Over the past few weeks, I've had a number of conversations around the topic of "good theology." Many of these were sparked by a comment I made in a recent message where I said "What you believe will largely determine how you behave."
Perhaps a more thorough explanation of that deduction can be found in Mark Driscoll's book "Doctrine" where he says "Because we are made in the image of the triune God to reflect His glory, we will never stop longing; yet our sin stained longings destroy that reflection." ("Doctrine" published by "Good News" publishers 2010)
It's fair to say that in our experiential age, very little time is devoted to understanding why we do the things that we do thus resulting in sometimes shallow thinking and rather reflexive behavior than Spirit lead actions.
There's no quick fix to this issue but I have repeatedly shared with our team that I purpose to give a good deal of my future time to deepening our theological core and helping everyone who's willing to sink the roots of their theological understanding into the soil of God's word so that they're not easily swayed by the winds of diversity or prosperity that might come our way.
We are all theologians whether or not we identify ourselves as that. The reality is that we simply are acting on "good theology" or "bad theology": the choice is up to us!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
P.S. For some suggestions on how to get started in reading broadly in the theological world without getting overwhelmed I recommend Mark Driscoll's book as a starting point and then following with some of his references. Another great contemporary voice with solid theology is Charles Colson and all his writings.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
We're Moving!
Anyone who has ever gone through a "major" move knows how painful the experience can be.
The accumulated "stuff," whether valuable or not comes roaring to life demanding to be accounted for one way or the other.
We are moving our primary offices at North Way Wexford down to our main building which will do many positive things to consolidate the ministry and to enable all of our members and guests to access the people they need and spaces that they need more easily.
On the other hand, the whole experience of moving seems like some form of "purgatory"! It's a painful, but necessary purging of things that eventually leads to a better place.
So please forgive the brief nature of today's entry but understand that by this time tomorrow the move will be complete!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
The accumulated "stuff," whether valuable or not comes roaring to life demanding to be accounted for one way or the other.
We are moving our primary offices at North Way Wexford down to our main building which will do many positive things to consolidate the ministry and to enable all of our members and guests to access the people they need and spaces that they need more easily.
On the other hand, the whole experience of moving seems like some form of "purgatory"! It's a painful, but necessary purging of things that eventually leads to a better place.
So please forgive the brief nature of today's entry but understand that by this time tomorrow the move will be complete!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Power of Incarnational Ministry
In a recent conversation I had with our Student Ministries pastor, we were talking about what really affects the lives of students.
There's no doubt that in our media, tech, socially connected world the church could easily be left behind by all of the "toys" that are readily available to the general student population.
However, the one thing that the secular world can not manufacture is the "authentic community" that exists in a place where followers of Christ are seeking to live out their emerging life in Jesus.
The more we talked, the more I realized that what I had experienced 35 years ago with a small group of leaders over near Allison Park was the exact same thing that would affect students today: that is the power of incarnational leadership. Those students used to watch how we lived our lives when we were together, sharing our belongings, praying together, going to different events because we wanted to, not because we had to and sacrificing whatever it took to accomplish our mutually agreed upon mission.
These things are still attractive today, still worth giving up one's individual pursuits to attain and still the most powerful life changing way to do effective ministry.
Jesus knew that giving himself to the 12 disciples would create an example that the whole world would watch. That same simple model is just as effective today as it was 2000 years ago, but we've gotten away from it through programming and substituting technology and toys for genuine, caring relationships.
My call is to return to incarnational ministry. It's effective not simply with students but with people of all ages who yearn to know and be known, to celebrate and be celebrated, to love and be loved.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
There's no doubt that in our media, tech, socially connected world the church could easily be left behind by all of the "toys" that are readily available to the general student population.
However, the one thing that the secular world can not manufacture is the "authentic community" that exists in a place where followers of Christ are seeking to live out their emerging life in Jesus.
The more we talked, the more I realized that what I had experienced 35 years ago with a small group of leaders over near Allison Park was the exact same thing that would affect students today: that is the power of incarnational leadership. Those students used to watch how we lived our lives when we were together, sharing our belongings, praying together, going to different events because we wanted to, not because we had to and sacrificing whatever it took to accomplish our mutually agreed upon mission.
These things are still attractive today, still worth giving up one's individual pursuits to attain and still the most powerful life changing way to do effective ministry.
Jesus knew that giving himself to the 12 disciples would create an example that the whole world would watch. That same simple model is just as effective today as it was 2000 years ago, but we've gotten away from it through programming and substituting technology and toys for genuine, caring relationships.
My call is to return to incarnational ministry. It's effective not simply with students but with people of all ages who yearn to know and be known, to celebrate and be celebrated, to love and be loved.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Monday, October 25, 2010
God Whispers
Last evening, I had a long trip because of the typical airline delays and traffic issues that inevitably seem to affect our travels.
However, it gave me opportunity to read a good portion of a newer book from Bill Hybels called "The Power of a Whisper."
Although much of the book is somewhat biographical, Bill Hybels reminds us that we all would do well to understand the absolute hunger on the part of God to spend time with us in intimate settings.
Hybels is fairly revealing in the book, sharing that he viewed God as more "The Big CEO" than anything else in the early and rather dramatic years of his ministry.
It wasn't until later, some 20 years later, that he began to hone in on this more important dynamic of listening to the voice of God in very specific ways.
1 Kings 19:12 provides the key verse for the title of the book. "After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
I know that, for me, the shear pace of my life, like most of you, is such that clearing out the clutter, the ambient noise of the social networks, the entertainment, the many interests that I have, in order to hear God's "gentle whisper" is one of the great challenges that I face.
I have no one to blame but myself for this. God has given me much favor in having opportunity to make time for Him, but I have far too often neglected to put aside those other things.
I would like to say that "I'm going to change" beginning tomorrow; but I've come to learn that I can only really change if the Holy Spirit both convicts and empowers me to do so. And so I simply want to profess that I'm going to pray for that power to change and to create the space to hear those whispers that guide even the unexpected details of my life to be far more profound and God pleasing than any human effort might produce.
Listening with you,
Dr. Jay
However, it gave me opportunity to read a good portion of a newer book from Bill Hybels called "The Power of a Whisper."
Although much of the book is somewhat biographical, Bill Hybels reminds us that we all would do well to understand the absolute hunger on the part of God to spend time with us in intimate settings.
Hybels is fairly revealing in the book, sharing that he viewed God as more "The Big CEO" than anything else in the early and rather dramatic years of his ministry.
It wasn't until later, some 20 years later, that he began to hone in on this more important dynamic of listening to the voice of God in very specific ways.
1 Kings 19:12 provides the key verse for the title of the book. "After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
I know that, for me, the shear pace of my life, like most of you, is such that clearing out the clutter, the ambient noise of the social networks, the entertainment, the many interests that I have, in order to hear God's "gentle whisper" is one of the great challenges that I face.
I have no one to blame but myself for this. God has given me much favor in having opportunity to make time for Him, but I have far too often neglected to put aside those other things.
I would like to say that "I'm going to change" beginning tomorrow; but I've come to learn that I can only really change if the Holy Spirit both convicts and empowers me to do so. And so I simply want to profess that I'm going to pray for that power to change and to create the space to hear those whispers that guide even the unexpected details of my life to be far more profound and God pleasing than any human effort might produce.
Listening with you,
Dr. Jay
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Ripples of Life
As I send out this communication via many networks and into many states and even nations, I'm reminded of the profound impact of one very "ordinary" life.
No, this is not a play on the life of Jesus and the poem that chronicles the never again to be achieved consequence of one man who never left his home region of Galilee.
This is, however, about one simple woman who spent most all of her life in the state of Virginia and yet through her teaching, serving and giving touched hundreds if not thousands of people all over the nation.
The reason I know that is that people are coming from as far away as California and as far south as Florida and as far north as New England to a small little church outside of Chesapeake, Virginia, to celebrate Mom Watson's 99 1/2 years of living a simple life dedicated to Jesus and His purpose for her.
I won't spend a great deal of time elaborating on how Mom Watson affected people but I do want to say that for anyone who may wonder if anyone notices when they serve quietly behind the scenes or when they quietly give a little extra that nobody acknowledges, please be confident that the Lord does see! And beyond that, people notice and eventually their lives are affected by the cumulative affect of the life of integrity, generosity and faithfulness.
It will be my privilege to lead the memorial service tomorrow at noon in the Simonsdale Presbyterian Church where Carol and her sister Mary Lynn grew up and Mom Watson put down her roots of faith over 50 years ago.
My only prayer is that we will do justice in honoring that life and in setting the hearts of all those who attend on seeking to emmulate the wonderful, biblical qualities that we all recognized in Mom Watson for her 99+ years that the Lord gave her on this earth.
Have a blessed weekend worshipping the Giver of Life wherever you may be.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
No, this is not a play on the life of Jesus and the poem that chronicles the never again to be achieved consequence of one man who never left his home region of Galilee.
This is, however, about one simple woman who spent most all of her life in the state of Virginia and yet through her teaching, serving and giving touched hundreds if not thousands of people all over the nation.
The reason I know that is that people are coming from as far away as California and as far south as Florida and as far north as New England to a small little church outside of Chesapeake, Virginia, to celebrate Mom Watson's 99 1/2 years of living a simple life dedicated to Jesus and His purpose for her.
I won't spend a great deal of time elaborating on how Mom Watson affected people but I do want to say that for anyone who may wonder if anyone notices when they serve quietly behind the scenes or when they quietly give a little extra that nobody acknowledges, please be confident that the Lord does see! And beyond that, people notice and eventually their lives are affected by the cumulative affect of the life of integrity, generosity and faithfulness.
It will be my privilege to lead the memorial service tomorrow at noon in the Simonsdale Presbyterian Church where Carol and her sister Mary Lynn grew up and Mom Watson put down her roots of faith over 50 years ago.
My only prayer is that we will do justice in honoring that life and in setting the hearts of all those who attend on seeking to emmulate the wonderful, biblical qualities that we all recognized in Mom Watson for her 99+ years that the Lord gave her on this earth.
Have a blessed weekend worshipping the Giver of Life wherever you may be.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Coming Elections
November 2nd cannot come soon enough! The steady drone of "attack ads" by politicians from the national to the local level seems to have multiplied in intensity and frequency this year.
Whatever it is about politics, the whole process seems to drive us away from wanting to deal with the real issues because the surrounding "packaging" of personalities and stories are simply overly negative, critical and sometimes "over the line."
I need no greater reason to understand the wisdom of scripture that exhorts us to "speak well of one another" than to listen to a series of attack ads and just feel dirty as a result.
The problem is that we have a responsibility, a duty, as David Barton called it in a recent talk that he gave here at North Way, to participate in our elections. I feel that duty more this year than most any other.
The real challenge is to work my way through all of the blather in the media and get down to understanding what the real issues are and where the candidates stand and to make my choices accordingly.
I'm so grateful to be part of a community where we speak well of each other, look for ways to encourage and uplift one another and "speak the truth in love" as Paul exhorted us in his letter to the Ephesians.
And so for about ten more days the political barbs will continue to fly but my prayer is that, in the end, we will have reaffirmed our political system and as a nation put representatives into place who will handle our concerns with integrity and honesty. I can't wait for it to happen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Whatever it is about politics, the whole process seems to drive us away from wanting to deal with the real issues because the surrounding "packaging" of personalities and stories are simply overly negative, critical and sometimes "over the line."
I need no greater reason to understand the wisdom of scripture that exhorts us to "speak well of one another" than to listen to a series of attack ads and just feel dirty as a result.
The problem is that we have a responsibility, a duty, as David Barton called it in a recent talk that he gave here at North Way, to participate in our elections. I feel that duty more this year than most any other.
The real challenge is to work my way through all of the blather in the media and get down to understanding what the real issues are and where the candidates stand and to make my choices accordingly.
I'm so grateful to be part of a community where we speak well of each other, look for ways to encourage and uplift one another and "speak the truth in love" as Paul exhorted us in his letter to the Ephesians.
And so for about ten more days the political barbs will continue to fly but my prayer is that, in the end, we will have reaffirmed our political system and as a nation put representatives into place who will handle our concerns with integrity and honesty. I can't wait for it to happen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A Generous Heart
Last evening, a group of folks met for dinner and a time of sharing vision, testimonies and some good laughter in between.
It was all part of a "Golf Outing" and a banquet for support of the North Way Counseling Services.
What emerged during the course of those few hours together was just how generous of heart the people of our church family and their guests truly are! Though it was clear that people were not frivolous with their money, they were willing to part with it for the sake of the investment that it would become in the lives of people; broken and needy people who would be greatly helped by the ministry of the North Way Counseling Center.
This is a waning virtue in our culture. Generosity is not the first thing that people think about in tough and uncertain economic times. However, generosity is one of the true marks of the character of Christ in any believer and, for that matter, any person of high integrity. (Note the recent and highly publicized donations of multi-billionaires such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.)
You needn't be a billionaire to be generous. You just need to have a heart that's willing to trust God and have your spirit be sensitive to the voice of the Lord nudging you when to give to a worthy need.
As Max Lucado points out in his book "Living to Make a Difference," it was Jesus who said that "when you do this to the least of these, you do this unto me." Matthew 25:40 That was true in the event that I experienced last night and I pray that more of that kind of heart will be seen throughout our community and many other lives that I am so blessed to be part of.
Blessings,
Dr. Jesus
It was all part of a "Golf Outing" and a banquet for support of the North Way Counseling Services.
What emerged during the course of those few hours together was just how generous of heart the people of our church family and their guests truly are! Though it was clear that people were not frivolous with their money, they were willing to part with it for the sake of the investment that it would become in the lives of people; broken and needy people who would be greatly helped by the ministry of the North Way Counseling Center.
This is a waning virtue in our culture. Generosity is not the first thing that people think about in tough and uncertain economic times. However, generosity is one of the true marks of the character of Christ in any believer and, for that matter, any person of high integrity. (Note the recent and highly publicized donations of multi-billionaires such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.)
You needn't be a billionaire to be generous. You just need to have a heart that's willing to trust God and have your spirit be sensitive to the voice of the Lord nudging you when to give to a worthy need.
As Max Lucado points out in his book "Living to Make a Difference," it was Jesus who said that "when you do this to the least of these, you do this unto me." Matthew 25:40 That was true in the event that I experienced last night and I pray that more of that kind of heart will be seen throughout our community and many other lives that I am so blessed to be part of.
Blessings,
Dr. Jesus
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Strength of Compassion
As most of you who regularly read this space know, my wife’s mom, who lived 99+ years, passed away recently. The emotions around that event have been mainly those of thanksgiving and celebration, with some inevitable sense of loss and the overwhelming reality of the finality of what death means to the relational world in which we live.
However, perhaps the most encouraging outcome of the past season have been those expressions of compassion and support from many people, both dear friends and colleagues as well as simple acquaintances. It just seems that others identify with you in these times of loss in a way that enables them to give expression to their thoughts and feelings.
For some, just saying the words “I’m sorry” can be difficult, but in truth, that’s all that really needs to be said without any explanation or promise of future blessings. Remember the simple words of Jesus in the shortest verse of the entire Bible, John 11:35, where it says simply “Jesus wept.” In those two words we capture the essence of what needs to be communicated to anyone at a time of loss. Jesus wept at the power of death over human beings and at the sorrow that it caused.
The great news for all of us who walk with Christ is that death does not have the final word! In fact, the book of Revelation reveals in chapter 1:18 that Jesus “holds the keys to death” and, therefore, we can be assured that one day He will unlock this curse from our human condition and we will be reunited in eternity!
In the meantime, let’s make an effort to always give some expression to our compassion to those who suffer this loss.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
However, perhaps the most encouraging outcome of the past season have been those expressions of compassion and support from many people, both dear friends and colleagues as well as simple acquaintances. It just seems that others identify with you in these times of loss in a way that enables them to give expression to their thoughts and feelings.
For some, just saying the words “I’m sorry” can be difficult, but in truth, that’s all that really needs to be said without any explanation or promise of future blessings. Remember the simple words of Jesus in the shortest verse of the entire Bible, John 11:35, where it says simply “Jesus wept.” In those two words we capture the essence of what needs to be communicated to anyone at a time of loss. Jesus wept at the power of death over human beings and at the sorrow that it caused.
The great news for all of us who walk with Christ is that death does not have the final word! In fact, the book of Revelation reveals in chapter 1:18 that Jesus “holds the keys to death” and, therefore, we can be assured that one day He will unlock this curse from our human condition and we will be reunited in eternity!
In the meantime, let’s make an effort to always give some expression to our compassion to those who suffer this loss.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Way It Should Be!
Yesterday, I had a lunch with one of our committed volunteer servants here at North Way.
The get together had been set for quite some time and I knew that this friend probably had some concerns to share about the particular ministry he was involved in. I also knew that he was extremely devoted to that ministry and that he and his wife had selflessly given of themselves to see the ministry flourish throughout the season.
To my absolute delight, my friend chose not to share the things that weren't exactly right, but rather to offer to step into the void that had been left by the departure of another member of the team so that things might improve.
I want you to know how great a blessing that was to me! It is very rare for people to volunteer to take on more responsibility when things haven't gone well. Usually, they will take the opportunity to make their complaints known but have no solution for the problem. Rather, by choosing to insert himself into the situation and commit his own energies to making it better, he's bringing a resolution and not just a complaint!
If this attitude would multiply a hundred times over our entire church community would be a different place! It's very easy to find the "flaws" as Dr. Kevin Leman shared last weekend (see his entire message here http://www.northway.org/secondary/mediaArchive/mediaArchive.aspx ) However, it's another thing altogether to know the flaws but to bring potential solutions to answer them. These types of people are the ones that really make a difference in an unsung and yet very God pleasing kind of way! I can tell you without a doubt it made my whole day brighter and raised my anticipation for the next season of ministry that he will help to lead!
Blessings in Jesus,
Dr. Jay
The get together had been set for quite some time and I knew that this friend probably had some concerns to share about the particular ministry he was involved in. I also knew that he was extremely devoted to that ministry and that he and his wife had selflessly given of themselves to see the ministry flourish throughout the season.
To my absolute delight, my friend chose not to share the things that weren't exactly right, but rather to offer to step into the void that had been left by the departure of another member of the team so that things might improve.
I want you to know how great a blessing that was to me! It is very rare for people to volunteer to take on more responsibility when things haven't gone well. Usually, they will take the opportunity to make their complaints known but have no solution for the problem. Rather, by choosing to insert himself into the situation and commit his own energies to making it better, he's bringing a resolution and not just a complaint!
If this attitude would multiply a hundred times over our entire church community would be a different place! It's very easy to find the "flaws" as Dr. Kevin Leman shared last weekend (see his entire message here http://www.northway.org/secondary/mediaArchive/mediaArchive.aspx ) However, it's another thing altogether to know the flaws but to bring potential solutions to answer them. These types of people are the ones that really make a difference in an unsung and yet very God pleasing kind of way! I can tell you without a doubt it made my whole day brighter and raised my anticipation for the next season of ministry that he will help to lead!
Blessings in Jesus,
Dr. Jay
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Seventh Game!
Yesterday, Pittsburgh remembered an event that took place 50 years ago that changed the sports history of our city forever. Many believe it was the most significant moment in Pittsburgh sports of all time.
In the bottom of the ninth inning in the seventh game of the World Series the highly favored New York Yankees fell to the overmatched, underpaid Pittsburgh Pirates 10-9 on a home run by Bill Mazeroski (affectionately called Maz) over the left field wall.
What made that day so special for me was not it's significance in Pittsburgh sports. It was the fact that my dad and I sat in the left field bleachers that day - eyewitnesses to one of the most amazing games of all time and something that I've never forgotten in the 50 years following that day.
You can read the details of that game here www.post-gazette.com. In those days, general admission tickets were awarded according to a lottery. Our family received 4 tickets to the seventh game of the World Series and I distinctly remember thinking when we got the tickets that we would "never see a game" because the Yankees were so heavily favored to sweep the Pirates that it was widely held that we wouldn't have a prayer of winning.
But I've come to learn that in life not to presume the outcome of any event before the fact. In sports, as in most anything, the outcome is never certain until everything is over. How I wish more of us would approach our spiritual journey with the same "openness to the impossible" that those Pirate fans had in 1960!
The other part of that experience for me was the fact that even though my dad and I didn't get to many ballgames, I'll never forget that time we shared and the memory that that etched in my mind forever. (Yes, I still have the ticket stubs to the game!)
I wish everyone could have an experience like that with their mom or dad. Though not "spiritual" it was truly unforgettable and formed a bond of experience that we shared many times over the years as a part of my growing up experience and my love for my dad, who was sure we had the best seats to the best game ever to be played in Forbes Field!
Blessings on this anniversary celebration day,
Dr. Jay
In the bottom of the ninth inning in the seventh game of the World Series the highly favored New York Yankees fell to the overmatched, underpaid Pittsburgh Pirates 10-9 on a home run by Bill Mazeroski (affectionately called Maz) over the left field wall.
What made that day so special for me was not it's significance in Pittsburgh sports. It was the fact that my dad and I sat in the left field bleachers that day - eyewitnesses to one of the most amazing games of all time and something that I've never forgotten in the 50 years following that day.
You can read the details of that game here www.post-gazette.com. In those days, general admission tickets were awarded according to a lottery. Our family received 4 tickets to the seventh game of the World Series and I distinctly remember thinking when we got the tickets that we would "never see a game" because the Yankees were so heavily favored to sweep the Pirates that it was widely held that we wouldn't have a prayer of winning.
But I've come to learn that in life not to presume the outcome of any event before the fact. In sports, as in most anything, the outcome is never certain until everything is over. How I wish more of us would approach our spiritual journey with the same "openness to the impossible" that those Pirate fans had in 1960!
The other part of that experience for me was the fact that even though my dad and I didn't get to many ballgames, I'll never forget that time we shared and the memory that that etched in my mind forever. (Yes, I still have the ticket stubs to the game!)
I wish everyone could have an experience like that with their mom or dad. Though not "spiritual" it was truly unforgettable and formed a bond of experience that we shared many times over the years as a part of my growing up experience and my love for my dad, who was sure we had the best seats to the best game ever to be played in Forbes Field!
Blessings on this anniversary celebration day,
Dr. Jay
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Earth is the Lord's!
As I look out my large office window I'm surrounded by the display of God's glorious autumn beauty! It's as though the Sovereign One dipped into His palette of colors and just splashed them randomly across a beautiful canvas and then dotted the blue sky with an occasional puffy cloud and fitted it all together in a gorgeous display that literally cannot be fully captured by any human technology.
It's certain days like this that remind me that the creator of all of this glory and the wonders of the universe is also the God who loves me personally and intimately. Those two things seem contradictory to the human mind and are not really fully understandable. (The theological term for this is antimony.)
On the other hand, I know it to be true because His Spirit inside of me bears witness to the fact that His presence is real, not just in the glory of creation, but in the day to day events of my life.
Today is one of those unforgettably beautiful days that reminds me of the sacrificial presence of my unforgettably wonderful Lord!
Blessings in Jesus,
Dr. Jay
It's certain days like this that remind me that the creator of all of this glory and the wonders of the universe is also the God who loves me personally and intimately. Those two things seem contradictory to the human mind and are not really fully understandable. (The theological term for this is antimony.)
On the other hand, I know it to be true because His Spirit inside of me bears witness to the fact that His presence is real, not just in the glory of creation, but in the day to day events of my life.
Today is one of those unforgettably beautiful days that reminds me of the sacrificial presence of my unforgettably wonderful Lord!
Blessings in Jesus,
Dr. Jay
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Rules and Relationships!
This past weekend Dr. Kevin Leman talked about the simple truth that rules without relationships equal rebellion (see the full message here http://www.northway.org/secondary/mediaArchive/mediaArchive.aspx )
The reality is that we need some rules in life and in any organization in order to function with a sense of focus and clarity. However, invariably it's the relationships that dictate what will be the nature of the outcome.
Seeking to impose a set of directions or guidelines upon people simply doesn't work over the long haul. Surely in certain in short term situations those kind of things are necessary. However, over the long term, it's relationships built on trust and a sense of confidence in the integrity of the person that you're dealing with that will carry the day.
Just today I had that kind of situation with two brothers that feel passionately about a particular area of ministry that is needed in our church. The guidelines we'd set out were certainly credible, but discernment seemed to indicate that the timing just wasn't right for us. I value the fact that in our relationship we were able to talk through our differences of opinion and still come out with a sense that we will hear from the Lord together and move ahead according to His will and purpose for us.
I hope you have those kinds of trustworthy relationships in your life and are not bound by a legalistic, rule-driven environment. It's not how God intended for us to live in community and certainly is not His best whether it's in your family, your church, your place of business or any other network of significant relationships.
Blessings!
Dr. Jay
The reality is that we need some rules in life and in any organization in order to function with a sense of focus and clarity. However, invariably it's the relationships that dictate what will be the nature of the outcome.
Seeking to impose a set of directions or guidelines upon people simply doesn't work over the long haul. Surely in certain in short term situations those kind of things are necessary. However, over the long term, it's relationships built on trust and a sense of confidence in the integrity of the person that you're dealing with that will carry the day.
Just today I had that kind of situation with two brothers that feel passionately about a particular area of ministry that is needed in our church. The guidelines we'd set out were certainly credible, but discernment seemed to indicate that the timing just wasn't right for us. I value the fact that in our relationship we were able to talk through our differences of opinion and still come out with a sense that we will hear from the Lord together and move ahead according to His will and purpose for us.
I hope you have those kinds of trustworthy relationships in your life and are not bound by a legalistic, rule-driven environment. It's not how God intended for us to live in community and certainly is not His best whether it's in your family, your church, your place of business or any other network of significant relationships.
Blessings!
Dr. Jay
Monday, October 11, 2010
People are so hungry for help
People are so hungry for help. It never ceases to amaze me how people search for answers to their most serious issues of life with regards to their families and marriages. Our weekend with Dr. Kevin Leman confirmed once again that people are desperate for some kind of direction and even solutions to their struggles with their children and marital relationships.
I’ve been in ministry for well over 3 decades and, though there have been some significant works that have been published or produced, no one person or group has really emerged or risen consistently to be a fresh resource in this area which is so desperately needed.
Some of the questions that people brought to “Dr K” were heartbreaking. There’s more disillusionment, heartache and struggles than you can imagine behind all those smiling faces that we see week by week in the neighborhood. The positive side is that there are answers and that we do have hope if we’re diligent and serious about applying the fundamental principles that God has revealed in His word. Through experienced teachers such as Kevin Leman, we can make sense of those really difficult things we face in this life . If you missed the seminars, you can certainly access the materials in Kevin’s books and his teaching for the weekend, which was all about the most important principle in any relationship, is available at www.northway.org.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
I’ve been in ministry for well over 3 decades and, though there have been some significant works that have been published or produced, no one person or group has really emerged or risen consistently to be a fresh resource in this area which is so desperately needed.
Some of the questions that people brought to “Dr K” were heartbreaking. There’s more disillusionment, heartache and struggles than you can imagine behind all those smiling faces that we see week by week in the neighborhood. The positive side is that there are answers and that we do have hope if we’re diligent and serious about applying the fundamental principles that God has revealed in His word. Through experienced teachers such as Kevin Leman, we can make sense of those really difficult things we face in this life . If you missed the seminars, you can certainly access the materials in Kevin’s books and his teaching for the weekend, which was all about the most important principle in any relationship, is available at www.northway.org.
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Keep it Simple!
Last evening, Dr. Kevin Leman shared his simple message, "The Deception of
Perfection". It was great, as usual. Same word today at 9 & 11.
Kevin has a disarming way of presenting the truth about so many of us that
are "driven" to perform and just how senseless that approach is when it comes
to knowing the heart of God for us!
The are seminars for parents tonight and tomorrow; and a relationship
seminar tomorrow evening in Oakland. Find it all at www.northway.org !
Blessings,
Jay
Friday, October 8, 2010
Relationships and Reaching Out
This weekend is going to be a great time here at North Way! My good friend, Dr. Kevin Leman, will be here to minister at the services and also at a number of seminars both here in Wexford and in Oakland.
No one that I know is more effective at "speaking to every day people" than Dr. K. He's written over 35 books, many of which have addressed some of the most common challenges of relational matters in the home from marriage, to parenting, to getting along with the in-laws!
Kevin is a "non-religious" kind of person and is deeply in love with Christ but knows that the traps of religion are deeply entrenched in our culture.
If you love someone who's a little disillusioned with church, be sure to try to bring them to one of our services at Oakland, Sewickley Valley or Wexford and they are sure to be encouraged in their understanding of the grace of God through the Lord Jesus and if they need specific help, check out the seminars that are available throughout the weekend at http://www.northway.org
I've been in a great relationship with Kevin for nearly 15 years. I know that he lives what he speaks and this weekend will be a great encouragement to us all!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
No one that I know is more effective at "speaking to every day people" than Dr. K. He's written over 35 books, many of which have addressed some of the most common challenges of relational matters in the home from marriage, to parenting, to getting along with the in-laws!
Kevin is a "non-religious" kind of person and is deeply in love with Christ but knows that the traps of religion are deeply entrenched in our culture.
If you love someone who's a little disillusioned with church, be sure to try to bring them to one of our services at Oakland, Sewickley Valley or Wexford and they are sure to be encouraged in their understanding of the grace of God through the Lord Jesus and if they need specific help, check out the seminars that are available throughout the weekend at http://www.northway.org
I've been in a great relationship with Kevin for nearly 15 years. I know that he lives what he speaks and this weekend will be a great encouragement to us all!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Mutual Mentors
In the world of "mentoring", it is often seen as a "one way" street. Not so with me. I find that I am blessed to receive as much as I give because of the quality of the men that I spend time with every week!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
People Do Notice
Over the past few days I spent time with my wife, Carol, as her mom ended her 99 year journey on this earth and went to be with the Lord. Some of the most encouraging moments were spent listening to the comments that I heard from the people who watched Carol and her sister provide care and love for her mom over these last couple of decades.
Even though there were many periods of time when we would have desired more time with her mom, one comment that I heard over and over again from other residents and a number of the professional staff in the very lovely senior care facility where her mom chose to go some 23 years ago, was how personal, caring and sincere Carol and her sister had been in demonstrating their love for their mom.
What was evident to me through the comments of these folks was that many people that they had seen over the years did not have the blessing of family or friends who paid much attention to the folks during their years in this very fine facility. Even though the staff was amazingly caring and attentive, there's no substitute for that personal touch which apparently some people gave and others did not.
I'm sure that there are a variety of opinions about all this, but I do know this; people notice when someone genuinely cares. Though we may not always know it at the time, people are watching and they come to value your actions, even more than your words and that can be a great testimony to your faith in Jesus and His presence in your life.
Thanks to all of you who prayed with us over these past days.
Blessings in Jesus,
Dr. Jay
Even though there were many periods of time when we would have desired more time with her mom, one comment that I heard over and over again from other residents and a number of the professional staff in the very lovely senior care facility where her mom chose to go some 23 years ago, was how personal, caring and sincere Carol and her sister had been in demonstrating their love for their mom.
What was evident to me through the comments of these folks was that many people that they had seen over the years did not have the blessing of family or friends who paid much attention to the folks during their years in this very fine facility. Even though the staff was amazingly caring and attentive, there's no substitute for that personal touch which apparently some people gave and others did not.
I'm sure that there are a variety of opinions about all this, but I do know this; people notice when someone genuinely cares. Though we may not always know it at the time, people are watching and they come to value your actions, even more than your words and that can be a great testimony to your faith in Jesus and His presence in your life.
Thanks to all of you who prayed with us over these past days.
Blessings in Jesus,
Dr. Jay
Monday, October 4, 2010
Facing Life's Transitions
Even as I send this note to those of you who take the time to read my blog, I’m riding with my wife, Carol, to be with her Mom as all indications are that she’ll soon leave this earth to be with Jesus. After 99 good years in this world, Mom Watson is heading to the place that Jesus has prepared for her! (John 14:1-6)
We’ve known that this day has been coming for some time, but there’s still not an easy way to face the finality of death’s reality in our existence. That’s why Jesus called it an “enemy” that will one day be defeated and forever banished from the created order.
In a wonderful sort of way, it reminds me of what God’s called me to do, and Mom Watson was one of my greatest supporters throughout our journey; that is, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus so that others will come to know Him, His love and grace for this life and, most of all, His promise of receiving us when our day to cross through heaven’s gates surely comes.
Thanks for your prayers and support in this time,
Pastor Jay
p.s. If I’m not able to blog the next few days you’ll know why.
We’ve known that this day has been coming for some time, but there’s still not an easy way to face the finality of death’s reality in our existence. That’s why Jesus called it an “enemy” that will one day be defeated and forever banished from the created order.
In a wonderful sort of way, it reminds me of what God’s called me to do, and Mom Watson was one of my greatest supporters throughout our journey; that is, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus so that others will come to know Him, His love and grace for this life and, most of all, His promise of receiving us when our day to cross through heaven’s gates surely comes.
Thanks for your prayers and support in this time,
Pastor Jay
p.s. If I’m not able to blog the next few days you’ll know why.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Seasons Change
There’s absolutely no doubt that nature is telling us that the seasons are about to change! The presence of a pretty stiff north wind and the changing leaves and cooler temperatures tell us that those long and lazy days of summer are giving way to much more time inside and far less opportunities to be outdoors.
As seasons go here at North Way, we are moving into a definite time of “growth!” For that I am incredibly grateful as everyone is hearing the same call of the Spirit to “free people to follow Jesus” and now we’re working together in a spirit of unity and enthusiasm as we see the Lord open doors of opportunity.
It’s not that there won’t be challenges, but there will be a definite sense of favor as we move forward, honoring each other and believing God to bring about the fruit that we so desire.
I pray that’s true for your life as well and I look forward to sharing some of my passion about that in this weekend’s message.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
As seasons go here at North Way, we are moving into a definite time of “growth!” For that I am incredibly grateful as everyone is hearing the same call of the Spirit to “free people to follow Jesus” and now we’re working together in a spirit of unity and enthusiasm as we see the Lord open doors of opportunity.
It’s not that there won’t be challenges, but there will be a definite sense of favor as we move forward, honoring each other and believing God to bring about the fruit that we so desire.
I pray that’s true for your life as well and I look forward to sharing some of my passion about that in this weekend’s message.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
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