The Generation Gap is Alive and Well

It exists in almost every church and it’s often the elephant in the room that never gets recognized. What am I referring to? The generation gap. The old generation feels the younger generation is disrespectful, hard to motivate and too casual. The younger generation feels underappreciated and undervalued for the vitality, creativity and fresh perspective they bring to the team. And so the tension exists and never gets talked about.

So what do we do? We usually stay with our own age group and complain about other groups. We get siloed in our relationships. We never think of crossing generational boundaries rather hoping somehow the problem will just “go away”.

What would happen if the older generation motivated and engaged the younger generation? And what if the younger generation began to quietly and respectfully influence the older generation?

I would like to suggest that we all make a conscience effort, whatever age we are currently to strive to close this generation gap.

Here are some things we all can do:

1. Accept the differences of generations (different leadership styles, differing ideas about money, music, etc.). It isn’t about good or bad but seeing the world differently – let’s admit the differences exist.
2. Be willing to step outside your own reality. How might you appreciate someone who operates differently than you do? Don’t make your preferences a “one size fits all”.
3. Seek to give honor – treat others how you want to be treated. (See Romans 12:10)
4. Focus on building a relationship with someone NOT your same age. (See Romans 12:18) When you are friends with someone, you are more likely to offer your attention, love and devotion.
5. Don’t give up! (See Galatians 6:9) Keep investing your time and energy with other generations no matter how hard it gets. This is a journey worth walking – don’t give up.

Blessings,

P.S. Want to experience joy every day of your life? Longtime friend of mine, Bruce Johnson, will be helping us discover daily joy in the context of generosity this Sunday at both 9:00am and 10:30am!

Truly Transformational

Eric Geiger and Michael Kelley have written a book entitled, Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow. This book came out of a research project launched by Lifeway in 2010 that surveyed believers regarding their spiritual lives and level of maturity. Specifically, they wanted to discover what kind of discipleship is truly transformational. Their focus of research revealed the major areas of life where spiritual maturity takes place.

Here are the eight attributes of discipleship that point to spiritual health; Bible factors that consistently show up in the life of a maturing believer:

1. Bible engagement
2. Obeying God and denying self
3. Serving God and others
4. Sharing Christ
5. Exercising faith
6. Seeking God
7. Building relationships
8. Unashamed

The framework that makes authentic disciples is more than Bible knowledge and moral behavior. It is the ongoing renewal of the heart which is a critical component.

How would you evaluate yourself on these eight Biblical factors?

 

Just some food for thought.

Blessings,

 

P.S. This Sunday, I will be sharing my personal journey of becoming a generous person - it will be more of a personal testimonial than it is a sermon. Join me Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am!

A few challenging thoughts

This week's Freshly Bru'd is going to challenge you, I hope. It is also going to cause some of you to question my spirituality.  I have observed over the years of ministry that many Christians are thrilled about Bible study, but less thrilled about fellow believers, reaching the lost, and even prayer. It causes me to ask an honest question, "Can Bible study actually become a diversion to spiritual growth?" Now, before you write me off, let me remind you "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (1 Corinthians 8:1) Is it possible to be so prideful about what I am learning in my Bible study that it becomes more important than practicing what I am learning? I think so. How do I know when Bible study has become spiritually diverting to my walk? Here are a few thoughts to get you thinking... *I am more interested in Bible study than in my fellow believers and living in community with them. I'm not suggesting you neglect Bible study, but rather evaluate it to see if study is causing you to neglect other things. *I feel like prayer requests and sharing life wastes precious Bible study time. Remember our knowledge of the Bible should deepen our love for God and for each other! *I can recite passages I never intend to obey. One of my professors used to say "Most Christians are already educated beyond their level of obedience." *I substitute Bible knowledge for faith. Often our excuse for not acting is that we don't know enough. "I can't witness to my neighbor. I don't know enough answers." Yet, we know Jesus, isn't He our answer? Salvation is by grace through faith - not how much knowledge a person has. *Do I love God's word more than I actually love God? We can learn His commands, yet not obey them. We can memorize verses, yet do we go to those lengths to help others? Yes, we should turn to God's word for comfort. But more importantly, we should turn to God. The word of God is active, not passive. Our worship belongs to God, not to His word. Just some food for thought. Blessings, P.S. This week is the 1st Annual Q&A message with the Pastors and Directors of First Free Church. We will answer your Bible questions and have some fun along the way. Worship is at 9:00 & 10:30am.

The Final Exam is Coming

When I was a student in college I hated to take final exams. Especially comprehensive exams in which you had to remember everything you were taught throughout the semester. Who can remember what they did last week let alone a whole semester ago? I have a hard time remembering when the War of 1812 was fought.

Anyway, I seemed to squeal my way through those exams. I have one more final exam to take and so do you. It's the exam you will take as you stand before God and He is going to look at eight different aspects of your life and reward you based on how faithful, how interested you were in developing these areas of your life.

Let me give you a sneak preview of what will be on this exam...

1. Did you possess the right values? A faithful person knows what's important in life and what isn't. He knows how to invest his life. He makes his life count for eternity.
2. Did you care for the interests of others? It's not my needs, my ambitions, my desires, my values, my profit, my benefit. Faithfulness is others-centered.
3. Did you live with integrity before an unbelieving world? How was your reputation? Was it above reproach before unbelievers?
4. Did you keep your promises? (Read Proverbs 20:25) Was it easier to get into debt instead of out of it? To fill up your schedule rather than fulfill it? The number one cause of resentment is unfulfilled promises.
5. Did you develop your God-given talents? (Read 1 Peter 4:10) Faithfulness is based on what we do with what we have or I really should say what God has given to us.
6. Did you obey God's commands? Disobedience disqualifies us from being seen as faithful.
7. Did you pass on what you learned? (Read 2 Timothy 2:2) If God teaches you a spiritual truth, it's your duty to pass it on to others.

Well, how would you do if you had to take the final today? Remember to study hard; the final may be sooner than you think.

Blessings,

P.S. What are you afraid of? What has you worried as you read this? If you want to discover how to build a fear and worry free life, don't miss this Sunday celebration at 9:00am or 10:30am!

Bucket List from a Different Perspective

I read a blog this week that is so good I have to pass it on to each of you. It is the blog of James Emery White, Founding and Senior Pastor of Meckleburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC.

He read a book entitled, "The Before You're Forty Bucket List." This book is about the things you want to do before you "kick the bucket." The book prompted him to come up with a bucket list for followers of Christ. This bucket list matters because of the eternal value.

I was so moved by his list that I am going to implement these things in my life before I "kick the bucket." Would you be willing to join the adventure with me?

1. Build a relationship with a non-Christian and share your faith in Christ.

2. Trust God financially in terms of giving.

3. Take at least one bungee-jump of faith related to obedience.

4. Love someone to the point of sacrifice.

5. Discover your spiritual gift(s) and serve accordingly.

6. Make one spiritual pilgrimage (see A Traveler's Guide to the Kingdom, InterVarsity Press, for some ideas).

7. Read the Bible in its entirety.

8. Mentor someone new to the faith.

9. Find a church home and invest yourself in its community and mission.

10. Serve the poorest of the poor.

James Emery White concludes "if I can have those ten things crossed off...it would have been a good and God-honoring life."

  Blessings,

P.S. Have you ever been sideswiped, hit with a crisis out of the blue? If you have ever had things blow up before your eyes in terms of living your life, you won't want to miss Sunday's message at 9:00am or 10:30am!

Practical, Fun Outreach Ideas

Cindy and I are making a more concerted effort to build relationships with our neighbors. We decided to have several of them over to our house for dinner and games. We then want to do acts of kindness for them and genuinely let them know they are important to us.

I came across a recent article by Mark Howell on ten ways to connect with your neighbors. May I encourage you to implement several of these as you reach out to your neighbors and invest in them:

1. Movie night outside for kids and families. Pick the right movie, circle up in lawn chairs, and bring the popcorn.
2. Drop in for waffles and bacon on a Saturday morning. Borrow some waffle irons, add some blueberries and make it fun.
3. Invite neighbors over for a potluck theme dinner night (Italian, Mexican, etc.). Go all out with music, decorations, and even attire.
4. Garage sale for a local cause. Be ready to talk about why you are doing it.
5. Pull a fire pit onto your driveway. Bring out the patio furniture and offer warm cider and s'mores to neighbors passing by. If your neighborhood is like mine, have plenty of doggie treats for the pets.
6. Chili cook-off. No better time to host a chili cook-off complete with judges (I'll volunteer to judge), prizes and Tums.
7. Block party cookout. Roll the grills into the cul de sac and bring the lawn chairs. Do it right and it can become an annual event.
8. The big game on the big screen. Plan a party for those who don't have season tickets. Make it fun for the whole family.
9. Game night with Pizazz, Banco, Bridge, Pictionary, etc. There's a way to do this that's even more fun - think tournament. Have goofy prizes for the winners. Oh, and Mr. Microphone adds another level of enthusiasm.
10. Since it's Halloween, join in the fun. Safe Halloween fun. No tracts please! Just the best candy and friendliest people on the block.

Have fun and get to know your neighbors!

Blessings,

P.S. Have you been in a conflict lately? How did you respond? Was it resolved? If you want to learn some practical skills concerning conflict, don't miss this Sunday!

Just say "no."

I have some very close friends who are tired, physically worn out, overwhelmed and over-committed. One reason they have become like this is because they haven't learned how to say "no".

The word "no" is a hard word for many of us. If we want to excel in life, ministry, grace, likeability, influence - we must learn to create healthy boundaries. Part of a healthy boundary involves learning to say "no".

Here's the tension we often experience: hearing "no" can be demoralizing, but we can't increase our effectiveness without it. So how can we learn to be better with "no"?

First, know who you are. Know your limitations. Be honest about who you are and what you want. Once you understand who you are it becomes a road map for the things to say "yes" to, and the things you must say "no" to. "No" isn't about being mean, but rather being honest about who you are.

Second, the power of re-direction. When you must say "no," give an alternative. "No, I can't go this week but I can go in a couple of weeks." "No, I can't help you right now but maybe so and so can." "No, but what I could do for you is this."

Third, create space for the right things. Creating space in your life will enable you to become the best version of you. When you say "no" to taking on extra projects at work, you have more time to spend with your family. When you say "no" to managing other people's emotional baggage and problems, you have room to focus on developing yourself. Saying "no" to everyone else's schedule will free up time for you to develop your spiritual life.

When you say "no" to something, you have the ability to say "yes" to something else. And when you have room to say "yes" to the things that really matter to you, you become more likeable.

Blessings,

P.S. This Sunday, I will help us sift through how to make good decisions while keeping our commitments! We will continue our journey through Joshua and will cover chapters 9 & 10. See you Sunday morning!