by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 20, 2012 | regular
Trying to describe what’s going on at Mars Hill Baptist Church is as easy as trying to nail jell-o to the wall. It’s IMPOSSIBLE and INDESCRIBABLE. Someone once said, “If you can explain what God’s doing, then God’s not doing it.” An authentic move of God cannot be reduced to a formula, three steps, or packaged and sold as the next great fad to grow churches. However, experience teaches that if you desire God’s presence, authentic praise is your catalyst.
Psalm 22:3, says, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” Ok, so what does that mean? It means God lives, dwells, and manifests Himself in your circumstance when you praise Him. Our praise penetrates Heaven and causes atmospheric disturbances (see 2 Chronicles 22:1-30; Acts 16:16-26). Praise is our weapon of choice when we face circumstances beyond our control.
Praise God “IN” Everything
I notice people have no problem praising God when things go well. It’s standard operating procedure to praise God in good times. However, many forget to praise when the going gets rough. It’s a fact that some default to worry which says, “God, I don’t believe you can fix this.” When do we pump up the volume on our praise? It’s when the circumstance is beyond my control.
Praise God “FOR” Everything
True praisers learn that praise IS NOT conditional. Praise is our default position. We’re ready to praise God for the good, the so-so, and even the bad. God may not send the bad, but He sometimes allows it to come to fulfill His purpose. Consequently, we should praise God for all things, knowing that He works everything together for our good and His glory.
Praise God “WITH” Everything
It amazes me how silent people are when God does something miraculous! If God healed me, delivered me, or saved my life, there’s no one who could stop me from telling it. Personally, I can’t keep quiet about what the Lord’s doing in my life, my family, our members, and Mars Hill. Again, I’m amazed how people can sit in silence and not praise God with everything. He gave you a voice – use it. He gave you hands – clap them. He gave you feet – stomp them. We must show our thanks to God by putting everything we are and own at His disposal.
Did I convince you to adopt praise as a lifestyle?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 13, 2012 | regular
Last week, Apple summoned reporters to an event to unveil a new version of its popular tablet computer – The New iPad. “Apple clearly sent a message to all of the manufactures lining up to complete with it: Just go home.” (Andy Ihnatko – Chicago Sun-Times). Apple calls it “Resolutionary.”
Apple is a very successful company. They’re innovative, swimming in cash, and have the friendliest staff I’ve ever met. I began thinking: “What could the church learn from Apple?” Theologically, I understand the church is a body and not a business and incorporating business models is risky (some may even say it’s heretical). Whatever! I’m a believer in principles and if there’s a transferrable principle, I’m applying it.
After visiting Apple’s retail stores and buying their products, the church can learn a lot if they would open their eyes and use a little imagination.
Here’s what we can learn:
- Work hard to simplify – Apple has a knack for clearing out clutter and making things simple and therefore elegant. There is no wasted space. Everything is not minimalistic, but simple. “The difference is minimalists sacrifice features for less. Simple offers the basic features needed in a way that is uncluttered and uncomplicated. People say that a Mac is best for people who don’t want to tinker. The iPhone (my current device) is a closed environment but that makes it really easy to use (KevinPurcell.org).” Too often churches are cluttered with ministries, programs, & events that drown the mission. Mars Hill focuses on four pillars: Worship, Relationships, Growth, and Service. Less clutter…less noise.
- Tight Integration of Products – The Mac ecosystem all fits together beautifully. This was never more obvious than when watching Apple demo their iPad 2 with its new cover. I can take Garage Band, a music creation tool, and export it to play on an iPod, import it into their video editors (iMovie or Final Cut) or just keep it on the Mac. Videos that are created on the Mac are easy to get onto an iPad or iPod Touch. iTunes is a central place for all the media one wants on their iPod, iPhone, PC or AppleTV. It all just works together so nicely (KevinPurcell.org). Unfortunately, churches programs and ministries just don’t fit and they’re all over the place. The culprit: They try to be all things to all people…a recipe for disaster.
- Strong Visionary Leadership – Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO (deceased) was forced out of the company he founded in the 90’s and Apple nearly went bankrupt. Fast forward to 2011…Apple’s one of the most innovative and admired companies in the world. There’s no doubt who’s in charge at Apple. Steve Jobs is that single strong leader who has a clear vision and empowers those around him to achieve their best while fitting into the vision he has laid out. He doesn’t do everything. But he does have his imprint on everything. Too often pastors are handcuffed by deacons, church boards, and trustees. What’s the takeaway for churches: There’s one vision & God gave it to that visionary leader.
That’s what I learned from Apple (so far).
Question: What about you? Are there other companies you’d like to add? Let’s talk!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 9, 2012 | regular
Questions I Ponder Daily…
#1 – How can I serve God with all my heart, mind, and soul…
#2 – How can I be a better husband…
#3 – How can I be a better father…
#4 – Is there anything in my life that I need to stop doing…
#5 – Is there anything in my life that I should start doing…
(By the way…the answer to #5 is YES…but in order for it to happen I REALLY need to wrestle with question #4!)
#6 – Will the majority of our members ever move from membership to discipleship…
#7 – How can I be more efficient in the way I use my time…
#8 – Why, out of all the people on this planet, is God allowing me to be a part of what He is doing…
#9 – Will I ever rejoin our denomination’s convention…
#10 – Will Mars Hill ever become a church with multiple locations…
So, what about you – what’s on your mind?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 7, 2012 | regular
In 2005, Ice Cube (Nick) and Nia Long (Suzanne) starred in the hit comedy movie, “Are We There Yet?” Nick’s attracted to Suzanne and offers to drive her two very annoying children from Portland to Vancouver. The trip’s a disaster from the outset as the three face numerous mishaps while entertaining the nagging question, “Are we there yet?” As a parent who’s gone on numerous road trips with children, they have trouble understanding distance and how much time it takes to actually get ‘there.’
In his book, “Maximize The Moment,” Bishop T.D. Jakes references a “place called there.” It’s not a neighborhood. You can’t find it on a map. Money, education, or influence can’t get you there. There is the place God intended for us to be spiritually, relationally, financially, etc. It’s God’s destiny for us and once you’ve been touched by destiny, your relentless pursuit begins.
You and I are not alone in our quest to get ‘there.’ In 1 Kings 17: 1-10, we find a word that’s often overlooked and ignored. That little word is ‘there.’ It’s used no less than four times. We see it first hand when God informs Elijah to remain by the brook and the ravens would feed him ‘there.’
Next, he’s told to arise and go to Zaraphet and dwell ‘there’ and a widow will sustain him…the widow was found where? There! I can imagine what you’re thinking, “What’s the importance of this little word – ‘there.’ It’s very important and this story reveals what Elijah needed was not where he was, it was in Zaraphet. And it was the place where he found the abiding presence and abundant blessings of God.
What’s the lesson:
THERE IS WHERE GOD ABIDES
As we go from day-to-day, we must realize that our ‘there’ is subject to change at any given moment. However, if we remain in His presence, our ‘there’ is secure. God commanded Moses to “follow the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.”
Additionally, the words “faith” and faithfulness” are mentioned throughout Scripture and form the foundation of Christianity. Consequently, those who walk close with God must always seek His presence. Why? His presence provides clarity and provides a reference point to begin! I’ll say that again: HIS PRESENCE PROVIDES CLARITY. Get in His presence and you’ll get to your ‘there.’
Question: Are YOU there yet?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 5, 2012 | regular
After a long day at the office, sometimes I sit back and watch TV. Recently, I found myself channel-surfing for about 15 minutes. I was amazed at how many of the ads were about getting in shape. Here are some of the exact phrases I heard:
“Six-second abs.”
“Easy shaper.”
“Incredible — a miracle!”
“It feels terrific! Let us show you how easy it is!”
“Quickly turn your flabby abs into that sexy six-pack!”
Where did we ever get the crazy idea that getting in shape is supposed to be quick and easy? Why do we think that there will be almost no cost? Why are we surprised when working out turns out to be arduous and healthy foods don’t really taste that good?
HERE’S THE PROBLEM: WE OFTEN CONFUSE THE WORDS “SIMPLE” AND “EASY”
The changes I help people make are generally very simple. However, they are never easy. Just as with diet and exercise, changing behavior involves hard work. It takes time.
Look in the mirror. Not just at how you look but who you are. If you want to be a better leader, a better professional, or just a better person — don’t kid yourself. To achieve meaningful goals, you’ll have to pay the price.
There’s no product, no diet, no exercise program, and (I hate to admit it) no pastor who can make you better. Only you can do it. If your source of motivation doesn’t come from inside, you won’t stick with it. This may not be infomercial material, but it’s great advice for any real achievement.
