pastor Abram, I had the privilege of teaching local pastors and church leaders about the purpose, principles and power of prayer.  And as usual, teaching also turned out to be a huge learning experience for me as the Lord opened my eyes to His truths and my misconceptions about prayer.

What happens when our prayers aren’t answered?  Sometimes we feel abandoned by God or doubt His love for us.  We may question God’s character, integrity, or faithfulness to His Word.  Or we may doubt ourselves – our faith, our understanding of God’s Word, our discernment of His will.  Maybe we decide that prayer is not for us; rather it’s for those more spiritual, eloquent, or gifted.  (After all, it is a spiritual gift, right?)  Ultimately, our prayers dry up.

Prayers are meant to be answered, so when they don’t bring results we need to find out why.  We need to look to the Word of God for insight, and avoid jumping to the wrong conclusions about God or ourselves, conclusions that actually contradict the Word of God.  And I think one way we short-circuit our prayers is through an incorrect or incomplete understanding of their purpose.

Why should we pray?  Do our prayers matter?  After all, God already knows, controls, and has predetermined everything.  He’s everywhere, all the time, and never changes.  I know the Bible tells us to pray and, of course, and I want to be obedient.  I also know that Jesus did and I want to model Him.  But I’m sorry, those reasons alone just don’t evoke the sense of passion, power, and effectiveness that should characterize true prayer. 

In Genesis 1:26-28, we learn that we were created to reflect God’s image - nature, character and personality – in order to have fellowship with Him.  We were also created to carry out His purposes on earth – to rule, to have dominion, to take care of things – using our own free will, abilities and initiative. 

We know God’s plans and purposes will always be accomplished. (Isaiah 14:24, Psalm 33:11, Proverbs 19:21, Ephesians 1:11)  We also know that God will never break or contradict His Word.  (Isaiah 55:11, Matthew 5:18)  Therefore, when God gave us dominion or legal authority on earth, He also limited Himself from taking over.  Otherwise, He’d violate His purpose as stated through His Word.

God needs our agreement and cooperation to accomplish His purposes – His will, His desires, His promises, and His blessings.  That’s why our prayers matter!  Prayer is how we give God permission to interfere in the earth’s affairs.

Think about the men and women in the Bible whom God used needed to carry out His will - Noah, Abraham, Moses, Esther, even Jesus.  It’s still God’s will that will be done, but He needs our prayers and obedience to carry it out.

What does God need you to accomplish?  What about me?   Let us pray!

Veggie Tales - Patience

So it has been a couple of months since I planted our veggie garden, and I’ve been learning a lot about patience along the way.  Our pumpkins are flowering, so now we continue to wait patiently for pumpkins, then, better yet, pumpkin fritters!

Patience

Hebrews 11 is an incredible chapter on faith.  First, it tells us what faith is – confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we don’t see. (Hebrews 11:1)  While the world would say that “seeing is believing”, faith tells us the opposite - that God’s Word is true even when we don’t see it, and that we actually need faith in order to see it.

Next Hebrews 11 tells us why we need faith – to please God – and what to have faith in – that God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)  What are the rewards?  All the promises and blessings that we find through prayer and studying His Word.  Remember drinking in God’s rain often falling?

Hebrews 11 also gives some incredible examples of regular people who, because of their faith, fulfilled their callings and were rewarded by God.  It takes faith to receive what God has promised us, like a hand reaching out to receive a gift. 

And often times it also takes patience…

The relationship between faith and patience can be compared to brakes on a car.  Faith is like the brake itself which brings about the desired result – stopping the vehicle.  Patience is like the foot that keeps the brake engaged until the vehicle actually stops.

So what is your desired result?  What have you been praying for in accordance to God’s Word and will?  Finances?  A spouse?  An unbeliever to be saved? … Oh, wait, that’s me…  Does it seem like your prayer will never be answered? 

Often times we surrender to the circumstances we see around us because they seem so real.  We pray for finances, but see bills.  We pray for healing, yet feel sick.  So we give up our faith before God gives us our blessing.

Mark 11:24 says this, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”  Notice that received is past tense.  It already happened.  But also know that God’s timing isn’t ours.  There are all sorts of reasons a blessing or promise isn’t received when we think it should be.  Faith knows it already happened from a spiritual perspective.  Patience keeps us believing until we receive it in the natural.

The Lord has promised us that believing is seeing!  We just need to be patient!!

Tax Season

The religious leaders had just walked away steaming mad after having been made an example of in Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants. (Mark 12:1-12)  So next they intentionally sent some Pharisees and Herodians to try to “catch Jesus in his words”.  Here we see two parties typically at odds with each other banding together in an attempt to trap, arrest, and ultimately destroy Jesus.

First they tried to butter Jesus up by praising His integrity and unwavering obedience to God.  Then they challenged Him with a question they expected to cause trouble either way Jesus answered.  Should they pay taxes to Caesar?  Yes or no.  If Jesus said yes, he’d surely alienate the Jews who hated being under Gentile rule.  If he said no, then he’d break the law and be arrested as a traitor. 

With a denarius coin in hand, Jesus asked whose inscription was on it.  Easy.  “Caesar’s” they replied.  “Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”  And they were amazed at him.”  (Mark 12:17)

Why were folks so amazed, I wonder?  Perhaps because Jesus is confident and unflappable.  Perhaps because He elegantly avoided their trap.  Perhaps because His simple yet wise answer satisfied both parties.  Perhaps because He challenged them to deeper reflection.  In any case, folks were amazed. 

With tax season upon us, I found this passage particularly interesting.  And I was amazed as well.  Jesus’ answer is as simple as it is wise, profound, and convicting.  I’m sure people did pay taxes, giving to Caesar what was owed.  But we’re they giving to God what is God’s?  No.  This is where they fell short.  They disregarded God’s claim on their lives.

The denarius bore Caesar’s image; it belonged to him.  Our dollars bear the image of the US government, so of course we must abide by its laws and pay our taxes. 

We – you and I – bear the image of God.  Therefore, we belong to Him. 

Are you giving God what it God’s?

Am I?  My love.  My prayer.  My time, treasure and talents.  My effort.  My heart, mind, soul and strength…My life.

I was created in the image of God.  So as I give to Obama what is Obama’s, it’s also a timely reminder to be giving to God what is God’s.

Tested

I’m reading Mark right now and it’s interesting to see how the Gospels compare in terms of style, audience, and content.  Not that there are any contradictions (there are none), but God uses each writer to convey the same Truths in different ways to different people.  Mark focuses on the ministry of Jesus and His role as the ultimate servant.  It’s believed that his primary audience at the time was Roman believers suffering persecution.  Mark purposed to encourage them through Jesus’ example.  Could you use some encouragement as a servant of God?

Mark begins with Jesus being baptized first with water, then by the Holy Spirit.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an infilling that empowers believers for ministry or service.  Then immediately after Jesus’ baptism by water and by the Holy Spirit the same Holy Spirit pushed him out to be tested by Satan.  (Mark 1:12-13, MSG)  Some translations say tempted.  The Holy Spirit didn’t want to see if Jesus would sin, rather He wanted to prove that he wouldn’t. 

Mark doesn’t share the nature of the test, nor does he reveal the score - for that you can read Matthew’s account (Matthew 4:1:11,NIV).  Perhaps this is because we all know Jesus passed with flying colors.  Or perhaps this is because they don’t matter, at least not to the point God is trying to make in this account.  I’ve been reflecting on the latter.

I think the point is simply that when leaders are called and equipped by God, tests are inevitable.  Jesus himself was tested.  Furthermore, tests aren’t just trials to be endured, they are active, intentional tools used by God to deepen our knowledge, hone our skills, and practice what we’ve learned.  Such tests give us experience and credibility as believers and leaders.

First Mark tells us Jesus is the Son of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.  For the rest of us, I compare that to titles and education listed on a resume.  Important stuff, but not what proves we can do the job.  Next Mark tells of Jesus’ testing - His experience.  This is where the spiritual rubber meets the road, demonstrating Jesus’ anointing and credibility.  Next Mark goes on to tell us about Jesus’ authority in teaching and performing miracles, and the experiences go on from there.

It feels weird analyzing Jesus like a man to be hired, but it helps me to apply Mark’s Gospel to my life.  Tests are intentional.  And the more closely we follow God, the more intense the tests will be.  Satan doesn’t waste his time with non-Believers, or Believers not stepping out to make a difference.  Why bother. 

Additionally, being tempted is not a sin.  Yielding to temptation is where sin enters the picture.  That’s why God empowers us with His Spirit, Word, spiritual armor and weapons; and why He puts us to the test when we choose to serve him.  To refine us, mature us, and to give us the opportunity to practice our knowledge, skills, and gifts.

I think of Peter Petrelli on Heroes (we just watched the first season).  His super-power was the ability to absorb the super-powers of any other hero he came in contact with.  But it took a lot of testing and practicing for him to master them and wield them for good.

God allows us to be tested so that we too may learn to wield our spiritual weapons with power.  How are you being tested right now?

On Top of the World

One of the cool experiences during our recent leadership retreat was hiking up a mountain.  At the top, while catching our breath and taking in the spectacular view, we talked about what God revealed to us through the climb.  I loved how the Lord spoke to each of us uniquely - into our own hearts, about our own circumstances, appreciating how wonderfully different we are.  And as we shared, He also knitted us together as a team, revealing even more of Himself to us.

Pressing On

The Lord showed us how the climb was a lot like life.  Easy paths can quickly become difficult terrain, but as we press on one step at a time we get through the prickly shrubs, over the steep rocks and back to even ground.  Scrapes and bruises heal, and through the grace of God we’re stronger for the road ahead.  Plus from the top looking back, we realize just how beautiful the journey was – something difficult to recognize en route dodging thorns, stones and the occasional Cobra (yes, Cobra!).  Keep pressing on towards the goal, the rewards will be worth it! Philippians 3:12-14. 

Pressing Together

The Lord also taught us about teamwork – working together in strength and weakness, leveraging our unique gifts, and encouraging one another.  We started off energized, laughing, talking and singing.  But as the sun beat down and the path became more difficult and then disappeared completely, we grew weary.  Had any of us been hiking alone, we might have been tempted to turn around.  After all, the base of the mountain was quite lovely.  The middle of the mountain had a great view.  There were so many points where we could have justified giving up and feeling satisfied.  But as a team, we urged each other on, lending a hand or encouragement when needed.  And we all made it to the top, some of us having never hiked up such a mountain before.  We’re definitely stronger together than alone.  Romans 15:5-6. Philippians 2:1-2.

Being Impressed

It’s pretty impressive to be able to see for miles and miles in every direction.  Through the beautiful 360-degree panorama, God also spoke about perspective – training ourselves to see things from His point of view, through the lens of His divine sovereignty, power, providence and character.

When were tempted to feel small, insignificant, like what we do or who we are doesn’t matter, we need to remember that God created us for a plan and purpose.  Each of us is uniquely called, uniquely qualified, and uniquely equipped for God’s bigger picture.  Jeremiah 29:11  Romans 8:28. 

When we’re tempted to feel big, self-righteous, self-important, doing things our own way, or even mired down in our own circumstances, we need to humble ourselves before our Creator.  It’s when we humble ourselves that God lifts us up.  1 Peter 5:6.  Philippians 2:3-5.

The Lord speaks in so many amazing ways and this time it was through His Creation.  All we have to do is look and listen…My prayer for all of us.

New Year Resolutions

We seem to have a love-hate relationship with New Year’s Resolutions.  We make them, break them, vow to never make them again, and then keep trying.  Some are specific like lose 10 pounds; some are general like give more or become a better person.  But all have one thing in common – a desire to improve ourselves and our lives.  To make a change for the better.

So why is it so hard to keep our resolutions, to make our changes stick?

I was reading in Matthew 22 this morning and the Lord showed me something interesting…

As usual, the religious and government leaders were trying to trap Jesus.  In 22:23-33 the Sadducees challenged Jesus about resurrection and eternal life.  They wanted to show just how ridiculous the idea was, so they gave Jesus riddle-like story about a woman who married, lost her husband before they had children, married his brother, and then the same thing happened down to the 7^th brother.  Who would she actually be married to in heaven? 

In verse 29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”  Then he went on to set the record straight.

So what does this have to do with New Year’s Resolutions? 

While Jesus is teaching specifically about resurrection and eternal life, what He says has much wider application.  The Sadducees were in error because they a) didn’t know Scripture and b) didn’t know the power of God.  They didn’t know what God’s Word said, nor did they believe He had the power to make it happen.

This made me think about my own “errors” – in my thinking, attitudes, ignorance, and behaviors.  Where do I fall short of God’s will for my life?  Where do I want to make changes?  See where I’m going? … I feel like Jesus is teaching us how to change and grow – New Year’s Resolution or not.

To make our changes stick we need to a) know Scripture, and b) know the power of God.

So how do we know Scripture?  First, we need to read and study regularly.  Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day, we need God’s Word like we need air, food, water…daily.  Second, we need to pray for guidance and revelation as we read.  God’s Word is alive.  You’ll be amazed at how it speaks to you if you read it with expectancy.  Third, we need to mediate on it, thinking about what we’ve read.  Let it sink in.  Plant it deep within your heart so that as it grows it changes the way we think, speak, or behave.  Trust that God’s Word is working even when the results aren’t immediately evident.  Knowing God’s Word will transform us, correcting errors and making positive changes in our lives.

So how do we know the power of God?  First, we need to read and study God’s Word regularly.  Yes, I’m repeating myself, but it’s the truth.  God’s Word is the primary way He speaks to us.  Read it like He’s talking directly to you, because He is.  Second, look for God’s power all around.  Expect it.  Notice it.  Don’t try to understand or explain everything based on our human limitations like the Sadducees were doing.  God’s power is everywhere – in His creation, provision, protection, miracles, and in the lives of His people.  Don’t let the world’s point of view render Him impotent or irrelevant.  Third, have faith when you can’t see God’s power in the given moment.  Trust that what He says is true.  This passage was specifically about resurrection and eternal life.  Something we can’t see, but know to be true.  Have faith knowing that God’s ways and timing are different than ours.

So what is your New Year’s Resolution?  What change or goal are you trying to accomplish? 

What does Scripture say about it?  What is God’s role in helping you achieve it?  Trust in both and you’ll be able to make that resolution stick!

Kicking But

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:28-29)

Jesus sent the disciples across the sea while he dismissed the crowd and went up the mountain to pray. In the wee hours of the morning, Jesus walked across the water to meet them. Thinking he was a ghost, the disciples panicked. (Ghost…really? That’s a whole other lesson)

As they cried out in fear, Jesus immediately reassured them saying “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) Like the disciples, I too have moments of doubt when what I “see” around me seems more believable than what I “know” to be true, when faith dips and fear rises up in its place.

It took courage for Peter to tell Jesus to call him out on the water. It took faith to believe in what seemed naturally impossible. But as Peter put his courage and faith into action, obeying Jesus’ command, he walked on water.

He actually did it!

But…

Too often we move quickly to verse 30 to analyze what went wrong. After all, there are great lessons to be learned. Peter took his eyes off Jesus, saw the wind and waves around him, lost faith in the moment, and let fear take over.

Sure he sunk, but let’s camp a moment on the fact that Peter walked on water. He did the impossible. We know all things are possible through Christ. We hear it a lot, we say it a lot, but do we actually believe it?

Do you truly believe you can walk on water? Accomplish that seemingly impossible goal? Achieve that breakthrough in your life? Overcome that pattern of sin that seems to be just “how you were made”?

Prove it by getting out of the boat. Kick all those buts right out the door and take the step of faith Christ is telling you to. Don’t let your fear, over-thinking, or “practicality” trump your courage, faith and obedience.

Trust that Christ will provide, protect, and empower you. Trust also that He will catch you if you sink.

Will – not can.

Peter walked on water, and that invitation is there for all of us. Come.

Get Over It

The Lord has really been speaking to me about judgment, forgiveness and the condition of my own heart. Personality-wise I tend to be sensitive, observant, and a deep thinker; yet I do not show or share my emotions very easily. One result is that I tend to shrug off conflict, not out of discomfort or fear, rather because I consider being strong and “getting over it” as a virtue; especially as a leader.

Over the past several months, I’ve been “blessed” with a few occasions where I was judged falsely. Once that was annoying, once that was embarrassing and mildly painful, and once that down-right hurt. It’s as if the Lord is turning the heat on so that I look inward, truly forgive and heal (rather than shrugging it off), and ensure my own heart produces fruit that honors Him.

The theme for our recent Enrich conference was Forgiveness and Healing Hurts, and our guest speaker was Leon De Haan, president of Thrive Ministries International. His passion is for teaching and equipping Christian leaders, and it was such a blessing to have him with us!

As leaders, we’re in visible positions vulnerable to evaluation, criticism and judgment. Hopefully we’re surrounded by team members who are brothers and sisters in Christ, passionate about the vision, highly motivated and extremely competent. But along with these admirable qualities also comes the risk for stepped-on toes and stepped-on hearts.

As leaders, we’re also in the challenging position of having to evaluate others – monitoring results, holding people accountable, mentoring and coaching. So it’s critical that we a) recognize and deal with our own hurts, such as when we are judged, and b) not judge others in our efforts to “help”.

There is a difference between judging a person, and inspecting the condition of their fruit.

Judgment says we know why they did what they did; that we know the condition of their hearts. We may think that we do – we may even guess right – but the truth is that we don’t, and it’s not for us to decide (1 Cor 2:11). Judging keeps us remembering the offense, reopening the wound, and justifying our own actions or positions in our minds. This is exactly what Satan wants because it keeps us from forgiving, and from being released from the hurt, anger, bitterness, etc. It also brings judgment down on us (Matt 7:1-3).

As leaders we need to admit to God when we feel hurt, to trust Him as our Lord and Savior and also the keeper of our hearts. We need to receive his forgiveness and truly understand what it means. We need to stop judging others. And we need to exemplify forgiveness.

Our decisions, actions and words flow from our hearts (Matt 12:34-35). So our hearts must be healthy and whole in order to lead, preach, counsel, or serve effectively.

…this is what the Lord has been speaking to my heart…

Veggie Tales - Preservation

With the garden planted and the fencing up, my job is not finished. I wish! How do I keep my garden in good condition? How do I preserve it and care for it to ensure good crops? There’s still work to be done and lessons to be learned as I await the harvest.

Preservation.

As I’m writing this our weather has been in the 80s, with barely any rain so far this Spring. So when I think preservation, I think watering. As I planted the seeds, I noticed that the packets said they needed to be kept moist. That could mean watering them 1, 2, even 3 times a day until they grow roots deep enough to sustain the scorching sun. There’s something soothing to me about watering the grass, flowers, and garden. And it reminds me of an impactful teaching from Craig Mayes I heard at Kensington long ago.

Hebrews 6:7 says “Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.”

Farmers and gardeners know that rain is key to the survival of their crops. The same is true for our spiritual lives, our spiritual harvests. We need God’s rain - His Word, His Spirit, His Living Water - to fall upon us and nourish us so that we can grow.

So what does Hebrews 6:7 teach about God’s rain? First, when we drink it in it helps us to produce good crops, useful crops. Second, that the crops we produce are intended for our good and for the good of others. Third, that when we produce good crops we receive blessings from God.

But to me, the most important thing we learn from this verse is that God’s rain is “often falling.” Through His Word. His presence. His Spirit within us. God is available, accessible, and a generous provider of what we need. God’s rain falls on us frequently - constantly really. All we have to do is drink it in on a regular basis. I think of the spiritual disciplines or practices of Bible reading, meditation, memorization, prayer, fasting, solitude, etc. Those are ways we drink in God’s rain on a regular basis.

And like the seeds in my garden, I need to be watered every day. We all do. Without God’s living water on a daily basis, I know that I’m prone to wander in search of nourishment, comfort, wisdom, refreshment…or whatever…from other places…my own cisterns of water.

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2:13, NIV)

Picture a cistern. They come in many shapes and sizes, but I’m picturing one that is partially sunken into the ground, lined with cement or limestone to collect water. Because the water is stagnant, it gets kinda gross. Then when the lining cracks, water seeps out and the mud seeps in. No matter how hard I try to keep that cistern filled, all that remains is a gross, muddy puddle that’s unable to clean, quench, or refresh.

So I had to ask myself, what is the cistern that I keep returning to that never seems to satisfy? What do I need to do to exchange that broken cistern for God’s spring of living water, His rain that is often falling?

The alternative is hardened, sun scorched land that produces thorns and thistles, and hardened hearts far from God that produce rotten fruit. As Hebrews 6:8 goes on to say, “But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.” Worthless. Cursed. Burned. Ouch.

What is the condition of the soil of my heart? What am I doing to protect and preserve it? What am I using to water, and doing to keep it free from thorns? Am I producing the fruit God intended?

Boy, this is a lot of work…I sure hope the Lord is patient with me, and gives me a good dose of patience myself.

Veggie Tales - Protection

When we first moved into this house, one of the things I was most excited about was having a yard with real grass – the green, barefoot-walking kind. With the big yard, came a decent-size garden at the one end. I saw through the overgrown weeds and strewn-about trash to the potential it held, not realizing at first that while I was going to work on the garden, the Lord was going to work on me.

Protection.

How do you guard a garden? Well, it depends on what you’re protecting it from. In my case it’s those small but pesky critters including our Yorkie puppy (pictured here) who loves to dig up bugs. So a small fence should do the trick. Now that the fence is up, however, I’ll need to continue to be on guard to see if anything else is getting through my defenses – bugs, birds, bigger pesky critters. Being on guard takes continued monitoring, alertness, and effort…Yeah, I know, this is just a garden we’re talking about, but as usual, the Lord is using it to teach me some important life lessons.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, Jesus compares our hearts to soil in a garden – conditions have to be right in order to receive God’s Word and reap its fruit in our lives. (Matthew 13) God’s Word also teaches us that we need to guard our hearts above all else.

“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, AMP) The NLT version says “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” These are some strong words about guarding our hearts – with all vigilance, above anything else that you guard.

Guarding our hearts means protecting it from tempting influences that can distract us from God - temptations which can quickly lead to sin, destroying the good fruit in our lives.

Being on guard also means recognizing where we are weak or vulnerable and amping up our defenses in that area especially. As I’m protecting my garden from puppies and rabbits, a small, chicken wire fence will work. When we lived on the mission base, Pastor Abram needed to protect his garden from horses, blesbok and wildebeest. His fence was a lot different than mine. This isn’t about the size of the fence; rather it’s about recognizing we need the right fence for the job.

I’m amazed, and convicted, at how much effort I put into guarding “stuff”. We have locks on our doors, gates for double protection, bars on our windows, a sophisticated security system, and a ferocious guard dog (also pictured here). Not to mention the mental and emotional energy I spend thinking about security, even worrying about it…

Do I guard my heart with the same effort and energy as I guard other things in my life? Do I guard my heart with all diligence, above all else that I guard?

Ashamed, the answer is no. I think I underestimate the power of the influences around me, thinking that they won’t affect me that much. But that’s the way the enemy works, deceiving us into thinking a behavior, risk, influence, or thought is no big deal until it’s too late.

So I’ve had to ask myself, where am I most vulnerable and therefore need to guard my heart? Where do I need to strengthen my defenses through time in God’s word? And where do I need the fellowship and accountability of others to keep me on track?

It’s critical to protect our hearts by keeping them focused on God, because our hearts determine the course of our lives.

Wow, the garden looks great! Now how do I keep it that way?

Veggie Tales - Preparation

One of the hobbies I’ve taken up since moving into town is gardening. Given my suburban roots, this has felt like a pretty massive undertaking. As I await an equally massive harvest, I’ve also been reflecting on how the Lord is using these veggies to teach me about my faith. While I’m sure there are many, my biggest lessons learned have to do with preparation, protection, preservation and patience. Hang in there; you’ll see what I mean…

Preparation.

I began my venture by doing a little research on growing vegetables in South Africa. Experts agree that preparation is crucial to ensure that the soil is in good condition. Our weather is dry and our soil is predominately clay, so I had to begin with the back-breaking task of breaking up the soil, removing rocks, and working in good soil (compost and manure, yuck!).

All this hard work reminded me of the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. Jesus compared the condition of our soil with the condition of our hearts, and conditions have to be right in order to receive God’s Word and reap its fruit in our lives.

So, what is the condition of the soil of my heart?

Is it like the path mentioned, hardened from years of being trampled and baked in the sun? When God’s Word is sown on hardened soil, it’s not understood or even welcomed. The seeds are quickly snatched away.

Does the soil of my heart contain rocks that prevent God’s Word from taking root? I think of rocks as internal things like sin, negative thinking, stubbornness, insecurity, unforgiveness, or pride. Without deep roots, plants wither away in harsh conditions. Without deep roots, people fall away when tested or tempted. As the Lord exposes the rocks in our soil, it’s critical to do the often times back-breaking, heart-breaking work of removing them. To answer the question, yes - I definitely have some rock removal to do.

Does the soil of my heart contain thorns allowing God’s word to be choked out? I think of thorns as external things like temptations, worldly pressures, false teachings, or the expectations of others. Weeds compete with the good plants, depriving them of much needed water, sun and nutrients. The worries and pressures of life can do the same thing, and like weeds, if left unattended, they have the amazing ability to grow huge, spread fast, and ultimately take over the place.

Whether the soil is hard, rocky, or full of thorns and weeds, the result is the same – little to no fruit. “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)

So I’ve done the heavy lifting of preparing my soil and planting my vegetable seeds. And along the way, the Lord has been teaching me about my heart condition as well.

So now what? ... Eish! Those pesky critters!

Power Unleashed

“I care.” “I can do more than you think.”

“I have power.” “Even my small acts can change the world.”

“I love a challenge.” “All I need is a chance.”

These are among the many powerful statements from our youth.They want to be heard, valued, appreciated, and used by God. They are the voice of the nation, it’s very future. So at our recent Enrich conference, 75 local pastors and youth ministry leaders gathered to become better equipped in reaching our youth.

Pastor Jodie Stehouwer from Resurrection Life Church Mid-Michigan and Mike Benson from the Conquerors International Strength team were our guest speakers. Both have godly wisdom and practical experience in reaching youth, and huge hearts for unleashing their power and potential.

Historians say that 11 of the 12 disciples were young people. When Jesus went to be with his Father, he placed the future of the church into their hands. He unleashed the power that surrounded him, the passion within them, and the potential before them.

Something Pastor Jodie said really jumped out at me… When we’re only doing things within our reach, it also means our own strength and our own results. God’s plans are bigger than that. He wants us to reach beyond our abilities and comfort zones, to trust him, and to need him.

God does not qualify us through age or experience. He looks at our hearts. That is why it’s so important to equip young people, and release them to do what God has called them to do. Sure they will make mistakes – but everyone does. They might even fall into sin – but who is without sin?

As leaders, we need to have faith in our young people, but more importantly, we need to have faith in God as they step out. We need to believe in them.

Why? Because God does.

Life for Dry Bones

Imagine walking through a valley where lifeless bones are strewn about. Sounds kind of eerie and scary, doesn’t it? In Ezekiel 37, the Lord led him through such a place. Back…and forth… so he’d see just how many dry bones were all around. Then the Lord asked him “Can these bones live?” and Ezekiel didn’t know the answer. “Sovereign LORD”, he replied, “you alone know.” That’s when God told him and showed him that if he spoke out God’s Word Ezekiel could bring life himself. There is power and life in the Word of God, and we’re called to proclaim it.

This past Sunday Pastor Abram and I attended Pastor Shadrack’s church service. Pastor Shadrack is active in our Enrich program, working hard to grow as a leader and lead his church well. (In this picture are Pastors Shadrack, Abram and David).

As Pastor Shadrack taught from the story of Ezekiel, I was gripped by what it means for us here and now. There are dry, lifeless bones all around us – people suffering and struggling in different ways. Sickness, pain, poverty, addiction, abuse, hopelessness…spiritual and physical death.

Isaiah 61:1-3+ says the Lord has anointed me (you, us) to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom to captives, and to comfort those who mourn – basically to speak life to the lifeless.

Pastor Shadrack encouraged his church to reach out in Qwa Qwa. Please pray for them as they do. And please pray for me also, as sometimes the needs seem so overwhelming I can lose perspective on what God has called and equipped me to do – proclaim the life-giving Word of God.

Gods Vision for His Church

The Lord has an incredible vision for His Church, with each local church having a unique and instrumental role to play. That’s why it was such an exciting blessing to teach local pastors in our recent workshop - “Achieving God’s Vision for Your Church.”

As I prepared, I gobbled up advice from Bill Hybels in his book “Courageous Leadership.” It’s a great book! One that I read long ago, but I’m re-reading with new eyes as I try to help local African pastors put sound leadership principles into practice.

Bill defined vision as “a picture of the future that produces passion”. Both components are critical. While the picture of the future reflects where you are going, passion fuels the action needed to get there. Vision is the most powerful tool a leader has. Vision is what unleashes the power of the local church.

During the workshop we trained pastors in how to define and communicate vision, maximize their receptivity in hearing from God, and then turn their God-gifted vision into action through strategic plans and measureable goals.

Plans, metrics, and goals…Oh, my!

Someone once told me that they didn’t want to run their ministry too much like a business, and I’ve often wondered myself if this is possible. How much is too much? Especially when working with rural churches that are significantly smaller and less resourced than churches like Willow Creek and Kensington Community, or companies like Ford, Chrysler, and GM.

Along those same lines, Bill reflected on the following questions. “With our emphasis on leadership are we at risk of strategically planning the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit right out of the church? Or can and should church leaders learn from the best leadership minds and best practices in order to do God’s work with excellence?”

I loved his answers! Answers that I totally agreed with, shared with the local pastors, and they whole-heartedly agreed as well! That God has given them an important vision. That whether or not they achieve that vision matters. That their success or failure impacts lives, not only today, but for eternity. That the local church is the hope of the world. There is no other company, organization, or government that can accomplish what God has called His Church to do.

All that said – we clearly need to do everything we can to lead God’s churches well, with vision and passion, with diligence and effectiveness, maximizing our God-gifted leadership potential.

Based on feedback, our local pastors clearly left equipped to carry out God’s vision for their churches… but more importantly, they left feeling inspired knowing that God has called them to bring His hope to the World. Please say a prayer for these local pastors as they do.

Rebuilding

I’m thankful that the Lord is with us through trials, redeeming them through His mercy and grace. Like Nehemiah, I’ve been praying earnestly for the Lord’s wisdom, guidance and favor as we rebuild – our temple, our walls, our city, our nation. We’re 8 months into it, and it has been an incredible journey!

Rebuilding our temple.

I think of our temple as our spiritual foundation, a foundation that crumbles when leaders stumble and fall. With Ignite South Africa, we have the opportunity to learn from the past, to ensure a solid spiritual foundation, and to prioritize protecting it moving forward. There’s wisdom to be gained through the redemption of past mistakes.

As leaders we all need build-up our temple, our faith, our worship, our spiritual disciplines – first individually, then collectively. It’s the critical first step, and one that doesn’t end there. Ongoing maintenance and growth will always be needed.

Rebuilding our walls.

Like Israel, our first need was for survival – somewhere to live and work, a new “mission base” so to speak. We also had rubble to move out of the way; processing, healing and planning to do. Then we began rebuilding our walls as the Lord directed.

Nehemiah prayed for favor with the king. We too prayed for favor with the King (big K) because He cares about the details big and small, and knows exactly what we need to survive. I’m thankful for what the Lord has faithfully provided beginning with our home, office, and other needs. It’s remembering examples of the Lord’s faithfulness that gets me though moments of doubt or fear and keeps me moving ahead towards His purpose.

Rebuilding our city.

After the walls were built and folks felt safe, Nehemiah raised up leaders, and people started resettling into their hometowns. Maybe this is a bit of a stretch, but here I think of rebuilding and restructuring our departments, embracing the Lord’s fresh vision, and poising ourselves for future impact and growth.

We’re praying, dreaming, and planning for the future. We’re excited to rebuild God’s ministry – spiritually, physically, strategically, and tactically. Our home, office, and programs; our coaches, schools and youth; our local churches, pastors, and villages...That’s my city.

Rebuilding our nation.

Rebuilding our temple and walls will meet our needs for survival. Rebuilding our city poises us for significance and eternal impact. Rebuilding our nation is the next step in achieving it. It’s our God-gifted mission. A mission that hasn’t changed but is ready for fresh vision to move it to the next level. And I’m thankful that the Lord has invited us to be part of His plan.

Nehemiah led for survival, and once that need was met he led for significance. How can we do the same? And who wants to come with us? I’m excited!!

Shout out again to “Becoming Nehemiah – Leading with Significance” by David L. McKenna

Haunting Last Words

Nehemiah faces another crucible in chapter 13. He has to report back to the king so he entrusts various responsibilities to others. When Nehemiah returns, he finds far-reaching corruption beginning in the house of God. Everything that Nehemiah had worked so hard for stood in jeopardy, and he had to turn things around - again.

As his role changes his attitude does as well. He continues to seek God and pray, but he also takes some pretty aggressive, angry actions as he tries to clean-up all the corruption. Threats, curses, beatings, banishings. He even pulled out people’s hair. Per Jim Collins in his book “Good to Great” great leaders look into the mirror for blame and out the window for credit. Nehemiah does the opposite; losing the edge of greatness he had risen to.

So why does Nehemiah act so out of character?

Granted Nehemiah made a HUGE mistake in appointing Eliashib as a leader and we can learn a lot of from his experience… But Nehemiah is the only one responsible for his own reactions and actions.

One speculation is that Nehemiah burned out and became distressed feeling like all of his work had been in vain. Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Like things were hopeless? Like efforts were futile and it didn’t matter how hard you tried?

I hate to admit it, but I’ve felt this way. It sounds so - I don’t know … “unspiritual” - given that I’m a missionary, but I’m also human. Ministry is hard work! Sometimes prayers aren’t answered the way we expect. Sick people die instead of being healed. For every person saved and every student reached, there are tens of thousands more to go. And sometimes one grievous mistake can undo 5, 10, or more years of hard work.

Perhaps Nehemiah was in over his head in terms of competency. Perhaps he needed to learn more about selecting and training leaders. Perhaps his faith weakened and he lost sight of God’s presence and calling. Feelings of futility are a red flag that tells us we’re burning out and need to take immediate action to restore ourselves and our relationship with God.

I’ve often heard it said that character is what squeezes out of us when we’re pressed. In Nehemiah’s case it became some pretty yucky stuff. His words haunt us at the end. “Remember me with favor, o my God.” It’s like he knows he’s far off track and in need of favor, even mercy, grace and forgiveness.

What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example about heeding the warning signs and staying on track? I know I’m learning a lot.

Second Only To Love

In talking to pastors and church leaders, we’ve found that Finances is an area where many struggle due to lack of training and limited resources. Did you know that the Bible has more than 2300 verses about money, second only to Love? Or that 2/3 of Jesus’ parables were about wealth, possessions, giving and stewardship?

Why the emphasis on money? Because it’s where we are tempted...humbled...and where we often struggle to trust in the Lord. It’s a source of life and blessing, but can also be a trap Satan uses to separate us from God. It’s the means by which we can do God’s work and bless others. And it’s a powerful witness, positive or negative, to Believers and non-Believers alike because it captures everyone’s attention.

How we manage our money – whether we have a lot or a little – reflects our relationship with God. So on June 13th, we pressed in to managing our money God’s way. Our workshop topics included having the right attitude about wealth, achieving financial freedom, tithing and giving, goal-setting and budgeting, and teaching biblical principles in the church.

When I asked the pastors how many had ever developed a budget or used one to manage their church or business finances, no one raised their hands. By the end of the workshop, all agreed that the information learned and practiced would be helpful in leading their congregations.

“As the teaching was given, I learned that I must do things God’s way, then implement what I learn in my life, business and church. I will teach my church the importance of tithing 10%, and also managing the other 90% well as stewards of what God provides.” – Pastor Thulo Shadrack Mile

“I will teach the church God’s principles about money and how to implement them. I will also apply what I have learned for myself and my household so that I can model what I teach.” – Pastor Stella Charlotte Molefe

Please join me in praying for these leaders as they model and teach what they have
learned.

From Survival to Significance

After success rebuilding the walls, Nehemiah becomes governor of Jerusalem and then governor of Israel. Nehemiah’s leadership path takes a turn and everything changes – scale of responsibility, scope of duties, and complexity of role. Is Nehemiah still the right man for the job?

When Jerusalem was rebuilding the walls, their primary need was for survival and protection from their enemies. That’s a pretty strong motivator and unifier of people. We know Nehemiah faced challenges, but they were very different than what he faced as governor. After the walls were up, the need became for significance, restoration and renewal – spiritually, politically, and socially.

So Nehemiah jumped in with both feet.

Nehemiah began by reestablishing the spiritual, moral and legal foundation. They “assembled as one man” to hear Ezra read the law. They confessed, repented, and celebrated their newfound freedom and potential. Next they signed a binding agreement to show their commitment to God’s commands.

Nehemiah appointed leaders over the towns and provinces, and people resettled into their homes. We already know from previous experience that Nehemiah is gifted at motivating and mobilizing people, and the people had learned to respect and trust him. Next Nehemiah tackles economic reform – establishing a national treasury, making the first and largest gift himself, and revising tax practices to promote equity and protect the poor. And these are just a few of his accomplishments…

Nehemiah’s character and spiritual maturity served well in this new role as governor. Nehemiah also proved he could adapt his leadership to the new situations, and make decisions for the greater good often at personal cost.

The last year at Thrive Africa was survival mode and ultimately the Lord launched Ignite South Africa so that the work could survive. In some ways we’re still in survival mode as we build and gain momentum. I thank the Lord for his faithfulness and provision. For providing the leadership, vision, and resources we need. For raising up prayer and financial partners who make our work possible. For miraculously meeting our needs each month. I praise God for all these things. He’s clearly still with us.

And I look forward to the course in front of us – a journey that is rounding the corner into significance, restoration and renewal.

If our crucible experiences refine us as leaders, what can I learn from Nehemiah’s next one? What can you learn?