ECIPLESHIP for Passionate Christ-Followers

We Christians often create our own problems. Big ones, too. And we can do it in the “spirit” of being faithful.

Jesus was mocked, cursed, and finally killed by those who should have known better. Yes, I know it was all a part of God’s plan. Still, the people who pursued Jesus and finally had him crucified were the ones who should have known the truth of the scriptures.

What happened?

1. For one, Jesus made it clear in His encounters with the religious leaders of the day that they were more about tradition than truth. It’s so easy for us to move this way too. We have inherited belief systems and Christian cultural patterns that, in time, have very little to do with the Bible. However, we can hold onto these things with more conviction than biblical truth.
2. Secondly, the religious leaders were more tied into their religious system than they were into following God. These legalists had spirituality figured out! They really didn’t want anybody to mess with their system. They would take the messiah only if He fit into what they wanted. Does that sound familiar? We do that so easily. We often want just enough of God to make us feel good, but not so much to radically change our lives.
3. Third, these people had so much pride that they were unteachable. They couldn’t imagine learning anything from someone with fewer degrees than themselves. They were unwilling to face the fact that their facts might be wrong. They were ready to kill the son of God to maintain the appearance of spiritual perfection. We, too, pay such a cost with our pride and unteachable spirit. We miss out on the new, fresh, authentic, life-transforming ways that God wants to work His grace in and through us. When we’re unteachable, we’re untouchable toward God-things.

Check out this passage of Scripture:

Some of the people who lived in Jerusalem started to ask each other, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? 26 But here he is, speaking in public, and they say nothing to him. Could our leaders possibly believe that he is the Messiah? 27 But how could he be? For we know where this man comes from. When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from.” John 7:25-27

Do you see how deceived and confused these followers are? And can you see how their learned assumptions (“he will simply appear”) keep them from finding God? When we become in any way like the hardened proud religious leaders of Jesus’ day, we produce the kind of followers that also would rather slay God than serve Him.

The above verse reveals the amazing grace of God.

The Israelite people were unwilling to trust God with their lives by crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Their faithlessness prohibited them from receiving God’s best plan for their lives. Along with that, of course, the people failed to live up to their great task — to reveal God’s glory to the lost people all around them. In other words, they decided to live their lives according to their own plans rather than God’s design. The result was devastating: God was angry enough to wipe them out. Their relationship with God had changed. Sin does that to us.

Here’s the amazing grace part–God says, “I will pardon them as you (Moses) have requested.” What patience and love God has for His people! As scripture states, “His mercies are new every morning!”

Also notice, however, that something has drastically changed through this encounter. Do you see the word “But?” The Hebrew word here is “uwlam.” It means “in contrast” or “on the contrary.” It means there is a variation or flip-side to the situation. And with that, everything changes forever with the this generation of Israelites. They will never enter the land of Canaan. The sin of unbelief has sentenced these people to wander in a meaningless wilderness for the next forty years. Because of their sin, God’s future plans for them have forever changed. They will never live up to God’s highest plan for their lives.

Also realize this: Their lives can still be meaningful…

• They can honor and worship God in their wilderness
• They can obey God commands in the desert
• They can raise up their children to never fail in the way they had failed (and it seems they did a pretty good job of this!)
• They can love one another in their painful wilderness

BUT–they will never have an opportunity to live in God’s best plan for their lives. Their sin, though they are forgiven, has forever changed the trajectory of their lives.

It’s sobering. It’s convicting. It’s truth.

I never want God’s UWLAM in my life…

I had the amazing privilege of travelling to Estonia, Sweden, Finland, and Poland to meet with national church leaders and some dedicated missionaries. I have been inspired, challenged,

Brainstorming ministry initiatives with the Leadership Team of INTERACT, Sweden

humbled, and stimulated. I’m processing so much right now — what the needs are, what are key actions that would reap the greatest results, when should we move and how, etc. I am thrilled to see that God is already at work in many of these regions. Even though a small remnant of true believers remain, there is hope for a productive Kingdom-building future. God often takes the “3oo Gideon soldiers” to accomplish mind-blowing and God-honoring achievements. I’m praying that He will do that here.

After returning home two days ago, I needed to leave for a five day trip today. Shane literally routed me out of bed this morning at 5:15 to go have a Bible study with him at Dunkin Donut before I left on my next adventure. Ok–so it’s confession time. I really didn’t want to do it. After all, I was tired from doing God’s work, I needed my rest while dealing with major jet-lag, and what would one Bible study do anyway?

Shane with his sister, Bethany

Thank you, Shane! What a highlight! We had an wonderful time talking about fresh insights we’ve had in the Word recently…and how that applies to our lives right now. It was THE BEST! And I get to do this with my own son. It’s no exaggeration to say that God met me in the donut shop this morning. His face looked my son’s face…His voice like Shane’s too.

I was reminded of how easy it is to be so busy doing good things, but overlook doing the necessary things–like nuturing my relationship with God. Shane had lots of new things God had been speaking to him about. I was–well–not so full. And I realized that I had not spent real good quality time in the Word in quite some time. I have been humbled. Again.

So here’s the deal: A person can travel all over the world doing God’s work, but fail to let God do His work in him. I never want to run on fumes. Know what I mean? I never want to minister out of emptiness, but instead, to always have a cup that overflows. I know this is God’s plan for me. For you too!

Thanks, Shane, for a great lesson today.

Beautiful Tallinn, Estonia

I’ve been in the Nordic-Baltic region of the world for the past week. Susan and I have experienced some amazing places and wonderful people. We are here with Bill and Arlie Ankerberg as our leaders…people who have invested so much of themselves here for years already. They have established strong friendships and have built invaluable trust with leaders in these Scandinavian nations. There are two big wins in this trip for me:

• I get to learn from a man I deeply admire (Bill Ankerberg). He is characterized by generosity and getting God’s work done through meaningful relationships.He is a master at both. I have been truly inspired by “his way.”
  

  Arlie and Bill Ankerberg

• The Nordic-Baltic Initiative provides a timely opportunity for me to learn how to do missions another way. The old paradigm rarely succeeds anymore. Especially in this environment, missions must be done through strong partnerships, respecting the good leaders of the nation, and being a servant to those that know best here. In my early season as Executive Director of International Ministries of Converge Worldwide, this is an invaluable course in ground-breaking missions strategy. We don’t have it figured out yet, but have an prime opportunity to do just that.
  

  Myself along with Pastor Siim of Oleviste, Bill Ankerberg, and Helari Puu.

I am humbled by the calling that God has placed on my life. What a rare privilege to be a part of bringing the gospel to people all over the world. I know that if I do my job well, many will come to faith in Christ that otherwise would not. On the other hand, if I am lax and choose a mediocre path, the consequences are dire. Oh–how I want to be faithful.

I want to be more like the great missionary, Paul, when he stated, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)

So Lord, help me to be faithful. Help me to learn to contextualize missions for today. I want to be an instrument in the hand of the Master. Let my life be used to “finish the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus.”

Susan and I arrived in Tallinn, Estonia this past Saturday. We’re here to meet national church leaders from Estonia, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. We beging a Nordic Baltic Church Planting Summit today. We feel so privileged to be a part of what God is doing and wants to do in this part of the world.

I had the rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preach in Oleviste Church in Tallinn yesterday. It is the largest church in Estonia, was build in the late 1100′s, and survived the assaults of communism as late as 20 years ago. It stands as a beacon of hope, a voice of the gospel, and a steady presence of Jesus in this city and country. As I preached yesterday, the message was broadcast accross the county by radio.

Early Sunday morning, I awoke at 1AM. God was speaking to me. An entirely new sermon was downloading from the Lord. I slipped out of bed and wrote down the thoughts as they continued to come. As I preached from my pencil-scribbled notes on Sunday morning, I knew that God had given this message for Oleviste. I can’t describe out humbling it was to stand in the same pulpit Billy Graham preached from in the 80′s and know that God was using me too. I have felt way almost every Sunday I was a pastor, but having this experience in a far away land in such a unique place only heightened the honor for me this Sunday.

Preaching from Matthew 28:18-19, I unpacked the words of Jesus when He said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…” This authority is our covering, this Holy Spirit power described in Acts 1:8 (a parallel passage) is our only way to obey this high and holy calling. That’s why Jesus said, “Therefore go.” When we understand our authority and depend completely upon His power, we can see God-things happen…things that are impossible through human ability.

A few things happened after the service.

• Many people thanked me for this needed message.
• An old Estonian came and wept. With tears flowing down his face, unable to communicate in English, he communicated volumns with his broken and grateful spirit.
• One man told me that he was up most of the night praying that God would help this church understand the power of the Holy Spirit in order to be His church in the world. I believe, in part, His prayers woke me up to prepare a totally unexpected sermon for this Sunday at Oleviste.

I love the fact that God uses simple people to get His work done. Thank you, God. I stand ready…again.

God has a great plan for His people. You included.

As I read the account of Israel’s first freed generation on the banks of the Jordan, I am overwhelmed with regret on their behalf. God was longing to give them this land flowing with “milk and honey,” but their eyes were consumed with giants rather than God’s great plan for their lives. They were so hardened in their hearts that they were ready to kill their leaders in order toreturn to an Egyptian slavery. Insanity!

In the midst of this crazy chaos, Joshua and Caleb demonstrate radical faith:

They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” 10 But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle. Numbers 14:7-10.

Notice some important realities in these verses:

• Joshua and Caleb are gripped with the character of God more than the obstacles before them – “…if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us.”
• These two returned with a vision for how clearly God’s glory could be seen by defeating the giants in their way – “don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
• Joshua and Caleb are filled with courage rather than overwhelmed by fear — “Don’t be afraid of them!”

These two standout spies demonstrate authentic faith–a faith that is willing to die for the God they love and serve (v.10a)

“And then, the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to ALL the Israelites at the Tabernacle.” Why now rather than earlier? Because God calls us to live by faith! As Hebrews 11 clearly states, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Yet, all around us are Christians that seek a sign, who want to see God’s miraculous hand at every turn, who believe that God needs to show Himself every time they ask. This passage would not support it. God shows Himself AFTER the “sides” have made their stand. The verdict is drawn. The stage is set. The message is, “Trust and risk your life on the character of God, not on the demonstrations of God.” Even after Israel had seen the most amazing miracles, their hearts were still hard. They faltered in their faith.

Except for a few.

Consider these three closing Biblical truths that emerge from this text:

1. God honors and protects those who live by faith. When Joshua and Caleb were in danger of death for their defiant faith, God shows up in an undeniable way. We NEVER lose when we trust in God.
2. Hard faithless people stubbornly reject the best that God longs to provide. Though the land flowing with “milk and honey” is their’s for the taking, they cannot conceive of a God who would actually help them get it. They are sentenced to life of aimless wandering in the wilderness of despair.
3. Following radically after God often creates intense conflict with others. Even among those that claim to be God-followers.

Radical faith can never be manufactured. Rather, it is forged in the daily disciplines of meeting with God, knowing Him intimately, and obeying Him in the small things of every day life. A long obedience in the small things produces a radical faith for the big things.

Leadership is hard. It’s not an easy calling. Some of the greatest leaders in all history were those who risked their lives to get Israel into the Promised Land. Moses was strong, determined, and humble. Joshua was focused, courageous, and influential. Caleb was fearless, radical, and a model of faithfulness.

Consider this: These great leaders had few successes for most of their lives.

Check out the situation right after the 12 spies returned from Canaan with their report:

So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”  Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the presence of all the assembly of the congregation of the sons of Israel. Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes,” Numbers 14:4-6.

As I consider the painful events of failing to enter by faith, I’m reminded of some critical leadership principles:

1. Great leaders often become great leaders through heart-wrenching failures.
2. Great leaders need to be sold out to God’s cause and God’s plan no matter what. Even when everyone turned against them, they neither wavered nor compromised. Their conviction to enter the land remained strong. They had heard from God, knew His character, and were unmoved by the whims of those they were leading.
3. Great leaders must demonstrate humility. “They fell on their faces.” Just think of how strongly you must believe in something to demonstrate this kind of sorrow in front of thousands you are leading. But they did it. They didn’t try an new tactic to change their minds. They didn’t manipulate the people or “cut a deal.” They responded to God on the behalf of the people with absolute brokenness.
4. Great leaders develop great leaders. Caleb and Joshua, the only two who returned from their reconisance mission with faith instead of fear, “tore their clothes” in a similar act of remorse and repentance as Moses. As difficult as this all was, this tradgedy formed a bond which lasted for 40 years of God-honoring service together. Moses mentored these young men into godly, courageous, sold-out God-followers–who also became great leaders of people.

I often hear people say, “I’m not a leader.”

• First, everyone can lead someone…and usually does, whether they know it or not.
• Secondly, become one. God is looking for men and women who are ready to sell out for the Great Cause and lead a movement for His glory.

It’s not easy. Great leaders are formed in the everyday crucibles of life. Choose faith over fear, risk over safety, God’s promises over your own preferences.

We are called to a journey of faith. We often revert back to familiarity.

I am constantly amazed at how much people want things to stay the same–myself included. Maybe it’s our sin nature, but we often choose a familiar bondage over an unknown freedom. God wants to set us free, but when faced with pressures, disappointments, obstacles, or difficulties, we move back into bondages of the past — like drugs, booze, sex, fantasies, food, or shopping. We go back to what’s “worked” for us in the past and miss what God has for us in the present and future.

As Israel stood on the banks of the Jordan River, they had a decision to make. When the twelve spies returned with their mixed report, would they either move forward by faith or revert to patterns of the past. Numbers 14 records the dreadful events. Preceeding this, ten Negites convinced the people that the giants were too big, the land to vast, and the numbers too intimidating for them to have any chance of claiming Canaan. These dissuading spies used emotionalism and exaggeration to control the people. In the face of this tradgedy, Caleb and Joshua stood strong in their faith that God would come through as He promised and give them the land.

14:1 Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. 2 Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. 3 “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!” Numbers 14:1-4

A few things stand out as I read the verses above:

• The Israelites continued to act like victims despite God’s blatant and generous provisions since leaving Egypt. They still felt like slaves even though God had adopted them as His children. Their true identity still needed to be embraced.
• They looked for someone to blame. This is common for people living in sin, by the way. We fail to own up to our own depravity and deflect our weakness onto someone or something else.
• Apart from God, we insanely revert back to the slavery we’re familiar with — “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt.”
• They fail to grasp the goodness and grace of God — “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle?” After all of the miracles God had performed, the food and water he had provided, the promises He had delivered, they still could not fathom a God who would love them. The result? They turn their backs on Him again.
• They plotted (v.4). In their fear and despair, they turned to their own solutions rather than seekin God’s intervention. They decided on a Godless and far-inferior course for their lives.

It’s a very sad story. God was eager to give them an unimaginable future. He was ready to perform amazing miracles for their benefit. Instead, they chose a familiar bondage over an unknown freedom.

Today, choose freedom!

She took the long ride to Florida when we moved in January. Nice!

My only daughter turns 25 today. Bethany has brought so much joy to my life. When she was a tiny little girl, she captured my heart and hasn’t let go since. I love her character, gifts, skills, humor, quirks and cooking. Most of all, I just like HER.

I don’t get to see her very much any more. She’s a married working woman living in Minnesota far from Florida where I now reside. But even when I think of our times together and the relationship we have,  I’m so grateful for the daughter God has given me.

Happy Birthday, girlie!!!!

Numbers 7 is not a popular chapter in the Bible. Inspired? Yes. Interesting or exciting? No. In fact, while reading Numbers chapter seven recently, I wondered why all of this “stuff”needed to be in there. It contains a detailed account of “Nahshon son of Amminadab, leader of the tribe of Judah” presenting his offering at the dedication of the tabernacle altar. The offering details consist of things like silver platters, choice flour moistened with olive oil, and the number of cattle and goats they presented as an offering. And then, it’s repeated eleven more times. Basically, identical sections x 12.

Really? Is this a test to see how spiritual we are–how hungry we are for God’s Word? The one who reads every word of this with interests gets God’s gold star for the day!

However, as I pondered these verses–and the amazing verse at the very end (that’s coming)–I was reminded of some really important truths God wants us to know and live by. So here are the four:

1. We engage in lots of ministry for God without experiencing noticeable intervention from God. The nation of Israel–all twelve tribes–obeyed God faithfully without experiencing any great life-changing results. No voice, no thunder, no miracles, no obvious divine blessing. They simply did what was right and offered it as a gift of faith to their holy God. We are called to do this too. Day after day. Even when it seems nothing great is happening or that God hasn’t “shown up” for awhile, if we are doing what is good and right, we just keep doing it. Faithfully. We engage in lots of ministry for God without experiencing noticeable intervention from God.
2. Affirmation by representation leads to holistic implementation. What? Just think of it. All twelve tribes were represented (and recorded) in the process of dedicating the tabernacle altar to God. Everyone needed to affirm this new ministry “tool” and method of worship. It was not a Moses only deal. Everyone needed to have a chance, even through their leader’s representation at that altar, to affirm their dedication to what God was doing. As a result, there was an ownership by all of Israel. Everyone had a piece of the altar. This is a great principle in ministry too! Get everyone engaged and affirming. It leads to a movement that honors God.
3. Faithfulness in the small things results in God’s favor in the important things. The small things like silver platters, oil mixed with olive oil, and choice bulls and goats. The small things like small group preparation, notes to the hurting, a meal for the sick, and moments of authentic prayer when no-one else is watching. And then we find God’s favor in the important things. At the end of this chapter, God speaks audibly to Moses. Which leads to number 4.
4. God loves to speak to godly diligent leaders. Moses was certainly godly, but he was also diligent to be sure the dedication went right, that all were involved somehow, that God was honored, that the people were obidient, that every detail was properly executed. He was diligent. And then we read verse 89, “Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the Lord , he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The Lord  spoke to him from there.”

That last verse is not placed there by accident. It’s like an exclamation point at the end of a seemingly boring chapter in the Bible. God speaks to those who are faithful, godly, diligent.

And I LOVE hearing God’s voice in whatever form. What about you?

Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.