The sea is the Lord’s, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
Psalm 95:5
It’s worth reminding ourselves that – in a creative process we cannot understand or duplicate – God made everything everywhere. Creation ex nihilo means He started with nothing and created all we see. This not only includes you and me, it also includes things like time. It’s worth reminding ourselves that we could not create a bird if you gave us all the parts. It’s also worth reminding ourselves that because he made it, it’s his. And in the words of Abraham Kyper, he retains all rights. “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”
Managing Stress: At a staff meeting a few months back, one of the pastors on our team noted that not every struggle we face is a problem we can solve. Some are simply tensions we need to learn to manage. I have found that to be a helpful insight. Let’s solve what we can, and accept as normal some ongoing tensions.
The 2019 GLS: Last week’s Update – which came out halfway through the Willow Creek Association’s annual Leadership Summit – contained my promise to send along my notes from the Summit. I am doing one better. If you click here you will find the notes of a blogger who undertook the herculean effort capturing what was said. For my part I will simply add: 1) I was challenged once again by those who seek to lead well and help others do the same; 2) I was sobered by the reality that the person who founded this event – and called on others to lead well by living well – seriously mishandled his leadership power; and 3) I was struck by the fact that the new heroes are social entrepreneurs. Thirty years ago, the scholars stood at the top of the heap; twenty years ago it felt to me as though pastors had replaced them. Based on this year’s Summit speakers, I would say the key leaders are those who are leading socially responsible ventures.
Who Knew? Over the last few months, I have marveled at how many articles in business journals parrot the counsel of Scripture – without seeming to realize that they are doing so. The information in articles — such as Ten Reasons Not to Lie, Think of Others, Why You Should Take One Day Off a Week – is generally delivered as late-breaking, never-before-realized information.
Tensions Seem to be Rising: Is it just me, or do others sense that the last few weeks seem unusually unsettled. Riots in Hong Kong and Moscow. Mass shootings in multiple spots in the US. A skittery market.
The Questions: Over the last twenty years, two friends and I have met for encouragement, accountability, laughter and bad golf. Prominently featured during our time together is a discussion of “the questions.” I have shared them before. This year they were supplemented with some new questions. The old ones are here. The new ones are here.
Closing Prayer: You, O Lord, who command us to ask, grant that we may receive. You have put us on seeking; let us be happy in finding. You have bidden us knock; we pray you open to us. Be graciously pleased to direct and govern all our thoughts and actions, that for the future we may serve you and entirely devote ourselves to obeying you. Accept us, we ask you, and draw us to yourself, that we may henceforth be yours by obedience and love, who are already all your own as your creatures, even yours, O Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Augustine (354-430)