Whenever I see people (or myself) in a pity-party because of the situations or circumstances around them, I’ve learned it’s often because of one of three things. I’m sure there are many other reasons, but these three tend to pop up the most:

Living by the law – The fact is that I see people put unbearable standards on themselves and when they don’t measure up to them, they feel defeated, like a failure, unworthy, or even unloved. The law sets us up for failure. The primary purpose of the law was to show us that we couldn’t live up to God’s standard on our own and point out for us why we needed a Savior. Living by the law keeps us from the freedom, joy and peace Christ died for us to have.

Not realizing truth - The truth is that “if the Son has set you free you are free indeed”. The truth is that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world”. The truth is He has numbered the hairs on my head. The truth is we live by faith, not by sight. The truth is He will never leave us or forsake us. The truth is “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive” what God has planned for His children. (And, so much more.) When we fail to realize the truths of God’s Word it keeps us from living in the freedom, joy and peace God intends for us to have.

Refusing to forgive – Every time I speak about forgiveness people rise up with stories of abuse, neglect, hurt and pain. There are some wounded people in the world. While I am sensitive to the injuries, I’m reminded that as forgiven people we are to be people who forgive. That is not granting people a license to injure us more, but it is freeing our hearts from the bondage of an unforgiving spirit. Whether we are angry at God, at others, or at ourselves, extending forgiveness frees us to live the peaceful, joyful, unbridled life God intended for His children. When we hold onto pain instead of forgiveness, we block the freedom, peace and joy a believer is designed to experience.

I believe that working through these three issues can help us live with freedom, joy and peace, and even live happily, all while residing in a very mixed up world.  I realize using a term such as “unhappy” creates immediate tension for some. You don’t have to be “happy” when life falls apart around you, you see friends or family suffering, or at the tragedies of the day. Those don’t have to make you happy, but for the believer, there is always a reason to work through those negative emotions that naturally come and remind ourselves of the state of freedom, joy and peace that God provides…in the midst of suffering. I don’t know about you…but when I do that process…it makes me very happy!

Which of these is keeping you from experiencing all God has for you?

(Feel free to debate with me the difference in joy and happiness on this post. While not the purpose of this post, I welcome the discussion.)

I love the passion Grace Community Church has to impact our community. Our people serve their community throughout the year. The largest project, and the one that draws the most attention, is our annual Operation Serve held each fall where hundreds of volunteers serve in a one (sometimes two) day blitz of community needs. I’ve written about it several times before HERE. This past year over 1,300 people logged some 10,000 hours of service to our community meeting all kinds of practical needs.

Well, another project is stirring interest. Our community, like many others nationwide, have experienced struggles adequately funding school systems.  How can a church respond in times like these?

Introducing Operation Serve School Edition.

April 9th we hope to have hundreds of people volunteering in all 35 schools in our public school district. Operations Serve School Edition invites the community to participate with our church in landscaping, painting, cleaning, and completing other things the school needs done, but the budget simply can’t provide. The schools are compiling lists now and materials are being acquired.

To accomplish such a large task, we are also partnering with 5 Star Radio Group. They are providing publicity to recruit volunteers and providing tremendous moral support the day of the event with live remotes.

It’s catching on already. What we are finding is that whether a person attends church or not, they have an interest in educating children. Here are a few articles already talking about Operation Serve School Edition:

• Operation Serve: School Edition
• Church aims to renovate entire school system
• Church To Fix Up 35 Schools In 1 Day: Grace Community Church In Clarksville Seeks Volunteers

Besides the fact that we meet in a school…actually two schools…and doing a church our size and age would be very difficult without this partnership with our school system, it makes sense to invest in our schools this way because:

We love our schools. Our church and community are blessed with teachers, administrators and support staff who love the children and youth of our community. They are helping to build the future of our community. They need our support.

We love our community. Our church exists because the community exists. Everyone in our community may not all come to our church, but all our church lives among this community. We want to do anything we can do to support the community in which we live.

We love families. Families are a large part of who we are at Grace and the bulk of families in our community attend public schools.

We love God and others. We are called to be in the world, meeting real needs where we find them. That’s the example of Jesus.

Come join us in Operation Serve School Edition. If you live in the area, you can sign up HERE.

What are some creative ways you’re seeing churches connect with their community these days?

Here’s a principle I’ve learned the hard way:

Sometimes the most successful are not the ones who do it perfectly but the ones who do it…

Whatever “it” is…

Many times we wait until the perfect timing, until all our questions are answered, or until the perfect set of circumstances are aligned before we move forward. In the meantime the world keeps moving and those who move, even though conditions are less than ideal, realize the victories others miss.

What dream, vision, call of God do you need to move forward on today?

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV

Do you know why you can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence?

Unconditional Love!   God loves you unconditionally!

Have you ever experienced the awesome feeling of knowing you are loved unconditionally?

I have come to realize how many people struggle with understanding the concept of unconditional love.

I feel so blessed to have grown up under this kind of love. My mother loves her children no matter what. I honestly believe there is nothing I could do in which she would not find a way to support me. She may not always agree with me, and she may be quick to point that out, but I have always known that I have one person in my corner.

I find that kind of love in my wife.  She can’t seem to NOT love me.  At times, it seems I test that theory I’m sure, but regardless of my attitude that day or the way I respond to her, she keeps on loving me.

I hope you had the experience of unconditional love, because it will go a long way toward understanding the deep love of our wonderful God. The truth is, however, that no matter what our experience is, we cannot fathom the depth of God’s love for His children (Ephesians 3:19).

The love of God is deeper than our level of comprehension. He loves us, not because of who we are, but because of who HE is! He is God! He is the Creator, Sustainer and Protector of the Universe. He made you and me in His image so that He could love us and we could love Him. He doesn’t just give us love; He is love.

God loves you unconditionally. You didn’t earn it; you don’t deserve it; you couldn’t buy it; and you can’t sell it. His love is yours whether you accept it or not. You cannot stop His love based on your behavior.

I don’t mean to oversimplify this, but I need to make sure I am clear on this one topic: ………………G O D  L O V E S   Y O U ! ! !………………………and He always will!

Who in your life, besides God, helps you understand unconditional love?

Last Sunday, in our LIES series at Grace Community Church, I addressed the lie that Christians stop sinning when we become followers of Christ. It’s also why we have been called hypocrites by some. Every believer knows, however, that they still battle sin, but it’s often confusing as to why. I addressed this issue in this message:

Did you watch the message? Have you ever thought of Christians as hypocritical?

I’m away for a few days relaxing with Cheryl and another couple.  We are at a beach, eating well, and doing basically nothing.  I will spend some time reading, running, and writing…because that’s relaxing to me.

I thought I’d use this as an opportunity to ask the question:

What do you do to relax?

What’s a normal relaxation experience like…the kind you do often (hopefully)?

What is a dream relaxation experience (the kind you plan and budget for)?

Go!  Share!

Here’s this week’s memory verse. It’s a little longer, but you’re getting good at this…and this is a critical verse to understanding the heart of God.

What do you think about when you read this verse? (Share the first thing that comes to your mind.)

I’m excited to introduce you to Jason Young and the Whiteboard Sessions 2011…a church conference for everyone.  I’ve been advertising for it on my blog this month and thought you should hear a little more about it.  I’ve been to Whiteboard and Jason is the new director of this conference.  I’ve spent some time with Jason and I’m convinced he’s going to make this conference a “must attend” event this year.

Here’s an interview I did with Jason recently about Whiteboard:

What made you decide to get into the conference business?

Conferences have been a part of shaping who I am. As a pastor working in the local church for 14 years, I have attended my share of conferences. Part of wanting to enter the business side of the conference world was a personal curiosity to see how I could provide a different experience for the everyday church leader. The drive for me is to equip influencers. I believe every person has the opportunity to influence those they lead. What if a conference could help positively change the trajectory of one’s work and personal life?

What would be a win for you in this conference?   What do you hope people leave having received?

I have a two-part answer. First, to fill 700 seats with hungry influencers. Second,  that attendees find one thing that could help them in their place of ministry. Just to have talking heads is not what changes things. The convergence of the right presenters, with the right message, with the needs of the influencers in mind, and  in a safe environment where significant conversations and meaningful relationships can take root.

What’s unique about Whiteboard?

There are one day events. There are events with numerous presenters given long and short times to speak. There are affordable conferences. Why not allow all of these elements to converge on to one scene…the Whiteboard Sessions. We strive to provide a helpful post-event growth strategy for both individuals and leaders. We believe that an event challenges you and a process changes you. We provide both.

You’ve got an interesting mix of speakers.  How did you choose them?

We get that response a lot. We are proud of our presenters because of their diversity. You have a Lead Pastor to a CEO to a strategist at Google, Inc. We have worked hard to bring together an eclectic group that have helped to shape their respective ministry or business. Another element important to me personally, is to identify young voices who have substantial content but no platform. Our desire is to give them opportunity. You will meet some of them at this year’s gathering.

What instructions do the speakers have…how are they preparing for their talks…is there a theme?

Our theme this year is ONE THING. We chose this direction because we feel like there is a misnomer about options and leadership. If there are more options and more information, then we can make better leadership decisions. Research debunks this myth. We want to help people hear short bursts of ideas and strategies, and to explore which would have the greatest impact in their ministry context. We provide five “rules” to all presenters: (1) Everyone hates a messy whiteboard – keep it simple (2) Respect the whiteboard space - share something new (3) Whiteboards without diagrams are boring – provide a visual (4) Whiteboard space is limited – focus on a single idea (5) Don’t get high on markers – stay within your time limit

Who should come to this conference?

Leaders in the church that find ideas and/or strategy necessary for Kingdom advancement. I have found after working in the local church that you’re either an idea or strategy guy. I want to bring both types together for conversation.

Put this conference in your plans this year.  There’s still time to get good pricing.  Click HERE for more information or to register.

What other conferences are you going to this year?

I read an interesting story from the life of the Biblical character of David again recently. The story says a great deal about leadership and what is required to successfully lead.

Here’s what I read:

When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”The LORD answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah. But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!” 1 Samuel 23:1-3

Notice David had a vision…a word from God. This was a bigger request than David and his men probably felt capable of doing.  They were still a young army. This was prior to David reigning as king. He had been anointed king by God, but did not yet have the position. He was hiding from Saul. He didn’t have a king’s palace.  He spent much of his time in a cave.  This new assignment was scary, his army was questioning him, and the future was unknown.

Have you experienced a situation like this as a leader?

Thankfully David’s story had a happy ending: (Imagine that…since God put him up to it.)

Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.” 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. 1 Samuel 23:4-5

This story prompts some thoughts on leadership:

We seldom get to rest for long - I told our staff recently, as we’ve rounded our fifth year as an explosive growing church plant, that there is no promise that there is coming a season of rest. The next five years are likely to be as wild as the last five years. In my experience, growing organizations are always changing, new challenges come often, and people frequently feel stretched.  I might write more about this thought later, but that means we have to get better as individuals to face the difficult days to come.

Next steps are scary - If they weren’t, again, people wouldn’t need a leader. Next steps involve risk, require faith, and the future is an unknown.

Leaders lead - That’s what leaders do…they take people where they need to go, maybe even where they want to go, and sometimes where they are hesitant, afraid or may not yet be prepared to go. People don’t need a leader to stay where they are currently.

Big visions require faith – God doesn’t call us to that which is easy. He would receive no glory in us doing things we can naturally do…and seriously…What kind of a dream is it if it’s easily completed?

Victory won’t come unless we move forward – You can’t realize the rewards of a God-given vision until you take the required actions. Standing still is safer, but it doesn’t bring the satisfaction of a well-executed, bold move of faith.

What are you being called to these days that is bigger than you?

Does any of this ring true for your organization or time in leadership?

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that His love has not been perfected in us. 1 John 4:18 NLT

Evidently, according to this verse, if we could have perfect love for God, we could get rid of all fear. The challenge comes in having perfect love.

I’m not sure I understand the concept completely, especially as it relates to a God I cannot see, but the best way I know of is to compare what I don’t understand to something I do understand.

I do, at least on most days, understand my relationship with my wife.  Working with that thought, let me say that before I met my wife, I didn’t love her. I hope that doesn’t disappoint you, but I really didn’t even know her, so loving her was hard to do.

Oh, sure, I might have had a general love for her as I hope I have for all people, but I didn’t really love her the way I am to love my wife.  Over the years, I have grown to love my wife…and so much more! She has become my closest friend, my richest ally, and my surest companion. I love spending life with her. I truly do love her with all my heart. I can’t imagine life without her.

Additionally, in addition to my love for Cheryl, I’ve learned to trust her completely and without any reservations. We have centered our life together, focussed on Christ.

How did this love develop? It happened over time, as I grew to know her, spent time with her, dated her, and we experienced life together. The saying goes that I “fell in love” with her. That love continues to develop and grow.

This helps me understand what I must do to get rid of fear in my life. I must work towards developing perfect love for Christ. To do that, I need to get to know him better, spend time with Him more regularly, and figuratively date Him as we experience life together.

As it was for falling in love with my wife, learning to love Christ more is a process which can take years, but as I learn to love Him more I will find myself trusting Him more, learning that He is trustworthy, reliable and fully able to meet my needs. When the temptations of fear and doubt enter my mind, I’ll be able to trust in the God I know so well.

What is your greatest fear?  Would you love to be rid of that fear?

Then, may I ask you: Are you investing in your God relationship enough to develop that perfect love?