Wise Guy

"Thankful for real community"

  My wife Kyra and I were both blown away by the love and community we have in our life group. We sent out an email last week, asking for prayer as we set off for South Africa in less than a week. We have quite a few 'needs' as we prepare for a six week trip with our (almost) three-year-old triplets, but we got some real perspective tonight. Our group surrounded us and prayed over us; thanking God for our friendship and acknowledging His sovereignty over every facet of the trip.  

   Through a few tears, hugs, and laughs, we considered the incredible work God has been doing in our group.  We have made it a real point to come as we are and to authentically live out the gospel together and with the people surrounding us. We are reminded of Paul's relationship with the Philippian church, when the sent him off with tears and prayers of thanksgiving. Though we still face many unknowns, God has used some dear friends to provide for our greatest need: Realizing Who He is and living in response to Him.  

"Leadership Lesson from the World Cup"

  I'm sure the theme of disappointing, 'could have been', sports stars has been there throughout the ages, but it seems especially present throughout the World Cup. 

    Wayne Rooney (who I really cheer on as a big England Fan), has not come close to meeting the lofty expectations placed on him as a young star. 

Ronaldinho, who was supposed to rival Pele as one of the best ever to play the game did not even make the squad this year for Brazils World Cup Team.   

 While Landon Donovan has overcome huge expectations that crashed last time in 06, it has   not come easily. In fact, he has had to do a lot of 'grounding' in order to be more level headed. So, in his case, he has become a star in-spite of the expectations placed on him in the past. 

 And I can't help but to wonder how the expectations (both pre-mature and often un-qualified) of others have set these guys up for disappointment. They are treated like royalty before really proving themselves, then we're surprised by their selfish antics and we jump at the opportunity to turn our backs on them for lettings us down. 

   We could talk all day about the implications in Sports, but I wonder how this translates to other areas of life. In ministry I have seen many people built up to lofty heights, only to fall tragically under the pressure. So be careful of putting such expectations on other people, and be quick to realize who you are and where you come from. I am thoroughly convinced that the only way one can have proper perspective is to have his/her focus fixed on Jesus. 

Any thoughts/stories of this in your own life, or somebody you've seen? 

"lasting faith" Proverbs 24:10

¹⁰If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.  

  Faith that is real lasts through all sorts of adversity.  Consider the REAL Lord Jesus, and respond to Him in faith, trusting that He is Sovereign over all things. Looking to Romans 8, especially Romans 8:28-38, reminds us to live in light of reality in every circumstance. 

  When my faith in Santa waned, I forced myself to 'just believe', but I wouldn't have really trusted that through a real tragedy. We couldn't expect such a 'faith' to last. I am learning that the ambiguous statement, "just have more faith" is pretty destructive. Instead, consider if you have faith, what/who your faith is in, and if the object/person is real and worthy of your trust.  Again, for me, mustering up undefined 'faith' in difficult times is rarely helpful.  But considering the person of Jesus and His absolute sovereignty over all things enables my faith to be real and lasting. 

Real Faith, established in the Reality of Jesus, enables perseverance through every circumstance.

"Scoffers MUST go!" Proverbs 22:10

¹⁰Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.

  If you are a leader of anything (home, work, church, ministry, etc.) this is an absolutely necessary lesson to take heed of.  Most leaders tend to spend more time with people who stir up strife, rather than with those who have the heart to see positive growth/change.  There have been a few critical times in my ministry when i've been faced with this decision: Spend time with the disgruntled, in order to "win them over", or invest my time in people who are teachable and able to influence others positively. I've chosen the former a few times and his almost always gone wrong, and my motive was usually driven by my own desire for their approval. 

  There can be other, seemingly good motives, but serious consideration usually brings out the wisdom in letting the dissenters go. Practically, I am trying to compile a folder with answers to common questions. I'll encourage somebody to read it, and if he/she seems to be coming with a desire to understand after that (James 1:19) I will talk with them. If I discern a a sense of discontent, coupled with a desire to push one's own agenda, I close the door on the conversation until something changes. I've found that the ministry entrusted to me is too valuable for anything else.

  If one's own sins of narcissism and lack of discernment get in the way of God's glory & the advancement of His kingdom, that person has no place in leadership.

Do you have any thoughts/stories on this subject? 

"Living in Isolation" Proverbs 18:1

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgement.

   Sadly, this has hit me right in the gut over the past few years, and especially over the past few weeks. I have seen so many of my dear friends, brothers, falling by the wayside because of hidden sin and the failure to live in dependance on God, through The Holy Spirit.      

   We NEED people to remind us of the seriousness of sin, and we NEED to be turned to the gospel. By ourselves, we justify stupid decisions and say, "don't be a fanatic...just toe the line...try to do better". But the gospel we need to be reminded of says, "If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off..." and we're also told that we must cling to Jesus in order to live a life that pleases God. 

  If you've been living in isolation, flirting with disastrous sin, run to Christ, and from there, lean on others who will help to point you to Him. Consider James 5:16, which explains to us the need to walk alongside one another.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Even further, look to 2 Timothy 2:22 where we told to actively pursue righteousness alongside one another.

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." 

   Come out of the dark, alongside other people who are clinging to Jesus, and live in light of His grace...rather than floundering under the lie that anything else can satisfy.

"Cool Head-Hot Head" Proverbs 17:27,28

27He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

    The World Cup is my favorite sports-event! I love the cultural diversity expressed in the stands and the fact that the World's best are competing against one another and every move matters...for good or bad. As always, one of the most important elements is whether or not players can keep their cool. 

  I played a little city-league soccer last night myself and found myself getting pretty fired up. This isn't new for me, as I had to get taken out of a game by my fellow Campus Crusade teammates after shoving a guy my freshman year. While i've certainly grown some since then, i'm still aware that my competitive nature is not always good. In fact, there is a deeper reality of anger that I must continually surrender to the Lord.  As this Proverb talks about, restraining one's words is to be sought after, rather than giving full-vent to what comes to mind. Of course i'm learning that this is not something that can just be done with enough will. Pray for God to do that which you cannot do on your own. For me, it's staying competitive, but doing it in a loving and self-sacrificing way.

"Real Wisdom" Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight”.

    This has hit me right between the eyes lately. It seems that wisdom is knowing and understanding that which is real…is True. So much of my failure comes from failing to live in light of the reality of God’s glory…from not knowing the Lord and fearing/revering Him accordingly. I can’t help but to think that when I actually enter into His glory once and for all, completely unhindered by sin or it’s effects, I will see the folly of failing to live in light of reality.

Unpaid bills, home repairs, midterms, and career advancement sure seem like reality, but they are not ultimate. Everything needs to fall into proper perspective, fitting into the greatest reality of God’s glory. Insight and wisdom mean seeing God for who He is and filtering everything else through that knowledge. I don’t know a formula for how to apply this right away, but I think understanding the need to live in light of this reality is the first step. Let’s pursue a genuine Knowledge of the Holy, and gain real wisdom and insight from there.

"A GREAT Thing" Proverbs 31:10

0An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

    We got to go to a wedding last night and it was a great chance to celebrate the love of two dear friends and the covenant they're entering into. I also got to really think through the incredible gift that I have in my wife, which is the greatest experience of God's grace in my life. I've had to travel a lot recently and have realized all the more how much I love my dear family. 

  I do love my wife more than I can express! It breaks my heart, while also infuriating me, that so many men speak of marriage as a burden.

 8 years in...I have indeed found a Wife and she is a Great Thing! 

 

"Married & Lovin' It" Proverbs 18:22

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD."

I had to write a little something about the Most evident reminder of God's Grace in my life...my relationship/marriage with Kyra. While We are appart for the first time on this day, our anniversary, and I had a long, crazy day...and am writing on my iPhone because I don't have Internet otherwise, I need to shout for the world to hear how I my love ha only grown stronge & deeper after 8 years.
I got ready today in the same house I got ready in before heading to the church where we would enter into a marriage covenant before so many people. I was reminded throughout the day of the incredible things we've experienced together. From late night trips to the grocery store to trips to other continents, we have been together hand-in-hand. From the day we got the keys to our 1-bedroom apartment to the day we bought our first home, we have trusted God to provide all that we need. From the first sight of the positive pregnancy test to the first glimpse we got of our sweet triplets, we have experiemced deep love together. And from the day we said I Do til the day we die, we will fervently love one another. Thank you God for the love and grace you've shown me, & thank you Kyra for being my wife. I have indeed found a good thing!

"Pray in Faith" Proverbs 15:8

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight         (Proverbs 15:8)

I've been considering the reality of prayer a lot lately, so my eyes have been opened to how much the Bible talks about coming before the Lord and asking Him for provision in life.  I'm simply going to put a couple of other verses that speak to this. The reality is this: God is a loving Father who provides for His Children (as we'll see in Matthew 7. With that, He is also the almighty Creator of everything and is not to be treated as magic gene or a good luck charm. Prayer must come in the context of a relationship with Him, based on faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

  5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.6But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6)

 7"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.9"Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?10"Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?11"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:7-11)