#550 - INFINITY: FOR MY GOOD AND GOD'S GLORY

in

Though there are many reasons why I have entrusted my life to Jesus Christ and made Him the Lord of my life, His infinitude is a characteristic that I find myself particularly grateful for today. There are an infinite number of ways His infinitude impacts my life, but here are three benefits that stand out to me at this point in my life:

1. INFINITELY LOVED BY THE GOD OF INFINITE LOVE

For starters, God's infinitude means He has an infinite amount of love, grace, mercy, compassion, and kindness for me! Unlike me and my love for others, His love has no end. His grace knows no bounds. His mercies are new every morning. His compassion is everlasting and His kindness is never ending! God will never experience fatigue by loving me and, for this, I am amazed!

2. INFINITELY PROVIDED FOR BY THE GOD OF INFINITE PROVISION

Secondly, God's infinitude means He is able to provide for me in an infinite amount of ways. I am not limited to experiencing the provision of God only through a paycheck. Though a paycheck may be one way of God displaying His ability to provide, it's definitely not the only way! God's infinitude means He can provide through divine partnerships, spontaneous gifts, anonymous contributions, unexpected generosity, and sovereign connections. Though there is a limit on how much time I have to earn a living, God, in His infinitude, has no limit on how He can provide for my life!

3. INFINITELY ASSURED BY THE GOD OF INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

Finally, God's infinitude means there are infinite possibilities in regards to how He will bring His will for my life to pass. I don't have to worry about how and when it's all going to happen! Though there is nothing wrong at all with a "career path" and its predictability, I'd rather go on a "faith journey" with the God of infinity! With an infinite God, there are an infinite number of doors He can open so my gifts can be used to glorify Him. There are an infinite number of opportunities He can make available so my passions can be used to extend His Kingdom here on earth. There are an infinite number of relationships He can connect me to so His love can be experienced through my life. 

I worship and adore God Almighty for His infinitude! My hope is that as I open myself up to His infinite ways, my life will give Him infinite praise!

#549 - THE LOST ART OF HONOR

I admit. Many times, I have believed the lie that I am where I am because I have put myself here. It has been my work, my gifting, my planning, and my follow through that has led to my "success." I couldn't be more arrogant. I couldn't be more dishonoring.

I am where I am because I am privileged to stand on the shoulders of many great men and women (both near and far) who have gone before me and taken an interest in me. These people are worthy of honor.

In attempt to recover the "lost art of honor," the following is an "open letter" to all those who have made a difference in my life over the years.

Dear Difference Maker...

Without your investment in me, I would not be who I am today. Without the opportunities you've extended to me, I would not be where I am today. Without your patience with me, I would not be what I am today.

I HONOR YOU.

For your faithfulness. For your longevity. For your sacrifice. For your humility. For your willingness. For your love.

I HONOR YOU.

Thank you for leading the way. Thank you for making the commitment. Thank you for enduring the pain. Thank you for withstanding the criticism. Thank you for investing the time. Thank you for carrying the burden.

I HONOR YOU.

You could have quit. You could have given up. You could have chosen neglect. You could have chosen mediocrity. You could have made excuses. You could have found a way out. But you didn't. Instead, you chose faithfulness.

I HONOR YOU.

Your impact is deeper than you know. Your influence is wider than you see. Your legacy is broader than you understand.

I HONOR YOU.

May my honor to you be a sign of my thankfulness for you.

A humble beneficiary of your life well lived,

Edward Paz

#548 - THE POSTURE OF A LIFELONG LEARNER

in

Less you, more others.
Less words, more silence.
Less hubris, more humility.
Less talking, more listening.
Less answering, more asking.
Less leading, more following.
Less assurance, more wonder.
Less explaining, more inquiring.
Less authority, more submission.
Less statements, more questions.
Less assuming, more investigating.

LESS EGO. LESS EGO. LESS EGO.

Where ego is present, learning is absent.

#547 - TWO DOORS

in

There are two types of doors.
I'd like you to know.
Two types you'll encounter
On the road as you go.

The first is the kind
you must push to get through.
With this type of door
the main character is you.

You have to work.
You have to fight.
To get through this door
You must use all your might.

Though there is some relief
when you finally get in.
The main problem is with
the tension within.

Was this a door
that I was to open?
Because if it was
why do I feel broken?

It's almost as if
it wasn't meant to be.
There's no calm. There's no peace.
On the inside of me.

But the second type of door
It's totally different.
When you see it you'll know.
You'll know in an instant.

Instead of your will.
Instead of determination.
This type of door
is marked by invitation.

Invitation to come.
Invitation to be a part.
Invitation to join.
Invitation to start.

When you walk through this door
It doesn't feel forced
But instead it feels like
By God it's endorsed!

These are the doors
you should wait patiently for.
These are the doors
when they open - don't ignore.

So why do I explain
the two doors that exist?
It's only because
 I must challenge how you persist.

It's not that I think
your hard work isn't okay.
I'd just like you to consider:

IS GOD PAVING THE WAY?
 

#546 - MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SIMPLE COMMUNICATION

in

Simple is not shallow. Simple is not lazy. Simple is not uneducated.

Simple doesn't mean you can't say more, simple means you choose not to say more. Simple doesn't mean you don't know more, simple means you choose not to share everything you know. Simple doesn't mean you can't talk longer, simple means you choose not to talk longer because you understand that longer doesn't always mean better!

When it comes to communication, simple is helpful. Simple is understandable. Simple is palatable. 

Simplicity serves your listeners. Complexity doesn't. 

Simple shows you care. Simple shows you're willing to work hard to prepare so your listener doesn't have to work hard to understand. Simple reveals you're more interested in what the audience understands than in how you're perceived.  

Keep your communication simple.

The strength in your communication is not in what is said, but in what is understood.

#545 - SERVE

in

With your time. With your energy. With your emotions. With your gifts. With your strengths. With your weaknesses. With your uniqueness.

SERVE.

Regardless of whether or not you are appreciated. Regardless of whether or not you are compensated. Regardless of whether or not you are applauded.

SERVE.

Not to make a name for yourself. Not in your own power. Not for your own glory.

SERVE.

In the name of Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit. For the glory of God.

SERVE.

"...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

SERVE.

 

#544 - RUNNING OUT OF GAS

Though God is moving mightily. Though lives are changing dramatically. Though the staff is working together healthily. Though doors are being opened surprisingly. Though favor is being experienced abundantly. Though 99% of the work I am privileged to do, I do joyfully. 

I AM EXHAUSTED. 

I write this not to whine, complain, or gain sympathy, but just to provide an honest assessment of my current physical and emotional state. Involving myself in an extended fast while leading our church community to do the same is taxing not only on the body, but on the spirit as well. 

Contrary to what people may believe, fasting is not easier for me because I am a pastor. Confrontational conversations are not easier for me because I am a pastor. Loss is not easier because I am a pastor. Actually, nothing is really easier because I am a pastor! What is hard for most people, is hard for me too!   

BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL.

I trust Him to give me exactly what I need when I need it. I trust Him to be for me exactly who I need Him to be for me when I need it. I trust Him to be in complete control while simultaneously being completely aware of my needs. 

WHAT GOD HAS CALLED ME TO, HE IS WITH ME THROUGH. 

And, that, is all the hope I need. 

#543 - WHEN PRAISE IS MY PRIORITY

in

When my praise, adoration, and worship of God's nature, characteristics, and attributes is my priority...

Sin becomes less attractive.
Worry becomes less present.
Ambition becomes less selfish.
Fear becomes less debilitating.
Desire becomes less consuming.
Petition becomes less necessary.

Because, when praise is my priority...

God becomes more capable.
God becomes more beautiful,
God becomes more powerful.
God becomes more enjoyable.
God becomes more admirable.
God becomes more wonderful.

WHEN PRAISE IS MY PRIORITY, AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING PEACE IS MY REALITY.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace. 

 

#542 - ON GOD'S HOLINESS

in

Because God's Holiness is real...

God's will is final.
God's purity is perfect.
God's sovereignty is total.
God's power is matchless.
God's wrath is devastating.
God's size is inconceivable.
God's knowledge is infinite.
God's love is uncontainable.
God's worthiness is supreme.
God's character is immutable.
God's judgement is thorough.
God's creativity is unmatchable.
God's competition is non-existent.

Because God's Holiness is real... 

GOD'S GRACE IS SCANDALOUS.

#541 - ON BEING "PETTY"

in

The picture. The tweet. The subtweet. The comment. The "like." The non-like. The non-invite. The good time that people are having without you. The "shade."

STOP READING INTO IT SO MUCH.

What if it wasn't done on purpose? What if it wasn't directed towards you. What if it wasn't intended to make you jealous? What if it was posted, liked, and/or commented on without you in mind AT ALL? What if?

WHAT IF, IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU?

Why are we so quick to think that when people engage with social media, they always have US on their minds? That's not just presumptuous, that's arrogant!

And even if it is about you (because I know sometimes it is!), I think it's important for all of us to remember:

A PETTY REACTION TO A PETTY ACTION IS PETTY.

#540 - SUNDAY AFTERNOON ENCOURAGEMENT

in

You prepared like it's the last message you'd ever preach. You prayed like it's the last message you'd ever preach. You preached like it's the last message you'd ever preach. 

Now, all you can do is rest. 

Don't overly concern yourself with the impact. Don't insecurely fish for the feedback. Don't mistakenly overestimate or underestimate your effectiveness.

Your work is through. You did all that you could do. Your only job now is to trust God to do all that He can do. 

And He can do marvelous things!

#539 - WHY LISTENING MATTERS

in

Listen. To what people are saying. To how people are responding. To when people are silent. To who people are trusting. To where people are turning. To why people are leaving.

Listen. To doubts. To fears. To hesitations. To questions. To concerns. To hurts. To hangups. 

Listen. To hopes. To dreams. To aspirations. To ambitions. To longings. 

Listen. When it's offensive. When it's critical. When it's condemning. When it's personal. When it's accusatory. 

LISTEN.

Not only are people longing to be heard, but they are longing to be spoken to in light of how they feel. 

#538 - TWO TYPES OF LIFE

in

Joy that is deeper.
Grace that is wider.
Purpose that is grander. 
Love that is better.
Peace that is quieter. 
Forgiveness that is fuller. 
Strength that is stronger. 
Reality that is better. 
Future that is brighter.

This is the result of a life lived in full submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And, for me, this isn't theory. I have experienced this "better" life.

Unfortunately, I have also experienced another type of life:

Joy that is shallow.
Grace that is limited.
Purpose that is temporal.
Love that is fleeting.
Peace that is elusive.
Forgiveness that is earned.
Strength that is exhausting.
Reality that is dim.
Future that is feared.

This is the result of a life lived in submission to the Lordship of Me. This also isn't theory. I have also experienced this "lesser" life.

The moral of the story is this:

In complete submission to Christ there is freedom. In complete submission to Self there is slavery.

Choose this day whom you will serve.

#536 - THE EXPLANATION FOR SO MUCH THAT IS UNEXPLAINABLE IN MY LIFE

I open doors that no man can open. I create opportunities that you could never have created on your own. I make connections that you could never make.

Who am I?

I bestow upon you gifts disproportionate to others. I encourage you with affirmation from unlikely places. I extend to you training others don't have access to.

Who am I?

I put you in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.

Who am I?

I allow you to be well-received, appreciated, and applauded where others like you aren't. 

Who am I?

You can't create me. You can't control me. You can't command me. All you can do is appreciate me when I decide to show up, and I recommend that you do, because, you have no idea when I will grace you with my presence again.

Who am I?

I AM THE FAVOR OF GOD. 

#535 - A PRAYER OF DESPERATION

Heavenly Father,

For reasons unknown to me, You have graced me with yet another opportunity to serve You in a capacity that is way beyond my current skill, experience, and expertise. And though I'm excited, I'm feeling way in over my head. 

I need Your comfort. I need Your peace. I need Your rest.

Help me to trust that the same grace that has brought me to this opportunity will be the same grace that gets me through this opportunity.  Help me to believe that the same God who opened the door will be the same God who walks with me through the door. Help me to expect that the same Holy Spirit who saved me will be the same Holy Spirit who will speak through me. 

You are God. I am just Your vessel. I am responsible for the natural. You are responsible for the supernatural. I am responsible for the preparation. You are responsible for the power. I am responsible for sowing the seed. You are responsible for making it grow.

I submit every thought, plan, and word to You. Not my will, but Your will be done. Not my words, but Your words be said. Not my ways, but Your ways be followed. 

I pray this in Jesus name (the only One who makes a relationship with You possible),

Amen. 

#534 - A SURE SIGN OF IMMATURITY

in

Apologize.

Allow the words, "I'm sorry" to come out of your mouth, quickly, without an excuse or a defense. When you've been made aware of your misstep, own it and take responsibility with a timely admission of guilt. 

The longer you wait, the longer you allow for hurt to linger. The more you attempt to explain it away, the less validation you will extend to the offended. The longer you delay, the more time you allow for bitterness to build. 

Apologize, and pay attention.

If you can't remember the last time you extended an apology, this, very likely, is a sign of immaturity. 

Everyone messes up, sometimes. 

You're not the exception. 

#533 - WHY TODAY MATTERS

in

There will come a day when the opportunity will come.

Your art will be given a platform. Your passion will be given a spotlight. Your dream will be given a chance.

I don't know when that day will be, where it will occur, or who will be there to see it take place. 

All I know, is that when the moment comes, your practice, your preparation, and your planning, will be put on display. For better or for worse, you will be exposed. 

Your work ethic will be exposed. Your dedication to your craft will be exposed. Your potential will be exposed.

And so it is with all this in mind that I encourage you:

Practice TODAY. Prepare TODAY. Plan TODAY. Reimagine it TODAY. Rehearse it TODAY. Refine it TODAY.   

The magnificence, beauty, and awe that you desire people to experience, from your work, someday, is depending on the commitment you put into your work, TODAY. 

#532 - WE LABOR FOR THIS

in

Hope is extended.
Grace is received.
Salvation is experienced.
Burdens are relieved.
Lives are renewed.
Friendships are formed.
God is worshipped.
Christ is exalted.
The Spirit is enjoyed.
Wounds are healed.
Marriages are strengthened.
Communities are served.
The Gospel is spread.
The Kingdom is advanced.
God's will is accomplished!

Pastor, these are the fruits of your labor. Don't grow weary. The difference that is being made is worth the price that is being paid.  

#531 - ON CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

in

Tonight is a very big night in the life and history of theMOVEMENT Church. For the first time in our 4+ year history, following a fairly rigorous, thorough process, we are affirming members into our congregation and committing ourselves to serve and love each other in intentional ways. 

We have been working on and working through this process for about a year, and I have learned a lot. And, in a day and age when church membership and membership “covenants” may seem like an antiquated thing, I think it is wise for me to attempt to articulate what I have learned about what church membership is and what it isn’t.

WHAT CHURCH MEMBERSHIP ISN’T

  • It isn’t prescribed, nor is it very well described in the New Testament.

  • It isn’t a command of Christ.

  • It isn’t intended to create a “higher class” of Christian. 

  • It isn’t for everybody.

WHAT CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IS

  • It is implied throughout the New Testament.

  • It is necessary to follow the commands of Christ. 

  • It is intended to create a higher degree of responsibility between the pastors and the congregation. 

  • It is for everybody with a desire for accountability towards holiness and a willingness to submit to pastoral leadership.

I know myself and our church has a lot to learn as it relates to facilitating and carrying out a membership process, but I am confident that God is honored by efforts! Like everything else we do, we will humbly carry out what we believe God is calling us to do, how He is leading us to do it, until He notifies us differently! Stay tuned!