A Wife That is Hard to Find

Posted on August 23, 2010

I’m back.

After two weeks of vacation, two weeks of teaching, preaching, serving in Uganda, a weekend speaking in Phoenix, AZ, and way too many airplanes, I’m back with my family, back to my church, back in my great city, Austin, TX. I’m so glad to be back. I’m eager to work out new ideas and to spend time with old friends.

A Missional Wife is Hard to Find

But first things first. I landed at 7:00 last night, the day of my wife’s birthday, and spent a wonderful evening with her (thanks for the babysitting Jackie). Without Robie none of the above would be possible. She supports so much ministry. She does so much ministry. She loves people well. While I was gone she did an interview with Tribeza, made dresses, threw parties, a wedding shower, took care of our children, counseled and discipled others, renovated my office, and found out she was pregnant with our third!

A Wonderful Wife is Hard to Find

I love my wife. I love her for who she is not just what she does, but what she does is an expression of who she is. She loves. She puts people first. She pursue others when others don’t pursue her. She brings life, joy, and wisdom into our family, community and city. I’m excited about bringing another eternal soul into the world with her. She makes great babies. She makes for an outstanding partner in the Gospel. But most of all, she makes life great, for me and for others because she is great. She is a great woman whom I don’t deserve. And I realize, during all these travels, that a woman like Robie is hard to find. I love you, hon.

Today I’ll be enjoying my family. We’ll rejoice in the grace that God gives us. We’ll eat, laugh, tickle, play, shop, exercise and other fun stuff in the security of our Heavenly Father’s love. What more could a man ask for? I doing better than I deserve!

Non-Christians in Christian Community? (Part 2)

Posted on August 20, 2010

This is a guest post from Nate Navarro, Director of Missional Community at Austin City Life. Here is Part 1.

Travis is a successful Austin attorney in his mid 30’s who has been a part of our Missional Community for about a year. Recently, after serving together at the retirement center in our neighborhood, we had a dinner together at a central Austin cheeseburger joint. Travis, who had recently been hosting our Missional Community gatherings (without saying a word), spoke up and said:

“I don’t think it is important for married couples to both be Christians….my wife is a Christian….and I am not…..it works fine for us.”

He said it.

Though I had thought for quite some time Travis was just tolerating us for his wifes sake, now we knew it….he doesn’t believe in Jesus…in fact….he probably thinks we are crazy!

SO WHAT TO DO?

Break out the 4 spiritual laws? Take a stroll down Romans road? Throw all my best Tim Keller “Reasons For God” at him?

In a moment of sanity I looked across the table and said:

“Travis, I want to thank you for being a part of our community. It would be easy for you to just think we are crazy, instead, you have served us by hosting our gatherings at your house and even serving with us at the Retirement Center. On top of that, I think you are a cool guy and I appreciate what you bring to our community.”

Travis said, “sure…no problem….I like you guys.”

Since then Travis has been more actively involved in our community, though I am sure he still thinks we are a bit crazy with all our “Gospel-Centered” conversations.

My hope is that we will be a community who SHOWS the Gospel to Travis, and to our city…..

My hope is that we will be a community who TELLS the Gospel to Travis, and to our city….

May we do so out of LOVE and not out of the need to convince others that WE ARE RIGHT.

Missional Living Talks

Posted on August 20, 2010

The Resurgence posted on my talks at the Missional Living Conference. Several people have contacted me about the broken or incorrect links there. I sent the corrections to Resurgence but also wanted to provided the correct ones here. Hope they are helpful!

  • The Gospel & American Christianity: This message deconstructs the dualism of American Christianity in order to reconstruct a whole Gospel around Jesus Christ as Lord.
  • Community in American Christianity: This message demonstrates the communal character of the Gospel, unpacking very practical ways to cultivate “steady state community.”
  • Everyday Mission in America: This message shows how mission is not optional but essential, spending considerable time on how to live “everyday life with gospel intentionality.”
  • How a Church Renews a City: This message shows how Gospel communities on mission is God’s design to renew cities.

Spiritual Growth in Work & Relationships

Posted on August 16, 2010

The word “grow” has evolved into an unnoticed metaphor in the English language. We talk about growing our gardens, growing our savings, growing our leadership, the growth of our children, the growth of our business or ministry, and even our own spiritual growth. But what does it mean to truly “grow”?

The call to spiritual growth is ubiquitous in Scripture. Adam was created to grow in his love for God and for Eve. Israel was commanded to grow into a holy, worshiping multitude (Gen. 48:16). The prophets rebuked and praised Israel for their failure and success in growth (Isa. 17; Jer. 12). Jesus compared our growth to seeds that bear thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold (Mark 4:8). Peter commands us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

Spiritual growth is clearly a biblical theme, but it can be difficult to detect, frustrating to foster, and even painful to experience. When we place our growth in the context of messy relationships and demanding work, it gets even harder. A demanding deadline or an unsympathetic friend can seem like an obstacle to growth instead of an opportunity.

Read the rest of the article at The High Calling