Godly Leadership: Godly Leaders Will Recognize Pride (Part 3)

Acts 12:21–23 (ESV)
21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

click on the link to read godly leadership part 1 and part 2. 

3. Godly leaders will recognize pride.

Usually this third point is worded like this, “Godly leaders are humble”. For me this is just another slogan that doesn’t deal with one of the most pervasive problems in ministry, pride. Pride left unchecked or unnoticed will destroy leadership and influence, not to mention dishonoring the transforming work of the Gospel.

The dictionary defines pride as: the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one’s importance.

Here are 5 quick way’s to know if your prideful:

1. Your sentences start with “I” or are surrounded around you.

2. You get convicted/mad when someone tries to correct/instruct you.

3. You have a critical and judgmental spirit.

4. Your closed to accountability.

5. Your getting mad right now as you read this.

I believe the hardest thing for a pastor to do, is to be self aware of pride. From my own testimony to others I know, we are most oblivious to the sin of pride. So how do we demonstrate the transforming power of the Gospel and cultivate the characteristic of humility in our lives and leadership?

1. Recognize the difficulty in seeing your pride.

Sam Rainer writes the following about recognizing pride,

Humility is the most difficult leadership trait to see in ourselves. The opposite of humility, pride is the most destructive leadership predisposition. Great leaders never stop fighting the battle to recognize pride and remain humble. It’s the quintessential leadership struggle. We stand on a sliding scale somewhere between healthy humility and unhealthy pride.
Even at our best, determining where we are on this scale is tough. We rarely recognize our pride until it’s too late. Followers often see it long before leaders become self-aware of arrogance.

Pride is an idol, and we can’t repent of idols in our life if we do not recognize them.

2. Have accountability that calls for repentance.

James 5:16 (ESV)
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

I ask this question often, “who is asking you what you are repenting of?” and I get the same answer, no one. Just recently, I was with one of our called to ministry college students. I asked him, “when was the last time anyone asked you what you are repenting of?” He said, “never, no one has ever asked me what I am repenting of.” He and I are now meeting monthly via Skype and he has someone asking him what he is repenting of.

Every person needs someone in their life that knows them well enough and close enough to identify idols in their life; and then love them enough to call them to repentance. Sadly, there are so few people who have genuine accountably in their life. This must be a priority. Pastor, who is helping you really see and know yourself? Who has your permission to adjust your self-perception?

3. Humility is the answer, it demonstrates the Gospel.

James 4:6 (ESV)
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Let those you lead see you respond in humble obedience. If were were prideful and arrogant to someone, repent to them, ask for forgiveness. You may very well not get the desired response, but be obedient. God is sovereign and you are responsible for obedience.

There is much talk about “demonstrating” the gospel today. Recognizing pride and responding in humility is one of the greatest demonstrations of the Gospel we can give.

 

Tired of New Year’s Resolutions? Demonstrating The Gospel In 2012: The Gospel Life Plan

Warning: This is long! Here are the notes from the last two wednesday night services as Joy and I taught on “The Gospel Life Plan”.

Over the last year Joy and I have been using a discipleship resource called “Gospel Coach”. written by Scott Thomas and Tom Wood. Gospel Coach challenges you through three areas of life: personally, spiritually, and missionally. By identifying our calling, goals, steps of action, and stewardship in these areas, we laid out a plan for our family in 2011 to intentionally demonstrate the gospel. This past year has turned out to be the most flourishing year of marriage and ministry we have experienced. I hope you will take some time before 2012 starts and lay out an intentional plan with goals, steps of action, and stewardship that will help your family be intentional in demonstrating the gospel.

Click here for downloadable interactive Pages and Word documents for The Gospel Life Plan. There are blank copies for your personal use, and completed copies to help you. Have a great 2012 demonstrating the Gospel!

Harvard Business School: Are Goals Really Important?

From the book What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School by Mark McCormack:

In the book What They Don’t Teach You in the Harvard Business School, Mark McCormack tells a study conducted on students in the 1979 Harvard MBA program. In that year, the students were asked, “Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?” Only three percent of the graduates had written goals and plans; 13 percent had goals, but they were not in writing; and a whopping 84 percent had no specific goals at all.

Ten years later, the members of the class were interviewed again, and the findings, while somewhat predictable, were nonetheless astonishing. The 13 percent of the class who had goals were earning, on average, twice as much as the 84 percent who had no goals at all. And what about the three percent who had clear, written goals? They were earning, on average, ten times as much as the other 97 percent put together.

An Example of Making Gospel Centered Goals: Jonathan Edwards 1703-1758- by Josh Weidmann

Here we sit on the brink of a new year, a time seemingly to start over and reboot our life’s hard drive. I am notorious for starting resolutions and failing or forgetting them by the end of January. However, I think I’ve found a model worth following.

I recently read about one of my heroes. He lived some 300 years ago, and he knew the importance of setting a goal and sticking to it. His name was Jonathan Edwards, and when he was about 22-years-old he sat down and started a revolutionary list that plainly lay out his goals for a personal reformation. All-in-all, Edwards had 70 items on his list.

I know you’re thinking, if I can’t even hold to one resolution, why I would be inspired by a guy with 70 times as many? Allow me to tell you why Edwards invigorates me:

First off, he was young when he wrote his resolutions. It is inspiring to hear about a man even younger than me who understood the importance of analyzing life and was always seeking to improve.

But that’s another thing I love about Edwards – he didn’t just want to improve for his own acknowledgement, but he understood that the chief-end for his resolutions was to bring glory to God. At the beginning of his list, he wrote, “Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions … for Christ’s sake.”

This is revolutionary! Think about how many resolutions we have made that are so focused on us. “If I lose weight,” or “if I work out more,” or “if I study harder”… all are goals that are only going to bring us bragging rights. We must be like Edwards and understand that all of our personal motives must lead us to the one goal of glorifying God.

The other thing I love is that Edward’s resolutions were practical. He was very specific and wrote things like:

“I resolved to read Scripture steadily, consistently, and frequently…”

“I resolved to never do anything out of revenge…”

“I resolved to never speak anything that is ridiculous…”

As you can see, all of his resolutions were all Bible-based. As you read them, you can think of a Scripture to back up each one.

Finally, I loved that Edwards did not set these at the beginning of a year and leave them to fade into the gray matter of his mind. He continually added to them and made sure to review them weekly or as needed, so that he could be reminded of these God-minded goals.

So I’ve followed his example and written my own resolutions, and I am sure that I too will keep adding to them. I have made them practical, Bible-based, and with the goal in mind of glorifying God, not myself. I encourage you to do the same. Take some time to start your own list. Like Edwards, write on the top that you acknowledge they will all be broken if you don’t have the supernatural help of heaven.

The Legacy of Jonathan Edwards: Goals Make a Difference (Adapted from Alvin Reid)

Jonathan married Sarah Pierrepont on July 28, 1727. The Edwards had 11 children, 3 sons and 8 daughters. Sarah prayed consistently for their children. She disciplined her children with gentleness and firmness.

George Whitefield, the mighty preacher of revival in Britain and the American Colonies, offered an eyewitness report of the Edwards’ home in October 1740. Whitefield considered Jonathan to be without peer in New England. “A sweeter couple I have not yet seen,” Whitefield recorded in his Journal, adding: “Mrs. Edwards is adorned with a meek and quiet spirit; she talked freely and solidly of the things of God, and seemed to be such a helpmeet for her husband.”

The genuineness of Sarah Edwards’ devotion to God is seen in a letter to daughter, Susannah, immediately following Jonathan’s untimely death: “What shall I say? A holy and good God has covered us with a dark cloud. . . . The Lord has done it. He has made me adore His goodness, that we had [Jonathan] so long. But my God lives; and He has my heart.”

The legacy left by the Edwards family demonstrates the effect of gospel centered goals and a gospel-centered home. Over four hundred descendants of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards have been traced. Of these, fourteen became college presidents, roughly one hundred became professors, another one hundred ministers, and about the same number became lawyers or judges. Nearly sixty became doctors, and others were authors or editors.

Sermon Notes: Gospel Life Plan 2012 

I. Making a plan and having goals are biblical.

Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)

5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Philippians 3:13–14 (ESV)

13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)

27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.

Criticizing plans is easier than creating them. The leader must see the goal clearly, plan imaginatively, and employ tactics that lead to success. In this department there is always a short supply of people ready and qualified to perform. One more matter for improving leadership potential: resist the idea of “leadership from the rear.” True leadership is always out front—never from the rear or the sidelines. It was leadership from the rear that led Israel back into the wilderness. Many churches and organizations are in a stalemate because leaders have submitted to a kind of blackmail from the rear. No dissident or reactionary element should be allowed to determine group policy against the consensus of the spiritual leaders.- Sanders, J. O. (2007). Spiritual leadership : Principles of excellence for every believer (Updated ed.].) (113). Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.

II. Making a plan and having goals require dedication. Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 119:10 (ESV)

10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

Psalm 119:34 (ESV)

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

Psalm 119:58 (ESV)

58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

Psalm 119:69 (ESV)

69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;

Psalm 119:145 (ESV)

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes.

III. Making a plan and having goals require discipline.

“Without this essential quality, all other gifts remain as dwarfs: they cannot grow. Before we can conquer the world, we must first conquer the self” -Sanders, J. O. (2007). Spiritual leadership : Principles of excellence for every believer (Updated ed.].) (52). Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.

 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)

27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Titus 1:8 (ESV)

8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

IV. Making a plan and having goals should demonstrate the gospel.

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

V. Ground rules for making a plan and having goals:

1. Consult God.

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 16:1 (ESV)

1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

2. It must be achievable.

Luke 14:28–30 (ESV)

28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

Balance Challenge vs. Laziness

 3. Don’t fear failure.

Proverbs 24:16 (ESV)

16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

4. It must be a priority. 

There are 168 hours in a week. If you sleep 8 hours a day that leaves you 112. What are your priorities? You will either AGONIZE or PRIORITIZE!

a. Everything cannot be a priority. You can’t have it all.

b. Everything should not be a priority. All things are not created equal.

c. Some activities and investments are more important than others.

d. Some activities and investments are more lasting than others.

5. It must be measurable.

Here are 2012 Interactive Gospel Life Plan Worksheets. One is a PDF has a completed worksheet and the others are empty pages and word interactive documents. Take time to complete with your spouse, children, or anyone you may be discipling.

Missional Children: Kingdom Dream vs. American Dream (Part 2)

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

This past October I had the privilege of going on a short-term mission trip with my 7 year old son, we worked with un-reached people groups in S.E. Asia. Over the next few weeks, I want to share 3 reasons why exposing our children to missions early is of great value. If you missed Part 1 click here.

2. It changes their perspective on materialism. For much of the world’s population, the standard of living is considerably lower than the poorest person in the U.S. This is a very real truth in SE Asia. Everywhere we went, people were living in makeshift housing, near open sewage, rotting trash, and had no access to clean water. However, when encountering people, especially Christians, you realize that materialism does not consume them; not to say it wouldn’t be a struggle if their country was wealthy, but since it does not exist, it does not define the culture. It is incredibly eyeopening to see others live without many of the things we think are necessities.

Affluence and materialism are such a dominate force in U.S. culture that young people have little hope of trading in the American Dream for the Kingdom Dream, unless there is intentional intervention. The reality for most Americans families is that we live for worldly success and meaning. This in turn results in what I call, “The Law of Unintended Consequences.” We unintentionally raise up children who are worldly, selfish, and worship the god of materialism, because of the lifestyle we model and live. I have never met a family who said their goal was to raise up “worldly” and “selfish” children, but it happens all the same. Participating in a short term mission trip to an impoverished culture, brings worldly success and kingdom success into perspective. It brings clarity to the eternal and temporal.

I honestly believe that through missional living, my children are learning and seeing that success is not about materialism, but about relationships and mission. Just a few weeks ago, Isaac was consciously aware that he had more than he needed when asking for something. The conversation when like this,

“Dad, Makanoti (Africa) and Ariel (Honduras), don’t have these things do they? No son they do not. I need to be more thankful for what I have, don’t I? Yes son you do.”

The conversation was much longer and I was able to have some very valuable teaching time about the gospel and what was important in life; but what was powerful was that Isaac was able to filter his “wants” through a biblical worldview filter shaped by short term missions. He recognized he really had all he needed. This doesn’t mean my children will not struggle with wants and materialism, but it does reveal how they look at materialism (stuff) has been shaped by short term missions and missional living.

Practical Application: 

Here are some practical steps and ideas for fundraising for a short term mission trip:

1. Open a “Mission Trip” bank account. Make depositing money into this account a habit. Depositing $100/month will give you at least half, if not more, the cost of a short term trip at the end of one year.

2. Combine forces with others team members and have joint activities, i.e. car wash, yard sale, fundraising meal/auction.

3. Spearhead your own search to find extra jobs letting people know that you are doing it to raise money for a short-term mission trip, such as babysitting, cleaning houses, or yard work. I had a young girl pay for a $3000 trip by babysitting, selling cookies, and painting murals. Be creative and don’t wait until the last minute.

4. Prepare a Support Letter. Click on this link for a sample support letter.

stay tuned for Part 3……

Missional Children: Practicing A Biblical Worldview (Part 1)

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

This past October I had the privilege of going on a short-term mission trip with my 7 year old son, we worked with un-reached people groups in S.E. Asia. Over the next few weeks, I want to share why exposing our children to missions early is of great value.

3 reasons why we should strive to participate in Missions with Our Children:

1. It expands their worldview. Isaac has experienced another worldview by being in S.E. Asia. This trip has opened his eyes to the reality that much of the rest of the world worships false gods. Everyday Isaac would visibly see someone worship an idol, this would lead to a host of questions about God, their gods, and why they don’t believe in Jesus. Isaac has prayed many times on this trip that these people would forsake idol worship and believe in Jesus.

We have little or no contact with other cultures here in the south. This is not because there are no people moving into towns and communities from other countries and cultures. Mainly, it is because homogeny is so ingrained. We take little time or intentionality when it comes to learning about the cultural differences of others. I should also note, many cultures tend to adopt “western” practices and identities when living in America. So unless you are living in and area with a highly populated cultural group, we are unable to see how vast and different other worldviews truly are.

Because of this we have a small worldview that is not very grounded. Practicing a biblical worldview is different than knowing a biblical worldview. Participating in a short term mission trip is is a way to immerse yourself and children into a different worldview. Not only does this expose us to different worldviews it helps us grow in a biblical worldview.

One final thought and illustration, many christian students don’t rebel in college, they just respond to other worldviews represented. Because they have no foundation of their own and no real interaction with other worldviews, they fall into the lie of relativism and humanism. Exposing children to different worldviews deepen and strengthen their own worldview. Isaac will forever remember two things from the S.E. Asia trip: 1. There is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus. 2. That the world is BIG and LOST, but God is BIGGER and can save through the gospel message.

John 14:6 (ESV)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Practical Application

I recognize everyone can’t afford or plan to take their children or family on a short term mission trip. However, I do know many who can spend $1000′s on little league, education, camps, hobbies, clothing and band. We will spend and save for our priorities. I heard this once about priorities:

You will either AGONIZE or PRIORITIZE!

1. Everything cannot be a priority. You can’t have it all.
2. Everything should not be a priority. All things are not created equal.
3. Some activities and investments are more important than others.
4. Some activities and investments are more lasting than others.

The question is, “What are your priorities?”

stay tuned for part two…..

Godly Leadership: Godly Leaders Are Deep (Part 2)

click here to read Godly Leadership (Part 1)

2. Godly leaders are deep!
“Superficiality is the curse of our age…. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.”-Richard Foster, “Celebration of Discipline”
Don’t confuse depth with how much doctrine and theology you know, or how high your intellect might be. Having a deep walk with God is far more than being able to regurgitate knowledge. My father-in-law, Wayne Marshall, once told me, “You will never lead people where you have not been”; never a truer statement! It is impossible to be a godly leader without a personal, passionate, and proactive walk with God.

Have you ever noticed how many miserable christians and preachers you encounter (maybe it is just me?)? When believers are not being sanctified (set apart for the purpose of God’s glory through the path of spiritual disciplines), we misrepresent God and therefore are miserable. It is our responsibility to grow in our walk with God through spiritual disciplines; not so we can preach better sermons, but because we love God and it is our reasonable act of worship! As godly leaders we must be deep so we can lead others to enjoy God and live for His glory!

Godly Leadership: Godly Leaders Are Not Approval Addicts (Part 1)

In his book Spiritual Leadership, Oswald Sanders states, “If the world is to hear the churches voice today, leaders are needed.” Fred Smith wrote in Learning to Lead, “A church can call you to be a pastor because pastor is a title. The call does not make you a leader. Leader is not a title but a role. You only become a leader by functioning as one.”
While there are a thousand definition of leadership, and many of them are well worded are some cleverly crafted, I wholeheartedly agree with the two statements above. And without being a pessimist, I believe one of the greatest needs we have in American Church is godly leadership. Let me say that again, godly leadership; not clever leadership, not influential leadership, not star leadership, not relevant leadership, but anointed godly leadership. I believe we have some of the greatest leadership potential since what I have read of great men and women of the WWII generation, but we are struggling in the area of godly leadership. Could this be because far too many preachers are focused on worldly leadership instead of godly leadership?

One of my most memorable moments at seminary was when Dr. Adrian Rodgers substituted for one of my classes. I will never forget him coming into the room, pulling up a table and sitting down to teach. The question from most of us up-and coming star preachers was, “How do we grow a church like yours, Dr. Rogers?” He would not even entertain the conversation instead what he said is still etched in my memory. He began to talk about his spiritual disciplines, how he rose extremely early to read and study the word, and next how he led his family. He talked of how he and his wife would spend an hour each day praying together. I knew why he had a dynamic ministry, he loved God and his family more than his ministry; he was indeed a godly leader.

I have been blessed to have a tremendous amount of godly leadership modeled to me in my young journey as a pastor. From the greatest influence which would be my father-in-law, to numerous seminary teachers, and many godly pastoral leaders; I believe we must go back and decide as god-called preachers what kind of leader will I be? With that said I would love to share 3 observations concerning godly leadership:

1. Godly leaders are not approval addicts.
“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
I believe one of the hardest areas for pastoral leaders today is the area of approval. I asked my wife Sunday if my sermon was good, she said, it was very good. I then asked, “was it very, very good?” (she rolled her eyes and laughed) When we are honest, we will acknowledge how true this is. (How many times do you ask someone if what you said or preached was good? Or how many times to you fish for affirmation?) Listen I believe in constructive criticism, but I know from my own experience if I rest on the approval of others for what I preach, I am in trouble. I tell myself often, “people are not rejecting me, but the Word of God.” My responsibility of to fill the pulpit, not invoke a response. The Word of God if fully capable of doing that. One thing I have learned and witnessed is the more I am aware of my identity in Christ, the less I desire the approval of men. As a godly leader we must be able to deal with rejection and not fall into the trap of being an approval addict.

Part 2 of “Godly Leadership”, in the next few days….stay tuned.

Stocking Stuffer: Reading List For Dad

 

I know I am a little late, but I am alway’s being asked, “what are some books you would recommend for the man of the home?” Here are some books that would make a great stocking stuffer for Christmas. All the links and pics are from Amazon, but don’t forget to check out IBooks if you have an iPad.

Disciplines of a Godly Man

 

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

 

 

 

 

 

Through My Eyes

 

 

 

 

 

Tempted and Tried

 

 

 

 

 

God, Marriage, and Family

 

 

 

 

 

Gospel Powered Parenting

 

 

 

 

 

Family Worship: Christmas and the Gospel

Celebrating the birth of Christ is one of the most wonderful family worship experiences we have as Christians. I want to pass along  a great resources for Family Worship during the Christmas Season: (Just click on the link to open)

The 25 day Advent Devotion From The Gospel Era (My Sister made this for all our family members, for Family Worship)

These are some helpful resources as you set aside time and intentionally focus on the birth of Christ through Family Worship.

First, let me define “advent”. You may have heard this word during the holidays and never really understood what it meant. Here is a definition: advent |ˈadˌvent|the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. 1. the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays. 2. Christian Theology- the coming or second coming of Christ. So simply stated,”advent” is celebrating the arrival of the the Lord of Glory, King Jesus as he was born into the world as a baby.

Second, Here is a definition and some tips for Family Worship.

Family Worship- Family Worship is the regular and intentional gathering of a household to praise God together.

regular = consistent, habitual, normal

intentional = planned, deliberate, on purpose

gathering = coming together, meeting, assembly

household = family unit, everyone living in your home

praise = worship, expressing love, showing
value, glorifying

10 Principles for Family Devotion

1. Worship is about God. Family devotions are when you meet with God as a family. Don’t let the details hide the big point – you are gathering together to hear from God and respond to Him in love.

2. Make it important. You can make family devotions a regular and joyful part of your home life, but you must make it a priority. Don’t let time pressures rob your family of the eternal treasure of knowing God.

3. Keep it short. For most families, 15 minutes several times each week will work well. As your children mature, devotion time will naturally become longer. But regular short meetings are better than occasional long meetings.

4. Make it fun. Everyone should look forward to family devotion time. Use role-playing to act out Bible stories, or invent motions to accompany the singing.

5. Use songs that teach. Not all songs are equal in learning value. Choose songs that tell about the character of God and incorporate Bible verses. Joy and I use and love Seeds Family Worship. The songs are set to Scripture and are great to sing along with. Seeds Worship-Itunes 

6. Same time, same place. Getting into a pattern (or habit) will make family devotions a normal part of your home.

7. Learn as you go. Experience will become your teacher. Since every family is different, you will need to discover what pattern of family worship best fits your home life.

8. Use variety in prayer. Alternate who leads prayer, or ask the children to pray aloud in turn. You can even have the children copy aloud after you as you pray.

9. Avoid distractions. Turn off the television and remove toys from the area. If you have small children, an illustrated story Bible will help retain their attention.

10. Head of Household should lead. If there is a believing father, he should lead. If you are a single parent or have an absent spouse, you must lead for your family.

3 Objectives for Every Family Concerning the Gospel and Christmas:

1. Teach clearly the scriptural story of Christmas and the doctrinal meaning of Christmas. 

Teach The Old Testament Prophecies: Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Teach The New Testament Narrative (Luke 2): Luke 2:8–11 (ESV)

Currently, we are trying to memorize Luke 2 as a family, here is Hannah-Ruth

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Teach The Doctrinal Emphasis (Incarnation): Philippians 2:6–8 (ESV)

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

2. Recognize the Worldview of consumerism and materialism; Beware of The Law of Unintended Consequences. 

consumerism: the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.

The Law of Unintended Consequences is this: if you are not intentional about the meaning of Christmas and the demonstration of the Gospel with your family, you will unintentionally conform to the worldview of our age, consumerism and materialism.

We have a rule that our children only get 3 gifts on Christmas morning. If you ask them why they only get 3 gifts, they will tell you because Jesus only got 3 gifts. This helps us keep our spending and want in the proper place.

My Sister and her family give an offering that equals the largest amount of money they spend on each of their 4 Children to Lottie Moon (IMB Christmas Offering for Overseas Missionaries).

3. Model the example of sacrifice and servanthood. 

As a family we do several things intentionally to model this. Here are some ideas:

1. Have your children help make ornaments for the the widows in your church.

2. Find and adopt a family in need.

3. Serve at a local mission, we serve at Calvary Rescue Mission.

4. Give to Lottie Moon (IMB Christmas Offering for Overseas Missionaries).

Philippians 2:4–5 (ESV)

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

John 13:13–15 (ESV)

13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

I pray you don’t miss out on having a worshipful and wonderful Christmas! Be intentional and celebrate Jesus and His birth into this world. Merry Christmas!

“Gospel Life Plan: Glorifying God in 2012 Personally, Spiritually, and Missionally.”

Don’t miss Wednesday December 14th and 21st, as Joy and I share about our experience this past year living out the Gospel Life Plan. Individuals and couples will be challenged during these nights to set a Gospel Life Plan for 2012. Each person will identify their calling, goals, steps of action and stewardship in three areas of life: personal, spiritual, and missional. You will receive the Gospel Life Plan chart, hear how to use it, and be challenged to complete it before 2012 begins. Scott Thomas writes this about the Gospel, The Gospel is the ultimate solution for every problem and issue we face and is obviously something outside of ourselves. Jesus Christ possesses the Gospel. It is the supernatural power of God graciously given to us by the His Spirit (Gospel Coach pg. 41). Over the past year Joy and I have been blessed to grow in and apply the Gospel to our lives. This has been an incredible resource for us to set goals and keep them in areas of health, family time, spiritual disciplines and growth, stewardship, time management, and missional living. Join us on these two Wednesday Nights as we are challenged to walk into the new year committed to living out the Gospel in each area of our life.

Click here for our 2011 Gospel Life Plan.

Gospel Coaching: Character Issues (Part 1)

Had a great couple of days Gospel Coaching some incredible Church Planters. If you are not familiar with Gospel Coaching you can find out more by clicking here.

This week, meetings focused on character issues. So often in pastoral ministry we are most oblivious to our own sin. I believe this is one of the greatest battles for the pastor. I do not think pastors think they are sinless or without flaws, but for many, justification and narcissism has prevented individual responsibility in dealing with real character issues. Here is one of two questions that were discussed this week as we dealt with character issues.

Question 1. How do you become self aware of character issues? (The answers generally fell into three categories; I will include my challenge to the planters)

1. Spouse (oh how true!!:)

Challenge: We all know that we learn the greatest amount about ourselves from our spouse. However, you must not neglect the discipline, invitation, and cultivation that must happen for this to be fruitful in a marriage. I am constantly amazed at the lack of hard and authentic conversations between couples. Your spouse will never help you become aware of character issues if there has not been a foundation of freedom and trust built in the relationship.

2. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit

Challenge: I believe one of the hardest disciplines in the world for a pastor, is to have a devotional life. To read the Word of God for the sole purpose of allowing God’s Word to read us! Unless there is a disciplined focus on allowing God’s Word to reveal our own sinful habits, lifestyle, pride, arrogance, etc…there will be the natural drift to turn your devotional life into an exercise of hermeneutical ability in preparation for the next great sermon. We must read the Word of God for the purpose of personal sanctification, without this devotional discipline, we quench the power of the Holy Spirit’s purifying work. 

3. Accountability

Challenge: I don’t know if I was the first to say it, but here it is: “You cannot have accountability with someone if they cannot see your eyes and hear your heart.” I talked to a minister one time, and he told me his accountability partner was his friend that was several states away, whom he had not seen in years. He may have been his pen pal, but he wasn’t his accountability partner. We must have someone who knows us well enough and loves us deeply enough to tell us hard things about our life. The longer I meet with pastors and the more tragedy I see from wrecked ministries, the more I realize, many people NEVER experience this excruciatingly wonderful privilege. That’s right excruciatingly wonderful! Real accountably is excruciatingly painful when a trusted man of grace helps us measure our life to the standard of Jesus and the truth of His word. However, it is also wonderful after the painful experience of crucifying our lives we realize we are more like Christ, and it was all for His glory! What a blessing it is to have someone who loves us enough to help us see character issues in our life.