Things I'm Learning from Nehemiah (part 1)

Currently I am reading through the book of Nehemiah. It's a book that I've read before but not really ever actually read to fully engage and learn something. I know that sounds bad, but lets face it, sometimes we read the Bible because we have to and go through dry spells.

Well, here are a few things that I'm learning, enjoying, and being challenged with so far in the book of Nehemiah:

• Nehemiah's passion and concern for his people drives me to be more passionate about my neighbors, friends and family. (Nehemiah 1:3-4) I am also encouraged to know that I am not a big baby because I too weep like a big baby!
• Nehemiah's prayer for His generation reminds me that I not only must continue to pray and confess my sins for myself, but pray constantly for those I encounter everyday! It is also okay to pray for success when you are are praying to accomplish God's will (Nehemiah 1:5-11)
• I love that the pastors of Nehemiah's day not only led the charge of rebuilding the walls but they got their hands dirty. This reminds me that as a pastor there is no job to good for me. I must always be a servant. (I'm so thankful for this principle that was taught to me at my home church of Waynedale Baptist Church as an intern, cleaning toilets) (Nehemiah 3:1)
• There will always be people who don't understand what we are doing, and why we are doing it. However, it does not make our obedience to do it any less essential or important (Nehemiah 3:5).

It would appear to me that Nehemiah's calling to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was about much more than simply rebuilding the walls for protection of the city. It is great to be reminded that when we are called to do something from God, not only will He confirm it but He will provide for it!

3 Things I've Learned at The Great Wolf Lodge and Can Apply to GC

Okay, seriously I may have a problem. Everywhere I go I am always watching, learning, and writing notes about customer service, hospitality, how to improve things with first impressions at church. This is probably good as we haven't launched Generation Church yet, but here are a few things I have noticed at The Great Wolf Lodge, with my family this weekend.

1. There is a constant buzz of fun - I think this is gonna be key for Generation Church, so key that it's one of our core values. I don't think God ever intended for us to live a boring life.

2. People are friendly - seriously, the staff seem happy to work here, and they are constantly saying hello to you in the halls, which in turn make other people here very happy.

3. My kids (and thousands of others) LOVE this place - I cannot begin to describe how my son's face light up when we walked through the lobby and witnessed millions of Christmas lights, and snow inside. My other son also fell awestruck of the indoor water park. Church should be an inviting place that people want to go to because JESUS is there!

We are still about 10 months from launching, but creating a plan and a vision of how we want to treat people from the parking lot to the auditorium, and everywhere in between is a necessity. Coming to places like this makes this hyperactive mind go crazy!

The Strong Challenge Day 15

Study Challenge #5 - Read A Whole Book

Open your Bible and read a whole book of it in one setting. We are to jot down anything that stands out...

Hey Jude! Okay, I know I did not pick the longest of books, but here are some of my thoughts after reading Jude.

• Sometimes what you plan is not what God intends (vs. 3)
• It's amazing that after thousands of years that somethings never change (vs. 4)
• We must be wise, and careful because the devil is trying everything to detour our mission and purpose
• As a pastor, I must reach as many people as possible, but also protect those whom God has entrusted to me
• Churches should not be in competition with each other but united in snatching people from the flames, encouraging one another, and bringing glory to God.

The Strong Challenge Day 14

Study Challenge #4 - Enjoy A Story

Today we are encouraged to read the entire Book of Ruth and jot down anything that stands out...

• I cannot imagine what Naomi was going through losing her spouse and then her boys
• Even in the midst of her own pain and suffering, Naomi seemed to be looking out for others (vs.9)
• Sometimes when you are dead set on something, no one can talk you out of it (vs. 18)
• I think I may name my next son, Boaz (2:1)
• When remaining obedient to the principles and calling God has told you to do, He will take care of you

The Strong Challenge Day 13

Study Challenge #3 - Memorize

Let me start out by saying....UGH!!! I hate memorizing. Although, I've been pretty good over the years at memorizing Scripture (partly thanks to going to a church camp growing up that challenged us with Bible quizzing). I must confess, I haven't memorized much as of lately. So, today's challenge is more than fitting.

Here are the four passages we are encouraged to choose from:

Psalm 1:1-2

Psalm 119:41

Matthew 11:28-30

Ephesians 4:1-2

Which one will you memorize...I'm choosing Psalm 119:41 as a reminder of the blessing and the assurance I have in Christ.