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Archive - November, 2009

Information Does Not Equate To Transformation

November 30, 2009 in Spiritual Growth with 36 Comments

During my personal study time right now I’m reading through Psalms and James (I know it’s an odd mix of Scripture). I was reading in James 1 this morning and I was struck by the following passage which is so pertinent to the culture we live in today.

James 1:22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

I believe one of the most obvious challenges in contemporary Christianity is we mistakenly assume that information automatically translates into transformation. However knowing something is true does not in and of itself ensure that the truth will make a significant difference in our lives.

We have more access to great information than ever before.

-Unbelievable Bible study tools available on the internet for stinking free.

-Phenomenal messages from the worlds’ best pastors one click away, thanks to podcasts.

-In-depth and engaging bible studies adorning the shelves of bookstores all across America.

So what’s the problem?

We have to find a way to transfer all this incredible information that we know in our minds to our hearts so it can be lived out. We have to find a way to as James puts it to “look intently into.” The word for “looks intently into” (parakypsas) literally means “to stoop down” in order to have a good close look.

So here’s my two cents. In order to “stoop down” you have to “slow down.” There’s not a crisis of information, but of transformation. And the greatest enemy of transformation in my personal opinion, in a word, is hurry.

So slow down, stoop into God’s Word, actually do what it says, and see if the transformation doesn’t follow.

Turkey, Rabbits, Football, and Guns

November 28, 2009 in Family, Holidays with 29 Comments

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I know we’ve been having a blast.

We just got home from spending a few days in Kentucky with my in-laws. We ate more turkey and watched more football than human beings should be allowed.

Then on Friday, Jett and I went out for one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions. My in-laws live on a beautiful piece of property in Western Kentucky. While millions all over the world awake and set off hunting for the elusive Black Friday sale Jett and I go hunting for small, yet very fast rabbits.

We struck out this year but had a blast just walking around together. When we got back Gage joined us and we spent the rest of the morning shooting cans. We had better luck with the cans than the rabbits.

What’s one of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

You Can’t Microwave It

November 25, 2009 in God, Spiritual Growth with 45 Comments

As a pastor, for years, I’ve had to fight the temptation to want followers of Christ to be further down the road spiritually than they actually are. I’ve readily admitted my life verse is Galatians 4:19 where Paul says… “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” More than anything else in my life, I want to see Christ formed in the lives of the individuals God has entrusted me to lead.

But all of us who desire to see life change in the people around us need to remember a very important point.

You can’t microwave spiritual formation.

Whether you’re praying for your husband to grow, or you want to see your kids make the right decisions, or you’re frustrated that your church isn’t where they need to be spiritually, or your small group is lagging behind your expectations, please remember…

In the spiritual life there are no shortcuts. Those who
imagine that they can discover spiritual gimmicks and
put them to work for themselves usually ignore God’s
will and his grace. (Thomas Merton)

What Are You Reading?

November 24, 2009 in Uncategorized with 114 Comments

I just finished “The Dangerous Act Of Worship” by Mark Labberton and “Scouting The Divine” by Margaret Feinberg last week. Really enjoyed both books and the unique voice both authors brought to their topics. I took lots of notes and I’m really looking forward to processing both of them a little further.

On a more important note…

What are you reading?

An Open Letter To My Son

November 23, 2009 in Parenting with 72 Comments

Jett,

I’ll never forget the moment the doctor put you in my hands. I had never seen a baby who was only a couple minutes old before and was quite convinced something was wrong with you. Your blue like skin, and conehead made you look like something from another planet! Once I was assured you were actually okay, I was overwhelmed with emotion that God would bless and trust me with the responsibility of being your father.

From that moment to this very moment the main desire of my heart has been to see you and your brothers trust Jesus as your savior and see Him formed in your life.

You’ve given me so many reasons to be proud of you son. You’ve really got what it takes!

You’re a great student.
An amazing athlete.
One of the best fantasy football players I’ve ever witnessed.
You have a generous heart.

But all of these pale in comparison to watching you begin to follow Christ with your life. Being able to baptize you yesterday was one of the highlights of my life and I’ll never forget that moment.

Remember son that yesterday was not the finish line but the starting point. God has an amazing adventure planned for you and I want to encourage you to trust Him at every turn. Over and over again you’ll face situations where you’ll be tempted to give into fear but I pray you’ll choose faith. You’ll be temped to control but remember freedom comes in letting go. You’ll be drawn toward comfort but I pray you’ll choose sacrifice. You will feel all alone but remember God promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Your mother and I pray for you every day and I know there are hundreds of others that join with us praying for your protection and spiritual growth. I can’t wait to see what God’s going to do through you Jett.

I love you son,

dad

Bellevue Campus Update

November 21, 2009 in Cross Point Church with 8 Comments

I’m excited about updating everyone tomorrow at Cross Point on how things are going with Faith, Hope, & Love. God’s doing some amazing things!

Had a blast today out at the future home of the Bellevue Campus with tons of volunteers who showed up to help with demolition.

Here’s a quick video of Justin Davis, the Bellevue campus pastor, giving us an update on construction and how we’re trying to save money on the expansion. I love the way Cross Point always works hard to be good financial stewards.

Bellevue Campus Update from Pete Wilson on Vimeo.

Romantic Vampires?

November 20, 2009 in Random Fun, Relationships with 100 Comments

Listen, I know men are weird. I know you ladies often wonder what in the world attracted you to us in the first place. You wonder…

-Why do men always have to buy the biggest and most expensive version of everything? We’re utterly consumed by the latest weed-eater, shopvac, knife, or electronic gadget.

-Why do men always think they can fix things? I’m sure women often wonder why we haven’t figured out after a hundred failed attempts this just isn’t our gift. While we can take apart everything from the TV to the garbage disposal, our expertise usually fails us when we go to put something back together. At this point we’re generally satisfied to leave it in pieces spread out all over the kitchen counter for weeks at a time.

-Why are men fascinated with video games? I believe most women are generally united in their disgust that men can throw so much of their life away playing a stupid video game until the wee hours of the morning. Somehow they don’t understand that this electronic therapy is our version of a day at the spa.

-Why do men think they’re so funny? While most women would say they desire a man with a good sense of humor that generally means something different than a guy whose own bodily noises can make him laugh so hard he almost pees in his pants.

Ladies, I know we have some complexities but nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the crazy obsession you grown women have with vampires. I know, I know, it’s perfectly healthy and normal to be 34 and wearing a “Team Edward” t-shirt while waiting in ridiculously long lines at the theater. I mean who wouldn’t be into pasty white men who sparkle and have really sharp teeth?

Please be patient with us ignorant men as we try to figure out how in the heck lusting after these immortal stalkers who are lured in by the scent of your “sweet blood” and have to fight the desire to eat you for a snack is somehow romantic.

But don’t worry about us. While you’re at the movies this weekend we’ll be at home fixing things, playing video games until late at night, and still laughing at our own bodily noises. Go Team Edward!

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