Lent… 40 days of preparation, starting on Ash Wednesday, not including Sundays. Preparation for the celebration of the greatest, world transforming event in history… the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

The Lenten season is practiced in different ways by different Christian traditions. As I stated in this post from 2014, “This is not about penance or trying to earn or merit anything from God. It’s simply a season to seek God. To reflect. To evaluate.”

Lent 2019 Plan

This year I’m doing three things and invite you to join me for one or more of them.

1. Daily Readings With Our Church Family

We are using the Chicago Bible Society plan, which you can download for free HERE. It’s a year long plan that we’re using to read Scripture together as a church family. I like it for many reasons, but especially how it breaks down the church calendar with specific dates.

2. Three Facebook Live Videos Each Week

There’s something about processing scripture out loud and with others. I’ve invited our church to join me and you’re welcome to join us! On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, around 6:45 a.m. (give or take a few mins), I’ll be live on my Facebook Page for 5-10 minutes talking about the reading of that day.

3. Weekly Blog Post

Every Friday through Lent I will share a post of reflections on the readings that week. Below are a few thoughts from Wed/Thurs of this week.

Ash Wed, March 6

1. Jesus was led by the holy spirit
2. Jesus was led by the holy spirit into the wilderness
3. Jesus was led by the holy spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
4. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil

Thurs March 7

It can be difficult to be seeking to do the right thing and live the right way and yet see the wicked or unrighteous people prosper.

Then v. 7 gives the ultimate contrast… trusting in riches is temporary. They may get riches in this life, but ultimately lose it in the next… completely miss their purpose.

Waiting, especially in grief or loss can be very hard. Or just waiting in a line to get food! But because of God’s covenant loyalty we can wait on Him, as David concluded… “for it is good.”

• Whether it’s waiting during a season of singleness, loss, grief, uncertainty, or confusion. Lean in to the Lord, pour out your heart to Him.
• Waiting is paramount to the Lenton season as we think about what Jesus did on the cross. He suffered like no human can imagine. The next few weeks are all about waiting and reflecting, leading us to the cross, and then to the victory we have because of Resurrection Sunday!
• Hallelujah… v. 9 (ESV) “I will thank you forever,  because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.”

I hope you’ll join me throughout the Lenten season and our hearts will be encouraged together.

QUESTION: do you practice Lent? If so, how do you practice it?

These are books I already have that are on my list for 2019.

Top 10 Books Read In 2018

Books To Read In 2019

Keys To Growth

Having a list of books to read is great, but that alone won’t make growth happen. Three simple keys make growth happen. I HIGHLY recommend that everyone take steps each year to grow in all three:

1. Set goals. What areas of your life do you want/need to grow in? Find a book/resource and set a SMART goal  (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Risky, Time-bound). Be sure to WRITE THEM DOWN.

2. Make a plan. Write out HOW and WHEN you’re going to do it.

3. Prioritize your plan. Don’t just hope it happens, schedule it as a priority. MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Don’t get discouraged and give up WHEN you hit bumps in the road. We all do.

Growth is not so much about avoiding the fall as it is getting up every time we fall down.

Question

What books are you planning to read in 2019? Pick books that hit areas you need to grow in, set a time goal for reading them and times you’re going to read, and then make reading a priority. Readers are leaders!

I love social media! It’s great for staying in touch, connecting with friends and keeping current with family. It’s great for news, networking, and resources. It can also be a huge waste of time. Or worse!

For the last two years I’ve taken a break from social media while on vacation. That’s been the best vacation decision I’ve ever made! This is not just a valuable principle to apply while on vacation… this has changed my life and could change yours too.

My #1 Reason To Take A Break From Social Media

Social media can be such a time waster! What I realized last year after my vacation social media break was that I didn’t really miss anything. I enjoyed time with my family that was uninterrupted by social media updates.

The most significant take away was reflecting on the fact that I wasted a lot of time checking updates that really don’t matter that much to me. As important as pictures of food, other people’s kids I’ve never met, and things that frustrate people are, they really don’t impact my life.

Lots Of Reasons To Take A Break From Social Media

Here are my top 5 reasons…

(1) Wastes Time. As stated above spending time on social media can take us away from the priorities of any day… quickly!

(2) Feel Like A Loser. The more we see the “perfect life” others post the more we can feel like a loser. However, it’s important to remember that people usually just post the good stuff. Don’t make too much of the “perfect life” you see in others. We can’t get the whole story on social media.

(3) Superficial Relationships. How many of those “Friends/Followers” do you really know? Probably only a handful. Social media can foster a facade. It can also be a catalyst for making great connections and friends, just beware of what’s real and what’s not.

(4) Distract From Important Relationships. While we’re busy connecting with all our “Friends/Followers” online it’s easy to neglect the important people around us. Fight the challenge of being gathered in one room with faces in screens rather than connecting with each other.

(5) Unnecessary Drama. It’s easy to write or comment in ways that are unnecessary and get misunderstood. This is especially true when we’re commenting or writing to people we don’t know well and don’t know us. Keep unnecessary drama away. I’ve had to learn this the hard way!

Scientific Reasons To Take A Break From Social Media

There are many reasons to take a break, as stated above. But I found this helpful article put out by Bustle.com in June 2016, “4 Science-Backed Reasons To Take A Break From Social Media,” that puts science to it.

They state in the intro…

… recent research out of the University of Pittsburgh that found a correlation between time spent on social media and risk for depression: As the former increases, so does the latter. Although of course correlation is not causation, the increase is substantial and linear, implying a direct relationship between the two.

Wow, that’s scary and I find it increasingly true.

Here are the “4 Science-Backed Reasons To Take A Break From Social Media” from Bustle.com, with quotes taken right from their article:

(1) Social Media Can Isolate You From The Real World.

Both being alone and feeling lonely (two different things) are on the rise, with an even sharper increase in recent years. We interact face-to-face less; we gather less; we have fewer meaningful connections. Loneliness isn’t just a mental state, either; it has physiological effects, too, such as weakening our immune systems.

(2) It Encourages Your Competitive Side To Come Out, But Not In A Healthy Way

Competition is in almost everyone’s blood, but many of us will fall prey to that drive to get as many likes, followers, etc. as possible — at least more than your friends. The real danger here is that we let it define our worth as human beings, which is obviously a bad thing. No social media post validates who you are as a person; so why do we stress about how many people “like” us?

God and the truth of His word should be our source of true identity, not social media.

(3) It Feels Like It’s Constantly Comparing Your Life To Everyone Else’s

While you might assume this effect of social comparison only occurs when you browse the pages of people you perceive to be more attractive, successful, etc., the same study found that the more time you spend on social media, the more depressed you can feel while browsing anyone’s page, regardless of whether you perceive them to be better or worse than you.

(4) You Can Become Addicted

… yes, you can absolutely become addicted to social media, and it largely stems from something called FOMO: fear of missing out. People are posting some of the tiniest details of their personal lives online, and we have to see it. The inability to quit social media has even been labeled “social media reversion,” and in a study where people were challenged to stop using Facebook for 99 days, many couldn’t make it past just a few.

Helpful Tips

I’m not suggesting we cut social media out completely. I will “fast” completely from it while on vacation. But here are some helpful tips to apply year-round:

1. Don’t check social media first thing in the morning or last thing at night. The things we feed our minds with first thing in the morning stay with us throughout the day. Choose to feed your mind wisely. Similarly, at night our minds need time to wind down in order to power down for healthy rest.
2. Set appropriate times throughout the day to check social media. Get the first and most important work done BEFORE checking Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIN (or whatever social media you use). Take work breaks that reward productivity to check social media.
3. Put your phone down or away when you’re home. Set guidelines for yourself and your family, if you have one. For us, we put phones on the counter before dinner and leave them there with little exception.

QUESTION: what have you done that helps keep a healthy balance?

This was originally posted July 7 2017.

Yesterday I preached, “Jesus, Broken And Poured Out For Us,” from Mark 14:12-26 at Restoration Church. I hope it’s a blessing to you, especially if you’re struggling with challenges in your life and uncertain where Jesus is in the midst of it all. HERE is the audio.

Unfortunately I forgot to set my phone to airplane mode and got a call 20 minutes in, which stopped the recording! Yikes! So I’m pasting my full sermon manuscript below.

I’d love to hear from you, comment below or send me a message.

Behavioral scientists have discovered that we usually see things that we are prepared to see. It’s a network of nerve cells called the “Reticular Activating System,” which is KINDA LIKE a BRAIN FILTER. There are millions of data points floating in our brain at any one point. This “BRAIN FILTER” signals what’s IMPORTANT!

How does it know what’s important? By what we FOCUS on most!

Buy a new car, focused on it, prepared to see it, see it everywhere.

The Hyundai Sonatas were always there, but as my BRAIN FILTER kicked in, my brain thinks Sonatas are important… now I see them everywhere!

I’m sure many, if not all of you can relate, right!

Our BRAIN FILTER can prepare us to see the worst or the best. If you’re in a difficult relationship and every time you’re about to see that person you think, “Oh man, this is going to be rough!” How does it usually go? Pretty rough, right!

Likewise, when we think the best about people…

• like anticipating the presence of someone we admire or love…
• when we’re about to be with people who support us, we usually see a lot of good things, almost automatically. Why? We FOCUSED on what was important, triggering our BRAIN FILTER that we expected to have a good experience.

Let’s apply this to the way we think about God. The way we envision or picture Him deeply affects our experience with Him.

• FOCUS, TELL OUR BRAIN that GOD is Good, Gracious, Merciful = life-giving

• FOCUS, TELL OUR BRAIN that GOD is Angry, Disappointed, Judging = bad, probably avoid God, the church, the bible, and Christians!

Jesus was well aware of our BRAIN FILTER… He created it! So as He neared the end of His earthly life, He spent a LOT of time preparing His friends for what was about to happen. He was helping them FOCUS ON WHAT WAS REALLY IMPORTANT, rewiring their BRAIN FILTERS if you will.

The magnitude of what Jesus did for humanity is beyond our wildest imaginations. Knowing we would struggle to “get it,” Jesus passed on a simple way for people to apply our BRAIN FILTER in relationship to how we think about God… specifically how we think about what Jesus did for US!

Now let’s listen to God’s Word as we join Jesus and His friends at the Passover meal… one in which He Challenged All The Norms of how they celebrated that 1500 year old tradition…

MARK 14:12-16… follow along with me…

12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

• Jesus knew everything that was happening and about to happen.

16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

MARK 14:17-20

17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”

19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”

20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Jesus betrayal was part of God’s purpose, as predicted in the OT. But notice that although God was and is always in control, man is also always accountable for his actions.

God is bringing RESTORATION, He is the one doing the real work here at RC! But Pastor Rod, Pastor B, and I will be held accountable for our leadership.

Whatever part we play, whatever God is calling us to, He will do it, He will be faithful, but we will be held accountable to Him for our part.

Now notice how Jesus refocuses their BRAIN FILTERS by emphasizing that He was Broken and Poured Out For Them…

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” ~MARK 14:22

The bread represented Jesus’ body, which was about to be “broken” on an old wooden cross! “Broken in the sense that He was about to take the sins of the entire world on His body!

Isa 53:4-6

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God,

stricken by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

1 Pet 2:24

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed (RESTORED).”

The significance of Jesus’ body being “broken” is that He could then be shared! He literally shared the bread in the meal, but more importantly He was sharing Himself! All who put their faith/trust in Him can have immediate access to His presence… ALL THE TIME!

Jesus was broken so that WE could have HIM in the midst of OUR brokenness!
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Not only was Jesus BROKEN, but notice, He was also POURED OUT for US…

MARK 14:23-25

23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

They drank from a common cup, further symbolising Jesus’ desire to share Himself with His followers.

24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

“blood of the covenant”

• This covenant does not refer to an agreement between two equals. God has no equal! This refers to an arrangement established by one party, in this case God. The other party (humanity), cannot alter it; we can only accept or reject it.

• This New Covenant is God’s new arrangement in dealing with people, based on Jesus’ death. God promised this New Covenant through the OT Prophet Jeremiah. And while the physical blessings for Israel are yet to be fulfilled when Jesus comes back, the spiritual blessings are extended to us (the church, Jews and Gentiles together)… to all who put their trust in Jesus.

“many”

• As in Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many

• “many” – this is a common Jewish way of saying “all”. Lit. all who are many.

• This is one of the clearest moments in which Jesus brings everyone together, Jew and Gentile, near and far. There is ONE LOAF given (one broken body) and ONE CUP poured (one person’s blood)… “for many = for ALL!”

• It was the death of Jesus that founded and now sustains the new community… the church!

“I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”

The Passover meal includes 4 cups of wine, representing the four-fold promise of redemption God made to His people in Exodus 6:

• ‘I will bring you out . . .
• I will rid you of their bondage . . .
• I will redeem you . . .
• I will TAKE you for my people and I will be your God’

Jesus said that He will drink that 4th cup with US… in “that day… when we drink it new together in the Kingdom of God.” Jesus was FOCUSING their BRAIN FILTERS with something new here, something of the utmost importance! = Jesus will RESTORE EVERYTHING when He comes again!

EVERY time we eat together, every time we gather together, we have the opportunity to remind each other of what is truly important… JESUS was Broken & Poured Out For US, giving us His presence for today and sure hope for the future… He is coming again!

It’s incredible to see how this part of the story ends…

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. ~MARK 14:26

Imagine being one of those disciples… the uncertainty, the doubt, the struggle!

We don’t know for sure, but Psalm 118 was likely on Jesus’ mind that night. I’m going to read portions of it, but I encourage you to read it all on your own. Let’s marinate in God’s promises for a few minutes before we close…

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

   his love endures forever.

5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;

   he brought me into a spacious place.

6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

   What can mere mortals do to me?

7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.

   I look in triumph on my enemies.

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord

   than to trust in humans.

9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord

   than to trust in princes.

13 I was pushed back and about to fall,

   but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and my defense;

   he has become my salvation.

17 I will not die but live,

   and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;

   you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected

   has become the cornerstone;

23 the Lord has done this,

   and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 The Lord has done it this very day;

   let us rejoice today and be glad.

29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

   his love endures forever.

APPLICATION

Jesus has given us amazing FILTERS FOR OUR BRAINS. As we FOCUS them on what’s IMPORTANT, we begin to respond to life much differently.

Like seeing Hyundai Sonatas everywhere, when our BRAIN FILTERS work properly we begin to see Jesus everywhere!  

YBH? (Yes, But How?)

Think about the challenge you’re facing right now? 3 main categories I think of…

• PHYSICAL: pain, health, weight, insecurity

• RELATIONSHIPS: family, friend, neighbors, work, team, classmate
  • broken, disappointed, unmet expectations, and on and on and on!

• WORK: not enough, too much, uncertain, stress

Here’s the YBH…  when you feel the physical, relational, or work related pain, STOP & REFOCUS your BRAIN FILTER by… REMEMBERING JESUS! “Do this in remembrance of Me!”

• PHYSICAL pain/health/insecurity = “Ok Jesus, the pain is real, but I remember, You were broken and poured out for US!”

• RELATIONSHIP: Harsh word spoken/unmet expectation = “Ok Jesus, this hurts, but I remember You were broken and poured out for US!”

• WORK: Pressure = “Ok Jesus, I don’t know how to bear it, but I remember that You were broken and poured out for US!”

IMAGINE THIS… no longer seeing life as full of brokenness and challenges (although it is), but seeing Jesus everywhere, in every circumstance, in all our pain, in every relationship, and as a vital part of our work!

IMAGINE how different our day to day experience would be THIS week, if we lived in light of Jesus being broken and poured out for us!

I’ve always been intrigued by things that seem IMPOSSIBLE, like sneezing with your eyes open, eating just one potato chip (especially Doritos), or a Washington D.C. Sports team winning in the 21st century! (come on Wizards and NATS, this is the year!)

Have you ever felt like you were in an IMPOSSIBLE situation?

• Parents, ever feel like making it through the day is IMPOSSIBLE!
• Maybe you’re in a relationship that feels IMPOSSIBLE to reconcile!
• Or like me, your bills are piled up and it feels IMPOSSIBLE to get ahead!
• Or like many, you’re struggling with the same vice, addiction, or bad habit that seems IMPOSSIBLE to get rid of!

Let me encourage you… God loves to turn OUR impossibilities into HIS possibilities.

Yesterday I preached from Mark 10 at Restoration Church, our new church plant in Gaithersburg, MD. HERE is the audio, I hope it’s a blessing to you, especially if you’re facing what feels like an IMPOSSIBLE situation!

Below are my sermon notes. I’d love to hear from you, comment below or send me a message.

*In my research for this sermon, I used Pastor Brian Bill’s (of Edgewood Baptist Church) outline from his sermon called “Why It’s Hard To Get To Heaven.”

There was a wealthy first-century celebrity whose story is recorded in Mark 10. The problem wasn’t that he had great wealth… great wealth had him! 

Mark 10:17-22 NIV

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

This man was sincere, moral and upright, he highly valued relationships, and was a man of respect! But in the end he loved himself and his wealth more than God… TRAGIC! 

Let’s  be clear, Jesus is NOT against people having money, even great wealth. There are many examples in both OT and NT of wealthy people who loved the Lord and were used greatly by God.

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The problem is when money/our things have us!
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As the disciples watched and listened to this interaction, they were in a dilemma. They saw wealth as a sign of God’s blessing. It blew their minds that this wealthy celebrity was allowed to just walk away from Jesus. Maybe they thought Jesus was making a mistake!

There are a few key principles Jesus unpacked showing that God loves turning our impossibilities into His possibilities…  

Salvation Is Nearly Impossible For The Rich (MARK 10:23)

23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

What is it about wealth that makes it so difficult to follow Jesus… to enter His Kingdom?

Pastor and Author Randy Alcorn posted an interesting article recently entitled: “Lottery Winner Says Winning ‘Has Ruined My Life.’” This is what he wrote:

“One of the great ironies of gambling is that the vast majority of people lose money, while the few who win discover money doesn’t make them happy—and often it actually ruins their lives! One study reported that, ‘six months after winning the lottery, you are likely to be no happier than if you had been paralyzed in a car crash.’”

In 2013, Jane Park, then 17, won $1.2 million in the EuroMillions lottery. Now 21, Jane was recently considering taking legal action for what she calls negligence, claiming that a person her age shouldn’t have been allowed to win. (She has since dropped her plans for a lawsuit.)

“At times it feels like winning the lottery has ruined my life…I thought it would make it 10 times better but it’s made it 10 times worse…I have material things but apart from that my life is empty. What is my purpose in life?”

~Jane Park

Yet when asked if she’s ever considered ridding herself of the money that has brought such misery, her answer was an incredulous, “What?”

Did you know that there are more verses in the Bible about money than about Heaven and Hell combined? The Bible has fewer than 300 verses on prayer, less than 500 on faith, yet over 2,000 verses that deal with wealth and possessions! Of the 38 parables Jesus told, 16 of them are about money.

The inescapable conclusion is that our relationship with our STUFF is a big deal to God. There really is no way to separate faith and finances.

Randy Alcorn wrote one of the best (and shortest) books on how to generate generosity (one of our core values) called The Treasure Principle. Here are two of his main points:

1. God owns everything and I am his money manager. When I honor God with my wealth I am declaring that He owns me, and everything that I have.

2. My heart always goes where I put God’s money. We tend to think that our money follows our heart but Jesus said it’s the other way around in Matt 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Money leads; hearts follow.

When our treasures, our money and our stuff, have us, it’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE to see our need. But oh how God loves to turn our impossibilities into His possibilities!

Notice what happens next in Mark 10…  

It’s Nearly Impossible For Anyone To Be Saved (MARK 10:24-27 )

24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

The disciples “… were amazed at his words…” Jesus was messing with their theology. He used an unforgettable illustration to make His point that salvation is impossible on our own. It’s easier for a camel to walk through the eye of a needle!

Talk about impossible! Jesus wanted us to think of a literal camel, the largest animal in Israel at that time, and a sewing needle, w/a small opening at the top for thread. The picture is absurd, right? There’s no way a huge camel could fit through the eye of a needle! And that’s his point.

God loves to turn our impossibility into His possibility. 

The disciples were dumbfounded by this description. v. 26: “And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, ‘Then who can be saved?’” There minds were blown! The assumption was that the rich were the ones blessed by God… so if they were out, who is left to be saved?

BUT JESUS… ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’ 

God loves to turn our impossibility into His possibility.

Check out how our story today ends… probably not how you think it would…

The Incredible Rewards Of Following Jesus (MARK 10:28-29)

Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Peter, Andrew, James and John left their fishing franchise to follow Jesus. Matthew bolted from this tax booth. Simon the Zealot gave up his revolutionary ways. Everyone left something.

Jesus calls us to leave much behind to follow Him. There’s a cross to carry and much to sacrifice. But notice how Jesus #ChallengedTheNorm and presented some incredible benefits of following Him…

1. New relationships. The church… locally and globally! Can’t be connected to Jesus and disconnected to His bride, the Church He loved so much that He gave Himself for her.

Some are disowned by family and friends because we follow Jesus. At times it can feel lonely. But check this out… the church is your new family (father and mother and brother and sister)! Anywhere in the world there is a church, we have family there too!

2. New rejections. Blessings come, but battles come too…  v. 30: “…with persecutions.” Properly understood, persecution is also a blessing as Jesus said in Matt 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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Following Jesus ALWAYS involves a cross before a crown.
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We’re so far from this sometimes aren’t we? I saw a post on Facebook recently that captures a common sentiment: “You’re ruining my day, Starbucks! Out of chai!”

3. New rewards. We receive new relationships and rejection in the here and now, BUT there are also rewards that are not yet: “…in the age to come eternal life.” This is a promise you can count on.

Jesus ended with a strong #ChallengeToTheNorm… “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Jesus rules an upside-down Kingdom … The humble are exalted, mourners are comforted and losers are keepers!

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God loves to turn our impossibilities into His possibilities!
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Let’s make this personal, so we’re not just hearers, but we’re doers of the Word…

Let’s confess the IMPOSSIBILITIES of our lives and claim the promises of God, who loves to turn them into HIS POSSIBILITIES…

• Are you faced with something right now that seems impossible? Remember what Abraham was asked in Gen 18:14: “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”

• Is there an impossible relationship, friend, significant other, spouse, child… Jer 32:27: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”

• Do you have an impossible situation going on at school or at work? Rom 8:31: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

• Have you, or a loved one, received some bad health news recently? In Mark 9:23 Jesus tells the father of the young man who was demon possessed: “All things are possible for one who believes.”

• Are your finances unraveling? Jer 32:17: “Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”

God wants to turn your IMPOSSIBILITY into HIS POSSIBILITY… His arms are open wide, wherever you are, run into His gracious, merciful, and good arms, allowing Him to do what only He can do.

This is GOOD NEWS!

We all want to be successful, right? Understanding what we CAN’T do is KEY to that success. When I recognize what I can’t do… sing, design, cook, write computer programs, etc., not only does this help steer me in the right direction, but it fosters humility. And I’m proud of how humble I really am! OK, I’ve still got a long way to go, but i’m in process just like you!

Last Sunday I preached this message from Mark 8:1-21. It’s one of my favorite messages I’ve ever preached. I hope you listen and are blessed. HERE is the AUDIO. I’d love to hear your feedback. Some of my notes are below.

Sermon Notes

For some of us, like for the disciples, the story of Mark 8 may seem like a case of deja vu. Two chapters earlier (Mark 6), Jesus miraculously fed 5k. In Mark 8 He miraculously feds 4k. Jesus didn’t do the same miracle twice for the fun of it. He was making an important point. A point we benefit greatly from if we apply it to our lives…

MARK 8:1-10

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”

4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”

5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied.

6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha [somewhere on the W. Shore of the Sea of Galilee].

The disciples should have had deja vu. They should have learned that Jesus was calling them to do what they couldn’t do with what they didn’t have, and that HE had all they needed to do what He called them to.

Aren’t you glad that the people Jesus chose weren’t perfect! They didn’t get it all right away, and neither will we. Especially when it comes to what Jesus was trying to teach them.

WHY do you think Jesus repeated the feeding of thousands?

In the words of my great prof, Dr. Bill Lawrence

Jesus is calling us to do what we can’t do with what we don’t have, for the rest of our lives!

 That was the point, “I can’t _______, He can!” A hard lesson to learn, which often takes many repeats!

As is often the case, when God is working, so is the enemy. In the midst of these great miracles, the Pharisees showed up to disrupt what Jesus was doing. Notice how Jesus stayed on point…

MARK 8:11-13

The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.

The Pharisees already concluded that Jesus’ power came from Satan (3:22), and of course the miracles that Jesus performed weren’t enough. They were not asking for another miracle, they were asking for a sign from heaven, maybe more like the laser light show God did at Mt. Sinai to authenticate Moses as His servant! (Ex.19:16-19, ff)

Jesus’ miracles were ample proof that He was who He claimed to be, the Son of God, the Messiah, the One the prophets predicted would come throughout the OT.

Jesus didn’t waste His time arguing with the Pharisees. He stayed on point and headed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee with His posse.

Here’s where it gets interesting…

MARK 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”

16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”

17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

“Twelve,” they replied.

20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

They answered, “Seven.”

21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

They should have understood who He was and what He was able to do.

They should have understood that He was calling them to do what they could not do with what they did not have.

His rebuke was not because of their failure to grasp the meaning of His warning (v. 15), but at their failure to understand the meaning of His presence with them.

~DTS prof Grassmick

Throughout the OT we see story after story of success because the Lord was with His people (Joseph, Moses, Joshua)… and repeated in the NT (miracles of Jesus, Acts – preaching of Peter, then Paul, then through the Church!).

Jesus wants us to understand… As if Jesus was saying, “Do you not understand who I am? Do you not understand YOUR LIMITS, yet MY LIMITLESSNESS!”

We are inadequate and unable… BUT He is ADEQUATE & ABLE!

Jesus is calling us to do what we cannot do with what we do not have for the rest of our lives! So what is He calling us to? (examples: trusting, following, and loving Jesus [“too hard”], loving our neighbors!) IMPOSSIBLE… I can’t… He can!

• I can’t restore people to Jesus.
• I can’t build His church.
• I can’t change the hearts of others, let alone my own heart… but He can!

What is Jesus calling you to that you can’t do with what you don’t have?

• Jesus CAN restore marriages/families, parents to children and children to parents  
• Jesus CAN restore careers, influence, impact… DREAMS!
• Jesus CAN restore JUSTICE and BEAUTY, RECONCILIATION, and PEACE!

Apply It This Week 

• “I can’t ___________.” What is Jesus calling you to? (family, work, service)

• Have you been trying to do it on your own, without His help?

• What’s been holding you back: fear? pride? Rebellion?

I Can’t _____, but He Can!

Did you know… there are a lot of things we think of as normal that shouldn’t be? Last Sunday I preached the first part of a series in the book of Mark. The series title is Challenge The Norm, a.k.a. #ChallengeTheNorm. HERE is the audio. I hope it’s a blessing!

SEVEN Reasons You Should Challenge The Norm

1. There are a lot of toxic things people believe are normal! Here’s a list of 8 toxic things people believe are normal:

1. The present is indicative of the future
2. It’s too late to make changes
3. Being vulnerable is dangerous
4. Being alone [single] is a problem
5. Fitting in is a good thing
6. There’s a perfect (house, job, friend, lover) for me
7. What everyone does to you is personal
8. You should never be sad

Which of those do you struggle with most?

The three I sometimes struggle with are (3) being vulnerable, (5) fitting in, and (7) taking things personally.

The next SIX REASONS come straight outa Mark 1:1-13, the foundation of Mark’s gospel …

2. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God…

The beginning of the good news [gospel] about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1)

Jesus is the Christ, the anointed One, the One prophesied about throughout the OT. THIS Jesus, He is a King… THE King of Kings!!! That’s a bold statement that Challenged the Norm!

Jesus is “the Son of God!” Mic drop! Massive challenge of the norm! The Messiah was not thought of to be equal to God. Yet here Mark clearly equates Jesus, not only as Messiah and King, but GOD! The norm has been challenged!

3. The Pronouncement of Jesus Wasn’t The Norm: HUMILITY

Mark wrote this about John the Baptist…

…a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. (Mark 1:3)

What King announces victory from a voice calling in the wilderness? God challenged the norm by choosing a humble messenger (who dressed and ate a little off the norm!)

4. Forgiveness vs. Judging

Another reason to challenge the norm is the Christian life centers around forgiveness. Most people, including myself, are pretty good at judging others. Thankfully God majors on forgiveness. John paved the way for Jesus by calling people to confess their sins to be forgiven, rather than being a message of judgment.

Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:5)

5. Holy Spirit Indwells People NOT Buildings

The norm was massively challenged when John announced that while he was baptizing with water, Jesus was coming to baptize them in the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8). No longer does the Spirit need to be sought in places. He lives IN people who put their trust in Jesus.

6. Love Freely Given Rather Than Earned

Jesus was baptized before anything He did was recorded. Yet, when He came out of the water His Father  said…

You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. (Mark 1:11)

Jesus hadn’t performed a miracle or done any ministry. He was loved because he was the son of a loving Father! And so are you! Challenge the norm because you are so loved!

7. Jesus Was Tempted in Every Way, Yet Sinless

This is the beginning of the Good News! God, through His Son Jesus, did for us what we could never do for ourselves

NOTE Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

CONCLUSION

Jesus is calling us to FOLLOW HIM (note Mark 1:17 and 2:14)! In and of itself that is a way of life that challenges the norm.

This week…

1. LISTEN to God’s Word, read it for yourself; join us by reading Mark as we preach through it. Next week’s message is from 2:13-17, “A Sinner’s Party!” Read a little at a time this week, take notes, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. LISTEN!

2. ASK the Holy Spirit to speak and to give your courage to act on what He says!

3. SHARE what you’re hearing with a small group and/or spiritual friend.

Get ready as God calls you to #ChallengeTheNorm!

Who doesn’t love getting gifts? One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was when I was 14. I was taking drum lessons and using cheap three piece starter set. But that Christmas I got one of the best gifts ever… a blue Pearl Export Drum Set!

On the other hand, it’s amazing giving gifts too. The best gift I’ve ever given was a diamond engagement ring! She said yes and the rest is history!

Here’s the point… CHRISTmas really is all about GIFTS! That was the title to my message this CHRISTmas. It was one of my all time favorite messages to share and I hope it blesses you too. HERE is a link.

God is the Ultimate Christmas Gift Giver

Every good and perfect GIFT is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

~James 1:17

The PRIMARY good and perfect Gift from above was God giving the world His Son Jesus!

Jesus is not a fairy tale or a story in an old book! God literally sent His Son, born of a virgin, as history records and was changed forever!

Jesus wasn’t just a baby in a manger either… God, in Jesus became a man… and He was full of GIFTS for you and me and the whole world!

The CHRISTmas Gifts of GRACE and TRUTH

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory (God-like characteristics/essence), the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of GRACE and TRUTH.

~John 1:14

Jesus was FULL of GRACE and TRUTH…

• GRACE = simply the unmerited favor of God.
  • GRACE is the primary difference between the faith of Christianity & religion. We love and serve because of what God did for us in Jesus (“I can love because God loves me…”)
  • Religion = we love & serve to earn God’s favor.

Jesus was FULL of this gift of GRACE. He came for all of us who aren’t good enough, don’t love, serve, give enough, and aren’t religious enough. That’s the gift of GRACE!

• TRUTH = simply truthfulness.
  • Jesus ALWAYS lived with integrity, His life always lined up with what was true. And He always spoke the truth.
  • If we want to know what integrity looks like, look at Jesus. If we want to know what’s true about life, meaning, purpose, and find our way back to God, listen to what Jesus said!

If all God gave was GRACE and TRUTH, we would have a lifetime of Merry CHRISTmases! But there’s one more GIFT I think we ought to mention that’s central to CHRISTmas…

The CHRISTmas Gift of LOVE

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

~John 3:16

God gave us the gifts of GRACE and TRUTH in Jesus because HE SO LOVED the WORLD!

• LOVE = always sacrificial, always costs something, considers the need of the other. 
  • God sacrificed the costliest of all, His son, because He knew our greatest need was to be RESTORED back to Him.
  • I loved that Blue Pearl Export Drum Set! And I’ve received and given some great gifts through the years. But there is NOTHING… no gift, no desire any human being could ever need that’s greater than God’s LOVE!

WHY does God love the world?

• He created the world perfectly for humans to enjoy and to literally walk in God’s presence every day.
• Because God LOVES He didn’t FORCE us to obey Him; He gave us a choice. And as any of us would have, Adam and Eve chose their own way rather than God’s way.
• Because of that first act of rebellion toward God we live in a world that is broken. It’s not the way God created it to be.
• BUT… God so LOVED the world, He wants every person to be RESTORED to His original purpose, so He GAVE Jesus to bring the CHRISTmas gifts of His GRACE, TRUTH, and LOVE!

CONCLUSION: as you soak in the gifts of Christmas, remember that God’s gifts are meant to be passed on. Be a generous giver of the gifts of GRACE, TRUTH, and LOVE this week and as you head into the New Year. May God richly bless you and make you a blessing!

Christmas can and should be a time of great JOY! The first Christmas started with a message that included GOOD NEWS… of GREAT JOY… for ALL PEOPLE! There’s no three easy steps to live a life of joy. But there is a secret…

Yesterday I preached, “Jesus is Restoring Joy.” I’ll give you a hint… Jesus is the secret to experiencing JOY this Christmas. Have a listen, download the Way of Life Plan, and take steps to enjoy more JOY this Christmas! Below are some further encouragements from the birth announcement of Jesus.

Luke 2:8-11, Good New of GREAT Joy!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

JOY for SHEPHERDS… really???

• Shepherds were socially looked down upon in Jesus’ day.
• Their work made them ceremonially unclean, and they had a reputation for being untrustworthy.
• In fact, their testimony was not allowed in a court of law! No rights, treated as less than people! God sent GOOD NEWS first to the lowly and humble. Jesus knows how to restore JOY to the lowly and humble! This truly is GOOD NEWS!

Let’s unpack the words of the angel…

• Do not be afraid – The angel reassured the frightened shepherds. His appearing signaled an occasion for JOY, not FEAR! Same for us!

• Good News – The Advent or Christmas Season is all about Good News! We’ve got GOOD NEWS ya’ll! The cultural and socioeconomic situation the people in Israel faced needed GOOD NEWS… And if there ever was a time when our world needed GOOD NEWS, it’s now!

• Great (MEGA) JOY – Jesus was, and is, and will RESTORE JOY! Jesus brings people who are separated from God, broken because of SIN, and makes them His beloved sons and daughters! This is GOOD NEWS that ALWAYS results in GREAT JOY!

• For ALL the people – First brought to the lowly… but for all, the Roman soldiers and top ranking officials, the high up and powerful (Pharisees, High Priest, Lawyers), the Jew AND the Gentile!

Gal 3:26, 28 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus… 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all ONE in Christ Jesus.

• Today – This event happened that day, at a specific time in history. This is not a fable but is rooted in time.

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman... (Galatians 4:4)

• Town of David – In order to fulfill the promise of salvation, Jesus had to be a direct descendant of King David. The Advent story is Good News for many reasons, here is a significant and encouraging reason… God promised to send a Savior/Messiah! Since He promised, and He is ALWAYS faithful, Jesus HAD to be born. 

• Savior – The name “Jesus” means Savior, or Deliverer. He came to suffer and die to rescue/deliver us from the consequence… death… of our sins.

• Born to you – Christmas must always be personal. Specifically, the angel announced that the birth of Jesus was for them personally. Jesus was born “to you” too!

• Messiah – Christ; Anointed One. The long-awaited one sent from God.

• Lord – King of Kings. “The government will rest on His shoulders and He will reign in justice and mercy forever and ever.” Jesus is God and thus demands our total submission and full allegiance.

The GOOD NEWS is that in the town of Bethlehem… according to ancient prophecy; on a certain day in history according to God’s eternal plan, a SAVIOR was born, Who was Jesus, the CHRIST, the LORD!

Because of this GOOD NEWS you and I can have JOY that is inexpressible. God has identified Himself with you and I, when we were unable to identify with Him.

You can have JOY no matter your circumstances, because the baby born in a feeding trough who came to set you free!

You can have JOY, my friends because of Jesus… and it’s JOY that no one can take away! Jesus is MY JOY! Say it with me, Jesus is MY JOY! Say it often this week, when you feel stressed, frustrated, let down… say JESUS, YOU ARE MY JOY!!!!

Rejoice with me as I read some of the words from the great Christmas hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel…

“O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel!

O come, Desire of nations,

Bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;

Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

(Has) come to thee, O Israel!”

CONCLUSION

Life can be very hard. But God is always good. If your JOY is Jesus then NOTHING can take it away. Say it with me, “Jesus, YOU ARE MY JOY!”

I LOVE this time of year… something about the colder weather, Christmas decorations, delicious goodies, gatherings and celebrations, Christmas music, Charlie Brown specials, watching ELF, the Michael Buble Christmas special, and so on. Can you relate?

But for too many people the joy of the holiday is as hollow as your neighbor’s snowman lawn inflatable. Take your pick of the holiday stress increasers:

• Less time to get more done
• Increased expenses and financial pressure
• Awkward family gatherings at “uncle Fred’s” place
• Having to get that “just right” gift
• Reminders of painful loss or personal crisis

On Sunday I shared this message, “Jesus is Restoring Peace.” I hope it encourages you to embrace Jesus as your PEACE during this Advent season.

While many struggle to find peace w/out God, He is NEVER short on offering it. In fact, God is PASSIONATE about RESTORING PEACE!

God’s Promise… The Prince of PEACE!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. 

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. 

 

ISA 9:6-7

The One God sent to rescue people out of darkness and into light, was the Prince of Peace! Jesus is not a cosmic kill joy or angry judge. He is the ruler of PEACE! This is GOOD NEWS!!!

Jesus Came to Restore PEACE

All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

JOHN 14:25-27

NOT as the World Gives Peace

Notice Jesus doesn’t give peace as the world gives… How does the world give peace? Temporary at best! (things, power, position, even serving and generosity are often about how it makes ME feel)

Jesus Gives Real PEACE

How does God give peace? His faithful, never failing promises that can NEVER be broken!

For example:

• If you want to follow Jesus, Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
• If you want to be in healthy relationships, Eph 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

As we soak in and LISTEN to God’s promises, the Holy Spirit bears more of His fruit in us, which includes peace!

Peace is Really About ONE THING

Restoring PEACE this Advent season comes down to one thing… JESUS… restoring Him to the center of our lives.

The way we attempt to do that is our (at Restoration Church) Way of Life… It’s how we seek to live centered in Jesus. Jesus doesn’t barge into our lives and make everything right. He shows up at the door of our hearts and knocks… it’s up to us to not only let Him; but to give Him access to every area of our lives, every room of the house!

Way of Life Plan

Our church is developing a plan to help us take steps of growth in the core areas of spiritual formation. Our Way of Life includes five spiritual formation rhythms. Growing in this Jesus-centered Way of Life is a sure fire way to experience PEACE this Advent season!

HERE is a link to our Way of Life Plan. You can use this to develop your own plan. May God use this to bring great PEACE and JOY into your life.

CONCLUSION

We’re three weeks from Christmas Day. Join me in making this a Jesus-centered season like none before. Let’s let Jesus into every area, every room, and experience the Peace that only He can bring! Let’s do this together and end 2016 and start the New Year truly joining the RESTORATION that God is bringing, starting IN us!

QUESTION: what are you doing this season to experience more peace?