If God is all-powerful
If I am weak and inconsistent
If I need his grace, forgiveness, power, guidance, & protection
If there are many things that I want to see change this year
If my prayers make a difference
If I struggle with distraction and discouragement
If my lack of prayer forfeits blessings to myself, family, church, & city
If fasting is a God-appointed means to enable us to connect more with Him
If I need the encouragement of other believers
Then I will fast and pray along with the church family
Then I will ruthlessly drive out hinderances to prayer
Then I will practice saying no to my physical appetites by abstaining from food
Then I will ask God to do what we desperately need and what only He can do
Then I will eagerly anticipate blessings and breakthroughs from the Lord
 
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." 1Peter 4:7

This past weekend was a real highlight. 5 services at Midway, one on Good Friday and 4 on Sunday. Met a lot of new people, worked with a great Guest Services team to make sure things were organized, and helped pray for people at the end. We have had a dramatic re-enactment of the crucifixion each year for about 20 years. Once again I saw the same scenes that our cast & crew have rehearsed. And once again it sent a chill down my spine and stirred up a lot of emotion. On the surface that might seem surprising. After all, I already know the story and I’ve seen this particular drama dozens of times. Generally I never read any other book twice and never like to see any movie if I already know what happens. So I was wondering, why is this story different? There’s at least a few reasons that stand out to me:

1. The Story of the Cross is Alive! The Word of God, His message, is alive. It’s not static, unchanging information. It is active, relevant, used by the Holy Spirit to affect us, and penetrates to the core of our soul if we allow it. In Hebrews 4:12 we read “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The drama includes words from the Bible and is faithful to the message so the Lord uses it to bring judgment and conviction. Any Christian with any sense should feel anger, guilt, love, and gratitude when they are reminded about the death of Jesus. Hope should enter us as we think about the resurrection of our Lord.
   
   
2. The Story of the Cross is Powerful! As the Apostle Paul so truly said, “For, the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1Cor 1:18) If you are being saved, if you have the Holy Spirit, If God is your Father and Jesus is your brother (Heb 2:11-12), then you have the ability to understand this message. As a believer I experience the power of the cross to defeat my own sin, expose the deception of the world, and protect me from the power of the Devil.
   
   
3. The Story of the Cross is My Story! Everyone likes to talk about themselves. This can be self-centered, but in some ways it is normal and healthy. Plato said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” That’s not exactly biblical but it is a wise saying. Our kids love to hear the same stories over and over about their birth, first words, and early years along with stories about their relatives. The stories of their life are not all that unique but they give them context, understanding, and identity. In a healthy family it should give them a sense of significance and security. The gospel story has completely changed me so it is my story. Galatians 2:20 tells us  “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” There is a clear dividing line, a fork in the road, in my life when I came to truly understand and accept the gospel message 25 years ago at age 18.

Let’s remember this story all year long. We will teach it, share it with each other, explain it to people who have not clearly heard the gospel, recall it when we take communion, review it in the Bible, and apply it in everyday life. We never get past the cross. I believe it was Martin Luther who said that “Christians need to get saved every day.” Not that we lose our salvation, but we need to remember who we are and whose we are every day. So hold on to the story. Unlike other stories, it isn’t just entertainment and it won’t get old. The gospel is alive with power and it is our story!

This past Sunday I did my best at all 3 English services at Midway to exhort people to invite friends, family, neighbors, & co-workers to one of our Easter services. I did everything I could think of: showing off the invitations, encouraging, giving a guilt trip, praying for the invites. Right after I gave the announcements at the 12:00 service Pastor Mark asked the congregation to do something unusual. He asked us all to think of someone we could invite and, if we had a cell phone with us, take out the phone and call that person right now and invite them. I couldn’t think of anyone but I began to scroll through the contacts on my phone. I quickly realized that all of the names were New Lifers. Embarrassed that I had no one to invite, I found a ‘backslider’ and called him. He didn’t answer so I left a message.

Not only did I not have anyone to call but I didn’t have anyone specific in mind to invite this week. I’m like so many other Christians. I believe in the urgency of evangelism, I talk about it, am glad when I see it happen, and take pride in the fact that our church is growing. I don’t want to see Christians simply invite other Christians but instead reach out to those who appear to be far from God and need to clearly hear the gospel. However, I don’t currently have a specific ‘love list’ of people that I am reaching out to.

After the Sunday service I ate with my family at Wendy’s and made sure I invited the worker for Easter. I’ve invited a few people already this week and am going to personally talk to some people I know today. My wife also has gone out of her way to invite a woman she knows that needs to take a step to follow the Lord.

It reminds me of the saying “We Teach What We Know but We Reproduce Who We Are”. It’s so easy to get consumed with church life inside the 4 walls of the church that we give little time and effort into trying to reach new people. As Jesus called His first followers he told them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19). Regardless of our calling, schedule, and gifting, if we are a follower of Christ then we should be a fisher of people. I’m convicted and am setting aside some time to connect with people outside of the church this week. Are you following? Are you fishing?

Having a great 1st day of the fast. In preparing for the Ash Wednesday service I ran across a prayer card we made up about this time last year.

It says:

        “Summer/Fall 2008: Potential New Life Locations
        Please join us in prayer as we seek to cooperate with God
        and further His Kingdom in Chicago and beyond.
        5 Neighborhoods listed on map:
        Humboldt Park, Portage Park, Tri-Taylor, Brighton Park, Berwyn

I want to make a new prayer card listing Pilsen, Summit, East Chicago, & Englewood.

Don’t ever doubt that God can open doors and persistent prayer makes a difference! (Luke 11:5-13)

      I know I shouldn’t care too much about who wins, it’s only a game, it’s more important for the girls to have good attitudes, there is no money or scholarships for the winners, etc. but for some reason I am very competitive and absolutely want to see us win. If this desire is unchecked it can lead to pride, anger, and idolatry. I’m convinced that some sports fans need to repent of wrong worship. But I think there’s something deeper, something good, natural, and from God, that makes me (and the other parents) crave victory.

      The Lord has made us to be winners. In scripture we hear Jesus say “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), and read about being “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom 8:37), “the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor 15:57), “the victory that has overcome the world” (1John 5:4), and on and on. Life is a competition!

      Paul used a sports illustration in 1Cor 9:24 when he said, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners, run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” He doesn’t say, ‘just have a good attitude’, ‘try hard’, or ‘be a nice person’. He says WIN! But notice who we are competing against. “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1Cor 9:27)

      The enemy is me! I am competing against myself. No one else can make me sin, cause me to turn to the world, or disqualify me. The Devil and the World can only appeal to my sinful nature for entry. The battle in my life is Mike (Holy Spirit side) versus Mike (Sinful side). The results of this competition will make a difference forever. Victory will bless my family, lead others to Christ, glorify God, and enable me to enter eternity with confidence and no shame (1John 2:28). Defeat will rob me of all kinds of blessings and bring curses down upon me.

      Fill in the blanks with your own name. The competition is between __________ (Holy Spirit side) and _________ (Flesh side). Jesus told his disciples that “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Who will win in your life? Remember that SECOND PLACE STINKS!

I’m making a list of some of my favorite stories of Christians who are heroes to me. I hope some of these stories are encouraging to you. More importantly, I hope you have examples that connect with you and raise your vision higher for what the Lord can do in and through your life.

Favorite Story # 13: Keith Phillips [1944 - ]

1944       Born

1965       As a UCLA student began outreach in Watts Housing Project in Los Angeles

1971       World Impact Founded in Los Angeles

1972       San Diego & Wichita branches of World Impact begun

1975       Wrote They Dare to Love the Ghetto

1976       St. Louis & Newark branches opened

1977       Fresno branch started

1981       Wrote The Making of a Disciple

1982       Los Angeles Christian School opened; Morning Star Ranch acquired and used for discipleship

1984       Inner City Enterprises started for job training

1990       World Impact focuses on Church Planting

2000       School for Urban Cross Cultural Church Planting begins

2004       A total of 20 churches planted in 8 World Impact Cities

Highlights

• Love & Commitment to Poor Urban America. Their live up to their mission statement “Ministering God’s Love in America’s Inner Cities”.
• Racial Reconciliation. Philips has led World Impact to have a strong emphasis on breaking down walls of prejudice & discrimination.
• Holistic Ministry. Most churches are designed to minister to middle class people. Many people need a different type of church. World Impact has pioneered a successful way of making disciples in areas like Public Housing Projects. They have not only brought the gospel and Bible teaching but have enabled people to escape destructive patterns.
• Endurance. Inner City ministry can be discouraging and overwhelming at times. Keith Phillips has been working in high crime, high poverty, chaotic areas for over 40 years.

Favorite Story # 14: Franklin Graham [1952 -  ]

1952       Born in North Carolina (4th child of Billy & Ruth Graham)

1974       Born-again while in Jerusalem; married wife Jane

1975       Influenced deeply by 6-week trip to Asia with World Vision President Bob Pierce

1979       Became President of Samaritans’ Purse ministry after death of Bob Pierce

1989       Began preaching at Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) events

1993       Samaritan’s Purse took over “Operation Christmas Child”

2002       Became President of BGEA

2008       Visited, met with Government Leaders, and Preached in North Korea

Highlights

• A Prodigal Son who came home. Despite being raised by one of the most famous evangelists in history Franklin chose to live apart from God for many years. His autobiography Rebel With A Cause (1997) documents his life story.
• Compassion. Since his early 20’s Franklin has had a heart for the poorest and most oppressed people in the world. Samaritan’s Purse has strong, established ministry in areas like Sudan, Mongolia, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Kosovo, & Iraq.
• Mobilization & Administration. Operation Christmas Child delivers millions of shoebox gifts around the world each year. Over 63 million shoeboxes have been delivered to a total of 135 countries since 1993.
• Bold Witness. Despite leading a compassion based ministry and having regular contact with Government Leaders around the world he has not compromised his clear message of the gospel. He has repeatedly experienced criticism for explaining that Jesus is the only way for salvation, including controversy after his remarks against Islam after the 9/11 attacks.

Visit www.samaritanspurse.org to learn more about the ministry

Favorite Story # 15: David Wilkerson [1931 -  ]

1931       Born in Hammond, IN

1952       Married wife Gwen

1958       Moved to New York City & started Teen Challenge

1963       Publication of The Cross & The Switchblade

1971       Moved to Texas and started World Challenge Ministry

1986       Felt Called by God to come back to New York City

1987       Began Times Square Church in New York City

Highlights

• Urban Ministry. He has been serving and seeing great results in the hardcore inner city of New York for years. He is not just reaching ‘transfer believers’ from the church down the street.
• Rehab Ministry. Anyone familiar with Teen Challenge knows the great work they do. We have sent many people to the Chicago branch of Teen Challenge. They are the real deal. Wilkerson doesn’t oversee it anymore but he started it and gave it the initial direction.
• Perseverance. Here’s a guy who has been on fire for the Lord for over 50 years. He hasn’t given up or taken the easy road. I love the fact that he went back to New York to plant a church at age 56! He is still going strong now at age 77.
• Family. He has been married for over 50 years and all 4 kids are serving in the Lord and involved with ministries.
• Holiness. He has not changed his basic message about holiness throughout the years. At times Wilkerson has been criticized for being too strict but he has reached many people without watering down the gospel.

Check out www.tsnyc.org and www.worldchallenge.org to get an update on Times Square Church and World Challenge.

“The truth sets us free (John 8:32) but the truth doesn’t always come to us just as facts & principles but as flesh & blood stories with real, imperfect, struggling people. The Bible is full of stories about people. Abraham, Moses, David and others teach us about faith, obedience, love, sacrifice, and following the Lord. Modern day examples can help us also. I’ve been blessed by reading and hearing how God has worked through different people. These next blogs will be a summary of some of my favorite stories. Here’s a few fine print disclaimers:

1. I’m not saying these are the best Christians ever. They are just the stories that have encouraged me. The greatest believers may very well be those who are low-profile and unknown. (Mark 10:31)
2. The list reflects only the stories I’ve heard and therefore it is biased toward the 19th, 20th, & 21st Century and America.
3. The list is biased toward people serving in a ministry similar to my calling so there are lots of Pastors and not artists or business owners. The list is heavy on the urban and evangelist side because those are the areas God has put in my heart. I think everyone needs to find their own examples which connect with them.
4. Of course our ultimate example is Jesus. From God alone is all goodness and to Him alone be all glory. And I know that the Bible gives us inspired stories of saints. However, it is good to be challenged by the example of other believers (Hebrews 13:7-8).
5. The people I have actually known and served with have really been life-giving to me. A book is no substitute for a relationship. We need fellowship. However, it’s sad that so many people read so many worthless stories and watch hours of TV & movies with no positive value when there are faith building examples available.

Hope these brief biographies encourage you because the Lord wants to use all of us in great ways!

Let me know some of your favorite stories and examples of the Christian life.

Favorite Story # 15: David Wilkerson

      Gang violence, drug & alcohol abuse, poverty, and broken homes. The story could be written just about anywhere at any time but something about the urban tragedy in New York City in the 1950s caught the attention of a young Pastor in Pennsylvania. He was born in 1931 in Hammond, Indiana, grew up in a Christian home and wound up in ministry in a small town in his mid to late 20s. After reading a Life magazine article about 7 youths in New York City that were charged with murder he felt called by the Lord to go to New York city. Without any human connections but with the leading of the Lord he went to the courthouse where the murder trial was taking place and began to talk to people.  Fifty years later he is still making a difference for the gospel in New York and around the world.

      David Wilkerson was 27 years old when he began to reach out to troubled youths in New York. Several people gave their lives to Christ, including a gang leader named Nicky Cruz, who went on to become a powerful evangelist. A book and movie were made about Cruz’ life called “The Cross and the Switchblade”. The book was a best seller and now has sold 50 million copies. Wilkerson and his wife, Gwen, along with 2 other couples started a rehab ministry called “Teen Challenge” and a missions organization called “YWAM”. Teen Challenge has had the highest recovery rate of any rehab program in America for years. They receive no government money, since they teach the Bible in their program, and yet they have better results than all other rehabs.

      After ministering in the inner-city for years Wilkerson started an evangelistic ministry called World Challenge and moved to Texas. In 1986 he took a trip to New York and while walking down 42nd Street he felt the Lord call him to move back to New York and start a church. He was obedient to that vision and started Times Square Church in 1987. After renting (in a very high rent area) they got a great deal on a theatre. During the Persian Gulf War the U.S. economy was struggling and they were able to purchase a large theatre in 1989. The church has grown to over 5000 people, has started other churches, shelters for homeless people, sent out missionaries, and run conferences for Pastors.

      I attended one of the conferences hosted by Times Square Church in 2002 and even had a chance to briefly meet David Wilkerson. He preached several times and there was a powerful anointing upon his messages. He is not a loud or very expressive speaker but you can tell that he is one who has spent time in the presence of God.

      Here’s some of the reasons why David Wilkerson is such an encouragement to me:

1. Urban Ministry. He has been serving and seeing great results in the hardcore inner city of New York for years. He is not just reaching ‘transfer believers’ from the church down the street.
2. Rehab Ministry. Anyone familiar with Teen Challenge knows the great work they do. We have sent many people to the Chicago branch of Teen Challenge. They are the real deal. Wilkerson doesn’t oversee it anymore but he started it and gave it the initial direction.
3. Perseverance. Here’s a guy who has been on fire for the Lord for over 50 years. He hasn’t given up or taken the easy road. I love the fact that he went back to New York to plant a church at age 56! He is still going strong now at age 77.
4. Family. He has been married for over 50 years and all 4 kids are serving in the Lord and involved with ministries. They have had trials. Besides living in some rough areas and having a heavy travel schedule they have dealt with illness. His wife has had many operation for cancer and one of their grandchildren died at a young age from cancer a couple of years ago. They are proof that you can serve the Lord for a long time, raise kids who love Jesus, and overcome trials.
5. Holiness. He has not changed his basic message about holiness throughout the years. At times Wilkerson has been criticized for being too strict but he has reached many people without watering down the gospel.

Check out www.tsnyc.org and www.worldchallenge.org to get an update on Times Square Church and World Challenge. 

David Wilkerson in 1958

Nicky Cruz

David & Gwen Wilkerson

      Churches aren’t the only organizations to go through this process and we can learn something from other areas. Businesses, schools, even sports teams go through this cycle. The difference maker is leadership. Take Bill Parcells, a pro football coach and executive, as an example. He has an amazing track record of turning teams around.

      The New York Giants were a consistent loser when Parcells became Head coach in 1983. In his second season they had a winning record and wound up winning the Super Bowl in his 4th and 8th seasons as Head Coach.

      Since that time he has worked for 4 different teams who have all experienced dramatic change. The Patriots were 2-14 in 1992, Parcells become the Head Coach in 1993 and they were a winning team in his 2nd year and in the Super Bowl in his 4th year.

      The Jets went 1-15 in 1996 but Parcells became coach and they posted records of 9-7 and 12-4 in the next two seasons.

      The Cowboys had 3 straight 5-11 seasons but in Parcells first season in 2003 they went 10-6 and wound up with winning records in 3 of his 4 seasons.

       Last year the Dolphins were the biggest losers in pro football with a 1-15 record. Parcells became the Executive Vice President, made a lot of changes, picked a new coach, and in his first year of leadership the team is 9-6 with a chance at the playoffs. Somebody call the Detroit Lions!

      Unfortunately, winning football games has temporary, very limited value and no one will care about this ‘success’ in 100 years. But we may be able to learn something about the importance of leadership. Anyone can make excuses but some people, with the same opportunities and challenges, are more effective.

      A few key questions come to mind:

      What is success? [It’s obvious in sports. Success = more wins and ultimately a championship. It’s obvious in business. A victory = greater profit and long term financial health. It’s not so obvious in the church.]

      How do we evaluate our results? [What do we believe God has called us to do? Are we seeing those things happen? Is there fruit in our lives and in this church?]

      How can we do better?  

      The Church Growth Movement was a great work of God started in the 1950s by Donald McGavran, a former missionary to India. One of the key questions he asked was, “Why do some churches grow more than others?” That question led to research, which led to a discovery of ‘wisdom principles’, which has helped many churches reach more people with the gospel. As we reflect on 2008 and prepare for the New Year I’m asking these questions both to myself and to the church overall:

      What is success? How do we evaluate our results? How can we do better?

      May the Lord give us wisdom as we seek to be the people and the church He has called us to be. “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Eph 4:16

Having a good Christmas week so far. My family is a little spread out but we got to see my sister and her family about a week ago, we saw my brother and his family over the last couple days, and will visit my wife’s family on Christmas day. My parents live nearby so we saw them both when my brother and sister were in town.

Whatever you do and whoever you are with I hope that you have a blessed Christmas.

We are reminded in Psalm 118:24 that “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Time is in God’s hands, He created the seasons and is in control so it is His will that today is today. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 to let today’s own troubles be sufficient for today. Don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow, just take care of today with faith, obedience, and rejoicing in God’s blessings.

ALL-TIME FAVORITE CHRISTIANS

On another note, I was reading a biography of a great Christian leader and it got me thinking about who the most inspiring, motivating people in history are to me. I put together a quick list of 15 people. I kept it all to Christian leaders, although of course there are great leaders who didn’t claim to be followers of Christ (Ghandi, Churchill, etc.). I want to share with you my list over the next few weeks. I’m not saying that these 15 are better than any others but they are simply the ones that I have heard about and have motivated me. Who would be on your list?