Arms Too Short

February 10, 2010

Arms Too Short

I am pretty average height, which is not a bad thing. It was troubling as a teenager when I believed that a couple more inches might have helped me land a spot on the basketball team. More height, longer arms…who knows?

I thought about my average length arms (32 inches, in case you are interested) as my daily Bible reading took me to Numbers 11 recently. The children of Israel were complaining about a lack of variety in their diet. They were growing tired of the manna God provided daily; they demanded meat. Moses took their complaint to the Lord, who agreed to this menu change. Moses responded to this as though he would be the one expected to deliver on this new menu item: “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’ Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?” (Numbers 11:21,22)

Moses is scratching his head as to how he is going to fulfill this promise. He knew his human resources were limited. I don’t know if God was amused or annoyed, but the divine response is classic: “Is the Lord’s arm too short?” (11:23)

I’m too much like Moses, putting limits on what God can or cannot do. When faced with a challenge I immediately think about what I lack in the way of resources to overcome the obstacle. In my mind, God is reduced to my size–average height, limited ability, already stretched in too many directions. I think and act as though I believe God’s arms are too short.

Moses–and Israel–needed another reminder of God’s power, which soon came in the form of a “quail storm.” Before the “storm” subsided, the people were walking around in three feet of quail for as far as they could walk in any direction (11:31).

I don’t know what you are up against today, but I would encourage you to think about the question: “Is the Lord’s arm too short?” Don’t get trapped into seeing your options from only your limited perspective. God’s arms are plenty long enough to take on whatever you are  facing.

My arms are average length…God’s are not!

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THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RISE OF APOSTOLIC LEADERSHIP

January 20, 2010

The Present Future–The Rise of Apostolic Leadership

If you haven’t read the entry before this one (written earlier today), please do so.
By “Apostolic” leadership, Reggie means–the kind of leadership that will be functional and effective in our “present future” just as it was in the 1st century. The leadership of Jesus that he used to develop his apostles into effective ambassadors resulted in “turning the world upside down” in a very few years. The 21st century in which we live is much like the 1st century in which they lived, so maybe we need to go back to that kind of leadership. How did it happen? What characteristics did they have that so effectively spread the Kingdom?
They were Visional–They didn’t say “come to us” they went to the people. They welcomed all sorts of people into the kingdom. They were committed to the vision of “taking the world for Christ.”
They were Kingdom people–They were all about impacting the world (their communities) for Jesus. They became (as Paul said) “all things to all men so that by all possible means” they might save some.
They were Team players–They did ministry together. Paul didn’t go to the various places he went, alone. He partnered with Barnabas, Silas, Luke, Timothy and Titus among others. Some of the worst times of his life came when he was forced to be alone.
They were Developers–They understood the importance of their role as “equippers.” (Ephesians 4:12) They knew they couldn’t do it all and if the kingdom was to expand others had to be trained.
They were Genuinely spiritual–They didn’t just believe “in God” they believed God. When people saw them they understood that “these men had been with Jesus.”
They were Missional–They believed that the world could be taken for Jesus and gave themselves to that mission. They didn’t get bogged down with “club” duties. (Acts 6:4)
Can you see the need for this kind of leadership? Are you willing to become this kind of leader or follow this kind of leadership? If we are serious about “Kingdom business” then these are characteristics of leadership that will be evident.

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THE PRESENT FUTURE–MOVING FROM PLANNING TO PREPARATION

January 20, 2010

The Present Future–Moving From Planning To Preparation

Well, I got caught up in other “ministry” last week and didn’t continue this blog, so I’ll recap last week’s session and then do another entry for tonight.
Reggie contends that if we continue to “plan for the future” as we always have we’ll keep getting the same results we’ve been getting, which have not been (the old plans) successful in expanding the Kingdom of God (fewer and fewer people are coming to church). Plans often fail because we use the past to make our plans instead of looking to the future. Instead of planning (like we’ve always done it) we need to prepare for the future. God has already done the planning for us. Jeremiah 29:11. We may not know what is coming in the future but there are things we can do to be prepared for ministry in this “present future.” Reggie suggested and commented on the following five (5) characteristics of preparation.
Vision–The ability to see what the next chapter looks like. Vision should rise from the congregation (not from the preacher/minister/elders). It’s keeping our eyes open so we can observe what’s happening around us in our culture and in so doing be effective in ministry.
Values–These are the behaviors that support the vision. It’s not enough to say that values are “what we believe.” How we act/what we do is really what we believe.
Results/Scorecarding–This is how we measure how we’re doing. Preparation takes a new method of “keeping score.” Those who are preparing for the future realize that how many come to the building for services, Bible classes, church activities, how much money is given, etc. are not really an accurate way to measure kingdom growth. Maybe we should look more at how many people are involved in community service, how many people were helped this week, how many folks were encouraged in the name of Jesus, etc. to assess how we’re doing.
Strengths–What we bring to the table. So often planning begins around our weaknesses. Where did we mess up and how can we fix it. Why not look at where we are strong and how we can use those strengths to benefit the kingdom?
Learnings–There will always be things we don’t know how to do that are needed to expand the Kingdom. We need to find out the thing or things that our community most needs and then dedicate time and resources to equip ourselves in how to do those things. Each of these characteristics of a preparation modality are focused on partnering with God to expand His kingdom. Since God already knows the plans he has for us, shouldn’t we be prepared to take advantage of those plans when the opportunities arrive?

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THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION

January 7, 2010

THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Reggie McNeal contends that true spiritual formation is centered in “knowing Jesus” and not “knowing about Jesus” through the study of Scripture. Jesus spent three or so years with twelve selected followers (apostles) in an effort to train them to continue His work of reconciling the world back to the Father (they became his ambassadors just as we have, as followers of Jesus-2 Corinthians 5:18-20). In the process of this training, these men really got to “know” Jesus. If we are wanting to continue that reconciling work, then I believe we also have to know Jesus. And the great thing about knowing Jesus is that in knowing Him we get to experience “abundant life”–John 10:10. From the beginning of time (and even before) God’s plan was for believers to look like Jesus (be changed into His image–Romans 8:29). Paul labored to that end (Christ formed in you–Galatians 4:19). Discipleship, said Jesus, is all about becoming like your teacher (Matthew 10:25). So, how do we do this in 2010? We have numerous Bible study opportunities but these sessions are aimed at Bible knowledge and not transformation of behavior. They help us know “about” Jesus but not so much about knowing Him. Life doesn’t come from “diligently studying the scriptures” said Jesus (John 5:39) but from coming to Him. What have we missed in our efforts to bring people into a relationship with Jesus? What can we do to fix the problem?

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Is Anything Too Hard For God?

January 6, 2010

Is Anything Too Hard For God?

In Genesis 18:14 the question is asked, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” The speaker is identified as the Lord. God paid a visit to Abraham and Sarah, disguised in human form. The purpose of the visit was to confirm the promise of a yet-to-be-born son to this aging couple. The promise had first been made years before but the crib remained empty; there was still no child. As the promise is reaffirmed yet another time, Sarah is in the next room. The Bible says she laughed when she heard the words–it seemed even less plausible now then when the promise had first been made. Was this some sort of  cruel cosmic joke?

The Divine Visitor heard her laugh, and asked the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Maybe this qualifies as a rhetorical question–a question asked, but no response is really expected. A question where you assume everyone in the room knows the answer. Is anything too hard for the Lord?

As I read that question again this morning, the answer seemed obvious to me. Based on what I already know about Abraham and Sarah’s situation, of course the answer is a resounding “NO!” I read it as a rhetorical question. But further reflection reminds me that the answer isn’t as obvious when it’s MY life and MY doubt and MY questions and MY delayed dreams on the line.

We are just  a few days into this new year, but already you may be facing one of those “up against the wall” kind of situations. Or maybe it’s a carry-over from last year, and you are still trying to figure out when and how it will be resolved.  I don’t mean to make light of whatever it is you are up against, but can you imagine that, from God’s perspective, it’s about as tough to handle as flicking a fly off your wrist, or removing a piece of lint from your sweater? From my perspective it’s like scaling Mt. Everest; for God, not so much. Is anything too hard for the Lord?

For Abraham and Sarah, it won’t be much longer before they hear the first cry of a new-born son, at which point they might view this as a rhetorical question. But at the moment they’re not sure. They were still waiting on God to do what He said He would do.

The waiting rooms of life try our patience and test our faith. If you are in one of those waiting rooms right now, memorize the question: Is anything too hard for the Lord?

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THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION

January 5, 2010

THE PRESENT FUTURE–THE RETURN TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION

I’ve just read again from Reggie’s book, The Present Future, the chapter entitled, The Return to Spiritual Formation. For me, it is one of the most important chapters about spiritual formation and church education, that I’ve read. It certainly gives opportunity for a person in my position (adult education leader) to begin changing the direction of what we do at church in areas of education. This is one reason that we are going to view the DVD again in class tomorrow evening. I think it’s a God thing (I’ll tell you why later).
I’ve never done this before in 40 years of teaching Bible classes (use the same lesson two times in a row) but felt like there were too many good things said to digest in just one hearing. Come and enjoy the video Wednesday. I do have a few books for those who requested them, ask for one. I’ll highlight a few of the more important things Reggie says (in my opinion) in subsequent blogs. I’d really like some feedback from those of you who are in the class and/or have been following on this blog

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Make This Commitment for 2010

January 4, 2010

Make This Commitment for 2010

It could be the best decision you make in this new year…though it might not seem that way at first. In fact, it could be awhile before you begin experiencing any of the benefits of completing this commitment. But if you make this decision, and follow through, I am confident that you will reach December 31 and look back at this commitment as a turning point for your life.

What is this potentially life-changing commitment?

Answer: Read through the Bible this year.

That answer might disappoint some–you were perhaps expecting something with more punch and pizazz. But developing the discipline of consistent Bible reading and reflecting could be the best decision you make in 2010.

If you want to grow spiritually, you need a steady diet of Scripture. There is no substitute. The poet, T.S. Eliot, once said, “Everything we eat has some effect upon us. It affects us during the process of assimilation and digestion; and I believe exactly the same is true of anything we read.” My interpretation: You are what you read. We need to be spending more time reading the Word of God.

I am committed to preparing and presenting Biblical messages throughout 2010 that will nourish us spiritually. However, every Christian needs to take responsibility for feeding themselves spiritually as well. Which means consistent time in God’s Word.

So what do you say? Will you make this commitment? Take the plunge? We have provided daily Bible reading guides; but there are plenty of other options available. If you are interested in checking them out, let me know. But decide now…we are only four days into the new year…it isn’t too late to get started…become more consistent in opening your Bible and reading it for yourself.

It could be the best decision you make in 2010!

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Sunday Reflections

December 15, 2009

Sunday Reflections

 Rick Cline

Wow! To God be the glory! Amazing! Incredible! Praise God!

Just some of the verbal responses to Sunday’s announcement of financial commitments to our “Now Is The Time” campaign:

$981,556

When we began this campaign five months ago, we felt like Abraham when it says in Hebrews 11:8 that “By faith Abraham…obeyed and went… even though he did not know where he was going.” We began this journey not sure just where it would take us, and not clear as to how we were going to get there. We did believe that God had led us to the decision to remain in this location of downtown Wichita. We did believe that God was calling us to be more intentional about ministry outside the walls of our building. We did believe that God was ready to help us move into an exciting new future of ministry in the city. It was time for us to do like Abraham, who by faith “obeyed and went.”

We have prayed a simple prayer the last five months: “Lord, what do you want to do through me?” We give God glory for the answer received last Sunday, a result of so many RiverWalk households responding to God’s whisper and nudge.

Sunday was one of the great days in the 106 year history of our congregation.

Now we turn our attention to the use of these funds in expanding our outreach in the downtown community, and upgrading our facilities for more effective ministry. We will be announcing some “next steps” in early January; there will be opportunities for more RiverWalk members to be involved in helping us turn dreams into reality.

Five months ago we went out, not entirely clear as to where we were going. Last Sunday we experienced the blessing of faith that dares to embrace the truth of Ephesians 3:20, 21: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

Immeasurably more than ALL we ask or imagine…to Him be glory!

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The Present Future

December 15, 2009

The Present Future

 Scott Waltman

Our last class period focused on reality #4 entitled “The Return to Spiritual Formation.” Philippians 3:10 states “I want to know Christ…” McNeal, in his book says that despite that example from Paul, we have “turned our churches into groups of people who are studying God as though they were taking a course at school or attending a business seminar. We aim at the head. We don’t deal in relationship. And we wonder why there is no passion for Jesus and His mission.” Many church leaders (myself included) have made it their goal to develop better church members, when God would have us about the business of developing followers of Jesus. How can we turn that around? Jesus said that He “didn’t come to be served but to serve.” Maybe that’s a starting point! I think God smiles when we are serving others. I think we look more like Jesus when we serve others. And “spiritual formation” is really all about having Jesus formed in us, isn’t it? (Romans 8:29-30)

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WOW

December 15, 2009

Wow!

 Scott Waltman

An amazing Sunday morning. The culmination of lots prayer, hard work, and decisions that will frame the future of this community of people for years to come. Approximately $1,000,000 committed over the next three years to ministry and updating ministry areas of our building. Seeing the amount committed was in itself an amazing thing to me, but the most amazing thing to me was seeing the faith of so many. I’ve been privileged to rub shoulders with so many people of faith over the years, but now I’m rubbing shoulders with people of “great” faith. We are not, by and large, a wealthy congregation but we are a blessed congregation. One of the first descriptions of this family that I heard over 22 years ago was “when there is a need, this family comes through.” I think we’ve proven that to be true one more time. God is good! God is faithful! God is at work in His people! God is at work in our world! So many promises of God, through scripture, are flooding my mind right now but the verse that keeps coming to the top is from Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” I can’t wait to see what God will do with the money committed and with those who gave. Thanks to all in this family who have believed God’s promises.

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