Yesterday was a really good for us at North Way! The worship in all the venues was strong and I have not received as much affirmation about a particular message in quite some time.
The overwhelming response was “I know that something isn’t right but I don’t know what to do about it”. The answer to that question, of course, is multi-faceted. First and foremost, we need to pray because it’s only the Lord God who can, in the end, change the course of nations. (2Chronicles 7:14)
However, this also requires a joining of hearts, hands, and faith as we determine that we will not slip quietly into the night and be overtaken by “earthly wisdom” or “secular humanism” or as one author calls it “the new atheism”.
The situation in America is actually worse than I described in my message. However, the power of God on our side is actually stronger than I had time to articulate. During my upcoming sabbatical I am trusting that I will have time to fashion a strategy that will engage our entire church in some sort of response to what’s going on in our nation today.
And it’s not really our nation, as much as it is our back yard, our neighborhood, our city.
If we take care of those areas close to home, then inevitably others will do the same and our nation and perhaps the world will be affected.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to affirm what you heard, but more than that, to begin to act on what you believe!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Two Worlds
As I’ve been praying for this weekend’s message, I’ve been reminded at a rather profound level of the fact that we must constantly be aware that we do not live simply in a world where everything is seen.
In fact, the Apostle Paul would make the argument that the controlling forces of the seen world are through “unseen principalities and powers” (see Ephesians 6) which literally affect everything about our lives.
The issue for us in these days is to take seriously the admonition of Jesus, Paul, John and other Old and New Testament writers who continually exhorted the people of God to focus on the unseen world so that what they yearned for in life could come to pass.
If there are things that are not working out for you in the seen world, count on this: the answer lies in breakthrough in the unseen world, through prayer, praise and continued faith in the word of God.
Have a great weekend as we gather for worship and declare these truths as God’s promises to us.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
In fact, the Apostle Paul would make the argument that the controlling forces of the seen world are through “unseen principalities and powers” (see Ephesians 6) which literally affect everything about our lives.
The issue for us in these days is to take seriously the admonition of Jesus, Paul, John and other Old and New Testament writers who continually exhorted the people of God to focus on the unseen world so that what they yearned for in life could come to pass.
If there are things that are not working out for you in the seen world, count on this: the answer lies in breakthrough in the unseen world, through prayer, praise and continued faith in the word of God.
Have a great weekend as we gather for worship and declare these truths as God’s promises to us.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
Thursday, July 9, 2009
How Elders Work
One of the things that’sbeen an integral part of my spiritual journey has been the commitment to being submitted to “Elders”, people here in my local church.
This is a very Biblical concept and one that, unfortunately, quite a number of churches are getting away from.The Elder is a shepherd, a person of discernment, and one who is committed to the local body and the purposes of God expressly for that church. Elders also serve to be there for individual people, to pray for them, care for them, and lead them in times when they feel alone.
I’m grateful that I have a group of Elders around me like that who help keep me on track when my days seem overwhelming and my discernment is somewhat lacking. If you’re not a part of a church like that, I urge you to find one. If you belong to North Way, I hope you understand how very blessed you are to have quite a significant number of Elders committed to these very purposes!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
This is a very Biblical concept and one that, unfortunately, quite a number of churches are getting away from.The Elder is a shepherd, a person of discernment, and one who is committed to the local body and the purposes of God expressly for that church. Elders also serve to be there for individual people, to pray for them, care for them, and lead them in times when they feel alone.
I’m grateful that I have a group of Elders around me like that who help keep me on track when my days seem overwhelming and my discernment is somewhat lacking. If you’re not a part of a church like that, I urge you to find one. If you belong to North Way, I hope you understand how very blessed you are to have quite a significant number of Elders committed to these very purposes!
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Vision In Reality
One of the things that is a “constant learning experience” for me is that very often the Lord will grant me vision for what needs to happen, whether it be something personal in my life or something corporate for the church, and then take me on a long journey until its fulfillment.
What I’ve come to discover through the years is that vision is not usually the issue. What God is doing is working in my life, shaping me and causing me to be suited for the vision, particularly if it’s related to ministry, and that just takes time.
One of the reasons why things seem to move so slowly in the ministry world is because we tend to move slowly in terms of our character growth. However, the beginning of significant change is when you discern that God is at work in you, preparing you for the vision that’s already clear to your soul.
I hope this encourages those of you who have the vision but haven’t seen it come to pass as yet. Take heart, God’s at work! The only issue is will you let Him make room in you for the vision to come to pass.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
What I’ve come to discover through the years is that vision is not usually the issue. What God is doing is working in my life, shaping me and causing me to be suited for the vision, particularly if it’s related to ministry, and that just takes time.
One of the reasons why things seem to move so slowly in the ministry world is because we tend to move slowly in terms of our character growth. However, the beginning of significant change is when you discern that God is at work in you, preparing you for the vision that’s already clear to your soul.
I hope this encourages those of you who have the vision but haven’t seen it come to pass as yet. Take heart, God’s at work! The only issue is will you let Him make room in you for the vision to come to pass.
Blessings,
Pastor Jay
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Important People
One of the axioms of life in the body of Christ is that every person has value, every person is important in the eyes of God and therefore in our eyes! I don't think any of us would disagree with that, but it's amazing to me how easily we lose sight of that value by the words that we say or the things that we do or fail to do.
Today was the birthday of one of the long-term North Way members and elders of our church. At first, it occurred to me that people "my age" don't really want to make a big fuss about their birthdays. (In some ways, we don't really even want to recognize them!)
On the other hand, what better time is there to tell someone that you value them and appreciate their commitment, their partnership and their friendship in Jesus than on their birthday?!
I wonder how things would change in our overall church environment if we looked at each person and realized that just a word from us at the right time could literally reaffirm their value, their commitment and even their sense of calling.
So my word of encouragement to you today is to think of people in your life that are important to you. Even if you don't have a special occasion like a birthday, why not take a moment right now and send them an email or a quick "tweet" or some expression, a card or even a phone call, and let them know that they really do matter to you.
Collectively, this could have a great impact, but more important, personally, it could be like water to a thirsty soul!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Today was the birthday of one of the long-term North Way members and elders of our church. At first, it occurred to me that people "my age" don't really want to make a big fuss about their birthdays. (In some ways, we don't really even want to recognize them!)
On the other hand, what better time is there to tell someone that you value them and appreciate their commitment, their partnership and their friendship in Jesus than on their birthday?!
I wonder how things would change in our overall church environment if we looked at each person and realized that just a word from us at the right time could literally reaffirm their value, their commitment and even their sense of calling.
So my word of encouragement to you today is to think of people in your life that are important to you. Even if you don't have a special occasion like a birthday, why not take a moment right now and send them an email or a quick "tweet" or some expression, a card or even a phone call, and let them know that they really do matter to you.
Collectively, this could have a great impact, but more important, personally, it could be like water to a thirsty soul!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Monday, July 6, 2009
Up Against A Wall
I'm sure some of you will identify with this next
statement: I have two or three circumstances that
just aren't responding to regular prayer and something
needs to change. I feel like I'm up against a wall,
and running out of options.
King David felt that way on numerous occasions. In
Psalm 80 he cries out over and over: "Restore us, O God!"
What is going on when nothing seems to be moving? I
won't throw down any cliché's here. It's too painful.
I have learned one thing over the years. This is NOT the
time to give up! I honestly believe we can be one day
away from crashing through the wall if we keep the faith.
The biblical term is "perseverance", I suppose. It just doesn't
do justice to how hard it can be to hang in there, though.
My greatest encouragement comes from looking back over
nearly 40 years of walking with Jesus and seeing that
this is part of the journey. And, He has never failed!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
statement: I have two or three circumstances that
just aren't responding to regular prayer and something
needs to change. I feel like I'm up against a wall,
and running out of options.
King David felt that way on numerous occasions. In
Psalm 80 he cries out over and over: "Restore us, O God!"
What is going on when nothing seems to be moving? I
won't throw down any cliché's here. It's too painful.
I have learned one thing over the years. This is NOT the
time to give up! I honestly believe we can be one day
away from crashing through the wall if we keep the faith.
The biblical term is "perseverance", I suppose. It just doesn't
do justice to how hard it can be to hang in there, though.
My greatest encouragement comes from looking back over
nearly 40 years of walking with Jesus and seeing that
this is part of the journey. And, He has never failed!
Blessings,
Dr. Jay
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Celebrating Our Freedom
Because we will be taking a “day off” tomorrow, I wanted to mention the significance of why I think it’s appropriate for churches to celebrate Independence Day.
Believe it or not, there are some who question whether or not we should have anything “patriotic” in our services. They feel that the church should not be about America but about worshipping God.
Although I completely agree that the focus of worship is Jesus Christ and His full revelation as eternal God, I also believe that He clearly works through peoples to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Hebrew nation was His chosen people, and I believe that we as Americans have been given a special favor born of the humility of our founding fathers and the early pilgrims who came here to establish a nation free from religious oppression.
Please take the time over the next few days to give God praise, thanks and even celebrate the fact that you have the freedom to worship God passionately and openly and to be with others who share your convictions. This is a gift that much of the world does not enjoy and for most of history, was never understood.
Think about that and in so doing I believe you’ll have one of the best Fourth of July holidays ever!
Affectionately,
Dr. Jay
Believe it or not, there are some who question whether or not we should have anything “patriotic” in our services. They feel that the church should not be about America but about worshipping God.
Although I completely agree that the focus of worship is Jesus Christ and His full revelation as eternal God, I also believe that He clearly works through peoples to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Hebrew nation was His chosen people, and I believe that we as Americans have been given a special favor born of the humility of our founding fathers and the early pilgrims who came here to establish a nation free from religious oppression.
Please take the time over the next few days to give God praise, thanks and even celebrate the fact that you have the freedom to worship God passionately and openly and to be with others who share your convictions. This is a gift that much of the world does not enjoy and for most of history, was never understood.
Think about that and in so doing I believe you’ll have one of the best Fourth of July holidays ever!
Affectionately,
Dr. Jay
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