Why do I feel far from God?

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We grappled with some serious stuff yesterday.

One of the most popular questions I receive as a Pastor center around wanting to feel and experience God in a closer way. How do we remove the distance, feel more connected, and live with a greater sense of nearness to God in our faith journey?

Yesterday in my message entitled "Why", I got at some of the reasons that we may feel far for God. Next week we will talk more about what we can do to restore closeness.

A few thoughts from yesterday:

  • You are not as close to God as you could be. You will never be as long as you are on this earth (uninterrupted intimacy is reserved for glory). So, keep pressing in. There is a lot more of God that you have not met yet!
  • If you feel far from God, I want to promise you that it is not his fault!

So, why might we go through times when we feel far from God? Here are some possibilities:

  1. Maybe you are over-sensationalizing the faith journey. Did someone tell you that it would be a breeze? Did someone convince you that it would be constant frills, miracles and joy? If so, they mislead you. In fact, II Timothy 3:12 says this; "Everyone that wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Is that clear enough? Take a look to see if your expectations of walking in faith may need tweaked a bit.
  2. Maybe your heart has become hard. Before you tune that possibility out, I want to remind you that people's hearts become hardened easily when prayers go unanswered, leaders let you down, following what you thought God was saying totally fails on you or when you face repeated loss, pain and struggle. A hard heart can form easier than you think and cause distance between you and your heavenly Father. Click here to read the profound words of Matthew 13:14-15!
  3. Maybe you are lacking obedience somewhere in your life and it is causing a wall between you and God. Listen to these words of John 14: 21; "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Obey. And he will reveal himself. Disobey. And you will be missing out.
  4. Perhaps you have built a wall of sin. The definition of sin is separation from God. Scripture says it best in Isaiah 59:2 when the prophet states, "...your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."

As I preached yesterday I literally built a brick wall between me and the congregation illustrating the impact of separation.

The good news is that we do not have to stay distant from the Lord. There is hope! You can feel close again! We will look at how to take the wall down...this Sunday at 10:30am!

--Pastor Noah

The Etiquette of Pumping Gas

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Every now and then, I run across a blog post that gains a lot of attention and reaction. Often, it is a controversial post that includes a high volume of commenting. The commenting sometimes escalates to fighting. Here is one such a example.

A man goes to pump gas. The woman in front of him is done pumping gas, but fiddling in her purse and not pulling out. He gets mad. She has her church name on her license plate cover and bumper sticker. The man calls the church and leaves a message. Pretty funny!

What's funnier to me is reading the 77 comments (and growing) that follow. Wacky. It will take you 5-10 minutes to read, but it is a tad addictive once you start reading.

If you have a comment, leave it for them. But, I thought I would share this one with you. You will get to listen to the actual voice mail that the man left.

Here is the Link: CLICK HERE!

I will have to consider a sermon on the etiquette of gas pumping.

:-)

The benefits of blogging and twittering

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There are a lot of reasons that I blog and twitter. I really enjoy following others. Gives me insights into their learning and leadership. But, there are also benefits to people following me. I know this risks sounding self-centered, but I am gonna keep it real. This week, we have felt an amazing sense of love and support that is hard to put into words. How? Because of technology! We called no one to tell them what happened. We made no home visits to tell people what happened. We simply emailed, blogged and twittered. Following that, came an influx of love and support and prayer....and we felt it!! Man, I could just go on to list the benefits. They are many. It sometimes shocks me the people who come up to me on a Sunday and reference something that they read during the week. Kinda creepy at times.

Check this out...we received an email this week from a lovely couple who has been attending CCF for 4 weeks! They are already regular blog readers and reached out! Nothing like a Pastor receiving Pastoral care from an attendee of 4 weeks. That is every member ministry at it's best!

Gotta love technology! Many benefits that the church needs to be redeeming for the glory of God!

"...Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God!" I Cor. 10:31

One of those random posts

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Here is one of those random posts where I just feel like capturing a few totally unrelated thoughts and ideas in one place. My mind is a tad scattered tonight and this helps bring things together for me. Weird, I know. But, here goes.

  • After a full day at it, I feel like I am about a third of the way to where I need to be with Connection Power.
  • We had a super time at the Baltimore Aquarium with the Okanya's tonight. It is only $8 to get in on Fridays after 5pm. Good times. Davis and Barak will grow up good buddies.
  • Tomorrow morning I will be attending the funeral of one of the leaders in our district from the Wilkens Avenue Church, Harold Burkholder. Pray that the Lord gives this family peace.
  • Still thankful for the informative and helpful Dr. appointment that Tricia and I had yesterday. We feel some better. Helped to hear that 1) we could have done NOTHING to prevent the miscarriage, 2) a miscarriage is the body's way of rejecting what would have been a bad pregnancy and a child that would be incompatible with life, and 3) this was a sign that we CAN get pregnant. We have hope.
  • Excited about our second week of EntryPoint this Sunday at 9am.
  • Also looking forward to Sunday's message..."Why do I feel far from God? And what can I do about it?"

Nite-Nite, Friends!!

Connection Power Marathon Meeting

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Set aside 4 hours this morning to work with Jaye (my manager) on Connection Power Set-up. Connection Power is our new church software program. After 4 hours, we are not done, having way too much fun and are gonna keep on keeping on for a few more hours.

I just have to tell you this:

  • This thing is gonna rock!!!
  • We are getting organized!!
  • We have some more work to do before we are officially "live," but when we do, this thing will be a powerhouse!

Excited!

Busyness is Barenness

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A Pastor that I follow on Twitter just twittered this: "Busyness is a synonym for barrenness. More margin = more creativity, more productivity, and more vitality." This really grabbed me at the right time. This week, I have had to slow down and just "be here" for Tricia. No running, meetings or obligations. I have worked, but at a very different pace.

Without fail, I find that the more I slow down, get away and focus in on my messages, planning and leadership, the more creative and excited I get. Things happen. Good ideas exponentially multiply into fantastic ideas. Good messages become great messages. The online dictionary defines barren as "dull, unproductive and unfruitful." The less I am "crazy busy", the less barren my ministry will be. The more I own control of my time and schedule, the better Christian, Husband, Father, Pastor, and Student I will become. I am doing WAY better at this than I used to. I just need to keep it up.

Are you learning anything from this? Where in your life do you need more creativity and where can you create more margin?

Pop Goes the Church!

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Over the last week and a half, I read the book, "Pop Goes the Church" by Tim Stevens. Wanted to share a quick review. Liked it a lot. I follow the author on his Blog and Twitter, which gives you a really strong connection to the author that assisted in appreciating the book even more.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reading this book will cause people to be really inspired or really frustrated. I don't see much middle ground. I was really excited. However, I personally know people that would have hated this book.
  • Jesus did not wear Christian T-Shirts, flaunt his seminary training and speak super-spiritually expecting the culture to connect. He did not learn big words to impress, but not communicate. He did not look for music that was unfamiliar to the culture and then expect people to learn to like it.
  • We cannot become leaders that love our traditions more than our people.
  • "It has taken the church 2,000 years to make Jesus-the most compelling and attractive person that ever lived-boring!" -Mark Beeson
  • People in our culture are searching for God.
  • The church is failing them in their search for many reasons (that Stevens unpacks in his book).
  • Hence, people search for God in pop culture which ends up shaping their values in incredible ways.
  • One hundred years ago, pop entertainment options included a play, an art museum, a symphony or an issue of the Saturday Evening Post.
  • Today there are over 500 TV stations, hundreds of musical genres, millions of books and billions of Internet pages. That is not to even mention the massive movie industry, the music industry, the 50 BILLION dollar video game industry, fashion, art, photography and many other creative arts.

I underlined a lot more stuff in this book that I could share, but let me just summarize and finalize the author's main points by saying this:

  • If we want to be effective in reaching a lost North America for Jesus Christ, we better know, use and leverage pop culture. It may the only road into some people's world...people that Jesus died for.
  • The church needs to take some notes from Paul and Jesus who both were masterful at leveraging culture. Somehow, many churches have decided that they are too sacred to engage the culture around us.
  • However we need to keep the goal in mind. We do NOT engage culture to mock other churches, to create buzz for the sake of buzz (author says if you want to do that, hire a lobby stripper and you will pack your church out), nor do we disregard scripture to be edgy.
  • Instead we use culture to draw people in, point them to Jesus and let them know that they matter to God.
  • Final quote: "Relevancy is a tool, not an objective; a means and not an end. Pop culture changes too quickly to make it a good foe or a longstanding friend."

If you are into pop culture and ministry...this is a book you should read. In reading it, I learned about popular movies, music and TV shows that I never knew a thing about. Learned a few new things about Desperate Housewives, Cold Play, The Beatles and The Office and how any of these might connect people to God! Cool Book!

--Noah

Why?

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If I was asked to select one most popular question about faith that I have been asked more than any other question as a Pastor it would be this:

Why do I feel far from God? Or...Why can't I feel God as close as I want to?

For the next 2 Sundays we will be doing a series called "Why?" We will grapple with the question; "Why do I feel far from God?" and we will be discovering some possible answers and solutions.

Join us!

Thank You!

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In less than 24 hours since sending word out about what happened, we have received:

  • Emails from 29 people
  • 25 texts
  • 5 Blog comments
  • A feeling that we are really loved!
  • And the peace of God that comes through your prayer!

We love and thank you all! We are uniquely blessed and we know it. We are just being together and taking some family time. Davis running around the house really helps!

--Noah and Tricia

Sad News. Would Appreciate Your Prayers.

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Wanted to share on my blog, the same thing that I sent to our Church prayer-email today. Please read below:

Good Afternoon Church,

I trust that you are walking strong and seeing the Lord at work in your life. On this historic inauguration day, I pray that we will find opportunities to have conversations that point to Jesus, the giver of all life, freedom and liberty! Let us remember to pray for God's hand on the life of our new President.

The other reason that I write today is to ask you to pray for Tricia and I for peace and understanding. Yesterday at about 4pm, my wife began bleeding very badly. After 7 hours at the hospital, we learned that Tricia was pregnant and had miscarried. Please pray for us, especially Tricia as our hearts are quite heavy today. I returned home from a trip I was on to be here with Tricia.

We appreciate your prayers and love, but ask that calls or visits wait at this time. Feel free to email either of us anytime!

We are both thankful for the gift and sign of life that this represents.

He is able!

Heading to VA for 3 days

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I am leaving bright and early tomorrow morning for 3 days in Harrisonburg, VA.

Why? A leadership training event

Where? Eastern Mennonite Seminary

Topic? Christians engaging cultural change

Link to event? Click Here

Who is going? Nelson and I

Excited to learn and to network. Always appreciate the connections we make. Not excited to leave Tricia and Davis. Never am.

I am sure that I will be online down there, so check back in this week.

Hope you have a great week!

--Noah

Why today was special!!

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From the heart of a happy Pastor on a Sunday afternoon before football starts...

Today was special for a lot of reasons. Here are a few of those reasons:

  • Today was special, because after lots of hard work, dreaming and prayer, we launched EntryPoint, our new assimilation ministry.
  • It was great that there were 16 people present including the 3 coaches. That would mean 13 people ready and searching for deep connection to God and this ministry.
  • Today was special, because I got the joy of listening to all 13 of these people introduce themselves to the group. The range went from just saved 3 weeks ago to been saved 50 years. From been at CCF for 1 week to been at CCF 4 years. There were people there looking to become partners, others looking to find that small group that fits them and still others there today because they are ready to serve in ministry and want to find their fit. Too cool to know that we will meet for 5 more Sundays! Gonna be great!
  • Today was great because I got to hear Robert Taylor (EntryPoint coach and member of CCF since 1962!!!) discuss the 60s and 70s at Cottage City Mennonite Church (now CCF) and I got to hear Pam Kaye (EntryPoint Coach and my Mom) reflect about the Capitol College Days and Cydne Nash (EntryPoint Coach) talk about the new CCF as she just came a few years ago. Those 3 perspectives painted a beautiful picture of our history, while pointing boldly into our future!
  • Today was special because we worshiped God together out of glad and sincere hearts!
  • Today was special because Pastor Nelson helped us to weave GOD'S STORY into the story of Martin Luther King Day tomorrow and the Inauguration on Tuesday. After all, we are indeed God's creation and this is HIS story.

Today was special, because I was reminded again what an absolutely amazing blessing and honor it is to Pastor this community of faith! What an incredibly authentic congregation you are. I am a better man for knowing each of you.

Am I the only one that feels a rumble like God is about to do something Big? I don't know, but I think that something is coming down the tracks. Or as Caleb put it in hie Tweet this morning..."there is a spirit that something big is about to crash though these walls."

Our eyes and our attention is on you, our God! We love you! We are seeing you at work and trying to meet you there.

--Noah

Start with Worship

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I believe that our true call to worship, is to worship with our lives. How we live, who we are! Romans 12:1-2 says "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

I am seeing more and more that what we DO for God and others needs to flow out of a life of worship. This morning, I reread this verse in Matthew 2:11 that struck me in a new way. Matthew 2 is the account of the Magi bringing gifts to Baby Jesus. But, check this out. It says "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Notice that they worshiped FIRST. Then, they gave. May our first move toward God be WORSHIP! Then, may all we do and give thereafter flow out of that heart of worship.

--Noah

Welcome to DC for the Innauguration

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For those of you who have ever driven in the DC area, I thought you would enjoy the following, for all living in the DC area and those who plan to visit our area

  • First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name. It is DC or "the District" - only tourists call it Washington.

  • Next, if your road map of Montgomery County is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. It's obsolete. If in Loudoun or Fairfax County and your map is one day old, it's already obsolete.

  • There is no such thing as a dangerous high speed chase in D.C. It's just another chase, usually on the Baltimore Washington Parkway

  • All directions start with "The Beltway"... which has no beginning and no end, just one continuous loop that locals believe is somehow clarified by an "inner" and "outer" loop designation. This makes no sense to ANYONE outside the area. (or in the area for that matter)

  • The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM. The evening rush hour is from 1 to 8 PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during the summer on Route 50 eastbound.

  • If there is a ball game at the Redskins stadium, there is no point driving anywhere near PG County.

  • If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at. If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 "picture" you will receive courtesy of DMV.

  • If you don't go as soon as the light turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages.

  • Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers. Snow causes a 100 point drop in IQ and a rush to the nearest Giant for toilet paper and milk.

  • Construction on I-270 is a way of life and a permanent source of scorn and cynical entertainment. It's ironic that it's called an "Interstate," but runs only from Bethesda to Frederick . Opening in the 60's, it has been torn up and under reconstruction ever since. Also, it has a "Spur" section which is even more confusing.

  • All old ladies in Buicks have the right of way in the area of Leisure World.

  • Many roads mysteriously change their names as you cross intersections. Don't ask why, no one knows.

  • If asking directions in Arlington, Langley Park, Wheaton or Adams Morgan, Spanish helps. If in Annandale, Cambodian or Vietnamese will come in handy. If on Dupont Circle, Capital Hill or U Street, tolerance for same sex helps. If you stop to ask directions in Southeast...well, just don't.

  • A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50. A taxi ride two blocks will cost you 16.75. (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand.)

  • Traveling south out of DC on Interstate 395/95 is the most dangerous, scariest thing you will ever do.

  • There is nothing more comforting then seven lanes of traffic cruising along at 85 mph, BUMPER TO BUMPER!!! ( Truer words have never been written! )

  • The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85. Anything less is considered down right sissy. The open lane for passing on all Maryland interstates is the far right lane because no self-respecting Marylander would ever be caught driving in the "slow" lane. Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game also. The far left lanes on all Maryland interstates are official "chat" lanes reserved for drivers who wish to talk on their cell phones.

Pick me up off the floor. This is hilarious!!

Prophetic Word. Move Froward.

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Note: For those of you that just glance at my blog, you may want to actually read this one!

At the end of the service this past Sunday, our Bishop Glenn approached Pastor Nelson and I and shared what he believed to be a prophetic word for us. It was powerful and I have been thinking and praying into it all week.

Here is the thumbnail sketch:

  • God is bringing an increased anointing onto us.
  • God is developing increased character in us.
  • The things that we see happening at CCF are merely a fractional sign of what is coming.
  • We need to actively rest in what God is about to do. (Not passively rest.)

Then, here is the part that has been shaping me most:

In this season of economic and societal "pulling back", there will be abundant fruitfulness for those who move forward into God's purposes! We should not faithlessly hoard and retreat, but rather faithfully move ahead into the future that God has for us. The economy of God is not the economy of the world! Move forward, don't pull back. But, move forward in a confident humility and a resting in the fact that God may want to be revealing himself most in a time where people can depend on stuff the least!

Did you know that the Australian seal has an Emu and a Kangaroo in it? Neither of these animals can move backwards. It speaks to their desire as a land to be always moving ahead. Interesting.

This word needs to be tested through scripture and the leading of the Spirit. It is certainly not a word to be reckless and lack wisdom and for what it's, I think that it has very little to do with spending money.

Is the Lord showing you anything through this word?


Adjusting to a larger Staff

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One of the absolute greatest joys of my job is working with, caring for, and leading other leaders. I love seeing our Pastors and Staff thrive in their calling. It is a thrill to grow with them and to learn from them. In fact, I think that my relationship building with staff is one of the most important things that I do at CCF. It is our hope that our authentic relationships reproduce all over the church!

That said, I am finding myself in a time of new learning and adjustment right now. It all happened so suddenly. I woke up one day and realized that I am now serving as a Lead Pastor and Supervisor for 6 Staff members! This is different from 2-3 as it has been. With the growth of the staff this year, comes several realities...some a breeze, others more challenging, all wonderful!!! It is kinda hard to explain with words. It is just an adjustment, and for the most part I love it. I am pumped up about the team that the Lord has assembled here and believe it has only just begun. Speaking of which, we had an AWESOME offsite staff meeting this morning.

I just need to do some adjusting in my role, so I can handle it in a healthy way. I have had to do this before and I will have to do it again. More people to care for, more meetings to hold, more details to juggle, more info to know, more issues to respond to, more emails, more calls, more texts, more praying for these leaders, more pastoring and discipling them that I need to rise to. This is of course in addition to the many, many other things that I do and preparing to preach, etc. In order to add all that onto the plate, I will need to remove some things off the plate. So, that is what I am doing. I thank God for good leaders above me in my life that will help me process this increased responsibility.

If you see this post as me complaining about any of this, you did not get it!

--Noah