1. I leave for Sweden in less than 45 hours… hmm. Excited? yeah. Nervous? a little.  - it will be cool to share my heart with so many church leaders, pastors & planters. Will you pray for me this week?
2. It was 48° today! BEAUTIFUL! After church, we all hung out on the rooftop terrace! Awesome! Note: did I mention that I’m leaving for Sweden? It’s 7° there right now!! BRRR!
3. GOD LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK!
4. I miss my family and I haven’t even left yet…  I return next week on Max’s birthday (14th) and Netta’s is the next day (15th). Feel free to do some nice things for them!
5. Today I shared a message about the Rich Young Ruler (here’s the podcast << click it) … take a look at the key exchange of the story (via the Message): “Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.“ The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.“ Mark 10:21-22
6. Are you holding on tight to anything? Lots of things?  Jesus wants you to be His follower – He loves you – please, please, PLEASE let go!
7. LET GO.
8. … my wife is TOO good to me – WAY TOO GOOD! I love her SO MUCH!
9. I bought a Amazon Kindle (<<click) this week – not sure IF I’m gonna love it enough to lay down ‘real books’… IF I end up not wanting it, who wants first shot at buying it?
10. We’re getting closer & closer to making a bid on a new place for Real Church! That’s so cool!
11. Well… that’s it for me today. I’m going to brew some coffee and chill with my family! Stay tuned to iChilly.com this week for updates from Sweden!

…letting GO of everything to sail the seas with my Savior, Chilly

As I read Matthew 22 this morning, I was reminded of a familiar  yet profound little phrase spoken by our Lord: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” v. 14

That’s a pretty provoking thought to me… I’ve heard lots of people talk about their ‘calling’ or when they ‘heard the voice of God’ but what if that’s not enough?  Being called is just the beginning not the end! When I was a kid on the playground, someone would shout, “Hey everyone, we’re playing kickball (that was the call) and IF you want to play, line up along the fence so we can pick teams” – then 2 kids would step out as captains and begin the process of choosing who they wanted. During this simple process, you would make yourself look eager & willing to play – sometimes I would even say, “Choose me!”

Ultimately, not everyone who heard the call was chosen to play – in fact, many didn’t even line up along the fence but just went about whatever they were doing… only those who made themselves ready & willing had a shot at playing.

God’s calling is like that too. Sure, you may have heard it but did you MOVE to where he told you to be? Did you display a willingness to play whatever position He wanted you to play? Did you show confidence, courage and passion? Could He tell you wanted to WIN?

Know this: IF He called you, He wants to choose you!

And, when He does choose you, be prepared to listen, obey, change, work and then, ultimately, WIN! Look at what Paul says about being CHOSEN…

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:12-17

… I’m ready to kick the little red ball (devil) out of Detroit, CHOOSE ME! ~ Chilly

We are in our monthly week of prayer and fasting – always a powerful and provoking time for me. As I studied the Bible and thought about prayer tonight, I was left with a few challenging thoughts… so, please indulge me:

• prayer is communication, right? so, do we communicate with God better when we’re just randomly thinking – even perhaps unaware that God’s listening – than we do when we’re actually speaking our prayers??
• now don’t get me wrong, what we say is important – Jesus taught His disciples to pray (we talked about that a month and a half ago click here: “Be the Prayer”)…
• but, how much of what we say – even in prayer – is about communicating WITH God? could it be, instead, more like talking AT God (or even trying to convince ourselves that we’re ‘ok’ since we’re doing the prayer thing)?
• have you read Luke 18 recently? there’s so many verses that are challenging me… here’s a few: One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up (v.1) … But when the Son of Mans returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith (v.8)? … gulp!
• ok, continue reading verses 9-14 ( < click verses)… Jesus compares the prayers of two individuals. now, be honest, which of the two, described by Jesus, do your prayers resemble? how much genuine humility, gratitude and vulnerability is heard in your words and seen in your posture?
• the chapter continues with verses 15-17 (< click again) … here we find Jesus welcoming little children on to His lap – despite the concern & rebuke of His ‘mature’ followers.  as the kids return to their parents or playground, He says something that has always encouraged me, “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” – now, keeping this chapter in context, ask yourself this: have you ever listened to a child pray? I have – in fact, I do everyday! they’re simple, honest, short, little unstructured phrases from tender lips and pure hearts. Yet, THEY COUNT! in fact, Jesus LOVES prayers (faith, passion, boldness, purity and energy) like this!!
• how can you pray more effectively this week… today? while you’re thinking about that question, be sure to realize that you’re already actually communicating with God. He hears BEFORE you speak. He knows what’s authentic and what’s not… don’t be religious, be real – in fact, be really, really REAL!
• and, here’s something that may come as a relief to you: short prayers reach the throne when you don’t live far away… (no, that’s not a mandate to shorten your prayer life but rather simplify it!).

Not sure these thoughts answered many questions – perhaps they’re more provocational than they are instructional or inspirational. I’m ok with that… go to God with it. let’s all strive to improve our communication with the King. He’s listening – always is!

…turning my prayer room into a playground, Chilly

We live in a world that is getting darker & darker… rather than rebel against it & demand the light, we adjust and find human ways to cope & progress. Sunlight is replaced by shade, warmth is replaced by another layer of cover, growth is replaced by gain, love is replaced by lust and wisdom is replaced by knowledge. We’re going blind but hardly notice because of our selective amnesia … we’ve chosen to forget what pure light looks and feels like. When someone remembers & desires the light, they are quickly rebuked and told to be content with their dim so-called life.

Sad.

I think Jesus is ready and waiting for someone to REFUSE to listen to the silencing crowds and cry out for His Light; in fact, I know He’s ready! Look at today’s, Bible Read-through, passage…

Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, ”What do you want me to do for you?” 33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. Matthew 20:30-34

Listen… Jesus is asking YOU the same question: “What do you want me to do for you?” – in response, shout – yes, SHOUT…

“I WANT TO SEE!”

And, IF you mean it, blinding light will flood your heart, fill your eyes and ignite your faith! Like an explosion, joy will abound in and through you! When this happens, REFUSE to allow the sensation to become the final result – instead, like the 2 blind men in today’s passage, FOLLOW JESUS!

When your sight focuses on Jesus, you can see anything and EVERYTHING!

Yeah, there’s a growing crowd of people choosing to go blind – they make convincing arguments to justify their dark lifestyles, dim understanding and grey faith. Don’t listen to their “Shhhhh’s!” – CHOOSE SIGHT!

• On a scale from 1 to 10 (ten being blinding), how bright is your life?
• What is the number one thing that brings shadows into your faith?
• SHOUT: “I want to see!” … you do, right?! Shout it again!
• Now, what’s the first step Christ is asking you to take in following Him?

… SHOUTING for the Son, Chilly

Hi!

I’m really sorry – it’s been a super crazy busy week and I have simply not been able to collect my thoughts into any intelligent context… my next post will happen SOON!

Thanks for your patience.

Yours in the fight & the victory, Chilly

Something I’m chewing on today: Jesus asked him, ”What do you want me to do for you?” ”Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, ”All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too. Luke 18:40-43

• I’m really grateful for all our volunteer TEAM at Real Church Detroit! Today we had 2 key people home sick and last week we had 5 out of town – both weeks other people stepped up and things went smoothly. You know WHO you are – I LOVE YOU!
• It NEVER EVER gets old seeing people accept Christ into their hearts as Lord & Savior… NEVER!!
• I ‘cooked’ a killer lunch for my family today: Chinese Take-Out (Kung Pao Chicken, Potstickers, Crab Rangoon, Fried Rice) and also a $5 Hot-N-Ready Little Caesar’s Pizza! I’m a HERO!
• Today’s Bible Reading is really challenging – here’s an excerpt: ““No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him.Then he said to them, ”You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” Luke 16:13-15 – did you appear righteous today at church or ARE YOU RIGHTEOUS? … it’s a heart thing!
• I’m walking through another possible building for RC Detroit tomorrow morning – it’s been a long, LONG journey – and, perhaps, even longer to go… but, one day, we’ll look back and see that God’s timing and provision was PERFECT!
• I’ve been making some adjustments to my diet & workouts – part of my focus during Lent – and, I’m already feeling better. Less food + more Bible/prayer = health & wholeness!
• I’m LOVING the Winter Olympics (except men’s figure skating… yikes). USA is doing awesome! Looking forward to some hockey – USA vs. Canada – later this evening. We’re, big time, underdogs but I’m still pumped to watch it.
• Can you (yeah YOU) bring me a cappuccino RIGHT NOW? Ha! Ok, ok, I’ll just brew some Italian Roast in the press…
• I’m NOT using Facebook until Easter.
• I really enjoyed preparing for and then preaching today’s message: “Dead Man’s Chest” ~ buried but beating. God did some pretty cool things in and through me. HE’s amazing & HIS Word rocks! If you want to hear the message (or any @1RC messages) click: PODCAST.
• Our Xmin Students returned from New Orleans on Thursday. They were there for the Mardi Gras Outreach – it was so good to sit down with them for a couple hours and hear about all the things God did! I’m also excited to see what happens next in them! Big props to their director, Freddie – you’re such a blessing to me and our church!
• Speaking of Xmin, IF you are a high school senior, already out of high school or know someone searching for a post-high discipleship program; PLEASE click this: XminAcademy.com – give a year or two of your life & receive hands-on training, mentorship & education through Global University! And, do it all DEBT-FREE!
• … still waiting on my cappuccino! Hello?!
• Note: I’ve had to repost this ‘Review’ twice because our Comcast high-speed internet STINKS! Where you at Shaq?!
• Looks like I might need to do some Mario Kart Wii w/ my son Maximus before the Olympics! I love this game!
• So, yeah, I better ’save & publish’ this thing before any more delays!! Before I do, let me say sincerely that I’m really thankful for ALL of you who read my blog and impact my life. It’s such an honor to be your friend, pastor, mentor, captain (or whatever I am)…

Let’s make this week the BEST week of our lives!

In it to win it, Chilly

I love the ‘Lost Parables’ of Luke 15! The sheep, coin and the son all are loaded with great truth & ONE central theme: Jesus came to find & rescue the LOST! We, simply, MUST grasp & live this each and every day. It must motivate us as we prepare for ministry. And, it should remain in the forefront of our hearts & minds as we go about the daily details of our life…

I think it’s a lot easier to go after those LOST that have never known Christ than those that have strayed away… yeah, the ‘black sheep’. We tend to leave them alone – perhaps thinking, “they’ll get what they deserve” or “they know better!” or even, “they’ll come back when they’re ready”… yeah, it kind of makes sense but it’s not what Jesus tells us to do. He says leave the 99 ‘found’ and go after the ONE who is lost and then BRING THEM BACK. Heaven’s waiting to rejoice over BOTH their return AND your obedience.

In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7

It’s hard to go after those that are jaded, delusional, defiant, stubborn, prideful and hurt. They left ‘the flock’ because something or someone let them down and they’re convinced that they are much happier in their new pasture (without fences, pins or shepherds).

Jesus loves them. We must love them too. Go after them today – call them (or visit), encourage, listen, love, apologize (if needed), forgive (if needed), talk about what’s right and don’t get sucked into compromise… don’t be surprised to find them forming a ‘black sheep flock’ – sin always feels better when others are redefining, validating & celebrating it. Stay consistent, pure, focused and REAL! IF you dirty your wool to win them – then neither of you will be truly free.

BAH-BAH-BAH!

Can you hear them? Will you pursue them? Better get going…

… seeking the lost because I’ve been found, Chilly

Have you noticed that there seems to be a lot of ‘Super Christians’ today… all they really need is a cape or halo and BOOM they would fly! They travel with entourages – and wow, do they travel a lot! Attending a conference? They’re there! Looking for the latest blog, book or big idea? They’ve got it! Lots of people buy their capes and copy their halos but get frustrated that they can’t fly too. Now, please understand, I like these people. They’re doing big, obvious, stuff for God! But, there’s a danger trying to be like them instead of being like Jesus.

In today’s reading, Jesus is talking about the ‘Narrow Door’ and as He’s wrapping up His thoughts He says: And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.” Luke 13:30

I’m reminded that IF we’re getting the pat on the back, the little brass plate on the end of the pew and the standing ovations; that we’re getting ALL we’re going to get. Praise on earth is fun & appreciated but praise in Heaven will really be awesome! Lots of heroes are unknown to us – no book deals, big churches or conference invitations. YOU CAN BE ONE OF THESE HEROES!

Serve today for an audience of One! He’ll notice and you’ll sense His smile. Then He’ll save the prize for later… trust me, it will be worth it!

saved to serve, Chilly

Here’s a great devotional, by Oswald Chambers, that I read today…

THE COLLISION OF GOD AND SIN

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.” 1 Peter 2:24

The Cross of Jesus is the revelation of God’s judgment on sin. Never tolerate the idea of martyrdom about the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a superb triumph in which the foundations of hell were shaken. There is nothing more certain in Time or Eternity than what Jesus Christ did on the Cross: He switched the whole of the human race back into a right relationship with God. He made Redemption the basis of human life, that is, He made a way for every son of man to get into communion with God.

The Cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The whole meaning of the Incarnation is the Cross. Beware of separating God manifest in the flesh from the Son becoming sin. The Incarnation was for the purpose of Redemption. God became incarnate for the purpose of putting away sin; not for the purpose of Self-realization. The Cross is the centre of Time and of Eternity, the answer to the enigmas of both.

The Cross is not the cross of a man but the Cross of God, and the Cross of God can never be realized in human experience. The Cross is the exhibition of the nature of God, the gateway whereby any individual of the human race can enter into union with God. When we get to the Cross, we do not go through it; we abide in the life to which the Cross is the gateway.

The centre of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much. The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way to life is opened – but the crash is on the heart of God.

This is a re-post of last year’s blog. It’s been edited to reflect some changes for this year…

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Lent has arrived.  When I was a little kid, I called it the “fish season” – because, unlike most kids, I love fish and prefer it to other meat. So, this time of the year always made me happy because every fast food chain had fish sandwiches and most restaurants had fish dinners. They even served fish sticks in school lunch… Yum!  I wasn’t being disrespectful – just being a kid…  As I got older, I began to understand the significance of lent and ash wednesday through the lives of many of my catholic friends and other Christians.

Lent is viewed in churches that observe the season as a time of spiritual preparation for Easter. Fasting, doing penance, and abstaining from worldly amusements are seen to parallel with the passion and suffering of Jesus prior to and during the Crucifixion. I commend those that whole-heartedly observe this time of reflection, repentance, sacrifice and communion.  Fasting is powerful and pleases God.  Holiness is the Lord’s heart desire for His children. I too believe in fasting, repenting, and avoiding the temptations of worldly activity. My challenge is that self-denial and sacrifice would be a lifestyle rather than just a special effort once a year.  Allow times like Lent to provide an opportunity to search our hearts and provoke us to greater service

No, tomorrow, at our church we will not be placing ashes on the foreheads of anyone. That is not our tradition. But we will be praying, studying God’s Word and encouraging one another. I pray that in these days leading up to Easter, we would seek to serve, sacrifice and share – that we would pray and believe that many will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior and that this Easter will have significant meaning to many more people that God places in our path during these days.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of Christian faith. “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17).  He is risen!

“Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” Watchman Nee

“Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” John Stott

I look forward to seeing what God does in and through my life and yours!  I’m ready! By the way, a few things I’m laying down for the next 40 days are:  Facebook, desserts and junk food. I’m also adding some disciplines including increased devotions, prayer, outreach and exercise.  I’m pumped!

So, during the next 40 days…

• are you fasting anything?
• are you changing anything?
• how will you be different when Easter arrives?

Note: Although there are 46 days between the first day of Lent and Easter, Sundays are considered “feast days” or “resurrection” days – this leaves 40 days…

It’s going to be a great season in my life & ministry!

And, hey,  IF you’re around, let’s grab a fish dinner together!

Changing daily… Chilly