Stewarding Legacy

There are two definitions of the word legacy. One is a monetary gift of money or property bequeathed in a will. The other is a long-lasting impact of a person’s life. In both definitions, legacy is something of value and worth that is passed on for the benefit of another person.

This coming Sunday, we have the privilege of hosting Pastors Dennis and Kaku Sager from Japan. They will be sharing with us what God has been doing through their ministry in Japan, and we get to enjoy their company—the honor of which we’ve enjoyed for decades now. These faithful Christ-followers have sown their entire lives into furthering the kingdom of God in Japan. They have trusted God in the big things and in the small things, and they have been a beautiful example to me for years and years.

Some of you may not know that Dennis was the youth pastor at our church back in the 1980s, and I was one of the youth he served! He was instrumental in teaching me that I was not too young to have a genuine relationship with Jesus, and he led our group through an impactful teaching on the Lord’s Prayer that set me up for a strong foundational understanding of how to pray. That teaching served me well for many, many years. He gave me a legacy.

Fast forward 20 years, and I had the wonderful opportunity to mentor Dennis’ daughter Adrienne and son Daniel when they were young people, teaching them both how to be effective, Spirit-led worship leaders. I did everything I could to give all that I had to them. Another legacy! And soon after that, Adrienne was serving as a youth leader with her husband Aaron, and my daughter was in their youth group. Third-generation legacy!

In the family of God, you have something of worth and value to pass on to the people around you. Your legacy has a lasting impact, so much so that you may never know the fullness of it on this side of heaven. Have you thought about what gift you have residing in you that can be of lasting impact to someone around you? Or do you have a monetary gift to sow into a ministry that may seem small, but could have a meaningful effect? You have something to bequeath in the Kingdom.

I Peter 4:10: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Okay – Hallelujah!

"’OK’ is one of the most frequently used and recognised words in the world” (https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-12503686).  This interesting and somewhat odd fact I heard years ago, and I’ve verified it in my experience traveling worldwide. Another interesting fact I can’t verify is that “Hallelujah” is also nearly as well-recognized worldwide. I once read a missionary's account that stated they found help more than once in a foreign land simply by saying or singing “Hallelujah” aloud. Shortly afterwards, even in the most non-Christian nation, a Christ-follower or someone familiar with the term would respond.  

“Hallelujah” is a very significant word and it aligns well with our current sermon series on Psalms. The word is a combination of the Hebrew:  הלל - hâlal, which is the most common word for “praise” in the Bible. And יהּ - yâhh or Jah or Jeh, as in “YHWH,” or “Jehovah.” Whenever someone says “Hallelujah” they are saying in Hebrew “Praise God.” But not a generic god – this is the personal name of God given to Moses and embedded into the Hebrew language.  So this word is as holy as it can get – as in the third commandment holy: Deuteronomy 5:11: “You shall not take the name of the LORD (יהוה - Jehovah) your God in vain, for the LORD (יהוה - Jehovah) will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” 

As we’ve studied the Psalms, we’ve learned that there are many categories but nearly all of them have some element of praise. The fact that Hallelujah is so ingrained into the language of humanity reflects the truth that we are created to praise God! A few examples of this word in various languages are: Alhamdulillah ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ ‎(Arabic); Hālìlùyà 哈利路亚 (Chinese); Alléluia (French); Aleluya (Quechua); Haleluya (Indonesian).

We are created to praise God and our words are powerful instruments of worship. In any and every setting, we can invoke the name of God and rightly offer up praise simply by saying or singing this word “Hallelujah.” In doing so, we join with a chorus of believers from around the world and throughout time worshiping the one true God!

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Certainly this one word, “Hallelujah,” can release life when used as it is intended to worship Jehovah. I encourage you to use this word often and with reverence.

Kids Too

On the first Sunday of each month, we incorporate the kids into the main worship service for singing and communion. We promote freedom in the Holy Spirit as well as safety and order. This blog shares why and how we go about it.

While the kids experience God during class, it’s valuable for them to be part of how God moves in the corporate setting. The children are learning how to engage with the Holy Spirit while expressing their freedom in an orderly way, submitted to the Word of God. The dynamic is described in 1 Corinthians, where we are encouraged to “excel in gifts that build up the church” because “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:12, 33).

An example would be: listening and responding to the direction being given from the microphone. When kids take notice of the tone of the song, or of what’s being shared, they can learn to fit with what is going on, whether lively and loud or calm and reflective.

Have you noticed that children's worship often looks like playing? This truly blesses Jesus’ heart! While encouraging childlikeness, we teach the kids that they aren't having a private playdate separate from what's going on in the room. Kids learn how to appropriately be part of a group.

An aspect of orderliness in worshiping God has to do with movement and safety. Dancing, waving flags, and other exuberant expressions are things we encourage. However, if kids are moving in a way that could easily injure another person or themselves, we want to redirect that behavior. An example is running. It is simply too dangerous. Children are welcome to skip, hop, and do all sorts of creative movements, but running has to be off limits. I know from experience that running can lead to issues. My daughter fell while running at church and severely cut her lip on the edge of the lower stage. Nobody wants to take their child to the ER after church. We will gently remind a child if they forget that there is no running in the building before, during, or after service.

Please utilize the back of the sanctuary as a space for kids (and adults!) to move around. The Children’s Station has activities for kids to use at any time. Bear in mind that sounds from the back are easily heard throughout the whole room.

New Day is a family-friendly church, so we are not annoyed by kid noise. We expect it and view children as a blessing. If children make loud, ongoing noises, their caregiver may need to step out with them. The foyer and Mother’s Room each have a TV playing the service live for situations like this. The early years can be tough for parents. Hang in there, moms and dads! Spiritual formation occurs even at a young age, and the New Day family is here to support you!

Together we can flow in the Spirit while being grounded in the Word, so our free, yet orderly service is a blessing to the Lord and to the whole congregation – kids too!

The Hope That Is In Me

God has been speaking to me for years about being open with people to share my testimony and the gospel. I've often been told that I have a gift of wisdom and that I have something to offer people through words and encouragement. But, I've let fear and past hurts shut me down. I've said "no" to God when what I really want is to say "yes". I see others who are saying yes every day and having an impact. I want that too.

I never thought that I would go on a mission trip. I'm not a traveler, and the thought of going to a foreign country where I don't speak the language is daunting and sometimes overwhelming. But again, I would see others who were profoundly impacted by their experiences. Then I heard these words come out of my mouth: "Maybe I could go on a domestic mission trip". Barely a month later, I had a choice whether to actually go on one. I wanted to say no; I was tempted to let the same fears hold me back. But ultimately, deep in my heart, I want to say yes to God and trust Him to take care of me in every situation. So I said yes, and waited for the fear and anxiety to come. It never did.

On the trip, I was afraid of feeling trapped and overwhelmed. I was afraid that I would be expected to do more than I could handle. Instead I felt like a valuable part of the team. I had freedom to make choices—to engage or to hold back. We were coached about the best way to engage with people, share God with them, and bless them. It even seemed simple. I didn't have to try to be someone else—I have my own stories of God's love and faithfulness from my life. I sincerely want others to experience the love, acceptance, forgiveness, and new identity that I have experienced through being in relationship with God. I have something to uniquely offer that no one else can.

Back home after the missions trip, I see my neighbors that God has been talking to me about for months, my elderly mom that I know doesn't believe in God, a car salesman that has a skin condition, a waitress that may or may not know Jesus—how can I not offer them this hope, this truth, this relationship that I've experienced with Jesus? I don't have to have just the right words. I just need to use my own words to show I care, by talking about the hope I have and how I genuinely want them to have it. Now—unlike before, when it was easier to say no because fear was driving me—I can say yes because I know I have something valuable to offer, and that it pleases God to give it to them.

1 Peter 3:13-15: “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

The Heavens Declare

The goodness of God shines on you every day! Literally! God created a world full of His glory and goodness. His sun shines on you, His rain waters the earth around you, and His flowers bloom before your eyes. The beauty of creation points to the love and beauty of the Creator.

Psalm 19 delivers this message: “The heavens declare the glory of God (vs. 1)” and “God has pitched a tent for the sun… nothing is deprived of its warmth (vs. 4,6).” David, who wrote this psalm, sees the glory and goodness of God in the created world. God’s goodness leads to trust in His word. David says “the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,” “more precious than gold,” and “sweeter than honey” (vs. 7, 10).

The goodness of God leads to trusting His word. Trusting God’s word leads to living His way:

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (vs. 14).

Don’t get it flipped! It’s so easy to turn Christianity into a list of duties. Instead of slogging through a list of religious chores, get reconnected with the love and goodness of God. Everything else will follow naturally.

Look up at the sun and clouds. Pause and see the majesty of a starry sky. Notice the intricacy of a flower in bloom. Unburden your soul for a moment and still yourself to see: creation declares that God is real, He is good, and you can trust Him. He demonstrates His love for you in the created world, and most of all, in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

People can experience this same message for themselves on the New Day Nature Trails. Peace, beauty, and the glory of God rest on this land. Walk the trails. Experience God. Pray that others would see Him as they walk the trails. Warmly greet any neighbors you meet. Share the good news. Pray for someone. Doing this is a direct expression of making the meditation of our hearts and the words of our mouths pleasing in the sight of God. Why? Because we see His glory, goodness, and love for us. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Where's Your Focus?

As we’re quickly approaching fall & have already begun the transition into school, work, and a new season in many senses of the word, I’ve found myself thinking of leadership. It’s easy to think of leadership as something just for folks taking charge of an organization, but truthfully it can be found in every aspect of life. From friend groups to families, or even simply how you go about personally leading your everyday life, all of us have some capacity as leaders.

Which raises the question: how do you lead well?

While I’m not going to pretend I’ve figured out the “Secret to Leadership” or that I have better information than the countless books & teachings widely available on the topic, I do want to share one lesson I’ve learned from my time in ministry that’s been impactful to me personally & informed how I lead, whatever the capacity.

Back in the fall of 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to be a leader at a ministry school in Toronto, Canada. I had a plethora of responsibilities, but boiled down, I was one of the on-the-floor leaders for activities regarding the teachings & ministry associated with the school plus I led a weekly small group of 5 students. Truly an amazing opportunity & one I’m grateful for!

However, with that being said, I also have to say it was some of the most challenging months of my life. You see, as I entered this position, I found myself unconsciously trying to operate from what I figured should be done, rather than leading from the overflow of my relationship with God. In other words, My ultimate focus was on my position, not on God, and as you could imagine, after a few months of this I was pretty burnt out.

One day, as I was preparing to lead a time of ministry for the students, I was at my wit’s end. In that moment, I stopped, took a breath, and asked God what I should do. His response was profound & didn’t only speak to my situation in the moment, but also the broader situation of my focus; “Lewis, focus on Me. You’ve placed being a leader above leading with Me. Turn it around.”

In 2 Corinthians 12, we see Paul in a similar situation. For him, he’s been struggling with what is referred to as a “thorn in his flesh,” and repeatedly He’s cried out to God to deliver him from it. But God doesn’t do that, instead, He speaks to Paul’s focus, repeatedly telling him “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9 ESV)

In both my & Paul’s experience, God's solution is to look to Him in the midst of the struggle, rather than getting caught up in a situation with our own strength. Powerful.

After that day, I examined where in my life I had slipped my focus away from Him, and as I slowly restored my perspective, I cannot overstate how much changed. God met me in the areas in which I had once struggled, & in fact filled me up in situations that used to drain me.

So, as we head into this new season, consider where your focus lies. Are you leading with God as your focus, or do you need to readjust? He’d love to join you, but it’s up to you.

Psalm 40 & River Sunday

Psalm 40 is a testimony from David, wherein he shares his struggles, declares God’s faithfulness and then prays to the Lord for continued help.

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.”
(Psalm 40:1-3)

There is a cause and effect demonstrated here. David shares his new song of praise to God that came out of his struggle (the cause), and then many see and fear the Lord, and put their trust in him (the effect).

When we gather together for a River Sunday, the congregation has the opportunity for the entire service to testify about the Lord’s work in their life, and this testimony produces an invitation from the Holy Spirit to participate in praising God for his works and thereby increases our ability to see him, fear him and put our trust in him. The psalmist continues with this:

“I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.”
(verses 9-10)

“But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
‘The Lord is great!’”
(verse 16)

In this psalm, David keeps interchanging declarations of hope and praise with more prayers and requests for help. I invite you to bring your testimonies of God’s work in your lives this week, so we can rejoice with you and continue with you in prayer for more help, all declaring together “The Lord is great!”

One Body with Many Members

Community Groups are vital to the health of the local church. Weekend services are the primary public meeting, but small groups form the internal living structure of a congregation. Community Groups are like the ligaments and tendons of the Body of Christ: connecting and holding together the various parts and members.

Without healthy ligaments and tendons, motion and action are impossible. If you've ever torn or pulled a ligament or tendon, you know how the pain of a wounded connection can hinder your life. When the interpersonal relationships within a congregation are not maintained and healthy, the entire body is severely limited in its ability to do what Christ has commissioned us to do and be.

Ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue are the hidden, unsung heroes of the body. Without them we would literally fall apart. The same is true of the community group ministry in a church. Participating in a Community Group ensures that our spiritual connective tissue is healthy, flexible, strong, and resilient. This in turn enables the church to move forward in fulfilling our great commission and ministering to our community.

Two primary ways this is hindered are avoidance and malformation. Avoidance is when an individual doesn’t participate regularly in a Community Group. Every individual is a vital part of the body that depends upon healthy connection to the rest of the body. 1 Corinthians 12 makes this very clear. It is the unseen and uncelebrated parts that are most vital. When a person doesn’t join or fully participate, they limit the amount they receive and more importantly, the amount they can contribute to the spiritual health of others. This then hinders the whole body by making the church limp, rather than run.

Spiritually malformed groups become ingrown, infected, or stunted, due to any number of factors from remaining too shallow relationally or spiritually, to becoming a “holier than thou” club. Like malformation in our physical body, spiritual malformation must be addressed by applying the proper treatment. Getting the group to do something differently is compared to physical therapy that moves joints and muscles in ways that promote healing. Correction and instruction would be compared to treatment with medicine. In severe cases, surgery might be required, which would be done by restructuring a group or having a group stop meeting and integrating the members into groups that are functioning in healthier ways.

Community Groups are one of the best evangelistic tools of a church if used correctly. They are not intended to be only for those already in the church. The more a person interacts with members of a church BEFORE they attend a public service, the more likely that person is to join and become actively involved. Every group should find ways to make guests feel comfortable and welcome. Every member should regularly seek to invite new people. People think it would be awkward for someone to sit in with a group that discusses their spiritual growth, but when done correctly it is an extremely effective way to introduce people to Christianity. Jesus did this with His disciples. Their first experience was joining with the rest of the Twelve in doing life together with Him. As a group grows, it is intended to reproduce. Every Community Group should have launching, or assisting in launching, a new group as one of its goals.

I NEED YOU!

That is a bold statement for sure; however, it is true. On the surface I can think, I don’t need anyone. I’m just fine on my own, but God says something different. “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (Romans 12:4-5). If we are to function as the body of Christ, which Jesus died for, we need one another. Ok, we need each other, but there is more.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). How can we follow this instruction when we don’t know one another?

This is what the early church did: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)

We should worship together, take communion together, and share meals together in our own homes! This is how we get to know one another and are able to encourage one another.

Community groups are a great way to accomplish this. Last year during my group, I saw new friendships form and relationships deepen. There were numerous testimonies of emotional healings and answered prayers.

Life is busy. It is for all of us, which is why we need to surround ourselves with others in the church that can encourage us on our paths closer to God and one another. I would encourage you to make joining a community group this year a priority. In so doing, we can fulfill Paul’s encouragement in 2 Cor. 13:11: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Read more about Community Groups at New Day and sign up at our website.

Devoted to Prayer

In a letter Paul wrote to the Colossian believers, he prayed that they would be a people devoted to prayer. I felt a pang of conviction when I read that verse one morning recently. I had been awake for less than an hour, yet if I had to sum up what I had been devoted to so far, it would not have been prayer. I had woken up mulling over concerns that still had my mind’s attention. I had been devoted to dwelling on things that were irritating me, not prayer.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (Colossians 4:2-4)

Paul was imprisoned in Rome, for goodness’ sake! He could have easily been devoted to thinking about how uncomfortable his chains were or complaining about his lack of freedom being constantly under guard. Yet we find him being devoted to prayer and instructing the readers of his letter to do the same. Instead of focusing on life’s irritations, he asked the believers to pray that he would clearly proclaim the mystery of the gospel. Wow, what a dynamic we can learn from.

What fills your mind when you wake up in the morning? I am deeply impacted by what Paul was devoted to and what he instructs believers to be devoted to. So whether it is during your personal times of prayer, with your family or others at a prayer meeting, or out on our Nature Trails, may Paul be an example to us of what to focus on and what we can be praying for.

New Day, I look forward to continuing to grow in prayer together. May it be said of us that we are a people who are devoted to prayer, a people who are watchful and thankful, and a people who pray that we all may proclaim the mystery of Christ to those who have yet to experience the joy of salvation through Christ Jesus.

There’s No Better Hope Coming

“Just got to make it to January.” Years ago, money was tight, and we were holding on until the next big paycheck, six weeks away. “Don’t spend any money” was our daily mantra. The money was set to come in, and until then, we had determined to go without until that time came around.

It was awful. We were second-guessing every decision. Every day was stressful. It felt like we were white-knuckling our life, fearing an unexpected expense would send us off the edge.

There’s a similar moment in scripture when the Jewish people are waiting for their Messiah. They endure invasion, occupation, exile, persecution and tyranny, white-knuckling it until their Savior King comes. The atmosphere is tense. Factions break out. There’s fighting between Jews. Everybody’s stressed.

One day, Jesus of Nazareth shows up in Jeruselem proclaiming to be the one sent from God to rescue, cleanse, and satisfy. Many believe in Him, but some question. In John 7, people ask: “How can He be the Messiah if we know where he grew up?” “How can the Messiah come from Galilee?” “Isn’t the Messiah supposed to come from Bethlehem?”

But among all the questions, this one spreads among the crowd: “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?” Basically, if Jesus isn’t the Messiah, how could the next guy hope to outshine Him? Out-miracle Him? Out-teach Him? Out-love Him?

And in the midst of this, Jesus stands up and says, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Jesus is saying “I am the satisfaction Your soul longs for. There’s no one better coming. ”

And when I read that, in the midst of my earthly lack, the Holy Spirit convicted me of waiting on another satisfier. Another savior. I wasn’t just waiting on the paycheck to come in to pay my bills. I was waiting for it to satisfy my soul. I was enduring two hardships at once, waiting to drink from that earthly well, in hopes that it would quench both my spiritual thirst and the dryness of my bank account.

The truth is, our soul can be satisfied by God even when our worldly situations aren’t going well. Our inward life can be lush and healthy, even if our outward circumstances are crumbling. We don’t have to wait. We can take a drink today!

After many believed in Jesus, their situation got worse. Jerusalem was set on fire. The Temple was destroyed. Christians were beaten and killed. But the living water that Jesus filled them with inspired one Christian to write this before he was martyred:

“We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day“ (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Semi-Annual Report

It’s been one year since Marilee and I took over as lead pastors of New Day…WOW, what a year! We are also over halfway through 2023. It’s a great time to reflect on what the Lord has done in our church and look forward to a strong finish to 2023.

New Day is healthy, strong, and growing! We have valued Spirit & Word, reading our Bibles with intention and listening to the lead of the Holy Spirit. We have cultivated family in Community Groups, sharing meals, and welcoming new members. We have done outreach with the good news about Jesus to our individual circles of influence, to our neighbors through the New Day Nature Trails project, and to greater Kalamazoo, Detroit, Appalachia, Mexico, Peru, and Japan. We have sought the Lord in prayer & fasting for the first 21 days of the year, through weekly prayer times, in preparation for mission trips, and in day-to-day life.

We have grown in number, with average attendance increasing by 16% compared to 2022. You can feel it in the room when we worship. There’s energy, life, and momentum in our Sunday morning gatherings.

We have seen the Lord answer prayers with miraculous healing! Arterial blockages have disintegrated! Lungs have cleared up! Knees have been freed from pain! Celiac was defeated! God is so good!

We have been faithful to share the good news! People prayed to receive salvation in Jesus: at Jesus Loves Kalamazoo, in Mexico, and on our nature trail! We received training and a challenge to share the gospel—and as we have answered the call, the Lord has used it powerfully!

Giving toward missions doubled in the first half of 2023 compared to the last six months of 2022. At the same time, regular tithes and offerings declined by 12.5%. Giving a tithe (10% of your income) to your local church is one of the ways the Bible teaches us to worship God. God then designates that 10% toward the care of the house of worship and those who serve in it. If this is your home church, you’re invited to continue the New Day legacy of generosity as we worship the Lord together.

What’s the plan for the rest of 2023? STEADY ON! We will keep loving the Lord with all our heart and following His lead. Father in heaven, may your kingdom come and your will be done, at New Day as it is in heaven. Amen!

Learn to Linger

I don’t know about you, but I find that in my day-to-day life, I struggle to make space to just sit & linger. For instance, if I’m going on a hike on a beautiful day, I often find myself not thinking about the nature at all but rather the work I need to do after that hike, or if I’m eating dinner I’m not actually focusing on enjoying the food, but rather paying attention to the video or show I’m watching at the same time.

We, in today’s culture, are so captivated by constantly keeping ourselves entertained & updated on the next thing that we hardly ever take time to simply linger in a moment. The question is, however, if we do this so constantly in our day-to-day lives, how often do we simply move on from a moment that God wants us to linger in?

Recently at one of our weekly Thursday night prayer meetings, God confronted this mentality in me. While we were praying, He revealed to me a picture of Him tending plants as they grew into trees, but He highlighted that despite the season (whether dry, wet, sunny, or snowy), the trees remained planted where they were in His presence, and He remained to tend to them. The trees didn’t need to get up & walk to another place to be filled up & grow. They knew to dig their roots deep & linger in His presence, and that He was enough for them.

The psalmist in Psalm 1 writes about this in a very similar picture, declaring that He who delights in the law of the Lord is “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:2-3 ESV). By intentionally choosing to meditate & linger on the Lord & His word, we are filled like a fruitful tree.

In a world so consumed by the fast paced life, God is calling us to slow down & spend time with Him. To choose to set aside time to welcome His presence, & to continue to linger with Him after welcoming Him. He wants to reside with us, be present in the routine of our lives, & continuously pour His love into us as we learn to remain in His presence, rather than just doing it for two minutes each day & then moving on.

So let us learn to not simply move on, but rather learn to linger. To rein in our minds & hearts to spend just a few more minutes with Him & Him alone. When we remain, our roots dig deeper & our branches stretch higher, we develop intimacy with Him, and He tends to us as the Good Gardener He is.

A Song is Just a Springboard

Because I’m a worship leader, I often get song recommendations from people. Some are new songs, but some may be throwbacks or classic hymns. No matter the genre or the age of the recommended song, the reason for the recommendation is the same: because the song moved the person, and they could relate to lyrics in a significant way. We all know the power of music, and how it stirs memories of experiences in our hearts. There is nothing wrong with that!

What troubles me, however, is receiving a suggestion with the flavor of a complaint. For example,“I don’t like ___ song,” or “why don’t we do more ___ songs, etc.” It is okay and normal to not like certain songs. It is unfortunately unavoidable because we are a large gathering of people with different tastes, personalities and experiences. I would like to suggest, however, that just because you don’t like a song, it doesn’t mean you can’t worship the Lord with it. You can and you should. Here’s how:

I often use the analogy of a greeting card. When looking for a card for a specific person for a specific occasion, you may find one that fits perfectly and has the correct words expressing the exact sentiments. But sometimes you can’t! So what do you do? You handwrite the sentiments in your own words at the bottom of the card below the printed text. In some cases, the best bet is a blank card wherein you write all of your own words.

A song is merely a springboard—a jumping-off point. Begin with the printed text, but if the words don’t convey exactly your sentiments toward the Lord, guess what? You can express them to God in your own words. If a song we’re using is unrelatable for you, use your own words. If we’re in the middle of an instrumental, use your own words. If we’re repeating a bridge too many times and you begin to tune out, close your eyes, and use your own words! I like to think of us all forming a unique, joyful sound. You have probably heard that sound from time to time during our worship services when a throng of people are singing, praying and shouting aloud together all at once.

With practice, you can worship with or without a song. You can worship in a Sunday service, or while driving around town in your car—with or without music! Worship is a posture of the heart, and I am suggesting that with the right posture you can worship at any time. “With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him” (Psalm 109:30).

Friends, take up the challenge to not get stuck only being willing to worship the Lord if we like a song. It’s way too limiting!

Remember God’s Works & Wonders

Psalms 77:11-12 – “I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.”

Over the weekend we had a family reunion. The last time we all saw each other together was over ten years ago. We love one another and get along. It is just very difficult to arrange reunions. Family gatherings, especially my father’s side, are always interesting. Let’s just say we’ve had our share of characters.

Although my siblings and I grew up attending a Lutheran school and church, our faith was not very substantial. When I was powerfully transformed by Jesus as a college student, it was something my family had never experienced. Initially I preached to all my relatives. I soon discovered that preaching to family has limited, if not contrary, results. My oldest brother threw me out of his house! My zeal lacked wisdom.

As a young Christ-follower, I attended a Revival Church in Detroit. Brother Shock, an elderly revivalist, was a leader in the Latter Rain Revival in the 1940’s and 1950’s. He explained that witnessing to family is different than to others. He said, “Always spend more time talking to God on behalf of your family than talking to your family on behalf of God!” In other words, use your words to pray, not preach. Let God do His work in His time.

After I stopped preaching and spent more time praying, listening, and simply living a life following Christ, I’ve seen my entire family transformed. All of my siblings are confessing Christians. They are open about their faith in Jesus and one brother became a pastor. The brother that kicked me out has spent many years as an elder in his church. My aunt from California attends the church featured in the recent movie Jesus Revolution and personally knows Chuck Smith and Greg Laurie.

Remembering the works and wonders of the Lord means more than things I’ve read in the Bible or other books. The changed lives I’ve seen gives me confidence that my faith in Christ has not been in vain. Worrying is meditating on problems, fears, and issues that cause anxiety. Pondering the works and wonders of the Lord and recalling the changed lives I’ve seen replaces anxiety with anticipation and joy. We overlook the wonders of God because they may not be grandiose. The constant faithful presence and pressure of the Holy Spirit works wonders in our hearts and lives as well as in those we love. Celebrate all His works and wonders, and tell others of the faithfulness you have seen!

How Beautiful Are the Feet…Continued

Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!”

We just returned from doing ministry in the Appalachian mountains of Tennessee, so this scripture resonates with me. Our team spent three days going up mountains via switchback roads with beautiful scenic views. In stark contrast is the hopelessness of some of the people living in these mountains. The goal of our ministry was to bring the good news of the Gospel to those who would receive it. We met people who were shut-ins and lonely, kids who didn’t know who Jesus is nor what prayer is, and those in desperate situations that needed hope.

Isaiah was announcing to Israel that freedom from captivity was imminent. And the one that carried that good news was received with great joy. But much of scripture also contains a prophetic message for us today—the glorious message that we can bring HOPE to those who need it.

The Holy Spirit was with us in a powerful way and we boldly offered to pray with people. More times than not, the people we asked said yes. We saw salvations and hope restored. We experienced God’s love for all people regardless of their circumstances.

That boldness did not disappear when we drove back down the mountain to our home base. One evening, my vehicle stopped at the grocery store to pick up some supplies. While checking out, the cashier and I had a conversation. There was no one behind me waiting to check out so I asked the woman if she had a prayer request. She was taken aback and replied that I had caught her off guard. But I waited and then she asked for me to pray for her mother and I did. Then I bade her goodnight. As I was walking away, her manager came over to ask her what happened. We heard her exclaim, “She just prayed for my mom!” My heart leapt when I heard her joy.

We launched the trail project in May and with that came the call to reach our neighbors. Then we had the revival weekend, where we were encouraged to not be the 99% of church-attending Christians who don’t share their faith. Recently, New Day sent out 21 people to do exactly that in Tennessee: share the gospel with those who need it.

The Appalachian people are not the only ones who need to hear the good news. The people you meet every day need it too. I am looking for more opportunities, even in the grocery store, to share my faith and pray for people. What about you?

Paul says in Romans 10:15, “And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”

Daily Burdens

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:19)

What an encouragement this verse is. It acknowledges the experience of daily difficulties. Such was the case for the people in this passage who daily bore burdens imposed on them by their captors. The verse begins with exalting God who is both Lord and Savior then reminds us of the strength and nearness of God. His daily involvement to provide by alleviating burdens that are imposed on us, is positively reassuring. I found myself feeling quite thankful that this verse does not read, “God can probably help you out if you get in a pinch sometime this year.”

This daily provision draws me nearer to God, growing trust in my heart. It reminds me of the line in the Lord’s Prayer that says: “Give us this day our daily bread,” where we are encouraged to ask God to provide our daily, basic needs.

“Daily bread” is like God’s daily provision of manna for the Israelites when they were wandering in the wilderness. It is beneficial to note that the reason the Israelites were in that predicament in the first place was because of their faithlessness and contempt toward God for refusing to believe they could inhabit the Promised Land he was giving them. You can read about that in the book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14.

Yet we see that God provides daily sustenance for them throughout the forty years of wandering, even as they reap the consequences of their unbelief.

These verses cause me to consider the righteousness of God. Righteousness describes God’s character; he will always act with justice, doing what is good and right. The dynamic of God’s justice and goodness is addressed in Romans 11:22-23, when Paul explains how faith-filled Gentile Christians are grafted into God’s family tree, but can be cut off, and how unbelieving Jews are broken off, but can be grafted back in.

“Consider therefore the kindness and the sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.”

We see God’s love and severity operating. These verses are both a challenge and a comfort. A challenge to remember that there are standards of maintaining faith that God has put in place that if broken result in consequences. And a comfort that our righteous God offers his people the daily provision of carrying their burdens and providing sustenance. If our faith is in him, we can trust that he will provide in these ways through difficult situations and through the easy-breezy ones!

Answer the Call!

Last weekend, John Cahill and Michael Graff brought a straight-shooting word for us at Revival Weekend. It’s well summed up by the vision Michael shared of Jesus with a sickle in endless fields of wheat. Jesus is holding back the final harvest to give you and me more time to share the gospel.

His heart burns with compassion for all people. No one weeps more over suffering, oppression, and injustice. We feel it to the degree we are aware of it, but the Lord sees and intimately knows the pain of every single individual on planet earth. He wants to end that suffering. The book of Revelation looks forward to that day:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’.” (Revelation 21:3–4)

The day is coming when Jesus will return. He will put an end to injustice, pain, sin, and death. Why does he wait? Why does he prolong the suffering? Why does he let it keep hurting those he loves? SALVATION.

In 2 Peter chapter 3, it says, “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation.” The Lord allows our current suffering in patience, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Do not be lulled to sleep by American comfort. The end will come. Those who reject the Lord will experience eternal separation from him. The loss of the presence and goodness of God will burn like a fire eating up the chaff. But those who accept Jesus as Lord will be gathered into his barn like wheat. They will enjoy the fullness of life in his presence forever!

Revival Weekend sounded a wakeup call! Answer the call, my friends! Set aside busyness, fear of failure, self-consciousness, comfort, and every other hindrance. Go and share the good news about Jesus! Be yourself, be genuine, and be bold!

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14)

Revival Weekend June 2023

Summer is here! Although I felt that we had a marvelous spring this year, summer arriving in Michigan is always a time to rejoice. More than in most places, in our state, weather significantly affects life. In winter, harsh and cold weather, dangerous roads, and early dark are often reasons to stay home and hunker down. When it’s warm and sunny, everyone wants to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors. I had a good friend who lived in Indianapolis his whole life until moving to Kalamazoo to pastor a church not far from New Day. He was shocked at how much the weather determined people’s involvement in church activities. Indianapolis gets cold, but only gets a fraction of the snow we get here. He said he had never even considered weather when planning church activities while pastoring in Indy, yet in Kalamazoo it was a primary concern.

Proverbs 10:5: “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” This proverb is about being a diligent worker. But wherever the harvest is mentioned in the Bible, it is appropriate to make a spiritual application to winning souls. Jesus made this clear in John 4:35-36: “Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life.”

This weekend, Saturday June 10 and Sunday June 11, we are having special services as part of our Revival Weekend. At 6:30 pm on both days, we will gather to worship, encourage one another, and be equipped to gather the harvest. Pastor John Cahill and his wife, along with Pastor Michael Graff and his whole family, will be here from Livingston, Tennessee. They minister at First Church Livingston, the church where we are sending a team this summer to do mission work in Appalachia. Both Pastor John and Michael have extensive experience in reaching out to those disconnected from God and His church. Their church in Tennessee is one of the few that grew numerically during the pandemic years, as their model of reaching the lost works in any circumstance. They not only are here to teach us principles; they are here to impart a spiritual gift. New Day needs this impartation. We have begun to see a significant increase in reaching our neighbors and our community. Let’s add to this momentum by coming together and receiving an impartation and training to become wise sons and daughters who gather the harvest.

The Cahills and the Graffs are sacrificing a lot to travel here and invest their entire weekend to minister to us. I hope you honor their sacrifice by prioritizing attending the special evening meetings. We only do this a few times a year in respect for the time it requires from the congregation. Let’s make the most of what God is providing and get all that He has for us!

Who's Right?

In John 4, Jesus talks to a Samaritan woman. At some point, she finds out that He’s got divine knowledge. For this woman, her burning question she has to ask is “who’s worshiping the right way?” The Jews and Samaritans have these generational fights, and one of the largest issues is “Who’s right and who’s wrong when it comes to worshiping God?”

The Jews worship at the temple in Jerusalem. The Samaritans worship on Mount Gerizim. Who’s right? Am I doing it right? Which, honestly, are great questions to ask.

We might read this and think that she’s just trying to “be right,” but I believe at least part of her question is an honest desire to please God. And the answer that Jesus responds with is this: “True worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

We see this idea in the Old Testament when the God tells the prophet Samuel, “Man looks at outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” God’s looking for genuine worship that’s motivated from a love for Him. That’s the greatest commandment: to love the Lord with all our whole self.

There are so many details and disagreements that could distract our attention and keep us from offering our worship to Him. Should we worship at the temple, mountain, church building, or prayer closet? Should our music be loud or quiet? Should the lights be bright or dim? Should we use drums, guitars, and projected lyrics? Or organs, choirs, and hymnals? Should our services be 60 minutes or 3 hours? Should we use incense or flags? Should our songs be 1, 10 or 100 years old?

This posture of criticism is present all over scripture. King David dances extravagantly before the Lord and gets criticized. His response: “I’ll become even more undignified than this.”

There’s the woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her hair, her tears, and a fragrance. Onlookers criticized, saying there was a ”better way.” Jesus’s response? He basically says, “This is love, don’t you recognise it?”

And as Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, people are waving palm branches, laying down their coats and shouting “Hosanna…” and they are criticized. Jesus’ response? “If they don’t do it, the rocks will start shouting.”

When we see people worshiping the Lord in a way that doesn’t meet our standards, we can either use it as our reason for not joining in…or we can do all we can to give our true and proper worship.

Join in. Give your praise that’s motivated by your love for the Lord. He’s looking at your heart. The right response is to have our eyes on Jesus, instead of on some other worshiper.