Five Qualities of an Excellent Pastor/Staff Member…

I promised you last week that I would post about pastors and staff members. Because I love leading the staff of newhope church and speaking into the lives of other pastors, church planters, and leaders, who in turn influence hundreds and thousands of others for the cause of Christ, I want to discuss the excellent qualities needed in a pastor or staff member.

Even though this is written out of a church context, the truth is this will apply in many different settings. Leadership is leadership - period! And leading people can be messy and difficult. It requires courage and the willingness to speak the truth in love.

Some people are far easier to lead than others. Another reality is that the success/impact of your team is inextricably linked to the quality of your individual team members. I am learning that more and more these days.

Currently we have somewhere around 27 persons serving in leadership and on staff at newhope. The picture above, taken from 2008, includes about half of these servants. (Since this is an old pic, some are no longer with newhope) It is an amazing group of leaders united in the cause to Reach, Teach, and Release. Here we go...

#1 – An excellent Pastor/staff member, "Must be above reproach…” (Read I Timothy 3 here)

As you might imagine, this is an integrity issue and there is nothing like working with a staff member who has integrity in all matters related to his or her life. In that same chapter the Bible fleshes out what that looks like when it says, “Be the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given over to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, and one who manages his or her own family well so that their children obey them with proper respect." In other words the list is quite extensive and the need is paramount.

It might sound weird to say this, but I like to look into the eyes of pastors and staff members. Jesus says that the eyes are a window into the soul. (See Matthew 6) If a person is above reproach, you can usually see that integrity in his or her eyes. It does not matter if they have made a mistake in ministry, they still have good eyes, because their hearts are pure before the Lord.

Leaders, it our job to "Call them on the rug," if the eyes or the lives don't line up with the calling. It is our job to have hard discussions and probe around when and if it is needed. It is our job to grow a backbone and not be afraid of confrontation. Think about, the lives of so many and the glory and fame of Jesus is at stake if we shy away from making sure our staff members are walking up-rightly before the Lord. I am certain I will have to stand before my God one day and give an account for how I lead this church. That leading most definitely includes my shepherding and stewardship over those who receive compensation and are called to serve the servants of Christ!

Whatever you do, don't be afraid to look into their eyes and ask difficult questions about their ministry and personal lives.


#2 – An excellent Pastor/Staff member must always give respect and therefore be worthy of respect.

I am down right passionate about the need for respect on a healthy team. You need to know that I respect everyone in that picture above. If I did not respect them, they would not be leading this church. I genuinely care for every person on our staff team. If they need me they get my attention at any time of the day. When they speak, I listen. God uses them to inspire me and humble me and teach me.

But here’s the deal, just as I respect them, they have to respect every person on this staff team. Nothing sends me off more than a staff member not respecting me or another colleague in ministry. I am not the only one on the newhope team who deserves respect. I believe a solid healthy staff team mutually respects one another or that team will slip into dysfunction and ineffectiveness.

One more thought - respect is more than lip service. Respect, like love, is a verb. It means action. It takes grit. It means saying what you mean and meaning what you say. It means doing what you are told when you are told it. It means humbling yourself and submitting to authority. There again, this requires a backbone and a willingness to call someone out the moment you sense they don't respect you or someone on the team. Watch the body language and listen to the tone. The moment you start to even smell an aroma of disrespect, for the love of God and the impact of your team, you better pull that person aside and teach them respect. If they refuse to give respect, hand them a box so they can start cleaning out their office.

I will continue this post in a few days...

The Joy of the Lord

I just finished looking over everything for Sunday. I can't wait for tomorrow morning! The most amazing story just unfolded in and through newhope and I can't wait to share it!

I have often said that when I die, I hope I am remembered for joy and grace. There is something about those two words that I deeply desire and long for in my life. Joy happens to be one of the fruits of the spirit we find in Galatians 5. The Word says this:

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” (Galatians 5:22 – 26, Emphasis mine)

Have you ever thought about how elusive joy can be for most people? Men and women have pursued joy in every avenue imaginable. Some have successfully found it while others have not. Perhaps it would be easier to describe where joy cannot be found:

• Not in Unbelief -- Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: "I wish I had never been born."

• Not in Pleasure -- Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone."

• Not in Money -- Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth."

• Not in Position and Fame -- Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret."

• Not in Military Glory -- Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, before he said, "There are no more worlds to conquer."

Where then is real joy found? The answer is simple, in Christ alone! In Christ, we find abundant life that starts now and eternal life that will carry us beyond when we die here on earth but rise to new life in Christ! In Christ, we find the joy that comes from knowing Him and serving Him and His greater purposes in the world. There is nothing more joyful than living a life in Christ and being a part of His Kingdom here and now.

This Sunday we conclude, Wii Dream, Part III. The last part of the dream taps into the true joy of the Lord! (Trust me, you do NOT want to miss it!)

Worship Celebrations start at 8:45 and 10:30 am. Arrive early!

Grand Opening Week in the Rear View Mirror...

As they say, Grand Opening Week "Is History." I just can't let it slip into the past without first offering a prayer of thanks to Almighty God who once again blew our minds!

God, thank you for showing up and stirring the hearts and minds of thousands of people these last two weeks! Thank you for salvation for hundreds and fresh commitments to Your Son Jesus Christ! We are so grateful and humbled that you would move among us.

I am still in awe of the first Sunday, a dreary, cold, and rainy Sunday and close to 2,000 people streaming into newhope! Thank you for showing me once again that you are all-powerful and amazing and worthy of all respect and honor. I pray that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Pour out Your Spirit on us again this Sunday as we conclude the Wii Dream series and prepare for Holy Week! Lord God, take us higher and deeper as we trust You with our lives. Help us steward all of this well and may we be found trustworthy for You to continue sending Your people our way. We love you and look forward to Sunday, Your day, the "Lord's Day." In Jesus' name, amen.

Praise and Prayer Please

I had a great day fishing yesterday. I told the pastors and staff to go home after Sunday and not return until Thursday. We have been running so hard for months and we just needed a break. As you can tell, I had a glorious day on the lake. In case you wonder, fishing is the only true sport endorsed by the Bible. There is a reason why Jesus chose fishermen! :-)



OK - I will stop. This is getting close to "Showing off." :-)

I am back at it today and covet your prayers this morning. I will be sworn in around 8:30 am and present to the Durham Board of Adjustments, petitioning for a second driveway at the Southpoint Campus. I haven’t been sworn in since, well, BC days.

Seriously though, please pray for the process as we really need this driveway to help facilitate traffic flow.

I spent time meditating on this verse this morning:

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." (Philippians 2:14 - 15 - NLT)

As you live and breathe this day, I pray for you, that which I prayed for myself this morning...

Lord God, help my not complain today or be an argumentative person. I want to live a blameless and pure life, and shine your light in a crooked and dark generation. Shine through me this day, in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Grand Opening, Pt. 2 and Monday Musings...

• Strong second Sunday. I can't believe how the volunteers of this church serve and the environments you create for Christ. Way to go - you are the real heroes at newhope.
• LOTS of people - I mean lots. Don't have the official count yet so I will not try and guess.
• The most exciting part about Sunday # 2 is how soooo many first timers from Sunday #1 came back this week. Amy Lynn called around 80 first time visitor families. She left some messages but all those that that she spoke with said they were coming back and they did! That says a ton about hopetown children's ministry and the experience they are creating for children!
• There are quite a few pastors and priests with us on Sundays these days. Hmmmm - do you guys not work on Sundays. :-) So good to have you with us - you are always welcome. BTW - if you are a pastor and you ever want to bring a group in, our team would be honored to fully serve you, give you tours, feed you and give you our time. WE LOVE SERVING OTHER CHURCHES!
  
• It was cool to see Chad and Richelle Hansen and Dawn and Elijah Chester and their kiddos at newhope on Sunday. They helped start this church and I love to see people come back into town and marvel at what God is doing and what they helped make a reality!
• The Higher Grounds Cafe is killing it these days. Wow - looks like Starbucks on Sunday mornings, just better and much cheaper! :-)
• The building rocks for God - plain and simple. Amy Lynn and I can't believe how quality space makes such a difference for the Kingdom.
• I LOVE SPRING.
• I have so much to do around the house. Everything personal has been put on hold with this launch of the Soutpoint Campus. As such, my "To Do" list is sick.
• I need to forget that stinkin "To Do" list and go fishing! :-)
• I still love to see Simpson Eason on the drums, even more so with those kicking acoustical drums. Dude, you finally got the real deal. Thanks for being patient and tearing 'em up on Sunday!
• I can't believe I told over 1000 adults, "You don't want me for counseling...I will mess you up." It is soooooo true though - just not my calling or giftedness. Worry not, we will help you get solid counseling and help pay for it if finances are an issue.
• The Dream still fires me up - I have to have this biblical life in the Kingdom/community of faith!
• Video ministry is blowing our minds. People from the middle to the back of the Worship Center tell me they watch the screens the entire time. Can you believe this is a brand new ministry. You guys/gals are amazing. Way to go, Chris and those that serve!
  
• Of course, I want DUKE to go all the way, but I would not surprised if they lose in the next few rounds. They just don't have the goods THIS year. But, NEVER put anything past Coach K and the Devils. (For the record, it feels weird, as a pastor, to talk favorably about "Devils.")
  
• Just a reminder - I have predicted all year long that UNC would "Cut the nets down" and take it all home baby!
• The Fireside Room is incredible! This is the room we built right off the Rotunda, where I meet first time guests on Sunday! We are slammed in there but it is awesome to have a cool/comfortable place to meet the newcomers. They buzz and energy in that room is palpable. The most common phrase I hear from guests these days, "We have found our church home!"
  
• Ken Herr, a church leader and author from Indianapolis, was with us yesterday and interviewed me after the second Worship Celebration. newhope, you will be featured in another book!!
• Change is REALLY hard for some but I think the EXODUS series prepared us for these days.
• Pastors/leaders - momentum is VERY tricky - do all you can to get it and then steward it well!
  
• Speaking of pastors and leaders, I plan to start a new series of posts related to leading your staff teams. Stay tuned.
• I love our church.
  
• I love our staff team.
  
• I love what God is doing here.
  
• And I love fishing. Peace out - I am going to the lake! :-)
  

Wii Dream, Pt. 2 - TOMORROW!

Our second Sunday at the new Southpoint Campus is tomorrow with Worship for all ages at 8:45 and 10:30 am. It was standing room only last week so if at all possible, please arrive early and attend the 8:45 am Worship Celebration! Of course, you are more than welcome at either service.

Tomorrow we will study the second part of the "I Dream" that has become "Wii Dream." In preparation, keep reading the book of Acts and asking God to "Do It Again!"

Last Sunday, I tried to articulate the love God has for you. In my reading this week, I came across this quote that I hope blesses and encourages you along the way:

“I am God’s child! God created me and He loves me. I was in the mind of God before I came into being, He knew me then & He knows me now perfectly. He knows me through & through. God loves me just the way I am right now. God accepts me just the way I am. I am acceptable & loveable. I am a beautiful child of God. I have infinite worth. All of creation is not complete without me. I have been created individually and I am unique in all my ways. God created me as that unique person & He loves me. God chose me as His own. God lives in me & I live in Him. He abides in me & calls me His child. He wants me to live fully & abundantly. He frees me & gives me joy. God gives me the gift of life through His grace alone. I accept God’s love this day & know He will love me forever….” (The Spiritual Dimensions of Self Esteem, John Carlson, pg. 91)

By popular demand...

Check out the Wii Dream bumper video we are using in Worship. Take care and God bless.

Baptism

{BTW - we now have the ability for you to watch the message from Sunday on our new web site at www.newhopenc.org. You can watch every Sunday's message right here anytime you like...}

Last night we had a Worship Celebration at the Soutpoint Campus as we brought closure to our Daniel's Fast and the reading of John's Gospel. During my message, I spoke about believer's baptism and challenged everyone to get baptized on Easter Sunday, April 12th, at 4:30 pm. The text we looked at was:

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:37 – 39)

You will notice that Baptism represents:

1. A kind of DOOR way into the church
2. The CLEANSING of sin
3. The GIFT of the Holy Spirit
4. PROFESSION of faith

Come join me in the waters of Baptism Easter Sunday!

Grand Opening Report and Looking Ahead...

{The Picture above was taken of me in Worship on Sunday. That posture and this picture best represents how I am feeling these days. I am literally blown away by God, broken in all the right places, and humbled/on my face before the creator of the universe. Come join me - it is great down here...}


Hopefully you experienced or at least heard about the Grand Opening of our Southpoint Campus last Sunday! Quite honestly, I have never experienced a Worship Celebration so anointed of God and overflowing with people. As of now, our official count for this past Sunday is nearing 2,000 people with dozens of people accepting Christ for the first time and dozens more rededicating themselves to the Lordship of Jesus!

Our Grand Opening is underway with outreach opportunities and Worship. Don’t forget our Worship Celebration THIS Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Childcare will be provided. This will be the conclusion of our Daniel’s Fast and the congregational reading of John’s Gospel. Everyone is invited as we worship and celebrate Holy Communion together.

Looking ahead, I encourage you to mark your calendar for these exciting events:

• Wednesday, March 18th – Adult Worship and hopetown for Children

• Friday, March 20th - Meet the Pastors & Staff in the Rotunda for coffee and donuts, 7:30 am - 9:30 am

• Saturday, March 21st - Conspiracy of Kindness Day

• Sunday, March 22nd - Worship Celebration at 8:45 am and 10:30 am

While we are looking ahead, check out these opportunities during Holy Week:

• Saturday, April 4th – Please join us for our annual Festival of Hope. The Festival begins at 12:00 pm and ends at 4:00 pm. This event is free and open to the community. Attractions include train ride, mechanical bull, climbing wall, bounce houses, obstacle course, kids fun run, food and many more. In addition, our newhope 5&10 K Run begins at 3:00 pm. To register or for more information please call the church office at (919) 206-HOPE (4673) or visit our website at http://www.newhopenc.org.

• Sunday, April 5th – Palm Sunday with Worship at 8:45 am and 10:30 am

• Friday, April 10th - Good Friday Worship Celebration begins at 7:00 pm

• Sunday, April 12th - Easter Sunday Worship Celebration at 8:45 am and 10:30 am - He is Risen!

• Sunday, April 12th - Easter Egg Hunt 4:00 pm

• Sunday, April 12th –Believer’s Baptism, Infant/Child Dedication and Cornerstone Dedication will begin at 4:30 pm

One final note – if you were here last Sunday then you know that we had major space issues both in the parking lot and in the Worship Center. It literally broke my heart when hundreds of people were not able to get into the parking lot, let alone the building. I realize these are great problems to have but please pray that those who could not experience newhope will return this Sunday.

Please know that we have been diligently working to make sure our overflow space in the Students Ministry Center is up and running with live video teaching. We are also hopeful that we will have additional parking available. If at all possible, I encourage you to please attend the early Worship Celebration at 8:45 am. Lastly and most importantly, continue inviting your friends and praying that God will continue to bless our church immeasurably more than we can ever hope or imagine. (Ephesians 1)

Take care and God bless – I hope to see you in Worship on Wednesday night and again Sunday morning for the conclusion of Grand Opening Week!

Daniel's Fast/Day 20/John 20

Two more days of the Daniel's Fast! It has been a stirring journey for me personally and I pray you have been encouraged and challenged by the fast and the readings of John's gospel or both. We will wrap up this sacred journey Wednesday night with a Worship Celebration at the Soutpoint Campus at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome and child-care is provided.

Of all the things Jesus could have said when he entered the room with his disciples after He rose from the dead, He said, “As the father sent me, I am sending you.” (Verse 21) Jesus’ ultimate desire in coming to planet Earth was that we would receive Him and His mission to go to others in His name. That is, our God is a sending God. Just as the Father sent Jesus, now Jesus sends us! Are you allowing God to send you? Have you developed eyes of faith so that you see your neighbors, friends, and colleagues the way God sees them? To whom are you being sent? With whom are you investing and inviting to Christ and the newhope environment?

I was so proud of our church family this past Sunday for our Grand Opening. I will post more on this later in the week with a full report of the day! Suffice it to say for now, though, that hundreds and hundreds of newhopers brought friends. And check this out, hundreds and hundreds accepted Christ or rededicated their lives to Christ as Lord and Savior! That my friends, is John 20 lived out in the flesh. We are a sending church, newhope! We are sent out ever single day in central, NC as missionaries on point for Christ. Our call is simple - to love people with God's love and serve people the way Jesus taught us to serve when He laid down His life for all. (John 10:10)

Way to go, newhope! With that kind of passion and the Holy Spirit momentum alive in this church right now - the best is yet to come!

What a Grand Opening...

I am still a little speechless so this will be short. I promise to post more details in the next day or so but know this, I have never been involved in anything like I experienced Sunday!

It is on for Jesus in central, NC!

PS - this picture was taken of me during the prayer of invitation by an amazing and artistic photographer. (Thanks Terri) This picture is no big deal but the fact that tons of people accepted Jesus Christ Sunday rocks for the Kingdom!

T- Minus 8 Hours to newhope's Grand Opening Week!

• Do It Again, God...
• I don't like all the cold rain, Lord, but I trust you...
• Can't believe all the people that have volunteered to get us to this point. Thank you and you know who you are...
• I am ready to preach/teach from Acts 2...
• The children and student spaces are sick in an amazing way...
• The pastors and staff have worked sooooo hard...
• I haven't slept much at all this week...
• God, I need You...
• I can't believe how classy and functional this building turned out...(Those are two strong words to hold together in creating a church)
  
• So many things are changing to a, "Whole nutha level..."
• So many people are bringing their friends...
• Lord, please let it stop raining from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon... :-)
• Where did the last 7 years go...?
  
• God, I love newhope and really want to pastor this church for 70 more years...
• Thank you Jesus...
• God, give us crazy chaos for Christ...
• God, I ask you to bring a lot of people into Your Kingdom tomorrow...
• Bless my children and let this church truly impact the next generation...
• I am tired and going to bed...
  
• Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul He'll keep...
• Nite - nite...
  

Certificate of Occupancy - Let's Roll...

That little piece of paper says it all. That is our C.O. (Certificate of Occupancy) That means we are fully ready for the Bold Crossing! The men on my left and right are the owner and superintendent of POLYCON, the company that built this church.

This is getting so real. Only two days left. Actually, slightly less than two days – YIKES!

I encourage you to send up those prayers and invite those friends one more time. You might want to offer to pick them up and take them to lunch afterwards. It just might make an eternal difference!

If you have been missing in action, no worries! This is a great time to come back home! And what a home it is! You will love this building. It is all that our church ever dreamed it would be and God is going to use this campus to make His Son the famous One!

Worship Celebrations for everyone are at 8:45 am and 10:30 am. For more info, visit our web site here.

I want to leave you with one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because off your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” (Colossians 1:15 –23)

He is that worthy, newhope, and that is why we have built this church!

Daniel's Fast/Day 15/John 15

I can't believe we have slightly over three days left until Grand Opening Week starts Sunday with Worship Celebrations at 8:45 am and 10:30 am. Bring it on, God! We can't wait to launch this campus and have front row seats as you strut your stuff and bring glory and honor to Jesus!

In the midst of this transition, John 15 is a powerful and pertinent read. I have always loved the imagery and vine and branches and bearing fruit!

What does it mean to remain in Christ and bear fruit? In verse 10, Jesus says that if we obey his commands we will remain in him! He goes on to specify this command in verse 12 when he says, “love each other.” When we are generous toward each other, we are generous toward Christ. When we meet each other’s need, we meet the needs of Christ. When we love one another, we love Christ! To the measure that we invest our lives in the lives of those around us, we remain in Christ.

Take a moment and reflect on what our church might look like if every single person fully embraced the command, “love each other!” Now widen the view – what would our cities, or our country, or our world look like if everyone followed this beautiful command. Like all things, it begins with you and me. Through this fast and these daily devotions, ask God to do a great work in your heart so that you faithfully spread his love everywhere you go.

Daniel's Fast/Day 14/John 14

In John 14, we come across one of the most popular quotes in all of Scripture, straight from the lips of Jesus. It is a grounding verse in the particularity of Jesus Christ. In the inclusivistic and pluralistic day and age in which we live, when everyone seems to have their own version of "truth," this verse stands in stark contrast. After reading the entire chapter, meditate on these words today:

Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Make no mistake about it, this totally sets Jesus apart. When we are lost and confused about the direction we are supposed to take in life, remember Jesus is the way. When we are confused about reality, remember Jesus is the truth. And when we are confused about our own mortality, remember Jesus is the life!

In the midst of confusing times and tough decisions we are tempted to run to every other means of finding direction, truth, and abundant life. However, the Bible says Jesus is the ultimate way. With laser focus, concentrate your life on Jesus. In prayer this morning, communicate the areas in which you need direction, truth, and life. Then spend time asking God to grant you those things as you listen closely for that still small voice.

Daniel's Fast/Day 13/John 13

First of all, check out the picture of the 8:45 Worship Crowd from this past Sunday! We took these kinds of pictures at all three Worship Celebrations and our artists will create something cool to mark our last Sunday at Garrett Road. I love that shot and can't wait to see the final product from all the services. I will post the pics later, as well.

Today, we study John 13. Notice the first verse:

"It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of his love."

Matthew talks about this transitional point in Jesus' ministry in terms of Him turning His face toward Jerusalem. Bottom line is that Jesus knew that His time on earth was coming to a close and so He chose to march right up to Golgotha and the cross for you and for me. He willingly laid down His life for you, beloved. What love... What determination... What willingness to continue... What a servant...

In this chapter, Jesus demonstrates incredible humility. It is inconceivable to imagine the Son of God leaving the throne room of heaven and washing the dusty and dirty feet of his disciples. After doing so, though, He informs them that they should do the same for each other.

As you’re going about your day, commit to serve those around you. Offer that parking space to a stranger. Refill someone’s drink. Give someone an unexpected gift. Pay for someone’s lunch or unexpectedly mow your neighbor’s lawn this spring. You may not be noticed. In fact, you may be betrayed like Jesus. However, in the end, remember that getting Christ is far better than getting credit.

Daniel's Fast/Day 12/John 12

We are slightly beyond the half way point of the Daniel's Fast and reading of the Gospel of John. Remember the Word from yesterday, namely CONTINUE. If you were not with us, you can listen to the message by clicking on the title to the left, "Bold Crossing, Part III." In this message I quoted my good friend, Pastor Kevin Meyers, and stated that continue is the most undervalued word in the English language. Continue is also a very pertinent word for those of you engaged in this fast. :-) With less than 10 days left, hang in there and let's continue together. God is honoring and blessing this fast in ways we can't fully see or imagine!

I love our passage today. There is something so extravagant about the Gospel and this incident between Mary and Jesus seems to tap into that reality with a beauty and imagery appropriate only for Jesus! Imagine the scene in your mind's eye.

Mary poured out expensive perfume on Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. This was such an act of extravagant love toward Christ that those standing nearby misunderstood her intentions. Imagine the smells. Imagine the love being poured out. Imagine the response of Jesus.

We don't have to imagine the response of the onlookers because John 12 tells us how they responded. Judas leads the attack when he asks, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii?" (John 12:5) I love Jesus' simple response, "Leave her alone." (John 12: 7)

Here's a key point from the passage - always remember that your intentions are more important than being understood correctly by others. If your motives are right in demonstrating your love for Christ, don’t worry about what others say or think. When the time is right, Jesus will come to your defense! As you pray and live out your day, ask God to examine your heart and motives and then live freely and boldly before an audience of One! He is worthy of your most extravagant gestures and love!

newhope church and the News and Observer

If you want to read an article on the church from today's News and Observer, click here and scroll down toward the bottom.

Peace...

Daniel's Fast/Day 9/John 9

This is an incredibly intriguing passage. Jesus is breaking the Pharisaic rules/laws again. Truthfully, I love that about Jesus. I am not sure Jesus would have captured my attention like He did when I was an 18 year old hell bound rule breaker if He had not been such a radical figure in the history of humanity.

In this chapter, Jesus does one of the strangest things I have ever heard, namely He spits in the dirt, makes some mud pies with His saliva, smears it on this dude's eyes, and heals him of blindness! What in the world is that all about?

What follows is this fascinating dialogue between the Pharisees and this blind man who is now able to see. I love the blind man because he is all about giving glory to Jesus and kind of cops an attitude with the Pharisees. If you want to read a peculiarly strange passage, check it out here.

Here are my thoughts about the chapter as it relates to our spiritual journey these days:

The great irony of this chapter is that a social outcast, a man who had no platform, and who had been overlooked His entire life, was now being used by God to humble the Pharisees who doubted Christ. In other words, the Pharisees, who were not physically blind, were actually the ones who were blind to the truth that Christ was presenting. This should cause us all to examine our site. Are there traditions, rules, and regulations in your life that keep you from seeing what Christ is highlighting in this day and age? Go to the great physician in prayer and ask Him to examine your eyesight. Know this - if you desire, He can and will give you clarity in grace and truth.

Peace and much love...

Daniel's Fast/Day 8/John 8

It's 3:00 am and my mind is rolling and my heart is soaring in anticipation of March 15. T - Minus 10 days and counting until this church explodes on a "Whole nutha level!" I am asking God to blow this dealio up and make Jesus the famous One! Everywhere I go these days people are asking about the church. A waiter looked at me yesterday and said, "Hey, are you a pastor? I am thinking about coming to newhope on March 15th!

With only 10 days left, don't forget several important things:

1. Outreach this Saturday at 10 am - meet at the Southpoint Campus
2. Last Sunday at Garrett Road is this weekend with a historic photo shoot following Worship
   
3. New Worship Celebration Times starting March 15th will be 8:45 am and 10:30 am
4. It's called "Bring a Friend" week because we are encouraging everyone to bring a friend. :-)

Yesterday was a really good day! And that was a REALLY good thing because the day before was a REALLY bad day. I spent the day with my good friend, Craig Dunn, who flew in from Indianapolis, rented a Harley Davidson, and we hit the road together. Craig is the CEO of The Wesleyan Investment Foundation and one of the most gracious men I have ever known. We rode all day long and loved every minute of it!

As most of you know, I love to ride my Harley-Davidson. If you've never ridden, it might be hard to understand the thrill and freedom that comes when one mounts a "hog" and rides the day away! When I'm on the road, I don't have to worry about cell phones, e-mails, to do lists, urgent responsibilities, and just the normal worries of the day. Of all the places in the world, I feel most free and alive on a long country road!

As we rode, I reflected on the freedom in Christ that we hear Jesus teaching in John 8 . This chapter is full of great verses so I'll let the spirit move you as He will while I direct our attention to one particular verse. It comes from John 8:36 and reads:

Jesus says, “If the Son has set you free, you will be free indeed.”

Do yourself a favor and read the entire chapter here. Here's my point today - the freedom I sense on my Harley utterly pales in comparison to the freedom I first experienced on October 23, 1988 and have continued to sense when I identify with Christ and Christ alone!

Here's the good news, beloved - there is absolutely no sin in your life that Christ has not overcome through His life, death, and resurrection! There is no bondage in your life that He cannot break! If we unite our life with Christ, who is the truth, there is nothing that can keep us enslaved.

I encourage you to thank God for His power and confess any areas of bondage in your life, asking God to forgive and grant you complete freedom. And then rise from that prayer and fully live out that freedom.

Oh yea, one more thing - buy or rent a Harley Davidson for at least a day. You just might experience a physical freedom that helps you connect with a far more meaningful and deeper spiritual freedom found in Christ alone.

One final thought of eternal importance - it has to be a Harley and not some Honda, Suzuki or any other second class bike - - make no mistake about, friends, if Jesus were here to day, He would definitely drive a Harley! :-)

Daniel's Fast/Day 7/John 7

What do you do when people betray you? How do you respond when your closest friends desert you? In John 6, we ended yesterday with Jesus' disciples deserting Him. Before we move on to John 7, take that to heart, beloved. JESUS HAS BEEN BETRAYED! The next time you feel the sting of your closest companions deserting you, remember and take comfort that Jesus has "Been there - done that!"

Jesus lets the others go on ahead of Him to the Feast of Tabernacles. Later, when the time is just right, He joins the feast and starts teaching. The key verse for me is John 7:37 - 38:

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

This verse is so pertinent for many of us as continue the journey of the Daniel's Fast! Surely, we have experienced hunger and thirst on a "Whole Nutha Level."

Interestingly, Jesus compares our spiritual life to the never-ending physical desire that we experience when we are thirsty. Are you thirsty? In prayer, communicate with your God and share your deepest areas of thirst. Ask Jesus, the living water God, to refresh your soul and quench your thirst.

Daniel's Fast/Day 6/John 6

I cannot believe how many people at newhope are engaged in the Daniels fast! I am convinced God is going to blow our minds with the spiritual disciplines and humility permeating the life and ministry of our church! Hopefully, you are coming to love and appreciate the healthy lifestyle represented in Daniel 1 and this particular fast. I absolutely love the way I feel after 27 days! The picture above was my dinner last night - that my friends, is the Daniels fast at its best! (Vegetable soup, spinach, and sautéed mushrooms)

If I were the biblical translator for the day, I would place a heading over this chapter titled, "Miracles abound." Two of Jesus' most famous miracles are found in John 6, namely the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus walking on water! Interestingly enough, Jesus then teaches on the bread of life and the chapter concludes with many disciples deserting Jesus. (John 6:60 - 71) For a devotional thought, focus on Jesus feeding the 5000 (John 6:1 - 15)

Notice that Jesus uses the “little” that was given to perform a miracle. Through this story and as a church, we learn to bring the little that we have to our BIG God so that He can miraculously multiply it and impact thousands. It’s not a coincidence that the person whose obedience fed thousands was a little boy. In Kingdom life, often is the least likely person that God uses to do the most powerful and profound things. As you pray, why not ask God to take the little things in your life and multiply them into miracles that impact others and advance His Kingdom?

Day 5/John 5

It’s a new day! John 5 communicates this reality! The snow communicates this reality! Our church communicates this reality for me personally as for the first time in our short 7 year history, we parked at our church and walked into the same building in which we worship! How cool is that!

In our devotional reading today, Jesus says that through Him, we can cross over from death to life. If you look around today, you will probably see many people who desperately need new life and newhope! In your prayer time, thank God for your salvation and eternal security. Be reminded that your salvation has nothing to do with you or any righteousness in and of yourself, but is solely a gift from God! Before you arise from prayer, ask God to give you faith to more clearly see the people you encounter. Ask God to use your life to help someone else cross over from death to life!