stats

A recent survey found: Average age—all churches: 53, megachurches: 40. Single adults—all churches: 29%, megachurches: 47%. College degree or higher—all churches: 41%, megachurches: 52%. Attenders reporting growing involvement—all churches: 35%, megachurches: 44%.

hearing God

How do you “hear” God speak to you? It’s a good question. I’ve never heard God audibly say anything to me, but I believe God communicates with me. Now, I don’t think God speaks to all people in the same way. God may speak through dreams, nature, counsel from other people, art, the Bible, music, prayer, serving, and multiple other ways. If you think God may be trying to communicate something major he wants you to do, seek to confirm it before taking the plunge. Talk it over with a spiritual mentor; make sure it’s consistent with the truth of God’s revelation found in Scripture; get feedback from your community of fellow Christ-followers. When you’re pretty certain God wants you to do something—actually do it—obey. If you don’t, why would you think God is going to speak to you anytime soon on any other matter?

“we go to First Baptist Church”

I had one of those “Uh-oh, I think I’m in trouble experiences” in the lobby after worship. A couple came up to me and the first words out of their mouths were “We go to First Baptist Church!” A part of me wanted to respond back just as emphatically “Why aren’t you there then?” but I refrained. I just said “Well, I’m glad you’re here with us at Journey” and I did mean it. Then they said “Our young adult daughter doesn’t like coming to our church, and she’s dating a boy we can’t get to come to our church. We asked around in the community about where we could find where they might go, and we were told Journey. It’s not for us (again said emphatically) but they loved it.” I whispered a silent prayer “Thank you, Jesus.”

what’s the code?

A first time guest in worship came up to me in the theater lobby. She said she really enjoyed the service, but she had a question. She knew I was reading from the Bible when it was shown on the screen, but she didn’t know what “the code” was at the bottom. It dawned on me she was referring to the reference and translation information. I love that people at Journey can honestly ask questions without the slightest concern of being made to feel uncomfortable.

I want

As this year comes to an end and we prepare for the beginning of a new one, I want to adopt the attitude of looking for the good, the beautiful, the holy in all of life. I want to celebrate the beauty of every sunset. I want to marvel at the child who giggles with abandon and savor the joy of it. I want to focus on the good that is in every person, seeing them as the handiwork of God. I want to make the most of every moment, recognizing that life is a gift I do not deserve. I want to experience love and give love. And as best I am able, I want people to see Jesus in me.

memories

For many of us, traveling the path toward spiritual and emotional wholeness requires that we learn to remember our pasts differently. We’ve fallen into the pattern of traversing the same old unhealthy memory ruts again and again. The original wounds may not have been of our doing, but we’re the ones who choose to keep going back to them repeatedly in ways that only perpetuate the hurt. The memories we choose to repetitively relive have a way of not only defining who we were, but also they can come to shape who we are now and who we will become. The good news of the gospel of grace is that we can choose to no longer allow painful memories to dominate our thinking which results in our continuously perceiving ourselves, our relationships, and our world in a negative way. There’s the old saying “forgive and forget,” and I do believe it’s absolutely essential that we forgive, but I’m not sure it’s possible to totally forget, nor do I believe it’s necessarily wise. Though we may not be able to completely forget, we don’t always have to remember, and when we do remember, we can choose to focus on good memories and let them come to define us. And if we have trouble remembering many positive experiences in life, we can intentionally begin to create new and meaningful memories. This Christmas—I wish you new and meaningful memories.

never pray for . . .

Brian Tome writes in his book Welcome to the Revolution: “Never pray for something you aren’t willing to be the answer for.” Wow. What if we were to take that seriously? I know my prayers would get a lot shorter—at least initially. What if we really were to come to believe that God wants us to be the answer to the prayers we pray, that God actually wants to work through us? Could it be that one of the main reasons for praying is that it enables us to get attuned to God’s will and empowered to accomplish it?

what do I deserve?

When things don’t go the way you want. When you’re frustrated. When you’re disappointed. Ask the question: “What do I deserve?” Here’s the right answer: “Nothing.” We don’t deserve anything. All of life is a gift. When we see life from this perspective, it radically changes things. We stop whining. We stop complaining. We quit being so negative and pessimistic because an “I don’t deserve anything” perspective leads to an attitude of gratitude that generates an optimism which is based on the realization of how truly blessed we are.

taking it to the streets

On Sunday I taught about taking the message of Christ to the streets, and one young woman decided to do exactly that. She went to a bar and start playing pool with people she’s known for 10 years. She invited them to come to Journey, and much to her amazement, they were interested. Her best friend was there who had seen something different in her life and wanted to come too but asked about some creative ideas on how to tell her husband who is such an atheist that he has said to his wife, “On my death bed in the hospital, don’t you dare bring a pastor, a priest, or anything in that room.”

I don’t want to come to your church anymore

I talked on the phone today with a woman who has been coming to Journey. She began the conversation by saying: “I don’t want to come to your church anymore.” I asked if she’d been treated unkindly. She said: “No, the people there are great. They’re loving and accepting. But I can’t come anymore because I’m used to being strong. When I come to Journey, I keep crying through the services. I used to never be sensitive to other people, but now I’m starting to be. I’m used to going to a church and sitting there, and it making no difference. But when I come to your church, I think about what you said all week. You’re so honest. My sister drives three hours just to hear you speak. It’s just uncomfortable to me. I’m learning I need to change, but it’s scary. I just can’t come anymore.” I told her we wanted only the best for her and that I hoped she would keep coming, but whatever she decided we’d still love her. She said: “churches aren’t supposed to be like that.”

advantage

This morning I read 1 Corinthians 10:24 in my daily devotional time. It says: “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.” I read it again. “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.” I should know that, right? I mean, I’m a pastor-type person, aren’t I? And yet, honestly, it sounds strange to my ears. In our broken sinful world, isn’t the first thought that usually comes to our minds: “Seek my own advantage over that of the other.” Isn’t it usually the case that we think first of self rather than others? My how Jesus turns our thinking upside down; or at least it should be that way if we take him seriously. Just imagine how different the world would be if we really lived in accordance with “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.” (I have to keep repeating it so I don’t forget.)

bitterness

Hebrews 12:14-15 says: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Bitterness. It’s poisonous. I know people who have allowed their bitterness to consume them. And the result? It damages every relationship in their lives. Erwin McManus says that you can’t be bitter toward one person. It’s impossible to compartmentalize a corrosive emotion like bitterness. It corrupts all of our relationships to one degree or another, including our relationship with God. Bitterness is anger turned inward, and it hardens our hearts. It ends up limiting our capacity to genuinely love even those who have never wronged us. When we embrace bitterness, we reject grace. Our judgment is impaired. Our perspective is skewed. Or memories are distorted…God save us from bitterness!