This I Know

A lot is going on in the world.  With so much inexplicable tragedy that happens around us, it can be mind-boggling and very disturbing.  From crime to politics to natural disasters, the headlines are full of stories that, if we're not careful, will incite fear and despair in our minds and hearts.  If left unattended, that fear and despair will cultivate doubt at the very center of our core--our faith in God and in His nature, and our trust in God to carry us without failing.


So today, I want to keep things simple. I don't want to delve into a deep discussion on anything.  I just want to remind us of what we know to be Truth.  After all, Truth has a Name.  It's Jesus.  (John 14:6).  And if everything around us isn't lining up to what we know as Truth, then everything around us must not be as it appears.  After all, if it comes right down to it, let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4). 


So in the face of all that is wrong with the world, let us recall what we know to be True:


1.  God is Love.  (1 John 4:8)


2.  God is good.  (Matt. 19:17)


3.  God is in control.  (Prov. 19:21; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 45:4-7)


4.  I can't think on God's level.  (Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Cor. 13:12)


5.  God wants good things for me.  (Romans 8:28; Jer. 29:11)


6.  God gives only good gifts to me, because He loves me.  (Matthew 7:9-11)


7.  God's protection is over me--and my household--because we love Him.  (Psalm 91)


I may not know all of the what's and why's along the way, but today I will remind myself of what I do know and, more importantly, I remind myself of WHO I know. 


In the face of Who I know, all the things I don't know seem much smaller.


______________________________
Amy

Pick Up Your Mat and Walk

We as a church have recently been going through a small group study based on Pastor Mark Batterson’s book, The Grave Robber.  The book reveals seven steps that can be taken from the seven miracles Jesus performed in the book of John.  We are a few weeks into this study, and it has really challenged me in my faith.  

The third miracle John writes about is found in John 5.  It’s the story of the invalid who has been lame, blind, and paralyzed for 38 years.  For the sake of context, imagine that he has been in the same space from the end of 1976 until today. The belief at the pool of Bethesda was that as the waters stirred, if you were able to get into the pool first, you would be healed.  I would encourage you to take a moment to read the story in verses 1 - 17 before we continue… (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+5&version=ESV).

Now, let’s apply this man’s situation to ourselves today.  I understand you may not be lame physically, but perhaps it’s a relationship that has crippled you in your journey of Faith.  You might not be blind, but maybe you need some new vision heading into the New Year.  You might not be paralyzed, but the fear of the situation you’re facing has immobilized you.  

I believe God has called us to be mobile, agile, and full of faith.  God has called us to live in Breakout!!!!

How do we get from where we are now -- whether it be emotionally, spiritually, or spiritually crippled or paralyzed -- to the place God has for us of freedom and boundless faith?  Let’s look at a few questions we can extract from specifics in this story:

#1 – How often do we stay where we are because of the people around us?

John 5:3 - “In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed…” 

This invalid was surrounded by multitudes of other like-minded and like-conditioned people.  How easy it must have been for him to become trapped in a certain mindset and expectation--that is, until Jesus came along and offered him an alternative viewpoint!  Consider this:  Perhaps what has kept you where you are is simply WHO you have surrounded yourself with.   It’s easy to stay in fear of the economy when you have surrounded yourself with people who are fearful of the economy.  It’s easy to stay in bitterness when you’re constantly inundated with bitter people.  My encouragement and challenge is to surround yourself with people who are where you want to be.  If you want to be healthy, then get around people who are healthy.  If you want to have more faith, then surround yourself with people of faith.  Now, obviously, this does not mean you ostracize people who don’t meet this criteria for you.  You’re going to have contact with people who will try to bring you down; you can’t help that.  But you can choose what degree of influence you give those people in your life, and you can choose how much of your life you open up to those people.  When choosing who to seek counsel from, who to be vulnerable to, who to make your everyday companions and confidants, choose those who will make you stronger!

#2 – Do you want to be healed?

John 5:6 - “When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’”

Jesus asked the man a simple question, and He asks the same question to you today.  While it might seem insignificant, I believe it reveals your motive, your desires, and your faith.  So often I have heard that if you do the natural, God will add His super to your natural.  I agree with that, and in this story the only natural thing this invalid could do was believe for healing.  Sadly, I think more and more people want God to do the super and the natural.  Today, God is asking you to believe. 

#3 – How often do we let our excuses keep us from healing?

John 5:7 - “The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me…’”

Instead of answering the question, the invalid immediately went into excuse mode. His chance for healing was right in front of him, but instead on recognizing the Healer, he focused on his perceived hindrances due to his condition. How often do we say, “Yes, God, but--”?  So I ask you today: Will you cut the but?   If God is asking if you want to be healed, I don’t think He is wanting your list of excuses as to why it is so hard to be healed.  Rather, He is asking to see if your faith is there for a miracle!

#4 – What is your mat?

No doubt that to the invalid, his mat was a source of security -- a comfort zone, so to speak -- after having been there for 38 years.  But his place of security was also a place he could never stay if he wanted to walk healed and free.  Your freedom will always require you to move from the mat!  What is your mat?  What is it in your life that you thought was a security for you, but in reality, it has kept you from healing?  Perhaps the breakthrough is found in your breaking out of what is comfortable, safe, and secure.  Our excuses are a result of not wanting to give up our comfort zones.  But when God asks you to give up something, it’s so that He can fill that space with something better then we could ever imagine.  We can never trade down to God!  Will you pick up your mat and walk?

I believe your miracle and breakout are right in front of you.  I believe it’s time to believe God can, to cut the but, and to watch as God moves in your life! 

____________________

Tim    

Strength in the Middle of the Situation

Recently, my family and I came face-to-face with some unexpected challenges.  The challenges we are facing are not unique only to us, but they definitely caught us off-guard and completely by surprise.  The last several weeks have been a time of putting our faith to the test.  I am thankful that God knew that in this world we would have challenges and struggles, but He told us ahead of time that we don’t have to face them alone. 

Psalm 46.1 (NLT) - God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.   

One thing I like to do to add depth to my understanding of a verse is to look up the key word(s) in a thesaurus.  It lets me know what other words carry the same or similar meaning.  For this verse, I looked up the words "refuge" and "strength." 

Refuge – fortress, hideaway, protection, shelter.

Strength – courage, energy, power, stability, tenacity, toughness.

If you will, allow me to rewrite the verse using these words:

     God is our protection and courage...

     God is our hideaway and power....

     God is our shelter and our stability...

Maybe today you are dealing with your own set of challenges and struggles.  You can rest in God, knowing that He is your protection; He is your tenacity and toughness to make it through.  And don't forget that one of the amazing aspects of God's character is, as this verse says, He is always ready to help. 

Another amazing aspect of God's character is found in Hebrews 13.8: 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

I can see a lot of examples where Jesus was there in the middle of a situation and brought the person out.  I see where Jesus healed a man with blindness. I see where fishermen hadn’t caught fish all night, but when Jesus showed up, the nets began to break from the sudden influx of fish.  I see where Jesus healed a little girl who had already died. 

The question I had to ask myself, and I ask you to ask yourself today, is this:  

If I really believe Hebrews 13.8, then why would I think He wouldn’t do that for me? 

If He healed yesterday, then He will heal today and tomorrow.

If He provided yesterday, then He will provide today and tomorrow.

Be encouraged by knowing...

You are not the exception to God's being the same yesterday, today, and forever!

_______________________

Tim

30 for 30: Reflections & Gratitude

I don’t know about you, but for me there are certain moments in a year that lend themselves to reflection.  Generally, I take some time each January to reflect on the previous calendar year. Some years are better than others, and some years are more in-depth than others. Another time of reflection is around my birthday; with it being in August, it serves as a good mid-year (plus a month or two) evaluation point to keep myself on track for the rest of the year. This year I decided to do something a little different for my birthday reflections...  I decided to write out a list of what I am grateful for...

Grateful: warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful.

I don’t ever want to lose my deep appreciation for the people and things that have molded me and have gotten me to this point in my life.  Since I just celebrated my 30th birthday, I decided to make a list of 30 things I am thankful for.  These are not all necessarily in order of importance, and some of these may sound silly and random to you, while others will be serious.  Some will come with more explanation, and for others, no explanation is needed.  

So here we go... I am thankful for:

1. My relationship with Jesus Christ, and as the hymn says, that He saved a wretch like me.
   
   
2. My wife, Amy.  She never ceases to amaze, encourage, and challenge me.
   
   
3. My little ones, Reagan, Cole, and Isaac.  They are a constant joy (and entertainment).
   
   
4. My parents, Steve and Sharon - no explanation needed.  J
   
   
5. My brothers, Greg and Ben – again, no explanation needed. J
   
   
6. My in-laws, Carey, Vannie, and Staci (and Kenny J) – for embracing me as a son and (little) brother.
   
   
7. Church Alive International and my church family – for allowing me to be me.
   
   
8. My pastors, Pastors Carey and Vannie – for giving me a chance; I am grateful beyond words.
   
   
9. The students & leaders in Pursuit Student Ministries - You hold a special place in my heart and always will.
   
   
10. My country, the United States of America – Though it has flaws, there is still no place like it!
    
    
11. My nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, far and wide.
    
    
12. My friends.
    
    
13. My upbringing – It was loads of fun and at times bumpy, but it has shaped who I am today.
    
    
14. My jobs – for how God uses them to provide for my family.
    
    
15. My travels – for taking me to see places like Costa Rica, Mexico, and other lands with my own eyes, and for the opportunity to have lived not only in several different states but also in Malaysia as a child.
    
    
16. The things I use daily – cars, house, clothes... I am blessed beyond measure!
    
    
17. Technology.
    
    
18. Social media – for helping me stay connected with so many people.
    
    
19. Hobbies like golf and basketball – for allowing me to have fun and enjoy life.
    
    
20. Conferences like Seeds (for inspiring me with the level of excellence you display in a church) and Forward (for inspiring me by bringing together 13,000 young people in one arena to seek after God).
    
    
21. St. Louis and all it has to offer – the Cardinals, Ted Drewes, and QT.
    
    
22. Roanoke and all it has to offer – the "Star," the breathtaking mountains, and one of the only airports I've ever been to that I can get from the front door to the gate in less than 10 minutes.
    
    
23. Ice cream – enough said. J
    
    
24. Vacations – for the chance to unwind, relax, and re-prioritize what really matters when life gets too cluttered.
    
    
25. Podcasts – for the ability to listen to so many other pastors and leaders.
    
    
26. Unique sights I have seen with my eyes – The sea of people at a crusade in India will forever be stamped in my visual archive...  The police station converted to hotel that I stayed in with bullet holes all up the side left me speechless.
    
    
27. Photos – for capturing moments that I can look back upon for the rest of my life to remember special moments on the journey.
    
    
28. Laughter – It does my heart good, and it’s contagious... I mean, who can resist joining in with a little baby's incessant giggling? J
    
    
29. Memories – For example, I am thankful for the time I overcame my fear and went down the slide in a Malaysian hotel... and for the time a certain parent yelled from inside an enclosed car in a sudden outburst at another driver for taking a parking spot (Sorry, Dad, that is a vacation classic).  
    
    
30. The future – I have no idea what the next 30 years will look like, but God has given me a future and a hope.  And for that, I am excited! 

Here’s to the next 30!!!

Once you get going, it is really impossible to list all of the things we have to thank God for.  But now it’s your turn.  My challenge to you is to put together your own list.  What are you thankful for?

_______________

Tim

#30for30thanks

P.S. – Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and share in my journey of gratitude!

Accepting Where You Are on the Way to Where You’re Going

I have three children… three beautiful, active, energetic, active, smart, sweet, brilliant, and very active children.  At 5 years old, 3 years old, and almost 1 year old, they are our constant joy, and they are, how shall I say… yep, active!  Every so often, though, I get a few moments to sit and reflect about these precious little people God has given me (by every so often, I mean the rare times that they are all three sleeping at the same time… such as right now… at 1:00 a.m… This is my quiet time). 

So you know, I was thinking… It’s fascinating how different their stages of development are at this age.  In the same day, we could be celebrating the 5-year-old’s progress on her piano lessons, the 3-year-old’s progress on writing his name or recognizing all the letters of the alphabet, and the 11-month-old’s progress on eating a new food or drinking out of a cup.  They are all at such different levels and are learning very different things, yet the key word is that they are all making progress.

Think with me for a moment… Imagine how ludicrous it would be if I held my 11-month-old to the same standards of development as the 5-year-old.  What if I said, “Why can’t you read like your sister?”  What if I scolded my 3-year-old for not being able to tie his own shoes yet?  What if I got annoyed at the 5-year-old for not being able to reach the pedals in the car and drive us to the store?  Of course, that would be insane!  As their mother (and as a human being with common sense), I realize they are each at a different point in their growth paths, so I can’t compare them to one another.  Instead, what I’ve learned to do (thanks to some pointers from our pediatrician) is to watch each of their growth tracks individually, and while I may reference what is considered “normal” progress for a child their age, I keep a closer eye on the progress of each child on his/her own development curve. 

For most of us, it is probably pretty easy to understand why we don’t hold children to the same growth standards as one another… So why is it so hard for us to understand that our Father is just as patient and loving toward us? 

How often do we get caught up comparing ourselves to everyone around us and worrying about why we aren’t further along in our spiritual journey like they are?  We look at pastors and spiritual leaders and even peers in our own churches, and using some sort of self-fabricated, invisible measuring stick, we think we’re spiritually behind everyone else.  But God never called us to compare ourselves to everyone else.  The question isn’t whether or not we are on the same level as everyone else around us; the question is whether or not we are making progress on our own growth track with the Lord.

If we’re standing still in our walk with God, then we need to take a look at this relationship we have with Him and find out what needs to happen to get us moving again.  If I haven’t grown any in the last year, then I need to identify the issue and get going.  What has caused me to stalemate?  Unforgiveness?  Willful sin in my life?  A relationship that I hold higher than my relationship with God?  Hurt from a major disappointment or traumatic event in my life? 

What is standing in the way of my spiritual progress in my relationship with my Father?

Maybe nothing is.  Maybe you are growing, but you just don’t feel like you’re as far along as you should be.  If that’s the case, then I encourage you to stop comparing yourself to other people, and start looking at your own growth track. Pull out a journal or a piece of paper, and ask yourself some questions.

What have you conquered during the past year, spiritually speaking?  Do you find it easier to pray than you used to?  Do you get more out of reading the Bible than before?  Have you found greater freedom in worship, either at home or when you come to church?  Have you overcome an addiction or bothersome habit that was holding you back?  Have you been able to rein in that temper that used to fly so easily?  Have you been able to reach out and minister to someone else at work or school?

Things like this (and other things you may identify) are all benchmarks of personal growth.  These are things you can use to see progress along the way.  (If you can't identify any growth, then like I said, evaluate what is holding you back, and then write down some goals that you do want to reach over the next few months in your walk with God).

When it comes to your spiritual journey, you can’t just say, “I’m the same age as my pastor’s wife, so I should be at the same place that she is spiritually.”  And you can’t just say, “I’ve been saved for 10 years; I should be at the same place as that person.” 

Much like children, our spiritual journeys are unique and intricate on many different levels.  You don't know the price someone else has paid for the spiritual maturity you recognize in them. You don't know the struggles they have been through, and they don't know yours.  My sons have both fought through some issues physically as babies that my daughter didn’t face when she was that young.  So would it be fair for me to get frustrated at them when I realize that around that same age, while my daughter had already learned to start talking and walking, my sons hadn’t done so as early as she had?  Of course not!  It's neither logical nor fair to hold them all to the same expectations, because even though they are growing up in the same close-knit family as one another, their journeys have already been different.

You don’t know what other people have gone through, and you can’t assume that your journey will follow someone else's development track.  At the same time that someone else may have hit a growth spurt with God and seemed to leap forward in their destiny and calling, you may have gone through a major life event that knocked the wind out of you.  The circumstances don’t dictate the end result, though.  Maybe you hit some unexpected delays along the way, but the strength that has been built in you through your relationship with God is probably much greater than you can see on the surface! 

The beautiful thing about God is that, as our loving Father, He considers where we are and where we have come from, but most of all, He knows where we are going!

It is a wonderful thing when the children of God can live together – much like my three children.  We can coexist in the same faith, in the same Church, and we can share much of our journey with one another.  In fact, we need each other for the journey!  But the beauty comes when we don’t get stuck in the rut of comparing ourselves to one another, but we all flourish by both the individual and the family progress we make together!

You know, the interesting thing about children is that while right now, a two-year age gap is a huge deal in their development, it won’t be all that many years from now until all three of my kids will look and act close to the same age as one another.  When they’re 3, 5, and 7, they’ll all be walking with no problem.  When they’re 16, 18, and 20, they’ll all be able to drive (prayerfully with no problem)!  The gap will continue closing the further into the journey they get.  When they’re 30, 32, and 34, who’s going to be thinking about which one is oldest or youngest or more mature or not?

The moral of the story is this… Look at where you are and accept it, realizing that it is not your final destination.  Today is just a step in the right direction toward where you eventually see yourself!  

Accept where you are today on the way to where you are going.

Remember, the question isn’t whether or not you’re growing at the same rate as someone else; the question is whether or not you’re growing?

And the main thing isn't whether or not you’re moving faster or slower than you wish you were; the main thing is… Are you moving?

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.   Philippians 3:13-16 (MSG)

_____________________

Amy

Trust without Borders

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 NIV

I stood in the arena, surrounded by thousands of other people, with tears streaming down my face.  I wasn't even supposed to have been on this trip to this youth conference in Atlanta.  Last-minute circumstances necessitated another leader for the trip, so my husband and I scrambled to pull together the logistics for me to go.  We left our three kids with my parents, our dog with my cousin, and my church obligations with other team members who were willing to step in on short notice.  The whirlwind of the week left me little time to contemplate what might come out of the trip for me personally, spiritually speaking.  The point of the trip wasn't for me anyway.  It was for the eight middle and high school students we were taking to the conference.  But even in the busyness of the days prior, I had an underlying suspicion that God was up to something...

So here I was, with 13,000 other people, at the end of an evening session.  A powerful, life-challenging message had just been delivered, and Hillsong Young & Free had just taken back the stage to lead us in a response of commitment and worship. Ever since the opening of the session earlier that night, when I saw that the "Oceans girl" (Taya Smith) was there, I had been hoping they would do that song.  They had led us in an hour of praise and worship at the beginning of the session, all of which was exciting and authentic and powerful... but no "Oceans."  It was ok, though.  The entire evening had been such a genuine experience in God's Presence... There was no way I could have left disappointed.

Then as the pastor wrapped up his message, I heard the opening chord progression... and I knew it was coming.  I recognized the song immediately, and my expectation rose.  I knew what was coming next... but I had no idea what was really coming next.

The melody penetrated the arena...

"Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger 
In the Presence of my Saviour..."

...and God penetrated my heart.  Deeply.

Immediately, God's Presence very tangibly filled and rested throughout the room.  Each repeat of the bridge washed over me like wave after wave, and I began to contemplate the lyrics deeply and personally.  Before long, I broke down, not only in tears, but in full, unrestrained sobs.  My heart and God's Spirit met in those moments, and a reconciliation took place that I had been longing for for quite some time.

See, my trust in God had been very severely bordered.

Disappointments, unanswered questions, and inexplicable challenges had been building up over the course of several years now.  While none of them could shatter my love for God or my commitment to following Him, they had most definitely placed boundaries around my trust in Him.

I felt my faith had been met with defeat more often than it had been met with victory. 

I felt my trust was in tact but could be easily fragmented with another blow of disappointment.

I felt like absolutes I had always known to be true had become not-so-absolute.

Ultimately, I felt like God had let me down.

I had been very careful not to grow angry with Him, but I had inadvertently allowed walls to form around my trust in Him.  I wanted to trust without limits, but I had too much fear from the failures and disappointments.

"Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders..."

In those moments, the words washed over me over and over again, and every time they did, it was as if another layer of disappointment was shed, another wall fell, and another aspect of faith was freed to break out.

"Let me walk upon the waters..."

I had never lost my desire to walk in the same power as Jesus did, but now my hope was breaking out again, shattering through the shell of disappointment, and I found the strength to believe again. 

"And my faith will be made stronger
In the Presence of my Saviour..."

My faith was fortified in those moments of brokenness.  In the middle of 13,000 people, it may as well have been just my Saviour and me.  In His Presence, so tangible and real, His Perfect Love broke through years of mounting fears that had taken root deep inside. His Perfect Love cast out the fear and replaced it with faith.  

He drew me closer to Himself in those moments.  He used a moment in a session of a conference on a trip I wasn't even supposed to be on.  He knew our relationship had suffered a blow, and although we had moved on together, He wanted the deep things to be made right even more than I had wanted it.  He wasn't content to just move forward.  He wanted to draw me in to a place of renewed trust, to launch me into a place of greater faith.

So that's exactly what He did.  I repented in those moments for holding Him at arm's length.  I let go of all the disappointment, of all the failures, and of all the unanswered questions, and Freedom captured my heart again.



I share all of this, because maybe you can relate to where I have been.  Is your trust in Jesus bordered by fears, failures, or disappointments?  Are you struggling with anger or doubt toward God?  Have you lost hope in the One who once was your shelter and inspiration and motivation?  Are there places in your heart and mind that have been locked away from God's touch, because you don't know how to open them back up to Him?  

Maybe you're like me and you never meant to let those walls be built, but somehow they were.  I encourage you to do whatever it takes to get into the Presence of your Saviour - right now, wherever you are - and let His Perfect Love cast out all your fear.  Let His Presence wash over you and break through the borders that have been set up around your heart.  He can penetrate the disappointment and the disillusionment.  Remember, He wants the relationship to be made right even more than you do.  

He has purposes for you and me... Besides wanting the relationship with us personally, He has other hurting people He wants us to help reach.  There are places He wants to send us, miracles He wants us to see and even to perform.  He wants us to walk on the water... Remember, it was out on the water that He called Peter to come toward Him.  Sometimes, out in the deep is where we find Jesus.  He's calling us to come. He needs us to be whole.  We need to be whole.  

Will you let Him shatter the borders around your trust today?

I don't know where all of this will go, or what challenges we may encounter, or what opportunities may be placed before us that are unfathomable to my imagination right now.  I don't know what situations He will call me to walk into or what miracles He will cause me to see, but... "Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders.  Let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me... 
...And my faith fill be made stronger in the Presence of my Saviour."

It's the year for breakout.  We are uncontainable.


("Oceans" Hillsong United)

__________________________________
Amy