One More Off the Streets

Last Thursday and Friday, I had the awesome opportunity to take it to the streets. I went with Crescent City Christian Schools on their Great Days of Serving led by Jerilyn Cushing. I had the blessing of serving with my wife, Susan, and a bunch of high school guys and gals. We went to the French Quarter to share water, clothes, and a conversation with the homeless of New Orleans.

We met some pretty amazing people. Willie Mae, Koolio, Josh, Tony, Kermit, Andrew, Sara, and Otis were just a few of the people I met. We gave them water and sat down and listened to their stories. We did not beat them up with any particular sins they may have been involved with, just freely shared the love of Jesus.

I want to tell you one story... Andrew. My wife met Andrew the first day we were there. She gave him some water and talked with him. He said he was going to put some gin in that water later. Andrew admitted in this conversation that he had a problem with alcohol. Susan prayed with him and went on to speak to others.

The next day, Susan and I ran into Andrew and he told us what had happened since yesterday. Andrew said that after Susan had spoken to him the day before, a man came up to him and gave him a laminated piece of paper with the man's Christian testimony written on it. Andrew read it and it sounded almost like his story. Then, later in the day, someone else came to Andrew and told him he looked like he could use some help. He was given the number to Bethel Colony, run by a friend of mine, Pastor Mel Jones. Bethel Colony is a Christ based recovery program.

Andrew asked if he could use my phone to call Bethel Colony. I told him it was tough and he had to be ready to do whatever it takes to overcome his addiction. He agreed and called. I gave Andrew bus fare to get to Bethel Colony as we were leaving the French Quarter that day. Andrew was getting off the streets and was going to really hear about Jesus at Bethel Colony. He was walking toward the bus stop as we were leaving and I was saying, "Hallelujah!, Praise the Lord!"

Thoughts on Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras... evangelical Christians greatly disagree on what to do with this cultural phenomena. Some embrace the fun without drinking and carousing and some think it is just an evil celebration.

Evangelical Christian groups come in from all over the country to do ministry over this long weekend. Some shout at people and tell them they are going to hell. Some come and love on people and try to share Jesus with them.

Disney World can be called New Orleans Southeast during Mardi Gras. Many evangelical Christians go there during this time to evade Mardi Gras, the traffic, and all the hoopla.

Some go to the parades with their families and enjoy. They act in a way that does not personally tarnish the name of Jesus (and in fact, lifts Him up through their actions)

I also know there are some Christians who fall into sin and get caught up in the debauchery of Mardi Gras.

Which position is right? Let me know your thoughts in the comments...

Amazing Calling

It still blows my mind to think that the God of this universe (and every universe) cares about me. Then, on top of that, I can't understand why this God (the one true and living God) would care enough about me to place an amazing calling on my life. He has me here on this earth to accomplish the things he has for ME.  Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) states, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." He planned before the foundation of the world stuff for us to do. What an amazing calling.

Ephesians 2:10 isn't just meant for pastors. This verse is for YOU! YOU have an amazing calling from God.

Sunday morning at 10:30 at Crescent City Rock in Metairie, LA (Meets at Bissonet Plaza School), I'm going to be sharing a message about God's amazing calling and what it means for you. If you're in the New Orleans area, Pastor of Crescent City Rock Jim Louviere and I want to invite you to worship with us. 

http://www.crescentcityrock.org

R U Having the Faith Passed On to You?

I had lunch today (can't beat Drago's oysters) with my good friend and mentor, Dr. Jimmy Dukes. We had no agenda and I always come away from our times encouraged with new insight and wisdom. Dr. Dukes has poured his life into many people throughout his ministry. He is a giver. I need Dr. Jimmy Dukes in my life. Everyone needs a Dr. Jimmy Dukes in their life!

My passion is discipleship. I love watching people grow in their faith. That gives me more joy and excitement than anything else in ministry. I have often quoted 2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB95), "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." Paul is writing to his child in the faith Timothy to encourage and train him. Paul was investing his life into Timothy.

I have always concentrated on finding people to pour my life into... to "entrust to faithful men." I now understand how important it is to also have a "Paul" in my life. Do you have someone in the faith that you regularly meet with that will listen to you and speak the truth in love? Do you have a "Paul" in your life? If you don't, begin praying now for God to place a "Paul" in your life.

If you have a "Paul" in your life, make a comment on this post and tell us about that relationship. You will help encourage others! "Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB95)

Questions, Questions, Questions???

With some time on my hands, I've had some time to be introspective. Through this self examination, I've found some wonderful things... and some things to work on.

My friend, Dave Jochum, has been coaching me through some leadership material. One of my assignments was to have some people that are close to you answer these two questions:

1. What do I do when I communicate that connects with people?
2. What do I do when I communicate that turns people off? (Ouch!!!)

The first question is wonderful and I got some great feedback.  A couple of the answers to question number 1 were similar. That helped me to see some of my strong points in communication.

The second question is tough... but beneficial. I am glad I love all the people that answered these questions! It is sometimes hard to hear constructive criticism but I knew it was given in love. As I thought about the answers to question number 2, I realized that there was a lot of validity to what they were saying. This gave me some things to work on in my communication.

I need your help! Reply to this thread and let me know some tools, questions, ways that you use to examine yourself. These can be spiritual or personal. List and explain whatever tools you use (have used) to look at yourself to make you a better person. Let's grow together!

My Journey

The past three months have been difficult yet invigorating. Turmoil on the outside yet peace on the inside. In crisis yet a great time of faith building. The past three months have seemed like one huge oxymoron. Many times, God works mightily in the middle of a situation that seems like an oxymoron.

When I knew God was leading me to resign the pastorate at Riverside, I knew I had to listen and do it. So, I did it. I am so glad that God gave Susan (my wife) a peace about the decision as well. We knew we were in for a ride on the faith building train. We also knew God was going to use this time to grow our kids faith as well.

God is so faithful. A couple of weeks after leaving Riverside, a friend emailed me that he had a dream and the Holy Spirit wanted him to share it with me. He told me to follow the Spirit and wait on the Lord. Don't do what looks right or is the easiest, just follow the Spirit. Wow, I needed that. I had an opportunity arise for a decent job recently. But, I knew God was not leading me to take the job so I removed my name from consideration. I thank God for the clear direction.

I have used the past couple of months as a sabbatical. I have been studying, reading, praying, and writing. God has used this time to grow my faith and re-energize me for my next assignment. I don't have any idea where my next assignment is but I know that God already has it prepared for me. I was thanking Him this morning for providing it for me. I know it is coming. I just have to wait on Him. He will provide.

About a month ago, I was a little down. I was reading in the book of Joshua and God gave me a rhema (a word specifically for me and my situation). He told me, "Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b)." Man... I needed that. God wants me to be strong and courageous. He wants me to have no fear about this time our family is going through. He's got this!!!

As the days and weeks continue to go by with no immanent ministry position on the horizon and no upcoming income that I know of; I know God is the one taking care of us. He knows I am available to do whatever He wants. The pressure is off me. He will provide for me and my family as I listen to His Spirit and follow His leading.

As I was praying last week, I began wondering if I was going to miss God in this. I was afraid I might not hear Him when He speaks to me. God spoke to me clearly in my Spirit and said, "You are not going to miss it." That's exciting!

God is faithful. Therefore, I trust. I encourage you to trust Him today in whatever circumstance you find yourself!

Oops... Here I Go Again!

Last night, Susan (my wife) and I were sitting in the car waiting for Christina (our 14 year old daughter) to get out of youth. They were late getting out. Oh how I hate when things don't happen on schedule. Can you relate to that? It is in my personality. I am wired that way. But, just because I'm wired that way doesn't excuse my behavior.

Susan and I were having a nice conversation... just me and her. I should have been enjoying the time together... but, I was upset about Christina (and the whole youth gathering) being late. Susan was sharing with me about some of the things going on at school regarding her Bible class. Don't get me wrong, I was interested. I love hearing about what my wife does. She is so creative and called to do what she does. BUT, at what I thought was the end of her story, I jumped in and griped and complained about the lateness of the hour. Did we have anything pressing to do? No. Was this a life changing lateness? No.

Susan had not finished her story. I had been paying more attention to the time than her story. I hurt her feelings. I don't blame her for being upset with me. I missed a great opportunity to connect with Susan. That time will never be back. I blew it.

Romans 12:10 (ESV) says, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Instead of being worried about the time, I should have been in tune with her needs putting her first above any inconvenience I might have been experiencing. 

Oh, what lessons God continues to teach me. Through Christ living in us, we can overcome our personality quirks that get us in trouble. I was focused on getting my needs met instead of Jesus. I am glad God is always showing us His grace and mercy in these situations.

My prayer is that Susan  is practicing Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." I know she is, she has had to forgive me more than once.