At BCC, we speak with conviction about "changed lives," because after all, it's a pretty obvious truth in Scripture. Just take 2 Corinthians 5:17 for example: "If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away, and all things are made new." Kind of hard to miss, isnt it? God sent his Son to change lives. Jesus died & rose again for changed lives. The Holy Spirit guides & empowers changed lives. Changed lives are the goal for any church, any ministry, any believer.
But what about me? I sometimes wonder, "Am I changed?" (or at least change-ING...?) I confess that I often ask this question. At times, the answer seems like an easy YES, but that's usually after a few good days of disciplined Bible reading, praying, and sin-avoidance. You know the feeling...it's like you're finally starting to figure this thing out. Finally learning to ride a bike better. Almost ready to take off the training wheels. Look mom, no hands!
Then just when I least expect it...I hit a rock, blow out a tire, and crash. Never saw it coming. I pick myself up, wipe off the dirt, and climb back on the bike. Good as new, right? Wrong! Nope, this time, the failure leaves a bruise -- and I'm left disappointed, discouraged, depleted... During these times, the answer seems like a resounding NO. Me, changed?!? Nope, it's just the same old me making the same old mistakes. Can you relate? Trust me, you're not alone.
But don't be fooled. There's more to life change than just stringing together more good days than bad ones. Life change is about a relationship with Jesus. Your "new life" is NEW because of what He did, not what you're trying to do better. Jesus changes lives. He's changed mine. And He can change yours.
If you're trying to do it on your own, well...good luck with that.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Blind Spots
Everybody has blind spots. That should be no surprise to you. The real question is, do you know what they are? Chances are you don't. That's why they're called "blind" spots. My quick temper that wounds the hearts of my kids. My dry sarcasm that's not really funny after all. My bad breath. My body odor. That piece of hair sticking up in the back of my head. Those sneaky extra pounds gathering around my waistline. (I always blame the dryer for shrinking my pants...). Often these things are clearly evident to those around me...so why am I always the last to know?
Because I don't want to see them.
As Jack Nicholson's character shouted in A Few Good Men, "You can't handle the truth!" I believe it is our human nature to deceive ourselves. We want to think the best of ourselves. We forgive our own mistakes easily. We give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. We know what we meant to say...
But what if my version of reality is actually wrong? More importantly, what if my assessment of my own spiritual life is wrong? If I really got honest, it might hurt too much...
On Sunday, I began a new series called, "Let's Get Real." The primary text for the series is 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?" We'll be spending the next few weeks getting honest about our spiritual growth (or the lack thereof). The goal is for each person at BCC to recommit themselves, not only to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, stewardship, and service, but also to new personal relationship with Jesus!
What are the blind spots the Holy Spirit is revealing in your life? What are you doing to change in those areas?
Because I don't want to see them.
As Jack Nicholson's character shouted in A Few Good Men, "You can't handle the truth!" I believe it is our human nature to deceive ourselves. We want to think the best of ourselves. We forgive our own mistakes easily. We give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. We know what we meant to say...
But what if my version of reality is actually wrong? More importantly, what if my assessment of my own spiritual life is wrong? If I really got honest, it might hurt too much...
On Sunday, I began a new series called, "Let's Get Real." The primary text for the series is 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?" We'll be spending the next few weeks getting honest about our spiritual growth (or the lack thereof). The goal is for each person at BCC to recommit themselves, not only to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, stewardship, and service, but also to new personal relationship with Jesus!
What are the blind spots the Holy Spirit is revealing in your life? What are you doing to change in those areas?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010 -- Year in Review
Ok, so I have a confession to make. I am a sucker for all those year-end TV programs that highlight the best and worst of 2010. It really doesn't matter the subject -- sports highlights, news stories, movie reviews, political developments...even all those sad, celebrity marriage break-ups -- put together a Top 10 List, and I'm yours.
Why? I guess I'm just fascinated by the passing of time. There's always a sense of awe with how much can happen in 365 days. So before I launch into 2011, I wanted to spend some time making my own list of memories from 2010. The list is a combination of both personal and church family memories, and they're in no particular order. So, here goes...
1. Madelyn learning to walk. It was our fourth (and final?) time to watch, and it's been awesome every time!
2. Going on a Caribbean cruise with my whole family (including my wife & girls, and also my parents and aunt/uncle).
3. Playing early-morning pick-up basketball games with the CEO of 24-Hr. Fitness. (Thanks for the invitation, Justin. Sorry you had to watch me from the sidelines most of the morning...)
4. The SNOW DAY in Austin!!! It was so awesome to have snowball fights and take my girls sledding in an ice chest. Those were some of the biggest flakes I've ever seen...not just in Texas, but anywhere!
5. Having the incredible honor of speaking at Melba Parker's funeral service. This dear saint is dearly missed, but her life was lived to the fullest for the glory of God and the love of her family. Thank you, John, for the privilege.
6. Meeting Jason & Kim Nichols, and having a front row seat to watch Jesus changing their lives!
7. Our mission trip to Haiti in September. I was so glad that both Madison and Macy were able to go this time. I'll never forget preaching in the Mission of Hope church, and getting to experience the waterfall up in the mountains. Haiti is a breathtaking place!
8. The Amazing Race couples night w/ BCC family. We had a memorable evening with the race, alone, but the THREE speeding tickets made sure the night would forever live in infamy! Unbelievable!
9. Ruben is finally here!! On Sunday December 19th, he flew in from Haiti and surprised me by walking up to me in the parking lot after church. I was stunned! But Michele's reaction was even better... We're so glad you're here, Ruben (but not as glad as Amy!). Welcome to Texas!
10. The "Leave Your Mark" campaign. (From the first vision meeting in our living room, to the leadership banquet, to the commitment service -- it was exciting to see God taking all of us on a faith journey together. The best is yet to come...)
Well, as with all of these lists, I'm sure I've left someone or something out...but this is good, for starters. I would love to hear your feedback on my list, or better yet, tell me yours! The key to looking back on the year is to reflect on God's faithfulness. All too often, we let the stress of today and the preoccupation with tomorrow crowd out the blessings of yesterday. God is so good!
So, what are YOUR memories of 2010?
Why? I guess I'm just fascinated by the passing of time. There's always a sense of awe with how much can happen in 365 days. So before I launch into 2011, I wanted to spend some time making my own list of memories from 2010. The list is a combination of both personal and church family memories, and they're in no particular order. So, here goes...
1. Madelyn learning to walk. It was our fourth (and final?) time to watch, and it's been awesome every time!
2. Going on a Caribbean cruise with my whole family (including my wife & girls, and also my parents and aunt/uncle).
3. Playing early-morning pick-up basketball games with the CEO of 24-Hr. Fitness. (Thanks for the invitation, Justin. Sorry you had to watch me from the sidelines most of the morning...)
4. The SNOW DAY in Austin!!! It was so awesome to have snowball fights and take my girls sledding in an ice chest. Those were some of the biggest flakes I've ever seen...not just in Texas, but anywhere!
5. Having the incredible honor of speaking at Melba Parker's funeral service. This dear saint is dearly missed, but her life was lived to the fullest for the glory of God and the love of her family. Thank you, John, for the privilege.
6. Meeting Jason & Kim Nichols, and having a front row seat to watch Jesus changing their lives!
7. Our mission trip to Haiti in September. I was so glad that both Madison and Macy were able to go this time. I'll never forget preaching in the Mission of Hope church, and getting to experience the waterfall up in the mountains. Haiti is a breathtaking place!
8. The Amazing Race couples night w/ BCC family. We had a memorable evening with the race, alone, but the THREE speeding tickets made sure the night would forever live in infamy! Unbelievable!
9. Ruben is finally here!! On Sunday December 19th, he flew in from Haiti and surprised me by walking up to me in the parking lot after church. I was stunned! But Michele's reaction was even better... We're so glad you're here, Ruben (but not as glad as Amy!). Welcome to Texas!
10. The "Leave Your Mark" campaign. (From the first vision meeting in our living room, to the leadership banquet, to the commitment service -- it was exciting to see God taking all of us on a faith journey together. The best is yet to come...)
Well, as with all of these lists, I'm sure I've left someone or something out...but this is good, for starters. I would love to hear your feedback on my list, or better yet, tell me yours! The key to looking back on the year is to reflect on God's faithfulness. All too often, we let the stress of today and the preoccupation with tomorrow crowd out the blessings of yesterday. God is so good!
So, what are YOUR memories of 2010?
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