Leading Through Crisis - Part 2

Leading Through Crisis

2 Chronicles 20

I.            Check your attitude – so that it too does not end up out of control

Verses 1-3

After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat.  2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi).  3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 

II.          Reinforce your spiritual disciples.

Verses 3-4

3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord , and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.  4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord ; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. 

III.        Don’t forget you are setting an example.

5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 NLT

IV.        In Crisis – prayer is where you gain your edge.

6 and said: "O Lord , God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.

Leading Through Crisis

2 Chronicles 20

I.              Check your attitude – so that it too does not end up out of control.

 Verses 1-3

After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat.  2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi).  3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 

II.           Reinforce your spiritual disciples.

Verses 3-4

3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord , and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 

4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord ; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. 

Click here to watch pastor Bret’s message.

Interruptions

Interruptions are a fact of life.

Interruptions were a real part of the life and ministry of Jesus.

One author I read reports 38 different interruptions that Jesus encounter in his earthly ministry. 

In Matthew 9 Jesus ministered to 17 different people or groups in a single day – a single chapter.

• Matthew 9:1-2 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

• 10-11 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

• 18-19  While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

• 27  As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

• Anytime you are ministering to people – anytime your focus is people – anytime you goal is people – you will have interruptions.

• Matt 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

• Matt 9:32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus.

In ministry we focus on people.

Interruptions are opportunities for God to reveal hurt and need of individuals for us to minister to – needs we never would have known if we had not been interrupted. 

This season of interruption is revealing the reality of need that we never would have seen apart from this interruption.  It is my hope and prayer that the interruptions of 2020 will result in the Mathew Chapter 9 of your life. 

Freedom

PHASE 1. Freedom OF … This leads to the Bill of Rights. In 1787, our constitution was written, and sent for ratification to the states. As the ratification process went along, people want the guarantee of specific freedoms, and within a few years, the Bill of Rights were added as the first 10 amendments to our constitution.

Freedom of religion,

Freedom of speech,

Freedom of the press,

Freedom of people to peaceably assemble,

and many of the other freedoms we enjoy. Paul reminds us in Romans 13:4, "The government is God’s servant working for your good." -- (GOD’S WORD)

PHASE 2. Freedom FROM ….

Judges 21:25, "At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing." – (The Message) 

True freedom is not doing what ever I want – true freedom is doing what I should do.

PHASE 3. Freedom FOR …

FREEDOM FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPACT.

Romans 3:22-24, "God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: 23 everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence. 24 But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free." -- (Today’s English Version)

Peacemaker - Part 3

Matthew 5:9 (NIV84)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Confront the problem from common ground

James 5:16 (NIV84)

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Matthew 7:3–5 (NIV84)

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

James 4:1–2 (NIV84)

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.

Aggressively seek Reconciliation

Romans 12:18 (NIV84)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV84)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

"Blessed" - Peacemakers pt.2

Peacemakers

Matthew 5:9 (NIV84)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

• How do I plant – peacemaking?

• How do I sow peace?

• So I can reap a harvest of being right with God?

I.            How do I live as a peacemaker?

Take the Initiative

Matthew 5:23–24 (NIV84)

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Listen

James 1:19 (NIV84)

19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Philippians 2:4 (NIV84)

4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Deal with the problem don’t attack the person

Philippians 2:4 (NIV84)

4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV84)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV84)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

"Blessed" - Peacemakers

Peacemakers

What does it mean to be blessed? 

Here’s a good definition … BLESSING means to be on the receiving end of the tangible and intangible favor of God.

Each of the beatitudes underscore this thought

Blessed are the…

That word blessed in the Greek carries the idea of spiritual joy and satisfaction that lasts regardless of conditions, that carries you through pain, sorrow, loss and grief.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV84)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Amazing - Jesus will attach blessing – the favor of God – to this point of understanding conflict resolution.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV84)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

One of the evidences that you are a child of God, proof that you are on your way to heaven is that you are a peace maker.

This term peace maker – comes with a certain amount of misconception

Let me begin by telling you what that term is not referring to.

•   It is not avoiding. 

• It is not appeasement

Why should I be a peacemaker?

1.   Unresolved conflict hurts my relationship with God.

1 John 4:7–8 (NIV84)

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:19–21 (NIV84)

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

2.   Unresolved conflict hinders my prayer life

1 Peter 3:7 (NIV84)

7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Luke 10:27 (NIV84)

27 He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

3.   Unresolved conflict destroys my personal peace and happiness.

James 3:18 (NIV84)

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Conversation on the events of today

Biblical, leadership, and relational principles to help us, the Church, navigate through current events.

Armor of God

Breastplate

Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephesians 6 makes it clear twice in today’s reading – the “full armor of God”  each piece has purpose and function.  Each piece is essential.  This is not a pick and choose type of issue.  Each piece is also inter-related to the others. 

The Protection

1.   The Heart

The heart symbolically represented the mind.  The seat of logic and decision making.  To the Hebrew the thoughts and decisions were based in the heart.

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. " (Proverbs 23:7(a), NKJV)

“For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery," (Mark 7:21, NIV)

Armor protects your decision making.  Your mind.  Your reason, your thought process.

2.   The Bowels

To the Hebrew the bowels were the seat of emotion and feelings.  What you feel – your emotional response.  The breast plate is designed to guard, protect and keep from attack your reasoning and your emotions.  They must be guarded and watched over.  Why – because when they are attacked – they can render you ineffective in the fight. 

"But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17, NKJV)

3.   Areas of attack

“ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10, NKJV)

The devil wants to attack you in two main areas – your thinking and your emotions.   

On the Mind The goal is to cloud your mind with lies and things that are twisted pieces of truth.

On the Emotions The goal is to feed you false information for your emotions

Here is an interesting thing.  The thinking and the emotions play off of each other.  What you think effects your emotions – your emotions affect your reasoning.  If one area is hit – under attack the simple fact is this – both are affected.  How dangerous is it to go into battle with no armor in this area?

• Let’s talk about your marriage – are you making decisions based on emotion?

• Let’s talk about your relationships – are you making decisions with hurt feelings?

• Let’s talk about your business, your finances – is your mind and your reasoning protected?

We must learn that when our thinking gets out of control – that when our emotions rage out of control – we must learn to say – I am under attack – I have to battle that.  Don’t give in to it.  Don’t allow it to happen guard yourself – with what – Ephesians 6 says that the armor we wear to guard our logic and our emotions is righteousness.

I.            What is righteousness?

Self righteousness

Self-righteousness is reflected in statements like :

• I’m a good person

• If you were in my spot you would do the same thing

• If you think I am bad – you should see the pastor across town

• If God didn’t want me to feel this way he would change my situation

Making a mistake – you think that righteousness is comparing yourself to others – it isn’t.  it is looking at God and his holiness – understanding that in myself there is a shortage of righteousness.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…" (Isaiah 64:6, NIV)

"As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”" (Romans 3:10-12, NIV)

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23, NIV)

We simply don’t come equipped with righteousness – it is something we are in need of.  We are lacking the protection in our thinking and our emotions – we are in need of it.

The good news is - Righteousness is credited to us

Righteousness is not earned by us.  Righteousness is credited to us.  It’s God’s choice to credit it to us. 

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. " (Romans 3:22(a), NIV)

"What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”" (Romans 4:3, NIV)

The Bible even tells us exactly how God does it.  "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

That happened on the cross. So that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”  God credited this righteousness to us when we trusted in what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. 

II.          What does Righteousness look like?

When I am standing in righteousness – what does it look like – what does this shield look like in everyday life? 

Being right before God

Becoming right with others

Righteousness is being right before God and becoming right with others as I'm right before others in my actions.  It starts with being right before God.  I can stand before God knowing that my relationship with Him is cleared up. 

A.   Practical Righteousness

The breastplate of righteousness protects you.  There are obvious signs that you are not protected 

But just as obvious are the marks of a minister who walks through challenge, division, anger, hopelessness with their thoughts and emotions protected by the righteousness of God. 

Leadership 101

“Leadership 101”

Psalm 78:72 – Integrity of heart and skill of hand. 

This is consistent with leadership taught from a scriptural perspective – it always starts from the inside and then goes out.  It begins with who you are and then progresses to what you do.  You can never achieve enough skill to over come a bad heart.  It begins within – and that determines our ultimate success.  Smart leadership understand this.

I.             Introduction

In life you see many types of leaders:

1. Angry leaders – Moses himself was an angry leadership – struck a rock.  He was only to speak to the rock. 

2. Incompetent leaders – Bible is full of people who just could not do the job.  They had the title but that was all.

3. Short term leaders – leaders who start but don’t finish. 

4. Frustrated leaders – I believe this was Judas’ problem.

II.          Smart leaders don’t try to do it all by themselves.

Any time you feel – “I have to do everything” you are doing leadership wrong.  It is not a contest about who does it the best – it is about engaging others and allowing them to lead and minister along side of you. 

A. Just because you hold a leadership position doesn’t mean you are smart.  Ex 18:17-18

Jethro observes Moses – and says to this God given, God called, God anointed leader – the thing you are doing is not good.  This is not the right way to do this.  God is interested in more than just getting the job done – but doing it correctly as it relates to me, to you and to others.  To work in a smart manner. 

In leadership – the biggest changes must start inside the leader. 

1. Moses changed his way of thinking

2. Moses changed his way of leading

B. Moses made seven changes to become a leader.

1. Moses became a man of prayer.  Exodus 18:19

Leaders need to bring people to God in prayer.  Without prayer nothing lasting will result.

2. He committed to communicate – verse 20

Teach them the law.  Communicating not just to individuals – but to groups.

3. He laid out a vision – verse 20

Show direction.  That is the art of leadership

4. He develops a plan – verse 20

Vision always proceeds plan.  Vision speaks to the heart – plan speak to the head.  Show them the work that they must do.  Show them what they must accomplish.

5. He selected and developed leaders – verse 21

Picked out able men. 

6. He released them to do ministry – verse 22

Let them judge.  That is the art of leadership.  Training people to do what you are now doing.  Old Testament of example of Eph 4.

7. He did what they could not do – verse 26

He was to judge the great matters.  Moses became a smart leader.  It started with understanding that he could not do everything.  Moses had to stop being a perfectionist – and in control of every aspect.  He had to allow internal change to occur – so that external change could occur – then and only then did he become more effective.

C. Smart leaders get results. verse 23

1. God gave strength to Moses

2. God gave peace to the people

These two things always appear in successful leadership.  Strength increases and peace multiplies when leaders understand that they can’t do it all – and that they are willing to change themselves to become increasingly effective.

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Leadership 101

Don't Quit

Don’t Quit

Good Morning,

I hope you are well.

I hope that this season is proving beneficial in your personal walk with Jesus.

I would like to make an observation about this season of church leadership and ministry.

For the first three or four weeks of our shelter in place – the primary things that were being discussed were creative ideas and methods to minister to our congregations and our communities.

It was inspiring to hear the stories of drive up, drive by, drive thru styles of ministry that were taking place across the life of this district.  The last week however there has been a shift in tone.  From creativity and celebration of effective ministry to angst and frustration – in some cases anger. With the shift has come less praise reports and more complaint.

I want to remind you that society is hurting.  The isolation continues to increase demand and opportunity for the church to minister.

I understand the frustrations you feel are real.  I know that challenges we are facing are difficult.  I understand you want this to end – but don’t forfeit who you are and what we are called to in the midst of frustration, challenge and difficulty.

This is the very reason Paul wrote these words in Galatians 6:9.

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

• I know this is becoming heavy – don’t quit

• I know some are frustrated – challenged – angry – stay at it for the sake of the harvest. 

• Let me give you a couple more principles from Psalms 37 to assist in staying consistent and fresh in this season of demand as we lead and minister.

1.    Righteous people speak wisdom.

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. Ps 37:30

• Righteousness is in part proven by the fruit of your mouth.

• This is a great time to pray more and talk less.

• Pray for leadership more and speak about them less.

• If you are spending your time speaking to God you will spend less time talking about others.

• The people who follow you deserve to hear wisdom when you speak.

• Your community deserves to hear spiritual leaders speak of what is just. 

2.   This ultimately becomes a matter of faith.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him. Ps 37:39-40 NKJV

• Because they trust in Him.  Faith is not just a word – it is a dictating fact of our lives.  It is through our actions and responses that our faith is proven. 

Faith / trust shows up in our actions. 

Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Ps 37:3

Faith / trust shows up in our attitudes. 

Commit[a] your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Ps 37:3

Faith / trust will have an impact on your abilities. 

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17

FEAR

FEAR

Last time our country went through something like this was in 1918.  Our district was not formed yet.  Rare times – compliment to you – God has seen fit to put you in leadership during this type of opportunity.  What a tremendous statement about you – how God views and values you.  What a privilege to live in this time – what an amazing opportunity to lead in this time.

Maxwell wrote about problems and he introduced an acrostic I have revisited many times in my life.

• Predictor of what may come up

• Reminders of your values and goals.  Problems only serve to solidify what you already said is important.

• Opportunity for what we are walking thru will make us better

• Blessing because they cause us to change and move in a positive direction

• Lesson – what can I learn from this?

• Everywhere – problems are consistent with leadership.  The only failure in times of problem is by the one who thinks that they can be avoided.

• Message – about where we need to improve and where we need to be strengthened

• Solvable – the fact that problems can be solved means we are in a process. This is where creativity comes in.

In Numbers 13-14 the children of Israel find themselves in a time of problem / opportunity.

• Crossing Jordan

• Don’t let fear and frustration prevent you from capturing the potential of what God has for you.

• One of the most dramatic stories in scripture.

• People on the verge of what they wanted.

• Hope for.

• Prayed for.

• 400 years in bondage.

• Deliverance.

• And now a promise fulfilled - a land flowing with milk and honey.

• The spies bring back the fruit of the land, evidence of all that God had promised.

Numbers 13:28 – BUT – but the people there are huge – there is a problem. 

Numbers 14 starts this way

That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.

Three things we need to remember when leading in times like this.

1.   Fear ruins faith.

• Backward because of fear is never the direction God leads people or his church. 

• The people had been promised in the book of Exodus 23, that they would be given the land. 

Look at verse 23-30

27 “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. 28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.

Fear will not allow you to capitalize on the opportunity that is in front of us.

2.   If you follow the crowd you will never lead it.

• Mob mentality verses a cool head and calm hand at the helm of your ministry.

• It takes very little to stir fear in the hearts of people.

• It takes Godly leadership to speak hope and positive direction in the midst of challenging times.

3.   Gods answer to prayer may look differently than we expected.

All my life I have heard prayers offered for revival.

All my life I have heard pastors complain about the distractions of society.

• Pro sports, youth soccer, time on the lake or at the beach.

• Malls are closed, restaurants are closed, and movie theatres are closed.

• The business of life and the hectic pace of our communities.

All of it pointed to as distraction.

• Now it is all gone - our people are in our homes just hoping to hear from us.

• What if this is the very revival we have been praying for?

• What if this is the answer we have waited for?

• Promise?

• Opportunity?

Matthew 24:14

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

2 Cor 4:9

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Ps 46:1-2 TPT translation

God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!
You’re a proven help in time of trouble — more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
2 So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away.
We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea.

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Virus Talk

Unique Days

Unique Days

Never a time like this week in my life time

Unique days

Challenging times make for opportunities for the church.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:15-16 to live as the wise making the most of every opportunity

That is my hope for you your local assembly and for the church as a whole that we will capitalize - make the most of this opportunity.

Leaders are called in to lead in times of difficulty and confusion. Fear is doing interesting things in our society today. I want to remind you that people need you. They need your leadership and your ability to lead in a uncertain time. Leaders rise to the occasion when things are challenging.

I would like to remind you of a parable of Christ that directs us in making the most of this opportunity.

Like 10 contains the story of the Good Samaritan.

In the parable there is an expert in the law who wanted to argue.

Pastor don’t use this opportunity to argue or debate.

People will say things and do things when they are afraid that they typically will not do.

Moses at Red Sea.   Address the issues.

This is not the right time to criticize the government with state or federal. It is not helpful to your people.

Already I have heard many people accusing the government of using this a ploy to steal our religious freedom.

I want to remind you that religious freedom is never an excuse to ignore public safety and health standards.

That is why fire standards, electrical standards, and construction standards exist when you are building a new building. In your kitchen when you prep food. Please don’t miss this opportunity by arguing.

If you mention the government at all – let’s mention them in our prayers.  This is a time that we need those with responsibility to be blessed with the wisdom of God. 

Next –

Priest

Levite

Both pass by.  Their interest is religious duty.  Pastor lets not miss opportunity worrying about religious responsibility.  I have heard many concerns about missing a weekend of giving.  I understand the concern and see the value of that concern.  But let’s not focus on issues inside the church to the point we miss the opportunity of those who are afraid – outside the church – and inside the family of God. 

Remember 911 – our church attendances rose as peoples fear drove them to church.  I believe fear in society forces people to look toward something outside themselves – when people come, tune in, or listen to you or your church members – remember it is not nearly as important for you to wrestle with what you want to say – as it is – what they need to hear. 

Pastor do your best to lead and direct the affairs of the church – just don’t miss the opportunity that is in front of you.

Finally the Good Samaritan appears in the story.

His money, attention, concern were obvious and noted as mercy in the NIV.  Pastor may your attention and concern be noted as you lead and direct people through an uncertain season.  May your words be seasoned with grace.  May your message bring hope and direction.  May the mercy of your leadership draw people to Christ while they wrestle with fear and confusion.

I want to pray for you as you come into the events of tomorrow.

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Unique Days

Significant Truths

Significant Truths

This week there has been much talk about money, government programs, concerns about many things.  The reality is that the novelty of this season is wearying off and we are facing the reality that we may be here for a while.

Remind you of a couple significant truths:

1.   Establish your Non Negotiables.

Matthew 6:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

This isn’t a money scripture as much as it is a priority scripture.  Priority of putting God is a lead position.  We typically say it this way establish your non negotiables – your principles.  Those anchoring points in which you moor your life. 

The principles that have always guided you in life will get you through this.  Principles are principles because they are applicable – regardless of cultural differences or cultural shifts.  All situations and setting principles apply.  Principles are not locked into a person – they are locked into Gods word – so – they are absolute and unshifting.  As a matter a fact – heaven and earth will pass away but Gods word – his principles will stand secure. 

Priorities and principles are the baseline by which we measure all kinds of uncertainty.  Leadership is a constant tug of war – priorities tell you which way to go.  When the voices are numerous – when options are plentiful and uncertainty is common place – hold your to your principles.  

 2.   This is a great time to De-Clutter

Hebrews 12:1 New International Version (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

In recent days life has become more complex.

We are thinking about things and being asked things we have never been asked to focus on before.  If you are not careful the addition of more and more can have a compounding negative effect on you.

• In times like this we need to relentlessly de clutter our lives.

• Discard things which are no longer relevant to you and what you are trying to accomplish.

• The ability to let go of something so you have enough room, margin, and resources to deal with new challenges and opportunities is a survival skill in leadership. 

3.   Plan ahead

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7

What an interesting passage.

Jesus admits that they don’t understand what they are watching.  In fact they are engaged in it, participating and observing – yet they don’t understand.  Instead of explaining the finer points – Jesus says you don’t understand – but later you will.  Once their lack of current understanding was established Jesus went on to say

 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 

In other words Pastor – your current level of understanding should not stop you from ministering to others – your current level of understanding of all that is occurring should not stop you from following the example of servant leadership Jesus set.

• In a time of confusion and lacking understanding – Jesus points them to the future and he points them toward service

Pastor it is time in this situation to stop spending all our time playing defense.  It is time to pivot and start looking toward the season when this event is going to end.

•  What will church be like?

• What have we learned?

• What has been effective?

• What have we been doing that we want to continue doing even when we can gather in crowds again?

• What is it that we have not been able to do – that surprisingly has not been missed?

• What are we learning about our weak spots that we can correct and strengthen for the next challenge the church will face?

• What have we learned about Money? Discipleship? Evangelism?

Scripture makes it clear – 1 Cor 13 we look through the glass darkly.

Without a doubt there is much we do not understand – one day – in the future we will. 

It is time for us as leaders to pivot - looking into what the future – post shelter in place – will look like and how we will emerge better and stronger, more streamlined, and still holding fast to the principles from Gods Word that got us through this situation - knowing that they will serve us again and again – come what may.

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Significant Truths

Choices

CHOICES

The main characters in the passion story all had one thing in common they each made life changing choices.

• Judas chose silver over friendship

• Religious leaders chose to falsely accuse Jesus of trumped up charges

• Pilate chose to convict an innocent man

• Christ chose God’s will over his own will

• The disciples chose to run

Choices are nothing new to mankind.  We have been making decisions from the beginning of time.  Not just insignificant decisions like - what will I wear? – what will I have for dinner? – what color should we paint the kitchen?

Choices that have weight and significance attached to them – life changing moments based on a single decision have been with us since the beginning of mankind.

Abel and Cain.  Abel chooses God – Cain chooses murder. And God allowed it to happen.

Abraham and Lot – both pilgrims in Canaan – Abraham chooses God, Lot chooses Sodom. And God allowed it to happen.

 David and Saul – both Kings of Israel.  David chooses a heart after God – Saul chooses to attempt murder and to consult a witch.  And God allowed it to happen.

Peter and Judas both are disciples of Jesus – both deny Jesus – Peter seeks mercy – Judas seeks death. And God allowed it to happen.

Through out all of human history and on every page of scripture is the evidence that man can choose and God allows us to make our own choices.

No one delineates this point more clearly than Jesus.

A narrow road or a wide road – Matt 7:13-14

Travel with a large crowd or a small crowd – Matt 7:13-14

 WE CAN CHOOSE TO

• Build on rock or on sand – Matt 7:24-27

• Serve God or riches – Matt 6:24

Nowhere in the life of Christ is this idea of choice more defined than Calvary.  Calvary posted three crosses that day.  Why 3? – have you ever wondered why not 6 or 10?  Why was Jesus in the center? 

Could I suggest to you that the two crosses opposite Christ represent the gift of Choice that God gave to each of us.

The two criminals on either side of Christ have so much in common.  Both of them criminals, both guilty, both condemned, both within minutes of death.

 But the equality stops there. 

 LUKE 23:39-43

• One of the criminals chooses curses the other chooses repentance. 

• We celebrate the thief who changed - Though we know little about him we know this: he made some bad choices in life. 

• He chose the wrong crowd, the wrong morals, the wrong behavior. 

• Failure seems to be the epitaph for this man. 

• Is he reaping the rewards of so many bad choices? 

• No just the opposite. 

• He is enjoying the fruit of the one good decision he made. 

• All his bad decisions were redeemed by the solitary great decision he made.

The hill represents a choice.

• One man chose to pray and Jesus loved him enough to save him

• The other man cursed and mocked and Jesus loved enough to let him

Choices.

• Choices matter – every time.

• Choices matter even when you are in times of difficulty, change and times you would consider a trial.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Choices 

Choose the right attitude – Joy – verse 2

• Fruit of the spirit

• Not dependent upon circumstances

• A choice

• A decision to function in an attitude dictate by the Spirit of God in me – not the circumstances that surround me. 

 Choose the right heart – Faith – verse 3

• The testing of your faith.

• Please notice there is no question that you have faith

• The process here is a qualifying, testing, enhancing, perfecting aspect of the faith that God has given you.

Choose the right emotion – Patience – verse 3

• Again the Fruit of the Spirit.

• The fruit of the spirit is manifest in our lives during these times

• When a cup is shaken what comes up and out of it – is what is in it.

• The right emotion is patience

• Take that extra moment

• To think

• Before you respond

• Prior to you answering

• One last silent prayer in patience before you choose.

• Impatience will only worsen a situation

• When in trial – allow patience to do its work

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [b]perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing.  

Choose the right thoughts – Wisdom – verse 5

Wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure then peaceable

Wisdom has great benefit

1. Wisdom gives you the power to change. 

2.  It also gives you the power to lead. 

3. Wisdom also gives you the power to decide.

4. Wisdom gives you the power to live life to the full everyday.

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Choices

Leading When you Feel Afraid

People feel fear. 

That is a given.

Some deal with it well – others don’t.

Handle this season in a manner that does not disqualify you in the future. This season will show people for who they are. There are many Bible Characters who were afraid. Some handled it well others did not.

•       Afraid to Leave comfortable surroundings - Moses—reluctant to leave behind the safety of his shepherd life in the back country of Midian to answer God’s call to go back to Egypt and confront the mighty Pharaoh with God’s command to free the Israelites (Exodus 3 & 4)

•       Afraid of potential - The ten scouts—who didn’t trust God to lead them into the promised land of Canaan, thus causing the Israelites to waste 40 years in the wilderness before finally being allowed to enter Canaan (Numbers 13 & 14)

•       Afraid of people - Jonah—who ran away from God and the mission to preach to the people of Nineveh (Jonah 1 & 2)

•       Afraid of sacrifice - The rich young ruler—who was afraid and unwilling to give up the comfort of his wealthy lifestyle to follow Jesus (Luke 18:18-23)

•       Afraid of the unknown - Young John Mark—who abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13; 15:36-38)

•       Afraid of friends – David – 1 Sam 30:6

•       Jesus – afraid of what he knew the day’s events held.

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 (1) He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 (2) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, (3)  may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:36-39 (NIV)

From Jesus – how to lead when you feel fear.

1.           Get together with trusted people.  Fear usually never dissipates in isolation.  We are not designed for isolation.  Fear breads in the isolation of our own thoughts.

2.           Fear dissipates in time with God.  Relationship and connection – but understand the crowd does not hold the answer.  Amazing how many times in scripture a break from the crowd was demanded for a breakthrough to take place.  When I get with God he is always bigger than my problems. 

3.           Remember God has a plan –that is well defined in his word

•       “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139: 16, NLT)

•       “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me when to stop and rest.” (Ps. 139: 2, NLT)

•       “If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell in the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” (Ps. 139: 9-10, NLT)

•       “The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.” (Ps. 138: 8, NLT)

And the apostle John also understood the struggle between our love for God and our fears, for he reminded us:

•       “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect….Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and shows that his love has not been perfected in us.” (1 John 4: 16, 17a, 18, NLT)

Remember God has a plan - Then submit to it. 

Can we change the plan? Is there another way? Can this cup pass from me?

Don't miss the struggle.

When Mark wrote about that painful night (14:33-37), he used phrases like these: 

• Deeply distressed and troubled

• My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow and grief

• To the point of death

• “He went a little further and fell to the ground.”

Mark uses graphic wording and imagery to portray a Jesus who is struggling and suffering.

• We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. 

• We see a “man of sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:3 NASB) 

• We see a man struggling with fear, 

• Wrestling with commitments,

Asking God if it is possible to change the plan

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death.” Heb 5:7 NIV

Pushing against God does not dissipate fear – it intensifies it. 

Rebellion does not lead to peace.  When afraid – submit to God.

4.           Don’t allow disappointment in people to stop you from moving ahead.

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. Matt 26:40-43 (NIV)

Jesus asks for Peter, James, and John to pray with him.

They don't, they sleep instead.

The burden of the world’s sin is not on them that is why they can sleep.

When I lose sleep due to a church-related issue my son sleeps - Why? - does he not love me?

Yes, but there is a singular burden I am to carry.

The point is that there are burdens that nobody can help you with.

The disciples loved Jesus and served and followed him.

This they could not do.

They could not help with this even if they had prayed their prayers would not have been as passionate as Jesus' prayer was.

Jesus lets them sleep - Jesus prays and contends with God. The prayer ends with a declaration. The battle will be won on his face – in a garden – long before he will win the battles of a mock trial, a beating and a cross.

5.     Absence of fear leads to action.

While fear is immobilizing Fears absence leads to action.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Matthew 26:45-46 (NIV

His time alone with God has made a significant shift. The time alone with God has altered him.

Prayer, it changes you, so you can be used to change the world.

Prayer of Jesus did not change the circumstance

Prayer did something more powerful than simply changing unpleasant events. Prayer prepared Jesus for the circumstances.

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on fear.

Listen

LISTEN

Philippians 1:9-10 NIV. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Today I want to remind you of just two great principles from scripture to assist you in your continued leadership during this season of preaching and leading the local church ministries and other essential services to your community.

1.   Listen to the right things.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

I am certain you would join me in agreement that there is no shortage of opinion and news everyday about the circumstances we are all navigating in our own cities and towns – as well as – across the globe. Not all that talk is positive or even useful.

Often, we teach this passage

-      Listening quickly & Speaking slowly. Great concepts.

But I also want you to see the connection between what you are listening to and the relationship it has with becoming angry.  This week there was an uptick on the national stage as leaders are becoming increasingly angry – the grace and tolerances seem to have worn thin.

Be quick to listen – to the right things.

Don’t forget that what you hear, think about and meditate on – that is what spills out of you.

Listen to the right stuff.

I personally have started listening to scripture – having it read to me over my phone.  I have felt the need to flood my ear gate with positivity from Gods Word. 

Two questions on what to listen to:

• What inspires you?

• What encourages you.

Today – as always – inspired leaders who are encouraged – are powerfully effective.

2.   Do not forget who God made you to be.  

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:23-25

• You are exactly designed the way God envisioned.

• You come equipped with strengths and weaknesses – all by Gods design

• You have aptitudes and short comings

• You have abilities to grow yourself into new skills sets and areas of learning.

Again – all designed by God.

God knows you – he selected you to serve where you are serving.

He placed you knowing that today – April 18, 2020 would hold all the events and challenges you will encounter.

• God has gifted you and entrusted you with opportunity.

• Don’t forget who God made you to be.

• Stand secure in the fact that you were made for this.

• Lead the way God made you.

• Lead in accordance with your abilities and strengths

• Lead while growing and learning. 

The result in knowing who you are –

• Understanding that reality in light of Gods word will keep you in a position of not only being blessed but allows you to be a blessing to others.

The only other option is to forget who you are and allow the confusion, panic, and lack of direction to overwhelm you - that has no place in the life of a Christian leader.

• Be quick to listen to the right stuff

• Know – really know – that God not only put you in that position – he created you for it.

• We need you – don’t forget who you are and who God made you to be.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Philippians 1:9-10 NIV

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Listening

Wisdom

WISDOM

Greeting

I have not known a time in my life where there is such a need for Christian Leaders to have wisdom.

 Wisdom is what allows you to continue leading into times where you have never been before.  Ministry leadership demands the ability to continue learning while you are in the act of leading. That is the role of wisdom – to enable you to be and do while the facts and details are still being unveiled.

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Wisdom.