Unstoppable

So there I was again, stuck in traffic and late when I saw natural life pushing through the cold man made concrete of the street barriers. I realized that when life is destined emerge it finds a way, even when circumstances are not ideal. If there is a dream that God has placed in one's heart or a talent that has been given to an artist, it simply must emerge. Sure dreams and art take hard work, time, money and often many failed attempts leading to doubt, but nonetheless life emerges. I realized that the natural life was not suppressed by the man made materials. Often we can have the man made pressures of life weigh heavily on us and threaten the greatness that God has placed within us. Most people cave under this pressure and simply conclude that their aspirations are too grand and must be relinquished. Though times and trials may be difficult, that which is truly alive is unstoppable.

After the Rain

'So it's another rainy day here in Jersey.' It's truly amazing how after several weeks of little rain people begin to complain that 'we need rain.' However, when it does rains for a few days the sentiment changes to 'will the rain ever stop?' It's very interesting that we often say that we long for the rain, but really what we desire is the effects of the rain. We want our plants, our grass and our reservoirs to prosper, but this often happens a day or two after the rain has stopped.
Spiritually speaking we often say we want God to pour out His Spirit, but when we go through uncomfortable times our reaction is to complain. Could it be that God's rain inconveniences us like natural rain, but produces great benefits after we have endured? What we desire is the end product of God's process, but we'd rather skip the journey to the blessing and just receive the good things.
As the rain saturates the earth it is preparing to sustain and possibly even germinate life, and often this is the case with trials or difficulties that produce the nutrients of success or breakthrough. We essentially go through a preparation process that rids us of unnecessary baggage and produces the character essential for growth. So today, it may seem gloomy and like you trapped inside a limited space, but be confident that the rain will end, the sun will come out tomorrow and the rain of today can very well produce a greater life for tomorrow.

2 Timothy 2:12
"If we endure hardship,we will reign with him.If we deny him,he will deny us."

Greatness

What would happen if we truly believed we were bound for greatness. Of course I am not talking about the material assumptions that are often prescribed by pop culture when I speak of greatness. With this understanding of greatness we would see our diligent and often monotonous efforts in light of the big picture and not merely the 'here and now'. We would see that we are striving for a greater day and the fulfillment of all we have worked for. The desire to demand immediate results would fade because we would recognize the magnitude of what God has called us to. It has been said that when God creates a squash He takes two months, but when He creates a mighty oak tree God takes one hundred years. Truly there is a process to greatness.
In light of planting a church we can hope for instant growth and stability, but even when there are great numbers of people true greatness is still associated with a process. I have adopted the saying that 'failure is often the refinery of life.' When we fail it is an opportunity to grow and avoid future failures; to rid ourselves of destructive habits, ideals and misunderstood realities.
Since the inception of this church we have seen great growth both numerically and as a family that genuinely cares for one another. However, we must have the reality that understands we are part of a great vision. We are not merely attending a church, but we are building a great work for the Kingdom of God for future generations. We may not have the luxuries of a building, multiple ministries, a full worship band and fringe benefits like day care discounts, but our goals are greater than ourselves. Our dreams are for the purposes of eternity that many might come to know the hope, joy and freedom of knowing Christ which is far greater than our wants to be satisfied. So to each church planter, and member of church that is focused on an eternal reward may you continue strive for changed lives of all who will be recipients of the sacrifices made to establish a work of Christ in your communities.

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones..."
- Jesus (Luke 16: 10a)

Rain

Just this past week I was sharing how God has drawn people from many directions to our church, but it seems like we've had very few from our town in particular. It could be that it's a mere 1.2 sq miles surrounded by many other towns, yet I don't think that is the case. I realized yesterday as I was trying to anchor a sign in the ground that hard and dry land is very difficult to work in. For farmers parched lands are simply unusable unless they invest some time and effort.
Could it be that God would desire the church to not only established new church plants in lush lands where many are open to the call of Spirit? God has called some to till the hardened soil, enrich it with the nutrients of prayer and fasting and wait until the Holy Spirit rains down the waters of the presence of God which will ultimately prepare the soil for seed.
In Jesus' parable of the seed and sower there was no fault with the seed which was symbolic of the Word of God. The main factor was the soil and it's condition to receive the seed(For deeper insight to this passage I encourage you to read Matthew 13: 1 - 23). Again, in this passage Jesus declares that the seed of God's Word will produce 100, 60 or 30 times what was originally sown. In other words when God allows His truth to transform one person's life it can effect many others as well. So let us work diligently to till the grounds of our communities in prayer, fasting and sharing the hope of Jesus, but let us remember that it is the Holy Spirit who completes the work (1 Cor 2: 10 - 12). Even as it may become difficult in the heat of life we must remember the words of Scripture:

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy"
Psalm 126:5

Made for This

As you drive down the street in our community you'll spot a ton of churches and some could ask: "why plant another church?" Of course as a church planter this thought crossed my mind as well, so I set off on a little investigation. What I found is that many of these 'historical' churches are as little as 25% full on Sundays with very little support from any congregation. So how do they exist? Well, all of these churches have daycares that serve as an economic engine for the church. However, is this what we the church was made for?If the church were created to be a daycare, then why would there by martyrs and why did Jesus die? We were made for so much more. To serve, heal, and save communities, families and individuals. These building can sometimes be held hostage from smaller new churches that are growing and in need of space. If churches are allowed to continue to be daycares that happen to have a few people that show up on Sunday, then we should be gravely concerned for the spiritual condition of families, communities and our society as a whole.
We trust God for all things and that includes space to gather and be a lighthouse for generations to come. However, let us pray earnestly that God will open the right space at the right for new churches so that we can exist and serve our community knowing that we were 'made for this!'

Nourish

It's amazing how the rain, sun and nutrients which are essential for life are readily available to all plant life. It seems as though all man needs to provide is seed to the soil. However, we often toil to produce fruits, vegetables and the greenest grass on the block. It's like that in life. We run to people for advice, experiences to exhilarate us and mindless activities to fill our time when God desires to nourish our soul with the warmth of His presence, the showers of His blessings and the truth of His Word to strengthen our spirit.
We find more often that the innovations of humankind lead to destruction and we'd be better off allowing God to be God. For a church or our individual lives we must be careful to not manipulate the natural moving of the Spirit of God in our lives. We can invent programs and try lure in better days, but I'd rather trust God, the creator of all things. He nourishes us with all we need.

Can You Feel It?

Think about it, some of the greatest things in life cannot be explained in words. The feeling of a beautiful spring day, the emotions of love or the excitement about vacation could never be captured in words. This can be similar to the feeling of new life emerging, we cannot see the evidence fully, but we know when the air is warming the earth and sun is shining that certainly something great is about to bloom.
So it is the spiritual realm, we can see the excitement in hearts of people and feel the presence of God even though we may not know what is coming. God will certainly allow us as church and individuals to bloom into a greater sphere of living as we remain positioned in His Son's light and allow the warmth of His love to saturate us. So friend, hang in there and be confident that the best is yet to come!

Greater Glory

God sometimes places in those ironic moments to teach us. Just a few moments ago I called to look into some potential new space for the church and I decided to look into the zoning laws for that space. I found the town code book the particular town's website and after sometime of reading this very long and boring document found that a church will likely not be able to meet in that space. As a matter of fact, the entire town would be difficult to move into because of zoning restrictions on 'houses of worship.'
Now for the ironic part. In my preparations for Sunday's message I came across the line "Shouldn't we expect far greater glory under the new way..." (2 Cor 3:8). Despite restrictions financially and legally we should be expecting far greater things. However, we know that God's plan is often unexpected, but superior. This is true for a church that is growing in a difficult area and for individuals who face obstacles that seem to prevent growth, advancement and success. Nonetheless let us stand firm and hope for 'greater glory' as God works in us and through us!

Fruit

This time of year we look forward to all fresh spring and summer fruits & vegetables. There is nothing like eating fresh Jersey grown blueberries or tomatoes during a picnic or barbecue with friends. In a similar way a church that produces good fruit is refreshing and delightful to the community, world wide missions efforts and the members who make up the church.
Even if there are challenges for new small plants or churches it is important that we keep our efforts fixed on producing good fruit by honoring God and blessing others. From this perspective of viewing the church as a plant that is growing in concrete it is essential that we produce fruit. After all, any plant that is growing in the concrete barriers or retaining walls on the parkway or turnpike will be regarded as disposable. We must then set out to produce fruit so that we will have such great value that someday we may be planted in an environment that sustains and nurtures growth. Patience is key and many times greatly needed as real estate is in the millions, zoning laws are extremely restrictive of churches and land is rare and likewise in the millions.
Finally, just like a plant is entirely dependant on the one who created the seed, the sunshine and the rain so we too must remain completely dependant on our Creator. I am confident that the heart of God is that we reach the lost, strengthen other believers and worship Him as the Almighty Creator of all. As we strive to have our hearts beat as one with the one who holds our destiny we will see great and mighty miracles!

Treats, Trimmings & Tapistries

Growing in concrete focuses on the challenge at hand for church planters in urbanized & overpriced areas that present unique obstacles. However, we focus on the challenge to point out the champion over every situation.
One challenge is in relation to the limited resources of a church plant in comparison with large established churches. There is no school giving discounts to members, no history that binds families because of political power, no large glitzy glamorous building and there certainly is not he buffet of 10,000 well established ministries. This of course is not intended to condemn these such churches, because God uses different churches to minister to different needs. Diversity is the beauty of the body of Christ and established churches aught to be commended for their contribuition to the Kingdom of God. However, there is a sincere desire to follow the leading of Christ into new terrains which no money, architectural masterpieces or men could ever foster. We have grown in spite of these challenges and will continue as we focus on the "Champion of the Challenge."
In our individual lives we should also keep in mind the power of the presence of God. We may not have the wealth, power, privileges or resources of the next guy or gal, but God never intended for us to trust in the powers of this natural earth. Our hearts must remain as the Psalmist's heart was when he wrote:

"Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20: 7 (NLT)

In Time

This past Friday I sat and listened to a very well known speaker who told the story of the Chinese Bamboo tree. I did a little research of my own to discover that this inspirational story has been told by many others for years.
The Chinese bamboo is planted, watered and cared for, but very little is seen of its growth for several months. Actually, after four years of nurturing this plant all that can be seen is a small insignificant sprout. However, after four years of cultivating and having patience the plant grows at an astounding rate in the fifth year up to eighty feet. This is only possible because for the first four years that plant was developing a strong root structure, that could support such rapid growth.
In our lives we often think that if can't see results than we have not grown when reality is that if we grow without the proper infrastructure than all our growth will be in vain. This is how businesses fail, relationships fall apart and young successful people crash and burn. It is God who determines the growth of that plant, and it is God who must determine the plans and goals that He has for us. As we remain faithful, diligent and honest is our approach to being successful in the eyes of God He will determine our steps and sustain healthy growth that can be carried on to be a blessing for generations to come.
As we grow in the face of opposition, challenge and difficulty let us remember to put down strong roots and trust God for the increase that only He can give!

"Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots."
Proverbs 12: 3 (NLT)

A Preview from Sunday's Message Concluding the Series 'Walk On':

I have seen the city walls crumble
And I have seen the mighty giant tumble
Oh I have seen my sons and daughters fall and stumble
But keep on keep'n on, my son and daughter you must walk on
I have seen the impassable sea split
And I have seen the impossible mountain cast into the ocean's pit
By the blood of the Son and your story you shall overcome
Fear not, walk on and my victory will be your battle won
So keep on keep'n on, son and daughter walk on

A little poem by yours truly about working amidst difficult situations such as growing in concrete. I hope you were encouraged.

Taking it Away

I know all of you, my adoring fans (both of you) have been longing for my next post. Well, here it is!
The lyric 'You give and take away' has been ringing in my ears. This song is inspired by Job's expression in Job 1: 21 "...Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of LORD be praised." Often, we think we know what we need. Things like more money, a house, a newer car, more people in our church but it's God who gives and takes and there is a plan and time for all things. There are people who made verbal commitments, gave their word and then dissapeared, but God has given us a fantastic group of people that love God, each other and those outside the walls of our church and in time will bring others. For now, I thank God for taking some away because His will is best and He knows best. Like a tree growing in concrete, only God knows how and when it will develop and only God determines when and how the roots will grow. So thank you God for giving and for taking away!

Step by Step

I once heard the joke "How do you eat an elephant?" and the answer was "One bite at a time". I'll admit its not a very good joke, but this concept speaks volumes. We can look at the obstacles ahead of us and wonder how in the world will I ever climb that mountain, get that job or finish that degree. The answer is 'one bite at a time' or 'one step at a time.' I often find myself like many other in my generation. I like things to happen quickly without much effort, but often God has another plan. Like a plant that grows in concrete, it takes a lot of time from when that seed finds it's way into a small crack, finds just enough soil to support life and then grow. The words from the book of Proverbs remind us that we need to keep focused and not become distracted by what others have or what we would want. Today, be encouraged that if there are goals that you have yet to see fulfilled that God has empowered you to take steps in the right direction and often its those steps that refine and strengthen us in preparation for the blessing of God. Trust me, this encouragement is as much for me as it is for anyone who reads along. Take a look at Proverbs 4: 25 - 27
"Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on that safe path.
Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil."

Cultural Architecture Beam by Beam

Tonight God opened my eyes and showed me a truth about growing in concrete. The growth must happen in unseen and often seemingly insignificant ways. I met with a friend from the church and after some time of talking at a coffee house he asked me "why did you want to meet with me?" It was then I realized my strong value for relationship with people. We were meeting as friends and brothers in Christ, yet it was mysterious to him why I would want to meet with him. According to Scripture we were doing what was expected and normal, but in a relationally anemic church culture it was bewildering that 'it was good and pleasant for brothers to dwell together'. This value is expressed in Jesus and the twelve men that He chose to spend time sharing His heart with. It was a religious environment that choked true relationship between God and man in the days of Jesus, yet Jesus in seemingly insignificant ways cultivated seeds of truth that allowed the salvation of humanity to 'grow in concrete' and so we must serve in the example of Christ, value people and the priorities of God's heart above the man made pictures of success such as buildings, numbers and all sorts of religious pats on the back.

Introducing

Sometime ago I remember watching a news story about trees and bushes that were growing in the concrete barriers and retaining walls in urbanized New York City and New Jersey. The news was highlighting the improbability of the growth of these plants, but nonetheless they continue to grow and flourish today in some of the most unlikely of places; in concrete. This phrase "growing in concrete" came to mind as a church planter in an urbanized and heavily traditional region. I have heard of churches that have come and gone in our region. I have faced the reality zoning codes, high real estate prices and little availability for meeting places. These factors present challenges to us as a church plant similar to that of a tree growing in concrete on the Garden State Parkway. Somehow that tree still grows and so will we. At times it may seem mysterious that we can continue to grow, but we will grow by the mysterious power of God.