Day 17
I spent some time praying at Results Gym today. The gym is where we used to meet when it was Giddings School. It brought back lots of memories--took me back to my roots. I'm not sure if it's my personality, but I like going back to my roots every once in a while. It keeps me humble and grateful.
When I go back to CBC, the balcony in the chapel brings back lots of prayer memories. I logged lots of hours in prayer. A few years ago we took a trip back to Alexandria, Minnesota and I've got a picture by the cow pasture when I felt called to ministry. Those places are my gilgal and mizpah and bethel.
When I look back I seem like such a different person than I was eight years ago. I think about how a few decisions really altered the trajectory of my life. I could so easily have been on staff at a church in Missouri or Chicago, but by the grace of God, was led to DC. And I think about the way God opened the door to pastor at NCC. It makes me think of Proverbs 16:9--one of my fall-back positions. We plan our course, but God orders our steps!
Poor
I have a growing burden for the poor in DC. I really think we have the potential to do something on a much larger scale. I think one of the greatest things we ever did was our Convoy of Hope in 1997--we gave groceries to 5,000 people. I think about helping the poor like I think about helping our missionaries. The more we bless our missionaries and the poor the more the Lord is going to bless us. Proverbs 28:27 says, "Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing."
First
I think putting God first is the key to just about everything. It's so simple. We seek His kingdom first. In other words, His priorities are our priorities. We give him the first fruits. We give him the first time slot of the day. We give him the first and best of everything we have to offer.
Sharing My Faith
I find that just about everyday I'm looking for opportunities to share my faith. It isn't always in words (though I'm praying for those opportunities). Sometimes it's a smile. Yesterday we helped a neighbor move a wood cabinet. I felt like I was sharing my faith in a practical way. I'm beginning to see everyone I meet as someone I can influence for Christ.
I'm not sure I have to share my faith in "traditional" ways. I wonder if the Lord can use my writing and preaching to influence more people in a non-threatening way. That's one thing I'm praying for.
Fresh Fire
I'm reading Jim Cymbala's book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and I'm so inspired by it. I see so many similarities. We started with a core group of nineteen. I was in my mid-twenties. And it was rough going at first. I'm not sure I would have attended the church if I hadn't been the pastor!
A few thoughts from the book:
"God is attracted to weakness." I believe that.
I think we want to be self-sufficient, but it ends up hurting us. I've always believed that it was possible and laudable to be financially independent. But I question my motives. I think "independent" is the wrong word. I think some people's dependence upon God decreases as their wealth increases. Their wealth becomes their source of identity and reliance and dependence. Proverbs 30:8 is fascinating. "Give me neither poverty or riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs." Here's why. "For if I grow rich I may deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord'?"
The turning point for Brooklyn Tabernacle was a boat trip when God spoke to Jim Cymbala and said "Spirit to spirit"--"If you and your wife will lead my people to pray and call upon my name, you will never lack for something fresh to preach. I will supply all the money that's needed, both for the church and for you family, and you will never have a building large enough to contain the crowds I will send in response."
The Tuesday night prayer meeting at Brooklyn Tabernacle became the barometer--the gauge by which success and failure are measured.
I feel that same kind of subtle shift happening during this forty days of prayer and fasting. If we are praying, everything else will take care of itself. I think prayer is the plow that breaks up the hard ground and prepares it for planting and ultimately leads to the harvest.
For what it's worth, Jesus never taught the disciples to preach. He only taught them to pray.
When I go back to CBC, the balcony in the chapel brings back lots of prayer memories. I logged lots of hours in prayer. A few years ago we took a trip back to Alexandria, Minnesota and I've got a picture by the cow pasture when I felt called to ministry. Those places are my gilgal and mizpah and bethel.
When I look back I seem like such a different person than I was eight years ago. I think about how a few decisions really altered the trajectory of my life. I could so easily have been on staff at a church in Missouri or Chicago, but by the grace of God, was led to DC. And I think about the way God opened the door to pastor at NCC. It makes me think of Proverbs 16:9--one of my fall-back positions. We plan our course, but God orders our steps!
Poor
I have a growing burden for the poor in DC. I really think we have the potential to do something on a much larger scale. I think one of the greatest things we ever did was our Convoy of Hope in 1997--we gave groceries to 5,000 people. I think about helping the poor like I think about helping our missionaries. The more we bless our missionaries and the poor the more the Lord is going to bless us. Proverbs 28:27 says, "Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing."
First
I think putting God first is the key to just about everything. It's so simple. We seek His kingdom first. In other words, His priorities are our priorities. We give him the first fruits. We give him the first time slot of the day. We give him the first and best of everything we have to offer.
Sharing My Faith
I find that just about everyday I'm looking for opportunities to share my faith. It isn't always in words (though I'm praying for those opportunities). Sometimes it's a smile. Yesterday we helped a neighbor move a wood cabinet. I felt like I was sharing my faith in a practical way. I'm beginning to see everyone I meet as someone I can influence for Christ.
I'm not sure I have to share my faith in "traditional" ways. I wonder if the Lord can use my writing and preaching to influence more people in a non-threatening way. That's one thing I'm praying for.
Fresh Fire
I'm reading Jim Cymbala's book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and I'm so inspired by it. I see so many similarities. We started with a core group of nineteen. I was in my mid-twenties. And it was rough going at first. I'm not sure I would have attended the church if I hadn't been the pastor!
A few thoughts from the book:
"God is attracted to weakness." I believe that.
I think we want to be self-sufficient, but it ends up hurting us. I've always believed that it was possible and laudable to be financially independent. But I question my motives. I think "independent" is the wrong word. I think some people's dependence upon God decreases as their wealth increases. Their wealth becomes their source of identity and reliance and dependence. Proverbs 30:8 is fascinating. "Give me neither poverty or riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs." Here's why. "For if I grow rich I may deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord'?"
The turning point for Brooklyn Tabernacle was a boat trip when God spoke to Jim Cymbala and said "Spirit to spirit"--"If you and your wife will lead my people to pray and call upon my name, you will never lack for something fresh to preach. I will supply all the money that's needed, both for the church and for you family, and you will never have a building large enough to contain the crowds I will send in response."
The Tuesday night prayer meeting at Brooklyn Tabernacle became the barometer--the gauge by which success and failure are measured.
I feel that same kind of subtle shift happening during this forty days of prayer and fasting. If we are praying, everything else will take care of itself. I think prayer is the plow that breaks up the hard ground and prepares it for planting and ultimately leads to the harvest.
For what it's worth, Jesus never taught the disciples to preach. He only taught them to pray.
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