Seeing Miracles

I've always been a little bit jealous of the people that we read about in the Gospels and in the book of Acts. They had the privilege of seeing some amazing supernatural stuff. We read over and over that they were filled with awe and wonder.

I've been filled with awe and wonder lately.

Over the past couple of weeks I've seen God do some miracles. Now, let me be clear. I don't use that word lightly. I don't think I've ever used that word before now. But I've seen some things that can only be described as miracles over the past two weeks.

It's not that I think God wasn't doing anything miraculous before now. But for me, two things are different. I've been praying for miracles. I've been asking God to move in a way that only he can get credit for. And, I've been looking for miracles. I've been looking for God to move in a supernatural way.

I don't want to miss out on the miracles that God is doing on a daily basis. I don't want you to miss out either.

God still does miracles. May he leave us in awe and wonder as we experience his supernatural activity in our lives.

A resource that has been extremely influential for me has been Mark Batterson's book The Circle Maker. I highly recommend it.

How to get along in 5 words

Be honest: There are people in your life that you don't like. You may not even like me! But if you are a Christian then you are called to a different standard in your relationships with the people that God has brought into your life. You need to figure out how to get along. That's what we'll start talking about this coming Sunday at Hub City.

What I've been listening you and why you should listed to it too

I have been listening to a ton of sermon podcasts this week. It has been so good and God has used each one in my life in ways that I can't quite put into words. I wanted to pass them along because I think they are worth your time as well.

Now, what I would recommend, is you going to iTunes and downloading the podcasts, but you can also search for them online.

Rick Warren's sermon: Why Can I Trust the Bible? Everyone needs to listen to this.

Mark Batterson's series on The Circle Maker. Search National Community Church. First sermon is called the Genealogy of Prayer. This series, along with the book (The Circle Maker) is revolutionizing my prayer life right now.

Finally, Mark Driscoll's series called Real Marriage. Search Mars Hill Church - Mark Driscoll. Every married, engaged, and single person needs to listed to this series. I've heard the first three sermons and had Liz listen to them. They are so powerful.

So, stop reading this post and start searching for those sermons and listen and learn. God has something he wants to say to you.

I am sorry ahead of time

Liz and I decided that if I am ever really sick then I am going to be a terrible patient. I should write the doctors and nurses a letter of apology beforehand.

I had to get my shots for Haiti today. They hurt like crazy. I felt like I might need three nurses to hold me down. I know why my kids screamed their heads off.

And I don't know if anybody else had this reaction, but they knocked me out. I have felt like I'm walking through syrup this evening.

Good news is that I get to go back in four weeks for another and then in six months to finish off the set. I can't wait.

So funny... :)

Groupies

I have a confession to make. I used to be a groupie. No, I didn't follow Phil Collins or the Gratetful Dead. I was worse. I followed preachers.

I followed famous pastors who are great communicators. I even idolized a few. I would listen to all of their messages and worship their cool church and try to be like them. I would even compare my situation, my church and my speaking with theirs. I was a groupie.

I've noticed that I'm not the only one who does this. I see it all the time. I bet some of you are preacher groupies. Their name just popped into your head. You worship the cool dude on the big stage at the "happenin'" church.

And you compare your experience and your church and your pastor to them. And it's not that you're trying to intentionally think that the grass is greener on the other side. It's just that you're a groupie.

You need to do what I did.

You need to repent.

If we're going to be groupies then we need to be groupies of Jesus. Putting anyone else in the place of Jesus is called idolatry.

Jesus is the one who makes all the difference. Jesus is the one who redeems, restores and rescues. Jesus is the one we are to worship and follow.

There are some great communicators out there who are leading some great churches. Learn form them. I do.

Just stop worshipping them. They don't need groupies.

Seven day reading plan on the kingdom

Day 1: Matthew 13

Day 2: The kingdom turns the world’s values upside down. Matthew 18:3-9.

Day 3: The kingdom demands forgiveness. Matthew 18:23-35

Day 4: The kingdom isn’t fair. Matthew 20:1-16. It’s about grace.

day 5: The kingdom is open to everyone. Matthew 22:2-14.

Day 6: The kingdom is unexpected. Matthew 25:1-13

day 7: The kingdom requires work. Matthew 25:14-30

168 - 4 = 164 + transformation

Don't you love my math equation?

I was thinking today about time. Each of us has 168 hours in a week. Our life is shaped by how we spend those 168 hours.

What if we could multiply the impact and change the trajectory of our life by taking 4 out of those 168 hours and investing them in something that will have cumulative, positive effect on our lives? If you could, would you?

Here's what I'm talking about:

• Take 1 hour a week to worship with a local church community.
• Take 1 hour and 15 minutes a week to do life together in a small group.
• Take 15 minutes a day to read the Bible and pray.

That adds up to 4 hours. But those 4 hours will transform your life. Those 4 hours are more important than the other 164 hours. Those 4 hours will transform your life and possibly transform your world.

So, how about taking 4 of your 168 hours per week and investing them is something that will transform your life?

I call it the priority of time. The rest of your time and your life will be different because you put priority on those 4 hours.

Download now

I'm digging the new and final David Crowder Band album. They saved the best for last. Songs are raw and real. You should download it.

Now to get the Hub City band to learn some of these...

Now online via video

Thanks to the incredible talents of the amazing Brett Wingard Hub City's sermons are now online via video.

My "Occupy" article in today's paper

You can read it here.

Occupy something that matters.

Option 2

There's been a lot on my mind and heart lately. I am burdened by the burdens that I know so many of my friends are carrying. I am overwhelmed by opportunities and possibilities that are way bigger than me or anything I've ever been a part of before. I am broken hearted over friends who are struggling and suffering. I feel a heaviness.

Maybe you feel it too.

We can go one of two ways when we feel like I feel. I can give up. I can quit caring. I can stop trying. I can go backwards to how things were.

Or I can do what Paul admonishes us to do over and over again. I can press on. I can seek God in ways that I've never had to seek him before. I can trust God like he tells me to trust him. I can persevere.

I choose option 2. Even when I can't see the outcome. Even when it's harder than it has ever been. Even when there's so much uncertainty.

I pray you choose option 2 as well.

People matter

I love this article. There's one line that emphasizes relationship and people over profit. It's fantastic. See if you can find it.

What I Learned Building the Apple Store - Ron Johnson - Harvard Business Review

Some encouragement from a friend

The following was posted by my friend, Shaun Lovejoy. It encouraged me and I wanted to share it. It's good stuff.

Twelve years ago this week, we launched weekly worship services at Mountain Lake Church. Wow. What a ride! God has used me despite my stupidity; and I have learned so much along the way. Here’s the first part of my top twelve lessons I’ve learned in the last twelve years.

1. Having a vision is easy. Sticking to the vision takes extraordinary discipline and effort.

Every pastor and church has a vision. Every one of them I’v ever seen is Biblical. However, even most church planters get sidetracked form their visions within the first few years. We have stuck to our guns. We’ve been “mean about the vision.” It’s made all of the difference!

2. Conviction and Courage is more important than strategy.

My passion and sense of conviction, along with the courage to stay the course is more important than any brilliant strategy I could come up with that no one has ever done before.

3. No plan’s perfect; so work your Plan!

Our ministry plan is not perfect. However, we’ve worked the plan every year the last twelve years and every year we’ve gotten better at what God has called us to do. We don’t have “vision flavor of the month” or “small group method of the year.” We’ve worked our plan. We’ve been consistent in our ministry approach. It’s made all the difference.

4. People come. People Go. Go with the Go-ers.

Don’t focus who’s leaving; focus on who stays. The ones that stay will see the mission through and experience the fruit of mission accomplished! When one leaves; God will bring five to replace them…if we stay focused!

5. God does things the way He wants.

It has almost NEVER happened exactly the way we drew it up. However, that’s the precise thing that has kept us dependent on Him! Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) says: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Prophetic verse in my life these last twelve years! So many times, what I deemed as a failure was God’s sharpening and sovereignty at work in my life and church!

6. In God’s Story, ordinary matters.

God loves to use ordinary people. I am one. The very reasons or excuses I might use to disqualify myself from being used greatly by Him make me the perfect candidate for extraordinary ministry! What are your excuses as to ehy God can’t use you? Those are the very reasons God wants to use you; because you’ll know it’s not about you!

7. Change the way people think about church

In the first year of our church, we made a decision: In everything we do, we’re going to seek to change the way people think about church. This is so much bigger than the type of music we do, or our dress, even though they are parts of the equation! It affects everything we do. Examples? Folks don’t have to be “Christians” to go on a mission trip. They might become one by going! They don’t have to be a “Christian” to volunteer at our church, much less, be a member! Our small groups are always not only open to new people, but are going after people who don’t go to church and inviting them to be a part of their group! Every group is responsible to “get off the couch” and serve and care missionally for people groups in our community. Just small simple example of how we’re changing the way people think about church both inside and outside our church in our community.

8. Go after unchurched people

We’re not worried about swapping sheep or reaching professional Christians. If they want to join our mission to reach the lost, great. If not, great. We are here to help as many people as possible find a relationship with God through Jesus. That’s our laser beam focus. Take us or leave us! We’re here to reach people who don’t like Jesus or Christians.

9. Be careful what you ask for

Did you know unchurched people don’t walk in and start tithing? And it probably won’t be a three-month process, either; probably more like three years! Unchurched people smoke and curse in the parking lot, and maybe even in the sound booth! All of these things really happen in our church. Being a hospital for sinners is messy!

10. The right team in the right seats makes all the difference

We’ve always had a great Ministry Team at our church. I am thankful for every one of them, however, the right team members with the right gifts and skills, in the right seats, in the right seasons of the church, allows a church to continue to breath and grow and reach people for Jesus Christ. The wrong team members on the wrong seats for too long will put a lid on the church’s effectiveness.

11. I must measure success God’s Way

Success is being who God called me to be and being obedient to what God has called me to do. I am so tempted to measure success by this week’s attendance. However, I’m never as good as people think I am when we’re exploding numerically; and I’m not as bad as I think I am when we’re not. My role is to be obedient to the call and stay sane, centered, and happily married in the process. That is success!

12. God is faithful.

God never gives up: on me; or on my ministry! He hasn’t given up on you, either! Don’t give up on yourself. We only fail when we give up. God never gives up. He is faithful!

Good reminder from Rick Warren

Satan Doesn't Mind Bible Study Never Applied by Rick Warren

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 (NIV) Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word of God are all useless if we fail to put them into practice. We must become doers of the word (James 1:22 KJV). I understand this is a hard step, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn’t mind you going to Bible studies as long as you don’t do anything with what you learn. We fool ourselves when we assume that just because we have heard or read or studied a truth, we have internalized it. Actually, you can be so busy going to the next class or seminar or Bible conference that you have no time to implement what you’ve learned. You forget it on the way to your next study. Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless. Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV) Jesus also pointed out that God’s blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 (NIV) I cannot overstate the value of being a part of a small Bible study discussion group. We always learn from others truths we would never learn on our own. Other people will help you see insights you would miss and help you apply God’s truth in a practical way. The best way to become a doer of the Word is to always write out an action step as a result of your reading or studying or reflecting on God’s Word. Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do. This action step should be personal (involving you), practical (something you can do), and provable (with a deadline to do it). Every application will involve either your relationship to God, your relationship to others, or your personal character. Talk about it – What has God already told you to do in his Word that you haven’t started doing yet?

The Book That Made Your World - a review

If you know me then you know that one thing I say all the time is that the best habit you could ever develop is the habit of reading the Bible on a daily basis.

There are so many reason why you should develop this habit, but if you're on the fence then you should read The Book That Made Your World. I guarantee it will win you over. It will show you the importance of the Bible even if you don't believe it's true.

This was one of the most fascinating books that I have ever read. It's also one of the longest books I've ever read. :)

In one sentence, this book shows how western civilization, the culture that we live in, has been shaped by the Bible. We would not have the freedoms, rights and prosperity that we have if it weren't for the truths that are in the Bible.

You should read this book because you will learn something. I know I learned a lot. Some of it I need to reread. You should also read it as a warning. It's almost prophetic in showing how things will be if we continue to devalue the Bible in our culture and our lives.

I believe that God's Word is the ultimate authority for life. If you want to see how it's power has shaped and formed our society and world for good then take the time to read this book.

Starting off right

Happy new year! Welcome to 2012.

The new year began with my whole family staying up to watch the ball drop. It's the first time in years that I've stayed up till midnight, but I couldn't be outdone by my kids. On the upside, they slept till almost 10 this morning. That has never happened before.

When I got up at 9 this morning I woke up with a desire to do something new in 2012. My incredible sister-in-law gave me an iPad for Christmas. I've decided to make the most of it by using one of youversion's Bible reading plans. I may have bitten off more than I can chew because I chose the "read through the Bible in 90 days" plan. Not sure if I can do it, but I'm going to try. I made it through day one. Only 89 days left. (Stop reading now. Search "youversion" in the app store. Install it and use it. I highly recommend it.)

I'm trying this because I know that my life is the sum of my habits. And the best habit that we could ever develop is that of reading the Bible on a regular basis.

One thing that jumped out to me from today's reading was the messiness of the Bible. I mean, why in the world would God include stories about a brother killing his brother, or a husband claiming that his wife is his sister to keep himself safe. If I were God, and I were putting together the Bible, those are stories that I would have left out.

But God includes the messiness. He works through the messiness. He accomplishes his purposes in spite of the messiness. That is an encouragement to me at the beginning of 2012. May it encourage you also.

Video from our Christmas Eve service

New

I'm loving this series we're doing right now at Hub City called He will be called.... You can listen online here to the messages. It's a teaching series all about who Jesus is, what he is like and why it matters.

And it does matter. Jesus is more than a good teacher. He's more than a role model. He's more than some historical figure that reshaped the course of History. He's the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and as we'll see this week, the Prince of Peace.

But as I was getting ready for this week's sermon I was reminded of something that's a game changer about Jesus and for us.

Jesus came to make us new.

We need to be made new. At least I know I do. I need more than bandaids on my sin problems. I need more than good advice on how to navigate life. I need to be made new.

And so do you.

That's what's so incredible about this time of year. It reminds us that God stepped out of heaven, moved into our world, lived a sinless life among us, died and rose from the dead, to make us new. 2 Cor. 5:17 says, If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come.

That is good news. That, like the birth of Jesus 2000 years ago, changes everything.

Levi's speaking debut!

It's too small a thing

I came across this verse out of Isaiah today.

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Isaiah 49:6

I LOVE this because this is exactly what God is saying to us at Hub City Church.

We are a little over three years old as a church. God is using us in Spartanburg. He's blessed Movies in the Park and the Garage Unsale. We've seen many lives rescued because of God's grace and mercy.

But if we just stayed where we are then it would be too small a thing. God has more in store for us.

That's why I am so amped about Hub City's first overseas missions partnership. I'll give you all the details next week, but I'll tease it by saying that God is going to use us, Hub City Church, to make a radical difference in one of the most needy places in the world.

I'll talk a bit about it at Sunday's Gathering, but I am so glad that God has called us to more than just Spartanburg. We get to be a light to the nations!

Love

All we need is love. Or at least that's what The Beatles used to sing.

It's also what Jesus said.

Jesus says that the most important commandments are to love God and love others.

In his letter to the Church at Ephesus Jesus holds it against them that they have forsaken their first love and admonishes them to return to love.

In John we're told that love for one another is the one thing that should characterize us as disciples.

With all this talk on love I'm left asking myself: How am I doing with loving others? How am I doing loving God? When people think of me do they think of someone who loves?

And let me ask you: How are you doing with love?

A lampstand

Last night I suggested to Nathan that he read through the first three chapters in Revelation for his daily Bible reading. I have been praying that God would reveal more of himself to Nathan and teach Nathan how he should live as a follower of Jesus, and there is so much in those three powerful chapters.

Well, this morning I had the thought that I should read those chapters with him so we can talk about it. So I read chapter 1 and something jumped out at me that I never really paid attention to before.

Jesus calls the seven churches the seven lampstands.

Think about a lampstand. It doesn't produce the light. It just holds the light and provides the best container for the light to do what the light does, which is dispel the darkness.

It got me thinking about Hub City. We aren't the light. We're just a container that holds the light and does our best to make sure that the light (which is Jesus) can shine as bright as possible so that darkness is eradicated.

I was hoping for God to speak to Nathan, and I know he will. But he used that to speak to me. Hub City: We are a lampstand. Let's do what lampstands are meant to do.

Why we do good

Have you noticed that it's pretty in-vogue to do good. I was at the gym yesterday and the Today Show was interviewing Richard Branson on his new book that talks about using your business to do good. Movie stars like Angelina Jolie are known for their goodwill work around the world.

It has me wondering: Why do people do good works?

I could be wrong because I can't see into someone's heart, but I think that a lot of people are doing good to earn favor with God, or "the gods", or Allah, or the "big man in the sky", or "you fill in the blank." They are trying to make sure their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds.

And while that's all fine and good because people are helped, the truth is, your good deeds will never, ever, outweigh your bad deeds. I don't care how much good Richard Branson or Brangelina or you ever do. You just can't be good enough.

That's what makes Christmas such a great reminder to all of us. God knew we would never be good enough so he sent his Son to earth. He came to live the perfect life that we couldn't live and pay the price we could never pay.

As a result of what Jesus did we can do good works, not to earn God's favor, but to show our love for the God who came to save us. In other words, we do good not to earn favor from God, but because we've been shown favor by God.

How to be close to God

We know this, but you can't be relationally close to someone if you never spend time with them.

It's the same way with God. To be close to him you must spend time with him.

But how? Where do you start?

I'll share something that's helped me through the years. Reading through the Psalms does more for my relationship with God than anything else. Most of the Psalms are prayers. At the same time they are words from God and about God. That means that as I read a Psalm I can both talk to God and hear from God at the same time. They are conversational.

And it's easy to discipline yourself to read through the Psalms. You can read a Psalm a day. Or, I like to read 5 Psalms a day. Doing that takes you through the entire book in a month. And it's amazing how different Psalms express my heart at different times.

For example, today is December 2 and so I read Psalms 6-10. I needed Psalm 6 and 8 today. I needed to pray them. I needed to hear from God through them.

So if you want to be close to God I suggest you head to the Psalms.

Advent Reading Guide

Not sure why I haven't posted this yet, but I'm encouraging Hub City to spend some time this Christmas season focusing on Jesus. This Advent Reading Guide is a great place to start.

Advent Reading Guide 2011:

Nov. 27 – Philippians 2:5-11
Nov. 28 – Ephesians 2:13-22
Nov. 29 – Colossians 1:13-20
Nov. 30 – Hebrews 4:14-16
Dec. 1 – 1 John 5:1-12
Dec. 2 – Revelation 1:12-18
Dec. 3 – Revelation 22:7-21
Dec. 4 - Isaiah 9:2-7
Dec. 5 - Isaiah 40:1-5
Dec. 6 - Isaiah 40:9-11
Dec. 7 - Genesis 3:8-15
Dec. 8 - Genesis 15:1-6
Dec. 9 - Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Dec. 10 - Psalms 89:1-8
Dec. 11 - Isaiah 11:1-10
Dec. 12 - Zechariah 6:12-13
Dec. 13 - Micah 5:2-5a
Dec. 14 - Malachi 3:1-6
Dec. 15 - Isaiah 52:7-10
Dec. 16 - Isaiah 7:10-14
Dec. 17 - Mark 1:1-3
Dec. 18 - John 1:1-8
Dec. 19 - John 1:9-18
Dec. 20 – Luke 1:5-25
Dec. 21 – Luke 1:26-45
Dec. 22 – Matthew 1:18-25
Dec. 23 – Luke 1:46-67
Dec 24 – Luke 2:1-20
Dec 25 - John 3:16-21

Hub City Readers

What have you been reading lately?

I love reading. Seriously. I love it. I didn't used to be this way, but I've become a voracious reader. Leaders are readers. Readers are learners. I want to learn all that I can. And I want the same for you.

That's why I'm stoked about a group that's been started at Hub City by Clay Chapman called Hub City Readers. This is a group of people who are passionate about reading books that will help them learn and think through their faith.

This month they'll be reading through I don't have enough faith to be an Atheist. This looks like a fantastic book.

I wanted to spread the word for anyone who wants to join them. Contact Clay for more info.

Say Thank You

I don't know what it is that has me thinking about this lately (maybe I'm subconsciously looking for it), but I see a serious lack of gratitude in our culture. And that scares me. A lack of gratitude is dangerous. Here's why saying thank you is so important:

• Being grateful breaks the sense of entitlement that we're prone to have as Americans.
• Being grateful keeps jealousy and envy from gaining a foothold in our lives.
• Being grateful is actually God's will for your life. Read 1 Thess. 5:18.

I know we just celebrated Thanksgiving, but gratitude should be more than a once a year thing. It should be a regular part of our life. We should say Thank You often. We should write thank you notes, and texts and emails.

Who can you say thank you to this week?

Invite Cards are IN!!!

Grab a handful on Sunday @ Hub City's gathering and start inviting!

Meaningful

Occasionally I read Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest. Today's reading was so profound to me that I had to share it. Enjoy.

Shallow and Profound

Text Size: Zoom In

Nov

22

2011

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God —1 Corinthians 10:31

Beware of allowing yourself to think that the shallow aspects of life are not ordained by God; they are ordained by Him equally as much as the profound. We sometimes refuse to be shallow, not out of our deep devotion to God but because we wish to impress other people with the fact that we are not shallow. This is a sure sign of spiritual pride. We must be careful, for this is how contempt for others is produced in our lives. And it causes us to be a walking rebuke to other people because they are more shallow than we are. Beware of posing as a profound person— God became a baby.

To be shallow is not a sign of being sinful, nor is shallowness an indication that there is no depth to your life at all— the ocean has a shore. Even the shallow things of life, such as eating and drinking, walking and talking, are ordained by God. These are all things our Lord did. He did them as the Son of God, and He said, “A disciple is not above his teacher . . .” (Matthew 10:24).

We are safeguarded by the shallow things of life. We have to live the surface, commonsense life in a commonsense way. Then when God gives us the deeper things, they are obviously separated from the shallow concerns. Never show the depth of your life to anyone but God. We are so nauseatingly serious, so desperately interested in our own character and reputation, we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life.

Make a determination to take no one seriously except God. You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself.

Significant Adults

I don't think there is an greater responsibility than that of being a parent. It's also one of the hardest, if not the hardest job on the planet.

That's why we need help.

My kids need more than me. They need other significant adults in their life who they can look up to, learn from, lean on and model their lives after.

When I think about the things that shaped my life growing up I always think of people. I think of Greg, Eddie, Jerry, and people who's faces I remember by who's names have left me. These adults invested in me. They took time to acknowledge me. They made a difference in my life.

I want to be that kind of adult in the lives of the kids around me. I want my kids to have those kind of adults in their lives.

So here's my challenge: If you are a grown up, step it up. You can make a difference. If you're a part of the Hub City Church family, step it up. We need you caring for, shepherding and loving on the kids in our church.

In fact, I think some of you need to step up and lead a children's ministry for kids in first through fourth grade. There are others of you who need to step up and lead a small group for our tweens and teens. They need you. We as parents need you. Be a significant adult.

Torn - a review

This is a book that needed to be written and needs to be read.

Most books written on "trusting God when life leaves you in pieces" are difficult to read. They are long, and while they have good content it's as much of a struggle reading through them as it is working through the struggles of life. Not so with Jud Wilhite's book.

Torn read more like a devotional for me. It is extremely accessible and helpful.

I know some people who are going through a difficult time right now who I'll be giving a copy of this book to.

Two things worth noting stuck out to me. First, we all ask the "why" question when bad things happen, but that's not all that helpful. The best thing to figure out is "who?" This points us back to the God who, despite our circumstances, is in control. Second, I saw the story of Elijah in a completely new way. We love the scene where he calls down fire from heaven and shows off in front of the prophets of Baal. We want God to show up like that in our lives. But right after that, when Elijah is running for his life, God shows up in the smallness of a whisper. That has been more like my experience with God. I think if we're always looking for the "fire from heaven" we'll miss the "still small voice," which means we'll miss God.

Teachers... Thank You!

Today was "eat with your kid day" at Nathan's school. Let me tell you, lunch with a table full of fifth graders is always an adventure. I tried to get Nathan to let me wear my Halloween costume, but he resisted that idea.

Liz and I tried to make it special by bringing Nathan Sonic. I splurged and got him a grown-up Bacon Double Cheeseburger. He ate so much he almost vomited. Good times.

But while visiting his school I was reminded of how thankful I am for the teachers and coaches that invest in my kids. Can you imagine having a class full of fifth graders every day for 180 days a year that you are responsible for? Teachers are special. (Political rant: We need to pay teachers way more than we do. It's not an option. Figure it out and do it.)

So for teachers who've had or have an Everette boy, Thank You!

Leveraging Halloween

Halloween is one of those holidays that freaks people out. Actually, it's usually the Christians that freak out. Some boycott the event all together. Some create and participate in alternative "Fall Festivals", "Trunk or Treats", and the like.

But what if we decided to leverage Halloween for the good of the Kingdom.

Halloween is the one time of the year that you have gobs of people streaming to your door and you have the opportunity to serve them. It might possibly be the easiest way to be salt and light in our community.

So how can you leverage Halloween by serving and blessing those little scary monsters that knock on your door tonight?

First off, make sure you give out good stuff. Don't be the person that gives out toothbrushes, fruit, or a religious tract. Give out good candy. If you have the money buy the big candy bars. No one gives them out anymore and all the kids will love you.

One thing I encouraged Hub City folks to do is to take a postcard/invite from our church and tape a piece of good candy to it and hand it out with a handful of other candy. Who knows, God might just use that. It's a way for our church to leverage Halloween.

Finally, say something nice about every kid that comes to your door. Bless them. Let God shine his love through you.

My hope is that we, as Christians, will stop being known for what we're against, but for what we're for, and that our service to others will be so radical that those outside the faith will see our good deeds and come to know Jesus.

Two Levi funnies

So, Levi (my 5 year old) does the Pledge of Allegiance at school every day. He saw an American flag today and started reciting the Pledge. But he added four words: "You may be seated." His principal says that after they recite it, so it's now a new part of the Pledge.

This other funny has to do with Levi too. Some nice people gave our boys some clothes. Today Levi had on a new pair of jeans that was a part of the clothing gift. As I was picking him up from school I thought they looked a bit peculiar. Turns out they are skinny jeans. My kid looks like a Christian Hipster. (BTW: I think skinny jeans are ridiculous... just sayin')

A healthy church

One of my passions is that Hub City Church would be a healthy church. I think we are, but I also think that staying healthy requires continual work.

This article is a great warning to us.

Church health is a whole body issue. Meaning, each part must do its part for us to stay healthy.

"That" guy

Have you read through the book of Jeremiah? I'm journaling my way through it right now, something that I don't normally do, but felt like I needed to do. It's been so good.

Many things amaze me about Jeremiah. The dude was probably clinically depressed. He spoke what God wanted him to speak and didn't seem to get any results. In today's reading he takes on a false prophet and basically tells him, "You are not from God. You are not speaking the words of God. You're a liar."

Hananiah (the false prophet) was speaking on behalf of God, but wasn't speaking the truth from God.

I'm not sure why that jumped out of the page at me this morning except to be reminded of the fact that everyone who speaks on behalf of God isn't necessarily speaking the truth from God.

I don't want to be that guy. I don't want to listen to that guy.

But that guy is everywhere. May God give us wisdom and discernment to know the truth.

Unwilling to serve

Today thousands of local churches are dying because of Christians unwilling to serve. They sit on the sidelines ... and the Body suffers. @RWToolbox

I saw that quote this morning. It is so true. I wish it weren't.

It makes us an embarrassment to God. We make him look bad.

Jesus came not to be served but to serve. As his followers that should be our mantra as well.

So, how are you going to serve today? How can you serve at work? How can you serve your family? How can you serve the person who serves you your lunch? How can you serve your boss? How can you serve your roommate?

Let us be known as a people who is in the game for the good of the body and the good of the world. It happens when we serve.

Time for a change

I know that this idea isn't original with me, but I think one of our biggest problems in the American church world is what we hold up as models of success. Think about it: What comes to mind when you think of a successful church?

What comes to my mind is a huge church. The guys that are leading huge churches are the ones who get book deals, speaking gigs and church-world press. We celebrate what they are doing. We look to them to learn. They are the epitome of success as we've defined it.

I think it time we change what we think of as successful. I think it's time to change what we celebrate.

I was reading in Jeremiah today and he preached for 23 years with absolutely no result. That's not the kind of resume that's going to get you invited to Catalyst to speak. From our perspective Jeremiah is pretty much a failure.

But I' pretty sure that from God's perspective Jeremiah was a success. And here's why: He was faithful to his call.

I'm not saying that a huge church isn't successful. I just think we need to celebrate more than large groups of people. We need to celebrate faithfulness and obedience.

It starts with us

I read this today and thought, If everyone in our country acted this way then we wouldn't be seeing the Occupy Wallstreet protests. But we don't need to wait for it to start with them. It needs to start with us.

When You Give, You Are Performing a Service by Rick Warren You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion … your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV) What an amazing verse! God makes you rich in every way so you can be generous on every occasion, which will result in thanksgiving to God. God doesn’t bless you to be greedy; he blesses you so you can be generous. God doesn’t give you things so you can pile them up. When you let go of what’s in your hand, it’s now empty to receive greater blessings from God. God’s giving to you is based on your attitude. That’s why it’s so important to live with an attitude of gratitude and to be content with what you have. The Bible says, “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12 NIV). When you give, you are performing a service. To serve and to give is the same thing. It’s two actions of love. You can’t love without serving and giving. Your service leads to expressions of thanksgiving to God and to contentment. Take a moment to pray and express your gratitude to God. Ask him to show you the way to contentment. Then, ask him to bless you so you can be a blessing to others.

Sit quietly

Blaise Pascal wrote, All of man's miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone.

I love that.

Rain

I love rainy days. I'm not saying I want to move to Seattle or anything, but a rainy day every once in a while is nice.

Something about the switch-up in the weather makes me use a different part of my brain. Rainy days make me reflective and introspective. That's good every once in a while. Too much of it though and I'd probably be clinically depressed.

Not sure why I'm blogging about this, but I did. If you're in the Upstate today then enjoy the rain.

What are you scared of?

This is a great post by my friend Shawn Lovejoy.

“Do not be afraid.”

It’s the most common command in the Bible. Why would that be so? Because you and I are often so afraid!

We’re afraid of being laid off. We’re afraid of being fired.We’re afraid of the future. We’re afraid of bankruptcy. We’re afraid of not measuring up. We are afraid of failure. We’re afraid of controversy. We’re afraid of not being liked. We’re afraid of criticism. We’re afraid of REALLY being known. We’re afraid of asking for help. We’re afraid to DO what we know needs to be DONE.

But why is fear such a big deal? Because fear is the number one reason we don’t obey God. Fear is the number one reason we won’t take that big step of faith.

Can you hear it? God’s trying to tell you something: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

We’re only afraid when we think we’re alone. We’re not alone. God is WITH US!

Stories

I love learning people's stories. We all have a story and when I learn your story it makes me happy.

This past Wednesday, at our morning Hub Group, I learned the story of someone at Hub City Church. It was incredible. I hope to share it one Sunday.

But if I wouldn't have been in a Hub Group with that person I probably would have never learned their story.

Be honest, you want people to know your story, don't you. But that's not going to happen if your not in a context to have your story heard. If you're a Hub City Slicker then get in a Hub Group.

Knowing one another's stories helps me love people better. Knowing stories helps me empathize more. When you know my story and I know your story we become more human to one another. Knowing one another's stories is essential to making disciples.

If I don't know your story yet, I look forward to hearing it.

Possibly traumatic

Well, tomorrow, Thursday, Nathan has to have 4 teeth pulled to get ready for spacing and braces in his mouth. Sounds fun, doesn't it. I think it might be a bit traumatic, so if you could pray for him...

On another note, I'll be selling a kidney to pay for the braces, so if you need one...

Just a bit of your time

I want something from you. It's a bit of your time. Would you consider giving some of your time each week to pray for Hub City Church, Spartanburg and the world?

You can give 10 minutes a week or 10 minutes a day. You choose.

If you give us some of your time, we'll give you some things to pray for. If you're interested please email Lauren Rogers.

Here's why this is important: What God is doing, what he wants to do, what he's planted in our hearts is too big for us. We need God to show up and do something supernatural. Prayer is essential to us seeing a movement of God that is so overwhelming and surprising that it is reminiscent of the first church in Acts when everyone was filled with awe at what God was doing.

Prayer preceded every great awakening and revival in the history of the church. As we're going to see this coming Sunday at Hub City, four months of prayer prepared the way for Nehemiah to have overwhelming favor with the King of Persia and made it possible for him to accomplish in 52 days what hadn't been accomplished n 150 years.

That's why we're asking for just a bit of your time.

Money and Sex

I figured the title would get your attention. The sad thing is that you didn't need my title for either of those things to get your attention. They already have your attention... and maybe more.

Money and sex are the two biggest idols in our culture. They may be the two biggest idols in the world.

I know that when you hear the word idol you think of a little statue, or Ryan Seacrest, but an idol is really anything that takes the place of God in our lives.

How do I know that money and sex are the two biggest idols in our culture?

They are the two things that people have the hardest time surrendering over to God.

Here's a test: Does your view of money and sex line up with what the Bible teaches about those things? Or do you get mad when someone (ie. "me") tries to teach what the Bible says about those things? If you got mad at me for suggesting that God wants you to handle money and treat sex in a way that is different from how you handle money and treat sex, then you probably have an idol.

I believe that if the church would rid itself of the idols of money and sex that our influence would exponentially increase and we might possibly see the greatest awaking that the world has ever experience. I think that's motivation enough to get rid of our idols.