BLeach

It's Not Too Late

Regret.

A sense of loss and longing for someone gone. Distress over a desire unfulfilled or an action performed or not performed. An expression of disappointment or grief.

It's a powerful emotion.

Sin is the cause of some regrets. If you feel disappointment because something happened that should never happen again, then drink deep of God's forgiveness and live differently.

But I think there are other regrets that could be transformed into a catalyst for action.

I shouldn't have let her get away.
I wish I would have finished school.
If only I hadn't given up on that ministry.
I can't believe I left that church.

Some regrets can still be resolved. If that's the case for you, I hope this post will inspire you to forward motion.

Give her a call and ask for forgiveness.
Show your transcript to an admission's counselor and register for a class.
Share the dream with some friends and see if it might take shape again.
Go back to a service this Sunday. I bet people will be thrilled that you're back.

Don't allow regret to cause you to regress. Instead, let it be the motor that propels you forward. Let it be a sunrise instead of a sunset.

I just feel like someone needs to read this today. Is it you?  If so, I'd like to speak this into your spirit:

It's not too late!

Gabby's Diapers and God's Love

So far this week, as far as I can tell, Gabby has done five things:

• Cry
• Sleep
• Stare
• Poop
• Eat

Occasionally she smiles, but according to our pediatrician it's just an accidental arrangement of facial muscles.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. She also spit up a few times.

But here's the interesting thing.  I love her.  I really do.  And while I hope my love for her grows, I honestly can't imagine it being any bigger than it is right now.

She hasn't done anything outstanding to merit my love.  She's hardly done anything at all.

I've often doubted God's love because I didn't feel like I was doing enough for him.  But now, when I change Gabby's diaper, I know better.

Abba

I've had the past three weekends off from preaching.  Enjoyed the break, especially the opportunity to spend more time with Leah and Gabby.

This morning I'm studying for a new series this weekend exploring the picture of God as Father.  A few weeks ago I started studying Jesus' interaction with the Father from his baptism to Gethsemane.  From start to finish, his entire ministry flowed out of an intimate relationship with the God He called Abba.

I love these study days--the insights, the growing burden, the vision for impacted lives, the joy of God's Word which is always alive!  And of course, this series gives me a great opportunity to reflect on this new season of my life.  I've learned so much about God since becoming a father.

Big Church

Yesterday our kid's leaders led "Big Church."  We included our kids in the adult worship gathering as they simulated the experience of one of their regular services.  It was a blast!

As everyone arrived the men received a green bracelet and the women got an orange one.  I considered putting a green bracelet on Gabby but Leah wouldn't hear of it.

P82, our kid's band, led worship.  We even had some messy games that loosened the adults up a bit. 

Pastor JT did an awesome job with the teaching.  A car horn would blow periodically throughout the service, at which time everyone had to stand up and repeat the service big idea: If your load is heavy and you feel stressed, give it to Jesus and He'll give you rest.

It was a fun, energetic way to celebrate the holiday weekend as a church.  And it turned out to be a great way to emphasize the importance of children's ministry.

We don't see children's ministry as a way to baby-sit people's kids while they attend a service.  For us it's a comprehensive approach to building young disciples of Jesus.  And our leaders are doing an amazing job.  I'm so proud of you guys!

And our kids inspired me!  Let's face it.  If we're not careful, "Big Church" can become a place for "big spiritual egos" coupled with "small doses of passion."  Our kids reminded us that we're better off when we enjoy our time together as God's people, and approach him reverently without taking ourselves too seriously.

That's why every adult in "Big Church" can receive from the even BIGGER hearts of a child.

Gabby's First Fireworks

Now I know if I get in a gun fight she won't wake up!

She's Melting My Heart

She Hates Us Right Now

God as Artist

I've been captured by a thought Johannes shared in his message Saturday night.

Two things determine the value of a painting.

• The Artist: A painting by Davinci is valuable because of Davinci.
• The Buyer: Ultimately a painting is only worth what someone will actually pay for it.

People are God's Masterpiece.  Just look here--or here.  And because of God people are worth something.

Are you ready?  This might make you shout!

God is both artist and buyer!

• God is the artist--He created you as a masterpiece.
• God's masterpiece's have been stolen--Smuggled away by an enemy and disfigured by sin.
• So God became the buyer--He came to earth to purchase his own paintings.

Think about your spouse; your neighbor; your boss.  He's worth something.  She's worth something.

One more thought.  If God is an artist, and every person is His masterpiece, then the local church is an art gallery. 

Pastor--Think about this when you're preaching this weekend.  Look into the faces of God's people.  Do you see their value to God?

Small group leader--Think about this as you prepare your home and your heart.  Look at each person in your living room.  Do you see their value to God?

Nursery volunteer--Think about this as you hold that baby on Sunday morning.  Look into her eyes.  Do you see her value to God?

Follower of Jesus--Think about this as you move around your community today.  You're surrounded by priceless works of art.  And God wants them back

One Week Ago...

It was exactly one week ago right now that Leah's water broke. I'm thinking of dumping a bucket of water on her head to celebrate.

 

Following the Holy Spirit

It was a great weekend with Johannes Amritzer at the church!  On Saturday night we gathered with three other churches at Freedom Christian.  Then yesterday Johannes spoke to our church in the morning and spent some time teaching and praying for our leaders last night.  The highlight for me was the one on one time I was able to spend with him during the weekend.  Johannes is always on, which means he's not just ministering when a microphone in his hand.  He poured into me at Starbucks, red lights, and restaraunts!

I've got pages of notes in my moleskine from the weekend.  There's no way I could share all of it on the blog, so here's a little taste from his message to our church yesterday on following the Holy Spirit.

Four Principles:

1.  Don't Grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4.30)

The Holy Spirit's activity in our lives often begins with a check.  If we ignore these corrective or protective checks then we can't expect to continue to hear his voice.

2.  When the Spirit Speaks, Obey Fast

Hesitation makes it more difficult to hear.  The converse is also true.  When we obey, the volume of the Spirit's voice increases.  As followers of Jesus we stand in the Holy Spirit subway station.  When the train comes by, get on it.  If you've missed a few because of distractions or disobedience, watch for the next one.  Because of God's grace it will come.

3.  Keep in Step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.16)

Don't run ahead of him or you'll get tired.  Don't fall behind or you'll get lost.  Look for God's grace in your life, and invest your resources there.  The Holy Spirit is a very good dancer.  He'll make you look like a good dancer as well...if you let him lead.  Be careful not to step on his toes!

4.  Let the Holy Spirit Break your Routines...Often!

Take a different route to work.  Eat at a new place.  Shake up your weekly schedule a bit.  And notice what the Holy Spirit is doing around you.