Random Reflections from Pastor Barry

Today

2010-02-09T13:28:00.003Z

Maybe a brick wall. Maybe a puzzle that cannot be solved. Or maybe more like a very challenging obstacle course. I'm really not sure. But no matter which one it is, TODAY is tough. Very tough right now. I'm left hurting, wondering, confused.

Once again I am reminded that is what this faith thing is all about. I preach about it. I teach it. I struggle with ups and downs trying to live it. But in the end its all about a trusting faith that with God everything is alright. Even when it feels wrong. Even when it feels tough. And TODAY it is very tough.

If I had all the answers then there would be no need for faith. If the way forward was perfectly clear then I would not need to place my trust in a God who guides. If the picture made sense to me then TODAY I would not need to have hope.

But TODAY I am holding on to hope. It is the only thing left to hold on to right now.

Romans 8:22-27: 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Who hopes for what he already has? No one. The only people who hope are those who don't yet have, but who long for and yearn for something different. So TODAY I am holding on to hope, praying for the faith to trust and believe that with God everything is alright even when it seems all wrong. I am believing that God's Spirit is interceding for us TODAY. My faith reminds me that God's will is exactly where I want to be. Nowhere else.

Even when I feel so raw. Like I do TODAY.

Wisdom

2010-02-01T18:34:00.002Z

I've been praying for wisdom.

The future is really cloudy for me. I'm not sure what next year holds, let alone next week. It is not at all clear to me. That is not easy for a type-a personality. I want to know the whole picture and line everything up so that I am prepared. But God doesn't reveal things to me that way. Instead I get glimpses and nudges. And just enough to take the next step.

So I am praying for wisdom. If I depend on my own cleverness or understanding to sort it out then I know I am hopelessly doomed. I cannot figure it out nor do I have the ability to do what is necessary to bring it about. Truthfully I will just make a mess of things. Enough empirical evidence exists to fill multiple volumes proving that truth.

I do, however, trust that God has a perfect picture and a wonderful plan. I am convinced that God is not fretting over the future or wondering how things will work out. I feel abundantly confident that God sees, knows and already has everything lined up for me anyway. I just need to have enough wisdom to hear His still, small voice and step in faith to follow. Enough wisdom to discern between my own feelings and God's nudgings. Enough wisdom to walk by faith instead of by sight. Enough wisdom to remember that it isn't really all about me anyway.

So I am praying for wisdom.

The book of James has (quite surprisingly) given me great insights on wisdom recently. Chapter 1, verses 2-8 in Eugene Peterson's Message:

^2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

^5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

So here I am, realizing that when I worry and fret over the future my faith-life is showing its true colors wide open. But that's ok with me. It helps me realize that God is still working in me, growing me, stretching me, shaping me. I am trying very hard to "ask boldly, believingly." I'm asking it every day. Because I know that God's wisdom will give me the guidance, the refreshment and the peace that are lacking from my inability to see the future. I would much rather have guidance and peace than to know it all anyway.

So I am praying for wisdom. Will you pray for me too?

Did You Know Men Slept on the Bridges?

2010-01-25T11:08:00.004Z

I love this story. It is incredibly convicting and challenging. I am reminded of the kind of person I want to become by serving, caring, engaging in God's business in the world. May I never turn away with indifference or complacently accept that there is nothing I can do.

One morning, near the turn of the 20th century, Bramwell Booth visited his elderly father, William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army. The elder Booth didn't even say "good morning" to his son.
"Bramwell!" he cried, when he caught sight of me, "did you know that men slept out all night on the bridges?" He had arrived in London very late the night before from some town in the south of England and had to cross the city to reach his home. What he had seen on that midnight return accounted for this morning tornado. Did I know that men slept out all night on the bridges?
"Well, yes," I replied, "a lot of poor fellows, I suppose, do that."
"Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself to have known it and to have done nothing for them," he went on, vehemently.
I began to speak of the difficulties, burdened, as we were already, of taking up all sorts of Poor Law work, and so forth. My father stopped me.
"Go and do something!" he said. "We must do something."
"What can we do?"
"Get them shelter."
"That will cost money."
"Well, that is your affair. Something must be done. Get hold of a warehouse and warm it, and find something to cover them. But mind, Bramwell, no coddling!"
That was the beginning of The Salvation Army Shelters."

"Did You Know Men Slept on the Bridges?" Christian History & Biography, issue 82.

Help me Lord Jesus to see with your eyes and to respond with your compassion. Help me to trust your wisdom to supply all that I lack. Save me from complacency and indifference. Thank you for the cross.

A Special Appeal Regarding Haiti

2010-01-18T12:27:00.000Z

Dear ICC Family,

In our studies of the prophets this month we have heard God’s consistent appeal to care for the poor, the needy and the oppressed. The prophets called God’s people to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and break the chains of oppression for all who are suffering. Together we’ve been discerning God’s call to each of us at ICC as we seek to respond faithfully and obediently to Him.

At our worship service yesterday I invited the ICC congregation to respond personally to the deep and overwhelming needs of the nation of Haiti after the devastating earthquake last week. The message of the prophets is clear and abundantly relevant to us today: we must respond. We must care. We must share with those in need.

My personal request is that each of us will skip one meal this week and then give the money saved to disaster relief in Haiti. This is an opportunity for each one of us to heed the call of the prophets and personally respond. I recommend that individuals and families share this experience with one another, recognizing that our temporary ‘suffering’ is significantly less than the pain of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. This is an important time to pray for God’s comfort and peace on all who have been affected. Please read Isaiah 58:6-12 for guidance and encouragement in this fast.

There are many good relief organizations. If you have already contributed to one I say ‘Thank you very much.’ If you need to know where to send your donation, one agency that I recommend and fully trust is Compassion International. There UK address is:
Compassion UK
Freepost SEA9431
Weybridge
KT13 8BR

May God bless you as you fast from one meal this week. May God bless ICC as we seek to be faithfully obedient to God’s call in our lives. May God bless our brothers and sisters in Haiti with an outpouring of His love.

Blessings,Barry

The Un-changing God

2010-01-04T15:15:00.002Z

The following is an excerpt (the closing summary) from my sermon yesterday, 3rd January 2010.

In your life, between now and when you die, however long that is, you will experience many changes in your life. Some will be good, some will be painful. All of them will create stress. My question becomes: How are you going to respond to those changes? You can't prepare for them because they aren't predictable. You don't know what they're going to be. How are you going to handle them? What's going to be the source of stability in your life when things around change?

There are three things to remember when life is changing all around you. They are absolute facts. They become spiritual anchors for your soul in a changing world.

1) God will never stop loving me. Never. He won't even love me less. I won't understand all that is going on but no matter what He's doing, He's acting toward me in love. That gives stability. No matter what happens, He loves me.

2) God's word is always right. The advice in the Bible is the right thing to do, even if it's unpopular or unpleasant it is always the right thing to do. That's an anchor, a dependable stabilizer in an ever-changing world.

3) God's purpose for my life is alwasy consistent. His purpose is that I have an abundant life of joy as I become more and more like Jesus. Problems and sins can't change God's purpose. They won’t change God's purpose for my life and it will not change what He wants to do in my life.

I praise God that He is consistent, stable and unchanging. I choose to build my life on this solid rock!

(Credit to Rick Warren for the outline.)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T14:19:00.002Z

For me the question is this: does Christmas intersect with our lives? Does Christmas mean anything today?

Some people say "Happy Holidays." Is it about a holiday? …a few days off work, a big meal, some time with people you love? Some people say "Ho, Ho, Ho!" Is it about the presents - hopefully lots and lots of presents. Good things. But not what it all comes down to. Is that what we mean when we say "Merry Christmas?" Does “Merry Christmas” mean anything any more? Because Christmas is meant to be the acknowledgement and celebration of the truth that the God of the Universe came down to us in the person of Jesus to give us life. And Merry Christmas isn’t about the holiday, but its about something much bigger, much deeper.

God looked at all the things we want - we want a good career and we want a nice family and we want a warm home and we want to be recognized and appreciated. There are lots of things we want. And God looked at all of those…and he didn’t give those to us. Instead of giving us what we want, he gives us what we need. God looks at our wants and says, ‘But the one thing they need, the one thing they truly, truly need, is to be whole, to live, to have life.’ God wants for us to be healed, made whole and complete and have life as he designed us to live it.

God never wanted you to live in fear. God never intended for you to face rejection alone. It has never been God’s plan that addictions would rule your life or that the weaknesses of giving in to temptations would grip you. God knows what you need - and its him. And so the one thing we needed, the one thing we truly need is the one thing God gives - himself. And so God took on the form of flesh, and was born as a baby, born to Mary and Joseph. And he came to heal and offer life. He came to lead us back in to a reconciled relationship with the God who created us - the one thing that is necessary for our healing, necessary for us to have life. God came down - as a gift - as Jesus - to bring us life. What else is there to say, except “Merry Christmas”.

Why Did God Send Jesus?

2009-12-14T13:00:00.002Z

The following is excerpted from my sermon, preached at ICC worship services on 13th December 2009.

“…In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37

That is a pretty bold statement. It is simply not the normal statement of a normal person.
What if I stood up here and made those same claims? What if I said that the reason I exist is to tell you what is true? You’d think I was a lunatic wouldn’t you? Those are the ravings of an insane man. “If you are on the side of truth then you will listen and do what I say.”
***What makes Jesus say that?

Perhaps he is a lunatic. Perhaps he was just deceived and had this grandiose idea that he was God’s own son. If that’s true then we should dismiss all of his teaching and everything about him in the Bible because its just the rantings and ravings of an insane man.

But what if it is true? What if Jesus really, truly is God’s son? What if what he claims to be true - that he was sent in to the world in order to tell people the truth - what if that really was right? There is only one person who can make that claim and be right. The only one who can claim to be the Son of God who came to tell the truth is: The Son of God.

So if Jesus truly is God’s son, if God really did take on the form of a human being, born to a young woman named Mary.If it really the reality of Christmas is that the God of the universe
entered right here in our midst, right here on our turf, was one of us…if its really true, then we have to believe the claims he makes as well. And I BELIEVE IT IS TRUE.

And if Jesus really is the Son of God, then the implications for you and for me are pretty huge!

1. We must LISTEN to what he teaches!
We are to read and know and study the Bible so that we can learn and absorb every single thing that Jesus said. Not just a casual reading, but an all-out, focused, informed study of Scripture.

2. We better put his words in to practice. listening, hearing, absorbing his word…and then acting on it. You can say you believe in God, you can say you want to be a follower of Christ…but if it doesn’t come and impact the way you think, the way you treat your spouse, the morals of how you conduct business, if it doesn’t change and impact your relationship with your parents and your best friend and your neighbor…then you’re just saying the words, but you don’t
really believe them. Because the way you live your life reflects what you believe.

I have struggled so many times in my life to live in tangible, real ways that show that I am a person of faith. Every time I let myself be ruled and dictated by what the carnival
of voices around me is saying about me - ‘you deserve to have more Barry, you ought to get ahead of everyone else Barry, you sure aren’t worth anything unless you prove your
intelligence or your strength Barry’ – every time I let myself live and act out of those thoughts then I am not listening to the truth - I am listening to lies and ordering my life around them.

There is another way though. I can listen to what Jesus says is true. I can learn to believe that what he says is important is truly important. I can learn to see myself the way he sees me and to value the things that he values. I can learn to listen…to read his word, to listen in prayer, to ask other wise people about it…learn to listen and thus order my life around the truth that he teaches. Because in the end, that’s how I want my life to be ordered. Not around the carnival of half-truths - but around the rock solid truth that Jesus told us about God.

In our world we certainly can lose sight of what matters, and put our focus on
all the wrong things. We live in a world that says that beauty and wealth and power and
fame are the most highly treasured values … in a carnival that says integrity & servanthood & humility get tossed aside. What a confused world this really is. And who speaks truth to
confused people?

**That’s why God sent Jesus: to tell confused people the truth.

Jesus came so that we would know, really know, see and hear and feel…and know the God of the universe. That’s why God sent Jesus: to tell confused people the truth.

A Christmas Gift For You

2009-12-08T16:16:00.003Z

While many rush in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, God fills us instead with JOY in the simplicity of His presence.

Seventeen more days. 17 days to get all that shopping done…every person on every list. Every gift for every family member and every neighbor and every co-worker and the hair cutter and the babysitter and the dog-watcher. Only 17 more days! Can I get it all done?

17 more days to put up all those decorations. 17 days to fill out and address and stamp and mail Christmas cards. 17 more days filled with office parties and neighborhood parties and school parties. 17 more days to plan the menu and do the shopping and make sure that the holiday meal is set to go. Only 17 more days to think and plan and make sure all the bases are covered. Only 17 days! 17 days! Oh my gosh, we better hurry. We will never get it all done. Hurry and get done with this blog Barry…I’ve got things to do!

Sure makes Christmas sound fun doesn’t it? Sure makes it seem like it’s a holiday filled with joy and laughter, peace and goodwill to all. For most of us the Christmas season is anything but joy. Its full of rush and hurry and scurry and pressure and deadlines.

And I want to be very clear on this: it doesn’t have to be like that. Because God wants to give you some things this Christmas. God wants you to have joy and God wants you to have hope and peace and wholeness. God has gifts to give you…gifts that you really need, gifts you can really use and don’t have to return. Gifts that fit. God has the best of all possible gifts…if we’ll take the time this Christmas to receive them. To open His gifts and try them on.

Will Rogers once said, “Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” We cram more in to one day, more appointments, more places to be, more people to see. We rush and we hurry and we wonder if it all matters. And along comes Christmas, and the pressures and deadlines and rush and hurry only multiply more! AAAUUUGHHH!

And in the midst of all this hurry, God says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Be still…stop hurrying…stop rushing…just be still. God sent His Son as His GIFT to us. His gift of joy - and of peace - and of hope - and of wholeness. Be still. Enjoy. Know beyond all doubt that the God of the universe loves you, celebrates you, and has an incredible plan for you.

"Help me God, to slow down enough to enjoy and celebrate the incredible gift of Jesus this Christmas."

Defining Love

2009-11-30T21:16:00.001Z

The following is an excerpt from my sermon "God's Love for the Family," based on I John 4:7-21, November 29, 2009, ICC.

What is love?

I John 4:16 says ‘God is love’ … but it does NOT say ‘love is God.' It isn’t that our theory of love is divine, rather God is the one who gives to us the meaning of love. Our love does not define God–rather God is the source of love. John makes clear it is not what we do or think or plan – but love is what God has done for us.

a. Love is … sacrificing to make things right

v. 10 – 'This is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.'

This is the heart of the gospel message. We were separated from God by sin and God sent His son to DIE for our sins, so that we can be forgiven, so we can be right with God. God’s love is not shown as human virtue or meritorious acts. It is shown in Christ’s sacrifice. That is how great His love is for us; he was willing to sacrifice in order to restore our relationship with him.

So we are also called to sacrifice for the good of our relationships. Not just for sake of sacrificing, not to be a martyr, not to have one up on the other … but to make things right. When we do this we are reflecting God’s love.

b. Love is … empowering others to do what is right

v. 9 – 'This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.'

He sent His son … so that we might have life. His love is for our benefit. It strengthens, empowers us. Makes us whole. Thus our love for others should be for their good – to empower, build them up. It is never about our selfish gain.

c. Love is … replacing fear with security

vv. 17-18 – 'In this way love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment … there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.'

Cicero wrote in the 1st Century that people who were afraid of ruling authorities had no loyalty to them. But rulers that were benevolent inspired commitment from their followers. We have security because of God’s love. We do not have it because of our own goodness or our own worth … but because of God’s character. So we are called to love others in a way that gives them security and removes fear. Saying ‘You can count on me’ grants to them security/safety in uncertain future.

Love is ... sacrificing to make things right, empowering others to do what is right, replacing fear with security. This is the definition of love that God has given to us and the model He has shown to us in Jesus Christ.

Thankful

2009-11-25T11:14:00.002Z

Sometimes I feel so selfish.

We all have our 'good days' and our 'bad days.' On the good days it feels like there is a clear picture of God's abundant blessings. I find myself celebrating the many ways that God has showered me with His love and gifts. It might be the result of circumstances or a comment that someone makes. But on certain days it just feels like life is good. I feel enormously thankful.

However, on those bad days I can really find myself caught in a downward spiral. Again it might be the result of a circumstances or a comment that someone makes. But I find myself brooding, dwelling on it. I start to feel sorry for myself. Poor me. If only people really cared, if only people took the time to see how pitiful my little life has become. I feel so selfish.

That is why Thanksgiving is so important. The best antidote to that downward spiral is to pause and give thanks. Because when I re-direct my thoughts I discover how very skewed they have become. The truth is hidden by lies...and I've accepted the lies as reality. This is a very dangerous place to be and it is so incredibly simple to slip in to it. Pausing to remember all I have for which to be thankful is a genuine "snap-out-of-it" experience.

It takes discipline, especially when you're feeling so sorry for yourself. It isn't always easy to re-direct that kind of thinking. But without fail I have been encouraged by simply pausing to focus on the blessings, the joys, the abundance of God's goodness to me.

Part of my thankful list includes: Suzy, Zachary, Micah, Toby, ICC, the staff, my extended family, living in England, visiting castles and cathedrals, beaches, Snickers bars, laughing with dear friends, Cedar campus, a good red wine, warm clothes, camps with orphans in Vologda, a surprise gift, an encouraging email, Topsys cinnamon popcorn, people who encourage me, people who hold me accountable, people who don't let me take myself too seriously. And of course, most of all and above all, the free gift of God's grace in Jesus Christ.

I feel better already!

What lies within us

2009-11-18T19:40:00.002Z

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
-- Paul, Ephesians 3:17

"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you."
-- Jesus, John 15:4

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
-- Jesus, Matthew 6:21

Trying to Live It

2009-11-11T17:58:00.003Z

Knowing Scripture is good. Memorizing it is better. Understanding it is essential. But you can know, memorize and understand all the Scripture in the Bible and it is meaningless ... unless you are willing to LIVE it.

Learning to apply Scripture into every day life is a great challenge. It is not always clear how I can take theological principles and then live according to what they teach. Sometimes I find it rather challenging to be tangible with a specific way to live out a Scripture verse.

I find that it comes down to perspective. Am I letting the Bible passage affect the way I think about things? Am I looking at the world through the truth of the verses I am trying to apply? Sometimes it is not about any specific thing I do or don't do. It is about how I approach things, how I view things. Ultimately it is about how I react, speak, act in any given situation. But the key for me is to let the Bible verses soak in my mind, over and over. Then I ask myself if the choice I make, the action I take is shaped by that Scripture. I don't always get it right. But I am learning every day to order my day under the authority of the Bible verses God has given me that day.

Recently this verse has had a profound impact on my thinking and actions:
I John 2:6 "⁶Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
Ask me to tell you the story about the man I met on the Weybridge High Street. I'll be happy to share the new insights about living out this verse.

And a passage that has had an on-going impact for much of my life is Ephesians 4:22-24. I invite you to let is soak in to your thinking as well. Lets try to live it together!

^"22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Just One Verse

2009-11-03T13:59:00.002Z

I am a huge fan of Scripture memory. I believe that learning Bible verses at the level of memorization helps cement them in to our lives. These verses come to us when we are frustrated and challenged. (Psalm 119:11 says, 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.') Verses also come to us when we are filled with joy and celebrating. (Psalm 103:1 says, 'Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.') When I face a great need I recite Philippians 4:19 ('And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.') When I face temptation I recall I Corinthians 10:13. ('No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. But with the temptation God will proved the way of escape also.') Scripture memory is a vital, essential way to help us stay connected to God.

So on Sunday I told the congregation that if you memorize just one verse of Scripture I think it should be I John 1:9. (See below.) This verse sums up the entire message of the Gospel. It focuses on God's character - that He is faithful and He is just. It acknowledges our forgiveness in Christ and the truth that we are cleansed, re-created in His image. If I knew nothing else from the Bible except just this one verse I would have a full picture of what it means to be a Christian.

Since I said that on Sunday I've been asked by others ... but what about John 3:16? Also a great verse. In fact there are countless verses that I cherish and celebrate. I don't think that any of them are unimportant. But I do feel that I John 1:9 is the single one to memorize if you are going to memorize just one verse!

So print it out, tape it to your mirror or steering wheel. Read it and recite it until it sinks deep down in your soul. I promise you will never regret knowing this truth. And when you are ready for some more verses to memorize let me know - I'll gladly pass along some more!

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins God is faithful and just. He will forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

A Week of Refreshment

2009-10-26T18:20:00.013Z

Everyone needs some time off. I am grateful for the school half-term breaks that allow our family to have some time away. I always pray that our time together will be refreshing, renewing. It is important to re-connect, to laugh and play and be out of day-to-day routines.

We had a fantastic week in Marrakech, Morocco!

In the midst of the shopping, hiking, sunny beaches and great meals, I learned an important lesson. It concerns God's love for everyone. I am in awe over our God who knows each person by name and loves them dearly. So as we traveled in this very Muslim country I began to pay special attention to some of the people we met. A taxi driver, a hotel security guard, a waitress, a shop keeper. I began to pray, "God, show me your love for this person. Help me see how dear and precious they are to you. Give me an insight in to their wants, their needs, their hearts."

It was truly amazing because I began to see these people with new eyes. I realized (again) that God created them and loves them dearly. Many of them simply don't know that yet. I could not believe the new ways I looked at people. I began to see them as precious children of God. I began to pray for opportunities to let them know that God loves them and sent Jesus to die for them. It completely changed and transformed my holiday.

And then I realized that I see countless people every single day in my day-to-day life here in Surrey. Many I just pass by and don't think about. But if I can pray to see them with God's eyes and love them with God's love, that might just make a major transformation in how I approach most everything. I long for that kind of transformation. "Lord Jesus, give me the ability to see people how you see them and love them the way you love them."

I didn't go to Morocco to gain a spiritual insight. I simply went for some rest and refreshment. Funny how this new spiritual insight that God gave me was so refreshing!

"I very like"

2009-10-13T14:31:00.005+01:00

We had a fantastic time with Mark and Gleb Apollonov. They were with us for 10 days to share about their work and ministry with the Comfort Foundation. They work with orphans and street children in the Vologda Oblast. They work very patiently to help children know that they are loved, valued and special to God. The ministry is incredible. I am blown away every time I hear the stories. You can learn more by going to www.comfortfoundationusa.org

God taught me something very important during Mark's visit. It was a lesson about joy. Every time we went somewhere or did anything, Mark always told me how happy it made him. He said, "I very like your house." Then he told me, "I very like your church." Mark said this about everything! "I very like the homegroup." "I very like the meal." "I very like England."

Mark is a man of joy. He appreciates the gift of a relationship with a brother in Christ. He does not take for granted every day things or assume things about people. He tells them he loves them and tells them that God loves them. Over and over and over. The joy of his faith exudes through all of his words and all of his actions.

I want to be more like that. I want to learn to appreciate every situation as a gift from God. I want to see people for the loved, valued people that they truly are. I want to simplify my life so that the one thing that truly brings me joy is walking with Jesus ... because that will then bring joy in to everything else I do and in to every relationship.

God used Mark to shape me in a new way. I'm not very good at it yet, but I'm going to try. I'll start by looking at each person and each event in my day and saying, "I very like this!" Yes, I do!

Mark LOVED his ride in AJ's 1961 Triumph. He very, very, VERY liked this!

Convicting

2009-10-06T16:01:00.002+01:00

In the sermon on Sunday I shared the following quote. It is enormously convicting to me personally. I am reminded that my walk must match my talk. I must live daily - in real and tangible ways - what I willingly say that I believe.

“An intelligent observer who heard the Sunday morning sermon and later watched the Sunday afternoon conduct of those who had listened to that sermon would conclude that he had been examining 2 distinct and contrary groups of people. Christians habitually weep and pray over beautiful biblical truths only to draw back from those same truths when it comes to the difficult job of putting them into practice. It seems that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of living right. … In that great and terrible day when the deeds of men are searched by the judge of all the earth, what will we answer when we are charged with such inconsistency and moral fraud?”
--A.W. Tozier

This has definitely led me to spend more time in prayer! I praise God that I have forgiveness in Jesus. I praise God that I have the power and encouragement of the Holy Spirit to help me live an obedient life. I praise God that He pours love in to my life in countless ways!

What makes Christian Community 'Successful'?

2009-09-29T15:52:00.003+01:00

Is it good if we can just get everyone together on the same day at the same time? Is that enough??

Are there some things that say that this homegroup was a success? When we finish a series together how will we decide if this was valuable and useful? Do we just hope that everyone 'feels good?'

The ICC staff and council met on retreat in January 2009. We decided that our two top ministry priorities would be worship and homegroups. The group felt that this was the best way to invest our resources - financial, human and otherwise. If we faithfully build worship and homegroups then ICC will flourish, grow, mature and be honouring to God.

We knew we needed some criteria to mark this. So we came up with the following definitions of 'success' for our homegroup ministry:

1. We are developing deeper relationships with a smaller group of people.
(This isn't about just getting together for a chat or to feel good. The emphasis must be on
deeper relationships; knowing one another on more significant terms.)
2. There is a further understanding of the content and application of the Scriptures used in worship.
(The Bible must be the centre of our homegroups. We believe that it is a 'win' if those who
attend know and can better apply the Scriptures.)
3. We are supporting one another through prayer.
(It is vital that each person is cared for, prayed for, encouraged and supported. Life is
tough. Homegroups ought to be a place where people's needs are brought before the
Lord.)

One of the things that excites me the most is that we do these groups for children, youth and adults. Everyone is studying the same Scripture and discussing personal application. When you are in the car driving home there are not random Bible stories or events in response to the question, 'What did you learn today?' All ages - from the very youngest to the very oldest - have spent time in significant relationships studying God's word and praying for one another to live God's word.

I think that this is worth striving toward. I believe that, while not perfect, this is a great model of 'successful' Christian community.

(NOTE: If you want to know about our definitions of success for worship as well, please send me an email!)

A Great Day Out

2009-09-21T14:30:00.002+01:00

I spent a great day off last Friday. I went to Leith Hill to climb the tower. After a drive through the beautiful English countryside I found a parking area near the tower. There was an incredible hike through the woodlands. Along the way I couldn't help but notice how each part of nature reminds me of the abundant ways God provides for His creation. The tower suddenly came in to view and it was amazing to behold. It sits on the highest point in southern England and from it you can see miles and miles of England! Check it out at one of these websites:

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-leithhill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leith_Hill

I recommend a visit as a great day out for you and your family!

Re-Modeling Projects

2009-09-15T09:41:00.002+01:00

Re-modeling a house or a room can be a huge project! What steps are needed to complete a renovation?

1. A picture of the end project. No matter what things look like now, what condition the room or house is in, you must have a full picture of what the finished project looks like. Otherwise you don't know what you're working towards.

2. Plans. Every project has a set of plans for completion. These include...
>Intentional choices - Things you will/will not include or what will be important aspects of the remodeling.
>Purposeful steps - You never make random swipes at the project, but there are purposeful, intentional steps that lead to your goal.
>Sequencing - Clearly some things need to happen before others can be started. The project actually includes a series of steps that build on one another.

3. Time. Nothing happens overnight. There are no 'instant remodeling' kits. This is going to take some time to complete.

4. Support/encouragement/advice from a knowledgeable source. Whether you read from an expert in the field or simply seek guidance from a friend who has been through this, its always helpful to have others help you renovate.

5. Celebrating achievements. Sit back and look at what was accomplished. Celebrate! Enjoy! Giving credit where it is due helps make the project more rewarding.

I'm clearly not an expert on remodeling or redecorating. This isn't my area of giftedness. But I do know that these same criteria apply to the remodeling, renovating work in our hearts. God is growing us to be more mature - to be like Jesus. Read through the 5 steps above. They apply to the journey of growing up in Jesus. Invite God to lead you on a new remodeling project - making your heart to reflect more of the love and grace that is Jesus' heart.

Finding God on the 'A' Train

2009-09-09T11:36:00.001+01:00

I’m re-reading one of my favorite books: Finding God on the ‘A’ Train: A Journey into Prayer by Rick Hamlin. I’ve read this book 3 or 4 times in the past 10 years. The author shares very real and poignant stories about finding a time of quiet and solitude where he can connect with God in the midst of a busy and hectic life. He has learned to read and pray while commuting on the ‘A’ train, a crowded underground subway train in New York City.

I think that one of the reasons I connect with this book is because it is NOT filled with formulas. It just does not work for me to have someone tell me the 3-5 easy steps to follow for a deeper walk with God. For me I have to find that in the midst of everyday life. I still have to drive carpools and meet deadlines and move papers around on my desk. I want to connect with God in the midst of all of that – not outside of it.

Rick Hamlin shares in a personal and believable way. There are no pretenses here, just honesty. It makes me feel like I really can carve time to rest in God’s presence, no matter how busy or hectic my day is.

I highly recommend this book. I’ll loan you my copy if you’d like.

'Nice photos of your family'

2009-09-08T11:05:00.001+01:00

The ICC Picnic – what a great event. The weather was beautiful and over 80 people came to eat, play, race and talk. I enjoyed watching people from ICC-Rydens and ICC-Thorpe interact with one another. We are one church family.
Suzy posted pictures from the picnic on facebook. My friend Dennis from university then posted this on my facebook wall: hey barry - hope all is well - very nice photos of your family - congrats - best, dennis
I started to respond and tell him that the pictures were from a church event, not a family event. Then I stopped and thought about it. These pictures are of my family. They are pictures of my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are together the family of God.
So I didn’t correct Dennis. Because he was absolutely correct. They are, indeed, very nice photos of my family!

Fear not!

2009-09-07T15:54:00.000+01:00

Last July I was having my morning devotions when I felt very strongly that God was guiding me to a passage of Scripture. I looked. It was one with which I was familiar.

Isaiah 43:-13

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I wondered if God was trying to prepare me for some great trial. Maybe when things got really challenging He wanted for me to remember that He is with me. But even though I asked God this question, I didn’t get an answer.

But I’ve come to realize that the real message to me was in the very first verse: ‘I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’ I have repeated that truth to myself hundreds of times in the past several weeks. I’ve needed reassurance that I was leading ICC in the right direction. I’ve needed confidence for challenging decisions. I’ve looked for encouragement. And the whole time it was right there. God has summoned me, named me, called me. I am HIS! I belong completely to God. Suddenly everything else falls into a new perspective.

I received the reassurance, the confidence, the encouragement. But not in the way I expected it. I was reminded that those things find their basis in the truth that Jesus died for me and that God has claimed me as His own.

I hope that encourages you also!