Jan 7th 10 Posted by Adam in Church Planting, Devotion, Leadership

See God

There is a lot I don’t see right now…

…I don’t see the money I need to plant Aletheia Church Boston

…I don’t see a full team of people and staff

…I don’t yet see hundreds coming to Christ

…I don’t see the sound system, meeting space, small groups, or welcome signs

But…

I do see God. I see His promises, His character, and His love for Boston, which is greater than mine or anyone else.  I see God, even though I don’t see anything else. I don’t see what I think I need.  But I do see Him who gives to all beyond what we can ask or think.  Do you see him?

See God, not your issues.  In the absence of immediate provision, see him who will meet your needs and give him honor for future grace.

Jul 31st 09 Posted by Adam in Devotion, Reflections, Theology

Joy in Suffering

Rejoice always.

Seriously?! Is there any command of Scripture that’s more detatched from reality? How can God expect us to actually obey that command when we live in world with real pain, death, sin, and struggle.  How can a woman who has just lost her child, a husband who lost a wife, someone who is dying of cancer, rejoice? How do you do that?

My daughters and I play a game called “Jesus is better than…” Here’s how the game goes: you think of something you really like, and then say, “Jesus is better than that.“  In my kids’ case, that is often ice cream, barbies, or their favorite movie. Why do we play this game? Because in this little game is the secret to joy that never fails.

If Jesus is really better than all your favorite things, then you can’t have your joy taken when you lose them. We suffer when we lose what we love. If we love what we can’t lose, then suffering will only be momentary, light, and passing, because no one can ever take Jesus from you.