Today I want to share a few thoughts from Matthew 4 – even though most of you will be reading further than that today, for the sake of those who are following the ‘bronze’ level in our “Read Thru the NT in 50 Days” challenge, I’m going to stick with the second daily reading for them:

• As I read Matthew 4:2-3, I couldn’t help but think that fasting makes us sensitive to the supernatural – both good and bad!  I may be a few days or weeks late for some of you, but it’s entirely possible that our recent season of 21 days of fasting & prayer caused you to attract attention from the enemy! As much as I hope that’s not the case, the good news is that his strategy is defeated, and every temptation rendered helpless, when you use the Word, just as Jesus did in Matthew 4:4.
• In fact, part of the whole “working the Word into our lives” strategy is so we WILL have the word in our heart and in our mouth when the enemy comes against us with his lies!  The Word works!
• Another truth that jumped out at me was Matthew 4:14-16.  In fact, in just the first 2 days, we’ve already seen several instances (Matthew 2:6, 15, 17-18, 23) that demonstrate this truth: how carefully God watches over His Word to fulfill it! (see Jeremiah 1:11-12)
• The next tidbit I saw was Matthew 4:19 – that God’s heart (and ours) is always about people! (that’s the first value we’ll look at in our ‘Back to the Future’ series – so don’t miss next Sunday at CLC!) As we’re working the Word into our hearts, may we also develop a heart for reaching others – and the skills to do so, which is what Jesus promised as we follow Him!
• Finally, I love what Matthew 4:23-24 tells us about Jesus’ ability to heal every kind of sickness and disease, and more importantly, the fact of Hebrews 13:8 (even though we haven’t read that far yet) – that Jesus STILL does that today!

How ’bout you?  What stood out for you in your second day of reading through the NT?  Please share it below, and let’s encourage each other in the Word!

By the time this posts on Monday morning, Chris and I will be somewhere over the Pacific, enroute to General Santos City, Philippines where we’ll lead a Global Advance conference for an expected group of 1,000 pastors & leaders starting Monday about 7pm (Chicago time).  We’ve never been there before, so I’m excited about a new opportunity.  But I’m just as excited over my latest “talking Bible” moment from my devotions last Wednesday:

I was reading in Exodus 35:30-33 about Bezalel, who sounds like a remarkable man – I mean, the Amplified Bible I’m using says the Lord called him by name and that he was filled with the Spirit of God, with ability and wisdom, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge and all craftsmanship.

But then verse 34 got my attention: not only was Bezalel gifted additionally to teach, but so was a guy named Aholiab. In fact, verse 35 makes it sound like Aholiab was perhaps just as gifted as Bezalel.

But Bezalel gets all the press. As you read the next several chapters, it’s always Bezalel in the spotlight.  Bezalel is the Big Dog.  If Aholiab gets mentioned at all, it’s only in connection with Bezalel.  He is definitely relegated to “supporting cast”.

Got me thinking – how do I do when my role is to help someone else, rather than being ‘large & in charge’?

Do I recognize that a support role requires no less gifting, and is of no less importance than being the leader?  In fact, the support role is just as crucial to the overall success of the mission.  After all, Michael never won a championship until he was joined by Scottie and Horace and the boys.  And there’s even an Oscar category for “best supporting actor” every year!

Even those of us who lead have to sometimes submit our gifts to support others:

• Husbands, when was the last time you helped your wife accomplish her goals?
• Employers, when do you use your position or influence to help your employees get what they want?
• Ministry leaders, how are you at supporting those gifted & called folks who work with you?
• How’s my attitude & effort when I’m called on to support Bezalel?

Just thinkin’.

And to ALL of you Aholiab’s at CLC – thank you for using your gifts & your calling unselfishly to help make us the church we’re becoming!

I’m typing this post from O’Hare, where Chris & I will soon be boarding a flight to Vancouver, British Columbia to connect with our flight to the Philippines later tonight.  (Yep, that means I won’t be watching the Super Bowl for the first time in many years….although I’m hoping the pilot will give us updates enroute). Here’s my reflections on another good day at CLC:

• while our attendance was down today compared to last  week’s ‘non-holiday’ record, everything else was UP and to the RIGHT!
• In Tinley Park, worship was wonderful (as usual) and Sandra Norris‘ solo was the bomb!  Wow, that girl can sang!
• Had as much fun teaching today as…..well, since the last time I preached in TP!
• Loved the response to our “Read thru the NT in 50 Days” challenge – in TP, it looked unanimous from where I sat!
• So excited about what God is going to speak to us individually over the next 50 days!
• And we had salvation decisions after the last 2 services – that never, ever gets old!
• At our livestream today, our Media Director tells me that 199 people joined us from 15 different metro areas, and several of them accepted the challenge to read thru the NT with us!
• In Lisle (soon to be Downer’s Grove campus), Pastor Eric reports 2 salvations decision, 1 person healed, several first-time guests & an exciting day!
• In South Bend, Pastor Doug Neal reports a great service and effective ministry.
• In our Hispanic campus, Pastor Jaime Flores is excited about 3 brand-new families visiting today – and each promised to return!
• At our Shorewood campus, this was a historic day – in part because it marked 3 years since our opening service there, but more importantly, because all of us witnessed a testimony of God’s grace & restoration, as Pastor Dan Johnson returned to the pulpit to preach the Word there.  He was received with a standing ovation, as the congregation poured out their love & acceptance to the point that he said he’s speechless.  But he did preach, and the vast majority there are committed to read thru the NT with us!  I’m still marveling……only God!

I say again: I’m just SO excited about what God is going to be speaking to us as we “work the Word into our lives” over the next 50 days!  If you need the guide to help your reading, click here.

NEWS FLASH: I just had a phone call from Pastor Jim that our KidsTown ministry signed up 19 new volunteers to serve our children’s ministry! Woo-hoo…..am I ever ready for the Philippines!!!

Now, somebody watch the big game for me, and especially the commercials – I wanna hear all about it when I get back!

I’m so excited about reading thru the New Testament with you in the next 50 days, I can hardly stand it!  After our recent time of fasting & prayer, I’m expecting insight & revelation for each of us as we “work the Word into our lives” (Luke 6:46-49, TM)

Today’s reading included Matthew 2, and here’s just a few things that stood our for me:

• Did you notice how quickly/easily the priests and teachers knew the answer to Herod’s question as to where Messiah would be born?  Even though it was only recorded in one obscure prophecy (Micah 5:2), they still had the answer immediately!  Would to God each of us would be SO acquainted with this Book!
• However, while they knew the correct information, not one of them had made the trip to Bethlehem to check it out!  Do you know how far it is from Jerusalem to Bethlehem?  Less than 5 miles! (You’ll see for yourself if you make the trip to Israel with us this November – details here) My heart says it’s far more important to ACT on what we know, than just to store information like a computer!
• The last tidbit I’ll point out is how often God used supernatural means to speak to His people – note verses 9, 13, 19-20, 22. May each of us be just as sensitive to the voice of His Spirit today!

What stood out to you as you read today?  Leave your comments below, and let’s encourage each other in the Word!

Geaux Saints!

Gonna answer two questions today to relieve the backlog:

Q1: A CLC-Lisle leader asks about ’spiritual blindness’ in John 9:41.  “Is this symbolic in saying that those who don’t know Jesus, will not be judged guilty?”

Let’s look at the passage.  Jesus was addressing the Pharisees, who thought they knew it all, and basically telling them they needed to acknowledge how little they did know, so He could teach them.  The specific statement about the blind not being guilty is difficult, but this much I know from the whole of Scripture: it does not mean that those who don’t know Jesus will not be judged.  That’s a false teaching that’s been around for hundreds of years – usually called “universalism”.

Scripture is very clear that those who do not know must be reached with the Gospel, and that’s why the Church is still here – to bring the Good News to all, so that no one remains in darkness.

What is true in Scripture is that those of us who have received truth and light will be held to a stricter accountability than those who do not know. (see Luke 12:46-48; James 3:1)

Q2: A faithful CLC-Shorewood member writes,  ”I am curious, with the new covenant of Jesus Christ… what is Israel’s future? Some say they are the chosen people and are saved without Christ… others they are lost and only saved if they know Christ. What is the truth and what is Israel’s future for salvation?”

GREAT question!  Much misunderstanding about this!  Let me try to make it simple: there is NO salvation outside of Jesus Christ. Period.

The Jewish people ARE God’s chosen people.  Without them, we wouldn’t have a Bible, or most any of the revelation of God that we enjoy.  But they, like us Gentiles, are lost without Christ (Rom. 3:23, Rom 6:23; Rom 5:8-11; Rom 10:1-4).

Yet God has not rejected them forever, and in these last days He has a plan to bring them back to Himself! (see Rom. 11:11-15)  Too many of us believers, including CLC, have neglected the evangelism of Jewish people in the past, but God is turning our hearts toward His earthly people again, and I’m excited that Israel is becoming our first priority in world missions!  In fact, our CLC trip to Israel this November 9-19 is more than a sightseeing tour of the Holy Land; it’s to connect us even more with the people and the land.  (Get all the details here)

Hope those answers helped.  Now, what would YOU like the Ask the Pastor?

My devotions on Tuesday morning were pretty sweet, and I especially loved my reading in Exodus 33:11 and Exodus 33:13.

I’m sure our recent fast caused this to jump off the page at me, but verse 11’s description of Joshua not being willing to depart from the place of intimacy with the Lord sure spoke to me.  How many times are we in such a hurry to get on to the next item on our ‘To Do” list, that we miss those times of just lingering in HIS Presence? I pray that you will find some unhurried moments to just linger with Him, ala 2Corinthians 3:18.

But then verse 13 is what really got me.  I’m using the Amplified Bible for my devotions this year, and the way it expands on the meaning of ‘knowing’ the Lord speaks to me: “that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly]“

Progressively.  Not stuck in a rut.  Not staying the same.  Not a hum-drum, go thru the motions kind of relationship.  No!

Deeper!  More intimate!  With greater perception!  With clearer understanding!

I’m not Moses, but that’s what I want!  The fast may be over, but the pursuit isn’t!

How about you?

I’ve heard they don’t mix.  But I don’t believe it.  At least not when it comes to churches.

See, if a church is all about “ministry”, and doesn’t take care of business through sound financial practices and good stewardship, it will soon be out of business.

But if a church is all about the business side of things, and is run like Wall Street, seeking only a financial profit, and neglects the real reason we’re in business in the first place (reaching people), then it’s lost its way, too.

Thank God that CLC is a healthy church!

Tonight at 7:30pm we’ll come together for our annual Business meeting where we’ll make full disclosure of how your contributions were used in 2009 to help us accomplish the mission of the church, and the tangible results they produced.  We’ll also elect some new officers who will continue to safeguard your investments and help us remain fiscally sound.  We’ll even answer your questions about the ‘business’ of the church.

Then we’re going to add in a healthy dash of FUN, as we hear testimonies from the 21-days of prayer & fasting just concluded.  I’ve already received reports of answered prayer just since Sunday night, so I’m especially looking forward to hearing from you tonight.

Be there or be square.

Probably Proverbs 29:18 says it best, “where there is no vision, people perish”. Other translations indicate that when there is no compelling vision from God, we cast off restraints and run wild. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that’s a formula for disaster – for an individual or for a business, but especially for a church!

That’s why I’m so excited about our upcoming sermon series at CLC, “Back to the Future”, which begins this Sunday.  With apologies to Doc Brown and Marty McFly, we won’t be discussing time travel.  Instead we’ll take a look back on our 20 year history at CLC, to examine the values from God’s Word that have not only brought us to this place, but will also guide us into a future that we believe is brighter still.

It would be a great way to introduce your unchurched and seeker friends to CLC – each Sunday from Feb. 7 through March 21 (except for March 7, when our anniversary celebration kicks into high gear with the one-and-only Dr. Jack Hayford as our special guest!)

Start inviting!

I woke up at 4am and couldn’t go back to sleep…..still feel like I’m floating after yesterday’s services, even though I’m sitting here at my desk at home.  I just don’t have words to describe all that God did with us during this season of prayer & fasting!

But I do have a few thoughts about what we should do next:

1.  Write it down.  If you didn’t keep a journal during the fast, I urge you to jot down your personal experience, while it’s still fresh in your mind.  Include any ‘impressions’ you received from the Lord, certainly any ‘directives’ that you heard from Him in prayer, any Scriptures that particularly spoke to you, and any answers to prayer that you received.

All of this was and is important, and in the weeks ahead you’ll find it helpful to look back, both for encouragement, and also, to keep you on track with what you heard.

2.  Expect to hear more.  As I shared several times during the fast, in my experience, most of the insights that I’ve received from fasting have come after the fast is over.  So I’m approaching my Bible reading and prayer times these next few weeks with an even greater anticipation that God will be speaking to me.  In fact, let’s not limit Him to those times that we focus on reading the Word or praying – I’ve found that He can speak to me throughout the day, sometimes when I would have least expected it.  So be sensitive & alert for His still, small voice!

3.  Walk in a new discipline.  All of us learned some valuable lessons about our flesh in these past 3 weeks.  As Jon Jones shared with us last night in Tinley Park, we probably were surprised to see just how much we let our bodies dictate to us.  But we broke that control through fasting.  Let’s be careful not to fall back into the same habits of an undisciplined lifestyle, eating anything we want, anytime we want – watching anything on TV, etc. You don’t have to do without food in order to discipline your flesh!  And the more we subject the flesh to our will, the more sensitive we can become to His voice.

4.  Enjoy your new health.  Most of us dropped some unnecessary pounds.  (I lost 20; I’ve heard from others who lost 30!) Last night I heard testimonies from people whose sugar levels dropped, whose blood pressure improved, and who report new levels of energy, etc.  That’s just one of the ‘fringe benefits’ of fasting.  So again, I encourage you to maintain your health by eating right, exercising consistently, drinking lots of water, and using our bodies as a Temple of the Holy Spirit, to accomplish God’s plan for us everyday.

Finally, come prepared this Wednesday to share YOUR testimony with other CLCers.  Our annual business meeting begins at 7:30pm and when it concludes we’re going to hear more stories from this season of prayer & fasting – so all of us can be encouraged about what God is doing!

I know, I know.  I’ve said it before.  But this time I really don’t know where to begin, in describing this day at CLC.  UNBELIEVABLE!  Let’s try to recap:

• First of all, this was the largest ‘regular’ Sunday attendance in our 20-year history in Tinley Park, as we literally filled every single chair & had to bring in more chairs in the 9:30 service – all together, nearly 1,400 people worshipped at the Tinley campus alone, and over 1,800 people worshipped at a CLC campus today in one of our seven services! In fact, our Media director says if we add in the number of folks who worshipped online with us today in more than 10 different states, we reached over 2,000 people today!
• AND my wife was ON FIRE!  So many breakthroughs were taking place, some baptized in the Holy Spirit, others set free from addictions – wow!
• In South Bend, the report says service was “absolutely phenomenal”!  Strong attendance, great worship & Pastor Doug said his preaching was the “loudest & most forceful ever”!  AND they baptized 10 precious people today!
• Pastor Dan says his wife really connected with the congregation in Shorewood today, and their service raised the excitement for tonight’s Encounter service to close the fast.
• At our newest campus in Lisle , Pastor Eric reports the momentum is blowing up, as people are making real commitments – some salvation decisions – and honest transformation resulting from the fast.
• Pastor Jaime from our Hispanic congregation says sickness limited their attendance, but a blessed service nonetheless, and they’re already getting inquiries from the radio spots which just began airing.  Please believe with us for a harvest among Hispanics in the South Suburbs!
• In our Philippine campus, Pastor Herley says their service was great, with 6 precious souls receiving the Lord at the close; then this afternoon he preached at a neighboring church whose pastor he’s been mentoring, and 50 people came forward to receive Christ!  I love it!

What do I say about tonight’s “Encounter” to close our time of fasting?  I haven’t heard from all the other campuses yet, but in Tinley Park, there are no words to describe this evening.  At one point late in the service I felt impressed to call Kevin Carter forward to share the story of his 7-year old fasting sweets “so he could hear God better”, and we invited all our children who participated in the fast to come up front & pray for adults who wanted to ‘hear God better, too”.  Somehow that turned into a gauntlet of kids (we usually call it a ‘fire tunnel’) and after our choir & musicians passed through the line, people just spontaneously got up and walked through as the children laid hands on them & prayed for them.  I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years of ministry, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it! Here’s one picture to give you an idea:

One late-breaking news report – I just received word from Pastor Shanna in South Bend that one of their faithful workers was baptized in the Holy Spirit tonight during their encounter – and get this: she had prayed for 24 years to receive her prayer language!  Quick disclaimer: that’s not necessary – no one has to tarry since Acts 2, but she had been wounded in an early church setting & never received until tonight – and needless to say, there was a lot of rejoicing in the Bend this evening!

Wow.  WOW.  WOW! I don’t know if it can get any better – testimony after testimony in the lobby tonight – but we’re about to find out!

I’m signing off – and gonna have a bowl of soup to break this fast!  See you manana-