I'd Rather Be Fishing: A Story About Lifestyle Discipleship - Published

It has been about two years since I began the journey to write and publish a book. After finishing and having people read it, give suggestions and make sure everything flows, I finally published it on Kindle Direct Publishing. I have learned a lot through the process and have enjoyed the journey. 

I am sure there will be things some will disagree with concerning some of how I think and with some of the content. My goal was to tell a story which brought to life the connections we can have with people, breaking down barriers in order to show people both truth and grace. 

For those who may read it, I ask you learn something about God and maybe even for yourself. 

Click on the image below for a link on Amazon where you can get the book. It is both in paperback and on kindle: 

Moving from Transactional to Relational

In my final read through of the book I was also reading a book called "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara. Great book! I would highly recommend it for anyone who connects with people on a regular basis. 

He was talking about gift giving. In the restaurant where he used to be a co-owner, they liked to practice hospitality by giving gifts. He writes, "Gifts to me, are deeply meaningful, which is why I get so mad when a business gives me a cheap tote with a branded USB drive. Try harder! Do better! Gifts are a way to tell people you saw, heard and recognized them--that you cared enough to listen, and to do something with what you heard. A gift transforms an interaction, taking it from transactional to relational" (pg. 217).

So the question becomes for churches and Christians are we more focused on making a transaction or building relationship with people. A lot of non-believers believe the church and some Christians see them as a project and once the transaction is made to become a member we are done and we can move on to someone else. 

Jesus came so that lost people could have the gift of grace, but he was focused on the person because he loved them and wanted the best for them. He listened to them, saw them and recognized them. Then he gave the most sacrificial gift he could, himself. 

As I was reading this book and doing the final read through, it clicked. This is what discipleship is really all about. It is not making transactions for the kingdom. It is about building relationships with the people you do life with and because of your relationship with God they become curious and ask questions. 

If we are going to make disciples, we have to move from transactional to relational.

This excerpt was added late to focus on the concept that disciple making is not a transaction, it is relational.

Read todays excerpt:

Simon continues their conversation, “The events of the last few days have given me a lot to think about. The time with Miguel and Doug was spontaneous and authentic. We trust each other and can talk about anything with no pressure of having to join anything. It was relational. Then we go to the golf banquet for the church league and church structure is so off putting. They don’t really care about building relationships, they are using the golf league to get more members who can just boost their numbers. I am really starting to see what is so wrong with the church structure being on the other side. It is so transactional. Maybe I should go forward and repent for the last 30 years.” 

“Before you go do something stupid,” Kay says, “there was some positive which happened last night. Think about the guys who came up to Bruce afterwards. They wanted him to play golf because they respect his game. He is going to make new friends.”

“That’s true,” Simon responds. “But there is a part of me who wonders if that is just part of the system. They are wanting to hang out with him just to get him to join the church. I don’t think that is their motive, but it is probably talked about enough from the church leaders they naturally believe that is what they are supposed to do. They have never been taught to be disciples who make disciples.”

“It is the system that has worked for centuries,” Kay responds. “It is hard to change something that has become so normal.”

“Has it really been working?” Simon says.

“What do you mean?” Kay asks.

“The system has done a great job of getting people to go to church,” Simon responds, “It has made good church goers. But has it made good disciples, people who follow Jesus? Take Miguel and Doug, they want nothing to do with the church because of the example they have seen from followers.”

“Nobody is going to be perfect,” Kays says. “That is just their excuse.”

“True, it's an excuse,” Simon says. “But they have never seen or heard that there is a difference between their perception and the reality. They are curious because we own up to the fact no one is perfect. We talk more about following Jesus than just joining the church. I mean it would be great if they would want to be part of the church, but what they really need is for Jesus to be part of their life first. Honestly, there are a lot of church goers who need to make Jesus a part of their life first as well. There is a lot of disciple making to be done within the walls of the church.”

“Why do you think that is so hard to do?” Kay asks reflecting on the frustrations Simon had in ministry. 

“When church goers are challenged, taken out of their comfort, they will find another place with less accountability,” Simon responds. “Most people want to be able to go to church and live like everyone else, with no accountability to become more like Jesus. Part of this mentality is not teaching the Lordship of Jesus for a believer. As long as they are committed to the church then everything must be all right.”

They sit there quietly for a few minutes. They are just taking in the sun as it rises above the bridge in the distance. Simon is reminded in that moment that God is in control and he is able to do amazing things if we just trust His presence. Even though the sun has been rising for thousands of years, it is still incredible. 

Simon says, “Are you ready to head in?” 

Kay looks at Simon saying, “In just minute. I was thinking about our conversation while we were sitting here quietly watching the sun come up. The gentleness of the kayak moving up and down. In the stillness and quietness, I thought about something you said. You were talking about your conversation with Miguel and Doug being relational. Then you talked about the church golf banquet being so processed and you used the word transactional. Disciple-making is not a transaction, it is a relationship. It is a relationship with God and Jesus and it is a relationship with other believers who are challenging others to live out their faith.”

Simon sits there for a moment and then says, “That was the tension I lived through for so long as a pastor. The pressure is to make Christianity a transaction rather than about the relationship. Thanks for clearing that up for me Kay!”

“You’re welcome. That is what I am here for, to clean up your mess. And believe me, it is a difficult burden to bear,” Kay says with a smile. “Let’s head back to the house.”

What is God Teaching You?

 One of the key take aways from the book is to experience God by asking this question, "What is God teaching you today?" This is a question I have used for years when I have led short term missions trips and even in studies I have done with other groups of people. 

This is a question we use in our huddles which meet after worship on Sunday morning. The huddles are set up to be with other believers who are striving to be more like Jesus in every area of their life. It is a time to debrief what God may be teaching you through the week or even during worship on that morning. Then within a relational context you have people to encourage you to live out your faith. 

In the excerpt I am going to post today, there was a moment I began to see God teaching me something. While through the book I am critical of the attractional model of church growth I am trying to be careful not to bash the church. I love the church and think it can be a force in the world once again if we humble ourselves and get back to what Jesus asks us to become. We need to become disciples who make disciples who make disciples. 

Writing the section below reaffirmed for me the church can be a catalyst for disciple making. Sometimes it happens by chance with people who are already believers that go to church. The question is, what would happen if we were more intentional about disciple making within the context of the church? I believe, real life change can happen with those who already believe and those who are on the edge of belief. 

Todays excerpt:

When they walk out of the worship center, they see Miguel sitting at a table with a cup of coffee talking to a couple guys from the church. When they approach the table Miguel says, “Hey, these guys were fishing yesterday with us Captain Doug. They recognized me. They came up to me thinking I went to this church. I told them this is my first time. Look, we even get a gift bag for being here today! Fill out this card and take it to that booth.” 

Captain Doug grabs his gift bag and they all head to the Irish pub to eat lunch together. After they get seated and order their food Simon gets to the question he has been wanting to ask all morning to Captain Doug, “So what did God teach you guys today?”

Miguel jumps right in, too Simon’s surprise, “There are some very nice people at First Church.”

Simon responds, “Yes, there are good people who are at every church. People who really love God and other people. What about you Doug?”

Doug leans back thinking about how he is going explain his experience. As he sits back up, he puts his elbows on the table beginning to explain what God taught him, “I had a really good experience. Now that I am trusting and following Jesus, the songs really had a deeper meaning. The words really connected with me.”

Kay says, “Really? That is nice to hear. Where Simon was a pastor before we moved here there were quite a few long time Christians who would leave early or come late. They never listened to the words. They just didn’t like the music. It was not their style.”

“Yeah, I figured that was the case as I watched some people not paying a lot of attention,” Doug said. 

“That is a good observation,” Simon says. “What about Pastor Steve? Did anything he say bother you?”

“Actually, yes.” Doug said. Simon thought he was now going to talk about how there was a subtle plea for giving to the church. Doug continued, “I have been very blessed. I am doing something I love to do every day. I live at the beach which is a lot of people’s dream. I was challenged today to think about how to take what I am blessed with and bless others.”

“What is bothering you about that?” Sue asks. “That sounds great!”

“What is bothering me is there is no direction in what I am thinking about,” Doug says. “The only direction that was given this morning was to give an offering. I mean, I could do that but then I would just be giving money. I want to be more involved in being generous than just giving money. So, I am trying to figure out how to be more generous in my everyday life. Giving an offering just seems too easy and out of touch.”

Now Simon sits back trying to think about what to say. Captain Doug seems somewhat bothered by the plea for more giving to the church, but he looked past that ask and saw something deeper, something more life changing. He is not mad for the ask; he even seems like he would be alright to give something. He is just struggling with where God is leading him in everyday life. 

Bruce notices Simon is in deep thought. “Hey, what are you thinking about?” he asks. “Can you give us any direction here?” 

Simon looks at Bruce and says, “Us?”

“Yeah, us,” Bruce says as he motions with his hand around the table including everybody. “We all could understand better how to become more generous in everyday life.” 

Kay looks at Simon with a smile saying, “What is God teaching you today, Simon?”

Overcoming Fear

 In a couple of my online writing classes the author leading the class talks about overcoming fear. The fear that needs to be overcome is sharing the book with others. You begin to ask questions as you begin to share it. Does what I wrote suck? Is it worth reading? It is not a very humble act to say, "I have written a book and you need to read it." 

They're right, the struggle is real. It is almost embarrassing to mention that I have written a book. 

Here is how I am overcoming the fear. "I'd Rather Be Fishing," while I believe every church leader and Christian needs to live as a disciple maker, the process of writing a book enabled me to put into words a part of who I am and what I believe Jesus wants me to be. 

I my not be a charter captain in the Florida panhandle, but I can be someone who helps people know and become closer to Jesus. And I believe every believer can!

As I share some excerpts from the book to get some feed back, I do so out of a place of humility as someone overcoming fear. 

Here is the first excerpt:

While they are laughing one of Simon’s poles takes off. “Flip the bail!” Miguel yells. “When you feel the slightest tension give it three quick jerks to set the hook.” Simon follows the instructions of his new teacher. He has a fish on and this one is different than the redfish he caught a few weeks before. Miguel is coaching him as the fight between man and fish continues with great intensity. 

Simon is amazed at how much fight the fish has, it is like nothing he has ever hooked before. After fighting it for about 20 minutes and after a few runs with the reel screaming, the line goes slack. As quickly as the fight began it was now over. Simon had lost the fish. 

Miguel puts his hand on Simon’s shoulder because he can tell he feels defeated, “Sometimes there is nothing you can do. You do all the right things and for whatever reason the fish just comes off. Cherish the fight you had for twenty minutes, some people never get to experience what you just got to experience. You know why?”

Simon looks into Miguel’s eyes intently as his teacher begins to explain, “Patience. Most people are not patient enough to stay the course. They get distracted by other things. They give up to easy. Let’s get our lines back in the water, maybe you will get another chance.”

Dave shows up. They tell him about the fish Simon lost. They fish a little longer and then head to the restaurant to grab a bite to eat. They each get a beer as they are waiting for their food. 

Miguel asks, “So what did you do before you moved down here to learn to fish?”

“I was a pastor for the last 30 years,” Simon replies. 

Miguel and Dave get silent and pause. They have that look on their face that Simon has seen many times before when people had found out what he does. It is not a look of disappointment or shock. It is thinking back trying to remember if there were things they may have said or done that might have been offensive to a man of the cloth.

“I am sorry if I said anything to offend you over the last few weeks,” Dave replies. 

“You have never offended me with anything you said or did,” Simon responds. “Everyone always responds that way when they hear about me being a pastor.” 

“So why did you stop being a pastor?” Miguel asks.

“I was tired of running the machine,” he responds.

“The machine?” says Miguel. 

“The church,” he replied, “I got tired of running the church. There was all this pressure to get people to attend on Sunday morning. Then there was pressure to make sure the giving was high enough to pay for maintaining the building and supporting the programs that were going on. And you had to keep people happy so they would not leave and go to another church. People began to see it as a business rather than a gathering of people who were doing life together and encouraging one another through the difficulties of life.” 

The food comes in the middle of Simon’s explanation. He says, “I am sorry to bore you with all of that, it still fires me up to think about it.”

“No problem,” Miguel says as he takes a bite out of a french fry. “So what did you want to focus on if not the church?”

“Jesus,” he says, “it is all about Jesus. The goal is to challenge people to live more like Jesus tomorrow than they did today in every area of their life. It is not just about getting them to attend. This vision can happen in a church and there are churches that do it well. But most have lost their focus and get upset when you try to get them back on track.”

“Interesting,” Miguel responds.

“What’s Interesting?” Simon says. 

“Now you have become my teacher,” Miguel says, “I want to know more about this Jesus you are talking about. He sounds like a different Jesus than I have always heard about. You know, the one the church promotes, but does not always live like.” 

I'd Rather Be Fishing

 We've all seen the phrase, "I'd Rather Be Fishing," either on a t-shirt, a bumpersticker or something. This couldn't be a truer statement for me. I love to fish! 

I was having lunch with a minister friend. He asked me what I would do if I could do anything else. I told him I would own a fishing charter where I could fish all the time, taking people out in hopes to get into spiritual conversations with them. I would not initiate the conversations, I would just take them fishing and through basic conversations if the opportunity arose I would just answer questions they may have about my own personal faith. 

I took the vision from that conversation and began to write a story about a pastor who got out of ministry after 30 years, moved to the coast and began to fish. Hanging out with different guys on a pier led to helping on a party boat. Through conversations and building relationships life change began to happen with the guys this once pastor, Simon, was hanging out with. 

As I was writing the story I realized this is not only true in a literal sense, putting bait on the end of a line and throwing it into a lake, river or ocean. This is true in a spiritual sense as well. I went into ministry because I wanted to follow Jesus and connect people far from Him, to Him. Jesus told a segment of His disciples who were fishermen, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."

This is why I went into ministry, but this is not what ministry has become for the most part. The tension is between attracting a crowd and making disciples. The attractional model of church growth is about making the right transactions so that the church will grow numerically, the giving is up and people are serving. The goal is moving people through a process to become good members of the church. 

Making disciples is relational. Hanging out with people whether they are friends, relatives, co-workers or etc. Living like Jesus in your everyday life in such a way that people begin to ask questions about the values you live by because they are curious. 

The church should be about making disciples. Through the story that unfolds in the book, Simon spends time with the pastor of the church he goes to trying to share with him the focus of making disciples. The tension is real and I learned somethings about myself through writing this book. 

I learned, the church can be a good experience for those curious within the context of relationship. The church can help start spiritual conversations for those who are both unchurched and churched if there is a way to process the challenge of being more like Jesus. This challenge needs to happen within the context of relationship. 

The need for discipling relationships should be encouraged and given space and the time to grow naturally. I mean this was the way of Jesus, Right?   

Learning through Writing

 It's been a while since I posted something. But it doesn't mean I have not been writing. I took a Facebook online class with Bob Goff after reading his book "Dream Big." One of the things he talked about was writing 1000 bad words a day. While I did not accomplish 1000 bad words a day, I did do the exercise a few times a week. 

Then I decided to write a book. I went through a few online classes from other author's through Master Class. 

Through 2022, I wrote a book which is finished. I am now looking at publishing options trying to learn what that process looks like. I have to say, the process of writing a book is challenging and rewarding. I have learned some things through the process. Actually, putting thoughts down on paper helps thinking through some things and I actually learned some things from myself, if that makes sense. 

I have decided to put some of what I learned myself while writing the book, using some excerpts from the book. I would love to hear your feedback. Who, knows, maybe I will learn some other things through this process. 

Moving from Gathered to Sent

I was with some guys the other night on my deck. I was introducing the new book we were going to do together. "Revival Starts Here" by David Clayton. So we talked a little bit about it and assigned the next reading.

We then began to talk about the effects of Covid-19 on the church. I talked to them a little bit about what I wrote in my last post. One of the guys said, "Maybe we need to look at ourselves (the church) as a sent church that gathers rather than a gathering church that is sent." What are the implications of that paradigm?

First, we would be living our lives as disciples within the context of our everyday life. We are just doing life as a follower, bringing God's Kingdom to the context of everyday life. Not preaching and teaching to everyone. But as Michael Frost says to live a questionable life in such a way it leads to kingdom conversations. When people ask you "why" you live a certain way it becomes an opportunity to share that you try to live by the values of Jesus. The Kingdom becomes visible by what you do, not what you say.

Second, the gathering becomes a celebration of what God is doing in our lives 24/7. We are not just coming together to check in, sing some songs, give an offering, take communion and hear someone give us a pep talk to get us through the next week. The Kingdom becomes real in our everyday life and we can't wait to celebrate with others living the sent life.

Third, the gathering becomes what it is meant to be, a place we find encouragement. A place we spur one another on in love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). It encourages us focus on being sent into the world to make disciples.

Finally, we begin to see God moving through our life personally and the life of the church. It is God, literally building His church through us, a church in which is pushing back the gates of hell.

Instead of saying, "If someone is seeking God, they can come to the gathering."

We begin to live with God and His kingdom at the forefront of our lives.

Jesus does tell us to "Seek first His Kingdom."

Time for some Humble Pie

"I'll go out as before and shake myself free" is what Samson said when he was seized by the Philistines. God had blessed Samaon greatly and his strength came from God. God had said as long as he would not cut his hair he would retain his stength. Slowly Samson began to think his stregth came from himself. He became self-reliant until one day he revealed the secrect to his strength. Deliah cut his hair and Samson mistakingly thought he could just shake himself free as before. As the church we have become self-reliant. We see our success comes when we are able to do the right things that can make our church grow. By grow I mean in the number of people who attend. I heard a pastor rant in a video how we need to stand up to the govenrment and come back and gather like we were before. We needed to forget social distancing, masks and any kind of safety measures. While that sounds like what we should do to some and maybe the most faithful thing to do, we are also called by Jesus to be peacemakers. This pastor said something that was troubling to me. He said "the power we have comes from the gathering." The power comes from the people who are called to gather. Really? I always thought that our power came from God. I thought our power came from what Jesus did on the cross. I thought our power came from the Holy Spirit who leads our life. This is always what I had been taught growing up and in Seminary. I was always taught we should not be self-reliant, which is what Adam and Eve sought when the ate the fruit from the tree. I was never taught our power as the church comes from us and the gathering. Has the church become to prideful in the way it fucntions and conducts business? Is what we are going through right now a wake up call to begin to rely on God and not lean on our own understanding? I mean everyone I talk to is trying to figure out how to get back to the gathering. Very few are talking about what God is doing outside the gathering. You see, Samson thought he would just be able to shake himself free by his own power. That pride bound him, blinded him and and led to greater burden. It was not until he humbled himself that he regained his strength. Here is his prayer: "O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strenghten me just once more . . . (Judges 16:28). Maybe we should pray for God's power and strength rather than trying to do it on our own. It is time we humble ourselves before God and allow Him to build His church the way He wants the church to be built. It is time we call on God's power to end the virus' spread and heal everyone who currently has the virus. It is time we call on God's power to bring us together dispite our race. Let's all spend some time calling on God's power to change us and bring peace to the world. It is time to humble ourselves before God!

Don't Ger to Comfortable

I was Reading Bob Goff's new book "Dream Big." I wrote a note in the margins that says this, "One of the most powerful paragraphs I have ever read." He is talking about a time in Somalia that got a little tense to say the least. In the chaos he says "Yikes!" Here is a portion of the paragraph: "I know it doesn't sound big, deep, and theological, but it's big, deep, and theological. Here's why. I've spent my whole life becomming more and more comfortable. I have a house, a car, a boat. . . What I have discovered is that comfortable people don't need Jesus and don't chase their ambitions--desperate people do." It made me think about myself and the the church. Have we become to comfortable in our faith? This time during the pandemic has made us very uncomfortable. We don't know what the next week, month or year is going to look like. We have become desperate in a sense and long to just get back to what is comfortable. But what happens if we lean into the discomfort looking toward Jesus as our place of peace? Where will He lead us/you over the months ahead? How can He build His church to advance His Kingdom in ways we would never experience in our comfort? The only way to know is to become desperate for Him. As Michael W. Smith's song "Breathe" says: "I am desperate for you, I am lost without you."

When God Teaches

Part of my renewed desire to blog comes from a spiritual journey I am on with some guys. We are reading a book together called "Revival Starts Here" by Dave Clayton. The book is described on the front cover as "A short conversation on Prayer, Fasting, and Revival." Not only are we reading it together, but in our discussions it is leading us to actually begin to take the time to fast an pray about some things. I am not going to get into what we are specifically praying and fasting about but I am going to briefly share what God is teaching me.

1. He is teaching me revival is not about a movement in which it is measured by a number of people attending a church service regularly. Revival is about God renewing a passion for what He is passionate about. In our discussions, all of the prayer and fasting centers around people who are in our families, co-workers, people we worship with and ourselves. The old hymn "Revive Us Again" nails where revival takes place: "Revive us again, fill each heart with thy love, may each soul be rekindled, with fire from above." This includes my soul and the the souls of those around me.

2. He is teaching me where our focus needs to be as a church and as a follower. As we go through this pandemic, we can begin to see what is most in important. Jim Collins said, "Good is the enemy of great." While having worship with others every Sunday is Good. And having a small group, Sunday School class and huddle is good. What is it that would make it great? Focusing on the right things make it great. A focus on what God is teaching us and how we are going to use what He teaches us moves us from good to great. While we desire to get back to the good things we had before, what is God teaching us through this time of exile that could make us great.

3. He is teaching me that I need to trust Him. During this time of fasting an prayer while I walk at lunch, He always leads my prayer time to a place I would have never thought of on my own. These last several blog posts come right after a time of prayer and fasting. These blog post are sort of a journal of that intentional time with God. It is a way for me to remember what He is teaching me as we walk and talk together.

When we are intentional to really seek God, He is always teaching us on that journey. Are you listening?

Yesterday I left with this question: What would the church look like today if we would let Jesus build us into a disciple making movement?

I imagine there would be a sense of excitement within the church much like what is describe in Acts 2:42-47. Imagine living a life of a disciple who takes disciple making seriously in their every day life. You have a life that is truly led by the Spirit. God begins to orchestrate opportunities to have spiritual conversations with people within your circle of influence. Not forced conversations, but conversations that naturally occur.

You are connected to a group of people who you are in a discipling relationship with and you can't wait to come back to share what God is doing in your life. Not because you have to gather, but because God is blessing you as you live as a disciple.

Coming to worship would begin to take on a whole meaning and experience. The body coming together to celebrate what God is doing as He advances His Kingdom!

When Jesus builds His Church, He is building believers into true disciples who are going out into the world they live in making disciples who begin a journey to be more like Jesus tomorrow than they are today. Baptizing them and teaching them to be more like Jesus. They are not just inviting people to come to a worship service. They are leading them to be more like Jesus. Then when they come to a worship gathering they are experiencing the excitement of what God is doing through His church. They are not just having a worship experience that is put together on a Sunday morning.

I believe we have to get back to Acts 2:42-47 experience! Instead of thinking through the programs and systems to run the church like a business, we begin to experience what it looks like to be a church led by the Spirit. A Church in which Jesus is building believers into true disciples. A Church in which God's Kingdom is impacting the world.

What is Jesus doing in your life?

In Matthew 10 Jesus gathers His 12 disciples together and sent them out to help people understand that the kingdom of God is near. He gave them some specific instructions and encouragement and then sent them out. We don't know how long they were gone. Matthew does not say.

But in Matthew 11, John the Baptist hears what Jesus was doing and sends one of his disciples to find out if Jesus was the one who was to come (Matt. 11:1-3). I wonder if John the Baptist was hearing what Jesus was doing because of the 12 that were sent out. I mean, Jesus did give them the authority to do the things He sends back to John as proof that He is the one to come. Some amazing things are going on in the life of the disciples as they are taking the good news to different villages.

While it is interesting to wonder how long they were out sharing the good news, I would like to know the conversations they were having with each other when they came back. The stories they would have about how they saw God moved in the lives they were sharing the good news. Also, how many people came back with them to see the Christ? At least 72 others. In Luke 10 Jesus appointed 72 others He sent out ahead of Him to every town. He gave them specific instructions and we never know when they return.

Maybe, just maybe, we don't know when they returned because this became a part of who they were. They just did life as a follower of Jesus where ever they went. It was now their life-style.

When they gathered they came back with stories of what God was doing and with new people who accepted the message about the good news. They came back with people who decided they now wanted to be part of the community of believers who are Jesus' disciples.

When Jesus said He would build His church, He was building people to become His disciples who would go out and make disciples who make disciples. As the number of true disciples grew, His Church grew and began to push back the gates of hell. What would this look like if His church lived this way today?

Building His Church Begins with You

While many times we get caught up in the function of the church and all the programs, ministries and systems that keep it running we forget the real building that needs to take place.

While we stand in the corner counting how many people are attending, the very people we count need more than just being a number on a piece of paper. They need spiritual leaders who are investing in their lives leading them to become more like Jesus tomorrow than they were today. This helps define the "what" Jesus is building to push back the gates of hell.

As people are being to built into authentic followers of Jesus, the Church is being built into a strong spiritual force. When spiritual leaders like Jesus stayed connected to people and intentionally invest in their spiritual well being the Church is being built. We often measure our success in the church world based on how many people we see showing up on a Sunday. Jesus measures it on the number of changed lives that occur through disciple making.

It is through disciple making we begin to see Jesus build His Church. Disciple making is the strategy Jesus used most successfully and it should be to strategy we use. It is easier to stand in the corner and count than it is to get involved in messy lives that need spiritual leaders who are willing to invest in seeing them become more like Jesus.

Jesus Builds His Church

Jesus said boldly, "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18).

Have you ever really thought about what Jesus means when He says "I will build my church"? Obviously He means that the church is His. He is Lord and King. He is in control and is the one that does the building. But builds into what?

What is Jesus trying to build when it comes to the church? Quickly the image that comes to mind is a large structural building with plenty of seating, a stage and maybe multiple services. People who long to "go" or "come" to church. The more you have "going" or "coming" must mean Jesus is really be pleased with you because He is building your church into something bigger and better. This is the paradigm we operate from isn't it? But is that the "what" that Jesus is trying to build? Probably not.

Jesus had something bigger and better in mind, but it is not what we perceive the church should look like. It is not in our own image, it is in the image of Jesus which should be in focus.

So, what is Jesus trying to build? Let's rephrase that, what is Jesus building, whether we are involved in the process or not?

Throughout the world Jesus is building His church and in many places the way we see the church, buildings, worship services and how many people come is not how they see The Church. Their focus is on one thing, "Making Disciples!" So much of the other stuff we focus on takes away from the mission and our involvement in Jesus building His church.

Sit and think about that for a while. In your disagreement, try to find verses that defend your paradigm. Let's walk together as we discover the "what" Jesus is building that push back the gates of hell!

Changing Lives

I love getting emails from my good friend Dereck Mushayamunda!

I just got this one today with this message:

"Thank you for your faithfulness for the cause of Christ. You have truly heard the voice of the Lord calling you for the time as this and you responded like Isaiah who said, 'Here am I Lord send me.' We had another water well drilled. We established a garden to help the widows. They are rejoicing in the joy of the Lord and truly are grateful for how you have made this possible for them. This is what Christian ministry is all about. Being practical. Helping people see Jesus through small things and practical ways. Please be praying with me that we can get more help to drill more water wells."

For the last seven or eight years we have taken up what we call "Advent Conspiracy" offering during our Christmas Candlelight Service. We use the money to retell the story of Christmas in a practical way. God changed our lives with the greatest gift he could give. Through Jesus we have life change and that is what we hope to do with our Advent Conspiracy offering.

When I was in Zimbabwe there were three things people did every day. Look for water, look for food and gather fire wood.

Through Advent Conspiracy one of the things we have been able to do is put five wells in different villages. As you can see from the picture it brings Life Change! They are able to get clean water and grow crops for food. Two of the things that are crucial in the life of the people in Zimbabwe.

The other thing that goes with a well is a church. They are not only receiving physical needs, but they are receiving the greatest gift of all. A gift that changes their life for eternity.

I think of John 4 when Jesus met the woman at the well and told her He would give her a water where she would never thirst again. Water brings Life Change her on earth. Living Water, a water in which we would never thirst again, brings Life Change for eternity!

Think about this when you drink some water today!

If  you want to know more about how you can help provide clean drinking water to Zimbabwe contact me through our website at: www.churchonnorthwest.com

Coke challenge

I walked up to the kitchen to get something to drink one afternoon. I got my usual Diet Coke. And of course I fell into the gimmick of Coke for the last two summers, I checked to see what the name was on the bottle. I had hoped that it was my first or last name. It was not, but it was the name of someone I know. 

I don’t know if it was one of those God moments or not but I felt like I should pray for the person whose name randomly appeared on my bottle of Diet Coke. And then I thought, I should do this every time.

Since that day I have noticed that every time I get a Diet Coke, I can associate the name on the bottle with someone I know, so I pray for them. I just pray simply for God to be with them, provide for them and protect them.

Is this some insane way God is working in my prayer life right now? I don’t know, but is it bad to be praying for people we know by name? Absolutely not! As a matter of fact I don’t think we pray for people by name enough just on a whim or on the spur of the moment. 

We pray for people when there is a need or a prayer request, but what about for those we know well and those who are just an acquaintance?

So my challenge to you this summer is to pray for people, people who randomly come up when you get a Coke. Some may need it right at that moment for whatever reason. Regardless of whether they need it specifically at the moment, we could all use it. #ShareaCoke #Prayforpeoplebyname

The Fear Factor

I was reading through Acts 9 recently. I tried not to focus on the story or Saul/Paul because I wanted see what other things God’s word reveals in that chapter. Verse 31 caught my attention. It is after Barnabas brings Saul/Paul to the Apostles and then was sent to Tarsus.

Then this is recorded by Luke: “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”

Saul/Paul is gone so there is no one really leading the charge against the church so there was a time of peace. During this time of peace the Holy Spirit did some work on the church. When the church gives room for the Spirit to work three things can happen.

1)      The church is strengthened.

2)      The church is encouraged.

3)      The church grows in numbers.

Why is this a reality in some churches and not in others? I believe because of the last line in this verse, “living in fear of the Lord.” Is it possible that one of the characteristics of disciples in the early church was the “Fear Factor?” After Ananias and Sapphira both dropped dead when they lied to the Spirit it says, “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11)

Instead of fearing the persecution of the world, the driving force behind allowing the Spirit to lead is fearing God. So the question is “Who do you fear? Man or God?” The answer to this question determines who it is you are going to try to please. If your goal is to try to make everyone happy and please them then you will probably quench the Spirit in the life of the church and your own life.

It you goal is to please God, then you will give room for the Spirit to do its work: to give strength, to encourage and produce growth.

Solomon had it right when he wrote: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Proverbs 9:10-12

Living in the Divine Space

I was in a meeting this week and someone mentioned something about the Divine space. A space where you are alone with God. Just you with the creator and the redeemer.

Since that day I have really been thinking about how often I live in that Divine space.

In Hebrews 10:22 it says, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

The image that comes to mind when I think of drawing near to God is a child who snuggles up close to a parent or grandparent with a book to have them read to them. Or a child that snuggles up close to someone to watch a movie for the 30^th time or a television show.

How often do you enter into that Divine space with God?

As I began to think through the Divine space even more I was reminded of one of my favorite professors, Dr. Joe Ellis. He introduced me to a book by Brother Lawrence called “The Practice of the Presence of God.” Brother Lawrence dedicated his life to “practicing the presence of God.” The summary of his principle was, “Live as though God is beside you and with you all the time—as indeed He is.”

Do you live within this Divine space?

My guess is not all the time. However I believe we should, like Brother Lawrence strive to live as though God is beside us all the time.

Brother Lawrence offered this prayer in his writings:

“I here and now submit myself again totally to you, without any reserve, not claiming your   presence as a right but resigning myself completely to your good and perfect will.”

Let’s all strive to live within the Divine space, surrendering ourselves fully to God. 

What is New for 2016?

At 12:01 am January 1st I was with some friends celebrating the coming of the New Year. The year 2015 will never be here again. It's gone. However 2015 went for you, whether it was a good year or a bad year, it is gone. So what is 2016 going to be like?

While there are some unforeseen things that could happen you do have the ability to make 2016 better than 2015. The biggest thing you can do to make 2016 better is to follow the wisdom from Isaiah the prophet.

     "Forget the former things;
          do not dwell in the past." Isaiah 43:18

There is nothing you can do about 2015 so stop dwelling on it! It's gone!

2016 is a "New" year. Look to the future. What changes can you make starting right now that can make 2016 better than 2015? Exercise regularly? Eat more healthy? Work on some of your relationships that have been hard?

Don't dwell on not being healthy, difficult relationships, a difficult work environment or struggling with an addiction. Decide today you are going to develop a plan to make 2016 better than 2015.

Isaiah goes on to write.

     "See, I am doing a New thing!
           Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
      I am making a way in the desert
           and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

Do you realize God is all about bringing life to the desert and wasteland? Do you realize he wants to do something "New" in your life?

So focus on what God wants to do with you. Don't dwell on the past, look toward a restoring God who wants 2016 to be better than 2015.

Maybe life has been going the wrong direction because you do not trust God enough to let Him do a New Thing, to restore a little peace to your life.

Maybe for 2016 to be better than 2015 you need to decide to let God do His work in you.

Sharper

Sunday I finished up a series called "Present" (you can listen to the messages here). The idea is that we need to be more present in the lives of people. Jesus modeled it by coming to earth to dwell among men. He was "Present" through the discipleship process as he chose 12 guys to do life with. He then tells his disciples to be "Present" in the world connecting people to Jesus as disciple makers.

I met with three groups this past week where we discussed Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." 

This verse means you need people in your life who are authentic, real and you trust enough to speak into your heart to make you a better person. While most agree that we need others to help us do life better we often forget this is not always a pleasant process.

In order for a knife, sword or tool to be sharpened there mus be some tension. There is a chipping away at the old in order to get a new, sharper edge. The problem is we don't liked to be stretched. We don't like the friction and tension. But this is what is necessary in order to be sharpened and get better. If we don't let others sharpen us then we can get pretty dull.

So there are a couple questions to consider:

1) Who do you let sharpen you  . . .

           . . . in your faith?
           . . . to be a better spouse?
           . . . to be a better parent?
           . . . to be a better friend?

2) Who are you sharpening?