What If They Shut Down the Churches?

Whenever I read 1 Peter, I'm reminded that things haven't historically gone well for Christians. Marginalization. Martyrdom. All sorts of mayhem from the hands of humans, inspired by the "roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). I can't help but sense in my gut that the times, they are a changing back. It's not easy being a Christian today. I'm not going to lay blame at the media. Nor am I going to over blow the failures of Christians and Christian leaders. The biblical fact remains, all of history leads to times getting bad for everyone...including Christians. Such lack of exemption shouldn't surprise us or paralyze us with discouragement. It should embolden us knowing that as things get worse, Christ's return is getting closer.

In the meantime, we are to embrace our hope in Christ and move about this earth as "God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God..." (1 Peter 2:9). We are "strangers in this world" (1 Peter 2:11).

If you need some encouragement in light of the times, read the lyrics from "A Cathedral Made of People" by Downhere. It's a great song that speaks honestly about Christian marginalization and persecution. What makes is great is that it reminds every Christian that "They can't touch you!" (I've also posted the link to a live video of Downhere's performance of the song).

Cathedral Made of People

If they shut down the churches,
Where would you go?
If they melted all the stained-glass windows
Replaced every sanctuary with a condo
Where would you go?
Where would you go?

We are a cathedral made of people
In a kingdom that the eye can't see
We're a house, we are the bride
Where God's Spirit lives inside
And nothing ever could stand against her

If they burned every Bible
What would you know?
If they tore your marked-up pages
How would you grow?
And declared your devotion to be criminal
What would you know?
What would you know?

When they throw you in prison
What will you do?
When they hate you for the things that you know are true
They can tear down this temple,
But they can't touch you.

An Every-Day Prayer for Every Leader

"O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don't let those who trust in you stumble because of me, O sovereign Lord Almighty. Don't le me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel."

(Psalm 69:5-6)

Leadership is tough enough without considering the fact that every leader is a human being with the full potential of being human...prone to sin and sin big. If you are in a position of influence or leadership, you should be able to identify with King David's prayer.

Husbands, if you love your wife, this is a good prayer for you everyday.

Fathers, if you love your children, this is a good prayer for you to pray every day.

Pastors, if you love your congregation, this is an good prayer for you to pray every day.

Leaders of all kinds, if you love and care about the people who follow you, this is a good prayer for you to pray every day.

Let's pray...

Don't Make God Laugh

Did you ever wonder what makes God laugh? Psalm 37:13 tells us one thing that makes God laugh..."The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment."

I have two takeaways from this verse. First, I don't want to make God laugh this way. It spells my doom and demise. Second, I take comfort, and so can you, knowing that whatever evil you face in your day that God will bring it to account someday in the future.

He sees all and some of it makes Him laugh.

Riverbank Baptisms

A crowd of over a hundred strong gathered last evening on the banks of the Juniata River to witness the baptisms of Emily Foltz, Susan Bailey, Meaghan Mills, and Maggi Bailey. With only minor prompting from me, the crowd cheered wildly and loudly every time Derek and I lifted one from beneath the waters. The sounds rivaled those heard at sporting events.

I woke up early yesterday morning with one thought, "I get to baptize people today!" Baptism never get old. It's one way I know the church is succeeding in its efforts to connect the Gospel with people. All heaven had to be stoked last night as each lady shared her story of the difference Christ has made in her life. Maggie acknowledged a new peace in her life. Susan has realized God's real companionship despite real loss. Meaghan championed God's help as she overcame some significant problems.

Eight-year old Emily had this to say,

"Throughout my life, I have learned about God at church, during Sunday school and at home with my parents. I believe there is only one God and he sent his son, Jesus, to earth. I have read how wonderful he is in the Bible. Because he died for me to get rid of my sins, I have decided to follow him. I decided to get baptized today because Jesus is my Lord and I want to trust him with the rest of my life!"

Attagirl, Emily! And, congratulations to Susan, Meaghan, and Maggi. Your decisions to follow Christ will never be a disappointment. Devonshire is so proud to be part of your lives and grateful that God has used our lives to encourage you in some significant way.

Stay tuned to DevonshireDiaries as a pictures will be posted soon.

Wanted: Dead but Alive

"In the same way, count yourselves DEAD to sin

BUT ALIVE to God in Christ Jesus."

(Romans 6:11)

I've been privilege to baptize Christ-followers for 22 years. And, the experience never gets old. Chills run down my spine every time I hear a believer say, "I want people to know that Jesus is my Lord and I will follow Him for the rest of my life." Four individuals were baptized yesterday at Devonshire Church. It was so encouraging!

Yet, it was also very challenging. Every time a believer is baptized it reminds me of my baptism. I made the same profession. And, there's the challenge. Every baptism I witness, I'm forced to ask the question,

"Am I living up to my baptism?"

You've heard the old slogan, "Wanted: Dead or Alive." But Saint Paul offers a different slogan for all of us who used to be spiritual outlaws, "Wanted: Dead BUT Alive!" In Christ, we can be both dead and alive. It's mysterious and it's real. When we were baptized into Christ, Saint Paul says we "were baptized into [Christ's] death" (Romans 6:3). He goes on to explain the mysterious benefit, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4).

Today, let me encourage you to live up to your baptism. "Count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:11). Say "no" to wickedness and "yes" to righteousness (Romans 6:11-14).

Life...It's All About the Shoes

I officiated a funeral the other day. Troy was 44 and larger than life, both in his big 6'3"/300+ lbs frame and his heart. God gave him a large body to house his huge heart for people. Many great things were said about Troy. Funny things. Sad things. Memorable things. But it was the funeral director's words that have stuck with me. Here's what she said (my paraphrase, except for the last line) as she came to the podium to close the service.

"You all came here today to celebrate the life of a man who lived only a short time on this earth. He is home now. It serves to remind us and make us think that life is short. None of us are promised another moment. We never know when our next moment might be our last. So, if you need to tell someone that you love them, then do it. If you need to forgive someone, then go forgive them. If you need to thank someone, then when you leave here today, go thank them. Because when you put your shoes on in the morning, you never know who might take them off at night."

I loved her sentiments. So, take her advice. Go live them in light of the fact that tomorrow might be too late. As a good friend of mine said to me today, "Go out with your boots on."

Billboards for God

"Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your souls and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads..." (The Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4-9).

When Moses spoke these words, he was talking to the men of his day. Loving God and reminding others to love God by obeying his commandments was the father's job.

Well, it's not my forehead, but now my hairless head has another use: Billboard for God!

There are 364 days until Father's Day 2010. Live these days for God. Then, see what God does in your family. I think you'll be amazed at how satisfied you'll be with the gift of children who love God. It will be God's perfect gift to you.

So, be a billboard for God

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17).

Who's Responsible?

I recently heard a statistic that certainly concerns me as a pastor. But, to be honest, it scares me as a parent. Brace yourself.

When children reach 18 and leave home, more than 80% leave an active Christian faith.

Ever since our sons took their first breaths, we’ve understood that God expected Lisa and me to help Jordan and Quinn “grow in wisdom (mentally), in stature (physically), in favor with God (spiritually), and other people (socially).” It’s the model of Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ parents (Luke 2:52).

We chose Jesus’ parents as role models, not because we perceive Jordan or Quinn to be messianic gifts to the world, but because we believe each boy is primarily God’s son, given specifically to us to raise for His glory and the earthly good of others.

So please, get my point: It is every parent’s responsibility to steward the holistic growth of his/her children.

With every advancing year, I am grateful to parents who didn’t discount their influence on me nor shirk their God-given responsibility to be the most influential people in my holistic growth. It was in the home of Paul and Barbara Fetters that I learned what it looked like for a Christian to respect authority, to develop a productive work ethic, to relate respectfully with girls/women, to live with personal integrity, to relate with God.

While the local church was an important part of their strategy, they knew it was their responsibility to introduce their three sons to Jesus, help us investigate the teachings and claims of Christ through the scriptures, integrate those teachings into lifestyles that reflect the character of Christ, and intercede for us every day. What I learned and received every week from the church’s preachers, Sundays school teachers, and ministry workers was simply a reinforcement of what I was learning everyday in the House of Paul and Barbara.

Deep within my heart resides an earnest prayer that every child of Christian parents will grow to be a spiritual giant because of the direct investments of his or her father and/or mother. Our church, Devonshire, is committed to assisting parents lead their sons and daughters to love Jesus and reflect His character in every one of their social venues. That means we can help parents. We can supplement what parents are personal living and teaching. But in just one or two short hours per week, a church cannot replace a mom or dad's influence nor assume their responsibilities. Simply put, the scriptures are clear—every parent is responsible for the holistic (which includes spiritual) development of their children.

My gut and my experience suggest that the above statistic is accurate. However, the statistic does not mean that our sons and daughters have to give up an active faith. With your living example and tireless attention to your child's complete growth, I imagine with great enthusiasm that God will raise up a new generation of missionaries, pastors, doctors, nurses, teachers, musicians, actors/actresses, lawyers, public servants, actors, and business entrepreneurs who know Jesus and live for Him every day.

If you are a parent or a grandparent, won’t you join me in my prayer for your children? It’s actually my prayer for you to actively seek God’s best for those you love!

Wonderfully Made, Terribly Fallen

As a pastor, I am reminded nearly every day that I work with people who are not perfect. They are Christians, but they are not perfect. I call them "brother" and "sister," but they are far from perfect. What is more, I am reminded every day that I'm not perfect.

In a sense, this is bad news...and, good news.

I came across a quote I received while doing some graduate work that really solidified in my mind who I am...who we are as Christians: We are wonderfully made, yet terribly fallen.

Do you ever wonder why you do things that you don't want to do? It's because you are wonderfully made, yet terribly fallen. Do you ever wonder why you don't do things that you desperately want to do? It's because you are wonderfully made, yet terribly fallen. Don't worry. You're in good company with Saint Paul (Romans 7) and a host of saints that have gone before you and now exist in heaven as a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) to cheer you on.

Listen, as Christians, each of us has the potential for for greatness within us. We also have the potential for rotteness. The difference is found in your humility to obey the Spirit of God who resides within you. You see, as my friend Gary Thomas says, "Our life is not meant to be perfect, but we are meant to trust the One who is" (Authentic Faith, Zondervan). The greatness I recommend to you is the greatness that God brings out in and through you to the world around you.

What do you need to submit to God in order to realize greatness today?

The Awe Factor of God

Would you like to gain perspective on how big God is and how small you are? Check out Francis Chan's video teaching on "The Awe Factor of God." Chan is the author of the book, Crazy Love, which is a wonderful book that challenge the depths of your faith and your commitment to become like the One who made you.

Throughout the month, I will be blogging on Crazy Love (get a copy) as a way of helping folks from Devonshire Church who are participating in our monthly reading challenge, "Book of the Month." So, go ahead, check out the video. Then read Psalm 8 and consider with King David, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him? The son of man that You care for him?" (Psalm 8:4).



Isn't it good to know that in the vast, spacious universe, God knows exactly where you are? He's great enough to create the world...and good enough to care for you.

Greater Than

"[Christ] must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less"

--(John the Baptist in John 3:30, NLT)

I was recently a part of a youth retreat at Ocean City, NJ. Eighteen students and 9 adults attended. I spoke 4 times on the theme, "Jesus Is Greater Than..." John the Baptist's life and words were the motivating message. My specific challenge was for everyone to commit to a life that makes Jesus famous.

So, following Saturday night's message, about a dozen students and adults came forward to commit something in their lives that they were making greater than Jesus. A relationship? Their iPod? Their Facebook or MySpace pages? Their career? Anything. The challenge just kept coming at them, "Who are you making famous with your life? Is it Jesus or you?"

I shared personally with them that my life has been a series of moments where I had to make Jesus greater than something in my life, i.e. my music, my relationships, my career, etc. I even shared that the purpose of this blog was to make Jesus famous. (That's why I have stopped blogging about my beloved Bengals...it just makes me too angry and negative when I think about their below-than mediocrity level to which they have sunk).

Well, the moments of their commitments were powerful as each student and/or adult came to the front of the room to physically turn a makeshift "greater-than" sign (>) that stood beside the hanging letters, J-E-S-U-S. With "lesser-than" pointing at "Jesus," each individual turned the sign so that "lesser-than" was aimed at them and "greater-than" was directed at J-E-S-U-S.

As a result of this retreat, I've heard students say that they needed to take a closer look at their Myspace & Facebook pages to make changes that will bring less attention to themselves and more on Jesus. Others are going to read a chapter a day from the Gospels and meet weekly to talk about what they are reading. Some were convicted about their movie/entertainment choices and are putting greater time into deciding if the movie is something that helps them honor God.

It was a great experience to be with Devonshire students. And we've got great adult-leaders who care about these students enough to join them publically in making Jesus greater than. Join me in praying for our students as they make the changes that God has prompted in them so that Jesus might become famous to those people around them.