Reward Honesty?

I'm convinced of this; the church should reward honesty not punish honesty.

I know, the truth can be so scandalous right? It can make jaws drop and send people staggering away in shock and confusion. It can well up anger and hurt. Yes it can, and it often does.
Today I had a revelation about all of this. Why do we put so much pressure on the 'confessor' and very little on the 'receiver'. The Bible says that we must speak the truth in love. But I have to believe that if God wants people to speak it in love, He also wants us to receive it in love.

This is my story. If I'm honest, I still struggle with being me. Maybe it's because the 'real' me hasn't always been welcomed by people...and I hate to say this...but especially by the 'religious' community. Maybe it's because I fear losing credibility. Maybe it's because I'd rather focus on the good and not the messy...after all...when you push things under the rug the mess is gone right? Maybe I'm more concerned about the present than I am about the future? Maybe I'm more concerned about what people think of me than I am what God thinks of me? Maybe I assume I know how people will react and respond without ever giving them the chance to love me through things?

I'm convinced that honesty might feel like the most hurtful thing to do. But I'm more convinced that honesty is the most healing thing to do.
My spirit tells me there are many people all around me...me being one of them...that need a little healing in their life. Everyone needs to know that they are loved for who they are and not just for what they do.

I want my church to be a place of healing, not a place of hiding. It can't be both.

Beating a Path

You ever had a day that starts out well...then it feels like a locomotive just blindsides your spirit? Let's just say that happened to me today. Not a fan. No fun.

This evening after everyone was tucked into bed, I sensed God inviting me to take a walk outside. But God (I said), I have a sermon to write, emails to catch up on, and some vision stuff to work through...and of course a little meaningless sporting news web surfing. 

I did three 360's on the steps between my office and outside...before I gave in to his prompting. We had a conversation...but this time he mostly did the talking.

Andy, what happened to our intimacy? I mean really...prayer? reflection? silence? gratefulness? Are you afraid to unplug from things...so that you can plug your heart into me?

I'm thankful for God's irresistible invitation tonight. I need His voice. I need His embrace. I need His favor.

It led me to reflect on the purity of worship...and the sacredness of every Sunday morning people are invited by God (and probably do three 360's determining if they want to sleep in or not) to join Him face to face for a conversation.

Worship is truly about being invited and ushered in to the presence of God. It's the reminding of God that we are unconditionally loved, forgiven, accepted, restored, and revived children of the Most High God. Worship is our response to God shaping us into His likeness as we spend time elbow to elbow and heart to heart with others in lifting our hands and voices, in silence, in His living Word, and by the taking the symbols of Christ's body and blood.

I want our worship to be a space where we unplug from fear and plug into God's acceptance of us. It is in worship that we come to know the God who is mighty to save...regardless of our accomplishments, broken dreams, or messy story.

"Andy...if you want to lead people to be face to face with me, you need to have a well beaten path to me yourself."

So let it be Lord. You are all I want...and getting people face to face with you is my one true passion.

Out of The Boat

I'm almost to the end of a short goal I made - to read the New Testament of the Bible in 30 days. It has been a great - and challenging experience for me.
I've read it with intense eyes for two concepts;
1. The power of prayer.
2. The necessity of faith.
I've been blown away by how much these two realities are woven into every movement of God. I was truly enlightened by the intensity of praying hard coupled with a faith that believes in the miraculous power of God.
God's word has inspired me to be a greater man of faith and prayer. If I want God to move mountains, I have a role to play. If I want my life story to be bigger than me, I must engage more with the God who loves me and believes in me.
Today I came across a theme of Peter's life. I've never recognized that not once, but twice, Peter got out of the boat to pursue Jesus.
1. “Come,” Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." Matthew 14:29
2. As soon as Simon Peter heard John say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him and jumped into the water. John 21:7
If you know the story of Peter, he made some pretty big mistakes...the biggest was denying Jesus to his face. I've made some big mistakes in my life too. But the life of Peter represents a tenacity of faith I admire...and a heart for Jesus I yearn for.
Peter is the great responder. I want to be so passionate about Jesus that I 'jump' into His presence and calling.
When I hear the voice of Jesus calling my spirit to something - I want my response to be so swelled with faith that I immediately jump in the water. I'm learning that Jesus never calls us to something...He calls us to Himself. And in joining Him - together He we live an epic story.
The Bible doesn't exist to give me more knowledge. It exists that I might know Jesus intimately...and then have the faith to do the impossible with Him.
I'm praying for specific miracles. And when I say miracles, I mean miracles. The last 30 days I've learned there is nothing God can't do with a person who prays and believes. Someone once said; 'If you are going to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.'
"Come." Jesus said.
Who's with me?

Courage

I've always been fascinated by the courage of Deitrich Bonhoeffer and I just came across this quote of his; 

"To delay or fail to make decisions may be more sinful than to make wrong decisions out of faith and love." Bonhoeffer

Living through a moral failure or a crisis will change you. It has the potential to change you for the good. It can make you more humble, loving, understanding, compassionate, and grace giving. It's hard to to really know God's grace until you've felt the tender, mending touch of God...restoring your bleeding heart. But it also has the potential for a greater 'bad.' 

You might lose confidence in your self worth. You might believe you no longer have a voice of value into the lives of others. You might secretly think that you are now unlovable. But worse of all, you may forever question how God really feels about you. I know people will say God loves you and forgives you, but honestly, when you are left alone in the stillness of the night, the sincere words of others fade away. 

The above quote stung me today. It's been a source of contention for many years with me. My crisis sucked out every ounce of pride in my blood - and for that I'm thankful. But it also left with me a lack of confidence... specifically the lack of courage to respond even when I hear the gentle voice of God piercing my soul.

I have to wonder how many times doubt has kept me from tasting more miraculous movements of God. 

When I read this quote - something clicked inside me. It's never been about having confidence in what I can do. It's about having confidence in who God is...and the mission He allows me to join Him in.

I can tell you the more I've exercised stepping in faith, the more confident I become in Christ's restorative power. 

The other night, while doing the 'New Testament in 30 Days Challenge' I came across this (keep in mind that I pray before I read and as I read...

"...I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

What does God want me to do? As a limping traveler along the rocky journey...it's to 'testify to the gospel (Good News) of God's grace.'

And there is no one more qualified or confident of God's grace than I am.

My story matters. And my mission in this life is to love other crazy and messy storied people like me. 

I must not delay. I must not fail to make decisions today. I'm convinced that there will be day's I'll look like a fool. But I believe the only way to fail is to stand still. So here's the question...what matters more; to 'maybe' look like a fool or to surely miss God's miraculous movement in and through me?

There's only one edit I'd make to Bonhoeffer's quote...I'd take out the 'may be' and replace it with  'is'.

I love you. God loves you. Your story matters.

Closing the Gap

I'm going to paraphrase a quote I heard once;
 "One of the biggest gaps of the Christian faith is between the size of our God and the size of our prayers."

This convicts me deeply. What if the real issue is not the amount of time we spend 'praying'? What if the issue is not the 'method' of our prayer?

These are both very real and critical components to prayer. In fact if you look at the header to my blog, you'll know that I'm passionate about 'praying without ceasing.' It's what I call the momently life. A life of momently conversation with God. This pursuit has changed my life (obedience, gratitude, perspective, trust, purpose, peace, joy).  For four years I've given myself over to this one calling (sadly I fail more than I succeed). All this to say you'll not find a bigger believer of more prayer, more often, than me.
But what if these are not the biggest problems with our prayer life?

About two months ago I was walking along the fall colored forest of my 'papaw trail' at Potato Creek when I sensed God saying; Andy, it's not just the amounts of your prayer, it's the size of them.

This rattled my soul. How much of my prayer life is diluted with too much of my humanity?
I resolve that my prayers need to have more size to them...more breadth. I need to speak boldly to the infinitely powerful God I love. I need to pray less for my health and safety and more for the audacious dreams God has put on my heart. I need to pray less about me and more about the Kingdom of God in me. I need to stop praying about what we can do and start praying for what only God can do.

I've resolved that I must close the gap. How about you?
What would you pray for if you truly believed God had the power and desire to answer it?

Ephesians 3:20-21

 ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Jesus at the center?

I love questions. I don't always like the answers.
I have a lot of questions stirring inside my soul. Some of them have been percolating for months.
There are the personal questions, and then there are the 'Leader of Suncrest' questions. I've learned that they often function as one.
Usually it comes down to asking the right questions. Maybe this will help you as it did me.
The question isn't; "God, what is your plan for my life?"
The question I should ask is; "God, what is your plan? And how can my life fit into it?'
I want to know where God is at work and join Him there.
That's the prayer for my life and the prayer for my voice into others.
The answer doesn't come quickly. It doesn't come easy. It comes through time with Jesus.
So this is my journey of this new year.
It's not to put Jesus at the center of my life. But to put my life in the center of Jesus.

How Do I Lead?

There is always a healthy tension between following and leading. There's also a tension between being content with who I am and aspiring to be a more effective leader. But the granddaddy of all tensions for me in my leadership is hearing how 'everyone' else is successfully leading and appreciating all of the 'ways' they do it, while still remaining who I am and acting on what God has called ME to do. I question too little what others say I should do and too much what I sense God is telling me to do. It's time for me to unpack who I am...who God is...and where He is calling my heart to join His in every facet of leading.

Here's some of what I'm sensing...

1. My desire to be relevant and 'successful' must decrease and my only desire is to communicate by words and actions to my brothers/sisters of humanity - YOU are loved. YOUR story matters.
2. It's great for me to have well informed opinions about my culture, but what matters is that my leadership is rooted in the intimate and permanent relationship with Jesus - who I find the source of my words, counsel, and guidance. My leadership has to come more from the mystical than from the moral.
3. I'm a vulnerable servant who needs the people as much as they need from me as a leader.
4. I must be willing to confess my brokenness and sin and journey.
5. My maturity as a leader is the ability and willingness to be led where I'd rather not go.
6. I'm called to help people hear God's voice - so they can be comforted, healed, and sent.

7 Things I'm Learning...

1. God is right. My wife and I are one. I need her...and the more in rhythm with God I become, the more He's transforming me into the husband she deserves. I want her to have all of me...wholehearted devotion.
There is great power in my praying wife. There are days when I question if I have what it takes. And then she shows me the presence of God. She says she believes in me...and believes in our church. When God lives within me and she lives alongside me there is nothing I can't do.
2. I have to keep one eye on where God has me and one eye on where God is taking me. The day to day 'good' functions can, if I'm not careful, consume me. I can't always respond with reaction, I need to respond with forethought and wisdom...through ongoing communication with my Father.
3. I must stop worrying about battles that God has already won. Sleepless nights. Fear. Worry about whether people will show up. Worry about if we'll have the funds to stay alive and so that we can be ridiculously generous to others. Worry that we won't reach people fast enough or effectively enough. There is one calling that trumps all others - go...love...partner with God to show people the 'good news.'
4. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm not where I used to be! I haven't arrived, but I'm more intimate with God than I used to be. I'm not perfect, but I'm being transformed. When Joshua crossed the Jordan River - the promised land - God told him to set 12 stones up as a alter to celebrate - before they had even defeated the first enemy! Let's celebrate little beginnings - it's amazing what God can do with little. We should celebrate anything that is 'better', not just things that are 'perfect.'
5. Anybody who says something negative about me is not a prophet. God has called me to a great project and I cannot stop this great work...I can't be distracted. Don't let anybody steal the joy of the Lord that Jesus died to give you. I'd rather spend my time starting fires instead of putting them out. If the criticism is just to distract and derail me - I cannot let it rob me of my joy.
6. I do not have to completely understand God in order to obey God. I don't know why, but God rarely tells me what's next until I go to the first place he told me to go. I have to stop trying to finish something before I've even allowed God to start it in me. God blesses obedience. God doesn't have to explain himself to me for me to trust him.
7. Our greatest days are ahead of us...

While We Are In Motion...

I'm going to ask that you pause for a moment and breath this in; "The Spirit guides us while we are in motion."
This is powerful. It walks alongside the idea that 'as we go' God allows us to see and hear Him. It shapes a deep conviction inside me. We will only see God in the ordinary days of our lives when we are watchful every moment. Yes there are times where we powerfully and miraculously sense God's presence and provision when we 'withdraw to lonely places' to be with our Father - like Jesus modeled. It's crazy to think about doing life without these moments of one on one intimacy. But it's just as crazy to think that God put us on this earth to notice Him at work only once or twice in our life!
To walk with God is to join God where He is at right now. As you are going, He guides us to the next step. I've learned that God rarely gives the big picture map to us. And He doesn't put little pins along the important places of discovery. We just take one step at a time. We respond to where God's Spirit leads. We can only do what we know we are supposed to do right now - in this moment. Sometimes I confess I wait until I get all the information. I know all the answers. I find my 'supposed' peace in playing through all the scenario's in my mind until I've resolved a confident and pretty safe next step. You ever done that? I've even thought it was the most spiritual thing to do - just wait passively until all the stars align and then I'll 'know' it's what God wants. Honestly, when this happens, it's probably too late. Too late? Yeah. Too late to see the incredible miracle that God had in store for us or through us.
Peter walking on water and my kids learning to walk teach me the same principle; if I'm going experience the life I'm meant to live I'll have to take steps of faith. I will weeble, wobble, and yes - fall down. But God celebrates the steps I take...not condemn me for the falls I make.
Only Peter took a step of faith. Only Peter experienced a miracle.
The Spirit guides us while we are in motion.

Ordinary?

This pic says a lot to me. It convicts me. It's not an issue of good vs. evil. It's an issue of common vs. valuable. What's it say to you?
Ordinary people. Ordinary days. Do I believe that God can use ordinary people on ordinary days to partner with Him to accomplish something miraculous? Something extraordinary?

I just came across a guy who claims his mission is to 'pull back the veil of heaven to reveal what God is doing right now to connect with people in need on earth.' I love it. Don't get me wrong, the veil is already torn - that's all Jesus. He alone provides access to the Father. But let's be honest, much of our ordinariness is because our heart doesn't fully believe we have complete access to God.
What if God was trying to get our attention right now? How did he speak to people in the scriptures?
1. Directly (remember Moses and the burning bush saga?)
2. Angels (Mary and the coming baby Jesus)
These were used very rarely. So how else does he speak, act, and move? I'd suggest it's the most common of all...
3. Through ordinary human beings in ordinary days.

What if I'm a living link between heaven and earth? People without awareness of God and their being made aware?
I want to be sensitive to God's Spirit in me...I want to sense God opportunities right in front of me...where so many see nothing at all. I want to live in ordinary days with my eyes fixed on Jesus and the moments of opportunity He creates for me to meet people in need. I know some ordinary people who see God everywhere...and almost all the time. They've been a link for me. That's what I long for O' God. Lace my heart with yours...bind it to yours...let it beat in the same rhythm as yours.
What if...

Simon. Jesus. And Jane Doe.

I've always been fascinated by the story of Simon, Jesus, and the unnamed woman. Simon (a man of religious clout) is indignant. Jesus was dining at Simon's house when suddenly a woman barges in, sits at Jesus' feet, and begins washing his feet with her hair and tears. If Jesus was really a prophet, He would not allow this. We can assume she was an outcast, not socially or spiritually clean...presumably a woman involved in the sex industry. She weeps with gratitude for this Jesus - who loves her in a way she's never been loved before. She, maybe for the first time in her life, feels clean, whole, and treasured. This woman has so much forgiven she has a greater capacity to love. "Simon, you think you have so little to be forgiven for, so you love so little. You’ve been a pretty religious guy...brainwashed from your childhood and religious experience to believe that what you do qualifies and entitles you to be close with God. So Simon your capacity is here (Jesus holds his fingers close together) and this woman's is here (Jesus holds his arms wide apart)." (That's my paraphrase). 

It demands a question. What’s Jesus telling us to do?  Go sin like crazy…and then come back and you will be a changed person? Then you'll be able to love and live at an optimum level? Let me be candid and say this is a really dumb idea. If you've messed up like me you know the baggage for poor decisions is not easily, if ever, let go of. Jesus could mean Simon's problem is that he doesn't understand how sinful of a man he is. He just didn't get it. I think Jesus is giving us an inside look at how lives are changed. Change comes when we personally grasp the power of the cross. It comes when we have a heart that breaks with gratitude. Imagine the change...when we inwardly grasp our need of an audaciously loving Savior. 

I want to be Jane Doe. I want to wipe the feet of Jesus with my tears. Forgive me when I let the mess of someone else blind me to my own need of a Savior.

I need more time postured at His feet.

What is my F.A.Q.?

I'm reading the book 'Sticky Teams' and came across this quote; "Rather than trying to figure out what everybody wants them to do, leadership teams have only one question: what does God want us to do?" This is so true. It's not the easiest thing to drive at, but it's what matters. When it comes to the health of our church, this question has to drive me. It has to be my F.A.Q. It has to be THE thing that I fall asleep thinking about and THE thing I have to awake thinking about. There are unending 'good things' that could be implemented into the life or our church. I can't even focus on the 'best' of those programs, ideas, events, projects, etc. I have to walk humbly with God. I have to stand at my crossroads. I have to posture my heart in God's presence. I have to speak. I have to listen. And then the most challenging step of all - I must obey what I hear God asking of me.

In some ways I need to catch my breath. I have been running on 'old fuel.' I've been leaning so hard on what I know God had called me too. I've been running so fast with the vision that He put on my heart years and months ago. But I believe God is a fresh God. His mercies and His vision is new every morning. How do I know what God wants? I need to spend some quality time...some quantity time...being washed anew in the Spirit of God. I need to continually pray...so that I know His voice.

Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

And here is the thing, whether I'm being used by God to create a church or being used by God to be a great husband, dad, and friend - the question is the same. "What does God want me to do?" And once I am confident in that, do I trust God enough to do it? 

The more I ask this trust question, the more I sense God asking me a more compelling question. Who does God want me to be? Doing and being are radically different things. I can do what God wants me to do...and still not BE the child He wants me to BE. As for me, I'm on mission to BE and DO...
God always seems to answer my FAQ (God, what do you want me to do?) with His own FAQ (Andy, do you trust me enough to do it?).

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and the heart to obey. In Jesus Name, so let it be.

Creating Culture.

Creating culture is never easy. So much of it is essentially unseen and there isn’t some measuring device to tell us how far along we are. I admit I’m fascinated by what could be…what should be…and what must be for Suncrest Walkerton. I’m constantly analyzing and evaluating what God is doing in our church’s midst…and where He’s taking us. This week I’ve resolved to pause for a moment. I am capturing and celebrating the beauty of what God has done in and through us all.

Easter Sunday was truly an experience that blew me away. So much energy. So much excitement. So much anticipation. Sunday morning is only a part of who we are as a church. But for this one hour the culture I’ve always believed God has called us to create was fanned into flame. I could literally feel the presence of God’s Spirit. I could see the accepting love of Christ in the eyes of people. I could sense that people were receiving a special interaction and conversation with God.

I am humbled and excited we had the largest attendance in our history. But it’s so much bigger than that. I’m thankful for Aleigha Baxter’s heart as she transparently lead us more deeply into God’s affection. I’m thankful for Kelly Kuehn who used her voice’s unction to sing a prayer to God on our behalf. I’m thankful for every heart that was invited and responded. Thankful for every story. Thankful for those who are ‘all in’ with Suncrest and our mission – and who invited friends to come. Thankful for all the people who put so much time, energy, and heart into creating an environment for God to be seen and heard. Thankful for the children’s workers. The worship team. The greeters who welcomed and also stood holding the bread and wine. The cookie bakers. The set up people. The prayer team. I am thankful for everyone who is burdened with the truth that they are being used by God to change lives.

There is something else I’m excited about. Our Easter celebration was not some production or show that was outside of who we really are. It genuinely reflected what matters to us. It was something we experience every time we gather as a community. Messy people with real struggles, real hurts, real pasts, real futures, real stories. I’m convinced that our purpose is to clear the clutter and noise of life so that together, we can experience the consuming presence of Jesus.

Creating culture? Yes. And God gave us all a glimpse that we are moving in the right direction. I see spiritual formation happening.  I see that when we lift the name of Jesus He draws us to Himself. I see the value of authentic community – and that we are more complete and beautiful together than we are apart. I see that I’m not the only one who believes ‘every story matters.’

I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of what God is creating IN us here at Suncrest.

Be sure to check out our pics here.

"Goodness Is Not The Absence of Badness"

"Goodness is not the absence of badness. You can do nothing wrong and still do nothing right." I love that quote. Somehow we've bought into the fallacy that the greatest victories in life are the things we've said 'no' to. As though the chief goal in life is to compile a resume of things we've refrained from. Don't get me wrong. It's important to say 'no' to unwise choices. "No" can keep us from a lot of heartache and regret. But if that's all there is, it feels rather empty doesn't it? Does it makes sense that God plants creativity in our soul and then have the entire beauty of our existence be measured by what we can avoid? Seems shallow. To say that my kids will please me most by what they 'don't do' is crazy. Better they discover and dream of a better world...and fall as they run...than to never have left the confines of safety.
We need to reverse the curse. Instead of seeing our holiness solely as the by product of subtraction, we should give heavier weight to the life of addition. It's time that Christianity becomes more known for what we are for instead of what we are against. It's time we obsess less on what we haven't done and more on what we've been called by God to do.
I have things I regret doing. They've crushed me. I can't take those things back. But the real danger is that these things will keep me from a deeper regret, not living out the destiny God calls me to. Greater things are yet to come. My story is not over. Neither is yours. My story. Your story. Matters.
Instead of standing still, may I have the courage to join the movement of God.

Jump.

God makes his living by putting us in the right place at the right time. The problem is that we either are to preoccupied with the mundane or to scared to capture His sacred moment for us. 

It's crazy. I wonder how many times we pray for some great movement of God and then when He presents it, we cower away. Do we embrace uncertainty? Are we willing to risk looking foolish? Do we wait to long to jump in? Do we over analyze things that might happen or could happen? Let me confess I'm guilty.

But there is a question that really reaches into my guts. Do I have the courage and the trust to risk my life for the cause of Christ? I'm convicted by what Mark Batterson said; "When we don't have the guts to step out in faith, then God is robbed of the glory that rightfully belongs to Him." Here's the thing, when we risk, it's often only because there is a good chance that we will receive some reward for it (praise or promotion). Yet the One who called us to it, prepared us for it, walked with us through it, and blessed us because of it, seldom gets the glory due Him. When I think that my taking a risk could actually bring glory to God - it changes everything!

What if my growth in Christ is directly related to my seeing and jumping into God's ordained opportunities? Do I see myself as mature? Or am I so stuck on myself that I can't see past myself and the cost I may have to pay? What if the thing that seems like a 'cost' to me is actually the 'blessing' that God wants me to have?

I'm convinced that my biggest regrets in life will be the God ordained opportunities I failed to chase. Sometimes you just have to jump.

Peacemaker?

Peacemaker. It's how I'm wired. I don't like conflict. I don't like the raising of voices. I don't like seeing people in pain. I hate abuse. And even though some of the guys I love the most enjoy ultimate fighting, it's quite strange and barbaric for me.
I hope that when people think of me they think of someone of peace...who loves unconditionally and genuinely likes people. Today God shed some light on this peacemaking concept. It was word smithed in such a way that it caught my attention.
Being a peacemaker is not being an appeaser. I have to be honest. I've always struggled with this. I've almost always seen peacemaking including having to have people like me and value what I have to say...sometimes at the cost of not speaking complete truth in order to get past the tension. As I see it now, that's appeasing. Tragically we can miss being true peacemakers and bringing healthy awareness to a situation all in the masked reality of appeasement.
I'm asking myself, are there relationships in my life....conversations I need to have...areas I need to lead in...that are being hijacked by a wrong definition of peacemaking?
I honestly don't have a hateful bone in my body, but I think if I'm not careful I could miss some God moments by being an appeaser. There's nothing peaceful about that.

Simplify

It's hard for me to get rid of stuff. You never know when you might need it right? As soon as I get rid of it, I'll need it the next day (or so it may seem). And then there's the whole notion that everything I have is worth more than it actually is. I just read that the experts have even tightened their philosophy. They used to say if you don't use it in a year, get rid of it. Now they have moved it to six months! I do think there is a place for sentimental value and some things should be kept - they give us great memories of a pleasurable experience in life. Who can't appreciate some tears looking back through memorabilia that represents sacred moments in our story?
Yesterday we slayed 'my room' in the basement. Rachel is a minimalist. Thank God for her or my house would be packed to the gills. Over the years though I've grown closer to this minimalist concept. I like quality over quantity. And we have reduced our stuff and made Goodwill very happy! It's not about 'throwing away', it's about 'giving away.' Everybody wins!

I'm learning that outer order contributes to inner calm, and sweeping away a bunch of unloved, unused stuff has freed my mind and given me a joy boost. I came across this list and wanted to share it - hope it helps you consider how you might simplify:
 Does this thing work? I was surprised by how hard it was to admit that something was broken wasn't my time to fix. Why was I hanging on to these things?

Would I replace it if it were broken or lost? If not, I must not really need it.
Does it seem potentially useful—but never actually gets used? The little clock I got for being the employee of the quarter is nice and all, but c'mon....it tick - tocks way to loud!
Was I “saving” it? I often save things for future use and never enjoy them now...and sadly ever!
Does it serve its purpose well? For example, we have a lot of “cute” kitchen objects that don’t really work.
Has it been replaced by a better model?
Is it nicely put away in an out-of-the-way place? Just because things are nicely organized doesn’t mean they’re not clutter. No matter how tidily a thing is stored, if I never use it, why keep it?
Does this memento actually prompt any memories? Sometimes I automatically keep things that fall into the category of “mementos,” assuming that they’d set off some sort of response, but they don’t. But I still have my giant softball trophies and deer heads!
Have I ever used this thing? I've had great intentions, but it's never going to happen. Example: Fire Ring. I love my grass too much to ever have a fire ring!

So how bout you? Do you have a lot of clutter? What I'm finding is that what is true with our stuff is also true with our mind and even our time. I don't like living in a place where my mind is always racing. Always feeling two steps behind and trying to think two steps ahead.
It was good to see you North Liberty Goodwill. I will see you again soon - the garage is next!
 Here is what I'm thinking...'get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.'

Relationships

I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks. I'm convinced that because of my story God has allowed me access into the story of others who are struggling or have struggled in their relationships.  My heart breaks for people who are hurting and confused...and seemingly without hope. When you're in the dark woods, it's a lonely place. You don't know which way to turn, who to trust, how to cope, or what to do. There are many people in this place. There are more that have been there at some point in their life. And then there are those who will be walking there in the future. My hope is that God would use this series to penetrate the heart. I know meditating, thinking, reading, and praying about how to communicate my heart has been a challenging blessing. Challenging because it makes me have to be honest with myself and look at my story. Blessing because God has been, and is, in it all. Blessing because I have tasted grace first hand and want others to experience it too. Blessing because I think God is offering us the chance to make some shifts in our relationships that could save us from a lot of pain in the future. For those who've been hurt deeply - there's a lot of value in learning from and  moving on. For those who haven't, there's tremendous wisdom to learn from the life of others - and especially the heart of God. Certainly there is nothing more amazing in this life than healthy relationships - the way God designed them and gives us joy and purpose through them. There is no greater gift than to love...and to be loved. We all want that. I hope you'll join us for the next three weeks as we laugh, reflect, and seek God together...

Our Steps Take Us Somewhere

I'm not sure where I first heard that. It is so elementary. And yet so difficult to see because we seldom equate that it's the summation of all our tiny little steps that actually led us to some grand moment in time. We see random and uninspired steps throughout the moments of our day as insignificant. We see the the big moments as markers on the map, but fail to acknowledge the winding roads that lead to that destination.
There's another truth in this statement. Our steps either take us one step closer to seeing God or one step further. I know God is everywhere. I know His presence is limitless. Even those that say He cannot be around sin need a reality check. In fact, God is often more consuming when His creation is in deep despair. But think through the statement. We are all walking somewhere. Pause for a moment and look at your feet. Which way are they facing? If you continue in that direction, where will it lead? I think there is incredible value in writing down where you want to go. But in our hurry and haste we often lose sight that our small steps lead us in a totally different direction and unless we alter our course, we will never get there.
We know what a difference one degree off can be for a golf ball and for a jet airplane. So it is with our steps.
You've heard it said, be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little ears what you hear. But I tell you, be careful little steps where you go.

Jeremiah 3:21-25

The sound of voices comes drifting out of the mountains, 
   the unhappy sound of Israel's crying,
Israel lamenting the wasted years, 
   never once giving her God a thought.
"Come back, wandering children! 
   I can heal your wanderlust!"

 "We're here! We've come back to you. 
   You're our own true God!
All that popular religion was a cheap lie, 
   duped crowds buying up the latest in gods.
We're back! Back to our true God, 
   the salvation of Israel.
The Fraud picked us clean, swindled us 
   of what our ancestors bequeathed us,
Gypped us out of our inheritance— 
   God-blessed flocks and God-given children.
We made our bed and now lie in it, 
   all tangled up in the dirty sheets of dishonor.
All because we sinned against our God, 
   we and our fathers and mothers.
From the time we took our first steps, said our first words, 
   we've been rebels, disobeying the voice of our God."

Checking our compass is a moment by moment decision. What will it take today for me to turn the attention of my heart to the only One worth following? He is the Way back home.

God Loves You Because of Who God Is, Not Because of Anything You Did or Didn't Do.

"God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do."
Let that sink inside my soul. Let me take some deep breathes and let that fill my lungs. Let my heart beat to that written truth. Let my soul yearn for more of God. Oh to know the mysteries of how far and wide His love is for you and me. Let me fade away in the Glory of His presence. It's all about God. He's the center. He does not change. My good or bad does not sway His vote for me. I am wholly His and He is wholly mine. I need to momently capture that. Most importantly I need to let God love on me...and let that love flow through me back to Him.
This much I know, this world hurts. But the love of God heals. 
Inhaling the breath of God in this moment...


Psalm 51:15-17  -  Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

Love God. Love people. That’s what Jesus compressed all the purposes of life into. If this is true, why do I often miss it? Why do I look at all the other stuff in my life, in my day, in my sacred moments of life and weigh them with more credence than love? Why do I try so hard and worry so much about things that are unrelated to true love?

In the past I have performed many funeral services for families.  In my years of speaking I’ve probably done 2 to 1 funeral messages to adult Sunday morning messages. Most would find that a little odd…to those I would say, yes, I am odd! But honestly, meeting families and hearing their stories – even seeing their stories to some extent, has shaped me tremendously. God’s given me the opportunity to love families of stillborns, young children, murder victims, prostitutes, suicide victims, plane and car accident victims,  disease victims, and sometimes just people who lost a loved one from old age. Sometimes families have good things to say about their deceased, sometimes they don’t have a kind word at all. And without exception, it comes down to love. Did they love or not? Invest in love or in neglect?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit alongside Donna Borlik (our children’s director) and her family as they sat bedside waiting for her mom to pass from this life to the perfect life…a life in the presence of God. It was humbling to hear story after story of her family, and of her mom. Not every chapter is perfect, but it’s filled with love. Tuesday I get the privilege of honoring her – and honoring Christ. And at the end of another earthly story one conclusion still holds true; All that truly matters in this life is that you loved.

The NEW

Welcome to 2011! I know I shouldn't wait for a date of the year to make some shifts in the processes of my story, but I confess, I do. After reviewing our goals last night - family and personal - it's exciting to see what God has done. And it's humbling to see the ways I've missed the mark. The good news is that today is a NEW day. I can't help but revisit our family verse from last year as we launch into this new year; "continue faithfully in prayer, being watchful and thankful." So now we introduce the Kaser paraphrased verse for this year; "Love always."

I love the picture above. I know you may not feel like you're on full heading into this new year. In fact, when the clock struck midnight your crisis probably didn't fade away. And yet we need to be filled with hope that God is for us. God is always in the NEW. It's a NEW Year. A NEW chapter of our story. A NEW moment to capture. And I'm thankful for every person who God intersects my path with - and the incredible opportunity to love them in Jesus Name.

Revelation 21:5

"He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

The Launch.

What an emotional ride. It made me feel a little numb actually. I'll never forget that "Launch" morning. When you've been working relentlessly, praying unceasingly, hoping unconditionally for God to open the flood gates for months - even years in some ways - and then it's here. Honestly the day is still a blur to me. I regret being so charged up that I didn't capture the joy of watching God do what He promised He would. It stretched me. At 9:50 there was only few people who had made their way into the auditorium. Standing outside I can remember the feeling in my gut of 'oh no'. An even bigger 'oh no' is watching the people's faces who have invested in this step of faith with us. Wondering what they were thinking as we approached the ten o'clock hour. It was in that moment that God said, "Andy, c'mon. Don't be a punk. Don't worry. I'm in this. Always have been. Always will be. I'm at work here." Something amazing happened in that next ten minutes. God encouraged us. We don't always get to see God answering our prayers. But on this day we did. Every single person that walked in God invited. And we celebrated. We are honored and thrilled with anyone who wants to be a part of this journey. Every single person brings incredible value to our family...our story. We have seen God already do some incredible things. We've heard some incredible stories. And yet there is an energy and excitement in us that sincerely expects even greater things ahead. We do not just see this as starting a new church. We believe God is calling us to a movement. Everyone matters. Our stories matter. And greatest of all, we are part of the story of God. It doesn't get any better than that. I'm humbled. Grateful. There's nothing more encouraging than the many comments of "I could sense the presence of God." I could too. He's here.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

People of the Second Chance

What does it really mean to have a second chance? I know it doesn't always feel like we deserve it. I know there are times when it feels like it can never be a reality. But God has something to say about this topic. In fact he painted some pictures and drew some maps for people to show us there truly is hope. I am thankful for Suncrest and their commitment to offering the grace of Christ. I love that we are launching with this. I think there are people everywhere...hurting, lonely, confused, and without hope. Or maybe it's just that we've been lethargic. Maybe we've been going through the motions of life, and when we pause to look back at our life we realize we haven't done anything to add value to our own life, or the life of others. This is a new day friends. God makes all things new. He's a God of the second chance. Everyday. You gotta love Him. Or at least you have to admit it sounds like an amazing offer. You're invited to come walk with us. We aren't perfect, but we are committed to hearing what God has promised...and to follow Him.

Unleashing.

I don't think it's ironic that Greg Lee felt led to launch two new campus' of Suncrest with a message series called "People of the second chance." If we are going to connect with different people than are currently connected, we must speak about the radical grace of God. The greatest challenge is ourselves. Somewhere along the way we've heard and embraced the notion that our actions determine our worth. We have to distance ourself from all the 'religion' language and assumptions that we have about what it means to be part of a church. If we are going to leverage the truth that 'your story matters' then we have to live out grace in every nook and cranny of every story. If we are honest, we all need a second chance every day. Today I will make decisions that could have been made better. Choices that I should have been more thoughtful of long term. Take out even the 'big mistakes' and we actually find an even greater tragedy - choosing mediocrity over greatness. Or choosing not to do something that could have made a positive dimension to another person's life. No matter how you slice it, we all need un-ending second chances. What drives me is that I actually believe there are people in my community who are looking for a community - a space - to walk with God in. All I know is that there are people who need to be given a second chance. I am committed to being a person of the second chance. I'm committed to lead a community of the second chance. Because I am a living example of the grace of God - the God of the second chance.

I came across this quote, not sure of the author.  "The revelation of my brokenness will unleash the Holy Spirit in your midst." I have the audacity to believe it. Why? He's already unleashed. Not because of anything I've done, but because as stories emerge, it becomes more clear of God's interaction and movement. And stories are already emerging. God - we trust you. We need you. We long for you.

So what is your story?

Step in

It’s so easy to see the ‘bad’ in a story. It’s pretty easy for me to remember the dumb moves that a Bible hero made. It pretty much marks them for life, or in their case, thousands of years!

Take for example Peter. I call Him ‘pipe up Peter’ because on numerous occasions he was quick to speak and slow to listen. In today’s passage we find Peter about to do something that no one has ever done before (except Jesus of course). Think about it, in this story he sets a record…he makes history. It’s a feat that has never been done since. He walks on water.

The reality is we can focus on his rebuke or his faith. No doubt he took one for the team, because his mistake in the story allows us all to learn a valuable lesson about trusting Jesus. 

I invite you to pause and read the story in Matthew 14:22-36. So what did you think? I guess I’d just like us consider his incredible faith to ‘get out of the boat.’ No one else jumped in the water. No one else had a fraction of the faith that he had. No one else was as passionate about the embrace of Jesus as Peter was. So it begs a question for our soul. Are we missing out on chances to express our faith (albeit small)? Are we missing out on chances to passionately pursue Jesus because doing so is a huge risk? Are we so afraid of failure or shame that we never take a step into the unknown.

I think there is more tragedy in times we fail to move than in the times we move and fail. What if in the economy of God His measurement of joy is found in taking the first steps toward greatness, and not in how well we stood after taking that step? Don’t get me wrong. It matters how we finish. But it also matters that we have the faith and passion to take the step toward Jesus without knowing any of the answers prior to it.

Is Jesus asking you to come to Him? He is. And what really matters is that you get out of the boat.

Mercy.

I am not much of a guitar player. In fact I haven’t even held one for two years. But one of the first songs I remember playing (where I could actually tell it was a song) was called ‘Create In Me a Clean Heart’ by Steve Green.  It became a prayer song of mine. It is composed out of Psalm 51… a pure cry for the mercy of God. How often I forget in the natural and fleshly trajectory of my life that it is God who supplies mercy. I can’t do more to earn it. I can’t try harder or will it to come. It is a pure gift of God that comes by His living, moving, and breathing within my soul.

It’s important to define mercy. Mercy is when we don’t get what we deserve. We deserve wrath, but God withholds it from us.

Hear David’s cry to God for mercy. Hear his utter dependence on the mercy of God to pour kindness into his depravity. Certainly David was wrestling with his human condition. Clearly he was seeing his lack of cleanness in the midst of God’s holiness. In his brokenness he cries to the One who offers unconditional mercy. 

Have Mercy on Me O' God (Psalm 51:1-19).

Blessed In Abundance

One of Those Days.

We've all had 'one of those days.' I proudly say today was one of them. A thousand things consuming my mind - and at one point even turned into a physical ache in my brain. So I did what I didn't have time for, but should do more often. I took a walk. I packed the ipod buds in my ears, turned it to some instrumental ancient hymns, and walked across the street to my God space. I walked. And honestly, I cried. For seven days I've leaned in on this notion of seeking God and what that means. As I walked I cried because I really do feel like I'm seeking and yet I still feel very much 'overwhelmed.' So is that good? Or bad? From God? or Not? 

I'm not a guy who believes God is just always out to 'teach us something.' I know people say that a lot, but I think we do stupid stuff and then God uses that stupid thing to teach us, but he doesn't initiate our stupidity. He doesn't trip us so we learn to get up again.  He just helps us back up. The past couple of days I have been memorizing some Bible texts...training myself to let them become a part of my rhythm in life. They are all centered on the notion of 'seeking' God. And there are always dichotomy's in that. We seek Him and yet He's already found us. We seek Him and yet He's already there. God asks us to seek Him with a 'whole' heart. He says if we seek Him with all our heart, He will be found by us. So I asked the question, what's the measure He uses? Certainly there's not a scale of 'seeking.'

I've read all the verses on seeking God. And I know that there is something about this call of God that is an all or nothing deal. There is a direct corrolation between our focus and His being seen. Seeing God doesn't happen on accident. Something happens that initiates our attention to seek. The truth is, I can't seek at all. It's God's Spirit in me that initiates the desire inside me. So listen to this crazy thought...God requires that we seek Him...and He even has to be the one that initiates us seeking Him...and ultimately it's His Spirit in us that allows us to see Him when we seek Him! I know. That's enough to make your head hurt.

So anyway, I'm walking. I'm crying. It's still cold out...like 20 degrees so my snot is running like a faucet and I'm trying to wipe my nose, clear my eyes, and think straight. I'm talking out loud. God. I'm hurting here. I'm seeking you. I'm tired of thinking of all this stuff around me. I just want to see You. I want to know You are still right here with me...in me. Straight up - just you and me here. I want to know the mountain I'm climbing is by You, of You, and in You. God I don't want to see a sign or some mystic cloud formation. I want You.

In those steps I kept hearing a chirp and I was wondering what happened to my ipod that how it sounded like a chirp or a skip in the song. Suddenly my head was about taken off by a bird. Through my tear covered eyes I watched a bright red cardinal perch on a branch about 3' foot above my head. I stopped and looked up. Beautiful. Bright. And immediately God spoke (not verbally so don't get wierded out); 'Andy. I care about the birds of the air. I know when one of their feathers is out of place. If I care and created the beauty of this little bird, how much more do I walk with you. I'm for you. I'm here.'

I stared at that bird for another minute as I cried. How long does a cardinal usually sit on a branch 3' away from a crying human and play stare down? Not usually this long. And then as quickly as he flew in, he flew away.

And  for an hour I walked. And I cried. And I talked.
But mostly I listened.

Perspective.

"Keep things in perspective." I'm sure you've heard it said to you before. But we all know it's easier said than done. This morning I drug my carcass out of bed at 3:15 am and hit the road to grab the Hummer Limo. From there I drove in some nasty, snowy weather to a pitiful home in Benton Harbor. It was plastered with 'Beware of Dog' signs and sat in an area that's frequently on the news for all the wrong reasons. The only thing that made me feel safe was that it was so early and there weren't any humans stirring about.

After waiting for a while, out came the mom along with 4 children probably in the 5-10 year old range. I was picking up a family to take them to the South Bend airport. You could tell that they had never seen the inside of a limo before and once they learned they could lower the partition between me and them they sat in a little row watching me drive. I tell you this because today was one of those days where God had me step back and look at my life in perspective.

One of the children is a 9 year old boy. They were headed to Disney World in Orlando Florida. Not one of them had ever been on an airplane, including the mom. They were headed there because of the generosity of an amazing program called 'Make a Wish Foundation.' I picked up a young boy who is in his 'last days.' Perspective. Can you imagine the single mom's emotions? Can you imagine knowing one of your children is entering the last phase of their life? Can you imagine the little boy and all the hours he's had to spend in the hosptial - all to find out that there is no cure? Maybe he doesn't even know it? Maybe he does? Can you imagine the confusion for his siblings? I wonder what their perspective of God is? I wonder if it matters to them where they live or what they eat?
I could obviously go on, but all I really wanted to do was step back - and consider the things of this world, and the things I value in this life.
We all have days where our perspective is challenged. Today was one for me.
Perspective.