Finding Restoration


For the last week and a half, our family has been "hiding in the woods" of Oregon for some much desired and needed time away. And as one does, as we approach the end of our vacation I have been reflecting on whether I have found the refreshment or rest that I thought I needed.





I think so.





For me time away from the regular schedule and demands are times to dream and scheme. I usually come away from short sabbaticals with a list of new challenges or ideas to tackle. This trip has some of this but not nearly the typical crush of tasks to take on. I think a big part of this is that we still don't know what the next months hold. As virus infections continue to rise in the U.S. and the likelihood of another lock-down seems necessary the church remains in the a flexible posture and we keep preaching the word and trusting the Spirit to move among us (even if we are apart).





I think the other reason I don't have a huge dream list from this trip is that what I need is not new dreams, what I need is restoration. Renewal, re-energizing for the days ahead.





Sliding into Psalm 126 this morning I join the Psalmist crying out for another move of God.





The prayer begins by recounting. "When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream." Mouths filled with laughter, shouts of joy, and people taking notice. "The LORD has done great things for them," Indeed, the LORD has done great things for us... we are in fact glad!





But we won't settle for nostalgia. We want more of Jesus, more of his harvest, more of his glory. "Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!" Like a flood to a desert place, wash us anew in your grace and overwhelm us with your presence and power.





This has been a season of tears and weeping, which are seeds for sowing. In Christ, we shall come home with shouts of joy. With his harvest.





This is what I need, I think it is what you need too. Restoration. Grace-driven, Christ-exalting, wind-in-your-sails strength. I think that is what the Spirit is working. We are laughing again, shouting for joy.





May we say, Yes, the LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Artisan Disruption

This week while in Phoenix for a couple of stirring days thinking about equipping the church and living into our missional calling together I experienced artisan disruption.  The lads and I were heading to the second day of the gathering and decided to find some local coffee spot to fuel our morning. When the first stop was closed we rounded the corner into another shop that pushed against our attempts at constant efficiency.  Inside a small art gallery (which also had a hair salon) there was a coffee bar, with one barista doing more than just making drinks, he was making art. The guy had form, precision, and and exacting hand as he made each drink.  The line was out the door yet he carried on, unhurried, unhindered by demand. He was the artisan.  At first I felt out of place. After all I am the guy who drinks from carafes at Panera because I have a sip membership. So to be in a bespoke establishment pulled me out of my element to begin with. This is a discomfort I enjoy
Read more

We don't need better slogans we need to better understand grace

Admit it, you, like me have wasted entirely too much time thinking of new acronyms and poster ideas that will launch us into holiness. And all that we have achieved is lame preaching on being "better" and trying harder and the realization that we fail time and time again. We don't get grace. Matt Chandler is staring this problem in the face and calling it out. "The problem as I perceive it as a Pastor is that most of those who claim to know and love God want to see sin lose its power in their lives and walk in greater intimacy with Christ; most are exhausted and have been trying to mortify sin by promises and threats rather than through the weapons grace provides. By "promises" I mean they believe that they will have life to the “full” and get a great house in heaven if they behave in this manner or that manner..." "Another very popular sport... is fighting residual sin with our own vows and resolution—these become our defense.  In the end, you a
Read more

Art Azurdia on Spirit-Empowered Preaching

This week the Philadelphia Partnership hosted Dr. Art Azurdia. The partnership's goal is to encourage and edify pastors in Eastern Washington, three times a year through preaching from respected influencers. Art was asked to preach on what it means to be Spirit-empowered preachers. In his two sessions he challenged assumptions and gave pastors a thorough study of scripture on being filled with the Spirit and emboldened to preach. I am pleased to share these sessions with you and encourage you to share them with others. In session one, Art showed us that Spirit-empowered preaching must share Spirit-purpose. [vimeo http://vimeo.com/85478195] In the second session, Art walked through Acts and revealed the fruit of being filled. [vimeo http://vimeo.com/85478194]   Many thanks to Art Azurdia for joining us and special thanks to Dave Stone for capturing these sermons.
Read more