Scribbles - view from the loft.

Ortberg's got it right...

I confess: I like John Ortberg’s writing.  Leadership Journal (www.leadershipjournel.net)  published today a new article by Ortberg about spiritual growth and guess what?  It’s personal…he muses that we should look to Jesus to customize our journey. 

Here’s a taste:

“We teach people how to be saved by grace.

But we often do not teach people how to live by grace.

Self-improvement is no more God's plan than is self-salvation. God's plan is not just for us to be saved by grace—it is for us to live by grace. God's plan is for my daily life to be given, guided, guarded, and energized by the grace of God. To live in grace is to flow in the Spirit.

If we really want to help someone flourish, we have to help them in a way that fits their uniqueness.

Our great model for this is God himself, for he always knows just what each person needs.

He had Abraham take a walk,
Elijah take a nap,
Joshua take a lap,
Adam take the rap.

He gave Moses a 40-year timeout,
He gave David a harp and a dance,
He gave Paul a pen and a scroll.

He wrestled with Jacob,
argued with Job,
whispered to Elijah,
warned Cain,
and comforted Hagar.

He gave Aaron an altar,
Miriam a song,
Gideon a fleece,
Peter a name,
and Elisha a mantle.

Jesus was stern with the rich young ruler,
tender with the woman caught in adultery,
patient with the disciples,
blistering with the scribes,
gentle with the children,
and gracious with the thief on the cross.

God never grows two people the exact same way. God is a hand-crafter, not a mass-producer.  (LeadershipJournal.net, March 22, 2010. Christianity Today)

Great stuff.  I don’t know about you.  I’m a little tired of leadership and discipleship can’t miss materials that give us the “secret” in 7 easy steps….or 3 or 5 or whatever; I particularly don’t care for leadership tips that simply put a ‘Christian’ spin on 25-50 year old principles taught at a business school.  Don’t get me wrong; the workshops, seminars and retreats can be helpful to stir our souls, provide a few tips for improvement and meet new friends, however, the test is measuring transformation 6 months or a year later---am I changing and becoming more like Jesus? Are others that I share with leading others (and themselves) becoming more like Jesus---disciplining others---or just multiplying ministry followers.

I contend there are few, if any, secret potions or concoctions.  Ortberg has it right…”God never grows two people the exact same way.  God is a hand-crafter, not a mass-producer.”

So, where are the great disciplers, coaches, mentors and leaders who will stand up and say—enough is enough…it’s one-on-one; it’s the three or the twelve…not the crowd.  I, for one, need to take time to soak Ortberg’s muse in. U?

I don't mean to be harsh...I'm just fired up.  Love to hear from you.  East-out.

"Give us this day, our daily life"

Hi Jesus Followers,

I'm sure many of you have heard of (and maybe even read) The Shack by William Paul Young. If you are familiar with it, you know that many have strong feelings about it---some love it; some find it controversial and not theologically correct---I say whatever.

Can we spend a moment reflecting on a part of an article I read six months or so ago about The Shack? In an interview with Young, the writer (James Davis) asks "What kind of person gravitates most to The Shack?" Young responds, "It's all over the map. Even overseas, it has the same appeal and effect. It draws a lot of people who have wanted an authentic relationship with God, and their religious systems have not delivered."

Young goes on to say that he gets lots of mail from non-Christians backgrounds and that "every human wants to be real, and not to hate. That's evidence that we're all made in the image of God, and that God is involved in the details of our lives."I do believe, dear friends, that Jehovah does want to be in the details of our lives. We talk about and, I hope, practice culturally relevant evangelism. We desperately want our families, friends, neighbors, and all others we touch to truly have an authentic relationship with God.  The Loft is committed to reaching those on the fringe of faith - some on the fringe are still checking out what 'faith is about.'  Others on the fringe may have a personal relationship with Jesus, but not living daily with a Kingdom purpose or sustainable passion about spiritual things.

So, for Twitter fans, here's my tweet for you today: Mix equal parts of The Great Commission (going) with The Great Commandment (loving); mix it well and consistently as you go." A faith walk is serious business; it provides true joy and purpose...and by joining with other like-minded folks in community is grace-filled and rewarding.

How you doing? I'd love to hear from you.

Selah

living in community

In order to grow along our journey, one should muse about life-changing events or those people, experiences and events that have shaped or reshaped (or shall I say continue to shape and change) one's life.

Donald Miller in Blue Like Jazz looks at living in community and how it changed his life to become others centered.  Miller writes, “I didn’t like the feeling of having to work with people…living in community made me realize one of my faults: I was addicted to myself.”  

Meeting in a small community or group will help one to continue to live life large. I know, because I meet with my men’s group weekly on Friday mornings.  We gently remind each other when we are acting as if we were addicted to self; we pray for one another in times of need; we love on each other because we need it; we go deep into Scripture together; and, most importantly, we hold each other accountable to living a purpose filled life.

Take a few moments and think about the last time a person, experience or event helped reshape your life? Reflecting upon my community renews my mind; it helps me keep on track. I hope that this is your experience as well.

As always, I’d love to hear from you.

Selah

A view from the window of our soul

I was polishing up a list of books I recommend the other day and picked up Bill Hybels’ Making Life Work to scan for the first time in a while.  It’s a easy read and filled with little gems.  Hybels addresses the factors that are critical for one to learn and practice in order to achieve his or hers life goals.

I don’t know about you, but this heady stuff is something that I need to ponder....often.  Life goals or purpose and one’s governing values (core values) are intertwined at the hip.  Or should I say, are meant to be.  So, here’s the deal.  Is your hip aching a little or, maybe, a little separated?

Next to Hybels’ book was Bruce Wilkinson’s Prayer of Jabez based on 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.  It reminded me that we are to pray big; think large and go deep.  The connection with Hybels’ book is striking—the passage begins stating that Jabez was ‘more honorable’ than any of his brothers.  I believe he knew and practiced what has become known “living a life of purpose.”  Jabez understood his purpose and instilled core values were glued together.   

Intellectually or emotionally (mind) seeking God’s purpose must be in balance with one’s spiritual life (intimacy with God) and, I submit, the body or physical life, as well.  In other words, to really be well, we must be well in the three dimensions we were created by our Heavenly Father.  I realize if I am truly well ‘in oneness’ and have the love and support of an authentic community, I really able to fulfill Jabez’ prayer of expanding my territory (influence) or going deep with sustained passion and effectiveness.  Why?  I’m not ‘sick’ and going through the motions after the initial high; I’m well and strong…yes, living a life of purpose.

How about you?  Has Jehovah been speaking to you lately?  I hope so…maybe about health and wellness.  If you want to learn more, read the blogs I’ve written during February for the loft.

I’d love to hear from you.  Selah

 

Jacob's RAW wrestling match

One of my all time favorite biblical characters is Jacob; perhaps it is because I am also a twin---but I suspect it is because I am a dreamer and schemer. I return often to Jacob's RAW wrestling match with God found in Genesis 32. A few weeks ago during some time in the Word following our church's trek through the Bible this year.  As a "bottom-line" sort, I jotted some thoughts about Jacob's wrestling match outcome:

First, I like the fact that God gave Jacob a new name (Gen 32:28); he became known as Israel, or in Hebrew, "one who struggles with God." I don't know about you...but I've had my own struggles with God---haven't you?

Second, I really appreciate it that Jacob (now Israel) found a new direction--he was going to cross the River Jabbok and knew he had to face his brother. Since Rick Warren's book Purpose Driven Life became so popular, much has been written about discovering one's unique purpose for serving God...for placing Jehovah first in one's life...for being open to expanding one's territory (Prayer of Jabez), etc. 

As one well past half-time in my life and ministry, I often muse about legacy making...making a difference, so, "A New Direction makes sense to me." How about you?

It also is clear to me, that like Jacob, a new direction brings A New Reverence toward our Holy God. (Gen 3:30). "So Jacob called this place Peniel, saying “It is because I saw God face to face yet my life was spared". I remember clearly the times that God speaks to me directly....can you?  Being released from a lingering sin is empowering; it is renewing. The Loft's current series on DISEASE tackles this head on.

Finally, we need to be reminded of our renewed commitment, don't we? Jacob was no different than you or me. (Gen 32:31) I’m looking forward to the time when my grandkids and great-grand babies can ask me, “Grandpa Bob, tell us again how you got that limp in that wrestling match.”

This story is a great reminder that being well in body, mind and soul must be a lifelong priority. How you doing?

Selah