No matter the church or organization, it's inevitable that pastors/staff will leave for a variety of reasons. So what are they going to say about you as a leader and pastor on their way out of the door?
Here are the 4 things I hope team members say as they transition out:
1. He helped me be a better follower.
I want to constantly push, encourage, and challenge our team to be more like Jesus. Before they are a great team member, they have to be great followers first. I hope they are stronger followers when they leave, and that I helped them get there.
2. He helped me be a better leader.
I want to set a staff culture that focuses on leadership development. The win for me is not simply leading my pastors/staff, but seeing them lead and develop others. I hope they are a leader of leaders when they leave, and that I helped them get there.
3. He helped me prepare for my next steps.
I don't expect our church to be everyone's "last stop" in ministry leadership. Acknowledging that, I hope their time with us bolstered their faith, gave them spiritual boldness, and helped to sharpen their ability to identify and discern God's voice in whatever He has next for them, and that I helped them get there.
4. He cared about me, not just what I could do for him.
It's easy to view staff in black and white terms: simply, they are here to execute the vision. Get it done no matter the cost. I absolutely care about getting results, but the people on the team have to know they are more than just a position or an employee number. I hope they sensed the urgency of the mission AND the heart of the pastor, and that I helped them get there.
What about you? What do you want your team to say about you on their exit interview?
You're late...and a liar.
I've made quick phone calls as I ran out to the car: "Just leaving, I'll be there ASAP!"
I've rushed into a conference room with a table full of people: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
I've texted friends on my way to meet them for lunch: "Go ahead and order, almost there."
Despite the calls, texts, and apologies, here is what you're really saying when you're late:
1. Trustworthy vs Liar
If you tell someone you'll meet them at 10am, then you are essentially making them a promise. Be on time so you can be a man/woman of your word. It's a character issue.
2. Reliable vs Flaky
Being on time shows you're reliable. If you don't show up when you're supposed to, then people will begin to doubt whether they can count on you. It's a dependability issue.
3. Disciplined vs Slack
Discipline can be exercised in your financial life, physical life, professional life, and even in setting/reaching goals. Yet, being late shows a lack of discipline with your time. It's a self-discipline issue.
4. Humility vs Arrogance
When you're late, you communicate to the person waiting that you are more important than them. Whatever you were doing was more important than what they had to do. Their plans and schedule take a back-seat to your plans and schedule. It's a respect issue.
When you realize what is communicated when you aren't punctual, it will change the way you look at your clock.
For me, "on-time" means at least 5-minutes early. I want to make sure I honor you and the time that you've given me to meet.
So what do you think? Is punctuality no big deal, or an important part of life?
-3 Things I Hope My Daughters Tell Me at 18-
"Dad, I love you."
That means I did the parenting thing right. I've heard some pretty brutal stories of how innocent, loving princesses turn into crazy, evil witches once they turn 12 or 13. One dad's words to me: "You just want your daughters to survive adolescence and still love you!"
"Dad, I love Jesus."
That means I did the pastoring thing right. It's my responsibility to teach my kids about Jesus, to show them what Jesus looks like, and to saturate their lives with this life changing message. It's my job to pray daily for my kids that God would redeem them and do what only He can do in their life, to help them understand that Jesus loves them even more than their dad loves them.
"Dad, I love the Church."
This means I did the professional thing right. Too many pastor's kids hate the Church when they grow up because they saw their dad allow the church to steal him away from them growing up. If dad spends the time loving on the church that he should have spent loving on his kids, the kids will one day resent the Church for it.
What do you hope your kids will say to you one day?
-4 Ways to Help a Hurting Friend-
When tragedy strikes, one of the most frequently asked questions that I get from people is, "What can I do?" or "How can I help?" Here are 4 quick things you can do to really serve those around you that are hurting.
1. SHOW UP
The best thing you can do for people that are hurting is to just be there. Your presence can help heal. Text, call, and email, but don't stop there. Show up.
Be there WITH them and FOR them.
2. SHUT UP
During a hard time in life, your friends will have tons of questions. Resist the desire to "answer" all of the questions or try to "fix" the problem.
Chances are, they aren't asking you for an answer. They just want to share. They want you to listen. Sometimes the best thing is to sit there with them and say absolutely nothing.
So show up and shut up.
3. SHARE THE PAIN
Cry with them, laugh with them, pray with them, be broken with them, and cry some more with them. Don't alienate yourself from their situation. Get in the trenches with them.
Sharing the pain brings great comfort by helping your friends know they aren't doing this alone.
4. TAKE THE INITIATIVE
The worst thing you can do for a hurting friend is to say, "Call me if you need anything." You've just placed all of the responsibility on their shoulders. They don't need that.
Take the initiative and do something. Cook them a meal, mow their grass, bring them bags of groceries, wash their dishes, clean their house, babysit their kids, treat them to a dinner out.
Don't wait around for them to ask you, and don't wait around for someone else to come up with a plan. Just spring into action.
I've been the recipient of all of these things in my life during times of pain and struggle, and I hope they help you too.
1. SHOW UP
The best thing you can do for people that are hurting is to just be there. Your presence can help heal. Text, call, and email, but don't stop there. Show up.
Be there WITH them and FOR them.
2. SHUT UP
During a hard time in life, your friends will have tons of questions. Resist the desire to "answer" all of the questions or try to "fix" the problem.
Chances are, they aren't asking you for an answer. They just want to share. They want you to listen. Sometimes the best thing is to sit there with them and say absolutely nothing.
So show up and shut up.
3. SHARE THE PAIN
Cry with them, laugh with them, pray with them, be broken with them, and cry some more with them. Don't alienate yourself from their situation. Get in the trenches with them.
Sharing the pain brings great comfort by helping your friends know they aren't doing this alone.
4. TAKE THE INITIATIVE
The worst thing you can do for a hurting friend is to say, "Call me if you need anything." You've just placed all of the responsibility on their shoulders. They don't need that.
Take the initiative and do something. Cook them a meal, mow their grass, bring them bags of groceries, wash their dishes, clean their house, babysit their kids, treat them to a dinner out.
Don't wait around for them to ask you, and don't wait around for someone else to come up with a plan. Just spring into action.
I've been the recipient of all of these things in my life during times of pain and struggle, and I hope they help you too.
-Stealing From Jesus & Cheating On Your Wife-
You can value everything, but you can't value everything equally. Valuing everything equally means not valuing anything at all.
So you have to learn how to cheat and steal. Let me explain:
You and I have a limited amount of resources in this life: time, money, and energy just to name a few. We'll call this "sand."
You and I have major areas of our lives that require resources: work, personal, spouse, family, and God just to name a few. We'll call these "buckets."
Here's the big problem...
We don't have enough sand to fill all of our buckets. So that means you've got some choices to make. To add to one bucket you'll have to steal from another one. In order to make sure one is filled up to a healthy level, you'll have to cheat another one.
Here's the big question...
Which buckets in your life are you willing to steal from? Who are you going to cheat? Which ones are really the most important to you?
You're going to have to cheat something. You're going to have to steal from someone. So choose wisely!
Don't let your family, your marriage, or your relationship with Jesus be a casualty on the side of the road of life. Be sure you're stealing from and cheating on the right buckets.
-Like A Boss-
Supervisor.
Manager. CEO. Boss. President.
Senior. Captain.
Everyone wants to be the leader. We incur college debt on the hopes of career
advancement. We spend countless
hours in the office fighting for the promotion. We go above and beyond what’s expected to garner the
acknowledgment and approval of our superiors for a shot at an “Upper Level”
position.
The drive and desire to be a leader in the workplace is OVERWHELMING
for most people. I can understand
why, though. Look at the perks!
-More Money
-More Authority
-More Respect
-More People Serving Under You
-More Prestige
-More Privileges
The “Business Leadership” section in the bookstore is one of
the most popular shelves, especially for men. Most have an innate desire to be at the front of the pack,
carry the banner, and lead the battle cry.
Throughout all areas of life there’s just something inside
of us that desires to be significant, respected, and hold the high esteem of a
leader.
Except in the Church.
What’s the breakdown?
Why so much drive in the office and so little effort on Sunday? Why does the focus on advancement and
leadership break down on the weekends when it burns so hot during the week?
The drive and desire to be a leader in the Church is
UNDERWHELMING for most people. I
can understand why, though. Look
at the perks!
-More Sacrifice
-More Humility
-More Honoring Others
-More People That You Are Serving
-More Giving Away of Yourself
When your model for leadership is Jesus, it flips the modern
day leadership paradigm on its head.
Instead of:
Supervisor, Manager, CEO, Boss, President, Senior, or
Captain.
You Get:
Servant, Selfless, Humble, Giving, Integrity, and
Lesser.
Throughout history the Church has relied on leaders to
protect, guide, encourage, challenge, and lead the Church. Opportunities abound for people to step up, grab the reins, and work hard to advance the mission and kingdom of Jesus.
Are you ready for a promotion?
-3 Things for 2015-
The month of January is going to be huge for the future of REVO Church. Here are 3 reasons why you DON'T want to miss the next 4 weeks:
1. We're going to share with you what we're launching in 2015 that I believe will allow us to see a bigger and more significant impact than anything we've ever done before. EVER.
2. We're going to ask you to do one simple thing that will not only change someone's life, but can alter the course of human history. (It's already happened once, so I know it can happen again!)
3. We're going to tell you the one thing that we MUST do before any of the other things are even a possibility.
Is it hard? Sure.
Is it risky? Absolutely.
Is it impossible? I'm pretty sure it is.
Are we going to do it anyway? Yep.
Hopefully you'll be a part of it with us as we Spark a Revolution of Life Change through Jesus.
Check out the website HERE for times and locations.
1. We're going to share with you what we're launching in 2015 that I believe will allow us to see a bigger and more significant impact than anything we've ever done before. EVER.
2. We're going to ask you to do one simple thing that will not only change someone's life, but can alter the course of human history. (It's already happened once, so I know it can happen again!)
3. We're going to tell you the one thing that we MUST do before any of the other things are even a possibility.
Is it hard? Sure.
Is it risky? Absolutely.
Is it impossible? I'm pretty sure it is.
Are we going to do it anyway? Yep.
Hopefully you'll be a part of it with us as we Spark a Revolution of Life Change through Jesus.
Check out the website HERE for times and locations.
-Resources: Books for Small Groups-
If you're looking for a good resource on what it means to be the spiritual leader of your home, this is solid. A group of dudes that I meet with weekly just finished it up, and it was a great reminder of the ENORMOUS responsibility that God has given men, husbands, fathers, and businessmen.
Here's what we're going to next. It's based on Romans 12, which you can read HERE.
-3 Things I Want To Be-
1. Solver vs Talker
There are problems in the world. (I'll pause a moment to allow time for gasps to subside and the shock to wear off).
Now let's continue.
People have problems.
Culture has problems.
Families have problems. We all
have problems.
You can talk, cry, complain, be
outraged, and post rants on social media all day long. Eventually, however, if the problem is
ever going to be solved you have to move from talking to action.
2. Surgeon vs Butcher
Ever seen a butcher cut meat? It’s forceful.
It’s messy. Results are “approximate”
at best.
Surgery is different.
It's planned and precise.
It's executed with steadiness, skill, and care.
Leaders make decisions and orchestrate organizational changes that affect significant amounts of
people. That has to be approached with tact and reverence.
I want to be a surgical leader, not a bullish leader
charging through the china shop of peoples’ lives.
3. Multi-tool vs Hammer
A hammer views every problem as a nail. It approaches every task and every
person the same way: hit it as hard as you can as many times as you can and hopefully it'll get fixed.
Yet, in leadership there is no one-size-fits-all
method. Yes, some problems are best addressed with force.
For another, a gentle rub with the file is more effective. Still others simply need to be tightened up with the screwdriver.
I want to be more like a swiss army knife and less like a mallet. MacGyver over Thor. Versatile over volatile. Functionality over force.
What are 3 things you're striving for?
-Grip Those Love Handles-
This Sunday we're starting a new series at REVO called "Love Handles: Get a Grip on Love and Relationships." Here are a few phrases we're going to unpack the first 2 weeks of the series:
-Guys, what does it mean to be the king of your castle?
-Ladies, does Scripture REALLY tell you to submit to men?
-Are there specific "roles" for men and women?
-Should women pursue men, or is that the guys job?
-Ladies, ever wonder why you attract the wrong type of guy and get stuck dating a loser?
-Guys, wrong wife = hard life! Right wife = good life!
Fellas, this Sunday I'm going to share some things from Scripture that all great kings do for their kingdoms. This is going to help you understand what you need to be doing to attract and keep your dream wife.
Ladies, I'm going to share some things from Scripture that you should be looking for in a man. This is going to save you A LOT of heartache from guys that aren't worth your time!
If you're single or dating, let's get a grip on what Scripture says you should be looking for in a relationship. If you're married, let's get a grip on what your king/kingdom should look like.
You don't want to miss the kickoff of this series! Try any of the 3 service times at either REVO location, and get a grip on these love handles.
-The People a Leader Needs to Have-
There are certain types of people that leaders usually don’t need
more of in life.
They don’t need more people that want to share their ideas.
They don’t need more critics.
They don’t need more people that demand their time.
They don’t need more people that sap their energy.
They don’t need more people making withdrawals from their
life.
Most leaders have plenty of those people.
A really important person that a leader needs on the team is an encourager.
They need a person building them up.
They need a person offering help.
They need a person pouring into their life.
They need a person making valuable deposits in their life.
Those are the people that are invaluable to a leader.
Here are 3 easy ways to encourage a leader in your life this
week.
1. Kind words-
Proverbs 16:24- “Pleasant words are… sweet to the soul and healing to the
bones.”
2. Prayers- 2
Corinthians 1:11- “You help us by your prayers.”
3. Written
Notes- Many books in the New Testament were written to encourage pastors,
churches, and leaders in their daily life with Jesus.
-The MVP in the Church-
Every church has an MVP. This person is the most important piece of the puzzle. They keep the wheels from falling off and the entire mission from going up in flames. They have the hardest job in the organization!
Yet, their name isn't on the website and never gets any stage time or recognition. It's unpaid, hard, demanding, and sometimes completely unfair.
So who is it? The Pastor? The Worship Leader? The volunteer that cleans the bathrooms after the service with their bare hands because the church budget got cut and "Cleaning Supplies" was the line item that was easiest to slash?
Nope. The hardest job in the church is being the pastor's wife.
(CAVAET: I didn't write this so that you'll feel sorry for my wife or any other pastor's wife. I wrote this to celebrate the heroes in ministry life!)
Here are 3 big reasons why it's hard to be the wife of a pastor:
1. THEY LIVE THEIR LIFE UNDER A MICROSCOPE
Everything that they say or do is critiqued by everyone. Every social media post, every financial decision, and every parenting choice will be analyzed. When their kids misbehave or they say or do something out of frustration, it will be scrutinized.
What, you may ask, brought this encouraging and uplifting gift upon them? Their husband's calling. "Thanks honey."
So they do their best to deal with the Church version of the NSA and strive hard to ensure that their personal and (not so) private life adds credibility to the message that their husband is preaching as oppose to tearing it down.
2. THEY CONSTANTLY DEAL WITH PUBLIC CRITICISM
Being a pastor and a leader comes with perks, but also plasters a bullseye on your back. Criticism can be hard for some pastors, but it's almost always more difficult for their wives.
A pastors wife's DESIRED response to public criticism may be to punch someone in the throat, go out in the parking lot during the service and slash their tires, or throw holy water on them convinced that it will burn their skin because they are a demon disguised as a faithful member. "The Power of Christ Compels You!"
Yet, what do they end up doing? Smiling, taking the high road, and asking God to suppress their feelings of violence in order to keep the church off the front page of the newspaper. After all, deep down they really don't have time to start a women's prison ministry right now. Especially one from the inside.
3. THEY ARE ON THE JOB 24/7
"It must be really nice to have that kind of free time since you only work on Sunday." I love that comment. Especially when that person calls with an emergency or a family crisis...on Tuesday night. "Oh sorry, since I only work one day a week I'll have to wait to get back to you...in 5 more days."
But seriously, being a pastor is a 24/7 job. Emergencies tend to happen in the middle of the night. A family crisis almost NEVER happens between the hours of 9am-5pm. Deaths and funerals seem to always pop up in the middle of your annual family vacation.
And who bears the brunt of that? The pastor's wife. "When is it going to be my turn?" She shares her husband with the entire church. For most pastors there isn't a day that he is not at the very least "on call." So she is flexible, understanding, and oftentimes puts the needs of others above her own.
The Pastor's wife is BY FAR the most difficult position in the church. The second hardest position isn't even close. If you don't think that's true, just ask her (and don't say anything negative unless you want to get punched in the throat).
Yet, their name isn't on the website and never gets any stage time or recognition. It's unpaid, hard, demanding, and sometimes completely unfair.
So who is it? The Pastor? The Worship Leader? The volunteer that cleans the bathrooms after the service with their bare hands because the church budget got cut and "Cleaning Supplies" was the line item that was easiest to slash?
Nope. The hardest job in the church is being the pastor's wife.
(CAVAET: I didn't write this so that you'll feel sorry for my wife or any other pastor's wife. I wrote this to celebrate the heroes in ministry life!)
Here are 3 big reasons why it's hard to be the wife of a pastor:
1. THEY LIVE THEIR LIFE UNDER A MICROSCOPE
Everything that they say or do is critiqued by everyone. Every social media post, every financial decision, and every parenting choice will be analyzed. When their kids misbehave or they say or do something out of frustration, it will be scrutinized.
What, you may ask, brought this encouraging and uplifting gift upon them? Their husband's calling. "Thanks honey."
So they do their best to deal with the Church version of the NSA and strive hard to ensure that their personal and (not so) private life adds credibility to the message that their husband is preaching as oppose to tearing it down.
2. THEY CONSTANTLY DEAL WITH PUBLIC CRITICISM
Being a pastor and a leader comes with perks, but also plasters a bullseye on your back. Criticism can be hard for some pastors, but it's almost always more difficult for their wives.
A pastors wife's DESIRED response to public criticism may be to punch someone in the throat, go out in the parking lot during the service and slash their tires, or throw holy water on them convinced that it will burn their skin because they are a demon disguised as a faithful member. "The Power of Christ Compels You!"
Yet, what do they end up doing? Smiling, taking the high road, and asking God to suppress their feelings of violence in order to keep the church off the front page of the newspaper. After all, deep down they really don't have time to start a women's prison ministry right now. Especially one from the inside.
3. THEY ARE ON THE JOB 24/7
"It must be really nice to have that kind of free time since you only work on Sunday." I love that comment. Especially when that person calls with an emergency or a family crisis...on Tuesday night. "Oh sorry, since I only work one day a week I'll have to wait to get back to you...in 5 more days."
But seriously, being a pastor is a 24/7 job. Emergencies tend to happen in the middle of the night. A family crisis almost NEVER happens between the hours of 9am-5pm. Deaths and funerals seem to always pop up in the middle of your annual family vacation.
And who bears the brunt of that? The pastor's wife. "When is it going to be my turn?" She shares her husband with the entire church. For most pastors there isn't a day that he is not at the very least "on call." So she is flexible, understanding, and oftentimes puts the needs of others above her own.
The Pastor's wife is BY FAR the most difficult position in the church. The second hardest position isn't even close. If you don't think that's true, just ask her (and don't say anything negative unless you want to get punched in the throat).
-I Hope More People Leave Our Church-
A family is leaving our church. And honestly, I’ll be glad when they’re gone.
In 2 weeks, the Davidson family is leaving REVO church, and
I can’t wait for them to go. Yea,
I called them out specifically on the internet. It’s my blog, what are you going to do about it? I’ve got 1 word for it:
“Winning.”
In 2 weeks, this family begins a journey to Salerno, Italy,
to be a part of a church plant there.
Less than one half of one percent of that country knows Jesus (that’s
0.05% for you number people), and this family is leaving EVERYTHING they have
to go there and tell people about Jesus.
I’ve got 2 words for that:
“Live Sent.”
In 2 weeks, a family will put into practice what we have
been trying to teach, preach, and challenge people to do for the 3 years our
church plant has been worshipping Jesus in this city. I’ve got 3 words for that:
“Set the Example.”
In 2 weeks, a family will set into motion a strategy that
will land them on the other side of the world, speaking a different language,
with 2 kids under the age of 5, driven by an overwhelming desire to do whatever
it takes to get people far from God into a relationship with Him through
Jesus. I’ve got 48 words for that:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching
them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In 2 weeks, our church has the opportunity to send out a
family to the ends of the earth.
We have the opportunity to support them financially, spiritually,
emotionally, and strategically. We
get to partner with them in life, ministry, and in the most significant calling
that anyone on this earth has ever heeded. I’ve got 2 words for that:
"Who's Next?”
-2 Big Ways My Faith Gets Tested-
I'm a risk taker. I'm a leader. I'm a go-getter. The average "tests of faith" don't seem to phase type-A personalities such as myself. Give all of my stuff away? No problem, I can get more stuff. Be generous with my finances? Sure! I can make more money later. Bad things happening around me? I know God is still in control and has a plan for my life.
But these 2 are different. These 2 make me stop and think. These 2 test me.
Here are my 2 biggest faith testers:
1. When I ask God a question, and I don't get an answer.
2. What I ask God a question, and I don't get the answer that I like.
Sometime I roll with the punches. Sometimes I respond poorly. What about you? What really tests your faith?
But these 2 are different. These 2 make me stop and think. These 2 test me.
Here are my 2 biggest faith testers:
1. When I ask God a question, and I don't get an answer.
2. What I ask God a question, and I don't get the answer that I like.
Sometime I roll with the punches. Sometimes I respond poorly. What about you? What really tests your faith?
-Don't Say "No" For Them-
The biggest fear that many people have about evangelism is the response from the person hearing the Good News.
"What if they say no? What if they ask a question that I don't know the answer to? What if they laugh in my face, knock the lunch tray out of my hand, and pull my underwear up and give me a wedgie?" (Sorry, middle school flashback).
So for that reason, many people simply stay quiet. They miss the opportunity. They talk about sports or the stock market or the weather or the government or what they ate for dinner or the last weekend getaway they had.
Sadly, when you decide to keep your mouth shut, you aren't even giving them a chance to respond to the Gospel. You are in essence saying "no" for them.
Don't say no for them! Let them decide.
"What if they say no? What if they ask a question that I don't know the answer to? What if they laugh in my face, knock the lunch tray out of my hand, and pull my underwear up and give me a wedgie?" (Sorry, middle school flashback).
So for that reason, many people simply stay quiet. They miss the opportunity. They talk about sports or the stock market or the weather or the government or what they ate for dinner or the last weekend getaway they had.
Sadly, when you decide to keep your mouth shut, you aren't even giving them a chance to respond to the Gospel. You are in essence saying "no" for them.
Don't say no for them! Let them decide.
-When God Slams the Door-
I've locked myself out of the house so many times I've lost count. There is nothing more frustrating than to come up to the front door and realize that it's locked and you can't get in. There are 3 irresponsible reactions to this conundrum that I have tried in the past:
1. Try to open the door myself.
Push it, wiggle the handle, or put a shoulder into it. Those always end up frustrating me more and hurting. Why does it look so easy in the movies to break down a door?!
2. Try to MacGyver the door open with something else.
Use a coat hanger, a butter knife, a magnet, or a screwdriver to "persuade" the lock open. That just ends up messing up the door and the tools. MacGyver can pick a lock with an avocado, an ice pick, and a snorkle. However I, my friend, am not MacGyver.
3. Blame someone else.
Why isn't anyone home? Why don't we have a spare key? Who locked the door in the first place? Passing the blame never gets the door opened any quicker.
When God slams a door and locks it, we can have similar reactions. We can try to force it open. We can use other people or things in our lives to open it for us. Or, we can simply blame God and others that the door closed in our face.
We can respond in a way that compounds our problems even more, or realize that sometimes a closed door can actually be a blessing or opportunity for us that we didn't even know was coming.
Sometimes a closed door protects us from making a huge mistake. Sometimes a door is closed because God chose to open another one and we need some redirection. Either way, focus on your response. Try these the next time you're stuck standing on the doormat:
1. Ask God what to do.
Maybe you're pushing when the door clearly says "pull." Ask God for some direction and the next steps.
2. Be Faithful on the Porch.
Maybe God has you standing outside for a reason. To teach you something, to deepen your relationship with Him, or to prepare you for what's on the other side before the door opens. So be faithful where you are. Faithfulness while you wait on the porch may be the very key to unlocking the door.
-Prep Work-
As I read Scripture and see how God blesses individuals and people groups, I'm starting to see a pattern.
"Preparation Proceeds Blessings."
It's easy to focus on the miracles, the hand of God moving, and the powerful times that God showed up and changed lives. What we often overlook is the prep work that was done before those incredible verses were recorded.
Work like it depends on you, pray like it depends on God.
-2 Things NOT to Say When Someone's At the Breaking Point-
Ready to quit.
Time to throw in the towel.
I'm on the edge. (life's proverbial edge, not the Lady Gaga song)
Drowning.
Maxed out.
About to Snap.
Overwhelmed.
On Empty.
At the end of my rope.
Run-down.
Hopeless.
Tired.
I'm at a Breaking Point...
Sound familiar? Then you don't want to miss what's next.
This summer, REVO is journeying through the book of Daniel with a series called, "Breaking Point." Daniel was a victim of human trafficking, threatened with murder, and put through gruesome physical, emotional, and spiritual tests in his life (and that's just the first 2 chapters of the book!!).
Finances, relationships, health issues, big decisions in life, job insecurity, fear, anxiety, anger, addictions, family issues, and the economy: all of these things can drive you to a point where you want to give up. So let's look at Scripture and learn what to do when life punches you in the mouth, the walls come crashing down around you, and you finally reach your Breaking Point.
But before we even start, I want to tell you 2 things that I WON'T SAY to you when it comes to your personal difficulties and overwhelming situations.
1. "Suck it up and get over it!" There are some things in life that leave deep scars and are difficult to work through. It won't be solved quickly or easily, and it won't get any better by simply sucking it up and pressing through it.
2. "It's really not that bad." The fact is, it is bad. It has you thinking about doing things you never dreamed of doing. It has hurt you, your family, and every other aspect of your life. It's a big deal, and it won't get any better by pretending like it's not.
So here is your personal invite to 1 of the 3 services on 2 campuses that make up REVO Church. PLEASE bring someone with you that is struggling and doesn't know what else to do. Daniel has a lot to say about getting through what you're going through, so let's take this journey together.
Time to throw in the towel.
I'm on the edge. (life's proverbial edge, not the Lady Gaga song)
Drowning.
Maxed out.
About to Snap.
Overwhelmed.
On Empty.
At the end of my rope.
Run-down.
Hopeless.
Tired.
I'm at a Breaking Point...
Sound familiar? Then you don't want to miss what's next.
This summer, REVO is journeying through the book of Daniel with a series called, "Breaking Point." Daniel was a victim of human trafficking, threatened with murder, and put through gruesome physical, emotional, and spiritual tests in his life (and that's just the first 2 chapters of the book!!).
Finances, relationships, health issues, big decisions in life, job insecurity, fear, anxiety, anger, addictions, family issues, and the economy: all of these things can drive you to a point where you want to give up. So let's look at Scripture and learn what to do when life punches you in the mouth, the walls come crashing down around you, and you finally reach your Breaking Point.
But before we even start, I want to tell you 2 things that I WON'T SAY to you when it comes to your personal difficulties and overwhelming situations.
1. "Suck it up and get over it!" There are some things in life that leave deep scars and are difficult to work through. It won't be solved quickly or easily, and it won't get any better by simply sucking it up and pressing through it.
2. "It's really not that bad." The fact is, it is bad. It has you thinking about doing things you never dreamed of doing. It has hurt you, your family, and every other aspect of your life. It's a big deal, and it won't get any better by pretending like it's not.
So here is your personal invite to 1 of the 3 services on 2 campuses that make up REVO Church. PLEASE bring someone with you that is struggling and doesn't know what else to do. Daniel has a lot to say about getting through what you're going through, so let's take this journey together.
Easter: Flip Your Table
Matthew 21:12- "Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves."
When Jesus overturned the tables, he was obviously ticked. But why? Was it because he was anti-commerce? Against capitalism? Couldn't stand the thought of religious people making a profit? I don't think so.
I think the thing that made him furious was the barrier that these tables produced. These table managers and money changers were making it more difficult for people to get to God! They made it harder for people to worship. They made it more costly for people to pray and seek forgiveness. They put up barriers between creation and Creator. And nothing turns Jesus' skin green and makes his toga rip faster that keeping people away from God!
So what about you? If your life was laid out on a table, would Jesus come in and flip it over? Would he look at your attitude, actions, speech, and life and identify it as a hinderance to the Gospel? Or are those areas of your life working together to draw people towards God and make the name of Jesus famous?
When Jesus overturned the tables, he was obviously ticked. But why? Was it because he was anti-commerce? Against capitalism? Couldn't stand the thought of religious people making a profit? I don't think so.
I think the thing that made him furious was the barrier that these tables produced. These table managers and money changers were making it more difficult for people to get to God! They made it harder for people to worship. They made it more costly for people to pray and seek forgiveness. They put up barriers between creation and Creator. And nothing turns Jesus' skin green and makes his toga rip faster that keeping people away from God!
So what about you? If your life was laid out on a table, would Jesus come in and flip it over? Would he look at your attitude, actions, speech, and life and identify it as a hinderance to the Gospel? Or are those areas of your life working together to draw people towards God and make the name of Jesus famous?
Easter: Grab a Corner
Mark 2:1-3: "And when Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And Jesus was preaching the Word to them. And they came, bringing to Jesus a paralytic carried by 4 men."
Four men heard that there was an opportunity to see and hear Jesus around their city. Their thought and goal became simple: identify someone that needs to be changed by Jesus, and ban together to get that person to Jesus. These men brought someone to Jesus that needed to be changed, and they would not allow ANYTHING to stand in their way.
Will you let anything stand in your way of getting someone to Jesus this week?
Four men heard that there was an opportunity to see and hear Jesus around their city. Their thought and goal became simple: identify someone that needs to be changed by Jesus, and ban together to get that person to Jesus. These men brought someone to Jesus that needed to be changed, and they would not allow ANYTHING to stand in their way.
Will you let anything stand in your way of getting someone to Jesus this week?
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