The Dip (book)

A while back I read a book by author Seth Godin titled, "The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When To Quit (And When To Stick)". It was quite interesting and honestly a bit unsettling. According to Godin, the "dip" is the barrier between those who try and those who succeed. The book helps you to think about the long-term consequences of quitting. Certainly there are some things we should never quit and learn the biblical character qualities of patience and perseverance. Things like following and obeying Jesus, family life (marriage & parenting). However, there are some things where we have to consider and ask, "Is _______ worth my time and effort? Should I persevere or quit?" It may be a project, a relationship, a business, a ministry or whatever, we all travel through dips. The point is, for the sake of our life's God-given calling, gifts, talents, resources and purpose we need to carefully decide our priorities and investments.

Here are a few quotes I jotted down from the book. Enjoy,

"Winners quit all the time. They just quit the right stuff at the right time." p.3

The "biggest obstacle to success [and effectiveness] in life... is our inability to quit soon enough." p. 22

"The people who set out to make it through the Dip - the people who invest the time and the energy and the effort to power through the Dip - those are the ones who become the best in the world." p. 23

"A woodpecker can tap 20 times on 1000 trees and get no where, but stay busy. Or he can tap 20,000 times on one tree and get dinner." p. 29

Here are 7 reasons you might fail to become the best:

1) You run out of time and quit.

2) You run out of money and quit.

3) You get scared and quit.

4) You're not serious about it and quit.

5) You lose interest or enthusiasm or settle for being mediocre and quit.

6) You focus on the short term instead of the long and quit when the short term gets too hard.

7) You pick the wrong thing at which to be the best in the world.

Gospel Comes To Life, pt 3

Mark Driscoll, in summary, gave three helpful applications for the gospel and culture.

1) Some things we must reject outright from culture. These are things that are completely incompatible with God and the Bible. There can be no compromise on these things. Examples may include homosexuality, abortion, porn... these are moral sins that are found in the commands of Scripture.

2) Some things we can receive from culture. These are things that God has given humanity the intelligence and innovation to create and bring about for the common good. God sends rain on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). An example is the use of medicine, doctors, etc.

3) Some things we must redeem from culture. There are some things that were morally good or neutral but culture has corrupted. They must be reclaimed for God's purposes. Examples may include certain technology or inventions, sex, gender and relationship views and others.

These 3 categories are helpful in trying to discern how a Christian is to relate to culture without watering down or abandoning the heart of the gospel.

Gospel Comes To Life pt 2

The gospel of Jesus is powerful. It stands against any other worldview and gives the most comprehensive answer to life’s questions. It gives the answer for why evil exists, how to handle suffering, where to turn for freedom and hope and ultimately gives life a purpose. Yet, Christians often think or act like the gospel is weak and impotent. We live in depression and defeat over the sin in our lives, we fail to share and give a reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15), and we barely understand the difference between Christianity and other competing worldviews. Ultimately, followers of Jesus are called to become infused with the gospel that they are able to engage the surrounding culture with God’s grace, the power to transform lives.

Before Jesus left the earth he prayed, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:14-18).

At this conference, Pastor Mark Driscoll made a few observations about the way Christian interact with the surrounding culture. Here are some of the ways he listed:

Christians are like the Pharisees or Essenes:
They avoid the culture by creating sub cultures. It’s the mindset that church culture is a bomb shelter; huddle up and hide. Christians become innocent but extremely naïve. The problem with this view is that evil not only exists outside of ourselves but inside our hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” An example he gave was the home school movement. This is not to say that all who home school are wrong. But the motivation for doing so should be evaluated. If all Christians left public school system or sports leagues, stores, or any other public arena, then how will they be a witness for Christ to the world? Jesus said his prayer was not to take us out of the world but have protection from the evil one.

Christians are like the Sadducees:
They accommodate the culture. The church simply mirrors or reflects worldly styles and trends. In this case it becomes difficult to discern the difference between Christians and unbelievers. By default, the love of the world becomes god. The obvious problem with this view is producing god-substitutes rather than a clear difference and reason to become transformed by God’s grace and have devotion to Him alone.

Christians are like the Zealots:
They violently attack the culture for everything wrong that exists. They may be right in doing so but their methods are by far from honoring God or loving toward people. The church becomes known for what it is against and never what it is for or in support. The problem with this view is that it is arrogant and prideful. It forgets the reality that we are all saved by the mercy and grace of God. And it fails to offer the intended purpose of the gospel to transform others.

Christians are like the Disciples:
They seek to influence the culture with the gospel. They understand they are not perfect models but they point to the One that is, Jesus Christ. They have accepted the call to be on mission with God to redeem a lost and dark world without hope if they do not receive the gospel. The church becomes very public and culture shapers while remaining counter cultural. Christians are sent as missionaries just as Jesus was sent into the world (John 17:18).

So which are you and your family? Which category does your church fall into? If you find yourself in one of the first three categories then be honest in your evaluation. Repent of your sin of indifference, compromise or arrogance. Begin to make steps of faith to become more Christ-like. Follow the path and courage of the early disciples that others may take note that we have been captured by the extravagant beauty of God’s grace desiring to reflect that with others (Acts 4:13).

HGG and Beyond...

Well, this Sunday the final message in our TEXT LOVE series… well, sort of. Let me explain.

First, I’m in the process of writing an article on the topic perhaps called “Digital Discipleship”. My goal is to offer a resource for parents and youth leaders alike who really want to understand how to connect and train this new generation of children. We have got to figure out how to communicate the gospel with children and teens in a culture that wants to take them the opposite direction. We cannot let happen what happened in Judges 2:10-11 “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers [the one’s of Joshua’s day who knew God and saw the miracles of following his ways], another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then they did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served [other gods].” Let’s keep praying and focusing on our mission of partnering together to grow godly generations.

Second, I have heard it described before about ministry that leaders must find the waves and keep surfing. When the waves die find new ones. Or perhaps a more familiar way of explaining it that profoundly impacted me and my walk with God was an Experiencing God Bible study that said, “Find where God is working and join him”. So with that being said, I think I’ve found a surfing zone. Or at least an area where God wants to continue probing in my life and in the hearts of our youth ministry. You see, the TEXT LOVE series has simply been about God making you look more like Jesus through the context of relationships. Sanctification (God making you look more like Jesus) and holiness does not happen in isolation of other people. Your holiness is a community project .

For the next few week’s we’ll be surfing on a few more waves but they won’t look the same. But rest assured, they are waves from the same source. Our next series will explore common habits… sins that infect our lives and the way we treat others. It will be called Se7en for the 7 Deadly Sins. YES, I know the Bible does not teach different levels of sin, yet there are one’s that stand out that we can learn how to avoid their influence. In all, this theme was actually a request from a couple of our youth. To somewhat oblige and also to continue riding the wave we will see where God will take us from there.

Until then, surf’s up!

Moses & Leadership

On Sunday morning our youth are studying Exodus. It's been fun to recall the story of a little boy floated down the Nile River in a basket, how God used a shepherd to lead the Israelites out of slavery, the plagues... ohhh, the plagues and of course the things Moses learns as a leader of an entire nation.

This week a part of our lesson is in chapter 18. Here are some things I am learning from Moses (and the Holy Spirit!) and trying to apply to our Youth Ministry.

1) God calls every person to play a role in his kingdom. Everyone has a different part and each is meaningful to the whole. This includes every age, gender, personality type and skill level.
2) Leadership is about developing people. This means empowering others to assist in meaningful ways of service. Leaders cannot do it alone.
3) People are more affirming and respectful of leaders who develop than leaders who remain independent. If a leader is not developing and employing people to serve the vision then they will become dissatisfied and feel devalued.
4) Busyness does not equal productivity or effectiveness. Moses was busy but not successful as a leader until he understood the art of developing others. In a word, delegation. Delegation sounds negative but if properly understood it is really helpful to everyone involved.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Please post in the comments section below.

AND as a plug for our YM... we're starting YOUTH LEAD. It's a new way of doing ministry but an essential one if we are to be effective in our vision of growing godly generations. If you are wondering how you can fit in YOUTH LEAD I would love to sit and chat over a cherry coke with ya. Hope to hear from ya.

A LETTER FOUND BEHIND THE SANCTUARY

Dear Fallen Angels,

We at Hell’s Headquarters are not impressed with your work at Southern Calvert Baptist Church. Of course, there are a few dark spots but that is hardly to your credit. By and large, you have failed miserably at squashing the work of God’s Holy Spirit. It is positively revolting to see over three hundred potential slaves of ours adoring Jesus, our enemy. This has got to stop or you will be transferred to some other location where there is less opposition.

Evidently you need to relearn the most important lesson we teach here at Hell’s Headquarters. This is that extended and concentrated prayer must be undermined at all costs. Every one of the Devil’s angels cuts his fallen teeth on the basic manual of prayer obstruction. Have you forgotten such elementary teaching?

Here are some specifics that you must do at once:

Those “Dynamic Prayer Meetings” on Sunday nights at 6pm has got to cease. At all costs do not allow people to get serious about prayer. Much more, do not even think of letting more Christians attend these meetings. For the most part, this has been one of your greater schemes accomplished. Most of those Christians think these meetings are a waste of time or make themselves too busy to even attend. Keep up the malicious lies!

Also, who are these “Joshua Prayer Warriors”? They meet every dreaded Sunday morning during 10:45am worship services. They plead with our Enemy to work His Spirit while those fool pastors (Steve and Dave) preach from that dreaded Bible. You would tremble if you knew how many of our master’s flaming darts have been extinguished by the prayers of these opponents. I shudder to think what would become of us and our few captives it people started to join them. Satan help us if deacons, ministry team leaders, couples, singles and entire families start to pray during worship. If this continues it will cause unimaginable havoc.

Lastly, what is this “next generation” talk all about? Pastor Dave continues to call people to leave a legacy by serving in nursery, children and youth ministry. Destroy him. Attack all of these ministries. What we have found to work in other churches is an indirect approach. Simply, allow apathy to take its course. Allow people to think that serving is tiresome and futile. Cause those with jobs to become overextended and disrupt family life. Allow college students and the retired to bask in the comforts of idleness. We are slowly beginning to lose ground in these areas and cannot afford for these youngsters to catch the gospel message. The cause of Hell rests on the failure of next generation ministries.

You must double and triple your efforts. This is no time to relax. The entire country of America is nearing a fall from Christian ways. We must advance even in the small rural areas such as Calvert and St. Mary’s county. It is our duty.

For the sake of Satan,

Hell’s Headquarters


Letter adapted from Desiring God

Overcoming Unfulfilled Expectations

What expectations do you have? What are you dreams? How come these are often not a reality?

“Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he withheld his compassion?” (Psalm 77:7-9)

Perhaps the answer to these questions is because we have turned God into someone he is not. Read Matthew 11:1-15 to see an example of one who had unfulfilled expectations yet through Jesus’ response found fulfillment in God and his word.

In this passage John had unfulfilled expectations of the Messiah and unwanted circumstances being in prison. if we are honest, we have the same tendency John did. We turn Jesus into someone we hope he is: Someone to achieve my dreams, fulfill my desires, satisfy my needs, and meet my expectations. Jesus did not come to perform our purposes but to accomplish his own. We must understand this foundational concept if we are to overcome personal expectations that remain unfulfilled. In other words, we must surrender our dreams and expectations to trusting God and his purposes.

Continuing to read this passage you can find 2 ways to overcome unfulfilled expectations:

You can overcome unfulfilled expectations by focusing on God’s work (Matthew 11:1-5).
There are times when our expectations go unfulfilled that we fail to see God’s hand at work in our life. We become selfish and myopic in our thinking. However, it is most often in times of crisis and unfulfilled expectations that God is diligently working in our life. Many believers who have endured such experiences can confirm this truth.

C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”[1]

Psalm 77:17-19 “The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.”

Nahum 1:3b “His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.”

In other words, evidence that God is present and working in your life is the fact there is change and crisis. God allows such circumstances in order to shape our being and refocus our priorities. We must know that God is not so removed to never know our pain. Remember, Resurrection Sunday never would have come without Crucifixion Friday.

- Write a list of your unfulfilled expectations. Pray over them asking God to reveal his purpose in them.
- List “God-sightings” in your life this past year. Places where you saw God at work in your life and around you. This will serve as a reminder that God is not absent or left you alone. If you cannot think of anything to write then perhaps the reason is because you do not know God. Would you consider asking God to reveal himself to you, even as John did in this passage?

You can overcome unfulfilled expectations by focusing on God’s calling (Matthew 11:6-15).
When God is not meeting our expectations we must first evaluate our faith and trust in God’s sovereignty to bring about his purposes in our life. Next, we must not lose our passion for who we are and where God has called us. There are times when things may not be going our way and things seem like they are stacking against us. During these times we often take on the victim mentality. We excuse behavior based on the actions of others. This mentality becomes our prison of depression and hopelessness. It is wrong because it views our unfulfillments bigger than God. It fails to see God as all powerful and all knowing bringing about all things for his greater purposes. God is working in the midst of trials and he is calling you to not give up. “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me…”

). In other words, we should expect challenging and difficult times. Too often we can be tempted to give up and pull away right before we reap the benefits. In the face of difficulty or challenge we quit and abandon everyone else. Not only is this a selfish attitude but it denies the group, team or spouse (the body of Christ) the opportunity to support one another and grow from struggles. Besides, when did the road to God’s blessings become paved with ease and comfort?

God is calling you to protect his name and persevere in the situations he has placed you. This may mean getting counseling in your marriage, working through the issues attacking your marriage. It may mean remaining patient for God to clearly open another opportunity of employment. You may have to show some tough love to a loved one because of your commitment to not compromise your integrity. To summarize it in a phrase: be tenacious over God’s calling. Tenacious means “not easily pulled apart, persistent in seeking something valued or desired.”[2] God has called you and is preparing you through various circumstances to glorify Jesus and serve others.

Romans 8:18, 28-29 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us… And we knot that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son”

2 Corinthians 1:4-5,9b God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows… [these circumstances] happen that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”

- There’s probably someone in your life that knows/thinks you are about to give up on them or step away from a commitment. I encourage you to contact them and tell them you are committed to protecting God’s name and persevering to discover God’s purpose for the situation.

- Realize God cares more about your long-term character than your short-term comfort. It's not about your happiness but your holiness! Choose to view obstacles with this perspective.

Ultimately, the reason why we are able to focus on God’s work and God’s calling is because Jesus did so when he lived on earth. Jesus was never surprised by the circumstances he faced but in his humanity he did face unwanted circumstances; specifically the cross. Yet, he submitted to the Father’s will dying for our sin. Jesus was tenacious about honoring God the Father. Our hope rests on Jesus and the sufficiency he provides.

· Have you personally trusted and received Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for sin in your life?
· John’s unfulfilled expectations led him to seek God. What does yours lead to? Are you allowing them to lead to dishonorable behaviors (victim mentality)?
· Will you submit your expectations (fulfilled or unfulfilled) to honoring God in all things?



[1] C.S. Lewis in his work, The Problem of Pain.
[2] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenacious

Election Day

Today is Election Day. Rather than complain about the candidates we should...

1) Be thankful we live in the United States of America. This means FREEDOM and that we have the privilige and opportunity to vote. Whereas millions of others live under political dictatorial oppression, we can VOTE our conscience and religious values. Voting is more than just for a president, it's also for some very real values in our country - defining marriage, life-abortion (over a million aborted babies each year), gambling and many other issues.

2) Pray for wisdom and discernment and research the candidates and issues of your vote.

3) Remember God is our hope. He is in charge not presidents, government bailouts, media hosts, or anyone/thing else. Read Psalm 2 and Daniel 2:21 for this profound reminder and proper perspective of all eternity.

Making Vision Stick (Andy Stanley)

The next few days I have some extra time on my hands to listen to some cool podcasts and cd messages. The reason is because my wife & daughter are away at the beach with grandparents. So, tonight I was listening to Andy Stanley speak from Thirsty 2007 conference on making vision stick. All I can say is "wow!". God has really gifted this man when he speaks on the topic of leadership and vision. Below are my notes from listening.

MAKING VISION STICK – ANDY STANLEY
(from Thirsty 2007 Conference)

State it simply.
· Short, carefully-crafted sentences/phrases
· Memorable is portable
· In order to do this some stuff will be left out.

Example: My personal vision has become the title of this blog - "growing godly generations". Casting this vision in my ministry is a work in progress for me.

Cast it convincingly. (see Visioneering)
· Vision must compel people to action.
· Your ministry is an answer to some problem.
o You must define the problem. Your ministry vision is a solution to the problem.
o What would go undone if your ministry ceased to exist? How is your ministry different than others; where they are not meeting some problems?
o Your ministry vision must explain why & why now. What happens if your ministry fails to succeed? Why is urgency needed?
o Until you can answer the problem you should not cast any vision.

Repeat it regularly.
· Vision leaks. It’s like a car out of alignment where there is constant side-ways friction.

Celebrate it systematically.
· Recognize the “win” for your ministry. Pointing out specific wins will define to others what your ministry is about. It paints a clear picture and gives definition to the vision.
· Wins leverage momentum.

Embrace it personally.
· Vision is visible. “Your willingness to embody the vision will have a direct impact on your credibility as a leader.” Leaders should personally model the vision or it’s just another phrase on paper. People need to see your angst when you struggle fulfilling the vision. People need to see your inner delight when you are fulfilling the vision.

Vision Evaluation Gauges
· New projects, programs, products or people have potential to stall the vision. New is exciting but everything must be vision centered.
· Prayer must be centered on the vision not peripheral issues. Listen to the prayers of your ministry members to gauge if the vision is captured. If not, recenter the prayers.
· Complaints should reflect the vision. Listen to the complaints of your ministry members to evaluate how you need to better communicate the vision.

Missionary Movements - Healthy Church

In our Sunday morning youth Bible study we are going through the book of Acts. We are seeing the church begin, expand and engage its world. It is good to make comparisons and contrasts to today's church from the Book of Acts. Not for the sake of complaining and tearing down the church. We have enough of that! But, for the goal of becoming a more healthy, effective and functioning body of believers that God can use for His glory. I am praying for my church and ministries I'm involved with have a fresh touch by God's Spirit to this end. I know I cannot do it with my own wisdom, skills, strength and definitely not my looks. We are helpless without God's Holy Spirit to work and bring renewal in our life and church.

One author says this, “The Acts has so much to say to our half-hearted and cold blooded Christianity in the western world. It rebukes our preoccupation with buildings and ministerial pedigree, our syncretism and pluralism, our lack of expectancy and vibrant faith. As such it is a book supremely relevant for our time.”[1]

Below are some characteristics I found from Acts 13:1-3 that begin missionary movements and are reflective of healthy churches. I am going to keep these in front of me as ministry and leadership goals.

1. There was foundational discipleship. Antioch was a home base for Christianity, being the first place believers were called Christians (11:26). The church at Antioch was a refuge to persecuted Christians (11:19). It was also a place of faith instruction for new believers, like Saul/Paul (11:26). Even more, the believers at Antioch showed Christian compassion and generosity to those in need by providing famine relief to Jerusalem, hundreds of miles away (11:29), and spreading the gospel through sending missionaries (13:1-3). All of this arose from the congregation as a whole, not hired staff doing the work of ministry. Antioch was a healthy, stable foundation from which effective ministry could be established and advanced.

2. There was developed leadership. At the very least there were 5 leaders who were said to be prophets and teachers. These men were recognized with specific giftings that aided the church to fulfill its mission and vision. The leadership was shared and diverse, representative of the larger Church. Barnabas was from Cyprus, Simeon probably from African regions, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen was upper class related to the Herods, and Saul from Tarsus. They had varied backgrounds yet God blended them together to accomplish his world-wide mission.

3. There was authentic worship. Vital to the church’s mission was corporate worship. Noted elements in this atmosphere for worship included fasting, suggesting intense focus on God for specific purposes, and prayer which was reciprocal communication as the Holy Spirit spoke to the church. Thirdly, their worship was faith responsive as they acted on the Spirit’s leading, commissioning individuals to service. Antioch gave two of their best leaders for the cause of missions, no less! In all, worship has a broad meaning in the OT & NT but it is interesting to note these three specific elements.

4. There was evangelistic fervor. Antioch was hub for sending missionaries into regions where the gospel was vacant. This church took Jesus’ command to disciple the nations seriously and at all costs (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). Their strategy is important as they started with those who they considered receptive to their message, in Jewish synagogues. However, they also engaged people and places that were hostile to the gospel. Their evangelistic zeal shows how God uses obedience and availability over talent and personality (consider the fact that Saul was once a persecutor of Christians!).


[1] Michael Green, Thirty Years That Changed The World, p.5.