Adopted: The Hands and Feet of Jesus

I remember when I knew that I was going to be a father. I was 27 years old, not married, and positive who my wife was to be--Rebecca. However, I wrestled with simultaneously becoming a husband and a father in the same breath. Rebecca had a 7-year old son, Seth, and I knew absolutely nothing about being a father. A friend asked me a profound question: are you defined as a child of God or as a father? 

Through the power of a Holy Spirit slap, I realized that I am defined as a child of God. God sent His son to rescue and adopt me into His family. And now, he calls me son. Immediately after saying that out loud, I knew that I was Seth's father even if he didn't know he was my son yet.  

The Bible teaches that God is a good father who pursues his children despite where they've been and what they've done. And if the church is called to mirror the love of Christ, what does this look like for the life of an orphan? 

The Call to Orphan Care

Let's fast forward to 3 years and some legal fees later. The legal process to adopt my son has been challenging and sanctifying because there's so much to know in order to provide a fair and smooth trial, but the constant reminder of God's pursuit is the fuel for our journey. For my family and I, we know this path is to satisfy our legal system and we will submit to that, but as for Chango and I, there's nothing that can separate me from my son. 

Part of God's identity is that he is a Father who pursues His children (Psalm 68:4-6) and is present in their lives. God, in His love, sent His son to die for our sins; reconciling us to the Father. In other words, because of the person and work of Jesus, we now have a relationship with the Father! As His children, we're called to reflect the same love that He has shown us so that others might come to know Him. 

There's a myth among Christians that caring for orphans is reserved only for the "elite." However, I wish to submit to you that not only is that myth unbiblical, but the call to care for orphans is a command from the Scriptures (James 1:27).  You and I know what it looks like to be rejected, broken, uncared for, unvalued, homeless, hurt, and in struggle. Yet, God in his grace, mercy, and love threw Himself into the chaos of our lives, rescuing us.

Earlier and in the same chapter, James writes to be doers of the Word not hearers only (James 1:22) and my observation is that the church equates pew attendance and Amen's to action. Church, we're deceiving ourselves if we consider hearing doing.

The question isn't whether or not you're called to participate in this restoration, but how you can get involved. 

The Gospel

In the great state of Texas there are over 30,000 kids in foster care. Over 40% of kids in Hidalgo county are in foster care and the need for families to come in and provide homes for these kids or temporary relief for foster parents (such as date nights) are increasing every year. 

The opportunity to become involved in orphan care is numerous as one can start by simply getting informed, becoming respite or babysitter certified, or taking the big step toward fostering and perhaps adopting a child. 

All of this is not meant to guilt you, but it is meant to challenge you. Our first evaluation must be that of the gospel and who God is and what He has done for us. We can only move forward if the gospel is the foundation of our walk--otherwise, we will move forward to satisfy a moral checklist. But the call of the believer is founded under the work of the Gospel in our lives, for we, church, are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a dying world. 

The question isn't whether or not you're called to participate in this restoration, but how you can get involved.

As we move into the new year, our goal at Logos Community Church is to start a new ministry where we engage in the restoration of the children in our cities. Our goal is to provide resources, help, and pathways for you to get involved. I would ask that you pray for us in the initial stages of this call and if you're considering foster care or adoption, please feel free to contact me. 

Recommended Reading: Adoption: What Joseph of Nazareth Can Teach Us About this Countercultural Choice and Adopted for Life by Russell Moore; ALL IN Orphan Care by Jason Johnson 

Acts 29: West Texas Regional Conference

It is currently 68 degrees and I'm outside my AirBNB house in Lubbock, TX smoking a great tasting cigar and can't stop thinking about tomorrow or the kindness of God (Romans 2:4). We're attending the Acts 29 West Texas conference that you see pictured above and it's my first time bringing a small team with me as opposed to me being a part of a team or bringing a few of my guys along with some of the other pastors. 

I'm excited for this week because we're walking through one of my favorite topics: discipleship in the context of leadership development over a multitude of areas. Apart from that, it's a time where I get to introduce my interns to other men who I look up to, have built relationships with, and a time to be poured into from a network that is very dear to me.

My prayer for this week is that we wouldn't simply walk away with a better understanding of systems and overall discipleship and development, but more of Jesus; a bigger picture of the Gospel; a greater love for Jesus; and as a result, going back home to disciple, invest, and pour into our people and community. 

I'm excited to hear what everyone else is encountering in their city; so that I may learn from and/or encourage them as they continue the good fight. It's things like these that make the 7 hour drive worth it. It's getting to see my interns' light bulb go off and take ownership of their ministries for the sake of the Gospel. Additionally, these conferences serve as a great opportunity to process everything that is going on in the midst of our learning; taking a step back to evaluate not just our responsibilities, but hearts. 

For 3 short days, I'm hanging out and living with two other dudes. During this time, we're going to share not only what we're learning, but where the Holy Spirit is convicting and comforting us. My hope is that in this short retreat, Jesus would use other men to speak into our lives so that we may correct things in our life for the glory of HIs name; so that I may be a little more transparent; and that I may worship openly and freely rather than think about logistics. 

If you're not too familiar with Acts 29 then I suggest you check out our network. Additionally, if you've gotten this far in this short blog, would you please pray for our time? Pray for my interns--it's their first Acts29 conference (Pilot and Nathanael) and they're excited and nervous. Pray that we would come home refreshed with the Gospel and renewed to continue with what we have been commissioned by from Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). 

Discipleship: Where Do I Start?

Discipleship is a wonderful discussion among many churches because of its importance and value. It's a conversation many enter looking for the next best method; an "a-ha!" moment. The truth, however, is that discipleship is something that is supernatural and found in the ordinary. When the best thinkers of the church begin to communicate that discipleship happens in the context of everyday life, I see many people discouraged because I know they're thinking that there must be a better way. 

But if we look to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and observe the life and ministry of Jesus we see that He was incredibly faithful to 12 men in daily life.  Then, upon his ascension, Jesus then commands his disciples to make disciples and teach them everything they have observed; to do what He did with them. Remember that part? 

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20; emphasis mine)

I think part of the reason many become discouraged in discipleship (or discipleship-making) is because they're overwhelmed and concerned with what to do first or where to start. So, before jumping into anything, let us look to the example of Jesus because everything that happened in between the start of his public ministry and His ascension is the content of discipleship. 

Here are 4 things for you to consider as you enter into discipleship relationships: 

1. PRAY

Begin with prayer. 

"During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and he chose 12 of them..." (Luke 6:12-13)

After Jesus had spent some time with many of the men who would later become his disciples, He first prayed. So, if you find yourself in a season where you're looking to disciple one or two (or more) people--ask yourself who are you already in community with and then spend time in prayer over them. Ask God to give you discernment on who to approach. 

2. COMMUNITY

When I say "community," I am not only talking about the people in your small group or community group, but those you're around. For example, I run a small private gym so I'm in community with several athletes who don't know Jesus (yet). Who are you in community with? 

This is important because for two reasons: (1) Jesus said to go out and make disciples NOT Christians and (2) there is a misconception that discipleship only happens within the walls of the church and that's not true. People will say, "then isn't discipleship evangelism?" to which my answer is not necessarily--evangelism happens in the context of discipleship, not the other way around. 

My athletes know that I love Jesus and love to talk about Jesus and I have developed on-going relationships with them because they see me in the ordinary. They are open to hearing the gospel because, as one of them stated, "if you're good at coaching me how to deadlift, then I'm good with you telling me about Jesus." 

My wife, Rebecca, is a hairdresser and has a listing of regular clients who sit in her chair every few weeks and have developed a great relationship with her; she has them in her chair anywhere between 45 minutes to 3 hours and many of them don't know Jesus--it's a wonderful opportunity for the gospel in community! 

3. OBEDIENCE

Here's what I mean when it comes to obedience:

When you're looking at discipleship within the context of the church, then you're looking for men or women who are actively pursuing Jesus; they're obedient and need someone to come alongside of them to help them grow and guide them in the faith and in life. 

When you're looking at discipleship outside the walls of the church, you're looking for men or women who are simply having a hard time when it comes to life. Remember, as you have established relationships in community, coming alongside of them with the foundation of the gospel presents itself with opportunities to further share the gospel. If you have developed a relationship with someone, do you only share the gospel once? Or do you look for creative opportunities to share the gospel in word and deed? 

The difference between these two situations is that you can use some "christian-ese" in one while in the other, you might lose them! 

4. INVESTMENT

Any way you look at discipleship, it means that you're going to be investing into people which means it will require vulnerability and knowing that you will fail them; they will fail you. Remember, your value and identity is found in the person and work of Jesus--always. Next, this is the ordinary. Investment happens as you welcome others into your life. 

Remember what Jesus did with his disciples? Everything. He ate, traveled with, hung out, prayed for and with, taught, and laughed with them. Investment means that we are bringing people into our lives in order to make disciples for the sake of the gospel and advancing the Kingdom. 

Discipleship can be scary and I think that's because it forces us outside of our comfort zones, requires vulnerability, and half of the time we don't know what we're doing. All of that is normal and good for you because as you disciple others, the Spirit is at work discipling you in the same areas. 

This week, think about those you're in community with and pray for them, then ask the Lord to give you clarity and discernment about being more intentional with a few of them. Discipleship is important because it's not only what Jesus said to do, but how the church continues to spread. 

From This Day Forward: Compassion

So, you're looking at getting married, yeah? 

That's awesome! I do not claim to be a marriage expert by any means, but the Lord has allowed my wife and I to (1) encourage and counsel many young couples throughout their engagement and early seasons of marriage and (2) allowed us to grow through seasons of our own in a short amount of time.

Today, I'm looking writing about compassion because everyone could use a little more and have noticed that it's not as talked about and should be. But before jumping in, we must establish a foundation--compassion is an attribute that stands upon a foundation; that is, the gospel.  

THE GOSPEL

There are two things I want you to cling to in light of marriage. First, marriage is something that first comes from our identity in Christ. This is paramount and you may think I know this, but do you? Our identity in the person and work of Jesus must be the place where we most clearly see our value. Consider the words of Paul to the church in Corinth: 

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you- unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)
 

Many consider marriage as a pathway to completion and I promise you will be sorely disappointed. Our identity must rest in the person and work of Jesus first. If our purpose in life is to glorify God then our joy comes from Him working in and through us--what do you think the purpose of marriage will be? 

Second, marriage is a display of the glory of Christ. I wanted to marry my wife because I saw the Holy Spirit at work in her life as she served Jesus and she saw the same in me; this is what led us to spend the rest of life together. When we became one, we became (or suppose to) a visible demonstration of the work of Jesus and a visible demonstration of our need for Jesus. Marriage, friends, is a testimony of how well you know the truth of the gospel. 

COMPASSION

Patience, humility, and authentic friendship come from compassion; they are results of it. Compassion means to suffer and walk alongside of others--most notably in times of inconvenience. 

Here are two examples to illustrate my point, one from our life and one from counseling: 

My wife has a rough past and Jesus has rescued her from all of that, but that doesn't mean she doesn't struggle with things from the past--sometimes, it's depression or fear. Before we got married I wanted to make sure I knew as much from her past as I could to do a few things: (1) speak the gospel to her when she hears lies from the enemy, (2) shut up and open a bottle of wine, and (3) walk with her through those times as slowly as she needed me. 

While we have had several victories because of our compassion toward one another, there are times where I jack it up because moments like these come at an inconvenience to me.

"Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 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. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, 'This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late." (Mark 6:33-35)

The disciples were ready to head out, but Jesus stayed because the people had a desperate need. Do you have and show compassion to your spouse in times of need? 

We're counseling a young couple looking to marry and the woman has also experienced a rough past. The man is big on "getting things done" and that may have its perks, but as we have discovered that in the area of compassion is where his patience tanks. The result is a distance between them emotionally and spiritually.

"We've already talked about this" is one of the worst things to say and alludes to a dangerous way of thinking; a lack of genuine care and interest in your spouse (or future spouse). 

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:3-5) 

Compassion in marriage is for the purpose of glorifying God--pointing our needs toward Him--and is a demonstration of Him; meaning, it's missional. And marriage is only as strong as the foundation it rests upon.

Is your foundation the finished work of Christ or in the idea that you got this? 

Journaling

I really enjoy writing. I enjoy writing for a few reasons: it's a creative outlet and it helps me to better articulate my thoughts. While I'm not an expert, I found my joy in writing at a very young age--somewhere in elementary and up until college, I would stick to seasons of writing here and there. It wasn't until I decided to actually finish college and through the encouragement of a few professors that I decided I would stick with it and it has been extremely therapeutic and profitable. 

Today, I'm constantly writing something down by hand--whether it's through my journal or during a meeting on a pocket notebook, writing helps me to slow down and process what I'm reading or the tasks for the day. Specifically, I wanted to gauge journaling in this post. Every time I sit to read my bible or study through a book, I keep my journal and jot my thoughts, process, and prayers down. All of the men I disciple, I encourage to journal; some are journal every day and throughout their studies while others tend to be a little more sporadic. 

I wanted to give you a quick encouragement to try and pick up journaling; particularly as you crack open your bibles or as you study through a book. It will be of much benefit for you though I will admit, it is a discipline of some sort. If you don't think journaling can help you in light of meditation or prayer, check out the book of Psalms. The psalmist begins several of his prayers crying out to God and over time (especially within that same psalm) you see a development of devotion and worship. 

Many of my journal entries begin with me crying out to God and as I write, I find that I begin to preach the gospel of His grace to myself. Journaling is a wonderful reminder to me of what I know to be true about God. So, if you find yourself where you're having difficulty in prayer, collecting your thoughts, or even memorizing scripture, let me encourage you to pick up a journal and give it a month--see how your prayer life and devotion develop over the course of those short weeks. Slow down and write it all out. 

If you're wondering where to start, preferably I like to use Moleskin journals because they can take a beating in my bag which means they're durable and have good paper. But if mokeskin is too hipster for you, that's cool. You can always get a spiral notebook or other journals for a lower price. 

And if you're looking at a great resource for spiritual disciplines, then I highly recommend you check out Donald Whitney's book Spiritual DIsciples for the Christian Life. While journaling is not a spiritual discipline, it is profitable and throughout his book, Whitney writes of the benefits of journaling in light of spiritual disciplines.