It is a strange thing to be dependent on God. On a metaphysical level I know I am dependent on him for my very being, my next breath depends on Him to sustain the universe and this fragile life for me to even draw it in and let it out. Once again He has not failed, I am still typing, still breathing still needing Him.
It is a very different thing to depend on Him for the things I believe I am responsible for or have control over. I need God in my finances because He gives me the ability to make wealth, the command to give back the first 10% to His church and the blessings of living in a country where jobs abound (even in a recession). Yet, my job is mine. The effort I exert is mine. The goals I set and the deadlines I impose belong to me. I am answerable for how I spend my time and what I accomplish. See how easy it is to push God out, I, me, mine.
The problem with God is He continually pushes us to a place where we are dependent on Him. Comfortable, easy, smooth sailing are not words that correspond with the Christian life. Instead God wants us to be uncomfortable because we then must turn to the Comforter. Instead of easy He makes things hard, not to burden us but to show His strength in doing what we cannot. If it was always smooth sailing we would never see the One who speaks calm into the storm.
I have a problem with dependence for at least 2 reasons:
1. I don't like to depend on God because I am full of pride. Independence is a sin because it makes much of me and little of God. I do not want to ask others for help because, "I have it under control". I don't want to ask God for help because I am trying to prove to Him how good I am. Dependence on God forces me to confess, "I am not good, I am not strong and I am not capable". It forces me to realize that God loves me anyway. He is not in this relationship because I am great but because He is great.
2. I don't like to depend on God because I am scared of failure. I hate to fail. It is embarrassing (see reason 1). I want to be a winner not a failure especially in my calling to serve God. When I depend on Him He will put me in places that could be perceived as failure. Look at the calling of men like Jeremiah and Steve Epert. One is known as the weeping prophet (cry baby) and the other most people have never heard of. What if dependence on God causes me to fail in man's eyes.
I struggle to depend totally on God because of perceptions. How others perceive me and how I perceive myself keeps me from relying on the only One who's opinion matters. Lord may I live my life for an audience of One. May my weakness show your strength and may my life be full of evidences that I depend on you and you alone.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Supernatural
I had one of those God moments Friday. I was stuck in traffic in N. Fort Worth and instead of being frustrated and mad I was amazed at all the people. Thousands of men, women and children who Jesus died to save and who are missing out on a relationship with Him.
It is a strange experience when you see with the saviors eyes, even if for a brief moment. I pray that I can keep that vision and be tuned into what God is doing to draw those far close once again.
It is a strange experience when you see with the saviors eyes, even if for a brief moment. I pray that I can keep that vision and be tuned into what God is doing to draw those far close once again.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Repost of Seth's blog
"All I do is work here"
Over the past few months, I've had quite a few interactions with several people who work at a (previously great) brand.
One person will email to ask me for a favor or a connection, and I'll point out that just yesterday, I got three emails, all spam, from three different people at the organization either selling me something irrelevant or sending me a press release I didn't ask for. And the unsubscribe button doesn't work. And I've unsubscribed ten times before. When I pointed this out, he said, "Oh, that's those guys. I'm not related to them, all I do is work here. If you don't like getting that stuff, you should take it up with them."
Then, a few days ago, I heard from someone in a different group at the same company, asking for help with a project she was working on. I explained that the last time I helped someone in her group with a project, I was misquoted, my time was wasted and they violated whatever trust we had. Susan said, and I'm quoting precisely the same line, "All I do is work here. They pay my salary, but I'm me, not them."
No, Susan, you are them.
The reason your brand is falling apart is because so many of your colleagues are saying the same thing, denying the same responsibility. Consumers don't believe (or care) that there are warrens and fiefdoms and monarchies within your company. All they know is that you leverage that brand name every day, as you have for decades, but now, instead of using that brand to polish your reputation as an individual, you're being forced to accept responsibility for the actions of others.
Do you really think someone who worked for Bernie Madoff will go far with this line? "I'm not Bernie, I just worked with him every day and took a great salary when times were good..." Not sure what the difference is. It's even worse in your case, because you know what's happening. You know, but you don't want to do anything about it.
If you're not proud of where you work, go work somewhere else. You don't get the benefit of the brand when it's hot without accepting the blame of the brand when it's wrong.
Over the past few months, I've had quite a few interactions with several people who work at a (previously great) brand.
One person will email to ask me for a favor or a connection, and I'll point out that just yesterday, I got three emails, all spam, from three different people at the organization either selling me something irrelevant or sending me a press release I didn't ask for. And the unsubscribe button doesn't work. And I've unsubscribed ten times before. When I pointed this out, he said, "Oh, that's those guys. I'm not related to them, all I do is work here. If you don't like getting that stuff, you should take it up with them."
Then, a few days ago, I heard from someone in a different group at the same company, asking for help with a project she was working on. I explained that the last time I helped someone in her group with a project, I was misquoted, my time was wasted and they violated whatever trust we had. Susan said, and I'm quoting precisely the same line, "All I do is work here. They pay my salary, but I'm me, not them."
No, Susan, you are them.
The reason your brand is falling apart is because so many of your colleagues are saying the same thing, denying the same responsibility. Consumers don't believe (or care) that there are warrens and fiefdoms and monarchies within your company. All they know is that you leverage that brand name every day, as you have for decades, but now, instead of using that brand to polish your reputation as an individual, you're being forced to accept responsibility for the actions of others.
Do you really think someone who worked for Bernie Madoff will go far with this line? "I'm not Bernie, I just worked with him every day and took a great salary when times were good..." Not sure what the difference is. It's even worse in your case, because you know what's happening. You know, but you don't want to do anything about it.
If you're not proud of where you work, go work somewhere else. You don't get the benefit of the brand when it's hot without accepting the blame of the brand when it's wrong.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Prayer
3 Questions God asks when communication gets distorted by sin:
1. Where are you? Not physical location but mental devotion. Instead of hiding, worrying and working we need to come to Him and get His perspective on the world.
2. Who have you been listening to? Prayer tunes us to His voice above the din of the world and culture. His voice will guide and give perspective.
3. What have you done? Holds our actions, beliefs and motivations against the Bible instead of the other people. What have you done with Jesus? What have you done with the mission? What have you done with the what you have been given?
1. Where are you? Not physical location but mental devotion. Instead of hiding, worrying and working we need to come to Him and get His perspective on the world.
2. Who have you been listening to? Prayer tunes us to His voice above the din of the world and culture. His voice will guide and give perspective.
3. What have you done? Holds our actions, beliefs and motivations against the Bible instead of the other people. What have you done with Jesus? What have you done with the mission? What have you done with the what you have been given?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Family Devo
One thing we did at family camp is a family devo. It is hard to get father, mother and children 7, 4, 2 together for God's word. There is a huge difference in learning styles and attention span. When we got back into the real world I was once again annoyed that my quiet time was interrupted by kids, fights and fussing. Instead of asking them repeatedly to be quiet I pulled them up on my lap and started singing the family devo song (except for the stinky diaper kid, I sent him to mom). We sang until they got back. What is the family devo song -Glad you asked:
(Sung to the tune of the Flintstones)
Family, Family devo's
There the greatest thing haven't you heard
Family, Family devo's
Father's, Mother's, Children and God's Word
Starting our morning off together is a way to focus, pray and prioritize our day. May prayer is that it becomes a routine in the Page house!
(Sung to the tune of the Flintstones)
Family, Family devo's
There the greatest thing haven't you heard
Family, Family devo's
Father's, Mother's, Children and God's Word
Starting our morning off together is a way to focus, pray and prioritize our day. May prayer is that it becomes a routine in the Page house!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Family Camp
Back in October I heard a pastor who has a tremendous influence on my life and ministry mention family camp. I had never heard of the concept and was a bit curious but quickly let it go.
At Christmas time our youth group went on a retreat and I wanted to go hang with the kids and hear the speaker. I was amazed at how the teenagers worshiped God and paid attention to the teaching for over two hours. I was convicted that as adults we stop seeking time to get alone with God, to retreat from the world and seek His face. I decided to look into family camp.
I called in January and they were full. We were put on a waiting list. God opened up a spot for us and we got to go to the best vacation we have ever had. The staff, the speaker, the worship, the fellowship were amazing. God smiled on our family this past week. We felt and enjoyed the lavishness of the Fathers love for us.
We drank the cool aid. We are counting down to next year, praying for new friends we have met and wanting to be an instrument of God's love to all who are around us. Thank you Abba.
At Christmas time our youth group went on a retreat and I wanted to go hang with the kids and hear the speaker. I was amazed at how the teenagers worshiped God and paid attention to the teaching for over two hours. I was convicted that as adults we stop seeking time to get alone with God, to retreat from the world and seek His face. I decided to look into family camp.
I called in January and they were full. We were put on a waiting list. God opened up a spot for us and we got to go to the best vacation we have ever had. The staff, the speaker, the worship, the fellowship were amazing. God smiled on our family this past week. We felt and enjoyed the lavishness of the Fathers love for us.
We drank the cool aid. We are counting down to next year, praying for new friends we have met and wanting to be an instrument of God's love to all who are around us. Thank you Abba.
Monday, March 16, 2009
honor me
Who do you honor today? Your boss, your company that bears your name, the government, your self? God is all about honoring Himself yesterday, today and forever. He desires to be honored above all and looking at Numbers 20 we get an understanding of how He honors himself though us.
I have heard this preached as a message against anger. I have heard it preached as a message of God's response to disobedience. I have heard it preached as a passage of punishment but in this reading it is more about honor.
God said speak to the rock and Moses struck it with his staff. The issue is whom this honors. Moses had brought forth water from a rock by striking it with his staff before (Exodus 17). Instead of relying on God, Moses relied on the past. If it aint broke, don't fix it. Why speak when hitting works (not a good parenting technique).
Moses was frustrated, angry, and disobedient so he in his frustration ignored God and went with the tried and true. Only for God's people the tried and true is the Lord himself- not a program, a method nor a marketing campaign.
Why did God mix it up? For His honor. God does not do miracles so a man can become famous, He does not do miracles so people will pilgrimage to see a staff, He does them for His honor. He mixes it up because He can, because He knows our propensity to take our eyes off Him and elevate something else. He mixes it up because His honor demands mercy and keeping the eyes of His chosen fixed upon Him.
Moses struck the rock once and nothing happened. It worked in Exodus but now no results. I wonder if the second strike was panicked. If it was frenzied. If I swing harder (effort), make a bigger effort (sincerity) it will work. I wonder if he muttered a little prayer in his heart, "Please let this work so I do not look foolish in front of all these people". And it did work.
A miracle still happened. God in His sovernty still provided. God showed up for His servant and His people. His goodness, mercy and love were once again demonstrated. Yet Moses did not trust the Lord.
Lack of trust dishonors God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) God was not honored and so Moses was not allowed to lead the people into the land.
This has always seemed unfair to me. Arbitrarily mean. One mistake and you cannot go into the Promised Land. I was immature to take this view. Here is the spiritual principle. Moses displayed the same lack of faith in God, as did 10 of the 12 spies and the wondering generation. God is not arbitrary but unchanging. A lack of faith keeps us from the great things God has planned for those who love Him.
A lack of faith does not honor the One who is Faithful and True. If we honor Him we will receive honor. Again that is a promise of the Holy One. We do not deserve honor only Jesus does but He will honor those who honor Him as Holy.
Who do you honor today?
Lord of all, may my thoughts, deeds and faith bring honor to you and prove you Holy in the sight of all. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I have heard this preached as a message against anger. I have heard it preached as a message of God's response to disobedience. I have heard it preached as a passage of punishment but in this reading it is more about honor.
God said speak to the rock and Moses struck it with his staff. The issue is whom this honors. Moses had brought forth water from a rock by striking it with his staff before (Exodus 17). Instead of relying on God, Moses relied on the past. If it aint broke, don't fix it. Why speak when hitting works (not a good parenting technique).
Moses was frustrated, angry, and disobedient so he in his frustration ignored God and went with the tried and true. Only for God's people the tried and true is the Lord himself- not a program, a method nor a marketing campaign.
Why did God mix it up? For His honor. God does not do miracles so a man can become famous, He does not do miracles so people will pilgrimage to see a staff, He does them for His honor. He mixes it up because He can, because He knows our propensity to take our eyes off Him and elevate something else. He mixes it up because His honor demands mercy and keeping the eyes of His chosen fixed upon Him.
Moses struck the rock once and nothing happened. It worked in Exodus but now no results. I wonder if the second strike was panicked. If it was frenzied. If I swing harder (effort), make a bigger effort (sincerity) it will work. I wonder if he muttered a little prayer in his heart, "Please let this work so I do not look foolish in front of all these people". And it did work.
A miracle still happened. God in His sovernty still provided. God showed up for His servant and His people. His goodness, mercy and love were once again demonstrated. Yet Moses did not trust the Lord.
Lack of trust dishonors God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) God was not honored and so Moses was not allowed to lead the people into the land.
This has always seemed unfair to me. Arbitrarily mean. One mistake and you cannot go into the Promised Land. I was immature to take this view. Here is the spiritual principle. Moses displayed the same lack of faith in God, as did 10 of the 12 spies and the wondering generation. God is not arbitrary but unchanging. A lack of faith keeps us from the great things God has planned for those who love Him.
A lack of faith does not honor the One who is Faithful and True. If we honor Him we will receive honor. Again that is a promise of the Holy One. We do not deserve honor only Jesus does but He will honor those who honor Him as Holy.
Who do you honor today?
Lord of all, may my thoughts, deeds and faith bring honor to you and prove you Holy in the sight of all. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Franchise church
As I have looked at the church lately I have been guilty of making statements like, "denominations no longer matter". I believe this statement to be misleading. Here is why. Denominations really represent a system for doing church.
Catholic- the universal system at least until the reformation
Lutheran- the reformed system
Anglican - the English system
Methodist- the method system
Baptist- the only right system and any thing different is wrong and evil (tongue in cheek from a baptist)
People like systems just as they like McDonald's. No one eats at McDonald's because it is the best food, they eat there because they always get what they expect at a price that seems reasonable. And they brand kids at a young age by being fun (listen up church).
Church is the same thing. People want a system where they get an expected result. Denominations matter because as consumers (21st century church goers) we want a system that gives us the results we want. A place that sings the songs we like, preaches from the political ideology we enjoy. caries a coolness factor that we try to co-opt.
I am a pastor and my product is not Jesus but the church. We sell the church not because a building changes lives but because it allows people to come into contact with Jesus who has the power to change lives. Church should be a marketing campaign to bring people to the cross. A place where broken and hurt individuals can meet other broken and hurt individuals who are looking to the Great Physician for healing.
What does a successful franchise church look like? Andy Stanly, Craig Groeschel, Matt Chandler and many others have found ways of doing this that work with thier personality and draw people to Jesus.
What would my church franchise look like?
Catholic- the universal system at least until the reformation
Lutheran- the reformed system
Anglican - the English system
Methodist- the method system
Baptist- the only right system and any thing different is wrong and evil (tongue in cheek from a baptist)
People like systems just as they like McDonald's. No one eats at McDonald's because it is the best food, they eat there because they always get what they expect at a price that seems reasonable. And they brand kids at a young age by being fun (listen up church).
Church is the same thing. People want a system where they get an expected result. Denominations matter because as consumers (21st century church goers) we want a system that gives us the results we want. A place that sings the songs we like, preaches from the political ideology we enjoy. caries a coolness factor that we try to co-opt.
I am a pastor and my product is not Jesus but the church. We sell the church not because a building changes lives but because it allows people to come into contact with Jesus who has the power to change lives. Church should be a marketing campaign to bring people to the cross. A place where broken and hurt individuals can meet other broken and hurt individuals who are looking to the Great Physician for healing.
What does a successful franchise church look like? Andy Stanly, Craig Groeschel, Matt Chandler and many others have found ways of doing this that work with thier personality and draw people to Jesus.
What would my church franchise look like?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Talk
My 7 year old while furiously clicking away at the internet to find games with tanks and explosions and all things cammo came across a pop up ad that upset him very much. So much that he turned off the computer went upstairs crying because he was afraid I was going to be mad at him.
This of course initiated the what did you see conversation and lead to the, "what is sex" question. He was shocked when I told him that sex was a good thing. That God created it. Even more shocking to him was that his pastor father had sex. And his mom...really?
It was not to weird for me and he seemed to handle it pretty well. In fact He thought it was kind of cool that I got to have a part of making the baby. We did not get into specifics and I don't think the wheels have started to turn yet but it is only a matter of time.
I explained to him that I was not mad at him for what popped up but if he ever went looking for it we would get rid of the internet. Which initiated the, "what is the internet" question.
Our kids take technology, information and entertainment access for granted because it has always been a part of their lives. I told my son, my job is to teach him how to use this technology and protect him from the pitfalls and snares that the world has out there. God help me to protect my kids and let them keep hold of the innocence you have given them, for as long as they can.
This of course initiated the what did you see conversation and lead to the, "what is sex" question. He was shocked when I told him that sex was a good thing. That God created it. Even more shocking to him was that his pastor father had sex. And his mom...really?
It was not to weird for me and he seemed to handle it pretty well. In fact He thought it was kind of cool that I got to have a part of making the baby. We did not get into specifics and I don't think the wheels have started to turn yet but it is only a matter of time.
I explained to him that I was not mad at him for what popped up but if he ever went looking for it we would get rid of the internet. Which initiated the, "what is the internet" question.
Our kids take technology, information and entertainment access for granted because it has always been a part of their lives. I told my son, my job is to teach him how to use this technology and protect him from the pitfalls and snares that the world has out there. God help me to protect my kids and let them keep hold of the innocence you have given them, for as long as they can.
Free Breakfast
I love free stuff. Between my wife and a very influential friend of mine, Pastor Manny, I have developed a love of all things free. It could be useless junk but if it is free you bet I am going to take it. (Exception to the rule: Those cards that are expertly flicked at you on the Vegas strip- DO NOT TAKE THOSE).
So naturally when Denny's offered a free grand slam to everyone in America I was in. I am not sure how the suits in the corporate office thought this would work out but the staff at my local Denny's was slammed. On top of that people were mad that they had to wait for a free breakfast. I was grateful.
This however did not buy me any good will toward Denny's in the future. I am never going to say, "Let's all go to Denny's for (insert meal here). While I appreciate the gesture and I tipped my waitress well, it did nothing for my overall impression of Denny's. I had to wait in line, they were short staffed for the crowds, most of the customers were rude, the food was ok but next time it will be just ok at a much larger price.
If you are going to draw a crowd don't just offer them more of the same or you will get the same results.
So naturally when Denny's offered a free grand slam to everyone in America I was in. I am not sure how the suits in the corporate office thought this would work out but the staff at my local Denny's was slammed. On top of that people were mad that they had to wait for a free breakfast. I was grateful.
This however did not buy me any good will toward Denny's in the future. I am never going to say, "Let's all go to Denny's for (insert meal here). While I appreciate the gesture and I tipped my waitress well, it did nothing for my overall impression of Denny's. I had to wait in line, they were short staffed for the crowds, most of the customers were rude, the food was ok but next time it will be just ok at a much larger price.
If you are going to draw a crowd don't just offer them more of the same or you will get the same results.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009
2009 is here and being on the cutting edge of culture and technology I have decided to start blogging.
The truth is I have resisted this trend simply because I have a hard time believing that my life is interesting enough to need to update people about on a minute by minute basis. But now all the rules have changed. Not that my life is any more fascinating but people now expect leaders to express their hearts and thoughts in public forums. Hopefully my bad grammar and poor spelling skills will not validate what others think but allow them to extend grace.
It is 2009 and I am grateful. I have a great family, a wonderful job and some good friends. I have no predictions for the new year, nor do I have any resolutions. I plan on seeking first the kingdom of God this year and that is the greatest adventure and comes with a promise of unfathomable peace.
Happy New years!
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