I have to confess that one of my favorite radio stations on Pandora is Guns N Roses. While I skip most of the other bands that come on that station like Aerosmith, it is still worth it just to hear Slash’s guitar solos. Not too many lead guitarists really make the band what it is (normally it’s the lead singer), but I think Slash adds almost enough to the band as does the enigmatic and unique lead singer Axl Rose.

So not too long ago, I picked up Slash’s self titled autobiography. It is not one I’d necessarily recommend to others, and it is sad to read about how nonchalantly he includes his drug use and incessant shoplifting as though it’s humorous. I wouldn’t call him a good writer either. Yet it is enjoyable as a story, and surely inspirational to see how much work, dedication, and risk it took for him to make it big.

What I have found most redemptive thus far in the book was Slash’s immediate love for the guitar. In fact, he used to spend all of his waking moments on his B.M.X. bike. But as soon as his eyes and ears were opened to the sounds a real guitarist could make, he immediately fell in love. He had to play. He wanted it for himself. So he started with an old guitar in the garage with 5 missing strings.

He was hooked immediately, and could find no room for another passion. His old love for B.M.X. bike riding didn’t fade away; it disappeared like a bowl of Chex Mix in my presence. He told his old bike riding buddies, “I’m a guitar player now.” That was that. He never saw them again. One passion had simply been replaced by a greater passion.

Strangely enough Slash, and Puritan Thomas Chalmers, would have had some common ground. The latter argued that the best way to deal with sin, is not simply to try to stop sinning, but by the “expulsive power of a new affection.” You deal with the affection behind the sin, by replacing it with a greater affection for Jesus.

So in other words, if you want to deal with jealousy or anger, (two of my personal sin struggles), you don’t get to where you want to go by memorizing verses that tell you “Don’t be jealous” or “don’t get too angry.” Memorizing verses is good, helping move us to repentance, and giving us direction for living and loving. What they don’t do is deal with the how. That’s what Chalmers and Slash can teach us.

Once I identify why I’m jealous (because I want the fame that belongs to another who is bigger/better), or why I’m overly angry (something I feel I deserve has been blocked/taken from me), then I can move on to Jesus. Is there not more fame in the recognition that I’ve been chosen from before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4)? Do I not receive that which I don’t deserve (status) and have that which I do deserve (punishment) put on Someone else?

Let’s face it. The problem isn’t worship or passion. We all have have passion and we all worship, even if that passion expresses itself in laziness or worship expresses itself in sports, recreation, or sleeping in. Paul’s prayer to the Ephesian church was not for their growth in factual trivia type knowledge but for the “love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” That “fills” you up and consumes you.

Ephesians 3¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

After three chapters of being amazed by God’s grace, THEN Paul issues commands in the fourth. How do we begin to see victory over selfishness? Paul, Chalmers, and Slash would all agree. Come into contact with Someone more amazing, more lovely, more worth your time.

How? Discipline yourself to be regular in Sunday worship, regular in prayer, regular in fellowship, regularly in His Word, regularly involved in His mission,  ANTICIPATING and LOOKING for Jesus. May we have the same response to Jesus that Slash had to the guitar.

There just be a bajillion ways to have a personal devotional time-I can’t call it “quiet time” because that’s what my kids have to do when they get too old for naps-with the Lord by reading and reflecting upon His Word. Sometimes having a set of pre-ready form questions can be helpful. Our church is going through the Psalms of Ascent (120-134) and then the book of John during this Lenten season. So here is just one way in which you may or may not find helpful should you join us, or want some variety in your devotional life.

What does this passage say about God?

He has the final say on whether something, someone, or some project is successful. No matter the energy, effort, or planning on our attempts, He is ultimately Sovereign over all. A point that Nebuccadnezar had to learn the hard way (Daniel 4), as have I. But he is also good. He gives rest. He gives sleep. He gives kids. He does not want to see His people put to shame.

What does this passage say about man/woman? Why do we need this passage?

If you ever followed the Buccaneers, one of its head coaches-our only Super Bowl winning head coach-exemplified verse 2. He rose up early (4 am) and went to bed late, drawing up plays that would confuse the offense more than the opposing defenses. But I think we can all see ourselves in Jon. I don’t get up as early, but I bet I’m more anxious. Behind my anxiety is bad theology: God isn’t good and isn’t in control. So I believe the lie, if I could just do more, if I had done a better job parenting, coaching, pastoring, planning, that I wouldn’t have problems. The good news is that ultimately, my kids, my house, our church, are completely 100% gifts from God and they are in His good hands.

How does this passage point me to Jesus?

It is clear that at the time of Jesus, many people, especially his disciples didn’t view children very highly. But he rebuked his disciples for disbelieving the truth that children are a blessing. In fact, he took this passage a step further:

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

So if I am to be used in God’s Kingdom, as it is slowly growing here on Earth, I need to make sure that I have the same simple trust a child has of His father. My faithfulness probably looks like stick figures to Him, but he loves even my broken attempts to follow Him by faith. Jesus has proved that He will build His church and the gates of Hell won’t stand against it. Therefore I can trust Him.

How will my life look different if I repent and believe?

Today, if I truly believe this, I will rest my head on the pillow at night, recognizing that God calls me neither to laziness nor unquenchable driven-ness. These Psalms were originally sung and prayed as Jews journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem. I can imagine traveling with little ones was quite hard even then! What a reminder to me today when I feel burdened in parenting. If I believe children are a blessing, I will be far more patient today than I was yesterday evening. If I believe the Lord is good and has the final “say,” I can never look down upon another person or parent for how things turn out. And if that favor is not returned to me, I don’t have to be bitter because I know what God says is trustworthy and true. Lord help me believe, that I will obey. Lord help me see you as Good, Good Father, because I fail so often. Amen.

Aside from Cam Newton’s lackadaisical attempt (if you can call it that) to get the ball which he fumbled, and Eli Manning’s disappointed look after his older brother completed the 2 pt conversion, and the post game interviews comprising Peyton’s plug for Budweiser and “The Big Man Upstairs,” or Cam pulling the plug on his own presser, the game was quite enjoyable. At least I enjoyed it. If you like defense, you saw it. Lots of it. I’m a die-hard long-suffering Buccaneers fan, so I’m used to seeing one team score a lot. But to see neither teams score much, well that was kind of a breath of fresh air. And the game was within reach for the Panthers for most of the game.

I am not a Cam fan. Let me state that. Not because of he has fun playing the game, and not because he walked out on the presser. The Bucs play him twice a year, and besides the Greg Schiano led Bucs holding him to single digit yards rushing several years ago, he kills us. That’s really all I have on him. He’s an absolute beast, who if he had some decent receivers, would clearly be unstoppable.

Panther/Cam apologists will cite this as reason for his presser “walk-off.”  Perhaps there is something to this.

But I will say this, he is 26 years old. That’s what age I got hitched to my lovely wife, and now mother of three. Two years later, I was ordained as assistant pastor in the P.C.A denomination. The number of mistakes I made when as 28 year old pastor, and probably as a husband, could fill the pages of any book. What if they were on camera? Ouch.

Now I know do know you pretty much ask for the spotlight when you are the face of a franchise. And even more so, when you showboat and dab, or whatever it’s called. Even more when you say, “If you don’t like my antics, then stop me.” When someone actually does stop you, for the first time all year, perhaps you should tip your hat in the presser? Perhaps you should answer hard questions? Perhaps you shouldn’t walk away? I say “should” because “should” is simply my opinion, not a biblical black and white. Russell Wilson stayed and answered hard questions after arguably the worst offensive play call of all time led to an interception when they should have run it from the one  yard line! Wilson is a very mature man.

Cam will probably look back upon yesterday’s performance, on and off the field, and realize he needs to do a better job. He’ll see the film, and probably have some explaining to do on his fumble.

But he is still 26. I remember myself at 26, and all of the should have’s…. Yes I know, people fight wars at 18, but for those my age (38), I do think we would do well to be reminded of our failures at 26.  Perhaps we (myself first and foremost) could be a little more gracious to those younger than us? I mean this less about Cam, since you probably won’t run into him, and more for those who seem a bit more immature than us.

After all, the epitome of class (though not beer choice) Peyton Manning, did throw his linemen under the bus when he got beat badly one season. He was roughly around the same age as Cam.

If he’s doing the same things at 38, then let’s revisit the issue again. But I have a feeling, that won’t be the case. Hopefully the Bucs can prevent him from getting back to the big game again and we’ll all have to wonder. Sadly I don’t think that will happen. He’ll probably get better, the GM will probably bring in a few wide receivers who can actually catch the ball (I counted 8 drops last night), and I’m pretty sure he’ll mature as a man.

While I’ll pull against the former, I’m pulling for, and quite hopeful, for the latter.

I’ve been learning a lot about having a “Kingdom” orientation these days. Now that word itself could mean a zillion different things such as being involved highly “visible” ministry outside the walls of the church. For instance one of our core values clarifies Harbor’s “Kingdom” focus to emphasize intentionally loving one’s own neighborhood. Sometimes a “kingdom” mentality could involve resourcing, or encouraging a new church plant, instead of feeling threatened, territorial, or envious.

However, the Kingdom reorientation I’m referring to is dealing with people moving away from our particular church. Every church will experience its members moving away (and in the end I’m happy for those who feel called to move), but it is not easy for any pastor. It’s not easy for any member whose lives were touched by the moving party. And of course it becomes more difficult when the church is smaller and/or if they were deeply involved.

I recently had lunch with a man who has become a friend during his time at Harbor. He’s the latest of our music team set to move, marking the 3rd family with multiple music team members to leave in a years time.

Yet in spite of the moves, and perhaps even because of the moves, we have more people than ever serving on our music team. In reality, it’s never sounded so good (or at least fuller as we have more instruments/vocalists).

Regardless of the quality of sound, I’ve been learning (reluctantly I might add) that this church isn’t my church; it is Jesus’ church. That’s super easy to proclaim, but in reality, quite hard to believe regarding the issue of moving. In God’s sovereign plan he shuffles his deck of people to put them in places where He’ll use them. He did this in the Babylonian exile (Daniel) and he did it in the early church (Acts 8:1, 4)

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria….⁴ Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went

Why could he not do this same thing through job transfers today?

I thought being Kingdom-centered had more to do with what happens outside of our church. But I’m convinced that it has just as much to do with how I view those inside the church. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.….His will, will involve people moving away to bless others.

So may I/we do all I/we can to shepherd, disciple, train, preach the gospel, encourage, challenge, and love everyone at Harbor, realizing

²² whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas^[a] or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, ²³ and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

This past Sunday, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning completed a short pass. With that short completed pass, he leapfrogged Brett Farve for the most passing yards by any quarterback in NFL history. At some level, it would have been a day to remember for the rest of his life. The play stopped, there was a brief pause in the action for celebration. He stood on top of the world for a brief moment.

Then the game resumed, and so did the interceptions. In the third quarter, after his 4th interception, this Hall of Fame quarterback, the most prolific quarterback ever, got benched. I honestly don’t think this had ever happened to him. Ever. I don’t know how he looked as a Pop Warner quarterback, but since his father played in the NFL, as does his younger brother Eli, I imagine he came out of the womb throwing.

Can you imagine how humbling that might be? Setting the record, solidifying your legacy as one of the best, and then getting benched the same game, half-way through the third quarter.

The high’s and low’s of one’s career in a matter of minutes.

This reminds me of the frustrating process of sanctification. One minute you seemed to really “get grace,” displaying calmness in the storm, courage when you normally would have back down, discernment after someone came to you for counsel. And then the next moment, you lost your cool with a kid, customer, co-worker, gave someone a dirty look who tailgated you, acted on your envy or jealousy through gossip, ignored an opportunity to talk about the gospel. From all time great, to all time dud. And very quickly I might add…

Romans 7 describes Paul’s Peyton Manning experience. I think we can all relate.

Harbor Community Church had an “interesting” Sunday.

Immediately following the service, a number of volunteers cleaned our chairs as well as the YMCA hallways; both of which were stained by last season’s basketball and 10 weeks of summer camps. Just as we began to devour the delectable Hungry Howies pizzas, a dude with a wristband from the hospital walked into the YMCA. Then on to the gym, and then back to our “commons area,” and heading straight for the pizza. Pizza is my “precious.”

I asked him, “Can I help you sir?” He immediately took a 90 degree turn and headed out towards the door. Honestly I was glad because I didn’t get the best vibe from him. My only thought was “get him away from the pizza and toward the door.” I just didn’t want him around.

Immediately some women put a piece of pizza on a plate and told me to bring it to him. All I cared about was getting him outside. Then one woman said, “Geoff, you just preached how God wants us to love the ugly, difficult people, and how people are made in God’s image.”

Wow. They were paying attention and challenged me to practice what I preached. They were right. So I grabbed the pizza, and head out the door to catch this guy. He gladly accepted the pizza, asked me, “Are there any kids around here?” I told him no, so he took something out of his pockets. Immediately I regretted answering his question in the negative.

So he pulls out a water bottle from his pocket and asks me for some change. I told him I didn’t have any, and he once again, rotated 90 degrees, and then walked off.

Honestly I didn’t feel good about this guy and wanted to get rid of him. I think my heart, as far as I can remember, was focused primarily on the security of our folks. But in my concern for safety, I had failed to see him as made in the image of God. He had dignity. He had needs. Even though we really couldn’t help him much, we could at least meet the need for food.

To love your people well requires concern for their safety. Some leaders had already followed this guy and invited him to leave. We had that covered.

But to love others outside the church (and to model such love), particularly as they walk in your church requires mercy. Some ladies, with glad appreciation for those who directed this gentlemen to the door, also sought an opportunity to show kindness. They simply “looked,” putting arms to the sermon application and one of our core values: “looking.” We need both safety and mercy in the church body. I am thankful we have both types of folks at Harbor, because I’m insufficient on my own. While humbling, I’m as needy as I am grateful to have folks who help me practice what I preach.

Someone told me the other day, “I’m not a big journal-type guy.” Meaning, its very difficult for him to write down experiences on “paper” and then go back over them. Strangely enough, as much as I love to write, I feel the same way. It’s hard to keep an official journal and then go back to it time and again. I don’t know that it will ever really catch on for me.

One of my favorite “devotional” books is Paul Miller’s A Praying Life. It just doesn’t get much better, as he weaves prayer (why and how to do it) into the entirety of life-even praying for parking spaces!  One of the tools he recommends at the end of the book in his practical section is keeping a prayer journal. As much as I love the book and have been influenced by it, I don’t see it sticking.

Yet, I understand the WHY behind a prayer journal! You can literally see God answer prayers (and sometimes the answer is that He’s changing us) one at a time. You can literally see how your prayers actually do make a difference, and  your heart will overflow with thankfulness.

Today, I was going through some recently recorded church-wide prayer goals I thought I had saved on my computer within my Evernote App. I couldn’t find them so I looked through some previous prayer goals I had written in 2014. As I looked, I noticed how all of them had been answered in a way consistent with what I had prayed! Here are some of them below:

• Music leader house sold; more vocalists
• Attendance averaging 100 (we’ve had a few Sundays over a 100, and some in 90’s last month, so I think we’re pretty close)
• 4 Community Groups
• Young families  (we’ve picked up a few towards the end of the summer)
• A Children’s Leader
• More children’s church teachers
• Women’s bible study leaders

Now next Sunday could see a drop in numbers, some families could choose to leave, a teacher quit, etc. I gave up assuming anything since I’m often wrong and there really isn’t a need to do so; it’s Jesus’ church, not mine! But this simple note reminded never to leave out prayer. As Bon Jovi wisely postulated, “We’ve living on a prayer.” Most of what and whom we have here at Harbor has been given in response to specific prayers. Since He has clearly said yes on a number of occasions, I need a place to store these requests. If I didn’t have a place to store these requests, I wouldn’t have seen how faithful He had been to us. Even if you’re like me, and probably won’t journal, it’s a good idea to find some system that allows you to record your prayers.

Evernote is the easiest to use and is free for the basic option (which I use). It is the most helpful app known to man (or at least this man).

Prayer Notebook is just $1.99 for I Phone and $ 2.99 for I Pad and is an app I used religiously (not in the pejorative sense) before church planting but I have gotten away from since moving back to Bradenton. I confess I’ve hyper-focused on praying for this church plant to the exclusion of many other categories I used when living in West Va as an Ass. Pastor.

Whatever you use, make sure to record your prayer requests in a place accessible by you at some time in the future. You’ll be glad you did.