Wow! It's almost Christmas and I'm so pumped about what God has in store for us at the Christmas Eve service. So many guests will be there and hearing the gospel in a clear way! Our music team is going to have a blast leading us in carols and some great special music. And our Christmas choir seems to be growing by the day. It's not your typical "church" choir.
It's going to be an incredible night and I can't wait........until it's over. Isn't that sad?! But wait, because it's not sad. It's exciting. Let me clarify. I'm loving my Christmas season. I'm super pumped about Christmas Eve. I'm seeing lives changed by Jesus Christ and people turning to Him for the first time. And I'm having so much fun watching my boys enjoy the trees and lights. So why can't I wait 'til Dec 24th at 7:00p?!
Because I'm going on vacation afterward!!! I get to go hang with my wife and kids for a week. I get to enjoy the outdoors in the middle of Virginia. I get to relax. And I can't wait.
You might think this is a weird post, but let me explain why I've written it. You need a vacation! Well, maybe you do. Do you work hard at your job, pour into your family and friends, love your spouse, give everything you have to serve the Lord? If yes, then you need a break. It's ok to take it. And it's ok to look forward to it! The abundant life Jesus offers is full of incredible things. Each new day holds some amazing possibilities. And I understand the drive to always be doing something. But Jesus was NOT opposed to rest. Don't forget, he got in a boat and went to sleep while people stood at the shore probably screaming and yelling for him to help them. He knew he needed to rest. And He is obviously very smart.
I have to remember this myself. I'm already making my trip to-do list. Haha. It's just how I'm wired. "What can I get done while I'm away?" And while it is good to get away and think about my job and my home, I have to make sure I just get away. My long term impact will be much, much greater. And so will yours.
I can't wait for Christmas Eve. It's going to be an awesome night and it will kickoff an awesome week away. That's not the point. The point is this: if Jesus needed rest...so do you and I. Sleep tight and Merry Christmas!
12.15.2010
11.25.2010
Let me just say...Happy Thanksgiving
So I'm sitting in my bedroom at 12:30a. It's officially Thanksgiving here in Des Plaines, IL and I want to write something on my blog. So what should it be? Some generic statements about this holiday or what foods I might eat tomorrow? No way. I want to write about the "thanks" I've gotten to hear this week.
Last Sunday, our church had everyone write down what they were thankful for. It was then my job to go through all of the cards and pick out different statements to be read at our service earlier tonight. The final product was a 7-minute narration done by 3 people. It was really something to hear.
But let me tell you...it was way better to get to read everything people had written. It's always encouraging to know that people are thankful and to know what for. But to see how thankful so many people were. They were basically screaming onto the paper their thankfulness, and it was clearly to God. So many had met Jesus for the first time in 2010. Others had gone through rough times but were absolutely aware of God's presence in their lives. Still others were thankful for new jobs, new family, food, our Armed Services, our church, God's Word, supportive friends, specific ministries, and on and on. Over 150 cards.
Overall, I was struck by the number of different things written on these cards. In other words, I thought there would be tons of duplicates. The same thing said in different ways. But there was fresh thought after fresh thought. New praise and new trial. It was wild. There is so much going on in people's lives!!! It's amazing! First, I don't know how God keeps track. And second, I don't know exactly how to describe to you what I read, but just take my word...much is going on and there is much to be thankful for.
Now we pause. Let's think about life around us. So many people spend their days complaining...about family, jobs, money, homes, pets, cities, weather. Maybe it's all day. Maybe it's just parts of the day. But so many of us do it. Yes you! But when we stop and really do things God wants us to do (like on this holiday), our whole mentality shifts. It changes something in us. My question: I wonder how we keep it there? "Living Thanksgiving all year round" just doesn't seem to actually work. Does it?
I sort of have an answer to that question. I've got a routine I've figured out to stay thankful. It's simple and not really a big deal. So no need to discuss it. But I've thought it through. I would encourage you to stop, make a list, and be thankful. Today. But then really think about my question and make it your own: "How do I keep it there?" Or even: "How do I keep me there?" Want a hint: The first thing my Grandma wrote on her card this year, "of course, grace and mercy." Of course. :)
Last Sunday, our church had everyone write down what they were thankful for. It was then my job to go through all of the cards and pick out different statements to be read at our service earlier tonight. The final product was a 7-minute narration done by 3 people. It was really something to hear.
But let me tell you...it was way better to get to read everything people had written. It's always encouraging to know that people are thankful and to know what for. But to see how thankful so many people were. They were basically screaming onto the paper their thankfulness, and it was clearly to God. So many had met Jesus for the first time in 2010. Others had gone through rough times but were absolutely aware of God's presence in their lives. Still others were thankful for new jobs, new family, food, our Armed Services, our church, God's Word, supportive friends, specific ministries, and on and on. Over 150 cards.
Overall, I was struck by the number of different things written on these cards. In other words, I thought there would be tons of duplicates. The same thing said in different ways. But there was fresh thought after fresh thought. New praise and new trial. It was wild. There is so much going on in people's lives!!! It's amazing! First, I don't know how God keeps track. And second, I don't know exactly how to describe to you what I read, but just take my word...much is going on and there is much to be thankful for.
Now we pause. Let's think about life around us. So many people spend their days complaining...about family, jobs, money, homes, pets, cities, weather. Maybe it's all day. Maybe it's just parts of the day. But so many of us do it. Yes you! But when we stop and really do things God wants us to do (like on this holiday), our whole mentality shifts. It changes something in us. My question: I wonder how we keep it there? "Living Thanksgiving all year round" just doesn't seem to actually work. Does it?
I sort of have an answer to that question. I've got a routine I've figured out to stay thankful. It's simple and not really a big deal. So no need to discuss it. But I've thought it through. I would encourage you to stop, make a list, and be thankful. Today. But then really think about my question and make it your own: "How do I keep it there?" Or even: "How do I keep me there?" Want a hint: The first thing my Grandma wrote on her card this year, "of course, grace and mercy." Of course. :)
10.06.2010
Listening to God
This isn't going to be a long, detailed, drawn out, stretched out explanation of what it means to listen to God :). I just want to comment on two of the main ways to "listen to God" and how people just don't do it! You might think this refers to a specific situation or two, but it doesn't. It's way too common to be labeled that way.
1. The Bible - This is the BEST way. It's literally God's Word. But here's the deal: I guess I've been having trouble lately figuring out people who read what it says and then walk away from it and do the opposite (I know... James said the same thing!). And it's not necessarily people who forget what it says or wonder about a gray area. I'm talking about clear as day, can't miss it, in front of my face "this is what God wants". And they just say no. And then wonder what's wrong.
2. Pastors - if you are able to be in a church with a godly pastor who truly cares about the Word and is speaking it into your life, great! That's such a blessing and many times God speaks through those men to grow his body. But again, some people hear what they say and choose not to listen. I've seen it over and over and over. And I know many of you are thoughtfully thinking "Brian, it's ok. Don't be so frustrated. That's just how it always has been and how it always will be." And I know that. I actually know that very well and even understand it biblically. And I move forward from these situations trusting God. Still doesn't mean I have to be ok with it.
These situations are sad and annoying and frustrating, even though I know this will continue for the rest of my life. God does talk and you can listen. But you have to listen to Him, not you!!! It's often devastating to watch someone walk away from God knowing you probably care more for them and want what God wants for them more than they do. But it is their choice.
And you want to know the saddest part? Sometimes I act the same way.
1. The Bible - This is the BEST way. It's literally God's Word. But here's the deal: I guess I've been having trouble lately figuring out people who read what it says and then walk away from it and do the opposite (I know... James said the same thing!). And it's not necessarily people who forget what it says or wonder about a gray area. I'm talking about clear as day, can't miss it, in front of my face "this is what God wants". And they just say no. And then wonder what's wrong.
2. Pastors - if you are able to be in a church with a godly pastor who truly cares about the Word and is speaking it into your life, great! That's such a blessing and many times God speaks through those men to grow his body. But again, some people hear what they say and choose not to listen. I've seen it over and over and over. And I know many of you are thoughtfully thinking "Brian, it's ok. Don't be so frustrated. That's just how it always has been and how it always will be." And I know that. I actually know that very well and even understand it biblically. And I move forward from these situations trusting God. Still doesn't mean I have to be ok with it.
These situations are sad and annoying and frustrating, even though I know this will continue for the rest of my life. God does talk and you can listen. But you have to listen to Him, not you!!! It's often devastating to watch someone walk away from God knowing you probably care more for them and want what God wants for them more than they do. But it is their choice.
And you want to know the saddest part? Sometimes I act the same way.
8.25.2010
Give It Everything???
Let me first say "welcome!" I'm pumped to be writing my first entry on my brand new blog. The last few months have been quite a time for myself and my family. To quickly summarize, we have been moving our family, leaving friends, leaving family, coming back to old friends and family, making new friends, buying a house, buying a car, learning a new job, remodeling a house, and still changing diapers (though my wife gets credit for like 90% of those). Simply put, it has been a lot. There have been many tears, both of sadness and joy. But I'm so excited to be right where God has me and look forward to the future. This blog is part of that future. And while I will do some entries in the future that discuss our move a little more, today I want to explain the title of my blog..."Give It Everything."
As I've changed jobs and moved up here, and even in months leading up to this change, I've often thought about this question, "What's my thing?" I love God and love serving Him. I love His Word and know that the answers it holds satisfy every question, if people would just look. I love people! Sitting at lunch with someone and talking is incredible. Learning how to love them, what they like, what they need. I really enjoy it. But when you put it all together, what's my thing? I know that glorifying God is the ultimate goal each day I live, but how has He made me to do that?
I settled on this: my thing is to give everything I have to everything I do. When I lead singing on Sunday, give it everything I have in my bones, muscles, heart, mind, soul, lungs...everything. When I work on a small group spread sheet, give it everything. When I pick a new song for our church, give it everything. When I meet with a college student over coffee, give it everything. When I play with my little boys, give it everything. When I go on a date with my wife, give it everything (no business texts!).
God has given us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Everything He needs us to do can be accomplished in that time. Otherwise He would have given us more!!! But in that time, we must focus and maximize our efforts. Why do something 50%? Or 30%? Or even 90%? If your answer is "I'm tired", then rest more. I love what I heard from a friend of mine, "Work hard. Play hard. Rest hard." It's so true! I've never been afraid to sleep for 8-9 hours when I need it. I've never shied away from a 3-day getaway. Jesus stopped healing people so He could go sleep on a boat! Yeah, seriously. I think that's the perfect picture of giving everything you have. So tired from serving that He collapsed into sleep amidst a brutal storm.
That's giving it everything. In the coming months and years, I hope we all do this more and more. Let's be clear, I'm not always executing this in each area of my life yet. But I'm working on it. And I'm thinking about it. I'm reminding myself that John Piper's book title Don't Waste Your Life is not only true, but a great statement to read every few days. Let's dig in and give everything we have to the Lord every day, whether tedious task or relaxing conversation with a loved one. Thanks for reading and God bless.
As I've changed jobs and moved up here, and even in months leading up to this change, I've often thought about this question, "What's my thing?" I love God and love serving Him. I love His Word and know that the answers it holds satisfy every question, if people would just look. I love people! Sitting at lunch with someone and talking is incredible. Learning how to love them, what they like, what they need. I really enjoy it. But when you put it all together, what's my thing? I know that glorifying God is the ultimate goal each day I live, but how has He made me to do that?
I settled on this: my thing is to give everything I have to everything I do. When I lead singing on Sunday, give it everything I have in my bones, muscles, heart, mind, soul, lungs...everything. When I work on a small group spread sheet, give it everything. When I pick a new song for our church, give it everything. When I meet with a college student over coffee, give it everything. When I play with my little boys, give it everything. When I go on a date with my wife, give it everything (no business texts!).
God has given us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Everything He needs us to do can be accomplished in that time. Otherwise He would have given us more!!! But in that time, we must focus and maximize our efforts. Why do something 50%? Or 30%? Or even 90%? If your answer is "I'm tired", then rest more. I love what I heard from a friend of mine, "Work hard. Play hard. Rest hard." It's so true! I've never been afraid to sleep for 8-9 hours when I need it. I've never shied away from a 3-day getaway. Jesus stopped healing people so He could go sleep on a boat! Yeah, seriously. I think that's the perfect picture of giving everything you have. So tired from serving that He collapsed into sleep amidst a brutal storm.
That's giving it everything. In the coming months and years, I hope we all do this more and more. Let's be clear, I'm not always executing this in each area of my life yet. But I'm working on it. And I'm thinking about it. I'm reminding myself that John Piper's book title Don't Waste Your Life is not only true, but a great statement to read every few days. Let's dig in and give everything we have to the Lord every day, whether tedious task or relaxing conversation with a loved one. Thanks for reading and God bless.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)