Just a thought...

We are moving - again.

2010-05-18T09:59:00.003-05:00

So our new news in the Wilson family is that we are moving to Jackson, MS. Well, actually we are moving to Madison which is in the Jackson Metro area. I will be on staff at Highland Colony as the pastor of students and missions. We are excited about what is ahead but we are going to miss Austin. Great place to live!

Why now?
Well, here's the letter I read to Southwest Hills Community Church to let them know of this event:

I have accepted a position on staff at a church in the Jackson, MS area and will be moving after the first of June.

This has been a very difficult decision for Cassie and I. In January I met with Greg to let him know that financially our family was out of margin. I shared with Greg that I felt I needed to find a part-time job to be able to provide for my family. I made it clear that I was not asking for anything more in terms of finances or time from the church but knew that we had to do something different. Greg told me that he preferred that I not get a pt job and that before I looked for anything to ask for his permission first. So, I went home, met with Cassie and we revisited our budget. After doing so, and praying more for God’s direction, we knew that we had to have more income or we would begin to take on more debt. I formally asked Greg for permission to seek for a pt job to be able to provide for my family. Greg took the discussion to the Elder team and he and I met again. He informed me that he and the Elder team believed that the best plan would be for me to not get a pt job but to put more effort into my responsibilities at the church and to be more fully invested in SHCC. The fear was it might divide my energies, focus and leadership that affect the other staff team members and the health and growth of the church body. While I understood what Greg and the Elders were asking me to do and accepted the challenge, I was still faced with the reality that my family was sinking into debt.

Cassie and I continued to pray for God to provide for our family. About a week later I received a phone call from the pastor at this church in MS. He asked me if I would be interested in joining their staff. As we talked again, Cassie and I began to pray about it and understood God was providing for our family, just not here in Austin.

We have loved our time here and love you guys. While the student ministry has not exploded as I had hoped, it has grown healthier. We have seen over 60 different students attend CRAVE and average somewhere in the 30’s more than doubling the attendance from just 6 months ago. We have seen our small group leaders grow in their understanding of their ministries. In addition to student ministry, I have been given great opportunities to lead in other areas. So, please make no mistake to our commitment to the work that is happening here.

I realize that our time here has been short. We know God brought us here and we know God is bringing us to another place. I cannot honestly say that the timing makes sense – but when has God’s timing ever made sense to us.

It would be easy for me to say, “We have to stay and have faith that God will provided.” But I believe it would be foolish for us to stay when God has provided.

It saddens us that we will not be able to continue to share our lives with you here in Austin. I enjoy and appreciate the staff here at Southwest Hills Community Church. It saddens me that I will not be able to continue to serve beside each member of the staff and each of you. I want to thank everyone for the encouragement and generosity you have shown my family and me while we have been here. Know that we will continue to pray for you, for SHCC, and look forward to seeing God’s work here and in our lives in the future.(end letter)

Life is not the amount of breaths you take...

2010-05-06T11:43:00.004-05:00

Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away.

Not sure who originally said this. Some say George Carlin (comedian). Others credit Hilary Cooper (painter). Usually, it shows up as “author unknown.” I was first introduced to it through the movie “Hitch.”

There are moments that happen in my life that make more and more aware of how great God is and how good God is. Nothing more so than the birth of a child – especially the birth of my children.

Miracle! A few days ago our little girl was born. It is amazing to be present when a child makes his/her first appearance into the world. It is a gross and beautiful mess. Our long and anticipating wait is finally concluded with the beautiful cry of a little baby. She is beautiful!

I see her as a physically beautiful baby even with her crooked nose and spotty skin and monkey fingers and toes. But the real beauty that is seen is the innocence, the frailty, the likeness I see in her of Cassie – of myself – of Cooper. The beauty is that she is mine. Mine to love, to protect, to teach, to enjoy and share life with. She is my beauty. God’s beautiful creation put in my care to understand Him more and to make Him know more.

God is great. He created Marley Kate and Cooper Wesley.
God is good. He has shared them with Cassie and myself.

It does not matter how long I get to live on this Earth. It only matters how many times God takes my breath away with His creations which allow me to know Him more and to fall more and more in love with Him. This moment is one of the best types. He shows me how to love Him more by allowing me to love more.

Dinosaurs and Prayers

2010-01-18T14:51:00.007-06:00

I came home the other day and Cooper had drawn a dinosaur on his chalkboard. Now, I not one of those parents that thinks his kid is extraordinarily gifted. Matter of fact, one look at this picture and it is obvious that Cooper is no Rembrandt. Although, this dinosaur could be considered abstract, Cooper is no Pablo Picasso. But, this dinosaur was amazing – to me. While others may look at it and think, “I know 2 year olds that can do better than that (Cooper is 3).” To me, I get it. I love it. Why? Because it is my kid and he drew it for me. I don’t care about how well he used his colors or if the he was able to make the picture perfect. It did not matter to me about the line or form or shape. I did not even think, “It’s ok but analysis of your composition shows that the viewers eye is repeatedly led out of the picture. You should really make better use of shapes, both positive and negative, to lead the viewers eyes into and around the picture.” What a jerk of a dad I would be if that was my response when this little version of me showed me his work. He tried. He gave it all he could and he did it to connect with me. It was beautiful.

I believe it is Richard Foster who compares a child’s drawing to our prayers. God is not concerned about our structure or how eloquently we turn a phrase in our prayers. He is most concern with why we pray what we pray. If we try, give it all we have, and attempt to connect with Him, then to God our prayers are beautiful. Too often we can feel that our prayers are inadequate and lack power. It is often said that the power of prayer is not in the words prayed but in the One who is prayed to. Just remember, as you pray, to God, it is a beautiful thing that He treasures like a father treasures his son's drawing.

It's a new year - finally!

2010-01-11T11:11:00.004-06:00

So I took a month off from blogging and pretty much thinking. We enjoyed getting back to Mississippi to visit family but it was also nice to get back in Austin.

I am so glad that 2009 is over. It seems to have been a difficult year for a lot of people but now it is 2010. Now I realize that it is just another day, another week, another month. I know there is nothing magical about midnight on January 1 but 2009 was difficult AND it served as a great growth time for me and my family. Now, when we look back at 2009 here are things we will think of:

1) The year started out with me not having a job and us living at my parent's home.
2) Highland Colony Church in Madison, MS was very generous to us by allowing me to come be the interim youth pastor.
3) I thought I was going to be hired for my dream job in Arlington, TX and work at a church less than 5 miles from the NEW Cowboys stadium - but I was not and was disappointed.
4) I thought seriously that I would end up working at McDonald's and realized that I would be ok with that. We had come to a point of true surrender to God.
5) I was offered a position in a great church but knew that was not God's plan for us. I declined and wondered if I was destined for McD's.
6) I interviewed with another church which we loved but weren't crazy about the area. Again, realized that was not God's plan.
7) We met Southwest Hills Community Church and knew what God had in store for us.
8) We moved to Austin, TX.
9) I had the privilege of being a part of the Westlake Chaps - great season!
10) We got pregnant and it's a GIRL!

When I write it out it does not sound that bad but living in the moment of each of those steps was difficult at times. So, now we leave 2009 in the past and look to what God has planned. Try living life understanding that God's plan is not to harm us. God is for us. Welcome to 2010!

Don't Date Losers

2009-12-07T09:20:00.004-06:00

We're having a GIRL! My life once again is forever changed and I am not even sure what that means right now. Here's the thing, I know nothing about girls. How in the world I got Cassie to marry me still amazes me.

I know raising a daughter will be very from raising a boy. With Cooper, our 3 yr. old son, things seem pretty easy. Plus, his favorite thing right now is to play "Wrestle and Tackle." That works out great because I love "Wrestle and Tackle." But with a girl, I don't want see her grow up to be able to beat all the boys - or do I?

So, I've started thinking about the rules or life lessons she needs to hear from me. So far, I've only got one - DON'T DATE LOSERS.

Here's what I know, if you date losers you may become a loser. If you date losers then you will marry a loser. AND if you marry a loser then you will have a bunch of little loser babies and I don't want loser grandchildren.

That's it. That' all I've got so far. But it is true. We determine who we become by who and what we allow to influence our lives. We write our epitaph, our life sentence. When you're long gone from this world, one day people will be standing around the office or campus or church and your name will come up. After a short pause, someone will ask the question, "What did he/she do?" Whoever answers that question will do so in one sentence. It is your life sentence. It is not fair. You deserve more than one sentence. You deserve a book and a movie but you will get one sentence. So, what will they say?

I want to teach my son, my daughter, myself to live life on purpose, to live in a way that we determine what people will say about us when we are gone.

So as you can see, I need your help. What advice do you have for me about raising a daughter? What do I need to be aware of that will be different from having a son? Leave a comment and help me not wreck this girl's life :).

I am not but I know I AM

2009-11-19T10:56:00.004-06:00

If you've never read the book I am not but I know I AM by Louie Giglio, go now and get it. This is not the newest book from Mr. Giglio but it is certainly one that helps right size our lives.

11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" 12 And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain." 13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" 14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " Exodus 3

When God told Moses that His name was “I AM.” Moses had to realize that meant that Moses name was “I am not.” The same is true for us. God is God – I am not. God is control – I am not. God is in charge – I am not. When we know who we are not and who He is, then some incredible things can take place in our lives.

I need a new idea - I AM

Who could possibly be smart enough to figure all this out- I AM

I am going under somebody help me- I AM

What works- I AM

What’s the latest thing- I AM

What’s the hippest thing- I AM

Nothing’s real anymore- I AM

Leaders are bailing out who’s gonna last- I AM

Well if we fail who’s gonna get the job done- I AM

If we don’t reach this generation who will- I AM

Students today deserve more- I AM

I am pouring into others, who’s pouring into me- I AM

I am not sure who’s on my team- I AM

Nobody is listening to me- I AM

Nobody is on my team- I AM

I can’t- I AM

I quit- I AM

I need a drink- I AM

I need a fix- I AM

I need a rush- I AM

Who can I trust- I AM

I’ve got vision beyond my resource, how will it happen- I AM

I’ve given all that I can but it is never enough- I AM

Somebody just hold me- I AM

I am the way

I am the truth

I am the life

I am the first

I am the last

I am the Alpha

I am the Omega

I am the beginning

I am the end

I am the middle

I am all you need

I am more than enough for you

I am the sustainer

I am the restorer

I am the rebuilder

I am the savior

I am salvation

I am defender

I am God and there is no other

I am the Lord

I am who I am and that is my name to every generation

I am not but I know I AM

RUINED

2009-11-12T14:49:00.003-06:00

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself and thought, “Is that what I really look like?” Maybe in a good way but usually not. Usually it is when you get out of the car and see your reflection in the tinted window of the SUV you parked next to. Or sitting outside Starbucks on a nice day and you glance over and there you are – your reflection in the window. Maybe you see a recent picture of yourself but it is from a different angle that you would normally see, uh, YOU.

You see yourself as others see you. It just catches you off guard. The way I look in my mind does not match the reality of what I really look like. When did I get older? Is my hair thinner? Why do my clothes look so small? It can be quite the humbling experience.

It can really ruin your day. For some, it may ruin their week.

The same happens when we catch a spiritual reflection of ourselves in the mirror of God. There are these moments in my life that I will have a God experience that leaves knowing I am not where I should be or want to be in my relationship with God. All of the sudden there is this realization that I don’t have God figured out, I am not living the perfect life, and I’m not as mature as I had hoped I was. When we catch real glimpses of God it is quite humbling. We see more of who He is and more of who we are not. These glimpses of God can shatter our false images of who we are and it can RUIN you.

The difference between emotional ruining that can take place because we don’t physically match what we think we look like and the spiritual ruining that takes place because we see more of God is that the spiritually ruining is always a growth process. When I see this physical reflection of the real me, I tend to avoid seeing that again. I usually walk away, forget what I saw, and don’t do anything about it. When the spiritual ruining takes place, when God ruins our lives it propels us to move toward Him. It draws us to seek Him more. It gives opportunity for healing to take place. It makes room for us to live our lives in a new way – in a reckless abandonment. Isaiah experienced this in chapter 6. After he cries out, “Woe, for I am ruined!” He is forgiven of his sin and he answers God’s calling. Not only does he answer God’s calling, he goes to a place for God knowing that people will not respond to the message. He follows God in the way I want to follow – he follows understanding it’s not about him and its completely about GOD! Why can’t I do that? Because I am scared to be ruined. It hurts to go through that. It is uncomfortable. It means I won’t be in control. I like control.

So, we have to decide. Will we continue to live in our fantasy world thinking we look great when reality is everything is not that great? OR Will we look in the mirror of God, see the true reflection, and allow Him to ruin us to allow us to live the life we were created for?

Oh, and here’s the beautiful thing, when God ruins our lives we begin to see ourselves as He sees us – beautiful. Because we also see ourselves in a negative way in our minds at times also. If we are willing to allow God to humble us by ruining the false positive images we have of ourselves, we have to allow Him to ruin the false negative images we have of ourselves as well. He sees us as a beautiful creation.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

The New Norm

2009-11-02T10:06:00.004-06:00

Last night we kicked off a NEW service for the student ministry called CRAVE. It was incredible!!! We had a great number of students (core and guest) who attended. Our ministry teams of students and adults did an amazing job. The band did excellent at leading the students to worship our indescribable God. The students seemed to have a good time. They seemed to connect to what we were doing and hopefully understood why we are doing it.

There were a few students who asked, "Is this what we will be doing every week?" The question came from a disbelief and excitement that this could be the new norm. But, it is a great question.

Is this the new norm? Yes. Every week we will meet on Sunday night to play games, sing songs to great music, teach and learn, hang-out in small groups - and all of this is how we worship and honor GOD. Honoring God, learning about God, growing in God, worshiping God, and doing all this together is what we were designed to do. How beautiful it was last night to see people (students and adults) excited and enjoying what God is doing in and through our church at Southwest Hills.

However, I hope this is not the norm for long. I expect God to do more. I believe this is the beginning or the continuation but absolutely not the ending point. Greater things are still to come. God has GOD SIZED plans for His church here, for CRAVE, for His church where ever you are, and for you and for me.

Is this the new norm? Yes - for us. No - for God. The norm was, is, and will be God at work. The new norm is for us when we listen and act on what He is calling us to do. Following Him will always lead us to a new norm.

Lessons from U2

2009-10-26T09:43:00.002-05:00

So, I've taken a break for the past couple of weeks from posting. Partly intentional - partly lazy - partly out of routine. Two weeks ago my family went to Mississippi for 8 days while I stayed here. It is amazing how much balance Cassie and Cooper bring to my life. While they were gone, my schedule of life went crazy. They make me healthy. While I worked more while they were gone, I work better when they are here. I strive to get things done so I don't rob them of me. If I have to choose to cheat work or my family, I always cheat work. When they are not here, work takes over.

However, while they were gone, I went to experience U2 at Cowboys Stadium. Incredible concert!!! We got to the stadium and stood in line for about 3 hours waiting to get in. I was #1005 in line. Once we got in, we went to the floor to find a spot. Much to our surprise, the inner circle of the floor was still open. So we found our way around, picked our spot, and stood for another 2 hours waiting for the show. We were right up front, right where we wanted to be. Kudos to Matt G. for not giving up on getting that spot.

I loved the concert. Incredible! The thing I enjoyed most is that I learned (or was reminded of) some truths about me and about God.

Lesson #1: Everything is Spiritual

Don't mistake this for God is in everything and everything is God. But, everything is spiritual. We are spiritual beings. There is so much more to us than flesh and bones. Here's the thing, often I hear the question, "How is spiritual life?" As if there is this part of my life that is spiritual. To label a part of my life as spiritual would mean that there are parts that are not spiritual. But everything I do has impact on my spiritual life bc every part is spiritual. Everything I do in life has influence on my relationship with God. Therefore, everything is spiritual. I cannot check out of that to watch a movie, go to a concert, participate in an action, believing some of my actions are not spiritual actions.

Lesson #2: Everybody Worships

Watching the people at the concert, it was quite obvious that everybody worships. We do not have to teach people to worship. We, the human race, have great worship. Many of us have terrible gods, but great worship. I don't think that U2 desires to be worshiped, but there were people there that worshiped them. We know how to worship. The question is do we worship the right One.

Lesson #3: God's Message is Here

U2 writes incredible God songs. Now, are they believers, Christians, followers - do they have a personal relationship with Christ? I don't know. Maybe you do and you can fill me in. Here's what I know. The message of God and His love is there. It was quite the experience to listen to 70,000+ people sing Amazing Grace as Bono led. Do 70,000+ understand that song? No but then again I don't completely understand that amazing grace. The fact is God's message was presented. That's not the only place but that is a very clear example. God's message is Here. It is around us and it makes it way into place we don't expect. Believers or not, U2 is spreading God's message. Another way is they doing something that the church at time fails to do. They are teaching people to love others. I saw one person holding a sign that read "U2 has inspired us to change the world." They were referring to the RED movement that U2 strongly supports to fight AIDS in Africa. It is a message of love. To me, this is God's message to love our neighbor.

Great show! Worth waiting in line, worth the drive, worth the money. I found many times I watch the crowd as much as I did the band. My prayer was that God would reveal Himself to me through that experience and He did in more ways that I have written.

I challenge you to always practice the presence of God. Look for Him in what you do. Honor Him in what you do. Love in Him in what you do so you can experience Him in what you do.

God alone is capable of making Himself known as He really is. We search in reasoning and in sciences, as in a poor copy. What we neglect to see is God's painting Himself in the depth of our soul. ~ Brother Lawrence

Love Him to Know Him

2009-10-08T09:52:00.002-05:00

I grew up in the traditional setting of church. My dad is a pastor so I was in church a lot growing up. I was taught what the Bible says about everything. I grew up knowing God. So, why are there times in life that I still question if I love God the way I should or want to?Why as a person who claims to be a believer of over 25 years do I struggle with loving God?

Simple. I grew up knowing about God but not knowing what it meant to love Him. To know Him is to first love Him. The opposite is true in our culture. To truly love someone we must first really know them. I cannot truly know God without loving Him first. I grew up backwards (insert your own Mississippi joke here). I grew up trying to know God without understanding the need to love Him first. Too many of us do this. We try to intellectually dissect God before we think we can love Him.

To truly know Him I must set my priority to love Him. Only He can show me who He is. Only God can teach me to know Him. In all my other relationships, I can get to know someone without loving them. If I spend enough time around them, I will began to know them. Then, I can base my love on what I know. Not true with God. I cannot really know God without first loving Him. FAITH.

To some degree that relieves the pressure. I do not claim to be very intelligent. Knowing that all I have to do is love Him rather than figure Him out allows me to do simply love Him. Loving Him will lead to me knowing Him. Loving Him will drive my passion to pray, to read, to study, to discuss, to know Him.

Does this mean that someone should not question who God is before they believe? Does this mean that someone seeking to know God must mindlessly wonder into this relationship? NO.

This simply, for me, explains the faith step from non-belief to belief. Collect all the data you want about God but the decision to begin a relationship with Christ is simply one of faith, of love - not knowledge alone.

Human beings must be known to be loved; but Divine beings must be loved to be known.~Blaise Pascal

How NOT to Serve Your Family

2009-10-06T09:42:00.002-05:00

First, let me thank all of you who shared your thoughts on what it could look like to serve your family. It is always encouraging to be able to hear from you about the post on this site. It helps me grow so much to read your thoughts.

Here's what I learned: We all want to serve our family better! We know just loving them is not enough. We want to show them this. Also, how people in the home interact determines what the world outside that home will learn.

Sunday, I had the opportunity to share with SHCC what God was showing me.

The first thing is this:

PRETEND NOBODY’S WATCHING

Pretend that nobody’s paying attention to you.

Fool yourself in to thinking that they are not watching you 24/7

You can act any way you want because nobody will notice.

You can behave any way you like because nobody’s going to be observing.

Go ahead and pretend.

But we know the reality don’t we. Eyes are on us all the time.

They look to us to figure out what love is.

They look to us to learn how to do finances.

They watch us to know how to treat others.

What does Godly character look like?

We are models in every shape and form.

Apostle Paul writes 1 Cor. 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

They may forget your advice but not your example.

May not listen to your words but follow your footsteps.

We talk and teach what we know but we reproduce who we are.

We can’t give away what we are not.

If you want your kids to serve, then let them see you serving.

Things are passed from generation to generation to generation. Serve your family by changing the bad patterns that have been past down in your family.

1 Tim 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Kids do what kids see.

Stanford research: 89% of what we learn is through visual

Actions than speak louder than words

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one

More is caught than taught.
You serve your family by being an example for them.

Or don’t serve your family and act like nobody's watching

Click here to listen to the entire message.

How to Serve My Family

2009-10-02T08:25:00.003-05:00

All this past week I have been completely focused on preparing for the message coming up this Sunday. In the previous post, I asked the question, "What does it look like for you to serve your family?" Here is some of the feedback I've gotten:

Listen, don't just hear: I am a fixer. When someone has a problem, I automatically go into "fix it" mode. What I have come to understand that often when my wife is upset about something, it is as important (if not more) for me to listen to her emotion and not just her issue. She needs to know that I am listening to who she is and not just hear a problem.

Time over gifts: We all love to get gifts. My son loves presents but greater than that he loves spending time with me. I can give him a ball glove or bicycle but he just wants someone to throw ball with him or ride bikes together. He craves time over gifts.

Do without being asked: One dad told me that his son knows that if he will mow the yard without being asked or being asked only once, that his son makes his dad feel served by doing that. His son feels served if his dad ask him to it instead of telling him to do it.

I believe to really learn to serve others - it has to start at home. Looking forward to this weekend. My prayer is that God will use this in the lives that hear this weekend the way He has used it in my life this past week.

Psalm 101

²I will give heed to the blameless way
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.

What does it look like?

2009-09-24T10:46:00.010-05:00

I need your help. On October 4, I have the opportunity to share with the Southwest Hills Community Church family what it looks like when:

A husband serves his wife, his son, his daughter

A wife serves her husband, her son, her daughter

A son serves his father, his mother, his sister, his brother

A daughter serves her father, her mother, her sister, her brother.

What does it look like when family loves and serves family?

What do you think?

I am asking for your help to prepare for this message. What are examples, scripture, action steps, etc?

The home is an incubator, a greenhouse, a launching pad, and a sanctuary. The home is a laboratory, an experimental station, and an education institution. How people in the home interact determines what the world outside that home will learn. As family, what are we teaching the world by the way we live inside the home?

Please post your responses or email me.

Thanks for your help. I'll give a link to listen to the message after Oct. 4.

2009-09-22T10:35:00.004-05:00

I love the movie Patch Adams. In the beginning of the movie Patch is in a mental hospital. He encounters another patient (Author Mendelson) who constantly walks around holding up four fingers, asking the question, "How many fingers do you see?" When someone replies, "Four," he laughs and walks away. One evening Patch decides to ask Author what is the correct answer. Author holds up four fingers and asks the question:

Arthur Mendelson: How many fingers do you see?
Hunter Patch Adams: Four.
Arthur Mendelson: No no! Look beyond the fingers! Now tell me how many you see.

Arthur Mendelson: You're focusing on the problem. If you focus on the problem, you can't see the solution. Never focus on the problem!

At that moment Patch looks beyond the fingers to Author who knows the answer. Then, you see. Because Patch's focus changes, the four fingers blur and it appears as though there are eight. "How many fingers do you see now?"

"Eight."

Too often we focus on the problem and God is wanting us to look beyond the problem. If you focus on the problem, you can't see the solution. It is only when we seek His face that we can begin to see a solution. Learn to look beyond the problem.

The next quote from Author is incredible. See what no one else sees. See what everyone chooses not to see... out of fear, conformity or laziness. See the whole world anew each day!

The invitation is there from God. See the world anew each day! Everyday should be fresh. God is at work it is just a question of will you choose to see it.

I Want a Different God pt.2

2009-09-21T09:46:00.008-05:00

I assume and presume things about God all the time. I think I have God figured out sometimes. I live my life in a way that says I know what He's going to do or what He should do. How many times have a made commitments on God's behalf when He has not indicated that He would do that thing?

It's like the girl who says, "I know he's not a Christian and we share different values and we don't have much in common, but once we get serious, I'll just start praying that he will start to follow God. Wouldn't God answer that prayer?"

Or it's the guy who doesn't study for his algebra test and goes to school and says, "Now, God, my mom and dad said You answer prayer. You don't want me to flunk out. You want me to make something of myself, and besides, it would be a bad testimony if I flunk my test."

That's not faith; it's presumption. Then when God doesn't come through, or a miracle doesn't happen, everybody's mad at God. God's going, "It wasn't even My idea."

My problem is that when I assume or presume things about God, then in my mind and heart, God has become predictable, the same, boring. I WANT A DIFFERENT GOD! A God I can't guess what He'll do next, or how He'll do it. I want a god I can't manipulate or work or trick. Now, I have to live a life that reflects that god, my God, the God of creation - GOD.

What I believe about God is the most important thing about me. ~ Tozer

I Want a Different God

2009-09-14T14:18:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we sang "Unchanging"

So we raise up holy hands
To praise the Holy One
Who was and is and is to come
Yeah we raise up holy hands
To praise the Holy One
Who was and is and is to come

In one thought, this if very true. I believe that Tomlin was write in this that God is unchanging in His promises and His faithfulness, in His grace.

But has God changed? He is a God of change - He changes lives - He changes futures - He changes destinations. He is change. To say He was and is and is to come can only apply to certain aspects of Him.

My fear is that too many of us Christians have tried to live as though He was and is and is to come in a way that mean God is predictable - this idea that if I do this then He will do that. Too often people who fill the church think they have the formula figured out. No one would admit that but our lives show it.

God is not the same! The God of the Bible is full of surprises. Split the waters, walk on the water, turn the water into wine, make a donkey talk, time stand still, throw your nets on the other side, "What? Your ear got cut off? Let me fix that for you", creator being created, giver of life being killed. Who knows what He'll do next?!!!

Yet, we want Him to be the same. I don't want same god, boring god, predictable god. I want GOD! One cannot follow this God very long and stay comfortable.

His character is the same but His method is anything but...

Tomorrow I expect to see something new from God. The day after that I expect to see something new from God. And so on. I do know part of Him but not Him fully so why would expect to see the same thing from Him. Don't limit God because you have a glimpse.

Maybe the truth is more that God is not changing, we just simply have not seen all of Him so there is always new things to be revealed. The sad part is that some have quit looking for something new or different from Him. Once that happens, we cease to make bold moves for God. We simply sit and wait for His return. What a wasted life.

EXPECT great things from God

- ATTEMPT great things for God ~ William Carey

Making a Choice

2009-09-08T11:10:00.010-05:00

My family and I have been in Austin for about 6 weeks now and everyone ask "How do we like it?" WE LOVE IT! Austin is an incredible town and the church is real. It is a great fit for us and a great fit for me in ministry. Too many details to go into at this point but there are a lot of God-size things happening in my life and my family's life right now.

So, how did we know this is where we were suppose to be? It would be easy to answer if this were the only church that offered me a "job" and we took it to pay bills OR if this was the first church that came along OR all the other churches that I talked with were loser churches that I wanted nothing to do with BUT that was not the case. I was contacted by or I contacted close to 70 churches, many of which were great, healthy churches. There were several churches that we talked with that I thought had great possibilities only to receive the "you suck" letter or email from them a couple of weeks letter. When we visited Southwest Hills, we knew this why we left Mt.Vernon and we knew this is why we had waited 9 months. We knew God's plan for us to come to Austin.

Was is a GREAT VOICE speaking to us? Writing on the wall? A peaceful, easy feeling? What was "IT" that let us know that we were headed to the great state of Texas? Even after we interviewed with SHCC, they still had two more candidates to bring in and we had to wait six more weeks - but Cassie and I knew. How? How do you explain "knowing God's specific plan" for our lives?

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Cassie and I lived this verse faithfully for 9 months. Please understand this not a boastful statement. This is a testimony to say God is who He is! Cassie and I, before leaving Mt.Vernon, committed to each other and to God to delight ourselves in Him and allow Him to create our desires. What an incredible 9 months!!! In a time that should have been chaotic with having no job, living with my parents, and unsure where we would land, in the middle of what can be defined as chaos - there was peace. In circumstances that could create division between me and Cassie and division between us and God, we grew closer and stronger. Why? Because God is who He says He is. Because God initiated this trust thing by letting us know what He would do if we would delight ourselves in Him, we trusted Him to create those delights in us. Because we trusted Him and delighted ourselves in Him, we could trust our feelings and dreams because He was the one placing the dreams and feelings and thoughts in our hearts and heads.

My prayer is that we continue to live our lives today as we have lived the past 9 months - in faith. It seems so simplistic. God is God! Now live a life that shows you believe it.

The man or woman who is wholly or joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice/any choice will be the right one. ~ Tozer

The Most Important Thing

2009-09-01T10:39:00.007-05:00

Brad Pitt gave a revealing interview to Bild, a German magazine, in which he revealed that he didn't believe in God.

The reporter first asked if he believed in God.

"No, no, no!" Pitt said.

Next he asked if the actor's soul was spiritual, and Pitt replied, "No, no, no! I'm probably 20 per cent atheist and 80 per cent agnostic. I don't think anyone really knows. You'll either find out or not when you get there, until then there's no point thinking about it."

I know there are a lot of people who share this view when it comes to spiritual things. Unfortunately, many people rather not think about God and who He is or is not. It is alarming to me to hear people respond this way because I know they are headed for a great awakening. But also concerning is the hopelessness that must go with that. The nagging, at times aching, numbness that accompanies one who has chosen not to search for truth. I think of one like Mr. Pitt (I am a fan of his acting) who has settle for life as it is because he seems to have found a purpose - but not THE purpose. If one chooses not to even think about God, can one truly know who they are or who they are to become?

What I believe about God is the most important thing about me. ~ Tozer

Prayer - Habit or Discipline?

2009-08-28T10:36:00.004-05:00

Why do I struggle so much with this thing called prayer? I pray. Often. But I always seem to have questions with prayer. Is it possible that my prayer life was developed more out of habit rather than discipline?

A habit can be defined as an acquired pattern of behavior that often occurs automatically. That really does not sound too bad to think of prayer as a habit. This idea that one is in a pattern of praying that is almost automatic. The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). But this prayer habit seems to mean one will pray without ceasing and without thinking. That's my problem! Too often I begin to pray without thinking. I don't think Who I am pray to, Who I am approaching, Who is listening to me, Who will answer these prayers. Its a habit often done without thought. Please don't misunderstand, I think about God when I pray - its not just empty words, void of thought or feelings or intent. But when I stop and consider who He is, it should cause me to pray differently.

Lord, teach me to pray.

A discipline can be defined as the training that one gives one's self or receives from someone else to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behaviour, even though one would really rather be doing something else. The problem I have with prayer is that I have not learned this particular behavior; it just became a habit with no intentional growth.

While the habit of prayer can be good, I want the discipline of prayer. I want to learn how to pray not just pray.

So, what is prayer to you? How do you increase in your ability to pray?

Leaders build commuity

2009-08-25T09:16:00.004-05:00

There is a lot to consider when you are given an opportunity by God to help lead others. Too often we take this call for granted. We believe the position entitles us to rights. We believe it entitles us to the right to be right. We believe it entitles us to the right to go with reckless abandonment, the right to run ahead on our own, the right to tell everyone to catch up. The right to be considered better at what we lead than anyone else.

Too often we try to lead so far out in front that we leave others behind. You may respond, "Well, if they can't keep up that's their weakness - not mine." But we must understand that a leader is responsible for everyone they lead – their core supporters and those at the fringe that may have their doubts. A leader builds community. A leader is inclusive.

God has called each of us to build this community. He designed us with this need for a relationship with Him and with others. One cannot be the most effective leader God has created them to be without true community.

Where there is leadership, there is a sense of community. ~ Michael McKinney

Mysterious Mingling of Kindred Personalities

2009-08-24T08:43:00.009-05:00

God formed us for His pleasure, and so formed us that we as well as He can in divine communion enjoy the sweet and mysterious mingling of kindred personalities. He meant us to see Him and live in Him and draw our life from His smile. (The Pursuit Of God)

Three weeks ago we made our move to Austin, TX. Months before making the move, God was at work in mine and Cassie's life about what this next chapter of our life would be like. Without question, I knew God was preparing for me to better understand this idea of "community" as experienced in Acts. Now, I have often fought against letting people get too close to me, all the while trying to be a help to them. However, knowing that God has created me and my "mysterious mingling of kindred personalities" (personalities my be really appropriate in describing me;) then I must strive, work toward, struggle with allowing others to know me more so I may know them more SO I may learn and grow in God more. Who He is to them is a new view of Him that I can only catch a glimpse of if I know His people - truly know them. AND if I don't allow them to know me (truly know me) then I am robbing them of that glimpse of Him in me.

So, God please give wisdom, strength, and humility to be vulnerable to those around me so there may be true community in my life just as there is true community in YOU.

ME Leading ME

2009-08-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

We must lead ourselves before we try to lead anyone else. That being very true, this blog is simply an attempt of me trying to lead me. My prayer is that God will grow me through this process and allow me to expand in my view and dream of who He is.

So, how do you lead yourself?

What do you do, read, watch, listen to?

How do you choose what to share with others and when?

Do you share even when you are still processing it or do you wait until you at least know where you are going with new thoughts or old thoughts just refreshed?

I cannot deligate my leadership growth to someone else. I must strive to lead me and allow others to assist me in this venture.