Waving Gifts

It’s one of the most unusual stories in the whole Bible. Moses has led the children of Israel, God’s people, out of slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea, and out into the desert on their way to the Promised Land of Canaan. On their way, they camp at Mt. Sinai, and God gives Moses the 10 commandments along with instructions for how the people are to live and worship as God’s chosen people.

One of the instructions is to build a Tabernacle, a dwelling for God and a place of worship. Moses announces that anyone who is willing can give to the building of God’s house. Exodus 35 reports that “all who were willing” gave from what they had. People were thrilled to give a gift to the Lord from what they had: gold, silver, jewelry, expensive clothes, gemstones, spices, olive oil, and perfumes. People wanted to thank God for his provision in their lives, and for the journey so far, and mostly, they wanted to bless God with gifts.

The amazing part of the story is that the people gave so much that Moses had to tell them to stop. That’s right; the Bible actually says that Moses had to restrain the people from giving. That is hard to imagine, isn’t it? Read more »

Who was I today?

I did not know I was that arrogant. (No comments from the peanut gallery, please.)

Having spent the last 48 hours in the Dominican Republic with a team of 10 women (and yes, I still covet your prayers!), I am convinced God has schooled me in a new chapter on what it means to serve others. This is not the first time I’ve been in a third-world nation, nor is it the first time I’ve seen this level of poverty. But it is the first time I’ve recognized the pride and arrogance of my American-culture-driven background like this.

I came here with the team to film and document the story as well as catch images to help cast vision for the DR in the months to come. And I knew that I would be in situations with people here where I could “give” them something or “help” them. After all, since we come from such a blessed nation, surely we have something to offer them. I mean, seriously, don’t we have all the answers?

Slaps in the face hurt. Read more »

Trapped in the “bubble”

My oldest son, Charles, recently completed a training school in Texas as a first step towards being a church planter. It was a rigorous 9-month program designed to strengthen the character of students and help them establish Christ-like disciplines in their life.

Initially, I was not surprised as I learned about the specific expectations of the training school. In fact, it reminded me of my own experience in seminary. All the students were expected to be reading the Bible from cover to cover; there were a number of biblical subjects to be mastered; each was expected to be in a discipleship relationship with a mentor and be a leader within an ongoing ministry of the church–nothing too surprising there.

As I learned more, though, I started to get uncomfortable. Read more »

Food!

I meet once a month with a small group of pastors. We meet in Kinston because it’s the centrally-located city in between Jacksonville, New Bern, Clayton and Greenville. We meet for fellowship, prayer and, of course, food.

At our September meeting, we discussed our concern for our denomination, and we decided to do something about it. One of my friends said, “Hey, on the Fridays that we don’t meet, let’s fast and pray about our concern and petition God to intervene!” That sounded like such a great idea, and we all agreed to do it.

Then came the next Friday… Read more »

Jesus’ take on freedom

Doesn’t everyone want to be free?

Over the last few weeks I have been repeatedly reminded of how precious freedom is. The anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s collapse reminded me. Talking with a friend who lives in an oppressive region of India reminded me. Reading about Christians who have been jailed for their faith reminded me. Talking with a person who was recently arrested reminded me.

As far as I can tell, everyone wants to be free. Read more »

Hole in One!

My disc golf small group meets every Sunday afternoon in the back parking lot. We have about 30 people signed up, so each week we have a fair number of men and women come out and play.

Sunday was a special day. I started us with our regular devotion time. We are in the process of naming each one of our golf holes with scripture. This Sunday’s reference for #6 was Genesis 1:31, “God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.” Our sixth basket is the one that you can see from Old Firetower Road near the gravel road entrance. It’s an average length throw for a right-handed disc golfer. Everyone knows that with a good toss, there is a chance for birdie.

I ended up in the last group this week. Our group of six included a husband and wife team, a couple of newer players, and another guy who has been in our group since we started it last year. When we reached the sixth tee, it was John’s turn to throw first. Most of us were talking and not really paying attention to John’s throw until we heard his disc hit the chains. John yelled, “I think it hit the chains!” You can’t see the basket from the tee on #6; it’s hidden by the pine trees. So, we all ran to look and see where John’s shot landed. Read more »

Sacrificing to the Finish Line

“Just a half-mile to go; you can do it!”

That’s what I was saying to myself over and over again last Saturday morning. I was part of the Good Samaritan 5K and pushing hard as I approached the finish line. I had intentionally been running faster than my normal, 55-year old pace, and my whole body was feeling it. My heart was pounding, my stomach was turning and my brain was questioning this painful strategy. I briefly thought about slowing and coasting in, but people were cheering me on. I was able to finish with a sprint!

Three years ago, Covenant began a 3-year race called His Heart, Our Dream. It was a broad-based project endorsed by all core leaders and has been financially supported by many households. The primary goal was clear to us all: expand our facilities so that people we had not yet met would have a place to worship and discover Jesus’ redeeming love. Read more »

Doulos

I was up early this morning reading my Bible, and I came across the writer’s description of himself: a slave of Jesus Christ. Now, the Greek word doulos can mean servant. I like the word servant. I like thinking of myself as a servant of Jesus. I like the thought that I am helping Him bring in his Kingdom on earth. I like thinking that I’m choosing to offer some of my time in assisting Him.

Being his slave is a totally different matter. Slaves have no rights. Slaves have no choice.  Slaves are useful only as they offer unquestioned obedience to their master. Saying that I am a slave of Jesus means I understand completely that my work on this earth is to carry out what He says while constantly in His service. Read more »

A Very Old Challenge

InTENtional for 10 is a brand new challenge from Covenant’s leadership: embrace ten of Jesus’ life disciplines for ten weeks. Sounds new and creative doesn’t it?

This kind of “try it, you’ll like it” strategy is actually as old as the Old Testament. Check out the book of Malachi for one such example. Read more »

Totaled

About a month ago, a young woman came weaving up our street and sideswiped our daughter’s black Volkswagen Beetle. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but both cars were rendered undriveable. The police came, filled out a report, and we waited for the other insurance company to contact us.

No one called. The car just sat on the street outside our house for five days. Finally, an adjuster did call and said the company would tow it to the body shop of our choice. I thought to myself, “Good. Now we’re getting somewhere!” Boy, was I wrong! Read more »