Spiritual Growth
So, what’s with the Old Testament
It’s been one of those months. Everything I read, listen to and talk about seems to have a common theme. I should be excited, because when that happens it’s almost always God trying to speak. I guess it’s time to listen (c’mon McFly… McFly!). Although there is a bit more depth to it than this, … Continue reading
Don’t kill time, it’s innocent
I heard a phrase last week that I haven’t heard in a long while… think tank. I know that if you’re invited to be part of a think tank it is a compliment to your intelligence, experience or abilities. But, personally, I can’t think of much else I’d rather not do. The thought of thinking … Continue reading
No Lukewarm Turkey, Please
Normally, I do not blog more than once a week, but in my personal devotional time today the Lord gave me a pre-Thanksgiving message today. Let me stress, this was given to me, which means it was for me. I have no idea if this is anything anyone else needs to hear, but I will publicly process this and if it’s a blessing to anyone else, so be it.
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke directly to seven different church communities, and there was a pattern:
He introduced Himself
He commends the church
He rebukes the church
He offers a solution
He warns
He promises
Oddly, this last church on the list (Laodicea) is missing one of these elements… a commendation.
Ouch.
Apparently, what Jesus has to say to the church at Laodicea has to differ from the way He talked to others because He has nothing good to say about them.
Again, I say, ouch. Continue reading
Forgiveness
I have been on a mini-Sabatical for the last two weeks and I am looking forward to reconnecting with my fellow CrossPointers this weekend. While I was away, I got to spend some time with people and in places that had significant meaning to me. The last spot I was in was Little Rock, Arkansas. … Continue reading
I found your name in the Bible
Human beings have a horrible tendency to skim.
If we think we know something, or we have already covered it, then we barely give it a glance because we have already “put the effort in.”
Why reinvent the wheel, right?
My eldest is a master at this. In fact, we have decided that his indian name is “Running Water” because whatever he is involved in he will always flow to the path of least resistance. I guess this makes him a naturally green individual because he conserves energy like nobody’s business!
Hmmm, I think we used to call that lazy, but today he’s an eco-hero! Yeah, Noah.
I shouldn’t tease, he takes after his dad. I like to find the easy way out myself, but this mindset of skimming often puts me at a disadvantage.
It causes me to assume, which usually leads us to missing something.
It causes me to skip steps, which often stutters the process.
It causes me to see with our mind, and I miss what the eyes can tell us.
For example, have you ever had a household project that you only partially finish? For a few days the undone project bothered you, but it wasn’t too long before you stopped noticing it and it became a normal part of your life. Continue reading
Where’s your happy button?
This is the time of year that I am usually giddy with anticipation. In fact, when I see Halloween decorations creeping out at Wal-Mart, feelings of joy start to gurgle up from deep down inside. Nope. You can cancel your plans for the letter explaining to me the evils of October 31st, that’s not what … Continue reading
Finding God’s Will
One of the big questions I field as a pastor (year after year) is “What’s God’s will for my life?” No matter where you go, or who you’re with, this is a huge issue for most. So, I hope this is helpful for you! I gave this message just last week at a chapel service … Continue reading
A Trajectory of Destruction
Have you ever heard of “hurry up sickness”?
Even if you haven’t heard of it, you have probably suffered from it. Don’t be confused, hurry up sickness is not busyness. Being busy might be a symptom, but most of us who are trying to make a difference in someone else’s life, our families life, or even our own life will be busy to some degree.
What i’m talking about is a schedule that leads to a behavior that causes a mindset which produces irritability, feelings of futility, difficulty in relationships and a general displeasure with things that should be fun and/or satisfying.
When busy turns your everyday into something like this, you have hurry up sickness. This has been the subject of my daily devotions in a journal thatI am working through recently. It’s been a challenge to hear words like slowdown, process, and “be in the moment you’re already in”.
Most of us seldom sit down long enough to enjoy the moments of our day. In fact, wherever we are at any given point on the timeline of our lives we are usually rushing to get on to the next point. So, during these devotional times I have been required to slow down, meditate and really try and let the Lord speak.
The Lords prayer which is so familiar to us is easy to skim over because we think we’ve already covered it. But, that seems to be the point. I was instructed to go over each line of that incredible prayer, chewing on each word and thought, journaling what the Lord was saying. I want to encourage you to do the exact same thing.
It might take you a half an hour, or an hour, or maybe even a weekend. But, one thing I know for sure… it will be worth it!
I don’t want this to influence your own experience, but let me share with you right out of my journal as an example of what I hope god will produce in your life. The following reflects my reflections of the Lord’s prayer back to God.
After you read this, scratch out your own time where you are alone and in relative quiet… read through the Lords prayer slowly (Matthew 6:9–13)… write down everything you think and feel.
There are no wrong answers, just the opportunity to spend some time with your Maker.
Our Father- I have never really known a father, but I desire that role for my own life more than all others. I believe a father to be loving, caring, correcting, and protecting. To see You my God as a Father is difficult for me at times, but I do pray that I will (daily) see this aspect of how You want to relate to me- not just own or control me- but to have a relationship that exceeds friendship. That you actually desire to be my Father.
In Heaven- no doubt you are “other.” As a resident of heaven by definition You are holy and able beyond all measures that I could offer. Your address means Your position is one of power, influence and ability beyond my comprehension. Continue reading
Willing and Able
Here is where I have been all week…
In my personal devotions I have been studying meditation and discipline. The focus for this spiritual exercise has been on the Lord’s Prayer. Each day I have been guided to meditate/focus on a specific line from the prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.
Meditation is not sitting on the floor chanting ooga booga. It’s chewing on, centralizing your heart, continuing to return to a thought over and over again until it is ingrained with in you.
Basically, it’s everything bad about worrying, but used for the forces of good. Yeah, that’s about it… meditation is positive worrying… if that’s even possible.
While every line from the prayer is worthy of daily focus, I have not been able to get around the first line. Even though I need to move on, I feel like God isn’t done with me as it relates to these 4 little words:
“Our Father in heaven…”
Here’s what meditation on this sentence fragment is revealing to me: my God is willing and able. Continue reading
What does tertiary mean anyway?
After nine months of study and filling no less than six hand written journals, today I have completed a spiritual journey.
Long ago, I decided to study the book of Romans with more depth than I ever studied a single book. It’s been a blessed, frustrated, beautiful, agonizing endeavor (and, no, I am not being dramatic).
But, here, even on the last day as I pour through Paul’s concluding remarks, I am smacked in the face by a lesson I can’t wait to preach. So, let’s blog it!
In his 27 verse long conclusion (he sounds like some preachers, I know, I know, yuk yuk), Paul sends his greetings to 26 individuals, two families and three house churches. But, one greeting stands out in an amazing way!
Romans 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Tertius was a scribe (a secretary if you will) who wrote down the letter as Paul dictated it. For this one brief verse he breaks form and speaks in the first person, to say “Hi” to all the believers in Rome.
This is so amazing because Romans is so amazingly important! Take a look: Continue reading
My name is Andy Addis and I want to welcome you to the CrossEyedLife. I pastor a multisite church and love to speak and teach around the country and occasionally around the world.
Please read, watch and listen throughout these posts and then, contribute. I'd love for you to be in the discussion. Many blessings and I look forward to hearing from you.
