Just thinking about...

Freedom

Many people (including me) have expressed gratitude this weekend for our freedoms and rightfully so.

Our Discipleship Counseling Ministry often takes people through a process called Steps to Freedom in Christ. It's not about political freedom, but is a fierce inventory done with two trusted others to deal with the "stuff" of one's life. It's truly amazing. The steps take you through Scripture, declarations, confession, and prayers, following the principles of "walking in the light" (1 John 1:7) and confession and prayer (James 5:16).

The whole process takes about three hours, and is intense, empowering, and (I believe) used by God to set people free from strongholds, footholds, guilt, and even oppression.

After several years of helping people become free, I have come to understand that becoming free and staying free are different issues. I know people who have been through the steps- acknowledging sin, confessing, and genuinely becoming free- only to later walk back into the same or similar sinful/destructive practices. Of course there are multiple explanations one could give, but I think one is most obvious.

I believe (after all these years) that one may not live (stay) free, unless the spiritual disciplines are foundational practices in one's life. Not just habits but foundational practices like eating and drinking and sleeping. Of course, I don't think the disciplines can save you; but in my years as a pastor, I have never seen anyone consistently live free, developing the fruit of the Spirit, or cultivating the character and practices of Jesus, without the practice of personal spiritual disciplines. In other words, becoming free in Christ is one thing; living free is another. You can be saved in an instant, but change takes a lifetime.

I think that is why we have tried to re-orient our church to help people not only become free in Christ, but to live free in Christ. Changing the way one lives is a process that takes time. The Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, and the Community of faith work in tandem to help a freed soul become a transformed soul.

I suppose the consumer mentality wants transformation that comes in a box or change after attending a meeting. But "fruit that remains" (true freedom) is a work of the Spirit and the disciplined soul who wants to not only be free but to live free.

Just thinking….

Governor Sanford

Today was a sad day indeed for the Mark Sanford family. Here's my response:

    I have decided to pray for them. Joyce (my wife) worked with Mark for a while years ago and knows Jenny. They both are also fellow Christ Followers with different needs.

    I'm praying for the marriages of high profile leaders- including church leaders. The sins of Christ Followers with public platforms have a greater effect on our witness to the many pre-Christians.

    I'm praying that Christ followers who have sinned in their marriage will repent, seek forgiveness, and renew their commitment to the Lord and to their marriages. The God who forgives us in Christ     will also walk with us as we go through the consequences of our sin.

    I am also praying for the marriages in my congregation. None are impervious to temptation. I know of several that are currently going through tough times. I'm praying that the people of the River     will renew their commitment to their God, to their partner, and to their marriage.

    I also praying God will use the sermon series starting Sunday called BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE. The main delivery system I have for helping my folks at the River is the Sunday sermons and the     relationships we have.

    I'm praying that the Christians of our nation will humble themselves in every area (marriage included) and turn from ways contrary to God's ways. God will forgive us and help us make it through     the consequences of our sins. I don't think He will remove the consequences, but in love will walk us through them. We must, in humility, seek His face.

As I thought of the hurt and pain and suffering the Sanford family must be going through at this time, I lingered on Jenny Sanford and how she would respond to this whole affair. I received an email with her response tonight. Check it out. 

Please pray for this family and for their witness as Christ Followers. Pray for their pastor and others who will be working to redeem this marriage and family.

A Jesus Manifesto

I was moved by the piece called A Jesus Manifesto by Len Sweet and Frank Viola.

Check it out.

June 2K9

Today is Father's Day and also happens to be the beginning of my 22^nd year at Riverbluff/Midland Park.

22 years ago, I was working at LIFEWAY as a youth expert. I traveled to all of the states and tried to help youth leaders develop teens into disciples of Jesus rather than simply believers in Jesus. We developed materials and processes to help the local church leaders. It was pretty cool, with most of my time spent traveling and speaking. It would not be unusual to go to work (in Nashville); then have lunch in Phoenix, and dinner at home. It was exciting but not quite what I was "wired up" to do in Kingdom work. I think I'm designed by Him to "do life" with a group of people; not to fly in, speak to them, and leave.

Then God called me to a place called Midland Park Baptist. And I found "my groove" so to speak.

I have been fulfilled in my role as lead pastor at (now) Riverbluff Church and look forward to serving a while longer. I do notice that my body is turning 61 the end of this month, so I've wondered "when do I stop doing what I'm doing?" Of course, the Lord is in charge and I will certainly listen to hear His sweet voice tell me when it's quitting time. But I've also got another way to "hear Him speak".

In the South, whenever someone wants to say something true but hard, we soften the blow by saying, "bless your heart". I've asked several buddies to tell me when they turn to their wife after one of my sermons and say "bless his heart". I'll know then that it's time to get me off the platform and take me home. I'm done!

Hopefully, that will be a while.

In the meantime, I will keep doing what I love with people that I love trying to change a city that I love and a world that needs Him! Many thanks to the people called Riverbluff for letting me serve with you. You are a gracious and kind people and I really do "have you in my heart".