New Year's Resoluiton

It’s that time again... Time for your New Year’s Resolution! What’s your resolution this year? Does it have to do with your physical health? Finances? Perhaps a spiritual goal?

If history is any judge you probably won’t keep your New Year’s resolution this year. In fact, many who are reading this now may have already broken their resolution. Resolutions have to be more than just words and good intentions. Making a resolution is easy. Getting results, well, that’s difficult. Results requires action and that’s where we fail most of the time.

I want to share a verse with you for 2010. I believe God has given this verse to you and our church for this year.

You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.

Psalm 65:11

Hold on to this verse. Remember John 10:10 and the abundant life God has promised you. I love the promises of God! The Bible is full of them, and remember, they are there for YOU!

What I love about the promises of God is that they are true and will come to pass. Unlike many of our New Year’s resolutions, God puts action behind His promises. Never forget that God is faithful and true and what He promises is yes and amen. Hold on to the promises of God this year. Don’t let anybody or anything rob you of the hope you have in God! Happy New Year and may God crown your year with His goodness and may your paths drip with abundance.

2010

You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.

Psalm 65:11

The end of a year is always a strange time. We have one foot in the old year while ready to take the first step into the new. We pause to reflect on the past as we anticipate a brighter tomorrow. It’s important to be thankful for God’s blessings thus far but also to remember that His work in your life is not yet compete (Philippians 1:6).

It’s hard to believe that the year 2010 is right around the corner. Not only are we about to begin a new year, we are about to begin a new decade. It’s difficult to believe that ten years ago right now we were wondering about Y2K.

It’s amazing how time flies. It seems like yesterday we were welcoming the new millennium and today we’re already a decade into the new era. When you reflect on the past decade was a time of blessing or trial in your life? No doubt a lot happened in that short amount of time.

The question I would like you to ponder now is how are you going to spend the next decade of your life? This last ten years seemed to fly by and yet so much happened. What’s your plan for the next ten years? Think about your life, your purpose, your family, your relationship with God, etc. Spend time with God and pray about what He has in store for you.

I can honestly say I have never been so excited about the future. I can’t wait to see what Christ has in store for you and His church as He establishes His Kingdom and prepares for His return.

Why is Christmas so important?

Why is Christmas so important?

If you were to ask the average person today to tell you what they thought about Jesus they would probably respond... He was a great teacher, or He was a miracle worker, or even He was a good man. All of these answers would be true, but these are not the reason He came to earth. There are four verses, one from each Gospel, that we call the purpose verses for Jesus’ life.

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21 (NLT)

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45 (NLT)

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Luke 19:10 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come...I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives... this is the very reason I came!

John 12:23, 24, 27 (NLT)

Jesus was a great teacher, a miracle worker, and a perfect man but the reason Jesus came was to be our Savior. We were all are dead in our trespasses and sins. Our ultimate need is for a Savior that would come, take the penalty for our sins, and restore us into a right relationship with God. Jesus came as a baby, to later die on cross, in order to save us from our sins. Never forget why Jesus came. He came to be our savior.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 5:8 (NLT)

My Book Shelf – Primal by Mark Batterson

My Book Shelf – Primal by Mark Batterson

Every now and then in my blog to the church I like to share with you the books that I’m reading that really challenge and inspire me. My hope is that these books do the same for you.

I have a new favorite book and no surprise it comes from our long time friend Mark Batterson. I have enjoyed Mark’s previous books including ID: The True You, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day, and Wild Goose Chase. His latest book is called PRIMAL, A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. Mark’s premise is that our generation of Christianity needs a reformation, but not a reformation to create something new but rather a reformation that rediscovers the old.

In Primal, we are challenged to look back at the first Christians and the early church that had to strive to simply exist. It was a time when numbers were insignificant, worldly influence was little, being a Christian was illegal, and the church had to meet in underground graveyards. Batterson asks us to remember their creed, the Great Commandment, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12:30 (NLT)

In the four sections of the book Mark takes each point of the Great Commandment and reveals...

• The heart of Christianity is primal compassion.
• The soul of Christianity is primal wonder.
• The mind of Christianity is primal curiosity.
• The strength of Christianity is primal energy.

Through the use of story and Scripture Mark paints a picture of what the renewed believers will look like. That, in reality, they’ll actually look a lot more like the believers of old and that our new reformation will not only be built on creeds but more so on our deeds.

Concussion

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)

I wanted to write and thank everyone for praying for me the past couple of weeks. As many of you I suffered a concussion the Sunday we moved out of the Prime Outlet Mall in Huntley. Without going into great detail I basically overestimated my strength and coordination and ended by hitting my head quite hard. I have to admit I was pretty frustrated with myself and the situation and had plenty of time to think about it during my week of doctor-ordered rest.

I try to learn from my mistakes. So, when things like this happen or when I go through a difficult time I try to make a list of lessons I’ve learned in the process. But as I began to make my usual list I was challenged in my spirit to instead make a list of things I was thankful for as a result of the accident. Here are a few items from my list...

• I am thankful for a God that watches out for us even when we don’t make the wisest choices.
• I am thankful for family and friends that notice and care enough to force you go to the emergency room.
• I am thankful for a caring and praying church family.
• I am thankful for a church staff that can carry on the work of ministry.
• I am thankful for a God the heals.
• I am thankful for a thick skull.

This weekend I’m praying for you and the services at Christian Life. Leslie and I together with with Pastor Harry and the entire Mission Possible board are in Ft. Lauderdale at an important Mission Possible 25th anniversary event. I will be sure to give Brother Ivo and the entire MP team your love and greetings in the Lord.

Thanksgiving Proclamation

Below is exert of the original Thanksgiving proclamation given by George Washington in New York on October 3, 1789.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation...For the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Joy

I enjoyed the ministry of the Holy Spirit through our friend and brother Steve Sampson last weekend in our services. I know many were touched by the Word of the Lord that came forth. All four services from last weekend are available in podcast form at www.christianlifechurch.org/podcast.

Steve’s timely message to our church was on the subject of the joy of the Lord. Here are some of my favorite scriptures on experiencing God’s joy for you to meditate on this week.

• Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy... Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:22, 24, 33 (NIV)

• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

• A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13 (NLT)

• Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)

• ...but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

• Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)

• Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you... Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)

Sabbath

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master.

Romans 12:11 (MSG)

This past week Leslie and I were a part of a pastors’ retreat with Deer Ridge Ministries. Deer Ridge is one of the ministries we support monthly with our missions giving. There is no doubt that Deer Ridge is impacting hundreds of pastors and churches across the nation. You can find out more about Deer Ridge at http://www.drmretreats.org.

With all of the love from the church during Pastors Appreciation Month and then a week at Deer Ridge, Leslie and I feel blessed and refreshed! We are well rested and ready for what God has in store for us at Christian Life. Thank you!

Let me ask you, are refreshed and ready for the life God has called you to live for Him? Do you take a day of rest to connect with God? Did you realize that in the Ten Commandments God talks more about taking a day off than about lying, murder, or adultery?

God even took a day of rest on the seventh day of creation. Did He need it? No. God was modeling an important principle of life. Exodus 20:8-9 says, “Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. You have six days in which to do your work but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work.” (NLT) Psalm 127:2 says, “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night... for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (NLT)

Make a commitment this week to rest. Don’t fight it like an immature child who doesn’t want to take his nap. Don’t say you don’t need it. You need it physically, mentally, and spiritually. You need it. Your family needs it. Just do it! Rest and get refreshed!

Prayer Is Optional

Pray all the time.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (MSG)

This past week I attended a pastors’ retreat. I received the schedule of the days events and there were a variety of events we were strongly encouraged to attend and then I noticed the prayer time was “optional.” Optional? Interesting.

I know that those in charge of planning the event didn’t mean anything by it. And honestly, I’m not trying to find fault. I just wonder how many of us when we schedule the events of our day we make prayer “optional.”

Prayer is the glue in our relationship with God. And we are commanded in Scripture to “pray all the time.” But too often we wait to pray when we need something. Or maybe when think about it. Or maybe when someone asks us to.

What would any relationship be if you only rarely communicated? Or only talked when you needed something? Simply put, no communication, no relationship.

I want to challenge you to schedule a prayer time during each day. And don’t allow it to become “optional.” God loves you. He wants to hear from you. He may even want to say something to you. Make the time.

Why Does God Allow Pain?

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Last week the staff and I were able to attend the WYLL 1160AM Pastor’s Appreciation Brunch. We had a wonderful time fellowshipping with pastors and church leaders from across Chicagoland. The keynote speaker for the event was Greg Laurie who will be hosting one of his Harvest Crusades in Chicago in the fall of 2010.

Pastor Laurie’s theme that day was “Preaching Through Pain.” He eloquently shared with us that pain reminds us that we need God. That even through the painful seasons of our life we have to have faith in the plan of God. Pastor Greg reminded us that God never tells us His whole plan, He just tells us that He has a plan.

So why does God allow pain in our lives?

• It gets our attention.
• It humbles us.
• It teaches us truths we would otherwise not learn.
• It gives us a new compassion for hurting people.

Don’t waster your pain! Allow God to work in your life as you learn and grow through your pain.

Close Enough To Hear God's Whisper

Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalms 73:23-28 (NIV)

There is something about being close to God. But how do you get “close” to God? One way is to make time for God. Corporately, it’s important to make time for church, small groups, and retreats. Privately, we must guard our daily quiet times with God.

How close are you to God? Looking at Psalm 73 are you close enough to God to hold His hand? Are you close enough for Him to guide your steps? Are you “far” from Him in danger of perishing?

The question we should always be asking ourselves is, “Am I close enough to hear God whisper?” Whisper His Name and He will answer you!

Who Am I?

There are many great Christians who faithfully lived out God’s promise of abundant life. One of which is Dietrich Bonhoeffer who is best remembered as the young pastor/theologian martyred for his leadership against Hitler and the Nazi army. While Bonhoeffer has inspired many with his heroic life, he too wrestled with his identity and the life God gave him. Here is a poem he wrote while in prison.


Who am I?
This or the other?
Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptible woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am Thine.


It is comforting to know that even our greatest heroes struggle with the issue of identity. This profound poem teaches us what we have been learning in our sermon series on THRIVE: no matter what happens in our life our ultimate identity must found as a child of God. You can listen to the latest messages on THRIVE at www.christianlifechurch.org.

My Book Shelf – Extraordinary by John Bevere

A brand new book from our friend John Bevere fits our fall sermon series, THRIVE, here at Christian Life. We so enjoyed Pastor Bevere’s series Drawing Near and we believe that he is a fresh voice to the body of Christ. I just obtained his newest release, Extraordinary, and I believe it fits what God is saying to us as a congregation right now.

There’s a question that troubles many believers: “Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life – didn’t Jesus promise that?”

He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of “the ordinary.” They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth! John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments—the life God always intended for his children.

Each chapter provides a guide to understanding God’s incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the “extra” to “ordinary.”

You can check out this book and more at John Bevere’s ministry web site www.messengerinternational.org.

My Book Shelf – If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn

My Book Shelf – If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn

Recently, as a pastor, I have had a lot people ask me questions about God, suffering, and evil. In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.
Pick up a copy of If God Is Good and read more at Randy’s blog www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com

10 Minute Quiet Time

Welcome to Christian Life Church on Back to Church Weekend. We are so glad you are here! Christian Life Church is a worshipping, teaching, caring, and sharing church that connects people to God, connects people to people, and connects people to their calling. It is an honor as a church to offer so many ministry opportunities for you, your family, and your friends to connect. Beyond your involvement at Christian Life my heart is that you would connect with God each day.

Last Sunday I asked each of you the question, “Can you give God ten minutes each day?” Remember, obey God in the little things and He will do something BIG in your life! Here is the 10 Minute Quiet Time model I shared last Sunday.

10 Minute Quiet Time

1. Pray - 2 minutes
Use 3 Types of Prayer - 1. Praise 2. Thanksgiving 3. Asking

2. Read the Bible - 5 minutes
Read one chapter with a highlighter – If you have any questions just ask. (If you don't know where to start begin with Psalms, Proverbs, Mark, John, or James.)

3. Pray, Listen & Write - 3 minutes
Pray about what you just read then be quiet and listen to God. If you want, write down what happened during your time with God.

Back To School

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

This past week our boys went back to school. And might I add, not a moment too soon. ;-) I love this time of year for a number of reasons. A new school year for our children means:

• A fresh start.
• New school supplies.
• Seeing old friends and making new ones.
• A set schedule.
• A new found excitement.

Back to school season also marks the unofficial back to church season. As the school schedule begins to fill up our calendar, we have to make sure that we make room for God in the life of our family. Looking at the benefits a child receives with returning to school, allow yourself to experience these same benefits this fall season at Christian Life. Make a fresh start. Get a new supply from God. Reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. Schedule regular church events on your calendar. Get a new found excitement for God and His family.

Visit the Ministry Fair in the lobby to see where you and your family can connect with God, connect with other believers, and connect with your calling.

Also, remember Back to Church Sunday, September 13. Pray about who you can invite to church that weekend.

What’s in a name?

It’s been said that, “Nothing is sweeter than the sound of one’s own name.” There is dignity when someone remembers our name and a sting when someone forgets.

The dictionary defines name as “a word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.”

Out of the over six billion people in the world today God has created you to be a unique individual and He knows you by name. What an awesome thought! In a world where we sometimes feel invisible or wonder about our real value, we can know that God, the Creator of the universe, loves and cares for us enough to know us by name!

Let me ask you something, do you know the names of the people sitting around you at church? How about the people who live on your block? What about the people at the stores you shop at? The restaurant you eat at? The gas station? Your school?

Convicted? I am. As part of God’s family I want to resemble my Heavenly Father. Our Father loves everyone enough to know them by name. We begin to love others by getting to know them by name.

Why not begin with the people you are sitting next to today?

Let Your Light Shine

You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

Matt 5:14 (NLT)

As many of you know, it was my privilege to be asked to pray this past week at the Mount Prospect’s Walmart grand openings. There were two opportunities to pray. One was a private gathering with all of the associates and their families along with VIP’s from the city and state. The other was the grand opening to the community. Both were wonderful experiences. One Walmart associate commented after our prayer time that “it was like having church at work!”

What surprised me the most were the strong reactions I received from both believers and nonbelievers. Both sides felt free to offer both condemnation and praise. As a pastor I am used to navigating varying opinions, but the judgments I received this past week were especially intense.

I have felt the same strong opinions as we have planted our CLC Huntley campus in the Prime Outlet Mall. I believe these types of reactions come when we take our faith outside the walls of the church and into our community. The devil doesn’t mind if we hide out together and worship, but once we step out to impact the world all hell unleashes its fury.

Persecution should never stop us. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) Jesus also promises, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” Matthew 16:18 (NLT)

This week take your faith outside the walls of the church. Share your testimony. Do something kind in Jesus’ name. Maybe have “church at work.” Stretch yourself. Be ready for opposition. And always remember, God is with you always and will give you the strength you need!

Perspective

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT)

I’ve seen their pictures of earth, but I can’t imagine how it feels to be an astronaut looking back at our planet from outer space. I’m awed as I sit a plane looking down at the lakes, rivers, mountains, winding roads, large cities, and small towns. You see His creation and like God you say, “It is good!”

There is a principle in life: distance often times gives us perspective. That’s one reason I love to fly. On the ground billions of people are struggling through the stress of life and for a few hours I am able to fly above it all and enjoy God and His beauty.

Christ invites us not only to new life in Him, but also to a new perspective. Christ calls us up to His level, His perspective, to view our reality with God’s eyes. When see life from God’s vantage point our perspective changes. There are things that make God weep. There are things that make God smile. When we get in tune with God’s thinking we are on the narrow road of discipleship headed toward the abundant life God promised us in John 10:10.

God has so much more for you than just surviving the daily grind. This week, take Christ up on His invitation to “set your sights on the realities of heaven.” Fly above your limited limit perspective. Take a look at your life and your world from God’s heavenly viewpoint.

Leftovers

Then King David said…”For I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing."

1 Chronicles 21:24 (NKJV)

Often times I enjoy leftovers. Finding something in the fridge from the night before that hits the spot for a 2nd time. I remember as a kid complaining about leftovers. “Ah Mom, this again.” Now as an adult I enjoy my leftovers and think about the money I am saving by eating the same meal twice.

There is a principle all through Scripture that we are reminded of during offering time that our first and best should always belong to God. Unfortunately, too many of us offer God the leftovers in our life, and I’m not just talking about our finances.

The Bible tells us to love the God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. The Message Bible says it this way… “So love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.” (Mark 12:30) Here are some questions to help us make sure our walk with God is a priority.

Heart (passion) – Do you love Him more than anything else in this world?

Soul (prayer) – Does God have first place in your life? Do you trust in Him more than anything else?

Mind (intelligence) – What occupies your thinking? Does “heaven fill your thoughts?” (Col. 3:1,2) Do you meditate on things that are good and pure? (Phil. 4:8)

Strength (energy) – Do you do all you do every day as unto the Lord? (1 Cor. 10:31)