#799 MAUI DAY 2
Malasadas and a Portuguese Sausage Kimchi Quiche for breakfast!
Beach.
Japanese for lunch.
Showered. Rested.
Shopped.
Mediocre Thai dinner.
What a blessed life my wife and I are privileged to live.
#798 - MAUI DAY 1
Let the real vacation begin!
Landed in Maui at about 3pm.
Navigated Covid protocols pretty seamlessly.
Picked up rental car through Turo with ease.
Enjoyed lunch/early dinner at Tin Roof.
Shopped at Costco. Snacks. Snacks. Snacks.
Arrived at VRBO across the street from the beach at about 6pm.
Settled in.
Crossed street to beach to catch sunset. INCREDIBLE.
Crashed early. Jet lag is real!
#797 - BAY AREA DAY 2
Highlight of the day. An incredible date night with my wife at Oracle Park for a great baseball game on a beautiful Tuesday night in the Bay!
Bought a new Giants hat.
Splurged on great seats.
Enjoyed a 4-run Giants 1st inning.
Witnessed Buster go yard to center field!
Feasted on a classic ballpark meal—Hot dog. Garlic Fries. Coca-Cola.
Endured a 5-run 6th by the Diamondbacks to tie the game.
Cheered as the Giants went back up by 2.
Devastated as the Diamondbacks tied the game in the top of the 9th.
Elated as the Giants walked-off in the bottom of the 9th.
Loved being with my wife for every moment!
#796 - BAY AREA DAY 1
Back in the Bay. 3 quick reflections.
The cool, crisp air has never felt so refreshing!
Re-connecting with the staff/members of the church I used to pastor is such a blessing. The love I have for them is still very strong, but the responsibility I have to them feels very different.
Feeling deeply loved by the people you deeply loved is deeply satisfying.
#795 - VACATION GOALS
I’ve got the next 14 days off!
Here are some of the goals I have as I hope to maximize and enjoy this time of rest.
Re-connect with family and friends in the Bay Area.
Enjoy 7 days of rest, relaxation, re-connection, and exploration with my wife in Maui.
Blog pictures and memories from my vacation daily.
Finish reading The Practice by Seth Godin.
Work on my next longer form writing project on the topic of humility.
Enjoy my 39th birthday with family and friends.
Serve my friend Pastor Philip Muela and Inspire Church by preaching for their services on August 22.
Be prepared and open for anything else God wants to surprise me with and bring my way!
#794 - SO PROUD OF PASTOR CHRISTOPHER STITES!
There would be no way I could have the peace, joy, and freedom to fully embrace my new position here at Hope Church in Las Vegas if it were not for the blessing and gift of Pastor Christopher Stites and his acceptance of the call to replace me as the Senior Pastor of The Movement Church in Oakland.
Christopher has now served in the role of Senior Pastor for a little over 3 months, and last week we had the opportunity to catch up in a conversation that lasted about 3 hours. I couldn’t be more thankful to hear about all that God is doing through him and the church!
In an effort to praise God, and publicly acknowledge and appreciate Pastor Christopher, here are 10 reasons why I’m super proud of and thankful for him! In just 3 short months, Pastor Christopher has…
Smoothly stepped into courageously leading the staff and pastoral teams.
Boldly decided to make significant Spirit-led changes.
Wisely discerned the changes that shouldn’t immediately be made.
Lovingly connected with key leaders and new families to the church.
Passionately persisted in sacrificially serving Oakland public schools.
Effectively sustained a life-giving preaching ministry.
Humbly absorbed unfair criticism and slander.
Significantly increased the number of people engaging in the weekly prayer meeting.
Proactively joined a coaching cohort that will greatly impact his leadership ability.
Joyfully submitted to the God-sized task of shepherding, equipping, and empowering a faith family for the mission of Jesus!
Only other Senior Pastors know the true weight and burden of being a Senior Pastor. And after having served as one for 8+ years, of this one thing I’m sure…Pastor Christopher is carrying this weight with grace, skill, courage, and humility and The Movement Church is a better church because of it!
#793 - I HAVE PASTORS NOW!
For the last 8 years, I was a Senior Pastor. In a formal sense, this meant that I did not have a pastor. (I served alongside pastors who loved me and looked out for me, but that is a little bit different.)
As just one of the several “Lead Pastors” at Hope Church, I now have the privilege of having Senior Pastor Vance Pitman and Senior Executive Pastor Travis Ogle as my pastors!
For the first time in a long time, there are two godly men who have been called to be overseers and shepherds over my life specifically! What a blessing. I am so grateful. The areas that I can see this benefiting me the most in the days ahead are:
The health of my soul. To have pastors that have/feel a responsibility for not allowing ministry to compromise the health of my inner life brings me great comfort.
The flourishing of my marriage. To have pastors that have/feel a responsibility for ensuring that my marriage is stronger than my ministry brings me great joy.
The utilization of my gifts. To have pastors that have/feel a responsibility for placing me in positions where my gifts can serve the body of Christ best brings me great excitement.
The fulfillment of my calling. To have pastors that have/feel a responsibility for guiding me towards the completion of every good work that God deposited within me brings me great peace.
Though I will continue to shepherd people in the areas listed above (as I continue to be a pastor myself), I thank God that in this next season men will be intentionally doing this for me! I pray I never take this for granted.
I encourage you. Thank your pastor today. May we never forget, we are not entitled to the loving, sacrificial, gracious care that they give.
#792 - WHAT QUALIFIES AS "GOD TIME?"
Whether you call it quiet time, abiding, being alone with God, etc…most followers of Jesus agree: having a consistent “God Time” (as we call it here at Hope Church) is absolutely essential for having a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ.
But what qualifies as a “God Time?” When can I say I’ve had it, on any given day, and when do I know I haven’t?
The list that follows are several things that must characterize my “God Time” or else I don’t feel like I’ve pursued/abided in the Lord on that particular day. (Keep in mind, in no way, shape, or form are these legalistic measures you need to adhere to. Your “God Time” may look totally different than mine. These are just things I know must take place for me.)
Intentional. Did I set out, proactively, to invest time in my relationship with Jesus Christ today?
Biblical. Was a significant part of that investment of time reading, listening, and considering a specific portion of God’s Word?
Prayerful/Worshipful. Was another significant part of that investment of time praising, posturing myself in humility, petitioning, and preparing myself for the temptations of the enemy (the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer) in a worship-based conversation with God?
Not mindlessly scrolling through inspirational devotional thoughts on Instagram. Not multi-tasking and listening to Christian sermons or podcasts. Not reading a Christian book. Not “enjoying Christian fellowship” and talking to someone else about God. Not even listening and joyfully singing along to my favorite songs of worship. (These are all great thing that I do and love doing!)
They just aren’t the things that I want to build the foundation of my ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ on.
#791 - THE REASON I WRITE
I don’t write because I think I’m an expert. I don’t write because I want to be an influencer. I don’t write because I want to build a platform.
I write because I’m trying to be a faithful steward. Of lessons learned. Of ideas thought. Of creativity within.
I write because I’m trying to be a humble student. Of life. Of failures. Of experiences.
I write because I’m trying to be a generous servant. Making complex ideas simple. Making theological principles understandable. Making personal growth accessible.
I write, ultimately, to be obedient to my God who seems to time and time again impress it upon my heart that there is a responsibility He has given me that must not be ignored: WRITE.
#790 - YOU CAN'T SUBSTITUTE FOR THIS
Inspirational devotionals. Sermon clips. Christian podcasts. Small groups. Church attendance. Discipleship relationships. Christian conversation.
Are you naively assuming these things are sufficient?
These are all great things that can add to our walk with Jesus. But none of them can or should be substitutes for the daily reading of God’s Word.
How do I know this to be true?
Because as much as I hate to admit it, there are times when I (even as a pastor) neglect the daily reading of God’s Word and when I do…I feel the malnourishment! I feel the inadequacy of these other things to be able to feed me. I feel the weakening of my ability to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit and the strengthening of my inclination to succumb to the desires of my flesh.
Dear Christian, read your Bible. Open your Bible, today, and read it seeking a fresh word from your Heavenly Father. Not as a religious duty, but as a humble acknowledgement of the truth…
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
#789 - IF YOU HAVE A TENDENCY TO CRITICIZE
Don’t just complain…create.
Don’t just criticize…create.
Don’t just comment…create.
Don’t just condemn…create.
Don’t just run your mouth about what’s wrong with the world around you.
See a problem. Evaluate the situation. Create a solution.
You were created in the image of a Creator; not a loose-lipped, cynical, nitpicking critic!
Create.
#788 - THE LOVE YOU GOTTA' HAVE
If you don’t love the habit, you won’t persevere in the work. If you don’t persevere in the work, you won’t sow the seeds required for success over a long enough period of time to bear fruit. And if you don’t bear fruit, well…it’s only a matter of time before you quit or get fired.
YOU’VE GOTTA’ LOVE THE HABIT.
You’ve gotta’ love the practice. You’ve gotta’ love the discipline. You’ve gotta love the grind. You’ve gotta’ love what’s required of you when no one is looking.
As a pastor, I love the habit of 1-1 shepherding conversations that no one else sees or celebrates. As a preacher, I love the habit of preparing sermons even if large crowds never hear them. As a writer, I love the habit of writing even if I’m not widely read.
By the grace of God, I love the habits my work requires more than the fruit of my habits.
YOU’VE GOTTA’ LOVE THE HABIT.
Because, if you love the results more than the habit, when the results aren’t evident (and there will be many seasons when they’re not)…you’ll walk.
#787 - DON'T GO TO CHURCH TOMORROW...
Hoping they sing the songs you like. Go to church, instead, committed to worship in spirit and in truth.
Hoping the preacher preaches a message you like. Go to church, instead, committed to hear the word and obey it.
Hoping you get something out of church. Go to church, instead, committed to contribute something to the church.
Hoping you get noticed. Go to church, instead, committed to notice someone who is going unnoticed.
Don’t go to church tomorrow to fulfill an obligation or check a box.
Go to church tomorrow to worship our God who is worthy to be praised, and to sacrifice for the Bride of Christ (the Church) who is worthy to be served!
#786 - A RECOMMITMENT WORTH MAKING
No matter how long you’ve been doing what you do. No matter how experienced you are. No matter how many people look to you for advice. No matter how easy what you do comes to you. Here’s a recommitment all of us should make:
We must get better.
Better leaders. Better parents. Better pastors. Better spouses. Better disciples. Better contributors to our communities.
More skilled. More humble. More compassionate. More sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. More effective. More passionate.
Less impatient. Less prideful. Less negative. Less self-reliant. Less inefficient. Less lazy.
Let’s be grateful for what we’ve accomplished up unto this point, but not complacent. Let’s be content with all that we have done, but still ambitious for all that God wants to do through us. Let’s be aware of how far we’ve come, but also hungry for how far we still have to go.
Repent of the smugness that prevents you from being a lifelong learner.
Recommit, with me, today, to get better.
Because when we get better, everyone else around us benefits!
#785 - THREE STRONG QUESTIONS A GREAT DEVELOPMENT PLAN REQUIRES
As I endeavor to, in my new role at Hope Church, double-down on my investment into the development of the next generation of church leaders, both in informal settings and formal settings, I want to do my best to keep these three things in mind:
HEART - Who do they need to become?
What is the intentional plan for their character, motivation, and attitude development?
HEAD - What do they need to know?
What is the intentional plan for growing their educational, theological, and methodological understaning?
HANDS - What do they need to do?
What is the intentional plan for improving the skill sets, abilities, and practices they need to have to be successful?
An overemphasis/underemphasis on any one of these three areas will lead to an unbalanced leader who will eventually lead an unbalanced ministry.
Not convinced of this approach to leadership development? Maybe Jesus’ greatest commandment can help us here…
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
With this approach to leadership development in the local church, not only are we laying out a well-rounded plan for growth, but, more importantly, we are also laying out a comprehensive pathway for worship!
#784 - QUICK THOUGHTS ON CONFRONTATIONAL CONVERSATIONS
There’s no such thing as a healthy, growing relationship, family, or team without them.
Inability to engage in them is a result of…
Fear of how you will be perceived/received
Unfamiliarity with how to do it well
Lack of margin which results in a lack of emotional capacity for it
Busyness and avoidance
Apathy and passivity
Laziness and neglect
Avoiding them exponentially increases the problem.
You can either experience the pain of having them or the pain of not having them. The pain of not having them is always worse.
People who have them aren’t necessarily bullies.
People who don’t have them aren’t necessarily gracious.
You can have them without being confrontational.
When and how you say what needs to be said far outweighs what you are actually saying.
You will get better at them the more you have.
You will be blessed for having them in a way that honors God!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
#783 - A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON YOUR PROBLEMS
Parenting problems point to the blessing of a child. Marriage problems point to the blessing of a spouse. Work problems point to the blessing of a job. Leadership problems point to the blessing of followers.
On most occasions, your problems are the evidence of your blessings.
Remember. There are many people who wished they had your problems because that would mean they would also have your blessings. Be grateful.
I’m not contending that you minimize the size of your problems, but I am encouraging you to meditate more on the beauty of your blessings. Why? Perspective matters.
#782 - WHEN THE BURDEN IS TOO HEAVY
Lay it down - enjoy rest.
Distribute the weight - get help.
Reduce the weight - do less.
Carry weight differently - adjust approach.
Strengthen your back - learn skills.
Shorten the destination - redefine success.
Try different weight - engage Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
#781 - IF YOU NEED AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Feeling discouraged? Frustrated? Confused? Angry? Discontent? Ungrateful?
If so, here’s one possible solution that serves me well very often…
30 UNINTERRUPTED MINUTES OF THANKSGIVING AND GRATITUDE.
For your blessings…be thankful.
For your health. For your job. For your family. For your friendships. For the experiences you get to have. For the comforts you get to enjoy. For the food you get to eat. For the bed you get to sleep in. For the internet you get to browse!
Even in the midst of your difficulty…be thankful.
For the lessons that you are learning. For the resolve that you are developing. For the faith that you are strengthening. For the empathy that you are experiencing. For the hope that you are finding.
And especially to the followers of Jesus Christ…be thankful.
For the Father you have in God. For the Savior you have in Jesus. For the Counselor you have in the Holy Spirit. One God. Three Persons. Relating to you! What. A. Blessing!
If you are in desperate need of an attitude adjustment…
Set the timer on your phone for 30 minutes
Think deeply upon or write out those things that you are and should be grateful for.
Transition your thanksgiving to worship unto God for He is the Giver of every good gift you just dwelt upon!
30 minutes of gratitude to adjust that negative, woe is me, self-absorbed attitude. I dare you.
#780 - IS HUMILITY ATTAINABLE?
Because the moment you say you have it, isn’t that a display of pride?
Being the prideful person that I am, I don’t personally think humility will ever be attainable for me, but here are several specific areas I KNOW I’m susceptible to pride and the rhetorical questions I ask myself to keep greater degrees of pride and arrogance at bay.
In regards to my gifts, talents, and abilities - They are gifts. In the same way that they were given to me without my permission, they can just as easily be taken away. In the snap of a finger, what, right now, comes so easily to me can, instantly, become impossible. How prideful can I really be in gifts that were never really mine?
In regards to my influence - It is temporary. Temporary until people’s attention is drawn to something or someone else. Temporary until I fail or fall, therefore undermining my ability to be influential. Temporary until someone takes away my platform to be influential. How prideful can I really be in any level of influence I’ve attained when influence is so fickle?
In regards to my wisdom - It is God-given. God gives me the ability to apply the right knowledge to a given situation. God gives me the insight to understand what He is doing at any given moment. God helps me to perceive with spiritual eyes what cannot be seen with physical eyes. How prideful can I really be in a wisdom that I do not manufacture here below, but that is graciously bestowed upon me from above?
In regards to my holiness - It is Spirit-empowered. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit of God that I ever choose right over wrong. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit of God that I ever choose the narrow path that leads to life over the wide path that leads to destruction. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit of God that I ever choose to flee immorality. How prideful can I really be in a holiness that is not of me but is only a result of the power of the Holy Spirit of God in me?
In regards to my success - It is unearned. The “harvest” of success God has given me far exceeds the “seeds” I’ve sown. Have I sown seeds? Absolutely. Did I bring the rain that caused my seeds to grow? Absolutely not. Have I sown seeds worthy of the amount of fruit I am experiencing? Absolutely not. Can I take credit for sowing seeds that produce a good tasting fruit? Absolutely not. How prideful can I really be in a success that is exponentially more miracle than it is man?
Heavenly Father, give me the supernatural ability to always look at my life with sober judgement. Help me to see that because it’s all grace there is absolutely no room for any pride. And when I forget this, please give me the additional supernatural ability to quickly confess and repent of my pride before you and others. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.