It’s been a tough few weeks…lots of questioning, seeking, asking. Much of it has been focused around vision; what is God’s vision for me, for my family, for this youth ministry, for this church, for this town, etc. I’ve learned that when dealing with interpersonal issue, it can be really easy to shift my focus from God & God’s goodness to me & my problems. I heard Perry Noble say that “leadership is as easy as listening to God.” True. But listening to God isn’t going to be that easy if I’m not intimate with God and focusing on me.
So what keeps coming up in my thoughts about this? How does a God sized vision come? Not vision that’s me sized, because I can do those – God doesn’t need to show up for that. I’ve read and felt so much about this recently. What happens when I don’t bring God a vision bigger than me? Does God laugh at me? Is he disappointed? Whatever it is, I’ve not been giving God my all in asking. What’s more, Jesus tells us consistently through the gospels to ask. Just ask. It’s right there in Matthew 7:7.
So what are you asking God for? Is it something that you can do yourself with a little work, or is it something ridiculous and impossible without God? Does it make you feel sick because you know it can’t happen under your own strength? Do you think about it before you even get out of bed in the morning? Does it make you uncomfortable? A vision from God is so much bigger than us, so let’s step up and be where God wants us to be.
other guys speaking into my life on this:
Steven Furtick
Gary Lamb
Perry Noble
Lee McDerment
on April 25, 2007 by karlo
From the God is cool for the little things file:
Today I left home with no lunch and no cash. We’re trying to move toward being a cash only family, so using the credit card at McDonald’s didn’t seem like the best answer. Then a slice of pizza came my way, no payment needed. Sweet.
on April 24, 2007 by karlo
I’m now two weeks in to my next Master’s class with Crown College. While I’m not the biggest fan of academia, it’s a good thing right now…in addition to the fact that I have to (says my denomination). Regardless, this current class is called the Outreach Oriented Leader. In skimming over a book chapter we had to read last week (I honestly forget the title), the author spoke of a tribal chief who was given the gospel message by a missionary and then proceeded to share it with his entire village, who heard and believed.
This story reminded me so much of Jonah’s proclamation to the king of Nineveh. An entire city was saved because a leader chose to listen & respond to God, and model it to those around him. What a reminder that what we do as leaders resonates throughout those we lead! On the flip side, what could I miss if I chose not to listen to God, not respond to His calling, or not model it to others? We see God move and see God’s blessing when we act in obedience. If you are a leader, you have a responsibility to make intimacy with God a priority. Then man up and lead your people! Being truthful, I’m not always there yet…but if spiritual leaders are not serious and intentional about this, then you’re missing the mark. The great thing is, we are boldly and strongly equipped to carry out this work if we are faithful to our calling.
on April 23, 2007 by karlo
In uncategorized on April 20, 2007 by karlo
“Hispanic congregation outgrows white congregation, muscles into Sunday morning slot.”
Read the whole sordid tale here.
It’s no secret that my favorite tv show is LOST, followed up by Deadliest Catch. But Thursday might get my vote for longevity. My Name is Earl > the Office > 30 Rock > Scrubs. I mean, holy crap. Some explaining, though. I’ve never been a huge Tina Fey fan. At all. But 30 Rock is giving me some good laughs. In case you were wondering.
on April 19, 2007 by karlo
Steven Furtick is a leader/church planter who is really stretching me right now. he wrote a great post on a pastor’s fear yesterday (read the whole post here). while i’m not a sr. pastor, i am a youth pastor, so i’m still a spiritual leader in the lives of students. his post on fear made me realize a few things:
> i’m pretty comfortable in my current role…and with that, i’m not nearly fearful enough. right now, i haven’t been asking God for great things that only He can do – that ticks me off! i’m not fearful enough because i am not intimate enough with the one who leads me.
> do i seek change because of a renewed vision, or more because i am frustrated by the way things currently are. frustration is not always beneficial and leading somewhere.
> when i truly do have fear or uncertainty in my life, am i turning to God in that or just simply venting to someone?
> i need more of God’s direction and vision. period. this means i can not be lazy/unintentional/complacent about it.
on April 17, 2007 by karlo
i’m heading out on a retreat with our junior high students this afternoon for the weekend. it should be a blast…it usually is out at lake champion, even with the poor weather report. i doubt i’ll find the time to update anything this weekend, so a few days of silence it is.
on April 13, 2007 by karlo
some thoughts on reading through Jonah this morning:
- Jonah made no response to God’s first call; he made up his mind on his own to do his own thing.
- he didn’t just say no; he fled the opposite direction…trying to rub his point in?
- the mariners first cry in distress was a spiritual one; kind of like people still today in times of distress (think post 9/11)
- Jonah remained exceedingly calm during the storm
- Jonah sought death as payment – thinking sacrifice was more important to God than obedience
– the mariners called out to “the LORD” – they recognized God’s doings
- 2:8 – “those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.” what are my vein idols that do this?
- for such a wicked city, Nineveh repented as a whole pretty quickly. some people are receptive to a wake-up call.
- the people listened to the king…good leadership
- Jonah’s anger in ch. 4 sounds a lot like our religious anger today
- 4:2 – the classic ‘God is love’ excuse, often heard by the ’spiritual’ (but not religious) folk
- a plant vs. a city – are our priorities in check?
on April 12, 2007 by karlo
it’s been a hard two weeks or so. it seems like most every day starts earlier than usual and goes later than it should, plus a whole lot of traveling. mix that in with this being “retreat season” for youth ministry and my worship leading with the band. i’ve been traveling heavily for the past two weekends, and will still for the next three…it’s just been hard. I’m praying for a time of rest, whatever that means.
on April 12, 2007 by karlo
“A candy cane smells like it does to remind us of the gifts Jesus received. That’s why it’s not a sticky bun or a pizza.”
~anonymous
what?!
Tagged: ridiculous on April 10, 2007 by karlo
