Show up and breathe...

Confession time. I have been watching war movies of late. Particularly Vietnam war movies. Some of them are revisionist history, I realize. But I am still impressed with the courage of those soldiers fighting what seems to be an un-winable war. Most of the time the odds were overwhelming.

We can feel like that at times. Okay, most of the time. We can feel overwhelmed with struggles, sin, and circumstances. And we all have concerns about the decline of the world around us.

And on top of this, we are “promised” that lawlessness will increase and that a great rebellion against God will come headed by a powerful “man of lawlessness” (2 Thess 2:3-12). How can anyone hope to stand against wickedness? What will it take to defeat such powerful evil? What would our champion, Jesus, have to do to overcome such overwhelming odds?

How about, oh, show up and breathe?!

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:8; “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.”

All Jesus has to do to totally decimate his (and our) enemies is show up and breathe. The brilliance of his appearing will be absolutely awe-inspiring marvelous to his people (2 Thess 1:10). The same appearing will be absolutely disintegrating to his enemies. How absolutely mind-blowing crazy will be that vision on that day?! Can we even wrap our minds around that?

So then, let us stand firm in our faith, increase in our love, be stedfast in our hope and abound in “every good work and word” (2 Thess 2:17) as we look toward that day!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness!
Pastor Tom

Book Review: Stuck: Navigating the Transitions of Life and Leadership by Terry Walling

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Building on the work of Robert Clinton, Walling focuses on helping the reader to recognize and navigate through times of transitions in his life. Walling first defines a transition as, “...the in-between time in the life development of a Christ follower. In a transition, individuals consolidate past learning, process issues of character, deepen convictions and values, and are prepared for the the next phase of their development. Transitions bring closure to the past in order to move forward to the next stage of personal development.” He then leads the reader through the “Life Cycle” of a transition: 1) Entry, 2) Evaluation, 3) Alignment, and 4) Direction. He targets three main transitions (awakening, deciding, and maturing) carefully placing each transitions on the timeline of one’s life. Walling concludes with a section on getting the most out of each transition. Walling approaches the subject from a Christian perspective informed by leadership theory and life experiences.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

There is much to like about Stuck. I found myself identifying with the thoughts and feelings associated with the various stages. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, therefore the reader will benefit from anticipating upcoming transition periods in his life so he can recognize the confusion and doubts that inevitably accompany each transition. Also, the sections of reflection questions offer the reader opportunities to go deeper into the concepts Walling introduces. He is very hopeful for those who may realize they are stuck in transition due to a robust view of the benevolent sovereignty of God.

By way of critique, I have to question the “one size fits all” approach to transitions. I can think of many leader’s lives that just don’t fit the timeline or transition cycle. I realize that the author is using broad strokes, but Stuck would have benefited from more case studies and examples. I liked the big idea and resonated with its themes, but I am going to need more buy-in to be moved by this paradigm.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

To be honest, I feel I would have benefited more if I had taken the time to thoughtfully work through the reflection sections at the end of each chapter. However, I also got the impression that this journey would be best transversed with a coach or mentor who could bring an objective perspective. I do plan to revisit the section on the life-cycle of transition to discern where I might be on that continuum. I also look forward to Dr. Walling’s class to flesh out some of the details in this.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.106 “A sovereign mind-set believes that there is an ultimate, God-ordained purpose for our lives, whether seen or unseen. It believes that God is active, not passive. Regarding a Christ follower’s development, a sovereign mind-set believes that God can use life to shape life. It believes that a Christ follower can live a life of destiny. Each life in God’s economy is part of an ultimate grand narrative. It is about taking the deep theological truth of sovereignty, and making it immensely practical.”

Book Review - The Call by Os Guinness

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Os Guinness, a student of Francis Schaeffer and renown author, speaker, thinker has given a gift to the Christians community in his book The Call. Designed to be read as sort of a “daily devotional” The Call has twenty six chapters exploring the meaning of God’s call on one’s life. Guinness considers topics ranging from discerning one’s vocation to finding meaning in the menial. With thoughtful reflection, provoking anecdotes, and piercing analysis Guinness helps the reader develop a full-orbed vision of what it means to be called by God both spiritually and vocationally.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

I don’t think I can speak highly enough of this book. Guinness is not addressing the “how to” of leadership and vocation as much as the “why to.” Those looking for “three easy steps” to discern and develop ones calling will initially be put off by Guinness's philosophic style. But read on and you will discover a wealth of wisdom and insight not only in the area of calling, but into a spiritual worldview encompassing all of life. Those who struggle with “how does my work matter to God?” will especially be glad they gave Guinness the investment. Guinness is a stellar model of good writing, intellectual thinking, and warm communication. The quotes and stories are worth the price of the book themselves.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

The chapter entitled “Patches of Godlight” moved me to tears. I don’t know if I have ever read anyone who so skillfully articulates the path to finding “splendor in the ordinary”. I plan to reread this book in the daily reading format in which it was designed. I would also love to use The Call in a group study with other men who are seeking out greater meaning in their jobs. Guinness is also helpful in seeing ones’ work as vocation and not simply occupation.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.25 “Only when we respond to Christ and follow his call do we become our real selves and come to have personalities of our own. So when it comes to identity. Modern people have things completely back to front: Professing to be unsure of God, they pretend to be sure of themselves. Followers of Christ put things the other way around: Unsure of ourselves, we are sure of God.”

Book Review; Spiritual Leadership

Henry & Richard Blackaby. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2001. 305p.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

In the model of Oswald Sanders’ classic work, Spiritual Leadership, the father and son duo of Henry and Richard Blackaby have offered a comprehensive book on this crucial topic. In many ways the Blackabys build on Sanders, in many other ways they update and excel him. Drawing from historical, Biblical, and secular sources, Spiritual Leadership is well rounded, if it does paint with broad strokes. The authors address topics ranging from the leader’s vision to the leader’s integrity. After defining leadership as “moving people onto God’s agenda,” the Blackabys apply their theology of leadership in very practical ways. Each chapter offers summaries of the material covered and thought provoking questions to stimulate the reader to further thinking and action.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

I would recommend Spiritual Leadership to anyone in any leadership capacity. The authors are general enough that their points can be applied to both spiritual and secular leadership realms. Spiritual Leadership is well written and easily read by non-academics. The points are addressed to the leader’s outward life (communication, scheduling, and decision making) as well as the inner life (integrity and vision). In many ways, Spiritual Leadership now replaces the older classic works on Christian leadership.

The critiques I would offer are few: the misapplication of author’s intent when using Biblical examples (was Abraham intended as a case study in leadership?) and the dated examples used (our job market is clearly not as robust as it was when the book was written). But mostly I found myself wanting more. The section on the leader’s prayer life was excellent, but I could have used more than six pages.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

I can definitely see myself using this book in leadership development and training in my church. The accessibility of this book to laymen will make it effective both to application in the local church as well as enhancing leadership in the workplace and the home. The applications included in each chaper make the book very useful for leadership discussions in a group setting. Personally, I was challenged and convicted in a number of areas. For example, I need to ask myself, “Who are the key volunteers I need to spend more time with?” I was also challenged to spend more unhurried time with God and to eliminate time wasting technology.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.261 “Leaders should have before them the continual reminder that (a) their organization is more about people than it is about productivity; that (b) they are not indispensable; and that (c) the most effective, efficient thing that they can do for their organizations is to maintain a close, vibrant relationship with God”

The Curse of Passivity and the Glory of Action

“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Thess 1:11-12)

I have been so challenged by this passage and Paul’s passion for the Christ-followers in Thessalonica. Despite persecutions and afflictions (2 Thess 1:2-3) this church is growing in their faith and their love for one another is increasing too. Tough times are no obstacle for kingdom growth!

And instead of hunkering down in their Christian ghetto until the storm passes, Paul prays passionately for the believers. And his prayer for empowering and fulfillment assumes a couple of things:

1. These followers of Christ have desires (resolve) for good, and
2. These followers of Christ are doing works of faith.

You see, when a people are gripped with a vision of the glory of Christ, they begin to desire the same things the Lord desires. And there is nothing the Father is as passionate about as the fame, renown, and glory of his son Jesus! Everything about Jesus and everything Jesus did (particularly his work on the cross!) is glorious. And it will be clear when he returns to be marveled at among those who believe (2 Thess 1:10)! And when a people are gripped with such a vision, they get busy until that vision becomes a reality!

So people, what are we doing for the glory of Christ? What resolve/desires do we have for his fame? What works is our faith compelling us to engage in? We will cheer for our football teams, campaign for our candidates, even die for our country. What vision are we willing to die for? What vision are we willing to live for?

So, will you pray? Will you dream? Will you scheme and plan and work and fail and try again and press on and pray and sweat and love and share and dream some more until that day?

So please, share your “resolve for good” and your ideas for “every work of faith”. And may God deliver us from the curse of passivity and into the glory of action!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness!
Pastor Tom

Book Review: The Making of a Leader by Robert Clinton

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.
The Making of a Leader is a classic work of Robert Clinton’s in which he seeks to help the reader navigate the stages of leadership and thus make the most out of the leadership experience. Clinton identifies five developmental phases of the leader: Sovereign Foundations, Inner-Life Growth, Ministry Maturing, Life Maturing, and Convergence. He breaks down the crucial elements of each stage and proposes ideas on applying his analysis to the leader's life. Clinton develops his framework from case studies from the lives of Christian leaders and from these studies highlights his points. As a Christian, Clinton also looks toward biblical examples to buttress his material.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
Clinton has provided a well articulated and thorough framework by which any leader may evaluate his own life and look toward the next phase. One can easily recognize stages of leadership that one has passed through, successfully or not. He is very comprehensive in his study and thus provides many points for application and further consideration.
By way of critique, I wonder if Clinton’s framework derives from a study of biblical leadership or is simply his analysis supported by biblical and historical anecdotes. If one went to the Scriptures asking, “What does the Bible say about stages of leadership”, I’m not sure if Clinton’s categories would emerge as clearly as he articulates them. Much of his material rings true in a common sense sort of way, but one can easily find exceptions to the rule. Many leadership trajectories take tangential courses and one would like to think that a leader can re-invent himself along the journey. All in all though I would say that the Clinton’s pattern can be broadly applied. I think all his points are experienced by any leader, though not necessarily in the order Clinton suggests.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
I found Clinton’s section on the Word Check, the Obedience Check, and the Integrity Check in the early development of the leader to be a timely challenge to understand hardships and challenges in ministry to be divine opportunities for take one’s stand. Also, understanding leadership backlash was a very helpful section. His thinking on the deepening lessons of the life maturing process stressed the roles of trials in a leader’s life and focused on the importance of “being” over “doing”. As a leader, who you are is the only secure foundation on which to build what you do.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
p.197 “A leader is a person (1) with God-given capacity and (2) with God-given responsibility to influence (3) a specific group of God’s people (4) toward God’s purposes for the group.”

Book Review: Truefaced

TrueFaced: Bruce McNicoll, John Lynch and Bill Thrall, Colorado Spring. CO: NavPress, 2005, 160p

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.
Truefaced is a call by its authors to resist and recover from the pressure to conform to outward expectations, from oneself or from others, and to live authentic lives in the grip of God’s grace. Through personal anecdotes, theological reflections, Biblical insights, and post chapter summaries, the authors seek to challenge and equip the reader to shed mere appearances and discover the gifts of love, repentance, and forgiveness. The perspective is warmly evangelical and the approach is from a practical theology angle.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
TrueFaced is well written and balanced in content. The authors identify many “nerves” the reader will respond to. I found the most powerful metaphor to be the illustration of living in the “Room of Good Intentions” where the main value is “Striving to Be All God Wants Me to Be” versus living in the “Room of Grace” where to humbly trust God is to please Him. This dominating metaphor powerfully exposes the tension most Christians feel and calls us all back to grace. Also helpful was the material on the three phases of growing into maturity in the room of grace (healing the needy Christian, maturing the healing Christian, and releasing the maturing Christian.
In critique, I found the language to be a bit too “Eldridge-esque” for my tastes (“God dreams that you would discover your destiny and walk into the reasons he placed you on this earth..., A whole lot of folks are waiting for you to walk into your destiny and into their lives.”). Also, as I read I also often said to myself, “Good point, but _________ said it better”. Authors such as Jerry Bridges on grace, C.J. Mahaney on the Cross Centered Life, Tim Keller on idols of the heart, or Ken Sande on forgiveness, build a stronger theological case, with out the vague hint of Keswick quietism I tasted in a couple places. Finally, I’m not convinced that seeing oneself as a “saint who sins” rather than a “sinner saved by grace” is all that crucial. It did not seem to be important for Paul (1 Timothy 1:15) and can actually perpetuate the problem the authors seek to solve. Perhaps the classic “simil justus et peccator” will suffice in the end.


Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
As I mentioned above, the illustration of the two rooms was worth the price of the book. I found this an excellent way to frame the way we tend to approach God when we lose sight of grace. I found my self saying, “yep, I’ve spent some time in that room!” and “yes, my banner has been ‘working on my sin to achieve an intimate relationship with God.’” I find a concrete metaphor such as this very helpful in assessing my own spiritual direction and as a tool to counsel others who tend to “fall from grace” into personal achievement. The call to shed the slavery of keeping up appearances and to live “truefaced” is one that each Christian need to hear, and hear often.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
p.46 “Pleasing is not a means to our personal godliness, it is the fruit of our godliness for it is the fruit of trust. We will never please God through our efforts to become godly. Rather, we will only please God - and become godly - when we trust God”