Grace Over Time

 I'd like to invite you to think back a few years. Let's say a decade.

The year is 2011. You may have lived in a different place, driven a different car, attended a different school and/or church. Your midsection was probably a little thinner and your hair a little thicker. Your face had fewer wrinkles and your energy level was a bit higher. Your family probably had a different dimension--you were living at home and are now on your own, or your kids were at home and now they're gone (mostly or moved out).

A lot can happen in 10 years.

On the inside, too.

If you are walking with Jesus, there's a high likelihood that you are more forgiving, more patient, more kind, more... well, more like Jesus.

So 10 years is easy to see, right? Just look at a picture from 10 years ago and you'll know it was a different time. But how about 5? Are you more forgiving, patient, kind, and loving than you were in 2016? 

Me too.

And that person you've been struggling to get along with, too.

We tend to give ourselves a ton of credit for good intentions, even when our actions don't line up. And we sometimes see others with a critical spirit for their actions even though we can't see their intentions.

Yet over time, the same God of grace work that's working in your life is at work in theirs too. Maybe even more than in yours. Maybe a lot more.

And grace works from the inside out.

So while you and I have been critical of their actions, our loving Father has been patiently, gently forming the likeness of Jesus in them. 

This is the beauty of grace. What He's been doing in you, He's been doing in others. And what He's been doing in others, He's been doing in you. Faithfully. Consistently. 

That means the folks who used to be hard to love may have gotten easier to love. Those you may have struggled to trust might be exceedingly trustworthy now. Not to mention that you are now better at loving, better at trusting.

This is one of the great beauties of Christian community!

Anyone you may have written off, God never did.

Maybe it's time to give them a second chance. Look on them with your more-Christlike-eyes and risk that they may be doing the same.

This could change everything.

Wanna Be Special?

 I love the way the word of God works.

Sometimes, out of the blue, I'm minding my own business and then I encounter something I've never seen before.

This particular time I was reading a 5-day devotional plan from the folks who have created the AMAZING TV show "The Chosen." (If you haven't watched yet, I can't recommend it highly enough. You can access it on their App, YouTube channel, ROKU, etc.)

Anyway, I was reading the final days' Devotional*, which was great, and "happened" upon 2 Tim 2:21. It's a verse I've ready dozens, perhaps hundreds of times. But I'd never really seen it before. Maybe you'll see it anew as well:

"If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." (NLT)

Don't you want to be a special utensil? 

And used honorably?

By the Master?

For every good work?

Honestly, I'm just a bit undone by the whole idea. Those are things I crave every day of my life. 

Before we go any further, I just have to say how much I love the word "utensil." Or, as Ariel called it in The Little Mermaid, a Dinglehopper! I want to be a fork in the hand of God, ready to dig into the work He's called me to... and laid out for me to do long ago! (Eph 2:10)

A utensil (be it a fork, spoon, or yard rake) is simply a tool. Inglorious. Utensils are commonplace. But in the hands of our God? World changing!

However, there is an important antecedent phrase leading to all this special, honorable, useful language. I suspect it's one many of us may have looked past in recent seasons. 

"If you keep yourself pure..." 

And there's my encouragement for you and me today. Let's consider how we might keep ourselves pure. Paul gives Timothy--and us--some help.

While he goes a bit longer, this seems a good start for us all: "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."

What could you do to take a step in this direction... the one that leads to being a special utensil for honorable use... ready for the Master to use you for every good work?

I'm trying to discern my answer to the same question. Let's share the journey!

*The Chosen: God’s love extends beyond your brokenness and will transform your life. See Jesus through the eyes of the real people that encountered him with this 5-day devotional inspired by The Chosen, the first multi-season original tv series about the life of Christ.

Saying Goodbye

I have served in my current context, Woodburn Baptist Church, for about 8 years. So... those who were in 5th grade when I arrived are now in college. Some who couldn't imagine retirement have hung up their work clothes for the last time.

And due to the transitive nature of life in these days, I have said goodbye a lot. Several of our gifted, faithful, and effective worship leaders have moved on... a few to other churches, but most to other cities, states, and even countries. I miss Joshua, Nichole, Paul, Christina, Aaron, Josh, Dawn, Shelby, Bethany, and others.

It's one of the best, and hardest, parts of staying put.

I've learned a few things about saying goodbye that might encourage you as you do the same.

1) Do it on purpose. Plan the farewell. If they are indeed moving to a new city, or to a place of leadership within another church, commission them! We have included a laying on of hands and prayer at the conclusion of our worship gatherings when our worship leaders have moved on. This creates a memory for you, the person leaving, both families, and your church family.

2) Do it with understanding. The word "goodbye" is a contraction of old English phrase "God be with ye." Similarly, "farewell" is to "travel thee well." Both words are built-in blessings. In the Middle Ages, the first person would say farewell and the other would respond with goodbye. An even more old-fashioned word? When you say "Godspeed" you are wishing the one you speak over a God-prospered journey. Use these words. They bless the one leaving and the one sending.

3) Do it with time. A hand shake at the door of the church, or even an embrace, is not enough for someone you have invested in--and who surely has invested in you. Take the person to lunch, or better yet, invite them to your home. Bless each other. (more on that later) 

4) Do it with a future plan. The technology of the last few years has been a game changer. You can now text, call, email, FaceTime, Zoom, and follow each other on social media. If you became best of friends, keep in touch regularly. If the relationship was more professional and less personal, you are still doing ministry when you check in every few months. Sometimes I've done this well. Others, not so much. I cherish the former and regret the latter.

5) Do it with grace. This may go without being said, but Christ-followers are to be characterized by grace. Regardless of how the leaving is taking place, extend grace. Perhaps number two above isn't enough and you really could speak a blessing over them...

...Which brings me to my personally emotional conclusion. One of my closest friends of the last decade has just moved away. Far away. Before leaving, her whole family came to our home and we shared a meal. And s'mores. And then we blessed one another. Each person in her family of five spoke words of scripture, prayer, and song over us. And then through misty eyes I spoke encouragement into each of them. My friend even sang a song of blessing over my sweet bride. It was stunning. I'm struggling to find words beautiful enough to convey the experience. 

Transitions are an inevitable part of life. They are often the places where we have the most to lose. When it is time for someone to transition out of your life--or for you to be the one leaving--you will thank yourself if you will do it on purpose, with understanding, slowly, with a plan, and bathed in grace. You will be a blessing and you will be blessed.

Isn't that supposed to be the Christian journey anyway?

Worship Has Happened When...

I am so proud of our Worship Committee at Woodburn Baptist Church! At our last meeting I invited them to finish the sentence, "Worship has happened when..."

This wasn't a teaching moment, but a learning one. Below are their answers with a bit of the context from our conversation. I hope you'll notice what is missing, and I'm also eager to read your comments about things you thing could/should have been included!

These are in the order they gave them, not necessarily ranked by importance or value.

1) Lives are changed. Transformation is the primary indicator of worship.

2) There is discernible engagement with the Spirit; there's life in it.

I asked, "how can we discern engagement?" They responded with:

• people spontaneously stand

• some will raise hands

• others will shed tears

• there is freedom to express in those ways OR not to, without judgement

• their countenance changes

• people testify that the experience has been Christ-focused, not self-focused

• people linger after the service, not wanting to leave the sacred place

3) We are humbled; we are reminded that God is massive and Sovereign. We are neither.

4) Individuals can tell stories of worship happening; they have epiphanies from the singing, the scripture readings, the praying, the preaching, etc.

5) People sing... from their souls.

This seems to me a fantastic list. I confess, our context may color our answers. The things they listed--the list you just read--is a decent summary of observations we make weekly in our services. 

So... what would you add? Delete? Modify?

Bible Reading Plans (Suggestions)

A friend recently asked for a few "Bible Plan" suggestions. She knows I use the YouVersion app daily and that I've been through several plans.

After I replied to her email it occurred to me that some of you might be interested as well.

So here goes... my top 12 of the 135 or so that I've completed so far.

"The Book of Mysteries" This is my top pick. It is highly creative and aimed at creative people. If you are uncomfortable with holy imagination, you may not like it. (14 days)

"Get Out of Your Head" with Jennie Allen. Jennie speaks Biblical truth that our U.S. culture desperately needs to know! The devotionals are excerpts from her book of the same name. The bottom line? How can interacting with Scripture deliver us from anxiety. (5 days)

"The Third Option" with Miles McPherson. Another reading plan pulled from McPherson's book of the same name, this one provides insight into a Biblical approach to racial reconciliation. It doesn't have to be the black option or the while option. There's a third option -- and it's in the Bible! (7 days)

"Divine Direction" with Craig Groeschel. Another plan pulled from a book, Craig gives us 7 days of Biblical insight into decision making towards our Godly destiny. His teachings are always solid, straightforward, and immediately implementable.

"Thriving in Babylon" with Larry Osborne. Larry captured my attention with his best-selling book "Accidental Pharisees," so my expectations for this 7 day plan were very high. It didn't disappoint. As our culture becomes increasingly post-Christian, teachings like these will be more and more helpful.

"The Rock the Road and the Rabbi" with Kathy Lee Gifford. The TV star/actress/singer seems to have a strong connection to the Holy Land and the Jewish roots of Jesus. I found this one interesting and insightful. (7 days)

"Right People, Right Place, Right Plan" with Jentezen Franklin. So many of the conversations I have--about my life or the lives of those I journey with--are about finding God's direction, about God's will. This plan isn't magical, but it is solid and helpful. (7 days)

"Radical Wisdom: A 7-Day Journey for Husbands" with Regi Campbell. One of my favorite things about the YouVersion reading plans is the ability to find categories to explore. After being married for nearly 34 years, I am keenly aware of my need to be a better husband. This plan was helpful in my quest.

"Biblical Secrets to a Happy Marriage" with Shaunti Feldhahn. Another reading plan about marriage, but with the slant of a researcher. These 14 days are crammed with helpful insights, and I love that her research points us to scripture!

Craig & Amy Groeschel's "From This Day Forward." Another 7 day plan about how to have a great marriage, this one offers the insights from both genders. They explore five commitments: seek God, fight fair, have fun, stay pure, and never give up.
"Luke Explained: The Life of Jesus." This plan goes all the way through the gospel of Luke, a chapter a day. I read it with friends, which is one of my favorite ways to use the YouVersion Bible app. (24 days)

"Habit of Happiness" with Rick Warren. Sometimes called "America's pastor," Warren has his hand on the pulse of people like few in our day. This devotional is a journey through Philippians and reminds us that happiness can be a choice more than a circumstance. (37 days)

BONUS -- if you'd like to read through the Bible in a year, I suggest "Bible in One Year" with Nicky Gumbel. Nicky is the pastor of Holy Trinity Brompton (London, England) and the founder of the Alpha Course used all over the world. You can even hear Nicky read the plan if you'd prefer. (365 days)

More Spiritual Conversations?

My pastor says that God is concerned with your "life-life" as much--or more--than your "church-life."

My observation is that we have most of our spiritual conversations at church, whereas the testimony of scripture may be that we should spend more time having spiritual conversations at home than we do at church. I suppose this only makes sense... most of us are at the church building 3-10 hours a month. We are at home a whole lot more than that!

Last night some friends came over for dinner. They are moving out of the country in a couple of weeks and we wanted to squeeze every moment in we could before they left. We had a very normal dinner, followed by making s'mores around the fire when the conversation turned to the future... what they were looking forward to and what they were sad to leave behind.

After an hour or so it got cold enough that we were glad to go back inside. The conversation got a bit more serious and then one of our friends said their family wanted to pray over us before leaving. The next 45 minutes or so is, I hope, indelibly stamped on my soul.

She sat at the piano and sang a song over my sweet wife, then read scripture and prayed. The weight of God's word has seldom felt so profound or so personal. And it wasn't even being spoken about me! 

And then words of blessing were given to our younger daughter, and finally to me. The adults spoke words of blessing, and so did their children (all under 13 years of age). For me, the words of one of the kids was what I think God knew I most needed to hear. Amazing.

These are not conversations I'm accustomed to in my Baptist upbringing, so I responded the only way I knew how, with words of affirmation and encouragement. We prayed again.

It was stunning.

I've known this family for years... but we'd never done this. Why not? What would happen if you and I took Paul's common phrase, "Encourage one another with these words" as instructive for our "life-life" not just our "church-life"?

If you have examples of how this is a regular part of life for you and those you love, I'd love to read about it. Leave a long comment and share a story. Let's encourage one another to encourage one another!

What If... Praying for your Spouse

I was praying for my wife, Jackie, early this morning. While I was praying through my topic for today (overcoming fear), I got distracted in the most beautiful way. I pondered... what would happen if every Christ follower started praying for their wife... or their husband... every day?

What would happen to the fabric of society? Can you imagine it? The depth of health? The richness of trust? The dropping prison rate? The police officers lives spared because of the decline of domestic abuse?

What would happen to the culture of our churches? We could be a light on a hill in a whole new way! The divorce rate inside of churches would be dramatically lower than that of that outside. People in the marketplace might start coming to us to find out how we are so counter-cultural.

What would happen to your family life? The more I pray for Jackie, the more I find myself becoming the husband she needs. While I do see my prayers being answered, I more quickly see the pray-er being changed. When I pray for others in the morning, I often pray for couples I know who are struggling. I wonder how their marriages could be different if they prayed for one another like this.

What would happen for the next generation? It is commonly said that the best gift you can give your children is a healthy marriage. How could this be fulfilled better than by praying for your spouse?

Allow me one more minute and tell you how I came to the WAY I pray for my bride.

About 10 years ago I read the book The Power of a Praying Husband. There are 21 chapters, each of which ends with a prayer. I took that book and typed up those prayers, filled in the blanks with the names of my wife and daughters, printed it out, and it hangs on the wall where I pray. Sure I miss a few days each month, but in general I pray through the 21 prayers every month. Wives, don't fear! The first book in the series was The Power of a Praying Wife so you can do the same thing. (I notice it has 31 chapters, probably because we men need more prayer than you women do!)

If you are in ministry--volunteer, part-time, or full-time--I'd like to encourage you to consider this deeply. When I take even 5 minutes to imagine what the worship ministry I lead could look like if every married person in it were praying for their spouse in these specific ways, my heart melts with possibility.

If you have a meaningful way of praying for your husband or wife, would you leave a comment? I would love to learn from you!

The Blessing (no, not that one)

I'm a fan of the 2020 song, "The Blessing." So many things about it are powerful, even the repetition that some find objectionable. In the repeating of blessings, I find the blessings go deeper.

But I'm not writing about THAT blessing today.

I'm aware of the incredible blessing it is to be a worship leader. To stand in the Presence of God, in front of the People of God, and see those two connect is an indescribable blessing.

But I'm not writing about THAT blessing either.

I'd like to invite you into being a servant-leader that focuses more on being the conduit of blessing than the recipient of blessing.

What could be different if you thought of your role--vocalist, instrumentalist, artist, or technician--as one of actively blessing God (Psalm 103:1) and actively blessing people (Prov 11:25).

Some have suggested that leading worship is like being a mirror, that we should reflect what we see. But that seems too reactive to me. Our role should be more proactive--more of a thermostat and less of a thermometer.

Some have suggested we should be, well, the thermostat. But I find that too human-centered. I should not determine the spiritual temperature of the room; the Holy Spirit should. His power flows through you and me to those in the room.

The apostle Paul described it rather famously in 2 Corinthians 4:7: "We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this GREAT TREASURE. This is makes it clear that our GREAT POWER is from God, not from ourselves." (emphasis added, of course)

When you and I stand before the people of God, we get to do God's work of blessing. We do the pouring, like a drink offering. But God is the One we pour out on the people. The Living Water -- Jesus Himself -- flows into and out of us as... well... jars of clay. 

Now go. Bless God. Bless others.

And see if the blessing you receive isn't bigger than any you could give.

Faithfulness > Personal Power

I have been told I have a powerful voice.

It's a blessing and a curse. (As Adrian would say in the early 2000s TV show, Monk.)

You see, because of the gift God gave me, I can use my voice to sing powerfully. I can, in my own strength, move an audience. I can, in my own strength, make people feel something. It's a blessing. 

But it's also a curse.

I sometimes wish I didn't have a powerful gift like this. It tends to make me:

...arrogant

...overly confident

...self-sufficient

Just keeping it real!

But I'm a worship pastor, right? I shouldn't be that way! 

I agree. Which is why it can be a curse as much as a blessing.

But sometimes, and more often the more I grow into Christ, it's better this way. 

When I get it right, it makes me:

...humbled

...dependent

...Spirit-sufficient.

Here's the thing: faithfulness to God is better than personal power in leadership. Always.

But here's the other thing: they feel really, really similar. When I'm faithful, God is powerful. Look no further than the apostle Paul. He wrote to the church in Ancient Greece: "We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us." (2 Cor 6:7)

And so I'm learning that rather than focusing on my power, I focus on God's power. Instead of trying to sing with force, I work at singing with faithfulness.

There's one more thing: part of our faithfulness is using every gift God has given us. This is what stewardship of gifts looks like. Part of my faithfulness is to develop my gift, to practice, to prepare, and then to surrender all of my work to His work.

This post feels a bit like I'm rambling. Perhaps because it is so confessional. Or such a fine line to draw. Perhaps the thing that can help us all the most is to trust the Word of God to do the precise work described in Hebrews 4:12. We surrender to the Father. He empowers the surrendered.

It's no curse at all. 

It's a blessing.

Margin = Wonder+

I've been an adult now for a long, long time. I have been in the full-time workforce for 3 decades. As an enneagram three (achiever/performer), I thrive on getting things done. If I'm not being productive, I tend to think I am worthless. It's a sickness, really. 

The result? Most of my life has been lived with no margin. You know what I mean? If you've ever tried to read a book with no white space on the page, you know how quickly reading can be overwhelming.

The same is true with our schedules. I plan meetings too close together, pile work on top of work in such a way that I live--when I do it best--on the edge of too much. And when I do it poorly, genuinely overwhelmed.

Margin makes us healthy.

In recent months I've discovered something else about margin. It gives me space to wonder. Specifically, in reading my Bible in the mornings, I've set aside more time than is required. That makes it possible to chase some pretty fascinating rabbits. I have compared translations, watched videos from The Bible Project, imagined the setting, the family dynamics, the personal application for me and my family, and more. Sometimes my reading turns me to pray; other times to make notes in the margin of my journaling Bible. 

I wish I had better words to share with you what a difference this has made--not just in my understanding of the scriptures--in my attitude and actions. 

In some ways, simply the long term faithfulness of reading every day is doing this. But in many other ways, this margin for wonder has turned information into application. 

If you are living with the "pedal to the metal," let me invite you to join me in making a "to don't list" and creating a bit of margin. Or turn of the notifications on your phone. Or turn off the T.V. Or set a limit on your phone for how long you'll explore social media (YouTube, Insta, FB, Twitter, etc.) and explore the Bible for a few minutes. Honestly, just one sitcom (30 minutes) traded in for some time in God's story.

One last thought: wonder often, and quickly, turns into worship. Oh, the possibilities!

An Evocative Opportunity!

To evoke is to stir up something that’s already there. Inside every Christ-followers--inside of YOU--is the image of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and Christ Himself. When it comes to worship, spirit and truth are in us. Faith, hope, and love are in us. The fruit of the Spirit is in us.

This has a double implication: one for the worshiper, and one for the worship leader.

As a worshiper, your job is unleash what is in you. Let it out! Don't hold it in. Within the healthy boundaries of your God-given, God-shaped personality, demonstrate the release of what is in you.

As worship leaders, our job is to evoke those things: to draw out praise, confession, worship, obedience, and more...in our gatherings.

Please consider this is my personal invitation to be part of the 3rd annual RELAY Worship Conference. We will host it at Woodburn Baptist again this year, and it will be on Feb 20, 2021. At the end of this post is a current listing of 19 MasterClass sessions. You can find more info (including the schedule) and register at www.relayworship.com. Registration is limited to the first 100 people, so you might want to get on this right away! [If you're part of our ministry at Woodburn, we will cover your cost. Just let me know you're attending.]

Oh, this is big: also within us, as image-bearers of God, is justice. This is why we will explore at this year's conference how the worship assembly can play a part in racial reconciliation. How can what is in us be evoked to change what is around us? With our hands and our tongues… with our prayers… in our relationships, our recruiting and scheduling people to serve? And more, of course. We have assembled a panel of pastors and church leaders, people of color and others who are white as the snow falling this morning, to talk us through this dynamic.

“Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness.” — Ephesians 5:26 (The Message)

Masterclass: Leading Up — how to lead when you're not in charge

Masterclass: Time Management — making the most of every opportunity

Masterclass: Lead a Rhythm Section Rehearsal — getting the most out of your band

Masterclass: Acoustic Guitar — playing for worship

Masterclass: Electric Guitar — playing for worshipMasterclass: Keys — playing for worship

Masterclass: Piano — playing for worship

Masterclass: Voice (women) — we sing differently when leading worship

Masterclass: Voice (men) — we sing differently when leading worship

Masterclass: Bass — playing for worship

Masterclass: Drums — playing for worship

Masterclass: Audio — mixing for worship

Masterclass: Graphics/Screens (ProPresenter) — visuals for worship

Masterclass: Lighting — lighting for worship (it's not just for the big churches)

Masterclass: Camera / Video basics — capturing video, including for online worship

Masterclass: Song writing — writing songs for the community of faith

Masterclass: Story telling — using stories to tell God's story

Masterclass: Using Scripture to Evoke — Scripture reading that captures the imagination

Masterclass: More than Skits — drama that transforms

Masterclass: Social Media — connecting those in and around your church

The Ideal Worshiper

In the middle of the 20th century a psychologist names Carl Rogers coined a term you may have heard of, "The Ideal Self." This is the ideal version of yourself, the person you want to be. When you "hit it," it feels like you are finally being the you that you were meant to be. This works in your financial life, your time management, your work performance, your role in your family, etc. And when you fall short of your "ideal self," you have to choose to give yourself a break of give yourself a hard time. It's an interesting filter, I believe, to think about becoming the person God crafted you to be. (Ephesians 2:10)

As worship leaders, we probably have a vague idea of what an "ideal worshiper" is. I'll share some of what I imagine that person to be. Let's call him William the worshiper. I'd guess it could be helpful for those of you who lead worship to do this exercise too. If you tike time to do it, I would LOVE to read yours. Send it over to RodEEllis@gmail.com. 

WILLIAM THE WORSHIPER

Will is physically fit. He's not a body builder, but is able to enter into worship physically. Fully.

Will is intellectually engaged and honest. He isn't afraid to employ all of his intellect with vigor. He dials in to the sermon, of course, but also the lyrics, the scripture readings, the prayers, even the announcements!

Will is soulfully surrendered. He is humble to a fault according to those who know him best. He doesn't seek to get his way, his songs, his volume from the sound system, etc. His posture reflects that he lives his life on his knees. Open handed.

Will is emotionally tender. He has a soft heart toward the things of God, the movement of the Spirit. But he remembers well that his heart can be deceived, so he always runs his feelings through his mind. Will thinks with his heart and feels with his mind.

Will lives Jesus-centered. He loves the Trinity--even ponders that mystery often--but he really loves to walk the way of Jesus. 

Will sings. I don't mean that he should audition for "The Voice," but that regardless of how his voice sounds, he will always sing. He simply can't help it.

Will worships daily. It's not that he attends church daily, but that he finds a way to worship. He knows that Sunday is both the launch of a new week, filled with possibilities, and the end of an old week, filled with a mix of obedience and sin. So he tells Jesus that he loves Him every day. He does this with his words in prayer. He does it by singing worship songs in the shower... or on his commute.

Will prays. He prays for his family, for his pastor, for his friends, and for the world.

Will loves the Bible. He doesn't have to make himself read it, he looks forward to reading it.

Will is generous. He gives faithfully, joyfully, and often beyond the scripturally required tithe. It's in his heart and reflected in his bank account.

Will is in an accountability relationship. He knows that the Sunday gathering is precious, and priceless, but that more is needed to stay faithful.

Now... with William the worshiper in mind, I'd like to toss out 3 questions for you today:

1) If you're not like Will--or your version of an ideal worshiper--what could you do to become more like him? What is your first, next step?

2) If you're not worshiping like Will, how can you expect those you lead to do it? (I know that's blunt; I don't mean it to be "judgy." I simply believe it is an important question... as represented effectively in the old movie Facing the Giants, "attitude reflect leadership.")

3) Did you notice how none of these descriptions have anything to do with musical-worship style? They are, however, rooted in scripture. Perhaps if we focus more on helping people worship like this, in a way that resonates with their hearts, we'd have fewer skirmishes over the minor issues of worship like when a song was written, what the accompaniment sounds like, or who stands in front to lead. 

I hope this post is especially provocative. And I really would love to hear back from you! Leave a comment or shoot me a message.

Goals > Resolutions

I've decided to give up on resolutions.

There. I said it. Don't hate me. I know we're only 11 days into the new year.

I've also decided to step up my goals.

What's the difference? Well, maybe just semantics. But maybe... maybe the difference is that between a wish and a plan. Between a hope and a calendar. Between a dream and a design.

Best example I know? For decades I've had the resolution to "lose weight." Or to "get healthy."

But two years ago I turned a wish into a plan. I scheduled surgery. I went to the appointments that led up to it. I put stuff on my calendar. And then I had the surgery. I followed the directions. And I lost 165 pounds. My hope became a plan.

My best goals are input based, not outcome based. They are dependent on my actions, not the circumstances around me.

One of my favorite 2021 goals, for example, is to lead an international mission trip for folks in our worship ministry. The only way that goal is met is for me to plan, to get stuff on the calendar, and to design the trip. I might have a DREAM of 25 people going, but I can't control who will go. That's not realistic. But I can have a GOAL of inviting personally inviting 50 people to go. That I can measure. That I can hold myself accountable to do. (And others can hold me accountable too!)

Another favorite goal for 2021 is to date my wife every week. (Yes, she'll read this. Now I have to carry through!) And as long as the pandemic lingers that is going to require some serious effort on my part. I need to set aside time on my calendar for the DATE but also for the PLANNING. I'm excited about it, but that's new year's stuff. I want to be better about loving Jackie with my time and attention. So it isn't a resolution (like spend more time with my spouse). It's a goal (like have a scheduled date night every week).

I have 8 other goals. I've written them out. I've put stuff on my weekly calendar as well as some big dates on my calendar. I have a plan to see them every week. To work on them every week.

Can I offer one more, quite divergent thought about this goals / resolutions thing? It's a brand new thought for me, but seems worth sharing on the front end of 2021. It's right out of scripture after all. It comes from Philippians 1, a popular passage and one of my favorites: "God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished..." As you set goals, or perhaps revise goals for 2021, remember that it is God's work that gets you where you want to be. Where He wants you to be. So if your goals don't point to God's work in you, might be good to reconsider. If you'd like someone to process that with, I'd be honored to have a conversation. Just reach out. My email is RodEEllis@gmail.com and my cell number is 502.229.0114.

Let's do all God has called us to in 2021. And let's do it together.

PS. If you'd like to go WAY deeper into this goal setting thing, I recommend episode #150: You Need a Goal, Not a Resolution from the Lead to Win podcast from Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller.

It's Time: Year in Review

Like some folks are Scrooges about Christmas, I tend to be a Scrooge about those "year in review" stories or shows. I just don't enjoy looking backward; I am future focused.

But as Churchill famously said, those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So it's time to look back at 2020.

Here are eight things I'd encourage you to ask yourself...

a) How did I do as a family member? What did I learn about my role as husband, wife, mother, father, son, or daughter? Don't beat yourself up, but don't ignore reality either. God's first call on our lives is to our families--a call I have too often relegated to 2nd or 3rd place in my journey--so how did you do with your place in your family? 

b) How did I do as an employee (or student)? Did I work faithfully? If I were my boss, would I be happy with my performance? If not, where can I grow? 

c) How did I do with my goals from last year? Of course, COVID-19 probably made some thing less possible, but it made others newly possible. How did I do at making course corrections?

d) How did I do with my friendships? Was I the one to take initiative to check on people? Did I listen before speaking? Did I entrust myself to my friends? 

e) How did I do with my finances? Was I faithful to give the first fruits to God? (The minimum standard, according to the Bible, is 10%.) Was I generous in both spirit and in deed? 

f) How did I do as a member of my neighborhood, my community? Was I more of a contributor than a consumer? Did I treat my neighbors with respect and grace? Our church just started using www.blesseveryhome.com to pray for our neighbors. I have only been at it a week, but I'm loving it!

Let's get a bit more personal...

g) How did I do with my spiritual disciplines? Better than the year before? Not as well? Did the pandemic drive me toward God or farther away? For more about spiritual disciplines, you can check out these brief previous posts.)

h) How did I do with my time? Was I a good steward of my most valuable resource? What would those closest to me say about this? If I'm married, I really need to ask my spouse about this. Is there one change I can make that will make 2021 be an improvement? (My favorite post about time management is here.)

In conclusion?

I'll say it again: don't be too hard on yourself. Still, don't let yourself get away with being a poor steward of who God made you to be and what God gave you to do. (see Ephesians 2:10)

So now? Make small course corrections. Find one thing you'd like to do differently in each of these categories. If you try to go big, you'll probably flame out. So make small adjustments and be consistent with them. (I've learned this the hard way... and it took a long time!)

If I can help, please reach out. I'd be delighted to pray for you, to have a conversation, suggest more resources, or even function as an official coach or mentor. You can text or call me at 502.229.0114. 

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

When Christmas Isn't Merry

It's probably because I'm getting old, but I know more people than ever for whom this Christmas won't be particularly merry. Or maybe... won't be merry at all.

Indeed, this has been a difficult year for our family too. Jackie and I both buried our dads. COVID-19 hasn't affected us too much directly, but like all of you the whole year has felt fogged-in. There are other complicating factors that I won't bore you with, but like many of you, this Christmas just doesn't feel as happy as most.

So what do we do?

I'd like to humbly, graciously, and gently suggest five things you can do to make the most of a difficult Christmas. 

First, get active. Start doing something physical. Walk. Jog. Swim. Go to the gym. Even 10-15 minutes a day will be a good start at changing your disposition. A word of caution from a guy who has been there, don't try for an hour. 10 minutes every day will do far more good than 60 minutes every 5-10 days.

Second, check your nutrition. Again, unless the Holy Spirit is telling you otherwise, don't go crazy here. You'll get discouraged and give up. Been there. Done that. Dozens of times. Just in general eat less processed food and more natural food. 

Third, especially if you're already doing the first two things, get to a doctor and ask them to do a blood panel. There are health considerations that can dramatically affect your merriment. 

Fourth, do something for someone else. The bigger the gesture the better! Be outrageously generous with your time, your words, and if you can... your money. Then do it again. And again. Very few things will help you release happiness in your own soul as much as change the happenings of someone else.

Fifth, and I saved the most powerful for last, pray. The promise of James 4:18 is profound, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." My temptation is to leave out the second half of that verse, but honestly, the cliché 'Confession is good for the soul' has its' roots in scripture. So talk to Jesus. As my friend and mentor Chip Stam once told me, "Vent to Jesus." As you draw nearer and nearer to Him, He will feel nearer and nearer to you. His joy will become your strength. (Neh 8:10)

So if Christmas isn't merry, don't despair. The God of Hope, who took on skin and bone for us, stands ready to give you a new dose of hope. He might do it through exercise, eating, vitamins/medication, generosity, or prayer. And it may not come in a hurry. But it will come. 

One more note: if none of that helps, reach out to me or to your pastor. We want to help.

So with all of the depth I can muster in these frail words, have a Merry Christmas.

Heaven Came Down (Joy to the World)

Can you imagine how joyful heaven is?

I can't either.

But take a moment, use your holy imagination, and try…
No-one is crying.
No-one is sick.
No-one is dying.
No-one is sad.
No-one is hurting.
No-one is waiting.
No-one is poor.
Injustice is gone.
Crime is gone.

Everyone is fully alive.

That’s what Jesus left... to come here.

Perhaps even more staggering? That’s what Jesus brought when He came here.

A new kind of Kingdom. A new reality. Only a shadow of the real thing, of course. But before Jesus brought heavenly joy to earthly sorrow, there was less of God’s Kingdom here. Now that we know that the Savior reigns— not Ancient Rome, not earthly kings, presidents, or dictators—our joy can echo across the land.

Speaking of the land, what was once cursed because of our sin, can now be blessed. Jesus brought blessings enough to cover every inch. You can’t find a place cursed in Eden that the blessing of Jesus isn’t available. Joy! To the world!

This year, when we sing “Joy to the world,” perhaps we could be compelled to partner with Jesus to dispel worry, oppression, and sin. Seek first His Kingdom and His justice. Pray the words He taught us: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth like it is in heaven.”

And then let’s do His joyful will to bring joy to His world.

Someday, we’ll leave the shadow and enter the light. And we won’t need our imagination any more.


Joy To The World (click on the title to hear a fresh setting of these lyrics)

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King.
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.

Accused!

Have you ever asked someone an innocent question and they responded as if you had accused them of a reprehensible crime? Yeah... me either.

Ever been on the other side of that? Someone asks you a simple question but you receive it as an accusation. Nope. Not me.

Okay, seriously. These happen to me a lot. Both of them. I'll ask someone a question with no agenda, but because--it seems--they feel accused, the conversation goes wonky.

Or someone will ask me a question out of curiosity, but my defenses flair up and I am ready to go to battle over my answer... which is usually not worth fighting about! I'm not sure about you, but I come up against this in family life more than anywhere. All parts of family--nuclear, extended, step--in all kinds of situations.

So... more than a decade ago I was leading a worship ministry in a small church near a large university. A student was playing guitar in our band and asked me a question about why we were doing the classic worship song "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" in a variety of musical styles--as in original, reggae, funky, then slow and sweet. I immediately felt attacked. My face flushed. My voice went up in pitch. And after I answered--thankfully--he just said, "Wow, that's cool. I knew you'd have a good reason; I was just curious." I'd felt accused, but he was just curious.

It is not an overstatement to say that I hate this dynamic.

Hate. It.

For a long time now I've been pondering where this comes from. Why do I feel attacked when I'm simply being questioned? And why do others respond that way to me at times?

It's simple, really. 

Jesus vs. Satan.

Seriously. It's in their very names!

Jesus means "the Savior" or "the deliverer."

Satan means "the accuser."

When we encounter others as "Christ in us" (Col 1:27 | Gal 2:20), we experience safety and hope. But when we perceive others as "wolf in sheep's clothing" (Mt 7:15), we experience threat and fear.

Perfect love casts out fear. (1 Jn 4:18)

And there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1)

What if we told ourselves and one another these truths often? How would our relationships change? How could our questions take on new life and possibilities?

Of course--and I don't want to be a Donny-downer here--this means when we ask questions we need to check our attitudes first. Let's not ask with an agenda but with a curiosity. And if we need to have a conversation where someone may be on a path of destruction, let's not hide confrontation is "hidden agenda" questions. Jesus doesn't have hidden agendas; Satan does.

One brings death. The other brings life.

Join me in life-giving questions!

Growing in Grace?

Over the last few years I have wondered how I can know if I (and those I serve with) am having "success" in discipleship. We have--as a church staff--created and conducted surveys with that in mind. We have tried to maximize the ways we "deepen disciples" and "develop leaders." Sometimes, I'm sure, I've made it more complicated than it needs to be. Other times, I'm also sure, I have abdicated the responsibility we all have to be a disciple maker. (See Mt 28:19)

Recently, as I was doing my regular morning "Jesus Time" (as it appears on my Google calendar), I came across 2 Peter 3:18. I asked myself, first, am I growing in grace? And second, am I growing in the knowledge of Jesus?

Two quick notes about those questions--first, they are about growing, not achieving. And second, the prepositions matter. Growing in grace. Knowledge of Jesus. 

So then I started to filter those self-examination questions around those I have responsibility to disciple--my family, my worship leading community at church, and to a lesser extent, those worshiping through my-leadership.

Of course I can't know what is going on in the minds, hearts, and souls of any of those folks. (Nor can you, remember.) But I can see fruit--or a lack thereof. So maybe it would be helpful to ask ourselves and one another a few questions on occasion. I've landed on starting here:

1) How's your soul? 

2) Do you feel more saturated in grace than ever before?

3) Do you feel better at saturating others in grace than ever before?

4) Are you learning about Jesus... not just information but intimacy?

5) Is your knowledge of Jesus shaping the way you think and act toward those around you? Closest to you?

Seems to me that if we have more conversations--maybe once every week or two--about things like this, we could see more transformation in ourselves, those we love, and those we lead. 

If you'd like to have a conversation like this with someone, I'd be delighted to hear from you. Whether you're a part of the Woodburn Baptist church family, a friend, or a stranger, I'd be honored to have a conversation. You can reach me at RodEEllis@gmail.com or 502.229.0114.

Let's grow in grace together!

You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

Why Be Thankful?

Thanksgiving is just days away. There seems to be an annual emphasis in this old world of being thankful, and then committing to stay thankful. We say things like, "Make gratitude your attitude."

But why? 

In our worship gatherings just yesterday we had a husband and wife take turns reading scripture. They chose to share a brief word about being thankful in the midst of this, the hardest year most of us have faced in our lifetime. Between racial strife and a global pandemic that keeps coming in waves, it has been easier to lament than to be thankful.

But seldom is the way of the cross easy.

Yet gratitude is. The way of the cross, that is.

Jesus gave thanks, even at the Last Supper. Knowing the suffering was coming, He gave thanks.

And so in our suffering, we do too.

But why? Doesn't the cynic inside of you wonder?

The longer I live, read, study, listen, and watch, the more I am convinced of this: thankfulness is a powerful repellent. Like "Off!" insect repellent but for things like entitlement, jealousy, sadness, even struggling marriages and wayward children.

As Erwin McManus wrote, "Gratitude is the healing ointment for brokenness. It is central to the entire experience and journey of the Christian faith. Gratitude and grace share the same root meaning. When we properly connect to God, our lives become and endless expression of thanks and praise." 

I'm so glad he linked "thanks and praise." Because I'm also convinced that thankfulness is a primary motivation for worship.

Consider the number of times "Give thanks" appears in the Psalter, the hymnal of Jesus.

And so let's give thanksgiving it's proper place in our private and gathered (in-person or virtual) worship this week. And the next. And every week. We may just see a gradual fading of the emotional enemies our culture faces like fear, worry, anxiety and depression. We may also see more--much more--of the joy of Jesus.

"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Don't stifle the Spirit." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Worship as Feast… and Appetizer?

The language of feasts is throughout the Bible, from Old Testament festivals to the New Testament Agape feast (Jude 1:12) and ultimately the Marriage Feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19). God seems to think of worship as a feast!

When sacrifices were offered in the Old Testament, the result was a whole lot of meat to be eaten. Worshipers came to give their best, and to give a lot of it, but they also received the joy of God’s presence AND God’s provision. What a generous God we worship!

What that intimates to me is that we should not “save up” feast-like moments in our worship gatherings. Let’s not ration out powerful moments, as if there’s a shortage of the power of God and we might run out. We can never, ever, ever run out of His power!

I once worked with an organist who was reticent to play last verse hymn embellishments. She thought people would take them for granted if they were used too often. She wanted it to be like a fine dessert that you only order for special occasions. I wish I’d known then to encourage her that every time we are in the presence of Almighty God is a special occasion!

In fact, my experience has been the opposite of what this sweet saint was after. The more powerful encounters I have with my Savior, the hungrier I get for His power.

This is the economy of God. God’s feasts.

But what of this appetizer metaphor? That’s not in the Bible anywhere, is it?

Honestly, I don’t believe it is. But I have come to believe that the weekend worship encounter could serve our people better if we were to do things in a way that whets their appetite. For example, I want to read scripture in such a way that it makes them want to go home and do more of that. I want to sing with them in such a way that it makes them want to look up our Spotify playlist of “Current Worship Songs” and sing to God on their own. I want to lead them in prayer in such a way that they can’t wait to approach the throne of grace in their own quiet time each day.

So the feast becomes an appetizer. We leave the gathering both filled by our experience of God and hungry for more. Perhaps this is what the ancient song writer had in mind when he sang those familiar words in Psalm 42: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.” And later in that same lyric, “My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration.”

Now before my scholarly friends push back, I don’t think that’s the historical context of this Psalm. But I do think we can understand something more than was originally intended.

What do you think? Could worship be both a feast and an appetizer?