Changes

Have you ever felt like some changes were in order?  I've sensed God doing some things in my heart for the last few months.  Well, actually over a year.  I acted on some of the leadings this weekend.  Not sure what exactly I will be doing but excited to see what God is going to do.

Listening day 1

I'm not sure which Google Bot will be reading this today.  So, it may only be me who reads what I'm writing.  Yesterday, I felt God telling me just to listen for a week.  I prayed much differently today.  I did pray for others but I did not pray for anything for me.  I just listened.  I felt God telling me not to listen to any books or podcasts today.  I sensed I was to worship and listen.  It is 8:42 AM as I write this.  I sensed God telling me I needed to have my eyes open and ears to hear and that He would give me a ministry opportunity today.  So, I will be leaving here in a few minutes expectant.

Small Groups

Our church is the 2nd largest in the US right behind Lifechurch.  Megachurches aren't for everyone.  I do think they get a bad rap.  Churches of all size are needed.  We enjoy our church because there are so many ministry opportunities available.  Some say that megachurches are impersonal.  I guess that can be true.  But I've been to small churches where not one person spoke to me.  At our church, I promise that you will be greeted by at least 10 people. 

What makes our church small and intimate is small groups.  Now the negative of small groups is that you have to make time away from Sunday services to attend.  We do not have a traditional Sunday School.  You have to make an effort to attend.  But what I love about our small group is that we have people who attend that I would have never met or become friends with.  It is an eclectic group.  That is a good thing.  We have two former pastors (me included) and a bunch of business professionals.  We have some who have been married for many years to the same person and those who have been married several times.  I learn from them about my own prejudices and points of view.  I think that is what God wants.  We need to get out of our own bubble and get stretched.

Follow me

In Matthew 19 a rich man came to Jesus to see what he needed to enter heaven.  People of that day believed the rich were blessed beyond the poor.  He really wanted to build up his own ego.  Jesus told him to keep the commandments.  He asked Jesus which ones?  The Pharisees had added 635 extra laws beyond what God had.  Jesus said to keep a few laws.  The man believed he had and said I've kept all of these what else must I do?   Jesus said to sell everything and give it to the poor and then you will find treasure in heaven.  The man walked away.  Jesus told the man to follow Him.  I don't remember seeing anywhere where Jesus said to go be a leader.  Jesus told us to follow Him.  If we are leading then He can't.  There can only be one leader. 

Nothing is impossible....but do I really believe it?

I was reading in Matthew 17 today and noticed a few things.  First, this is when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John.  Second, it turns out the disciples were unable to cast out a demon from a man.  The disciples tried but were unable to do so.  Jesus said it was because of their lack of faith.  He said if we have faith as small as a mustard seed we can move mountains.  I wonder sometimes if my faith is even that big.  I've seen God do some amazing things in my life.  But just like the story I read a few days ago about Peter walking with Jesus on the water, I wonder how big my faith really is?  Then Jesus finishes this chapter by telling Peter to go catch a fish and he would find a coin that was enough to pay all of their poll tax.  How did Jesus know the coin would be there?  Obviously, it was because He is the Son of God.  But if you really think about this miracle it is amazing.  How else would a coin show up in a fish unless God put it there?   It's not like a rich supporter came up and paid the tax.  God provided.  I realize just how small my faith really is.  I pray God will rock my world this week and that I will have the faith for Him to do so.  God hasn't stopped doing miracles, I've stopped believing in them.

Deny myself

Reading in Matthew 16 this morning and Jesus said that if we want to be His disciple we must deny ourselves and take up our cross.  Well to the first-century person, taking up a cross meant death.  Living in the US, I wonder how often I really deny myself.  We live in a selfish culture.  I'm as guilty as anyone.  When I drive on Hwy 280 I expect everyone to get off the road for me.  I want lines to be smaller.  I want what I order to be there yesterday.  Do I really deny myself?  Do I really die to myself? 

Listening to God's voice again

I've been reading/listening to Henry and Richard Blackaby's book Hearing God's Voice.  I listen to a lot of books and podcasts because I drive a lot on my rounds.  Today, they were talking about something in their lives.  It sort of depressed me because I wasn't experiencing the same victory.  I then prayed and asked God why my situation was the way it was.  As I was praying, the person whom I was concerned about texted me and asked for what I was praying for all along.  I can't make this up.  I can't go into specifics because I don't want to embarrass the other person involved.  But just what they texted me about was an answer to prayer.