Apr
17
2010
In seeking to do ministry to military over the past several years (particularly to young men and women) I’m reminded of a quote I heard some time ago. “People want proof more than they want truth!”
People want proof more than they want truth
Now before you get yourself in an uproar and start echoing your theological and philosophical perspective it’s important to note that I struggle with this as well.
In a world filled with shades of gray, many of us would prefer to get back to the black and white way of dealing with things. I would prefer to focus on right and wrong in order to deal with what needs to be addressed. Don’t give me shades of gray because then I’ll give you shades of gray and we’ll never get the the heart of the issue. Yet God is reminding me of the time before I submitted to Him where I was aware of the black and white — the truth of His sacrifice — and yet I stayed in the shades of gray.
So what’s my point? Before coming to an understanding of what God did in sending Jesus I had heard the gospel many times over. I didn’t argue with it but didn’t see the value of it. In those who called themselves Christians I saw as much variety of lifestyle as I did varieties of vegetables in the grocery store. They (both the veggies and the Christians) were good and bad in my opinion. Yet I didn’t see the value in eating right or living right because in my view I couldn’t connect the physical and spiritual health to what I needed. Try to tell a teenager that they need to eat vegetables because of how it will impact them later and you’re likely to get the same look that you’d get if you told them they need to start thinking about picking out a geriatric doctor.
People who don’t know the “value of the gospel” don’t want truth; they want proof.
“We need water for our bodies and water for our soul…Jesus offers both through His followers.”
How does a life of Christ change my world? What’s the value of a Christ-centered life if I perceive it to be riddled with more do’s and don’ts? So what if Jesus died for me, what difference does that make in my struggles? I don’t need truth, I need proof that Christ will give me a hope and a future!
When I submitted my life to Christ I did so because I saw the gospel lived out. I saw people who came alongside me while in need and helped me see that I’m not alone physically and spiritually. I experienced God through the lives of many who didn’t even realize they were sharing the gospel. And most of all, I see dozens of others around me who desire the bread of the body but also the bread of life. Making disciples as I see it is giving people physical bread and also this bread of life. To leave one out is the same as leaving out the truth or proof of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s not let let the devil steal either.
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose (Jesus) is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 (NLT)
Apr
12
2010
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (Gen 2:15)
In Richard Phillips’ new book, The Masculine Mandate, he says this about shepherd-leadership:
Not surprisingly, the model of the leader as shepherd fits perfectly the work-and-keep Masculine Mandate of Genesis 2:15. God placed Adam in the garden to work it—to make it grow—and shepherds are leaders who nurture and inspire the hearts of those who follow. God also called Adam to keep the garden—to stand guard over it—and it is the shepherd-leader who protects those under his charge, keeping one eye always on the flock and the other alert for predators. Good shepherd-leadership, then, will always resemble Adam’s servant-lordship as the flock, like a garden, grows and bears fruit of all kinds under the watchful protection of the shepherd. (47)
Phillip’s continues to deal with the issue of shepherd-leadership in looking what David says in Psalm 23 and suggests that the psalmist is speaking of three main tasks for shepherd-leaders: guiding, protecting, and caring. These three tasks are echos from Adams challenge in the Garden found in the excerpt above.
Since many of you do not have “gardens” to tend per se, you currently or in the future, will have men and women under you where, you too, are charged with the same challenges God gave Adam in the Garden.
a shepherd-leader…must be able to point his followers in the right direction and guide them to safety.
Guiding — Shepherd-leaders “must be able to point his followers in the right direction and guide them to safety (48).” How do we fill this task? By being competent in what we are called too. If you are in charge of a desk, squad, platoon, or regiment, you need to be competent with the knowledge that is required to be effective in your duties. You must master the skills you need, using as many resources available to you. It is essential that among them, is the study of God’s Word. What will it take for you to be competent in what you are called to on your campuses and/or units?
Shepherd-leaders must protect their people from threats or adversity that would seek them harm.
Protecting — Shepherd-leaders must protect their people from threats or adversity that would seek them harm. Take the initiative to be ready to protect your people when the time comes. It surely will come. David used the symbolism of the authority and protection of the shepherd’s sheep in Psalm 23:4 when he describes the rod and staff as a comfort to them. The shepherd’s staff has a long hook on it to grab the necks of wayward sheep and put strays back on the right path. “Followers rightly expect leaders to enforce proper rules and shape godly behaviors (49).” The rod is to protect the sheep from predators and the like. Like the sheep, your people will look to you, their faithful leader who sits in position of authority, for protection. What are the ways you can protect your people in your ROTC units?
be fully accepting of those sheep God has called us to lead and make sure they are aware of that fact.
Caring — Shepherd-leaders must care for their people and meet their needs. As David sums Ps. 23 up, he concludes in last few verses emphasizing provision, acceptance, blessing, and belonging. As leaders, we must provide our people with the tools necessary to complete the mission, and complete the mission well. We must “be fully accepting of those sheep God has called us to lead and make sure they are aware of that fact (49).” With all the imperfections, weakness, strengths, abilities, and skills, accept your people as they are and care for them. Be a blessing to your people. Do not lord over them in an “I’m the boss. Do what I say.” mentality, but care for them by blessing them and serving them. In all this, your people will feel a sense of belonging to the unit and mission. In what ways can you care for the people on your campus and in your units? How can you communicate to them that they are valuable?
As a shepherd-leader, guide, protect, and care for your people. This is your biblical mandate as a leader.
Apr
8
2010
One of the best planning strategies that I know of is to start with the end in mind then decide what needs done to reach that desired goal. As ministry leaders among your ROTC peers, have you thought through what the end should be? Jesus tells us in His Great Commission that the goal is to “go and make disciples.” So how should we define a disciple, what exactly does a disciple look like? There’s a clue in the passage that helps us know what He has in mind.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)
A disciple is someone who observes all that He has commanded us. If we summed up all His teachings, we find that the commands of a disciple really break down into a few simple categories:
- Walk by faith. This is someone who actively takes steps to see that his or her life is conformed in thought, word, and deed to what God as shown us in His word. This person pursues God, loves by the power of Christ, avoids and repents of sin, and believes and obeys the Bible just to name a few.
- Communicate your faith. Jesus never wanted just a few people to experience a transformed life in Him, but for all to know Him. A disciple of His will be intentional to share what He has done in their lives with others and invite them to come to Him just as they have.
- Multiply your faith. Jesus’ instruction to “[teach] them to observe all that I have commanded,” includes the imperative, from the very same sentence, to make disciples. Jesus’ disciples are to teach others, to teach others, to teach others, to teach other… all these things.
It is our tendency to miss that last part. We might think through all that someone needs to learn and experience to walk intimately with Jesus and share Him with others, but often forget to include deliberately teaching them how to multiply their faith into still others.
As the semester winds down, you as the leader need to ask yourself, “Have I/we taught those I/we lead how to pass their faith on to others?” If not, it isn’t too late yet. Spend the last few weeks of this semester showing them how you prepare a Bible study then have them lead one. Show them how to teach others how to share their faiths, then have them train some of the younger cadets/mids in the group.
Jesus left His whole Kingdom plan in the hands of his disciples and equipped them with His Spirit. Just look at all that has been done…
Mar
23
2010
Momentum can be a tenuous balance. Too much and you risk sputtering out too early, and too little could prevent you from getting off the ground. As colleges and universities move past spring break and gear up for finals it could be easy to see momentum fade in spiritual movements. As Easter (4 April) nears I encourage you to take time to consider the magnitude of the day, what it represents, and the man whose ultimate act of obedience allows us an intimate relationship with God. Allow this season of repentance, forgiveness, and resurrection to renew your momentum and focus to finish the semester strong.
Jesus Christ’s life and purpose of redemption is woven throughout the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Immediately following the Fall, God announced his plan for a Messiah, a Savior to return creation to right relationship with him, and continued to affirm his plan throughout scripture.
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Gen 3:15
“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” 2 Sam 7:12
“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53: 5
“You ascended on high leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.” Psalm 68:18
Jesus Christ is God, and yet he submitted to the Father and suffered humiliating and public excoriation. His own agony over the compelling need to submit is vividly displayed in Luke 22:44, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Without Jesus’ submission to the Father where could we find our hope? In what could we find purpose? What would we value?
As you consider these questions I hope this season of Easter will grow in significance for you and that you’ll take time to meditate on a crucifixion passage in the Gospels: Matthew 26–28, Mark 14–16, Luke 22–24, or John 18–21. Or, gather a group of friends to watch “The Passion of the Christ” or “The Jesus Film”; invite a friend to attend an Easter service with you; or take extra time to encourage a fellow believer who is struggling with momentum. May this be a time of growth, connection, and renewal for you and the those you lead. Father God, may your Holy Spirit keep the meaning and joy of Easter at the forefront of our hearts and minds.
Mar
8
2010
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourself to be my disciples” john 15:7–8; italics added)
This passage reveals the upward view of discipleship. A fruitless discipleship of Christ is not the way Christ laid out for His followers. If there is no real fruit in our lives, we cannot claim to be true disciples.
The fruit that the Lord spoke of results in a changed life and is primarily manifested in one of these two ways:
Fruit in Character—in the inward life. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23)
The fruit of the Spirit’s working in our lives is expressed through these nine qualities. A tree is known by its fruit, as Jesus tells his disciples. The disciple is recognized by his likeness to Christ in inward character. It was to this end that Paul toiled. “I seek the fruit that increases to your credit” (Philippians 4:17).
Fruit in Service—in outward ministry. “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop of eternal life, so that sower and reaper may be glad together” (John 4:35–36). Fruit is seen when souls are won for Christ and through discipleship lead on to spiritual maturity and a life changed.
The fruit-bearing that is an authentic mark of discipleship is not automatic but conditional. Jesus made this clear when He said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (john 12:24). He thus links fruit-bearing with the cross. And did He not exemplify this principle in His own death? A single kernel of wheat fell into the ground at Calvary and died, but on the Day of Pentecost it produced three thousand kernels, and fruitage has resulted ever since.
The operative words in the statement in John 12 are “unless” and “if.” The glorious possibility of “much fruit” lies in our own hands. “It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master” (Matthew 10:25). As we apply the cross to our lives and die to our self-dominated life, the Spirit can make our lives fruitful and our lives are changed as a result of our personal relationship with the Lord.
Father work in our hearts to change what holds us back. Renew a steadfast spirit, ripe with fruits of the Spirit and outwardly to reap a bounty of fruit for Your glory
Spiritual Discipleship — J.O.S
Feb
11
2010
Leading people toward a compelling cause and a committed community are two facets of leadership that should be an integral part of the way we lead. Moses faced this challenge as the Israelites grumbled in the desert and rebelled against God and Moses’ leadership. Moses continued to draw them back toward both the cause (spiritual transformation of their own heart) and community (by fostering unity and oneness). Moses lead both out and in and recognized that people need to be lead in both directions. Moses’ heart becomes apparent after God punishes him for disobeying and tell him that he would not enter the promised land. Moses speaks, in Numbers 27: 16–17 :
“O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
Do you sense Moses’ concern for the Israelites? He clearly states his concern for leading toward the cause of Christ and also leading inward by creating an atmosphere that fosters community?
We can look at few more examples… As William Wilberforce led the movement to end slavery he gathered a close team of men and women who relentlessly fought for this cause. Called the Clapham circle, they started from members who were captivated by the compelling cause of the abolition of slavery. They undoubtingly face huge challenged as they sought to change society view point of the morality of slavery.
The Clapham Circle embodied the Acts 2:42 lifestyle, meeting together for prayer, sharing meals together, living in community. Wilberforce and Henry Thorton began the Clapham Circle with intentionality. According to Wilberforce biographer, Kevin Belmonte, “Years later [Wilberforce] would insist that this network of support had been indispensable in enabling him to serve effectively in politics. Others might dismiss such a seemingly trivial notion, but Wilberforce knew that his friendships were one of the most important parts of his life.” — Charles Colson
A third example comes from one of the greatest movement leaders of all time, Martin Luther King (MLK). King speaks, “This hour in history needs a dedicated circle (community) of transformed nonconformists(the cause). The saving of our world from pending doom will come not from the actions of a conforming majority but from the creative maladjustment of a transformed minority.”
Don’t miss it. A committed community is what provides the perseverance necessary for the cause to reach its full potential. Father help us to build relationship among our peers and extend the reach Christ to bring glory and honor to your name.
Jan
25
2010
If we aspire to be spiritual leaders in ROTC and eventually the military, than we must decide to live as disciples of Jesus; live authentic and transparent lives. A big lie we allow ourselves to believe is that we need to have most every aspect of our lives together or at least pretend that we do. It is natural for us to hide what doesn’t look good. 
Vulnerability is not our enemy but it our greatest tool to connect to a broken world. If we desire to have an impact on others then we must share our lives with others by revealing our brokenness to others, not cover it up.
1st Thessalonians 2:8 says, Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
- How are we able to impart our lives to others if we are hiding significant parts from them?
Often in evangelism, we ask others to take a chance and trust what we are telling them but what we are offering maybe the appearance of Christianity. “Come follow me as I follow Christ” should communicate that I too am learning how to walk, not that I have arrived (which is prideful). I used to think that if other really knew the truth then they would never listen to me. Sometimes I still default to this thinking but when I share the truth of where I am at and not fabricate the appearance of having it all together, I usually find myself identifying and connecting at a greater level with others.
It helps me to realize that it takes God a lifetime to change my heart. In a moment, I gave my life to Christ, but every day I am presented with opportunities to allow God to save me from my sinful nature.
God give me a new heart. Renew my spirit and transform my mind so that I can live for more of you and less of myself. Help me to genuinely put on love. A love that brings about perfect unity and authenticity.
Jan
8
2010
I recently had the privilege of hearing Eric Swanson speak. What really stood out to me were some remarks on passion and how they relate to evangelism and relationships:
- Evangelically, if we can connect people to the passions God created in them, then we have an entry point into the Gospel.
- Relationally, if we can connect the passions of people to the bigger story of the world’s brokenness, we can help people “change the world”.
Have you ever aske
d yourself or others if it is possible to help change the world?
Ask yourself, what are you passionate about? How has God uniquely gifted you to change the world? Many of you are heading for military service. Is the military your passion? It may or may not be. Our profession doesn’t have to have the sole ownership of our passion. But the greater question is how you can serve the Lord in what you are passionate about. It will take passion to change the world!
We are all very familiar with Eph 2:8–9:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast”.
But also with it should be read verse 10:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
This should tell us that our salvation is not just for our security, but it is what will allow us to fulfill the purposes God created us for .
Now consider 2 Cor 5:10:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
God not only calls us to fulfill the good works He prepares for us, but He also equips and prepares us to do it. God has uniquely created each of us with different passion and He has prepared different works for us to accomplish. We each have a unique assignment from the Lord. Passion is an emotion that can be repressed through doubt or fear; or it can be embraced and used mightily to accomplish the tasks that He has assigned us.
Passion is an indispensable quality for any leader. Authentic passion captivates and inspires those around us. By leading spiritually, truly leading, our passion for following Christ should motivate others to catch fire.
Father help us understand how you created us for a purpose to help change the world. Help us to access the passion that you have put inside our hearts. Allow us to live unhindered from the thorns of this world and to live freely, passionately for Christ. Amen.
Nov
30
2009
I read John Maxwell’s blog post this morning and it made me think about the effect of our lives on others. Do we inspire them? Maxwell proposes this Inspiration Equation to reveal how we inspire others:
What They Know(about us) + What They See(about us) + What They Feel (about us)=(are they) Inspired
I think how we inspire others is a good measuring line for effectiveness concerning Spiritual Leadership. Breaking down this equation makes us think from others’ vantage point and should cause us to ask questions of ourselves.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams
- Do people know that we care or just know our agenda?
- Have we sought to understand others where they are at?
- Are we trustworthy enough to confide in and be vulnerable with?
- Do we live out what we talk about?
Our ability to influence, motivate and inspire others helps us lead. No other man ever did this as well as Jesus when He poured His passion out and inspired 12 men and ultimately the world.
As we build relationships and live out our passion for the Lord, we can cause a ripple effect that motivates and inspires others to live boldly for Him.
Nov
12
2009
One character quality of a disciple is a regular study of God’s Word. John 8:31. We know that both a disciple and a soldier must abide in training. The military spends lots of time and money training a soldier to act with instincts in the most dangerous situations. The word of God trains a disciple to be able to discern good and evil and be equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16–17).
Think about the hours of training you are en
during to equip you to fully perform your military duty. Think of the equipment and weapons you are being trained to operate and execute. What kind of military man or woman would you be without your equipment or your training?
God trains us and equips us to fully follow Jesus as His disciple.. He equips us for battle. The following passage is cast in military terms.
Eph. 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NASB95)
There are many comparisons we can make with this passage; however, I would like to focus on one aspect. We know we should abide in the word because God uses it to train us. But notice that it is also our weapon. It is the “sword of the Spirit.
The word of God not only trains us, but it is the weapon we use when we are in the middle of the battle. This is an important concept to think about. It trains us, and it is our weapon.
Whenever I attend military briefings made to civilians, there is always one thing that the military attributes our dominant world power to. It is not our superior weapons, technology, or numbers of troops. It is the quality of our military men and women. It is the fact that the U.S. military puts more time and money into training than any other country. Our pilots have more training flight hours, our sailors have more time at sea, and our soldiers have more time with their weapons. Not only are they trained to use their equipment, but also they are trained to make decisions that are right and just. Marines are considered Teachers and Scholars. Always learning, always teaching. Our U.S. military puts much time and money into the development of the individual military person so that they can be the best that they can be.
The greatest weapon against terrorism is a highly trained military person. So the training becomes the greatest weapon. The ability of a military person to be strong, to stand firm, and to apply the sword in battle is a result of their training.
As a disciple of Jesus, the Word of God not only trains us, but it makes us into the greatest weapon against the schemes of the devil. As you are battling for the hearts and souls of those around you, and even yourself, what are the weapons that are unbeatable? Love, humility, forgiveness, peace, trust, faith, hope, etc… God uses the Word to train us to have such unbeatable weapons. We become the weapons. We become love, forgiveness, peace, trust, faith, hope, etc…
The greatest weapon against the schemes of the devil is a fully devoted follower of Jesus. So our spiritual maturity becomes the greatest weapon. The ability of a disciple of Jesus to be strong, to stand firm, and to apply the Word of God in battle is a result of their training.
“If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31–32)