Saturday, November 28, 2009

Thanksgiving thoughts

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We enjoyed smoked turkey and all the fixin's this year. We've gotten together with some folks (who are without family in Denver) going on 7 years now. The past couple years it has grown, this year to 15 people.

I'm really aware of how the "kids" are growing and changing. Seems like just yesterday they were in elementary school, playing football and beating up on each other (mildly). Now the youngest is back from college for the weekend...

I'm thankful for friendships that continue to grow. There is no substitute for time together.

And I'm thankful for my wife. Remembering almost 30 Thanksgivings together (including when we were dating). We've had several Thanksgivings where we ate what I shot that day (pheasant, duck, quail, goose). She let me clean and cook those. We've laughed and watched lots of football (will the Lions ever win?).

And I've come home with the same beautiful woman every year, and am so grateful for the gift she is...




Thursday, November 12, 2009

A Pastor's Gathering

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So what do pastors do when they get together? Sounds like an intro to a joke...

I was in Chicago this week with some pastors from around the country. It was good to be with some guys I've known for 20+ years. We see each other a couple times a year. It is a great time to reconnect, share stories, hear from people who are experts in different areas, and laugh.

One of the highlights for me was a late dinner at a famous Chicago pizza place with 3 friends -- telling stories, laughing so hard I was crying...

For the meeting times, we had Adam Hamilton (pastor of the largest Methodist church in the universe) in to do some training. He is an inspiring guy with amazing vision and energy. Don't know if I've ever heard anyone as intentional as Adam. I was stirred up and challenged, reminded of how much God loves Denver and what a privilege it is to be a part of SHV and together serve our city.

What do pastors do anyway?? First of all, pastors have a sense they are "called" to do what they're doing, which means it is more than a cool idea or vocational option.

Pastors train others in how to follow Jesus through teaching, serving, caring, and encouraging. Most of the work is behind the scenes. They aren't the "go to person," but rather know the "go to Person" (Jesus). They help connect people with Him.

And they help people learn to follow Jesus in lifestyle and character. That means every follower of Jesus is called onto the field of play, each with a very important role to play. No spectators. In a small or large church, that is the challenge. Getting everyone in the game, growing as devoted followers of Jesus.

I'm so thankful for the privilege of serving as a pastor. It was a great 3 days and I'm looking forward to what will unfold personally, at SHV and in Denver as a result.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Freedom in Marriage

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We're getting ready to dive in to the Marriage portion of our "Real Freedom" series... June and I have been married 27 1/2 years, and over that time we've learned many helpful "best practices." I will be sharing several of those over the next few weeks. I'll also be addressing specific questions sent in via email, texting, and handwritten notes.

So what does God say about "falling in love" and "falling out of love?" What do you do when you're not "feeling the love" anymore?

So many of the principles we've been learning so far relate to marriage. Just last week we covered Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Marriage is definitely the testing and proving ground for this verse.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your marriage, apply relational principles as a single person, or rebuild after a broken relationship, there will be something for you. I want to encourage you to come with a prayerful and hope-filled attitude...

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Ephesians 3:20 (Message Version)