Happiness

In the article, Happy Meal Spirituality, Christianity Today, John Ortberg writes...

When you buy your kid a Happy Meal, you're not just buying fries, McNuggets, and a toy; you're buying happiness. Their advertisements have convinced my children they have a little McDonald-shaped vacuum in their souls: "Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in a Happy Meal."

The problem with the Happy Meal is that the happy wears off, and they need a new fix. No child discovers lasting happiness in just one.

Happy Meals bring happiness only to McDonalds. You ever wonder why Ronald McDonald wears that grin? Twenty billion Happy Meals, that's why.

Ortberg concludes by saying, "When you get older, you don't get any smarter; your happy meals just get more expensive."

You may no longer buy Happy Meals for yourself, but I’m sure you’ve bought things that you thought would bring you happiness - A car, a house, a boat. How long did the newness and happiness last? The reality is that no matter what we buy or how much we spend, if we’re living with a happy meal attitude, we’ll never find lasting happiness.

The Psalmist David said, "My soul finds rest in God alone..." (Psalm 62:1) What a true statement.

So the next time you’re thinking about buying another Happy Meal, instead of pursuing one more thing, one more possession, one more acquisition ... instead of striving for bigger numbers or better money or more praise directed your way ... spend a few minutes alone with the God who loves you, and let his presence in your life satisfy you.

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Recent Trends

I read an article today that really captivated my attention. Nearly 90% of Americans, according to the CIA World Factbook, identify themselves with a religion, and three-quarters of Americans self-identify as Christians. But only 12% of American adults say faith is a top priority in their life, according to a new study released Monday by the Barna Group. The report said that, “The gap is vast between self-described affiliation with Christianity and ascribing highest priority to that faith. When it comes to why so much of American religion seems merely skin-deep, this gap between what people call themselves and what they prioritize is perhaps most telling.” The 12% who say faith is the highest priority in their life is up from 9% in 2008, but down from 16% in 2006. According to the study, evangelicals are the most likely to say faith is their highest priority in life (39%), while Catholics are the least likely (4%).
I wonder where you are in your own faith walk with Christ. Is He truly the top priority in your life, or just an addition to your life? Is He just an add-on to your life, or is He the core of your life? Interesting questions...

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About Sunday

Yesterday was a great day of worship and fellowship. I sensed the Holy Spirit moving thru out the service and lives were changed. Something did happen after the service that I haven't quite experienced before. A man came to me, introduced himself, and then proceeded to tell me that he disagreed with virtually everything I had preached. At first, I was a little ticked off - I mean, I don't make this stuff up. But then I was reminded of my sermon where I said one of my fears is not making everyone happy. I guess the Lord was helping me grow. I suggest this man find another church to attend. If he didn't like Sunday's sermon, I certainly don't think he would be comfortable in the other services, right? Anyway, a few observations on yesterday...
1. Dustin Musselman did a wonderful job leading us in worship today. We are so blessed to have a worship minister - Jennifer James - who is not intimidated by talent and takes joy in putting other worship leaders up front.
2. We had more folks respond to the invitation to baptism and membership today. I realize that neither baptism or membership will get you to heaven, but it certainly is fulfilling when someone finds a local family of faith to become a part of.
3. The subject of giving is often a real bone of contention with Christians. Usually, however, the only people who are offended are those that don't give.
4. Although we don't give for the purpose of receiving anything back, it is true that the more MVC has given to support missions (both local and international), the more we have been blessed - financially, numerically, spiritually, etc...
5. I believe that God has so much in store for us that we couldn't handle it if we were to know about it. I have no doubts that He wants to use MVC as a catalyst to change WNC for the cause of Christ. Aren't you glad you're on board? I certainly am!!!!!!!
Hope you all have a truly blessed week. I look forward to seeing you all soon!!! Invite someone to church with you next weekend...

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Why Churches Don't Grow

I totally ripped this off from Pastor Perry Noble (www.newspring.cc), however it spoke straight to my heart. I hope it will speak to yours as well.

#1 – The Vision Is Not Clear - If people don’t know where a church is supposed to be going…then it will attempt to go everywhere and eventually wind up nowhere.

#2 – The Focus Is On Trying To Please Everyone – There is NO church on the planet that will make everyone happy every single week…and…according to the Scriptures that isn’t really supposed to be our obsession. Too many times we become so concerned with offending people that we actually offend Jesus.

#3 – Passionless Leadership – When a leader does what he/she does for a paycheck and not because its their passion…it’s over. I want difference makers not paycheck takers. AND…also…it is hard to be passionate about a place when a persons average stay at a church is two years or less.

#4 – Manufacturing Energy – If a program is dead in a church…then it needs a funeral and the people need to move on. Investing time, energy and money into something that is dead will not revive it. Celebrate the fact that “that” program had its day…and then move on. AND…quit trying to fire people up over events that you would not attend if you were not on staff.

#5 – Lack of Prayer – Many times we work so hard putting our ideas together than we actually think there is no need for the supernatural power of God to be involved. Prayer should not be the good luck charm that we stick at the beginning or the end of what we do…but rather it should be our constant desperation to see God do the undeniable among us. Intense desperation often brings undeniable revelation!

#6 – Unwillingness To Take Risks – When our focus becomes to play it safe rather than to do whatever it takes to reach people far from God…it’s over. NOWHERE in the Scriptures did God ever ask anyone to do anything that didn’t involved an “oh crap” moment. We’ve GOT to be willing to embrace the uncertain if we want to see the unbelievable.

#7 – Disobedience To The Scriptures – Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:48, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, II Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 19:10…I could go on and on…but we MUST understand that Jesus didn’t come to earth, live here for 33 years years, give HIS life for us and then return back to heaven to intercede for us so that we could get in really little circles and talk about ourselves and condemn those who are not as good as us. We are called to REACH PEOPLE FROM GOD–PERIOD!

#8 – Selfish Attitudes – Matthew 20:28 says it all…and if we are going to be more like Jesus we’ve GOT to serve others rather than expecting the church to be our servant all the time. When a person (or group of people) refuse to embrace that a call to follow Jesus is a call to serve…then we’ve lost sight of who He is and eventually we will make being a Christian all about Jesus following/serving us rather than us taking up our cross and following Him!

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About Sunday

A few thoughts on an awesome time of worship yesterday. I really enjoyed taking time off with my beautiful wife Lynn, but it was great to come back home...
1. Can you believe that Benaiah dude? What normal person would chase a lion into a pit on a snowy day like he did?
2. Many of us identified the lions in our life this week. Keep the resolve to face your fears and step in faith.
3. I never get tired of seeing people come to know Jesus. Eight folks became children of God on Sunday!
4. Worship was incredible. I believe our worship team is, hands down, the best around. It's incredible to see where God has taken us from and where we are going. We've come a long way baby!!!
5. The new seating arrangement in the first service is great! I love it when I can see all your faces and you all have an opportunity to fellowship together in a more intimate setting.
6. I continue to pray that God will provide us with a more visible and accessible location. Not just so we can have a "big" church, but so we can reach more people for Jesus.
7. Thanks to all of our volunteers!!! Summer is a time when a lot of folks go on vacation. Attendance is down, giving is down, and some volunteers aren't very dedicated. Thanks to all of you who serve and minister the love and grace of Jesus here on Sunday mornings.
Look forward to seeing and worshiping with you next week!!! Love you guys!!!

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Let's ALL get plugged in

The staff, along with the leadership team of MVC, has recently been discussing how we can encourage more people to step up and serve as volunteers in the ministry of the church. Several ideas have been passed around – all of which are great. However, as I talk to other pastors around the area, their churches are also struggling with keeping and maintaining committed volunteers. During my research I discovered an article written by Rick Warren that might address this challenge. He said, “Some churches have fostered this myth by making “excellence” an idol, which makes people of average talent hesitant to get involved. Many Christians never serve because they fear they aren’t good enough to do so. They believe the lie that serving God is only for superstars.”

You may have heard it said, “If it can’t be done with excellence, don’t do it.” Well, Jesus never said that! The truth is, almost everything we do is done poorly when we first start doing it—that’s how we learn.

In fact, the NLT translation of Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done”. That perfectly describes many churches today. We don’t allow the average person to get involved and as a result, nothing gets done. There are some churches that have the philosophy of: “If you’re not a professional, you don’t need to apply; we only want the very best.” That creates a congregation of consumer Christians - passive spectators.

Wouldn’t it be better if we simplified everything and accepted less than perfect performance so that more people can be involved in ministry as they use their spiritual gifts? I certainly know that you don’t have to be perfect for God to use you and bless you. Ministry also doesn’t have to be perfect. God is more interested in our availability than in our abilities. God is more than able to take the service of average, ordinary people doing average things, and produce extraordinary results. Think about it – That’s the philosophy behind Burger King’s success. They staff their restaurants with high school students and greatly succeed in serving food and generating huge profits. I firmly believe that if we’re going to make a difference in the world, reach the lost of our communities, minister to the family of faith, serve our communities, exalt Christ and share His love, it won’t happen by just mobilizing superstars or experts in those fields. We’ve got to mobilize everyone. God put the church together as “the body”. Each of us has a part to fulfill. If any of us fails to function, “the body” will get sick and dysfunctional. So get involved! God gave you the gifts and talents you have to be used for His glory. Let’s all get plugged in…

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Happy in your work

Even in a sagging economy with soaring unemployment rates, recent surveys have discovered that eight out of ten workers would like to leave their jobs. Another interesting fact is that more heart attacks happen on Monday between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. than at any other hour. I'm sure that all of us have found ourselves thinking, "Not another day. Not another week. Can I somehow get out of this?"
There's a verse in Ecclesiastes that says, "So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here!" (Ecclesiastes 3:21)
Notice that Solomon didn't say, "There is nothing better for people than to have work that makes them happy."
His emphasis is on you being happy in your work, not on your work making you happy.
Some people get bored with great jobs, while others approach the most mundane tasks with passion and enthusiasm. It's not really about one's job, it's about one's attitude in doing it.
Your job is what it is, and that may not change. But you can change the way you approach your work and take steps that help you find "satisfaction in your toil."
So no matter what you do, your attitude will make a huge difference in whether you're happy or whether you're unhappy.

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Hello on Monday

What a wonderful week Lynn and I had with Jessica and Shane (our daughter and son-in-law). Thank you all for allowing us to get away for a few days!!!
Well, today is Monday (duh!). Usually Mondays are very hard for me. After preaching multiple times on Sunday and spending a week preparing to deliver the message God wants me to deliver, I am flat worn out - expended - maybe not physically, but definitely emotionally and spiritually. But Mondays should be a source of encouragement for all of us, not a "down day" for the week.
A survey by the Society of Human Resources found that that eight out of ten workers wanted to leave their jobs on Monday. According to motivational coach Ed Foreman, more heart attacks happen on Monday between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. than at any other hour. No doubt every one of us knows what it's like to wake up thinking, "Not another day. Not another week. Can I somehow get out of this?"

There's a verse in Ecclesiastes that says, "So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here!" (Ecclesiastes 3:21)

Here's a key distinction: Solomon didn't say, "There is nothing better for people than to have work that makes them happy." The emphasis is on us being happy in our work, not on our work making us happy. Some people get bored with great jobs, others approach the most mundane tasks with passion and enthusiasm. It's not really about one's job, it's about one's attitude in doing it.

Our job is what it is, and that won't change. But you can take steps today to change the way you approach your work, steps that find (in Solomon's words) satisfaction in your toil.

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About Sunday

What a great weekend at Mountain View!!! I never get tired of getting together with you all and worshipping our Lord!!! I have listed just a few observations.
1. Great attendance at both services today, especially for a holiday weekend!
2. What a joy to trouble the waters of baptism. That never gets old!!!
3. We had a great response to the July 4th meal we provided for the Vet's Quarters. We fed about 200 veterans!!! Thanks to everyone that helped.
4. I'm pretty pumped at this new series "No Fear". It's always great to study the lives of Old Testament heroes.
5. Isn't it amazing how God looks at us and sees something we don't see. He created us on purpose for a purpose.
6. If you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to do something, don't succomb to fear. Remember that if God is calling you, He is with you. And you can rest assured that He will empower, equip, and work thru you to accomplish the task to which He has called you.
7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of poiwer and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7.
Hope you all have a great week! I love each and every one of you.
Blessings to you in Christ Jesus!!!!!

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A Grim Report

I read a survey this morning that I found to be quite interesting. Actually, the best description might be GRIM…

• 90% of pastors report working between 55 to 75 hours per week.
• 80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor's children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.
• 33% state that being in the ministry is an outright hazard to their family.
• 75% report significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.
• 90% feel they are inadequately trained to cope with the ministry demands.
• 50% feel unable to meet the demands of the job.
• 70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.
• 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.
  
• 40% report serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
  
• 33% confess having involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with someone in the church .
  
• 50% have considered leaving the ministry in the last months.
  
• 50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years.
  
• Only 1 out of every 10 ministers will actually retire as a minister in some form.
  
• 94% of clergy families feel the pressures of the pastor's ministry.
  
• 66% of church members expect a minister and family to live at a higher moral standard than themselves.
  
• Moral values of a Christian is no different than those who consider themselves as non-Christians.
  
• The average American will tell 23 lies a day.
  
• The profession of "Pastor" is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions, just above "car salesman".
  
• Over 4,000 churches closed in America last year.
  
• Over 1,700 pastors left the ministry every month last year.
  
• Over 1,300 pastors were terminated by the local church each month, many without cause.
  
• Over 3,500 people a day left the church last year.
  
• Many denominations report an "empty pulpit crisis". They cannot find ministers willing to fill positions.

#1 reason pastors leave the ministry - Church people are not willing to go the same direction and goal of the pastor. Pastor's believe God wants them to go in one direction but the people are not willing to follow or change.

Statistics provided by The Fuller Institute, George Barna, and Pastoral Care Inc.

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