Pray For Your Church: 31 Day Challenge—Day Nine

Mike Leake

Day 9: that we would be grounded and not tossed to and fro

so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:14 ESV)

It is easy for churches to get tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine. If you don’t believe me check the clearance aisle at your local Christian book store. We love to chase fads looking for a talisman to reach people and ignite our churches. It seldom works.

What is interesting is that God has already given us the remedy for being grounded. If you look at the logic and order in this verse we see first that God gives the church leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry. And then as the saints do ministry alongside one another we grow in Christ-likeness (4:13). The result of this being built up is our not being tossed to and fro. But instead (4:15) we are speaking the truth in love to one another and being built up in Christ. Our answer, then, isn’t to develop a new fad to help us not be tossed to and fro—our answer is simply and faithfully do life together.

Lord, you have given us everything we need for life and godliness. You have equipped your church to do what you have called her to do. Let us have faith in your power and your word and not flit away our time pursuing the latest fad. Keep us grounded in your provision. Forgive us for the times we go about chasing the wind. Thank you for loving us through our wandering. Anchor us in You. Amen.

It’s the Little Things

Mike Leake

“If you are able to read Puritans and study theology and debate texts but you won’t get up early to help a 90-year-old man to church—perhaps you’re not a Christian.” –Mark Dever

I cannot remember where I read or heard that quote. (I think it might have been at a T4G Conference). But I think it was in the context of making sure that our life matched our doctrine. If we have good theology but don’t live it out then its just as damaging as false teaching.

The way Dever framed this statement is helpful to my generation. You see, we are told to be epic difference makers and we are prone to view the world through this lens. It makes us always look for the big things in life. And so if Dever had said something like, “Live a holy life which matches doctrine”, it wouldn’t have sank in.

As I read through the Scriptures I’m coming to see that following Jesus and pleasing God is more about what Eugene Peterson called a “long obedience in the same direction”. It’s more about a million little things than some big thing which might get you 15 minutes of fame.

I’m convinced this is what Jesus was talking about in Mark 9:41. Passing water—a very little thing—reflects our view of the kingdom of God. If you have a wrong view of the kingdom then you won’t be the first one in line to pass out water to drink. You’ll be like John and the other disciples clamoring and arguing to see who gets to be in the front of the line in the most exalted status.

I’m not trying to say here that if you want to be an epic difference maker then the way to do that is to do a bunch of little things. Though that might end up being true, I’m speaking of something entirely different. Following the way of the Master is usually just doing a bunch of little things for a lifetime. My generation is in danger of missing these little moments of obedience as we waste away our lives trying to find that big thing to make a difference for God.

Joyfully doing the little things is what discipleship is made of.

Today in Blogworld 11.16.15

Mike Leake

Are Daily Fantasy Leagues Immoral?

I appreciate the way Brad Hambrick helps us think through this issue.

A Cosmic Find in The Screwtape Letters

Fans of CS Lewis and everyday nerds (like myself) will find this enjoyable.

Pastoral PTSD

This might be something good for every pastor to read on a Monday.

How Do You Walk Into Church?

In his review of what looks like a great book, Tim Challies helps us see that how we walk in the church makes a huge difference.

If you watched any postgame interviews yesterday they probably looked a bit like this:

Pray For Your Church: 31 Day Challenge—Day Eight

Mike Leake

Day 8: That we would see our community with the eyes of Jesus

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:34 ESV)

I doubt the massive and needy crowd would have gotten a warm reception from the hungry and exhausted disciples. Yet, Jesus sees this desperate crowd with the eyes of compassion and causes him to act. He feeds them not only the physical food of miraculous bread but also the spiritual food of teaching from heaven. Jesus’ compassion is always greater than the strength of His disciples. I’m convinced this is one reason we are sometimes guilty of turning a blind eye to the suffering within our communities—we know what will happen if we view our community with the eyes of Jesus. Seeing things with the eyes of Jesus will put us in situations of which we aren’t comfortable, it will demand things of us which we don’t have the strength for, and ultimately push us outside of ourselves. Yet, we must view our community with the eyes of Jesus.

Lord, we thank you for the compassion with which you looked upon us. We are grateful for your tender mercies to us when you would have been perfectly just to have left us in our sin. We know that you view the hapless crowd with the eyes of compassion. Lord, help us do the same. Help us to see our communities the way that you see them and to respond accordingly. May your compassion move us to action.