Rebound

Back in July I took a retreat - typical for me - every three months to get away for three days and two nights as I am able.  I do this to hear from the Lord, and for the work of the Lord here at Northside, and in more recent months to plan out preaching for the months to come.  We were in a series on the book of Jonah.  I had brought a book with me called 'I Will' by Thom Rainer that we planned to use for a series and life groups emphasis in the fall.  

I arrived at the camp where I would stay.  I began by reading the book I Will and read it through that first day as I recall.  Later I began to map out the weekends for the remainder of the year.  The Lord led me to the book of Philemon and late one evening that became a four week series called 'Grace from Start to Finish' for the end of summer.  I also had a strong burden for a series called Rebound.  I began to make a list of those in scripture who needed a rebound - and quickly had 8-10 possible individuals for those messages.  

I was led to Luke 2 and the verse that described who was in the manger - Mary, Joseph and Jesus.  'Who's That in The Manger?' would become our Christmas series for 2016.  In addition, He put it on my heart to teach the beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-12 to begin 2017 in a series that will be called 'From Broken to Blessed'.  Upon return to Northside, we began to work on final details of scheduling and length of series.  'I Will' would become a seven-week series.  Rebound would be the next to follow.  

As that series came closer I was searching in my heart before the Lord asking the question 'Where do you even begin with this one?'  He said - start with Peter - and so we did.  If you can rebound from denying you even know the Lord, hours after you said you would die for him, you can rebound from anything.  Week one began with a towel on every chair with the word 'Rebound' on it.  We used a basketball theme to launch the series about getting a second chance - but soon discovered it had much stronger impact, with reminders of the grace of God and rebounding from a myriad of situations.  

Week one was rebounding from denial, the story of Peter.  Week two was rebounding from adultery, the story of David.  Week three was rebounding from anger, the story of Moses.  Week four was rebounding from shame, the story of the woman caught in adultery.  Week five was rebounding from the fall, the story of Adam and Eve.  

Each week we've had homework.  Week 1, I challenged the church to read 1 and 2 Peter - two letters toward the end of the New Testament inspired by God that He chose to use Peter to write.  Week 2 was to read and meditate on Psalm 51, written by David after he had sinned.  It's the story of his rebound.  Week 3 we were challenged to live in Ephesians 4 - particularly verse 26-33.  Week 4 we focused on the gospel prayer and the reminder there is nothing we can do to make Him love us more, and nothing we have done to make Him love us less.  Week 5 we have been challenged to read Romans 5 and see the contrast of the fall because of Adam, and the free gift of salvation because of Jesus.  

During the series, I've heard the stories of people who are experiencing rebounds in their lives.  This morning I spoke with a friend out of town who has been listening each week online.  I also think the Lord is causing Northside to Rebound.  After some seasons of drop in attendance (we averaged 899 for the series 'I Will'), we have averaged 1004 for the series Rebound.  

During the 'I Will' series we discussed Thom Rainer's observations about why churches decline.  We admitted that we were in decline - having peaked at 1300 in 2010 after growing from 82 in 1993.  Rainer says that churches decline because people don't 'Go' anymore - or in other words we aren't intentional.  We forget our Jerusalem and the needs right around us and to the ends of the earth.  I believe it was a defining moment - Go - or die.  

Now we head to Christmas and the new year with the reminder that the gospel is the great love of God beyond measure.  For the sake of every soul at Northside now, and for the 92000 who live within 5 miles and the 440,000 who live in this county, we are going to keep the fire burning!!!  Those numbers are important because every number is a person.  

Perhaps you are facing a situation where you need a rebound.  You are in a place where you never expected to be.  Peter denied Jesus.  David slept with another man's wife and murdered her husband.  Moses lost it -  in anger in front of the people of God - and it cost him greatly.  A woman experienced horrific shame and scorn.  Adam and Eve felt the weight of sin for the first time in their lives because of disobedience.  But Peter was restored.  David was forgiven.  Moses experienced a remarkable rebound.  The woman found salvation and freedom instead of condemnation and Adam and Eve experienced the reality that God pursues those who even try to hide from Him, and will send the Messiah as the cure for our sin.  

Wherever you are today, God has a rebound for you.  Run to Him.  Look to Him.  Trust Him.  It's life's greatest rebound!!!

More Than a Conference

In 2010, the Lord put it in my heart to begin a ministry that would encourage pastors and churches.  Northside embraced that journey and we began a conference called 'Keep the Fire Burning'.  For the past six years, we have had the privilege of hosting more than 550 pastors and leaders from more than 140 churches and 11 states as well as a couple of other nations I believe.  The passion was to impact the Northeastern United States - a region of nine states with 55 million.  This area once blazed with the gospel.  Today, 83% do not profess faith in Christ.  That's 45 million people.  

The goal of this ministry was that pastors not quit, churches not die, communities not lose a lighthouse, and those without Christ have more opportunity to hear the gospel and believe.  Using the acronym FIRE - it was so that Faith would be renewed - there would be Inspiration and Instruction - it would be a catalyst for Revival and Renewal - and ultimately pastors and leaders would be Encouraged.  

We are living in the day of ministry burnout.  It's not new.  Elijah battled it as did others in Scripture.  This much I know - while caring for the souls of others, we must also remember to care of our own.  I've been reminded of that lately.  As I watched the video of a godly pastor - Pete Wilson - resigning after planting a church that in the last 14 years has grown to more than 7000 on the weekend, I was humbled by his honesty, and troubled by his weariness.  There was no scandal, he was just tired, broken and needed rest.  How many pastors could not identify?  I have great respect for Pete.  

As we have been planning for 2017, our team had an open and honest discussion about KTFB.  This week, I have made a decision with their counsel and other godly leaders who have impacted my life.  The ministry will continue.  Keep the Fire Burning will remain in the budget.  The conference however will not be held in 2017.  In Scripture, the land was given a rest every seven years, and then came back even stronger after that.  We've been at it six years, and I believe it is time to give this field a rest while we focus on others closer to home.  It may sound selfish, but I prefer to believe it is wise - in fact I believe very wise.  

I feel the need to stoke my own fire, and the fire of our team at Northside.  I am watching God work in our midst right now and am trusting Him to do great things rekindling the fire at Northside day to day, and week to week.  I see him working right now in our current series 'I Will'.  We will be calling a new worship pastor, and are closer to the finish line on that journey.  In the midst of caring for others, we need to care for our own souls and pace ourselves for the long haul.  

As for KTFB, I and at times others from Northside traveling with me, will make trips throughout the northeast in 2017 to see the land once again.  I believe these trips (2 or 3 days at a time, perhaps 3-4 times in the year) will give us the Nehemiah glimpse of the wall and a fresh understanding of what God is doing.  I look forward to those gatherings and hearing from the Lord through our time together as pastors and leaders in your own context.  

I will gather pastors in locations for candid conversations about their greatest struggles, and greatest needs in life and ministry.  I will ask them how to best lead Northside to impact them and others for the glory of God and be a spark for revival and renewal in the Northeast.  We will take the year to plan the best format(s) to impact the northeast in 2018.  It may look similar to the past or different - all we want is the best - for the glory of God!

To my Northside family I cannot thank you enough for your constant encouragement and support of this ministry that reaches way beyond our walls.  To every participant of the conference in the past, this is not the end.  It is a new beginning.  I make no apology for taking time to stir my own fire, that of our team and our church, and I am totally confident that our Lord will do great things for His glory.    I thank you for your understanding and prayers.  Keep the Fire Burning!!!

Never Lose the Wonder

Anyone who knows me, knows I love the game of golf.  I’ve been blessed to play some amazing courses, and have made and shared some profound memories with family and friends around this game.  I started to play the game when in college, and my most recent round was this morning.  I’m not a great golfer, but I love to play the game and to me there is still a wonder about it.  I’ve never had a hole in one, but even this morning, one tee shot on a par 3 for a moment had me wondering as it was tracking towards the pin.

Yesterday was the final round of the Dean and Deluca Invitational at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. The course is referred to as Hogan’s Alley as Ben Hogan won there five times when the tournament was called the Colonial National.  This year Jordan Spieth entered the final round in the lead. Jordan is one of the most remarkable golfers I have ever watched and to follow his career is a lot of fun.  He loves the game - that is obvious.  He’s only 22 years old and for some has earned the name ‘boy wonder’ because of his youth. 

Jordan started his round with 9 pars and was behind by a stroke or two at the turn.  What happened next was not surprising to those of us who are fans.  Though he had suffered recent demises at the Masters and other tournaments in the last rounds, this week such would not be the case.  He birdied 10, 11 and 12, and then birdied 16, 17, and 18.  He won convincingly.  I had taped the end of the telecast and watched it back later last night.  I knew he had birdied the last three, but was totally impressed to see how he did it.  He made long putts on both the 16^th and the 18^th. 

What happened on the 17^th led to a moment that inspired this article.  He was over the green and chipped in with an amazing shot.  When the ball went in – he just looked up with that stunned ‘can you believe that?’ look that reminded me – he has not lost the wonder of the game!!!  It was awesome. 

Now let’s shift gears.  I’ve known Jesus as my Savior and Lord for 43 years now and have been serving Him in churches on staff for the last 39.  Yesterday I witnessed the wonder of a middle-aged man responding to the gospel and giving his life to Christ.  The wonder of it all lit up his face profoundly.  I will not soon forget that.  I’ve seen it before – and I expect to see it again.

I’m writing to encourage you – the reader – to never lose the wonder of who Jesus is and all He has done for you.  The devil will do his best to get you sidetracked or doubting the faithfulness of God.  This I know – the Lord is faithful.  Psalm 77:14 says ‘You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.’ 

There’s even a promise for our kids.  Psalm 22:30 says ‘Our children will also serve him.  Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.’  I love that. I leave you with Psalm 105:5a which says ‘Remember the wonders he has performed.’   As you live for Christ, never lose the wonder of it all.  What a mystery and precious gift that salvation is available by grace through faith.  Oh the wonder of it all!!!

Liverpool Warriors

Tonight I’m sitting in the parking lot of our local high school.  Twenty-three years ago, my wife and I were in town to take our first look at the possibility of moving to Liverpool where I was being considered to come serve as pastor.  While we knew the decision was ultimately the Lord’s we were getting to know the area. We decided to drive to the high school (just a mile from the church buildings) and see the school.  I was particularly interested in the mascot for some reason – in case my kids played sports – what would they be?

 

As we drove to the parking lot by the stadium Kathy and I were struck with the words ‘Liverpool Warriors’.  The spiritual implications of that word for a possible move for ministry here were profound that day and still are tonight.  Our kids were 8, 5, and 2.  We went back up north and the next week my wife heard the Twila Paris song ‘The Warrior is a Child’ sung as a special at a women’s gathering.  Kathy sat there and wept as God was revealing His will to us in so many ways. 

I still remember when our son came off the practice field as a seventh grader 7 years later with his Liverpool Warriors soccer jersey.  He would play for Liverpool the next six years.  He was a warrior.  I also remember his last band concert.  The piece was not a Christian piece per say – but the song included a powerful section where the trombone section (which was his instrument) and the lower brass played the tune that correlates to the song ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’.  One of the finest bands in America played with moxie that night and I sat there amazed.  I went to my car after the concert and happened to be tuned to a Christian station only to here Larnelle Harris sing these words:  ‘so you were in it after all’.  I sat there in amazement of the journey from 1993 to 2005.

Today those three young kids are grown, college graduates, married and moving on with life.  They all graduated from Liverpool High School.  Our fourth will graduate next year, 2017.  To God be the glory they are all doing well and spiritual warriors for the Lord.  Last night I came here to vote on the school budget and for board members, and the meaning of this parking lot hit me profoundly.  I was blessed for sure and knew that I wanted to write this blog story. 

Today I did a little study on the word warrior in the Bible.  I read that ‘The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is his name.’  Exodus 15:3.  I read that the angel of the LORD had a word for Gideon though he may have doubted it.  That angel said to him ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’  Judges 6:12b.

I’m heading home from this parking lot to watch a basketball game.  The Golden State Warriors are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder.  I’m a Warriors fan.  I plan on enjoying the game.  This much I know – that team is full of warriors.  But I also know this too – since I came to Liverpool, God has call me to be a warrior – not militant – but vigilant.   And this much I also know – it’s not a game – but rather eternity is on the line for multitudes.  To that end I’m glad to be on the Northside team.  We are warriors too.  It’s been a great journey.  I’m looking forward to the future.  It could be the best is yet to come. 

Reflections on a Mission Trip

Reflections on a Mission Trip

When I was in seminary, we sang the alma mater every Tuesday in chapel – for three school years.  ‘To all the world for Jesus sake, where bodies hurt and sad hearts ache, lift high the cross, His love proclaim, Mid-America bear His name.’  When I met Jesus, He did something in my heart that placed in me a longing for others to know Him – both near and far.  Those three years in Memphis, Tennessee at Mid-America Seminary fueled that passion.  While at times it may have waned, it has never died out and this week the flame got fueled again. 

I’ve had the privilege of serving in many states and communities in the United States.  In 1983, I began to be more intentional in international ministry.  I traveled to Brazil and ministered there for 8 days.  In 1986, I preached in Venezuala for 8 days.  In 2000, I taught at a leadership academy in Nicaragua.  In 2011, I ministered with Northsiders in Bulgaria, and was blessed to encourage many who serve the Lord there.  It’s all been a huge privilege for the glory of God.

This past week, I got back on the trail.  I travelled this week with a group of 21, many of whom call Northside home, to the Dominican Republic.  Part of the DNA of Northside is missions – near and far.  One of our staff members, is also a missionary with Score International.  We’ve had a lot of great teams led by a lot of great people at Northside, but I have to give a shout out to Joe Salvagni.  He does a remarkable job leading a team with a huge servant’s heart. 

Here’s a brief review of the trip. 

Sunday – we left New York and flew to the Dominican.  We arrived, settled in, had a group meeting and prepared for the week. 

Monday – I was blessed to go to a village – San Jose – and teach 10 students for about 3-4 hours concerning ministry.  7 were leaders from the DR and 3 were students here from the United States on a year’s study.  I love pastors and leaders and it was an honor to share that time together with a rock star missionary by the name of Craig McClure as my interpreter.  Our team went to Josiah’s House – a boy’s home where they began the facelift of a church facility – both inside and out.  They did an amazing job.  The Lord used them greatly. 

Tuesday – The team went back to Josiah’s House and continued some remarkable work on the church and ministered at the home.  I went back to Craig’s village and taught a group of 6 young men from the DR for about 3 more hours.  Craig then showed me some of the Major League Baseball team headquarters here for the Dominican league.  We saw the Yankees, Rockies, Mets and Nationals fields.  Amazing.  Craig works with Baseball Chapel as chaplain to the Rockies.  One of his pastors is the chaplain for the Yankees.  Amazingly, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at Baseball Chapel in Syracuse for the Chiefs.   He took me through more villages and another city.  We also visited in the home of one of the members of the church and got to share the gospel with that member’s wife who has yet to trust in Jesus. 

Wednesday – I went back to Josiah’s House with the team, and we painted two more buildings on the outside.  After three days, three buildings got a facelift and a ministry was encouraged.  It was an honor and a privilege. 

Thursday – We took the entire team to Craig’s village – San Jose, where he met with us and another group and shared his testimony and missions strategy.  It was powerful.  We sat there for more than 90 minutes and listened to God challenge us through the heart of a man whose life has God’s hand all over it.  We then travelled to a school called Emmanuel House – which educates nearly 150 students who would be ostracized or marginalized for various reasons were that school not there.  From there we travelled to El Pinion and saw a church that outgrew its facility so a second church was built by a team earlier this year.  We met this humble, confident pastor and heard his testimony and had prayer with him. 

Friday – We visited the capitol – Santa Domingo – and got some great history from a five year missionary here – Charles Carter – who led us through a tour of the city and gave us insight into this nation.  We relaxed by the ocean this afternoon, and after dinner this evening have packed to go home.  It’s been an amazing week. 

The highlights for me have been:

1.     Growing in fellowship with the team that served here this week.

2.     Encouraging missionaries, hearing their stories and being inspired by the Lord through them.

3.     Teaching pastors and leaders the word of God, and encouraging them in the work of the Lord.

4.     Sharing the gospel with a woman who is about 70 years old, whose husband recently came to Christ but she has yet to trust Jesus as Lord. 

5.     To see up close and personal the work of God in this country,

6.     To thank God for those being rescued from sex-trafficking and ministered to effectively and profoundly by caring mentors. 

7.     To be challenged that God’s plan is best and that He is worthy of all glory.

8.     To see young and older serve God with all their hearts together. 

9.     To walk alongside those who are on their first mission trip, and know they will never be the same. 

10.  Hearing God speak to my heart again through His word, prayer, and His people. 

11.  To see the value of serving with others for a few days together, and the difference it can make in everyone for the glory of the Lord. 

Tomorrow – Saturday – we head back to our homes in the United States – but more confident than ever that our citizenship is in heaven, and we will do whatever it takes to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ so more can know Him!  Hallelujah!

A Hot Dog, a Pickle, and a Chocolate Milk

Last night I spent the evening at one of my favorite places – the Carrier Dome.  I went to the Syracuse Men’s Basketball game against Notre Dame.  I had enjoyed dinner and a huge Orange win against a rival team with three brothers in the Lord.  It was a great night.  I had met the guys downtown and now I was headed home alone. 

On the way home I was driving up the Onondaga parkway and it hit me – that craving for a local favorite.  When we moved here in the 90’s, I learned quickly of Heid’s hot dogs.  I convinced myself that a coney hot dog, a half a pickle and a small chocolate milk would be the perfect ending to the night.Then I reminded myself I really didn’t need it, and to not stop would also save me a couple of nickels.  I quickly thought – it’s not that much and hey – why not?  So I rounded the corner coming into the village only to see the lights still on at Heids. 

I found it strange that no cars were in the lot, but they definitely looked open – lights on inside and out.  I pulled into the parking lot, got out of my car, walked to the door, and much to my slight dismay and somewhat greater disappointment, the door was locked.  Not only that but an employee saw me at a distance and shook his head no.  They were closed. 

Walking back to the car I was slightly saddened – but then it hit me.  What if that was eternity and you got locked out of heaven!  Pardon the connection and I mean no disrespect but here was what I was thinking.  I had a great sandwich for dinner.  I didn’t ‘need’ more food.  Not being able to go inside, might have been a blessing in disguise and saved me a little money.  However, there will come a day with a different destination that will be forever, and I don’t want to be locked out. 

The good news is you don’t have to be locked out.  That’s why Jesus came.  He’s the door.  Jesus said, ‘I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.’  - John 10:9.    This is not about a hot dog, or a pickle or a chocolate milk.  This is about eternity. 

The door is open.  Walk through the door trusting Jesus for forgiveness of sin, and the promise of eternal life.  It’s life’s most important decision. You will never regret it!  Eternity is for real.  Eternity is a long time.  To wait until this life is over is too late.  The door is open.  Trust Him now!