In this uncertain season during the interruption of our normal rhythms I have felt “invited” into the Psalms. Psalms gives us permission to feel deeply about what is happening in our lives.
The poems and songs in the book of Psalms are inspired by the Living God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
I miss people.
I miss worshiping with hundreds of people.
I miss hugging people.
I’ve been self-quarantined for one month as of today.
There has been a mixture of grief, hopelessness and uncertainty in this season of isolation for all of us. In the midst of a roller coaster of emotions and thoughts about the future – there is also some excitement that has begun to bubble up in me.
Psalm 42:1-6 (NIV)
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
These days of isolation have been challenging for many of us. Our family has chosen to take the order to stay at home seriously and outside of my family I haven’t been in physical contact with anyone for almost three weeks. I can’t imagine how those who live alone and having no physical contact must be feeling in these days. I’m particularly concerned about those in our congregation who don’t have technology to be able to communicate.
A wise man once said, “What you focus on grows large in you.” There has been hyper focus in this season on statistics about this COVID-19 virus. There are special channels available to take in more news about the disease than you could possibly absorb. The information tidal wave seems to come toward us, wave after wave, with no end in sight. While it’s good to be informed on things you need to know to be safe and diligent, it’s not good to feast at the table of bad news hour after hour.
Last Sunday I spoke about the importance on having a "culture of generosity" (click to watch the podcast), which is in stark contrast to the self-protection, self-focused and selfishness we are seeing in this world today where people are getting into fights about buying toilet paper. This is what our world has become.
As Christians we must come in the opposite spirit and practice the generosity that reflects our generous God. It is in days like these that the Church of Jesus Christ must rise and reflect the hope, the peace and love that authenticates our faith.
We are working to cultivate the different aspects of culture here at Neighborhood Church. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”, therefore continuing to shape the culture of our organization is vital to living fully into our vision for the future.
We've been nurturing this litter of Australian Labradoodle puppies at our house for the last 6 weeks. The breeder has been coaching us on how to wrangle this small tribe of canines and it has been more than a full time job for my wife, who is an expert puppy whisperer and ground traffic controller. While Linda has really done the lion share of the caring for these cute piranhas, the rest of us have been trying to do what we can to help as well.
Dream With Us...
Picture yourself driving into the parking lot of the Neighborhood Church campus at 2801 Notre Dame Boulevard on a sunny Friday morning. In front of you is the Dome, shining in the morning sun, our atrium coffee shop overflowing with people connecting over a drink, some enjoying outdoor seating.
“Mamas and Papas” with life experience and wisdom are coaching young people who feel empowered and well loved. Many of the interns who are learning about ministry while serving on staff and at the leadership academy are gathered, dreaming about their future. Some people have their discipleship course materials on the table discussing another chapter about the Christian life.
He chose two men, Captain Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, to lead the expedition. They were trusted men who had proven to be competent leaders, who knew how to put together teams that worked together and took care of each other.
Our core purpose is firmly rooted in the words of John 10:10.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)