The Grove Blog

Boy oh boy! We’ve just been hit with a whopper of a snow storm. This has been perhaps the must snow-immersed winter in recorded weather history. As a pastor, I’ve felt the futility of my petition as I pleaded with the sovereign Lord “Please God, just let us have church.” I and many other pastors must honestly admit that we plead out of a passion for worship and preaching, but also out of the reality that missing Sundays worship services means a reduction in giving. Utility companies don’t make allowances for “acts of God” when it comes to paying the bill. But, as one of our associate ministers so called it, this is “be still” weather.

I like many others engaged in the task of digging out of this nearly three feet of wet, heavy snow. Even working out four days a week cannot prepare your body for the wrath of the snow shovel. The snow shovel forces us to learn lessons that may escape us without the coming of the storm. I thought it important to share some of the insights that I’ve learn for my snow shovel, which has seen more action this year than ever before.

First of all, my shovel forced me to work muscles that aren’t often worked.  I woke up this morning with a mild case of soreness. The soreness is the result of twisting, turning, and lifting in ways that are unusual. It reminds me that even when I believe I’m doing what is necessary to maintain peak performance, there are still muscles that go unused. The shovel helped remind me that performance will be even greater if I were to find ways to occasionally work those unused muscles. Think of the application to ministry and our lives. If we are to become more effective overall, we have to find ways to build capacity by exercising capabilities that too often remain dormant. I can see those who have beautiful voices, but remain in the pews. I can see those who possess the gift of evangelism, but never invite others to Christ.

My snow shovel also taught me a lesson that may seem contrary to the first. It taught me that there are resources that may not be of much use in many situations, but there will come a time when it becomes very valuable. So it is with the lowly snow shovel. In most instances, who needs a snow shovel except for the occasional storm during the winter months. In mild winters,there may be no need for the shovel at all. Yet, when the crystal precipitation decides to fall, there’s nothing more valuable than the shovel. It teaches us that we cannot discount the value of any resource or any person, even when they seem not to make a contribution most of the time. There’ll come a time when what that person has to offer will be exactly what is needed

There’s so much more that I have learned from my snow shovel. I really could write a book and still have more to say. But I invite you to ponder and respond to these musings, by sharing what you’ve learned from your snow shovel. We’d love to hear.

Each year we select a theme and a creed. The theme serves as a spiritual emphasis to facilitate our efforts to strengthen some aspect of the church body with laser-like precision. The creed is a congregational reading that we recite each time we gather for worship. It is the principle of “repetitio est mater studiorum” (Latin: repetition is the mother of learning) in pursuit of (Psalm 119:11).

Scripture Reference:
Simply let your ‘Yes ‘ be ‘Yes ,’ and your ‘No ,’ ‘No ‘; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5: 37, NIV)

Accountability Creed:

This is what I do…

I honor the Kingdom of God as a priority in my life. (Matthew 13:44)

I serve knowing that I am a vital part of the body and my actions affect everyone else. (1 Corinthians 12: 12-31)

I always give an account of my actions to God, my leaders, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

I never act without informing, consulting, and seeking appropriate authority. (1 Timothy 2: 1-4; 1 Peter 2: 13-17)

I study the Word of God purposefully, serve faithfully, give sacrificially, and live holy. (2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 20: 27-28; 2 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Peter 1:15-16)

I help restore others when they fall; and when I fall, I confess my sins, refocus, heal, and move forward. (Galatians 6: 1-2; 1 John 1:9)

I submit to the will of God knowing that He deserves my best and my best is what I give. (Ephesians 6:8)

Now let’s Advance!

This is a glorious time of year. Decorations reflect the festive mood of the season. The malls are filled with shoppers and window shoppers alike. Believers everywhere are engrossed in the story of the incarnation of the Christ-child who made His entry into the world by way of the most humble beginnings. From this very moment until the day of commemoration, we will engage in one form of preparation or another. Then, within the span of 24 short hours, it will all be a memory.
One of the realities of this time of year will be the many celebrations that will take place. Office parties, house parties, and other festivities in recognition of the holidays. The truth about these festivities is that not all of the participants will necessarily be celebrating for the same reason. Some take it as an opportunity to just enjoy time off, other view it as just a generic time of good cheer with no acknowledgment of the birth of the Savior. As a result, some believers struggle with the notion of staying true to a Christ-centered celebration when the celebration is with unsaved folk.
In the ninth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul makes a very practical statement about his approach to interacting with others in an effort to effectively share the gospel. He declares, “…I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
(1 Cor 9:22-23, NIV). This is not to suggest that we compromise what we believe. It simply means that we interact purposefully, while consciously being true to our Christian ethics. Celebrate the Savior with the unsaved. Just celebrate in a way that they see the Savior in you.

There seems to be a commitment crisis that is not just influencing our culture, but is also having a tremendous impact on the Body of Christ. This came to my attention about a week ago when I read current divorce statistics. According to Jennifer Baker of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri, 50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second marriages, and 74% of third marriages end in divorce. Such abysmal divorce statistics are reflective of a commitment crisis that really extends beyond the sacred institution of holy matrimony. The truth of the matter is that people seem generally less willing to commit to anything.

Think of the impact the “commitment crisis” has on the church. We’re living in a age when fewer people are committed to church. Churches reside in communities where few community residents are engaged in the life of the church. We often lament because too many people fall into the category of  “church hoppers.” Gone are the days when previous generations were committed to a church for a lifetime. This phenomenon is not simply the result of a more mobile society. I contend that it’s the result of pervasive self-centeredness, intolerance, and my way or no way mindsets. Here’s yet another example. Think of the percentage of parents who’re regular attenders and participants in the school PTA. All of these are manifestations of the prevailing “commitment crisis.”

I believe that overcoming the “commitment crisis” requires deep reflection, prayer, and leadership. We all have to think deeply about our witness for Christ. A lack of consistency is a poor witness and doesn’t represent Kingdom standards. Constant communication with the Lord will provide additional strength when your commitment stamina is waning. Christian leaders must also shepherd others in a manner that inspires and facilitates commitment. It’s time to overcome the “commitment crisis!”

Read: Colossians 3:23-24

The emotional strain that accompanies many of life’s struggles can take its toll on even the most faithful believer. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been walking with the Lord or how intense our spiritual discipline may be, everyone experiences moments of feeling overwhelmed. Faced with this reality, the question is not whether the moments will come. The critical question is “How will we handle the moments?”
One assurance that helps us to handle the difficult moment is the guarantee of the Lord’s love. Regardless of the difficulty or the nature of our struggle, the Lord’s love is absolutely guaranteed. Accepting the reality of his love also means that we acknowledge His intent to do what is best for us, even when we don’t totally understand what He is doing. (Jeremiah 29:11)
The Apostle Paul was very clear about certainty of God’s love in his letter to the church at Rome. He raised the question “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35, NKJV) Then he answered his question by declaring, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:37-39, NKJV)
Remember, regardless of the shortfalls or gaps in your life, there is no separation from the love of God. What gaps is He filling in your life?

God uses many methods to speak to us and confirm that we’re walking in His will. Sometimes it’s the still, quiet voice that say “Yes, you’re on the right track.” At other times, confirmation  comes through a word or deed of someone else. Their actions resonate with us in such a way that we know God’s way of letting us know that He is pleased. Then, at other times, confirmation will come through adversity.

This kind of adversity is often due to the work of the Lord’s chief enemy. He opposes our efforts in hopes that we’ll abort the Lord’s assignment and forfeit the victory that’s ordained by God. The opposition can be so disheartening and will often come from those we feel should be in support of the Lord’s work. But we must learn that opposition is often confirmation that we’re on the right track.

Learn to stand in the face of opposition. Your unwavering commitment and determination will not only demonstrate your faithfulness to the Lord’s work, it will also show that you have the kind of faith that will hold up under fire. Examine the adversity that’s breaking out in your life and let it be known that you must be on the right track. let us know where you’re fighting and we’ll prayer that God strengthens your faith. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

God has a way of blessing us in unexpected ways. It’s what I call an “oops blessing.” There’s no advance warning or indication that it’s coming. God simply drops it on you. “Oops blessings” are often accompanied by claims from others that the blessing is undeserved. Your undeserving qualities are usually more vehemently declared by those who oppose you, those known in the vernacular as “haters.” In fact, even the recipient of an “oops blessing” is often humbled by the manifestation of such because the contrast between his or her sinful nature and God’s grace is made more evident.

We never have to apologize or make excuses for receiving an “oops blessing.” They aren’t mistakes on God’s part. God is very purposeful and knows exactly what He’s doing when He blesses us unexpectedly. It’s His way of letting us know that He not only loves us unconditionally, but He also blesses us in spite of ourselves and the condemnation of others. It’s His way of reminding everybody that He’s  the ultimate judge and arbiter of our destiny.

Congratulations President Barack Hussein Obama on the receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. You just received an “oops blessing!” When was the last time you received one?

This is a questions that often travels through the mind of even the most faithful believer. It’s the result of a finite mind attempting to comprehend an infinite God. The question comes when we have to come to grips with the reality that many events are totally outside of our control. Sense we submit to the sovereignty of God, I believe it is totally reasonable to respectfully ask God what He’s doing.
This becomes even more real when we observe the difficulties of life: poverty, famine, abuse, oppression, injustice, and any other manner of evil. I can hear the words of the prophet Jeremiah ringing in my head “…Why does the way of the wicked prosper ? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?” (Jer. 12:1, NKJV) Even those who have committed their lives to the work of the Lord have moments when they ask “Lord, what are you doing?”
I want to challenge you the next time this question emerges from an unexpected experience. Instead if asking God what He’s doing, push past the temptation to seek explanation and ask God a more productive question. Ask Him, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” You’re in unfamiliar territory. You’re outside of your comfort zone. It appears that things are upside-down and out of control. Rather than asking God what He’s doing in such a situation, go straight for the answer that’s going to put you in line with His will. Ask Him, “what would He have you do?” Let us know what you’re seeking answers for. You never know, He may answer your question through somebody else.

In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good. (Ecclesiastes 11:6, NKJV)

The times are difficult. Not a day goes by when we aren’t hearing about someone we know being furloughed, laid off, foreclosed, or experiencing some other form of financial turmoil.
While I’m a strong advocate of personal responsibility, I also don’t believe in blaming victims. The global economic tsunami we’re now experiencing is largely the result of unbridled greed and disregard for the masses. Yet, even in this I believe that the child of God will be victorious through our understanding that those things which were meant for evil, God ultimately means for our good. (Genesis 50:20)
I encourage you to actively resist the prevailing economic downturn. This isn’t a time for passive lament and sorrow. Now is not the time to curl up in a ball and retreat. Now is the time to sow as never before. God’s wisdom is often contrary to human emotion and intellect. While others are retreating, He will empower His faithful to advance. Start a business; find part-time employment and invest the earnings; find creative ways to reduce your household expenses and use the savings for income producing opportunities.
Don’t take hard times lying down, sow continuously. You don’t know from where God will bring success. Where are you beginning to sow?

A little one shall become a thousand,
And a small one a strong nation.
I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time.”
Isaiah 60:22, NKJV

There’s no question that God is moving in a special way. There’s evidence all around us, particularly in a place known as “The Grove.” It’s a church tucked away on a residential street in the heart of the Irvington section of Baltimore City. Its quaint, yet very beautiful sanctuary, is reflective of the inner growth, strength, and beauty of the people who worship there.
It’s not unusual for visitors to be taken aback by magnitude of God’s power that resonates from such a relatively small place. They’ll often stand in amazement and comment in wonder about how God completely exceeded expectations.
Such experiences remind us that we should never underestimate the ability of God to work through those others least expect. His power is most evident when it emerges and breaks forth from those who’re perceived by the world as powerless.
Last night God showed up again at “The Grove.” There was no preaching, no three points and a poem, just worship. All we did was worship. All we did was tell God we loved Him from the depths of our souls and opened ourselves up so He could minister to us. How marvelous it was.
What is God saying to you? Where are the small places in your life where you’re believing God for BIG THINGS?