THE Garage Sale!

I've mean to post this earlier in the week, but simply didn't get a chance. So, without further interruption, I'm stoked for this weekend! We're going to be having a Garage Sale at our church (Logos Community Church) this Saturday in an effort to raise funds for a family who's in the final steps of their adoption process! Legally, I can't post any names or where they're at in the process, but I'm sure you can use your creativity. 

In any case, we're really excited because it's going to be a pretty epic morning. We'll be selling everything from appliances to furniture, clothes and toys, and plenty more. We have already had several people approach us to donate items to sell and we've been extremely grateful. Additionally, we're organizing it in a way to help your shopping experience more convenient :) 

Here's the info for Saturday followed by a few things, should you feel led, that you can do to help: 

1. The Garage Sale: Saturday, July 23rd | 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Logos Community Church (2700 N. 10th St.)

2. Donations for the Sale: If you would like to donate items (clothes, furniture, etc.), you can drop them off at Logos Community Church on Friday (7/22) between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. as we'll be setting up. 

3. Monetary Donations: if you would like to donate financially, then please email Marco (marco.logos@gmail.com) with any inquiries on monetary donations. 

4. SHARE: One of the biggest things that we've seen for this Garage Sale is people sharing it constantly on social media. Please help us spread the word by sharing this event on your personal social media outlets! Here's the FB Page: GARAGE SALE 

Further Reflection: Nehemiah & Humility

This series has been exciting and quite convicting for me. I have heard a good response from our people and that's awesome because it means that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives; calling them to respond. This past Sunday we began chapter two of Nehemiah where he humbly and in great fear approaches the king and boldly makes his requests to be sent to Jerusalem. 

I walked through 5 characteristics that we could pull from Nehemiah's time with the king, but in this post I wished to be brief and specific about one in particular. As I reflect on Nehemiah 2, it is this point that can culminate much of the other characteristics. 

Planning and Preparation

Nehemiah was a man of prayer; with such humility, helping us to see his relationship and dependence on the Lord. AND while he prayed to the God of heaven, he did his homework on Jerusalem (i.e. how much time he'd be away, resources and supplies needed, etc.). The take away is that he was sound in his approach to a big decision as a result of his prayer life. In fact, he spent 4-6 months praying and fasting. How serious are you about your relationship with the Lord?

One of the things that I love about Nehemiah and his response is that it's not only emotional, but biblical. It's not only out of grieved heart, but sound judgement. In other words, Nehemiah doesn't approach the king emotionally and without a plan, shooting from the hip. Rather, when asked about what his needs, Nehemiah is specific about his goal and what it will take to accomplish it. And make no mistake, just because he was clear about what he would need the reminder here is that he's speaking out of a broken and grieved heart for his people and city. 

Often, I'm the guy that goes straight for the plan. I want to devise the best plan possible because my thinking is mainly about preparation and execution, but very quickly forget to (1) evaluate my heart in light of who God is and (2) approach God with whatever is on my heart. I'm so ready to execute that I quickly forget about the goal.

I wish and pray to have that kind of humility. The kind that drives me to my knees in worship of God and then to be strengthened by Him because of a recognized need, not because I think my gifting is capable of accomplishment. Nehemiah's bold request are a result of the Lord being with him in light of Nehemiah's deep foundation for the Word of God. 

What does your humility (or lack of) say about your relationship with the Lord? 

RECOMMENDED READING: Nehemiah (Expositional Commentary) by James M. Boice; Exhalting Jesus in Ezra-Nehemiah by James Hamilton

Reflection on Nehemiah's Prayer

This past Sunday we studied the prayer of Nehemiah during his time of fasting as he begins to prepare for what God would have him do in as he is sent to Jerusalem. I felt that the verses were beautifully appropriate for the time our community and country faces. My heart is weighty and burdened for the families who have lost their loved ones over the course of last week's shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota, California, and Texas. I do not want to make this post long, rather I wish to encourage the church, that is the entire body of Christ, with a few quick thoughts I spoke on yesterday morning. 

HUMILITY

Nehemiah's prayer provides us with an example of humility as he reveals his dependence for God. In a time of great need, his immediate response isn't for the blessing of a great plan or some execution. Rather, he appeals to God's character and faithfulness (who God is and what He has done; not what Nehemiah needs or how "good" he's been). 

Humility begins with our need and dependence on God (Nehemiah 1:5-7). 

CHARACTER

Nehemiah's prayer is filled with scripture references which help us to see that he was firmly grounded in the Word of God; whether it's an appeal to God's faithfulness or a request, it's founded on scripture. If the church is going to stand in a time of confusion, anger, mourning, and grief then we must stand on the foundation of God's Word (Psalm 1:1-3). 

UNITY

As a nation, we are in disunity yet the church has been called to model unity and to carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and this includes the cries of our community and nation. Right now, there are many who are angry and scared yet the church has been called to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). This is not a political or economic problem, but a moral problem. 

The church must model unity not because we have it all together, but because while we were still sinning, Christ died on a cross for us (Romans 5:8). We are called to be a bridge in our community not because we have all of the answers, but because the gospel reconciles us to one another and to God. 

FINAL WORDS

Church, in 3 months, when some of this has settled or become a little quieter, will you still be standing? The charge of the church cannot be sustained by simply changing your profile picture and with the use of clever hashtags. Church, the aim of our charge is love. A love that is only possible through a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5). 

A Night of Prayer

This Thursday, we'll be hosting A Night of Prayer at Logos Community Church in light of the shootings that occurred last week. We will be spending time in song and in prayer as we cry out to God to confess our sin, pray over our community and those who protect us, and stand in unity because of the hope found in Jesus. 

Check out the FB Event. 

Book Review: Gospel Eldership | Equipping A New Generation of Servant Leaders by Robert Thune

Gospel Eldership by Robert Thune quickly rose to the top of my list during my time off last month. It was one of the most edifying books I've read this summer; helping me evaluate myself and my relationship with the Lord, my family, and those I serve. In short, it was incredibly convicting and sanctifying.

If you aspire to be an elder at your local church, lead other leaders in ministry, or are in disciple relationships with other men, then this is a book that I recommend you work through as soon as possible. During my time off, I journaled through this book as Thune assigns verses and short articles to read throughout the short chapters. The piercing of the heart, at least for me, came from the questions in light of the reading. They helped and forced me to address sin issues in my own heart that led me to confession and repentance in many areas of my life. 

It's immensely practical and a valuable tool for any team. Thune takes big topic matters and places a microscope on them to help you address how you relate to them such as frustrations in ministry, conflict and resolution, and specific questions and insights pertaining to the role of what a pastor is. Gospel Eldership is rich in theology and Thune's approach to the hearts of men in ministry through this book is wonderful and pastoral. 

There are many books that have been written on the call of elders in the church or the 10,000 foot view of what it means to be an elder and I think they're great resources. However, Robert Thune's books provides a much needed emphasis on the realities of those in pastoral ministry and for those aspiring to the call. Because it's a work-book, it's format is elaborate and specific which means you really can't skip ahead until you address each question and reading.

In the initial pages, Thune gives the reader 4 expectations when reading this book (p.6): 
• Expect to be challenged.
• Expect to be surprised.
• Expect a deeper level of community.
• Expect a deeper love for Christ and his church. 

The book delivers each one of these expectations over and over. When you walk through it, you will be challenged spiritually and emotionally; provoked to action and evaluation of your life. You will be surprised because you're being challenged! In other words, you will quickly uncover your heart condition and selfishness. And if you decide to walk through this book with others, it will definitely help to bring together a strong brotherhood (I'm excited to lead a few of my guys through this book!). And finally, because it is very clear and compelling about pastoral ministry, it will help you to understand church leadership practically.

If this quick review sounds like something you'd want to work through with your team or your boys, then I would highly encourage you to check it out: Gospel Eldership: Equipping A New Generation of Servant Leaders by Robert Thune. 

Further Reflection: For The City | Nehemiah

This past Sunday we began a new sermon series at Logos Community on Nehemiah titled "For The City" and it was great! In another post, I mentioned how Nehemiah is one of my favorite books in the Bible because it's a book that can teach us a lot about gospel-centered leadership. We unpacked the first 4 verses of the book and a lot of historical content in order to better understand not only Nehemiah's context, but the news he was receiving. 

In the initial verses of Nehemiah, we learn a little bit about his job and background and come to find out that he's a pretty faithful dude. He works in the capital city of Susa at the king's palace and has a high risk-high reward job. The encouragement that we discover is that many ask about God's will and what it is for their life. Here, we can look to Nehemiah as an example: be faithful and serve right where God has you. That's the answer and I know many reading this want it to be more specific and elaborate, but it doesn't work that way. I don't think Nehemiah knew that his life was about to change before hearing the news about Jerusalem, but he was faithful to where he was at and doing. 

Later, after the news his brother, Hanani, brings about the destruction of the walls and city of Jerusalem, we learn that these events actually happened 141 years prior to Nehemiah receiving this information. In other words, the destruction of the city was more than likely widely known, especially by Nehemiah. So, what caused him to fast and pray for days (1:4)? 

I believe that upon hearing the news about Jerusalem, God gave Nehemiah a new perspective. That is, He transformed Nehemiah's heart to where the news couldn't be accepted anymore. If there is news about something devastating that happened over 140 years ago and nothing has been done, I would safely assume that many believed "that's just how it is." But for Nehemiah. We see that his heart is utterly broken and his response to the news is not only emotional but biblical. Nehemiah's response is greatly connected to his relationship with the Lord. Because we see that he fasts and prays (and as we look further this week), we see that Nehemiah is a man whose trust is in God and His word. Nehemiah does not simply understand what has happened, but is moved to action. 

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also in much." (Luke 16:10)

Nehemiah was a faithful servant to the king, but more importantly to God. I think his work and response are evidence of that. And the hard truth that we should walk away with is that many would rather complain than get dirty. If you wish to know God's will then serve right where he has you. And if you wish to pursue humility, be ready to respond when He transforms you heart for the uncomfortable. 

Below are some quick resources if you're looking to dig a little more through our time in Nehemiah. Additionally, the video for this week's sermon is also attached. Thanks for the support! 

RECOMMENDED READING: 
• Exalting Jesus in Ezra-Nehemiah (Christ Centered Exposition Commentary) by James Hamilton
• Nehemiah (Expositional Commentary) by James Montgomery Boice