Pastor Dan’s Blog

Regaining Our Edge . . .

Regaining our edge . . .

I can imagine that time stood still. Like the movie the Matrix, everything goes into slow motion as the axe head flies toward the drink. His eyes examine the reason the axe is so light now. Confusion sets in . . . the axe head was just here a second ago.

Where did it go? Did any one see?

Then off in the background he hears the sound of the axe head splashing down in the middle of the Jordan River. How did this happen. Now what? How do I ever get it back? He is now standing on the edge of the Jordan River hoping somehow to catch a glimpse of the lost iron. He stands there starring at the place the axe head use to be. Desperation sets in.

How did this happen? How will I ever recover it? How do we get our edge back?

The process is actually very simple. Second Kings lays out the process for our lives.

First, we must admit it we lost it.

We have all faced a situation of loss or failure that can be embarrassing. One of the main schemes of the enemy is to make us feel isolated or embarrassed. This isolation can cause us to hide the fact that we lost it. The young prophet was wise enough to understand that he needed help so he runs and tells Elisha what happened.

What is funny is that many people attempt to fake it until they make it but like swinging a stick at a tree you are making no progress. Many people fake that there marriages, finances, health & mind are fine but they have no evidence of progress and embarrassment locks them into a prison of isolation.

If you have lost your edge, you must first admit it.

Secondly, you must go back to where you lost it.

Elisha asked the young man a very important question . . . “Where did you lose it?” We must know where we lost our edge in order to get it back again. Sometimes it is a hurt, a crisis or a unresolved offense that can cause us to grow indifferent and lead us to losing our edge.

Where did you lose your passion for your spouse? Where did the financial crisis begin? Where did you lose your love for God? Like Andrae Crouch’s old song, “Take Me Back” we need to go back to the place we lost it.

Lastly, allow God to restore it.

Elisha does something unusual; he cuts a piece of wood and throws it into the place where the young man has lost the axe head. This act is followed by the impossible. The laws of physics do not apply. This one act makes iron lighter than water and . . . the axe head floats! One man with a piece of wood makes the impossible become possible. As ridiculous as it sounds, one man (Jesus), with one piece of wood (the cross) makes the impossible happen. The same can happen in your life, ministry, marriage, finances & your body. The impossible is possible with Christ.

The axe head floats to the top of the Jordan River to the astonishment of the young man. Elisha then instructs him, “Go get it.”

Today if you have lost your edge. Go get it. Jump in, don’t be afraid of getting wet.

Get your edge back!

Tags: Edge, impossible, passion, restore

Beyond The Now

The now sucks. I have faced my share of now’s. The struggles of the now can blind you to the promises of the next. Joseph’s ability to press on beyond the now and push toward the next was a daily struggle and daily commitment to the promises of God.

 

How did he do it?

 

Here are a couple thoughts that keep me pressing on:

 

1.      He Believed For The Next, Lived In The Now

Hope is powerful thing. Hope is the fuel that powers us beyond what we see and helps us believe that better days lay ahead. When we lose our hope, we lose our desire for tomorrow.

 

Joseph believed in tomorrow yet understood his responsibility to live in the now. What we do today will affect our tomorrow. We can hope all we want but we cannot ignore the problems of today. We must face them. We must deal with them. We must actively work through them. Faith without works is dead.

 

2.      He Developed His Gift While Forming His Character

Throughout the struggles in Joseph’s life, each trial or place he landed, he utilized the situation to develop his giftings while forming his character. Each problem became a unique opportunity to use practice his gifts and develop his character.

 

In the pit, he learned how to deal with rejection & the jealousy of others. In Potiphar’s home he learned how to manage a home & administrate. Falsely accused he learned how not to become bitter by circumstances beyond his control. In prison, he learned how to deal with difficult and conniving people. Forgotten, he learned how to deal with disappointment. Each set back was actually a set up by God for the next step on his way toward destiny.

 

3.      Lastly, He Realized His Destiny Was Bigger Than His Dream

Joseph dream set his destiny into motion but his dream was actually a small part of his destiny. The dream was about his brothers bowing but his destiny was so much bigger. His dream had brothers bowing. His destiny had a nation bowing while he saved them and surround countries.

 

As big as your dreams may be God’s destiny for your life is so much bigger. The dream is about you, the destiny is about others. The dream might cause jealousy but destiny creates hope. Your dream just helps you step through the doors of destiny.

 

The “now’s” of life will not stand compared to God’s “next” for your life! Hang in there your now will soon give way to your next.

Tags: Character, faith, gift, hope, next, now

A New Year

Okay, so I got a late start on the 2010 blogging (What else is new!) I was freezing in -22 below weather in Minnesota and I am just thawing out now . . .

 

This year is already so much different than last year. At this time last year I was already experiencing burnout. I was emotionally & physically drained. The New Year did not bring hope rather it brought an overwhelming feeling of “here we go again.”

 

It was during that time I did what I knew was right, what I had learned over the years. At times I felt as if I was living by fake not faith. It was then I truly understood what faith is all about. You see folks, it was not a trial I was enduring nor a battle I was fighting. My family was fine, my marriage was great and the ministry was doing well.

 

Stay The Course

Like a GPS that will only give direction when other options are coming up in the road otherwise it will say nothing. It will just say “stay on I-5 south” only when another highway is coming up.

 

At that moment in my life I truly come to appreciate the value of faith. My faith was not in faith but in the Lord of my faith. I had to do the things I knew how to do even when I felt nothing in the process. I read, prayed, preached and counseled even when I was in a time of emptiness. I worshipped and gave thanks even though there was an emotional disconnect.

 

Be Transparent

I was very transparent with my church during those times. It was risky because minister’s at times don’t want to reveal their weaknesses for fear of losing the respect of those they minister to. That thinking keeps us lock away into solitary confinement, where hope is lost. This why we see so many spiritual hero’s fall over the years because we have failed to provide the one thing Jesus said we would be known by, LOVE.

 

Jesus went through all the ranges of human emotions as well. In his last hours on earth, He surrounded Himself with His disciples. The worse thing you can do during those times is to isolate yourself. We need each other. If you are facing a rough time and are struggling between faith & fake, confide in an spiritually mature accountability partner. They might not provide answers but they can lend support.

 

Don’t Make Any Major Decisions

When you are in that down time do not make any major decisions. It is at this time that many of us make decisions to leave a spouse, quit a job, leave a church or walk out on a family. Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary circumstance.

 

You will weather this storm. We all go through these times and not all these experiences are spiritually connected at times could be a physiological issue. You see we all have waves in our emotional make up. Like it or not we are emotional beings and our emotions can affect us at times.

 

Know You Are Not Alone

These times tend to make you think that no one understands what you are going. You feel as if you are the only one going through this struggle. It can develop a sense of embarrassment.

 

I wondered out loud in my prayer time, how can I be going through this . . . I am the pastor! It was then I read a story of a well known pastor who on a jog found himself sitting on a street corner weeping uncontrollably. He was having a breakdown. This actual brought relief to my soul, that I was not alone. Others are facing the same struggle. I am not crazy! (Although some would argue that point)

 

If you are facing this please know you are not a bad person, you are just going through a tough time. We all do. Hang in there. You will come out of this and be able to celebrate the New Year as I have this year!

 

The best is yet to come!

Tags: Alone, course, decisions, faith, fake, overwhelmed, transparent

Bike Update

We are currently at 82 bikes just 18 away from our goal. Each bike already has a name ready to attach to it. We are so close to achieving the dream and impacting 100 children this Sunday morning. Thank you in advance for helping us reach this goal whether you are from CWC or not, together we made it possible.

Thank you.

Busy Days

I apologize for the lack of post the past couple weeks. This season is the busiest for the church & myself. We just finished our biggest outreach weekends with the Puppet Master and Harvest Party’s at both campus and saw over 250 decisions for Christ. We performed Puppet Master six times and the Harevst Party reached over 500 community children.

Last week, I traveled to Minnesota for the Church Multiplication Network meeting for churches that plant and operate multi site churches. Many of the top multi site church leaders were there and challenged us to new levels. This meeting left me dreaming and visioning for even greater things for the kingdom.

While in Minnesota I was able to reconnect with my firend Kevin Warren, VP of the Minnesota Vikings and he gave us a tour of the Viking’s facility.

Returned in time to attend the Keeper’s Conference in Manteca featuring John Bevere. Wow! What a deep understanding of the grace of God. It was simply amazing. Thanks Bishop!

Then this week I celebrated my 44th birthday with family & friends. I was overwhelmed by the gifts, calls, emails and love shown to me the past couple days. Thank you all!

Then this Sunday morning my love & I will fly, first class, to Maui to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. I am so blessed to have married my best friend and enjoyed everyone of the past 20 years! To another twenty . . .

Finish Strong

In the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, one of the most compelling and moving dramas unfolded when 400 meter runner Derek Redmond from Britain exploded out of the starting blocks at the sound of the gun. The quarterfinal round would determine who would qualify for the medal round. Derek was running with the pack leaders when at the turn the unthinkable happened.

 

Derek felt a pop in his hamstring and immediately his quest for gold was ended. In pain he fell to his knees with his face buried in his hands. He eventually rolled onto his back in the middle of the Olympic stadium track, laying in disbelief at the circumstances that now engulfed him. Derek sat back up then kneeled down as the other runners passed the finish line. The medical staff approached him, upon reaching him, his decision was quite clear. He would not need their assistance today. He had come to the Olympics to complete and to finish; and finish is what he was going to do.

 

He leap to his feet and hobbled, in obvious pain, toward the finish line. Then suddenly an older gentleman came running onto the track toward the lame runner. A security officer attempted to restrain him but the effort of the man was too great. Running along side of Derek, he gently put his arm around his waist and provided a source of stability & strength. That man was Derek’s father.

 

Together they crossed the finish line, maybe not in first place or in medal contention, but he did finish the race. Who won the gold medal that day I don’t recall but this one thing I do know, Derek Redmond left a lasting impression for his refusal to stay down and passion to complete the race.

 

No matter the falls we experience in life, our Heavenly Father will come running to our aid & help us finish the race.

 

Don’t give up . . . get up!

 

Video Link Of Derek’s incredible resolve

Tags: Derek Redmond, Father, finish line, finish strong, resolve

Lesson In Leadership

I was taught something very profound this past week about the true nature of leadership.

 

This past Thursday afternoon I was a guest of Willie Brown, the Hall of Fame cornerback of the Raiders (not the ex-mayor of San Francisco) at the Raider’s Training facilities in Napa, California.

 

It was there I saw her.

 

She was dressed rather simple and arrived without fanfare. She was very pleasant & greeted us with a smile. She was offering bottled water to anyone listening. She was engaging in conversation with various people, one of which blocked my view of the field, when she noticed it she began to apologize profusely then moved her conversation to the side. She gave us updates on the practice schedule & what was coming next.  

 

Although I knew she was talking to another group (who were actually owners of the Raiders), she always looked at our group & included us in her updates. She was approachable, humorous & hospitable. When she inquired about my crutches, she seemed genuinely concerned.

 

As we watched practice, she sat next to our group and commented on the play on the flied. It was then that one of our group members asked her name & her role with the team. (I thought she was a publicist or public relations representative with the team)

 

She responded, “My name is Amy, Amy Trask, CEO of the Raiders.”

 

Amy Trask is the first and only female CEO in NFL. Here is the CEO of an NFL franchise handing out water, informing us of the practice schedule and engaging in dialogue. I was speechless.

 

At that moment, Amy Trask taught more about leadership than in all the leadership books I have read. She showed me how to lead. Her willingness to take on the humblest of task with energy, friendliness and excellence, regardless of her position title, was both refreshing and humbling.

 

She taught me three things:

 

1.       Treat everyone like a V.I.P.

Although the group she was catering to were minority owners in the Raiders, she willingly and purposely chose to include us in her updates and conversations. She had placed a value on people not position.

 

2.       True leadership is not in a title but in our service.

Chief Executive Officer of any organization is a great accomplishment and awesome responsibility. It is not a CEO’s responsibility to hand out water, pick up trash on the floor or announce practice schedules. True leadership is displayed when we do not what we are required to do but choose to. When you serve when you are not required to, strengthen your ability to lead.

  

3.       Only a secure leader can serve effectively.

Managers who tried to lead based on their titles, positions and/or pay grade may get the job done but they will damage people in the process. Only a person secure in who & what they are can serve effectively.

 

We as leaders are only as good as our willingness to serve others.

 

Thanks for the lesson Ms. Trask!

Tags: Amy Trask, For Leaders, NFL, Raiders, serve

Happy 18th Birthday Jazzy!

We here we are, eighteen years ago today my oldest daughter came into this world with a loud cry, demanding the world take notice of her. As I held her after 31 hours of my wife’s labor pains, I carried her into another room where the nurses cleaned her, measured her, weighed her and vaccinated her, I dedicated her unto the Lord.

 

Today we had a quiet dinner with some friends to commemorate her birthday. Then we proceeded to a local car lot to buy her her dream car, a Mazda 3. As I write this she is sitting in the garage reading her owners manual and getting acquainted with her first automobile.

 

As I signed the check & the contract, I could hardly believe the little girl who slept on my chest, who asked for uppie with arms extended, who would ask lovingly “let me give you a tito” (besito, Spanish word for kiss) has grown into a lovely young lady who loves God, isn’t boy crazy and has a drive & a dream for her life. It makes me grateful that in spite of all my parenting mistakes she had to endure that she has developed so well.

 

Her tight hug of thanks for her birthday gift brought me back to her childhood years when she would hang on my neck and bury her face on my shoulder. I long for those days passed. I can never recapture them but I can enjoy the memories. Even as I watch you drive off with friends, it is hard to reconcile that my little girl has grown up.

 

Happy Birthday, my love.

Out Of The Wild

I have been watching a program on the Discovery Channel called the Out of the Wild, Alaska Experiment. Nine volunteers are dropped off in the Alaska wilderness and challenged to trek over 60 miles toward civilization. Each one was trained & instructed on survival techniques & equipped with various items to assist them on their journey.

 

Each person was also outfitted with a personal GPS unit that had a panic button that once engaged by its carrier would signal a rescue helicopter to come & pick them up and return them to the comforts of civilization. Enduring rough terrain, extreme conditions, make shift shelters and a lack of food they follow a map & compass to each check point. Twenty eight days later only five are still pressing toward their goal.

 

One young lady, Carolyn Yamazaki is a 26-year-old attorney from Chicago, bravely endured the horrific Alaskan climate & terrain until she reached her breaking point. Her battery was spent. She was spent. She was tired. She was done. She could no longer envision the finish line. The pain & discomfort she was in no longer was worth the prize of completion. She pressed the button. Unbeknownst to her, she was only a mile away from her goal.

 

How terribly tragic to have traveled & endured so much hardship, only to give up on the verge of completion. I am not judging her (I probably would have pressed the button the first day!) but I have seen so many go through so much in life, endure the pain, survive the climate of life on just on the verge of breakthrough and reaching their destination . . .  give up.

 

The value of the goal must not lose it luster. We must not give up on the verge of breakthrough. You have come too far to give up now. Pushing the button is not an option. We must press on. We will reach our goal. Don’t give up on your God, your marriage, your career, your family or children. One step at a time. You can do it!

 

Almost there . . .

Tags: alaska experiment, don't give up, endure, out of the wild

Update

Wow, I can’t believe it has been this long since my last post! A lot is happening. Thank God most of it has been good.

 

Unfortunately when things get hectic, it is the things we love or enjoy that sometimes get neglected the most, even simple things like sharing your thoughts on a blog.

 

In the next couple day I will backtrack a bit & update some experiences and share some principles that have touched & shaped my life. Hopefully, those principles will challenge, encourage and inspire you to reach your dreams and make each day count!

 

Blessings!

 

PD