what do you do when God says 'no'?

Difficult time this week for several in our church family, as a long vigil of intercessory prayer on behalf of someone we love ended in death..... despite so many seeming answers to prayer along the way.....despite so many intercessors believing together.....despite prophetic words.....despite apparent breakthroughs at different points over the five-month struggle.

Last Sunday I talked a bit about the Shunnamite woman and how we sometimes want something so bad that we're afraid to believe for it, because the disappointment of not receiving would be too difficult to handle. But this was different...we were believing....we were praying... we were expecting.

This much I know: we don't know. As believers, we will not always have the answer to every situation that life throws at us. But we can trust.

My wife has pointed out to me that that's really what faith is all about - not just believing God for what we want to receive, but trusting Him even when we don't receive.

It probably doesn't make it any easier for us, but it's the genuine comfort that I know we can stand upon. His grace really is sufficient, and it really is made perfect in our weakness. So keep trusting Him, regardless.....

relevance v. boredom

Twice this week I came face to face with the importance for pastors and churches to be relevant - obviously, not at the expense of the message (which never changes), but in our methods (which must be updated lest we become obsolete).

Both of my 'encounters' were in religious settings - and what's truly sad is that both presentations were, no doubt, quite effective in their day. But that day has long since passed us by, and try as I might, even as a 'man of the cloth', I found myself fighting sleep and stifling yawns.

I sometimes think the cardinal sin of churches and preachers is to take the most incredible message of GOOD NEWS ever given to the world and present it in such an outdated, culturally ilrelevant way that our hearers tune us out. What do you think?

As for me and CLC, I never wanna be guilty....

Sunday afternoon reflections...

Wow. WOW! What a 17th anniversary party we had! Last night's concert/CD release with Crystal Petrovic was just a terrific evening of great music, and then today.....what can I say? I preached myself hoarse in the first service, but ya'll pulled it out of me again at 11:15 anyway.

The anointing that I sensed in the House, and especially on the word that awakened me at 4am this morning, "I see wagons coming" - well, you just had to be here. And that choir! Israel Houghton may have just written "The Blessing of Abraham" and recorded it recently, but nobody does it better than you guys!

It's been a long time since I had this much fun in church. Don't you dare miss this next couple of weekends - we're 'getting the how out' of CLC and declaring that 'what God said, He will do!'

Stake your claim this week!

Love-Hate relationships

Well, I'm finally home - just 39 hours after my journey began in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, I walked into my own house again. As I reflected on the last 12 days, I realized what love-hate relationships are:

* I hate the whole process involved in boarding a plane - the extra security checks since 9/11, the standing in lines, the confusion of not knowing where to go in strange airports, the waiting around the gate, the often-rude airline agents, but... I love meeting new people at my destination and seeing the incredible diversity of The Church of Jesus Christ and feeling a part of that universal Body of Christ!

* I hate how I feel with jetlag, not enough rest from the long flights in cramped seats, and the whole travel experience to get to an overseas conference, but.....I love being overseas and connecting with national pastors and leaders, most of whom have had little in the way of formal Bible training and who are so hungry for teaching they literally pull it out of me!

* I hate being a 'spoiled American', but that's the best way to describe my adjustment to the myriad of inconveniences, like not having a shower head in the hotel bathroom and being forced to bathe with one of those little handheld deals (told you I'm spoiled) but....I love meeting and interacting with the national pastors and leaders and sharing meals and good conversation with them, learning from them and getting stretched beyond my little world!

* I hate saying 'goodbye' to newly-aquired international friends and packing overstuffed suitcases with the extra gifts and stuff that always seem to accompany any trip...but I love knowing that I'm going to be back home with Chris and my family and friends (I'm always ready to leave about a day or two before the trip actually ends)!

* I hate airline delays, missed flights, airport workers who think their uniform gives them a right to make life miserable for everyone else, and sometimes seemingly "I don't give a rip, I'm just collecting a paycheck" airline employees, but...I love getting into my seat for that final flight and knowing the next time I disembark, I'll be seeing Chris!

* I hate waiting at baggage claim (it's always the worst part of the trip for me), but....I love coming home to Jasper and Pedro's ecstatic greeting at my back door!

Well, that's my list....how 'bout you? Any love-hate relationships in your life? Oh, one more....I'd hate for you to miss this weekend and our 17th anniversary celebration, but....I'd love to see you at CLC personally, 'cause it's gonna be a weekend to remember, as we "Claim our Stake and Stake our Claim on our incredible inheritance!

Headed HOME.....changed!

In about an hour, I begin the trip to Jo'burg to catch my flight HOME, and I'm ready! I left Chicago 11 days ago hoping to have an impact on the pastors and leaders in the two conferences sponsored by Reconciliation! Ministries, but as I head back today I realized that I am the one who's been changed by my experience in South Africa.

Truly I was impacted by the pastors and leaders that I met in both Witbank and Pietermaritzburg, and I will not soon forget their passion and hunger for the things of God. It was a real joy to share with them from the Word and from my pastoral experience. But what has changed with me is the result of new relationships with the fellow team members of Reconciliation! and our leader, Bishop Joseph Garlington.

From the time my wife and I chose to leave our former denomination over 13 years ago, we have longed for genuine relationships with other pastors - because we were in affect walking away from over 20 years of relationships with people we had loved and served with - to enter a new world of 'nondenominationalism'. I certainly don't have any regrets about that decision at all, but I can't tell you how good it feels to finally be connected with a network of like-minded pastors. More than that, I began to build some genuine friendships with pastors from Kalamazoo, Detroit, Cincinnati, Shreveport, Knoxville, Atlanta and New Jersey.

Most importantly, after hearing Bishop Garlington's message about ministry sons, I'm coming home with a new father - my love for Bishop and his wife has grown even greater than before. My goal is to raise up genuine sons at CLC so that together we can do what God has called us to do in the greater Chicagoland region, and in the nations!

Can't wait to see you all this weekend - it's gonna be GOOD!

ANTICIPATION.....

Ever been to Disneyworld and heard the little song, "Imagination"? (I'm sure there must be other words in the lyrics as well, but all I ever remember is that one word over and over again.). That's the tune stuck in my head this morning, except the word is 'Anticipation'!

Now part of that is no doubt because I'm anticipating my return from South Africa tomorrow. Those who know me well know that I don't do long trips well, and after 10 days away from Chris....well, let's just say I'm already anticipating being back home in her arms! These back-to-back pastor's conferences in Witbank and Pietermaritzburg have truly been blessed, but I'm ready to be home!

But I'm also anticipating our 17th Anniversary weekend at CLC this Saturday with a great CD debut concert with our own Crystal Petrovic, followed by two great celebrations on Sunday at 9 and 11:15 a.m.! I'm truly anticipating that God is going to meet with us in a significant way, and I hope you'll come expecting with me....can't wait to see you all again!

Do you love YOUR pastor?

That's not an insecure preacher fishin' for a compliment. It's just my honest musing after tonight's service at the Reconciliation Ministries Conference in South Africa. See, in January I asked Bishop Joseph Garlington to be MY pastor (even pastors need to be pastored), and as he ministered tonight I was moved to tears of gratitude that he is MY pastor! As I reflected afterwards, I knew I needed to express that to him, and I did.

That's what made me wonder - do other folks feel that way? I hope so.....'Cause it sure is a good feeling!

enjoy your work?

If you're a carpenter, do you look at your work at the end of the day with a smile at what you've made? If you're an office worker, do you have a feeling of satisfaction when you see the pile on your desk grow smaller and smaller?

Boy, I realized this morning after teaching about 40 hungry pastors and leaders at this conference in South Africa about "Kingdom Finances" just how much I receive while teaching God's Word. They were so eager for the information they just pulled it out of me, and I felt so good when it was over - fulfilled!

But there's no place like home and no people like CLC - can't wait to share the Word with you this Sunday! Don't you dare miss our 17th anniversary!!!

receiving the Holy Spirit in South Africa...

Last night was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had! At the opening service of the second Pastor's conference we're doing - this one in Pietermartitzburg (about an hour from Durban) Bishop Joseph Garlington preached about the gift of tongues and the Holy Spirit baptism. He gave the simplest explanation that I've ever heard, with clear, logical, specific instructions for anyone who wanted to receive, and about 50 people came forward. What happened next is what was so incredible....as I watched and prayed with them, each person received and began speaking in tongues as easily and gently as I have ever seen - almost all of them were actually speaking before I could even lay hands on them. Absolutely awesome!!!

I've been in meetings overseas where more people received (sometimes hundreds or even over a thousand in one service), but I've never seen it so easy and I've never seen everyone filled - but it happened in Pietermartitzburg last night at City Harvest Church!

prophetic words in South Africa!

On the closing service in Witbank, Bishop Joseph Garlington called my daughter Jen (who actually picked me up at Jo'burg and spent the first week here with me) to the front and proceeded to minister to her. In a matter of minutes, she received prophetic ministry from four other seasoned prophetic ministers from the Reconciliation! Ministries network, and each one was incredibly timely and specific! I was moved to tears by the words she received for her future, and amazed at our God again - at the very season we're emphasizing prophetic words at CLC, He demonstrates to me here in South Africa that He knows our name and the plans He has for us. Can't wait to get home this weekend and share in our 17th Anniversary Celebration - I'm telling you now - you don't want to miss the opportunity to "Claim Your Stake and Stake Your Claim!"

South Africa Pastor's Conferences

Finally got a chance to get online - that's been a story in itself. But my experience here has been nothing short of awesome! The first conference in Witbank (about an hour's drive from Johannesburg) was wonderful, as the pastors & leaders were so hungry they just pulled the teaching out of me. I did workshops each day on "Kingdom Finances" and "The Successful Pastor", and even though the schedule was intended for participants to rotate thru various workshops, I found my group kept coming back for more each day, and I thoroughly enjoyed pouring into them.

Off to South Africa....

Well, I'm headed to Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday for my first missions trip of 2007. I'll be teaching a couple of sessions each day for back-to-back Pastor's conferences in Witbank and Pietermaritzburg along with some other American pastors from Reconciliation Ministries! (a network of churches led by Bishop Joseph Garlington). Of course, Bishop Garlington will be ministering in the night sessions, so that will be a special treat as well.

I'm also looking forward to spending a day-and-a-half with my daughter, Jen, at the mission base of Thrive Africa in Harrismith, before returning to CLC in time for our 17th Anniversary weekend, including a CD release concert featuring the music of our very own Crystal Petrovic.

Hopefully, I can get online from South Africa to let you know about the meetings. Meanwhile, mark your calendar for March 25 when we'll celebrate the past 17 years by "claiming our stake and staking our claim" to the prophecies and promises God has made! Trust me, you don't want to miss it!!!

Chase the Lion tour

It's official - CLC is going to host Mark Batterson this summer during his "Chase the Lion" tour. I've written about his latest book, "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day" before, and I'm really excited about having him minister at CLC. Mark your calendar for August 11/12!

from one of our CLC'ers

Here is an email i got from one of our CLC'ers i'd like to pass on.........

"I don't have to attend CLC but I choose to do so. I shared the unspoken pressure I felt from others to remain in a "Black church". It's a historical thing I believe. (one we have got to put to rest if we are truly going to be obedient to God because it creates unnecessary division) But believe God is with me wherever I am. I have come to understand that I am called to love my brother and sister as God loves me. I cannot do that if I isolate myself from my brothers and sisters. One of the weapons the devil uses is our own ignorance-- lack of knowledge and misinformation. When I came to that understanding I was ready to draw even closer to God. I want to know more about people-- accepting the differences yet acknowledging that we are all the same. There is such a welcoming spirit, acceptance, and overwhelming peace and love at CLC that can only be God. I am so thankful to be here and part of the family. You have taught me so much and I have grown tremendously--yet I have so much more growth ahead of me. Thank you for all you do in helping me to become the person God intends me to be. Love, Peace and Much Gratitude,Maureen "

If you didn't have to, would you still worship here?

Interesting post at Monday Morning Insight (which I read almost every Monday morning) - and my wife and I can definitely answer question #1 in the affirmative.

We've pastored since 1977, and I can honestly say (and often do) that CLC is the first church we've served that, if we were laypeople living in this area, this is where we'd go to church.

It's not that I think CLC is perfect (it couldn't be with me as pastor), but it is comprised of folks who sincerely love Jesus and are trying to walk with Him daily. And our racial mix (roughly one-third white, 60% black, and 7% Hispanic or Asian) just makes everything more fun - I mean seriously, I'd never want to go back to pastoring an all-white congregation again. The diversity that God has created and the richness of gifts we each bring to the table is simply awesome.

If you live in the south suburbs of Chicagoland, I dare you to come check it out for yourself!

backsliding...

While we were attending the Global Advance Pastor's Retreat in Branson, MO this week, we sat up near the front, as is my custom. However, for one of the sessions, when we entered the room almost every seat was already taken, and we were forced to sit on the next-to-the-last row. Now, you have to remember that I'm always on the front row at CLC, and even when I go away to meetings elsewhere, I almost always sit near the front. Now I know why!

I was so distracted sitting in the back! Besides my ADD gifting (or probably because of it), I kept noticing other people in the room instead of focusing on the speaker. Weird! Anyway, it made me wonder how all the rest of you do it? I mean, the majority of people attending CLC do sit somewhere other than the front, and many do so week after week. How do you keep from getting distracted by all the stuff going on around you? I'm really curious.....lemme know.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles...and God's grace!

Strange week this was.....seems the builder/developer forgot to notify the water utility company back when we moved into our house a couple years ago and even though we had paid them all the necessary fees, somebody messed-up and we weren't billed for our water usage all this time. So when the water utility discovered the error, they came out and shut off our water without even telling us about the problem! This was Monday evening before we were scheduled to depart on Tuesday morning - so that made for an interesting evening to say the least. (We did get the water turned on just minutes before leaving on Tuesday).

Then yesterday we arrived at the Springfield, MO airport for our return home, only to learn our flight was cancelled because of weather in Chicago, and there were no other flights from that small airport until today. So we rented a car to drive the 500 miles home, and kept a good attitude about the inconvenience. As soon as we pulled out of the parking lot, I noticed the fancy computerized dash was indicating a problem with the tire pressure on the left front tire, but decided to wait until we stopped for lunch in 30 minutes or so. However, while looking for a fast food spot off the expressway, doing 70 mph (legally) on I-44, a semi-truck decided to move into our lane - completely forcing us off the road at 70 mph!

I still don't know how we avoided a disaster - he didn't hit us and we didn't flip the car in the median....but when we stopped to check the tire pressure a few minutes later, we discovered that each tire was over-inflated, but that the left front was over-inflated by more than twice the recommended pressure - and that's the tire that first went off the road and into the median - which sounds to me like a recipe for a blowout and who knows what.

God's grace is real, and I'm praising Him today that even though the enemy may try to kill us, He has angels protecting us!

blogging 'conversations'

I've been reading & hearing a lot lately about how blogging is unlike TV or radio, which is just one-way communication, in that it enables people to connect with each other via 'conversations' - but it's dawned on me that since I started this well over a year ago, I think the most comments ever generated was 4, and the overwhelming majority of my posts produce nada, zippo, nothing in the way of online conversation.

Soooo, I'm wondering, is it because my posts: (a) are so boring that you don't want to comment; or (b) are so thoroughly complete that there's nothing left for you to say; or (c) there's only 4 of you reading this stuff!!!

Just this one-time, humor me and respond with a comment - it can be as simple as A, B, or C - but let me know you're out there (if you are out there). Thanks,

How do you spell 'relationships'?

Chris & I are still at the Global Advance pastor's retreat in Branson, and I finally realized something today - often, at these type gatherings I tend to feel a little out-of-place, seeing that so many of the pastors here are long-time friends and they naturally gravitate to each other during the fellowship times. It dawned on me that Chris & I 'lost' 20 years of relationships when we walked away from our former denomination in the early days of CLC, so we are playing 'catch-up' now. You know what? That is hard, but it's so worth it!

Relationships do take time to establish, and even more time to maintain. But it's what we were created for, and deep within, it's what we all want - to know and be known. I'm going to be preaching that this weekend, so CLCers, invite a friend to join you - it's gonna be good!