Aaron’s Angle

Once you get your plan to read the Bible, does that plan become the goal?   Yes, it’s good to have a plan, but only if you keep the big picture in mind.  Knowing God is the focus of Bible reading.

Choose to focus on:

Comprehension over Consumption
Application over Accomplishment
Relationship over Ritual

What good happens if your eyes meet the paper, but your heart never engages with the content?

As Christians we have been so conditioned to read our Bibles, that we have forgotten the big picture.   We read our Bibles so that we can know God.

In the coming weeks, I am going to challenge everyone at CIL to have a plan for reading the Bible.   Before we start discussing the plan, we need to establish the focus.

Why do you read the Bible?

I want to point out a very informative blog by Ed Stetzer regarding President Obama’s first state dinner.   President Obama demonstrated a great change in tradition, and revealed his pluralistic view of religion.

This caught my attention with this summary by Stetzer – President’s 1st words at his 1st state dinner pointed out that he celebrated a Hindu and then a Sikh religious event.

Read Ed’s blog by clicking here

I used to think that if I had several hours in a car, the only “good use” of that time was prayer.   Since my college days, I have made frequent road trips between my various homes.   I always wanted to make that time “productive.”  I would literally feel guilty if I hadn’t prayed enough on a road trip.

Last night, I had another long drive to meet family for Thanksgiving.   Instead of struggling with false guilt, I simply listened to several hours of diverse music.   As I relaxed my mind, and soaked in contentment, I could classify that musical journey as a spiritual experience.   The music produced nostalgia, inspiration, indignation and hope.   Isn’t that what art is suppose to do?   I thought about creative ideas, sermon illustrations, family goals and long-term perspective.   It may have been the best time of prayer I have had in a while, and I didn’t actually “pray.”

Playing with Lincoln in the front yard,  I saw a mole burrowing in my garden.  This critter (and his friends) had dug holes in my yard all Fall.   I was able to scoop him out and terminate his very destructive life.   Did I feel like a murderer?   A little bit, but it was my yard!  After the execution, I looked at a perplexed 6 year old, and informed him that the mole was asleep.  Beth didn’t hear my cover, so she bluntly told Lincoln that “Daddy killed the mole.”   When I admitted to Lincoln I had actually killed the mole, he boldly told me, “Dad, you lied and broke one of the Ten Commandments.”  It was a rough day 0ff –

I haven’t wanted to emphasize this, but things have been tight financially for CIL recently.   On Sunday, we had a record-breaking offering that was a true blessing from God, and gives us some room to breathe again.

Is the church about money?  No way!  However, with money we can do more to reach people for Christ, expand our Compassion ministries in north Nashville, plant churches in western Europe and support front-line ministries in Muslim countries.   Money is just a tool to expand God’s heart to our community and world.

I thank God for his provision in our church, and I pray that you will see God’s provision in your life this week.   Let me know how God provides for you this week.

On Wednesday night I am starting a series called “Bringing It Home.” This is the first time I have tackled a series on the family.   Up to this point, I have felt a little inexperienced on a personal level.   However, after ten years of youth ministry and having three elementary children of my own, I am ready to give it a shot!    Actually, I am very enthusiastic about the material and we are going to address the subject of “Family Priorities.”    Hope to see you this Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.

What is the intended outcome of CIL?  Why do we exist?

I have been thinking about this a lot this year.  It’s so easy to get lost in all the diverse opportunities a church provides and forget the reason we exist.

After some brainstorming with the church staff and other people, we have established our mission statement as “Know His Love, Share His Love.”

I look forward to this phrase being a rallying phrase though the years to keep us focused on what our intended outcome will be.

The fourth quarter often determines the outcome of the game.  If a team can play well in the fourth quarter, it is often the differentiation between the win and loss.

Spiritually, I have a fourth quarter.   Around this time of year, I usually get tempted to “coast” in my spiritual disciplines.   There is so much activity in September and October, and then come holidays, and then the year ends.  Regular prayer and Bible Study can slip as a priority, and I always regret this.

How is your fourth quarter?   Let’s finish our year strong with passion and love for Jesus.   Unless we abide in Him, we will not bear fruit.

I am sitting in my office this morning catching my breathe after an incredible few days of ministry.   A week ago, David Huff and I went to Austin for SPUR Leadership.    When the conference ended and I took David to the airport, I drove to Dallas to see my sister and her family.  While there I caught up with my high school friends, visited David Stocker (who is excelling at his new ministry position!) and John McKinzie.    I drove back to the Austin area on Saturday night, and preached at Church of the Springs (pastored by Brent Batson) on Sunday.   Flight delays got me home very late on Saturday, then I left first thing Monday morning for our staff retreat on Look Out Mountain (outside of Chattanooga).  Our retreat was intense and productive.   So, this Wednesday morning I am catching my breathe as I return to the church I love.   I’ll try to update you on more of my experience over the last few days in different posts.

I really look forward to speaking at CIL tonight on “Destroyed by Charisma.”  This is one of  my favorite teachings, so I hope to see you tonight at 6:30 p.m.