We Need Leaders

Our generation needs leaders. Not just people with good ideas or good intentions. There are a whole bunch of people who have that. What we really need are people that will inspire us to act on all of those good ideas everyone else is talking about.

We need trailblazers. And the the reasons trailblazers are needed is because there are few of them. We need more. Trailblazers see a need and they act. Trailblazers see a change that should happen and they are moved to do something about it. Trailblazers see an injustice and work to bring about change.

If your going to be a trailblazer then don’t get depressed when everyone else doesn’t join you. There are people who have been fed fear their entire lives. They are fearful that if they moved to the left or the right in one area or another their life would end in a tragic collapse. So the fearful watch. The fearful watch the trailblazers run into new terrain headfirst and they wince as they anticipate a crash. Don’t worry if they aren’t with you. Don’t worry because if you continue to lead once they see that it can be done they too will follow.

Here’s the deal.Someone has to go first. Someone has to lead. Someone has to challenge the norm. Jesus did it. And when Jesus did it they said he was possessed. Jesus -The exact imprint of God… The One who was oozing God’s glory was accused of being possessed by Satan. They were so fearful because what Jesus did was very different from all they had experienced in the past. He messed with their traditional view and never stopped because the fearful wouldn’t follow. He did what we need others to do in our generation. He led.

If people wouldn’t join Jesus then don’t be shocked if everyone doesn’t join you. But if you lead there are those who will follow. We need you to lead.

Process Perspective

When you venture into a place beyond what has always been your comfort zone don’t quit when your first day goes by without major results. You have to go through a process. Before those of you who are anti-process start kicking things read on.

The process prepares you for the platform that you will eventually have. The process prepares you for the spiritual promotion. The process has within itself the ability to develop you so that you can handle what is going to happen in and through you.

You must go through the process. The process is almost like boot-camp. The process takes a whole bunch of stuff out of your life that is just going to hinder you from reaching your potential. The process is going to put things in you that will enable you to overcome the many obstacles you will face. The process will be full of teaching points  and if you pay attention, learning points.

God gives us the gift of process before the evident promotion.

Just a little challenge for you…Change your process perspective.

It’s a God Thing

I remember one afternoon i was jogging down the street and listening to my walkman. I was 17 at the time. Mp3 players were just coming out and I worked at McDonald’s so I didn’t have one. I remember as I was jogging I began to daydream about some pretty amazing things. I pictured stadiums full of people getting healed by the power of God. I dreamt of people getting out of wheelchairs and walking around in the stadium. I pictured whole rows of people being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then I stopped and rebuked myself and… repented??? Yeah. True story. I repented because in the dream i was involved in calling people to action. So i repented and asked God to forgive me for such prideful dreams.

I believe the Lord spoke to me as I ran and said “do you really think you came up with that idea on your own? Are those the kind of random thoughts a 17 year old boy just thinks about as he runs?” The answer was obvious. Most of the time i was daydreaming about girls or sports or something else. But not those dreams. I realized something then that has been a blessing for me for 11 years now. When I dream like that it’s because God birthed that dream in my heart. I didn’t know it at the time but the Bible teaches that very thing.

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

God is actually the one at work within me. He is the one that causes me to desire and to work for what pleases Him. It pleases God to reveal Himself as the healer to people who need healing. It pleases Him to display Himself as the deliverer to those who are bound. It brings Glory to God to fill people with His Spirit and give them a new life in Christ. He is the one that planted that dream in my heart that day.

That desire that you have for more in God isn’t just wishful thinking. Wanting to be used by God miraculously isn’t just pride at work. He puts desire in our hearts for the breakthrough that He intends to give.

Let me say it this way. It’s God at work in us, that causes us to want to do, and to do what He wants to do.

When you dream God sized dreams, just remember… It’s a God thing.

Ponder that.

Fear pressure is overrated

What would your life look like without fear? How many times have you done things you didn’t want to do, or haven’t done the things that you really want to do because of fear?
The big “what if” seems to haunt us in so many ways.
What bold risks would you take if you simply refused to fear? What absolutely insane thing would be pioneered through you if you were just mean to fear.

Our world is changing before our eyes. Things are happening faster then ever before. There are CEOs of thriving companies, church planters, band leaders, authors, and artists making it BIG in their teens, twenties, and thirties like never before.
Those who are pioneers faced the same fears that you have. Maybe the only difference is that they stared fear down and refused to let it keep them on the well trodden path of normalcy and status-quo.
Yeah, people criticized. They were told they wouldn’t make it. Other people in the past would have figured it out if it was really a better solution at all. Sound familiar?

The Catholic Church told John Calvin(who was one of the great church reformers) that if what He found was truly in the Bible then the priests before him would have seen it the way he was describing it. But since what John Calvin saw was totally different then how tradition defined it they told him to leave it alone. Now there are millions of us that are so glad that John didn’t listen to all of those who tried to scare him away from change.
One man who was unwilling to bow to fear made an impact in the world we live in.

I wonder what impact you will make if you refuse to cave in to fear-pressure.

“Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.” – George Patton

The only way to really beat fear is to take that big scary step right over the big fat “what if” that is standing in front of you.

Oh. One more thing. Contrary to what most fear promoters say, very few honest mistakes are forever. I for one would rather live life audaciously, impact my generation and make mistakes then never take any risks and live out a dull mediocre life without ever tapping into my true potential.

Fear pressure is overrated.

Time to Mobilize a Movement

There are two things I want to see changed while i sit here and type away on my MacBook(go apple!). I want to see my generation come to know God personally through experience and I want to see God’s Kingdom expand in tangible ways that improve our society.

I really, really, really, really, really, want to see my generation come to know God. I don’t just mean know about God. But I mean to experience God for themselves rather than through some religious organization or denominations spin on God. I mean, lets be real, Jesus really didn’t fit in with any of the religious people in His day (read St. Matthew-St. John in your Bible) and if we are honest he doesn’t fit in with a whole bunch of the stuff attributed to Him that is talked about in the religious arena today. I will forever be impacted by something that the Lord once spoke to me in prayer when I asked Him what the desire of His heart was. He said “I want the world to know me”. Yup. That is it. God really wants the world to know Him. And in order for that to happen we are not going to be able to settle for this dressed up version of Jesus that never existed. We need the authentic Jesus for a generation that is craving authenticity.

If you are still reading this then I am probably talking to you. I am really looking for some people who are breathing air and have an insane passion for more of God than organized religion can contain. I’m look for people who have this massive dream that they believe God placed in their heart that keeps getting murdered by the status quo they are living in. I am looking for people who are ready to take it to another level and align with God so we can experience what Jesus Prayed “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven”.  Do you feel like you need change? Your truly looking for more?

Not only am I trying to wrap my mind around how many people are “trapped” in relgious places. But I’m also trying to wrap my mind around the fact that as followers of Jesus we must be willing to impact our society with positive change. There are homeless that need to be fed. People shivering in the T stations needing blankets. There are streets that need to be cleaned. Diseases that need to be dealt with. And I know, I know, Jesus is the answer. I get that. And I believe Jesus really is the answer. I also believe that He packages that answer inside of us, and He wants to get out!

What is keeping you in a place of status quo and mediocrity? Don’t feel like you have any better options? Is it fear of what other people are going to say if you step outside of their little group? Is it the chance that you could be taking a risk and it be a mistake? What is keeping you there?

Seriously. Isn’t it time that as a generation we wake up spiritually and then express the life changing power of God that is transforming us in the world around us by using our resources and talents to transform it?

If you are someone that fits into this group and you are looking for me… come check out our community of believers. This Sunday. 12 noon. Hampton Inn Natick, Mass.

A movement is mobilizing.

Jesus Christ is Perfect Theology

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature…” Hebrews 1:1-3

In the first verse there is a contrast in the way God talks to us now from how he talked to us before Jesus. He used to talk to mankind about Himself speaking through the prophets. Every know and then they would even role play, as it were, to illustrate what God was saying. They would decree the word of God and people would hear it.

Over and over in the Old Covenant we see that God is calling His people to leave their sinful stubbornness and submit to Him as King. The Old Covenant highlighted the sin of the people, and to many people it shows God’s abhorrence with sin. Therefore many people read through the Old Covenant and all they see is an angry God who is ticked off at people who sin.

The New Covenant was very different. In the New Covenant God speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Now Jesus replaces the old message of the Prophets with an overwhelming message of unfathomable love. Jesus isn’t just role playing now and then illustrating the things of God to mankind. Every single thing that Jesus ever did was an expression of the Father. Jesus was the radiance of the glory of God. Without going into a study on what glory is, let me just say that in my study I have settled on this definition: The full manifestation of ones true nature. Jesus is the full manifestation of the true nature of God in all of His radiance. He is oozing the manifestation of God.

On top of radiating God’s glory, He is the exact imprint of His nature. Another words, if you are wondering what God looks like in a body look no further than Jesus Christ. If you wonder how God would relate to people and interact with people then just look at Jesus. He is the exact imprint of God. Not a cheap replica, or even a good forgery. Jesus is God in a body expressing Himself in a tangible way to mankind.

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? T Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:8-9

If you really want to see the Father – hang with Jesus. Everything He does reveals the Father.

How many times do people think sickness is actually from God? You want to know God’s opinion on sickness? Look at Jesus. Jesus healed EVERY person that came to Him for healing. Every single one. Obviously God isn’t giving sickness to people and then Jesus comes along and undoes what the Father is doing. Jesus said He only does what He sees the Father do. So God is absolutely against sickness.

Here is another thing to ponder… Jesus was called a friend of sinners (Luke 7:34).

I’m praying for Haiti

Haiti has been absolutely devastated because of this earthquake. As i’ve looked over these pictures my heart was torn… every time i look at them i weep and begin to pray for all of the Haitians that are in a dire predicament. Here are several things that i am praying for right now concerning this:

1. That God will miraculously save people that have been injured in the earthquake.

2. That God will give doctors and nurses wisdom far beyond their experience to save people.

3. That God will guide people to other people that are trapped in buildings right now.

4. That God will unite families that have been separated in the midst of this chaos.

5. That parents will find their children, and children will find their children.

6. That God’s peace will be upon the people who have lost those dearest to them.

7. That people in America would be moved with compassion to pray, give, and go to Haiti to help them.

8. That God would miraculously protect all of the innocent people in distress from the corrupt that would like to exploit them in this catastrophe. That Gangsters would be stopped, and people would not live in fear.

9. That God would revive the nation spiritually, and replace voodooism with the fame of Jesus Christ.

10. That God would wake us Americans up in the midst of our affluent lifestyles to see that our lives are like grass that withers and that our lives are more fragile then we think.

God awaken us to live our lives with passion towards you and compassion towards mankind.

A Long-Cut with God

I believe that God is talking to us constantly, and that He is willing to direct our lives in a more significant, fruitful, and fulfilling manner. We can experience this if we will just slow down long enough for Him to direct us. Let me share an experience I had today with you.

This afternoon I had several errands that I needed to run. I really don’t enjoy being out running errands towards the end of the week. I would rather be reading a book or studying with a focus on our Sunday Encounter. As I was out I decided to drop off some clothes at the dry cleaners first and then I was going to go to the post office. After I had dropped off my clothes at the dry cleaners the thought hit me that I needed another pad and I was right near Staples. I was going to get back out on the main road and drive down to the Staples Entrance, but thought about it for a second and decided to drive through the Home Depot parking lot instead.  As I was driving through the main entrance I saw an old co-worker of mine, (who I haven’t seen in two years) walking into Home Depot. I quickly parked my car and tracked him down. After talking to him for a little bit and catching up I invited him to our Haven of Hope connect event the following afternoon, and he said he wanted to come. As excited as I am that he is coming to our connect event tomorrow I am more excited that I was just able to connect with him after not being connected for a couple years.

As I was walking out the door of the store I thought about how many divine appointments there really are for us if we just take the time to slow down and be led by God. God is constantly putting impressions on our hearts but we rarely realize it. I really didn’t notice it was a divine impression on my heart that caused me to drive through the Home Depot parking lot, but it was. I could have done errands at a different time, but I didn’t. I could have chosen a different order to them, but I didn’t. The whole -drive through the Home Depot parking lot thing- I could have done differently as well. And I would have totally missed the connection with my old friend.

Too often I am just busy about my own business and  because of that I cannot be busy about my Father’s business. Jesus was never in a rush. He always took time for people. He led his followers on the scenic tour of life. What an amazing journey it was. But at times while the disciples were pressed by the urgency of circumstances Jesus never succumbed.

When His good friend Lazarus was dying, the disciples thought he should hurry to be with his family. Jesus did not rush, as a matter of fact he took a long-cut to get there(Go Figure).  I think most of us would have thought that Jesus was being downright irresponsible to address this situation in the manner in which He did. And sometimes we think that God is being irresponsible in the ways he address the concerns of our lives.

Look at what happened with Jesus received the word that Lazarus was deathly ill.

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. (John 11:5-6)

Huh? Come again? Once he received the word that Lazarus was dying he decided to sit tight for two more days? Doesn’t make much sense to us. When Jesus finally arrived Lazarus was indeed dead. However, Jesus revealed Himself as The Resurrection and performed a mighty miracle awakening Lazarus.

The whole story demonstrates that He was never in a rush. He was never hurried by external circumstances. He was only led by God.

“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 5:30)

So many times in life we feel external pressures to act hastily. We feel it from people everywhere and from various urgent circumstances that barrage us daily. In our haste we so often miss the perfect will of God for our lives and the opportunities to expand the influence of His Kingdom.

I have challenged myself to slow down. When I find myself rushing into or out of something to check myself. God could have an assignment for me in a very simple yet meaningful setting. Who would have thought a long-cut through a parking lot would result in a connection with someone I hadn’t seen in years? God would’ve. I wonder what He has for you.

We Need Another Word

This generation is leaving organized “church” in the droves. I sincerely believe that many people are leaving in order to find Christ, not because they are trying to run from Him. Sure, there are always those that look at the cost of being a true disciple of Jesus, and as he singles out and requires the thing that they value most in life (like the rich young ruler who had to much wealth to give it up) they slowly fade into the crowd, disappointed that they can’t keep their life as they know it and follow Him. I honestly believe that many who are totally “churched out” are just looking for more. They are looking for something fresh.

If we are not careful we can hijack a scripture and proclaim it with faith as to try to twist God’s arm into doing what we want Him to do. But what if that word wasn’t for us at this season of our life and we would really LIKE it to be for us. Sure it’s the word of God, but we need the freshly spoken word of God. The greek word for the spoken word of God in the New Testament is Rhema. We need a Rhema word. Something that is God breathed for our current situation and circumstance. Not something for three years ago.

 

Luke 1:37

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

KJV

Luke 1:37  For with God nothing shall be impossible.

I don’t know how the translators of the New Testament missed it, but there are two more greek words at the end of this quote from Jesus that were left out. The full sentence should be, “For with God, nothing shall be impossible, no rhema” With God, no freshly spoken word of God will ever be impossible. Could it be that people are leaving “church” in the droves because there is no bread in God’s house? I don’t mean the stale  loaf from yesterday. I mean something fresh for right now. 

There is a significant difference when someone reads or speaks a word that has the breath of God blowing on it for the current moment and circumstance. 

We need another word. A Rhema word. 

Ponder that.

What’s ahead?

I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what I will be blogging about for the next little bit. I want to take a look at why we do what we do as Christ followers. I want to look at how many of the traditions we now have came into existence and I believe we will be challenged to become more authentic in our faith – true imitators of Jesus. 

We live in a generation that has so many questions about faith. For previous generations the answer “because I said so” was settled for while wrestling with tough questions about living out their faith in Christ. I feel that this generation needs so much more than an answer like that. It’s time for us to dig into the word of God and even a little bit of History and see where the stuff we do originated. 

Be Blessed! 

 

p.s. Connect with me on Facebook